Protect You - z.m.

Ⅲ

2016

My luck grew throughout the day. No encounters with any creatures, a good supply of fresh water, and a decent pair of clothes that wasn't muddy or ripped. Maybe Mondays weren't that bad if you ignored the fact it was the end of the world. My normal Mondays would consist of wondering what to wear for school or if I'll make it to first honor roll; nothing like this. But like all Mondays, my luck raced down the drain.

It was pounding heavily as I tucked my pack safely inside my warm jacket, not wanting the pictures to be soaked wet along with my food. My eyes scanned the abandon town for shelter. The sun was block by the dark passing clouds, limiting the moon for the only light for my guidance. Almost falling face first into a pile of mud, I stumble under an abandon store; little rain drops dripping softly onto my wet hair. First things first, I thought, Check if anything survived. Rummaging through the soggy bag, I discover my prized Cheetos are soggy and mushy. It was good while it lasted.

"Hello? Is anyone there?" A voice yelled from behind me, making me do a double take. Human? It feels like a century since I've seen one.

"Hey - I know you're there!" The voice called out one more. I could easily identity the voice as a grown man through the pounding rain. My father used to have a voice like that; deep, rough, and could give you the image of a bulky man. Just thinking of my father made me sick to the stomach.

"Hello?" I croaked, my voice not used to talking. Talking seems ages ago. Clearing my voice, I call out once more.

There was a moment of silence so long, I knew I imagined the manly voice. Before I could rummage through my pack again, the voice came again but louder and somewhat closer.

"Any of them things near you?!" The voice hollered, increasingly becoming louder and louder. I cringe at his loudness, but I take it as a sign of hope. It wasn't just me in this dead world.

"Yeah we got you little buggie," a deep, raspy voice came behind me making me automatically stiffen with fear. "We got you." A tremendous pain engulfed my body, wrapping it like a cocoon. My body ached with pain as two men proceed to carry me away.

✘ Niall Horan

Lighting the last candle in the pile was like blowing the only candle in me out. They gave us a stack, saying it was all we were going to be able to use for the rest of our "stay". Being scared of them, I always kept two candles lit at night; it wasn't a surprise they ran out. I'm not meaning them, our kidnappers, put those ... animals that lurk outside the bars. The lucky nights are when dead rotten arms are poking through the bars, begging for a meal. A flash of an animal sinking it's teeth into my mum's arm is enough to make me hurl into the corner again. Hot, sticky tears race down my cheeks. The feeling is so familiar.

The door slams open, a duffel bag thrown in with a writhing figure in it. Realization settles in me a second later, as I leap backwards in the corner, whimpering and crying.

You're such a wimp, Niall.

Well I'm sorry, getting eaten really isn't on my agenda.

"Make yourself a man, f.ucker." The man with rotten teeth spats, suddenly grinning at he writhing creature. "She's all yours. Think of it as a reward for being so obedient. Just remember we all share."

The door slammed shut, causing me to flinch and back further into the corner. This was just sick. Very f.ucking sick. Muffled screams came from the sack, making my curiosity take over my fear.

Taking the broken lamp from the nightstand, I raised over my head before stalking over to the writhing creature.

What the actual f.uck, Niall? You're insane.

What happens if there's a hu-

Then that human is dead. One of those animals you see reaching through the bars? It could be one or turning into one. You'll end up like your mum. Stop.

It's better, I think softly, Then spending countless days, lying around. Thinking of the millions of dead people who were once familiar. Little to no food. It's gonna happen anyways. Not everyone lives. We all die eventually.

Niall-

Shutting out my subconscious, I poke the animal gently in the side, earning a growl making me flinch. Flashes of them seep in my mind as I muster up the courage to open the bag. The knot seems to take forever to untie, red blisters covering my swollen hands already. The guys are probably getting a heck out of this, watching me through the camera in the corners of the room. I cringed, reminding myself how sick and terrible they can be.

I was soon met by furious yet confused grey eyes and tangled brown hair.

✘ Zayn Malik

I felt a tug in my heart. Small, but yet a tug. BE SAFE AND GOOD LUCK, was printed on a lone granola bar lying in the countertop of the cashier area. I had a small spark of hope- someone, someone with a beating heart, was out there trying to make it through. It was a girl most likely, due to the fancy bubbly letters. Was she alone or in a group? Still safe or being turned? Is she thinking that she is the only one left in this cruel world?

A whoop from the back of the store caused me to flinch. "Zayn, get your a.ss over here!"

Dumba.ss, the world has ended and making noise can possibly get you killed, and there you are stomping your feet like a freaking elephant.

"Harry." I hissed, fast walking to the back where Harry stood with a triumphant grin. My fists fought the urge to punch that grin off his tanned face.

"Look what I found." Harry smiled, obviously pleased at what he found. There was a truck, back opened, half filled with food- someone most likely trying store what they can and getting killed.

"Yeah, next time, learn to shut the f.uck up." I snapped, hitting his head as his grin only widen.

"Oh you love me right now,"

"I'd love to drive your orange face back to the edge of your skull." I replied, with sarcasm dripping from my words. I examined the truck, suddenly pleased more than I was a minute ago. Food and water were stacked- most likely still in condition.

"Uh Zayn- they're coming." Harry panicked, throwing a set of keys at me. Getting what he meant, I closed the back while wincing at the loud sound it made. Gunning the engine, Harry popped in at the side right as a zombie tried to get in.

No way beyotch back off.

With some unknown courage I use the heel of my boot to kick off the zombie from clawing it's way into the car.

"Thanks man," Harry gave me a lazy grin before running over a couple zombies.

"Go to that highway and head north," I replied, taking the map that was taped into the edge of the seat. "We're heading to Texas."

//\\

AUTHOR'S NOTE

holy fûćk guys this looks confusing

But I swear it's gonna all work out

Hopefully