Cassie Hack Pov:
"My life is a horror movie, mostly because of the cliches of me being the final girl surviving the killer and the killer get it's just rewards. Though here's what makes me different from everyone girl that either screams and kicks her way out to survive, the killer was my mother. And I was the one to send her to the afterlife when she was brought back from the dead after she took her own life for numerous incidents back in my old home. That's in the past and I've made a career out of chasing down slashers who have bizarre backstories along meeting people that have similar lifestyles like my own and Vlad's. But to be in a town that has zombies, werewolves, aliens and God knows what hangs around in Seabrook with its own group of people that look over it? Sounds like an excuse for a cheesy Friday morning cartoon, which Vlad would obviously watch and try to convince me to join him. When I first drove into town, I immediately wanted to turn on all kinds of music to blind myself from how bright this place was, but it did have somewhere that wasn't so 'mushy' and friendly I could hand out at."
Zombie town-TZ's Nick Knacks Lounge
The newspapers of Seabrook were sending out news about what happened at the barbecue incident happening that involved one of its competitors turning onto a grotesque monstrosity. Especially it being stopped by Revenant along two outsiders that looked like they came straight out of a horror movie, but still the two were praised for protecting the people from the slasher. Having Sentinel help bring the Sasquatch boy back to his parents to help make it easy for Cassie and Vlad since they did much of the work in finding him. Meanwhile they needed a place to relax until they were ready to head out of Seabrook, the two were hanging out at Tiki Zombie's lounge as well being served some drinks on thanking the pair for what happened at the barbeque and her having a conversation with Revenant.
"So after telling me you had to beat the man that experimented on you when you were a kid, along learning about the secrets of this town and trying to keep it together from the various of nut jobs that want to stop by and turn it into a horror show. My life is simple?"
Cassie questioning the zombie on how their childhoods were both messed up as well how they were able to get out of it while having a bit of sanity left for them to operate. The zombie could see how it wasn't easy for her since from how she beat up those guys at the hangout along not being freaked out by a Sasquatch showed she had seen her share of messed up things that happened in her life.
"I never said that. I only said that you have things figured out and choose to go after these slashers. All I do is try to relax for one second at a smoothie stand, suddenly out of nowhere. A monster rises up and calls itself a god, so far it's happened twice."
Explaining to her the difference between wanting to go on the road to hunt the monsters, he was the one to get visited by them most of the weekends. Cassie rolled her eyes at his problems since he had it lucky because of his enhanced strength and that he was able to withstand the ordeals that came at him, she was still human with weapons and a stubborn attitude.
"Monster gods? Please, I've met demons who act like humans than the gods you've described about. Might want to watch out for any of them since they could visit your town."
Warning him about his encounters with Leviathan and Cabrakan weren't exactly dangerous to what she and Vlad has encountered on the road especially how they weren't the size of mountains but ordinary people. The zombie didn't believe her as the two continued their conversations on how their lives were a horror movie, meanwhile by one of the chairs was Zed and Eliza who were talking with Vlad about the adventures he's been on with Cassie as well why they were looking for the Sasquatch.
"Ok. So you were hired by two Mounties officers that adopted the Sasquatch as they're son after he lost his parents. And when you caught up to the slasher, he got the jump on you and kidnapped you. Leaving Cassie to go through all of his men and come here to rescue you. And people say Rev is relentless in doing a job."
Zed putting the pieces together after Vlad had explained to him about how this all started and him getting captured by the mad chef. The large man nodded as well looking at several comics that Tiki had collected during his trip here to Seabrook, most of them nostalgic and retro alike as Vlad was fascinated with the collection.
"Yep. Cassie is called many things when people meet her, but I always call her a friend. Even if she can get angry at almost anything."
Responding to the zombie's curiosity about the human girl since Zed nor anyone else has never seen someone like her. The possible similarities that could relate to Cassie Hack would either be Brit or Willa since they were headstrong women that weren't afraid of starting a fight. While they saw how Rev and Cassis continued to see which of them had the more dangerous lifestyle, Vlad looked at Zed and Eliza with a confused look on his face.
"Why don't you appear as regular zombies? We've never encountered zombies like yourselves, with you being smart and not eating flesh."
Bringing up a tough question for Zed to answer since it seemed that he had unfortunately met zombies that weren't like the ones in Seabrook, he and Cassie might have met the type that ate people as well looked like monsters from old horror movies. Eliza was busy on her laptop to response which left Zed to explain why they weren't trying to bite people and go after their brains.
"Well that's because of our Z-bands. It delivers a small amount of electricity which keeps the zombie part at bay while letting us be around everyone without harming them, but we still occasionally have a taste for brains. But not that much."
Summarizing what made them different from the zombies he'd might had to put down during his time on the roar. Showing Vlad the Z-band, he couldn't help but touch one button which caused Zed to quickly revert to his zombie side and letting out a roar. Hearing it from the bar, Cassie brought out her bat out seeing how Zed was acting like a monster. Rushing over she was about to swing at him only for the zombie to revert back to his normal self and duck from the swing which she hits on of Tiki's items.
"Hey! No ball playing in the lounge, half this crap is either cursed or a memory from my adventures."
Tiki warning them since the lounge had many artifacts and items that were dangerous if they broke. Cassie took a look seeing how Zed was back in control as well showing her how his Z-band could let him channel his inner zombie, though she rolled her eyes at him on how he almost lost his head because of that.
"Well make sure you don't do it around people who aren't trigger happy into caving a zombie's brains."
Responding on showing that talent of his since it wasn't a good idea to be around people who took zombies lightly. Vlad felt sorry for Zed not knowing how Cassie would react since she's been around death for much her life, but that was something he couldn't bring up. Rev saw how fast she reacted as well not understand what she had just saw right now when Zed was able to bring out his zombie side.
"Maybe instead of learning how our community became so open with zombies by the all star player. It might be good if I'd explain how Seabrook as the shared community between humans and non-humans."
Suggesting to the slayer girl about how this was possible and help her see that no one would try to harm anyone amongst the town. Looking over to Vlad to see if he'd be alright with Zed and Eliza, the big man only gave her a thumbs up on him being alright with the two. Shrugging off with Revenant to where they could have some alone time to speak amongst themselves, Vlad heard a sound coming from Eliza's laptop which made the zombie girl excited at what she was focused for the past several hours.
"I did it! It's been a pain, but I've finally worked on the first virtual camping simulation which comes with everything you can imagine from an ordinary camping trip."
Explaining to the two about what she's been working on and showing the programs along several other things she had put in. Vlad was confused by the technical talk since he wasn't an expert on it, but it seemed exciting for Eliza as she had plans for it. Zed on the other hand was concern for how she'd go overboard with technology, especially how she made an armor out of junk that could protect her from anything that was bigger than her.
"You know we could go on a camping trip. With fresh air, food and the company of friends? Wouldn't that be fun?"
Offering his opinion on doing the real thing than doing a simulation of being outdoors. Eliza gave him a questionable look at how she put several hours into this and wanted to share it with the others. Vlad gestured him to not try and change her idea since he knew what it was like to offer an opinion to a girl who's tough as nails.
"Well then you can watch it action when I show it to Brit at the Big House. Vlad? Do you want to be the first to experience virtual camping? Because I can tell you'll enjoy it since it has squirrel's doing stunts."
Asking the outsider who seemed to have a fascination with squirrels due to the comic he was reading. Nodding at her offer about what she had worked on, the two made their way out of the lounge to head over to Sentinel's base while leaving Zed confused at what happened. The moment was interrupted by the sounds of a straw slurping coming from tiki zombie who watched the scene play out.
"If a friend plans a luau party and wants to invite you, don't question it. Even if they got aliens that have a meal that could turn your stomach inside out, you got to be there to support your friends."
Suggesting to Zed that while she might not be a fan of going camping, he should at least participate in something she would enjoy despite it being the opposite of what he had intended. The boy merely nodded to the tiki's advice and rushed out of the lounge to catch up with Eliza to see what she's been working on and see how what made her camping simulation different from the real thing.
Later-Old Seabrook
Taking Cassie away from the positive environment that she wasn't used to during her time on the road, Revenant brought her to the old part of Seabrook that was to be visited for historical purposes. Which was learning how the town was before the zombies came to existing and acted before the invention of the z-bands. The two walked over to what was the old power plant that was the birthplace of zombies, Cassie saw by the walls a plaque showing the names of people that were lost during the power plant incident.
"Most zombie stories I've either watched or read was always because of cults or science experiments gone wrong. Someone spilling lime soda at a power plant? That one's new."
Telling Revenant about how it was strange for soda to cause everyone to change into zombies and for them to attack everyone in Seabrook. Rev couldn't help but agree with it, but also how she wasn't far off from the science suggestion.
"Your right on half of the response. Zed and everyone came from the plant, I and a couple others came during what most people called the 'dark ages'. The former human that was in charge of Sentinel had zombies experimented on, to see if he couldn't control them. As well how they could be turn for a 'force of good' for Seabrook. He saw his own share of evil outside of town."
Going into detail of while it seemed new for the town to experience zombies, the people who ran the secret group that handled non-human matters had their own fair share of things that couldn't be explained. Furthermore, tried to control it for his own benefits in making Seabrook safe.
"And was he the ones that was responsible for those wrist bands you have on?"
Asking him about the z-bands on his wrist which he shook his head at the man being the one who made it. Walking over to show Cassie who made the z-bands, Rev presented her his adoptive human parents that helped with the invention along other photos of him when he was small.
"The Jones. During the outbreak and chaos happening, they were the only ones that focused on saving zombies. They had to leave after things ended, even when they learned about by parents."
Sounding upset at bringing up his real parents as he walked away from the power plant leaving Cassie to follow him. From how he acted, talked and keeping to himself. She could see he stood out from everyone in Seabrook and wasn't afraid to act different, much like herself growing up in a town that didn't understand her. Coming up to what looked like a monument which was a statue that represented an ordinary family. There was another plaque that had the names of everyone that was lost in the dark age. Looking at the list he pointed at two names what were at the bottom, Bernad and Laura Mane.
"After the general was taken away and things in Seabrook finally got the community to work together. I looked into the zombies that were experimented on and learned about my parents. They weren't special, they were ordinary and lived like everyone else, but because of the fear of what would come here. And the outbreak? It was the perfect time for Quill to make his own monsters in an effort to protect Seabrook, no matter how many he went through."
Beginning to get angry that while his parents and others tried to help zombies get back their humanity it only led to Quill to take the crisis and use it for his own advantage. Cassie could feel his anger and relate about how it was unfair for people either important or not to have bad things happen to them. Revenant tried to restrain himself but felt a tap on his shoulder which snapped himself out of losing control of his temper.
"Not everyone has a perfect childhood. Especially if it involves something normal or messed up happening to them, I'm one of the examples. You however at least had two people take a chance with you and helping you with it, I decided to take that trauma and hurt slashers. To make sure no one else grows up alone and feeling like the world is after them."
Giving Revenant something to think about that people who go through this experience would either use it to be strong like herself or manage to rebuild it with a new family like he did. They took a moment of silence in honoring the deceased as well taking in the silence that was around them, it was interrupted by a phone call which came from Revenant which made him answer it along making Cassie chuckle at how he reacted to the call.
"Mood killer much? Wonder if it's like that when your with Wynter trying to get lucky."
Making a joke with the zombie as Rev grumbled under his breath at her remark as the person on the other line was Brit. Who was telling about the simulation that Eliza was working her involving camping, especially how Vlad was enjoying it.
"Might want to ask Vlad if you plan on ruining his fun at my place."
Responding back with Cassie as it seemed her friend was enjoying himself with Zed and Eliza which seemed good since they didn't have that many friends. Though she was skeptical about the fun Rev talked about since in the past when Vlad would be on his own, he'd always get into trouble or the other way around. Though despite what she's seen in town and the people having a bright personality, she tried to be hopeful that it wasn't anything that would change him from the powerhouse slayer before coming to Seabrook.
Big House-Afternoon
Vlad had known not to trust any type of covert groups that were involved in supernatural or occult activities, except they wanted to use whatever they'd encounter for the country and make them into weapons. Sentinel wasn't since it spoke with the creatures that wanted to cause trouble for Seabrook, as well offer them locations for them to settle down away from people who weren't fond of monsters. Right now he was in a forest with several squirrels as the rodents were doing several stunts for him, Vlad clapped at the show as well how coordinated they were.
"I love squirrel acrobatics! Now let's try knife juggling."
Vlad proclaiming as he showed them the knives he wanted to use as the squirrels squeaked at him as they grabbed several sticks and began to juggle. While he was enjoying the squirrels, Eliza was sitting peacefully on her own chair and not noticing Zed who was standing by her side crossing his arms at what was happening.
"Not trying to be a party crasher. But we still could have done this outside."
Reminding her about enjoying the outdoors without needing technology, but Eliza only responded with going to her laptop and pressing several keys that made a digital sound. Zed looked around confused about what she might have made, only to get whacked in the face by a virtual fish which was in the hands of Brit. Who was laughing at how the zombie didn't notice her coming up from behind him.
"And not enjoy this simulation that can literally create anything? Fat chance. Besides the training room was the best place for Eliza to set it up in the first place, but if you want to do something outdoor activity. Maybe getting chased by mosquitos could help change your mind."
Offering a suggestion for him to enjoy the virtual outdoors which made Eliza smirk at the idea and decided to activate the mosquito sequence. Before Zed could reject the idea, a buzzing sound came from one of the trees which was mosquitos that came from the program as he began to run from the virtual bugs. The girls laughed at how they chased after him as Eliza made a digital chair for Brit to sit down with her.
"Now it's just us girls, maybe you can tell me why you wanted to make this virtual reality."
Questioning Eliza's intention on what gave her the idea on creating this program and deciding to relax here instead of the outdoors. The tech smart zombie groans at the response since she's been practicing on her computer skills and machinery.
"It's just a test in seeing if I could make an actual environment for entertaining people or training. Which is happening right now if your looking at the guys."
Pointing out that her program helps out in both ways including Zed on running from the mosquitos and Vlad who was enjoying the squirrels entertaining him. Taking a minute on how this seemed like a decent idea, her expression quickly changed to a surprise look after she pointed out at a surprising sight. Eliza got confused on what surprised Brit as she turns around seeing a program she made unintentionally and not keeping it hidden from the others.
"Hey Eliza, looking good as always."
Complimenting her was Wyatt who was wearing a park ranger uniform and giving Eliza a wink during the compliment. Brit looked at Eliza who was nervous at her virtual boyfriend as it quickly changed to seeing another Wyatt that was wearing camp counselor clothing. Before she could respond about why she made a set of Wyatt's that complimented her, the two saw several squirrels running away in a frighten manner as Vlad came over holding what looked like a raccoon.
"How come your boyfriend's face is on this animal?"
Asking Eliza as he presented to her and Brit a raccoon that had Wyatt's head on it as well winking at her. The zombie girl got embarrassed by what was happening and how the simulation was going out of control as Zed came out of the bushes where he managed to get away from the mosquitos. That was until they came behind a tree which then formed together to take the shape of none other than Wyatt's face.
"Alright! Virtual camping is over!"
Shouting out of control in embarrassment as Eliza was able to shut off the virtual simulation from her program as the environment around the four disappeared in an instant as it changed into the training room. Feeling embarrassed about what happened and deciding to keep quiet, the four hear the doors open showing Revenant and Cassie who noticed everyone acting odd along not saying anything when they came into the room.
"I want to ask what might have happened here, but from the look on yours faces I think it be best I'd say nothing."
Cassie figuring out how everyone looked freaked out by Eliza's fantasy about Wyatt in the wilderness. Gesturing to Vlad on leaving, the masked man sadly nodded as he walked by her side as the group could tell they were going head out.
"I don't get why you can't stick around. With how much you both went through and trying to find a place a life, Seabrook could be a home if you want to be."
Zed suggesting that both her and Vlad could stay in town to have a chance of a normal life. Though that earned him a look from Cassie since she wasn't interested in a place like Seabrook due to how peaceful it was, even if it except a monster like herself.
"I'd wouldn't mind staying here for several weeks, but the slashers out there don't take breaks. So sadly, neither can we."
Vlad explaining to him how what he and the others at Zombie town saw how a slasher acted, they weren't the type to stop for anything and continuing to hurt people. Continuing they're walk to the parking space where Sentinel agents had their trucks and cars parked was Cassie's van placed there so no one from the outside decided to take a look inside.
"Well if you need any help just give us a call. Just need the aliens to give us a ride on the mothership if it's important."
Brit telling the two if they would need help if there was a slasher that might be too much for them as she handed Cassie her phone number. Smirking at the brunette offering help if there was a moment where she'd need help, Cassie nodded to her as Vlad smiled at the group to thank them for their hospitality before heading to the van. Meanwhile for Revenant, he got a calm look from Cassie seeing how they had much to talk about on their way here after he showed her old Seabrook.
"Maybe if you do come back, we can talk about how annoying our jobs are."
"Don't bet on it zombie."
The two exchanging comments about each other as well fist pumping at the same time seeing that it be good for them to meet again and talk about what made them the people they are today. Heading into the van, Brit had her people open up the doors letting the pair make their way back onto the road as the four waved at them hopping for safe travels if they could get some. Letting out a breath of relief of not feeling like the only one who had to show he was the supernatural fighter in town, he could now relax with his friends.
"Now then. Could I check out that program you've been working on?"
Asking Eliza about the simulation which she quickly declines since there was more work to do on it. Looking confused at how fast Eliza responded to him, Zed and Brit chuckled at the moment and would keep it a secret since Rev wouldn't let it down if he learned about Eliza's fantasy. He decides to hang out with them and see what else they could do since it seems things were going be quiet after the slasher incident and cleaning up the mess that the slayers left for them. Meanwhile on the road was the pair who saw them leaving Seabrook and about to head on the highway, Cassie was getting comfortable in the passenger's seat but not before smelling something sweet in the van.
"Vlad. Did you get those froyo's that coach was showing us constantly."
Questioning the scent which her friend chuckled at how she was able to figure it out as Vlad pulled from behind his seat two smoothies that he was able to save just for them before they left the town.
"He said it was free, plus he added strawberries. Been a while since I had one."
Answering Cassie's curiosity about the treat he got for the both of them as he offered the other smoothie to Cassie. Groaning at his honest personality, she accepted the smoothie since it was going a while until they begin tracking down another slasher. Though not before thinking about what made Seabrook the attraction for nutcases to visit and stir up trouble, as well what else might linger around the town and eventually meet up with them. Best thing she could think of was that the gang could handle it, otherwise they'd have to come back and show them how professionals handle things then just words, but with weapons and fear.
