DeadZone

Prologue

Isotoel, Michigan. March 2nd, 2020.
Approximately 8:30pm
"3 years ago, the modern world collapsed. Governments bailed on their own people, armies fell and were completely killed off. It was up to us, to find refuge on our own. Some of us succeeded, the others... didn't. Now, the dead that we call "Remnants" rule the earth. A new food chain was established. We live our lives in jeopardy now. At any given moment, we could die. I guess I've came to peace with myself knowing that. But, what else can I do? This is our life now, and It seems that it will be staying that way for a while. Hey, we should get to know each other. It seems that we are going to be here a while."

"I'm Victor. Victor Trent."

"Kent Viltrem."

"Nice to meet you Kent." said Victor as he shook Kent's hand.

"Yeah, you too." replied Kent.

"So. What brings you to a town this small?" asked Victor.

"Just passing through. I was headed northbound because there is information about a helicopter there. But it's getting dark as you can obviously see." Explained Kent.

"I get it. Just know that you're welcome here, it may be one small town, but it's still my home." Said Victor.

"Thanks. Always good to know another trustworthy person in this day and age." Replied Kent.

"Tell me about it." Chuckled Victor.

Victor sat up from the half-broken chair and walked over to a small cupboard nearby. A loud creaking sound was heard as he opened it slowly. Once opened, he reached for a can of food that Kent couldn't see what it was from where he was sat. Victor then closed the cupboard and pulled out a drawer. He grabbed a small kitchen knife, closed the drawer, and sat back down.

Kent could finally see what the contents of the can were. Just some dried peaches, nothing that delightful. But still, food is food.
"You want some?" Asked Victor

"Sure." Replied Kent.

Victor used the kitchen knife to pry the can's lid open. He reached inside and grabbed a few dried peaches, and handed Kent the can.

"So. What did you do before all this?" Asked Victor.

Kent grabbed some dried peaches from the can, and placed the can next to him on the ground.

"This is going to sound far-fetched. But I was a bounty hunter." Said Kent.

"Oh, no way. That's so cool!" Exclaimed Victor.

"And yourself?" Asked Kent.

"What I used to be is boring compared to what you did. I was a fisherman." Replied Victor.

"Y'know. Fishing ain't that bad. I kind of wish I was a fisherman." Said Kent.

"Oh, please. Stop trying to make me feel like I had a better job than you." Said Victor.

"No. I'm being honest!" Replied Kent.

"Well, thanks then." Said Victor.

"No worries. Hey, I'm getting a bit tired. I think I'll head to bed now." Said Kent.

"Oh Okay, I'll keep a watch." Replied Victor.

"Alright. Good night." Said Kent.

Kent sat up and walked into the other room. He removed his pistol and holster from his waist and dropped it next to the mattress, and laid down onto the sheet-less mattress that rested on the creaky and weathered plank wood flooring. As he rested on the mattress, and stared into the ceiling above, he slowly closed his eyes and began to fall asleep.
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Kent's rest was abruptly interrupted by a loud scream. He swiftly got up from the mattress and retrieved pistol and holster, and then ran out of the room and into the main room. It was a mess. Cupboards and drawers were empty and open, but what stood out the most was blood.

It was stained along the walls. Something had happened to Victor. It couldn't have been scavengers, as Kent didn't hear gunfire. So, he continued to investigate. He slowly drew his pistol from the worn leather holster on his hip, and quietly opened the door that lead outside. As he opened the door, he could hear flies buzzing like hell. Something died. But he didn't know what. Once the door was completely opened. He stepped outside and walked around the left side of the cabin. Only to see something vile.

It was Victor...

"Holy shit..." muttered Kent.

...Victor's corpse.

"...He didn't get shot, or stabbed..." whispered Kent.

As Kent looked in front of Victors corpse, he saw multiple dead Remnants.

"He was eaten." Said Kent.

It was obvious now. The flesh on Victor's arm was gone. Some of the flesh on his neck was missing too.
Victor had been mauled by Remnants. But Kent knew that Victor would soon turn into a Remnant soon. As he'd been bitten. Kent didn't want to waste ammo, nor did he have a knife or sharp object nearby. But he needed to dispose of Victor before he turns. So instead, Kent grabs Victor's right leg and drags him over to the lake.

"I'm very sorry." Said Kent as he looked at Victors corpse.

Kent then dropped Victors corpse in the lake. So that when he turned, he would drown quickly. Short and painless.

Kent stared deeply into the dark and swampy lake.
The reflection of his black hair almost blended in with the water.

"Fucking Hell." Said Kent.