Rotting World Read online

  Chapter 10:

  The next morning everyone got ready to leave, Greg had made a make shift pouch for Mr. Frisker and tried to find him to try it out, Mr. Frisker had decided to play hind and seek. Kevin moved the desk from the door scaring Mr. Frisker from his hiding spot. The kitten jumped into Britney’s arms and hissed, Kevin laughed as he opened the door. Outside walking past the clinic was a horde of rotter’s, Kevin shut the door quickly and moved the desk back, “we have a problem you guys.” The sudden shut of the door caught the attention of a few rotter’s, they walked toward the clinic and started pushing and slamming at the door. Again Mr. Frisker hissed, taking off toward the back room, Greg grabbed the sprinting kitten and put him into the pouch. “How are we getting out of here now?” Trent grabbed a gun, “we fight our way out.” George picked up his rifle, “I’m with the kid we fight or we just sit on our asses and die. Kevin nodded, “alright everyone get your weapons ready.” The rotters started smashing in pieces of the door, the hinges started to give way. Suddenly the door burst into splinters, the rotter horde pushed their way past each other to get to the group. Gun fire started, rotters were dropping like flies. More and more poured in through the door, Kevin told everyone to move back. They all ran to the back office and barricaded the door. Veronica held Sunshine tightly, “now what are we going to do?” Trent headed over to the window, “let’s sneak out the back. We can get out through the window here and run around to the vehicles, the rotter’s will be so busy trying to get at us in here they won’t notice we are already outside.” Kevin and George agreed, “Alright you and Derrick go first, then the rest, George and I will follow behind you to make sure everyone gets out safely.” Derrick and Trent hopped out the window and began helping everyone else get out to the ground, Kevin handed Veronica Sunshine and started to help George get into the sill when a rotter broke through and headed straight for Kevin. Kevin yelled at the others to get to the vehicles as he fought back the rotter. Britney aimed her pistol at the rotter but she couldn’t get a good shot, Kevin grabbed a pen off the desk and stabbed the rotter in the eye, blood squirted into his face and the rotter fell. More started pouring into the room as Kevin tried to hop out of the window. He was half way out when a rotter grabbed his legs and started pulling him back inside. Kevin kicked with his free foot knocking the rotter back. Kevin slipped through the window, rotters were reaching trough toward the group. They ran around the building toward the vehicles, a few stragglers were still surrounding the outside of the motor home. Jennifer grabbed her sword from its sheath and told them she had this, she began slicing away at them. Heads, blood and guts were flying all around. The group jumped into the vehicles and headed out, Greg let Mr. Frisker out of his pouch in the motor home. The little kitten ran to the back and laid on the bed next to Sunshine, Greg found a short wave radio in the closet of the room, while they drove on Greg and George worked on the radio to see if they could get any word from the survivors from California, they should have made it to Montana by now. The radio was all static, they needed to find something to boost the signal but where were they going to find a satellite or antenna in the middle of nowhere. Kevin looked at his leg while Britney drove the truck, inside a cut he found a nail from one of the rotter’s. The wound wasn’t very large but it was already deteriorating, Kevin figured he had about two days before the infection spread throughout his body. Britney glanced over to see what Kevin was looking at, he quickly covered the wound and looked at Britney. “Everything’s going to be fine sis, I just cut my leg on the window sill trying to escape.” Britney nodded and kept driving, she had no idea that her brother was dying. The two vehicles drove on through the night until the next day, George noticed a couple large antenna up on top of a mountain with a small road leading toward them. George turned on his indicator to let Britney know he was heading toward the mountain. The two vehicles traveled up the mountain, once they reached the antennas everyone hopped out. Kevin waited in the truck for a minute to make sure no one saw his wound, he watched them walk toward the small building and enter it before he checked his leg. The infection spread up his shin, causing his skin to turn a grey color. He wrapped the wound and crawled out of the truck, when he joined the group Britney looked at him funny. “Are you sure you’re alright?” Kevin nodded, I’ll b fine sis just needed to sit down for a bit. George called Kevin over, hold this flashlight for me while Bruce and I mess with these wires. Kevin grabbed the light from George and held it as steady as he could, the pain from his wound worsened as he stood there. Soon he couldn’t take it anymore, Kevin handed the flashlight to Yuri and walked back outside. Kevin sat on a log and stared into the forest, Jennifer walked out and joined him. “Something happened at the clinic didn’t it?” Kevin nodded, he pulled up his pant leg and showed her the wrapped wound. “I cleaned it as best I could but the infection is spreading pretty fast, I don’t have the heart to tell Britney.” Jennifer nodded, “how long do you think you have?” Kevin shook his head, with as fast as its spreading I’m afraid I’ll become a rotter in a few days. “Jennifer if it comes down to it I want you to be the one that puts me out of my misery, don’t le Britney go through the heart ache.” Jennifer put her hand on his shoulder, “I’ll make sure of it, okay?” They sat together and watched the sun set. Down the mountain Kevin saw a vehicle driving up their way, it was driving pretty fast. Jennifer hopped up and ran to the building to let the others know, Kevin noticed on the front of the vehicle was a human skull. On the side of the truck written in red paint was the words: human hunter. Men were hanging out of the back yelling and holding up guns and other weapons. Kevin stood up and headed toward the rest, “these guys aren’t here to help us, I think they are here to harm us all.”

  Chapter 11:

  George, Greg, Jennifer and the rest got their weapons ready for a fight, the truck was approaching fast. Kevin took Veronica into the building, “you stay in here with sunshine, Ahmed and Mr. Frisker and don’t come out or move until one of us comes to get you”. Veronica nodded as Kevin handed her a pistol and left the building closing the door behind him. Greg and George and the rest took positions, Kevin stood by the truck. The truck full of people was half way up the mountain, George saw some rotter’s coming up behind them. “Kevin we have two problems right now, a small horde is walking this way from behind”. Kevin sent Yuri and Jennifer to deal with them.” Britney you go stay with Veronica, the rest of us will fight off these two issues”. Britney protested, “I need to be out here to help you”. Kevin shook his head, “Veronica can’t protect herself and the kids, she’s going to need help if those guys coming up the mountain end up getting through us. Britney nodded and ran inside the building, Veronica was huddled with the children in a corner. Britney I’m scared, Britney walked over and put her hand on Veronica’s shoulder, Kevin will make sure we are safe and if something happens to them I’m here to protect you. Veronica smiled, thanks for being such a good friend Britney. Outside they could hear yelling, Greg was telling Kevin the truck was almost upon them. Kevin hollered for Bruce, you go work on the antenna maybe you can get a broadcast out there to call for help, there has to be someone close by. Bruce ran to the antenna and hooked the radio up. He called for help but nothing was coming through, Kevin yelled, keep trying on all waves. George came back covered in blood, the rotter’s are taken care of, now we can help you deal with these guys. The truck was even closer now, only another minute before they pulled up. Everyone readied their weapons as the truck pulled up and slammed on its breaks. Britney listened in as she heard one of the guys talking to Kevin, we don’t rally want to hurt you fine folks but if you don’t give us what we want then we are going to have to. She heard Kevin say something but she couldn’t hear, she peeped through a small window at the two men talking. Kevin held his ground, what do you want? We are just a few people trying to survive in this new world. My name is Henry, these are my people, we want your guns, your vehicles and any food you might be carrying. Kevin shook his head, you would leave us here w
ith nothing? Henry laughed, you have each other. I’m sure between those I see out here you’ll be able to survive, or at least a few of you will. George walked up toward the two men, can’t we all work together to survive? There isn’t my people left in the world, why fight amongst each other? Henry laughed, it’s a dog eat dog world out here, people like you are measly puppies where people like us are the pit bulls, tearing apart little wimps like you. George started to charge but Kevin grabbed him, it isn’t worth it to try and kick this guy’s ass right now, I’ll kept trying maybe I can come up with a compromise. George straightened his shirt and brought Kevin closer, guys like this are never going to compromise Kevin. Henry started to smirk toward George making George a bit more angry. Kevin pushed George back, I will handle this you just make sure no matter what happens you keep everyone else safe. Kevin walked over toward Henry, we can share a bit of what we have but it’s not much but only if you make me a promise, after we give you some of our stuff you leave and never return. Henry shook hiss head, you know I like you son, I’ll tell you my terms. You give me everything I want and I promise I won’t kill you, your friend on the other hand I think I will kill him just to make a point. Kevin put his hand up, no one needs to get killed here. If you want all of our things then let’s duel for them, if I die you leave my friends alone and take half but if you die then your friends just leave. Henry thought about it for a minute, he leaned over to his friend. After I kill this boy don’t hold back, everyone here dies. Kevin handed his gun to George, either way this goes I know this guy or his friends are going to try and kill everyone, soon as the match is over you start shooting, got it? George hugged Kevin, try not to get killed okay brother? Kevin smiled and walked toward Henry, Henry had put his gun down and grabbed a machete from the front seat, alright kid I hate to see you die but this is on you. The two men stared each other down, machetes at the ready. Henry swung first, Kevin ducked and swung missing Henry’s leg by inches. The two men swung their machetes like two swordsmen in a fencing match. Kevin swung again slicing into Henry’s arm. Blood seeped through his shirt, Henry grabbed his arm and looked down at the blood in his hand, nice shot kid now I’m angry. The two men continued to fence, Henry swiped his machete hitting Kevin in the chest. Jennifer gasped when she saw the blood spill from Kevin. Kevin smiled, nice shot old man, now it’s my turn. Kevin swung missing by inches, again Henry swung cutting into Kevin’s abdomen. Kevin fell to the ground bleeding out, he smiled as Henry walked over to throw the final slice, any last words before I kill you? Kevin nodded, hope you like being rotter food. Henry sliced Kevin throat, Kevin laid there choking for his last breath. Jennifer grabbed Britney as she rushed out of the building to go to Kevin, no this is what Kevin wanted he wasn’t go to be alive much longer any way. Britney glared at Jennifer as Henry started to put his machete back. Henry walked back over to Kevin’s body and kicked it, he looked at the small group. Looks like I have to kill the rest of you and take what’s mine now, Henry started to walk toward George with his gun drawn when Kevin’s hand grabbed onto Henry’s leg, the now rotter Kevin bit into Henry’s leg. Henry screamed in pain as the rotter ripped his calf off the back of his leg. Henry turned and went after his people while Kevin got up and joined in. The men in the truck started shooting toward the two rotter’s, while they were busy George and the others started shooting at the men. George took out Henry while he was munching on one of his men, he started to aim for Kevin but Jennifer stopped him. Kevin made me promise when the time came I was to take him out, she aimed her gun at Kevin’s head. I’m sorry Britney, Jennifer shot hitting Kevin in the back of the head. Kevin dropped to the ground, the gun fire continued until all the rotter’s were killed, the two men that were left from Henrys group held up their hands in surrender. Britney ran over to her brothers now still body, she held him crying. Jennifer walked over and tried to console her but Britney pulled away, leave me alone just leave me alone. Britney sat there crying, Kevin why? Why the hell did you have to die? You stupid son of a bitch, you were supposed to protect me. George put his hand on Jennifer’s shoulder, go help the others I’ll deal with Britney. Jennifer walked back to the others, we need to get that radio working and get out of here, that gun play probably got the attention of every rotter from here to the next city. George sat next to Britney, Brit Kevin knew he was dying, he did what he had to for your protection. Britney looked up at George, how did you know Kevin was turning? He told me he just had a small scratch from the window sill. George took a deep breath, none of us knew. I overheard him and Jennifer talking before these guys showed up, he made her promise not to tell anyone. Britney I may not be blood but I’ve always thought of you as my family, if you’ll allow it I’d like to protect you for Kevin. Britney looked at George and gave him a hug, I’d li that a lot and I’m sur it’s they Kevin would have wanted it. George stood up and offered Britney his hand, let’s go see if Bruce has a signal yet. Britney put Kevin’s body back on the ground and took George’s hand, what do we do with the bodies? George called Yuri over, make those two guys dig a grave, we are going to give Kevin a proper burial before we leave. Yuri nodded and told the two guys to start digging, Britney hugged George, thank you for this Kevin doesn’t deserve to be animal food. The two guys started digging while Yuri watched over them holding his rifle, after they finished the guys buried Kevin for Britney. George gathered everyone around, it’s not much of a funeral but Kevin and I grew up together, he was always like a brother to me. He sacrificed so much to make sure we would all be safe, even by becoming a monster like he did. I won’t remember him the way he died , I’ll remember him for how he lived. Britney broke down in tears, Jennifer and Veronica put their hands on her shoulders. Greg walked up to them and looked Britney in the eye, we are your family now, no matter what we are here by your side, everyone nodded. Bruce walked over to George, what do we do with those two guys over there. George shook his head, I’m not sure. Britney walked over rubbing the tears from her eyes, I say give them a chance. If they want to survive with us they can but if they would rather try to make it on their own give them a few weapons and some food and let them go, Kevin would have wanted it that way. Britney walked over to the two guys.“I willgive you a choice, you can either stick with us and surviveor try to make it on your own to survive or you can join your friends over there and be food for rotter animals.” The two guys looked at each other and nodded, “my name is Brad and this is Dwayne we can’t bring much to the group but if your willing to have us come with you we will do all we can to help out”. Britney had Dwayne help Bruce with the antennas while Brad helped load up supplies with Greg. George walked over and put his arm around Britney. “I’m sure Kevin is looking down proudly at you for taking charge on how to deal with those two boys, your right he would have given them the same choices you did.” Britney smiled and headed for the trucks to check out the new vehicle they just got their hands on. Bruce came running from behind the building yelling and waving, Dwayne close behind him. Grab your guns we have a problem, Britney and George stopped what they were doing and ran to meet up with them. What’s wrong Bruce? He stopped to catch his breath, mountain lion, there’s a huge mountain lion headed our way, he must have smelt the blood from all the bodies and started heading out way. Dwayne and I were working on the antenna trying to get a signal when I heard it growl, when I looked over there it was stalking us. Britney grabbed her rifle, tell everyone to get inside. If it wants the bodies it’ll take them off to its den, let’s not give it fresh meat to lay it’s paws on. Everyone rushed into the building and waited, Greg grabbed up Mr. Frisker and put him back in his pouch to stop him from escaping. George and Britney watched out the window for signs of the lion, they heard it roar while it made its way on the roof. From the sounds of its steps the cat must have been at least ninety pounds. Suddenly it jumped down, Britney couldn’t se the cat clearly from behind. It’s mangled paws curled underneath it’s body as it walked toward the dead bodies. It turned around sniffing the air, Britney could finall
y see the monsters full glory. The Lions fur was mangled, pieces of skin were torn off revealing bone and muscle on its hind legs, it’s ear was dangling from its skull hanging on by a thin layer of bloody skin. The eyes were sunken in its head, one deflated inside the skull. It’s stomach had been split open, guts dangling to the ground. She could see its still heart through broken ribs that had no skin covering them. The cats teeth were stained blood red when it roared. It sniffed the bodies laying on the ground, Britney figured it would take one and run off with it. Ahmed backed up and knocked a screwdriver off a cabinet onto the floor, the cat heard the noise and looked toward the building. It bared it’s fangs and walked toward the door. Britney, George and Yuri readied their weapons, if the cat broke through the door they were ready. The lion sniffed at the bottom of the door, Mr. Frisker started hissing and digging around in the pouch. Greg tried to calm him down but the kitten scratched at him. The lion moved from the door toward the window, it stood up on its hind legs and peered through the window. George carefully cocked his rifle and aimed, the lion dropped back to the ground and walked away. Everyone started feeling a bit less on edge, Veronica looked at Britney, do you think it’s gone? Britney started to shrug when out of nowhere the lion jumped through the window. It’s huge paws swiped at Britney, Dwayne pushed her out of the way getting sliced in the abdomen. His stomach and intestines pushed through the opening and fell to the floor. Britney crawled backwards toward her friends. Dwayne turned and started crawling toward Britney’s legs, she kicked his head and kept backing up as quick as she could. The lion was heading toward Veronica, she held Sunshine tightly as she backed herself into a corner. Greg shot hitting the large cat behind the ear, it’s large body dropped and slid between Veronica’s legs. She quickly jumped to the side so not to get hurt, Britney was still trying to crawl away from the rotter, it grabbed her foot and went to bite. A shot rang out and the rotter dropped Britney’s foot, it’s face landing hard on the floor in a pool of its own blood. Britney backed up and turned around, Brad held out his hand to help her up, his pistol still in his other hand. Britney grabbed his hand as he helped her to stand up, we’re you injured? Britney dusted off her back, I don’t feel any wounds, just a small pain from falling to the floor. Let’s just gather what we have and get out of here just in case that thing has a mate close by, it’ll be angry when it sees the other one laying dead on the floor. Everyone gathered what they could find and they hopped into the vehicles, Britney jumped into the new truck with Brad, as they followed the others Britney looked over to Brad who was driving. I’m sorry about your friend back there and about the people you were with. Brad glanced over, they weren’t my friends they were just a bunch of guys that offer to spare my life if I joined up with them. They recognized me from television, figured it would be great to have a mixed martial arts champion on their team. Britney jaw dropped, you’re famous? I would have pegged you for a desk jockey not a martial arts champion. Brad laughed, I was a champion a long time ago, I retired after I broke my collar bone in a traffic accident. I was drunk, killed four people. Decided to retire in their honor instead of continuing on with my career and hearing people say, hey there’s the champ, he killed four people on a drunken driving spree. Britney nodded, our mother was killed by a drunk driver when I was tiny, my father was bringing her and I home from the hospital when it happened. Brad hung his head, I’m so sorry for your loss. That guy we buried earlier, who was he? Britney hung her head, tears welled up in her eyes. That was my brother Kevin, he took care of me since I was little. After my mom died our father turned into a drunk, didn’t want anything to do with either of us. Kevin raised me along with George, they even worked three jobs each to put me through college. Brad nodded, so George is like your other brother then, Britney smiled, you could say that. The three vehicles drove onward into the wooded mountains, it was starting to get dark. In the headlights George noticed eyes staring in their direction from inside the trees, they didn’t look like any normal animal eyes he had ever seen. The gas gauge lit up indicating he needed gas. Bruce pointed out a sign for a gas station up ahead, we can stop there for fuel and maybe if it hasn’t already been raided we can find some supplies, we are running a bit low on some things. George radioed to the trucks behind him, we have to make a quick pit stop and we can be on our way. The small convoy pulled in to the deserted station and everyone hopped out.