"Well, fuck," Zoro groaned, kneeling on the ground in exhaustion.

"You okay?" Luffy questioned, focusing intently on the way Zoro's back heaved up and down with each breath.

"I'm fine," Zoro barked out, wiping sweat from his forehead, "Just…" he stood up, wiping his bloodied knives clean across his pants, "Maybe you were right…"

"Did we do it?" one of the others cried out, looking around the empty, silent stadium in disbelief.

"Maybe I was right about what?" Luffy pressed, rubbing his sore arms quickly, spreading the lactic acid.

"These things are a little too stabby," Zoro replied, shoving the knives in the band of his pants. "Maybe if they were longer…"

Zoro turned to face Luffy. And it wasn't funny, but Luffy had to burst into laughter. The front of Zoro was completely drenched. It looked as if he'd been painted red. He blinked in annoyance and Luffy tried to stifle his hysterical laughter. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. It's not funny at all, it's just…"

"I'm going to rinse off," Zoro snapped, hitching his thumb toward the now destroyed showers.

"I'll find you some clean clothes," Luffy offered, turning around to face the crowd of people gathered to them. Luffy scratched his cheek unsurely before addressing them, "I can't help you any longer. I don't have anywhere to go. I don't have any grand ideas. If I were you," Luffy continued, gesturing around the bloody stadium. "I would gather what you can and find someplace quiet to hole up."

And without another word Luffy spun around, leaping over dead bodies. He bounded across the stadium, searching through whatever he thought could be valuable to them. He grabbed Zoro a set of fresh clothes, still sealed in plastic. He considered whether to grab himself some, but he decided he would be getting new clothes the moment they left this place. He muttered to himself, kicking out at a footlocker, "I liked that hoodie."

"Clothes!" Zoro called, stepping from the dilapidated shower. The curtains were bent. The shower head was crooked. Blood was smeared all over the floor.

"Here," Luffy said, handing Zoro the set of clean clothes.

"Thanks." Zoro murmured, ripping open the plastic.

"We should go shopping after this," Luffy suggested, leaning against the wall. The wall immediately gave and the entire medical tent began to collapse. In a few seconds the cloth was draped over Zoro's head, settling over them like a blanket. Luffy snickered and then groaned, "My bad."

Zoro lifted the heavy fabric slightly, just enough to be able to see Luffy in front of him. Zoro shook his head, an involuntary smile tugging at the corner of his mouth, "Is this real life?"

"My bad."

"I just have one question…" Zoro sighed, pushing the fabric up higher off his head.

"Uh huh?" Luffy murmured, chewing on his nails.

"You didn't knock over some industrial vat of crazy potion and start this whole thing, did you?" Zoro asked, his tongue sliding across his teeth in irritation.

"I'm insulted." Luffy gasped, clutching at his throat.

Zoro dropped the cloth, another gust of air brushing against them as it settled down around them. Wordlessly, he turned, slowly finding his way out and leaving Luffy behind. He didn't bother to wait for the younger man. He walked through and over the piles of bodies and began climbing the stairs into the stands.

"You're badass, man," the soldier called out once Zoro was in speaking range. He had a thick Georgia accent that Zoro would normally have found rather amusing. "Bad-fucking-ass."

"I was going to say the same about you," Zoro replied, shaking the soldier's dark-skinned hand as he dropped down to Zoro's level. "You're a hell of a shot."

"Usopp King," the soldier said, introducing himself. He was a young, black man; shorter and thinner than Zoro, but not by much. He had a long nose, a long nose, but he was still handsome. He smiled charmingly and it matched his honeyed Southern accent. "United States Army, 29th Infantry Regiment."

"Zoro Roronoa," Zoro replied back. "Uh, I am, was, a bartender."

"A bartender?" Usopp asked, shaking his head in surprise. "Have to murder a lot of mint in hand to hand combat?"

"A few years back," Zoro explained, tilting his head to the side. "I was in the competitive fighting circuit…" Zoro shrugged. "But I don't do that anymore." Zoro laughed in amusement, "Well, I guess maybe I'm back in it…"

"What about your friend?" Usopp asked, removing his heavy, tan helmet. He rested it between his thighs, smoothing his hands over his military-regulation shaven head. He smiled at Luffy as he approached, reaching out to shake his hand. "Ya'll are like legit American ninjas…" he looked at Zoro awkwardly for a moment before smiling apologetically. "No offense."

"None taken." Zoro assured him.

"I'm Luffy," Luffy said, shaking Usopp's hand quickly. "You know, you're like the only army guy who didn't run away or die…" Luffy looked around the stadium. Somehow it looked even worse from above. "Thanks, man. I'd be a goner if it wasn't for you…"

"I saw you helping." Usopp said, adjusting his rifle. "It made me stop running."

"So can you call in a 'copter evac or something?" Luffy asked, looking Usopp up and down curiously.

"Nah," Usopp said, his face finally reflecting the fear he felt. "When they dropped us they told us we were on our own for now. It's a mess. Seven major cities were hit…"

"Wait… what?" Zoro interrupted, edging closer to Usopp curiously.

"New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and San Antonio," Usopp explained, ticking off on his fingers as he spoke, "It's been a crazy week." Usopp sighed heavily, rubbing his face. "I just got here two days ago and it's fucking chaos, man."

"So what now?" Luffy asked. "Got a rendezvous point?"

Usopp tapped his walkie-talkie, "Haven't heard a damn thing yet."

Luffy and Zoro exchanged a look before Zoro spoke, "Alright then. Let's go."

"Huh?"

Luffy smiled as Zoro clarified, "We're going shopping. Luffy doesn't like his clothes. You should come with us." Zoro turned to look at Luffy before adding, "I think we could all benefit from each other's' company."

Usopp seemed to consider the offer for a moment, but in actuality he didn't see another choice. He nodded slowly, puffing his chest out with decision, "I accept your offer."

"Great." Luffy chimed smacking Usopp on the back. "Let's go. Those people seem to have a knack for finding normal humans…"

"You mean the zombies," Usopp asked, shuddering with distaste.

"Zom-Zombies?" Luffy asked, looking from Zoro to Usopp in confusion.

"Yeah, they're called zombies," Usopp whispered, leaning in closer. "Us black folk already know." When he confirmed he had both their undivided attention, he continued. "The word comes from west Africa. They've been fighting zombies in Haiti for over two hundred years now… You've never heard of it?" But Usopp's question was rhetorical. He was clearly relishing the storytelling and didn't expect any interruptions. "When I was a boy, my mother would tell me stories. It seemed impossible. Stuff to keep kids from bothering the old folks, ya know? But my mama was right," Usopp said, pressing his hands together as if praying. "Rest her soul, the world is fucking burning and zombies are taking over the streets…" Usopp paused, perhaps for dramatic effect, "Zombies eat human flesh. One bite and you're one too. Just like that- boom! And the only way to put 'em down is to destroy the brain."

"Wow." Zoro murmured. "I thought you had actual information or something…"

"What?" Usopp gasped, offended. "That is actual information."

"Nah," Zoro replied dismissively, starting to walk away. "That's folklore. I don't believe in hocus pocus."

"Hocus pocus?" Usopp gaped. "Bitch, people are eating people! I think hocus pocus believes in you!"

"Come on," Luffy sighed, slapping Usopp on the back affectionately. "Let's get some cooler clothes…

"Hey! He-y!" Usopp shouted. "Aren't you guys gonna listen to me?!"

"Yeah, we listened," Zoro called over his shoulder, waving his hand. "Now hurry up. We should probably stay closer together." Zoro turned for a brief moment, long enough to flash a smile, "Or the zombies might get us."

"Not funny," Usopp complained, folding his arms over his chest. "People are out here fucking people up but I'm talking crazy…"

"Hey, Zoro," Luffy called out. "Where's the closest mall?"

"Five or so blocks, uh," Zoro threw out both arms, pointing in opposite directions, "One of those ways. I know where it is… kinda…. I mean…"

"Let's go to the roof and look," Luffy murmured to Usopp. "He has no idea."

"I thought ya'll were joking about going shopping?!" Usopp panicked, "Do you realize it was only a two mile radius safe zone and that safe zone was just obliterated by the fucking zombies. We can't just Un-ass to the local mall…"

"You got a gun, right?" Luffy asked, shrugging.

"It's not a gun, it's my rifle-" Usopp began automatically. He sighed, shaking his head. "Nevermind."

"Got bullets?" Luffy asked.

Usopp sighed louder, "They're not called bullets…"

Luffy only laughed. "Whatever. I'm not an expert on those sorts of things."

"Think those people will be okay?" Usopp asked suddenly, looking down at the assembled people wandering the stadium floor below.

"Whether they live or die," Luffy reasoned solemnly, "They have a chance."

"Couldn't have said it better myself. Let's go." Zoro demanded impatiently. "My socks are wet and its making me want to die."

"They gave you socks?" Luffy questioned. "No one gave me any socks."

"Let's move out then," Usopp announced, "before the zombies are attracted here." Usopp jogged ahead of Luffy catching up with Zoro. "I know I just smell delicious…"

Once they'd made it to the street, much of Usopp's fear had dissolved. Strangely, the streets seemed to be completely abandoned. Zoro was curious, "Where'd everyone go?"

"Who knows, but this is great!" Usopp cheered, looking around the deserted city. "I got here two days ago. I was voluntold to go on this mission. Why here? I don't know, but…"

"You talk a lot." Zoro realized, pausing in the street.

"Yeah. Maybe." Usopp agreed, nodding his head and shrugging.

"But he talks a lot." Zoro said, pointing to Luffy. He shook his head sternly in refusal. "You can't both talk a lot."

"Zoro's so lucky," Luffy breathed out.

"I was stationed in Fallujah," Usopp began, "And let me tell you. It was the-"

There was a screech up ahead. It didn't sound human. The three men exchanged looks before Zoro held up a finger to his lips in gesture. He motioned silently for the others to follow and he turned down an alley. They walked quickly and quietly until they finally broke into a run. There was something so unnerving about that sound.

"There's the mall," Usopp said, about fifteen minutes later.

"Still kinda weird we haven't seen anyone yet." Zoro pointed out. "What are the chances? Human or z… human or zombie, we should've seen someone…"

"No, don't tell me about any bad feelings…" Usopp groaned, "Let's just get in the mall. Get what ya'll need and find someplace to ride it out…"

"I'm curious too," Luffy decided, hesitating just outside the mall parking lot.

"Nah," Usopp refused. "We don't need to be curious. We need to be logical."

"That screeching noise. I wonder if it was something else or if it was a zombie or…"

"WET SOCKS!" Usopp shouted, jumping up and down, waving his arms toward the mall. "WET SOCKS!"

"Alright, settle down," Luffy said, walking through the parking lot. "We're coming."

"Aren't you a bit curious?" Zoro asked, narrowing his eyes.

Usopp shook his head, "You know I am not."

"Oh, cool, there's an arcade!" Luffy announced, walking faster. "Think they're open?"

"Clothes, shoes, supplies first," Zoro instructed firmly. "And then if we have time, we can check."

Luffy smiled happily, a victorious laugh escaping his lips, "Yes!"

"This place is going to be teeming with zombies," Usopp declared, his southern drawl even stronger when he was nervous.

"There's a 'Tactical Weaponry' store next to 'Penny's'," Zoro said, "Somewhere near the eyeglass shop, I think…" Zoro paused, thinking. "Maybe it's on the other side by 'Jockey'?"

"Do you know where it is?" Usopp asked, looking to Luffy with hope.

"Nope," Luffy admitted with a wide grin, "I'm not from here. I have no clue where anything is."

"Where the hell are you from then?" Usopp asked in surprise.

There was another terrible screeching sound. It was loud enough to shake the windows of the mall. Usopp shook his head in refusal, darting toward the glass doors in no time at all. He peered inside briefly before grabbing the door. "It's locked."

"Break it," Zoro suggested, scratching his stomach absently.

"If we break it, the doors broken," Usopp pointed out, "And it's that much easier for zombies to get in…"

"Or out," Zoro added.

Usopp's eyes widened, "Okay, just shut up for a minute. Say we break the glass, it makes a lot of noise, zombies inside and outside hear it. And then the zombies outside don't even have to bother to break in, there's a fucking opening already…"

"Okay, okay, calm down," Luffy sighed, kneeling in front of the door. "Give me your knife for a minute, Zoro."

"How's a knife going to help?" Usopp asked skeptically.

"Trust him," Zoro replied simply, "I'm pretty sure he hotwired a car with a thumbtack." Zoro looked at Usopp and shrugged, "he has skills."

The door popped open while the other two were still staring at one another. Luffy stood up, wiping his hands together in gesture, "And we're in. Easy as cake." Zoro stepped inside first, Usopp purposefully shadowing him closely. Luffy closed the door behind him, flipping the lock back into place. "It's dark in here."

"Heh," Usopp chuckled, straightening up, "Maybe this wasn't such a bad idea. Maybe zombies hate shopping?"

"I'm heading to 'Under Armor'," Zoro muttered, walking off.

"Yeah, okay," Luffy said with a nod, "I'll be in 'Macy's'."

"Whoa! Whoa! Whoa, whoa! Nooooo…" Usopp groaned loudly, throwing out his arms. "We are not splitting up."

"It'll take less time," Zoro pointed out.

Luffy shrugged, "I need a new shirt or I'll die. I feel it. My throat is scratchy."

"Well," Usopp snapped, collecting Zoro and pushing him back in Luffy's direction, "We are in this together. So we will just have to take turns shopping."

"Okay, quit pushing me!" Zoro barked.

"Look, there are people here." Usopp whispered nervously. "And that means there are probably zombies here too. We can't just wonder off on our own with no rendezvous point or meet-up time or… We just can't, okay?!"

"OOOoooh!" Luffy shouted in excitement, running up to a window display. "Look at all the red! I looooove red!"

"Red is not a smart, tactical color choice," Usopp pointed out. But it was pointless, Luffy was in love at first sight. And it took him only a minute or two to raise the metal gate barricade at the store front.

"Guys, I don't wanna be a buzzkill," Usopp began as a realization hit him, "but isn't this looting?"

"Technically, yes," Luffy answered.

"Just, generally yes," Zoro agreed, nodding his head.

"And we're still gonna keep doing it?" Usopp questioned.

"What size do you wear?" Zoro asked, ignoring Usopp's concerns and searching through a rack of denim.

"Oh, I wear a 34x34," Usopp murmured, slowly stepping into the store.

"Really?" Zoro questioned, arching his brow in surprise.

"Yeah, my ass is huge," Usopp complained, checking the rack of clothes opposite Zoro. "It's a pain, really."

"I like these," Luffy declared, already wearing a pair of Bermuda shorts.

"No shorts, dumbass," Zoro snapped. "Achilles ring a bell?"

"What?" Luffy asked, his mouth hanging open. "Don't know, don't care. These are comfy."

"I said no. Get some damn pants."

"It's not fair," Luffy muttered, yanking the shorts off and tossing them to the floor.

"What size?" Usopp asked, holding several pairs of jeans between his thighs for safekeeping.

"I don't know. A medium?" Luffy shrugged.

"No, what's your measurements?" Usopp clarified.

"I don't know." Luffy repeated.

"How do you not know?" Usopp asked, shaking his head. "Your mama do all your shopping?"

"I don't have a mother." Luffy answered.

"Try these," Zoro said simply, tossing Luffy a pair of jeans.

Luffy stepped into the jeans, fumbling unsurely with the button and zipper. "Too small!" Luffy complained, grunting with effort.

"Unbutton them first," Zoro instructed.

"Get me a bigger size I can just pull on," Luffy instructed, dropping the jeans to the floor. "These are too hard."

"For crying out loud!" Usopp groaned, fetching the jeans from the floor. "Like this," Usopp said, unbuttoning the jeans, "here, try them now."

"They fit." Luffy sighed heavily, placing his hands on his hips in annoyance.

"Alright," Zoro said, nodding, "Then get a few pairs of jeans and you can get a pair of shorts."

Luffy clapped his hands together happily, "Thank you."

"Such a child." Usopp realized, shaking his head.

"Look for a size '22'," Zoro instructed. "That's your size."

"Don't forget underwear," Usopp announced, walking over to the shelves of underwear. "You know, I think I need a cart…"

"Only get what you can carry," Zoro exclaimed loudly, "Use your common sense please!"

"Wait, wait, wait…" Luffy breathed out, throwing his arms wide.

"What is it?" Usopp asked, dropping low into a defensive position, slamming his rifle against his leg.

"There's a food court here…" Luffy explained, in all seriousness, "we can eat something really fucking good."

"I should kick your ass!" Usopp shouted in frustration kicking a display over and sending it in Luffy's direction. There was a moan a few aisles away, loud enough to be heard over Luffy's laughter. Usopp shrieked, aiming his gun into the still darkness, "Who's there?!"

"Don't fire that gun," Zoro murmured absently, still browsing the racks.

"What? Why?" Usopp squeaked out.

Luffy laughed, slapping his thin hand against the back of Usopp's shaved head, "'Cause guns are noisy, bro."

"Then what do we do?" Usopp demanded.

"I'll take care of them," Luffy answered.

"Them?" Usopp murmured, his eyes wide.

"I count five," Luffy answered, setting his backpack down. He unzipped it, shoving his prized pair of shorts and a package of underwear into his bag. "Hey, anyone see any hoodies?"

"There are some over here," Zoro answered, holding a fatigues green shirt against his chest.

"How are ya'll so calm?" Usopp mouthed.

Zoro set the clothes he'd picked down. He straightened up quickly, pulling his knives from his waistband, "I'll take this side."

"'Kay," Luffy replied absently, tightening his grip on his metal rod. "Don't get bit."

"Sure," Zoro agreed, nodding his head in understanding, "and you don't go crazy on me."

"I can't see shit!" Usopp panicked, looking from Zoro to Luffy, his rifle held defensively in his hands. "What the fuck?!"

A zombie crashed through a rack, spilling piles of clothes everywhere. It lunged directly at Usopp, its dripping mouth hanging open. Usopp screamed, his fingers tightening around his rifle, "YOU TOLD ME NOT TO SHOOT!"

"I got it!" Luffy yelled, swinging his pole through the air. He struck the zombie in the face and with two more hits it didn't move. Luffy laughed, shaking his head as he looked at Usopp, "I got you. Relax."

"I CANNOT RELAX!" Usopp shouted, bouncing from one foot to the other.

"Incoming," Zoro barked, shrugging a thick, tan coat over his shoulders. He pulled at the hem, his muscled arms tight against the fabric. "Shit. Usopp," Zoro sighed, thrusting a knife into a zombie's ear, "Find me a bigger size."

"What?!"

"Find me a big-ger size-uh," Zoro chewed in annoyance, he gestured to his jacket before leaning over the zombie, drilling his second knife into its forehead. "This doesn't fit right."

"What the fuck…" Usopp whispered, his eyes wide. He lowered his rifle, shuffling toward the rack where Zoro had been browsing. "What the fuck… what the fuck… what the fuck… am I… am I actually shopping right now?"

"That's two," Luffy said, nodding toward Zoro, "three to go."

"I need something longer," Zoro complained, blood soaking into his clothes. "I have to get a little too close with these."

Luffy jumped over a display, meeting a zombie head-on, "Yeah, and this pole is pretty much busted," Luffy admitted, smashing it into the zombie's skull, "it's about to break."

"So," Zoro decided, kicking a zombie in the chest, "Weapons before food court?"

Luffy groaned loudly, punching the final zombie in the side of the head before beating its brains out, "Fine. I guess."