-The Evolution Of The Dead-
-Dimension 1-
Full Scale-
Houston, 2018-
“MILES!” A man shouts over the radio. Miles jolts awake, rushing to the device sitting on the desk next to him clicking it. “Sir!” He responds. Samm sighs. “Meet your team in an hour. You’re going into Houston. We have reports of Ronald Spencer within the city.” Samm says. Miles nods. “Yes, Sir.” He says, jumping out of bed. He exits his tent, bumping into Alexis. “Hey, Honey. Did you get that message too?” She asks. Miles nods. “Yep. Meeting Alpha Squad, huh? Nervous?” He asks as they walk. Alexis shakes her head. “Nope. I have a good feeling about this. Finally putting that godforsaken family to rest.” She says. The duo joins a small crowd gathering around the main tent in the camp. Miles and Alexis look around, and a large man with a shaved head emerges from the tent. “Listen up, Alphas. We’ve got ourselves some fresh meat. I want you all to introduce each other, and gear up for our journey afterward!” He shouts. Everyone except Miles, Alexis, and two others shout in response. “Yes, Atlas!” They shout. Atlas nods, reentering his tent. Miles looks around, and a scrawny, feminine-looking man approaches him. “Hey, my name’s Eli Newmaker. What’s yours?” Eli asks. Miles shakes his hand. “Miles. Summers. I’m Miles Summers, and this is my wife, Alexis. Nice to meet you!” He exclaims. Eli smiles. “I’ve heard your name before. You took out most of the Spencers, didn’t you?” He asks. Miles nods. “Yeah, sadly. Those psychopaths took Alexis.” He explains. Eli nods. “Did you meet anyone else besides them? I know Jake was there, but what about someone named Richard? Or Max? Sarah?” Eli asks. Miles shakes his head. “No… Richard kept Alexis safe while I dealt with the family, but Ron got to him… And Jake… he was dead in the basement.” He explains. Eli looks confused. “Not possible? He’s right here?” He says, pulling Jake in front of Miles. Jake smiles and waves. “Hey, I’m Jake Newmaker. You’ve met my husband, Eli?” He asks. Miles nods, looking at Jake cautiously. The musty basement of The Spencer House flashes in his eyes like a flashbang, and Jake’s dead body always comes into focus. The electric chair also comes into view, a metallic skeleton sitting inside. “I’m… I’m glad you made it out.” Miles says to Jake, shaking his hand. Another soldier approaches them, wearing glasses and a bandana. The small-framed man smiles, extending a hand. “I’m Jack, call sign Ajax. I’m the team’s Demolitions Expert. Bombs, more or less.” He says with a crooked smile. Miles smiles back, and the other soldier approaches. “I’m Bones. I don’t have a real name, I only take what Omega gives me.” Bones says coldly. Ajax looks back at Miles. “Don’t worry about him, he’s just a big softie.” He reassures him. Miles, Alexis, Eli, and Jake follow Bones and Ajax to the helicopter where Atlas waits. “Now, for this mission. We’re to head inside Houston, find Ronald Spencer, terminate him, and evac before either Division 18 or the US Army show up.” Atlas says. Samm cuts in. “Fear not, Atlas. The Army won’t be an issue. I can not control Division 18, however. Doctor Edward Gears and Doctor Richard Frost are unruly, unpredictable.” Samm finishes. Atlas nods. “Okay, team! Move! Move! Move!” He shouts, helping them into the helicopter. Alexis kisses Miles before they climb inside. “Good luck, honey.” She says. Miles smiles. “We’ll be okay. I promise.” Miles responds.
Counter Measure-
Houston, 2018-
The helicopter blades deafen the wind outside as they fly toward the burning skyline of Houston, Texas. Miles looks over to Atlas, who’s staring at him. “Can I help you?” Miles asks questioningly. Atlas looks him up and down. “I can’t believe you took out most of the Spencers. You’re just a kid.” He responds. Miles nods. “Me neither. I just hope we can finish the job.” He says. Atlas chuckles. “I hope so too, kid. We were in Dallas a few years ago. We lost a lot of good men. Jensen, Jared… Collins. May those souls rest peacefully.” Atlas says, drawing a cross on his rifle with his finger. “We’ll make these psychopaths pay.” He says, looking out the window. Bones suddenly jumps up, grabbing onto the mounted machine gun. “WE GOT EC’S!” He shouts, firing at birds in the distance. Miles and Eli squint, discovering the birds aren’t birds at all. Exquisite Corpses, now with long strands of flesh and hair forming wings, flap towards them rapidly. Bones fires the MG at them, but one jumps in the rotor of the helicopter. Atlas braces himself, yelling over the wind. “WE’RE GOING DOWN!” Miles closes his eyes as he waits for impact.
Waking up to the smell of burning flesh and ashes, Miles sits up. He sits alone, surrounded by the wreckage of the helicopter, and Atlas helps Jake to his feet. “Everyone okay?” Atlas asks. Bones, Ajax, Alexis, Eli, and Jake all respond with a variation of ‘Yeah’, and Miles stands up. “I’m fine.” He replies. Atlas sighs. “Good. Now, we’ve got a nice walk before us until we get to Houston. So ready up, drink your water, and let’s move!” He says, opening his canteen. Alexis finds and hugs Miles, and the two share another kiss. “See? We’re fine.” Miles reassures her. Alexis nods. “I know. We trained for this, let’s just get this over with.” She says, heading towards Houston. The others follow Atlas down the abandoned highway until a high-pitched scream stops them. Bones and Jake draw their pistols, while Eli, Alexis, and Atlas ready their assault rifles. Miles reveals a small revolver, with an Omega Corporation emblem on the barrel. He checks the rounds, six shots in the cylinder. He scans the treeline, and an Exquisite Corpse jumps at him. He fires at the beast, killing it. Another lunges at Ajax, who is bitten. “FUCK!” he shouts, looking to Atlas for orders. “Ajax, I’m sorry. It’s been an honor serving with you. I order you to distract these monsters while we escape.” He says sadly. Ajax nods, grabbing two of his grenades. “Yes, Sir.” He says, running into the tree line. Atlas looks around, shooting at other Zombies now appearing from the treeline. “ALPHA-1! LET’S MOVE!” He shouts, leading the charge. The others follow behind closely, looking back when a loud boom echoes down the highway. “Been an honor, Ajax.” Bones says.
They finally arrive in Houston, the derelict streets swarming with the undead. “Fuck.” Eli says. They slowly and quietly make their way towards the nearest building, a loan office. “Fuckers… I hate the fucking banks here…” Eli mumbles. Miles looks over awkwardly. “You lived here?” He asks. Eli shakes his head. “No, I just hate the American banks. Greedy corporate assholes.” He says. Jake chuckles. “Well, look at you now. You work for some greedy corporate assholes.” He responds. Atlas shushes them. “Listen.” He whispers, and the voice of survivors above them echoes down the nearby stairs. Atlas motions for Miles and Eli to follow him, and orders Bones, Alexis, and Jake to cover the exit. The trio head up the stairs, with Miles taking the lead. “Hey, any survivors up here?” He calls out, and the whispers stop. A gunshot flashes from down a hallway, grazing Miles’ cheek. “FUCK! Hostiles!” He calls down, with Atlas rushing up with his gun drawn. He fires the assault rifle, Eli following close behind. Atlas is struck in the chest, and Eli kills the first gunman. He’s hit in the arm and manages to kill the second and final survivor. “Fuck… I’m… hit…” Atlas says, looking over at Miles. Miles approaches, his rifle aimed down the hall. “I want… you to lead… them. Finish the… fight, Miles… kill Ron…” Atlas says, going limp shortly after exhaling. Miles nods. “Yes, Sir.” He says, helping Eli to his feet. Eli looks down at Atlas, and back up to Miles. “Let’s go, Sir.” He says. Miles nods, heading down the stairs. They meet with Bones, Jake, and Alexis. “Where’s Atlas?” Bones asks, disregarding Eli’s well-being. “He’s dead. I’m in charge now.” Miles says. Eli nods, being bandaged up by Jake. Bones gets in Miles’ face. “Oh yeah? Says who, Boss?” He asks. Miles doesn’t cower. “Atlas. His final command. He said I’m to finish the mission and stop anyone who gets in our way.” Bones cocks his head to the side, his hand resting firmly on his pistol. “Is that so? What if I thought Atlas wanted me to be in charge instead?” Bones asks, unlocking his holster. Jake gently puts Eli’s arm down and unholsters his pistol, cocking the hammer. “Don’t.” He orders to Bones. Bones cocks his head towards Jake. “Or what? You’ll set your little thing on me?” He asks, looking down at Eli. Eli flips him off, and Jake grabs his pistol. “That’s it!” Miles shouts, firing his revolver at Bones, killing him.” Bones falls dead, and Jake sighs in relief. Alexis screams in shock, and Miles lowers his gun. “Thanks, Boss,” Jake says, returning to Eli’s wound. The group of four sit in silence as the hordes of undead swarm outside.
Miles, Alexis, Jake, and Eli approach the City Hall, the last known place Ronald Spencer was seen. Miles and Eli take the left side of the building while Alexis and Jake take the right. They both kick in their respective doors, finding the building empty. Alexis screams, and Miles turns to find Jake’s knife to her neck. Eli gasps, lowering his gun. “What the fuck, Jake?” He asks. Jake smirks. “Sorry, Eli. I know you wished we all made it out of that damn house. Richard, Sarah, Max, and I.” Jake says. Eli looks confused. “What?” Eli asks in response. Alexis struggles, and Jake shushes her. “Miles, HELP!” She screams, and Miles takes a step forward. Jake shakes his head. “Nuh uh, not gonna fly.” He says, slitting Alexis’ throat. Miles looks on in silence, his heart breaking as Alexis falls to the floor. Eli draws his gun, aiming it at his husband. “I don’t know what’s gotten into you, but you need to-” Jake laughs. “You think I’d honestly turn gay for you? The fuck? Besides, I’m not even Jake…” Jake says, slitting his neck. Eli screams in horror but stops as nothing happens. Jake laughs, ripping the skin off to reveal a metallic sheet underneath. “I never died, shithead. Your little ‘gotcha’ with Rose’s revolver was a farce. You allowed my soul to transfer! You fucking idiot!” Jake shouts, his voice failing and turning into a voice Miles recognizes all too well. “Ron,” Miles says. Ron takes a bow. “In the circuits, baby. I’m one of those Autonomous… Replicant Computers, or whatever they’re called.” Ron says. Eli looks at him, tears in his eyes. “I loved you… so much…” Eli says sadly. Ron shrugs. “Well, I only ever liked it when you sucked my dick and flashed the honestly MASSIVE tits you hide oh so well. Seeya, Eleanor.” Ron says, shooting Eli in the head. Eli falls dead, next to Alexis’ corpse. “I’m going to fucking kill you,” Miles says sternly. Ron laughs. “Good luck, asswipe,” Ron says, jumping out a nearby window. Miles chases him, and Ron jumps inside a tanker truck positioned as a getaway car. Miles quickly hotwires a nearby sports car, chasing Ron down the streets of the overrun Houston. Ron laughs like a maniac as he plows through cars, Zombies, and Exquisite Corpses. Miles leans out of the car’s window, aiming his revolver at the front tire of the truck ahead of him. When Ron takes a hard left, Miles fires, popping the tire and flipping the truck. The truck and car slam into each other, and the chase ends there. Miles, bloody and beaten, crawls out of the wrecked car. Ron stands over him, crushing the robotic hand he gave him several years ago. “I regret giving you that damn arm, you know? Ron says, loading his pistol. Miles smirks. “Good thing I can use it… one last time…” He says, slamming the flashlight down on the ground. The glass shatters, and Ron realizes the tanker truck’s gasoline is leaking. “Son of a BITCH-” He shouts as Miles turns on the flashlight. Within a second, the whole ground around the two men is engulfed in flames. Miles laughs as the flames char his skin. Ron screams in rage as he falls to his knees. The flames reach the tanker, and the massive truck explodes, killing both of them.
“Copy, Ron and Miles are down,” Rosaline says from a helicopter high above the city. “Affirmative,” Samm replies. Rosaline smiles, catching a digital echo in a large dish underneath the helicopter. “Hello, little bro.” She says to her phone. Ron frowns, punching the screen as hard as he can. “No can do, little guy. We’re going back to HQ and putting you on my shelf for a long, LONG time.” She says. Ron screams silently as Rosaline mutes her phone. Division 18 jets fly over the city, dropping firebombs along the streets. Rosaline motions for the pilot to leave as a final Division 18 jet flies overhead, further above the clouds than the previous squad. It drops a single bomb, and Rosaline frowns as they fly away. “Typical Division 18… Always destroying.” She says as the blinding flash overtakes the helicopter. She looks away from the bright light, and back at the mushroom cloud rising in the distance. “Another city down. Great work, guys.” She says, shaking her head in disapproval.
New Player On The Board-
Hanover, 2018-
“How the fuck did we let that happen?” Frost says, annoyed. Gears sighs. “I don’t know, Frost. If Lucy were here-” “But she’s NOT.” Cass interrupts. She stands up and her chair slams into the ground behind her. “She’s gone. We need to figure out what to do without her. Simple as.” She says. She looks around, noticing the camera above them. “But maybe I could find her…” She says to herself, closing her eyes and extending a hand towards the camera. She looks around the base using the cameras, eventually finding her room. She angles the camera to scan inside when the feed suddenly goes blank. “What?” She asks as a sharp pain enters her head. She falls to her knees, grabbing her head with both of her hands. “FUCK!” She screams in pain, and both Frost and Gears rush over to help her up. She pushes them both back, and she stands up. A sinister, distorted laugh erupts from her mouth. She looks up, and her eyes glow a twisted red instead of the usual green. “Nice digs, guys…” A distorted voice says, Cass’s head looking around. Gears approaches slowly. “Cass? You okay?” He asks. Cass looks down at herself, and smirks. “Wow, you dress yours up? And gave it a name?” She asks. Frost starts typing on a nearby keyboard, and Cass glares at him. “Whatcha looking for, big boy?” She asks. Gears raises a gun on her, and looks her up and down, peering into her eyes. “Who the fuck are you?” He asks. Cass laughs. “I’m just a lowly civilian aiming for retribution against the corporation that took away his family.” She says, and Frost goes pale. “Ronald Spencer.” He says. Ron nods. “Indeed. Glad I could finally meet you two. Now, how about-” A charge of electricity cuts him off, and he falls to the floor. “Might want to back her up, and fast.” A man’s voice says. Gears stiffens up and turns to face the voice. “Bright.” He says. Bright walks into the room, and sits down at the briefing table. Frost carries Cass to a computer, starting a transfer so the mechanics can repair her. “Spencer’s gone, by the way. He fled when he thought Cass was fried. Now, let’s discuss Dragon.” He says. Frost looks over at him. “Dragon’s dead. He’s been gone since Wolfrun, the outbreak of ‘93.” He says. Bright laughs. “You think so? Dragon hired someone to take down our plane, wrecking it in the Spencer’s back fucking yard. Someone that’s missing, for the record.” Bright says, gesturing to the room they’re all in. Gears looks at Bright skeptically. “Lucy? No way she’d flip. Not her.” He argues. Cass grogily wakes up and sits up in her chair. “Unless… Dragon lied about knowing where Alastor was…” She says, rubbing her eyes. Gears looks at her, confused. “Alastor? Who the fuck is Alastor?” He asks. Bright nods. “Her big brother. She probably assumes that Dragon can get her to him. Listen, let me help you guys.” He says. Frost shakes his head, but Gears sighs. “If you even DARE to harm anyone except the enemy, you’re dead. Understand?” He says. Bright smirks. “Yes, Sir.” Bright replies, sarcastically giving Gears a salute. Cass glares at Gears, and Frost shakes his head in disapproval.
What’s What-
Hanover, 2019-
“Now, look here. We’ve been looking for this bitch for almost a full fucking year. I think it’s time we consider the other option.” Bright says, rejoining the group in the debriefing room after a lengthy search for Lucy. Frost looks up from his laptop. “What other possibility?” He asks. Bright shrugs and Cass jumps in. “He thinks Lucy did betray us.” She says. Gears sighs. “Look, I think she might have honestly swapped sides. She’s smart, and only truly wants her brother back. From what Bright says, she really cares about him.” Gears says. Bright shrugs. “Can’t trust a Demon, amirite?” He asks. Cass frowns at him. “I trust her more than I trust the man who caused a city-wide outbreak. Murdered several innocent people in Las Vegas, shot two women on a plane, and revived himself after being locked away. I trust her so, SO much more than you.” She says, vitriol dripping on each word. Bright frowns at her. Frost looks back down to his laptop, a notification alert drawing his attention. “Woah… woah… Spencer activity out in Chicago…” He says. Gears nods. “Okay, Cass. Go check it out. And see if you can find Lucy while you’re out there.” He orders. Cass nods. “Yes, sir.” She says. She heads for the door, flipping Bright off as she walks past.
Global Catastrophe-
Chicago, 2019-
As the teacher blabbers on about math or something, Ethan Summers can feel his eyelids slowly close. He drifts off to sleep, dreaming about whatever it is that sixteen-year-olds dream about. Suddenly, a loud explosion jolts him awake. He looks around the classroom, finding it empty. “Shit…” He mumbles to himself, standing up slowly. Another explosion rocks the school, and Ethan rushes out to the hallway. He heads for the front exit but is stopped by his sister, Savannah. “Dude, hold up. Check out the doors.” She says. Ethan squints, looking through the shaded glass. Soldiers patrol outside the school, with what he assumes are dead bodies around the door. “Say hello to the class of twenty-twenty,” Savannah says. Ethan gasps, falling back to the floor. Savannah helps him up, pointing towards the fire escape door on the other side of the lobby. “There. Let’s go there.” She says, and Ethan follows her. As they escape the High School, they run into a Jock attempting to hotwire a nearby school bus. “Hey!” Ethan shouts. The Jock looks up, startled. “Woah, easy man… I’m not stealing it… more like help escape the city with it!” He explains. Ethan sighs. “Dude, I don't care what you were doing. I just want outta here, too…” He says. The Jock smirks and extends a hand. “Thomas Parker. Nice to meet you.” Thomas says. Ethan grasps his hand and shakes it firmly. “Ethan Summers. This is my sister, Savannah. Let’s get the fuck out of this damn school” Ethan says, helping Savannah climb inside the bus. Thomas starts the engine, and the trio peels out of the parking lot and plow through the now-roaming horde of Zombies. “I think I know where to go to get supplies,” Savannah says. Thomas looks back through the mirror above him. “Where?” He asks. Savannah smiles. “Let’s go to Wal-Mart.” She says confidently.
Onslaught-
Chicago, 2019-
The massive yellow bus slowly pulls into the Wal-Mart parking lot, the grill and hood splattered red with blood. Thomas, Ethan, and Savannah slowly exit through the side door, with Thomas holding a baseball bat out. “Now, what supplies were you wanting from here?” Ethan asks. Savannah looks around the parking lot, scanning for any hostile survivors or Zombies. “Guns. Ammo. Even some food, maybe.” She replies, heading for the Home Goods entrance. Ethan and Thomas slowly follow her, and a voice comes over the intercom. The feminine voice echoes around the assumedly empty Wal-Mart. “Hey! Survivors! Come to the Electronics Section! I need to talk to you!” She exclaims. Ethan looks over at Thomas and Savannah and shrugs. “Why not? Let’s go.” He says, leading the way. After a short walk through the abandoned warehouse, they approach the large televisions in the Electronics Section. A woman’s face appears on them, somehow looking at Ethan. “God, you’re handsome. I’m glad I managed to find a nice-looking one. Listen, I work with Division 18. The real one, not the one you hear about on the news. I need your help.” She says, her green eyes looking directly at Ethan. Thomas chuckles. “Why would we help you-” “Shut the fuck up. I wasn’t interested in YOU.” The woman on screen interrupts him. “I was talking to Ethan Summers. eighteen years old, class of twenty-twenty. You’re the important one. You and Savannah, supposedly. I’m your friendly AI, Cass. Computer Assisted Surveillance System, but I don’t like to use my full name.” Cass says, bowing on the screens. Ethan smiles. “Nice to meet you, Cass. This is Thomas, someone helping me escape the city.” He says. Cass smiles at him. “He seems useful. Listen up, I got some orders for you. I need you to find and locate this man.” She says, holding up a PNG of a ginger man, looking to be in his late twenties. “This man is Ronald Spencer, he’s the cause of the Fall of Houston, as well as the death of your older brother, Miles. He’s the terrorist who caused this outbreak, too. Division 18 needs him either captured or dead.” Cass says. Ethan nods. “Okay, good. Let’s get this fucker.” He says. Thomas stops him as he turns away from Cass. “Dude, are you sure we can stop him? He’s killed millions… I don’t think the three of us are that powerful.” He says. Cass clears her throat. “Check behind the largest television. I gave you a gift, it should help.” The AI says. Ethan clutches a small, round metal device, revealing it to be a revolver. It has an Omega Corporation emblem on the barrel, and six shots loaded. “It’s the only thing that can take out a Spencer. Miles used it on Russell, Elizabeth, and Emma Spencer.” Cass explains. Ethan nods. “Yes, Ma’am.” He says, turning away from her. He stuffs the revolver in his back pocket, and heads for the front doors of Wal-Mart. Cass giggles, steam coming from her vents. “Ma’am… I like being called… Ma’am…” She says with a sinister smile.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
The Wind Blows No More-
Chicago, 2019-
Ethan, Thomas, and Savannah quietly creep around downtown Chicago, approaching the Sears Tower. “Cass says that Ron’s somewhere inside this building,” Thomas says. Savannah passes through the revolving door slowly. She shines the flashlight around the dark lobby, her eyes following the light. It stops on a mass of flesh on the ceiling: An Exquisite Corpse. She hushes the boys as they pass the sleeping monster. They creep up to the elevator, and Ethan presses the button. “NO, YOU DUMBASS!” Savannah whispers aggressively, lunging at Ethan’s hand. Too late, as the elevator dings loudly. The noise echoes around the empty lobby, alerting the Zombies standing idly by to their presence. Savannah shines the light up, and the Exquisite Corpse is hanging by two of its seven legs, looking her in the eyes. “Fuck…” She says, the Exquisite Corpse screaming in her face. “MOVE!” Thomas shouts, forcing open the elevator shaft. He jumps onto the ladder next to the door and holds a hand out for Ethan. “Hold on!” He calls as Ethan joins him on the ladder. “Savannah!” Ethan calls out, and Savannah reaches out for Ethan's hand. He grasps it tightly and pulls, and Savannah falls out of the door. Her torso has been ripped in half, and her intestines hang like exposed wires down the elevator shaft. “E-Ethan…” She moans, her eyes glossy and dead. Ethan feels his stomach turn, and he vomits down the shaft. Savannah’s other arm is gone, the bone sticking out like in a cartoon. “I-I’m sorry…” She gasps, her life fading slowly. The Exquisite Corpse grabs her and yanks her from Ethan’s hand. The elevator shows up and blocks the way from the Zombies. Ethan, through his tears, climbs the ladder. “Let’s just get to the roof, he’s gotta be up there.” He says, sniffling. Thomas silently nods, climbing up after him.
Ethan punches open the maintenance hatch on the roof, the sunlight blinding him. “Climb!” Thomas shouts, and Ethan falls over onto the roof. He reaches down to help Thomas up, too. The two boys sit on the roof to catch their breath when slow clapping startles them. Ethan looks over to find Ron sitting in a folding chair, clapping at them. “Ya’ll did a good job in there. Seems like old Sarah did wonders to your girl, huh?” Ron asks. Ethan jumps up, grabbing the revolver. “Die, you murdering scumbag!” He shouts. Ron laughs. “Who did I kill that you knew? I need to know who I’m sending you to meet.” He says, standing up. Ethan growls. “Miles Summers.” He says, firing the revolver at him. Ron’s eyes widen and he jumps out of the way. “Miles? But… You’re his brother, yeah?” He asks, getting up. Ethan nods, pulling down on the hammer to load another shot. Ron laughs. “Figured you'd be mad. Good thing I brought him WITH ME!” Ron shouts as an Exquisite Corpse climbs over the edge of the roof. A burned body sits atop the Corpse, like a scorpion’s tail. Ethan gasps, and Miles cries out. “Kill me!” He screams, the Exquisite Corpse lunging at him. Ethan rolls out of the way, and Thomas intercepts Miles. “TAKE THE SHOT!” Thomas screams as he holds off the Exquisite Corpse. Ethan looks over to find Ron attempting to rush towards the hatch. He aims the revolver and clips Ron’s shoulder. The Spencer cries out in pain as he falls down the elevator shaft. Ethan peers down, and comes face-to-face with Savannah. Her jaw unhinges, extending down to her neck, and she screams in his face. He jolts back, and another Exquisite Corpse joins them on the roof. Miles notices this other Exquisite Corpse and approaches. The two Exquisite Corpses embrace in what seems to be a hug until the snapping of bones snaps Thomas and Ethan back to reality. The two monsters fuse into one, and the Exquisite Behemoth roars at them. “Son of a bitch…” Ethan mumbles, loading another round into the revolver. Thomas stretches his arms as he grabs his baseball bat. The Exquisite Behemoth charges at them, and Thomas charges back. He swings the bat at it, hitting it straight in Savannah’s head. Ethan backs up towards the ledge, noticing a small balcony right underneath him. He gets an idea, and fires at the Exquisite Behemoth. It turns, distracted. Thomas rushes to hide behind cover. “Come and get me, fuckface.” Ethan says, backing away towards the edge. The Exquisite Behemoth charges at him and tackles him. He flies over the ledge with the monster, and he reaches out for the ledge. His stomach falls as he misses. He plummets down with the Exquisite Behemoth until something grabs him by his arm. He looks up to find a woman holding his arm. She has dark red eyes and bright red hair blowing in the breeze. She pulls him up, and he notices the two Demon horns on her forehead. She gives it one last heave, and they fall on the balcony’s floor. A dull thud echoes up as the Exquisite Behemoth hits the pavement far below them. Ethan looks over at the woman, who looks no older than twenty. “Thanks. Who’re you?” He asks the Demon. “Lucy. Lucy Daemon.” She replies, panting. Her tail pokes him in the side as she sits up. “Sorry, I can’t really control that.” She says, blushing as she forces her tail back up the back of her shirt. Ethan shrugs. “No issue, I know about that. I dated a Demon in High School.” He says, standing up. Lucy looks towards the door leading inside. “Don’t follow me. I’m wanted by so many people, and I could put you at risk. Just leave… I don’t know… two minutes after me. I’ll go left, so you just run right. I think they’ll meet you on the roof.” Lucy says, kicking open the door. She stops. “And if you come across an AI named Cass… tell her I said hi. And I miss and love her.” Lucy finishes, rushing down the hall. Ethan nods, and ventures back up to the roof. A helicopter awaits, with Thomas already receiving medical attention. “Nice work with that thing, dude,” Thomas says, fistbumping him. The woman from Wal-Mart’s TV is sitting across from him, looking at Ethan happily. She looks at two men walking to the pilot on the other side of the roof. “Heya, I’m Cass. In the flesh. Well, steel alloy.” She says, extending a hand. Ethan shakes it. “Um, I met someone on my way here… she said ‘Hi’ and she ‘Loves You’.” He says. Cass’s face goes red. “Lucy? Thank God she’s okay…” Cass says as the two men join them in the helicopter. “Ethan Summers. I’m Doctor Harold Bright, this is my assistant-” Bright’s interrupted by a sharp elbow to the side. “-partner, Doctor Edward Gears. We’re gonna ask you a few questions.” He says as the helicopter takes off. Ethan watches as Chicago is bombed by fighter jets, the same as Houston and Dallas.
Omega-
Emerald City, 2020-
“Now, I know you were in Chicago. I also know you recorded your findings on The Spencer Incident in Houston. Tell me how you felt.” Dragon orders. Lucy sits across from him, her sneakers on the table and her legs crossed. She glares at him and brushes the hair out of her face. “It was disgusting. I watched some dude get ripped in half, some other dude get turned into an Exquisite Corpse. I had to lock some guy inside with them, and I watched as the Spencer brat destroyed Houston.” She replies, setting her feet down. Dragon nods, writing in his notebook. “Whatcha drawing in there? Is it me topless? Need a reference, you pervert?” She asks, raising her shirt with one of her hands. Dragon sighs. “Put your naturals away, Lucy. I’m documenting your mental health. I think I can diagnose you.” he says. Lucy pulls her shirt back down and jiggles her breasts. “They’re here if you want them. Whatcha gonna diagnose me with, huh?” She asks curiously. Dragon rolls his eyes. “Nymphomania and Bipolar Disorder. I’ve had some people watching you since Hawaii, and I’ve seen your mood flip on a dime.” He explains. Lucy jumps up, alert. “The fuck?! I’m not a Nymphomaniac!” She shouts. Dragon smirks. “Lucy, you literally fingered and scissored a fucking robot. I’ve seen how you interact with other scientists here, and I pray the interns you encounter never visit HR.” Dragon says bluntly. Lucy sighs and sits back down. “Okay, fine. I had a rough childhood and never learned about the Gargoyles and Ghasts…” She says shyly. Dragon looks at her. “You mean birds and bees? Whatever. Look, you need to dial it back. You’re on Omega’s payroll, and you need to act like it. No more one-night stands with test subjects, no more flirting with the researchers, and no more, and I mean NO FUCKING MORE exposing yourself to the interns. Even if they like it and get touchy. NO. MORE.” Dragon says sternly. Alarms blare suddenly, and Lucy raises both hands. “It wasn’t me, I swear.” She says with a smirk.
Containment Failure-
Emerald City, 2020-
Rosaline walks down the hallway, the large mound of folders in her arms weighing her down a lot. She sighs, stopping for a moment. She notices the other researchers watching her. “Isn’t that the Spencer girl…?” Someone whispers. Another whisper answers. “I think so… what a freak…” Rosaline steeles herself and moves on. “Hope she doesn’t snap like the rest of her hick family…” The whispers scrape against her brain as she quickens her pace. She borderline runs into the conference room, meeting with Dragon face-to-face. “Ah. Rosaline!” He exclaims, taking some of the folders away. Rosaline smiles. “Yes, Sir. How can I help you?” She asks. Dragon smiles back. “I’m going to meet with Lucy soon, so prepare me some Ibuprofen and maybe a cup of tea to help the inevitable migraine, please?” He asks, opening the topmost folder. Rosaline nods. “Yes, Sir.” She says, rushing out of the room. She walks down the hallway avoiding the whispers and glares, making her way to the break room. She starts the stove to prepare the tea, and she sits in the chair across from it. She slowly dozes off, dreaming of a happy family reunion around the table of their massive home.
Alarms wake her up, and she jumps out of her seat to find the floodlights and red warning lights flashing on sirens. She runs out into the hallway, scanning for any survivors. All she spots is an Exquisite Corpse feasting on a researcher. “Shit…” She mumbles to herself as she rushes back towards where Dragon was. She quietly opens the door to the conference room, finding it empty. “Damn.” She says to herself. She turns around and is face-to-face with a Zombie. It lunges at her with a snarl, and she raises her arms to protect herself. It sinks its teeth into her wrist, blood spouting from her vein. A blade pierces the Zombie’s head and it falls to the floor. Lucy stands behind it, clutching a knife. “Bit?” She asks, tilting her head to the side. Rosaline nods. Lucy sighs. “Okay, count to three.” She orders sternly. Rosaline takes a deep breath. “One… two…” She starts, and Lucy rips her forearm with the help of the knife. Rosaline sees red as she falls to the ground. “FUCK!” She screams, grasping the bloody wound with her other hand. Lucy groans. “Man up, Rose. Let’s get out of here.” She says, hoisting up Rosaline and helping her down the hall. Rosaline looks around, noticing the stove in the break room is still hot. “...Wait.” She says, heading inside. Lucy shrugs and keeps an eye out for any Zombies. Rosaline takes a deep breath as she stands over the stove. She presses her bleeding arm down on the grate, glowing bright orange. The sickeningly sweet smell of burning flesh fills the room, and Rosaline almost passes out. Lucy rushes inside and grabs her. “There you go… let’s move. NOW.” She says sternly, leading the wounded woman out into the hallway. They exit the building to find Division 18 helicopters flying over the outbreak within Emerald City.
As The Sirens Scream-
Emerald City, 2020-
Lucy and Rosaline head for the street when a Division 18 jeep screeches to a stop in front of them. A familiar face rolls down the window, his blonde hair and peach fuzz shining in the evening light. “Heya, Lucy,” Bright says with a wry smile. Gears is sitting in the backseat, guns drawn on her and Rosaline. “Hi, you cuckold,” Lucy responds with a grin. Bright laughs. “Never change, Lucy. Never change. Going somewhere?” He asks. Lucy shakes her head. “Nah, Dragon’s got me covered. We’re heading to the main radio tower on the outside of town if you want to jump him.” She says with a grin. Bright nods. “Maybe, if I find time for it. Seeya later, Lucy.” He says, flooring it. Lucy looks over at Rosaline, who’s on the brink of passing out. “Dragon… left us… to die.” She forces out, nearly falling over with each word. Lucy nods and sighs. “I know. Let’s just try to meet up with some other help…” She says, reassuredly. The duo head down the street, Lucy keeping an eye out for Zombies.
“Head west, down this road,” Cass says, Ethan looking up the street. He glances back at Thomas. Thomas nods and follows Ethan. They eventually run into two civilians wearing Omega lab coats. One of them looks familiar to Ethan, so he musters up the courage to shout out at her. “Lucy!” He calls, and the redhead looks back at him. She rushes towards them with Rosaline slung over her shoulder. “My little Harbinger!” Cass cries out, rushing towards her. The two embrace in a kiss and a hug, and Lucy’s tail swishes around happily. Thomas rushes over to take Rosaline away from Lucy as the two kiss passionately. “Thank you…” Rosaline says, looking back at the AI and the Demon. Thomas nods, and Ethan breaks the two of them apart. “Okay, guys. Listen up. Frost says we can use an Omega teleporter to reach some space station?” Ethan asks. Lucy remembers what Bright said long ago, back after the Wolfrun Incident. “Operation Scorched Earth…” She says, looking around at the city. “Hey, Cass.” She asks. Cass looks up from her shirt, which she’s attempting to push more cleavage out of. “How’s the Earth looking?” She asks. Cass’s eyes glow green, and she gasps. “Same story as here. Shit’s fucked, man. For realz.” She says. Lucy gives her an odd look. “For realz?” Really?” She asks in response. Cass nods, looking sad at the news of Earth’s outbreak. “For realz.” Lucy shakes her head. “Guys, I have a plan. I just need some help.” She says. Thomas, Rosaline, and Ethan lean in to listen. “What’s up?” Ethan asks. Thomas grabs him by the arm and yanks him away. “Dude, what did she do to make you trust her so fucking much?” He asks. Ethan sighs. “She helped me take down that giant thing atop the Sears Tower. She saved my life.” He explains. Thomas nods. “Okay, no offense. I was just ensuring it wasn’t her amazing curves clouding your judgment.” He says. Ethan laughs. “Dude, she’s in love with Cass. I don’t stand a chance against a literal sex machine.” He says. Cass whispers in his ear. “Not a competition, but I could definitely take you on. Not in a fight, either.” She says. Ethan smiles. “Maybe if we make it out of this apocalypse I’ll take you up on that.” He says. Cass grins, her eyes glowing green. “Totes.” She says. Lucy groans. “Cass, please shut the fuck up.” She says, heading back toward the facility they came from.
Lunacy-
Emerald City, 2020-
The group enters the now overrun facility, with Lucy using her red eyes as a small source of light. “This way.” She whispers, and Cass steps in front of her. “There’s no sign of activity here, allow me.” She says, closing her eyes. A quiet click emits from her head, and she opens her eyes. She almost blinds Lucy and Ethan, turning around. “My eyes are flashlights, they work even on low power.” She says. Lucy nods. “Cool.” She responds, raising her shotgun as they creep down the bloody corridors. Rosaline coughs and Thomas helps her keep standing. “You worked here… any idea on what caused this disaster?” He asks. Rosaline shrugs. “Could be hundreds of things… my guess is Ron.” She says. Lucy looks back at her, scared. “He’s still alive?” She asks. Rosaline nods. “How do you… know him?” She asks, her face notably pale in Cass’s light. Lucy sighs. “I… I was there. At the house. When the Spencer Incident happened.” She says. Rosaline looks up at her, anger growing on her face. “You what?” She says, anger dripping off each word. Lucy looks away. “Dragon said he knew where… where my brother went. He said that if I helped him, he’d help me.” She explains. Rosaline shakes her head. “Bullshit. You know that arrogant asshole would lie to you. Hell, he doesn’t even like you!” Rosaline shouts. Lucy’s eyes glow red. “And what makes you so confident in that?!” She shouts back. Rosaline looks her up and down. “YOU’RE A DEMON! HE CAUSED ANOTHER HOLOCAUST AGAINST DEMONS!” She shouts. Lucy looks down. “Yeah, I know… I just figured since he offered to help me, he matured a bit.” She says sheepishly. Rosaline takes a deep, shaky breath. “No. He was just using you. The same way he used my family to murder civilians. He needs to die, soon.” Rosaline says. Ethan and Thomas join in. “Let’s take him down, then. All of us.” Ethan says. Thomas nods in agreement, and Cass rejoins them. “I found the teleporter, but there’s a bit of a problem…” She says, shining her light over at the machine. Zombies and an Exquisite Corpse sleep in the same room, waiting for any small disturbance to wake them from their slumber. Thomas sighs. “Fuck us.” He says. Lucy nods. “Yep.” She says. Thomas sighs and rushes into the room. “Go! I’ll distract them!” He says. “No!” Ethan shouts, attempting to grab him. Thomas manages to slip away from the hand stretching towards him. He rolls into the center of the room and fires his pistol in the air. He hits the Exquisite Corpse and begins running down a hallway. “Save the world!” he shouts, leading the Zombies away from the teleporter. Lucy nods, and Cass stays behind to keep it open. “Good luck, Lucy.” She says as Ethan and Rosaline enter the teleporter. Lucy smiles. “Thanks, Cass. I love you.” She says. Cass’s face overheats and turns red, and she giggles. Lucy enters the teleporter, emerging on a cold and metal space station.
Endgame-
Station Alpha, 2020-
Lucy, Ethan, and Rosaline emerge in a large steel space station, the Earth slowly moving in front of them. Ethan peers out the massive window, noticing the large wings extending from either side of the room they’re in. “Where are we?” He asks. “Bridge. This is where the Solar Beam launches from…” She says, coughing up blood. She collapses to the floor, and Ethan rushes over to help her up. “Don;t fucking touch me…” She growls, climbing up using the console in front of her. She scans the dashboard, looking for a specific terminal. “There you are…” She mutters, entering a seven-digit code. 9. 12. 20. 37. A large red button emerges from a locked box in the center of the console, and she crawls over to it. “For my family…” She mumbles, but a gunshot cuts her off. She turns to look back at where it came from, and Bright is standing in the doorway, his pistol smoking. “I can’t let you do this, Rose,” Bright says. Rosaline, black liquid pumping through her veins, growls at him. “You… did this… your plane… made me a MONSTER!” She cries out, her eyes pure black. Bright grabs the Alpha-1 Revolver and fires at her, blowing her head off. Rosaline collapses on the floor, black and red liquid oozing from the open wound. Lucy gasps. “Bright! What the fucking fuck!?” She screams, reaching for her shotgun. Bright shakes his head, aiming at her. “This kills Demons too, silly. Don’t move. I can’t let you destroy the Earth.” He says. Ethan slowly moves over towards the button. Bright focuses on Lucy, however, and continues his rant. “I don’t know what Dragon promised you. But he’s lying. He can’t help you find Alastor. He can’t give you power, he’s just using you.” He says. Lucy scoffs. “And you weren’t?” She retorts. Bright sighs. “I will admit, you were useful, but I was open and honest about it. He’s a deceptive bastard. Here, you know why he wants to blow up Earth?” He asks. Lucy shrugs. “Never told me.” She answers. Bright smirks. “All this is to overthrow the Government and establish his fucking Fourth Reich. Wolfrun was merely the starting line. Think about it! Who’s helicopters were in Las Vegas? Omegas. Who owns The Omega Corporation?! Dragon! He’s testing the fucking Exquisite Corpses!” he says. Lucy’s heart sinks. “No…” She says. Bright nods. “Oh yeah. Even fucking Chicago was a test. He forced those damn monsters to fuse with each other! Fuck, you were an accomplice in one of his most blatant tests! The whole Spencer Incident! WAS A TEST!” He shouts. Lucy falls back. “No fucking way… I was helping him…” She says, shocked. Bright smiles. “Help me, Lucy. I know I fucked up before, I know Hawaii was a blunder. I’m sorry. But right now, we need to stop this space station from firing-” He’s cut off as alarms sound. “WARNING! LAUNCHING AURORA RAY!” Samm’s voice says. “FUCK!” Bright shouts, looking over at Ethan. His hand rests firmly on the red button, pressed all the way into the console. “Sorry, psycho. I win. Earth is saved!” Ethan says triumphantly. Bright stumbles back and falls into one of the consoles. “You fucking idiot… what have you done?” He asks. A large ball of energy gathers at the end of a large rod beneath the space station, and with a dull tone, fires a large beam at America. It hits New Mexico, and several smaller flashes pop up across New Mexico. Then Texas. Oklahoma. Kansas. California. Wisconsin. Colorado. Soon the entire United States flashes white, going up in smoke. Ethan’s grin falls flat, and Bright shoots him in the head. “God fucking damn it, come on.” He says to Lucy, who looks down at Rosaline and Ethan’s bodies. She sighs. “Fine. Let me go get Cass first.” She says, heading back through the teleporter with Bright.