Part II - Holding it Down
-One month later-
The sun has risen highly in the sky over the community but is still covered by overcast clouds. JuJu is then woken up by Lucky barking and licking his face.
"Aw, que verga?" JuJu grunts as he squints and sees his dog in front of him. "Alright Lucky, I'm up, I'm up! Tranquilo! What time is it?"
He checks his newly acquired black watch and sees the hands showing eleven o'clock.
"Oh shit. I overslept. Never gonna go late night hunting with Marcus again…"
He rubs his eyes before getting off the bed and petting Lucky's head. He goes and puts on a jacket and black jeans before going outside. He pulls his dreadlocks back and ties them in a ponytail as he goes to Marcus's room, seeing him passed out on the bed, snoring and almost falling off the side. JuJu smirks before exiting the house.
The cold air hit JuJu's face, making him zip his jacket higher.
"Damn, why is it always this damn cold up north? Fuckin' miss San Diego."
He cups his hands together and blows into them as Lucky follows him around the community, he greets other survivors until his walkie-talkie goes off and hears Lori's voice.
"Attention defenders of the community!" She says urgently. "Two of ours have been wounded outside the walls by the Rogues! Get your defenses ready! They're coming back…"
JuJu's eyes widen after hearing it. He looks down at his dog and sees that his tail has stopped wagging and his pointy ears have drooped down.
"I knew this day was coming…"
The walkie turns on again.
"Pike! Guard the northwest gate! Luna, scan the east! Becky, keep an eye out on the northern highway! Everyone else, meet up in the center of town! Go ahead, spread the word!"
JuJu then tells the others near him to quickly head to the town center as he and Lucky run back home to wake Marcus. When he opened the front door, Marcus was already there, his eyes looking alert.
"You heard the-"
"Yeah, I heard," Marcus says, cutting off JuJu. "We gotta be ready for anything. Here."
Marcus tosses JuJu his Honey Badger and revolver.
"Thanks. Let's head to the town square."
Marcus nods as he and Lucky follow JuJu. They see the square filled with the other survivors, talking amongst one another, confused about what's going on. Lori then stands on something to grab everyone's attention.
"Everyone, please calm down," She says. "We'll have this situation handled only with your help. You all hear me? Now, I'm gonna be honest with you. I expected an attack like this– we all did. You all trained with guns, learned how to fend off the roamers, and seen what our attackers are capable of."
JuJu looks at Marcus and glances at Lynn on the opposite side of the crowd as Lori continues.
"But we– the town of Houlton– are not prepared to defend ourselves against the menace of the Rogues. I've been sending our best-trained people on a hunt that literally ends up nowhere. It's time to change that"
JuJu looks up at Lori with determination as if it's a pep talk before a football game.
"Back in Royal Woods– the hometown of the few of you– David created a militia to take down the Rogues. It ultimately failed. But not this time around. We will train and we will FIGHT against them! I would like to ask you to volunteer to join our militia. It's not for everyone. It's very dangerous, but I see it in your eyes… some of you already made up your mind. "If you're joining… talk to Dr. White or me whenever you see us."
Lori waves and walks away from everyone.
"I'm willing to protect this place, even if it kills me." Says JuJu.
"I'm with you," Marcus adds in. "We're not giving up without a fight. This is our home."
JuJu nods and walks to Lynn and Vonda, with Lucky and Marcus following.
"Hey," he says.
"Hey, JuJu," Lynn replies.
"'Sup, Von."
"Hi, Ju," Vonda replies as she pets Lucky.
"I guess we're signing up huh?"
"JuJu," Lynn interrupts. "I don't think we have to, since we're all in the same group with Lori, George, and Dr White."
JuJu raises an eyebrow, realizing Lynn's point.
"So, we're already in the thick of it?"
Lynn nods.
"Exactly. We're not waiting for an invitation. We've been defending Houlton since day one. No need for fancy titles."
Vonda chimes in, her eyes gleaming with determination.
"Let's just stick together, watch each other's backs, and make sure these Rogues regret ever coming near us."
"I have faith in us," says Marcus. "We gotta hold it down."
Everyone nods before splitting up in preparation. Oh
"Lynn! One more thing!" JuJu says.
Lynn turns around and looks back at him.
"Yeah?"
"Can Lucky chill with you for a bit? I'll come back for him later."
"Sure. Lucky! Come here, boy!"
Lucky barks happily after hearing Lynn's voice and follows her and Vonda.
JuJu and Marcus walk back to their home and start to get their bodies more in shape than they already are.
"You know there's no going back after this right, J?" Asks Marcus.
"I know. I'll die if I have to. Just so everyone can live peacefully… Especially Lynn and her family."
As JuJu and Marcus prepare for the challenges that lie ahead, the atmosphere in Houlton becomes tense. The community members gather supplies, reinforce barricades, and exchange glances filled with both determination and anxiety. The threat of the Rogues hangs heavily in the air, but the resolve to protect their home pushes them forward.
Over the next few days, makeshift training sessions take place. Lori, George, and Dr. White organize drills for the volunteers, teaching them how to coordinate and defend against possible attacks. The group, which includes Lynn, Vonda, JuJu, Marcus, and others, becomes a tightly-knit unit. Each member brings their unique skills to the table, honing their abilities to face imminent danger.
JuJu, fueled by a desire to safeguard his newfound community and the people he cares about, undergoes intensive combat training. He practices marksmanship with his Honey Badger, refines his hand-to-hand combat skills, and learns tactical maneuvers alongside Marcus. The sound of gunfire and the clashing of metal echo through Houlton as the defenders prepare for the inevitable confrontation with the Rogues.
Lynn, Vonda, and Lucky, under Lynn's watchful eye, contribute to the group's readiness. They strategize, discuss potential scenarios, and ensure that everyone is on the same page. The sense of camaraderie among the defenders grows stronger, binding them together in the face of adversity.
As the days pass, news spreads throughout Houlton about the growing militia. More survivors step forward, driven by a shared determination to protect their home. The once-divided community unites against the common enemy, fostering a sense of solidarity that transcends previous differences.
After a long day of training, JuJu walks back home with his rifle over his shoulder.
"JuJu!" yells a voice. It's Vonda with Lucky right beside her.
"Hey Von, what's up? Hey boy! You have fun with Vonda?"
Vonda chuckles before speaking.
"I've seen you busting your ass on that training man, don't push yourself too hard, you'll hurt yourself."
JuJu smirks.
"LJ told me the same thing. I can't. I don't want to start slackin', then those damn Rogues start coming in. I'm not taking any chances."
"Ju, I'm not saying to start slacking, I'm just saying to take it easy. I know you're passionate about this place and wanting to protect everyone here. I get it. We just don't want you to be exhausted. Everyone here sees your skill, you're doing good, just… take it easy, please. For your own sake."
"You don't get it Von," JuJu sighs. "I've been busting my ass my whole life. I wanted to get out of the ghetto in San Diego. Get my parents out of there, to live a better life. This is no different. I'll keep going until the job is complete. I'm sorry, but I'm not slowing down…"
Vonda looks at JuJu, her expression softening. She understands the weight of his past and the determination that fuels him. She puts a hand on his shoulder.
"I get it, Ju. I really do. Just remember to take care of yourself too. We need you at your best out there."
JuJu nods appreciatively, realizing the concern in Vonda's words. As they continue their conversation, the sun begins to set, casting an orange glow over Houlton. The town, once a prison, has transformed into a community with a shared purpose.
"Look, Von, I'll take it easy, alright? But that's not gonna stop me."
Vonda pauses before looking at JuJu again.
"You're not afraid to die, are you?"
JuJu stops what he's doing and takes his hood off as he meets Vonda's gaze. His deadlocks drape over his head, no longer hanging behind.
"I'm not afraid to die. I've faced death too many times now, back in San Diego, here, in Philly, even in Detroit. I have the scars to prove it. Shit ain't sweet, and it never will be. I only fear God himself."
There's a sudden pause.
"I'll see you later Von… Vamanos, Lucky. Thanks for watching him for me."
"Sure, Ju. No problem."
JuJu nods as he puts his hands in his hoodie pockets and walks away, his dog following him.
Later that night, JuJu leaves the house with Lucky and walks along the quiet streets of Houlton, looking at the festive decorations around the area, signaling that it's Christmas time. He sees in the distance a faint silhouette that he recognizes. It's Lynn.
"Hey," he says. "I knew I saw that fluffy hair of yours from a mile away."
Lynn turns around, meets JuJu's gaze, and smiles faintly.
"Hey," she replies. "You couldn't sleep either huh?"
She looks down next to JuJu and pets Lucky.
"How'd you know I couldn't sleep?"
"When you've known someone for a while, you notice some things I guess."
"I guess I just needed some air. This whole situation… It's heavy."
Lynn leans against a barricade, crossing her arms and occasionally running her hand through her hair.
"It is, but at least we're all in it together, right?"
"You're right. But it's like we're walking into the unknown, ya know?"
Lynn nods and they sit in silence, hearing nothing but the panting from Lucky until JuJu breaks the silence.
"You ready for this?" He asks, looking up at the dark sky.
Lynn takes a deep breath, her eyes reflecting a mix of weariness and resolve.
"I'm as ready as I'll ever be. We've got each other's backs, right?"
JuJu smirks, a hint of his usual confidence returning.
"Always."
As they stand there, contemplating the challenges ahead, Marcus joins them. He wears a serious expression, acknowledging the gravity of the situation.
"Hey, you two. Figured I'd find you here."
JuJu nods, and Lucky plops down at their feet, sensing the seriousness of the conversation.
"Just talking about what's coming. It's gonna be rough, but we'll get through it," JuJu says. "I hope…"
Marcus glances at JuJu with a hint of concern.
"You taking it easy, J?"
JuJu grins.
"Von gave me the same lecture. I got it, man. I'll be on top of my game."
Lynn adds, "We're a team, and we need everyone at their best. No hero bullshit, just survivors."
The trio stands there, under the moonlight, united by a common purpose. The town, once divided, has become a fortress forged by the strength of its people.
The next day, the defenders of Houlton wake up to a crisp winter morning. The air is sharp, and the ground is dusted with a fresh layer of snow. It's Christmas Eve, and despite the tension in the air, the community is determined to make the most of the holiday spirit.
In the town square, survivors have gathered, and makeshift decorations add a touch of warmth to the cold surroundings. Lori, George, and Dr. White have decided to allow a brief respite, a moment for the defenders to celebrate and find solace in the company of their makeshift family.
JuJu, Marcus, Lynn, Vonda, and Lucky join the festivities, embracing the rare opportunity to let their guard down. The atmosphere is bittersweet, knowing that the looming threat of the Rogues remains, but the spirit of unity prevails.
Lynn approaches JuJu with a small gift wrapped in newspaper.
"Merry Christmas, JuJu," she says, a genuine smile breaking through the weariness in her eyes.
JuJu looks surprised but takes the gift with gratitude.
"You got me something? Damn, Lynn, you didn't have to."
Lynn shrugs, "Well, I figured we all needed a bit of cheer. Go on, open it."
As JuJu unwraps the gift, he finds a small, hand-carved wooden figurine – a symbol of resilience and strength. It's a subtle reminder of the battles they've faced and the ones still to come.
"Thanks, Lynn. This is... this is something."
"No problem, man. I found it in a gift shop outside the walls. I thought you'd like it."
Marcus, catching wind of the moment, claps JuJu on the back.
"I got you something too, man. It's not as sentimental as Lynn's, though."
He hands JuJu a box containing a well-preserved can of spray paint. JuJu raises an eyebrow in confusion.
"It's your favorite color – vibrant red. Figured you could use it to tag some motivational stuff on the walls or whatever. Keep spirits high."
JuJu chuckles, touched by the thoughtful gesture.
"Thanks, M. I'll make sure to put it to good use. But for real guys, y'all didn't have to. I don't even have gifts for you guys."
Lynn smiles warmly, "JuJu, the fact that we're all here, celebrating together, that's the best gift any of us could ask for."
Vonda, who has been quietly observing, walks over with a mischievous grin.
"Well, you better like it, JuJu, because I've got something for you too."
She hands him a small package wrapped in old comic book pages. JuJu, now surrounded by his makeshift family, unwraps it to reveal a pair of fingerless gloves.
"For those cold nights on watch duty," Vonda says with a wink.
JuJu laughs, genuinely touched by the thoughtful gifts from his friends.
"Thanks, Vonda. I appreciate it. Now, let's enjoy this. We've earned it."
As the day unfolds, the defenders indulge in the festive atmosphere. There's laughter, music from a guitar someone managed to salvage, and even a makeshift feast with the limited supplies they have. The air is filled with a sense of camaraderie, momentarily pushing aside the weight of impending danger.
As evening approaches, the defenders gather around a makeshift bonfire in the town square. Lori, George, and Dr. White join them, recognizing the importance of this momentary reprieve.
Lori raises her cup, "To Houlton, to family, and to the strength that binds us together. Merry Christmas, everyone."
The cups clink together in a toast, and for a moment, the worries of the outside world fade away. The defenders, despite the challenges ahead, find solace in the company of each other.
Later that night, under the blanket of stars, JuJu takes a moment alone to reflect. He stands at the edge of Houlton, looking out into the snowy landscape. The carvings on the wooden figurine catch the moonlight, reminding him of the resilience they've all shown in the face of adversity.
As he gazes at the figurine, Lynn joins him.
"Deep in thought, huh?" she says, her breath visible in the cold air.
JuJu nods, "Yeah, just thinking about everything. This community, our fight against the Rogues, and the fact that we're standing here on Christmas Eve."
Lynn stands beside him, also looking out into the night.
"It's crazy, right? Who would've thought we'd be celebrating Christmas in the middle of all this?"
JuJu smirks, "Yeah, life has a way of throwing curveballs. But I wouldn't want to face them with anyone else."
"Glad to hear that bro. You're special, you know that?"
JuJu raises an eyebrow.
"What do you mean?"
Lynn chuckles, her breath forming a small cloud in the cold air.
"I mean, you've got this... I don't know, this fire in you. It's contagious, you know? Back when we first met, I saw it in you in the chaos of everything falling apart. That determination, that spark to keep going, to survive."
JuJu looks at her, a mix of surprise and curiosity in his eyes.
"I saw it too. In you, in Marcus, in Vonda. That's what kept us going. We're still here because of that fire in all of us."
Lynn nods, a thoughtful expression on her face.
"It's what makes us a family, in a way. Not by blood, but by something deeper. We've been through hell and back together."
JuJu smirks, "Hell and back indeed. But no we're still standing. And we're gonna keep standing, no matter what those Rogues throw at us."
Lynn glances at the wooden figurine in JuJu's hands.
"That little thing is a reminder. A reminder that no matter how tough things get, we've faced worse. And we're still here."
They stand there in silence for a moment, gazing out into the winter night. The distant howls of wind mixed with the crackling of the bonfire in the town square.
"Thanks for the gift, LJ. It means a lot," JuJu finally says, breaking the quiet.
Lynn smiles, "Anytime, JuJu. Now, let's get back to the others. Tomorrow's a new day, and we need to be ready for whatever comes our way."
They return to the festive gathering, where laughter and warmth await. As they join their makeshift family, the defenders of Houlton find comfort in the simple joys of Christmas Eve, knowing that the challenges of tomorrow will be met with the same resilience that has brought them this far. The town square remains alive with the spirit of unity, a beacon of hope amid uncertainty.
-Day 614-
Many members of the group went outside the walls, including Lynn, while JuJu, Marcus, Lucky, Luna, Lori, and others stayed behind to hold the place down. JuJu was playing fetch with Lucky as he's grown much bigger now, officially a real guard dog. The air was still cold and snow was set around the community. JuJu put a keychain ring on the head of the wooden figurine Lynn gave him and hooked it to the side of his rifle, using it as a charm.
"Good boy Lucky!" JuJu says, before throwing the ball again. "Go get it!"
He looks down at his watch and sees the time showing that it's almost 6 o'clock.
"Damn, where everybody at? It's getting late."
Lucky comes back with the ball and sets it down near JuJu, he notices that JuJu is feeling uneasy and tries to comfort him, barking and whining, trying to get his attention.
JuJu hears gunshots from the North Side and runs toward the sound with Lucky behind him. He peeks behind a barricade and sees Lori, Lana, Sam, and others shooting roamers trying to get into the gates of the community. He finds a ladder on the ground and puts it against a house. He climbs it before staring at Lucky, who's looking up at him.
"Lucky, quédate. I'll be back okay?"
Lucky then sits on his hind legs next to the ladder as JuJu climbs it. As he's on the roof, he takes out his Honey Badger and he turns the safety switch off. He cocks back the charging handle and lays on the roof, shooting his rifle at the remaining roamers on the north gate.
As Lori sees roamers dropping in the distance, she looks back to where the shots were coming from and sees JuJu on the roof. She puts her hand up and waves, as a way of saying "thank you". JuJu puts a thumbs up and gets back down the ladder to meet up with Lori and the others.
JuJu and Lucky jog toward Lori and speak in a low tone.
"Have you got any word from Lynn and the others?" He asks.
"No, I hope nothing bad happened," she replies. "Thanks for the help by the way."
JuJu nods.
"How did those roamers manage to get here?"
"I don't know, but that's not gonna be the last of them, I bet."
JuJu looks up at the sky, seeing it get darker by the second.
"I guess we'll have to wait till morning, huh?"
Lori sighs.
"Yeah… I just hope they'll be okay. I'm gonna check in with Dr. White and Lisa in the morning, hopefully, they can track them or something."
JuJu puts a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"They'll be back, I know they will. Don't give up just yet."
The next day, the sun shined highly in the sky through the gloomy clouds and snowfall as JuJu was near the front gates with Marcus, repairing what was broken from last night until they heard Luna yell from one of the watchtowers.
"Holy shit, Lori, look!" She exclaims. "It's them!"
JuJu and Marcus look out to the hill in the distance and see the people they thought went missing; Lynn, Lincoln, Clyde, Vonda, Bobby, Ronnie Anne, George, and others. They fight their way in as the gates open and close once they all enter.
"Lynn! Vonda!" JuJu yells as he walks over to them. "I thought y'all were gonna be gone forever! Did we lose anyone?"
Lynn and Vonda look at each other and back at JuJu.
"We lost three people…" says Vonda. "James, Tabby, and Wesley."
"Shit. By Rogues?"
Lynn shakes her head.
"Roamers. There were too many… It was a herd."
That catches Marcus's attention as he gets closer to them.
"I didn't hear what I think I heard. A damn herd?"
Lynn and Vonda nod.
"Are y'all cold?" JuJu asks. "Me and M got a fire back at the house if you want some warmth for a bit."
"Sure JuJu" Answers Lynn. "It's too cold to be out here. The blizzard's gonna be coming soon."
JuJu, Marcus, Lynn, and Vonda walk together to JuJu and Marcus's home. As they enter, the two girls are met with a warm breeze as the fireplace is on and see Lucky lying next to the fire with his eyes closed and his tongue out, sleeping peacefully. They sit on the couch and JuJu puts a blanket over the two of them.
"You don't have to do this man," Vonda says. "The fireplace is enough."
"It's not that I have to. I want to. Now tell me, what happened out there?"
"Things just went from zero to a hundred real quick," Lynn says. "It was silent one moment, then the next, we were getting swarmed. When Tabby got bit, we did all we could to stop it from spreading to the rest of her body. We used snow to clean it, everything. It didn't work, so we had to leave her. The other two got torn to shreds by the roamers."
"Jesus. I can't even imagine what it looked like."
"Yeah, but I gotta go, I gotta tell Rusty about Tabby, it's not gonna be easy, but he's gotta know. Let's go, Vonda. Thanks, you two. We'll see you guys later."
JuJu and Marcus then watch the two girls exit their home as the door shuts behind them.
"Things are gonna get worse from here on in bro," Marcus says.
"I know," JuJu replies. "Are we really ready for what comes next?"
"Only God knows, but he'll always be on our side. Remember that."
JuJu nods, looking out of the window, ready for what comes next.
-One Week Later-
The group has split up around each gate of Houlton. Lynn and Vonda, including others, were firing their weapons at the roamers' frozen bodies due to the blizzard, while others were on opposite gates and watchtowers.
JuJu, Marcus, and Lucky are at the north gate, shooting roamers down while Lucky aggressively takes them down and bites their necks.
"There's so goddamn many!" JuJu grunts, emptying the magazine from his rifle before putting in a new one.
"Just keep pushin' J!" Marcus says, firing his pistol at the roamers' heads.
Suddenly, the Earth starts shaking as an explosion echoes throughout the community.
"What the fuck was that?" JuJu says.
A helicopter then flies over them and drops more napalm on the roamers.
"They're here," Marcus says.
More explosions were set off in the park and the town square. JuJu looks at the fire burning in the distance, the flames reflecting in his brown eyes.
"No…" says JuJu, with pain in his voice.
He glances around the area, more roamers pouring in, the rogue helicopters laying napalm over the community, and everything falling apart. A new war has started, whether the group wanted it or not.