Godead

XXXVII

Back up north, Blair left the house her brother died in, burying him in a makeshift grave in the backyard. She sadly paid her respects, leaving the property before getting in the car. She pulled out of the driveway, soon making her way back south. She felt bad for her brother, but was determined to return to Claude at all costs.

As she drove through the desolate streets, she slowed down, suddenly spotting a large overturned truck.

"Sh*t," she said, realizing it was blocking both lanes. Blair stopped, getting out before surveying the wreck. As she contemplated what to do, a small white sedan slowly pulled up. Blair turned around, quickly raising her shotgun at the driver.

"Stop right there!" she exclaimed. The car did as ordered, Blair taking cover behind her own vehicle. "Step out of the car with your hands behind your head!"

As Blair held the driver in her sights, the stranger opened the door, a shady, lanky man in a lab coat exiting.

"...Please, my good lady. I mean you no harm," he said eerily, looking over the young policewoman.

"Who are you?" Blair asked.

"My name is Alex Flood. I work at a nearby science facility."

"...What are you doing here?"

"I left seeking rations. I'm afraid the food supply of the facility has run dry. I'm simply searching for something to eat," Flood said. Blair warily eyed him, slowly lowering her shotgun moments later.

"I see," Blair replied. "I... apologize. It's just, you can't be too careful lately."

"No need," Flood said. "I must say, though, I'm shocked to see a policewoman still up and around. You are indeed a noble civil servant."

"It's nothing so grand," Blair said. "I'm actually from Fort Lauderdale. I only returned here since this is where my family was from."

"I see. And... what became of them?" Flood asked.

"They're all dead," Blair replied coldly.

"Oh, dear. I'm sorry to hear that," Flood said.

"Thank you," Blair replied, turning to the man. "So what's your story? You're a scientist?"

"That I am. I work at Meadowbrook Research Labs half a mile from here," Flood said.

"You mean... worked?" Blair said. Flood smiled.

"No, my dear. A scientist's work is never done. It may be the end of the world, but it's up to science to find out why!" Flood explained.

"You're still doing research?"

"Indeed."

"What kind?"

"My team was tasked with researching what's known as the 'Paleface Virus'. It's a miraculous affliction, and indeed the one behind the apparent apocalypse."

"'Paleface Virus'?"

"Yes. In short, it propels all living beings to evolutionary perfection!"

"What? How are these hulking zombies evolutionary perfection?"

"Well, it does indeed ruin adult specimens. Child specimens, however, become incredibly robust."

"...Specimens?"

"Oh. Yes. Humans. Forgive me. When you're locked in a laboratory for hours, you forget your manners."

"So you're saying this... virus is the cause of all this?"

"That is correct."

"Where did it come from?" Blair asked. Flood slowly shook his head.

"...We don't know. It is my hypothesis, however, that the virus has lied dormant in most living species' DNA for countless millenia, and has only recently mutated enough to be noticed," the scientist explained. "Its mutation is also responsible for the current upheavals. The virus has literally gone completely undetected until now."

"...And it effects children differently, does it?"

"Indeed. It turns them into what nature intended, and has the reverse effect on adults."

"...That makes sense. I know of a child with frightful strength and speed...," Blair said.

"Oh?" Flood asked with interest.

"Yes. A girl named Abby. We met her back in Florida. She seemed to be on our side, but... I never trusted her for one second."

"That was probably wise," Flood said. "Sadly, I haven't had the chance to research a child specimen, but judging from related research, their minds become highly unstable. At least... before the transformation, that is."

Suddenly, Blair paused.

"...Transformation?" she asked. Flood gave an eery grin.

As Blair and Flood's conversation continued, Claude kept watch from outside Michelle's house. As the occasional zombie wandered near, the boy reluctantly shot it dead. He was wary of firing his weapon for two reasons. First, he knew he needed to conserve bullets. And second, his gun was loud, and could potentially attract unwanted attention. As Claude killed yet another zombie, Zoe came outside.

"Geez. You firing enough shots out here or what?" she asked.

"I can't help it. More and more zombies just keep showing up. At this rate, we're liable to run out of bullets," Claude replied.

"Here. Take mine," Zoe said, handing him her gun. Claude paused, looking to her in surprise.

"Zoe...," he replied. "But... you won't have anything to protect yourself with, then."

Zoe slowly closed her eyes and smiled.

"...I have you, don't I?" she asked with a light blush.

Suddenly, Claude froze, looking to her in silence. He blinked, going red as he slowly took her pistol. As the girl smiled at Claude's awkward reaction, Zoe turned to him.

"Claude...," she said softly.

"...Yeah?" he replied.

"...Things are so dangerous now," she said, briefly hesitating. "...If we don't survive this, there's something I'm going to regret if I don't do it now."

"...What's th—"

Before Claude could finish his sentence, Zoe stepped forward, leaning in before kissing him square on the lips. Claude paused, heart racing as he felt Zoe's warmth against him. He took her in his arms, the couple embracing before passionately making out. They feverishly kissed, Zoe pinning Claude against the wall as they made out. As things turned serious, a scream suddenly broke through the house. Claude and Zoe froze, looking to each other before hurrying inside.