Chapter 3: Signs Of Life
September 28th 1998. 12.34pm.
Ellie was awoken by gunfire; she had slept just over 11 hours.
Ellie: It's coming from the Hall..
She stretched, sat up and looked around, the library was the same. It didn't look like anyone had been in since earlier. She opened the door behind her and stepped out onto the third floor balcony of the main Hall. Daylight filled the precinct, but the evil inside remained. Down at ground level, near the entrance to the precinct, she saw a group of citizens fighting off a few zombies. They seemed to be succeeding.
Ellie: I have to get closer..
She limped back into the library, down the stairs and out of the double doors onto the second floor balcony, not noticing the zombie just a few feet away. She looked down once more. The action was a lot closer, and she could see more clearly. Down below a male and a female stood next to the statue on the far side, and just below her, there was a man dressed in some kind of uniform. They were all firing at the zombies coming through the entrance. The woman noticed Ellie, and shouted to her:
Woman: Hey..hey lady!!
Ellie glanced over to her. Then the man below spoke.
Man: Hey..look out!!
Man2: Behind you!!
Ellie: Shit!
She turned around just as the zombie lunged at her. It grabbed Ellie by the waist with both hands, and leaned over to take a bite from her neck. She fully extended her arms onto the zombie's shoulders and pushed, trying not to let its mouth come any closer. Just then, there was a gunshot. A bullet whizzed past Ellie, who had her back to the balcony edge, and hit the zombie between the eyes. It released its grip and fell to the ground, quivering. The shot from the gun had startled Ellie; she lost her bearings and inadvertently leaned over the edge of the balcony.
Man: Watch out! You're going to fall!!
It was too late, her balance had gone and she fell over the edge. The man below took a few steps forward, one to the right, and then back again, trying to position himself under her.
Ellie: EEEEKKK!!!
She screamed as she was falling, but luckily the guy below caught her before she hit the ground. The other male and the woman finished off the last few zombies that were coming through the entrance, then ran towards it to shut the door. The echoes of gunfire faded, and the Hall became calm once more.
Man: Nice of you to drop in..what's your name?
He placed her feet back onto the firmness of the ground and stood back off her. Ellie: My name's Ellie Rose, thanks for catching me. I didn't see that zombie coming.
Man: I'm Brad Vickers, S.T.A.R.S Alpha team.
Ellie glanced at him with a concerned look on her face.
Brad: Nice to meet you. Rose? Hmm, sounds familiar, you got a relative who works here?
Ellie: Yeah, well. Worked might be a better word. She's been missing for a while now; I came to Raccoon City to look for her.
Man2: On your own? Are you crazy? No offence, but this aint the kinda place you wanna be comin' to alone, you know what I'm saying?
Hearing this, the woman walked from the door over to Ellie and put a hand across her shoulder. She then glanced back at the man.
Woman: Lay off her Ed!! Can't you see she's had a hard time?
Ed: Oh yeah that's right, you women gotta stick together, it's always the same. You don't think we've had a hard time too?
Brad: Please...guys...this isn't the time or the place. Ellie, you're wounded.
He looked down at her bandaged foot.
Ellie: No, it's fine really, ouch!!
Woman: Well it doesn't look fine to me. Here, let me take care of it.
The woman helped Ellie around to the desk in front of the emergency ladder and sat her down on the edge.
Ed was clearly outraged. He was traumatized by the whole experience of living through this nightmare. He had begun to take it out on others.
Ed: Oh great!! The kid's only gonna slow us down. I say we just put a bullet inside her and get the hell outta here before more of those undead monsters break through the door.
Brad: Hey, no-ones going to shoot anyone.
Ed: Yeah, that's what you think.
He walked over to Ellie and raised his gun to her head. Before he could shoot, both the woman and Brad pulled out there own guns and aimed them at Ed. The three of them went still for a moment.
Ellie: Guys!! Take it easy yeah? No-one's going to survive if we blow each others brains out. Now would you mind getting that gun out of my face please?
Ed lowered his gun and walked over into the corner of the room. He leaned against the wall and began scratching his head.
Brad turned around and looked up at the emergency ladder.
Woman: That shut them up.
They both smiled at each other. The woman took off Ellie's trainer and felt her foot.
Woman: You're a tough girl Ellie, seems like you've had a rough time.
Ellie: Well, it serves me right for jumping across garage roofs.
The woman laughed and pulled a spray-can from a pouch which she wore around her waist.
Woman: This is gonna sting a little bit but you'll be ok..
Ellie: What is it?
Woman: It's a cooling spray, it'll ease the pain. Then I'll put a fresh bandage on for you.
Ellie: Thanks...ummm..what's your name?
The woman used the spray on Ellie's ankle. She winced slightly due to the cold, waiting for the woman to reply.
Woman: I'm Lucy; I work over at the city Hospital, that is until it was attacked by those things. Let's get that bandage changed.
She reached into her pouch once more and retrieved a fresh bandage. As she began dressing the twisted ankle, Ellie gazed across at Ed. He was black, bald, tall and looked like he was in his late forties. He was wearing a long waterproof coat and trousers.
Ellie: What's his story?
She nodded across to Ed. Lucy turned and looked at him.
Lucy: I dunno. I've only know him about ten minutes. I bumped into him and Brad as I was coming into the station. Just as we were entering those zombies attacked us, that's when we met you.
Brad: You talking about Ed?
Lucy: Yeah, how did you meet him?
Brad: He's an old friend. He gets like this sometimes; you just have to bear with him.
Ellie: Well as long as he doesn't kill me I'm sure I'll get along with him just fine.
Ellie looked up at Brad. He was wearing a yellow sleeveless jacket. Underneath he had a white t-shirt which displayed the S.T.A.R.S logo on the right shoulder. She recognized him from the photo she had seen inside the S.T.A.R.S office. Then she remembered about the monster that attacked her. Why was it after the S.T.A.R.S members? She needed to warn Brad, but felt that now wasn't a good time.
Lucy: All done, how does that feel?
Ellie:..uummm.yeah.yeah that feels great. Thank-you.
Lucy: You ok, something bothering you?
Ellie: No no, I'm fine now thanks.
Ellie smiled at her. Lucy was wearing black leather bottoms and a tight, low-cut, red t-shirt. She also had blonde hair, which was tied back. She stood up and turned to Brad.
Brad: We need to get onto higher ground. More of those zombies could get through at anytime.
Lucy: Your thinking of the balcony above us right?
Brad: Exactly.
He pointed over to the double doors on the 1st floor that Ellie had entered not long after arriving at the R.P.D.
Brad: Those doors over there have been boarded up, so I think the only safe way to get up would be to climb. How did you get up there Ellie?
Ellie: I went through the double doors, they weren't blocked before. But I think I've got a good idea who did it.
Lucy: Who?
Ellie: Chief Irons. He's been trying to block off the exits to trap everyone in here.
Brad: What? But that's insane.
Ellie: He is insane. He doesn't want anyone to escape the precinct alive.
Lucy: But why?
Ellie: I don't know, but I have gut feeling that he knows where my sister is.
Lucy: Then we've gotta find him right?
Brad: Wait a minute. You think that he's got something to do with your sister's disappearance?
Ellie: I read her diary. He went on a date with her the night she went missing.
Brad: I don't understand. The chief wouldn't..
He was interrupted by an outburst from Ed.
Ed: Sorry to get in the way of your chit-chat, but we got company..
The group turned to see a group of zombies break through the main door to the precinct.
Lucy: Those things never give up.
Ellie: There's about 12 of them.
Brad: We've gotta get up to the balcony. Ed, do you think you could take my weight?
Ed: Sure, what you got in mind?
Brad: Lucy, how much do you weigh?
Lucy: 11 stone, why?
Brad: Ok here's the plan. I'll stand on Ed's shoulders, and then Lucy should be able to climb and reach the balcony edge if she stands on mine. From there Lucy, you can climb up and release the emergency ladder so that we can follow you up ok?
Lucy: Sounds good.
Ellie: You guys better make it quick.
Ed leaned against the wall and Brad climbed onto his shoulders, using the wall to retain his balance.
Brad: Ok Lucy, come on.
Lucy: One moment.
She turned to Ellie who was watching the zombies come closer and closer.
Lucy: Ellie, take my gun.
Ellie: But I've....
Lucy: You're gonna need it, those things are fast. See if you can pick a few off.
Lucy handed the Berretta to her and then started to climb. Ellie gritted her teeth together and fired aimlessly at the army of zombies. Ed also pulled out his gun and began to fire as he struggled to hold the weight of both Brad and Lucy. His legs were trembling as Lucy made it to the top of Brad's shoulders.
Ed: I dunno how much longer I can keep this up guys.
He emptied his clip into a couple of zombies and threw his gun to the floor. He gripped his hands around Brad's legs, trying to steady himself. Meanwhile Ellie had taken out three zombies from the advancing mob. However she was fast running out of bullets.
Ellie: Hurry up, there's still eight of those things left. Wait, there are more coming through the door!!! Another six of them.
Lucy: Shit. C'mon, almost..there...
Lucy was balancing precautiously on the tips of her toes, stretching to reach the edge of the balcony above.
Ed's feet were slowly sliding from underneath him. Ellie managed to down another zombie, but the clip in her gun ran out soon after. Ellie: They're moving up both ramps guys and I'm out of ammo!!!
Ed's legs were now at a 40 degree angle to the floor. He wasn't going to hold out much longer. His teeth were clasped together, sweat was pouring down his face and he was shaking.
Ed: I..can't..hold.on. AHHHHHH..
He released his grip and began to fall to the ground. Lucy could feel Brad falling beneath her and made a last ditch attempt at grabbing the balcony. She jumped at the last second and clutched the edge with the fingertips of her left hand.
Lucy: Yes I got it!! Woahhhh!!
She looked down below as she strengthened her grip to two hands. Brad had also fallen down, right on top of Ed.
Ellie: They're coming!!!! Lucy quick!!!
Ellie was positioned at the corner of the desk on the right hand side of the emergency ladder. She was crouched down, peeking over the top of the desk at the zombies. Lucy was hanging just left of the emergency ladder, trying to pull herself up. Ed pushed Brad off of him and ran to the opposite end of the desk to Ellie, while Brad pulled himself to his feet and stood below the ladder. The zombies were closing in.
Ed: Alright guys, time to show these freaks whose boss.
Ed rose to his feet and stood tall. He un-buttoned his long raincoat and pulled it open revealing two handguns and a shotgun. He pulled out the handguns and threw one to Brad. After catching the weapon, Brad immediately began firing, taking out three zombies. Ed slid the other gun from one end of the desk down to the other where Ellie was positioned. She grabbed the gun and also began firing towards the undead that were coming up her side of the Hall.
Ed: Now it's my turn!!!.........Eat this!!
He cocked his shotgun and fired. The blast took out two zombies. They flew back down the ramp, knocking into the others and slowing them down.
Brad: Nice shooting Ed, but they just keep coming!!!
Ellie blasted a zombie through the head and looked back briefly towards Lucy. She was still hanging from the edge.
Lucy: Ok...here.goes nothing.
She used all her strength to hoist herself up, using a leg as leverage to help her. She gripped a bar from the railing and used it to her advantage. Lucy was finally up; she hopped over the railing and firmly onto the second floor. But there was another problem.
Lucy: Oh shit..
Ellie: Lucy, release the ladder!!!
Lucy: Ummm, I got a problem here...
Ellie kept firing. Ed blasted another two zombies. Brad also downed a few.
Brad: What's wrong?!!
There were two lickers approaching Lucy. One was coming from the right and the other from the back wall straight ahead.
Lucy: There are monsters...looking at me...they're coming closer...
Ed: Do you want us ALL to die? Just release the ladder while you still can!!!!
Lucy decided to make a sudden move towards the ladder switch. Of course, this alerted the licker closest to her. It dived forward through the air. Lucy stopped what she was doing and dropped to the ground, failing to press the switch. The licker continued to sail through the air, over the railing and off the edge of the balcony. The monster landed in the small space in front of the desk that the group was hiding behind. Ellie, Brad and Ed stopped firing, rose to their feet and looked at the licker. Ellie recognized it.
Ellie: FREEZE!!!!!!
The three of them stood perfectly still, but the zombies kept moving towards them, distracting the licker. It went crazy, leaping over the desks onto the ramps and attacking everything that moved. It knocked zombies to the ground and banged into them, clearly confused by all of the movement around it.
Ellie: Trust me. Just hold still, don't move. It senses movement.
Brad: ...oh..
Ed:...right...
They were clearly quite surprised by what they were witnessing, as the licker continued to wreak havoc upon the advancing zombies. Meanwhile, Lucy was slowly backing away from the switch. The other licker was moving in on her and she was too scared to keep still. She had given her gun to Ellie and had no means to attack the creature.
Lucy: Just stay back..shit...I have to get outta here...
She turned and ran towards the library doors, with the licker fast in pursuit. Brad looked up and saw her. Keeping still, he shouted.
Brad: Where are you going?!!
Lucy: Don't worry! I'll meet up with you all later! Just get out of here!
She ran through the door and it closed firmly behind her, blocking the Licker in the Hall. The remaining three, Ed, Brad and Ellie, turned their attention to the first licker once again. It was on the left of the Hall, maiming a few zombies. The ramp on the right hand side of the Hall was free thanks to manic spree of the Licker just a few moments earlier.
Ellie: While it's distracted, we can make a break for the Entrance!
Brad: Good idea. I'll go first. Ellie, you stay in the middle of me and Ed.
Ed reloaded his shotgun just in case, and followed Brad and Ellie slowly around the side of the desk and down the ramp. Everything was going to plan; they were about level with the statue in the middle of the room. Brad took care of a few zombies that were blocking the path to the steps. The Licker had also made it's way down the opposite ramp and was just outside of the double doors, destroying the last remaining zombie.
Ed: I'll go out of the door first, that way, if there are anymore zombies out there I can take them out with this baby.
He lifted his shotgun.
Brad: Fine, but be careful, that Licker is pretty close. Try not to attract it's attention.
Ed was quick on his feet. He got to the steps un-noticed and made his way to the main doors of the precinct. Ellie and Brad remained crouched at the foot of the ramp. Ed looked out of the already opened door. It had become cloudy outside and looked as if it could rain. However there were no zombies or monsters in site.
Ed: All clear you guys, hurry, I got your backs.
Ellie looked out of the corner of her eye at the Licker. It had been alerted by the voice of Ed. It shifted itself around to face him and began to walk slowly forwards. Ed hadn't noticed. He waved his arms at Brad and Ellie.
Ed: Come on, what are you waiting for?!
The creature began to move fast, sensing the movement of Ed.
Brad: Ed! Look out!!
The Licker leapt up the steps towards him.
Ed: JESUS!!
He turned and dived down the steps headfirst, avoiding the claw of the Licker. Ed landed heavily, but managed to roll onto his back, looking up the top of the steps at creature. The Licker jumped once more. Ed aimed his gun into the air and fired. Midway through its jump, the Lickers left arm and leg were blown off. It fell to ground with a thump, writhing in pain. Slowly it died.
Ellie: You're lucky, that was close!
She cautiously limped over to Ed and helped him to his feet, trying not to take her eyes off the dead Licker, just in case.
Ed: Lucky? No way, those things aren't as tough as they look ya know.
Just then, the other Licker, the one that chased Lucy, flew from the balcony and down towards Ellie. Brad looked up and aimed his gun towards it. Ed shuffled sideways and knocked Ellie to the ground, successfully getting her out of the way. Brad fired at the Licker but missed. It came crashing down on top of Ed and slashed his chest and arm. He dropped his shotgun as he was brought down.
Ed: ARRRRRRRGGHHH!!!!
Ed yelled as his arm was torn open. Brad turned, aimed down at the licker and started to empty his clip into the beast. Ellie sat up and retrieved Ed's shotgun from the ground. She hesitated for a moment before unloading a shot. It tore through the Licker and forced it to release Ed. It slid across the ground where Brad was able to finish it off with a few more shots from his berretta. As the Licker drew its last breath, Brad helped Ed to sit up. Ellie also rushed to his aid.
Brad: Are you ok man?
Ed: My arm is busted, but I'm fine, just a flesh wound.
He held it as the blood was rushing out. Ellie tore the sleeves from her top and used them as bandages to wrap around the wounded arm. She tied them tightly before Ed was helped to his feet.
Ed: Thanks.
Ellie: Don't mention it. They won't hold out forever though, we need to get you something else to stop the bleeding.
Brad: I know a place in the shopping district that has medical supplies, that's probably our best bet.
Ellie: Then come on, lets go.
Brad: No, I think you should stay here Ellie.
Ellie: What?
Brad: You're foot will only slow us down, and we need to get there as fast as we can. Besides, I think you'll be a lot safer here than outside.
Ellie: You're abandoning me?
She stared at him with a look of disbelief on her face.
Brad: No way!! As soon as I get Ed fixed up I'll come straight back here and get you ok?
Ellie stayed silent.
Ed: We'll be back...I promise.
Ellie: But you've seen what it's like in here. This place is just as dangerous as outside.
Brad: We've cleaned this area out, if you stay in the Hall you'll be fine.
Ed: Don't worry.
Brad: What if Lucy comes back here looking for us?
Ellie: Yeah, ok. But be careful. I don't want either of you dying on me ok?
Ed: Trust me lady, you got nothing to worry about. C'mon man let's get out of here.
Brad: Sure. Ellie, take this radio. If something happens, use it. We can keep each other up to date with what's going on ok?
Ellie: No problem.
Ellie took the radio and hooked it onto her belt at the side.
Ellie: Ok, get going and hurry back.
Brad and Ed both started to head up the steps towards the precinct doors. Ed walked outside. Ellie: Ed?
Ed: What's up?
Ellie: You might need this...
She walked closer and threw the shotgun towards him. He caught it with his good arm.
Ed: Thanks
Brad: I'll come back and get you as soon as I can.
He turned and headed out of the door towards Ed.
Ellie: Brad, just..be careful.
He gave her a wink before closing the door behind him. Just like that, they were gone. Ellie was suddenly all alone once more. She turned with her back to the door and faced the Hall. It had become so quiet. She glanced up at the library doors.
Ellie: I wonder where Lucy got to. I hope she's safe. She's a strong woman, she can look after herself I'm sure.
Ellie took a step forward.
????: That's far enough...just hold still.
Ellie: Chief!!?
Chief: Poor Ellie..alone..and in such a dangerous place. What was Brad thinking?
She was frozen, staring straight ahead towards the statue. The chief's voice was coming from the balcony. He was on the second floor, to her right. Ellie spoke to him in a stern voice.
Ellie: What do you want?
Chief: Oh I'm sure I can find some uses for you my dear...It's such a shame your friends can't be here to enjoy the moment with me. Oh well..looks like I have you....all to myself.....
Before Ellie could make any further comments or actions, she felt a sharp pain in the side of her neck. Her vision instantly went blurred. The precinct started to spin and fade.
Ellie: Wha..what's...hap.happening to..me?.......
Suddenly everything was black, her eyes had closed and she fell into a heap on the floor. Footsteps drew nearer..she felt herself being lifted....then there was nothing.
September 28th 1998. 12.34pm.
Ellie was awoken by gunfire; she had slept just over 11 hours.
Ellie: It's coming from the Hall..
She stretched, sat up and looked around, the library was the same. It didn't look like anyone had been in since earlier. She opened the door behind her and stepped out onto the third floor balcony of the main Hall. Daylight filled the precinct, but the evil inside remained. Down at ground level, near the entrance to the precinct, she saw a group of citizens fighting off a few zombies. They seemed to be succeeding.
Ellie: I have to get closer..
She limped back into the library, down the stairs and out of the double doors onto the second floor balcony, not noticing the zombie just a few feet away. She looked down once more. The action was a lot closer, and she could see more clearly. Down below a male and a female stood next to the statue on the far side, and just below her, there was a man dressed in some kind of uniform. They were all firing at the zombies coming through the entrance. The woman noticed Ellie, and shouted to her:
Woman: Hey..hey lady!!
Ellie glanced over to her. Then the man below spoke.
Man: Hey..look out!!
Man2: Behind you!!
Ellie: Shit!
She turned around just as the zombie lunged at her. It grabbed Ellie by the waist with both hands, and leaned over to take a bite from her neck. She fully extended her arms onto the zombie's shoulders and pushed, trying not to let its mouth come any closer. Just then, there was a gunshot. A bullet whizzed past Ellie, who had her back to the balcony edge, and hit the zombie between the eyes. It released its grip and fell to the ground, quivering. The shot from the gun had startled Ellie; she lost her bearings and inadvertently leaned over the edge of the balcony.
Man: Watch out! You're going to fall!!
It was too late, her balance had gone and she fell over the edge. The man below took a few steps forward, one to the right, and then back again, trying to position himself under her.
Ellie: EEEEKKK!!!
She screamed as she was falling, but luckily the guy below caught her before she hit the ground. The other male and the woman finished off the last few zombies that were coming through the entrance, then ran towards it to shut the door. The echoes of gunfire faded, and the Hall became calm once more.
Man: Nice of you to drop in..what's your name?
He placed her feet back onto the firmness of the ground and stood back off her. Ellie: My name's Ellie Rose, thanks for catching me. I didn't see that zombie coming.
Man: I'm Brad Vickers, S.T.A.R.S Alpha team.
Ellie glanced at him with a concerned look on her face.
Brad: Nice to meet you. Rose? Hmm, sounds familiar, you got a relative who works here?
Ellie: Yeah, well. Worked might be a better word. She's been missing for a while now; I came to Raccoon City to look for her.
Man2: On your own? Are you crazy? No offence, but this aint the kinda place you wanna be comin' to alone, you know what I'm saying?
Hearing this, the woman walked from the door over to Ellie and put a hand across her shoulder. She then glanced back at the man.
Woman: Lay off her Ed!! Can't you see she's had a hard time?
Ed: Oh yeah that's right, you women gotta stick together, it's always the same. You don't think we've had a hard time too?
Brad: Please...guys...this isn't the time or the place. Ellie, you're wounded.
He looked down at her bandaged foot.
Ellie: No, it's fine really, ouch!!
Woman: Well it doesn't look fine to me. Here, let me take care of it.
The woman helped Ellie around to the desk in front of the emergency ladder and sat her down on the edge.
Ed was clearly outraged. He was traumatized by the whole experience of living through this nightmare. He had begun to take it out on others.
Ed: Oh great!! The kid's only gonna slow us down. I say we just put a bullet inside her and get the hell outta here before more of those undead monsters break through the door.
Brad: Hey, no-ones going to shoot anyone.
Ed: Yeah, that's what you think.
He walked over to Ellie and raised his gun to her head. Before he could shoot, both the woman and Brad pulled out there own guns and aimed them at Ed. The three of them went still for a moment.
Ellie: Guys!! Take it easy yeah? No-one's going to survive if we blow each others brains out. Now would you mind getting that gun out of my face please?
Ed lowered his gun and walked over into the corner of the room. He leaned against the wall and began scratching his head.
Brad turned around and looked up at the emergency ladder.
Woman: That shut them up.
They both smiled at each other. The woman took off Ellie's trainer and felt her foot.
Woman: You're a tough girl Ellie, seems like you've had a rough time.
Ellie: Well, it serves me right for jumping across garage roofs.
The woman laughed and pulled a spray-can from a pouch which she wore around her waist.
Woman: This is gonna sting a little bit but you'll be ok..
Ellie: What is it?
Woman: It's a cooling spray, it'll ease the pain. Then I'll put a fresh bandage on for you.
Ellie: Thanks...ummm..what's your name?
The woman used the spray on Ellie's ankle. She winced slightly due to the cold, waiting for the woman to reply.
Woman: I'm Lucy; I work over at the city Hospital, that is until it was attacked by those things. Let's get that bandage changed.
She reached into her pouch once more and retrieved a fresh bandage. As she began dressing the twisted ankle, Ellie gazed across at Ed. He was black, bald, tall and looked like he was in his late forties. He was wearing a long waterproof coat and trousers.
Ellie: What's his story?
She nodded across to Ed. Lucy turned and looked at him.
Lucy: I dunno. I've only know him about ten minutes. I bumped into him and Brad as I was coming into the station. Just as we were entering those zombies attacked us, that's when we met you.
Brad: You talking about Ed?
Lucy: Yeah, how did you meet him?
Brad: He's an old friend. He gets like this sometimes; you just have to bear with him.
Ellie: Well as long as he doesn't kill me I'm sure I'll get along with him just fine.
Ellie looked up at Brad. He was wearing a yellow sleeveless jacket. Underneath he had a white t-shirt which displayed the S.T.A.R.S logo on the right shoulder. She recognized him from the photo she had seen inside the S.T.A.R.S office. Then she remembered about the monster that attacked her. Why was it after the S.T.A.R.S members? She needed to warn Brad, but felt that now wasn't a good time.
Lucy: All done, how does that feel?
Ellie:..uummm.yeah.yeah that feels great. Thank-you.
Lucy: You ok, something bothering you?
Ellie: No no, I'm fine now thanks.
Ellie smiled at her. Lucy was wearing black leather bottoms and a tight, low-cut, red t-shirt. She also had blonde hair, which was tied back. She stood up and turned to Brad.
Brad: We need to get onto higher ground. More of those zombies could get through at anytime.
Lucy: Your thinking of the balcony above us right?
Brad: Exactly.
He pointed over to the double doors on the 1st floor that Ellie had entered not long after arriving at the R.P.D.
Brad: Those doors over there have been boarded up, so I think the only safe way to get up would be to climb. How did you get up there Ellie?
Ellie: I went through the double doors, they weren't blocked before. But I think I've got a good idea who did it.
Lucy: Who?
Ellie: Chief Irons. He's been trying to block off the exits to trap everyone in here.
Brad: What? But that's insane.
Ellie: He is insane. He doesn't want anyone to escape the precinct alive.
Lucy: But why?
Ellie: I don't know, but I have gut feeling that he knows where my sister is.
Lucy: Then we've gotta find him right?
Brad: Wait a minute. You think that he's got something to do with your sister's disappearance?
Ellie: I read her diary. He went on a date with her the night she went missing.
Brad: I don't understand. The chief wouldn't..
He was interrupted by an outburst from Ed.
Ed: Sorry to get in the way of your chit-chat, but we got company..
The group turned to see a group of zombies break through the main door to the precinct.
Lucy: Those things never give up.
Ellie: There's about 12 of them.
Brad: We've gotta get up to the balcony. Ed, do you think you could take my weight?
Ed: Sure, what you got in mind?
Brad: Lucy, how much do you weigh?
Lucy: 11 stone, why?
Brad: Ok here's the plan. I'll stand on Ed's shoulders, and then Lucy should be able to climb and reach the balcony edge if she stands on mine. From there Lucy, you can climb up and release the emergency ladder so that we can follow you up ok?
Lucy: Sounds good.
Ellie: You guys better make it quick.
Ed leaned against the wall and Brad climbed onto his shoulders, using the wall to retain his balance.
Brad: Ok Lucy, come on.
Lucy: One moment.
She turned to Ellie who was watching the zombies come closer and closer.
Lucy: Ellie, take my gun.
Ellie: But I've....
Lucy: You're gonna need it, those things are fast. See if you can pick a few off.
Lucy handed the Berretta to her and then started to climb. Ellie gritted her teeth together and fired aimlessly at the army of zombies. Ed also pulled out his gun and began to fire as he struggled to hold the weight of both Brad and Lucy. His legs were trembling as Lucy made it to the top of Brad's shoulders.
Ed: I dunno how much longer I can keep this up guys.
He emptied his clip into a couple of zombies and threw his gun to the floor. He gripped his hands around Brad's legs, trying to steady himself. Meanwhile Ellie had taken out three zombies from the advancing mob. However she was fast running out of bullets.
Ellie: Hurry up, there's still eight of those things left. Wait, there are more coming through the door!!! Another six of them.
Lucy: Shit. C'mon, almost..there...
Lucy was balancing precautiously on the tips of her toes, stretching to reach the edge of the balcony above.
Ed's feet were slowly sliding from underneath him. Ellie managed to down another zombie, but the clip in her gun ran out soon after. Ellie: They're moving up both ramps guys and I'm out of ammo!!!
Ed's legs were now at a 40 degree angle to the floor. He wasn't going to hold out much longer. His teeth were clasped together, sweat was pouring down his face and he was shaking.
Ed: I..can't..hold.on. AHHHHHH..
He released his grip and began to fall to the ground. Lucy could feel Brad falling beneath her and made a last ditch attempt at grabbing the balcony. She jumped at the last second and clutched the edge with the fingertips of her left hand.
Lucy: Yes I got it!! Woahhhh!!
She looked down below as she strengthened her grip to two hands. Brad had also fallen down, right on top of Ed.
Ellie: They're coming!!!! Lucy quick!!!
Ellie was positioned at the corner of the desk on the right hand side of the emergency ladder. She was crouched down, peeking over the top of the desk at the zombies. Lucy was hanging just left of the emergency ladder, trying to pull herself up. Ed pushed Brad off of him and ran to the opposite end of the desk to Ellie, while Brad pulled himself to his feet and stood below the ladder. The zombies were closing in.
Ed: Alright guys, time to show these freaks whose boss.
Ed rose to his feet and stood tall. He un-buttoned his long raincoat and pulled it open revealing two handguns and a shotgun. He pulled out the handguns and threw one to Brad. After catching the weapon, Brad immediately began firing, taking out three zombies. Ed slid the other gun from one end of the desk down to the other where Ellie was positioned. She grabbed the gun and also began firing towards the undead that were coming up her side of the Hall.
Ed: Now it's my turn!!!.........Eat this!!
He cocked his shotgun and fired. The blast took out two zombies. They flew back down the ramp, knocking into the others and slowing them down.
Brad: Nice shooting Ed, but they just keep coming!!!
Ellie blasted a zombie through the head and looked back briefly towards Lucy. She was still hanging from the edge.
Lucy: Ok...here.goes nothing.
She used all her strength to hoist herself up, using a leg as leverage to help her. She gripped a bar from the railing and used it to her advantage. Lucy was finally up; she hopped over the railing and firmly onto the second floor. But there was another problem.
Lucy: Oh shit..
Ellie: Lucy, release the ladder!!!
Lucy: Ummm, I got a problem here...
Ellie kept firing. Ed blasted another two zombies. Brad also downed a few.
Brad: What's wrong?!!
There were two lickers approaching Lucy. One was coming from the right and the other from the back wall straight ahead.
Lucy: There are monsters...looking at me...they're coming closer...
Ed: Do you want us ALL to die? Just release the ladder while you still can!!!!
Lucy decided to make a sudden move towards the ladder switch. Of course, this alerted the licker closest to her. It dived forward through the air. Lucy stopped what she was doing and dropped to the ground, failing to press the switch. The licker continued to sail through the air, over the railing and off the edge of the balcony. The monster landed in the small space in front of the desk that the group was hiding behind. Ellie, Brad and Ed stopped firing, rose to their feet and looked at the licker. Ellie recognized it.
Ellie: FREEZE!!!!!!
The three of them stood perfectly still, but the zombies kept moving towards them, distracting the licker. It went crazy, leaping over the desks onto the ramps and attacking everything that moved. It knocked zombies to the ground and banged into them, clearly confused by all of the movement around it.
Ellie: Trust me. Just hold still, don't move. It senses movement.
Brad: ...oh..
Ed:...right...
They were clearly quite surprised by what they were witnessing, as the licker continued to wreak havoc upon the advancing zombies. Meanwhile, Lucy was slowly backing away from the switch. The other licker was moving in on her and she was too scared to keep still. She had given her gun to Ellie and had no means to attack the creature.
Lucy: Just stay back..shit...I have to get outta here...
She turned and ran towards the library doors, with the licker fast in pursuit. Brad looked up and saw her. Keeping still, he shouted.
Brad: Where are you going?!!
Lucy: Don't worry! I'll meet up with you all later! Just get out of here!
She ran through the door and it closed firmly behind her, blocking the Licker in the Hall. The remaining three, Ed, Brad and Ellie, turned their attention to the first licker once again. It was on the left of the Hall, maiming a few zombies. The ramp on the right hand side of the Hall was free thanks to manic spree of the Licker just a few moments earlier.
Ellie: While it's distracted, we can make a break for the Entrance!
Brad: Good idea. I'll go first. Ellie, you stay in the middle of me and Ed.
Ed reloaded his shotgun just in case, and followed Brad and Ellie slowly around the side of the desk and down the ramp. Everything was going to plan; they were about level with the statue in the middle of the room. Brad took care of a few zombies that were blocking the path to the steps. The Licker had also made it's way down the opposite ramp and was just outside of the double doors, destroying the last remaining zombie.
Ed: I'll go out of the door first, that way, if there are anymore zombies out there I can take them out with this baby.
He lifted his shotgun.
Brad: Fine, but be careful, that Licker is pretty close. Try not to attract it's attention.
Ed was quick on his feet. He got to the steps un-noticed and made his way to the main doors of the precinct. Ellie and Brad remained crouched at the foot of the ramp. Ed looked out of the already opened door. It had become cloudy outside and looked as if it could rain. However there were no zombies or monsters in site.
Ed: All clear you guys, hurry, I got your backs.
Ellie looked out of the corner of her eye at the Licker. It had been alerted by the voice of Ed. It shifted itself around to face him and began to walk slowly forwards. Ed hadn't noticed. He waved his arms at Brad and Ellie.
Ed: Come on, what are you waiting for?!
The creature began to move fast, sensing the movement of Ed.
Brad: Ed! Look out!!
The Licker leapt up the steps towards him.
Ed: JESUS!!
He turned and dived down the steps headfirst, avoiding the claw of the Licker. Ed landed heavily, but managed to roll onto his back, looking up the top of the steps at creature. The Licker jumped once more. Ed aimed his gun into the air and fired. Midway through its jump, the Lickers left arm and leg were blown off. It fell to ground with a thump, writhing in pain. Slowly it died.
Ellie: You're lucky, that was close!
She cautiously limped over to Ed and helped him to his feet, trying not to take her eyes off the dead Licker, just in case.
Ed: Lucky? No way, those things aren't as tough as they look ya know.
Just then, the other Licker, the one that chased Lucy, flew from the balcony and down towards Ellie. Brad looked up and aimed his gun towards it. Ed shuffled sideways and knocked Ellie to the ground, successfully getting her out of the way. Brad fired at the Licker but missed. It came crashing down on top of Ed and slashed his chest and arm. He dropped his shotgun as he was brought down.
Ed: ARRRRRRRGGHHH!!!!
Ed yelled as his arm was torn open. Brad turned, aimed down at the licker and started to empty his clip into the beast. Ellie sat up and retrieved Ed's shotgun from the ground. She hesitated for a moment before unloading a shot. It tore through the Licker and forced it to release Ed. It slid across the ground where Brad was able to finish it off with a few more shots from his berretta. As the Licker drew its last breath, Brad helped Ed to sit up. Ellie also rushed to his aid.
Brad: Are you ok man?
Ed: My arm is busted, but I'm fine, just a flesh wound.
He held it as the blood was rushing out. Ellie tore the sleeves from her top and used them as bandages to wrap around the wounded arm. She tied them tightly before Ed was helped to his feet.
Ed: Thanks.
Ellie: Don't mention it. They won't hold out forever though, we need to get you something else to stop the bleeding.
Brad: I know a place in the shopping district that has medical supplies, that's probably our best bet.
Ellie: Then come on, lets go.
Brad: No, I think you should stay here Ellie.
Ellie: What?
Brad: You're foot will only slow us down, and we need to get there as fast as we can. Besides, I think you'll be a lot safer here than outside.
Ellie: You're abandoning me?
She stared at him with a look of disbelief on her face.
Brad: No way!! As soon as I get Ed fixed up I'll come straight back here and get you ok?
Ellie stayed silent.
Ed: We'll be back...I promise.
Ellie: But you've seen what it's like in here. This place is just as dangerous as outside.
Brad: We've cleaned this area out, if you stay in the Hall you'll be fine.
Ed: Don't worry.
Brad: What if Lucy comes back here looking for us?
Ellie: Yeah, ok. But be careful. I don't want either of you dying on me ok?
Ed: Trust me lady, you got nothing to worry about. C'mon man let's get out of here.
Brad: Sure. Ellie, take this radio. If something happens, use it. We can keep each other up to date with what's going on ok?
Ellie: No problem.
Ellie took the radio and hooked it onto her belt at the side.
Ellie: Ok, get going and hurry back.
Brad and Ed both started to head up the steps towards the precinct doors. Ed walked outside. Ellie: Ed?
Ed: What's up?
Ellie: You might need this...
She walked closer and threw the shotgun towards him. He caught it with his good arm.
Ed: Thanks
Brad: I'll come back and get you as soon as I can.
He turned and headed out of the door towards Ed.
Ellie: Brad, just..be careful.
He gave her a wink before closing the door behind him. Just like that, they were gone. Ellie was suddenly all alone once more. She turned with her back to the door and faced the Hall. It had become so quiet. She glanced up at the library doors.
Ellie: I wonder where Lucy got to. I hope she's safe. She's a strong woman, she can look after herself I'm sure.
Ellie took a step forward.
????: That's far enough...just hold still.
Ellie: Chief!!?
Chief: Poor Ellie..alone..and in such a dangerous place. What was Brad thinking?
She was frozen, staring straight ahead towards the statue. The chief's voice was coming from the balcony. He was on the second floor, to her right. Ellie spoke to him in a stern voice.
Ellie: What do you want?
Chief: Oh I'm sure I can find some uses for you my dear...It's such a shame your friends can't be here to enjoy the moment with me. Oh well..looks like I have you....all to myself.....
Before Ellie could make any further comments or actions, she felt a sharp pain in the side of her neck. Her vision instantly went blurred. The precinct started to spin and fade.
Ellie: Wha..what's...hap.happening to..me?.......
Suddenly everything was black, her eyes had closed and she fell into a heap on the floor. Footsteps drew nearer..she felt herself being lifted....then there was nothing.
