El Cajon, California

[Mystik Viper]

El Cajon, California​

El Cajon is in Southern California, one of many suburbs of San Diego, and though not very heavily populated, it does have a few hotter spots in it. With good shopping and plenty of smaller convenient stores however, it's a good place to fuel up, both a vehicle and ones self. Also with all the community buildings there are more than enough places to hide. Be warned however, hiding isn't just done by the living, it can also be done by the undead, they may not need sleep, but a zombie at 'rest' can be very silent and can get you when you least suspect it.

Alert: Scattered​

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[Mystik Viper]

Name: Precious Daniels
Location: El Cajon - Her apartment
Attire: Black bra under an aging white wife beater (male tank top), cut off shorts, cut daisy duke style. Wide belt with amo bag attacked, army green camo bag on back, knee high black combat boots, black cotton gloves.
Weapons: Curently two rifles, one strapped to her back the other in hand, pocket knife in back left pocket, revolver tucked in back of shorts, anything else she has which at this point isn't much is in her pack.
Date/Time: July 4th, 2025: Before sun up
Tagging: OPEN

---

Precious was always up before the sun, that bought her as much time as she could possibly get to start moving. Her apartment was on the fourth floor of an otherwise abandoned apartment complex. Which wasn't the case only a few weeks ago. Seemed there were always screaming kids, crying babies and women cursing out their lazy ass husbands in Spanish. They were all gone now, all dead.... Turned into the walking dead, and of course being the good neighbor she was, she put a bullet into each of their heads. Alright so she didn't shoot all of them, some of them she enjoyed killing them far more than she should so she instead bashed their heads in with the butt of one of her rifles. She tried not to do that much however. For two reasons, the first reason was that she didn't want to become just like the mindless bastards who created these monsters, and the second. Well the second was really the more important reason. She kinda got sick of cleaning up off the guts of people she didn't like.

As Precious made her way to her kitchen, covered from head to toe with clothing that allowed her to dart quickly out a door or window if bad shit started to happen she couldn't help but remember how things used to be. She remembered being able to walk to her kitchen half naked, finding her eldest brother Richard sprawled out on the couch, telling her to "put some fucking pants on". Like he cared anyway, he was half blind in the mornings, and it wasn't like she didn't have on a pair of panties. She used to bitch at him back them about it, but now, she missed those days.

She sighed as she placed her hand on the coffee maker and shook her head slowly, she could really go for a cup, but even the slightest noise seemed to draw them, even from miles away. She couldn't understand how, it just, seemed to happen. They came first for Derek, the younger of her two brothers, after he was turned, then went her mother and father. She and Richard fought them off long as they could, but last night.... Last night she had to put a bullet in his head. He wasn't turned. Not yet, but he was bitten, and he told her to do the deed.

It broke her heart knowing that she was alone now. She had her boyfriend still, somewhere. Least she figured he was still alive. He had to go to out of town on business before shit went down. She was glad that he did. Glad to know there was a chance that he survived. He was a hard ass and she wouldn't even want to turn him if she could avoid it. Precious shook her head of the thoughts. She couldn't think of him being gone. Right now he was her only strength, knowing that he was ok. She hadn't gone to his home, hadn't seen his family. She wasn't brave enough to find out they were dead... Or worse... Turned. She pushed the coffee maker away from her before she made her way into the living room, placing a hand on the couch she lowered her head.

'What are you doing old girl? You can't fight them alone, you can't live that long,' She thought before pushing herself off the couch and walking over to her fire escape window. She glanced out, down at the streets, they were all but abandoned. dead bodies, abandoned cars, that was all that lined them now, and the noise... Or rather the lack there of, the absolute silence, the deadly silence. It was enough to make anyone's skin crawl, no town should be this quiet, no town should be this dead.

Of course just as she began to adjust to the silence she heard a sound that near caused her to spoil herself. A scarping at her door. She turned sharply to look as she heard the whimper. She could feel her heart sink as she moved to the door. The whimpers continuing as she lifted her gun and pointed it to about where she figured the creature's head would be and she closed her eyes. Suddenly the whimper turned into a growl and the attention of the dog shifted before whimpers of pain began to follow. Tears began to slowly run down Precious' face as she moved to take the doorknob in her now shaking hand.

She knew she had to be quick, or she herself would be dead, opening her eyes she drew in a deep breath before slowly turning the knob and unlactching the door just as she rested her foot against it. She would do this swift, cock the gun, move back and pull the fucking trigger until nothing was moving. After a few seconds she did just as she thought. She moved back from the door and cocked her rifle. The noise drew the attention of the creatures outside and first in the door flew the dog. Precious moved quickly back as she put three bullets into it, cocking her rifle after each blow before then blowing the head clean off the female creature who followed it in. Once the two were dead she moved to close the door, locking it, as if that would really protect her then her eyes turned to the canine.

To her dog and she placed a hand over her mouth. If that zombie hadn't come, if she would have been a little faster, she could have.... She could have saved him, but she didn't. Tears continued to roll down her face as she watched her pet lay dead at her feet. Shaking her head after several moments she wiped the tears from her eyes. She couldn't, she couldn't stay and mourn her pet. There would be more, they would come to the sounds, to the smell of blood. She had to move, and she had to move now.

 

[Mystik Viper]

Name: Precious Daniels
Location: El Cajon - Through town
Attire: Black bra under an aging white wife beater (male tank top), cut off shorts, cut daisy duke style. Wide belt with amo bag attacked, army green camo bag on back, knee high black combat boots, black cotton gloves.
Weapons: Curently two rifles, one strapped to her back the other in hand, pocket knife in back left pocket, revolver tucked in back of shorts, anything else she has which at this point isn't much is in her pack.
Date/Time: July 4th, 2025: Before sun up
Tagging: OPEN

---

Precious moved to her bathroom and splashed water on her face. Grabbing a towel she patted her face dry as she looked at herself in the mirror, shaking her head slowly she threw the towel down. It was time to leave, and it was time to leave now. She had nothing left here. Sure her dog wasn't so big of a deal that she brought it inside when shit started going down, but that was her error in judgment, besides he was a beast, she never should have gotten him with such a small apartment, but he wasn't always a big dog, he used to be a little puppy. Picking her rifle up from the back of the toilet she loaded it back up and moved towards the window.

She made her way quickly and as quietly as possible down the fire escape. Only landing on the ground when she figured it was safe. The town was quiet for the most part, least wise this neighborhood. She'd been killing her neighbors for the last week, her family, and now her dog. She'd be able to get a good distance before she planned on running into any others, and with them not being as easily hidden in the daylight hours. She figured she stood a better chance of survival.

Precious' main goal however, was the to find others who had survived, and get the Hell out of town. Find a safe place to roost, and make a good solid stand. Securing everything she had with her she started her way down the center of the street. Walking down the center of the street wasn't always the best idea, because she was more out in the open, but it also meant that nothing was going to jump out and grab her. One of those things they should have taught at the police academy, but no. The whole damn world had to turn into walking dead for that lesson to be learned.

Her first goal was a car that worked, a truck, van, jeep. Hell at this rate she'd even take a bike, preferably a motorized one rather than one like she had when she was twelve with the frilled and the cute little bell that would wake every dead bastard within five hundred miles. Then she'd stop off some place to do some 'shopping' she needed food if she was going to be on the move, she'd need more weapons, and probably more clothing, as the ones she was wearing wouldn't do for very long, especially when the weather began to get colder. Sure it was still early July, but she had long term plans to live. So she was going to plan for it.

 

[Mystik Viper]

Name: Precious Daniels
Location: El Cajon - Through town
Attire: Black bra under an white wife beater (male tank top), daisy duke style shorts. Wide belt with ammo bag attacked, army green camo bag on back, knee high black combat boots, black cotton gloves.
Weapons: currently two rifles, one strapped to her back the other in hand, pocket knife in back left pocket, revolver tucked in back of shorts, anything else she has which at this point isn't much is in her pack.
Date/Time: July 4th, 2025: Mid Morning
Tagging: OPEN

---

Precious had spent much of the morning thus far shopping, not for supplies however, not for a vehicle to get her the Hell out of here but for others who may have survived. She searched many lower risk places first, not wanting to call a great deal of attention to herself if she could possibly avoid it. She'd had no such luck though. Not thus far. Most everyplace she searched were just more and more zombies, if there was anything at all.

The truth was as much as Precious wanted out of El Cajon, as much as she wanted out of California she couldn't go yet, not if there was still a chance. If that meant she had to stay behind and kill every bloody zombie she found. Her count was up to 9 already that morning and the day wasn't even half done, and those were lower risk places, but she had 'sanitized' a few areas. She blew up a gas station and only hoped that the bastards would find their way there and fry. She wasn't about to stick around to watch the fireworks however. No she needed to move on.

She quickly made her way to an old clothing store that she used to shop at, back when she had money, a job and well people weren't all dead. She slipped inside the busted out glass section of the door and began snooping around. Grabbing a few random things from racks, she had to pack light, least wise for now. Until she got herself a set of wheels and knew how much she could carry, but she needed to replace the clothes she had on, as well as get herself a spare set.

Before she got to comfortable however she secured the area and found her way to a back changing room, when she was sure it was safe she threw on something that she knew would fit. She wasn't about to stick around to try on clothing but she did need something fresh on. Once she got dressed into her new clothes, a fresher wife beater, a newer pair of shorts, and was comfortable in them, she grabbed a few more possibilities and high tailed it out of the store.

 

[Mystik Viper]

Name: Precious Daniels
Location: El Cajon - Her apartment
Attire: Black bra under an aging white wife beater (male tank top), cut off shorts, cut daisy duke style. Wide belt with amo bag attacked, army green camo bag on back, knee high black combat boots, black cotton gloves.
Weapons: Curently two rifles, one strapped to her back the other in hand, pocket knife in back left pocket, revolver tucked in back of shorts, anything else she has which at this point isn't much is in her pack.
Date/Time: July 4th, 2025: Afternoon
Tagging: OPEN

---

It took much of the morning for her to get supplied together, enough water and dehydrated food to last her at least a month, long as she was smart about how she used it all. Now it was just a matter of getting a few new pairs of clothing and a nice pick up truck with enough fuel to last long enough to get to a decent place as well. With the world pretty much coming to a halt she wasn't going to have a lot of chances to get fuel, and eventually there would be none left at all. In which case she'd have to go more into the livestock area. That was of course if the horses weren't all turned. She sighed softly at the thought. Her dog didn't need that, didn't deserve that. Growling softly at herself she shook her head. 'Can't think about that old girl, you gotta get the fuck outta here.'

She thought to herself as she started down a back road in town. A smile crossed Precious' face as she found her wheels and it was followed by a satisfied nod. Quickly and as quietly as possible she made her way to the truck. The first thing to do was to make sure it wasn't surrounded or filled with dead or infected. The next was to make sure it had what was needed to get it running. If she had to hot wire it so what, but she wasn't going to load it up just to find out it wouldn't run. After quite a bit of investigating she was convinced it would at least get her out of town, and right now that's the most she wanted. Out of civilization, well what was supposed to be civilization. After several trips with her stuff she finally got everything loaded up.

With daylight beginning to fade however she was running out of time to get much accomplished. Climbing into the driver seat of the truck she left the door slightly ajar while she dug under the driver seat for the wires to hotwire it, only to stop as she saw the keys in the ignition already. Once she turned the car on she cheered softly and pulled the door shut before she started down the street. Her destination was a small town clothing store, though in the time of the living the best place to shop was the mall.... During the time of the dead that was the worst place to go, she was better off stayiing in smaller less populated areas, and even if there were some of these bastards around, there's be enough cars to help her get away. She pulled up quickly to the shop and shut off the engine before moving her way into the store.

Quickly she made her way down the aisles grabbing only a few pieces of each thing she needed then hurried out the door. She stopped as she caught the glimpse of a zombie however. On her she only had her guns, but if she shot she'd draw more of the bastards like moths to a flame. Slinking back into the store she looked around for a blunt object to hit the zombie with before it caught her scent and was all over her before she was ready.

 

[AlphaWolfQuin]

Name:Skylar Blaze, Sky
Location:El Cajon, CA
Attire:Black Cargo pants, Combat boots, T-shirt, Leather vest, fingerless leather gloves, studded belt, black backpack
Weapons:Knuckle Knife, Machete, M16
Date/Time:July 4th, 2025: Afternoon
Tagging:Precious, OPEN

---

The sun beat down on the pavement as Skylar rode her bike through the seemingly dead town. It was quiet there....too quiet, even for now a days with everything going on. Skylar had been travelling for what seemed like months, she had lost all sense of time a few months into the plague, she had no idea what day or month it was. Though that didn't bother her too much, it wasn't like she had a set schedule anymore anyways, not like she had to get up for work or check the clock to make sure she didn't miss the news. There was nothing left, hell Sky doubted that there were any other survivors out there even though she hoped there was. Maybe that's what drove the woman "hope" either that or the high of the constant adrenaline rush she had.

Skylar turned a corner and sped down another street with a few shops around, the smell of rotting flesh told her there were walkers nearby. The woman found a place to park her bike then turned of the engine and continued on foot to stay relatively quiet and not draw attention to herself. She surveyed the area as she walked, her hand gripped tightly on her knife as she peered into windows of stores. None of which caught her interest, she needed food and ammo and so far she hadn't spotted a place where she'd be able to loot any. "Fucking waste of time" ,she growled lowly to herself as she continued to move.

Just as Sky was about to turn and leave she heard one of the shop doors open and immediately pulled her knife from it's case and looked in the direction where the noise came from. Sky spotted the walker instantly and caught a glimpse of someone backing into the store. She slowly moved forward, unsure if the person backing into the other store was another walker or if there were actually others out there that were still alive and breathing. Her curiosity got the better of her and she found herself nearing the walker outside the store, when she got close enough she whistled to get the walker's attention.

"Yeah that's it, come an get it" ,Skylar stated as a twisted smile curled on her face, her cold grey eyes fixed dangerously on the now approaching walker. The walker was now coming full speed at her but Skylar stood still, knife in hand hung at her side and the smile fixed on her face. The woman let the walker get within grabbing distance before she made any moves. As soon as the fucker grabbed her shirt she nailed it in the face with the knuckles of her knife then pulled back and impaled the blade through it's head. After the walker dropped Sky spit on the ground near it then began making her way towards the store to see who or what was inside.

 

[Mystik Viper]

Name: Precious Daniels
Location: El Cajon
Attire: Black bra under an aging white wife beater (male tank top), cut off shorts, cut daisy duke style. Wide belt with amo bag attacked, army green camo bag on back, knee high black combat boots, black cotton gloves.
Weapons: Curently two rifles, one strapped to her back the other in hand, pocket knife in back left pocket, revolver tucked in back of shorts, anything else she has which at this point isn't much is in her pack.
Date/Time: July 4th, 2025: Afternoon
Tagging: Sky, OPEN

---

As the walker moved away Precious caught the sound of someone's voice. She shook her head a bit trying to bring herself to some sort of reality. As much as she would like to admit there were others alive, she had a difficult time coming to grasp with that reality. Watching through the broken window though there was little doubt to what was before her. Throwing her gun back over her shoulder she causiously made her way towards the door, with the window no longer allowing a solid view for her of the woman that killed the walker, she knew at the same time the person wasn't going to get a view of her either. Didn't bother her to much though. The zombies were killing machines, nothing more, so they didn't talk and carry on conversation.

Secionds before getting to the door she cocked her gun. She had on intention of shooting the woman obviously, but it was first warning that she didn't need to have her face bashed in. Her second movement to make known she was human was a loud, forced clearing of her throat. She ducked down quickly and spun out the door before lifting one of her hand gunts and pointing it at Sky, again no intent of damage just reflexes. Seconds after she l ifted the gun and pointed it at Sky's head she laughed and allowed it to spin down in her hand before pulling it back to her body and tucking it back into the back of her shorts. "Another living creature. They used to always say California would be one of the first places to go, glad to know I'm not the only survivor."

Precious put her hand out to shake as she looked over at the walker that Sky had just killed, shaking her head slightly she looked back to Sky. "Thanks for the save, I wasn't really wanting to go all John Wayne on his ass, may need the bullets, and sure as shit don't need more of those fuckers coming a calling. Names Precious."

 

[AlphaWolfQuin]

Name:Skylar Blaze, Sky
Location:El Cajon, CA
Attire:Black Cargo pants, Combat boots, T-shirt, Leather vest, fingerless leather gloves, studded belt, black backpack
Weapons:Knuckle Knife, Machete, M16
Date/Time:July 4th, 2025: Afternoon
Tagging:Precious, OPEN

---

Skylar's ear twitched as soon as she heard the sound of a gun cock. A smirk then came across the woman's face after hearing Precious clear her throat, the walkers couldn't use guns or clear their throats as far as Sky knew and she had plenty of run ins with the fuckers to know quite a bit. There was another living human being in the store, something Skylar hadn't seen in months. Not sure if the survivor was friendly or not Skylar gripped the handle of her machete as she got closer to the store, the signals the woman gave told Skylar she indeed wanted her to know she was inside but they didn't exactly tell Sky if the woman was hostile or not.

When the woman emerged from the store Sky pulled the machete from her side and as the gun was pointed Skylar pressed the side of the blade to the woman's side. She had no intention of cutting or stabbing the woman, unless of course she tried to pull the trigger. Sky put a little pressure down on the blade as the gun was raised to her head, when Precious laughed and lowered her weapon Skylar lowered hers. "California had a lot of people in it, most of them turned either that or they got killed, as far as I'm concerned Cali is gone" ,Sky said in response to Precious.

Sky took the woman's hand and shook it, she was expecting a thanks or anything to her killing walkers was just something she had gotten used too and even found it slightly entertaining. "I'm Skylar but you can call me Sky, you wouldn't happen to know the date would you? Last I checked it was November, haven't really kept track since then, no point to really" ,Skylar continued before reaching into her vest pocket and pulling out a cigarette, "Want one? I have plenty, hit the jackpot a few days ago a few towns back" ,Sky said as she held the pack out towards Precious.

 

[Mystik Viper]

Name: Precious Daniels
Location: El Cajon
Attire: Black bra under an aging white wife beater (male tank top), cut off shorts, cut daisy duke style. Wide belt with amo bag attacked, army green camo bag on back, knee high black combat boots, black cotton gloves.
Weapons: Curently two rifles, one strapped to her back the other in hand, pocket knife in back left pocket, revolver tucked in back of shorts, anything else she has which at this point isn't much is in her pack.
Date/Time: July 4th, 2025: Afternoon
Tagging: Sky, OPEN

---

Precious flinched slightly as she felt the machete against her side, but she didn't do much movement aside from that. The woman had a gun to her head after all... Could Precious really blame her for her response? When the weapons were lowered and the two became slightly more social Precious of course was able to relax, not that she really viewed Sky as a threat, but she knew she wouldn't have to be as uptight as the woman would be just as alert as she was, twice as many ears and eyes on the look out was always good. When Sky spoke of Cali being gone she couldn't help but nod, the sad truth is that it was. "I went to LA once, I'm not sure it's changed much, those people always seemed like walking zombies to me, least for the most part." Precious replied with a bit of a smirk.

She nodded as she was asked the date and placed a fist on her hip. "Yeah, I was staying at home till recently, counted down the days on an old calander I happen to have laying around, being on the road I woudln't expect you to keep track. Happy Independence Day." Precious glanced over her shoulder to her truck that was untouched by the walker then looked back at Sky just as she was offered a smoke. She took one from the pack and nodded a thanks before sticking it between her lips for a second before she began speaking again. "So how in the Hell do you lose half of a year exactly? I mean you are talking November 2024 right?"

 

[AlphaWolfQuin]

Name:Skylar Blaze, Sky
Location:El Cajon, CA
Attire:Black Cargo pants, Combat boots, T-shirt, Leather vest, fingerless leather gloves, studded belt, black backpack
Weapons:Knuckle Knife, Machete, M16
Date/Time:July 4th, 2025: Afternoon
Tagging:Precious, OPEN

---

"I lived in LA, as much as people said how great it was I always thought it was boring, you're right people were like zombies even before all this shit happened" ,Skylar began in response to Precious' comment about LA before taking a drag from her cigarette. The woman scanned the area briefly before continuing, "Ya know this whole zombie bullshit that's going on right now isn't even that herd to deal with, I mean I just don't understand why I haven't come across any other survivors until now" ,Sky said before letting out a laugh.

Skylar listened to Precious' response about the date and nodded before letting out a chuckle, "Holy shit I'm 25 today...." ,she began before taking another drag from her cigarette. ".....so you had a home, even with all the bullshit going on?......See this zombie shit isn't that hard to deal with and anyone with half a brain should be able to figure out how to survive, there's gotta be others out there" ,she continued before shaking her head slightly and letting our a sigh. "As for how I lost half a year....well I've been travelling around for the most part, looking for supplies......I stuck to the road I'm trying to find a good place to settle down, probably gonna have to leave Cali to find anything even close to safe enough though".

 

[Mystik Viper]

Name: Precious Daniels
Location: El Cajon
Attire: Black bra under an aging white wife beater (male tank top), cut off shorts, cut daisy duke style. Wide belt with amo bag attacked, army green camo bag on back, knee high black combat boots, black cotton gloves.
Weapons: Curently two rifles, one strapped to her back the other in hand, pocket knife in back left pocket, revolver tucked in back of shorts, anything else she has which at this point isn't much is in her pack.
Date/Time: July 4th, 2025: Afternoon
Tagging: Sky, OPEN

---

Precious couldn't help it as a broad smile crossed her face while Sky confessed that she lived in LA, anyone else would probably have been embarrassed by her comment finding out that those she was keeping company with were directly affected by the response. Precious didn't worry about it though, not with Sky especially. The woman was alive, and where were the rest of the people from Los Angeles? That alone said something different about Sky, she wasn't part of the rat race, and of course as the woman continued, about the place being boring it became even more clear that she wasn't part of the masses. As Sky continued on about the zombie situation not really being that difficult of a situation to deal with she nodded, spinning her smoke between her thumb and index finger of her free hand. "Well the reason there's not much issue is because that's all California ever was, a bunch of brain dead zombies who wanted only money, power and control." Precious responded with a nod before she continued. "I mean look at Hollywood... Now they're just a bunch of brain dead zombies that want power and control. So really only diff is that they don't give a rats about money and they're less... Pretty." As she paused before saying the word 'pretty' she lit her smoke and took a drag from it.

She took another drag from her smoke, nodding at Skylar's words as she spoke of what she'd been doing for the last half a year and such. "Well, happy birthday, we manage to get someplace safe enough I'll bake you a cake." Precious winked at Sky before she glanced back at her stolen ride then back to Sky. "Yeah, lived in a rather nice apartment with one of my brothers, before he got turned and I had to put a bullet in him. Only left today because I had to shoot my dog." Precious shivered at the thought, to her it was almost sad that she hated killing her dog more than she hated to kill her own brothers and parents, but she didn't try to make a big deal about it. This was a twisted life now, more than before and they had to adjust as much as possible. "Cali is to hot, I mean it's got low areas obviously, or we'd both be swarmed by the little bastards now but once animals start getting turned.... Ej Cajon is high in stray count, and those bitches move more quickly than the walkers. I'm actually headed east, finishing up on supplies. I figure places with lower population are going to be lower risk. Personally rather take on a zombie cow than a zombie doberman. You know?" Precious laughed at the thought as she shook her head and took another drag from her smoke.

 

[AlphaWolfQuin]

Name:Skylar Blaze, Sky
Location:El Cajon, CA
Attire:Black Cargo pants, Combat boots, T-shirt, Leather vest, fingerless leather gloves, studded belt, black backpack
Weapons:Knuckle Knife, Machete, M16
Date/Time:July 4th, 2025: Afternoon
Tagging:Precious, OPEN

---

As Precious spoke of how the people were in LA before the apocalypse Skylar simply smiled and nodded in agreement. When the woman finished Sky let out a laugh then took a drag of her smoke, "Well there is a plus side to them being actual zombies now...." ,she began before taking another drag then blowing the smoke out slowly. ".....I get to take them all out without feeling guilty....well....actually I don't think it was guilt as much as it was not wanting to go to prison, either way at least now I'm free to fuck people up and not have to worry about nothing.....hell I put my machete through my boss' head after he got bit now that was probably the highlight of the year for me" ,she continued before a twisted little smile came across her face. Skylar didn't care much if she sounded a little bit crazy at the moment, after all she never really cared what people thought before shit went down and now that she could pretty much do whatever she wanted she sure as hell was going to be herself to the fullest.

At the mention of a birthday cake Sky let out a laugh and smiled before taking another drag from her smoke, "Shit if you make me a cake I'll be your bitch for a day, I'm so damn hungry right now, living off of beef jerky and road kill is getting kinda old I guess I really should've stocked up on food instead of weapons while looting places but hey I'm not the brightest bulb in the package" ,she joked. As Precious continued about Cali being hot Sky listened and when she mentioned having to put her dog down Sky flinched slightly as she remembered her tabby that ran off when everything went chaotic in the city, there was no time to run after the damned cat and Sky knew she was either dead or infected by now and the thought killed her, after all that cat was the only damn friend the woman had in the world before it went to hell. The woman quickly shook the thoughts from her head then looked to Precious and smiled again, "Well I do have a nice little hideout, it's pretty safe and the smell isn't too bad any more seeing as no one really uses toilets now a days since they're all dead and stuff...." ,Sky began before taking another drag, "....I can take you there if you want, we just need food first and you can't be grossed out by all the walker bodies, it's a safety measure the bodies cover up my scent so the walkers that are still walking don't find me, we can figure out a place to go while there it's safe enough for now" ,Sky offered. Even though the woman normally didn't interact with people before everything went down she wasn't about to pass up on the chance to gain an ally, after all if the walkers proved anything it was that there was power in numbers and two heads were indeed better then one right now.

 

[Mystik Viper]

Name: Precious Daniels
Location: El Cajon
Attire: Black bra under an aging white wife beater (male tank top), cut off shorts, cut daisy duke style. Wide belt with amo bag attacked, army green camo bag on back, knee high black combat boots, black cotton gloves.
Weapons: Curently two rifles, one strapped to her back the other in hand, pocket knife in back left pocket, revolver tucked in back of shorts, anything else she has which at this point isn't much is in her pack.
Date/Time: July 4th, 2025: Afternoon
Tagging: Sky, OPEN

---

Precous laughed at Sky's words as she spoke of finally getting to kill people in L.A. without going to prison for it. Sure as shit it sounded morbidly fucked up, but who didn't have that day when they wanted to drive a drill bit through their father in law's head or take a machette and slash it through their boss? She couldn't deny she had those days. Her regret was killing those she had to that she didn't much want to. She wasn't going to feel guilt for it though. Her brothers would have wanted death instead of whatever the fuck these bitches were in now. So in reality she saved them, same with her parents, same with her dog... Course looking at it like that she also spared the lives of people she couldn't stand.... She chose not to look at it that way. She saw it how Sky did, felt good to put three bullet's in her old professor's head, shit she thought old age would have gotten him by now, guess fate was looking out for her. He was a grouchy old fucker and seemed nobody ever did any good in his glass, so really she did everyone a favor... Least wise everyone who ever knew him, or could have.

She tapped her smoke against her leg and laughed again as Sky spoke of being her bitch for a day if she baked her a cake and she shook her head a bit before taking a drag from her smoke as she listened to her explain what all she'd been eating. "Sounds to me like you could use some real food then, before cake even, but I can totally get a cake made... My older brother's birthday would have been in a week, so everything for it is in my apartment as we speak." Precious laughed at the irony of the entire situation. What were the chances, she figured everything in her house now would go to waste, now if they could find someplace completely secure she could save two eggs, and a few cups of flour... Not that she was really completely concerned about it.

Precious caught Sky's flench as she mentioned her dog, but chose not to push it. She knew how it hurt loosing her dog, and she could only imagine what Sky must have gone through in all the time she'd been out and about. Taking another drag from her smoke she smiled and nodded to the invite. "I was actually on my way out and I have no fucking clue where to, so I'm pretty stocked on food... You actually caught me just finishing up my rounds. These days clothes are kinda last priority for me, and don't feel to bad about food not being top of your list... Truth is... I went for weapons before food too.... I just got a bit bigger of a ride." Precious laughed as glanced back at Sky's bike before pointing to the pickup truck that she 'borrowed'. "Good to have someone else among the breathing, it aint easy to sleep and look out at the same time, but I got a feeling you know that a lot better than I do." Precious replied before dropping her smoke to the ground and rubbing it out. She'd been in her apartment, so she had all sorts of early warning signals telling her that trouble was coming, luxuries she didn't figure Skylar was lucky enough to afford.

 

[Mr_Blonde]

Name: Joseph Anderson, Joe
Location: Santee, CA - Highway 8 West
Attire: Gray MARINES tee shirt, olive cargo pants, utility belt equipped with handgun holster and magazine pouches, tan hiking boots, camo military-issue pack
Weapons: Standard Glock 19, Mossberg 500 with shortened buttstock and tactical barrel with sling, foldable black knife with 4" serrated blade.
Date/Time: August 1st, 2025 - Noon
Tagging: Open

---

"Shit..." Joe muttered to himself, squinting underneath the bright southern California sun. Even though the world had gone to Hell, the weather here was still pleasant. He nearly laughed to himself at his unusually optimistic outlook, but he didn't dare make a sound as he squatted behind an abandoned vehicle as he watched a group of walkers shuffle past. His right hand was curved around his back, his thumb tucked into the waistband of his drab cargo pants as he fingered the handle to his handgun. He knew that firing shots would only attract more walkers, but in this situation, he was left without much choice. The shotgun he had been carrying along was leaning against the side of the red truck he was hiding behind, his head just visible over the hood as he surveyed his surroundings.

He was originally from Santee, California, another suburb of the Greater San Diego area and just a bit further inland from El Cajon. He had tried to make a stand there, but with his ammunition running low and out of food, he had decided it was time to move on. His plan was to travel west until he hit the coast, and then north. He had heard through various channels that the beach areas were surprisingly free of walkers - perhaps he could find refuge there.

Being a former Marine, Joe was confident in his abilities to survive. After all, he'd made it this far already. He was an excellent marksman, had a keen mind, and was skilled mechanically as well. Unfortunately for him, with the amount of abandoned vehicles clogging the lanes of I-8, he had been forced to leave his truck behind and was now traveling on foot.

The walkers shuffled past slowly, oblivious to their surroundings in their mindless existence. He let out a little breath before he grabbed his shotgun and quickly ran around the backside of the truck, continuing his travel westward. The sun was high in the sky above, burning brightly on the baked landscape of San Diego - most of the earth had long since turned brown since there were no longer regular occupants to keep their lawns watered.

 

[Mr_Blonde]

Name: Joseph Anderson, Joe
Location: Santee, CA - Highway 8 West
Attire: Gray MARINES tee shirt, olive cargo pants, utility belt equipped with handgun holster and magazine pouches, tan hiking boots, camo military-issue pack
Weapons: Standard Glock 19, Mossberg 500 with shortened buttstock and tactical barrel with sling, foldable black knife with 4" serrated blade.
Date/Time: August 4th, 2025 - 9 PM
Tagging: Open

---

The last few days had been especially rough for Joe. Although Santee and El Cajon were only a relative short drive from each other, it took him much longer on foot with the added rerouting he had to do to avoid walkers. He was alone and short on supplies, so his best chance of survival at this point was to evade until he found a place where he could restock and potentially use as a shelter.

The sun had fallen over the western horizon not long ago, and Joe now found himself sitting in the backseat of a caravan he had found unlocked on the highway. He sighed to himself as he went through his pack, inventorying his remaining supplies. He only had one box left of 9mm ammunition, half of it already loaded up into the five 10-round magazines that he carried with him on his belt. He set the box aside and reached into the pack again, pulling out the heavy Maglight. He tested the batteries, quickly switching it back off when the powerful beam illuminated the cabin of the car. At least that still worked. Next came a handful of shotgun shells - he counted them with a frown. Only eight left to go with the additional four that he already had loaded. Not much at all.

He placed the various items back into the smaller compartment before he unzipped the main pack, pushing aside the throw blanket he had stuffed in there to look at his food supply. Even that was running low. Just seeing the unopened packs of dried meat caused his stomach to rumble noisily, but he knew that he had to ration himself. Already today, he'd eaten more than he probably should - and so tonight he'd go hungry.

Feeling a growing sense of urgency weighing on his shoulders, he picked up the pack and sat it down into the front seat of the car before he slouched against the rear passenger side door. His shotgun was propped up beside him in case he needed to reach it quickly, and he had laid his handgun onto the floor so it wouldn't dig into his back all night while he tried to sleep. The air was still warm, even with the sun down, so he neglected to use a blanket.

Sleep was elusive at first, finding it difficult for himself to let down his guard long enough to actually doze off. Whenever he was just on the brink of sleep, a noise outside would alarm him and cause him to sit upright and try to find the possible source. He had locked himself into the car after finding it open, but even then, he hardly felt safe.

 

[Mr_Blonde]

Name: Joseph Anderson, Joe
Location: Santee, CA - Highway 8 West, just outside of El Cajon
Attire: Gray MARINES tee shirt, olive cargo pants, utility belt equipped with handgun holster and magazine pouches, tan hiking boots, camo military-issue pack
Weapons: Standard Glock 19, Mossberg 500 with shortened buttstock and tactical barrel with sling, foldable black knife with 4" serrated blade.
Date/Time: August 5th, 2025 - 1:13 AM
Tagging: Open

---

"Do it..."

The words seemed to resound to Joe in his dream. His vision was blurry around the edges, but the center was clear and focused as he gazed at his brother's bloody face. They looked like one another, although Zack's features were a bit darker. Their striking blue eyes were the most common characteristic. "Do it, damnit.." his brother repeated, voice weak. Joe could feel the tears welling up in his eyes, stinging and burning, causing him to blink which only made them spill down his grimy cheeks. He clutched his brother's hand, trying to keep his own from shaking as he held down the urge to sob.

"I.. I can't.." Joe responded, his voice cracking as sorrow clutched at his chest. It was the worst feeling he'd ever experienced. Joe had moved back in with his brother after separating from the Marine Corps the previous year. They had a close relationship, their bond forged early on in their life by witnessing the abuse of their alcoholic father towards their mother. They had promised to always look out for one another. When the world had gone to shit, Joe and Zack were determined to see it through. But now, he'd failed.

He'd failed his big brother.

He felt helpless as he watched his brother slowly slip away, the color fading from Zack's skin as his head slumped sideways and his eyes closed. Joe shook visibly, his broad shoulders shuddering as he clutched his brother's hand tightly - shaking it as if it would bring him back. "..No.." he whispered, feeling breathless as tears now streamed heavily down his cheeks. "Zack, no.." he repeated, quickly losing his composure. A sound escaped his throat that no man should ever emit, one of such deep pain, and he leaned forward on his knees to press his forehead into the chest of his brother's bloodied shirt. He squeezed his eyes shut as tears continued to roll down his face, making streaks in the dirt on his skin, and his shoulders shook as sobs wracked his body.

How could this have happened? Why couldn't he have kept his brother safe? He was supposed to be the strong one. He'd promised.

Gradually, his sobbing grew more quiet, his body trembling gently as he slowly lifted his head to peer at his brother's lifeless face. His vision was blurry from the tears, and he scrubbed a dirty hand over his eyes to clear them as he gently shook his head. He didn't want to keep going. He couldn't find the motivation to continue living in this world anymore. He didn't want to be alone. Sniffing noisily, he squeezed his brother's cold hand once again before he allowed his weight to shift so that he turned on his heel and collapsed back onto the wall beside Zack's corpse. He sat there quietly, feeling numb, before the slightly rustle drew his attention. As he turned his head - he found Zack staring back at him, eyes open, but the blue coloration now replaced with a milky white. Zack's lips parted, but instead of words, a throaty rasp came out.

************

Joe jerked awake with a gasp, his eyes snapping open as he sat upright and found himself in the same place he'd settled in to sleep that evening. Coming to his senses, he felt a tinge of emotional pain as he suppressed the memory of his final moments with his brother and what he'd had to do once Zack turned. He took a shuddering breath and raised a hand, wiping the sweat from his brow before he slowly allowed his shoulders to lower themselves again, pressing against the door of the car.

Jesus - that same fucking nightmare again.