Chapter 3: Realization

If Daphne or Fred did not know any better, they would think they were right in the middle of New York City. Helicopters and sirens now filled their usually quiet town. Fred knew he had to take charge of the situation. Daphne was in a distant state and the environment they were in was getting more and more dangerous by the second. Or at least that is what Fred thought. He had no clue what the actual state of his town was. What the outside world was like. All he knew was that it was better to be in a less populated area, somewhere few people lurked. His uncle had a cabin not too far from their house and thought it would be the perfect place to hide out until things died down.

"C'mon Daph, help me pack." He pleaded again. She sighed and unwillingly got up and helped him. Once packed they got in the car and started driving. Daphne was silent despite Fred's attempt to start some conversation. She was never quiet she was the type to never stop talking she was always lighthearted and goofy cracking jokes even in the most serious situations. During their ghost-hunting days she would always try to lighten the mood with a sly remark. Now she was silent. He looked at her, she was relaxed into the seat it almost looked like she was sleeping. Her eyes were lightly closed, and her arms were laid out one on the center console and the other on the arm rest. At least she looks comfortable Fred thought. He ran his free hand through her hair, she slowly opened her eyes and mumbled something he could not quite hear.

"What,"

"I said I forgot to bring alcohol," she said softly. Fred chuckled, "I think we'll be ok without it,"

"I am not doing this sober Fred Jones,"

"We're heading to my uncle's cabin, I'm sure there will be something,"

"Better be, or I'm gonna be a bitch," she joked.

They arrived shortly after. Fred slowly inspected the inside of the cabin to make sure it was empty. Once he cleared it Daphne darted for the liquor cabinet and pulled out a handle of whiskey. Without hesitation she poured herself a glass.

"Want some," she offered.

"Nah, I'm good I'm gonna try and start a fire." He gave her a warm smile which she returned. If it really was the end of the world, she was glad she had him. She still did not fully believe what was happening all the news told her was that a virus was causing people to go crazy…go cannibalistic. She still had hope everything would return to normal. She knew Fred on the other hand was fully prepared to go into a post-apocalyptic world. Ever since he was a kid, he was fascinated by supernatural things she even recalled a time he was obsessed with mole people. Such a dork she thought. She finished the rest of her whiskey and poured herself another one. Her main goal was to get drunk and go right to sleep she needed her mind at ease and the whiskey was going to help her with that.

"Alright, Daph fires started," Fred stated to which she groaned something in reply.

"You're drunk already," Fred asked raising an eyebrow walking over to his fiancé who was now sprawled out on the couch.

"Yes, I am a lightweight," she slurred. Towering over her he quickly scooped her up in his arms causing her to giggle uncontrollably.

"Take me to bed, darling," He carried her into the master bedroom plopping her down on the bed.

"Y'know you are supposed to lay me down gently,"

"Yeah... but where's the fun it that," he teased, she shook her head, kicked her shoes off, and got herself comfortable. Fred went back to the main part of the cabin walking towards the front door he locked it and grabbed a nearby chair placing the back of it underneath the doorknob he wanted to make sure nothing could get in. He checked all the windows making sure they were locked as well. Satisfied he went back into the master bedroom; he knew his uncle had hunting rifles stored in the closet. Opening the closet door, he was delighted with the sight of a rifle grabbing it he opened the chamber to check if it was loaded. Shit empty he walked toward the nightstand opening the drawer to find bullets and a revolver. Bingo.

Daphne slowly woke up groggy as hell. Her head was pounding she desperately needed water. Sensitive by the light she slowly but surely got up, found her way to the kitchen, and poured herself a glass of water. Squinting over she saw Fred sitting on the couch nonchalantly handling guns.

"Really Fred, guns,"

"Yeah Daph, we have to have some sort of protection,"

"Against what?!" she yelled throwing her hands up an action she immediately regretted the pounding in her head growing stronger.

"Against what?!" Fred exclaimed surprised by her question, "Against those infected people who think eating and attacking people is a great idea!"

"Those 'infected' people are being taken care of by the military and by the way if they see a crazy man walking around town with guns, they'll have no problem showering you with bullets," she spat careful not to raise her voice again.

"Sorry Daph, I'm not leaving this place without them," firm on his words she let out a defeated sigh and sat down next to him.

"I want to check on Velma and Shaggy and your parents today I want to get their opinion on things more so on how crazy your acting," she said shooting him a glare.

"Ok," he said not wanting to look her in the eye, "Let's do it now before it gets dark," he replied with the same icy tone. He got up and grabbed the guns and bullets he found. She forgot they stayed up all night her sleep schedule was all messed up and she wondered if Fred got any sleep, but it did not look like it.

Arriving at Fred's parents they were met with an eerie sight. Shattered windows and the front door left wide opened gently swaying with the wind.

"Stay in the car," Fred said grabbing the rifle from the back.

"What? No, I'm coming with,"

"Ugh, then just stay behind me," Fred said getting out of the car and running into the house Daphne grabbed the revolver and ran in after him. Once inside they saw that the house was a complete mess as if a tornado rampaged through it.

"Jesus," Daphne said under her breath.

"I heard something upstairs!" Fred said rushing up the stairs. "Careful Freddie!" Daphne whispered following him. Clinging to their guns they followed the noises to the master bedroom. Horrified they saw two 'infected' people ripping apart the corpses of Fred's parents. Fred's mother was lying on the bed it looked like she was attacked while sleeping. Fred's father on the other hand was on the ground face down he tried to get away. Daphne immediately let out a loud gasp at the sight causing the infected to direct their attention towards them. Fred shot one killing it instantly he pointed towards the other one only to hear the horrible sound of a click he forgot his gun was a one shot. Fearing for the worst he shut his eyes and tensed his body trying to prepare himself for the attack. Before the infected person got to him Daphne shot two rounds into it. It collapsed in front of Fred. Throwing his rifle, he backed towards the wall and slowly slid down he pulled his knees to his head and started hyperventilating. With a shaky hand Daphne slowly lowered her gun unable to tear her eyes away from the disfigured corpses she once knew as Mr. and Mrs. Jones.