Slowly Dead

[Josh M]

Honda would be the first to hear loud steps from the cobblestone street outside. Loud, guttural screams that got louder, and suddenly Honda would feel pulls on his body.

In a flash, the thirty infected rushed in. A small group, five, went right the sumo. He was the closest the door, and seemingly separated from the group. To the others, it looked like Honda was swallowed by the wave of the dead. Their hands were already on him and moving quickly to push the big man away from the group. Honda had the most space, however, as he had just been moved far from the group. He could try to take them all on at once, or lead his five off as he tried to take them down. Also, he could hide!

The twenty-five others went towards the group in the back, rushing faster than they would think. Soldier: 76 and Carol could feel they were going to get pushed back. Where the two were standing now, the infected could easily pin them. However, a nearby stack of tires and a work desk could be stood on if they needed space. Meanwhile, Claire and Aqua had more ground to fall back on, but more infected were coming at them.

***​

Ellis in the meantime was ducking behind a dumpster as he looked his way to the truck. It was bright red and four-doored from what Ellis could see. It could seat three in the front, three in the back. Well, Ellis hoped Honda would fit. Right now, Ellis just had to wait. In a few minutes, he'd go for the truck.

@Atomyk @Klutzy Ninja Kitty @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Yun Lee

 

[Yun Lee]

Honda would be the first o hear loud steps from the cobblestone street outside. Loud, guttural screams got louder, as sudden Honda would feel pulls on his body

In a flash, the 30 infected rushed in. a small group, five, went right the sumo. He was the closest the door, and seeming separated from the group. To the others, it looked like Honda was swallowed by the wave of the dead! Their hands were already on him and moving quickly to push the big man away from group. Honda hand the most space, however It was far from the group. He could try to take them all on at once, or lead his five off, as he tried to take them down. Also he could hide!



The 25 others went towards the group in the back, rushing faster than you'd thing. Solider 76 and Carol could feel they were gonna pushed back. Where the two stood could easily pin them. However, a nearby stack of tires and a work desk could be stood on if they need space. Meanwhile Claire and Aqua had more ground to fall back, but all more infected coming at them.

....................................

Ellis in the meantime was ducking behind a dumpster as he looked his way to the truck. It was bright red, and four doored from what Ellis could see. It could seat three in the front, three in the back. Well, Ellis hoped Honda would fit. Right now, Ellis just had to wait. In a few minute, he'd go for the truck.

@Atomyk @Klutzy Ninja Kitty @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Yun Lee

"Gah!!" Honda didn't like being seperated from the group, especially when so many more zombies were going inside. He needed to get back in there, and fast!

Not wasting any time, Honda would grab the zombie closest to him and throw it at the others. Any of the five not knocked down he'd then attempt to smash with his pipe.

@Josh M @Klutzy Ninja Kitty @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Atomyk ​

 

[CrunchyCHEEZIT]

76 had his doubts about Claire being able to hold off the horde until the rest of the squad evacuates, but he wasn't one to judge a mans (or womans) skill in battle until he sees them in action. She had a gun, she had Aqua covering her, and she had that youthful spark. Good enough for him. And now that the horde arrived, he'd see how she would hold up.

*BRRATATATATATATA!*

The old soldier gritted his teeth, wincing as a swarm of undead burst through the doors. As soon as he saw a blur of rotten flesh enter his sights, he was already firing, spreading controlled bursts of pulse fire between each of the targets, with impeccable accuracy. Carol and Ellis would recognize the noise of his Heavy Pulse Rifle roaring, bright blue lasers piercing the rotted skulls of the Infected with a force greater than that of a modern-age bullet. Being from the future has it's benefits, after all.

It didn't take long for him to spot his large ally struggling out of the corner of his eye.

"Not too much like Wilhelm, huh?"

76 fired a few more bursts at the approaching horde before sprinting backwards, leaping up ontop of the rubber tires behind him and twirling around, taking aim at the horde swarming Honda. A few milliseconds passed, and he squeezed the secondary trigger on his pulse rifle. A trio of twirling Helix Rockets suddenly shot out from underneath of the rifles barrel! They smashed into the undead, detonating with a small explosion and clearing out some of the zombies on Honda! It might've hurt Honda slightly, depending on where he was standing when the rockets hit, but 76 had calculated it; he'd be fine.

"FALL BACK, HONDA!"

76 smashed the butt of his rifle into the face of one of the undead, rattling it and a few more with pulse munitions.

"Undead punks."

@Josh M @Klutzy Ninja Kitty @Yun Lee @Atomyk


​

 

[Klutzy Ninja Kitty]

When their enemies began to pour into the room, Aqua took a step back narrowing her eyes as she watched them. Suddenly, she realized fighting in this small area could pose a bit of a problem for her. Most of her spells were rather large and extravagant. If she wasn't careful, they could end up hurting her comrades. With these thoughts in mind, Aqua decided to go back to her most basic spells and let most of the others take down the enemies. Claire wanted some time to shine, after all. Aqua didn't mind giving it to her.

"Thunder!" Aqua exclaimed, lifting her keyblade to cast the small electric spell, hitting the enemies closest to her with a few small bolts. Afterwards, she raised her blade once more and casted a slow spell to another small group of the enemies. This would make the movements of the dead more sluggish, allowing for the gunners to have an even better chance of hitting their targets.

@Atomyk @Yun Lee @Josh M @CrunchyCHEEZIT​

 

[Josh M]

As the thunder ravaged the dead, the side of the two ladies seemed to be clear. There was one or two left, but it seemed it wouldn't be hard.

On 76 and Carol's side, they mowed the dead down like it was a lawn. Three of the dead still stood, but it wasn't anything they couldn't deal with.

As Honda tossed one of the infected and gave another a good helping of lead to the head, Honda was pretty much in the clear. The two who got knocked back got helix rocketed to nothingness. Everything seemed to be coming up Honda. However, Honda would be the first to see, and the only to know at first, what going to happen and was happening.

The sumo would see through the window. It was Ellis. He was now away from the dumpster, hiding now behind a car. He was close the truck, but not enough. Things didn't look good outside. The noise the rockets and thunder made drew more of the dead. It seemed they were marching to the group. At least seventy, maybe eighty bodies rushed towards the garage where our heroes were making their stand.

Five infected were still in the room, seventy of the infected were coming, and Ellis was alone on the street with a lot.

Honda had two choices:

1. He stays where he is, and he plays doorman. If the first wave gave Honda anything, it was confidence. He killed one of them by throwing it, and another with a "love tap" to the head. He was strong, and he was tough. Ellis seemed like he could take care of himself, but it was an ocean out there. If Ellis died, they were all pretty much are up shit creek without a paddle.

2. When they rushed in, he could push passed them, and go out and play bodyguard for Ellis. The four of them inside were natural survivors and tough as nails. If he was outside with Ellis, he could make sure got to Ellis the truck. Plus, where he stood at the moment were two bags supplies. Maybe there was something in those bags could be of use later on. However, was it right to leave? Even to help Ellis? Was he dooming everyone but Ellis and himself to death?

@Yun Lee

When the choice was made, he could act. The dead would rush into the building like a wave. They would rush the four, like starved animals seeming more desperate than the ones before.

@Klutzy Ninja Kitty @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Atomyk

 

[Yun Lee]

As the Thunder ravage the dead, the two ladies side seemed to be clear, There was one or two left, still it wasn't hard.


On 76 and Carols' side, they mowed the dead down like it was a lawn! Three of he dead still stood, but it wasn't anything they could deal with..


As Honda tossed one of the infected into the two, and giving another a good helping of lead to the head, Honda was pretty much in the clear! The two who got knocked got helix rocketed to nothingness, Everything seemed to be coming up Honda! However, Honda would be the first to see, and the only to know at first, what going to happen, and was happening.

The Sumo would see through the window. It was Ellis. He was now away from the dumpster, hiding now behind a car. He was close the truck, but not enough. Things didn't look good outside. The noise the rockets and thunder made drew more of the dead! It seemed they were marching to the group. At least seventy, maybe eighty bodies rushed towards the garage were our heroes made their stand.


Five infected were still in the room, seventy of the infected were coming, and Ellis was alone on the street with a lot.


Honda had a two choices.


1. He stays were he is, and he plays doorman. If the first wave would give Honda anything, it was confidence. He killed one of them by throwing it, the other with a "love tap" to the head. He was strong, and he was tough. Ellis seemed like he could take care of himself, but was ocean out there. If Ellis died, they all pretty much are up shit creek without a paddle.

2. When they rushed in, he could push pass them, and go out and play body guard for Ellis. The four of them inside to be natural survivors, and tough as nails. If he was outside with Ellis, he could make sure Ellis to truck. Plus, as wear he stood at the moment, there laid two bags supplies. Maybe there was something in those bags could be of use later on. However, was it right to leave? Even to help Ellis? Was he dooming everyone but Ellis and himself to death?

@Yun Lee

When the choice was made, he could act. The dead would rush into building like a wave. They would rush the four, like starved animals seeming more desperate than the ones before.


@Klutzy Ninja Kitty @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Atomyk

That actually went really well! Honda couldn't help but grin as the infected zombies fell like flies, but that grin faded the second he saw an army of zombies on the horizon. Crap!! If they weren't careful, they'd be toast before they even left this damn garage!

Honda was a man of action. He could easily keep zombies at bay, but for how long? And what if someone died because of him? He couldn't let that happen! If he'd learned anything from Bright Falls, it was that teamwork could make or break any endeavor. Which was why he had an idea.

"Ellis needs cover!" He yelled to the group inside. "There's a whole army of zombies on the way! We gotta get to them before they get to us!!!"

@Josh M @Atomyk @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Klutzy Ninja Kitty​

 

[CrunchyCHEEZIT]

Soldier: 76 took heavy breaths between each volley of pulse-fire, keeping his breathing under control. Years of experience and his encounters with the Splicers in Rapture made him quite the brick shithouse, but there was still a human soldier inside of him that could feel stress. Nevertheless, he popped off a few more shots to the remaining dead, blasting the first two with direct head-shots and smashing the butt of his rifle into the face of the last, unloading the now-empty power cell from his rifle. Detecting another sea of undead approaching their position, the old man let out a graveled cough, smashing a fresh power cell into his rifle and readjusting position, diving behind the stack of rubber tires he was standing on.

One hand was lifted into the air, and he roared out a command to his allies within the Garage.

"HONDA, PUSH AHEAD AND COVER ELLIS! EVERYONE ELSE STAYS IN HERE AND DIVERTS THEIR ATTENTION UNTIL THAT DAMN TRUCK WORKS!"

Soldier: 76 placed his full trust into the individuals that stood alongside him in battle, and he hoped no questions needed to be asked. Staring ahead, the soldier watched as a second wave of the restless dead poured into the Garage. As soon as the first zombie entered his field of view, his hand immediately flew towards the controls on the side of his Tactical Visor, cranking the lever to maximum power.

"I'VE GOT YOU IN MY SIGHTS."

The visor responded to the officers command, letting out a cacophonous electrical cry as a bright red holographic display materialized before Soldier: 76, highlighting the undead targets as they approached his position. A tide of pulse munitions would burst from the muzzle of his prized weapon, instantly killing each individual zombie with precise head-shots that, as far as his allies could tell, never missed the mark. His rifle naturally moved with the enemy, leaving no room for error in his accuracy.

Feels good, every time.

@Josh M @Atomyk @Yun Lee @Klutzy Ninja Kitty

​

 

[Yun Lee]

Upon hearing 76's orders, Honda started out of the garage, but not before picking up the two bags and slinging them over his shoulder. Despite his limited knowledge of zombies, he did recall hearing that they relied on smell. And a thought occured to him that was absolutely disgusting, but considering his body mass he was a target, and could draw more zombies to Ellis.

So, with one hand on his pipe, Honda picked up one of the zombies he took down and rubbed it on his stomach and face while he ran to Ellis, wanting to gag at the stench. But hey, desperate times and all that.

Once done he tossed the zombie back on the ground and took his place near Ellis. "Don't worry kid-I got ya covered!"

@Josh M @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Klutzy Ninja Kitty @Atomyk​

 

[Atomyk]

If Carol felt an affinity for anyone here, it was Ellis first and foremost. With the knowledge that the boy was in danger, she felt the urge to leave quickly. With 76 mopping up the infected, Carol looked toward Claire and Aqua. "Next moment of calm, I'm going. If Ellis needs cover, he'll need more than one of us." It went against 76's orders, but Carol's concern was with Ellis and that truck.

Claire stared back at her, trying to think of an answer for that, but eventually, she just nodded. She couldn't disagree with the woman's assessment, and it was Claire who offered to stay last anyway. "Be safe," Claire said, as Carol made her exit through the side window. She looked momentarily at Soldier: 76 to see if he would follow, but quickly focused her attention back on the door. Until the truck was finished, it was still her job to kill whatever funneled into the garage. She didn't even bother asking Aqua what she would do, for they both knew the answer to that.

@Klutzy Ninja Kitty @CrunchyCHEEZIT

Outside, Carol made a run for the parking lot, stopping at its edge to lift her rifle and shoot down the infected making a run for Honda and Ellis. One. Two Three.

She had to move now.

Carol made a run for the pair, confident she could reach them before more infected was on them. "Keep at it!" she shouted, continuing to run until she was at least passed the sumo. Carol then turned around to aim at the incoming masses. "Ellis honey, you better get that going soon."

@Josh M @Yun Lee​

 

[Josh M]

Soldier: 76 took heavy breaths between each volley of pulse-fire, keeping his breathing under control. Years of experience and his encounters with the Splicers in Rapture made him quite the brick shithouse, but there was still a human soldier inside of him that could feel stress. Nevertheless, he popped off a few more shots to the remaining dead, blasting the first two with direct head-shots and smashing the butt of his rifle into the face of the last, unloading the now-empty power cell from his rifle. Detecting another sea of undead approaching their position, the old man let out a graveled cough, smashing a fresh power cell into his rifle and readjusting position, diving behind the stack of rubber tires he was standing on.

One hand was lifted into the air, and he roared out a command to his allies within the Garage.

"HONDA, PUSH AHEAD AND COVER ELLIS! EVERYONE ELSE STAYS IN HERE AND DIVERTS THEIR ATTENTION UNTIL THAT DAMN TRUCK WORKS!"

Soldier: 76 placed his full trust into the individuals that stood alongside him in battle, and he hoped no questions needed to be asked. Staring ahead, the soldier watched as a second wave of the restless dead poured into the Garage. As soon as the first zombie entered his field of view, his hand immediately flew towards the controls on the side of his Tactical Visor, cranking the lever to maximum power.

"I'VE GOT YOU IN MY SIGHTS."

The visor responded to the officers command, letting out a cacophonous electrical cry as a bright red holographic display materialized before Soldier: 76, highlighting the undead targets as they approached his position. A tide of pulse munitions would burst from the muzzle of his prized weapon, instantly killing each individual zombie with precise head-shots that, as far as his allies could tell, never missed the mark. His rifle naturally moved with the enemy, leaving no room for error in his accuracy.

Feels good, every time.

@Josh M @Atomyk @Yun Lee @Klutzy Ninja Kitty

​

Mopping the floor with the dead, 76 cleared the area with ease as few more came in as both Honda and Carol went to check Ellis.

Upon hearing 76's orders, Honda started out of the garage, but not before picking up the two bags and slinging them over his shoulder. Despite his limited knowledge of zombies, he did recall hearing that they relied on smell. And a thought occured to him that was absolutely disgusting, but considering his body mass he was a target, and could draw more zombies to Ellis.

So, with one hand on his pipe, Honda picked up one of the zombies he took down and rubbed it on his stomach and face while he ran to Ellis, wanting to gag at the stench. But hey, desperate times and all that.

Once done he tossed the zombie back on the ground and took his place near Ellis. "Don't worry kid-I got ya covered!"

@Josh M @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Klutzy Ninja Kitty @Atomyk​

Ellis moved towards Honda, aiming his shotgun to clearing a few nearby. Patting on the back, Ellis kicked away one of the dead who was right on Honda's heels. Taking one of the bags, Ellis smirked.

"Thanks for that, buddy. Okay, um. I ain't normally one to give orders, but, um I need a solid. I need you to open your bag, there should be a flare gun. The mall is in the south of here, I need you to run a block, and find a place to shoot this flare in the opposite dictation. The area as to be clear. so any dead will see it. With all the noise solder's makin', we need this."

Moving away, Ellis entered the truck. looking at the panel as soon as the door shut.

If Carol felt an affinity for anyone here, it was Ellis first and foremost. With the knowledge that the boy was in danger, she felt the urge to leave quickly. With 76 mopping up the infected, Carol looked toward Claire and Aqua. "Next moment of calm, I'm going. If Ellis needs cover, he'll need more than one of us." It went against 76's orders, but Carol's concern was with Ellis and that truck.

Claire stared back at her, trying to think of an answer for that, but eventually, she just nodded. She couldn't disagree with the woman's assessment, and it was Claire who offered to stay last anyway. "Be safe," Claire said, as Carol made her exit through the side window. She looked momentarily at Soldier: 76 to see if he would follow, but quickly focused her attention back on the door. Until the truck was finished, it was still her job to kill whatever funneled into the garage. She didn't even bother asking Aqua what she would do, for they both knew the answer to that.

@Klutzy Ninja Kitty @CrunchyCHEEZIT

Outside, Carol made a run for the parking lot, stopping at its edge to lift her rifle and shoot down the infected making a run for Honda and Ellis. One. Two Three.

She had to move now.

Carol made a run for the pair, confident she could reach them before more infected was on them. "Keep at it!" she shouted, continuing to run until she was at least passed the sumo. Carol then turned around to aim at the incoming masses. "Ellis honey, you better get that going soon."

@Josh M @Yun Lee​

Rolling down the window, Eliis would call to the woman. Carol was always one to worry, however, Ellis would seem like he was in the zone. Taking charge of the plan. This was a new side of Ellis

"Carol, I'm a car guy. This is my bread n' butter. Shit, if I can't baby purrin'' I deserve to die. Just keep an eye on Honda. Trust me."

Turning his attention to the Truck, Ellis fooled around with the wires. Carol could hear the motor shake, as Ellis's face donned a smirk was so bright, it was hard to miss.


"Almost there! Just need one moment..."


@Yun Lee @Atomyk @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Klutzy Ninja Kitty

 

[Klutzy Ninja Kitty]

Retaining a defensive stance, Aqua would merely gasp upon learning of the extra help Ellis required. She didn't budge from her spot, however, seeing that a couple other individuals from their group were willing to rush to his aid and provide him with assistance. "Good luck," she called out to Carol before focusing herself on their flesh eating enemies once more. She took her self-assigned task of staying near Claire seriously, intending not to leave her unless he absolutely had to.

The master produced magical shields of protective energy to help push back the zombies, occasionally striking down the nearest beast with her keyblade. She continued to refrain from taking too much action, leaving the vast majority of their foes to Claire. It was clear to see Aqua was holding back. She continued to observe the scene with her sharp, blue eyes, however, ready to release her full strength in an instant if Claire became overwhelmed.

@Atomyk @Yun Lee @Josh M @CrunchyCHEEZIT​

 

[Yun Lee]

Honda nodded at Ellis' request, taking the flare gun out of the bag and depositing the bag and his pipe in the car, before making a mad dash down the street. One of the things the sumo wrestler prided himself on was that he was pretty nimble for a man his size. Back home, it was always amusing to see smaller opponents taken by surprise when they expected him to get winded easy. You didn't become an Ozeki by taking it slow, no sir!

Okay...the next block...aha! A nice little clearing in someone's backyard. Taking his place there, Honda shot a flare North, towards what looked to be a used car lot in the distance. That done, Honda took off back to the group, ready to use the flare gun as a melee weapon if any zombies took him on.

@Josh M @Klutzy Ninja Kitty @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Atomyk

​

 

[Atomyk]

"Get in, get in, get in!"

Ellis shouted at Honda, motioning the Sumo to hop in the bed, while Carol hopped into the passenger's side. Driving in the front of the garage, Ellis saw the other three members of the group. As they ran to the truck, Ellis covered them, firing his shotgun as one of the infected reached for Claire. Adjusting his seat slightly, Ellis checked his mirror to see if they were clear before driving off.

As everyone seemed to be recovering, Ellis was all smiles. He was really good at two things. One was firing guns, the other was driving. Showing off his skills, the group ride was rather uneventful.

Making to the mall, Ellis parallel parked the truck with haste and ease. Grabbing a bag, he took control of the situation.

"Alright! I'll be forward, I don't know what we're lookin' for. However, we got ground to cover. Shoot, I've been here in awhile. Last time I was here, I fell in love. His name was Jimmy Gibbs jr. He was the greatest car I ever drove.... "

Ellis stopped waxing poetic about a car, taking a deep breath, Ellis got back on point.

"Honda, you and Soldier will go with me to check the right side of the mall. With, like, the lobby and stuff Carol, you go with Aqua and Clair, check the left, which goes up a floor or two. It's crazy in there so you don't have to be too thorough."

Carol fixed Ellis a look like she wanted to argue, but she eventually nodded. "If you say so."

As the two sides sprinted off, Ellis, Soldier, and Honda quickly made it inside the front entrance of the mall. They made a break for the stairway to get a higher look, but on the second level, they could hear the sound of the infected. A lot, and it was coming from below them. A loud hiss could also be heard nearby, quickly followed by a guttural rumble...

---

Meanwhile, Carol, Aqua and Claire's area seemed a bit too quiet. Their section of the mall was dark, with only natural light from the skylights above illuminating their way. The area was littered with corpses as if others had been through here at some point to clear out the infected.

"You think Ellis know what he's talking about?" Claire asked, intending it as a general question to both of the women with her. "I mean, splitting up..."

"I don't know," Carol responded honestly. She had her rifle aimed up at the balcony above them. "But we're here to help him and he gave us a job to do. Have to see it through." Claire nodded, at least understanding that.

"And I know nothing will hurt us, not with Aqua here." Claire turned and smiled at the blue-haired woman. "She's the strongest woman I know."

@Klutzy Ninja Kitty @Josh M @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Yun Lee​

 

[Klutzy Ninja Kitty]

Hastening for the truck when the time came, Aqua kept her guard up even after they had safely climbed into the back of it. She relaxed, however, when Ellis drove off--eased by the sight of his smile. His smile wasn't the only thing that brought her comfort either. Their entire group had managed to make it out of the predicament unharmed. Thankfully, their plan had gone off without a hitch. Although she knew her comrades were skilled based on what Ellis had told them, it made the keyblade master feel more at ease now that she had witnessed them in action.

Their drive to the mall ended up going smoothly as well. When they arrived, Aqua piled out of the truck with the others and gazed upon the mall they would be entering. Before traveling with Claire, Aqua hadn't really visited such places. She spent so little time involved in recreational activities like shopping that she almost felt out of place the first time she went into a store with Claire. In fact, almost any location where she didn't find herself constantly engaged in combat felt odd to her. But she wouldn't feel odd at this mall, not while danger was lurking around every corner.

After listening to Ellis' instructions, Aqua gave the male a nod. "Okay. Good luck, and be careful." Moving along with her two companions, Aqua was careful to analyze their area, not seeming to have a problem seeing even in the darker areas. Having spent ten years in a place only made of darkness almost made the woman used to it.

Walking in silence at first, Aqua found her eyes drawn to a craft store. She was nearly mesmerized by its somewhat girly display, squinting to try and see through the dusty windows as they moved along to no avail. She couldn't even help herself from even twisting her head back around to look at it as they passed it, wanting nothing more than to explore the inside of it. As unselfish and responsible as she was, however, Aqua wouldn't even think of doing something she wanted at a time like this.

At some point, Aqua snapped back to reality when she heard Claire's question.

"Splitting up can be dangerous, but it may be necessary. It would take us much longer to search this building if we had remained all together, and we can't afford to waste too much time. We need to find Ellis' friends soon, before something happens to-- Oh, I wouldn't say that," Aqua said, cutting off her answer to the question with a modest sentiment when Claire would compliment her strength. Regardless, she couldn't help but beam with joy when Claire would say such a thing.

"What I mean is, your own strength isn't anything to sneeze at either. The dead don't stand a chance with a sharp shooter like you on our side," Aqua complimented in return with admiration in her voice.

@Atomyk @Yun Lee @Josh M @CrunchyCHEEZIT​

 

[Yun Lee]

If there was any place to be crawling with zombies, a mall was definitely one of them. Probably also amusement parks, but definitely malls. Himself, Honda never really went to malls, unless trying out some new restaurant, so he was a bit out of his element here. But no matter, they had a job they needed to do.

Honda looked around, that growling noise unnerving and a bit more distracting than the zombies above. "Should we check this floor out, do you think? Something doesn't seem right up here..."

@Josh M @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Atomyk @Klutzy Ninja Kitty​

 

[CrunchyCHEEZIT]

The continuous roaring of 76's pulse rifle had finally died down after only a few seconds of the Tactical Visor being active. The visor let out a powered-down wirr, indicating it's charge was empty-- and that the soldier's rifle was also completely devoid of ammunition after that stunt. Soldier didn't have any time to bask in the sea of corpses in front of him, as he noticed Carol bolting towards the parking lot. Soldier followed up with her, breaking into a full sprint towards the truck and diving into the backseat. "MOVE, MOVE, MOVE!" he barked to Ellis as the last person hopped into the truck.

And, they were off.

"... Haah, didn't go as bad as I expected," 76 muttered in between heavy breaths, still recovering from the action. As the team made it to the mall, Soldier was about to naturally issue an order out, but Ellis took hold of that opportunity. The old man turned towards him, his expression hidden under the mask. Never mind how he felt about Ellis personally, Soldier wasn't a fan of split-up operations when he's forced to working as a team; which is an opinion that spans way back to his youthful days as the Watch Commander, because it never goes right.

...however, on the other hand, it's not like these 'zombies' put up much a fight. No excuse for being mowed down by an old man, as if he was cutting the goddamn grass.

His head turned towards Carol for a moment, before looking back to Ellis and nodding, "Roger."

With that, he followed Ellis and Honda up the stairway. All was well for a little bit, as they began to explore the second level. "We got contacts just below us, don't make any..."

Hissss...

"Noise."

The old soldier suddenly held up a hand, motioning Ellis and Honda to stop as he looked around the massive auditorium for a source of a distinct noise. Certain enhancements from his past helped Soldier be able to make out the sound clearly, even if its trying to remain hidden underneath the droning groans of the Infected. "... Yeah, that didn't sound like any goddamn zombie I ever heard of. We'll check this level out as soon as I find out what that noise was. Keep moving, and watch your flanks." he said to Honda and Ellis, loading a new magazine into his rifle and slowly moving forward, scanning the area closely.​

@Josh M @Yun Lee @Atomyk @Klutzy Ninja Kitty​

​

 

[Josh M]

If there was any place to be crawling with zombies, a mall was definitely one of them. Probably also amusement parks, but definitely malls. Himself, Honda never really went to malls, unless trying out some new restaurant, so he was a bit out of his element here. But no matter, they had a job they needed to do.

Honda looked around, that growling noise unnerving and a bit more distracting than the zombies above. "Should we check this floor out, do you think? Something doesn't seem right up here..."

@Josh M @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Atomyk @Klutzy Ninja Kitty​

The continuous roaring of 76's pulse rifle had finally died down after only a few seconds of the Tactical Visor being active. The visor let out a powered-down wirr, indicating it's charge was empty-- and that the soldier's rifle was also completely devoid of ammunition after that stunt. Soldier didn't have any time to bask in the sea of corpses in front of him, as he noticed Carol bolting towards the parking lot. Soldier followed up with her, breaking into a full sprint towards the truck and diving into the backseat. "MOVE, MOVE, MOVE!" he barked to Ellis as the last person hopped into the truck.

And, they were off.

"... Haah, didn't go as bad as I expected," 76 muttered in between heavy breaths, still recovering from the action. As the team made it to the mall, Soldier was about to naturally issue an order out, but Ellis took hold of that opportunity. The old man turned towards him, his expression hidden under the mask. Never mind how he felt about Ellis personally, Soldier wasn't a fan of split-up operations when he's forced to working as a team; which is an opinion that spans way back to his youthful days as the Watch Commander, because it never goes right.

...however, on the other hand, it's not like these 'zombies' put up much a fight. No excuse for being mowed down by an old man, as if he was cutting the goddamn grass.

His head turned towards Carol for a moment, before looking back to Ellis and nodding, "Roger."

With that, he followed Ellis and Honda up the stairway. All was well for a little bit, as they began to explore the second level. "We got contacts just below us, don't make any..."

Hissss...

"Noise."

The old soldier suddenly held up a hand, motioning Ellis and Honda to stop as he looked around the massive auditorium for a source of a distinct noise. Certain enhancements from his past helped Soldier be able to make out the sound clearly, even if its trying to remain hidden underneath the droning groans of the Infected. "... Yeah, that didn't sound like any goddamn zombie I ever heard of. We'll check this level out as soon as I find out what that noise was. Keep moving, and watch your flanks." he said to Honda and Ellis, loading a new magazine into his rifle and slowly moving forward, scanning the area closely.​

@Josh M @Yun Lee @Atomyk @Klutzy Ninja Kitty​

​

Ellis nodded, however, a shadow could be seen passing his face. As they moved, another primal scream could be heard. More shadow could be seen, suddenly, Solider felt Ellis grabbing him forcefully. Pulling away, Honda and 76 would both see a creature landing where Solider just stood.

This zombie looked different, seemed different, As Ellis quickly shot it point blank with his shotgun. Quickly following up with a few stomps, Ellis turned to the two men

"Shoot, you're lucky I saw that. That was hunter. It woulda pin ya down hard. I told ya'll 'bout the special kinda zombies, right? These are the types ya gotta worry 'bout. The other thing we heard? Ya know, the one that sounded like somebody' puken'? That's a boomer. Big, fat, and nasty. Just remember, Don't shoot it up close, an don't let it puke on you? If you get boomer goo on ya, it's like bees to honey. It'll lure more infected. These thangs? The special ones? I think they're the smart ones."

As the three kept walking The three would see a large crowed. Maybe 30, maybe fifty infected. Some of the crowed, would see the men, and started moving towards the stairways to meet them. Surpisingl not worried, Ellis would point out what the group were surrounding.


" You two see that! Laying on that stand? That's a person! Shit, they're rocking it like crazy? Don't worry 'bout covering me, you two got company. We'll met in the lower level. I've been to this mall before. They're is a security room 'bout not to far. Just take the stairs, it's a left, and a right to a small room. we'll meet there. Gotta it? Good."


Seemingly in a blink of an eye, Ellis jumped off the railing, and onto floor blow. Shockingly at first, Ellis seemed to land well. Getting up however, the men would notice Elli's right knee seemingly was giving out. Ellis pulled up his jeans, and they men notice something clear as day....

Ellis had a brace on his knee. He was already hurt, and he jump a floor what out even thinking.

Getting up, Ellis gave the two the thumbs up as he ran into the crowed, Ellis ducked and dodging, Ellis pushed his way the person. The crowed was splintering. Seeing Honda and 76, more were coming towards them, some were also just wondering away due to the noise from Ellis's fall.


Clearing a slight path, Ellis would call to the person on the stand.

"Hey you! we gotta go! You dead? Shit, please don't be dead."

@Atomyk @Yun Lee @CrunchyCHEEZIT

 

[CrunchyCHEEZIT]

Ellis nodded, however, a shadow could be seen passing his face. As they moved, another primal scream could be heard. More shadow could be seen, suddenly, Solider felt Ellis grabbing him forcefully. Pulling away, Honda and 76 would both see a creature landing where Solider just stood.

This zombie looked different, seemed different, As Ellis quickly shot it point blank with his shotgun. Quickly following up with a few stomps, Ellis turned to the two men

"Shoot, you're lucky I saw that. That was hunter. It woulda pin ya down hard. I told ya'll 'bout the special kinda zombies, right? These are the types ya gotta worry 'bout. The other thing we heard? Ya know, the one that sounded like somebody' puken'? That's a boomer. Big, fat, and nasty. Just remember, Don't shoot it up close, an don't let it puke on you? If you get boomer goo on ya, it's like bees to honey. It'll lure more infected. These thangs? The special ones? I think they're the smart ones."

As the three kept walking The three would see a large crowed. Maybe 30, maybe fifty infected. Some of the crowed, would see the men, and started moving towards the stairways to meet them. Surpisingl not worried, Ellis would point out what the group were surrounding.


" You two see that! Laying on that stand? That's a person! Shit, they're rocking it like crazy? Don't worry 'bout covering me, you two got company. We'll met in the lower level. I've been to this mall before. They're is a security room 'bout not to far. Just take the stairs, it's a left, and a right to a small room. we'll meet there. Gotta it? Good."


Seemingly in a blink of an eye, Ellis jumped off the railing, and onto floor blow. Shockingly at first, Ellis seemed to land well. Getting up however, the men would notice Elli's right knee seemingly was giving out. Ellis pulled up his jeans, and they men notice something clear as day....

Ellis had a brace on his knee. He was already hurt, and he jump a floor what out even thinking.

Getting up, Ellis gave the two the thumbs up as he ran into the crowed, Ellis ducked and dodging, Ellis pushed his way the person. The crowed was splintering. Seeing Honda and 76, more were coming towards them, some were also just wondering away due to the noise from Ellis's fall.


Clearing a slight path, Ellis would call to the person on the stand.

"Hey you! we gotta go! You dead? Shit, please don't be dead."

@Atomyk @Yun Lee @CrunchyCHEEZIT

It's a wonder to think that an entire man's life can end in under a second. 76 knew this well, though it was always said that he was a tough man to kill. Moments like this is where that statement is challenged, when he makes one misstep and almost gets himself killed. Hearing the Hunter howl in a split-second, Soldier spun around and was just a moment away from an eviscerating death had Ellis not yanked him out of the way. Stumbling and trying to quickly wipe away the image of the Hunter's gangly form approaching him like a speeding motorcycle, he huffed and glanced over at the corpse and then back at Ellis.

"Hmph, too goddamn old to see these things comin' that fast anyway," he grunted in his graveled tone, wiping the sweat off his wrinkled brow while he partly listened to Ellis explain. The blur between a zombie and a raging omnic seemed to blur, since the idea of specialized units brought the old coot way back. Back when he fought more than shit-eating goons and...splicers.

Well, a mall is no different from a beach in this case.

Zombies don't shop.

The soldier sighed and mustered some humility for a moment. "...but, thanks, Ellis. Almost lost my head. Let's keep moving."

As the group moved forward, Soldier was the second to spot a non-infected body laying atop of the stand. "Civilian? Or one of the survivors...?" he questioned. When Ellis proposed heading down to retrieve the wounded (or dead), Soldier shook his head and stepped forward.

"Boy, are you out of your goddamned mind? I appreciate the save, but I didn't let you drag me out all the way out here to watch you get yourself killed like an idiot. We got the height advantage, and we're not risking a casualty for someone who might not even be alive!" But, the words of the elder were lost on Ellis, because he was already done talking and was getting up on the railing. What ever happened to 'respect your elders' anyway? It seemed like it was more than the accent that made Ellis remind 76 of McCree. Throw the tendency to do stupid shit that almost get themselves killed, and you got yourself a proper jackass. Desperation was calling, however, and the soldier groaned and loaded his rifle. "Fine, go, we'll meet you on the second level. But, kid, be caref--"

*crack!*

Soldier didn't even finish his sentence before he heard Ellis wound himself from the jump. Looking over the railing, he saw the brace shining as bright as day. So, that explains the noticeable limp the kid was having since they got here. Shaking his head, Soldier waved his hand and turned his attention over to the approaching undead.

He gave the order to Honda, without even looking at him:

"HONDA, PUSH AHEAD TO THE STAIRCASE! GET THESE PUNKS OUTTA MY WAY!"

Letting his large ally charge in front of him, Soldier would sprint behind with blinding speed, cracking off bursts with his rifle that rung throughout the mall auditorium with distinct, percussive thumping sound.

@Atomyk @Yun Lee @Josh M @Klutzy Ninja Kitty​

 

[Yun Lee]

Honda scrambled back from the place where 76 had been, watching in silent horror as the Hunter made it's brief appearance. Fortunately it was taken down easily thanks to Ellis, but even so, that could've been so much worse! 76 getting eaten alive, right next to them...Honda shuddered. That kind of thinking could make you lose your lunch, if you weren't careful.

Of course, seeing all the dead out there didn't help matters. You had to wonder how many of those special ones were in this mall alone...let alone in that crowd. How that poor soul down there survived till now had to be a miracle. They needed to get down there, fast-and Ellis already had the idea to go.

"ELLIS!!" Honda leaned over the railing, watching the young man land. As he seemed steady Honda let out a sigh of relief...until he saw that knee brace. Ellis was injured. That was not a good sign, not at all! They needed to help him, just because he could dole out orders and plans didn't mean he could handle himself!

But, naturally, he couldn't even worry about Ellis for very long, as now he and 76 were face to face with a zombie hoard their very own. The sumo wrestler gulped, gripped his pipe, and charged into the crowd, whacking at undead left and right as if cutting down wheat with a sickle. Large as he was, he was bound to create a big enough path for the duo to get through.

@Josh M @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Atomyk @Klutzy Ninja Kitty​

 

[Atomyk]

"I'm not dead."

The girl on top of the stand stuck her head out over the edge, appearing more hair than human. She looked squarely at Ellis, allowing him to see she had been crying.

"I'm not dead but I might as well be at this rate! Why is the multiverse filled with so many fucking zombies?!"

The girl stood up shakily as she surveyed the scene before her. Three living people was a hell of a lot better than the none who had been crowding her a moment ago. One of them seemed totally decked out for zombie slaying, but who the heck was this guy running up to her like this? She was almost expecting him to get killed right then and there, but he seemed to have some idea how to keep out of reach of the infected.

It was, like, kind of cool, but seriously dumb.

"J-Just help me, okay? Can you, uh, woah--!!" The girl couldn't stop herself before she went toppling over the edge of the stand in no position to land on her feet.

@Josh M @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Yun Lee

---

Claire's cheeks went slightly red at the compliment, and she immediately felt a little silly for feeling so gratified. It wasn't like Aqua hadn't complimented her plenty of times before. She cleared her throat slightly, sounding on the edge of nervous laughter when she spoke back. "It's all about practice. My brother drilled it into me long before I experienced anything like this. Thankfully, I don't think we can expect anything here I haven't seen before."

Carol only seemed to be halfway listening to both Claire and Aqua as she stared down the barrel of her rifle. She eyed the shadows of the mall like each contained an imminent threat. "You're right," she said, a bit suddenly. "We're really going in blind, so any time saved is good for us. Ellis' friends, well..."

Carol didn't feel like finishing her thought.

She led the pair up a dead escalator, taking each step slowly and carefully. The area was eerily quiet, which seemed startlingly odd considering the amount of dead that lingered in the mall. Though the lights were off and the mall was buried in darkness, light spilled in from windows on the second floor that looked out onto the parking lot outside. Carol stopped at one of these, peering in the distance. Carious infected squatted and wandered around abandoned vehicles, but one sight caught Carol's attention.

"You see that?" she asked, pointing outside. Across the road from the mall was an idle recreational vehicle. "That'd be good for getting around the city. Could also be a shelter. Better than Ellis' truck, anyway--"

Carol was suddenly cut off as something long and slimy wrapped around her neck and pulled her harshly away from the window. Claire cried out and turned toward the source of whatever was grabbing her, but couldn't see the other end of the slimy appendage lurking in the darkness. She took a quick shot in the dark before reaching out for Carol, but the older woman was pulled away faster than Claire could reach.

"Damn it! No!"

@Klutzy Ninja Kitty​