Chapter Five: Fatal Mission

"Please," Kristine begged

"No," I said

"Please," she begged again

"I said no, it's too dangerous" I said

"Please, she's been training for weeks and really wants to go outside" she said

"Kristine, she's too young to go out there" I said

"Garret's younger" she said

"But Garret has more experience"

Kristine literally got on to her knees "she won't be trouble, I'll look after her I promise"

"I don't know" I said

"She's been wanting to shoot those things ever since she watched our mom get eaten alive by them." She said

"Kristine, you're willing to take your sister outside just to get supplies" I asked

She nodded "She's been wanting to join the team"

"There isn't any room"

"But you were saying you wanting to kick Marcie out"

"I can't do that unless she dies""

"How about we take her out one time when she sees how dangerous it is she won't go out there again" she said "please, she's been bugging me to ask you, please"

"Ok, ok, she can come, but you have to watch her" I said

"I will, thank you, Leader" she said "I'm going to tell her right now"

I shook my head and smile as I watched Kristine running down the street to wherever she lives. I sat at an old table to clear my mind and to blow off steam after what happened yesterday. Matt went off trying to find something to eat with whatever money we had left while I sat here to think.

Suddenly a bowl of Ramen noddles appeared right in my face and I looked up, thinking it was Matt, only to find Jimmy looking away.

"It's you" I said, not in anger but surprised

Jimmy turned to looked at me, revealing his black eye and I chuckled "it's the least I can do after yesterday" he said

I took the bowl as he sat down in the other chair "if I wasn't so hungry, I would throw this in your face from stealing my ring"

He chuckled which caught me off guard "hey, you're not the only one who lost something so importantly. If I knew that it was an engagement ring I wouldn't have taken it"

"Like I would believe in that pack of lies" I said, slurping up some noodles.

"I'm not lying, I'm sure your fiancé is pretty upset"

I nearly choked on my noodles and started to cough "what makes you think I have a fiancé?"

He raised an eyebrow "you have an engagement ring"

I frowned "It's a long story and I don't tell it to complete strangers" I said

"I'm not a complete stranger, everybody in this town knows about me like they know all about you" he said

"Because I give out food, you steal" I said

"I steal to survive" he said, yet I gave him a cold look "what, you don't believe me"

"I didn't say anything, I was looking at that black eye of yours" I said

He placed his hand on his eye "you can really pack of punch for a girl your size"

"The last person who made fun of my weight was scarred after the beating I gave her"

"I'm not talking about your weight, I meant that you don't look that strong" he said

"Yeah right, I know your types, shallow and only judge people by their size" I said

"You're joking right?" he asked and I nodded

He laughed "what's so funny?" I asked

"You actually think I'm those types that like skinny-ass, happy-go-lucky girls that are blonde with names like . . . I don't know . . . Kelly"

I nearly dropped my food as I stared at him in disbelief

"Not my type, they're too dumb and cries over stupid things. They're like 'Oh my god, I broke a nail'" He pretended then laughed.

I gave him a look then continue eating my noddles "so, how did you become a Supply Gatherer" he asked

"You could say that I was forced since I am capable of surviving the outlands" I said

"Really, and why is that"

I looked in his eyes, they were so dark and brown and it looks like he really wants to know about my past. The strange mood was interrupted by the Hag's scratchy voice "BIANCA!"

Jimmy nearly jumped when I turned around to see Mrs. Taylor walking over with her steel cane. "There you are, you stupid girl, where have you been. You know you're not allow outside unless I sent you to get me something!" she screamed

"Sorry, Mrs. Taylor" I sighed

"Hey, chill out Grandma, she was just sitting here to get a bite to eat" Jimmy said

That was a bad thing to call her, the Hag never wanted to be told she was old. I saw her face turning bright red "Wait a minute, I know you, you're that boy who stole my necklace that other day!" she shouted then stormed over to him.

"Shit" I heard Jimmy whispered before taking off at full speed.

"HEY! Get back here, you poorly excuse for a human being!" she continued to shout but Jimmy was long gone.

I tried to hold back my laugher but I stopped when she slapped me across the face "shut up, you little insect, now go and fetch The Boy for an error run"

"What now" I asked while rubbing my cheek, damn she hits hard for an old lady.

"I'm having a party and need a bottle of my favorite wine"

"The one that is red and taste like strawberry" I asked and she nodded

"Now get going, the party is tonight" she said "and you better not screw up again either, maggot"

She tightens her grip on her cane and I know that was going where my ribs are so I nodded and ran off to find Matt and the others.

It was the evening when I got my team ready for another tripped out into the dead land. We would've been here earlier but Marcie didn't know what outfit to wear.

"I swear if Boss wasn't the Hag's son, I wouldn't have to go out to the dead world just for a bottle of wine" I said as I loaded up my gun.

"Well, it's not like we had anything else to do today" Matt said

Garret walked up to us holding a pair of keys "we got number six today" he said

"Can you drive it?" I asked

"Of course, they gave us number six since we're taking another person with us"

I had to agree with him as I looked around to make sure everyone was here. Garret, check, Matt, check, Marcie, who was doing her hair instead of loading up her gun, Kristine and her little sister Melissa.

Melissa was a seventeen-year-old girl who looked younger than her age. She had the same color hair and eyes as Kristine and weirdly enough all wined up to go outside. "Thanks for letting me out with you, Bianca" she said

"No problem Melissa, just make sure you stay close to your sister and don't drop your guard" I said and she nodded.

"Can't we get this over with I can't believe we're going out there for a bottle of wine" Marcie shouted "and did I mention that this is all your fault"

"So I heard Marcie" I said "now shut up and get in the vehicle"

Marcie growled and walked in followed Kristine, the eager Melissa and Garret, who was whistling while spinning the keys around on his finger "I'm driving" he said

I was about to get in when Matt tapped me on my shoulder "Biana, isn't that what's his name from yesterday"

I turned around to see Jimmy and another guy on one of the towers. Jimmy waved at me, I raised an eyebrow and slightly waved back before getting into the vehicle with Matt right behind me.

"All set, let's go Garret"

"Roger" he said and grabbed the BC radio "Bianca's team ready to leave in Number six, please open the gate"

I looked at the video camera and saw the gate opening. Garret punched the pedal and we were off into the dead world again.

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Jimmy and Alex stared out, watching the giant vehicle disappeared out of the town. They already saw a few zombies going after them in a slow pace.

"So did you make up with the girl" Alex asked

Jimmy nodded "I just gave her another bowl of noddles you made her dropped yesterday" he said

Alex gave him a cold looked "It was your idea" he said

Alex noticed Jimmy wasn't paying attention to him, all he was doing was looking out, lost in thought. "Did you find out who has your watch?"

Jimmy shook his head and continued looking out. He kept thinking about that small moment when he asked Bianca about her past and when she just stared at him of a few seconds. Underneath her messy hair and boyish looks he noticed how lovely her eyes were. So big with a dark brown color.

"Jimmy, Hello, earth to Jimmy" Alex called out, but didn't get a respond from him.

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Melissa opened the ceiling door and peaked out to see the land for the first time.

"Be careful Melissa, it going to be a bumpy ride"

"Wow, look at this place, it's so depressing" she said

"You'll get use to it" Matt said

"So where are we going?" Kristine asked

"Any small town near by, we have to get The Hag's wine bottle and pick up a few things as well" I said

"I saw a few stores about twenty minutes away" Garret said

"Then take us there, there might be a shop that sells wine bottles" I said

"Not to mention food, I haven't eaten all day" Kristine said

We all nodded except for Melissa who was looking out on the roof and Marcie, who was sitting in the back pouting at usual.

We stopped twenty minutes later and I looked out from the roof. Melissa got out and sat down so I can look around. We were at a small place where maybe people stop by to sleep or eat when traveling.

"I see zombies" Melissa said

I got on top of the roof for a better look and saw zombies slowly walking over to the vehicle "come on Melissa, let's get back in, some of those can actually climb up here" I said

I jumped back in with her following me. She closed the door and locked it. "How bad is it out there, Garret?" I asked

Garret turned on all the video cameras and looked at them "not that many but I know more will be coming so hurry" he said

I nodded "All right team, wine bottle and the regular supplies and We'll meet back here in half an hour"

They nodded as opened the door and walked out. Lucky for me even though it was the late evening there was still a little light out for us to see. My heart jumped when Garret closed the door behind him and everyone looked around.

"Ok, Matt and I will find the bottle, the rest of you look around for food or other supplies we need" I said "and Kristine, please look out after your sister"

She looked around to see Melissa taking off. "Melissa, wait up" she ran after her.

"Why can't I stay in the vehicle?" Marcie whined

"Marcie, don't start with me, I am not in my best moods right now." I said "now go with Kristine"

"Bitch" Marcie muttered underneath her breath and walked away in Kristine's direction

I shook my head "I wish those zombies would just eat her already" I said

"Come on, the zombies are coming" Matt said

We walked around the empty place and not really worry about the dead coming after us. Since they were badly decomposed, they were slower then ever. I lost track of my other team members only after ten minutes. I started to get worry not only Kristine has Marcie to deal with she has her sister who I believe doesn't have a clue how dangerous this place can get.

My thoughts were gone when Matt spotted something "look, there's a gas station" he said

"I don't think a gas station would sell wine bottles, Matt" I said "let's just keep looking"

I couldn't figure out where the hell we were at, all I know that we were far away from the vehicle and I haven't heard from Kristine or Garret yet.

"Dammit, we're never going to find any wine bottles" I said as I shot a zombie in the head.

"Is it me or are there more of those things here?" Matt said

A zombie grabbed my shoulder but I easily pushed him away and shot it under his neck. Blood poured out as it continued to come forward then I shot it in the head.

I looked around and saw more coming but I as spotted a beer store near by. "Matt, I think that store would have wine in it" I said

Matt shot a few more zombies but more were coming "let's get over there, quick" he said

We ran as fast as we could, running past a few of the dead things while shooting some as well.

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"The Monster" was just a few miles away from where Bianca and her team were. The Hag's son "Boss" stepped out onto the roof of the giant vehicle and looked around for her or her team.

(The little insect and The Boy seems to be getting a little rusty when it comes to obeying my simple favors) he remembered his mother saying (maybe you should give them a surprised attack to make sure they're in top shape

He shrugged and stomped on the roof "release it" he ordered his team

Two of his team members opened the door and pushed out a fresh dead zombie. It was tied up with a gag of his mouth.

"Poor Tom" one of his team members said

"Well, that's what he gets for running off alone" Boss said

He pulled out a long pole that had a loop rope at the end. He lower it down and wrapped around the fresh zombie's head and pull it up.

"Its caught now untie it, quick" Boss said

One of his team mates nervously walked over to the fresh zombies as it struggled to get free. He pulled out and grabbed the rope and untied it. When the zombie was free, he quickly ran back into the vehicle and shut it. Boss let it go and watch as it tried to climb up onto the roof to get him. He smirked and waited til the thing to see Bianca or one of her team mates.

Kristine started to regret letting her sister come out with them. She was too busy making sure Marcie was near by since Bianca wanted them to stick to together (no matter how much of a pain in the butt she is) to watch for Melissa.

She stopped when she realizes she was alone. "Melissa? Marcie?" she called out but realize she was surrounded by zombies "crap" she said as she pointed the gun to one of the zombies.

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"Look at this place, I swear if my brother was still alive he would cry to see this many varieties of beer" I said

"Bianca, we have other things to worry about right now" Matt said pointing at the door.

The dead were walking to the door and there appears to be more then there was before. "And I don't think the glass door can hold them back for a few minutes.

"Find something to block the door while I look for the bottle" I said

"Block it with what" he asked

"I don't know" I said "just help me find the bottle and we'll run out in the back."

Matt nodded but took his gun and place it on the door's handles since the door open inward "that will give us some time"

I ignored him and quickly looked around to the wine bottles, The Hag likes the strong wines that tastes like strawberry. As we were looking around, the zombies started banging on the doors and the glass windows.

(Where is it!) I screamed in my head. .

"Bianca, what's taking you so long" Garret asked over the walkie talkie "the dead are surrounding the vehicle"

"We're sort of trap in this liquor store and I haven't heard from Kristine and the others" I said

"You want me to drive to your location"

"Yes, we would like that a lot" Matt shouted as he started getting nervous when the glass windows started cracking.

"Give me a minute" Garret said

I continued looking for the bottle but I started getting worried about why Kristine hasn't contact me yet.

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"Melissa, Melissa, where are you" Kristine shouted.

Kristine manages to get away from the dead but lost her sister and Marcie as well. What was worst she was lost but had enough ammo to keep her safe. "Melissa!" she screamed. She couldn't believe that Melissa would just run off like that.

She looked all over the empty place and couldn't find her anywhere. She suddenly stopped when she heard gunshots and turned around to see Melissa shooting at a zombie, enjoying it like if it was video game.

"Melissa!" Kristine screamed

"Hi sis, where were you, I went up ahead and then I turned around to see you and the short girl gone" she said "I shot nearly a dozen of those things"

"Melissa, we are suppose to stay together, you have no idea how dangerous this place can be when you're alone" she said

"I'm ok, I think you're just a bit paranoid" she said "these things are so slow you can hear them coming and even have time to shoot them"

"No, I'm being serious about th-"

A fresh zombie popped out of nowhere and bit Melissa right on the neck. She screamed at the top of her lungs as blood sprayed on her clothes and on her sister. "Melissa!"

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Matt kicked open the door and I ran out of there holding on to the red bottle of wine. He slammed the door but I could hear the dead walking coming closer. "Here" I said, shoving the bottle to him "since you lost your gun, you have to hold it"

"What now, Garret isn't here yet and it's almost dark"

"Just keep an eye out" I said as I started shooting the dead that were walking over to us. "Come on, we need to get up onto the roof"

We heard screaming and shots being fired. "That sounded like Kristine" Matt said

"Kristine!" I shouted "she needs help"

I ran around the liquor store, shooting every zombie that crossed my path. Matt followed very close to me since all he had to protect himself was the wine bottle. I stopped when there were too many zombies to escape. I continue hearing Kristine screaming and shouting out her sister name.

"Bianca?" Matt said getting worried since the zombies were getting closer.

"Don't panic Matt, I see Garret" I said

Garret sped toward us and ran over nearly a dozen zombies. He opened the door and smiled "Sorry, it took me a while to find this place"

We ran into the vehicle and he shut the door "I'll yell at you later right now something happened to Kristine"

"No wonder she hasn't contact us yet, neither did Marcie" Garret said

"I don't care about her, we need to find Kristine" I said

I looked at the video camera and noticed some of the zombies walking over to something on the left. "Turn to the left"

Garret took a sharp turn to the left and came to a stop when we saw a large puddle of blood, Kristine's gun and a dead fresh zombie. "Kristine" I said as I opened the door and ran outside and looked around. Not even caring if there were zombies or not.

"Kristine! Kristine where are you!" I shouted.

"Bianca, over here"

I looked around and spotted her coming out of an empty building while holding on to Melissa. "Hurry up and get in"

Kristine nodded and ran as fast as she could to the vehicle. I shot any zombie that came near her til we were both in the vehicle and the door was shut tight. Now all that was left was to find Marcie.

"What happened" I asked Kristine, who was trying to calm down. Melissa was cover in blood and a hand on her neck while blood poured out through her fingers.

"A fresh zombie came out of nowhere and M-M-Melissa was bitten" Kristine started crying "it tried to attack me but I shot it and hid in that empty store with her"

Melissa was crying "I'm sorry, but I thought fresh zombies don't exist here anymore" she said "I don't want to become one"

Garret stopped the vehicle and looked at me, wondering what should we do. Matt sighed and so did I "you know what you have to do" I said to Kristine

"No, you can't make me do that. My parents are dead, and she's all I have"

"I know it's tough, but she'll attack us if we let her turn into one of those things." I said

Tears poured down her cheeks "I can't do it" she said

"I don't want to become one of them" Melissa shouted, spitting blood out of her mouth.

"You want me to do it" I asked

"No! Please" she said

I sighed and pointed my gun to Melissa's head, Kristine cried harder, "I'm sorry Melissa, forgive me" she said "I love you"

Melissa nodded as her breathing started to slow down.

"forgive me as well" I said

Matt and Garret looked away. I pulled the trigger, there was a loud bang. Kristine cried . . .

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Chapter Six: The Day He Snapped: An argument turns deadly when Matt's past catches up to him.