The story takes place about 25 years after the outbreak of the Cordyceps Brain Infection (fungus type infection) began. A young man, James Lynn built a relationship with Jesse, Dina and Ellie. His life went through ups and downs as he tries to keep...
The story begins with a boy named James Lynn, the son of Jeremy Lynn and Linda Lynn. They are one of the surviving family after The Outbreak, but sadly, both of his parents died while protecting him from the infected. James ran away to save his life to an empty house, luckily enough for him, both Tommy and Maria were searching for supplies at that time and found him hiding under a staircase, hungry and sad.
"Holy hell, it's a kid, what are you doing here, kiddo? Where are your mom and dad?" Asked Tommy "They're dead..." Answered James sadly "Maria, check on him. If he's clear, we are gettin' him to Jackson." Said Tommy
There were no bite marks on him, so, James was brought to Jackson.
In Jackson, he lived mostly alone because Jackson was small at the time. There were some kids but James couldn't get to groove with them. The only people James can talk to without having a feeling of awkwardness are Tommy and Maria.
Then 2 strangers arrived in Jackson, one really old guy and one girl the age of James. Turns out, the old dude is Tommy's brother and the girl is Joel's family.
"Hey, kids!" Screamed Tommy "Let me introduce you younglings to my brother, Joel, Joel Miller." Said Tommy
"Hi, good to meet ya, I'm Joel, and this is Ellie." "Hey..." Said Ellie
In the following night, there was a sort-of family dinner with everyone. Everybody was happy and all, but per usual, James didn't talk much to anybody and instead turned to his newfound hobby, playing the guitar. Just as he plays it, Ellie suddenly came by and talked with James for a while.
"Not enjoying the party huh?" Asked Ellie "No, not much of a party guy." Answered James "I enjoy parties, not this one. This one sucks." Said Ellie giggly
"So, What is your name again? Jimmy? John? Jeremiah?" Asked Ellie "James" Answered James "Ah yes, James. You're good with the guitar?" "No, I just started playing it." "Oh... that thing..." Said Ellie
When they were talking, Joel came strolling by and joins them.
"Hey, that's a guitar, it has been a long time since I saw one." Said Joel "Bullshit, we saw a lot of music stores on the way here, and we went to every single one of them." Said Ellie "He he (chuckle) Hey, don't say that, you're embarrassing me. May I borrow that?" "Sure" Answered James
After that, Joel shows us his skills at guitar. James and Ellie was amazed by his skills and asked him to teach them how to play the guitar, Joel agrees. The night ended with the three of them enjoying the night. That day left a mark in James as his genuine first moment enjoying life and meeting Ellie.
The next day, Ellie ran off with her horse after she learns that the point of going to Jackson was to convince Tommy to bring Ellie to the Fireflies. After that day, James and Ellie never talked. The confused James asked Maria where do they go, but Maria refuses so answer it and instead shifted the conversation.
"Where are they going?" Asked James "They are going... somewhere. (inhale) Tell you what, tomorrow we'll go on a patrol. It's time for you to learn the real deal, you've been training with guns, right?" Answered Maria whilst she calms herself down "What? I mean yeah I have but, why so sudden? " Replied James "Well, get ready for an adventure then."
The next day, Maria and James went out for patrol. They use the less crowded infected route so that James could train. They raided a house with 3 infected, 2 runners and 1 clickers. Maria wiped out the 2 runners and let James shoot the not moving clickers. James pointed his gun towards it but couldn't pull the trigger. In the end Maria killed it.
"Okay, last one kid, the stage is yours." Said Maria encouragingly *Shakingly points the gun "(Heavy breathing) Ha......." *Dropped the gun, the clicker heard it and charging towards James "Shit..." Said Maria as she shot the infected with a bow
"Hey, you okay?" Asked Maria "(Heavy breathing) Yeah, I'm sorry." Answered James "It's okay, you'll get good at this, it's your first time anyway." Maria replied
The day went on with a lot of hiccups in James's part because of his inability to shoot the infected. After they reach to the patrol station, James revealed the reason of his inability.
"Okay, we're here. Let's eat, I'm starving" Said Maria "Maria, I.. uuh... I'm sorry for today, I've been such a drag." James talked in a small voice "Nah, it's okay. Like I said before, you're a newcomer to this, so no worries." "My Mom and Dad always put a blanket over my eyes whenever the infected are around. Believe it or not, the day my parents are dead was the first time I fully see and understand how scary the infected really are. Now, whenever I see that face, I got anxiety." Said James
Maria comforts James by sharing her personal problem: "Hey, I used to have anxiety too when I see them, hands shaking, the world felt like it's about to fall, but over time, I got over it. In this tough world, something like that is insignificant, not that mental problems aren't important, it's just not the situation that people needed, they expect you to be a leader. Ever heard of the saying "It's either kill or be killed"? That is the unfortunate reality we live in right now. What I'm saying is, you can overcome that, and I believe in you. You don't want to be called a bitch by Ellie, would you? (chuckle)"
"What? Of course not." Said James shyly "I see your face is getting red, James." Maria said in a funny tone
They ended up laughing, giggling, etc as the day ended. Ever since that day, James has continuosly sharpened his skills in shooting and his bravery in killing the infected.
A few weeks later, another group joins James in Jackson. Tommy rounded the kids once again and told us who they are. One very brave kid started introducing himself.
