-Chapter 10-
Who's Ready For An Encore?

Girl, you should of stayed at home...

Rochelle pressed her back against the wall for support. She tried to remain standing, but her legs buckled and she slid to the ground, resting beneath the endless graffiti of CEDA and the Midnight Riders. The Magnum in her hands almost slipped from her grasp, but she tightened her hold and fought to keep her eyes open. Rochelle could no longer refuse the temptation of sleep; exhaustion clung to her like the putrid odor of Boomer Bile. She couldn't remember the last time she received a well rested nap, but her body understood that the important need was long overdue.

Rochelle closed her eyes thinking of home and being with her family and friends. She thought of her bed, and sleeping with her heavy comforter and five pillows. She thought these images would help put her mind at ease, but they only brought a wave of homesickness. Rochelle frowned and rubbed her temples. She had never been homesick before, but this time things were different. What frightened her most was the assumption of being alone-lost from those who mattered-but Rochelle looked around the safe room, and everything changed.

I'm not alone. Not really.

"Okay here is the plan," Coach explained, walking by her. He reloaded his weapon, and grabbed a pipe bomb from the metal cabinet. "Y'all know the Midnight Riders? They're gonna save us."

"How?" Nick asked folding his arms. He stood by the red door which led deeper into Whispering Oaks Stadium.

"Because nobody, and I mean NOBODY, has a bigger light show than the Midnight Riders," Coach said gravely, switching glances between all of them.

"And that will signal the chopper pilot!" Ellis exclaimed from his seat on the desk. He slapped his knee, and hopped to his feet with a laugh. "Man, this is going to be like the fourth time the Midnight Riders saved my life."

Rochelle's eyes widened. "The fourth time, Ellis?"

Ellis faced her and nodded. "Hell ya! The first time is when Dave and I had gone campin'. We ended up gettin' lost, but Dave-"

"-Ellis, if you don't get moving there isn't going to be a fourth time," Nick warned interrupting. He removed the bar with a loud clank, and opened the door just as three zombies emerged from the dark and charged toward them.

Rochelle sighed and closed her eyes once more, ignoring the rattling gunfire from Nick and Coach's weapons. They had just entered the safe room ten minutes ago, and were already moving on. As much as she wanted to rest, Rochelle didn't want to slow them down. She was just as eager to signal the chopper, but unlike Ellis, her excitement was masked underneath the layer of fatigue. She wasn't the only one tired though, all of them could use a good rest.

"Let's go you two," Coach said once the firing subsided. He followed Nick out of the room.

"You ready to go, Rochelle?" Ellis asked stepping forward.

"Yeah, I'm just tired," Rochelle explained opening her eyes. She lifted her chin, looking up at Ellis towering in front of her. "This has to be our shortest rest in a safe room yet."

"True, but I think that's because they're ready to put the plan into action. Who's to blame them? We get to set up to rock, and then fight zombies. This is the best day of my life!"

Rochelle chuckled, surprised to see she had the strength to laugh, or even smile. Ellis just had that effect; she figured it out now. He possibly doesn't know it, but he has a way of lifting her spirits. Whenever she feels like giving up, Ellis brings out the light in her, even when she failed to believe it's there.

"Well, I'm happy for you sweetie."

Ellis held her gaze. "It's not going to be the best unless all of us are rockin' and shootin' together."

"Of course," Rochelle said smiling. "We're all part of this rocking killer band."

Ellis titled his head, and chuckled. "Now that's a good one." He outstretched his hand, softening his voice. "C'mon Rochelle, let's go."

Rochelle accepted his offer, and rose to her feet with his help. Her body swayed from a slight crash of dizziness, but remained standing, still holding on to Ellis's hand. Even after she felt better, she realized neither of them had let go. Rochelle narrowed her eyes to their locked hands. She swallowed hard before lifting her gaze and meeting his warm smile. She couldn't quite explain why, but a sudden urge developed inside of her.

The urge to just fall into his arms.

I'm not going to let it win. It's nothing but me wanting comfort because of everything going on.

"Rochelle! Ellis!" Nick's voice broke through the tense silence lingering in the safe room. "Are we going to have to come back and carry you guys or what?"

Rochelle reacted to Nick's voice and pulled her hand away. She hoped her actions didn't seem rude, but Ellis grabbed his sniper rifle with a casual grin.

"You ready?" he asked running to the doorway littered with corpses.

Rochelle nodded without a word, and followed him out of the room. With Coach and Nick leading the way all of the zombies were taken care of. Ellis and Rochelle didn't have to worry much, but they never lowered their guard. Rochelle was actually content Ellis stayed back with her. As they walked between the plastic picnic tables and closed concession stands, she found her thoughts drifting in and out.

Her conversation with Coach left a permanent mark in her mind, and her unusual moment with Ellis reflected on that.

Am I growing an attachment to them? She couldn't help but ask.

It took her a few moments before another thought came to mind, but before she could ponder any further, a Smoker grabbed Coach and reeled him from the group. His shouting pulled Rochelle back to reality as they raced to help him. Nick ran ahead firing, but with the darkness in the background had no luck hitting the special infected. Instead, he stomped on the tongue causing the Smoker to release.

"You okay Coach?" Ellis asked, running to the older man's aid.

Rochelle spotted a movement in the distance, and squinted seeing a tall inhuman looking creature. She raised her arms, and pulled the trigger. She fired three rounds until a puff of green smoke ruptured in the air, and the Smoker released it's final rasping cry.

"I'm fine," Coach said catching his breath. He stood to his feet, and reclaimed his weapon.

Rochelle lowered her arm, and took a deep breath.

"Nice shot," Nick said, placing his hand on her shoulder as he passed by.

"Thanks." Rochelle smiled and they moved on as Ellis took the lead, and Coach trailed behind.

After everything subsided, her initial thought returned. What kind of an attachment was developing? She barely knew Ellis, and knew even less about Nick. The whole zombie outbreak situation messed up their entire lives, and maybe even messed her logic and feelings.

The attachment could be for security. She hasn't seen her family, or been with anyone close for a while. Then again, it could be just because they were all close to her age, and she could relate to them on some level. Although she would never disregard Coach-she turned to him like a father. A bunch of possibilities popped into her head. It could be because of their conversations, their attractive looks…Ellis's smile and Nick's humor…

Rochelle shook her head. There I go again…wandering to areas that shouldn't matter. I really need to just stop.

Luckily for her they rounded the corner, and the stadium popped into view. Rochelle stopped in her tracks. Her mouth hung agape as her eyes panned over the sight in front of them. All thoughts regarding her twisted emotions faded.

"Wow," Rochelle muttered, taking a step forward.

Ellis continued on, and picked up his pace as he neared the stage. Even Coach brushed by her without the slightest hinder in his gait. The two of them were from Georgia and have been to Whispering Oaks Stadium before, but everything was new to Rochelle. The prepared stage, the endless rafters, the large speakers, the size…all of this amazed her, and at the same time brought slight anxiousness. The music would most likely not only signal the helicopter, but also a horde.

Nick stopped beside her and studied the scene. "Great," he murmured folding his arms. "As if having to turn to the Midnight Riders wasn't enough. Just look at the stadium we get to hold up at."

"It's not too bad," Rochelle commented looking up at the sky. "It's the perfect place to signal help."

Nick nodded in agreement. "This better freaking work," he whispered to Rochelle before treading deeper into the stadium. "Hey Coach, if you can get us out of here alive, I will deep fry you an entire god damn cow."

Rochelle chuckled at Nick's remark, and rolled her eyes.

Coach shook his head as he and Ellis walked onto the stage. "Nick, do us a favor and turn on the stage lights, will ya?"

Nick shrugged. "Yeah, sure."

Rochelle followed Nick up the stairs the since Coach and Ellis both explored the stage. Even though there were no zombies present so far, she didn't want to take the chance of Nick getting in trouble with nobody close enough to help him. With a stadium this big, they needed to stay together, or at least in pairs.

Rochelle sighed in relief once they safely made it to the nose bleed section. She glanced at the separate posters of each Midnight Rider member before turning around and looking down at high view of the stage.

We're gonna need to stay by the stage. It will be rather difficult running from zombies on these steep stairs.

"You see all of these buttons?" Nick asked walking up to the control panel. He raised his voice in irritation. "What the hell? Which one is it?"

Rochelle joined him, and lightly brushed her fingers across the rows of buttons and switches. "I don't know, but just try not alert a horde, okay?"

Nick opened his mouth, about to speak, but Ellis's voice blared through the speakers-singing off key. Rochelle craned her neck to the stage looking down at Ellis in front of the microphone.

"Every lady's crazy when her daddy's not around…"

Nick heaved a sigh, and turned back to the buttons. "Sweetheart, I'm not the one you need to be talking to."

Rochelle leaned against the railing, biting back a grin. "He's just enjoying himself."

Ellis bobbed his head, and grabbed the microphone singing some more lyrics. "Gotta reach for the top, stay on the mountain..."

Nick flipped a couple of useless switches until, one by one, the overhead lights turned on and brightened the stage.

"As long as Coach doesn't start dancing, we'll be fine," Nick explained.

Rochelle shook her head, and advanced back down the steps. "Come on suit."

They rejoined Coach and Ellis on stage. After careful minutes of preparation, they were ready to signal the chopper. Coach was a little upset to find that the Midnight Riders lip-synced. He discovered their tape labeled finale, but Ellis on the other hand could care less, and was ready to rock. All of them agreed to stay on stage, close to the giant Midnight Riders poster, so the horde couldn't corner them from all sides. Once Coach started the music, they braced themselves for what might follow.

Rochelle kept her back against the wall with her fingers clenched on her AK-47. She faced the right side of the stage with Coach at her side, while Nick and Ellis watched their backs. Rochelle could clearly see why Ellis listened to the band, but couldn't grasp how someone such as Coach found enjoyment in them. She personally had no taste for this kind of music, but a new serge of energy pulsed through her veins from the deviating rhythm. The powerful beats shook the stage beneath them, and the screaming lyrics vibrated against her ears, drowning every other possible sound-including her thoughts.

Rochelle barely saw the small wave of zombies sprinting up the ramp toward them, until Coach's shotgun echoed in the air. She blinked, and returned to her senses.

That's when all hell broke loose.

The zombies charged toward the stage coming from every direction, much like their experience at the Screaming Oak coaster. This was to be expected of course. The overpowering song could be heard from anywhere in Whispering Oaks. Hell at this point, anywhere in Georgia. That was the key though, to attract the helicopter, but life would be a lot easier without the raging undead reacting every single sound or noise.

At first, their strategy worked well. The bodies and limbs continued to the pile at their feet. None of them suffered any dangerous wounds, expect a Charger almost knocked Ellis to the ground. A spray of unexpected Spitter goo split them up momentarily, which the horde took their advantage. Rochelle tried to stay near Coach, but the bodies circled her-trapping her like prey. They clawed and scratched at her skin, igniting various painful stings throughout her body, but she gritted her teeth and never stopped firing. When it was time to reload, Rochelle butted the zombies with the end of her gun. She pushed them away, and ran in the opposite direction to give herself time to change magazines.

Rochelle hid behind a cart, desperate to keep her back concealed. The horde surrounded her, and she felt herself submerging underneath the sea of undead. There were so many, but she didn't stop-she couldn't stop. She fired, kicked, smacked, punched, and screamed. She did anything she could do to stay alive. Blood and gore sprayed across her clothes, her hair, the crate behind her, and the ground. As the number of thrashing zombies dwindled, she was able to breathe.

Then she heard something that gave her the boost she craved.

"The helicopter is here! Let's move!"

Rochelle couldn't recognize who shouted those anticipated words, but she heard correctly, and at the right time. Her AK-47 had just ran out of bullets, and all she had left was her Magnum, and Boomer Bile. She hurtled her gun forward, and knocked down the closest zombie shrieking in her ear. She grabbed her Magnum, and killed the two zombies blocking her path to freedom. When everything cleared, Rochelle jumped out from behind the cart, and dashed toward the opposite end of the stadium.

The helicopter!

She spotted the others in the distance blending within the tangled mess, but when Nick threw a pipe bomb the area briefly cleared. Rochelle's heart skipped a beat already thanking God for the successful plan, but she was celebrating a little too early. A long, thick tongue constricted her waist from behind, and before she could scream, wrapped around her throat. The Smoker reeled her back, away from safety, and Rochelle gagged fighting for her life.

Her body dragged across the cement, and with every tug the Smoker tightened his hold. Rochelle grabbed the tongue and tried to pry herself free, but to no avail. Her chest burned, and her lungs screamed for the sensation of inhaling a full breath. Her mouth could barely call Nick's name-his white jacket was all she could see-but soon her eyes brimmed with tears and her vision grew hazy.

I'm going to die! Oh shit, I'm going to die!

"Rochelle!"

The rasping noise of the Smoker grew in her ears, but Rochelle collided into a black crate. The object prevented her from fully reaching the Smoker, but either way the obstacle suffocated her more. Between her streaming tears, Rochelle could see Nick running toward her. He was too busy focusing on her, that he failed to pay attention to the Tank hurtled after him. Rochelle didn't know where Coach and Ellis were, but prayed they made it to the helicopter.

Rochelle was on the brink of defeat, feeling all of her energy vanish, when the Smoker released his hold. Due to the short break between songs, she heard the high pitch gunfire responsible for killing the special infected. The bullet sounded from a sniper rifle, and Ellis was the only one who carried that weapon.

Rochelle collapsed on her back, and filled her lungs with air. Her body trembled, but she used the rest of her strength to jump back to her feet. She lifted her head just in time to see Nick throw himself to the ground, and dodge a large piece of concrete. The Tank roared, pounding his chest, and inched closer.

"Nick!" Rochelle shouted, grabbing her Magnum and running to his aid.

She took out her Boomer Bile and chucked it in the Tank's direction. The bottle exploded upon impact drenched the oversized beast in a shower of green vomit. The odor drew a horde after him, slowing his pace.

"Come on, Nick get up," Rochelle pleaded, grabbing his arm and helping him to his feet.

"Jesus Christ," Nick muttered between breaths, rubbing the blood from his forehead.

"Are you okay?" Rochelle asked. She cast glances at the Tank who continued to fight off the zombies.

"Not until we get to the chopper," Nick replied quickly. He grabbed her hand, and pulled her along.

With Coach and Ellis firing at the straggling zombies, Rochelle and Nick had little trouble reaching the helicopter. She had to admit, she was astonished she even made it to the stairs. Her body no longer welded any strength, and but she still had hope. She never let go of Nick's calloused hand and he tightened his grip, making sure of that.

Once they made it onto the helicopter Coach closed the sliding door, and immediately the pilot took flight. Rochelle wiped her forehead, cleaning off the sweat and spray of blood. She climbed into the seat next to Nick, but wanted nothing more than to lay on the ground and fall asleep.

"Oh man! That had to best concert ever!" Ellis said between laughter. "I'm up for another round. Who's ready for an encore?"

"Not me son," Coach said, taking a deep breath. He shook his head. "Not anytime soon."

"Or in this lifetime," Nick added surly, gripping tighter to his chair.

"You okay, Ro?" Ellis asked, lowering his voice in concern.

Rochelle looked up at him, noticing the sniper rifle across his lap. "Yeah, I'm still breathing. Thank you Ellis. You're a real life savor."

Ellis grinned, but before he could speak Coach patted his back, a little harder than necessary. "That was some good shootin', Ellis. You sure know how to handle one of those sniper rifles."

"Ha, I learned how to shoot a gun before I even learned how to walk," Ellis explained pointing to himself with his thumb.

While the two of them engaged in conversation about guns, Rochelle turned to Nick. He sat quietly next to her, and stared absentmindedly at the floor. Rochelle gently placed her hand on his leg, and Nick turned his head, reacting to her touch. "Thank you Nick. For coming back for me."

Nick shrugged and waved her off. "It's was nothing. Don't mention it."

"You didn't have to, but you risked your life for me," Rochelle whispered, pulling her hand away. She gave a weak chuckle. "You don't strike me as the type who would do that either."

"I know." Nick averted his gaze in the other direction. He lowered his voice, but remained loud enough for her to hear. "It all depends on the person."

Rochelle was taken back by his comment and bit her lip in thought.

"You know guys, it's like I said before," Coach said speaking to them with glorification. "We all have to stick together if we want to get out of here alive."

"You were right Coach, and we did make it," Rochelle commented.

Ellis hooted, and removed his hat, running his fingers through his hair. "New Orleans, here we come!"

Rochelle smiled fixing her eyes on Ellis, and he returned her gaze with a wink.

Coach closed his eyes with a fit of mirth, and rubbed his stomach. "Amen to that Ellis. Amen to that."

End of Part II


Author's Notes:

I blame life for the reason why this update took so long. I really wanted to get this up, but I was also having trouble with the chapter. Potential wise, I don't think it really stands up to the others, but I hope that it's enough to make up for the long wait.

Thank you all for the reviews. Even if the updates take forever, I will not abandoned this story. It will get this finished.

I don't have much to say this time around. Yes, Part II ended up being shorter than Part I. That is how it ended up being outlined. I'm sorry if you all wanted the Dark Carnival events longer.

-DJ Dork