Zombie Chronicles: Dawn of the Zombie Warby ZombieBrony22ChaptersHappeningSurvivalAnd So It BeginsWOOHPStruggleRichardDrums of WarVengenceKingdomPastStakesGuiltNice and CozyThe HordeRuinedBring It OnHappeningMy eyes opened oh-so-slowly as I rose up off the bed. I remembered that this wasn't the bunk bed I've gotten so used to at Sweet Apple. This was a queen-sized bed at the Rich Mansion. I sighed gently and noticed that some clothes were left for me with a note. Meet us in the kitchen. We need to talk. Rich. Filthy Rich, an old friend of my mom. At first I didn't know their connection until Mom explained it to me a day ago that he saved her back when she was exiled from this "Magix". He was more of a father to me than Gaverial ever was... I decided to put the clothes on and navigate the Rich labyrinth. I saw over 5 separate hallways, one leading upstairs, one leading downstairs. I knew I was on the second floor and the kitchen was on the bottom floor, so I went down the stairs. Sure enough, the kitchen--or what seemed to be the kitchen-- was on my right. Mom was there along with Rich and those two blonde kids from earlier. I smelled... something from the other room, steam following it. "Hey, bud." Mom said. "Hey." I said, taking my seat by Mom in the hilariously large table. So, it was about a week after Rich tried--and failed-- to buy Camp Everfree. We still have no other idea on what to do about the whole thing except pray that we won't get hit. "Please, do me a favor and keep an open mind about this whole thing. The thought of lying to the public to protect my family..." FIlthy started. "It's fine. I'm sure Applejack understood. I know I did." I said. We were silent for a moment, but then Mom tapped my shoulder. "There's something I need to tell you..." She said. "Oh, come on, here?" Rich asked. "Good a place as any." I did a side-by-side of Mom and those two kids. They looked exactly alike, mostly Mom and the girl. "Mom, what aren't you telling me now?" I asked. "I... there was a time between me having you and meeting Gaverial. When I had you, I was exiled. I was on the move with you for 2 years, until I knew it was too much. I found out that Filt-- Rich had bared his family's mansion, got a girlfriend, and had a child together. I had no-one else to turn to, I... He let me in almost instantly, seeing my state at that time, you in my arms. Spoiled was confused, disgusted, demanded me out of the house. Rich told her about my friendship with him, and she sucked it up." "Friends since high school, me and your mom. That was around the time she went to Red Fountain." Rich said. "He let us clean up, gave us clothes, and offered us a place here. Spoiled didn't like that, so I offered to be a servant. Then she smirked... came closer, and whispered: I know a better job for you, whore. I damn near cracked her across the face, but I was trained to control my anger. She had no damn idea how hard that phrase hit me, Jason... if it weren't for Rich hearing that, I would've..." She started. Filthy placed a hand on Mom's shoulder, calming her down. "Anyway, it was a year since that day when Rich and Spoiled started fighting. I watched over Diamond during shouting matches that went on for hours. When Spoiled was on a business trip, I was with Rich, you and Diamond were with a servant. He just... unloaded his clip on the ceiling, he blew up on her before she left. I decided to do my best to help, being his friend. But..." Mom's phone went off, interrupting whatever she was going to say. "Hello? What happened? Where is he now?!" Mom asked suddenly as she sprung up and put her coat on. "What do you mean he's still there?! You're the cop, Beth. Show her a damn warrant!" "What happened?" Rich asked. Mom hung up and turned to us, her face mixed with anger, confusion, and fear. "Kyle tried to kill himself..." We arrived at Crystal Prep to see Kyle. I couldn't help but notice the truck parked up by the hill, just standing there, waiting to make a move. "Jason, you coming?" Mom asked me. "Yeah." I said as I followed my mom into the academy. "...No, I know the severity of the situation, why else would I be speaking to my lawyer?!" A tall, slender woman shouted into a phone. "Are you Abacus Cinch?" Rich asked. "One moment, please." The woman said. We waited a moment, her taking the phone chat to another room. We decided to take a seat in the office. "I don't understand... how could this have happened?" I asked Mom. "We don't know yet. Aunt Beth's looking into it, but..." The door opened and the woman from earlier was now phone-less. "Are you Abacus Cinch?" Mom asked. "Yes, that's me. And you are...?" "I'm Jessica Williams. This is Filthy Rich, and my son Jason Adams. We heard that my nephew tried to commit suicide." Mom said. "Yes, I am deeply sorry about this tragedy, if I knew what happened, I'd..." Cinch started. We were then interrupted by a student entering the room, blue, large pigtails, large glasses, and what seemed to be the school's uniform. She didn't seem happy, marching over to Cinch. "Where is he?" She asked Cinch. "I don't know." "How do you not know? You're the principal here, right? Isn't it your job to contain situations like this?" Rich asked. "I... I--" The girl turned to us. "You guys family of his?" "Yes, I'm his aunt, this is his cousin." Mom introduced us. She came closer. "I know where he is. Come on, we don't have much time." We followed her around the school, where we saw students going on about their business, a few cops around asking some students questions. We kept following this girl until we made it to the nurse's office. "Kyle's here?" I asked. "Yeah..." She said as we went inside to an empty office. "Where is he?" Mom asked. The girl pulled a key out of her shirt pocket and went over to a locked door. She pulled it open and we walked into some form of cell. I saw a figure in there. "K... Ky--" "He's asleep. I was on my way here, when..." There was a silence. "I don't think I got your name." Mom finally said. "I'm Sugarcoat." "You a friend of his?" I asked. "...No. No, no-one was. Except for a student who left a while back." Wait, Twilight? "Sci-Twi" came to Canterlot a short while ago, we never talked, but I heard a lot about her. At least her Equestrian counterpart. "She's not here?" I asked. "They're on the camping trip, she has no idea yet." Sugarcoat sighed. We were then interrupted by someone behind us. "Oh! Um... I didn't expect there to be visitors." A female teacher said. "Sorry, neither did we. I'm Jess, Kyle's aunt. You?" "C- Chrysalis. Please, try to understand that he wasn't exactly the most popular student here..." Chrysalis started. "Yeah, I'm aware. A hellhole like this... I still can't believe Beth enrolled him here..." "She graduated here from what I heard. Sorry, I'm new here, I've only been here for a few years." She started rubbing her neck. "We'll, um... come back later." Sugarcoat said. "Yeah..." I said. We all left the room so Chrysalis can enter. I heard slight crying moments later. "How does she know him?" I asked. "Best not to look into it. We have bigger problems right now." Mom said as we decided to find Aunt Beth. We didn't have to travel far to find her asking another student some questions. "He was never bullied, beaten?" "Um... look, I want you to be prepared, alright." A male student warned. "What did they do to my son?" She asked, her Taurus Judge showing through her holster. "Beth?" Mom called. "One moment, please." She said. "He, um... After the Friendship Games, the Shadowbolts lost it, okay, they became bloodthirsty. Kyle was an open target from the start. Twilight kept the wolves away, but once she was gone... Christ..." We were all silent, understanding what this was pointing towards. Beth seemed more angry than shocked. "Get out." The student jogged off, leaving us together. "Beth? I'm so sorry about this." Mom said, stepping closer. "I... I thought it would've been better. I've been in touch with Chrysalis, she said she formed a bond with Kyle. Sounded like he was safe to me, I..." Beth started. "Want my advice?" I asked her. "Please, anything would do right now." "Take him to Canterlot, Twilight's there, my friends are there. It's the simplest call to me." I said. "That... might work. But he needs help first, both of us do." After the day was over, Aunt Beth headed home early to prep a few things while we stayed and chatted with Cinch. Mom was not happy. "I hoped it got better here, but I guess some people never change." Mom said to Cinch. Cinch was bound to be arrested for several charges of Corruption of Minors, Blackmail, and several more. "If my son wasn't in the same room..." Mom said, banging the desk after her sentence. "Come on, Jason. Let's go home." All chat was silenced by a scream and a gunshot. We ran out to see the truck from earlier, with what seemed to be a student on top with a handgun, a warm body seizing on the ground. We heard him talk, but we bee-lined to our ride, Rich waiting for us. "It's happening, isn't it?" I asked him. "...Yeah, several roads are blocked, all roads to Canterlot are guarded with a shoot-on-sight order... barely made it alive. Applejack's not there, I'm sorry." I was stunned. It's happening... And Applejack isn't here. "We have to get back, now!" We drove out as we saw buses being moved into place around the bar fences of Crystal Prep. I looked back and saw someone in the trunk. "Chrysalis?" Rich called. "Don't worry about it, just drive." Mom said. We had to ram through the city in order to make it home. In there, we saw riots, looting, and even some shootings. Not all of the zombies... "We made it..." Rich said. We looked up and saw that the mansion was still intact. We made it to the gates, Rich knowing the passcode. Mom turned to Chrysalis, who we allowed to stay with us. "You alright? Have any family you want us to find?" Mom asked. "No, it's just me. I'm fine, thank you." Chrysalis said, catching her breath. We opened the gate and headed toward the mansion. "What about Kyle? Shouldn't we get him?" I asked. "He's with his mom, she already has a plan. They don't need us." Mom said. I decided to go shut the gate. When I almost shut it, I was caught off-guard by a zombie, pinning me to the ground. It was rabid, snarling, biting ferociously as it tried to get a bite of me. I managed to keep it at bay, but I couldn't kill it. The zombie was an inch from my neck before it was pulled off me. I looked up and saw Mom, slamming the zombie's face into the gate. It was dead, it's brains redecorating the field and Mom's shirt. "You okay?" She asked me in fear and shock. "I'm fine. Just jumped me, that's all." I said as I helped her shut the door. "Come on, Rich's waiting." Mom said. We headed inside and prepared for the apocalypse... SurvivalWe managed to lock the mansion down within a few days. The fences were supported with the spare materials we had from fortifying Sweet Apple, which was pointless since AJ wasn't there... Chrysalis seems decent, we gave her a room, kept a guard on her. It's shocking how fast these butlers adapted to impromptu soldiers. Rin and Len are nice, too. Once they start talking, that is. According to Rich, Spoiled would abuse them and keep them locked in some dark room for not being her children. I understood their silence after hearing that... As for Mom, she's practically the same, as if this is something she's used to. I still don't know about her "war-times", but I never wanted to ask, knowing what it'd lead into. I'm starting to understand why long-distance relationships don't work out. I managed to get a hold of Applejack shortly before the lines went out. She was safe, in Canterlot High which was turning into a community, but no-one was allowed in or out due to the guards stationed by the school. They had shoot-on-sight orders, and they weren't showing any signs of disobeying. "Fascist scumbags... Figures the only ones that follow orders..." Mom muttered to herself as we heard gunshots from far out. Filthy was in a panic at first, desperately trying to buy our way into CHS, but failing to sway the soldiers. After finding out that everyone from Camp Everfree was brought to CHS and safe, Rich calmed down slightly. I decided to go check on the gates, checking them for stragglers. The Runners don't seem to know how to climb, or at least don't show any sign of doing so. Small ledges and steps, they can climb, but not large fences or walls. I was lost in my thoughts as I heard the ferocious roar of a fresh Runner, ramming into the fences. I had a knife from the kitchen that Mom let me use. I grabbed a piece of dry wood, lined it up just right, took a hammer, and drove the knife through the wood and into the zombie's head. The wood idea was something I learned from me and Sunset's readings of The Walking Dead. I just had to get a large enough piece for bar fences. "Morning, Jason." I heard Len call out. "Morning, man." I said as I wiped the knife clean. "When I heard that zombies were on the rise, I was hoping for Walkers." Len said in a sophisticated voice. From what I gathered, Spoiled treated Rin and Len both like trash, or "commoners" as Diamond once told me. The physical damage had long since stopped, but we're all worried about the psychological damage... "Yeah, me too. It would've been much cooler. Not that the end of the world was cool, anyway." I said. "Too true." I gave Len benefit of the doubt with a chuckle to his attempt of a joke. "So, this 'Applejack', how did you two come to meet?" Len asked. "We, um... I honestly can't remember when we've met, it was so long ago. I pretty much knew her my whole life. I used to be close to her sister, Apple Bloom. But then... She changed." I said, trying not to think about her and what happened. "Well, I'm sorry. I wish I got to feel about somebody like that..." Len said. "Yeah, it has it's cons. You have to help them stay on the right track, and in return, they do the same for you. Back when my first girlfriend dumped me, she was there for me. Sure, Apple Bloom was too, but..." I started. I never talked about Trixie to anyone before until today. Sure, Applejack met her, but this was different-- going into detail on our "breakup". I knew the relationship wasn't going to work, right from the start. But I thought that was what I needed to be happy there, something to boost my reputation. But... The things they had me do... The damage was done, and there was no going back. "Um, Jason? Are you..." Len started. "Oh? Y- Yeah, I'm fine. Just got a little lost in my thoughts, that's all." I responded. I heard the sizzling of the skillet as one of the chefs was cooking breakfast. "I should get Jason and Len. It's almost time." I said. "Jess, they'll be alright for now. I must say, you did an excellent job, raising that boy. You helped him set a strict moral compass. If anyone else tried to raise him as you have..." Rich started. "Please, don't." I dismissed. That seemed to have silenced him for a moment, but I wanted to keep talking. "I didn't give him the compass, he made it. It took a while, but he did it. I still remember back when he was here, with Diamond. The two of them..." I started. "We should've raised them together... You should've stayed, screw what Spoiled thought, if I knew what she would have done to my daughter... I would've chosen you." Rich said. He brought it up again... "Rich, please. That night... my life reached it's lowest point. You... You started making it better. But, that was the future that would never be. It's in the past, and we need to move on, learn from it, and make the best of it." I said, pouring a cup of coffee. "I understand. I just... I thought I loved her more than I would've loved you." We were silent for a few moments. By the time we heard the ringing of the kettle, we were only inches apart. "Hey, mom. Smelled the food from outside." I heard Jason call. We quickly disbanded and went back to our original positions. "Yeah, the chefs here were always good." I complemented. "Yes, yes they were..." Rich said, obviously rattled over what happened. "You alright?" Jason asked. Rich was silent. "Filthy was just... worried about Diamond. We were trying to think of a way in." I lied. He either seemed to believe it or didn't want to ask, as he entered the kitchen and took a seat. We all took a seat and got served some stored food from the pantry. "So, you stored enough food to last this place a decade?" Jason asked. "Yes, we built up for an apocalypse ever since... what happened." Rich said, switching quick glances with me. I knew what he meant, and hoped that Jason wouldn't ask. He could never know... Author's Note NEXT ON DAWN OF THE ZOMBIE WAR: Sonata and the others at CHS attempt to maintain their lives in desperate circumstances; a beggar incites some of the residents to an uprising. And So It BeginsI was sharing a drink with my colleague at our office building. "You alright, Sonata? All day you seem on-edge about something." He asked me. "I'm fine. It's just..." "Yeah?" He asked. "...My brother tried to kill himself today." I said, taking a sip. "What?! God, I'm so sorry. Why aren't you--" "I can't miss another day or I'm fired. If I had a say, I'd be at CPA right now, beating some sense to that 'Cinch' bitch." I said in anger. "Hey, look. I--" My friend was interrupted by a loud scream coming from the top floor. We bolted up to see another colleague down on the ground, blood staining the carpet. "Oh, Christ, what happened?!" Some other colleague asked as he dashed over. It was fast, the victim rose up and bit into his throat. I quickly stopped in my tracks after seeing this. We backed away and we both ran in the other direction. "What the hell was that?!" My co-worker asked as we both ran. "It was a goddamn zombie..." I said, hardly processing what just happened. "Come on, we gotta go!" My friend said as we both started hightailing it for the exit. The thing about my job is I never ask the names of my co-workers, keeps things formal. But since that doesn't seem to matter anymore... "So, um.... what's your name?" I asked.] "Oz, Oz Turner. Me and my brother moved here a few weeks ago." He said. Oz, odd name, but we don't have time to dwell on it. We made it out the front door to see chaos unfolding in the streets. Zombies running into cars, attacking the people inside. Police and National Guard trying to take down the dead, but only attacked themselves. "Where's your brother?!" I asked him. "503, 23rd Street! That way!" Oz said. I followed Oz, making sure he made it, due to his limp. We eventually made it to where the riots ended, but guards were set, and they saw us. "HALT!" We heard a voice as a spotlight flashed at us. We held still as a guard paced toward us. He patted us down and turned to his fellow guard. "They're not infected." He said. "Alright. Look, we're not authorized to do this, but we were also not authorized to shoot down citizens who may or may not be infected. We're letting you go, but you CANNOT come back here, understand?" The second guard said. "Deal, thank you." Oz said as we both headed off. "Wait!" The first guard said. We stopped and he started running toward us. "Sid, what're you doing?!" His partner asked. "I'm done with this, I didn't sign up to be part of the post-apocalyptic Underground Railroad. I'm leaving this madness. Um, if that's alright with..." Sid said, looking at us. "Sure, you can roll along. We could use the help." I said to him. "Thank you. Go find your family, Ed." Sid said. "Got it, man. Good luck." Ed said as he ran off. "So... where're you guys headed?" Sid asked. "We're headed for Oz's brother. That's Oz, by the way." I said. "I know a shortcut into town. It's rocky, but not overrun." Sid said. "Lead the way." Oz said. "Hang on. We gotta split up." I said. "Why?" Sid asked. "I have a brother, too. Mom planned to take him to CHS, she knew the principle. You guys get Tim and meet me there." I said. "Sure, but take this." Sid said, handing me his sidearm. It looked like a Colt 1911, but how would I know? "Thanks." I said. "Know how to use it?" Oz asked. "I had some practice with my brother." I said. I made it to CHS after a few minutes of jogging. The school was surrounded with chain-link fences, with guards on the sides of the gate. "Hold it right there!" One of the guards said. I froze, dropped my sidearm, and held my hands up. "This is a restricted area, turn around, and leave now." The guard said. "I can't do that, my brother's in there." "Wait, you're a Williams? Shoot, go right in. Sorry about that, it's my first day." The guard quickly apologized. I picked up my weapon, and entered the gates. I made it to the front door and knocked. Celestia opened the door, without Kyle. "S-Sonata? We... they never came. I don't know what happened, and it's too dangerous to go look... W- wanna come in?" Celestia offered. I nodded, tears starting to form, and we entered. Just as we shut the door, we heard banging. "Help! I saw a horde of them follow me!" A very familiar voice cried out. I opened the doors, and I saw Adagio, my birth sister who abandoned me about a year ago. I reached my hand out and she took it. "Thank you." She said to me. I pulled her in and I headbutted her, causing her to fall to the ground. "WHERE THE HELL WERE YOU?! I LOOKED FOR YOU FOR MONTHS! ANSWER ME, GODDAMN IT!" I screamed as I grabbed Adagio's shirt and pulled her closer. "I... I'm sorry, Sonata, I--" I rested my foot on her, and knelt to her level. "'I'm sorry, Sonata'? That's all you have?! Do you have any idea what I've been through?! I had to find food in trash cans for 4 months, sleep with one eye open for attackers, I had to rob an old man just to get past the day... What did you have to do to survive, Adagio? Tell me... TELL ME!" "We... we had to do things, too. I'm so sorry, Sonata. I... we thought it was the best option, leaving you at that shelter--" "Our stay wasn't permanent. They felt guilty, so they extended my stay by a month. After that, I was on my own." "But Henry found you, right?" Adagio asked. I stopped once she said his name. Henry found me by a dumpster a few months ago. After 4 months on my own, I almost killed him. But I learned about his intentions, and his beliefs, and I saw a chance for a roof again. 2 months after that, he offered me a place in his family, which I accepted. "How do you know his name?" I asked her, curious. "Sonata... Kyle's The One. We confirmed it a while ago." Adagio said. The One... she doesn't mean... "You... you two didn't." I ordered. "N-No! NO, we didn't execute. We never had a chance to talk to him, I promise. The only one of us that close was Aria's new boyfriend." Adagio said. "Who's that?" I asked. "Some guy she pointed out for a chance to get negative energy again. But soon, they became close; He was good in my book, too. But... then... this happened." Adagio said. "Well, come in. We could use all the help we can get." Celestia said, resting her hand on my shoulder. I backed off her and helped her up. One of the students behind us stepped forward. "Hold it! Are we just suddenly forgetting what these two did here? They ended relationships, turned a fundraiser into a battle, and wasted money- OUR money, by the way- on a throne room, or whatever they planned to turn it into." He said. "Sunset was the same way, and look at her now. The Dazzlings are guests here, for now. I made a promise to an old family friend who took Ms. Dusk in, and Ms. Dazzle is family to her." Celestia answered. "Well, I don't think they belong here. They belong on the streets, just like they did to my brother!" The angry student said. "What're you talking about?!" Adagio asked. "Don't remember? His name's Button. You and your slut sisters made him say some bad things to mom and dad, so they kicked him on the curb. His body came back to us a few weeks ago. He didn't get to feel at home, or sleep with both eyes open, so why should you?!" He asked. People started nodding and shouting. But Celestia ended it with a gunshot. "Okay, let's do a vote. Who wants the Dazzlings to leave?" Is she... putting us up to a vote?! The students stepped forward. "Well, then.. Guards! Escort these people to the nearest safe-zone, and secure them." Celestia ordered. Guards came and surrounded the students in all directions but the door. They escorted them out into a few large trucks, and drove them off. The other students stood in awe. "I want this to be absolutely clear: This is my operation. I am in charge here, and these people listen to me. Anyone who disagrees, there's the door." Celestia said. Everyone nodded and went back to business as usual. "Th- thank you, Celestia." I said. "Of course. Those students were trouble from the beginning. They were part of some club they formed: New World Order. Disturbing way of thought. But, I suppose they're somebody else's problem now..." Celestia said. Author's Note NEXT ON DAWN OF THE ZOMBIE WAR: Jess reveals a piece of her past, driving the group deeper into California; Jason starts to question his mother's motives. WOOHPIt's been a week or two since the world ended. Or at least it looks like it did, because all stations stopped broadcasting, and most of the servants asked to go to their families. The ones that are left either have no family, or their families came here. Mom has been busy messing with Rich's satellite phones and talking to... somebody. Yesterday I decided to peek into her conversations, and I managed to catch: "When was the last time you heard from him?" "...Don't tell me that..." I don't know what she's talking about, but I feel like I'll learn soon enough. Sure enough, I did one day. Mom was worried and stressed as I caught her packing bags. "Mom? What's going on?" I asked her. "We can't stay here. We're all headed to Beverly Hills, m... someone who can help us is there, and we're running out of time." "Mom, we can't just leave. This is probably the safest place we could be right now." I told her. "I know, but my friend doesn't have much time. We need to go, all of us." Mom said. Rich heard us from the kitchen and accepted that we needed to go. The servants offered to stay and defend the mansion for us. "We'll be ready for when of if you return." One of the servants said. "Thank you." Rich said as he reached for his keys. We had to drive through LA to reach Beverly. The whole city was lit on fire, and zombies were everywhere. Some of them were burning, and the rest were dead. "So I'm guessing it doesn't have to be a headshot." Rich said. "No, I don't think so." Mom agreed. We reached the interstate when it was blocked by burning cars. "Damn!" Mom said, banging the wheel. "What now?" I asked. "...We gotta leave the car, take the roads." Mom said. Filthy didn't argue as he grabbed the bags and we all left the car behind. "Don't worry, we won't need to go much further." Mom said. "How's that?" I asked her. Suddenly, a hole formed in the ground and we all got sucked in. We all slid down deeper into the earth at fast speeds. I managed to see other slides everywhere, with people sliding down them with armor and backpacks. "They must be scavengers!" Mom shouted. "Where're we going?!" I asked. "To my father!" "You're what?!" I shouted. Before I could ask, we made it. Several men were waiting for us and aimed guns at us. "Freeze-- oh, shit... Jess!" "Where is he?" Mom asked. "He's in his room, he doesn't have much longer." One of the men said. "These the grandchildren?" Another asked, looking at me. "Yes." Mom said. Wait? Rin, Len, and me aren't related. "This is the father?" "N... no. He's a friend." Mom said. "Of course." Someone entered the room and took us to my grandfather. I never really met him, I never even asked about him. "We're here." The escort said. We entered and Mom went up to the bed. We both saw a frail, old man on his deathbed. "Dad?" "...Jessica." "Dad, I'm so sorry... I couldn't stay, I had to--" "Don't start thinking about the past. Think about now. This is... Jason, correct?" ...Grandpa asked. "Yes. Jason, this is Jerry, your grandfather." "Jerry Lewis, Jessica. I think it's time we bring back the family name." "I had to change it, at least for a while. There was no other way to protect us." Mom explained. Another bombshell on my family's backstory. Jessica Lewis? Jason Lewis? It just doesn't sound the same. "It wasn't my idea to change the last name to your great -grandmother's. If I recall correctly, you came to me, begging for the last name to be changed." "Can I... can I ask something?" I asked suddenly. "Sure." Grandpa coughed. "Why are we just learning about this now? Why didn't you call us when word broke out about all this?" "I couldn't risk the authorities finding your mother." "Cops?" I asked. "No. More... alien authorities." Grandpa answered. "The Plumbers have jurisdictions in place, they can't touch me." Mom said. "But Red Fountain? Your pardon agreement clearly stated 'no alien contact of any kind'. Yet last month you had direct contact with Red Fountain." "Damn it, I didn't come here to bicker about the past!" Mom shouted. The room when silent for a moment as Mom took a few breaths. "I'm sorry, it's just... It's been 17 years since we saw each other. I don't want it to end like this..." Mom said, her voice slightly cracking. "Jessica... I always knew that you cared. It didn't matter what happened with V... with work. All that mattered to me was that you were happy. I know that Jason and his world did that for you." "That's gone now. I'm back on the field, and now I don't know what to do." "Just be yourself. You know how to fight, you're just rusty." Grandpa chuckled. "What happens now?" I asked. "We can't stay here. This place wasn't made to be a sanctuary. We're heading out to sea, I know a few places." Mom said. "First, I want you to take a few people with you. Trust me, you'll need them." He hit a button on his bed and 3 people entered the room. "What is it, Jerry?" The red-head asked. "Girls, this is my daughter, Jessica. And this is my grandson, Jason." I heard the blonde whisper to the brunette, but I didn't bother to ask. "Who's this?" Mom asked. "These are few of our top agents. They served with us since they were 14." "A little young, don't you think?" Mom asked. "They can't stay here. They need to be out in the field with you." Why did he ignore that question? "Okay, and what're their names?" Mom asked. "You can always ask us." The blonde said. "This is Alex, Samantha, and Clover. I feel like you'll all get along just fine." She winked at me. "Sorry, I'm taken." I said. "We should get going. We don't have much time." Mom said. "There are some supplies you can take in the pantry. Just say you're my daughter." Grandpa said. We all left. Just like that, I met my grandfather for 4 minutes and now we're leaving him for dead. StruggleSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.RichardSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Drums of WarSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.VengenceSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.KingdomSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.PastSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.StakesSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.GuiltSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Nice and CozySomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.The HordeSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.RuinedSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Bring It OnSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
HappeningMy eyes opened oh-so-slowly as I rose up off the bed. I remembered that this wasn't the bunk bed I've gotten so used to at Sweet Apple. This was a queen-sized bed at the Rich Mansion. I sighed gently and noticed that some clothes were left for me with a note. Meet us in the kitchen. We need to talk. Rich. Filthy Rich, an old friend of my mom. At first I didn't know their connection until Mom explained it to me a day ago that he saved her back when she was exiled from this "Magix". He was more of a father to me than Gaverial ever was... I decided to put the clothes on and navigate the Rich labyrinth. I saw over 5 separate hallways, one leading upstairs, one leading downstairs. I knew I was on the second floor and the kitchen was on the bottom floor, so I went down the stairs. Sure enough, the kitchen--or what seemed to be the kitchen-- was on my right. Mom was there along with Rich and those two blonde kids from earlier. I smelled... something from the other room, steam following it. "Hey, bud." Mom said. "Hey." I said, taking my seat by Mom in the hilariously large table. So, it was about a week after Rich tried--and failed-- to buy Camp Everfree. We still have no other idea on what to do about the whole thing except pray that we won't get hit. "Please, do me a favor and keep an open mind about this whole thing. The thought of lying to the public to protect my family..." FIlthy started. "It's fine. I'm sure Applejack understood. I know I did." I said. We were silent for a moment, but then Mom tapped my shoulder. "There's something I need to tell you..." She said. "Oh, come on, here?" Rich asked. "Good a place as any." I did a side-by-side of Mom and those two kids. They looked exactly alike, mostly Mom and the girl. "Mom, what aren't you telling me now?" I asked. "I... there was a time between me having you and meeting Gaverial. When I had you, I was exiled. I was on the move with you for 2 years, until I knew it was too much. I found out that Filt-- Rich had bared his family's mansion, got a girlfriend, and had a child together. I had no-one else to turn to, I... He let me in almost instantly, seeing my state at that time, you in my arms. Spoiled was confused, disgusted, demanded me out of the house. Rich told her about my friendship with him, and she sucked it up." "Friends since high school, me and your mom. That was around the time she went to Red Fountain." Rich said. "He let us clean up, gave us clothes, and offered us a place here. Spoiled didn't like that, so I offered to be a servant. Then she smirked... came closer, and whispered: I know a better job for you, whore. I damn near cracked her across the face, but I was trained to control my anger. She had no damn idea how hard that phrase hit me, Jason... if it weren't for Rich hearing that, I would've..." She started. Filthy placed a hand on Mom's shoulder, calming her down. "Anyway, it was a year since that day when Rich and Spoiled started fighting. I watched over Diamond during shouting matches that went on for hours. When Spoiled was on a business trip, I was with Rich, you and Diamond were with a servant. He just... unloaded his clip on the ceiling, he blew up on her before she left. I decided to do my best to help, being his friend. But..." Mom's phone went off, interrupting whatever she was going to say. "Hello? What happened? Where is he now?!" Mom asked suddenly as she sprung up and put her coat on. "What do you mean he's still there?! You're the cop, Beth. Show her a damn warrant!" "What happened?" Rich asked. Mom hung up and turned to us, her face mixed with anger, confusion, and fear. "Kyle tried to kill himself..." We arrived at Crystal Prep to see Kyle. I couldn't help but notice the truck parked up by the hill, just standing there, waiting to make a move. "Jason, you coming?" Mom asked me. "Yeah." I said as I followed my mom into the academy. "...No, I know the severity of the situation, why else would I be speaking to my lawyer?!" A tall, slender woman shouted into a phone. "Are you Abacus Cinch?" Rich asked. "One moment, please." The woman said. We waited a moment, her taking the phone chat to another room. We decided to take a seat in the office. "I don't understand... how could this have happened?" I asked Mom. "We don't know yet. Aunt Beth's looking into it, but..." The door opened and the woman from earlier was now phone-less. "Are you Abacus Cinch?" Mom asked. "Yes, that's me. And you are...?" "I'm Jessica Williams. This is Filthy Rich, and my son Jason Adams. We heard that my nephew tried to commit suicide." Mom said. "Yes, I am deeply sorry about this tragedy, if I knew what happened, I'd..." Cinch started. We were then interrupted by a student entering the room, blue, large pigtails, large glasses, and what seemed to be the school's uniform. She didn't seem happy, marching over to Cinch. "Where is he?" She asked Cinch. "I don't know." "How do you not know? You're the principal here, right? Isn't it your job to contain situations like this?" Rich asked. "I... I--" The girl turned to us. "You guys family of his?" "Yes, I'm his aunt, this is his cousin." Mom introduced us. She came closer. "I know where he is. Come on, we don't have much time." We followed her around the school, where we saw students going on about their business, a few cops around asking some students questions. We kept following this girl until we made it to the nurse's office. "Kyle's here?" I asked. "Yeah..." She said as we went inside to an empty office. "Where is he?" Mom asked. The girl pulled a key out of her shirt pocket and went over to a locked door. She pulled it open and we walked into some form of cell. I saw a figure in there. "K... Ky--" "He's asleep. I was on my way here, when..." There was a silence. "I don't think I got your name." Mom finally said. "I'm Sugarcoat." "You a friend of his?" I asked. "...No. No, no-one was. Except for a student who left a while back." Wait, Twilight? "Sci-Twi" came to Canterlot a short while ago, we never talked, but I heard a lot about her. At least her Equestrian counterpart. "She's not here?" I asked. "They're on the camping trip, she has no idea yet." Sugarcoat sighed. We were then interrupted by someone behind us. "Oh! Um... I didn't expect there to be visitors." A female teacher said. "Sorry, neither did we. I'm Jess, Kyle's aunt. You?" "C- Chrysalis. Please, try to understand that he wasn't exactly the most popular student here..." Chrysalis started. "Yeah, I'm aware. A hellhole like this... I still can't believe Beth enrolled him here..." "She graduated here from what I heard. Sorry, I'm new here, I've only been here for a few years." She started rubbing her neck. "We'll, um... come back later." Sugarcoat said. "Yeah..." I said. We all left the room so Chrysalis can enter. I heard slight crying moments later. "How does she know him?" I asked. "Best not to look into it. We have bigger problems right now." Mom said as we decided to find Aunt Beth. We didn't have to travel far to find her asking another student some questions. "He was never bullied, beaten?" "Um... look, I want you to be prepared, alright." A male student warned. "What did they do to my son?" She asked, her Taurus Judge showing through her holster. "Beth?" Mom called. "One moment, please." She said. "He, um... After the Friendship Games, the Shadowbolts lost it, okay, they became bloodthirsty. Kyle was an open target from the start. Twilight kept the wolves away, but once she was gone... Christ..." We were all silent, understanding what this was pointing towards. Beth seemed more angry than shocked. "Get out." The student jogged off, leaving us together. "Beth? I'm so sorry about this." Mom said, stepping closer. "I... I thought it would've been better. I've been in touch with Chrysalis, she said she formed a bond with Kyle. Sounded like he was safe to me, I..." Beth started. "Want my advice?" I asked her. "Please, anything would do right now." "Take him to Canterlot, Twilight's there, my friends are there. It's the simplest call to me." I said. "That... might work. But he needs help first, both of us do." After the day was over, Aunt Beth headed home early to prep a few things while we stayed and chatted with Cinch. Mom was not happy. "I hoped it got better here, but I guess some people never change." Mom said to Cinch. Cinch was bound to be arrested for several charges of Corruption of Minors, Blackmail, and several more. "If my son wasn't in the same room..." Mom said, banging the desk after her sentence. "Come on, Jason. Let's go home." All chat was silenced by a scream and a gunshot. We ran out to see the truck from earlier, with what seemed to be a student on top with a handgun, a warm body seizing on the ground. We heard him talk, but we bee-lined to our ride, Rich waiting for us. "It's happening, isn't it?" I asked him. "...Yeah, several roads are blocked, all roads to Canterlot are guarded with a shoot-on-sight order... barely made it alive. Applejack's not there, I'm sorry." I was stunned. It's happening... And Applejack isn't here. "We have to get back, now!" We drove out as we saw buses being moved into place around the bar fences of Crystal Prep. I looked back and saw someone in the trunk. "Chrysalis?" Rich called. "Don't worry about it, just drive." Mom said. We had to ram through the city in order to make it home. In there, we saw riots, looting, and even some shootings. Not all of the zombies... "We made it..." Rich said. We looked up and saw that the mansion was still intact. We made it to the gates, Rich knowing the passcode. Mom turned to Chrysalis, who we allowed to stay with us. "You alright? Have any family you want us to find?" Mom asked. "No, it's just me. I'm fine, thank you." Chrysalis said, catching her breath. We opened the gate and headed toward the mansion. "What about Kyle? Shouldn't we get him?" I asked. "He's with his mom, she already has a plan. They don't need us." Mom said. I decided to go shut the gate. When I almost shut it, I was caught off-guard by a zombie, pinning me to the ground. It was rabid, snarling, biting ferociously as it tried to get a bite of me. I managed to keep it at bay, but I couldn't kill it. The zombie was an inch from my neck before it was pulled off me. I looked up and saw Mom, slamming the zombie's face into the gate. It was dead, it's brains redecorating the field and Mom's shirt. "You okay?" She asked me in fear and shock. "I'm fine. Just jumped me, that's all." I said as I helped her shut the door. "Come on, Rich's waiting." Mom said. We headed inside and prepared for the apocalypse...
SurvivalWe managed to lock the mansion down within a few days. The fences were supported with the spare materials we had from fortifying Sweet Apple, which was pointless since AJ wasn't there... Chrysalis seems decent, we gave her a room, kept a guard on her. It's shocking how fast these butlers adapted to impromptu soldiers. Rin and Len are nice, too. Once they start talking, that is. According to Rich, Spoiled would abuse them and keep them locked in some dark room for not being her children. I understood their silence after hearing that... As for Mom, she's practically the same, as if this is something she's used to. I still don't know about her "war-times", but I never wanted to ask, knowing what it'd lead into. I'm starting to understand why long-distance relationships don't work out. I managed to get a hold of Applejack shortly before the lines went out. She was safe, in Canterlot High which was turning into a community, but no-one was allowed in or out due to the guards stationed by the school. They had shoot-on-sight orders, and they weren't showing any signs of disobeying. "Fascist scumbags... Figures the only ones that follow orders..." Mom muttered to herself as we heard gunshots from far out. Filthy was in a panic at first, desperately trying to buy our way into CHS, but failing to sway the soldiers. After finding out that everyone from Camp Everfree was brought to CHS and safe, Rich calmed down slightly. I decided to go check on the gates, checking them for stragglers. The Runners don't seem to know how to climb, or at least don't show any sign of doing so. Small ledges and steps, they can climb, but not large fences or walls. I was lost in my thoughts as I heard the ferocious roar of a fresh Runner, ramming into the fences. I had a knife from the kitchen that Mom let me use. I grabbed a piece of dry wood, lined it up just right, took a hammer, and drove the knife through the wood and into the zombie's head. The wood idea was something I learned from me and Sunset's readings of The Walking Dead. I just had to get a large enough piece for bar fences. "Morning, Jason." I heard Len call out. "Morning, man." I said as I wiped the knife clean. "When I heard that zombies were on the rise, I was hoping for Walkers." Len said in a sophisticated voice. From what I gathered, Spoiled treated Rin and Len both like trash, or "commoners" as Diamond once told me. The physical damage had long since stopped, but we're all worried about the psychological damage... "Yeah, me too. It would've been much cooler. Not that the end of the world was cool, anyway." I said. "Too true." I gave Len benefit of the doubt with a chuckle to his attempt of a joke. "So, this 'Applejack', how did you two come to meet?" Len asked. "We, um... I honestly can't remember when we've met, it was so long ago. I pretty much knew her my whole life. I used to be close to her sister, Apple Bloom. But then... She changed." I said, trying not to think about her and what happened. "Well, I'm sorry. I wish I got to feel about somebody like that..." Len said. "Yeah, it has it's cons. You have to help them stay on the right track, and in return, they do the same for you. Back when my first girlfriend dumped me, she was there for me. Sure, Apple Bloom was too, but..." I started. I never talked about Trixie to anyone before until today. Sure, Applejack met her, but this was different-- going into detail on our "breakup". I knew the relationship wasn't going to work, right from the start. But I thought that was what I needed to be happy there, something to boost my reputation. But... The things they had me do... The damage was done, and there was no going back. "Um, Jason? Are you..." Len started. "Oh? Y- Yeah, I'm fine. Just got a little lost in my thoughts, that's all." I responded. I heard the sizzling of the skillet as one of the chefs was cooking breakfast. "I should get Jason and Len. It's almost time." I said. "Jess, they'll be alright for now. I must say, you did an excellent job, raising that boy. You helped him set a strict moral compass. If anyone else tried to raise him as you have..." Rich started. "Please, don't." I dismissed. That seemed to have silenced him for a moment, but I wanted to keep talking. "I didn't give him the compass, he made it. It took a while, but he did it. I still remember back when he was here, with Diamond. The two of them..." I started. "We should've raised them together... You should've stayed, screw what Spoiled thought, if I knew what she would have done to my daughter... I would've chosen you." Rich said. He brought it up again... "Rich, please. That night... my life reached it's lowest point. You... You started making it better. But, that was the future that would never be. It's in the past, and we need to move on, learn from it, and make the best of it." I said, pouring a cup of coffee. "I understand. I just... I thought I loved her more than I would've loved you." We were silent for a few moments. By the time we heard the ringing of the kettle, we were only inches apart. "Hey, mom. Smelled the food from outside." I heard Jason call. We quickly disbanded and went back to our original positions. "Yeah, the chefs here were always good." I complemented. "Yes, yes they were..." Rich said, obviously rattled over what happened. "You alright?" Jason asked. Rich was silent. "Filthy was just... worried about Diamond. We were trying to think of a way in." I lied. He either seemed to believe it or didn't want to ask, as he entered the kitchen and took a seat. We all took a seat and got served some stored food from the pantry. "So, you stored enough food to last this place a decade?" Jason asked. "Yes, we built up for an apocalypse ever since... what happened." Rich said, switching quick glances with me. I knew what he meant, and hoped that Jason wouldn't ask. He could never know... Author's Note NEXT ON DAWN OF THE ZOMBIE WAR: Sonata and the others at CHS attempt to maintain their lives in desperate circumstances; a beggar incites some of the residents to an uprising.
And So It BeginsI was sharing a drink with my colleague at our office building. "You alright, Sonata? All day you seem on-edge about something." He asked me. "I'm fine. It's just..." "Yeah?" He asked. "...My brother tried to kill himself today." I said, taking a sip. "What?! God, I'm so sorry. Why aren't you--" "I can't miss another day or I'm fired. If I had a say, I'd be at CPA right now, beating some sense to that 'Cinch' bitch." I said in anger. "Hey, look. I--" My friend was interrupted by a loud scream coming from the top floor. We bolted up to see another colleague down on the ground, blood staining the carpet. "Oh, Christ, what happened?!" Some other colleague asked as he dashed over. It was fast, the victim rose up and bit into his throat. I quickly stopped in my tracks after seeing this. We backed away and we both ran in the other direction. "What the hell was that?!" My co-worker asked as we both ran. "It was a goddamn zombie..." I said, hardly processing what just happened. "Come on, we gotta go!" My friend said as we both started hightailing it for the exit. The thing about my job is I never ask the names of my co-workers, keeps things formal. But since that doesn't seem to matter anymore... "So, um.... what's your name?" I asked.] "Oz, Oz Turner. Me and my brother moved here a few weeks ago." He said. Oz, odd name, but we don't have time to dwell on it. We made it out the front door to see chaos unfolding in the streets. Zombies running into cars, attacking the people inside. Police and National Guard trying to take down the dead, but only attacked themselves. "Where's your brother?!" I asked him. "503, 23rd Street! That way!" Oz said. I followed Oz, making sure he made it, due to his limp. We eventually made it to where the riots ended, but guards were set, and they saw us. "HALT!" We heard a voice as a spotlight flashed at us. We held still as a guard paced toward us. He patted us down and turned to his fellow guard. "They're not infected." He said. "Alright. Look, we're not authorized to do this, but we were also not authorized to shoot down citizens who may or may not be infected. We're letting you go, but you CANNOT come back here, understand?" The second guard said. "Deal, thank you." Oz said as we both headed off. "Wait!" The first guard said. We stopped and he started running toward us. "Sid, what're you doing?!" His partner asked. "I'm done with this, I didn't sign up to be part of the post-apocalyptic Underground Railroad. I'm leaving this madness. Um, if that's alright with..." Sid said, looking at us. "Sure, you can roll along. We could use the help." I said to him. "Thank you. Go find your family, Ed." Sid said. "Got it, man. Good luck." Ed said as he ran off. "So... where're you guys headed?" Sid asked. "We're headed for Oz's brother. That's Oz, by the way." I said. "I know a shortcut into town. It's rocky, but not overrun." Sid said. "Lead the way." Oz said. "Hang on. We gotta split up." I said. "Why?" Sid asked. "I have a brother, too. Mom planned to take him to CHS, she knew the principle. You guys get Tim and meet me there." I said. "Sure, but take this." Sid said, handing me his sidearm. It looked like a Colt 1911, but how would I know? "Thanks." I said. "Know how to use it?" Oz asked. "I had some practice with my brother." I said. I made it to CHS after a few minutes of jogging. The school was surrounded with chain-link fences, with guards on the sides of the gate. "Hold it right there!" One of the guards said. I froze, dropped my sidearm, and held my hands up. "This is a restricted area, turn around, and leave now." The guard said. "I can't do that, my brother's in there." "Wait, you're a Williams? Shoot, go right in. Sorry about that, it's my first day." The guard quickly apologized. I picked up my weapon, and entered the gates. I made it to the front door and knocked. Celestia opened the door, without Kyle. "S-Sonata? We... they never came. I don't know what happened, and it's too dangerous to go look... W- wanna come in?" Celestia offered. I nodded, tears starting to form, and we entered. Just as we shut the door, we heard banging. "Help! I saw a horde of them follow me!" A very familiar voice cried out. I opened the doors, and I saw Adagio, my birth sister who abandoned me about a year ago. I reached my hand out and she took it. "Thank you." She said to me. I pulled her in and I headbutted her, causing her to fall to the ground. "WHERE THE HELL WERE YOU?! I LOOKED FOR YOU FOR MONTHS! ANSWER ME, GODDAMN IT!" I screamed as I grabbed Adagio's shirt and pulled her closer. "I... I'm sorry, Sonata, I--" I rested my foot on her, and knelt to her level. "'I'm sorry, Sonata'? That's all you have?! Do you have any idea what I've been through?! I had to find food in trash cans for 4 months, sleep with one eye open for attackers, I had to rob an old man just to get past the day... What did you have to do to survive, Adagio? Tell me... TELL ME!" "We... we had to do things, too. I'm so sorry, Sonata. I... we thought it was the best option, leaving you at that shelter--" "Our stay wasn't permanent. They felt guilty, so they extended my stay by a month. After that, I was on my own." "But Henry found you, right?" Adagio asked. I stopped once she said his name. Henry found me by a dumpster a few months ago. After 4 months on my own, I almost killed him. But I learned about his intentions, and his beliefs, and I saw a chance for a roof again. 2 months after that, he offered me a place in his family, which I accepted. "How do you know his name?" I asked her, curious. "Sonata... Kyle's The One. We confirmed it a while ago." Adagio said. The One... she doesn't mean... "You... you two didn't." I ordered. "N-No! NO, we didn't execute. We never had a chance to talk to him, I promise. The only one of us that close was Aria's new boyfriend." Adagio said. "Who's that?" I asked. "Some guy she pointed out for a chance to get negative energy again. But soon, they became close; He was good in my book, too. But... then... this happened." Adagio said. "Well, come in. We could use all the help we can get." Celestia said, resting her hand on my shoulder. I backed off her and helped her up. One of the students behind us stepped forward. "Hold it! Are we just suddenly forgetting what these two did here? They ended relationships, turned a fundraiser into a battle, and wasted money- OUR money, by the way- on a throne room, or whatever they planned to turn it into." He said. "Sunset was the same way, and look at her now. The Dazzlings are guests here, for now. I made a promise to an old family friend who took Ms. Dusk in, and Ms. Dazzle is family to her." Celestia answered. "Well, I don't think they belong here. They belong on the streets, just like they did to my brother!" The angry student said. "What're you talking about?!" Adagio asked. "Don't remember? His name's Button. You and your slut sisters made him say some bad things to mom and dad, so they kicked him on the curb. His body came back to us a few weeks ago. He didn't get to feel at home, or sleep with both eyes open, so why should you?!" He asked. People started nodding and shouting. But Celestia ended it with a gunshot. "Okay, let's do a vote. Who wants the Dazzlings to leave?" Is she... putting us up to a vote?! The students stepped forward. "Well, then.. Guards! Escort these people to the nearest safe-zone, and secure them." Celestia ordered. Guards came and surrounded the students in all directions but the door. They escorted them out into a few large trucks, and drove them off. The other students stood in awe. "I want this to be absolutely clear: This is my operation. I am in charge here, and these people listen to me. Anyone who disagrees, there's the door." Celestia said. Everyone nodded and went back to business as usual. "Th- thank you, Celestia." I said. "Of course. Those students were trouble from the beginning. They were part of some club they formed: New World Order. Disturbing way of thought. But, I suppose they're somebody else's problem now..." Celestia said. Author's Note NEXT ON DAWN OF THE ZOMBIE WAR: Jess reveals a piece of her past, driving the group deeper into California; Jason starts to question his mother's motives.
WOOHPIt's been a week or two since the world ended. Or at least it looks like it did, because all stations stopped broadcasting, and most of the servants asked to go to their families. The ones that are left either have no family, or their families came here. Mom has been busy messing with Rich's satellite phones and talking to... somebody. Yesterday I decided to peek into her conversations, and I managed to catch: "When was the last time you heard from him?" "...Don't tell me that..." I don't know what she's talking about, but I feel like I'll learn soon enough. Sure enough, I did one day. Mom was worried and stressed as I caught her packing bags. "Mom? What's going on?" I asked her. "We can't stay here. We're all headed to Beverly Hills, m... someone who can help us is there, and we're running out of time." "Mom, we can't just leave. This is probably the safest place we could be right now." I told her. "I know, but my friend doesn't have much time. We need to go, all of us." Mom said. Rich heard us from the kitchen and accepted that we needed to go. The servants offered to stay and defend the mansion for us. "We'll be ready for when of if you return." One of the servants said. "Thank you." Rich said as he reached for his keys. We had to drive through LA to reach Beverly. The whole city was lit on fire, and zombies were everywhere. Some of them were burning, and the rest were dead. "So I'm guessing it doesn't have to be a headshot." Rich said. "No, I don't think so." Mom agreed. We reached the interstate when it was blocked by burning cars. "Damn!" Mom said, banging the wheel. "What now?" I asked. "...We gotta leave the car, take the roads." Mom said. Filthy didn't argue as he grabbed the bags and we all left the car behind. "Don't worry, we won't need to go much further." Mom said. "How's that?" I asked her. Suddenly, a hole formed in the ground and we all got sucked in. We all slid down deeper into the earth at fast speeds. I managed to see other slides everywhere, with people sliding down them with armor and backpacks. "They must be scavengers!" Mom shouted. "Where're we going?!" I asked. "To my father!" "You're what?!" I shouted. Before I could ask, we made it. Several men were waiting for us and aimed guns at us. "Freeze-- oh, shit... Jess!" "Where is he?" Mom asked. "He's in his room, he doesn't have much longer." One of the men said. "These the grandchildren?" Another asked, looking at me. "Yes." Mom said. Wait? Rin, Len, and me aren't related. "This is the father?" "N... no. He's a friend." Mom said. "Of course." Someone entered the room and took us to my grandfather. I never really met him, I never even asked about him. "We're here." The escort said. We entered and Mom went up to the bed. We both saw a frail, old man on his deathbed. "Dad?" "...Jessica." "Dad, I'm so sorry... I couldn't stay, I had to--" "Don't start thinking about the past. Think about now. This is... Jason, correct?" ...Grandpa asked. "Yes. Jason, this is Jerry, your grandfather." "Jerry Lewis, Jessica. I think it's time we bring back the family name." "I had to change it, at least for a while. There was no other way to protect us." Mom explained. Another bombshell on my family's backstory. Jessica Lewis? Jason Lewis? It just doesn't sound the same. "It wasn't my idea to change the last name to your great -grandmother's. If I recall correctly, you came to me, begging for the last name to be changed." "Can I... can I ask something?" I asked suddenly. "Sure." Grandpa coughed. "Why are we just learning about this now? Why didn't you call us when word broke out about all this?" "I couldn't risk the authorities finding your mother." "Cops?" I asked. "No. More... alien authorities." Grandpa answered. "The Plumbers have jurisdictions in place, they can't touch me." Mom said. "But Red Fountain? Your pardon agreement clearly stated 'no alien contact of any kind'. Yet last month you had direct contact with Red Fountain." "Damn it, I didn't come here to bicker about the past!" Mom shouted. The room when silent for a moment as Mom took a few breaths. "I'm sorry, it's just... It's been 17 years since we saw each other. I don't want it to end like this..." Mom said, her voice slightly cracking. "Jessica... I always knew that you cared. It didn't matter what happened with V... with work. All that mattered to me was that you were happy. I know that Jason and his world did that for you." "That's gone now. I'm back on the field, and now I don't know what to do." "Just be yourself. You know how to fight, you're just rusty." Grandpa chuckled. "What happens now?" I asked. "We can't stay here. This place wasn't made to be a sanctuary. We're heading out to sea, I know a few places." Mom said. "First, I want you to take a few people with you. Trust me, you'll need them." He hit a button on his bed and 3 people entered the room. "What is it, Jerry?" The red-head asked. "Girls, this is my daughter, Jessica. And this is my grandson, Jason." I heard the blonde whisper to the brunette, but I didn't bother to ask. "Who's this?" Mom asked. "These are few of our top agents. They served with us since they were 14." "A little young, don't you think?" Mom asked. "They can't stay here. They need to be out in the field with you." Why did he ignore that question? "Okay, and what're their names?" Mom asked. "You can always ask us." The blonde said. "This is Alex, Samantha, and Clover. I feel like you'll all get along just fine." She winked at me. "Sorry, I'm taken." I said. "We should get going. We don't have much time." Mom said. "There are some supplies you can take in the pantry. Just say you're my daughter." Grandpa said. We all left. Just like that, I met my grandfather for 4 minutes and now we're leaving him for dead.
