Broken World

1. And It Began

Time can't be turned back, it is what it is, no matter how much you cry or regret. The destruction is inevitable, the disarray unavoidable. Now the question is who will save us?

The simple answer... no one! The weak has no place in this new world, if you want to survive... you don't let even the worst situation swallow you up.

***

From the top of this multi-story building, a fallen city is visible. The roads were filled with ghouls, vehicles in chaos, the shops ransacked, an unpleasant sight for sure. The once used to be a bright city has become a home for ghouls, and as far as the eyes can see, no humans are visible. I got down from the building and came to the streets to search for supplies. A few ghouls came walking up to me, I smashed their heads with my baseball bat.

My name is Erik Scarlet, the world turned upside down nearly a year ago. I don't remember the date or the actual event that really happened but I still have some vivid memories. The lingering feeling that nothing can be changed now... haunts me every night. It has turned into a freaking nightmare.

I stopped my car outside a police station to collect some weapons and ammunition, if possible. Everything is scarce nowadays. When I entered inside, the ground and walls were stained with blood.

The smell of the blood is fresh, someone might be here or have left recently.

As I kept on walking inside, I spotted a boy around my age. He turned towards me with utter shock.

"It's been a while since I saw a stranger," he said.

"Whatever," I replied, taking out my gun.

The moment I pointed at him, someone from behind kicked me.

"Huh? Hurting people is a crime," he said.

"That doesn't sound good from your mouth," I replied and grabbed his legs, he lost his balance and fell.

I tried to reach for my gun, but this time a girl kicked it further.

"Jane! Jane!" both the boys started cheering for her.

"Hurting my friends, huh? That's the last thing you should do if you want to live," she said, cracking her fingers.

I didn't give a reply and charged at her, she dodged and punched me in the stomach. I fell on my knees holding my abdomen.

Tsk, she is stronger than the boys.

"I may not look tough, but don't underestimate me," she said and then punched me in the face. I fainted.

***

When I woke up, I was tied to a chair. I tried to free myself but the ropes were too tight.

"Hello, handsome stranger, let me do the introductions; I'm Kevin, Ivan and this girl who nearly killed you is Jane. What's yours?"

I glared at him and sat there silently.

"This gun is fully loaded, don't force me to put a bullet in your head," Ivan threatened, taking out the gun.

"It's empty," Kevin said.

"Shut up, idiot," Ivan roared.

"Threatening me, huh? It's Erik."

"That's a nice name," Jane replied.

"What do you want?" I questioned.

"What do we want? We saw you driving that beautiful car... unlike you, we can't drive and we are in need of a quick lift," Ivan explained.