Beth dropped her weapon as she ran over to him. Francis' arms immediately wrapped around her the very second she jumped in them; he cradled her tightly against his chest and rested his face on the top of her head.

"My God…" he murmured, his cracking voice only audible in her ears. "You're alive...thank God you're alive…"

He swayed lightly side to side on the spot and pulled her closer to him as Beth huddled into his chest. Gripping onto his vest with tears silently leaking from her tensely closed eyes down her cheeks. She softly whimpered when she moved to wrap her arms around and tuck her face into the strong column of his neck.

"Hold on," Zoey softly began, as everyone watched in wonder. "You guys know each other?"

"We do." The biker said, not looking at them. "For a long, long time."

"What?" Ian muttered quietly.

Jordan carefully observed the large man in silence with narrowed eyes, as if trying to remember something. After a minute his face lit up. "Alright. I know who you are."

Francis gazed at him.

"She's told me about you."

Keirstan leaned against a counter crossing her arms warily. "Well, you got a name or what?"

"That's Francis." Bill introduced. Amber nodded.

Louis smiled warmly as Bill watched. He never thought Francis had this side of him. It appeared the biker didn't care if anyone saw he was showing affection. They kept holding onto each other in their embrace; Beth sniffled through her stuffy nose and exhaled through her mouth. "I missed you…"

"Missed you too kid." He chuckled lightly, resting his chin on the top of her head now. "I was so damn worried…"

The realization hit Zoey. Why he was acting so strange. He was thinking about this girl. He was scared-no, absolutely terrified for her. He didn't look like the kind of man who would care about anyone other than himself so much as she was witnessing, all because of his appearance and demeanor.

She also smiled at the sight.

Francis looked around again with his eyes before he finally and tenderly pulled her away. "Where's your sister?" He asked, concern clear in his voice again.

"I uh," Beth glanced around "she was just…"

"You talking about the kid in black?" Bill spoke up, "if so she was just by me. Don't know where she went though."

Amber sighed, throwing her hand out. "She has a tendency to wander off." She made a walking motion with two fingers. "Probably went out back as Keirstan said, or to the truck. She's got the keys."

"I ain't sticking around in here anymore," Keirstan then piped up while collecting her weapons. "This smell's getting to me."

"Yeah let's go." Ian agreed.

Jordan gave the two a kind look once they began to head outside. It felt nice to see how happy and relieved Beth looked. He walked beside her as she held Francis' arm which made the biker chuckle again. "Kayla you asshole where'd ya go?" Amber called, though not too loudly for more unwanted attention to hear. Keirstan led the way around the store and soon the truck appeared with their last member sitting on one of the vehicle's bed rails. Holding and sharpening her knife. Her head turned and upon seeing Louis, Bill and Zoey following her friends, suddenly held a bitter glare. Signaling she wasn't pleased in seeing the strangers. Zoey and Louis paused in their tracks as Bill just nodded when the girl sized them up.

"Stop wandering off!" Ian scowled in interruption.

She stared at the three for another moment before shifting her attention at her friend, and gestured with her knife to the truck. "This isn't wandering off."

Zoey observed the knife. It was big for sure. From what she could guess, it was sixteen inches in length. The stainless steel blade with a sawtooth edge being approximately twelve inches long and the handle another four. She looked from the weapon to its owner and was met with that cautious stare again.

"That's Michaela, we all call her Kayla for short. This is Zoey, Louis and Bill." Keirstan explained, pointing to each of them.

"Hey," Zoey warmly greeted as Louis flashed a peace sign.

Kayla's appearance was also North American Caucasian. Like everyone else in her group she was unknowingly to the three in her very early twenties. She looked to be about 5'2 in height and had the medium dark brown, silky shoulder length hair now pulled back in a ponytail. Her built was also small, there was a small scar on her left cheek and freckles also dotted her skin in various places; while her eyes were a dark blue-hazel. Her left eye was a noticeably lighter shade in color than her right eye.

"Sorry guys, she's not a people person." Amber apologized.

"Neither is Francis," Bill replied.

At the sound of the name, Kayla's expression softened as if she recognized it. "Wait, who?"

"Stupid!"

Kayla looked in the direction of Beth's voice, her eyes growing large upon seeing her and Jordan standing in the back pointing at him. He was smiling with relief, looking tired but otherwise relieved. He raised his hand and waved.

"...Francis?..."

"Hey Kayla," he softly greeted when she jumped from the truck, her knife clattering in the bed. She stood there staring in disbelief.

"It's me sweetheart." He confirmed when they started to walked over. Hearing his voice again made her visibly tense. Her face fell in realization that she wasn't imagining this. She bolted for him, shortening the distance between them and into his now awaiting embrace. He grinned when she did. As with Beth, he instantly wrapped his arms around her little body and held her close. His own visibly relaxed from the rest of the stress it held. Her arms also wrapped around his neck as she nestled into him, and he bowed his head onto hers.

"Wow, that's the most affection I've ever seen from her!" Jordan laughed in a friendly manner, with Ian in agreement as they all once again looked on. "I can say the same with that brute." Bill said kindly.

"Who are they to him?" Louis asked in curiosity. Ian shrugged.

Francis grinned wider as he cradled her close. "You're ok…" he quietly said. Gently stroking her hair. His voice, also a bit shaky.

Jordan went over to the truck as the group moved around, some occasionally looking over at Francis and Kayla until they slowly let go of one another. He rubbed her head gently, with pure relief still washed over his face.

Zoey observed the bodies and eventually spotted one of the odd-looking impish special infected. Lying mutilated beyond recognition. She could still tell it wasn't familiar by examining its body shape and mutations.

"What is that thing?" She asked. Keirstan turned and walked over upon hearing her question and stared at the corpse for a few seconds in silence. "Oh. That, that's a junk-uh, Jockey."

"What were you gonna call it?" Zoey smirked, looking at her. "A junkie."

"Junkie."

"Yeah," Keirstan calmly looked at her "they look like they were on a lot of drugs before they mutated. And the shit they were on took its toll."

Zoey pursed her lips and nodded with hands to hips. "So how do you know they're called Jockeys?"

Keirstan motioned a finger to follow. Her new acquaintance reached into the truck's glove box and pulled out a packet. "We found this during the beginning of outbreak one night on the road." She started, grabbing Louis', Bill's and Francis' attention. Zoey took it and looked it over. There was a biohazard label and the words "top secret" in bold on the cover. "Must've fallen out of a window from a truck or something. Inside is information about this green flu. There's eight of these special infected bastards, three will be new to you. Since I'm sure you already know about the other five." Keirstan concluded with her arms crossed again. Zoey opened the packet with her group staring over her shoulders now. They were startled seeing a series of scientific numbers, photos of infected body cells and data charts.

"I hate science and math. I never understood it well in school." Francis grumbled.

The four scanned the strange sets for a moment before Zoey slowly flipped through the pages. Until a section they were determined to read was found.

The Green Flu:

Identified as the "Green Flu" by the government organization CEDA, this unknown and highly infectious disease seems to be a heavily mutated rabies-like pathogen. The strain attacks the hosts brain, causing them to lose higher brain functions. This causes the hosts to become extremely violent, homicidal and angry. Even completely overtaken by adrenaline, allowing the victims to vault over barbed fences within seconds. The virus was also observed it mutates daily, with the extensive mutations arising from common factors. Infected individuals may acquire various mutations such as enlarged tongues, enhanced muscles, large claw-like fingers, incredible strength and resistance and acidic fluid buildup. These factors and the origin of the disease is unknown. It was classified as a biohazard level four.

"Did they mention this on the news? Kinda forgot." Francis inquired.

"Not...everything." Louis answered.

'That's how these mutations work…' the analyst thought back to when Bill had found Boomer vomit on a corpse in an alley, wiping it on Francis' vest. Before they were attacked by the horde.

The report went on explaining further about the infection. It horrified them, although they didn't show it. Zoey moved on to the special infected reports, there was a picture of each one beside the write ups. The enemies yet to be faced included the Spitter. It had an elongated neck and ruined jaw and nose. The report noted it is able to spit up large balls of mutated stomach acid which causes extreme harm upon contact, and usually forms into a large burning pool on the ground. Guesses were made that the acid was what caused the damage inflicted on its body.

Next there was a Charger. Mutations are similar to the Tank's but its legs are better at supporting its weight. The muscle mass increased excessively in either its right or left shoulder and arm, while the other shrunk into a useless limb. It was believed the body broke down to add to the bulk, which was also added in either leg. Causing the infected to lean to one side and ripping its clothes. It was reported to charge, grab a victim and pumble them to death.

Then there was the Jockey. The mutation had developed a large lump of muscle mass on the upper back and neck, making it jump around like a Spider-Monkey. The limbs were enlarged and the lips and skin of the lower jaw were either chewed or ripped away, the report read possibly due to mania. Giving it a skeletal look. The Jockey is animal-like and leaps on its victims. Pulling them around while tearing violently at their flesh.

"Have you uh, seen a Spitter or a what is it, a Charger?" Bill asked.

"No. Not yet at least. I think they're more common down south. But probably moving up here considering we've seen two Jockeys already. I don't know." Keirstan replied while taking the packet back.

Francis held back a snicker. 'Hillbilly infected.'

"Someone we went to college with became one."

Francis immediately frowned. 'Oh…'

The four of them watched her in sadness and surprise. "A Jockey?" Louis quietly guessed. "Yeah. It was...it sounded terrifying. I didn't see what happened. Beth did."

The biker's face fell anxiously. He turned to her, seeing she was standing close by and looking away. "I did," she nodded, obviously thinking about it. "He was...he was ripping pieces and chunks of skin off around his mouth and eyes when I found him. It was during all the panic. When he saw me he started begging me to help him. Screaming that it hurts or it itches. He was laughing really...maniacally while saying it. I mean he laughed kinda crazily before but it was different. It was so wrong…and I ran. I was too scared to do anything. I just left him..."

The four were silent while listening to the experience. Francis made a small noise like he was about to say something but trailed off. He couldn't imagine the fear, the absolute terror she must have felt. "Beth," Keirstan piped up hearing the guilt in her voice. "He was far too gone to be saved. He would've killed you. We did what we could to help the others, but we can't save everyone."

"I know."

Francis stretched his arms out to her. "C'mere."

He pulled her in for another hug and she instantly returned it. He rubbed her head as Kayla, Jordan, Ian and Amber looked on in sorrow.

Bill took in a breath, "alright. I think we should save the rest of our stories till we find a secure place to hold up in. The sun's setting, and as I've said we can't stay out in the open like this."

"Yeah." Louis muttered, a little surprised seeing how quick it was getting dark out. "I guess it's safe to say we're sticking together right?" He added a chuckle for humor.

"Of course!" Ian said, "um…" he looked at their vehicle remembering it only held five people in the cabin. They had to squeeze all six of themselves inside. "Some of us are gonna have to ride in the trunk. Mm! I guess I will."

"Hey no, I want to," Beth pointed to herself after snapping out of her thoughts. "Ya both can!" Amber reminded as they went to make room in the trunk by pushing small bags and their weapons out of the way, and tossing an empty chainsaw out. Kayla grabbed her knife and sheathed it, then watched Francis and Louis walk over to another truck across the street to take the camper shell in order to protect themselves from the elements. They proceeded to put it on, when Bill noticed something in the trunk and picked it up.

"Why do ya have a bloody chain back here?" The veteran eyed the kids strangely.

Everyone looked at it before noticing Kayla had smiled slyly, making the others in her group other than Beth who just half-closed her eyes and raise her eyebrows, suddenly look stressed. "You'll just find out I guess." Ian said.

They moved on. Louis, Bill and Zoey all eyed Francis suspiciously as he looked at them. "What? How am I supposed to know?"

"You somehow know two of them." Zoey pointed out.

"And I just found them." The biker gazed down. He bit his bottom lip, as she and Louis watched him. "...I'll explain everything in a little bit." He said after a silence.

"I'm driving," Jordan announced. "No, I'm driving!" Kayla exclaimed. "You've been driving all day."

"I don't care and I still am 'cause I've got the keys." She bragged, pulling them out then away as Jordan tried to reach for them. "Alright you two!" Beth called as they squinted their eyes at one another. "How 'bout I drive," Keirstan suggested, walking through and taking them by surprise. Jordan huffed a laugh and Kayla flicked him off.

Everyone finally clambered inside. Francis, Beth, Ian, Bill, Louis and Zoey in the trunk while the rest sat in the cabin. Francis pulled out supplies to clean and cover his cuts up, while Ian slid a small window to the cabin open right as Amber made a question. "Did we even grab what we went back for?"

"Nope."

"Then why did we go back?"

"It's a good thing we did," Jordan said.

The truck rumbled off and soon the passengers felt the tires roll over bodies leaving bloody track marks behind. Zoey cringed at the impact as the survivors in the cabin talked about something. "So did you guys all went to the same college?"

"Yup. We also escaped from our campus together…" Ian's voice trailed off, "it was...awful. Not all of our friends made it. I don't know who got away."

"I can already tell you guys have close friendships with each other," Louis said as he looked over to Beth, who was nestled in between Francis' side and arm. He was holding her close again which deepened his curiosity. "Who's the oldest among you guys?"

"Kayla."

"Uh?" Kayla looked back at them.

"You're age."

"Oh. Yeah. I'm older than all of these savages." She said, gesturing to Ian and Beth, and everyone in the cabin. "Savages? Says the one who blew up that tanker, which blew up those cars next to it, which send one flying into that gas station, which also blew up and knocking down the building beside it." Jordan scoffed.

"What?!" Bill, Louis and Zoey yelled in alarm, eyes wide, as Francis' jaw slacked with astonishment. Beth and Ian groaned at the memory.

"I'm not lying about this." Jordan added eyeing the trunk passengers.

"It was a big horde. I panicked."

"You were laughing."

"Fight me scrub I was SAVING OUR LIVES."

"Yeah ok."

"The explosion killed 'em off. We're still here."

"Thankfully!"

"I'll cut you."

Francis' laughed heartily as Bill stared on in bewilderment. "How the Christ did you do all that at once?"

"She threw three pipe bombs at the truck." Amber pinched the bridge her nose as she too was thinking of the memory while Jordan and Kayla bickered at one another.

Keirstan sighed through her nose; lips pursed.

Louis then listened intently at the bickering while Francis covered his mouth with the side of his fist in an attempt to control his laughter. "Do they always argue like this?" The analyst asked. "No. Don't worry, they're friends. But they do pick on each other. A lot." Beth exaggerated the last word. "Oh alright." Louis said. Then added, "hey Zoey, how old are you since you're a college student too?"

"Twenty."

"What?" Kayla looked at her.

"I'm twenty."

"Damn woman you're older than her too you ancient fuck." Amber smirked.

"Stop being older than everyone!" Beth joked.

"Excuse me for being born."

"At least you ain't older than Bill. That'd be a problem." Francis reminded. "That'd be a very worrisome problem." Kayla agreed, giving him a concerned expression. "Which one's Bill again?"

The biker pointed a thumb at the veteran who closed his eyes.

"How old are yo-AAHH!" Louis shrieked when the truck slammed to a sudden halt. The survivors were thrown forward, crying out different things. Kayla eyed the driver intensely, seeing Keirstan staring out the windshield. Her bottom lip quivering.

"A Raccoon's crossing the road. What a precious boy he is!" She said the last two words aggressively as Kayla looked to see a large, beautiful trash Panda disappearing into some grass.

"Oh! What a sweet soul! I love him."

They continued on, the group feeling relief nothing was wrong.

…

Dusk had arrived. Keirstan drove into a deserted messy driveway leading to a large two-story house. A very large blood stained the front of the building, and more on the porch. They all climbed out with weapons ready, guns pointed, scanning their darkening surroundings. It was quiet, some nodded to each other signaling it was alright.

Keirstan pulled the truck into a large, empty garage after some things were grabbed from the bed. She shut the engine off and locked the truck up.

Carefully and silently, Francis and Bill led the way inside with flashlights and guns still drawn. Their eyes searched the eerie home, noticing they were coming in through the kitchen. Bill flicked on a light switch, weakly illuminating the room. It was a disaster, with pots and pans scattered around the floor, broken dishes, cabinet doors left open and food boxes and containers thrown all over the place. The table was also knocked over and the chairs were broken. With old blood here and there.

"Let's make a quick sweep." Bill suggested.

Zoey locked the door as the others ventured further into the home. No section was better than the kitchen. Furniture was pushed around, some up against the front door in an attempt to keep the infected out. A window was cracked, some curtains were torn and blowing gently in the breeze. Lamps and knick knacks were knocked around and or shattered, and some picture frames had fallen off the wall. The floorboards creaked under their feet until they hit carpet, and Louis peered his eyes up the staircase, fearing what may be discovered.

All spread out in search for any unpleasant surprises. Zoey investigated the second floor with Jordan and Ian. They found clothes tossed everywhere, every bedroom was left with deserted duffel bags half full of belongings on the floor. The three checked closets, corners, the attic and even under the beds. The more they looked around, the safer it was to say clear.

"It's all good up here!" Ian called down as Zoey marched down the steps.

"Clear!" Amber yelled, with Beth repeating the word from a man cave.

"Clear as well," Bill stated from the living area, as Louis double checked the kitchen. "Yup!"

Keirstan and Kayla hollered back from the laundry room and restroom it was ok.

"It's clear in here too." Francis reported from the garage as he closed the door.

With the sweep over, the group worked together in locking and barricading the house up. Closing the curtains and dimming lights in the process.

Francis heard Amber call for Kayla and Beth from upstairs afterwards. He gazed at them as they disappeared up the steps, and he smiled in content after them.

He was just so happy they were ok.

"Francis."

The biker quirked at the sound of his name. Seeing Bill motioning with his head to come over from the kitchen with Zoey and Louis waiting.

"Alright, now can you tell us who those two are?" Zoey asked when he entered.

…

"Who is that guy?" Keirstan quietly questioned, motioning a finger at the stairs. The six were assembled in a bedroom, with herself, Ian and Amber standing in front of Beth and Kayla. Jordan sat on the bed with his arms crossed. "I know who he is." He bragged.

"Good on ya, we don't." Ian hissed.

"Ah shit we forgot to tell the rest of you." Kayla remembered as she rubbed an eye. So Beth took in a breath and began to explain.

…

"...Ok." Francis sighed as he sat on a counter. He quietly stared at the debris below him and held his hands together for a long moment as his friends watched, waiting for an answer. He cleared his throat at last. "So, um...you guys wouldn't guess this about me because of me being...me."

"Go on?" Louis inquired. Bill raised an eyebrow.

"I uh..." Francis glanced at them. "I raised them."