No Hope No Escape

by thehappy

The lives of many intertwine in the nightmare that Raccoon City has become. With the arrival of Wendy Marvell from a distant universe, those fated to die may live through the survival horror. Contains gore, swearing, and blood. Crossover elements exist! Don't like it don't read it!

12. Wild Things

Hello everybody! I am back with another chapter for your eye-holes! Yes…delicious eye holes… hahaha. But in all seriousness, I want to try and hammer out a few chapters for No Hope! Because once I'm done with this story…I WILL START MY MASS EFFECT/ GEARS OF WAR CROSSOVER! An idea I've had for…like two years now! But, I won't start a fifth story without finishing a current one. It just becomes problematic for me. Good news is I already have ideas for a few of the worlds..and what do you folks think? 'United Seran Coalition= U.S.C' 'Coalition of Government's=C.O.G' or 'Unified Government's of Sera= U.G.S" Granted, this is still months away, but I hope to have it rolling by spring or summertime. I'm kinda partial to the COG…or maybe the USC as the official name of their stellar empire. And if you feel up to do some math, 19 million Serans? How much would the population grow in say…250 years? Just because I don't want to say like ten billion in 270 A.E or some crazy thing. I'd like the numbers to be realistic for time and growth.

Aside from that, I hope everybody enjoys the next chapter…since I still don't own any media!

Prepare to re-enter the world of survival horror…

Chapter 12: Wild Things

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October 1st 4:17 p.m. The Raccoon City Zoo

The rain continued to fall, blooming out from individual impacts along the brick lined pathway of the zoo. Trash littered the ground, soaked as pamphlets of attractions and spilt open cups lay haphazardly all around the five. Howls and infected screeches echoed through the air, making the survivors clench weapons tighter.

Stepping past an overturned popcorn cart, Elliot kept his firearm lowered near his belt as the rain plastered his head. His soaked shoes squelched, crushing crumbling popcorn as he eyed the gateway twenty feet away. It was closed, styled like bamboo and towering twenty feet high…far too tall to climb. A side door was set in the gate, obviously for employees as it leaned precariously open. Sprays of blood glistened among the handle, but no infected could be seen.

"The path splits…which way?" Wendy asked as they stopped in the fork near Elliot. Turning her head to the left, the concourse stretched into the rain as several lamp-posts flickered. Electricity reflected off nearby gift shops with a flash in the sky, illuminating two zombies feeding on…some sort of animal near the end of the left path. Crouched down near a service road and an overturned zoo car a hundred yards away, the zombies continued to eat in the distance.

"Forward. That's only an access road toward the animal boarding building. I doubt we want to go there" Marvin informed the group as he stepped past Edwards. Moving toward the bamboo doorway, the older officer kept a tight grip on the MP5 as he pressed his back toward the gate. Then he heard them…screams. Human screams and shouts of panic.

"Survivors! Elliot! With me!" Marvin commanded as he pushed past the bloody door onto the main concourse. The others followed with haste, their weapons raised as a monstrous howl of hunger gripped the air.

"Wendy! Ada! Take up the rear!" Rita snapped, her training as an officer of the law spurning action as the fears of panic grew louder and closer.

Ada looked down the wide concourse, her boot accidentally stepping in some rotting flesh as she aimed over the sights of her berretta. The main thoroughfare of the zoo was a mess…strewn garbage while a few random corpses littered the brick lined path. Overturned vendor carts spattered with blood and bits of gore reflected in the rain as the group moved forward.

Ignoring that, the Asian woman looked further past the bridge and toward the open elephant pen…which was very empty. Three people were running, two men and a woman as fear gripped their distant eyes. One looked behind them, his dread felt from the distance as a horrendous roar gripped the air.

"RUN MINDY! FUCKING RUN!" a distant zoo employee screamed as the trio reached the bridge.

Something jumped over the distant fencing of wood and fake bamboo, landing before the distant group. The ground shook, trembled even from this distance of a few hundred feet as the three random survivors yelled in terrified surprise.

It…was a gorilla. But it had become grotesque…mutated as its clawed hands dragged across the cobblestone. Patches of fur and skin were missing along its torso and back, revealing red gristle as it stood taller on massive legs thicker than a human…that had no business being on a primate.

'RRRAAARGGHHH!' It bellowed in murderous rage. Swiping at the trio, the three survivors managed to avoid death as one of the men fired with a pistol. It smacked into the hard flesh, but seemed to only anger the undead beast.

"Holy crap…" Elliot gulped as dread gripped his heart.

Marvin ran past, his breathing and chest aching as his duty to the citizens of this city reared its head. Boots sloshed through rain, his face grim as he crouched near a cotton candy cart near another intersection.

"YOU THREE! RUN! WE'LL COVER YOU!" Marvin hollered over the rain as he pressed the weapon to his shoulder. Squeezing the trigger, he sent a stream of nine millimeter bullets into the abominations back as it backhanded one of the men. He let out a pained grunt as he impacted the stonework railing of the bridge, but the monster ignored it as it turned toward the newest attack.

"Dammit! We should've just kept going!" Ada cursed as she ran up near the corner of the T-intersection. Firing two times, the bullets impacted the barrel chest with a sickening slap of flesh…but did little to slow down the infected primate. It's spread's it's arms wide, the clawed tips glistening as the infected eyes locked onto the five. The teeth had sharpened…very far away from the herbivore molars it had before.

"Just like with me, huh!?" Wendy scowled as she raised her pistol and lined up the laser sight on the monster's face. It was thirty feet away now, the five forming a loose semi-circle among the intersection as the two unknown's tried to reach their downed friend. Angel wings adorned his jacket, the rain sluicing off as he tried to grasp a fallen crossbow nearby with a hiss of pain.

'BANG! BANG! BANG!'

The gunfire flashed against her skin, illuminating her eyes as two of the rounds struck the head. It bucked in anger, causing the third round to graze the thick neck muscle. Bits of gristle flew, lost among the rain and movement as the gorilla grunted.

"I'm sorry alright! I fucked up and shouldn't have left a damn kid!" Ada yelled out as she fired twice more. One of the rounds carved a furrow in the deformed head, a spatter of blood flying as tendrils of smoke left Ada's gun.

"RRRAAAAAUUURRRRGHHH!"

"You really pissed it off now!" Elliot warned as the gorilla scratched at it's face to fight the pain. Firing, he managed to strike the upper chest…but the rain and distance made more pinpoint accuracy a problem. Marvin fired another short burst with Rita and Ada, but chest shots seemed to only be absorbed as it coiled its legs.

"COME ON DARYL! TO THE BOAT!" The female employee cried out as she picked up the wounded man with her compatriot. The Gorilla ignored them, jumping into the air as the duo of civilians supported the wounded male in a biker jacket…who happened to snatch up his crossbow while fleeing. Disappearing down an access staircase at the bridge, the trio were removed from sight…not like the five had time to stop them anyway.

The infected, nightmarish gorilla landed behind Wendy and Ada, shaking the brickwork of the concourse as shards of material flew from the impact. Both women turning in realized horror as it raised a clawed paw, a vicious snarl on bloody lips. The monster swung, bladed claws like knives hissing through the falling rain as it targeted the younger girl.

Wendy tried to move out of the way…but it was too close. She could smell the death on this thing as the attack flew closer. It was almost in slow motion from her perspective…but she knew that wasn't it at all as her eyes grew wide with impending terror.

"Fuck! LOOK OUT KID!" Ada cried out as she dove…and tackled Wendy to the soaked pavement. The knives of bone hissed above them both, skinning the damp air as both women landed hard near a pile of…rotten meat.

Elliot had spun, his weapon raised as light thunder rumbled above. The infected gorilla had missed…but it wouldn't take long as it reared back its other appendage to strike a finishing blow at the prone women. Ada was on top of Wendy, her back to the monster as both lay at its feet like prey. They were struggling to move…shift firearms upwards to continue fighting as Rita and Marvin tried to bring their weapons to bear in time.

And then? Fate smiled. Elliot Edwards got a full view of its scratched…bleeding, and torn face as it started to swing.

"Hey Gorilla! Your passports just been revoked!"

He fired, the pistol flashing a bloom of fire and lead as the first round tore through one of the infected eyes. It burst…but the policeman wasn't done as he fired again…and again…and again.

Six rounds tore through the air, the impacts punching through the ruined face with increasing damage…before the final two bullets reached the brain and ruined the infection. Blowing out the back of the skull in a spray of ruin, the policeman had done his job as he gave a light smirk.

The monster let out a small gasp…it's movements stopped as it tried to stay standing for a brief moment…then fell backwards onto the water logged pathway. Blood flowed from the head…and it stay still as Wendy and Ada slowly climbed to their feet as more rain fell.

"Thanks Ada…that was too close" Wendy gasped as a surge of fading fear and adrenaline coursed through her veins. Gripping her pistol, the fifteen year old stood tall as water continued to soak her to the bone.

"I'm so sick of this shit…"

"A little payback on my part…don't get used to it" the woman replied with a shrug as she kept on eye on the dead primate a few feet away. Covering its form, she lightly nudged its foot with caution.

"What the heck was that, Elliot? That whole line made no sense" Rita inquired as she popped her magazine and checked her remaining bullets.

"It's from Lethal Weapon Two. Come on, Rita"

"The situation didn't really fit that line, Edwards. I'm sorry, just the way it is. Maybe next time you'll get it right" Marvin said with a light chuckle escaping his lips. The sound of a motor caught his attention, the police Lieutenant turning toward the bridge as the small exchange was pushed away.

"Those people…did they make it?" Wendy asked in worry as she ran to the small bridge over the tributary of the river that snaked through parts of the city. Peering over the edge seconds later with the others, the five breathed a small sigh of relief. The trio were on a small motor boat, the woman steering the craft in the storm as the other two sagged with exhaustion. One looked back…a small nod on his tired face before the craft rounded a distant bend in the waterway.

"At least they made it…hope they escape" Marvin whispered in thanks, his spirit lightly higher as he ran a hand down his tired features. His skin was slick…muscles tired and sore…but he had managed to assist in the salvation of a few.

'thump…'

The five felt it…the light vibrations in their feet as they looked around. Buildings burned along the skyline…screams and popping gunfire far away as moans mixed in with the falling rain.

"Did you feel that? Cause I sure as hell did" Wendy asked the others, her feet shuffling away from the stone barrier as her eyes darted back and forth.

'Thump…'

It had gotten closer…the tremors racing up their legs as Rita turned toward the elephant stage…and its very warped and destroyed doors for holding Oscar. She gulped…new fear crawling up her spine as a loud, trumpeting wail bellowed over the hoots and infected howls of everything in the dead zoo.

"Yeah…I think we should leave" Marvin whispered as another painful ache flared along his bandaged side.

'THUMP!...CRACK!'

The elephant's trunk wailed again…far too close now. And it sounded wrong…so wrong to the survivors as the stone wall lining the property to the right buckled and cracked under a heavy blow. A trunk wavered above the wall, bites and strips of skin missing as a large limb started to climb over the crumbling barrier.

"Okay…FUCKING RUN!" Wendy shouted, her legs already carrying her the way they had come as the rain suddenly lightened up to a drizzle.

'CRAAASH!'

Ada looked back over her slender shoulder marred by spark burns…and felt the fear rising as the infected elephant bulldozed through the wall. It reared back, the tusks reflecting blood as big, virus laden eyes watched the human's flee. It slowly turned, the large feet stomping and vibrating the ground before letting out another infected wail from its diseased trunk.

"RIGHT! GO RIGHT!" Marvin shouted with fright as the group surged toward the second path in the intersection. A large, wooden gate covered with bamboo greeted them again, but none of them cared. Angry, loud footsteps were following them, shaking the earth as the five poured through the emergency door.

Ada was through first, her eyes catching the glimpse of escaped hyenas feeding on a corpse halfway down the concourse. They were diseased too…patches of dead skin and exposed musculature easily seen…and one turned toward them. It snarled…blood and bits of flesh dangling from teeth as it eyed the fresh prey.

"Forget them! Inside the administration office!" Rita commanded as she ran down a side path. She pumped her legs, willing them to go faster and faster as the side door to the building loomed. New found adrenaline coursed through her system, fueled by fear as the elephant footsteps grew louder and closer. Reaching it, the shorter blonde flung it open as Elliot and Ada moved up the steps like Olympic sprinters.

"Hurry!" Marvin urged as he backpedaled and urged Wendy on with a wave of his hand. The barking sounds of the dead hyena's were closing fast…along with their larger pursuer. One of the infected scavengers rounded the corner, but Marvin was ready with his sub-machine gun.

A four round burst flew, hitting it in the flank and neck as bits of fur and skin spun away. Turning, he was running before the empty brass hit the ground.

"COME ON!" Wendy screamed from the doorway as two more dead animals ran after the Lieutenant. The teenager fired past him, the laser sight centered on the beast as drool flew from its mouth.

It yelped, the bullet grazing its skull before she fired again. This shot found a home, boring through the brain pan with a shattering of bone as it collapsed in a pile.

'CRRAAAASSSHHH!'

Oscar burst through the nearby gate, wood and beams splintering like a bursting flower. Some of the shards embedded in his flanks or stomach…but the undead beast didn't care as the eyes searched for prey.

Marvin hurried inside, his chest heaving as Wendy closed the door before locking it. Would it help? Probably not as the teenager peered out one of the windows. She could see it…the elephant stomping closer as plaster rained down from the ceiling.

They were in the main office of the zoo, a silent tomb as desks and workplaces were left abandoned. Computer screens still glowed, the screen savers dancing with flying stars. One of the desks was covered in a spray of dried blood…but no body could be seen as old cups and food containers lay scattered about.

"In here…quietly" Rita whispered as she opened a door across the office room. The hinges creaked, a desire for oil making the five cringe as they moved into the larger office. Elliot shut the door, the simple latch clicking as the angry Oscar stomped outside.

'Crash!'

The building trembled, the walls shaking and spilling dust as the five humans moved toward the center of the head office.

"I think… he's trying to get inside" Elliot wavered as he pointed his firearm toward the door. His stance was strong…but damn he needed a break as his chest heaved for oxygen. More dust and plaster fell from the walls and ceiling as the infected elephant bellowed again…but no zombified trunk burst through the door.

The others were on guard as well, each watching a corner…or in the case of Ada and Rita, the large window at the back of the office. But the path behind was narrow…barely enough for a human as earth trembling footsteps rattled the floor once more.

'CRASH!'

The structure shook from their left, causing all five to spin toward the source…and the second door set in the far wall. The building rumbled again, the monster outside searching for them as another sorrowful trumpet wailed. It pierced their souls…a cringeworthy bleat of noise and death as they each held their breath.

Minutes passed…and nobody moved as Oscar continued his search. It was so tense that Rita didn't even dare wipe the beads of watery sweat trickling down her nose. The floor and ground vibrated again as the elephant stomped. Then…it started to lessen…and lessen as the footfalls faded. Another minute passed before Wendy finally moved, her arms lowering the gun as she breathed deeply. An exhale of stress and anger…fear and terror washing over them all as Elliot braced his hands on the knees of his dirty uniform.

"Damn…god damn that was…an actual zombie elephant"

"We all saw it Edward…and I'm glad we ran. I seriously doubt we could have killed it with pistols and this" Marvin emphasized as he held the MP5.

"Yeah…that thing could probably eat one of us whole" Wendy muttered with a nightmarish shudder as she started to look around the office. Plaque's and paintings decorated the walls while a bookcase held a head bust of the founder. And despite the emergency and destruction gripping Raccoon…the office was surprisingly clean.

"I say we take a small break…search this building for anything we can use. Maybe find a map and try to find our way through this without running into our big friend outside" Ada suggested as she leaned against the large, oak desk. Rubbing her shoulder that had taken sparks of metal from the crash, the mercenary tried to dry herself…to no avail. Her dress clung to her body, a tight fabric of red as water dripped from her hair.

"No need. I know this place like the back of my hand. Not only did I love coming here, but I also had to arrest a few vandalizers this past summer. I can get us toward the far side of the zoo" Rita stated with a hint of pride…and bits of sorrow as she could only guess what the rest of the animals were like.

"Really now? Well that's useful" Ada commented as she sat on the desk. Crossing her long legs, the musculature showed toned muscles that displayed a hidden strength for the woman.

"Yeah…the only thing that worries me is if the zoo tram is there or not. If it is, it can take us near the park and hospital…which is really close to the clock tower" the female officer explained as the light patters of rain continued to lighten outside.

"And if it's not?" Elliot asked, but he knew the answer in his gut already.

"Then we have to walk across at least a dozen blocks of who knows what" Rita finished as she sat down against the wall and sighed.

"Okay…well we'll come to that once we get across the zoo. For now, take a rest people. Thirty minutes at least" Marvin ordered as he moved to the plush chair…and eased himself down with a heavy groan. Closing his eyes, he lost himself in the sinking chair as the others settled down and took a much needed break from the nightmare outside.

Wendy tried to stay still with the others…she really did, but the howls and screeches from infected wildlife made her cringe. Every time something hooted…or cried in the distance, her skin crawled.

"Or maybe it's the fact I'm soaked to the bone? Or just…overtired? Ah…fuck it all anyway"

Shivering, the teenager rubbed her arms as the four others rested in some way. The skin was rough with goosebumps as another creature howled in the late afternoon of the October day. Shaking her head, Wendy finally moved toward the door as the girl started to feel a pressure in her bladder. "Great. Now I need to use the bathroom…"

"Where are you going, Wendy?" Rita asked as she stood up from her spot near the bookcase. Checking her weapon, the blonde wasn't about to let the girl wander off.

"Bathroom. And I'm too wired to rest anyway"

"I'll go with you" Walking toward the door, Rita could've sworn she heard a soft sigh of exasperation escape the girl's lips…but ignored it as the younger survivor let out a weary shrug.

"Fine. Just don't be weird about it" Opening the door, the duo left the remaining three in the head office. A coating of dust greeted them while flakes of plaster still floated in the still air. Lights hummed above them, one flickering as they stood in the hallway littered with discarded items of all sorts.

Across from them were lockers with names on them, presumably the former employees as an trail of blood arced across the metallic faces of some. Others were left open, leaving uniforms and other personal items to dangle freely.

Wendy stepped over the drying crimson, her eye's locked on the hole in the ceiling upfront near the main entrance. Plaster had fallen on a few desks, coating the forward office in a fine layer as the sounds of the dying city grew more louder…and sinister. The teenager ignored the dreadful sounds, her eyes centering on the women's bathroom to her left along the short hall. The door was right past the lockers…hanging open as a gore ridden handprint dragged across the beige wall toward the men's room.

"I'll check it with you, okay?" Rita assured the teenager. Wendy nodded, her back already pressed to the frame as she tried to peer inside. Lights flickered, a staccato like a sinister strobe as the girl pulled her bat for use.

"Thanks. Probably should check the other one too" she suggested, her blue bangs hanging past her eyes before she moved in with a flourish. The door banged against the wall from their entrance, a resounding clap of wood against painted walls.

A typical restroom greeted them both as a lone sink and mirror took the wall to their immediate left. Two stalls were on the right, both doors closed as the faint smell of disinfectant and cleaning supplies wafted toward their nostrils.

"Nothing…" Rita whispered as she lowered her pistol. Glancing at Wendy, the girl had crouched low, her eyes peering under the stall doors. A small sigh of relief left her lips as she stood up, her stance lowered.

"Don't see any squatters or anything…Still…" Wendy said with a murmur as she pushed the first stall door open.

Nothing. A toilet with the lid closed and half a roll of toilet paper. Moving to the next, the girl pushed it open and found the same.

"Well…that's a relief" Rita tried to smile as her shorter friend nodded…then walked into the stall and closed the door before clicking the latch. Rustling clothes were heard along with mild complaints of soaked garments as the girl made use of the facilities.

"A few minutes of privacy please"

"Right…I'll be outside…" Rita apologized as she hurried to the door and closed it swiftly. Knowing she'd use it next, caution was still warranted. Scrutinizing the door to the men's room, the officer knew she should check it out while Wendy was busy.

Shuffling her feet forward toward the next restroom, Rita could feel the sensation of rot…of death coming from the men's room. Gulping, she pushed the door open as it swung on a low creak of hinges…and her mouth gagged at the stench inside.

The overhead light showed everything. The spray of coagulating ichor across the mirror…the pieces of rotting flesh resting in the urinal's as flies buzzed and fed on the decaying gore.

"Oh god…" she gulped as her eyes checked for threats. None could be seen…but the vile smell was making her eyes water. Then she saw them…the shoes sticking out from the single stall in the corner. A pool of blood had gathered there…stretching across the tile as Williams moved closer.

The tan stall door was partially open, an entrance to possible death. She would have to be fast…drop the zombie before it could react. Raising a shoed foot, she kicked it open with a bang…and found the dead security guard sitting on the seat. He had been young…probably only mid-twenties as the pistol still was entwined in necrotic fingers.

Multiple bites had been taken from his arms…and a final one at his shoulder as more insects fed. And the back of the stall? Sprayed with his brains as chunks still…clung to the surface like glue from the self-inflicted gunshot.

"Well…at least he won't come back…" Rita said mournfully before she looked down at his holster. Cringing as she leaned forward, the woman blinked back the smell as her fingers snapped the spare magazine free. Gripping it, she whispered small apologies to the dead…then noticed something covered by his other hand that was resting on his lap.

It was round and metallic…covered with dried blood as she nudged the fingers away with a grimace. A medallion of silver…or at least looking like it, displaying a male lion facing West. A crumpled note was with it…blood soaking into the paper as she quickly unfolded it.

Glancing back at the dead male, Rita shook her head at the wasted life before leaving the men's room. After all, nothing else could be found. Standing in the hallway, she witnessed Wendy emerging from the other bathroom with a look of relief on her younger face.

"Find something?"

"Yeah…" Rita finished before walking back to the office. Walking up to Elliot who was…laying on the ground, she lightly tossed the spare magazine onto his chest with a light expulsion of air. "Here. I know your low on bullets"

"Ugh…yeah, thanks" the man coughed lightly as he eyed the other object in her hands.

"Find something, Williams?" Marvin asked from the chair as he leaned forward, the break not long enough as the fellow officer nodded. Uncrumpling the bloody note, Rita tried to make out the scrawl between the dried blood.

"Um…it says…The king of the jungle looks West, his queen East and once they stare, the path North opens"

"What?" Wendy asked in disbelief as Rita held up the medallion…blood streaks and all as she squinted.

"It's…that old story about this place"

"Enlighten us" Ada commanded, her eyes all business as Rita clenched the object before she started to explain.

"Basically when they built the zoo, there was a rumor that the two medallions at the north gate could be removed to close the entrance. Of course, it was never confirmed since both of them were set in stone pillars and basically cemented in. As far as the police or city is concerned, that gate opened and closed like any other…but if its true and this one is here…"

"Then we might have to search for the other among all these blood thirsty animals while a killer Elephant is stomping around" Elliot concluded with a groan. Pocketing the full magazine, the younger officer ran a hand through his brown hair as Marvin slowly stood up.

"Okay…we can handle this. First, lets search this place for anything else. Then, we head toward the north gate with the assumption the other is missing. We keep an eye out for it, supplies, and on each other. Don't wander off…don't use unnecessary ammunition…and run if Oscar comes back" the lieutenant finished as Ada hopped off the desk, her dress clinging to her backside that would give Leon quite the view.

"Okay, you heard him. Search every drawer, desk, and locker in this place" Wendy gestured with a clap of her hands…then promptly turned and left the room once more. Already searching the first locker, the teenager was being thorough as the others started to spread out in the building.

"Four Elephant gun shells…that's it and a can of mountain dew" Ada grumbled as she set the found items on the break room table. Dust and plaster coated everything…choking the air as she looked out the window with droplets sliding down. The rain had ceased…finally halting as she looked at the gate toward the observation pathway across the concourse from the administration building…and muttered in anger. It was a tangle of broken beams and wood…a deadly mess that would prevent any human from going through. Not to mention a few undead people were impaled or otherwise stuck among the broken beams that were like sharpened toothpicks. Suffice to say…they would not be going that way.

Ignoring the nearby moans and hungry rasps of the dead, Ada watched as Elliot scooped up the Elephant shells and pocketed them. Frankly…she didn't care if he took them. Without the proper rifle, they were useless anyway…and who knows where that particular weapon could be in this hell.

"If that's it…then let's get going" Marvin ordered the group as he slowly opened the front doors. Keeping his pistol raised, the older officer felt the MP5 bump and shift against his back. Clothes still drenched, his eyes darted for those Hyena's from earlier…then found the last…imitating a pancake.

"Looks like it's clear…" Ada added as she hurried down the steps, her shoes splashing a light puddle near the corpse.

"Okay. Let's hurry to the Elephant Stage. We'll cut through the Terrarium Dome and past the lake since the other path is…"

"A tangle of fucking wood and biting zombies?" Elliot said with a tease.

"Yeah. That" Rita replied as she took point due to her knowledge of the zoo. Heading back the way they came as they hurried past the gorilla and over the bridge, the five heard the death cries of the animals as they moved quickly…but cautiously.

'Slurp'

Ada froze, hearing the light sound coming from behind as the others stopped. Slowly turning, she kept her finger barely pressing the trigger as dread rose…and saw Wendy drinking the Mountain Dew.

Seeing everybody look at her with disbelief or confusion, the teenager drank more soda as the sugary sweetness washed down her throat with burning bubbles.

"What?"

"Dammit Wendy…drink quietly!" Ada hissed as the girl took another gulp…then tossed the can away with a clatter. It rolled, resting near a few bits of strewn muscle and tufts of fur.

"A little sugar boost…always a fun time" The teenager smirked as the four adults just shook their heads and moved on.

The heavy scent of rain and mildew clung the air as the five stopped at the massive performance stage for Oscar. To their left was a metal door flecked with rust, set into the concrete wall that led to the bird sanctuary as avian's cawed and crowed. Stale hay and the scent of dung was sniffed by all as a few large beach balls and other items lay strewn about. Splatches of gore, blood, and other unidentified viscera littered the arena as flies buzzed.

Looking upward, Marvin studied the massive gate that had once housed the elephant. The bars were twisted…poking toward the darkening sky like rusting daggers as evening approached. Strips of gray flesh hung from the ruined points…dangling and shifting in the soft breeze as a distant gunshot cracked.

"Christ…what the hell has happened to my city?" Marvin asked his fellow officers as a bit of flesh tore…and fell. It slapped toward the bricked pavement, the sound rising above the immediate silence "I remember when the zoo first brought him here…they did a special report about Oscar" He told the others with a hint of mirth and remembrance. Staring upward at the stadium seating surrounding the stage, he could make out discarded drinks and snacks as blood clung to the seats.

"AAAAHHHHH!"

The five snapped their guns upward, drawn to the noise of the announcer's booth. A man pressed his back against the glass above them, his hands leaving trails of red as he screamed again. The undead grabbed at him…grasping and tearing as he let out a painful wail. One of the infected pressed forward, digging her teeth into his shoulder as several others did the same.

'Crack…CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!'

The window spiderwebbed, the weight of bodies too great as the glass shattered far too quickly for any of the survivors to react.

'AAAUUUGHHhhhh!'

The poor soul fell, the dead following as his body slapped and bounced against the pavement. Infected broke legs and arms…but they didn't care as they sunk rancid teeth into the recently deceased. Sinew and flesh was pulled, a horrible snacking as Elliot gulped.

"Shit…"

"There's…uh…more" Wendy pointed, her index finger stretched out as half a dozen of the former citizens started to crawl and climb through the window above. They fell without a care to the feeding frenzy below. Some joined in, their legs snapping as bones stuck out…but others started to rise as they spotted the living humans.

A zoo worker staggered, his uniform coated with dried gore as the ragged stump of his left arm dangled. Cracked teeth snarled…and other zombies followed as Wendy backpedaled. They had a single purpose now…to feed on them as the dead survivor was forgotten. Those that could…rose from the feast as raw flesh dangled from broken jaws. Surging forward, the tiny horde let out a sorrowful desire of pain and hunger.

"Fuck it! Save your ammo!" Grabbing Rita's wrist, the younger girl pulled the officer along toward the side door as hungry rasps followed like a nightmare. Gripping the knob, she twisted hard and pulled…thanking whatever god there was that it wasn't stuck. It flew open, giving Rita entrance as Wendy spun toward the rear, her gun raised. The dead had already rounded the corner…a hungry rasp and diseased movements following as the others sprinted.

"DAMMIT!" Edwards cursed while running through the doorway. Looking back, he breathed a sigh of relief as Marvin slid through…then Ada and the girl before they slammed it shut. Ada fumbled the lock, the click audible to all as the five stepped back.

"That poor man…" Rita gasped with horror at what they just saw. She had no idea who he was…only that he needed their help. But they had arrived to la—

'Thud!'

The zombies pressed against the metallic door, making it shake as the frame rattled while snarls and rasps filtered from the other side of the wall.

"There was nothing we could do. He was already doomed. Now I suggest we keep moving before those freaks get through and try the same with us" Ada stated with a deepening frown. Turning, she stepped toward the glass door of the Terrarium Dome. It was broken…droplets of dried blood hanging on the ruined glass as humidity graced her features.

Sticking her hand through to unlock the latch, the woman in red pushed it open as Wendy followed with Elliot. Humidity staggered against them all, laden with heavy moisture and dampness.

"That's some damn heat…can cut it with a knife" Marvin exclaimed as their hungry pursuers rattled the metal door again. Something cracked…alarming the five as Wendy glanced back. Spotting a large, metal trashcan, the girl cocked her head to Elliot. He understood, the two rapidly pushing it across the brick pavement with a scrape of metal to block the door…despite the missing glass.

"We should hurry…"

A screeching squawk rang in their ears from above, causing them to finally study their surroundings as dread rose once more. Thick vines and branches covered the walls of the dome, crawling upward to cover most of the surfaces as strange, unknown flowers bloomed. The trees and vines were so thick, that the normal walkway was almost enshrouded on all sides…and things were moving in there. More birds cawed, making Wendy and the others grip weapons tighter as the flutter of wings echoed in the foliage.

"Behind me Wendy. No discussion" Edward ordered as he stepped up next to Ada. He was an officer…and dammit, no kid should be doing his job…despite the primal instincts gripping his gut. Everything in him was yelling at him to run…to hide from this place, but he couldn't.

"Fine…but I'm right behind you" She said in a whisper of support as the metal door rattled again.

Ada took point, walking past a staircase that led to the upper observation path on her right. It was an instant non-option as the vines on the first landing…moved like grasping tentacles. A rasp came from them, her eyes darting to the source as an ensnared zombie tried to escape the plant life. Tendrils were poking through the rancid torso, most likely taking nutrients as the mercenary gave a small shudder. She hoped the man had already been dead before falling to that fate.

The path curved along the dome wall, the greenery still thick as the five moved in unison. Rita and Marvin took up the rear, weapons pointed to the ground as they tried to move silently.

"Lieutenant…I feel like we're being watched…" Williams whispered as sweat poured down her brow. A trio of caws echoed from above, making her twitch as Marvin nodded with a deepening frown.

"Same here…just keep moving" the older officer replied in a low voice as the banging on the door faded. "Hopefully they gave up…"

"Shhh…" Ada let out with a hiss, her body tense as the canopy above them separated and dispersed. Her and Elliot moved from the safety of the overhanging plant life, their footsteps soft as they gulped. Water trickled down leaves…the scent of moss heavy along the thirty foot stretch of pathway. An alcove fifteen feet to their right could be seen, the resting benches and learning kiosks overgrown with vines as strange pollen wafted. A corpse lay on the ground…the clothing a mess of torn fabric and flesh as the culprits roosted above the body…and everywhere else.

Birds. Dozens upon dozens of birds were staring down at them from numerous branches and tree limbs. Tropical Toucan's, Parrots, Macaws, and many assorted others with colorful feathers and yellowed beaks…except they were not right. Bits of stringy flesh dangled from the billed beak of a Toucan, its beady eyes almost red as it watched the five human's…with hunger. Some of the avian's were missing patches of feathers…others with long scratches among their bodies. Others were still feeding on the corpse of the unknown woman, pulling bits of muscle free. They hopped over the corpse and around it, their clawed feet clicking among the gravel before feeding once more.

"No. Sudden. Movement's" Wendy whispered at a barely audible level. Silently placing her right foot before the left, she kept her pistol raised upward as she gulped. Rita aimed at the birds in the rest area, her arms tense as many stopped to stare…then peck at more rotting flesh like scavengers.

'Caw!'

The five froze from the sound as the Macaw warbled, a rotten finger falling from its large beak. Another bird flew after it, snatching it up with a rapid gulp.

'Caw! CAW! CAW!'

The riled themselves up with flutters of feathers, some pecking at each other or shifting spots on the branches…but none dove toward the human's yet.

"Slowly Rita…slow" Marvin urged on as he felt beads of sweat gather under his armpits. More trickled down his temple…but he didn't dare try to wipe it away. His boot crunched softly on the gravel path…moving in unison with the others. His fellow officer was afraid…terrified of these things as she stayed silent.

"Please…don't let me get pecked to death…"

"Fifteen feet…" Edwards whispered back, his eyes darting to the archway of greenery and foliage that covered the pathway ahead. It was their safe haven…away from these diseased birds as they watched them like thirsty vultures.

"Just don't run. They're all infected…" Ada cautioned with a serious furrow of her forehead as she stepped foot over foot. Her aim never wavered…never left her targeted bird as they cawed and fluttered once more.

'CAW! CAW! CaW! cAW!'

"It's just like the Apple Inn…except there's no fire this time…or standing on a ledge above the street" Wendy whispered as her eyes darted to the birds above with fear. It was almost palpable…thick as the air as the five moved step by step.

The Avian's watched intently…their tiny brains trying to decide if the slow forms below were food or not. Another let out an infected squawk like indignation, the first disappearing beneath the trees as the others vanished from view over the next minute.

'Squawk! Caw! Caw!'

Marvin breathed a deep gasp, his hand gripping a nearby information kiosk with colorful displays. Glancing back toward the open area as a few feathers drifted down, he breathed once more as he wiped some sweat away.

"Damn…those beady eyes…I felt like they wanted to eat my soul" Edwards uttered, his words floating upwards as more birds cawed…or screeched.

"We made it through…that's what's important. Now we just cross the bridge across the lake and the observation path then we should be at the North Gate. Hopefully with a tram" Rita prayed with her words as Ada looked at Wendy, the girl a little pale.

"Tangle with some birds already?"

"Yeah…before the station with Allyssa. Not pleasant with all the lickers, zombies, and fire" the teenager remembered as she wiped her brow. Watching as Ada and Edwards collected themselves, the two adults stared to lead the way down the winding pathway.

"Come on. Let's get going Wendy" Rita tried to smile with a comforting hand on her shoulder…even though every bird call made her skin crawl. Frowning deeply, the blunette nodded as the five moved steadily down the overgrown path of trees, vines, and who knows what else. A light tearing could be heard, emanating past the leftward curving corner as the five kept weapons raised. A growl followed…the light sounds of chewing coming from the hidden exit. Birds screeched above the thick canopy, their anger justified as they hunted for more.

A tendril snapped at Elliot, almost scraping his temple, but thankfully missing in a whiff of air as the survivors followed the curved path against the exterior wall. He gasped while dodging, almost butting into Ada as the appendage hovered and floated through the stifling humidity.

"Scared of a plant, Edwards?" Ada smiled lightly with the corners of her lips upturned. Keeping her firearm raised on the curved pathway, she felt the humidity still clogging the air. Stepping over a large root that was a sickly, greenish blue color, the spy picked her way past other tangles of vines along the floor.

"It's normal to be cautious of moving plants, Ada" the man snapped back. It continued to move and shift…hissing and whiffing the air. Inching past, the remaining three quickly left it behind as they rounded the last bend of the Terrarium Dome.

Two zombies were feeding on a long deceased man, their pallid skin covered with vines as one pulled on the dead flesh of the fallen. They might have been workers here…part of the sanitation crew, but it was hard to tell as the second sank her teeth into the deceased. Pulling part of the facial skin away, the former woman of…sizable weight chewed…noisily chomping.

Their feeding was right near a second alcove, most likely meant for viewing the birds and wildlife in happier days…and only ten feet from the exit door.

"I'll…never get used to seeing that…" Rita gulped as the second worker tore more flesh with bloody teeth. It pulled and snapped, a horrific sound to the five…then the first started to raise its head.

"Dammit! Don't let them get up!" Wendy cautioned with a whispered shout. Running forward as the overweight woman continued to feed, the girl switched to her bat…and swung as hard as she could toward the zombified man.

The skull cracked, lolling to the side as part of the jaw broke. He fell backwards, the moving corpse trying to re-orient itself as the teenager rapidly spun…and struck the woman across the temple. Blood flew, flying in an arc as the fat zombie grunted. Flesh left her lips, the face missing some from the bite she had suffered…and died from. Wendy swung again, her eyes almost feral as her baseball bat crashed against the temple once more. The infected fell to the side among the tendrils of the alcove, but wouldn't get a chance to rise again. The blunette swung a third time, the gore swathed bat embedding into the cracked brain cavity. The zombie lay still, but the other was already starting to rise as she spun with a flail of hair.

"Stubborn kid! Always running off!" Elliot said with hints of annoyance and anger. Running forward, he raised his firearm to kill the first man as it started to stand.

"The birds! Don't fire!" Wendy warned as she stepped back. The zombie had found its footing, the jaw hanging at an odd angle as a gurgle left its lips. Gripping her bat, she jumped back slightly as the undead swiped at her with an outstretched hand.

The broken fingers missed, throwing the body off balance for a moment…the girl struck. Moving to his left flank, she swung low before connecting with the kneecap. It snapped with a sickening pop, making the others lightly cringe as the zombie fell forward. It groaned…eyeing Rita with diseased eyes as it tried to crawl forward. Wendy stepped on it's back, her boot planted firm as she rose the melee weapon…and swung down with all her might.

'Crunch!'

The rounded, metal tip sank into the skull, a showing of gristle and gore that splattered the vine covered ground. Pulling it out with a sickening sound, Wendy draped the weapon over her shoulder with a grin.

"Remind me never to play baseball against you" Marvin stated before his scowl deepened. "Still…don't go running off like that. What if there had been more zombies hiding in that alcove? Or something worse?" the lieutenant scolded the girl.

"I get it, but those two had to be taken care of. Popping off guns in here…might as well call every bird to peck our eyes out. I like my eyes" She replied back…just as a soft groan grew behind her.

"You missed one" Ada chastised lightly as she stood over the victim, the former man struggling to stand despite the horrid state of his body. Raising her boot, she slammed it down on the head. It crunched like ripened fruit, making her scowl deeply.

"Such nice boots…"

"I took out two. That counts for more" The teenager lightly huffed as the spy cocked her head to the side. The deceased was gripping something…clutched by stiff fingers as she stooped down.

"Find something?" Rita asked the slender female as the others gathered close. Standing near the entrance way of the avian, viewing area, the blonde officer barely recognized it. A literal dome of vines and plantlife had grown…the green roots covering the floor. Then her eye saw something sparkle among the greenery. Something round…and silver.

"A…makeshift flamethrower" Ada murmured, her slender fingers freeing it from the rigor mortis. Fixed to a glue gun and can of WD-40, it had been literally taped together. Handling it, she felt Rita pat her arm rapidly. Following the extended finger, the stunning woman slowly rose.

"Everyone…look"

"If I didn't know better…that looks like a lion sized medallion…" Wendy stated evenly as she stood near the exit door. It was a wooden one this time that covered the heavy metal, which made her question the architect's sanity of this whole place. Seriously…medallions for a gate? Who the hell designs a zoo like that? And changing door types? It made no sense.

Digging through the deceased pockets, Ada found a simple bic lighter of plastic. A light green, she rose it to the nozzle as she stepped into the alcove with Rita. The vines moved…flickering their ends as receptors sensed…something.

"Rita…you'll need to be fast, got it?" the Asian woman commanded as she lifted the lighter toward the nozzle of the impromptu flame-thrower.

"Got it" Williams replied, her stance inching forward as more of the sinister vines danced and swayed. One snapped the air inches from her face, making the woman sweat nervously as she eyed the medallion buried in some plant life.

'FWOOOSH!'

A burst of flame flew, a trail of fire and heat as it washed up against the flora. It shrieked…almost angry as the vines danced and sliced the air. Pulling back away from the lion medallion as fire ate and crackled against the vines, Rita surged forward.

Reaching a hand, she ducked low as a snaking tendril slapped against her shoulder like a water-logged brick. She cried out, the blow much harder than it looked. Another jet of flame rushed past her, igniting the green flesh as another shriek bellowed from somewhere up ahead. Grasping the medallion, it felt almost cool as she pulled it free…and felt a renewed sense of dread from dozens upon dozens of suckers behind. They moved…sensing her warm body as tiny pricklers made themselves seen. Then more…and more moved toward her with a single purpose along snaking vines. Trying to escape as the fire still licked and danced over the plant, she fell on her ass as a vine snaked toward her foot.

"CRAP!" she shouted, the appendage already grazing her shoe as more vines converged on the human female who felt death dance up her spine.

Strong arms grabbed her, pulling Rita back as Elliot and Marvin dragged her away from danger with grunts of exertion.

"Gotcha Williams! We gotcha!" Elliot reassured her as the vines lost their meal…but they didn't give up as some thicker than branches slithered across the floor to the five near the exit. Some were alite, burning from Ada as she sent another tendril of flame toward the living plant. It screamed once more, smoke of black rising into the humid air. Squawks and Caws grew angry, a fluttering of feathers and hateful screeches from the plant lined tunnel as beating wings grew louder. The birds had decided to pursue their escaping feast after all.

"FUCK IT! THIS WHOLE PLACE IS PISSED OFF!" Wendy hollered as she yanked the door open. Running through, she held it open as Ada followed…with Marvin and Elliot basically manhandling Rita through the exit. Taking one last look into the Terrarium Dome, all Wendy saw was dozens of angry birds coming around that last corner near the dead zombie…and burning, waving plant vines that were dancing with fire.

Slamming the door shut, it rang in the cool air as evening grew closer and closer. Taking a step back, the metal door covered with fake wood rattled…but held. Breathing a sigh of relief, Wendy could feel the mist of moisture in the air as her boots crunched gravel.

"Thanks Marvin. You too Elliot" Rita smiled warmly as she pocketed the second medallion in her side pouch.

"Any time Williams, any time" Marvin said with a re-assuring pat on her shoulder. His side ached…always aching as mist clung to his dirty uniform…but he was just glade to get out of there in one piece.

"Now. We just have to cross the foot bridge over the lake and…" Rita had turned, the words cutting off as the group looked at the pedestrian bridge…or the lack of one. Oh, the starting boards were there…and ended about ten feet over the murky water in destroyed planks and shattered wood. The body of water was large, almost a hundred feet wide as pedals and lily pads floated on the surface. To their far right, a wire fence rose among a curving wall of concrete. Most was below water, lapped with scum and algae.

"Oh…YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING!" Rita yelled in frustrated anger and annoyance. Looking over the oval lake, she could see the distant part of the bridge on the opposite shore…and the observation deck beyond the concrete wall and door.

"It's fine Rita, we can just swim across" Elliot suggested, his eyes studying the water as a piece of driftwood floated. The chunk of wood turned…sinking below the water…then rose again as it snorted.

"I think that would be a bad, stupid idea" Ada commented as she studied the water. Other parts of the liquid rippled…showing that danger lurked below.

"Alligators…great. And even if they weren't infected, they probably would still hunt us anyway" Wendy muttered with a pinch of her nose and closed eyes. "Can't anything be easy?"

"What are they even doing here? This is the flamingo habitat. Reptiles are on the other side of the zoo?' Rita asked in a stupor, her heart finally re-calmed after almost being eaten by plants…or birds.

"Does it matter? This whole city is a mess now" Wendy snapped back. Walking toward the shore, she picked up a rock…and tossed it into the middle of the small body of water. Movement thrashed, kicking up surf and bubbles as the gators attacked whatever had caused the disturbance.

"No way we can cross that" Marvin said, his voice hollow as his eyes darted to the fencing at the right of the lake. Walking over, he was joined by Elliot as the officers inspected the concrete border. The fence was tall and sturdy while a small shelf of concrete supported the metal. It was narrow…but…

"This might work. It's narrow and risky, but it's the only way I can see across" Branagh exclaimed as he moved to the joining of the shoreline and outcropping of concrete. Placing a tentative step on the material, he gripped the fence…and slowly stepped sideways. The metal rattled lightly, but he didn't fall in as he moved over the water.

"Come on, we can make it along here. Just don't slip" he warned, the older man stepping cautiously again. Elliot followed, his nervousness palpable as the human's slowly made their way along the curvature of the lake over the next few minutes.

Ada had gone last, her fingers poking through the holes as Wendy moved ahead of her. Their feet shuffled, barely leaving the slick concrete as the duo watched the rest move onward. Marvin was already halfway, his face tense as the other officers did the same.

"I really hate this place" Ada cursed, her foot sliding along with a scrape as Wendy gave a subtle nod.

"Ditto. I would love a shower…a nice, hot shower" the girl reminisced, her voice full of desire for such a simple act.

It rushed up out of the water without warning, a mess of teeth and jaw as the alligator lunged at the two women with a reptilian roar. The teeth hissed through the air, followed by a putrid breath of rot and death as the two felt how close it had been. It splashed down, barely missing them as their eyes bugged out.

"Faster…go faster!" Ada hissed, her heart hammering as she looked at the water. They were swimming close…hunting for prey as they watched with infected eyes of yellow and red.

"NO SHIT!" Wendy cried back as they redoubled their efforts. Their feet scampered and slid across the wall, barely gripping to the top.

"HURRY!" Marvin shouted from the opposite shore, the man on terra firma as he pulled the MP5 from his shoulder. Selecting single fire, he aimed at the gathering gators hunting the two women as Elliot and Rita hurried themselves.

"Come on you ugly bastards…" The Lieutenant whispered, his eyes unflinching as he stared down the sights. Would his gun stop these monsters from this distance? Probably not. But all he had to do was give the others enough time to hurry along that narrow ledge.

The water rippled near Ada and Wendy, a scaled snout poking above the brackish body of water. Marvin fried, the MP5 slamming against his shoulder as the empty brass tinkled and arced away. The bullet hit, gazing across the snout as the reptile thrashed. Firing again, he managed to strike the flank…but the damage to that singular reptile was minimal.

Elliot made it to dry land, the other officer scooping up his firearm as he lent his support while Rita and the others tried to hurry.

"Your almost there Rita! I'll cover you!" Elliot promised, he stance and body language stiff. Shifting his aim, he saw the water ripple in the center of the large pond, but it was distant from the fence and the others.

"You better!" the blonde retorted, her shoes sliding along the outcropping while tired fingers gripped the wiring. She was scared…terrified of the creatures before glancing back to Wendy and Ada. They were moving…hustling as fast as they could along the ledge of moss and slick algae.

"I think there were three alligators at the zoo? Or maybe four?" Edwards couldn't tell as the reptiles kept disappearing below the light waves. Dusk was approaching…the heavily clouded sky blocking any sort of sun while a light drizzle of moisture fell.

Neither didn't see the second one rise up out of the water, its maw wide as rivulets of liquid ran down the diseased scales. A roar of hunger left its throat. Ragged teeth glistening with malice and death.

"NO!" Ada screamed out as she barely avoided the maw of razors, the mouth clamping down on the fencing mere inches behind her. Sweat and fear left her pores at how close it had been…then the gator pulled.

"MOVE!" Wendy tried to say…but it was too late. The crosshatch of wire fencing ripped and tore, unable to bear the weight of the gator. Pulling it down, it curled…and both Ada and Wendy lost their grip.

"AHH-!" the young girl started to cry in fear and panic before disappearing beneath the murk with the other woman. They splashed heavily, forms vanishing as Rita left the ledge and joined the other officers on the shore. She had pulled her gun, waving it at the lake as eyes darted back and forth in a desperate search.

"Do you see them!?" She practically screamed, her voice cutting through the air as Marvin worried face grew deeper with a scowl.

"No…I don't"

'BANG!'

Rita fired, her aim picking out a reptilian target that was moving along the surface to where Ada and Wendy had fallen. It grazed the head, angering the gator in a blinding fury as it turned. Eyes were on the blonde woman, its hunger wanting to sate itself as it swam toward the shore. Williams backed up, her shoes crunching the gravel shore as the reptile started to walk out of the water. The mouth opened, a wall of teeth and dried bits of pink and red as it surged toward Rita. She fired, but the bullet grazed the hide as it shifted in the charging attack. Her gun barked twice more, the bullets flying into the open mouth. Teeth were chipped…gore bloomed from the gullet, but this only made it more determined as it doubled its scuttling walk across the loose pebbles.

"SO FAST!" the woman instantly thought as she found herself pressed against the concrete wall. It was cool…and preventing further escape as the monster roared with infected desire.

'TAT TAT TAT TAT!'

Four rapid shots rang out, fired from Marvin as the older officer plugged the cranium of the deadly reptile. Bone chipped, dead blood flew as the lead bore through the brain and ended the necrotic gator. Rita stared at Branagh with thanks, the weapon still smoking from the barrel as the man aimed downward with a small nod to his fellow officer.

Wendy could barely see. The water around her was dark…murky. Dirt and soil had been continuously kicked up by the gators, limiting her vision as her blue hair hovered.

Something brushed past her leg…a swift body…and far bigger than her. She kicked on instinct, driving it away as her senses flared with danger. She was out of her element…surrounded by predators that had gone unchanged for millions of years.

A hand grasped her wrist, making her swivel her head in fear.

Ada…she had grabbed her and was pulling her toward the surface with kicking legs and haste. An alligator swam toward them, its maw widening to bite and tear…to kill them as its short legs swam with greater speed.

Ada let go, kicking Wendy away with a slender leg as the blow impacted the spot she had been shot. The girl lost air, the bubbles rising as the two separated…and the reptile swam past a brief second later.

Wong hated kicking the girl, but it was the only option she could think off. Eyes trying to see, she caught a brief stare from the slitted irises of the gator…red…bloodshot with the virus. It swam past, the side revealing a horrid furrow of a wound that exposed muscles and bone. Increasing her kicking, she hurried to the surface as dirty light shimmered from above as her lungs started to burn for air.

She burst above the water, taking a deep gulp of oxygen as her raven black hair pressed to her skull. Heart beating fast, Ada heard the water surge upward a few feet away.

"SHIT!" Wendy cried out, her lungs taking a deep intake of oxygen.

"THERE THEY ARE! HEY! BEHIND YOU!" Elliot practically screamed, his voice cracking as he tried to get a shot past the two women. The last two alligators were sliding through the water…regrouping to attack and drag the females down to the murky depths.

Wendy looked back, eyes blurry from water as she tried to clear them. Her fear returned…insidious and almost infectious as the attackers slid through the water with horrific ease. "Okay…swim! Swim for fucks sake!" the girl hollered as she kicked her legs. Her arms splashed into the water, a furious breaststroke giving her momentum as primal instincts reared their head. Her body was screaming…blood pumping in her ears as the ancient saying of fight or flight pushed Wendy's body to the limit.

"Don't state the obvious, Wendy!" Ada spluttered back as she swam like an Olympian. The crackle of pistol rounds flew over her head, impacting something fleshy behind her as reptilian roars bellowed. Something lunged down, creating a surging wave as dagger teeth missed her foot by inches.

"Don't look back Wendy! Don't look back!" the girl screamed to herself as another missed chomp of teeth hissed past a kicking leg.

"Your almost there!" Rita shouted at her companions as they kicked legs and limbs. Only twenty feet away now as she held her aim. One of the gators lunged at Wendy, but the officer was ready as she squeezed the trigger. The bullet flew over the teenager's head, flying into the deathly maw as the force threw it off kilter.

Marvin waded into the shore, his lips pursed with stress as he extended both hands to the women.

"UP!" he yelled as they clasped his extended palms. Pulling with surprising strength fueled by adrenaline, the lieutenant staggered to the shore with the two females. But he didn't stop as they ran with a stagger, breath hard and fast toward the exit door nearby.

"Williams! Edwards!" Marvin shouted as he pulled it open with a squeal of angry hinges. Glancing back as the reptiles left the water, he saw them shift and bob across the ground as Rita and Elliot ran toward the exit. Pushing a still gasping Ada and Wendy through, the officers poured through the archway before Marvin slammed it shut with a heavy clang. Pressing his back against it, the barrier thudded moments later as the blow vibrated through his bones.

"Ungh…uh…I've…never…swam that fast…before…" Wendy gasped, her breathing short.

"I woul…would've won…a damn…medal…" Ada breathed deeply, her hands pressed to her knees as the thoroughly soaked dress clung to her form. Looking up at the officers, she nodded a rapid thanks as the stress and fear of immediate death fled her body.

"Are you both alright? Any wounds or injuries?" Marvin asked with heartfelt concern as nearby animals screeched. The brush near the stairs of the observation deck stairs rustled…a low growl emanating from the undergrowth.

"Marvin…we should get up there…quickly" Rita hissed, her firearm raised to the bushes as branches moved.

"Right…you two get ready to move" Marvin told the two as he and Elliot inched forward with Rita. They were cautious…training and reflex kicking in of the possible threat. Wendy groaned, her irritation rising as she still tried to catch her breath.

"Dammit…never a fucking break" Rising to her full height, the girl's chest rose with the dirty and scratched armor. It had been…heavy to swim in. A burning of muscles and lungs. Grabbing her trusty bat, she gripped the handle tight as she and Ada moved toward the stairs by the brick lined path.

It split, one heading south toward administration while the right path would take them to the North Plaza…but it was moot for the moment as two zombified hyena's jumped free of the brush. Their snarls were familiar with the jaws open to bite at the closest women.

Ada ducked, the infected creature sailing over her head by inches as ragged fur prickled the invisible hairs on her arms. And Wendy…she had gone from tired and annoyed to furious in a split second. The girl swung, the metal bat giving a soft whoosh of air before connecting with the second animal. It cracked against the head, almost splitting it open from death as the hyena flew to the ground.

It lay still, the swollen tongue lolling out the side of the mouth as the teenager started to stalk toward the second that was rapidly turning toward Ada.

'BANG! BANG!'

Two bullets slammed into the side of its head, blowing away pieces of fur and skull as Marvin lowered his MP5 to the side. Empty brass hit the ground, revealing him as the shooter.

"Upstairs. Take a few minutes" he ordered. The man's demeanor was tired…exhausted from this hellish day as the group could only agree. Rapidly climbing the thick steps to the Observation Deck styled like a ranger station, the five pushed open the door. Flowing into the room, it was deserted of monsters, threats…or anything dangerous. A small counter and cash register lined the wall near merchandise, but it was silent. Across from it was a gun safe, the contents inside making Elliot grin with childlike glee.

Several binoculars sat on the wide, open air window sill, their purpose abandoned as Branagh brought one to his eyes.

"Gatorade! Thank goodness!" Rita smiled as she opened the running fridge in the corner near the sale counter. Snatching up some blue frost, the officer didn't waste a second before opening and rapidly drinking the contents of chilled blue.

"Definitely a worthy find" Ada complimented as she took a grape drink and helped herself. It ran down her fear dried throat…quenching the parch as Wendy drank Cherry lime with extreme satisfaction.

"The tram's there…past the locked gate. Looks like we did need those medallions after all…" Marvin frowned, the magnification picking up several people banging on the gate…but they looked…alive? One seemed to shout at the other few humans, then they ran…fleeing into the gathering night before vanishing from view. His frustration grew as he pulled the binoculars away. "If only they just stayed a few minutes longer…We would've been down there to help"

'Crash!'

The survivors jumped, spinning toward the noise as Edwards knocked loose glass from the case. Reaching in, he pulled out the Elephant gun like a kid picking out a new toy. Snapping the breech open, he smile grew wider as two shells sat inside.

"Dammit Edwards! Don't scare us like that!" Branagh scolded, his heart fluttering.

"Sorry Marvin…but damn! Look at this sucker!" Elliot preened. Sitting down on a chair, he lay it across his lap as his hands glided across the weapon.

Reaching into his side pouch after turning away, Marvin grasped an anti viral pill as Rita set a full bottle of crisp, cold Gatorade next to him. It was Strawberry-Cherry…a delicious concoction he drank greedily with the medicine keeping the virus at bay.

"Need to dry out my weapons…" Wendy muttered, her bangs pressed to her head as the stitches stung. Disassembling her firearms, she started to clean and dry the interior workings with a simple cloth that was found next to the register. Taking a sip of her Gatorade, she glanced up as Ada joined her.

"Not the typical visit to the zoo I wager…"

"No…not really" Wendy replied, her fingers moving on automatic for the weapon cleaning.

Ada had to admit…she was impressed with the younger woman's knowledge. Her hands moved on auto-pilot…never missing the beat. Something she's only seen in highly trained professionals.

"Who taught you to clean firearms?" the Asian woman inquired. Taking a sip of her drink, the full lips let the liquid pass as Rita and Marvin inventoried their own ammunition supplies with Elliot.

"My big sister, Sam. She's a soldier" Wendy replied automatically as she started to reassemble her pistol.

"Must know her stuff then"

"She does"

Snapping the magazine back in, the teenager kept the weapon in her right hand as the three officers finished reloading and counting.

"Everybody good?" Branagh asked, his gaze studying the four around him as he finished the drink. Tossing the empty bottle to the floor, all he received were light nods from his charges.

"Good. Then let's get the hell out of this zoo" Moving toward the door, he ignored the ever present throb of his bite wound. Walking swiftly down the stairs, he hid the pain as the five walked through the door they needed…and onto the North Plaza.

Trash littered the brickwork of the plaza, the water and light rain giving everything an empty sheen as darkness loomed closer and closer. A lamp-post flickered on their left, a half eaten body propped up against it…well, to the waist anyway. Whoever it had been, the upper torso was just…gone. Only a trail of entrails and chunks of torn viscera was left as the five ignored the corpse and walked past.

A burger bar loomed deserted on Rita's right, splashes of blood dried against the counter as moldy food gathered insects. Another body was slumped over the counter, a knife jammed into the side of her head to the hilt. A few wasps of hair had gathered near her open mouth…but nothing moved as the survivors moved forward past more tiny shops and kiosks.

"This place used to be thriving…kids and happy families having a fun day" Rita commented with a measure of remorse. Stepping over a pile of…rotten flesh that came from something, she darted her head to the side as a nearby howl raged from the zoo. It gurgled…hungry. But it was still somewhat distant as Marvin set a comforting hand on the distressed officer.

They had stopped near the large gate, the heavy steel barrier closed as the two Lion statues stood guard…with their missing medallions. Sitting regal and firm, they were a master craftwork that had stood for decades.

"I know Rita…Raccoon didn't deserve this nightmare. But we need to keep moving and regroup with the others. That helicopter will be here tomorrow…we need to be there before then"

"Yeah…yeah I know…Just I loved this place…it's awful what happened to all the animals here" She whispered softly. Taking a long moment with a heavy breath, she stood taller as she pulled the two medallions from her hip pouch.

"Here, I'll get the other side" Wendy offered, her hand outstretched for the lioness medal. Williams nodded, fingers handing off the object to the girl as she approached the King statue. Gripping it tightly, she slid the circular object into place.

A soft click was heard, followed by a second one moments later from the far left.

The gates groaned…hissed with fatigue and stiffness as old mechanisms swung them open with agonizing slowness…and revealed the Tram car sitting on the platform fifty feet away. It was lit up…powered and undamaged as soft music began to play. Meant for children, the tune was joyous as the vehicle waited for new passengers to take them to the park.

"Finally!" Elliot said with a grinning joy as he started to move toward salvation with the others.

"You think you can really cure this virus in my body, Wendy?" Marvin asked, his spirits lifting after all terror of this place.

"I'll do my best, Marvin. I really will. Let's just hope that the hos—"

She was interrupted by an angry sound of a trunk bellowing from a nearby street. It howled through the air…and the heavy weight of its mass grew louder…louder…and louder with decreasing distance.

'Thump…thump…Thump! ThUMP! THUMP!'

"IT'S HERE!" Ada cried out in stuttered fear as Oscar rounded the far right street corner. His tusks had grown longer…more deadly as several sharpened branches of ivory jutted in random directions. The giant ears flapped with each step, torn and missing skin jumping as multiple wounds and scratches had torn his sides.

'NUUURGHHH!'

His trunk blasted sound...right before he barreled a truck out of his stampede. The vehicle flipped, sparking across the deserted road before crashing through a store window. Glass shattered, spilling across the darkened street as the five human's spread out.

"Don't get cornered!" Ada shouted as she ran back, the elephant charging across the plaza in pursuit of her life. She sprinted toward the gate, the infected animal running at a stunning pace. Gripping her gun, Ada dared to look back…and wished she hadn't as Oscar loomed closer.

Rolling to the side behind the Lion's pedestal and statue near the heavy wall that held the gate, she barely had time to breathe as the young mammoth collided with the sturdy brick work. Shards rained down into her wet hair…a dusting mixing in as it gave another angry bellow of rage. Scooting back as the trunk tried to wave and seek her out, Ada aimed her gun and fired at the prehensile appendage as exhausted adrenaline made her heart pound inside her chest.

'BANG! BANG! BANG!'

The stench of fresh gunpower was an afterthought as the bullets caused a miniscule amount of damage. Nowhere near enough to kill it, but enough to drive the organ away as it bellowed once more. Clomping heavy feet, Oscar turned to the other food in the area. Centering its diseased gaze upon Wendy and Elliot. He started to move toward the duo as they stood near an information stand as the Elephant gained speed.

Rita aimed, her pistol quivering as stress made her shake. The gorilla had been terrible…and the birds…and everything here. It was just a never-ending nightmare as she prepared to fire from the tram platform. An awning was over her head, giving a light respite from the light moisture.

Marvin slapped her hand down, the man shaking his head. "We can't risk him charging into the tram. It's our only escape. Now follow me"

The two ran, beating soaked shoes to the nearby street sidewalk. Raising weapons, both fired their pistols at the furious Oscar. The rounds bloomed against his flank, creating light impacts of cratered flesh among the gray hide…but he didn't even slow…or notice.

Thundering vibrations made Wendy unsteady, the ground trembling like an earthquake as she tried to aim at the charging beast. The laser light of her pistol wavered…barely stable as Oscar ran closer and closer. She fired, hoping to nail him in one of the bulbous eyes that were ripe with redness.

"Damn!" Wendy hissed, the slug snapping past the elephant before smashing into the side of an ice-cream stall. But even if she had hit the monster, Marvin's and Rita's efforts had been entirely ignored.

"Save your pistol rounds! You'll just waste them!" Elliot hollered toward the group as he pressed the long rifle to his shoulder. Peering down the sights as a nearby lamp-post flickered light in the fall of night, the officer squeezed the trigger.

'BOOOM!'

The gun spat flame, flinging the heavy caliber bullet forward as Elliot staggered from the kickback. Flesh tore and was sundered from the slug's passage on the left side of the grey forehead, causing the infected Oscar horrid pain. His head thrashed, moving side to side as he stormed forward toward his attackers. Knocking over a Mr. Raccoon stand, the beast charged without slowing. In fact, it was angrier now as it closed to twenty feet in a matter of seconds.

'RRRUUUNGHHH!'

"FUCK! ROLL!" Wendy screamed as she dove to her right. She hit the ground hard, the shaking stampede barely missing as breath left her lungs in a gasp. Struggling to stand, she found her hand taken by Ada as the two scrambled for distance.

Edwards dove left, his shoulder hitting the ground hard as the crazed Elephant stampeded right into the information kiosk. Papers flew among shattering beams, the wood splintering as Elliot rose to a stable knee. Aiming again, the rifle bloomed a second burst of gunfire.

The bullet tore into the exposed flank, causing damage…but not enough as Oscar let an animal scream resonate through the fallen night.

"Shit…" The officer cursed as he cracked the breech open. Two spent cartridges flew, spinning through the damp air as he reached for fresh ones. Sliding them in as the abomination tried to turn in the mess it had created, the man slammed the reloaded rifle shut.

Oscar had turned, his horrid gaze boring down on the policeman as he raised the rifle to his shoulder. He placed the tree-like limb of his right foot forward as a crosswork of torn skin shone in the night. A light flickered near the destroyed kiosk, illuminating the monstrous elephant for all to see. Tossing his head side to side as rage took over his senses, the tusks hissed and left trails through the air.

The force of footfalls lumbered…crushing shattered wood as stray sheets of paper fluttered against the dirty ground….then Oscar lowered his head to charge once more.

'RRRNNNGHHH!'

The sound pierced the human's ears, drumming like a horrid echo as thundering footsteps grew louder and louder toward Elliot.

"The zoo is now closed"

Elliot squeezed the trigger, pleased with his one-liner.

'BOOM!'

The rifle spat flare and fire once more as Elliot staggered from the blowback against his right shoulder. The aim was dead on however as the slug flashed through the air…and buried itself into the cranium of the diseased Elephant. A cratering of flesh and ruptured skin bloomed inward as bone fragments sliced through the air…and the rampaging beast collapsed to the plaza as momentum tried to carry him. Sliding a few more feet, he finally stopped a mere foot from Elliot as he stood up with the smoking gun aiming downward at his kill.

"Heh…I'm a badass!" Edwards preened with pride as he pressed the muzzle of his rifle to the dead creature's head. It didn't move…only laying still as the light drizzle of rainwater slid between the cracks of his hide.

"Great job, Edwards. Really outstanding" Marvin complimented, his hand grasping his side as his teeth clenched. Rita was trying to lend support, but he waved her off. "I'm fine…just need to rest a bit" he said in dismissal as Wendy approached and studied the older male.

"We need to get you to the hospital soon. You shouldn't even be moving around with that kind of wound anyway. If this was normal, you'd be confined to a bed for a week at least" Wendy stated as the stitches along her head gave a light flare of pain. It throbbed then receded…but she knew a proper rest would soon be needed.

"Then let's get on that trolley car. I'll drive" Rita smiled, her gaze studying the vehicle. Lit up like salvation as interior illumination pierced the darkness around them, it practically screamed safe haven. Resting below a large train awning that had numerous metalwork statues of animals on the supports, it was beckoning the survivors.

Taking a step forward as her dirty shoes splashed in a light puddle, Rita ignored the squishing sensation of her socks. "I'm sooo finding dry socks!"

'Thud!'

Something big had jumped on top of the platform awning, a low growl riding through the air as toe nails clicked on the galvanized metal surface. Two more growls came from the left past the destroyed info kiosk as padded paws clicked and scraped against the pavement. The light of the tram car illuminated them all as another growl rose from the leader's throat.

A lion stalked on the roof, his gaze eyeing the potential meals as his mate sauntered into the light with a cub…and a large, jaguar cat. They sniffed the air…padded feet barely a whisper as the king jumped down and joined them.

"This…this isn't good…" Ada gulped as she started to raise her weapon toward the beasts. The officers were doing the same, preparing to protect themselves as the large cats slowly encircled them.

But…Wendy noticed something. There were no wounds…horrid scratches on any of them. Their chests expanded and contracted with life as intelligent eyes studied the people in their gaze.

"Don't move! They're not infected!" Wendy advised, her words firm.

"No way! We need to kill them before they jump!" Elliot said louder, his fingers itching with fear as the rifle stayed grasped.

"No…if you attack one, they will all attack from multiple angles. Some of us might escape…but not all. And they're not infected…just survivors like us" Wendy warned once more as she took a cautious step forward. "Don't show fear…they can smell it on you. Be the dragon and show your might"

The king of the felines noticed….his amber gaze centering on the smaller human as she made herself known to him…to challenge his authority.

Aslan had kept his mate and cub safe from the sickness of the other prey in the zoo. And while he didn't like the Jaguar near his small pride, he had relented to Aslan's authority. And now that the large beast was dead, he could hunt once more… The human was staring at him…challenging his power as he came up to her. They could practically touch noses…his breath washing over his skin as his mate and cub circled behind the others…ready to strike.

'RRROOOOOOOOAAAARRRR!'

Breath that had feasted on the dead crashed against the short human's face, a move that would make prey run and flee…so he could enjoy the chase. But she didn't move…instead, this human leaned forward with a gaze so steady he could only recognize it as one thing.

The gaze of a predator. A soft growl emanated from her throat, making Aslan stare back. And for a brief moment…he saw something greater than him in her eyes…Strength he couldn't match or fight. Aslan's eyes flinched for a moment…and he knew he had lost to a greater will.

Lowering his head, the lion king gave a soft lick to the human's cheek as he gave a light purr of submission. So long as she conducted herself…he would assent to the creature inside.

A low growl by the lion king had the other large cats stop…then back away as Wendy petted Aslan's head.

"Ohh…your just a big ol' softy cat! Don't worry, I'll help you find food for you and your fellow feline's!" the teenager said with a joyous voice as she started to walk toward the back of the tram car. Opening the sliding door, the fifteen year old stepped in...then was quickly followed by the large felines as they took up places of rest in the vehicle.

"W…what the hell? How did she make a full, grown ass lion back off!?" Elliot uttered in shocked disbelief as the others had watched the...illogical standoff play out.

"It's because cat's love me! Now get on you four!" Wendy waved from the doorway.

'Reow!'

"See? Super friendly!" the girl cheered as she petted the Jaguar behind the ears.

"Just…who the hell is this girl? Taming a lion with a stare? It shouldn't be possible…" Ada asked herself as the others shrugged. They really didn't have a choice at this point…unless they wanted to brave the streets once more. Catching up with a flurry of steps, Ada entered the tram car…and immediately noticed Wendy surrounded by the big felines at the back of the passenger compartment. They surrounded her…splayed out on benches as she petted the young cub with affection.

Marvin sat down near the driver's control, his gaze constantly moving toward the girl…and the cats practically guarding their new leader.

"Did she just become a pack leader?" He whispered to himself, the policeman's mind burning for more information on this strange…and very capable young woman.

Rita gulped, looking toward the back…then toward the controls as the rest of the adults took nearby seats…away from the feline predators. "Ah…I'll…get us moving…" She said in a fearful whisper. Flicking some switches, the blonde woman pushed the throttle forward. The tram jerked lightly…but it was minor as the powered vehicle started to roll down the tracks.

Petting the cub some more, Wendy eyed the burning car at the corner of the first street. Bodies were thrashing…eating at the charred contents as the flames danced in the early evening. Other fires licked at the skyline…but it was distant as more screams and gunshots rang through the open window on her left. The zombies feeding on the crash victims noticed the tram, hideous moans mixing in with the patter of falling rain. One staggered upward, but the trolley had moved on as the corpse stumbled and fell behind. Breathing heavily with relief, Wendy enjoyed the warm comfort of the cats as the female lion nuzzled up to her flank…and gave a light purr. Giving the queen a light pat, she promised to enjoy the short train ride to the next stop.

Rounding a right turning bend in minutes at a relatively clear intersection with just a few zombies gathered outside a building, the survivors left the zoo behind as infected animals hooted and screeched through the night air as light moisture fell on the dying city…

Phew! Longer than I expected! I do hope you all enjoyed this latest chapter! And before you go jumping at me about the lions and his fellow cats, they won't be a constant thing. And as for why they aren't infected? They just happened to survive…or maybe they have an immunity to the virus? Anyway, I hope you all enjoy and leave some positive reviews! And personal note, happy birthday to me…THEHAPPY! 36 years dammit…I wanna be younger again.

Marvin: We really need to get more info about Wendy…

Rita: yeah…but she's been very helpful and brave. I don't think she wants to hurt or betray us…

Ada: Hmmph! Any body that tames a male lion with a stare and growl is just trouble. I'll keep an eye on her…and Jill better not have made a move against that hunk, Leon…

Elliot: You say something, Ada?

Ada: No. Not a thing!

This is thehappy signing off!