by Hawk, J. K.
“Windbags,” Heather said as she gasped to catch her breath. I stared relentlessly at her awaiting an explanation, “I've only come across a few others before, somehow these – things, are different than most others. They're perceptive, even cunning. Able to mimic things they've seen or heard before.” She took another deep breath as we both looked down upon the burning corpse.
“I've even watched one pretend to read an old newspaper while sitting on a park bench.”
“Pretend?” I asked. “How is that possible?”
“I don't know, but he wasn't reading it, the paper was upside down. But do not hesitate to kill them, not for an instant.” She covered her nose as the stench of burning flesh filled the air.
We dragged the burning corpse out of the barn and shut the doors this time, being sure to secure the latch. Mia and Marky were back to sleep almost instantly, yet Heather and I could not. It would be hours before the pounding of our hearts subsided. All we could do is sit by the burning fire and talk away our fears.
“Windbags,” I chuckled. “I've met a few unique demons over the years as well.” I said, and so we began to tell each other of our encounters. I told her of Elmer, and the Slugs who she had become quite familiar with herself, however she referred to them as Specters. And she told me a rash of names that she had heard and even created on her own. Thrashers, Creepers, as well as carbs, and then there were the Shrieker’s, for which her description reminded me all too well of a Tweaker. Each name we had come up with was just our way of putting a face to the enemy, utilizing what little personality they still possessed to make them in some way more human. It was all just for our own conscious, to make this disease slightly more bearable.
By the time day came the temperature had dropped considerably. I'd guess five or even ten below zero with a nasty wind that made it feel ten times colder. The sun did not shine, instead a dark gray haze blanketed the sky. It felt like snow, something that I dread to think about. All and all, it is definitely too cold to travel. We decided to wait out this cold-spell inside my grandparent’s barn, we will continue are journey hopefully with warmer weather.
29th day, 6th Blood Moon;
Four days... Four damn days stuck in this barn. Thankfully the snow has not fallen, but it’s so fucking cold. Nature has held her icy bitter grip on this land for four god-damn days. I am not sure how much longer we can hold up here, and there is no chance we will survive a winter. Hopefully a scouting party from Fort Rockland will wonder by before long, or a horde envelopes the barn and ends this infinite torture.
Fortunately my grandparent’s old basement was accessible beneath the fallen structure above it. Although there wasn't much more than a pile of junk down there, we did find a few canned goods left over from before my grandparents had passed. Nothing special, a jar of green beans, now a more pasty gray color. And a couple jars of my grandma's famous blueberry-applesauce which still retained its vibrant purple hue, just as it was on the day she canned it.
The extra food had helped us get through the last four days, and the time has allowed us to get to know each other better. Mia has become quite fond of Marky, something that Nova is quite jealous of. And Heather and I have found more in common than one would have thought. In the old world she would have been quite the catch. Which does offer quite the dilemma, at least for me anyhow. Mia on the other hands has found comfort in this, and even encourages me and Heathers friendship. Mia see's opportunity before us, opportunity not for us, but for mankind itself. Something I had not ever considered before.
“Heather likes you.” She mentioned yesterday.
“And I like her.” I said, stroking Mia's hair.
“I mean she likes your more than a friend.”
“That's silly.”
“I see her look at you. It's okay, I understand.”
There was a moment’s pause as I pondered Mia's words. There was no way Heather was looking at me sexually, not knowing Mia and I were together. And definitely not after a mere four days.
“What are you saying, Mia?”
“Your both about the same age, almost everyone else is dead, and you are both attractive. You have needs. And I am okay with it, even if it is not for love.” She stopped and looked up at me with a smile.
I was baffled, shocked, angry and yet - relieved. Angry that she thought so little of my love for her, and angry that her observations were undoubtedly logical. But, relieved that my carnal glances at Heather were out in the open now, no longer did I need to shamefully bury them. I had attempted to hold back my urges, urges like I have with Mia. Watching Heather wash up in the back of the barn, even her squatting to relieve herself gave me an erection. And for the past few days I have beat myself up over it.
“No, Mia.” I stammered. “I only need you.” I said and kissed her softly on the lips.
“Well, if it happens, just know, I am okay with it. I will always love you.”
We didn't say any more. I just held her in my arms as we watched what little fire we had left flicker in the breezy barn. My thoughts lingered back on that conversation, and images of Heather's shapely figure repeatedly flashed in my mind. It has been a while since Mia and I had been sexually intimate, more out of fear for the baby than anything. And the lack of release had taken its toll on my old boys.
That evening I ventured back out into the frigid cold and back into the cellar. I hoped to find something else, more canned goods perhaps. However I knew there was nothing left, I did it just to get away. Even if it was only a hundred yards, my mind was racing with impure and confusing thoughts, and I needed a distraction from it all. As I sifted through the junk a soft and gentle hand clasped upon my shoulder. My first instinct was to turn and strike with lethal intent. But the gesture was too soft, too gentle. It had to be Mia I thought as I turned to see her beautiful face, eager to kiss her small chapped lips.
“Heather!” I exclaimed, trying to pull away only to have her pull me closer, our lips just barely touching.
“It's alright,” she said. “Mia told me you needed this – so do I.” Her lips planted firmly onto mine our tongues began to caress each other’s. Without thought, my hand slid down her back and gripped her ass tight as I pulled her in closer. Out breathing became heavy as I fumbled to remove her shirt without releasing the lock between our lips. My mind raced to and fro with the pros and cons of what we were doing. But passion overwhelmed me.
The sight of her full breasts, and frigid erect nipples only ignited a sexual hunger I had never felt before. Without question, I buried my face into them, sucking hard as my erection grew and burned painfully in my pants. At first there was nothing, and for a moment I was relieved. The idea of ingesting her milk till played on my appetite, but then, an explosion of warm and sweet liquid filled my mouth. It was amazing, and my aggression only grew with this new fetish as I squeezed her breast tightly and relished in sexual sustenance.
Heather did not protest, instead she pulled my head tighter against her chest and threw her head back as she moaned deeply in pleasure. Out of the corner of my eye I spotted Mia, hiding just to the side of the stairwell, smiling as she watched. I didn't stop, Heather and I continued to fondle each other, and repeatedly she kissed the top of my head as I continued to suckle passionately while string into Mia's eyes. The sight of her watching us made it even more erotic, so much so that even the bitter cold could not hold back my erection.
However it wasn’t long before Mia turned and headed back up the stairs. Not before glancing back at me and mouthing the words, 'I love you.' Then she was gone, and so was my erection, which Heather instantly noticed as she pulled my head up and looked up into my eyes. But I was unable to look into hers. Instead I stared back the stairwell while trying to catch my breath.
“What’s wrong?” she asked.
“I'm sorry, Heather. I can't do this.”
“Why not?” She responded pitifully.
“Your great, but – Mia.” I said as I pulled away. Her disappointment hung like
signs from her eyes, but yet she still smiled and planted a gentle kiss onto my furry cheek.
“I understand.” She responded. “She's a lucky girl.” And with that, Heather threw her shirt back on sullenly left the basement.
I took a moment to gather my thoughts, I was both proud of my response and yet still kicking myself in the ass. So close, so close to instant relief and I blew it. But, I blew it for a noble reason, right? For the woman of my dreams, the woman I have cared and pined for almost two year. For a moment I considered finishing myself off, but then came up with a better idea instead.
Briskly I heading back to the barn with one, and only one agenda. Heather was already curled up next to the fire with Marky, which she shot me a quick smile before glancing up into the hay loft. There Mia lay on a mound of golden straw, Nova sleeping silently to her side, and immediately my erection began to resurface. Without hesitation I marched up the stairs and threw myself too her. At first she was startled, but instantly dove into the moment as we ripped each other’s clothes away like animals. Nova immediately moved off to sulk by herself, she has come to respect our alone time.
Realizing our exposure I glance down towards the fire where Marky was fast asleep, and Heather watched with a big grin on her face. Like in the basement, her watching was just as intense as Mia. So much that I instantly came, but did not stop. In the old world, eyes upon us would have been Taboo and frowned upon, but now, it was just beautiful. It seemed as if Heather was getting off watching us, but I was unable to tell under the big wool blanket that covered her. I am unsure how long she watched, my attention was quickly drawn back to Mia where we indulged in each other for what seemed like hours.
Mia passed out next to me not too long ago, and Heather had long before drifted off. Although I am sure polygamy is going to be on the rise, it is just not for me. Not for us. She is all that I need, or want, and I am sure there will be plenty of suitors for Heather at Fort Rockland. It is almost dawn, the overcast is all but gone and the stars sparkle brighter than even before. The orange glow of the rising sun is barely bursting from the horizon is a most welcoming sight. Maybe, just maybe we will finish our journey today.
1st day, 6th Hunters Moon;
In the wake of lunacy, I find myself in doubt, of my decisions and of our chances. Continuing on our journey would appear to be a foolish and naive choice. However, we have come so far, and we would never make it back to the cabin before snow fall. We are deep into the dying lands, where the dead roam predominately, seeking this Mythical Federation without any other alternative. All of us pray, now more than before. We pray that we find our GFS, and avoid further contact with Living Derelicts.
The Kennebec Tactical Containment Unit was what we perceived to be our saving grace, our own militarized escort to Fort Rockland. Mia, Heather, the boy, and myself found ourselves in the middle of a strategic viral cleansing. An assault on a once small town, now nothing more than an ancient ruin, overrun with the dead. Our decision to enter its borders was by necessity, and not choice. Supplies are desperately low, and from a distance, the streets appeared abandoned.
The cold air only amplified the echoes of our footsteps as we strolled down Main Street, peering through both shattered and intact windows, looking for anything and everything. Our inquest was far from useless, and revealed a few items that would surely come in handy. Heather discovered a dozen pristine tins of sardines hidden away in an abandoned, make-shift shanty. The boy found an old multi-tool pocket knife, and I myself raided an all but untouched Gun Store, primarily ammunition since we already had the artillery. The shop even provided me with other essentials, thankfully an assortment of hunting clothes to help with the looming winter. Taking as much as I could pack away or carry, leaving the rest of others who may pass by.
Satisfied with my loot, I turned to exit the store only to catch a glimpse of what I presume to be the store owner. Sitting lifelessly inside a cramped changing room, his head all but completely blown away. Another victim of this mad – mad world, a man with the courage to renounce life. And with a quick nod to the fallen I exited the store, and saw that alarming grimace on the faces of the others. That all too familiar look, no thought process, no animated emotion what so ever. Just a frozen countenance of unavoidable fear. Too aghast to even breath, or more importantly seek shelter. It was enough to entice my concern, and silenced my calls to them. In hesitation I turned, slowly peering down the street, afraid of what I might - and did - find.
Necrotic's, maybe a baker's dozen, stumbled from a side-street and out into our own. It was apparent that this was only the front-line of a larger wave still hidden from behind the crumbling buildings. Pre-Slugs, only slightly succumbing to nature’s bitter cold, still in full feeding mode. They wandered in a daze, not yet picking up on our scent, or the sounds of our heavy hearts. Quietly, yet sternly I ushered the others to get out of the street.
“PSSST! Mia! Heather! Get in the store!” I harshly whispered.
There was only a moment of pause before Heather snatched up little Marky’s hand and rushed over to me, Mia following suit. We funneled into the store, being sure to lock the dusty glass door behind us. Although the large windows were still in one piece, they would provide little protection from the smashing hands of the dead. The store however, was thankfully dark and cluttered, providing us with a perfect hiding spot. Quickly we ducked down behind the counter, out of sight of the swarming horde.
“Keep quiet, sit still.” I stammered. “They should move off in an hour or so.”
So I hoped, but as the hours passed and the streets continued fill, I became concerned that this herd was aware of our presence. Something, however, prevented them from pinpointing our refuge. In undying patients they awaited for us to make a mistake, to expose ourselves. I leered at the others, silently demanding that they do not sneeze, nor cough. But, they all knew the score as well as me, and we waited while holding desperately to every other breath.
By late afternoon, the passive brood began to show some life, gradually becoming antsy and more aggressive. They searched with greater intent, peering in the windows, and randomly snarling and snapping at one another. Their agitation bled through those dusty windows like undeterred sunlight shining upon us. The boy had begun to shake and I could see the corners of his eyes welling. His growing panic would surely be the end of us, I knew then that our out-of-sight strategy was no longer advantageous.
With purpose I began unpacking my weapons, ensuring everyone was loaded to capacity and gesturing for Heather to do the same. As before with my decent into this madness, I planned out a rear escape, blasting through the alleyways if need be. I had to assume we were surrounded, yet hoped the narrow corridor out-back was less crowded than the street out front.
Before now, although quiet aware of her shooting skills, only I had handled the weapons. However we would need every capable body if we were to escape, and reluctantly I handed over the shot-gun to Mia. She grabbed hold of it without dawdling, and threw me a confident and brave nod of understanding. As if to say, “I got this.” No longer is she the child I first perceived, and her courageousness barely overshadows my own pride in her.
For a moment, it seemed that time had stopped as I stared back into those jade eyes, lost in both admiration and infatuation. Then, I pulled her close, pressing my lips against the soft thin flesh of her own. Holding her tight, and not wanting to ever let go. But, as many times before, I was forced to release her. The abrupt ferocity of the screeching dead dispersed what was to be our last moments together. And without command, we all jumped to our feet, guns drawn, and ready to blast the ensuing damned as we made our way to the back.
Too our surprise, their attention was not on the Gun-Shop, but up onto the roof of an adjacent building. Then the cracks of thunder arose over their amassing snarls, and one by one their heads exploding as a shower of bullets was unleashed. We didn't know what to think, and we did not ponder it, instead we joined in. Our round smashed through the fragile glass
windows and pummeled into the unsuspecting dead. And slowly, but surely, the engrossing horde began to dwindle.
The massacre was brief and exact, although we managed to drop those just in front of the store windows, the others were laid to waste from the barrage from above. When the thunderous claps diminished, there was a moment of silence, we knew not what was to come. Mia slid closer to me, even in her moment of bravery, she still felt safer by my side. All I could do was smile, ecstatic we were still breathing, unconcerned with the shouting which soon rose from outside.
“All Clear!” Called out multiple voices.
“Regroup in the street, stat!” Shouted another, more commanding voice.
Slowly I walked out from behind the counter and towards the demolished doorway. Mia stuck close by me, and Heather followed slowly behind. As we stepped out onto the side-walk we were immediately stopped by a small group of soldiers, their automatic weapons swiftly and with discipline raised towards us. In response, ours rose as well, each of us taking aim in defense.
“Drop your weapons!” One cried out.
“Put the fucking gun down!” Another declared.
“Lower yours!” I naively stammered.
There was a moment of uncomfortable silence as each of us stared down each other’s barrel. An unmatched stand-off at its best. Four highly trained soldiers against two jumpy woman and myself. I had to dissolve the situation, but there was no way I was about to give up our guns. There was no telling who these men were, or who they worked for, if anybody.
“United States Marines, civilian!” Announced an unforeseen voice from the rooftop. “Lower your weapons, we are here to help.”