{Author's Note}

{I'm the worst! So so so sorry for the late update, my life was very busy this week, but alas, it's here! Enjoy!}

Ashley:

“Survivors!” Someone shouted from the gates, interrupting our meeting. Dan bit his lip uneasily. “Um, that’s usually not good news. Generally they don’t accept new people. They only let me in because I offered them the horse, something they didn’t have.” He explained, turning to the commotion.”Why would that be bad news?” I asked, tipping my head ever so slightly. “Well, sometimes things get a bit heated to say the least.” Dan replied. I became filled with curiosity of who had come, and wanted to see the new comers. “Let’s go check it out.” I suggested, standing up. “I’ll come,” Mitch volunteered, standing beside me. Jerome nodded in agreement, and even Dan watched the gate with curiosity despite his hesitation.  “It’s usually really sad though to see some stragglers turned away.” He sighed. “It’ll be fine, Dan.” I said, tossing a glance at him. Finally, he nodded and we began our short trip to the gates. I couldn’t understand why he was so hesitant, but I was too curious about the newcomers to give it much thought. As we got close enough, we could hear the voices of the survivors arguing with Linda. One voice sounded oddly familiar. We pushed our way through the crowd of locals to see who was here, as Linda turned them away for the final time. At last, I got a glimpse of them; a girl and a boy, roughly my age on a horse. The girl looked familiar, and I realized it was Sydney, a girl I used to recored with every so often. Dan obviously recognized them too, but had a much stronger response. He pushed his way violently past Linda and shoved the gates open, crying wildly for them to come back. They stopped and turned around, brightening immensely to see him. He hugged each of them tightly, sobbing with relief and joy. Jerome must have noticed my surprised expression and explained to me that apparently he had been traveling with them before they were separated by a forest fire. “I’m glad to see such a happy ending.” I smiled brightly at the reunion.  They eventually looked back to us, and we waved at them joyously. Moments later, they returned to the gate where they met Linda, who scowled at them with cool and distant disapproval. “Linda, these are the people I left Ohio with originally. You need to let them in, and since you have my horse already, if you have two, you might be able to breed them. Let them in.” Dan explained, almost desperately. For a moment, I thought I saw Linda smile a little bit, but she quickly suppressed it to maintain her  guard like posture. “Fine! Let them in then, but hurry! These gates can’t always be open.” Linda sighed, forcing a scowling look. The crowd of locals around me burst into a cheer as Dan and the other two entered into the gate. Jerome, Mitch and I went to greet them, where Dan introduced us, but our meeting was cut short when Linda pushed us away with the rest of the crowd who swarmed around them. “Shoo! All of you! You’ll have time to meet them later. We have business to take care of right now.” Linda crowed dismissing all of us except for Dan. “We’ll leave them be for now, I suppose.” I said as the crowd of locals dissolved away from Sydney and Mark.  A light breeze ruffled through Gardenwall, crisp and soft, as if it was a sign that everything was good at the time. I tipped my head back and admired the crystal blue sky, pure from any clouds. Life was good. No, life was better than it had ever been. I was happier than I could ever remember at that time. Jerome, Mitch and I returned to the park, where I continued my book and they wandered off to do whatever. The day ticked by blissfully, and the sun sank into the ground, turning the sky ebony with bright glimmering dots. I stayed at the park even still, stargazing. Finally, I got up, and strolled down the somewhat empty streets until I reached Mrs. Taylor’s residence. As I walked up the porch stairs, I heard hushed speaking from behind the house. Instantly, I became suspicious, and crept silently back around the house, to the house’s backyard, that had been transformed into a beautifully lush garden. Among the vines and fruit bearing trees two figures whispered in the shadows. That didn’t scare me though. What did scare me is that I recognized that it was Ryan and Jason. I pressed against the house walls tightly, listening in secrecy. “Really? When will they be here?” Ryan whispered with worrying excitement. “Tomorrow night at the earliest. Probably later though,” Jason whispered back. The moonlight flashed in his eyes. “And you’re sure they’ll spare us?” Ryan whispered back. “Of course they will! Why are you so damn nervous?” Jason spat in the disgust at him. “Sorry, sorry. It just sounds to good to be real, you know?” Ryan shook his head. “Yeah, whatever. Well we need to-” Jason paused and looked up menacingly. My heart froze, and I tried to press myself closer to the wall. “Someone is watching us.” Jason said very slowly, pausing momentarily with each word. I began to panic. I felt like he was staring right at me. “We’ll discuss this later.” He growled, moving very slowly toward me.I knew I couldn’t run or they’d see me, so I just remained very still, concealed by the heavy shadows. “Ryan, meet me here at three A.M, okay?” He whispered so quietly, I had to strain my ears to even hear it. Then, Jason walked past me with our noticing me, and went inside. Moments later, Ryan followed, and I was soon alone in the garden, safe for the moment.

Sydney:

Linda’s aloof personality was rather unsettling, and made me feel terribly unwelcome, but with Dan’s wildly excited greeting, I felt more at home. It was a very conflicting place, it seemed, and we had almost been turned away. If Dan had arrived moments later, it may have been too late, and I may not have ever saw him again. Linda the guard led us strictly down the broad, calm avenues, until we were taken to a porch of a large house. “This,” she began with an arrogant air to herself. “Is Mayor Mar’s abode. He runs Gardenwall, and he will be the ultimate judge of if you two stay or go, so I suggest you show him the utmost respect.” The guard grumbled, eyeing me in particular with suspicion. “Can I go with them?” Dan asked. “No. They need to prove by themselves that they’re worthy to stay. Now, go,” She ushered us into the house. Inside, there was a living room, where a jolly looking man perched on his sofa, with a tea cup in one hand, and an old magazine in the other. He looked at us with surprise upon our entering. “Mars, they want a chance to stay, and know some of our residents through past experiences.” Linda said. “Well, alright. Welcome!” The man said with unexpected warmth. “Miss Linda, you are excused.” He dismissed the woman, and she sulked off, tossing one last look of distrust at us. “Don’t mind Linda, she’s just very protective of the community. I’m sure someday you’ll grow to like her.” The man chortled delightfully. “I’m Mayor Mars, but if you’d prefer to call me something different, that’a alright too.” He introduced himself. “And you are?” He asked. “I’m Sydney, and this is Mark.” I said nervously, terrified of making a bad impression. “Lovely name, Sydney. I had a cousin named Sydney. Now, since we have introductions out of the way, I’ll explain a little bit about Gardenwall’s history.” Mayor Mars then proceeded to explain the past situation of abuse they received before the infected, and how they were turned away when those who abused them needed them. “I don’t mean to scare you, it’s just routine to explain what happened in the past to newcomers. Now, Linda said you knew some of our residents. Please elaborate.” He said, gently. Mark spoke this time. “Well, Dan was with us when this whole mess started. We came from Cincinnati, then got separated from him in a forest fire. We’re very close to him.” Mark explained. “And we know Jerome, Ashley, Mitch, and Ryan from our past career. We were all friends.” I added. I prayed that he didn’t ask what we did, because it would be infinitely embarrassing to explain to the leader of one of the only civilizations in the apocalypse stricken America that we made youtube videos. He didn’t ask, to both Mark's and my relief.  “I see, With so many connections to Gardenwall, it would be rude to turn you away wouldn’t it?” He said humorously. “I guess.” I stuttered shyly. “Well, I won’t then. Welcome to Gardenwall, I know I can trust you two.” Mayor Mars smiled.

Sonja:

I sat up immediately at the tortured sounds, but was quickly pushed back down. “Stay low.” James whispered fiercely. I obeyed, needless to say. James snatched his faithful Desert Eagle, and peered cautiously out the window. “It came from the front of the gas station. We should be fine.” James whispered encouragingly to us. My heart was beating so rapidly I could hear it, and pushed myself deeper into the blankets, hiding my face. It took me a moment to register, but James didn’t react to the screaming as much as I thought. He made no attempt to go and try to save them. “James, what’s wrong?” Tom asked, picking up on the same thing. “It’s a bait, I think.” James said, wrinkling his face with uncertainty. “That scream is gonna attract both zombies and people, and whoever is screaming should know that by now, if they’ve survived this long.” He said. “I don’t know man, those screams sound pretty genuine.” Tom shrugged his shoulders. I could see his eyes gleaming with concern, but James looked more suspicious than concerned. “They may know we’re here. No, I’m sure they know we’re here.” He said with growing confidence in what he was saying. “Do we drive off then?” Tucker asked, nervously looking out the window. “Too risky. I’m sure they have guns.” James denied. “If we stay, and they’re trying to bait us, I’m sure they’ll come around and try to get us another way.” I said. The screaming had stopped, and it was deathly quiet outside the car. James was staring at his rough hands regretfully. “I’m gonna have to take ‘em out. I have to kill them, or they may get us. I can’t do it.” He buried his face in his hands for a moment. “I can’t risk your lives though. I need to do this. I just.. I hate killing the living.” James muttered, deeply moved. I felt extreme sympathy for him, but not knowing what to say, I remained quiet. “Hey man, I’ll go with you.” Tom said softly. James nodded, and tossed Tom a rifle of some sort. “Thanks.” He sighed. “Now, Sonja and Tucker, here are the truck’s keys.” James said handing me the jingling set of car keys. If it all goes south, I want you two to get out. Tom, if you want to stay it’s fine-” James began. “No, man, I want to go with you.” Tom replied firmly. James nodded his thanks shyly almost. “I want to help too.” I said almost indigently. James looked over me with a gleam of almost amusement. “Sonja, I know you proved yourself with the last situation, but after the river incident, maybe you should sit this one out, okay?” James explained. I felt my cheeks turn crimson with embarrassment and shut my mouth. “Alright, Tom, let’s go.” James said, as he slipped out the car door. Tom followed silently, without saying goodbye. The two moved like shadows across the dark lot, nearly invisible. Within a couple moments, they were out of sight. “They’ll be fine, Sonj.” Tucker promised me as I watched nervously. Seconds later, a volley of gunshots exploded from the front of the station. “They need help.” I groaned, watching from the safety of the truck. “James knows what he’s doing. Calm down.” Tucker replied, almost annoyed. Then, the front of the station lit up with brilliant fire as a gas tank exploded. “No… They’re not okay!” I cried, flinging myself out of the car. The brilliant blaze roared from the station’s front, and I raced to the scene. I faintly heard Tucker’s objection, but I ignored it. I rounded the front where the flames licked the ebony sky with shocking contrast. Among the burning debris, there were several smoldering corpses. Two were young children, who had probably been screaming. I fought my way through the stinging heat, checking each body for life, and if Tom and/or James was among them. I found neither. As I turned over the last smoldering corpse, another volley of gunshots exploded around me, and another gas tank exploded violently, blowing me back, and searing my skin in some places. I felt a hand slip over my mouth, and pull me away from the burning mess, and I kicked with my remaining strength. “Sonja! Stop it’s me!” I heard Tucker’s voice, and stopped struggling. My arms and legs burned terribly, and I could see from the fire’s light that I was severely burned in several places. As I was carried away from the burning station, another car pulled away, larger than James. In one of the windows, I caught a faint glimpse of James banging on the window, but the pain was too intense, and I felt everything go dark, with the only lingering image in my mind was the smoldering corpses. 

Aurey:

“What happened?” Jordan asked, running over to us. “Zombie overload. More than Ella could fight off, but we’re both okay now.” I explained briefly. Ella was looking at her feet shyly. “I’m sorry, I didn’t expect so many. See, usually, I’m a bit more undercover, and draw less attention, I-I just messed up.”  She murmured. “Nobody is mad at you, Ella.” I promised. “Yeah, okay. I’m sorry. Let’s get back to looting.” She said, turning away to browse the shelves for food and/or water. She seemed really out of her elect when it came to that situation, but I supposed that none of us were certified zombie slayers. However, Ella’s style was stealthy, whilst Jordan’s style was more dependent on strength, and I realized I had no real style of survival. i shrugged the dumb question away. As long as I was alive, whatever my style was, it worked to some degree anyway. I turned to the ravaged shelves and began to pick my way through a variety of useless items in hope of something helpful. We all kept very close in fear that a stray infected may sneak up on one of us, but it never happened, thankfully. After a couple minutes, I managed to find three cans of food, and Ella found a gallon of water concealed by some trash. “This’ll help, a little at least.”  Ella said, holding her find proudly. Jordan glanced up from his search, and bit his lip. “I know we need to help these people, and we will, I promise, it’s just… we need these too.” He said almost shamefully. I knew how he felt though, and I felt the same way. My stomach growled with hunger and my dry throat cried for water. Even Ella, the humblest and most giving of us all, stared at the precious gallon of fresh water with desire. “We’ll find more.” She said quietly. “They’re dying, Ella. They probably won’t make it the next day or so, even with our help. Is it worth wasting our supplies?” Jordan asked gently. Ella looked at him, her sapphire eyes gleaming like jewels. “Would you ‘waste’ your supplies on Aurey if she was dying? Or me? It’s not wasting if you're giving it to someone who needs it as much or more than you.” She asked. It sounded almost like she was convincing herself rather than Jordan. “Like I said, we’ll find more.” We continued to rummage in silence, until we heard a clanking sound from the end of the store. “It’s probably another zombie.” Jordan said, as we looked up at it with the utmost concern. “I’ll go take care of it.” He said, snatching my piece of twisted metal. “Be careful.” I said, watching him as he cautiously followed the clanking sound. “We should go with him.” Ella mentioned, watching him as well. “If it’s just one, he’ll be fine.” I replied comfortingly, though I secretly agreed. We continued to search for more supplies in silence. Moments later, we heard an unfamiliar voice begging Jordan to spare him. Without a second thought, Ella and I both dashed to the scene where a plump man cowered away from Jordan, who looked equally surprised to find another living person. “You have friends? Please ladies, tell him to spare me!” The well fed man said, looking at us. “I wasn’t going to hurt you. I just thought you were a zombie at first.” Jordan defended himself. “Yeah, sir, it’s okay we’re not going to hurt you.” Ella smiled pleasantly. “Oh good! It’s so rare to find pleasant folks in the apocalypse!” He smiled directly at me, in a unsettling way. The man was well fed and well groomed, and I was infinitely suspicious. I sniffed nervously, looking at my feet, and for a moment, thought I the new man smelled like blood.