Chapter 2: A start. A slow one that is.

I quickly regained my senses. I will die if I stood like a fool doing nothing. I assessed the battlefield.

Our neighborhood is a dead end. One way in, one way out. We used to have a gate on the entrance when I was younger due to the high criminal rate that we used to have. Because on our backs was a small wall that was separating our place to the fields and main road that makes for an easy escape. But now I see that they have fortified it once more but now it cars and bits of furniture.

For now, my objective is to cross the street alive and make it to the barricade where they have weapon to repel the zombies. But how is the question? Looking around I can see the street had been abandoned in haste and that the survivors holed up in our neighborhood.

Now to assess the threat level of the enemy forces… I love anime and movies alright?! My mindset is that of an anime combatant so that's how I can think clearly even if there are forces out there trying to kill me by ways of cannibalism! This is living the dream of being in a Zombie Apocalypse! Moving on…

It seems like they haven't seen me yet so I hid behind a car while looking around always to make sure no one can sneak up on me. It seems like I will have to test what makes them tick. They are in a mob and going to the area with the most commotion. So sound is their primary sense. But they might be also like snakes where they can feel thermal energies and go for the hottest area near their vicinity. Sight is a negative as they are dead and the ocular motors are not moving even when they are moving to their target. So lastly, the plausible is smell. It may be possible that they perceive an enhanced smell that focuses on the smell of humans. It is possible because human scent has a distinct smell that separates us from beasts.

With all these hypotheses in my head, I tread carefully as I approach the mob from the side. So far, the zombies have not noticed me. But I was still alert. I move slowly and carefully, calculating each step and how many it would take to safety. I kept my eye on the mob as I was nearing my perceived safe zone from them.

Not one of them had moved from their position. Still treading carefully, I slowly made my way to the barricade. The barricade was tall. It was made from stacked cars, from which is a mystery to me on how they achieved such feat. But it was simple for me to cross that. There was a telephone pole near it. My plan is to climb that pole, jump to the house next to it and then to the street below. It was a reckless plan. But better than nothing. And it seems I had run out of time.

It seems like 10 meters is the nearest I can go without being detected. And I was right that they hone on their targets like animals. Whether by sound, scent, or feeling the heat, they were on to me. My chest was pounding as their bodies turned when they saw their target. There was one thing I was wrong. It seems like speed was never a problem to them. They came unto me like rampaging bulls.

I ran top speed to the telephone pole. They were nearing me fast and I had to slide and roll as one gained enough momentum to fly tackle me from the side. It was only a few meters between me and my would be killers. Taking advantage of the large nails driven to the pole for easier climbs, I reached the top soon enough. Without any further ado, I jump to the balcony of the house and jumped down the street. Only to meet the scared faces of my neighbors and a gun pointing on my head.

On the outside my face is the perfect poker face but my mind is breaking top speed to process what to do and what to say to appease them. Like a lightning strike, it hit me on what they want. Even without saying anything I can give them proof that I am not like those grotesque monsters.

Carefully raising my hands above my head, I started to stand up. I move slowly as not to aggravate everyone. I slowly then undid my belt and shook off my pants. Decency had no say in survival. As I have removed all articles of my clothing even my boxers, only then they have accepted me.

"Ah, my boy. We thought you were one of them. Just one small bite and they can infect you. Even as just they lick upon your wounds they can turn you."

The voice came from Henry. He's the neighbor that took care of me while my parents were away. He's a veteran soldier from Vietnam and he was the closest thing I had for a father. His frame is slightly buff and though he is in his 50s you can see the vigor in him. Looking around. I can only see a handful of people surrounding me.

There was Vivian, the school teacher who was always there for me when I was all alone. She was a college student when we moved in and since then she always doted on me. We usually spend our time reading stories and it was through her I learned the glory that is anime. She's looking haggard right now and her auburn hair is damp in her sweat.

Carlo was also there too. He is around my age and we usually challenge each other when we were brats. His lithe frame is slightly hunched and he looked ready to fight. On his side is his little brother Nico. Slightly taller than Carlo but also having the same droopy face as his brother. He stood tall and his eye roaming for any suspected target.

Jessa was behind them, cowering in fear to her surroundings. That girl never did had courage to begin with. We usually joked that she is the perfect damsel in distress being also the youngest. She looked pale and there were deep bags under her eyes. Her black low-cut hair was a mess. She looked like she will collapse in any moment.

Dante was beside Henry as if covering his back. This slightly vertically challenged man is currently working as a police officer. He was usually our get to go when crimes happen on our turf. He is close friends with Henry as the two of them go way back being senior and junior in the military with Dante as the latter. The one further from the group is his wife Mathilda. They came from the same occupation and had been sweethearts since they were children. Though Mathilda is one the anime community a tsundere. Seriously, she gets mad at Dante just so they can have angry sex. And that is a truth that Dante had accidentally blurted out making her mad for real.

And lastly, this one I won't believe ever in my life if I had only heard of it. Her long silvery hair waving in the wind that suddenly picked up. Her gentle face smiling down on me. Her body shaped perfectly by the Gods themselves. Her name is Yurille. She was a recluse that all my neighbors were trying to connect with. I am quite close to her family and the only place we have met was her room. She never even stepped outside her home long before I move here. She was so shy and never made an effort to make it lesser. But I guess she is now in her element. After all what kind of fan she is if she even enjoyed what she wanted the most. To be able to experience a real apocalypse. To make it rain blood and gore.

Yes, this immaculate girl is looking for blood to spill. I blame anime, horror movies, her stupid, incompetent and useless parents, and most of all myself. Had I not shown her Japanese gore anime then she wouldn't be like this in the first place. Now this sweet girl when triggered turn into a sadistic, cannibalistic bitch.

My hearts bleeds so. So much. And she loves it like that.

"Well lookie here. What a bunch of people am I seeing here. So? Are you only the ones left or are they hiding?"

They all paused and Vivian came rocketing towards me, crying all throughout.

"Little brother! How I worried for you so much! Where were you? When this all started, I thought about you! I tried to text you and called you but you weren't answering. Why?! WHY?!"

She hugged me while shoving my face to her breasts while at the same time intentionally trying to deprive me of air. I tried to pry myself from this woman's grasp but her grip was as hard as steel. But then her steel like grip turned to diamonds. A feeling of dread settled deep in stomach as I realized that another misunderstanding is about to sprout. And Vivian being a person without reason when enraged, is connecting none existent lines in her head. I struggled even harder as the people around me tried to ignore me and moved to the barricade leaving me to my demise.

Shit. There goes my neck. She shifted her hold from my shoulders to my neck. I am doomed. Usually this involve unimaginable pain so I just accepted my fate.

"Unless…"

Her hot breath tickled my head as I whimpered. I prayed to the Gods that I survive whatever ordeal that will happen.

"Unless you are sleeping with someone?! Who is it?! I can smell a woman on you!"

A fire kindled in me. This baseless courage made me dug my grave deeper.

"No. No you're not. That's just you. You are smelling yourself. Lay off on me, woman! Release me right fucking now!"

The others looked at me bewildered as if I want to die. I looked at them confused. I even felt the grip slackened. I quickly made my escape. But as fast as I moved, she was faster. We were back to square one.

It was then my mind caught up with what had transpired. I paused. Terrified of what I said. No more words were said. She just tightened her hold till I dropped down unconscious. And with that my final thoughts as I fell deep into Lala land.

Damn it woman.

When I woke up, I was assaulted by a musky scent. Seems like I was out in the loop for a few days. We were currently in Henry's place as it is the most fortified area currently. As I glanced around, I realized I wasn't alone in the living room. The gang were there along with a new face.

She certainly is a beauty. Long black hair, seemingly immaculate even with the harrowing experience outside. She has a few cuts and bruises most possibly because of obstacles when she was running away from those things. She is kind of small, maybe at 4'11? She had a slight tan and her face is slightly rounded on the cheeks. She looks a professional bodyguard though. Her posture indicates her readiness for any situation. The black suit even makes more sense in a way.

I had enough of meandering and went straight to the point. Leaning back in the sofa that I am currently resting in, I chimed in their hushed conversation.

"So… Who is this woman, who is most probably related to the problems we have right now?"

The living room was silenced as everyone turned their heads towards me.

Henry and Dante exchanged looks that I might say that I was spot on. The woman then spoke up suddenly.

"I am Evangeline Marks. I am an CIA agent that was sent to survey how damaged this country is and its habitability. I know that this may sound crazy but this outbreak incident is happening for a year already. Japan had been the start, as the testing area for a genome had broken out of containment was developed there. Japan had already fallen with a few survivors that escaped. The leader of that group, Takashi Komuro, along with few of his combat ready companions were drafted into our ranks and formed the Deadmen Squadron. I am a member of the squad but my main role was recon. Somehow, while the world was being run over by zombies, Philippines remained unaffected. Until now. I am sorry. Someone slipped through my team. We didn't know how one got to our chopper but of my squad I was the only one left. Please forgive our mistake."

I can only look at the woman who spilled the beans with no hesitation. Still, I can understand her. Being the one who was assigned to survey our country, she fucked up so bad that now, Philippines is going to be a wasteland. I can see her trying not to trembling and shake from all the pressure that is currently on her shoulder. Such a lovely woman being reduced to tears, I can only sigh.

Shaking my head, I tried to get my head in the game. So this had been already going on for a year. I finally pieced together why prices skyrocketed and exports rarely come nowadays. I thought it was only to promote our own products but ultimately, it was for our own survival. Still Philippines is a small country that had a huge population. Over 100 million this year and rising exponentially due to poverty and those assholes who raped religious women. As a Christian country, abortion is frowned upon, so the population just rise every year by almost 10 percent. It can only mean that the zombies we are going to fight is a real Horde. What can few people do? Even if we number in thousands, any activity made will cause a lot of ruckus and will attract all kind of unwanted attention. Imagining a million of those zombies barreling towards us sent a shiver to my spine.

I didn't even dismiss the possibility of those zombies evolving into something else. Evolution is a bitch and I can attest that it will only turn for the worst. That is not even including other factors for survival like, safe houses, food, water, defenses and attack patterns.

As my mind is taking this all in, everyone was waiting for my input. They all were looking at each other worriedly as they knew that I might be overthinking the plot. They were about to speak their worries but I held up my hand. I have my speech ready. This route will be the one where all of us might survive this ordeal. That and many more.

"Well, now that you introduced yourself, I shall do the same. I am Aust Myr Albane. They call me Amir for short and you are also free to do so. This is really a lot to take in. I haven't really grasped all of this yet but what you said made me do so. So now I will tell you of my plan."

Everybody was on the edge. They knew that even though I am young, I am quite reliable in making plans and they trust me enough to believe in what I have in my mind to help them out of this situation.

"We will all get the available weaponry that we can have. They have not breached the gate yet right Henry?"

I got an affirmative there. I nodded my thanks to him.

"After the that, we will stock up on any food supply that we can bring. Those include canned goods and bread. Make sure that we have enough for everyone. We will raid the other houses for supplies so be prepared. This is no longer a friendly community so we do what we can to survive."

I heard Jessa whimpered in fear. I gave her a reassuring smile to ease her tension and it worked.

"As you all probably know, the people that turn into a zombie is dead already. Show no mercy. We will grieve them when we all are safe but for now, I need all of you to harden your heart. We will take anyone who is still alive but watch your backs. It is not far off that someone will backstab us. For now, we will all go to my house. If they are still alive, then we help them. I think that every inside the neighborhood is safe but we need to move. The back wall will be a liability in the end as over that is an open field."

Vivian interrupted with a question.

"But why your house?"

As I heard that, a sinister chuckle came out. Everybody was positive that they saw my eyes turned to slits and that I have a snake tongue which is not true! Not true at all! Kukukuku…

"I may be a nurse but did you know why I became one?"

The tension was so high that you can jump from it and never fall. I can literally hear the palpable tension in the room. Oh? No that was their hearts beating erratically. Vivian and Yurille was sweating too much and Jessa is frothing in the mouth. The men were gulping audibly. Huh. Evangeline is frozen like she saw a bear.

"I am a nurse so that I can study the human form in motion. Learning their small intricacies along with their behavior. A nurse actually is the greatest interrogator in the world. Nobody can keep a secret from a nurse. Behaviors and emotions associated along them. What makes one move? What makes one still? Everything that is basically needed in the medical field is being taught to a nurse. Psychology, Anatomy and Physiology, Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Pharmacy, and many more. A love the whole of being Human. Then the question that then comes next is why do I do this?"

I can't contain myself any longer. With a satisfying maniacal laugh, I just made everyone effectively shit their pants and call for God.

"We did it! The greatest invention made by the hands of man!"

The evil laugh intensified and by now everyone was so unnerved that I was acting like this. Well I just made my dream come true for a while! I have been tweaking my invention for years and this was the only positive result I got. I became a nurse for a goal. A goal to be the greatest inventor of all time.

I settled down to ease their fears. No one was speaking right now. I can understand them. I just had revealed a bit of myself right there. To allay their fears, I just walked away simply to do their tasks and meet me in front of my house.

Without any regards to their reactions, I swiftly went outside.

The place was so desolated. I looked around and I saw that there were some zombies present inside the neighborhood. Grabbing what seems to be a steel pipe, I slowly made my way to them. The first one is alone and was standing still. A car. I can get cover from it. Silently, I slowly moved up. No reaction. I swiftly made my way to the wall in front of me. Still no movement. Here comes my theory testing. Lightly tapping the wall with the pipe, I tried to get its attention. The body twitched. It released a groan and like lightning, its head whipped to my direction. Its sudden movements terrified me but I held on even as I see it speeding towards me. At the last second, I dodged and I can hear the splat. I looked at it and was satisfied that its head was destroyed like a piñata. But there was no time for celebration. I attracted the rest of the group. There were 3 left and they were all wanting a piece of me.

"Bring it on!"

I evaded all their initial rush but the last one tried to turn so as I sidestepped, I smashed the pipe on its head. #3 crumpled to the floor and I have no time to double tap as #1 and #2 was upon me. They unwittingly flanked me and I was in a pinched. Their mouths agape, they tried to bite me. I got away from #2 but the other was already in range, so I jammed the pipe on its mouth and forced it to the ground. The pipe was stuck and the remaining zombie was not happy in the very least. It charged me and with no weapon, I have no choice. I curb stomped the zombie in the face to free my weapon. Once the deed was done and successful, I took a baseball stance. With a savage grin, I swung my pipe on face of the charging zombie. Due to the inertia, its feet was off the ground and my makeshift bat embedded on its face. Dislodging my bat from the zombie, I proceed to smash open the heads of the downed zombies to make sure they don't get up ever again.

And my audience was mortified. Hey! I told them no mercy. I can feel guilt later on but we needed to stay alive. It is better to be alive than dead after all.

"Stop gawking at everything. We need to live. We do what is necessary. I don't care what you see me as because my priority is to have everyone here to not die."

With my part said, they followed me silently inside my house.

My house was a small one. Just enough for 5 people to be comfortable. Too many bad memories lied in this place but they are ones that I can put up with as that made me who I am today. I never regret anything that happened to me. It made me stronger than most and I am thankful for that.

I went in. I heard a few shuffling on the living room. Making my way there, I saw specks of blood on the floor and walls. I heaved a sigh as I saw the family intact and Father was pointing a shotgun to my head. I showed them my body and they were satisfied with that. No words were exchange even as my crew made their way to my room.

I opened my room. Still pristine as ever. Well no time to be wasted.

I carefully removed the poster of Seitokai no Ichizon that I used to cover a hidden panel behind it. Pressing the protruding button, everyone can hear the sound of a door unlocking. Stepping on the switch that popped up on the floor, it revealed a trap door in the middle of my room. I hopped down the stairs and proceed to go to my lab.

Everyone was at awe as they saw the space I had. It was bigger than my house and it goes 50 feet underground. It is the pride and joy of my life. This secret lab was created by my hands. It started when I was a kid. I was enthralled by mad scientists and their secret labs. So I then dug one. It was a touch and go at first because the foundation was quite weak. So I have wooden beams as support and when I got deeper, concrete was used to help steady the walls. Of course, I have a few inventions stashed in my school and went to the black market to sell them at hefty prices. Communications used by virtually every undercover agent was developed by yours truly. I never gave them the schematics I have and the ones I gave were rigged to be tamper proof.

Of course everyone was at the WHAT THE FUCK stage. I may be a good person overall but I have my vices. And yes my vice is to make weapons and anything that can be considered a weapon. Maybe I am not a good guy after all.

Evangeline particularly was shaken by this fact.

"How did you do this?! I thought you are a normal person!"

Basically everyone's thoughts. Ah questions. It seems like it is exposition day. I hope they won't be bored of the details but they asked for it.

"Okay then. Take a seat as it will be a long one. We can stay here for a day if you want to."

They agreed to this as most of them were tired from fighting and being tense all the time.

"There is food and water at the fridge over there. Feel free to help yourself. You can go at any time while I am basically telling you all the story. So strap in because you all are in for a long ride."