"Good morning people, welcome to the third day of the sixth month of the year 03 A.Z. If you're listening to this, it means you're still alive. So, congratulations…or condolences. You know, whatever. If you're noticing more despair in my voice than usual today, it's because we lost someone special. I know, we lose people all the time. Getting your face chewed off by a Z is more common than making it to your next birthday. But this guy, this one's worth mentioning. Charles Garnett, First Sergeant, Army National Guard Reservist, was an honest to God, real life, actual good guy. He fought for other people, not just for his own survival. And he did something that's pretty much impossible these days, he gave people hope. Remember hope? Remember thinking that we might actually come out on the other side of this thing? Yea, that. Sergeant Garnett died trying to give us a reason to hope. And for that….Sergeant Charles Garnett, on behalf of a grateful nation, or whatever the hell we are now, we salute you."

Sitting in the back of the truck with 10k, Doc had turned the radio up loud enough that we could hear it as well. Listening to Citizen Z talk I could hear the sorrow in his voice. I had mourned Garnett but the person I was concerned about the most was Warren. She had loved him, we all could see it, and she had taken this hard. She hadn't said a word since we left the compound and I didn't think she was going to start anytime soon. 10k and I were sitting with our backs to the cab of the truck with the small rear window open for us to hear the radio. My weapons bag was at my feet, 10k holding his gun across his lap. I had my bow out for long distance while we were in the truck, deciding not to waste ammo. However, while we were driving farther from the compound I noticed the Z's became fewer and fewer in-between until there weren't any at all.

I had my quiver stuffed full and sitting to my side, bow across my legs. I was looking around listening to the radio when I felt like someone was staring at me. Looking out the corner of my eye I saw 10k looking my way slightly. I could tell he was trying not to be noticeable but being on my own in the apocalypse for so long I noticed.

Looking ahead again it wasn't much longer until there was a very audible pop from the front of the truck as it jerked slightly. Immediately 10k and I jumped up as Doc started slowing to a stop, the two of us jumping out onto the road. Slinging my bow and quiver across my chest I walked around the front of the truck to keep watch for Z's, although I didn't think we would have much of an issue with that.

After we stopped Mack and Addy came back around on their motorbike. We had stopped for gas not long after we left the compound, the two of them finding a bike that was luckily full.

"Radiator?" Mack asked as he pulled up taking off his helmet.

"Yeah," Doc replied, 10k walking up to me and handing me his gun. He gave me small smile as I took his gun and he quickly ducked under the truck to look at the radiator.

"Fixable?" I asked as I walked up next to Doc looking down at the engine in front of me. It was daunting looking down at it, cars were never something I knew much about and always went straight over my head. Doc only shrugged saying he didn't know if it was fixable.

"Gee, if we only had a mechanic," Murphy said as he walked up to my left standing next to me. I turned to look at him and give him the stink eye. He turned and looked at me making a face back but I only continued to stare at him.

"You got to let her deal man," Doc said trying to reason with my brother but I knew no one was capable of that, "She's got that post-traumatic stress."

"She's got post-traumatic stress?" my brother asked, his sass in full throttle, "The whole world has post-traumatic stress."

"If you say post-traumatic stress one more time I might hit you," I said getting annoyed that Murphy kept repeating those words.

"Actually, there isn't anything post about it. We all got plain ol' present tense, all traumatic, all stress, all the time," Murphy said walking around all of us towards Warren's window. Turning back around I looked at Doc with a shocked look. I should have known Murphy would try and do something, the only thing I could do is shake my head and move on and let Murphy shoot himself in the foot.

Murphy was trying to talk to Warren and all I could do was try to busy myself helping as much as I could with the engine. I knew he wouldn't get anything out of her with his harshness so I just tried not to listen to what he was saying.

"Hey Ray, do you have any duct tape in your bag?" 10k asked from under the truck as he tapped my shoe. I had forgotten he was even down there, making me jump slightly. I could hear him chuckle as I walked to get my backpack from the bed of the truck, placing 10k's gun down.

"Did you call me Ray?" I asked as I bent down to dig through my bag for my duct tape.

"Yea," he said getting nervous thinking he had offended me, "Sorry."

"No, it's cool," I said as I tore him off a small piece of tape, "Just no one has called me that since before Black Summer." His smile returned and I decided to learn a thing or two. I crawled under the truck to see what he was doing,

"So what did you need the tape for?" I asked as I laid on my back, the tops of our head just touching.

"This right here is the radiator," he said pointing to something that I couldn't tell the difference in, "This is the radiator hose, and this right here," 10k said as he grabbed my hand guiding it to the hose he was working on, "Feel that? That's a hole, that's where it's leaking out." I hummed my acknowledgment as he set about tapping the hole up.

"I still have no idea what I am looking at," I joked laughing causing 10k to laugh with me. It was the first real time I had laughed since Hayley had died.

"Well if we ever get the time I will teach you everything I know," 10k said finishing what he was doing, "Although it wont be much." We both laughed and crawled out from under the truck to see that Mack and Addy where gone.

"Where did Mack and Addy go?" I asked as I stood, holding my hand out to help 10k.

"To look and see if they can find anything or anyone to help," Doc answered for me. I didn't see the point in that, as far as I could see there wasn't anything anywhere, not even Z's.

"I found the leak in the radiator hose," 10k started as he stood, "Taped it up a little bit, but we're not going anywhere unless we get some water in there." Cassandra and I took that as our queue to run around the truck to find all the water bottles we could. Stuffing the duct tape back in my bag I grabbed the couple bottles of water I had left and tossed my bag into the bed of the truck once again. I threw open the driver door to grab the water that was sitting in the cup holders until I couldn't carry anymore. I walked around and handed the water to Doc as he poured the water into the radiator. Murphy was standing next to him chugging the water he had as quick as could. I quickly went to grab it from his hand as he stared at me like I had just killed his first born child.

"I get thirsty," he said as he tried to take it back, only for me to jerk it just out of his reach again before handing it to Doc.

"We all get thirsty," Doc added as he poured the water into the radiator. 10k was under the truck again making sure the water was staying where it needed to and not leak out. I was walking around Doc when suddenly 10k jumped up in front of me.

"I'll drive," he said excited quickly making his way to the driver seat.

"Knock yourself out, kid," Doc said as I laughed and made my way to the back of the truck, hopping over the tailgate as everyone else piled in the cab. I hadn't sat down yet when unexpectedly I was thrown down and slid into the tailgate.

"Lord, who taught you how to drive?" I asked through the small window in the back.

"Actually no one," 10k answered. I saw everyone quickly buckle up and I decided to turn around and sit on my butt, hoping to not get thrown around anymore. I heard Doc telling 10k how to drive.

We hadn't been driving long when I decided to lean over the passenger side to see where we were going. I saw that the road split and heard my brother say go right. We hit the gravel road and I knew it probably didn't go for much longer, seeing the signs that where advertising something ahead.

'No Z's.'

'Gun Show Today Only."

'Liquor."

After we passed the last sign I felt the truck jerk forward like 10k had gassed it. I had assumed Doc had told him to gas it, although I was curios to see what kind of gun show was ahead in the middle of the apocalypse.

Not long after the last sign we saw what looked like a small town with several cars parked all around. Pulling in there were several men standing there yelling for us to stop.

"Ya'll armed?" one of the men asked as he made his way up to Doc's window.

"Obviously," Cassandra said with an attitude.

"Good. We don't have time to babysit anyone," the men said as they waved us on. One of them had come by the back of the truck looking to see what all we had.

"Nice," he said as he pointing to my open weapons bag and I was getting my bow and arrows out, along with some other smaller weapons.

"Thanks," I said quietly as I strapped my ax to my side. All my small knives where back in their homes in my boots or on my side, my small gun under my shirt strapped to my bra. As I jumped out of the truck bed I tucked my Beretta under my belt behind me before finally slinging my bow and arrows across my chest. I felt complete again. After what had happened at the compound I made sure to keep as many weapons as possible on my person, hidden as well as I could. I was the last to join the group standing next to 10k. I was quickly trying to scan the area trying to see if I could see Mack and/or Addy.

"I hope Mack and Addy are alright," I said to 10k as we walked up to a small stand with two people sitting as guards.

"I'm sure they are," 10k said resting a hand on my shoulder. Him and I had become close since I lost Hayley. He was quiet but he had almost become my voice of reason and he watched my back. I made sure I watched his, making sure that I wasn't going to lose anyone else.

"Welcome to S&S Limited, the finest gun show in the west. Entry fee is seven," a red headed woman said as we walked up to the stand. There was a man sitting next to her with his top hat down looking like he was asleep with a gun in his lap.

"Seven what?" Doc asked as he started patting his pockets.

"Bullets, oxy, grams of whatever DIY super fun time substance you got," she said looking around to all of us then back to Doc.

"Well, I think I got some crystal back in the truck," he replied, "It's the good stuff too."

"Back off with the toilet bowl cleanser meth," the man in the top hat said so suddenly I jumped, using his gun to tip his hat back to look at us all, "We only take that genuine vein splittin' take you right out of the beautiful apocalypse and into a hell-hole meth." The man finally stood and walked up to Doc as Doc started laughing. It looked like they knew each other and for that I was thankful. The guy was kind of weird but looked like the type who could sell a bikini to an eskimo.

"Well slap my ass and call me Sally," Doc said and I couldn't help but laugh at that phrase, "If it ain't Sketchy McClain." 10k and I both turned and looked at each other wondering who this guy was.

Doc and McClain walked on ahead of us catching up since the last time they had seen each other. 10k and I bringing up the end of the line as we walked into the field. The buildings looked like they were old barns that had been abandoned for a while now, with a truck sitting on the other side of the barn with what looked like ammo and guns all over the place. My eyes grew wide with wonder and I was quick to show 10k what I was seeing. McClain was going on explaining about how they had gotten to this place.

"We had to give the former owners mercy," he said motioning towards the truck, "And in return they gave us this truck with just enough gas to get us here to Kansas." I had had enough of his stories and made a bee-line for what I was looking forward to. 10k wasn't far behind me as we got up to a table that had several smaller guns on it. Looking at all the Revolvers and Beretta's they had displayed, along with ammo, I was content. 10k made his way to the table with the Remington's and .50 cal guns displayed. Picking up a Colt Python .357 I turned it over and looked it over completely. I was impressed and in love with it. I wasn't much of a gun person but this was a nice one. Looking over at 10k he had picked up a Remington 700 and was doing the same. Testing out the scope I could tell he was impressed.

"Let me show you the new and improved Z-Whacker," McClain said as he came to stand at the table next to me. Holding up a small pitchfork he started laughing as he turned to Doc, "Speaking of Z-Whacker, what happened to the girl you were with? Did she…?" he asked as he leaned on the table. I knew he must have been talking about Addy.

"No, man, we still travel together," Doc explained, "They went ahead looking for help, I kind of thought they'd end up here."

"No, we haven't seen them," McClain said as he turned to his friend and partner in crime. I took that as my opportunity to slip a few bullets into my pocket for my Beretta. If I learned anything during the end of the world it was how to be a successful pick-pocket. However looking around I couldn't find any arrows and that disappointed me slightly.

"Here we've got our latest innovations in zombie fighting technologies," McClain said as he grabbed one of the Revolvers from the table I was at, "Small arms, siege weapons, brain obliterators, you name it we got it. Just sit back, relax and forget about the apocalypse." I had to admit, I was impressed by the way this guy could sell stuff.

"Aren't you worried about the Z's," Cassandra said, bringing us down to reality as usual.

"Look around," McClain started, looking around to us all, "We're in the middle of nowhere Kansas. We're surrounded by hundreds of square miles of nothing but fallow farmlands. There's no Z's here, nothing for them to eat. They've all moved on to the big cities, but don't worry," McClain turned from Cassandra and was looking right at me, "I'll protect you." He added a wink and I couldn't help the step back that I took. I was too freaked out to realize that 10k had taken a step towards me, almost protectively. Seeing that move McClain took a step back respecting my boundaries.

"But anyways, if one were to come amble by to say we're prepared is an understatement, right? Over there is the FU-Bar," McClain pointed out but before he could finish Warren was quick on her feet, headed to the bar, "Well, somebody's thirsty."

Murphy followed behind her and I followed behind him. I hadn't had anytime alone with him since we met up back in New York.

"Why are you following me?" he asked over his shoulder, annoyance in his voice.

"Because I love you and want to spend time with you," I said with sarcasm dripping from my voice. My brother stopped in his footsteps to turn and look at me, not amused with my statement, "What? We haven't seen each other in how many years, I just want to catch up."

"There isn't much to catch up on," he said turning and walking into the FU-Bar, "I was in prison and you were in school." He shrugged his shoulders and sat down at a table. I could see Warren across the room sitting at the bar, drinking her sorrows away.

"Yea," I said not sounding very convincing, "School."

"I have noticed that you and Wonder Boy seem to be getting close," Murphy said in a concerned voice.

"No," I said laughing nervously, "Just friends."

"Riiiight," Murphy said actually acting like the older brother for once. Him and I had our moments of sibling connection but it was very rare, "Just be careful."

"I will be, but I am a big girl I can make my own choices," I said leaning on my elbows on the table.

"Yea, well I am older than you so what I say goes," he said leaning towards me as well. It wasn't much longer until the doors to the bar flew open and Doc, Cassandra and 10k walked through. Murphy quickly got up, walking over to the group, me hot on his heels.

"You got to do something about her," Murphy said nodding his head towards Warren, "I'm not waiting for anybody."

"I know, Murphy," Doc said trying to keep things together, "Keep your shorts on."

"Him in shorts was never a pretty sight," I said trying to lighten the mood. Murphy only glared at me, 10k being the only one who laughed, causing my smile to get bigger. Murphy eyed me with a look that said 'yea, just friends' and I couldn't help but look away. I knew this wasn't the time to get caught up in feelings but somethings you just can't help, but I wasn't going to let anyone else know that.

"Have you seen a guy in here named Wannamaker?" Doc asked looking around the room.

"What, are we making friends now?" Murphy asked getting irritated that things weren't going fast enough. Doc walked on past us asking if anyone know who Wannamaker was. When the bartender spoke up I noticed Murphy slink off to the side, sitting in a booth.

"What horrible decision is cooking up in your brain?" I asked as I snuck into the same booth.

"I'm not cooking anything up," Murphy said as we watched Doc talking to someone named Forman. This guy was obviously drunk, bragging about his car that he named 'The Formanmobile.' He went on telling us everything that he had on the car and all I could think was about how ridiculous it all sounded.

"This guy done yet?" I asked leaning over to Murphy waiting for this guy to shut up. Once he finally did Doc was over the guy as much as I was and turned away with Cassandra and 10k. Once they walked away I noticed Forman getting up saying he had to 'drain the lizard king.' Watching him walk out the door Murphy got up, putting on his jacket.

"Don't do anything stupid," I said grabbing his arm as he walked around the back of the booth.

"Since when do I do anything stupid," Murphy said as he gave me a wink and turned away from me to walk out the door behind Forman. Huffing and running my hand through my tangled mess of hair I threw it up in a messy bun knowing this wasn't going to end pretty.

Once murphy left I stood and walked over to where I saw the others standing in line for something.

"What are you guys doing?" I asked as I walked up to stand next to Doc.

"Entering 10k here in the shooting contest," Doc said as he slapped a fatherly hand on 10k's shoulder.

"Nice," I said turning to 10k as he turned to me and smiled, "You're a shoe in." I smiled up at 10k as he smiled back. Just then a women who was about our age walked by. I could tell she was tough as nails as she stared down 10k, walking by trying to intimidate him. Although I think she had the opposite affect, turning as she walked by he couldn't take his eyes off her. I turned, looking over my shoulder as she walked away not turning back. I felt a tinge of jealously run through me. I had never really had the time before the apocalypse for feelings towards anyone and now I knew why. I didn't have time for this and this wasn't the time for drama, Warren was supplying enough sadness for even my lifetime. I was quick to shove my feeling deep, deep down and not let them back up.

…..

"Ladies and gentlemen, it's that moment you've all been waiting for. Its shootin' time," McClain said as the crowd around us starting cheering and lining up on the shooting range. I had followed Doc, 10k and Cassandra outside leaving Warren to her own devices and I had no idea where my brother even was.

As 10k turned to go join the others to get ready I gave him the best pep-talk I could quickly.

"You'll do great, you are a shoe in, you're the best shot around," I said smiling at him, holding his shoulders at arms length. He gave me a smile and nodded his head in acknowledgement to my pep-talk, "Alright, go get 'em." I said giving him a push towards the table, however as soon as I did the same girl from earlier walked by 10k again. I saw him run up to her and tell her his name, however she seemed to blow him off.

"Registered Shooters, please hit your marks on the designated firing line," McClain shouted through a traffic cone. Doc was at the table with 10k getting him set up as I was standing with Cassandra, "Alright, this first round takes place 100 yards out. When I announce the target Z, you aim, when I say fire, you shoot, if you miss, you're out. This is sudden death people, cause there ain't no other way these days."

Once McClain was done telling everyone the rules and announcing the prizes I knew we had nothing to worry about.

"You ready shooters?" McClain asked as he was ready to get everything started, "LET'S…KILL…SOME…ZOMBIES!" As soon as he announced the beginning of the contest an ice cream truck started driving across the field 100 yards away. I couldn't help but laugh, I hadn't known these guys long but it seemed like something only they could think up.

As everyone loaded their guns and got cocked and ready to aim I looked around trying to find Murphy. I knew he was up to something and that it would be a good idea to keep close tabs on him.

"I'm going to go find Murphy," I said leaning close to Doc as he leaned down to hear me better, "Let's hope he isn't in trouble." Doc laughed at my comment and told me good luck. When it came to my brother I knew I needed it.

"Round one!" I heard behind me as I started walking to the parking lot. I knew he wasn't in the bar anymore so the parking lot was my only guess.

Walking through the sea of cars it didn't take long for me to spot my brother. He was running from car to car with keys in his hands and I knew that could only mean one thing.

"Did you steal those guy's keys?" I asked Murphy as I walked up behind him. He spun around almost quick enough to give me whiplash.

"No," he said trying to hide what he was doing, "They fell on the ground." I stood there staring at him and my arms crossed over my chest, my eyebrow cocked knowing he was lying.

"That's him!" I heard behind me, sounding like that Forman guy from earlier, "That's the Z that bit me!" I turned around to look at him then back to Murphy when he said Murphy bit him, "And she is helping him escape!"

"What?" I yelled as a man came up behind me and grabbed my arm violently. I jerked around trying to get out of his grip, only for him to hold on tighter.

"Hey, guys. What's up?" Murphy said as another two men came up and grabbed him as well. They quickly threw him on the ground next to me, Forman walking up to the two of us.

"He's not a zombie, he's talkin'," one of Forman's men said.

"I didn't say he was a zombie, I said he looked like a zombie," Forman explained looking between the two of us, "Either way it doesn't matter, he stole my keys."

"That's a lie," I lied quickly trying to help my brother, "You're piss poor drunk, they fell on the ground." He turned and looked at me trying to intimidate me. I stared him down just as hard trying my best to match him. He seemed to back off a little and turn back to my brother.

"Then what are you doing at my machine?" he asked, but before Murphy could think of anything to say Forman told his men to search the both of us. I quickly started fighting back not wanting someone's hands all over me. However they only held on tighter and I knew I was going to have bruises on my arms after this.

It wasn't much longer when I saw everyone jump away from my brother, knowing they probably saw his bite marks on his stomach.

"He is a Z!" someone yelled.

"I told you!" Forman said as everyone cocked their guns and pointed them at my brother and myself, "And she was helping him."

"I am gonna put him down," Forman said taking his gun out and holding it up to my brothers head. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest like it was going to bust through my rib cage, everything started to move in slow motion. I had no idea what I was going to do, I was scared, I was afraid I was going to loose my brother too.

However, before I had time to react I saw Cassandra run by in front of me pushing Forman out of the way as soon as he shot his gun. The men who were holding me back let go and I quickly took off my bow, getting an arrow ready, pulling it back. Murphy stood as Forman stood in front of him just as someone went to shoot him, Forman getting a bullet through his heart. I turned and looked Murphy over quickly making sure he was ok. I lowered my arrow thinking everything was ok and that it was all over.

"Zombies!" one of Forman's men yelled as I turned and watched the door to the out house bust open. The Z came waddling out with his pants around his ankles, everything hanging out freely. I couldn't help but stare at him for moment wondering if that really just happened.

Doc grabbed Murphy and they ran one way, Cassandra and I running back to the shooting range. We made it back as everyone was celebrating and carrying off a body who I assumed was a victim was a stray bullet. Looking around and seeing who was still in it I saw 10k still at the table. I knew he could do it and would win.

"We got five contestants left," McClain started, "Next target, cowboy hat, FIRE!" everyone started shooting, taking turns trying to kill the Z.

"Snyder, you're out," McClain's business partner said, "Mulligan, you're out. Better luck next year….if there is a next year." I couldn't believe that 10k was still in this thing, actually I could, I knew he was the best shot around and wouldn't have a problem taking out the competition.

"All right, we got three contestants left!" McClain said just as Doc walked up behind Cassandra and myself.

"We need to get out of here," he said leaning in between us so we both could hear him.

"We can't," I said turning around to look at him, "No yet." I nodded my head in 10k's direction, his eyes going wide.

"He's still in it?" Doc asked surprised, "That's our boy."

"Alright," McClain started again, "We got three contestants left! Let's up the ante, let's take her out 500 yards!" I looked down at 10k to see how he was doing, he seemed confident enough. However I could see the girl from earlier talking to him, and I knew she was trying to distract him. Again I felt a tinge of jealousy ripple through my veins as I watched him turn and tell her something. Looking over next to me I saw Doc looking at me with his eyebrows raised and a small knowing smile on his face. I felt my face redden slightly as I turned back around, ignoring Doc.

"The dude with the coveralls," McClain yelled, "FIRE!" After the gun shots the man in-between 10k and the other woman had lost. Everyone, including myself, clapped and congratulated the shooters. Looking around the group of people I made sure nothing was out of the ordinary. I could see something in the distance that looked like Z's headed our way.

"Zombies inside the perimeter!" someone yelled confirming what I thought.

"Okay, listen up everybody, we need a few people to go check and clean up some Z's," McClain said trying to keep everyone calm.

"I'll go," I said turning to Doc, "I also check on Murphy." Doc nodded his head as I ran off following the few men who left the shooting range. One of them I noticed was the father of the girl against 10k. He was leading the group as I quickly pushed my way to the front with him. As he shot one Z with his gun I took off my bow getting an arrow ready. Pulling back I let it go as fast as I could before he had a chance to take the second one. He turned and looked at me, making me feel like I had to prove myself to him.

"Where the hell they all come from?" he asked as he bent down taking a bigger gun that was laying on the ground next to the body he just dropped.

"I have an idea," I said as I decided to leave this group and go find my brother. I could see the truck from where I was standing and could see he had run off again. Running around looking for him I couldn't find him anywhere. Walking through all the cars I looked for him thinking maybe he was trying to steal someone else's car again. It was relatively quiet where I was compared to other areas of the grounds hearing gunshot from more than just the shooting range. My bow and an arrow at the ready I walked around a red VW Beetle stopping and looking around. It wasn't long until I realized that was a mistake. I felt a body slam into my side, knocking me to the ground, the tall tale groaning and moaning coming from a Z. Quickly rolling over onto my back, the Z on top of me, I did my best to hold it at arms length. Fighting against me with all it had I was struggling to keep him away. Chomping down and drooling the fight was getting harder and harder. Trying to think as fast as I could I grabbed the biggest knife at my side and drove it through the monsters skull. Dropping its full weight on me know my arm gave out, the Z falling on me. Pushing it off I could feel the blood and drool on my shoulder and staining my shirt. Jumping up and giving up on the search for Murphy I decided it was time to rejoin the others back at the shooting range.

"Put down your bets before the next round," McClain said as I walked back up to the group.

"I didn't find Murphy," I said as I got their attention. I saw Cassandra's eyes widen as she looked at me.

"Why are you covered in blood," Doc said worried it was my own.

"It's not mine, difficult fight with a Z," I said trying to wipe it off my face but I knew all I was doing was making it worse and smearing it around.

"We got a couple of fresh runners," McClain announced. 10k and the girl were quick on their feet to clean up as much as they could, dropping Z's. I silently watched as the crowd cheered them on.

"Our driver!" McClain said pointing to the ice cream truck in the middle of the field now, "They're getting Side Meat! Give the man mercy." 10k was the first to shoot the man through his windshield, "Hey, we have ourselves a winner!" McClain pointed down to 10k, Doc running up to him to celebrate. I ran up behind Doc grabbing 10k's gun from his so he could go claim his prize and we could get the hell out of dodge. I stood back as McClain handed 10k the prize and congratulated him.

"Closing time," McClain said as him and his business partner quickly threw everything into boxes and into the back of the truck. They packed up in record time and drove away.

Following behind 10k with his gun I handed it off to him and he got his new one situated on his back. I had my bow and arrows out as we ran back into the barns and closer to the parking lot. Doc and Cassandra had gone ahead of us to grab Warren and Murphy. As 10k and I walked in-between an old tractor and a big water trough 10k shot a Z that was coming at us as I turned and took out a couple that where following us. 10k grabbed my arm as we ran on, meeting the girl from earlier. As we stopped in the middle of what looked like it used to be a horse pin a Z came running out of the barn. I grabbed another arrow in my hand, stabbing it through the Z's skull, removing it and using the same arrow to shoot another Z that followed the previous one. Running around an abandoned truck the Z stopped in its tracks as the girl with us shot it.

"I'm running low on ammo," she said as 10k shot another that was running across the field.

"Yea, me too," 10k said, "Where are these Z's coming from?" Another Z making his way over the truck bed and coming at us. I shot it with my last arrow as it fell off the truck and landed hard on the ground.

"Shit," I said as I reached back for more arrows only to be empty handed. I placed my bow over my chest deciding it was time to get out my Beretta.

"I dunno, but where the hell is my dad?" she asked as she turned circles looking for him. Looking around for her dad as well I didn't see him and that made me nervous. I may not have been a big fan of the girl but I didn't want her to loose her father.

"Duck," I yelled at 10k as he crouched enough for me to drop the Z that was coming up behind him. He stood and looked at me nodding his head slightly in thanks as we heard someone yell at us.

"Brittany!" her father yelled as he ran up to the gate closest to us.

"There he is," I yelled to her as she turned around. Turning my back to her I shot another Z that was headed to us. Turning back around I saw the Z that was following her dad. She raised her gun to shoot it only for her gun to click empty.

"I'm out," she said in a panic as 10k quickly took over to shoot the Z behind her father.

"Two thousand two hundred five," 10k said proudly. She turned and looked at him with a smile on her face. I rolled my eyes and huffed taking out my frustration out on a Z that was coming at me. She turned away as her father started yelling for her to hurry and that they needed to go. She ran to go catch up with him. I reached out to grab 10k's sleeve and tell him we needed to go as well but when I expected my hand to reach him I only grasp at empty air. Turning around I saw that 10k had run after her telling her to wait. I stood there in the middle of the horse pin watching as 10k gave Brittany his new gun. I stood there in awe as 10k willingly gave it to her. We had worked so hard for it yet there it went. She was hesitant at first to take it but eventually she did. I turned grabbing my ax from my belt loop, driving it through the skull of another Z. I turned back around to tell about to yell for 10k that we needed to leave when I saw Brittany thank him for the gun then kiss him. When I saw her kiss him I felt my stomach drop. It was just a kiss on the cheek but I couldn't help the feelings that hit me. Another Z came out of the barn at that moment, me taking out all my feeling on its skull as it got close enough for my ax. 10k took a couple steps back, turning around and looking around. I walked up to him, emotions flooding through my mind.

"Come on lover boy," I said with attitude as I grabbed him tightly by the sleeve around his shoulder. He didn't say anything to me, only continuing in silence with the trace of a smile on his lips. I had to admit, I was angry. Angry that it wasn't me who had kissed him, angry that it wasn't me who put that stupid grin on his face.

We had finally made our way through the parking lot, seeing the truck and everyone already piled in it waiting for us. Shooting a zombie that came around a car towards us we broke out into a run to get to the group. The first thing I noticed was that Warren was in the driver seat. A small smile broke out on my face knowing that she had finally worked through her turmoil and was back with us again.

"Hey," 10k and I said at the same time as we got closer to the truck. I was a couple steps in front of 10k and didn't notice a Z that snuck out from behind another car. Turning around with my gun I tried aiming it but couldn't get a clean shot. Doc and Warren had jumped out of the truck, Warren aiming her gun.

"Get him!" 10k yelled struggling with the zombie. The Z was almost hugging him so he could move his arms or get his gun out to shoot him.

"I can't get a shot," Warren yelled from the truck. Being closer I had a bit of an advantage, about to take out the Z when all of a sudden the zombies face was blown off. In shock I looked up to see Brittany not far away with the gun that 10k gave her. I immediately tucked my gun back under my belt and turned back to the truck. Doc was still standing on the door waiting for 10k and Warren to get back to the truck. All growing up I had issues controlling the attitude that my facial expression gave off and right now was another one of those times. Doc turned and looked at me as I walked by his open door to jump in the back seat of the truck with my brother causing him to move all the way over next to Cassandra.

"Hurray for Brittany," I mumbled to myself as I shut the door a little harder than I meant to.

"Just friends?" he asked quietly enough only for me to hear and gave me a look. Doc quickly jumped out of the truck to run and grab 10k throwing him in the truck in-between him and Warren.

We hadn't been driving for long when Murphy made it known that he had to use the bathroom. Warren looked at him through the rear view mirror and told him he would have to hold it. It didn't take much more arguing for Warren to give up and pull over letting everyone out. I decided to jump into the truck bed to put my bow back in my bag until I managed to find some arrows. 10k jumped out of the cabin and followed me in the thought of putting away our weapons as we waiting for the others. It was silent between the two of us and he took his gun apart, wiping it down and doing regular maintenance. I was doing the same as I cleaned as much as I could of my weapons and placed them in my bag. Him and I were standing at the back of the truck with the tailgate down, my weapons bag taking up most of the space. I was trying to keep myself busy not thinking about my feelings, complete denial running through my head. Currently I was taking my knives out my boots and off my belt loops polishing them the best I could with an old rag I had in my bag. Concentrating on my Muela Bowie knife I used earlier I decided I should make small talk, waiting for Murphy and Doc get back to the truck.

"You did good at the contest earlier," I said grabbing 10k's attention.

"Thanks," he said happily as he finished putting his gun back together, setting it to the side and leaning up against the tailgate. I finished my knife and slipped it back into my boot, "Where did you get all your knives?"

"Just places I raided the last couple years," I explained, "I knew knives would be good to have at some point. They don't run out of ammo." I looked over at him as he thought about that for a second, seeming like he had never thought about that before, "And I never gave them away to a passing crush." I said referring back to Brittany. I saw his face fall for a second and I immediately regretted saying anything.

"I'm sorry," I said leaning against the tailgate as well, "That was a low blow, I shouldn't have said that." 10k crossed his arms across his chest looking down at the ground.

"No, its okay," he said a small smile on his lips, "I agree, I miss that gun." He laughed causing me to smile again, knowing that I hadn't completely shoved my own foot in my mouth, "And besides, she isn't the one I have a crush on." 10k turned and jumped back into the bed of the truck leaving me there in momentary shock, realizing what he just said.

I was quickly pulled from my thoughts when I heard Murphy yell from the back seat of the truck that he was ready to go and wasn't going to wait on me any longer. I pushed my weapons bag over to 10k for him to zip it up as I closed the tailgate, quickly climbing over it and sitting down next to him, a whole new set of feelings flooding their way into my mind.

"Well people, if we weren't already in an apocalypse, this would be a damn obvious sign. What do you call something worse than an apocalypse? Because, this is it, whatever it is. Swarm, horse, zunami, there's no end in sight. If you're not already west of this thing, you better get moving. There's no getting through it, there's no outrunning it, you got to find some place safe and hide. Good luck people, and Godspeed."