Part II - War

-Two Months Later-

The streets of Houlton are now cleaned from all the roamer bodies around the community as JuJu is taking a morning Jog with Lynn. As they turn at an intersection, He catches up to her.

"Hey, LJ," He says.

"Sup JuJu."

"Glad to see your leg's all healed up."

"Yeah, It left a scar, but thanks."

"You know, you Loud girls are pretty tough. That's dope."

"Thanks, bro," she blushes. "Where's Lucky? Doesn't he like taking jogs with you?"

"Yeah, but he was asleep when I came down the stairs, so I let him be. The little dude's done a lot, so he deserves some rest."

"That makes sense. He's a good dog."

"He is."

The two continue to go around the front gates until they notice an RV approaching them.

"Is that… Luan?" JuJu asks.

"I hope so," Lynn replies as she signals Luna to come with her. "I haven't seen her in so long."

They jog towards the front and see the RV stop in front of them. The door opens and the group is met by Becky, Luan, and Hana. JuJu notices the smiles on everyone's faces as they see their sister and friends come out. They're met with hugs until Dana, one of the other survivors and one of Lori's friends, takes a step forward and gets shot in her head.

Everyone in the community is left with wide-open jaws and frozen in time as they see Dana's lifeless body on the ground with a puddle of blood forming around her head. Then, more gunshots were fired from the woods outside the walls. The group hides behind the RV as shots are fired around them. JuJu then notices from the corner of his eye and sees General Black talking to Lori. A rage flows through him after seeing the man again. General Black forces Lori to her house before Lynn growls at Black.

"Hey, what are you doing? Why are you guys walking around like you own the damn place?"

Black responds.

"Lori and I are going to have a talk. And well… because we do. Ain't nothing you could do about it."

"We're just going to talk," said Lori. "Please don't do anything."

Lynn continues to glare at Black as rogue soldiers continue to walk past them. JuJu puts a hand on her shoulder.

"Lynn, listen to what Lori says. Don't make things worse than they already are. I don't want you to die."

She sighs and nods.

Some time passes as Black and Lori exit the house. A look of worry is on Luna, Lynn, Lincoln, and Luan's face.

They all decide to follow black as Lynn turns to JuJu.

"Stay back JuJu, please."

He understands and nods. He watches Lynn, her sisters, her brother, and a few others follow Black toward the prison. JuJu sits and leans his back against the RV bumper, looking up at the morning sky, feeling defeated. A shadow towers over him and he looks up, seeing that it's Marcus.

"Yo. Keep your head up," He says. "It's not over yet."

JuJu sighs.

"It's not fair bro. This ain't right. They want nothing but power, and we just want to live."

"I know… We'll figure something out."

He stands up as the two walk back to their home.

"We're back to square one again."

JuJu opens the door to see Lucky waiting by the door, sitting on his hind legs, wagging his tail, most likely woken up by the gunshots heard earlier. He pets his head, walks to the couch, puts his hoodie over his head, and pulls the strings. Lucky senses His owner's emotions and tries to comfort him by resting his head on his lap and whining softly. But it's not working. He looks at Marcus sitting in a lounge chair, resting his head on his fist, and shrugs at the dog.

Lori, Luan, Luna, Lynn, Lincoln, and the rest return later in the day, their faces revealing the toll of the negotiations. The siblings share what they learned – General Black is consolidating power and using fear to control the survivors. The community is at risk of falling under the dictator's rule.

"He wants to kill all of us," says Lynn.

"Of course he does," replies JuJu. "Piece of shit."

"Lori has a plan though, JuJu. You in?"

"Of course. I'm ready to take these fuck niggas down."

"Good. I'll let you know soon."

-Six Days Later-

Inside Vanzilla, Lori is driving toward a Canadian town as the vehicle has Becky, Lynn, Luna, Sam, Benny, and JuJu inside. Marcus is in the vehicle behind them with George and Sergei. JuJu is wearing an armor vest under his black hoodie as other members are wearing vests as well. Lori gives a pep talk to everyone about taking Houlton back and fighting General Black's forces. Meanwhile, JuJu looks out of the window of the van and looks at all the abandoned vehicles they're passing by. Becky notices this and looks at him.

"Hey," She says. "You okay?"

He turns his head and looks back at the red-haired girl.

"Huh? Y-yeah, I'm good. I was just… thinking."

"About?"

"Just… stuff. It ain't important. Don't worry."

The van stops and everyone exits their vehicles, seeing a swarm ahead of them. Lori takes out her revolver and walks ahead, saying the last statement in her pep talk. Everyone raises their weapons and they aim at the horde.

"We got the bullets," Lori says.

She fires a shot from her revolver as the others fire back, looking like a rain of fire heading toward the herd as bushes and trees reflect the light from the muzzle flashes. After a couple of seconds and the herd approaches the group, bullets are fired back at them.

"Oh shit!" JuJu yells.

"Get inside your vehicles!" Yells Lori. "We're surrounded!"

Everyone gets in their vehicles as the group turns back and drives back to Houlton. Minutes pass and they eventually make it back inside the walls. Some of the other militia members talk amongst one another as JuJu watches from a distance when he exits Vanzilla. Lynn walks up to him and slings her newly acquired M1 Garand from General Black's office over her back. She stands beside him and crosses her arms, sensing the tension from what happened minutes ago.

"We're gonna take 'em down, bro. I don't care about the consequences anymore. We're gonna go back on foot. We're ending this, TODAY."

JuJu glances at Lynn, seeing the determination in her eyes.

"I'm with you, let's do it."

The Militia regroups near the north gates and they proceed on foot. JuJu and Marcus walk beside each other, weapons in hand. Lori leads the way and leads the group through the woods. Lori clenches her fist, as a way of saying to stop, but Hana continues walking ahead and stabbed a rogue that popped up with her sword.

"Damn," Marcus whispers. "That was kinda hot."

JuJu looks at him with a confused stare before looking ahead again. Lori then signals everyone to continue.

They stop again as more Rogues appear. Hana runs into the bushes while slashes and gunshots are heard before hearing a body drop. The same thing is heard again as Hana comes through the bushes, without a scratch on her. Her sword dripping with blood.

"Yup, definitely hot," Marcus says again.

"Bruh," JuJu says as he facepalms. "You're weird."

"Don't act like sadistic women aren't hot."

"Shut up and focus."

The group continues walking until they're met by a road that leads south to a place called Woodstock, where the rogues have a small base located. A couple of the group members break off, like Luna and Sam, and get in position. Luna and Sam were some of the best marksmen in the community and were ready to take out threats from long range.

Lori leads the others to a tanker truck and waits to give a signal. She pulls the pin on a grenade and tosses it to the fence nearby. She tosses another one and it ignites napalm barrels and sets the exposed rogues ablaze. Lori tells the group to split with George as they enter from different sides. JuJu sees that Lynn and Vonda go with George so he decides to stay with Lori's group. They rush in and immediately start firing off shots.

JuJu and Marcus go their own way and try to flank the rogues since both of their weapons have suppressors on them.

"Let's go around this building and hit 'em from behind," Marcus says.

"Good call," replies JuJu. "That's the smartest thing you've said all day."

"Whatever," he scoffs.

The two rush to a building on their left and hug the side of it before turning the corner and seeing that the other soldiers have their backs facing them. The two nod and start raining fire on them. Making sure they land a headshot in the process.

The element of surprise works in their favor as chaos ensues among the rogues. JuJu and Marcus continue to pick off enemies methodically, moving from cover to cover. The sound of gunfire and screams echo through the small base as the militia members push forward.

Lori and the rest of the group engage the rogues from the front, drawing attention away from JuJu and Marcus. The firefight intensifies, and explosions add to the chaos. Hana charges into the melee, her sword flashing in the dim light as she takes down enemies with deadly precision.

"Marcus!" Calls out Lori on JuJu's walkie-talkie. "We need your help on George's side!"

Marcus nods as he sprints over to the opposite side of the area to help.

Suddenly, JuJu's mouth is covered by a hand and dragged behind a building without anyone noticing. He is then tossed onto the ground and groans softly.

"What the hell?" He scoffs before taking out his revolver but stops as he already has a gun pointed right at him. The soldier standing over him has a black gas mask and all-black attire.

"Shut up kid," says the soldier as he kicks him in the stomach. "I hate kids."

JuJu groans but ignores it since the armor he has on reduces the pain.

"Fuck you." He says.

The soldier chuckles as he pulls the hammer down on his pistol. Suddenly, a bark is heard in the distance, and it's Lucky, who ran from Houlton. He pounces on the soldier and bites his arm as he stumbles back. JuJu's eyes widen as he sees his dog go a long way just to protect his owner. The soldier throws his arm, making Lucky release him as he hits a nearby wall. He fires his pistol at the dog, making Lucky whimper in pain. JuJu sees red once again as He gets up and tackles the soldier, using all of his strength. The two grapple on the ground, exchanging punches and kicks. JuJu's anger fuels his strength as he manages to overpower the soldier. In a fit of rage, he lands a series of punches on the masked man's face, determined to avenge Lucky. As the soldier struggles, JuJu spots a piece of broken metal nearby. He grabs it and raises it above his head, ready to strike. He swings his hand and the metal goes through the eye of the mask and the man's skull. He breathes heavily and stays on top of the soldier's body for a couple of seconds before regaining himself and going to pick up his revolver, then to Lucky. He kneels next to the dog, lying on his side, seeing the bullet hole and a small puddle of blood forming around him.

"Lucky… No…" JuJu says, his eyes becoming teary-eyed. "I told you to stay home. Why didn't you listen…"

Lucky continues to whimper as he moves his head close to JuJu's face and licks his cheek. JuJu wipes away a tear as he gently pets Lucky's head and kisses it. Despite the pain, Lucky manages to wag his tail weakly, showing unwavering loyalty till the end. JuJu takes off his hoodie and wraps it around Lucky's wounded side, trying to apply some pressure to slow down the bleeding.

"I got you, Lucky. You're gonna be okay," JuJu whispers, his voice filled with a mix of sadness and determination. "You're not gonna die… I promise…"

JuJu picks him up, his hoodie wrapped around the dog's body and he runs toward the entrance of the base. He's met by other members of the militia, noticing the sadness on his face. He runs behind a car and sits next to it, holding his dog tighter in his arms. He still feels Lucky breathing slowly, until it stops.

"L-Lucky? Lucky! No… please…"

Meanwhile, Marcus is on the other side of the place where he kills the last remaining rogues and notices familiar faces exit a house. It's Lynn, George, Lori, and others, but George has Vonda in his arms.

"Hey! Is Von okay?" He asks.

"She's fine man," Lynn replies. She got shot in the back, but the armor protected her, she's just unconscious. Where's JuJu?"

"He's back at the entrance most likely."

"Okay, let's get outta here, they're all dead. That's one step closer."

"It's not over yet," Says George. "They will come back, we have to stay vigilant."

Minutes later, everyone met at the entrance of the base, and they saw JuJu still sitting by the car.

"JuJu!" Marcus says as he walks up to him with Lynn following behind. "What's wro- Oh no…"

Lynn notices as well and her heart drops.

"L-Lucky?" She says. Her voice starting to break.

JuJu looks up at them, his eyes red and swollen from tears. He hugs Lucky with all of his strength, still wrapped in his hoodie. Lynn rushes to his side, kneeling next to him.

"What happened?" Marcus asks, his tone softer than usual.

"Lucky… he got shot trying to protect me," JuJu replies, his voice choked with emotion. "I-I told him to stay at the house. I didn't want him to get hurt…"

Lynn gently touches Lucky's fur, her eyes welling up with tears. "He's a hero, JuJu. He saved your life. He cared more about you than himself."

"I know…" JuJu whispers, his voice breaking. "But he shouldn't have had to."

The rest of the group gathers around, their expressions shifting from victory to sorrow. Lori places a comforting hand on JuJu's shoulder.

"I'm sorry JuJu…" Lori says solemnly. "We know how much he means to you."

As the group takes a moment to mourn the loss of Lucky, they hear distant sounds of approaching reinforcements. General Black's forces are regrouping.

"We need to go," Lori continues, her voice filled with determination. "We can't stay here. Everyone, head to the woods, we'll wait for them to pass and we head back home."

JuJu ignores what Lori says and looks down at his dead friend in his arms as more tears stream down his face.

"JuJu," Lynn says. Her voice still breaking. "Come… come on, we have to go."

Reluctantly, JuJu stands up, still holding Lucky's lifeless body. Lynn gently puts her arm around him, offering comfort as they start moving towards the woods with the rest of the group. The somber atmosphere hangs heavy over the militia as they retreat, leaving behind the scene of their hard-fought victory.

The group finds a concealed spot in the woods, away from the main road, to regroup and assess their situation. Lori gathers everyone and looks at JuJu with empathy.

"We mourn for Lucky, but we can't let his sacrifice be in vain. We have to keep going, for him and for everyone else we've lost."

JuJu nods silently, his emotions still raw. The group discusses their next moves, realizing that the fight is far from over. General Black's forces are relentless, and they need to strategize to counter the ongoing threat.

As they plan their next steps, JuJu sits apart from the group, staring into the distance with Lucky's body still in his arms. Lynn and Marcus stay by his side, offering silent support. The loss of Lucky has left a void in his heart, and the pain is palpable.

Lori approaches them, her expression a mix of sympathy and determination. "JuJu, I know it's tough. Losing a friend, especially one like Lucky, hurts. But we need you with us. We can't afford to lose anyone else."

JuJu looks up, his eyes reflecting a mix of grief and determination. "I'm not giving up. He wouldn't want that. I just... need some time."

Lynn squeezes his shoulder reassuringly, understanding the depth of his pain. She gives JuJu the space he needs, knowing that he'll join them when he's ready.

Eventually, the group makes it back to Houlton without being detected. The return was bittersweet. The group achieved victory but at the loss of a few others.

Hours later, JuJu, still grappling with grief, takes some time alone in the backyard of his home, digging a grave for Lucky right next to Emmanuel's. JuJu starts to cry again, seeing Lucky's body on the ground next to him, still wrapped in his black hoodie.

"Why didn't you stay home? You would still be here…"

Lynn and Marcus watch from a distance, seeing their friend in deep, emotional pain. They exchange a solemn look before silently joining JuJu in the backyard. They pick up shovels and start helping him dig the grave for Lucky. The trio works in somber silence, each lost in their own thoughts.

As they finish digging, JuJu takes off Lucky's collar before taking out his knife and putting the blade through his head slowly. He carefully places his lifeless body in the grave, gently covering him with soil. Lynn places a hand on JuJu's shoulder, offering comfort, while Marcus stands by, his usually sarcastic demeanor replaced by a genuine sense of empathy.

"I'm sorry, man," Marcus says quietly. "He lived to protect you like how you protected him when he was smaller."

JuJu nods, unable to find words. The loss of Lucky weighs heavily on his heart. Once the grave is filled, they fashion a makeshift tombstone out of a wooden plank. JuJu carves Lucky's name onto it with his pocket knife.

The trio sits in silence by the makeshift grave, remembering the loyal companion they've lost. The distant sounds of Houlton continue as life goes on, but a void remains in JuJu's heart.

"I love you, Lucky. You'll always be a good boy…"

-3 Days later-

Lynn does her usual morning jog around the block alone this time. She realizes that JuJu has been distant since Lucky's death. So she decides to stop by his home. She knocks on the door and she's met by Marcus.

"Hey, Marcus," she says. "Is JuJu here?"

"Yeah, he is," Marcus replies. "He hasn't left his room though. I'm worried about him."

"I am too. I'll try and talk to him."

She enters the house and makes her way to his room. She knocks on his door softly.

"Yo, It's Lynn," she says. "Can I come in?"

She doesn't get an answer.

"JuJu? Come on, man. It's me. I'm coming in."

She walks into his room and sees JuJu sitting on the edge of his bed looking down at Lucky's collar in his hand, with his dreadlocks covering his eyes.

Lynn takes a moment to assess the situation. JuJu's room is dimly lit, with curtains drawn shut, giving it a somber atmosphere. She approaches him slowly, recognizing the weight of grief in the air.

"Hey," she says softly, taking a seat beside him. "How are you holding up?"

JuJu doesn't respond, but Lynn notices the tear stains on his face. She gently puts her hand on his shoulder, offering a comforting presence.

"I know it hurts, JuJu. Losing Lucky... it's like losing a part of the family. But you're not alone in this. We're all here for you."

JuJu looks up, his eyes still red from crying, and hands Lynn Lucky's collar. She takes it gently, realizing the significance of the gesture.

"He was a good dog," JuJu whispers, his voice breaking. "Always there for me, no matter what."

Lynn nods, understanding the depth of their bond. "He was. And he'll always be a part of our memories."

They sit in silence for a while, the weight of the loss hanging in the air. Lynn knows that healing takes time, but she wants to make sure JuJu doesn't isolate himself completely.

"Listen," she says, "we're planning another move against General Black. I know it's tough, especially after everything, but we need you with us. Houlton needs you."

JuJu looks at Lynn, his eyes reflecting a mix of sorrow and determination. He nods slowly, understanding the importance of the fight ahead.

"Yeah," he says, his voice steadier. "I'll be there. For Lucky and for everyone else we've lost."

Lynn gives him a reassuring smile. "We're a team, JuJu. We've got each other's backs. And we'll make sure Black pays for everything he's done."

Lynn puts her arm around him and leans her head against his shoulder, showing him how much she cares.

"You're a great person JuJu. Never forget that. I don't want to see you sad like this. You don't deserve it."

"Neither do you… No one in the group deserves it."

Lynn smiles as she looks up at him, her blue eyes meeting his brown.

"You had a dog, right?" JuJu asks

"Yeah. His name was Charles. We had to let him run off when the outbreak happened. I hope he's okay out there."

As they continue to talk, Marcus quietly enters the room, leaning against the doorway. He listens to their conversation and nods approvingly. The trio, bound by friendship and shared hardships, finds solace in each other's company, ready to face the challenges that lie ahead.

"JuJu, we're here for you bro," he says. "Always."

JuJu looks at his friends, feeling a sense of gratitude amidst the pain. He appreciates their support and knows that he's not alone in this journey.

The next morning, JuJu is alone in the church, looking up at the cross still hanging high in the building. He looks back down and closes his eyes, saying a prayer quietly in Spanish. As JuJu finishes his prayer, he takes a deep breath, feeling a sense of peace wash over him. The weight of grief is still there, but he knows he can't let it consume him. With newfound determination, he stands up and leaves the church, ready to face the challenges ahead.

"Por favor Dios, protégeme a mí y a mis amigos. Te necesito…"