World of the Living Dead (loneiysong & CrimsonMaster)

No one knew how it happened, or where it all started. That dreadful day when the dead rose to attack those who were alive. And perhaps, no one ever would. There had been no warning when the outbreak which brought the dead back to life hit. It started out like any other day with people going to work, or to school. They had no idea that this day would be for many their last day on Earth. As the living that is. The outbreak which created what would be called "Walkers" had no clear starting point. It was everywhere. The recently deceased suddenly came to life and began attacking the living. Feeding on their warm flesh and creating more walkers.Those who weren't ripped apart by the attacking zombies, were themselves turned into blood thirsty ghouls. A person could bleed out in just minutes and become a walker. There were some who survived with just a bite wound. But in time they would die from the infection and become a zombie. There was no antibiotic that could stop this infection. Most people died within hours of being bitten. The stronger ones held on for days, but they to would die in the end and return to stalk the Earth. Doctor's were powerless to help those in dire need. Hospitals all over the nation became swamped with the injured who soon turned into monsters. It didn't take long for society as we know it to breakdown.

With in days everything was pure chaos. People began looking out for themselves when it was clear that the Government wasn't coming to save them. Hell, no one was even sure the Government was still around. Nothing had been heard from Washington D.C. since the emergency broadcast system was activated. Sure there were local rescue stations which had been set up. But those places were over taken by the advancing hordes of walkers. Those rescue stations became death traps for those seeking help. For those who were still alive, they had to now fight to survive. Gone were the days of computers, favorite television shows and mindless texting. Now all that people thought about was how to live from day to day and stay alive. Gathering food & water while keep away from the walkers. The walkers were easily beaten one on one. A shot to their heads, or a sharp blow would put them down for good. The one thing that those who survived learned was that walkers could only be killed by destroying the brain. Any body shots would only slow them down. But this was a waste of ammo and wasn't wise because walkers often attacked in groups. One on one battles with the living dead didn't take place in most cases. The walkers always seemed to form groups of different sizes.

In the large cities like New York, walkers could be found in the 10's or even hundreds thousands. But they soon began moving out from large cities once their food was gone. The outlying areas could be just as bad as the cities. Even the open road held dangers from the walking dead. As bad as things were with the walkers. It only became worse when humans turned on each other. The madness which followed the dead coming back to life brought out everything bad in some people. In the days & weeks after the outbreak, people began killing their fellow man. Life had become kill or be killed for most. It wasn't always easy telling friend from foe. Still surviving on your own in a world where the dead walked around wasn't easy, safe or smart. The old saying that there is safety in numbers held a lot of weight in this world. All you had to do was find people who weren't out too kill you for what you had.

The world which Hawk Whitefeather knew, quickly went down the drain when the dead began to walk. It was like the gates of hell had opened up and let loose a plague on the world of the living. Hawk had been living in New York City when the outbreak happened. He was studying to become a doctor, but the full blooded Cherokee Indian was a hot head. Hawk spent a few months behind bars after beating a man who didn't like the fact that he was dancing with a white woman. The man didn't die, but Hawk gave him a quick trip to the hospital. When the police came, Hawk slugged one of the cops. The judge tossed Hawk into the county jail where he sat for a while. The same day that Hawk was released, the dead began to walk. Hawk had hopes of returning to school and continue with his studies. All that changed when life became a fight to survive. New York City fell into Chaos quickly as did the rest of the nation. The military which was sent into help was over run. The police officers began looking out for themselves. Matters grew even worse when the Air Force started fire bombing the city with napalm. It was bad enough fighting off the walkers. But it became even harder to survive when bombs were dropping all over the place. Hawk met up with his friend Brody Jennings from medical school. The two found an abandoned cab and fled the city.

Hawk Whitefeather, 29 was born and grew up on the Cherokee reservation south east of Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was the second oldest of six children with his sister Heather being the youngest at 22. Hawk was a handsome man. Standing 6 feet even and weighting 180 lbs of pure lean muscle. His jet black hair was long and often pulled back into a ponytail. In some cases, Hawk would wear a bandana tied around his head. Hawk was very athletic. His body looked like it had been sculpted by a fine artist. Hawk learned how to hunt, fish, trap and stalk while still a young boy. He learned how to shoot guns, bows and handle a knife. His Grandfather also taught Hawk how to use a tomahawk. After becoming an adult, Hawk decided that he wanted to help his people. Hawk saved money where he could. Received money from his family and after taking out a few loans, he finally went to medical school. It was there that Hawk ended up meeting the 25 year old Brody Jennings. The two became fast friends and end up sharing an apartment. After a quick stop at their apartment, the friends hit the road. They left the hell that had become New York City behind. However life on the open road wasn't easy and the road wasn't always open. It became a struggle just to a safe place to sleep. Food & water wasn't overly hard to find. They raided houses which were abandoned on their trip. Sometimes they entered small towns looking for food, water & guns. Days turned into weeks which became months. Hawk & Brody had long since traded in their yellow cab for a pair of motorcycles. It was easier getting around now on a pair of Harley's.

Two months had passed since the outbreak started. Hawk & Brody pulled into the small town of Madison, West Virginia. The town was about 30 miles south west of Charleston. Hawk & Brody were looking for supplies. They were running low and in need of water. Hawk & Brody had spent a week living in a camp of survivors back in Pennsylvania. The camp was over run a few days ago by walkers. The people in this camp had little to protect themselves, but Hawk & Brody fought with everything they had. The brave stand didn't last long and soon they found themselves out numbered. They fled the camp and headed south ending up in Madison. Hawk stepped from his bike slowly looking around. He was wearing blue jeans with biker boots & a black leather vest which was open in the front. Hawk wasn't wearing any shirt which showed his ripped upper body. Sticking out from his right boot was a long knife called an Arkansas toothpick. It was a straight blade 12 inches long balanced & weighted for throwing. It was also an effective weapon for thrusting and slashing. On his right hip Hawk was wearing a Glock 22 in a holster. Tucked into his belt behind his back he was carrying a tomahawk. On his back, Hawk was carrying an 18 inch long machete in a sheath. On his motorcycle, Hawk carried a pump 12 gauge shotgun and a sawed off double barrel. The pump was in a large leather holster like you would find on a horse. The double barrel was placed just under the handle bars were it could be reached easily.

The town was deserted. No signs of life could be seen. There were cars parked along the main street. Dirt & dust had settled on everything that hadn't moved in months. Hawk grabbed a long hose from Brody's bike. They needed some gas and it was Hawk's turn to siphon whatever he could from the tanks of the abandoned cars. Hawk pushed his bike up beside one car, then after opening the cap and dropping in the hose. He started to siphon on the remaining gas. Brody was going to look around for some water. He was carrying an AR-15 which he pulled from his bike. " Hey!.......Watch your ass!.......Don't go picking up another woman who's been bitten! " Hawk told Brody who turned shaking his head. A few weeks back Brody picked up a chick. He liked this girl and had sex with her. The only trouble was she didn't tell Brody that she had been bitten by a walker. She died while sleeping with Brody after they had sex. Brody was waken by this woman trying to bite him. Hawk came to his friends rescue by smashing her head with his tomahawk. Since then Hawk always reminded his friend about strange women. Brody just waved Hawk off then disappeared into a nearby building.

Hawk filled his tank with gas. He then pushed it away and brought up Brody's bike. It wasn't long before both tanks were filled and Brody came wondering out with a plastic white shopping bag. He had bottles of water and some candy bars inside. Brody tossed Hawk a Snickers bar which he just looked at. " Man!......You know I like Pay Days. " Hawk said jokingly which made Brody shoot back that's all they had. Brody passed close to a car which seemed abandoned. As he did a walker reached out and grabbed him from behind. The female walker bit Brody in his neck causing blood to shootout from the wound. Brody screamed which brought Hawk running. The female walker took a huge chunk out of Brody's neck. He dropped to the ground blood pouring from the fresh wound. Hawk crushed the female walker's skull with his tomahawk. He then knelt down near his fallen friend. Brody was shaking while holding the wound. Blood still gushing from between his fingers. Hawk knew that there was little he could do for Brody. " P......Pl.....Please!.......Just......sho........Shot me! " Brody pleaded as Hawk hung his head. Hawk thanked Brody for being a great friend. He slowly stood pulling his glock from his hip. Hawk pointed the weapon at Brody and squeezed off one round striking Brody in the forehead killing him. Life had just become more dangerous for Hawk. He had just killed the only person who was watching his back. A part of Hawk also died right there. Hawk stood silent over his now dead friend.

Almost heaven, West Virginia. What a piece of shit. Daisy "Nightengale" Somers biked through the town. She had been right there when the shit hit the fan. People started groaning and reaching her. Doctors, surgeons, loved ones started dropping like flies. Daisy didn't have to know that she could not help here. In fact, she had done what she could running through the hospital, killing those two weak to move. She couldn't stay and she didn't want these people to turn into zombies. She turned off ventilators that was all that was keeping people alive. Gave people lethal amounts of morphine to kill them quickly and quietly. The rest, she escaped with. She was not sure how, or really sure she wanted to. Grabbing an abandoned ambulence, she lit up the back, and crashed the son of a bitch into the side of the hospital. All the oxygen lit up the walkers like teh fourth of July. She looked at it breaething hard panting in her scrubs, alone, and without anyone. Her brother, before he died of lukemia, was a big zombie fan. She gripped a pendant around her neck and shut her eyes. "Zaccheus, please keep me safe. Give me wisdom from all of your books." She sighed. Running home, she had grabbed her 10 speed food and left. She had her own apartment and had no time for friends or family, if she even had that. Mom had slowly starved herself after Zaccheus died, and she was not even sure she and Zaccheus had shared the same father.

She got into jeans, hiking boots, a shirt and a leather jacket. She braided her hair tightly and pulled it into a tight bun that was topped with a beanie. She went down to the sports store that was being raided, got herself a rifle, a hunting knife that was one of thsoe you could cut a tree and slice a fish with. Grabbing survival for dummies book that would fit in her pack, she grabbed canned food, lighters, and what she had taken from the hospital when she could. She let out alone.

By the time she had made it from California to West Virgina, she knew how to hunt, scavenge, and clean and gut a fish in no time flat. She spent time sleeping up in a tree. No fire, no noise. She had met a few people who she tried to help and had rescued several, but in the end they always wanted to get her pregnant to 'continue the human race'. She made it out in the night. She wore sunglasses on this particular day singing 'Witchy Woman' under her breath as she bicycled. She had become sun tanned and darker.

Looking aorund Madison, she figured it was devoid of life. She found a clinic and parked outside and went inside getting what she could use and needed more of. She was alone, but with her simple hand gun, she was never alone. She got some cans of food. Some twine. She was at the convenient store when she heard it. Brrrmmmmmm! She stopped singing when she heard two motorcycles. She ran and hid behind the counter. Her knife was strapped to her thigh so it was easy to spot. She held her gun up and waited. She heard one of the men come in. She was deathly quiet, even stopping her breathing. She breathed a sigh of relief, hearing the man come and go. She knelt behind the counter. Her eyes darted seeing two men. They were talking loud which made her wince. She heard movement in teh store. In the back. Probably a walker. Just then she heard a scream and came out to see a man kneeling holding the head of another man before shooting him. She winced. This man would be incredibly sad, she was not sure if it was wise to speak to him.

Turning, she looked down the street where she had parked her bike at a small clinic. But deciding that the man needed councel, she moved close. Besides, how long had it been since she heard the voice of someone else besides her own.

"I am sorry." She said softly behind him. She walked up and knelt beside him and then looked down to the man he had shot to keep from turning. She looked at the neck. Torn jugular. Would have been hard death. She had witnessed it before The Event as she liked to call it and after. She cleared her throat and looked up at the noisy Harleys and then bit her lip.

Thinking, Daisy looked over the man and to his dead friend. "Can I do anything to help?" She asked softly.

Hawk was ready to walk away when he heard a female voice speaking to him. He had heard a noise coming from behind and was ready to turn on what he expected was a walker. But walkers don't speak which saved this woman from being attacked. Hawk remained looking down on his now dead friend. He slightly turned towards the woman as she came up beside him. Hawk thanked her for her kind words, but said what needed done, had been done. Hawk reached down and picked up Brody's AR-15. He slung it over his shoulder then removed Brody's pistol belt. A six walkers appeared just down the street. They were starting a slow march towards where Brody's body laid. Hawk grabbed the bag of water and candy bars. He placed it over the handle bars of his bike. Hawk looked around checking out where the walkers were. He was still planning on getting the hell out of here and right quick. Hawk soon spotted another group of perhaps 12, or more walkers coming from an alleyway. They were closer then the smaller group. Hawk looked at the girl, then at Brody's bike. He lowered himself down checking Brody's pockets. Hawk pulled the keys to Brody's bike from his dead friend. " Here.......Brody won't be needing these anymore. " Hawk said while tossing the girl the keys to Brody's Harley. " If you got any gear.......Better grab it.....I'll cover you! " Hawk pulled a large knife from his right boot as he spoke. He also pulled the metal head tomahawk from behind his back. Hawk walked out into the middle of the street. He waved his arms in the air while hollering at the walkers. Hawk would distract them while the girl got her stuff. They could then spit town on the bikes. She would be free to go her on way after that.

She saw his hand reach for his gun and she raised her hand. "I am not bitten or zombie." She said simply. She frowned and then nodded. She had known several people who were very possessive of their dead and had to bury them. She smiled. She looked up seeing the walkers and pulled her gun. She then looked at Hawk and covered him. She wouldn't shoot until it was necessary. Noise just gathered other walkers. She then looked back at Hawk and then took the keys and winced. "Thanks." She then grabbed her bag that she put at the front of the store. Her pack had all what she wanted.

She kept her things close. She put the bag on teh back of the bike and started the bike and looked at him. "I have all what I need. All I had was a bike, but I guess I am motoring it." Until gas is totally depleted. She thought and smiled. She looekd at him. "COme on."

Once Hawk heard the girl say she was ready, he headed for his bike. He jumped on and started it quickly. The pair was off like a shot as some of the walkers reached Brody's body. They began ripping it apart while others slowly continued after the bikes. This was a futile attempt since there was no way of catching the motorcycles. Walkers weren't big on thinking. In fact they were only driven with a need to feast upon living flesh. Even loved ones who died and returned as zombies didn't know the ones left behind. All they saw was food. Oddly enough, the zombies really didn't need to consume anything. Only a small part of their brains were active. This part just happened to be where the desire for eating was. This desire would push walkers to keep following after their food. They could lose their meal, but sooner or later another target would cross their path. The walkers had become eating machine which moved around on the land. They wouldn't stop unless something caught their attention. If that happened, then the zombies would swarm all over it. Normally, the walkers pursue humans, but they will attack any warm blooded animals.

After getting out of sight of the walkers, Hawk introduced himself. " I'm Hawk......Hawk Whitefeather. " Hawk said with a smile as he looked over at his new companion. He knew nothing about this new girl, expect she was a survivor like him. Hawk had met some good, and some not so good people while on the road. He always believed you looked for good in people, but you must be ready in case those people are out to harm you. Hawk asked then asked if she was traveling alone? It was always possible that she could be scouting for a group.

When Hawk jumped on his bike, she pulled up her bandana that she wore over her nose and mouth to keep dust from her lungs and nose and her goggles she used to keep dirt out of her eyes. She started the bike and drove after him. She was alright riding a motorcycle. She lunged on the bike a few times, but she soon got the hang of it. She had never ridden a bike like this, but she figured, as long as she was smart, and learned through trial and error, she would be fine. She soon caught up with him and didn't look back. Her hair was still pinned tightly to her head. She looked at him as he slowed down. She looked at him and pulled her bandana covering her nose and mouth down.

"My name is Daisy, but in a past life, I was called Nightengale. Or Gale for short." She then realized she had dropped her last name. "Daisy "Gale" Somers." She smiled and then nodded. "No, I am traveling alone. I was traveling with hospital patients for a while, but they branched off, found others, or so I like to think. I travel alone. I have been looking for a group, but in this world, a woman's body is only good for continuing the human race, not her skills. So I have lived alone. But my brother used to be a fan of zombies and talked enough of how to survive that I learned quickly. Lucky for me, isn't it Hawk." She said. She spoke just loud enough for him to hear, but not any louder. She had watched walkers swarm loud people or noises. It was like ringing a dinner bell while screaming 'COME AND GET IT!'.

Hawk understood Daisy reasons for traveling alone. He hadn't seen men acting any differently towards the women he saw, but that didn't mean such things didn't happen. Daisy was the first single woman Hawk had met since this whole mess began. Well, other then the one which tried to bite Brody a while back. He didn't count her since she woke up dead that day. They drove on until night started to fall. Hawk had expected Daisy to go her own way now that she had a motorcycle. However, she seemed help to stick around. They finally stopped for the night when Hawk spotted a wrecked old building. The roof was gone, but the walls were still standing. This would give them some cover and the chance to make a fire. Hawk gathered some wood and before long, he had a nice fire crackling away. He pulled a water bottle from the bag which Brody had. Hawk then offered Daisy some water and the candy bars. It wasn't much, but it was all he had. Supplies had to be light and easy to carry. Anything else would be to bulky and unsafe for carrying around. While eating a candy bar, Hawk said he was on his way home. Back to the Cherokee reservation near Tulsa, Oklahoma. Hawk said his family had a farm there. He needed to find out whether anyone was still alive. Hawk couldn't move on without finding out what happened to his family.

Daisy was sure that he would take a turn that she didn't agree with. But she liked the company, and Hawk didn't seem intent on populating a world right now. So it just fit. Besides, she didn't feel right leaving him. He just watched his friend die. She pulled the bandana back. She looked at the building. She didn't like going into buildings especially at night. But Hawk walked in, and she walked with him. She bit her lip and continued to follow pulling her gun pulling her goggles up. She carried her bag with her. She sat down and then sighed watching him make a fire. She set some cans of soup on the wood that was hot and let it warm up. She shook her head.

"No keep your water and candy, you might need it." She smiled and looked at him. She had kept herself safe and secure with the pack. She had bashed a walker's head clean off by just swinging it at his head. She then looked up at him and then pulled out some crackers and offered him some. "The soup will be better for you." She then listened to him talk about where he was headed.

"I don't have a destination. I know I will not find a safe place. If you desire a traveling companion." She took the cans away from the fire and opened the tabs and offered him one and took the other for herself and blew on it and began to drink the soup. She held her can with a blanket that she would sleep with that would keep her warm. "I used to be a nurse, I almost successfully treated a bite from a walker, but the man fell to it." She shook her head. "Religious people." She rolled her eyes and then looked up quickly her eyes are wide. "I mean extremists of course."

Hawk said he would like a companion on the journey. Traveling alone wasn't a good idea anymore. Another set of eyes was always helpful and it was nice to have someone to talk with. Hawk found Daisy quite pretty, with just a touch of innocents. She seemed sweet, but he was sure she could handle herself if things turned badly. The night was still. Birds, even night birds didn't seem to want to sing anymore. The crickets were still out there making noise. Hawk found that they were a good warning signal against walkers, or anyone else showing up unannounced. Hawk explained how he had just started medical school in New York City when everything went to hell. He told how he got locked up for fighting a man who didn't like him dancing with a white woman. That and punching a cop who came to break up the fight. Hawk said that he didn't even throw the first punch, but he finished the fight standing. The other guy was laid out on the floor. While talking, Hawk could see why men wanted to fuck Daisy. He thought that repopulating the world at this point was foolish. There were just to many walkers and not enough safe places. At least none that Hawk knew of. He had heard tails of roving bands of Raiders moving around. These raiders would take what they wanted from where ever they could get it. They would then sell, or trade with other people along with way. Hawk hadn't met any of these people during his journey southward. He asked Daisy what she had heard about these modern day bandits?

She smiled and listened to Hawks tail. A med school guy. It would come in handy if she ever needed an extra pair of hands over a wounded survivor. She nodded and looked at him and frowned. "I am sorry that you didn't get to finish med school, but if you hang out with me long enough, I will teach you all I know." She chuckled and sipped from a soup can and looked at him and smiled. "I also pick up what I can of fiction about zombies. Some interesting material that teaches you what to look out for if you are smart." She pulled out a book that was titled "The Zombie Survival Guide" It was well read with little post-it book marks in it and sighed holding it close like a talisman and chuckled softly.

"It was my brother." She said by way of explanation. She finished her soup as he asked what she knew of bandits. She winced and then wiped her mouth and shook her head. "Sleeze, if you got it, they want it." She shook her head. "Saw them give a group some food for the exchange of a daughter of one of the men in charge." She looked into the fire and frowned deeper. "Not so many nice people left on this earth. But I have met some nice traders. Gave some, some antibiotics free because one had a nasty infection. Of the ear." She clarified. "Forgot their name, it was long ago, but they travel along the freeways when they can." She looked up at him and smiled. "Good and bad, just like survivors I guess."

Hawk slipped his water while Daisy told her own tail of the raiders. He couldn't help but wonder what became of that girl? Was she being used as a sex slave for those men? Had she been sold somewhere else for the same reason? Hawk wondered just what kind of man would sell his own flesh & blood. Food was out there and could be found. All one had to do was look for it. Hawk & Brody often went into homes which were no longer being used. They always found food inside. Hawk's mind drifted to his sister. She had gone to California to seek her fortune in the movies. Heather was always a beautiful girl. People always said she should be a model, or movie star. He wondered where she was now? Hawk knew his sister was trained to survive off the land just as he and his brothers were. Their grandfather made sure Heather was treated no different then the boys. He expected her to be able to stalk and kill game in case she needed too. Heather Whitefeather was beautiful & sexy, but she wasn't a pushover. Hawk's only sister could throw down with any man. She had to with 5 older brothers. They didn't take it easy on her because she was a girl. In fact, their father & grandfather demanded she be treated like an equal. Hawk suggested that Daisy get some sleep. They would start out again at first light. He would watch over her and in a few hours she could relieve him. This way they could both get some shuteye.

"It is funny." She said when he said that they should get sleep and he would relieve her. "This is my first time not strapping myself into a tree." She said and then pulled her sleeping bag from the bottom of her pack and then pulled her knife from her leg. She moved into her bag and then looked up at Hawk and held her knife in a striking motion under her head so she could slash out quick and easily. She looked at Hawk and smiled gently. "Thank you Hawk, for letting me travel with you for the time being." She had been lonely for the better part of 2 weeks. It was hell. Never talking to passerbys, just observing. She pulled her bag over and used it as a pillow and looked at the handsome Native American and smiled.

"Make sure you wake me up when it is my turn. Do you need any reading material? I have my basic first aid notebook if you want it." She watched him and smiled. She had her hair still pinned up to her head and watched him. She zipped up the sleeping bag and sighed softly.

Hawk said he didn't need to read. He wanted to stay alert and not get lost in a book. Hawk was happy to have Daisy along. Since the world came to an end, Hawk had always had someone to talk with. He & Brody left New York together and stayed with each other until the end. Hawk didn't see any need for Daisy to leave. But leaving would be up to her and not Hawk. He would accept it if she left. However, Hawk would try and talk her out of leaving. It was safer with someone else. Right now proved that fact. Daisy could sleep without fear of being attacked. Hawk would watch over her for the next few hours. She could then return the favor by letting him get some sleep. This was how Hawk & Brody worked. Hawk remained on guard listening of any sounds that may spell trouble. The night was a very peaceful one for a change. It was easy to almost forget the madness which swept over the planet two months ago. This was almost like two friends out camping together. The only difference was that there were more dangerous things somewhere out in the darkness then there would normally have been. Hawk kept a close eye on Daisy and his watch. The hours ticked by until half the night was gone. Hawk moved over to where Daisy was laying. He admired how pretty she was while asleep. Hawk really didn't want to wake her, but he gave his word that he would. He softly called out Daisy's name saying that it was her turn to keep watch.

She fell asleep quickly. She curled up but never let go of her knife. She woke up when Hawk began to move close to her. Her eyes opened and looked at him. She nodded and then slowly pulled out of her sleeping bag and motioned for him. "I warmed it up." She put her knife away adn reached into her bag and pulled out a pen and what looked like a journal. She also grabbed her gun. She moved to the fire where Hawk had perched adn sat down and then looked ahead putting the gun in teh front of her pants so she could grab it if she needed it quickly. She looked at the door. Her eyes alert and intent.

She always had lived her life on edge. Always an emergency. Something to be prepared for. It was strange, it was almost a disconnect that she had in this world. It was just an emergency. It was rule of life. Help where you can, but know when you are doing CPR on a corpse. Go on, save the next person that needed it. She then began a quick small entry of how she met Hawk. How she had seen him with his friend. She then closed the journal and looked at Hawk then out. Ohh how she would love to crawl in and lean in close to Hawk. It had been way too long since she felt the body of a human against hers. No she didn't want sex, she was still a virgin, but she longed to be held and feel a heartbeat under her hand.

Hawk thanked Daisy for the offer of her sleeping bag. He didn't need it. Hawk was by now used to sleeping without any sleeping bags. While staying out in the woods during the training by his grandfather. Hawk and his siblings learned how to remain comfortable with just a blanket or two. It was hard to break from old habits. Hawk already had one blanket laid out on the ground. He just laid on top of one while covering himself with the other. Hawk closed his eyes with the last thing he saw being Daisy writing in a book. Somehow this image made Hawk feel better. Perhaps it reminded him of time when life wasn't a fight for survival? The image of a pretty girl writing her thoughts out on paper instead of postings them on the internet. Hawk was really tired, more so then he realized. He was soon fast asleep, yet still aware of everything around him. This was one of the hardest lesson that his grandfather taught. How to sleep and still be alert without showing any signs. Hawk laid there as if it was a lazy Sunday morning. One would hardly think that the world had come apart a few months ago by how peacefully Hawk slept. Hawk never moved from his position on his back. He never stirred once after closing his eyes. The hours slowly ticked away towards the dawning of a new day.

Daisy shrugged when the man turned down her offer for the sleeping bag. Fine be macho. But if I ever take the first watch, she thought, you are going to preheat my sleepingbag even if I have to tie you down in it. Daisy smiled at that image. It was highly unlikely image but it was still pretty funny.

The hours went by and Daisy sighed watching him sleep. She didn't stare, just glancing over every hour to make sure he was still alive. The man slept like death itself. She could tell he was aware. If she made a move, he would lung at her. She smiled and then looked at her watch. It was solar powered, a gift she had given herself at the start of med school. It even had indoglo. It was promised to survive Armaggedon. Nothing could stop it. She saw the sun was starting to rise. She looked down at her watch. She put some water into both of the used soup cans and instant coffee.

She walked outside still keeping watch and did her morning stretches. Greeting the day. Another day she survived. Another day for possibilities. She smiled walking back and smelt the cooking coffee and watched her clock and then looked at Hawk. She pulled out some dried meat that she had dried when she had found a land not far back stable enough to smoke a good meat supply, which she had. It was not bacon and eggs, but it would do. She smiled dreaming of a high fenced in house with plenty of land. CHIckens running everywhere. She shook her head and grabbed her journal putting it back into her bag.

Hawk stretched as he rose up to a sitting position. The coffee smelled damn good. He bid Daisy a good morning. Hawk removed the blanket from his body. He moved onto his knees and rolled both blankets up. Hawk stashed them away before turning his attention towards the breakfast Daisy had made. It may not have been bacon & eggs, but it was damn good. Since the world ended, all the four star restaurants were now closed. Hell, all the restaurants were closed. Getting a hot meal these days was a treat. Hawk thanked Daisy for making the meal. She didn't need to go through the trouble, but Hawk was glad she did. It had been days since he last had a hot meal. Hawk & Brody had been on the move since the camp they had stayed at was attacked by walkers. Those people at the camp were decent and kind. They however weren't ready for an attack. Many thought that by hiding out in the woods would keep them safe. The walkers had already moved into the forests & county sides surrounding the towns & cities. Looking for a fresh meal of their own. While eating, Hawk told the tail of those people at the camp. He knew more could have been saved if they were armed. Most of the people at that camp only had what they could grab while escaping their homes. Very few had anything that could be used as a weapon. It was a damn shame, but Hawk said in this world it was kill, or be killed.

Once breakfast was over, Hawk & Daisy packed up their gear. They left the old building and hit the road. They rode on throughout that day avoiding several groups of walkers. That night they made another camp and hit the road again the following morning. Later that afternoon, Hawk suggested that they fill up their bikes. It wasn't hard to find gas since abandoned cars & trucks were everywhere. They pulled their bikes over along the roadside. Hawk said he would fill up the bikes while Daisy kept watch. He removed a hose from a saddlebag on his bike. Hawk put that hose into the gas tank of a car. He pushed his bike, then sucked on the hose until the gas started to flow. Hawk spit the awful tasting gas from his mouth while placing the hose into his tank. Once his tank was full, he used a clothespin to pinch off the end. This would keep the gas from running out. Hawk moved his bike out of the way before moving Daisy's up. Hawk looked around while filling Daisy's tank. He noticed a truck with a camper on the back just down the road. Hawk watched the camper for a few minutes. He was sure that camper had moved. Then Hawk was sure when it started rocking. After filling Daisy's tank and putting the hose away. Hawk told Daisy that they should checkout the camper. By now she was aware of something being inside.

Daisy chuckled and greeted him back with her own good morning. She handed him the soup can full of coffee and pulled her own from the fire. Setting it down, she shook her head. THe taste of black coffee used to raise the hairs on her arms, now she couldn't function until she had some. She laughed at how happy he was for the warm coffee and the warmed dried food. She shook her head.

"It is just cured meat. I have been keeping my protein diet as high as I can, I just miss carbs and vegetables." She shrugged. She thought of how she had come across a bag of rice a while ago and had savored each and every bit of it. But food didn't last forever when you were a hungry human. She leaned back. "As long as fish are swimming and breeding in rivers, I will always have meat." She chuckled. She doubted that fish were slow enough for walkers to grab. It was funny as hell to watch them try though. She continued to tell the tale of how she found this out. One day when she was sick with a cold, she secured herself to the tree by a stream and laughed watching the walkers reach down in quick jerky movements only to pull up empty handed and growl their frustration. She listened to him tell his tale of the camps.

"I think walkers are attracted to sound. Large camps, people think they are safe, but humans as a whole are loud creatures." SHE remembered her days back at the hospital and once again wished how if she had a dollar for every time a large party came in and feasted and partied around a sick body trying to sleep, she would be a millionaire. She looked at him and smiled as she sucked the last bit of meat from her fingers and stood up packing up her own things, kicking out teh fire so others might use their safe haven.

SHE rode with him and slept with him. Keeping him fed what she could on her canned foods and dried meats. She tried to get him off the chocolate bars, but every person had their vices still. So she soon relinquished and let him eat the chocolate. She smiled and nodded and got off her bike when he said he needed to fill up the bikes. It was fun riding a bike. She pulled out her gun and held it at the ready her eyes moving. She kept looking at Hawk who was pushing the tube into the car and sucked on it. She felt a familiar pulling in her lady region and blushed looking away. She looked around and frowned seeing the RV rock and move. She raised her gun at it expecting it to spew forth walkers.

She looked at Hawk with wide eyes as he said they shoudl check the camper. HE was nutss. Her mouth was covered by the handkerchief adn her goggles raised on her forehead. ONly her blue eyes watched him. She shook her head and walked with him at the ready with her gun poised.

Hawk was aware that there could very well be walkers in the camper. What troubled Hawk, was that no other sounds which walkers made could be heard. Had walkers been inside the camper, the sounds of the stumbling around should be easily heard. Walkers weren't a silent bunch. They moved slowly while letting out ghastly moans. When they spotted something to feed upon, the walkers moans became louder. This acted as a warning and call to other walkers. Hawk had seen walkers stuck on sharpened wood stakes. These stake were used to trap walkers. Since the zombies had no power of thought, they couldn't avoid traps. The walkers would impale themselves trying to get to their prey. This was done without fear of injury. Walkers didn't feel pain after all. During his travel southward, Hawk had seen walkers trapped in fields which were surrounded by barbed wire. They would just keep moving ahead and get tangled up in the wire. So Hawk had no fear of walkers inside the camper. But something, or someone was inside and Hawk wanted to find out.

Hawk pulled his tomahawk from his belt as he moved closer. The camper was still moving on the back of the pickup truck. Hawk stopped just a few feet from the camper to listen. He could now hear moaning sounds, but they weren't coming from a walker. These moans were the pleasure filled ones and coming from a woman. Hawk moved up to the door and looked in. He however couldn't see anything. The window had been covered with a shade. Hawk waited for Daisy to get into a position to cover him. He reached for the doorknob and turned it slowly. Hawk flung the door wide open while raising his tomahawk in the air. His eyes fell upon two teenagers having sex. The girl let out a scream as she tried to cover her body. The sheet was yanked from her when the boy with her used it for himself. The teens looked at Hawk showing the fear they had in their eyes. Hawk lowered his weapon and slipped it back into his belt. He leaned against the door jam while shaking his head. The boy said he was sorry. He explained that they didn't know anyone was using the camper. He said they just came a crossed it and since no one was around, they came in. The girl was cute with long blonde hair. She was trying her best to cover her body with her hands. The boy had brown hair and was slender. Both teens looked to be around 18. Hawk looked at Daisy while rolling his eyes.

Daisy saw the quiet resolve in his eyes. He wanted to see what was inside the camper. Shrugging, she walked behind him. She covered him. It was odd, she had heard moaning from a walker, but nothing was coming from this camper. Walkers usually groaned when they were stuck somewhere. She pointed it at a spot that would knock down a walker before they knew what they were doing. She watched Hawk move his tomahawk out of his belt and fling the door open. What she saw made her chuckle a bit and shook her head. She lowered her gun and released the trigger.

"No, we were just traveling through, saw a rocking camper, curiosity and all that. Come on Hawk, let them be alone together." She motioned for him to close the door laughing at him rolling his eyes. Daisy was happy that someone found love in such uncertain times. She looked around seeing the empty highway and moved still holding her gun. She would not put the gun back until they were underway. She thought of how natural the boy and girl looked together. She got on her bike.

"SO do you want to peep on some poor teens or do you have something else planned for today?" She laughed thinking of how the two looked together. Somewhere, deep in the dark recesses of her brain, it turned her on. Hawk siphoning gas and two teens going at it, what was wrong with her?

Hawk watched as Daisy turned and walked towards the bikes. He closed the door to the camper and followed behind her. Hawk wondered why after finding two more survivors, Daisy just wanted to leave? But he didn't question Daisy on her desire to split. Hawk did want to get home and find out what happened to his family. After climbing on his bike, Hawk said let's go. He started his bike and pulled out. They passed the camper while heading southwest. Not long after Hawk & Daisy left, a black van came upon the camper. Four men exited the van eying up the camper. They walked over opening the door. The teens inside were again surprised by the door opening. However, this time it wasn't Hawk & Daisy. The four men wore wicked grins on their face at the sight that greeted them. They slowly walked into the camper while closing the door. The shrieking sounds of the girl's screams could be heard well outside the camper. These screams were joined by the pleas of the boy. His pleas were falling on deaf ears. These men didn't care about pleas and they didn't feel merciful. They were raiders out looking for whatever they could find. And they found two helpless teens ripe for the using. These men didn't just plan on using the girl. Oh no, they planned on using the boy as well. He was going to find out that women weren't the only ones who could and would be fucked in this world.

Daisy thought the teens looked good. Not desperate. Teens were a type that were resilient and often very stupid. Plus, as cruel as it sounded, daisy knew just how dangerous horny teens were in a world like this. They were given to anger and shouting as easily as they were to sex. That attracted walkers. She saw the look in Hawks face and shrugged. She did feel guilty, but she was not eager to get teens or kids to look after. It would have to be a very special case if they did. Besides, they didn't seem too keen on joining them.

Daisy started the bike wishing the kids well though in her mind and leaving. If daisy would have known the fate of the kids, she would have taken them for a day and dropped them off someplace they would feel secure. But where was that? Daisy sat awake that night thinking of the couple and frowned to herself. When had she become so careless of for that matter the world so stupid? She looked at the gun and thought about how easy it would be to blow her brains out.

Simple and easy. For her maybe. But not for hawk. Looking at him she frowned. He would be alone again. Awoken by the shot. Never safe. No she was not careless. That had been the wrong word, she was selfish. Thinking this, she looked to the fire and angry silent tears rolled down her face.

Seeing those teens brought the memory of that camp back in Pennsylvania into Hawk's mind. He knew those people were foolish in thinking that the woods would keep them safe. No one thing could keep anyone safe in this world, not now. During the two days spent in the camp, Hawk & Brody became the camp's protectors. However, when the walkers came, as walkers will do, these two weren't enough. Hawk was sure that at least a few people must have escaped. Although, he hadn't seen anyone from that camp again. Those teens were foolish because they didn't lock the door, or have anything to protect themselves with. Hawk didn't see them as being trouble. He saw them as needing guidance in this crazy world. They could have been taught to better look after themselves. To take better care and know your surroundings. Hawk wondered just who the monsters in this world really were? The walkers were mindless creatures stumbling around and attacking anything living. The real monsters were those humans who preyed upon their fellow man. These people had lost their "humanity" and in Hawk's eyes, they were no better then the walkers. Hawk didn't take from those in need and he wouldn't force anyone into anything. He still believed in free will and the right to choice. Not being able to help those people at that camp and leaving the teens without at least some words of warning left Hawk feeling empty.

Hawk didn't blame Daisy for wanting to leave. He had his reasons for leaving also. Still, Hawk believed that more could have been done. He & Brody should have pushed those people at the camp into training for an attack. They should have found items which could be used as weapons and armed everyone. Those teens could have been trained before they went their own way. Hell, they may have even stayed and instead of two, there would have been four sets of eyes watching for trouble. Hawk believed that there was safety in numbers. As long as those numbers were taught how to survive properly. The fire Hawk built was very large. It was small since they didn't have cover from walls. He always kept a pile of dirt near the fire. This could be used in s hurry to put the fire out. Hawk sat on the ground staring at his boots. His mind was going over a hundred different things at once. Suddenly the snap of a twig brought Hawk back. He listened for a moment before and snap was heard. Hawk moved to his knees grabbing the dirt and snuffed out the fire. A shuffling noise could be heard followed by low moans. A walker was nearby, maybe more then one. Hawk pulled his knife and picked up his tomahawk which laid next to him on the ground. He was ready for action, yet didn't move. There was no signs that the walker, or walkers had seen the light from the fire. Hawk knew that if they just remained silent, the trouble would pass.

Daisy was about to open her mouth to speak to hawk when she heard it. She pulled her knife and the gun. She moved quietly next to hawk and listened closely. Her eyes moving in the darkness. Finally she made herself a promise. She would change. She would make the world a better place. Next teens she encountered she would help. She wiped her eyes a bit and hated herself more than anything. Being alone had turned her into a monster worse than the walkers and she resented that. She looked at hawk. Hawk would have stayed. She had seen it in his eyes. He would have helped. She swallowed hard and bit her lip to keep from sobbing.

She waited wondering what was walking out in the woods.

Without any noise to follow, the walkers soon passed. The rest of the night for Hawk & Daisy was spend huddled close in the darkness. Hawk didn't want to risk starting another fire. He kept and arm wrapped around Daisy until the morning came. Once the sun was up, Hawk & Daisy took a walk around the camp. He showed her the tracks made by the walkers. 7 walkers passed by last night. While that number wasn't large. They could have still be trouble for only two people. Hawk was sure that he & Daisy could have handled them. Although, the sounds of a fight could have brought more from nearby. After gathering their gear, Hawk & Daisy hit the road again. They traveled on for a few hours before stopping at a bar & grill. Hawk said they could check the place out for food and maybe get something to eat. He tossed Daisy the AR-15 which Brody had used. Hawk showed her how to use the weapon before he grabbed his own. They walked towards the rundown bar. It was all wood on the outside which gave it an old west saloon look. The parking lot was empty. Hawk & Daisy hidden their bikes in case some unwanted eyes came wondering by.

After climbing a short set of steps, Hawk looked into the place through the window in the doors. He gave Daisy a smile before banging on the wooden doors. Hawk then leaned against the door and pulled a pack of cigarettes from a small pouch on his belt. He pulled one out and lit it up before offering Daisy a smoke and lite. Hawk took his first drag from the cigarette just as two walkers slammed into the door. He smiled and told Daisy everything was okay. Hawk explained that by knocking on the door, the noise would draw the walkers inside. He said this way you can see how many are inside. Hawk waited for a few more minute while the walkers clawed at the doors. No more showed up, so Hawk told Daisy to stand ready beside the door. Hawk said when he nodded his head, Daisy was to open the door and let the walkers out. He would then take care of them while she started checking the place out. Hawk swung his AR-15 over his shoulder then pulled out his tomahawk. He stood at the top of the stairs with the walkers looking right at him. Hawk then gave Daisy the nod. He was ready to take on the male & female walkers.