The Zombie Chronicles: Road to Sanctuary

Kyle didn’t have long to search through the massive general store. He decided to just grab what he needed for the week—spare clothes from a donation area, a watch, a toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, paper towels, and the other essentials. Once he was satisfied with his selection, he made his way to the register, handed the coupon to the groggy cashier. Pulling out a hole-puncher, he punched a hole in one of the categories, labelled “Living Essentials” one time, leaving two more behind in that category and seven more with three sub-sections in “Food”, separated as 3 meals a day for the first week.

As he walked down the street, he heard the several speakers set up on the sides of buildings ring out.

“This is the 5-minute warning until curfew is in effect. Repeat, 5 minutes until curfew is in effect.”

Kyle rolled his eyes. He could tell that was going to get annoying over time...

He entered the apartment building, tapping the button to bring the elevator down to the ground floor. As he stepped inside, he heard the apartment door open and someone rush their way into the door.

“Hold the door, please!” He heard a voice cry out.

Acting quickly, Kyle placed a hand by the closing doors, making them reset.

“Thank you...” She waved a hand as the doors shut.

Kyle pressed 4, and the girl with him pressed 6. Kyle noticed her resemblance to Brick—the same red wardrobe and red hair, except hers ran down past her shoulders and a red bow was tied to the side.

“So, did you just get accepted in?” She asked him.

Kyle glanced to her and nodded.

“Yeah-- literally an hour ago.”

Her eyes widened.

“Really? Well, welcome to Townsville.”

He smiled.

“Thank you.”

The rest of the short ride was silent until the doors opened at the 4th floor. Kyle made his way out of the small space and walked down the hall, searching for his specific door. He quickly set his bags down and reached into his pocket, pulling out the set of keys. With a press and a turn, the door unlocked, and Kyle saw his new living situation.

The inside was a studio apartment of a moderate size. The only separate room was for a moderately sized bathroom. Both rooms were completely empty save for a stove, cabinets, and a medium-sized bed in the corner. Turning around and grabbing his bags, Kyle set them on the floor by the bathroom.

One-by-one, Kyle set everything in its appropriate place. It didn’t take too long, mostly thanks to the fact that there wasn’t anywhere to put most of it. He made a mental note to make a to-buy list whenever he had the time. But for right now, Kyle was satisfied.

For the first time in about two months, Kyle turned on the hot water. Almost recoiling at the temperature, Kyle slowly undressed himself and went inside. Kyle did a good job at keeping himself clean without running water, but with the stress of the last few days, the water running off his body turned black with grime and hints of blood. Kyle took note of this and took his time, thankful to have soap thanks to the coupon.

After he was satisfied with his work, he shut off the tap and stepped out of the shower. Wrapping himself in a towel, he dried himself off as best he could and made his way to the closed window by his bed. Slowly, he pulled the curtain open, witnessing his view of the city.

Night shrouded the dimly lit streets and Kyle noticed some rooms with lights still on nearby. Soldiers marched down the empty streets, and one-by-one, lights were shut off, and curtains were closed. Seeing his que, Kyle did the same, going back towards the bathroom and putting on new clothes. Seeing little motivation for staying awake any longer, Kyle hopped on the firm mattress and let sleep begin to envelop him...

As Kyle slept, his mind wandered back to the halls of Crystal Prep. In a filled classroom, a younger Kyle nervously sat in the small desk. In the teacher’s desk was an indistinguishable figure making its way across the classroom, handing papers out with a blotted, inky tendril.

Kyle never made eye contact with this figure, but he could feel it make its way closer to him...

Once it stood over him, it leaned in close, almost too close, its hot breath landing on his ear...

As Kyle tensed up in fear, the sheet slid across his table, with the number 39% visible on the paper. Kyle’s eyes sunk with disappointment and shame as the figure leaned even closer...

“Looks like you will need some help, Mr. Williams... stay after class for me?” A slow, feminine voice whispered in his ear.

Nervously nodding, the figure slid away from him and moved on to the next student...

In a flash, the classroom was empty, and it was only him and this figure who slowly was beginning to solidify into a person. With every step she took towards him, more and more became solidified and noticeable. First, it was her blouse that concealed her form, but left nothing to the imagination... then it was her fair, dark-grey skin. Then, her green hair flowing down past her shoulders.

“Kyle, I think you know Crystal Prep’s policy on failing grades... I don’t want to see you fail, and I’m sure your mother wouldn’t like that, either. She has a lot on her plate, already, isn’t that right?”

Kyle felt his heart sink even during a dream as he nodded.

“W-what can I do?” He asked.

A large, sharp-toothed smile formed on the woman’s face as she leaned inwards towards Kyle...

“We can discuss... extra credit.”

Kyle looked at her in terror as she leaned closer... closer... and closer. In an instant, rows of sharp teeth became visible to Kyle as she lunged towards his shoulder...

Knock, knock, knock!

Kyle gasped awake as he rose up from his bed. His hand clutched his right shoulder as he panted for breath.

“Williams!” He heard a voice call out from out his door.

After taking a moment to compose himself, he rose up and made his way to his door. Pulling it open, Kyle saw yet another soldier by his door with a sealed envelope in her hand.

“Your working papers just came in. Curfew ends in 10 minutes, and you are expected to be at your new job by 8 AM.”

Nodding, Kyle took the envelope and the soldier went on her way. Closing his door, he tore the envelope open, seeing a folded set of documents and a slip of paper with two words written on it in marker.

Mayor’s Assistant.

Kyle’s eyes widened as he looked through the other papers which listed his responsibilities—helping the mayor with their day, sending documents to several locations in the office, coffee runs, etc.

“Okay... so I’m a paid intern.” He shrugged.

As he kept searching, he spotted his starting rate:

$25 an hour.

If Kyle had a drink, he would spit it in that instant.

“...A well-paid intern.”

With that, Kyle quickly started getting ready. He silently cursed to himself for not grabbing anything too presentable. Knowing he had at least two hours, he decided to make the best of them. Hearing the growl in his stomach, he already knew his destinations. He quickly stepped into his bathroom, brushing his teeth and putting on a considerable amount of deodorant.

Making his way back to the ground level, he stepped outside and speed-walked down the street when he had the realization that he had no idea where Town Hall even was. To his luck, he saw a small shop selling town maps nearby.

He opened the door and pulled out his coupon, grabbing a small folded up map by the register.

The man at the counter looked down upon the coupon and sighed. He ran his hand through his blonde hair. Wiping dust off of his blue-and-black striped shirt, he leaned in toward the table.

“I’m sorry sir, but I’m afraid that town maps are not included in your welcome coupon.”

Kyle froze and sighed.

“Okay, that’s fine-- can you just point to where Town Hall is?”

Looking out the window, he pointed out towards the nearby street.

“Just past that building, make a left, you can’t miss it.”

Nodding, Kyle put the map back into the slot.

“Great... thanks!”

“Anytime.” He sighed, going back through his magazine.

Making his way out the small store, he looked around and spotted a still-functioning fast-food restaurant...

“Huh.” He said to himself as he made his way inside.

He saw that the inside was mostly empty, save for one or two customers. Making his way up to the counter, he looked over his options. The cashier stepped up and greeted him with a somewhat corporate smile on her face.

“Hi, I’ll have the... number one with a side of fries—wait, fries don’t require another punch, do they?” Kyle presented his card to the cashier.

The cashier looked down at the paper and sighed.

“I’m sorry sir, but I’m afraid your welcome coupon isn’t eligible for purchases, here...”

Kyle’s eyes widened for a moment, but settled almost immediately.

“Okay-- so where’s this ticket good for?”

Sighing, the cashier looked out the window and pointed towards a line sprawling across the street.

Sighing, Kyle nodded and took his ticket. Making his way over, Kyle took his place in line, checking his watch to see that it was currently 6:20. Kyle peeked toward the line, optimistic that he could wait it out—he had almost two hours...

7:30.

Still in line.

He was much closer to the front, but he still had a way to go. He knew he didn’t have time to go grab new clothes, so he did his best to make his white t-shirt and jeans look presentable. After reviewing his papers, he didn’t see anything regarding a dress code.

The growl in his stomach only grew louder as he looked to see the line slowly moving again. Growing impatient, he gently tapped the person in front of him.

“Are the lines always this long?”

The person in front of him turned and shrugged.

“It’s not always this bad... it’s just when a bunch of newcomers show up... guess you’re one of them, huh?”

Kyle hesitated before nodding.

“Well... welcome to Morbucksville.” He said sarcastically.

Nodding, Kyle noticed he and the man in front of him were next.

After finally getting his food—a tray consisting of school-grade waffles that were as hard as a rock and a turkey sausage patty—he made his way toward Town Hall, putting the two together and crunching on them like a sandwich.

Of course, this breakfast was nothing compared to the one he shared with Princess yesterday, but in his eyes, anything was better than nothing.

Finally making his way right out Town Hall, he adjusted his button-down and opened the door.

The inside of the Town Hall was a bold contrast to the outside—bare offices surrounded him as he made his way up to the one person still at work—an older woman with red hair obstructing her face.

“Uh... excuse me?”

Stopping her typing, the lady looked up towards him.

“I just got my working papers? I’m a Mayor’s Assistant...” He said, showing her his papers.

Gesturing him to hand them over, she looked over the papers. Sighing, she leaned towards the intercom on her desk.

“Ms. Mayor Morbucks to see a... Kyle Williams.”

Kyle’s eyes widened as an affirmative beep opened the automated doors to the lady’s side.

“Thanks, Ms...?”

“Bellum.”

“Right. Thanks, Ms. Bellum.”

With that, Kyle made his way into the opened hallway. Once he reached the end of the hallway, the two large doors, revealing Princess.

“Why, hello again!” She greeted him, smiling as she gestured him to enter her office.

“Uh... hi.” He said, entering and closing the door behind him.

The moment he entered the room, he looked around, noticing a lack of a camera... taking a seat, Princess sat in the mayor’s chair.

“So, how’re you enjoying Morbucksville, so far?”

Kyle chuckled.

“It’s... a nice change of pace.”

Princess perked a brow.

“Really? How so?”

Kyle paused for a moment, shrugging.

“Well, it’s nice seeing so many people, again.”

Princess smiled.

“I guess that would be the case. So, for your duties, I’m sure you saw enough in the paper."

Kyle nodded.

“Coffee runs, document shipping, and helping you with--”

“And helping me with my day,” She smiled, “Great, you read the paperwork! You wouldn’t believe it, but not everyone cares to...”

Kyle smiled, rubbing the back of his head.

“Okay, so where should I start?” He asked.

Princess thought for a moment.

“Now that you put coffee runs in the back of my head, how about some for the two of us? You do drink coffee, right?” She asked him as she reached into her desk.

“Never really tried it.” He smiled.

“Oh, honey, I’m about to blow your mind... get whatever you want, and tell them I want my usual, they’re right down the street.” She reached up, handing Kyle a pair of $20 bills.

He pocketed the cash and nodded.

“Yes, ma’am.”

As he made his way out the door, he could hear Princess giggling in delight to herself inside.

Having entered the coffee shop, Kyle made his way to the counter.

“Welcome to Donut Thing, how can I help you?” A girl with a green apron, black shirt and jeans, and bright green eyes asked him.

“Hi, I’ll have Princess’s usual, and I’ll have a, um...” He paused, having no idea what to have.

The girl crossed her arms, sensing his uncertainty.

“Let me guess: first coffee?”

“Yeah.” He sheepishly smiled.

“No shame in it, we’ve all had our first. Here, I’ll hook you up.” She said, entering a random combination of words into the receipt.

Handing the cash, the girl at the counter handed him his change, and he took a seat. As he waited, the girl made her way out and stood by Kyle.

“So, you’re one of the newbies?”

He glanced to her and sighed.

“Was it that obvious?”

She smiled.

“Not really, but considering Princess’ habit in hiring help, I kinda assumed.”

They both shared a brief laugh.

“I’m Kyle.”

“Buttercup. I should get back to work, but you take care.”

“Thanks, you too.”

With that, the two went their separate ways. Kyle stared out the window as he waited for the two cups to be brought to him. While looking, he saw citizens going about their day, soldiers patrolling the streets, and at the center of it all: not a single zombie...

It was perfect.

“Kyle Williams?” A voice at the counter called.

Hearing his name, he stood up and made his way back to Buttercup, who held out two separate cups.

“I hope you like iced...” She handed him the two cold cups.

“I’m willing to try it. Thanks.” He said back, taking the two cups and stepping towards the door.

“Good luck... you’re gonna need it.” She said just as Kyle closed the door.

As Kyle made his way back towards Town Hall, he stopped and noticed soldiers kicking open an apartment door.

“Come out! Hands up!” One of the soldiers barked.

As Kyle watched five teens were pulled out from the abandoned building, hands above their heads. They were pushed or knocked down to their knees, with zipties put on their arms.

One of the soldiers looked up at Kyle and approached him.

“Move along.” He ordered.

Nervously nodding, Kyle continued on his way.

“Two coffees, including your usual.” Kyle said, handing the cup labeled as ‘Princess’ over to her.

Smiling, Princess took a sip.

“Good as always... Thank you, Kyle.” She smiled.

Kyle smiled to himself and took a sip of his, cringing at the taste. Princess giggled at his reaction.

“It’s an acquired taste. As for your day’s work... there’s a hearty sum of documents that need to be shared—it would be a big help if you were to help me...” She said, giving Kyle a pair of puppy eyes.

Only a little flustered, Kyle chuckled.

“Well, it is my job...”

Princess cheerfully clapped her hands together.

“Great! I’ll have Ms. Bellum hand you the documents with the addresses... once you’re done, come back to me, and I’ll let you go for the day...”

Princess reached into her pocket.

“...And here—no assistant of mine will be forced to sit in line for that sludge they call food... get yourself something nice to eat.”

Kyle’s hand was suddenly holding a crisp $100 bill. He immediately pocketed it and playfully saluted to her as he made his way back out the door.

The smile growing on his face quickly dissipated once he saw the abnormally high stack of manilla folders to Ms. Bellum’s side. The desk settled right above Ms. Bellum’s waist, with the stack of folders reaching the top of her curly hair.

“Each folder’s recipient is written on the front. As for the route, here is the one Ms. Morbucks recommends.” She handed Kyle a pocket-sized map of Townsville, renamed on the map as “Morbucksville”.

Kyle studied the route, seeing that the first destination is marked at the opposite side of the city.

“Okay... understood.” He said, beginning to grab the stack.

Bellum stopped him and pulled out a set of satchels and a badge.

“That badge will cover you once curfew ends—as long as you wear that badge, soldiers should let you go about your business after 6.”

Once he had each folder secured, Kyle made his way out the doors, looking at the map.

“She can’t seriously expect me to start all the way over there, right...?” He asked himself.

He pocketed the map and started going towards the first route marker.

However, he stopped, noticing that each marker was marked with the names on the folders.

“I don’t think she’d mind if I took another route...” He shrugged, making a right and heading down the sidewalk.

As he walked, he dug through the separate stacks to find the folder belonging to the homeowner—Utonium...

After a few minutes’ walk, Kyle found himself staring at a modern-style home with three large circular windows.

“Huh... that’s a choice.” Kyle shrugged as he made his way to the doorbell.

Answering the door was the girl Kyle held the elevator for the other night.

“Oh, hey!” She said to him.

“Hey! I... didn’t know you lived here.”

The girl took a second to shake her head.

“Oh, I don’t-- my dad does, I’m here checking in on him.”

“Speaking of which, I’m here to drop this off for a... Utonium?” He held out the manilla folder.

Her face dropped a tad as she took the folder.

“So, right to Morbucks, huh?” She asked him.

“Yep... could be worse.” He shrugged.

She stayed silent at that.

“That's a bit of an overstatement... But thanks, I’ll see you around.” She waved to him.

Waving back, Kyle started to walk down the sidewalk, but paused. He quickly made his way back over and knocked again.

She opened it, and Kyle sighed.

“What do you mean by that?”

The girl sighed and shook her head.

“Princess was always trouble, but now? In this? She’s only going to get worse if she’s left unchecked. Just... try to stay on her good side.”

Nodding, Kyle stepped back from the door.

“Thanks, Ms... Utonium?”

The girl chuckled.

“Blossom.”

“Got it. Thanks, Blossom.”

With that, the two went their separate ways. As he made his way down towards the sidewalk, he saw a familiar face making his way down towards the home... and it wasn’t because he just spoke to his twin.

“Williams.” He greeted him.

“Brick.” Kyle responded.

Brick glanced at Kyle’s satchels.

“So, you’re on assistant duty... tough.”

Kyle froze for a moment, surprised at the change of tone.

“It’s... not too bad, so far.”

Brick chuckled.

“If that’s what you think, you haven’t been doing it long enough.”

Kyle stayed silent. Brick let out a sigh as he changed his stance to a more casual one.

“Look, I hope there’s no hard feelings about the whole interrogation thing. It was nothing personal—just business...”

Kyle nodded, adjusting his feet.

“It’s all good. It got us here, right?”

Brick laughed.

“You still think that’s a good thing?”

With that, Brick made his way towards the Utonium house, and Kyle decided to continue on his way...

The sun had begun to set and curfew had been long declared by the time Kyle delivered the last folder. Satisfied with his job well-done, he made his way back towards Town Hall.

As he walked down the same sidewalk he walked earlier, he passed the trash can where he tossed the fast-food bag he grabbed during his errands.

A yawn left Kyle’s mouth as he finally reached Town Hall. He saw that Ms. Bellum was out for the night, but that Princess’ lights were still on. Knocking on her door, he waited for a response.

The door was gently opened, and Princess saw Kyle on the other side.

“Ah, you’re back... everything go okay?” She asked him, her voice dry and somewhat irritated.

Confused at her shift from earlier, he nodded.

“Yeah... you alright?”

She playfully waved her hand.

“Oh, I’m fine... go on home, Kyle.”

Nodding, he began walking away.

“Oh! Just one last thing?”

Kyle turned to her, and before he could ask what she needed, the door was broken off its hinges, and Princess had a firm hand on Kyle’s shirt, all not even in a second.

“When I suggest something... it’s not a suggestion. Do you understand?” She growled, her eyes beginning to glow a bright red...

Briefly panicked from the scare, Kyle nodded.

“Understood. It won’t happen again.”

With that, Princess dropped the boy who began speed walking out of the building.

Back in her office, Princess let out a frustrated sigh, opening her desk and pulling out an unopened manila folder with the name “Morbucks” written on it.

Opening the folder, Princess held a small vial in her hand, with the letter X written in white to contrast the black liquid inside.

Opening the vial, Princess took a gulp of the vial’s contents, sighing in satisfaction as she felt power flow throughout her body...