Chapter 4

Blended

Tim’s mom's house

12:46 AM

Timothy

*CRASH*

“Huh!” Timothy comes to with a start as he hears a loud crash of shattering glass coming from upstairs. Looking around he sees he has once again fallen asleep at his desk. The set of buildings he had been trying to glitch through lay before his current game avatar, The High Commander. Standing tall in his imposing armor. Overlaying the screen were lines that he had never seen in this game or any other.

Welcome! Hello, and Welcome to the zombie apocalypse. The Company is pleased and grateful you have chosen to take this first step with us. Into the great unknown that is the zombie apocalypse. We will begin immediately due to the nature of the Zombie Apocalypse: Now! Who are you?!

It took Timothy only a few moments to realize the words in front of him were not projected on the holo screen but were imposed directly into his eyesight, as they even appeared in front of his dozens of empty cans and stale takeout containers. Blinking slowly, leaning his bulk back in his chair, chins wobbling as he steepled his thick fingers in front of him contemplating.

Who am I? I’m Timothy of course. This can’t be happening, can it? Unless…Snapping his fingers with a sudden thought. He must have fallen asleep with my immersion rig on again! Reaching up to pry the headset, Timothy only found his small ears and freshly shaved head. What? How can this be? Is it a dream? Pinching himself does nothing to change the world around him, nor the words in front of him.

*BANG*

A sudden hollow and bang from upstairs, echoing about the room brings Timothy back to the noise that had woken him. Looking around the finished basement that was his live-in workstation. He wasn’t sure what to do. In truth this space was his whole world, other than for food, spending time with his mom, and visiting the shops to get fitted, pick up, or inspect a new piece for his wall of awesome, Timothy never left his world. His size caused others to look at him with open mockery or laughter, so why would he want to go out into that cruel world. Here was where everything and everyone he loved was, here he was ruler and master.

*THUMP*

This time the noise sounded like a heavy object falling to the floor with a loud thump that seemed to echo with greater intensity than the crashes and bang from before. Timothy was still unsure what to do. The strange words still stood clear in the middle of his vision, no matter where he looked or blinked, the words didn’t change or disappear. Dream or real, he knew that he had to decide. Those noises were getting louder, which meant whatever it was, home invader or monster attack, they were getting closer to the kitchen where the basement door lay, and the stairs leading up to the upper floor that they had converted into a large master bedroom for his mother.

MOM!!!

Whatever was upstairs could be getting to his mother! Looking back down at his screen through the words, he knew he needed to go upstairs. She was so small. She wouldn’t be able to defend herself, would she? Crap! He knew she would try. Even though she was short enough she had to look up at even most dwarves his mother never looked down at another, nor allowed for others around her to do so. Leading to many expulsions from restaurants and barred from all shopping centers for miles around their home. Breathing heavily, spoke his words aloud hoping they would bring him confidence. Stumbling as his words changed to an intense whisper by the end.

“W-who am I? I’m The High Commander.” His words were only slightly ruined by the soft whimper. As he looked at the words before they changed and realized what could be upstairs.

Welcome, High Commander!

High Commander Class:

Command, one of greatest honors any can have for you are not to be just a leader of armies, but you are the highest command! The Choices are yours! Needing not just strength but more cunning, and vigilance than those that lay before you. You will have to be a force that not just brings devastation but a force to follow. Go forth and bring victory to you and your High Commander! *See status screen for more.

It was just like one of his games! Timothy got excited as he realized he might just be able to save his mom! Pushing himself out of his chair, he makes his way to his wall of awesome, where he had his custom-fitted suit. Along with the single-edged longsword and round shield embossed with the white owl perched atop the tower that was the characters Family crest. Another noise from upstairs reminds him he needs to hurry. Knowing he would not be able to put on most of the armor himself he opted to grab the sword and shield as well as the open face helmet that had chainmail attached that came down to cover his shoulder and neck. Turning to face the stairs, his gear rattling as he did so, Timothy gulped as the dark stairwell seemed to have become darker and steeper than he had remembered it ever being.

Remembering the words of his newfound class he gulped and headed toward the stairs saying to himself. “I’m coming, mom”

As softly as he could Timothy crept up the stairs, never having paid attention before he realized how much his stairs creaked, each one emitting a lingering moan as he slowly pressed his weight down. The trip up the eighteen stairs took far longer, and he made too much noise as he tried and failed to stealth his way up. Luckily Timothy did not hear any other noise coming from upstairs, he wasn’t sure if it was a good thing or a bad, but he was going to find his mom.

The door from the basement led directly into the kitchen, so Timothy slowly opened the door, peering out. the room only lit by the light above the sink he could see along the wall opposite the stairway lay a long row of marble-topped counters and the sink, sitting next to the refrigerator on one of the counters sit his moms MEGA Blender, large enough to fit a whole watermelon in and strong enough to reduce it to a pulp in seconds, it was currently partially filled with a dark substance. Beside these lay two cups and a cutting board with what looked like the remains of some strawberries and bananas. Yuck, he hated bananas why would there be two cups Timothy wondered, he hadn’t checked the time, but he felt it was far too late to be having anyone over. Could sh-

Before Timothy could finish his thought a soft thump from just on the other side of the kitchen caused him to freeze, he didn’t even dare breathe as he waited and listened. After hearing no further noise for what felt like minutes, or hours but was more likely seconds, Timothy slowly pushed open the door with his shield gripping the grip firmly and hefting his sword to jab forward. When he had revealed half of the kitchen, revealing the island in the middle, the door was suddenly and fiercely ripped open causing Timothy to stumble forward into it. Quickly turning to face what had ripped the door open Timothy was greeted by an image he would never forget. Mr. Wilkson the heavily muscled half-orc widowed next-door neighbor was, in front of him dressed only in a pair of bright red slippers.

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Embarrassed timothy lifted his hand to cover his nakedness he asked. “S-sorry, M-Mr. Wilkson. Why are you naked? And why are you here? Do you know where my mom is?”

Mr. Wilkson didn’t answer however as he stared at Timothy for a few moments, his once kind eyes glowing faintly a sickly green never blinking. Before slowly moving forward limping heavily to the right side. It was then Timothy noticed his mothers' favorite butcher knife sticking deeply into the heavily muscled thigh of his neighbor, buried alongside two other deep cuts that oozed a thick black liquid, instead of the expected blood. The ooze had leaked down far enough to reach a sleeping dragon curled around the ankle of the slippers to create a cuff. He knew those slippers well; he had had them custom-made for her at the same shop that had created his bong downstairs.

“Mr. Wilkson?” Timothy tried again “Where’s my mom?”

Other than the dead expression and hate-filled sickly eyes his face looked just as he had when Timothy had run into him last week. Timothy knew he must be a zombie; he was glad they were the slow kind. In games he always had trouble with the fast kind, having to rely on a healer often. Hefting his shield in front of him Timothy, lifting his sword ready to stab, watched as the large half-orc slowly made his way toward him. With a grimace, he had the thought that without the cover of his hand, he saw two monsters slowly making their way toward him.

Halfway to Timothy, Mr. Wilkson did the unexpected and suddenly lunged at him with a speed that he didn’t think many professional athletes could pull off. The heavily muscled orc plowed into his shield and slammed Timothy’s back against the counter. His sword clattered to the floor as his hand opened from the sudden shock of pain. With only his shield in front of him, Timothy tried to push Mr. Wilkson back, but his neighbor used his heavily muscled arms to grasp the shield from Timothy’s arm ripping it backward, wrenching his left arm back as it was strapped in. Mr. Wilkson, lunged in with both their arms wide to clamp heavily down on Timothy’s neck.

Mr. Wilkson bit down hard pain blossoming into Timothy’s neck an agonized scream erupting from him, and he started to flail, shoving against the strong man. Only thinking of the half-orcs thick neck and powerful jaws that must have ripped a chunk of his flesh. He can’t turn into a zombie now he has to save his mom! He felt the orc Open his jaws and reposition for another bite. Causing another scream of agony to come from Timothy, shaking his head as he struggled against his foe Timothy’s eyes landed on the one thing that might save him.

Shifting so that instead of trying to push back against his large neighbor Timothy angled it so that as he was pushed back, they began to slide along the counter. The pain was incredible as the edge of the marble countertops tore up the fat of his back, but Timothy knew he only needed to endure if he was going to survive. As they made the agonized steps, the pair struggling for dominance, Timothy praying for salvation finally came into view. He knew this would work if he could get there. Having always been a large kid and adult he was bullied from an early age, so he had to learn to stand up for himself or be walked all over and his favorite trick to do when bullies tried to fight when he was younger was to push all his bulk forward. When he was younger, he would be able to push back against the bullies purely on size. As he grew older so did the bullies, and unfortunately, they also grew stronger so even though he had size on his side. They continued to throw him around like a plaything. So, he learned that if they didn’t fall, they would without fail, every time shove back as hard as they could. After so many times of landing on his backside, Timothy learned again.

There it is! At last, his goal came into view, with a great heave Timothy shoved forward as hard as he could, his meager strength and considerable bulk against Mr. Wilkson. As expected, Mr. Wilkson was able to stop Timothy and push back, as he did so timothy rolled his left shoulder back and leaned into Mr. Wilkson with his right hip. Using Mr. Wilkson’s moment, he shoved his head and was able to fit the half-orcs large shoulders into the open Mega Blender, leaning down with a grunt and grimace he turned on the blender, hoping to hit the highest setting possible. The sound of whirling taking and crunch taking place, as Mr. Wilkson’s struggles turned fierce and suddenly, he went limp as the blender went from a straining crunching whirl to the high-speed whine of a perfectly blended smoothy.

Timothy and the Limp Mr. Wilkson collapsed to the floor the strength going out from Timothy as the fight had ended. Unable to see head through the gore that counited to spin in the blender, shouting down Mr. Wilkson’s body leaving him covered. Timothy shut off the Blender and shoved the corpse away from him gasping. He can’t believe he had just killed someone. Not even a stranger but someone he knew! This wasn’t like the games at all. Sure, he jumped a few times, but unlike after games his neck was killing him, and his heart was going to burst from his chest. As he lay there, he reached under the chainmail that had just saved his neck and likely his life. His neck felt tender, but he didn’t feel any breaks in the skin, nor was there any blood when he checked his hand.

Letting out a sigh, he was about the get up when Mr. Wilkson’s leg twitched causing Timothy to let out a high-pitched scream, but other than the spasm the corpse remained still. With a nervous chuckle, Timothy relaxed until he heard a loud noise from the front, remembering he had a mission still and had yet to find his mom. With significant effort, Timothy climbed to his feet retrieved his sword and shield, and made his way towards the front door.

He made his way into the living room were laying in the oppressive dark, timothy felt he should leave the lights off even though the curtains were shut on the big bay window outside. Thinking the noise must have come from outside he made his way to the window, opening the corner of the curtain he saw nothing as it was too dark to even see the lawn ornaments just outside the window. door. Once he got there, he saw a piece of paper was pinned to the door with his mother's paring knife. With a short message in his moms' neat handwriting.

Timothy,

I had to run don’t open the door, I shut it behind me and lured the horde away. I hope Tom will follow but he may still be in the house if he doesn’t. He’s a zombie just like one of your little games, aren’t you so lucky. I know it’s scary, be brave for mama. It’s about 12:10 so if I’m not back by 1 make your way to the school, I will meet you there sweetie.

Love, Mom.

Looking at the clock display above the fireplace in the living room Timothy saw it was 1:03. He needed to go.

Meanwhile…

The Kesrel House

Susie

Ok Mrs. Potts, make some tea for our tea party. Susie stood in her favorite gown a bright pink ball gown that puffed out at the bottoms and fluttered when she twirled. As she did so now, as her elderly neighbor, slowly shuffled to the countertop. “Don’t forget to thank me!” She said to Mrs. Potts seriously. “I am the Princess it says so right here! See! Status screen!” A transparent screen appeared in front of her.

“Grrrmph” was Mrs. Potts reply as she turned with the tea kettle from the unlit stove, her sickly green eyes

Name: Susie Lu Kesrel Race: Dark Elf Age: 15(7)

Class: Princess (1)

HP: 14/14 MP:16/20 SP:60/60

STR:5 DEX:8 AGL:8 END:6 VIT: 4

CHA: 8 WIS:8 INT: 10 SPT:6 LUCK:8

Traits: Born Leader

Skills: 3

Abilities: 1

None of the numbers made much sense to her but when she focused on the Class the words that had first appeared when she had answered their question. “I’m a Princess of course silly!”

Princess Class:

Before one can lead, she must learn. The Princess spends her life in the pursuit of the benefit of her people. Be it bettering herself or bringing changes that will benefit them directly. A Princess always brings her top pomp and etiquette dazzling those around you with wit and charm. Often having to make choices that could affect the lives of many, a Princess must always know her mind. Go forth and be true to yourself and your people Princess! *See the status screen for more.

Ever since those words had appeared in front of her, she knew her dreams had come true. Even though she didn’t understand everything, like what a zombie was. She did know two things. First people were acting weird, and she needed to set them right. Mom says sometimes accountability was on everyone present. Secondly, she was finally a Princess truly! It said so right there. With her new ability thingy called, Control, others had to do what she told them! Even Mommy had to stop coming after her and sit in her room after she told her to not come any closer go and think about what she had done until Susie came and talked to her.

Thinking of her mom, Susie shivered, she was used to mean old Mrs. Potts looking angry but she didn’t understand why Mommy had to have the same angry look. She didn’t understand why their eyes were that weird icky color too. Mommy’s eyes were the same beautiful purple as her own, Susie didn’t understand what had changed them, but she knew Mommy and Mrs. Potts would do what Susie told them to, they had to it was the first thing she ordered them to do. Susie had tried to focus on the other parts of her status screen she was able to find her abilities and found the ability Control. When she focused on it, it said what the ability did.

Ability: Control

Exerting your will, you can control another of lesser intelligence by beating them in a battle of will. If you succeed you will have control over the target for twenty-four hours. Using this ability again will reset the time, but another contest of wills must take place. Cost: 10 MP

This Princess stuff was really easy, Susie thought to herself. She knew it must be because she was a natural! Looking at her Control ability again she was hoping there was a way to make mommy or Mrs. Potts talk. They would only snap at her or make that weird moan.

Looking at the cup Mrs. Potts had just filled Susie realized it was empty, nor could she smell anything. She looked at Mrs. Potts a sour expression on her face. “Where’s the tea, Mrs. Potts? I’m thirsty, were not playing tea party right now.” All Susie received was the same blank expression she had received every time she had asked a question. Those scary glowing eyes stared at her. She was really scared of those eyes; she didn’t know who she could trust. Looking at the clock, one-thirty, she knew Ms. Alexa gets to the school by four in the morning. She only lived a few blocks from the school, looking at the tea she had asked Mrs. Potts to make she didn’t think it would be a good idea to drive.

“Maybe we should ask Ms. Alexa what to do, come along Mrs. Potts. Let’s get mommy and walk to the school.” Susie headed to her mom’s room with the slowly moving Mrs. Potts shuffling behind her.