Zed Pov:
"There are many things in life people can be afraid of. But the one thing I think everyone shares is what happens when they pass away, I mean when it came to zombies none of us knew where we go once we took that eternal rest. Though frightening enough I got my answer, which was looking face first in front of what could have been a blacksmith that lived hundreds of years ago and telling us that we're in hell. What I didn't expect was getting saved by this stranger since we had just gotten our first greeting from something that tried to eat us. While I want to start getting freaked out and run in almost any direction; the best course is to stay by Revenant's side and try not to look like a meal for the locals."
Hell
Whether or not they wanted to deny the likelihood of the afterlife existing or not, seeing was believing in Zed's situation as he was staring all around him at the literal surroundings of being in the underworld. It was fortunate for the two to have what seemed like a 'watcher' who came in right when they were about to be attacked. Getting up to stare at the large man who gave them an emotionless glare at the pair, Revenant decided to go speak out since this was his problem and not Zed's.
"My name is Revenant. I've come from the town of Seabrook to speak with Lady Death to avoid the confrontation of my soul."
He spoke out clearly to the figure who seemed like someone who would work for the woman who was after him. Watching how the man gripped his hammer's handle tightly and glared into the zombie's green eyes. The giant saw a sign of fear that was mixed with boldness in facing him despite how he couldn't survive the demon attacker.
"There are not that many people who come here and demand a presence from my mistress. You are fortunate to be in her line of sight with what you've been doing in the living."
Responding to Rev's request to see her the response almost made Zed want to not go with him due to what he was. Despite being afraid, Zed ignored it and stood by Rev's side continuing to be brave and not let either the stranger or the environment intimidate him. Turning over to aim his hammer at where they would begin to walk, the stranger began to walk forward which had Revenant and Zed follow after him to avoid getting attacked again.
"Since the walk is going to be a long one, how about we have a small conversation? Like your name, bet it's something interesting like Forger. Or Desolence."
Zed suggested introductions and a conversation so that he could ignore what seemed like eyes watching him and Revenant as they continued their walk to Lady Death's home. Taking a moment to stop for a second, the stranger looked around to see if things were clear as he saw no signs of any large beasts in the air or any that could dig up from the ground.
"Do you believe I was born in the inferno because of how I appear and act amongst the lower demons?"
He asked Zed as the question left them open to surprise by several demons that looked like large spiders. Just before Revenant could act, the stranger was able to move quicker as he swung his hammer against each arachnid and swatted them to the side. Growling at the attack as well as how they were given a warning for how they almost attacked the trio, the arachnids scurried off to try something else to eat.
"I was once a human blacksmith living in the fourteenth century. My mortal name was lost when I was damned, I'm only known as the Cremator. Once chief master of the archdukes of hell, now an advisor and forger of Lady Death's weaponry."
Answering Zed's question about who he was and his given name when he arrived here in hell. It was something Revenant could relate to when he was given a name by his parents when he was brought back as the first Z-band user. They continued the walk as they saw over a hill what seemed like a large tree, there was a tower in the middle of it as well a moat that surrounded the structure. The sight alone made it appear as if they were in medieval times as well as seeing several wolves running across the landscape.
"Half to say I didn't expect the afterlife to be like this. No fires, no souls being tortured, or that of hearing laughter from a certain demon that's supposed to be in charge."
Revenant questioned how this wasn't what he expected and brought up a sensitive topic which earned him a small dagger aimed at his throat. The Cremator glared at the young man and not looking at Zed who stood there seeing the two who weren't afraid of starting a fight with each other.
"That name is forbidden. Whoever says it will be executed on sight, no matter the hierarchy. Essentially how he has been dethroned by her."
The Cremator stated sternly as well that he'd killed Revenant on the spot if he uttered the former ruler of Hell's name. Seeing how there was no time to squabble since the zombie came here of his own free will, the blacksmith continued to lead them to Lady Death's tower where they would meet her face to face. While they had just arrived a few minutes ago, it almost felt like a whole day was about to pass due to how there was no sun in the sky. He didn't know why Revenant wasn't acting afraid or even scared that they were in the worst place imaginable, including why he wanted to come here in the first place.
"Back to our 'non' aggressive conversation. Why isn't that she's after Revenant? While we know he's done a lot of things that might have been extreme, he's only done it to help protect Seabrook."
Speaking out on his friend's behalf Rev was about to be tried for his acts in looking after Seabrook as well as its residents. Taking a moment to look at Zed in seeing how he stood by his friend's side merely made the advisor smirk at the commitment he had to where his allegiance was too.
"It's always a surprise when there is emotion in people, I would not imagine it being in zombies. Though the young man is not being held as a prisoner due to his coming here, it's more of a greeting. Which has already started when she learned upon your arrival."
He answered Zed's question with an intrigued response that not even a denizen of hell would be surprised at how much life there was in a zombie. Rev gave Zed a pat on the back for sticking up for him despite being the only one who wasn't used to where he was right now. The more they talked the more it felt like they were getting closer to the tower, in which they had as the trio had arrived to their destination. Looking over their heads was a sign that had a sentence which was a saying for anyone who knew there was no chance of escape or idea of surviving whatever they'd encounter once they entered the tower.
"Abandon hope, all ye who enter here."
Engraved on the metal as well a warning to anyone who would enter the tower of Lady Death and expect to survive. Just as the Cremator walked to the doors, he saw two hellhounds standing at attention as well walking over to sniff the zombies. Growling at how they had the scent of the living on them, the hounds rubbed their heads against them which gave Rev and Zed a sign that they'd be welcomed here.
"Despite her hounds finding you acceptable. Know that once you see what lies inside, it will never leave your mind."
Warning them about what the zombies would see as the Cremator pushed them wide open to see a sight that neither Zor Revenant could imagine. Within the halls was a dance floor set up in the middle of the room along a large disco ball above them, there was a band set up by the side along a throne where they saw the woman in charge of Hell itself. Whether or not they were speechless at how beautiful she appeared with her white hair flowing and how she appeared almost like a force of nature, she was wearing a Seabrook attire of clothing with the symbol of Shrimpy as well was smiling at their arrival.
"What the?"
Zed and Revenant said at the same time as Lady Death snapped her fingers at the sight of their moment of confusion. She raised her hands which was a call for her soldiers to come in, to which they had the same type of attire that the cheer squad at Seabrook High would wear. Right near the side where the instruments were placed was a group of skeletons grabbing them and began to start playing. The Cremator moved to the side as well saw how the performance had begun as the zombies were greeted by the soldiers clapping to them in synchronization.
"Baby, you can find me under the lights. Diamonds under my eyes. Turn the rhythm up, don't you wanna just. Come along for the ride?"
She started to sing as well asking them to join in as the boys were brought in by her servants to the dancefloor. There they were dragged into what seemed like an undead celebration, to which Lady Death rose from her throne and started to walk towards them in a dominate fashion.
"Oh, my outfit is so tight. You can see my heartbeat tonight. I can take the heat, baby, best believe. That's the moment I shine!"
Talking about herself her steps made several of the torches ignite in a fiery blue flame. Just as Lady Death was walking towards her guests, several of the lower demons showed her numerous gifts to her that would earn her affection.
"Cause every romance shakes and it bends. Don't give a damn, when the night's here, I don't do tears. There's no chance."
Responding towards the demon's gifts as snapped her fingers which summoned her hellhounds to attack them. The sight was gruesome how she'd taken them out to where she continued her walk towards Revenant and Zed as she stopped in front of them. Doing their best to remain bold towards her, she smiled slyly as could see how they were trying to not get distracted by her choice in fashion wear.
"I could dance, I could dance, I could dance!"
Announcing to them she made all of her demon's dance randomly and unpredictably. The undead servants moved quickly catching Revenant and Zed off guard as well that they were kept separated from each other. Lady Death on the other hand was enjoying herself as she danced in the middle of the dancefloor where the lights of the disco ball shone upon her.
"Watch me dance! dance the night away! My heart could be burnin', but you won't see it on my face."
Calling out on how the boys couldn't exactly see her due to the crowd that was keeping them away from Lady Death. Feeling the beat of how the undead band was playing as well as the movement the dancers were provided, he was able to move about the crowd. Revenant had a problem with that due to how aggressively the dancers were moving around.
"Watch me dance, dance the night away! I'll still keep the party runnin', not one hair out of place!"
Singing across the room which made the hellhounds by the Creamtor's side howl at their mistress's voice. Revenant still doing his best to keep his balance and not get overwhelmed by her men, though before he could push them out of the way. He comes face to face with Lady Death as she smiles at the young man due to how close she is to his face.
"Lately, I've been moving close to the edge. Still be looking my best, I stay on the beat, you can count on me. I ain't missing no steps."
Telling him as she brought him into a dance and spun him around as if he weighed nothing to her. Zed had managed to step to the side to see the woman dancing with his friend and tormenting Rev with how close she was to him. Breaking off from her hold and bumping into a statue, two swords dropped right into their hands which made it seem like he was about to have a duel with her.
"Cause every romance shakes and it bends. Don't give a damn, when the night's here, I don't do tears. There's no chance."
Lady Death spoke towards Revenant and displayed her swordsmanship at him as the zombie avoided the strikes due to how each thrust was lethal. Remembering some of the teachings that Nightwing taught him when he got his sword; he was able to avoid the attacks. Smirking towards the boy at how he was able to evade her blows, they soon came to a standstill where they tried to overpower each other.
"I could dance, I could dance, I could dance!"
Shouting loudly which caught Revenant off guard leaving him to collapse on the floor leaving him to believe she would go for the killing blow. Only to suddenly change her outfit into that of werewolf clothing and leap upwards to land back at the center of the dance floor, as well as summons a barrage of swords that spun around her like a sphere.
"Watch me dance! dance the night away! My heart could be burnin', but you won't see it on my face."
She stated to Revenant as the woman had her swords move towards the zombie boy as it began to slice throughout the servants like nothing. Zed who saw the limbs flying in the air moved behind the Cremator as his large body shielded him from the parts landing on him. The weapons forger chuckled at how squirmy Zed was as the two continued to watch the dance continue in front of them.
"Watch me dance, dance the night away! I'll still keep the party runnin', not one hair out of place!"
Talking about how the blades hadn't spun out of place or even touched her as they got closer to Revenant preparing to take off his head. Seeing one of the statues having a shield that was large enough to avoid the spinning swords, Rev rushed over to take it off the statue and protect himself from the swords as they began to bang right at him.
"When my heart breaks. When my world shakes, I don't play it safe. Don't you know about me? I could dance, I could dance, I could dance!"
Lady Death repeating herself at Revenant which caused him to push back against the shield and break the swords instantly. Having a moment see where she reappeared, he saw the woman in front of Zed with a new costume changed which was that of alien clothing.
"Even when the tears are flowin' like diamonds on my face. I'll still keep the party goin', not one hair out of place."
She sings to him softly as Zed tried to fall for any type of deception she had for him, though the gaze she was giving him made Zed almost made him see Addison in front of him. Revenant was going step in and stop the moment but was interrupted by her hellhounds preventing him to interrupt the moment.
"Even when the tears are flowin' like diamonds on my face. I'll still keep the party goin', not one hair out of place."
Continuing her song to Zed as he still seemed to be looking at Addison through the illusion she had placed on him. Though looking closer to her eyes, Zed was able to see the transparent pupils in Addison's eyes as he was able to break out of her illusion and move away from Lady Death. This made her excited seeing how Zed was able to resist her charms, this left her to change her attire again into zombie clothing as she brought the boys by her side to see if they could survive her dance.
"Watch me dance, dance the night away! I'll still keep the party runnin', not one hair out of place! Watch me dance, dance the night away! I'll still keep the party runnin', not one hair out of place!"
Grabbing both of their arms and spinning them around to the dancefloor so they'd participate with her in the dance. Letting go of them and able to keep up with her, Revenant and Zed mimicked her dance moves and displayed their endurance of her performance towards them.
"When my heart breaks. When my world shakes, I don't play it safe. Don't you know about me?"
Asking them as Lady Death stops her dancing and lets out a strong gust of air sending the boys off their feet and sent flying into the air. Cremator caught the two and held them by their shirts and kept them from getting out of his grip. There they saw Lady Death changing one last time into what seemed like her actual clothing was black leather sleeves and stocking with a cape covering her body.
"I could dance, I could dance, I could dance. Dance the night!"
Finishing her song as well scaring off her servants out of the room and changing the room to its original version. Her expression changed from a playful look to a serious glare as she studies the zombies on how they were lucky enough to survive the performance she gave them.
"Have them ready for dinner. There's much to discuss."
Lady Death giving her second in command on giving the zombies a chance to settle themselves since she had seemed to know about what Revenant wanted to discuss with her. Cremator nodded as carried the zombies to a room where they'd be given proper attire since she wanted to move onto important matters after giving them a welcoming arrival.
Later-Dining Room
Having given new clothing to have Revenant and Zed look like warriors of hell as well to not be stared at by her servants. Lady Death had a table of food placed out for the boys as well herself a cup of wine in her hand, in which she stared at them and could see much confusion from them. Which was reasonable since when they entered through her doors, she gave them a song and dance that many fortunate souls would give to see the vixen woman perform for them. To now suddenly show herself as a strict woman who could kill anyone with a blink of an eye.
"Let's first get the pleasantries out of the way with that show I did for you. Apparently, it's how most of your town acts in enjoying something special. I decided to indulge myself in the tradition, rather pleasant since the last centuries I've spent in hell have been nothing but pain and torment."
She explained to them about her dance to them how she learned about it from Seabrook which was a surprise to that for them. Zed merely smiled to her in gratitude for enjoying the dance but could see it was a to welcome them, the real issue was that of the topic that his friend wanted to talk with her.
"But your not interested in Seabrook's traditions. You're interested in its souls, including mine."
Revenant spoke out towards Lady Death as she didn't respond to him but only directed her eyes at him confirming his conclusion. Snapping her fingers, a ghoul rushed over to present her an orb that contained numerous souls in utter agony and pain which felt uncomfortable to look at.
"Despite what you may have heard. The souls that come to me have endured much in their life, such as loss and pain. Here? Is where the wretched and horrendous spend their days for what they've done. You? Would be amongst my warriors, to maintain the balance of hell and let no demon takeover."
Stating what difference was for the souls that deserved punishment for their crimes in the living while for individuals like himself and the others he's met would serve under her to maintain her rule.
"And what of the zombies that did pass on? Are they here? Where are they if you offer that kind of reward in being a part of your service."
He questioned her about the souls of the zombies from Seabrook if they were in hell or if they had become her soldiers. It earned a growl from her hellhounds for how he spoke towards, it left Lady Death to change the soul orb in her hand to change. The two saw what looked like the zombies of Seabrook's past in peace, as well what looked like a replica of their town before the power plant infected them.
"Not here. They've been given a blissful afterlife after humanity turned into the undead, which I find disturbing since you both could have had vengeance against them. Especially you, Zed Necrodopolis. Why is that?"
Commenting that while the zombies that had passed away to be given a proper reward for their treatment in the human world. Zed nor Revenant took the chance to avenge their fallen zombies and take the town for themselves. While Revenant could answer the question because of his adoptive parents teaching there could be peace between humans and zombies, Lady Death was questioning Zed since he was the only one to live in town and have others wanting to stand up towards the humans.
"Because you can't make change if you use violence. Only through finding common ground and communication, it's the only way than using violence to get what you want."
He answered her question since Zed knew the hardship of growing up in Seabrook and not being seen like an ordinary person. Yet it didn't stop him from participating in football and help with both sides coming together to share Seabrook together. While his answer didn't exactly impress since she's seen differences destroy numerous civilizations, the mistress could see the hope through his eyes even after how he was treated when he was a child.
"And that's why I protect humanity. Because of how they can change through seeing the actions of one zombie, which lead to opening Seabrook to new people. Even if they want to stop what stand for, they'll have to get through us."
Revenant added his voice on where he stood despite how the humans experimented on zombies in order to protect themselves from the outside world. With hearing their response on where they stood in Seabrook, she went to the side of her table and pulled out a sword forged in solid gold.
"I was planning on visiting Seabrook to collect your soul Revenant. Maybe even meet others like yourself who believe in their cause in looking after the weak and fragile. But you know what I think?"
Telling them how she'd plan to make her way to the town and do soul collecting of numerous people who either had their time up or should be sent to the afterlife. Not knowing if they believed her words or proceed in taking both of their souls, she instead walks over and cuts the air in a downward position which apparently opens a doorway back to the real world.
"You and your gang have been giving me quite the collection of evil souls, it would be wrong to stop the collecting. Which is why I'd advise you all to watch yourselves closer, otherwise I will not be lenient in letting you go. A second time."
Giving them her blessing to leave and brought up how during the fights they had handled in the past. They've been bringing the creatures and other beings who tried to ruin the peace of Seabrook into her realm. Taking it as a sign to leave, they thank her for the meal and allowing them to meet her and took their leave. Just as the two were about to take their leave, they took one last look at Lady Death since they hopped it be their last.
"Your parents would be proud to see the men you both have become. It'll be fascinating to see what you'll become later on."
Lady Death complimenting them on who they had become as well having a way to speak to them, including Zed's mother which took the football athlete by surprise. He wanted to ask questions if he could see her or possible tell her about what's happened in Seabrook, but he felt Revenant's hand on his shoulder gesturing that they've stayed here for too long. With that they made their leave and walked through the tear to return back to the land of the living.
"Was it wise to allow them to return back with the knowledge of you existing? You hadn't mention about the others that would be interested in their town besides yourself."
The Cremator questioned on other individuals of her statue that are feared by others to visit Seabrook and the others. She didn't give him a response but only chuckled in amusement of the possibility of the people that she herself have met before would come to the down and bring their own type of trouble to the youngsters. Bringing the orb back up in view to see the silhouettes of who would come to the town, to which she'd couldn't wait and enjoy what will come for them.
The Big House-Night Time
It had been several hours since Revenant and Zed's departure to visit Lady Death. Just as they left, Nightwing had explained to them his background of being a pupil to Screw-on Head and learning about the afterlife as well as its ruler. Most of them were left in dismay on knowing there was an afterlife and how frightening that she could visit them at any time due to the activity they made in town.
"So to plainly put it. You let my boyfriend go to hell by himself?!"
Wynter yelled and was about to pounce on Nightwing on not stopping Rev for going to possibly the one place that nobody wanted to visit. She was stopped by Apex who held her back since the werewolf had her claws out and was trying her best to attack the fruitpire.
"He went there for everyone. Along Baba Yaga stopped me from joining him since it was a fool's errand to convince her of anything. We just have to wait until we get a sign of their return."
Responding back of him trying to follow Revenant but was stopped by the witch since she insisted on seeing Lady Death to plead his case. Having heard that they had to wait on their return made them concern since it could take days due to what might be happening to them. Continuing to worry about on whether they would be able to come back, they felt a chill running up their spines and a portal appearing in front of them to which showed Revenant and Zed coming back dazed along seeing the others surprised to see them return.
"Your back! And with new clothing."
Addison yells in joy and questioning the new outfits that Zed and Revenant had been given as she rushed over to hug the two. The others did the same feeling relieved that nothing bad happened to them and making it back without any injuries on them.
"Yep. And we shouldn't have to worry about Lady Death, all she wants is us to keep fighting people who want to cause trouble for Seabrook. Keeping do that and no one has to visit her."
Zed telling the group how they could avoid meeting the mistress of death and continue enjoying their lives without worry. They looked over to Rev if it was true as the zombie confirmed it on handling the issue of having her presence here in Seabrook. While it seemed to have settled the issue on why he had to visit her, Nightwing was still unsure if that was all that she had said to them.
"That's good to hear. I think, but you should all be heading home. Your parents have been calling about heading back, and I need to get my beauty sleep."
Brit informed them getting back to their parents since she's been getting call from their families on heading back since they didn't know about the 'experiment' they were working on. Feeling relieved on the problem handled and heading back, everyone started to leave the room. Nightwing stopped Revenant since it was important he spoke with him about what happened.
"What exactly did she tell you."
He questioned Revenant on what happened in Hell since the look on his face showed otherwise despite what Zed said on the situation being handled. Seeing how the others left and it just being the two of them, Rev decided to be serious and explain to him on what happened.
"She's just Baba Yaga. Watching us fight off numerous creatures and monsters that aren't fond of us, she wants us to continue. Including how I'm not the only protector of humanity, aren't I?"
Asking the fruitpire on how just like Tiki Zombie, Cassie Hack and Screw-on Head they looked after others despite their personalities and tragic past. Nodding to Rev's question on how there was intentionally more like him and coming to Seabrook to investigate the ongoing incidents happening, it filled him with dread on what the zombie and others would except.
"Whether or not you think I'm keeping secrets from you. The one thing you need to know is I believe you can handle it, and that the people you'll eventually meet? Will see if you can really keep your word of looking after Seabrook. Because from here on out, things are going to get weird."
He warned Rev on that he still trusts the zombie on keeping the town safe as well his friends if they had been able to keep it standing this far. Though hearing how what would be happening would be nothing like what he's experienced in the past, the zombie could only sigh and worry about it another day. With that being said they headed off to their rooms to get some sleep after possibly a frustrating evening of events, but not noticing from a mirror of Lady Death spying on them with a smile on what would come for them as well the others. As well hopping for one day to visit them and see if they really meant what they said on protecting Seabrook from anything trying to ruin the peace they worked hard to make for both humans and monsters.
The song used was 'Dance the night away' by Dua Lipa, all rights to the song belongs to her and the people that helped worked on it. The story will resume when the series comes out in the summer, until then. Leave comments down below for any surprise visitors you might think would want to visit Seabrook. Till then, see ya soon!