Survival Mode

Chapter Four

Dashi had rested her body against the comfortable couch inside the mansion's living room. After what she had witnessed moments before, Dashi rather preferred staying put and trying to actually enjoy the comforts of the immense household for once in her lifetime. Peso sat in the rocking chair beside the couch and appeared to be reading a book. Doctor Wilson, although, sat in the buff chair on the right side of the couch looking alert. He refused to turn his attention to anything that could preoccupy him. To all of their curiosity, the doorbell rang. Before anyone could say something, Doctor Wilson was out of his chair and racing to the front door. Moments later, Dashi heard mild arguing. She muttered a quiet groan before standing and following her father to the door. She came up from behind him, her curiousness getting the best of her. "Father, what on earth?"

It appeared three unfamiliar humans stood before Doctor Wilson and her. Dashi's father turned to look at her with a look of disgust for the strangers. "These strangers beg of us to allow them indoors."

Dashi turned her focus to one of the men standing outside the door who was folding his hands. She could notice the pleading look in his eyes as he spoke softly. "Please, they are right behind us. We promise to do anything to repay you."

Dashi looked to the hungry zombies nearing the gates leading to the mansion. She knew very well these ferocious creatures were extremely dangerous - she couldn't exclude the strangers from her home. She sighed in frustration and looked to the male with annoyance evident in her eyes. "Fine."

The man smiled to her gratefully before entering along with the other two. Once they had all entered the mansion, Dashi immediately noticed a younger child hiding behind the female in the group. She gasped suddenly and dropped before him. "You have a child?"

The male from behind looked to her with confusion. "Is there something wrong with that?"

Dashi looked to him with pure annoyance. "Yes, there is something wrong with that! There are carnivorous zombies outside roaming the streets of Burkland and you have a child with you - unguarded! Where in the world are his parents?" The male dropped his head. Dashi immediately realized what this meant - her annoyed look softened to a look of sympathy. "Oh. I'm terribly sorry."

He shook his head. "It's the least of my concern now." Dashi stood and looked long and hard at his appearance. He was rather handsome, though she hated to admit it. The male looked up, a smile creeping onto his lips. "Where are my manners? Allow me to introduce myself and my crew as well. I'm Shellington. Shellington Bjorgman. Right here is Kwazii Young, Tweak Harrel, and that little boy is my younger brother, Tunip Bjorgman."

Dashi nodded her head to this 'Shellington'. "A pleasure to meet each and every one of you. The name is Dashi - Dashi Smith."

'Kwazii' looked to her, excitement apparent in his eyes. "Literally? You're the real Dashi Smith? I've heard a lot about you! Speaking of which, whatever happened to Michael Smith-"

Dashi cut him off with a wave of her hand. "Sorry to interrupt, but I would rather prefer not speaking of him. Now, is there anyway I could assist you in situating yourselves to our mansion?"

Shellington rubbed the back of his neck in hesitation. "Well, not that I want to push you around, but it would be great if we could have a few rooms of our own while we stay here."

Dashi looked to her father, who was looking to her and his arms crossed. She knew very well her father would not be fond of her decision - but he knew very well it wasn't correct to leave the foursome outdoors. She returned her focus to the strangers then released a sigh. "Yes, I will show you to your rooms."

Dashi was not surprised when her father stepped forth to protest. She quickly waved her hand to avoid his scolding. Regardless, he continued, "Dashi, do you truly believe this is the correct decision? After all, the group is new to us. How do you know if we may trust them? What if one has been bitten?"

Shellington looked to him and shook his head. "I can assure you, Doctor Wilson, none of us have been bitten. Although, we were chased but thankfully escaped due to your home." He paused and took a long look at Dashi's father. Then, a smile spread across his lips. "Fascinating. The real Doctor Wilson! I have always been your biggest fan. I wanted to start work at your laboratory, if I do say so myself."

Doctor Wilson nodded his head. "Interesting. You may not be as bad after all. Now, as for you three -" He pointed to 'Tweak', 'Kwazii', and 'Tunip' "- I suppose you will not bring any trouble to our household, am I correct?"

"No, sir."

"We promise."

"I believe we will be well behaved."

Doctor Wilson nodded to the three. "Thank you. It is greatly appreciated. Dashi, do show them to their rooms. Please do now allow them the currently in use bedrooms." He waved his hand then left the room.

Dashi returned her focus to the foursome. "Allow me to show you to your rooms." They followed her deeper into the mansion. Once Dashi had shown Tweak and Kwazii to their bedrooms, she led Shellington and Tunip to their shared room.

As soon as they arrived, Tunip rushed inside, an immense smile upon his face, and onto a bed. Shellington chuckled softly then looked to Dashi. "I suppose he was extremely exhausted."

Dashi nodded her head to him. "Yes, I suppose as well. Now, if you will excuse me, I must be off to my father's office. Peso - a friend of mine - my father and I will be researching these creatures and watching the mansion for any sign of them for the rest of the night."

Shellington rubbed the back of his neck with hesitance. "I - err - can't thank you enough for allowing us in. We would have been apart of them if you had not accepted us."

A smile came upon Dashi's face. "I had no intention of leaving you outdoors. Now, I believe you should get some rest. I will give you a tour of the mansion tomorrow morning. I will allow you to wash up tomorrow and situate yourselves as well. Goodnight."

Shellington waved his hand to her. "Yes, goodnight. Possibly tomorrow we all could gather around in the living room and get to know each other a bit more?" She turned and nodded her head, then retreated to walking toward the office. Shellington could not help but smile then enter his bedroom.