Over the Horizon

Chapter 1: The West side

This Chapter was written by boozitron

I gave David a dark look as he looked at the apple core on the floor and guiltily picked it up and put it in the bin.

I had known David for about five years now.

We had met in school on sports day and had been very close since then.

Everything was perfect until the infection started about two months ago

Both of our parents had been infected bringing us closer together. We had promised to look out for each other and stay together for the duration of the infection. David wasn’t the least bit hopeful that it will pass but I had hope. I'm sure that things will get better.

Anyway.

After David had put the apple core in the bin he looked back out the window.

“Anything out there?” I asked quietly

“Nope. Nothing. Nadda. It's more clear than Chernobyl.” David replied

“That's good” I smiled “I'd rather have nothing than zombies anyday, so what's the plan for today?” I asked

“A) the fact there are no zombies scares me. Clearly something or someone is drawing them away. Remember when we arrived? B) I suggest we move while we can. If we can get back on the main road and get to Edinburgh then we can get to castle, we should be safe. Depends on the zombie levels. But it will be a long walk. Especially considering where we are.” David replied while looking down the scope of Their rifle.  

“Wonderful! Scottish zombies!” I said sarcastically “though I've always wanted to go to Edinburgh, though not during the zombie apocalypse” I sighed to myself “how long do you think it'll take to get there?”

“Considering we’re about a day's walk from Newcastle I’d say about 2 and half weeks maybe more. That also depends on if we can get a vehicle and keep it for longer than a week without it exploding" David replied glaring in my general direction.

“Great” I said to myself “should I start packing my things then? And we can get going while it's clear?”

“Yea. Don’t forget your rifle or ammo this time. That was a peculiar week" David said “I’ll keep an eye on the forest, and then when your clear, we switch"

“Do I really need to use the rifle you gave me?” I sighed “I'm perfectly capable with my dagger. And it doesn't make as much noise as a bloody gun!”

“I know, but we want range, and that's why, I found this" David chucked me a silencer like the one on their gun “We still don’t know very well how the virus spreads, so it's our best option for now.”

“I'm pretty sure it's blood to blood contact. But fine” I said looking at the silencer “just for now I'll use the frickin’ rifle. But can you please show me how to shoot it WITHOUT breaking my fingers?” I asked

“Yea, bring it ‘ere" They said

I left the room to go get the extra rifle David got me

‘Where does he even get these things?’ I thought to myself, rolling my eyes I picked it up and walked back to the room where David was. Sitting next to him by the window.

“So. How do I do this?” I said holding the gun awkwardly

“First, put your hand on trigger and rest it on the handle, then, you place your other hand in front of the magazine, on the grip. Now I suggest you lie down, like I am, and Bring the gun up and rest the Stock on your shoulder.” David said watching as I did as he says.

It felt a little strange holding a gun like this because I had never done it before. I was more trained in the art of blades. But. I trust David and I know he knows what he's doing. So I follow his instructions. “Now you rest your head on the Stock being wary of the recoil when you fire. Look Down the sight, and pull the trigger, but on most days you’ll have to account for distance and height and wind but today's pretty calm, so just aim for the closet tree and fire" I was told

I looked down the sight, aimed at the leaves of the tree, and pulled the trigger.

The recoil made me jump slightly as I saw a bird fall out of the tree almost comically

“Well...what were the chances of that?” I laughed

“That's Breakfast sorted…” David muttered “Well done! At least you didn’t break your fingers this time! And your aims improved"

“Yeah...having broken fingers during the zombie apocalypse is not fun in the slightest. But hey. At least I didn't nearly get impaled by a rusty spike!” I eyed David as he gave me an unamused look.

When we had first found the small house, David stepped on some weak steps and nearly impaled himself on a rusty pole that was below us. He would have if it wasn't for me grabbing onto his arms helping him regain his balance.

I laughed as David stern look broke slightly into a small smile.

“Ha ha very funny. Anyway, start packing, we got a lot of walking”

Keeping hold of my rifle I walk back to where I was sleeping and roll up my sleeping bag and stuff it into my backpack, along with my water bottle, my dagger, and my pencils and notepad.

Back before the infection I was a cartoonist. So I keep some art supplies on me still. It seems to keep me sane and to calm me down. Almost distracting me from the now terrifying outside world.

After I had packed my things I went up to David who had also packed his things.

And with both of our rifles on our shoulders we walk from the safety of our little camp and into the unknown.

Later.