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File 136329192319.png - (4.04KB , 328x181 , Above the Strain.png )
500015 No. 500015 ID: 040617

The thing has been pounding on the door for days now, never letting up for a moment. Thank god this apartment has sturdy doors. For once, Gabe is glad this area had so much crime. But even having normalized to the noise that usually surrounds his appartment, he still couldn't sleep well the past few nights. The TV was still playing the same generic message as of a couple hours ago. Things are still under control. Stay indoors, let no one in. Everything will be solved on the 12th, it promised. Yeah, well that was two days ago, and Gabe is starting to run out of food... and of his medication. He only has four doses left, and has decided to save them for when he needs a clear head. For now, he needs to worry about the food situation- while he still has strength to worry with.

((Hey guys, this is my first attempt at a quest, so lemme know how I could improve- other than adding pictures. As much as I would want that to happen, I'm no artist.))
Expand all images
>>
No. 500017 ID: 2de44c

is what outside the door out of your league to deal with? it seems to me that the only way to get food is past it

what is outside the door? is there a back door? what are the doses for?
>>
No. 500018 ID: 9747ef

Yeah, give us the 411.
>>
No. 500019 ID: d6ef5d

So... what the heck is going on that everyone has been told to stay indoors and keep everyone else out? Invasion? Alien invasions? Monsters? Zombies? Civil unrest? Terrorists?

Got a peephole? Can you see what's out there?

What's your medication for?
>>
No. 500020 ID: 040617

>>500017
There we go. I guess the meds finally wore off. They were for my Schizophrenia. You, to be precise. As for what's out there, I'm not sure. My guess is that it would be what the government is supposedly trying to save us from. I'm on the second floor, and the windows are barred. So unless I come up with something soon, yes, the only way to find food would be past it.
>>
No. 500021 ID: 040617

>>500019
Unfortunately these doors do not have any peepholes. They're little more than slabs of metal with several locks attached.
>>
No. 500025 ID: 2de44c

well shit kid im sorry

as for food other than getting past the thing..toilet paper? regular paper? never mind that was a shitty idea

my suggestion is to go grab a kitchen knife or something, and approach the door
listen at the pounding and locate the spot that gets hit the most-try to imagine a more human like figure, with the thing posing, back arched, arms bent to allow the pounding motion in the rhythmic unhalting way it's going
a couple inches under that id assume to be the stomach/chest area aka where the major organs are.

if youve got the guts, fling the door open-make your self small and come at it by rising/lunging to surprise it, and try to either stab and hope it hits something important, slash deep and long to let some innards fall out, or even just stun it so you can get your bearings and lay a second calculated killing move

dont even worry if it hostile or not, because if that thing has really been banging away for days, it's fuckin hostile
>>
No. 500029 ID: 040617
File
Removed

>>500025
Alright... Alright. It can't be human, right? It would've needed to eat or sleep or... Something.

Gabe goes to the kitchen and grabs the largest KNIFE he owns. He's handled this blade dozens of times, but with his intentions for it in mind, it feels unnatural in his hand. Steeling himself for the coming struggle, he moves over to the door, unlocking it as quietly as he can. He begins to count the banging in a rhythm, getting a feel for the thing's movements.

46...47...48...NOW

Gabe flings the door open, knife at the ready, coming face to face with his neighbor Mr. Danson. Gabe hesitated, and that was all his former prey needed. It lunged forward with a gurgle, grabbing Gabe by the shoulders and sending them both tumbling to the ground. Gabe felt the knife in his hand sink into Mr. Danson's abdomen as the aggressor fell onto it. Danson froze for a moment, looking Gabe in the eye while drool dripped from its torn open cheek. The emptiness in the thing's eyes where once was an ever inquisitive look told Gabe that his neighbor had long since moved out.

Gabe moved to push his attacker off, but wasn't quite fast enough in restraining him. Pain shoots up his right shoulder as teeth sink into his flesh. He reflexively shoves with enough power to send the once nosy old man off to the side, although with a small bit of his shoulder. Gabe scrambles back, hands feeling for something to fend the creature off with. Gabe's back bumps into the couch as his assailant crawls after him, knife still sticking out of its belly.

Memory suddenly strikes true, and Gabe reaches behind him, fumbling for his GUITAR from beside the couch. His fingers latch around the strings, and he yanks it into hand. Normally he would be appalled with such treatment, but this was fight or flight, and by god he's going to go down swinging.

Taking the neck of the guitar in both hands, Gabe waits for just the right moment to swing. The thing continues lurching towards along the ground slowly, blade twisting against the ground deeper into its gut. What the hell is this thing? Gabe barely has time to think before the moment arrives.

He swings.

The guitar connects with the side of the thing's head, and Gabe listens sickeningly as both necks snap. In a less focused state of mind, he wouldn't be sure which would be more disturbing: Danson's neck breaking or that of his guitar. In any case, Gabe shoots to his feet and backs away from the body. He feels something sink in the pit of his stomach upon seeing that the thing's mouth is still chewing on the bit of skin it tore off.
>>
No. 500030 ID: 040617
File 136329769786.png - (17.26KB , 828x595 , Strain Inventory.png )
500030

((Sorry, wrong pic))
>>
No. 500032 ID: bf54a8

welp you are dead. best thing you can do is get food for someone else and then blow your brains out so you don't attack the person you just helped.
>>
No. 500034 ID: 2de44c

stab that fucker in the head, right through the eye, gabe

how are you feeling? that thing reminds me of something zombie-like, but how you described it says otherwise..doesnt seem to be decomposing, does it? or any suspicious bite marks much like the one you just got?

now isnt a good time to dwell on such things, however

if your neighbor became one, ive got my money on there being more..cant say how many, but you need to be careful

close the door and go clean the wound out. it will be painful, but clean it with water and rubbing alcohol. wrap it with a bandage and grab some sort of jacket to protect your arms, and maybe put on some running shoes..

do you own a gun, gabe? because if you go out there..and more of those are around..its better safe than sorry

after you get that cleared up, go to the neighbor that you just killed house
ive got a feeling he wont be needing his food anymore

did he have a family? more importantly, do [iyou[/i] have a family?
>>
No. 500035 ID: bf54a8

(too soon man. it's called being in character. i was ready to see when he didn't change. but in character it should be obvious what happened.)
>>
No. 500040 ID: 040617
File 136330096547.png - (16.57KB , 828x595 , Strain Inventory.png )
500040

>>500034
Gabe gathers himself before plunging the jagged end of the guitar neck through the eye socket. The mouth stops chewing. Leaving the shattered guitar embedded in the thing's face, he quickly hops over and shuts the door.

I think I'm okay. It hurts like hell, but I've had worse. Not by much though... It also feels kinda warm and tingly.

Gabe cautiously rolls Mr. Danson over, and, after assuring that he was indeed dead, searches his body for any kind of bite mark.

While I'm no doctor, it seems like he got his cheek ripped off. I can see a few teeth marks along the jawline. Shit.

Gabe does his best to block out the implications of this, but seeing as how he's got to clean out his own bite wound... Most of the alcohol gets spilled on the floor, and the bandaging is sub par at best. It's all he can do to make it over to the couch before breaking down, shaking all over.

I can't become like that. I won't. I don't want to die... But I've got no family or friends to rely on out here- Damn it, why did I have to follow my job instead of just finding a new one.. Christ, I don't even have a decent weapon.

The stress from the scuffle finally crashes down, and Gabe begins sobbing.

And I just killed someone..

Eventually, the tears finally dry, but the crying doesn't stop. It's not Gabe anymore- it sounds like it's coming from next door, from that strange quiet girl's apartment.
>>
No. 500051 ID: 2de44c

keep it together, gabe

the thing you killed isnt a man anymore-hasnt been for a few days.

keep an eye on the wound for now..and now go investigate the crying from the apartment. maybe its someone else who got trapped like you did-knock on the door first, see how she reacts

and by that i mean, if she hears it and starts pounding on the door trying to get at your like the other guy, just leave her trapped in there
>>
No. 500054 ID: bf54a8

do you know where this guy's apartment was? if he's been dead for a while he may have food still since he wasn't eating it.

and knock a short bit then say something if no response... like "hey, you need food?"
>>
No. 500055 ID: 040617
File 136330484156.png - (19.11KB , 828x595 , Strain Inventory.png )
500055

Gabe pulled himself together and stood from the couch. Averting his gaze from the mess on the floor, he makes his way to the front door, intent on finding out the source of the noise. Opening the door, he peeks outside carefully, but the landing seems clear. Across the way are two apartments- one of which is wide open. That would be Mr. Danson's. Poor old guy.. Next to his would be a very attractive woman Gabe had only spoken with briefly- Rebecca, I think her name was.

Next to Gabe's apartment is Cynthia's, although her name is about all he knows of her. She seems like a shut in. The source of the sobbing seems to be coming from in there, so Gabe walks over and knocks on the door.

"Hey, is everything alright in there? It's Gabe- from next door. Do you need any food?"

The sobbing stops quickly, and a shaky answer carries to his ears.

"Go back inside your place then! I'm not supposed to let anyone in. Everything's fine."
>>
No. 500058 ID: bf54a8

"no, it's not, i'm out of food, i think i need to go looting."
>>
No. 500064 ID: bf54a8

oh and "you need anything while i'm out"
>>
No. 500067 ID: 44fb62

500019
>>
No. 500069 ID: 040617
File 136331177803.png - (19.04KB , 828x595 , Strain Inventory.png )
500069

>>500058
>>500064
“No, everything's not fine. I'm running out of food, Mr. Danson just tried to kill me, and now I've got to go loot his house.”

No response. Gabe lets out a sigh and continues on regardless.

“Listen, unless you somehow just went shopping before all this went down, I'm sure you're running out too. If you'd like, I could bring you back some of what I find.”

Still nothing. Relenting, Gabe shook his head and began to turn away, when he hears the door being unlocked. It opens a crack and Cynthia peeks out.

“It- It's not safe to go exploring on your own. T-teams of two, at least. Let me get my things.” Gabe waits for her to get ready, carefully watching the stairs and open doorway in case something should come up. Honestly, he's surprised she even spoke to him. The only way he knew her name was due to the fact that he once got her mail. When he returned it, she just took it and shut the door without a word. Eventually, Cynthia returns, a broom in hand. She's wearing a heavy winter jacket and what must be two or three sets of sweat pants. She must be sweltering.

“Alright. I'm ready... Are you okay?” She asks, suddenly noticing the bandaged wound.
>>
No. 500070 ID: 76b151

>>500069
No I am not ok. if I suddenly lunge for you you have my permission to do whatever it takes to put me down. Try to get a headshot if possible.
>>
No. 500071 ID: bf54a8

"no, if i start looking at you like dinner, please smack me in the skull. but i can at least help you before things get bad."

another thing to look out for is a big ass knife and some duct tape. just tape a knife to the end of the broom for impromptu polearm.
>>
No. 500077 ID: b2b39a

Tell her you're just fine. That way if you do go down, you won't be going alone. Think about it. It'd be nice to have someone with you when you descend into aggravated cannibalism.
>>
No. 500082 ID: 040617
File 136331538010.png - (24.75KB , 828x595 , Strain Inventory.png )
500082

“No. Danson bit me in our struggle. If I start acting crazy, then try and get me in the head.”

“I was already planning on it.” An couple of seconds pass before she realizes what she just said. “Oh no! Not that I mean I would want to kill you, it's just that if I had to I would and... Um.. Oh dear.”

“Relax, it's fine... Here, go get some duct tape- I've got an idea.” Gabe returns to his apartment, recovers the KNIFE, and returns to Cynthia, who has acquired the tape. After a few seconds of work, a MAKESHIFT POLEARM is crafted!

“There. Now we're ready to go.”

The pair move towards Danson's residence, Gabe in front and Cynthia to the rear. The den seems empty, as does the attached kitchen. Basic furnishings, a trail of blood splattered here and there. The usual. Gabe just tries not to think about it. The food should be right there in the kitchen, but maybe they should check the back rooms first just in case.
>>
No. 500083 ID: 76b151

I think we should clear out the house. before raiding the kitchen. Whatever bit him might still be around.
>>
No. 500090 ID: bf54a8

yeah, danson got bit an decided to bang on your door for god knows exactly how long. why didn't what bit him come after you too? be wary. and if you can try to tank the damage for her, you are already bit, getting bit again wont make you double infected.
>>
No. 500091 ID: 040617
File 136331756902.jpg - (664.82KB , 2048x1536 , Cynthia.jpg )
500091

((I think I'm heading to bed guys- I'll continue this tomorrow. But here's a drawing my friend did of Cynthia. The eyes are off, but other than that it's not bad.))
>>
No. 500251 ID: 040617
File 136340443314.png - (23.91KB , 828x595 , Strain Inventory.png )
500251

"Follow me," Gabe whispers back to Cynthia, "Let's sweep and clear before going for the food."

"I was just about to suggest the same. Stay in front."

"Why, you've got the weapon."

"Whatever happened to men being chivalrous? Besides, you've already been bitten. It's not like another bite can make it any worse... Well, besides the pain and physical damage of course." Gabe relents- she has a point. As quietly as they can, they check the back hallway. At the end of the hall is an open doorway to what appears to be the bedroom. To the left is a closed door.

"Which first?" Cynthia whispers.
>>
No. 500253 ID: bf54a8

open door. if a door closed behind the thing it would have to break the door before being able to attack you. but an open door is a clear path.
>>
No. 500254 ID: 76b151

Open door first. We'd hear the other open in case its in there and these things don't seem to have the brains to turn doorknobs.
>>
No. 500261 ID: 040617
File 136340825853.png - (23.99KB , 828x595 , Strain Inventory.png )
500261

Gabe points to the end of the hallway and Cynthia nods. They move through the doorway and Gabe takes a quick sweep of the room. Impeccably clean dresser, perfectly made bed, and an open closet that looks to have been recently dug through. But no crazies.

Gabe's stomach rumbles slightly, and hunger pains are beginning to emerge. His bite wound is also starting to itch.
>>
No. 500264 ID: bf54a8

make a slightly loud noise. f anything is around it should react to you. if nothing happens then try the closed door. then back to the fridge.
>>
No. 500268 ID: 76b151

Also what is Evesol?
>>
No. 500271 ID: bf54a8

>>500268
his meds that get rid of us.
>>
No. 500274 ID: 040617

Gabe knocks on the door a few times, and all that comes out is a muffled groan. Sounds like someone's hurt.
>>
No. 500280 ID: bf54a8

more like the thing is restrained somehow. fling open door with weapons ready.
>>
No. 500284 ID: 040617
File 136341280911.png - (23.93KB , 828x595 , Strain Inventory.png )
500284

Gabe flings open the door and barges in, with Cynthia close behind. Inside lies a bathroom, in which a little girl lies in the tub, her back facing the door.

Must be Denson's granddaughter. I've seen her once or twice visiting when I went over to play chess.
>>
No. 500286 ID: bf54a8

shit. i seen this one before. or, well, you have. we have... shut up.

anyway, keep weapons ready and say hello. if she jumps at you or has a large open wound assume hostile.
>>
No. 500288 ID: 76b151

Edge around so you can see her front and call out to her. Most likely she is infected.
>>
No. 500291 ID: 040617
File 136341557930.png - (26.02KB , 828x595 , Strain Inventory.png )
500291

"Hello? Are you okay?" Gabe questions softly, craning his neck to get a look at her front. He begins to think he will go unheard when the child finally speaks.

"Nooo... I'm so hungry.." As Gabe draws closer, he sees she's doubled over, clutching her stomach. He glances back to make sure Cynthia is following, seeing that she's staying close- and looking highly determined. Gabe finds himself at a loss for words- he wasn't quite expecting a response.
>>
No. 500292 ID: 76b151

Actually speaking is good. Lets raid the kitchen. Watch her carefully.
>>
No. 500293 ID: bf54a8

"well then, let's go to the kitchen and get some food."

keep an eye on her though, she could be mid change and hungers for flesh.
>>
No. 500294 ID: 040617

"Well let's go to the kitchen and get you something, huh?" Gabe replies, trying to sound as comforting as possible.

"No.. Not from there... It all tastes yucky.."
>>
No. 500297 ID: 040617
File 136341748672.png - (26.76KB , 828x595 , Strain Inventory.png )
500297

((Forgot the pic.))
>>
No. 500298 ID: 76b151

Spoiled? Or perhaps shes hungry for flesh. I wonder if theres frozen meat we could thaw for her.
>>
No. 500299 ID: bf54a8

"it's too late to worry about yuckyness, i want you to try and make yourself eat it, and if it really is too yucky for you, then i'll eat it and get you something else to try. there has to be something good here, maybe it's hidden. but we need to start trying things now."
>>
No. 500303 ID: 76b151

Last resort would be feeding her the old man's flesh.... but that might worsen her condition. Depends on how the corruption accelerates.
>>
No. 500305 ID: 040617
File 136341975893.png - (26.73KB , 828x595 , Strain Inventory.png )
500305

"It's too late to worry about yuckyness, I want you to try and make yourself eat it, and if it really is too yucky for you, then I'll eat it and get you something else to try. There has to be something good here- maybe it's hidden. But we need to start trying things now."

"O-Okay.."

Gabe nods to Cynthia to go find something, while he waits here with the girl. Looking skeptical, she hands him the polearm before hurrying off to the kitchen.

"So what's your name?"

"Dani... Mister, I'm so hungry.. I can hardly move.." She lifts a terribly shaking hand up out of the bathtub, as though to prove her point. Gabe grips the weapon a little tighter as he sees it stained with blood.

"Cynthia's getting you something right now, Dani. You've just gotta be patient.."

"...I'm so scared though... I want bad things."

Before he can reply, Cynthia returns with a banana. But Gabe, having seen the blood, is a understandably a bit hesitant to hand it to her.
>>
No. 500306 ID: 76b151

Whatever you do you have to resist the bad things. I know its hard. But you are a very good girl for doing it.

Here eat this.
>>
No. 500310 ID: 040617
File 136342035662.png - (26.44KB , 828x595 , Strain Inventory.png )
500310

"Whatever you do you have to resist the bad things. I know its hard. But you are a very good girl for doing it." Mustering up his courage, Gabe trades his spear for the fruit and edges closer to the tub. He gently pushes the bananna into the hand that Dani left draped over the side. It lifts up, and Dani turns her head to look at what she's now been forced to hold. Again, there's a smear of dried blood all around her mouth.

"This'll make me barf again.. I know it will.." The hand falls back to the side of the tub with a slap, banana falling from it's grasp.

"Please don't make me eat it," she says hoarsely, somehow finding the strength to sit up.
>>
No. 500313 ID: 76b151

If you throw that up we will find you something else then. It won't hurt to try.

Be prepared to hold her back if she lunges at you.
>>
No. 500315 ID: bf54a8

apparently she only wants meat. check your wound, do any parts look about to fall off anyway? cut those bits off and let her snack on that and tell cyn to make up danson like a roast.

may be gross but eating a dead guy is better then tryng to eat living guys.
>>
No. 500317 ID: 76b151

Yes we get that she bit her grandfather and he turned zombie. We're already in dire straights. And the fact that she kept her find is something we want to find out more about. Her grandfather didn't. Which means we have to find out why. And if we should just have Cynthia kill us so we aren't taking up precious food.
>>
No. 500321 ID: 040617
File 136342099164.png - (26.54KB , 828x595 , Strain Inventory.png )
500321

"Here. Just try it for me. Pretty please?" Gabe asks, scooping up the yellow fruit back into her hand.

Dani groans, and begins to peel it. Looking at it with distaste for a moment, she shoves it into her mouth. She bites off a chunk, and- with visible effort- swallows.

The effect is immediate. Within moments, she's leaning over the side of the tub vomiting her small lungs out. Cynthia looks away for a moment upon spotting crimson mixed in. Gabe winces, waiting for her to finish before speaking.

"I'm so sorry Dani. We'll find you something though..."

"I need it now.. Something soft.. and moist.." Dani gasps, even now trying to climb out of the basin.
>>
No. 500324 ID: 76b151

... Give her some of our flesh. Something tells me if her hunger reaches 10 we lose her completely.
>>
No. 500325 ID: bf54a8

cut off something you wont miss.
>>
No. 500330 ID: bf54a8

also i suggest looking at your wound as the source. want parts that are gonna fall off anyway.
>>
No. 500331 ID: 040617
File 136342239059.png - (28.54KB , 828x595 , Strain Inventory.png )
500331

"Well we're out of options. Cut some skin off my right arm," Gabe whispers to Cynthia.

"Are you crazy? There's got to be another way," Cynthia protests, clearly not liking the idea of maiming you.

"It's either this or you have to kill what used to be a little girl. Because I'm not doing it," Gabe replies, with a hard look in his eye. He proceeds to hold out his arm, gritting his teeth and looking away. Danielle meanwhile, has finally managed to crest the edge.

Cynthia shakes her head and grips the polearm high up. She rests the blade against the back of Gabe's forearm.

"You sure about this?" Dani topples over the side, landing gracelessly in a pool of her own vomit.

"Just do it." Cynthia digs the blade in and begins to saw. Gabe has never felt such pain in his life, and a scream springs unbidden past his lips. Dani seems completely unphased. All of her effort is focused on standing up in the slippery mess.

Gabe howls in anguish, and the process is only half over. Cynthia fights the urge to follow suit after Dani, bile creeping up her throat.

Finally, the flap of flesh comes off, and Cynthia drags Gabe back, leaving the scrap for the child. Gabe doubles over in the hallway, cradling his brutalized arm. Cynthia barely has time to see Dani lunge for her lunch before slamming the door. Gabe's going to need medical attention, and soon.
>>
No. 500332 ID: 76b151

Right time to get us some medical attention We have 3 apartments that might have first aid stuff but the easiest requires nothing but rope and or cloth. Tie above the wound with either and tighten as much as possible. It will slow the bleeding. Also apply pressure to is with cloth. Once thats done we can look for real medicaly supplies like disenfectant and proper bandages.
>>
No. 500334 ID: bf54a8

also when you got the time tell her to carve the thing in your room like a christmas goose. the less identifiable the better.
>>
No. 500335 ID: 76b151

>>500334
We might have to do that... but Im worried dead meat isn't going to work.
>>
No. 500336 ID: 040617
File 136342484424.png - (27.74KB , 828x595 , Strain Inventory.png )
500336

"Get rope.. Or some cloth.." Gabe grunts out through the pain.

"I'll go for the cloth. I did work in the medical field, technically, so this should be no problem, right?" She jokes nervously before disappearing back into the bedroom. She returns with a pair of jeans. Using the now crimson blade, she cuts it into strips and begins binding the wound- much to Gabe's discomfort. Fetching a dish cloth and a bottle of wine from the kitchen, she disinfects and bandages the wound as well as she can.

"Wine? You're pouring rotten grape juice onto my open wound?"

"The Romans did it for their gladiators- quit complaining." Gabe promptly grabs the bottle from where she put it down and takes a long draught before Cynthia can snatch it away.

"Alcohol is the last thing you need."

"Then get me some pain killers."

"I don't think Tylonal is going to do it for you. And by the by, there was a gun case in the bottom of that closet."

"Great, go get that. That'll take the edge right off," Gabe jokes grimly, sitting up.

"Hey mister?... Ms. Cynthia? I'm sorry I was a bad girl.. I couldn't help it. I tried really hard. Please don't make me stay in here like Pawpaw did."
>>
No. 500337 ID: 76b151

If you're feeling better come on out. You and I are in the same boat so if I told you to lock yourself away I'd have to do the same thing.

(Though honestly it'd be for the best, but I don't think we're quite ready to give up yet.)
>>
No. 500338 ID: bf54a8

it's fine, just, it may be harder to find food for you is all.
>>
No. 500339 ID: 76b151

Things to ask her:

What foods has she tried?
Was she bitten by something before she started to get hungry and no other food worked?
Does she know where her grandfather kept medical supplies and food are?
How is she feeling otherwise.

Things to do:
Try to eat a banana. Be prepared for nausua.
Search the apartments and gather together travelling supplies. Backpacks, weapons, food for Cynthia.
Start planning a BBQ ala old man. We have to know if this will work.
Search your entire floor. Find any other zombies and survivors.
>>
No. 500340 ID: 040617

>>500339
These will all have to wait until tomorrow unfortunately. It's 4:30 and I need to head to bed.
>>
No. 500391 ID: 040617
File 136346069863.png - (35.76KB , 828x595 , Strain Inventory.png )
500391

Gabe opens the door and Dani springs out. Before Cynthia can react, the young girl latches onto Gabe, hugging him tightly and beginning to cry.

“I'm so sorry I did the bad thing I didn't want to but I did and now you're hurt and-” Gabe cringes as she accidentally squeezes his old wound. He bears through it and manages to return the hug.

“It's okay. I did it, not you. It's not your fault,” Gabe replies, trying to push away thoughts of a time when it will be his turn. Gabe continues to hold her until the crying stops, while Cynthia stands by awkwardly, scratching the back of her head with a free hand.

“So... What else did you try, Dani? Did nothing else work to ease your hunger?” Cynthia asks, trying to get things rolling.

“No..” Danielle sniffles, “Some leftover meatloaf Pawpaw made tasted a little better than the rest, but it still made my tummy feel wishy washy.”

“Were you bitten by anyone before that all started happening?” Cynthia continues. Gabe meanwhile is starting to feel minor hunger pains. He considers going into the kitchen to get another banana, but even the thought of it makes him feel queasy. Danson, on the other hand, has an extremely disturbing appeal.

“No, but a squirrel bit me when Grandpaw took me to the park a few days ago. I was just trying to feed it a peanut.. Mean old squirrel,” she replies, frowning. She holds up a finger bearing a Spongebob bandaid.

“Where is Pawpaw anyways? He said he was going to find help after.. After I bit him.. But then he came back and wouldn't talk to me. I heard him crying in the bedroom and a lot of stuff being moved around, but then he left again..” Gabe and Cynthia interchange a look. “What? Is he okay?” Dani asks anxiously, apparently catching the exchange.

“Sweetie, why don't you go wash off your face and hands in the bathroom real quick,” Cynthia says, speaking first, “Gabe and I need to.. Go find something to help fix him.”

“O-okay.. Grandpaw keeps my Spongebobs up at the top of the closet so I can't get them. You can have as many as you want Mister Gabe,” Dani offers, obviously aware something is wrong. She then retreats back into the bathroom to clean up as requested. Cynthia meanwhile helps Gabe up and pulls him back into the bedroom.

“Woah, don't you think this is moving a little fast?” Gabe banters with a grimace of pain.

“Shut up,” Cynthia retorts quietly, dragging him over to the closet and searching through. “There's a little girl in there who's wanting to know about her dead grandfather. What are we going to tell her?” She reaches up and pulls out a small clear plastic box, filled with the most basic of medical supplies.

“I don't know.. Give me a second to think.” Gabe, recalling the mentioned gun case, reaches down past her for it, knowing it would be a lifesaver in case they find more of those things while traveling. He opens up the old leather pistol case only to find an intention where the revolver once laid. There are also indention for the ammunition- twelve to be exact. All but one are filled.
>>
No. 500397 ID: bf54a8

ouch. guessing the mouth gash was misfire for suicide.

and if meatloaf worked then it's JUST meat needed.

look in the fridge and freezer for meats. if none then we will need to make grandpa kabobs.

anyway, it seems to be more 28 days later then undead. as in, it causes insanity. let's call it... THE HUNGER. explain to her how it works. that it s a sickness that makes you hungry for bad things. it's not her fault. it was the squirrel.

which raises another problem. animals being able to carry it.
>>
No. 500399 ID: 76b151

>>500397
Animal vectors are bad. Rodents are everywhere. Also good news, you might not have to resort to canibalism, just meat or raw meat. We can survive this! And stay sane. Or as sane as someone can be with voices in their head.

Ask Cynthia if she has any meat left. We should also check here. I'm guessing you don't. If there is nothing we are going have to go door to door and see if anyone is left sane and alive. We might have to venture out of the apartment building though.

If you have them get Cynthia to wear heavy clothes and workboots or hiking boots. It will help turn any smaller bites away if we do run into flesh-eating mice. You and Dani don't have to worry about it.

As for her grandfather we should explain it this way. Remember how hungry you felt? After you bit him your pawpaw got the same way. And he got hungrier faster is my guess. He came to my door and when I opened it he attacked me and bit me. If I hadn't fought him I would be dead. I won't blame you if you hate me for it. I'm sorry.
>>
No. 500417 ID: 040617
File 136346489447.png - (38.61KB , 828x595 , Strain Inventory.png )
500417

Cynthia begins undoing the bandages on Gabe's arm, intent on properly disinfecting with rubbing alcohol while he relates to her the plan. He'll go have the talk with Dani while Cynthia goes scrounging around for any kind of meat as well as basic traveling supplies. They're likely going to need to scavenge elsewhere for food and other supplies.

“...And if all else fails,” Gabe says as he breaks eye contact, momentarily unsure if he wants to continue, “..There's always Mr. Danson.” Cynthia stops squirting Neosporin along the wound.

“You can't be seriously considering that,” she speaks solemnly, resuming the application of the antibiotic. Finishing that, she begins to redo the wrapping, this time with proper bandages.

“It could be either that or us trying to rip your face off.”

“I'm all done,” Dani says in a low voice, entering the bedroom. With another shake of her head, Cynthia excuses herself to go raid the kitchen, leaving the other two alone in the room.

“Pawpaw isn't coming back, is he?” Dani asks desperately, hot droplets already forming in her eyes. Gabriel sighs, and pats the bed next to him, gesturing for her to sit down. She shakes her head violently, beads of moisture flying from her cheeks. Gabe's gut twists into an even tighter knot as he begins to speak.

“Remember how hungry you felt? After you bit him, your Pawpaw got the same way. And he got hungrier faster is my guess. He came to my door and when I opened it he attacked me and bit me. If I hadn't fought him I would be dead. I won't blame you if you hate me for it. I'm so sorry,” Gabe finishes, weak in both word and spirit. He'd never imagined he'd have to tell someone that he'd killed someone they loved. His gut loosened, but it was far from a relief. Now he just felt empty. Empty and alone.

Dani sinks to the ground and buries her face in her hands, her tears finally flowing free. Gabe doesn't know what to do other than sit there, staring through the ground.
>>
No. 500421 ID: bf54a8

hugs.
>>
No. 500422 ID: 76b151

Hug her. Tell her you are sorry.
>>
No. 500428 ID: 040617
File 136346641473.png - (43.72KB , 828x595 , Strain Inventory.png )
500428

Finally, something deep inside forces him to stand, moving over to the crying child and wrapping heavy arms around her.

“I'm so sorry Dani... I wish so much that I could fix things,” he says, words springing to his lips of their own accord. Dani leans into him instinctively, tiny arms wrapping around his abdomen.

“I-I know Mister Gabe,” Dani chokes out, “Y-Y-You're such a nice man, you'd never hurt Pawpaw unless you had too.” And just like that Gabe joins with her, breaking down into tears. He's simply blown away with how simply she forgave him for something so unforgivable. The emptiness seems to drain out of him, slowly being replaced with a relief more powerful than he's ever felt. Danson's death has been gnawing at him ever since, and while he still doesn't believe he'll ever fully forgive himself, Dani's forgiveness is more than he could ever ask for. Eventually the tears dry up, and Dani speaks again, barely audible.

“I want my Mommy..”

((So how am I doing so far?))
>>
No. 500431 ID: bf54a8

((better, you seem to be getting into the swing of things))

"do you know her address?"

let's get moving again. try to find the gun
>>
No. 500432 ID: 76b151

We'll do our best to get you to her. Do you know your home number? We could probably call her if the phones aren't out. And if not we'll make it our destination since I think we're going to have to make a trip if we want to be ok.
>>
No. 500446 ID: 040617
File 136347043212.png - (49.39KB , 828x595 , Strain Inventory.png )
500446

“Then we'll find her. Do you know your address? Or a phone number?” Gabe asks, releasing her and starting to search around the room for the firearm.

“Um.. I think it's on Jasper Drive. I remember because I liked the name and named my goldfish after it.” Gabe clears the bed and the side tables, but doesn't turn up much except a bottle of pain killers. He dry downs a few before pocketing the rest and moving on to the closet.

“Jasper.. Jasper,” He thinks aloud, “Oh! That's just a few blocks away. Which is great, because unless Cynthia has a car, we're walking.”

“Alright. Just let me get Kammie,” she says, wiping her nose. She wiggles under the bed and pulls out a pink fuzzy stuffed animal in the shape of a giraffe. Digging to the back of the closet, his goal tumbles into sight from behind a shoe rack. The revolver is an older model, but which one exactly Gabe doesn't know. He's only ever fired a pistol once before in his life, although he's handled a rifle a few times when he was younger. Still, if all else fails it'd be hard to miss when it's pressed up against one of those thing's heads. Gabe swings open the cylinder after fumbling with it a moment to find one shell loaded in. Pulling it out, he finds it to be unfired. He carefully loads in the rest of the chambers with the spares from the case. He empties the remainder into his right pocket and discards the somewhat bulky case.

Just for the sake of being thorough, he moves on to the dresser. Dani waits patiently as Gabe eventually finds a few hundred dollars stuffed away in a sock. Gabe would feel poorly of himself taking it, but, even though it probably doesn't mean anything anymore, it could come in handy.
>>
No. 500458 ID: 76b151

Right, on to the other apartments. Lets try to find some meat. Knock first, then kick the door in if no one answers. Unless you or Cynthia know how to pick locks.
>>
No. 500460 ID: bf54a8

i doubt the doors can be kicked in. maybe pried open with a crowbar. we can also first go to the manager's office, spare keys should be there.
>>
No. 500474 ID: 040617
File 136347534971.png - (51.73KB , 828x595 , Strain Inventory.png )
500474

The hidden billfold slips Gabe's mind as Cynthia returns, sporting a certain someone's Spongebob backpack, as well as a ratty olive green shoulder bag.

“I found a bit of normal food in here, although most of it had already been picked over. It looked like he tried out everything he could before he... Um..” Cynthia stopped, realizing what she'd done. “Sorry,” she muttered sheepishly, but the damage was done. Dani simply looked off into the corner, trying her best not to start crying again.

“Well...,” Cynthia continued, unsure what else to do, “I found a packet of beef jerky under some papers in my room. Try a bit out and see if you can stomach it.” She unzips Dani's schoolbag and tosses the meager baggie to Gabe.

“He- heyyyy... Where'd all my pencils and things go?” Dani asks, wiping her eyes clear with some effort.

“They're on the coffee table in the living room,” Cynthia replies apologetically, “Do you want me to bring them?”

“Noo... School is boring anyways.. I just wanted to know.”

Gabe opens the package up and pulls out a small piece. Taking a breath, he pops it into his mouth, and immediately his stomach begins to churn. It tastes incredibly salty, and the aged flavor of the meat is overpowering. It goes down, however, and doesn't come back up. But even from just the one piece he begins to feel slightly sickened. He can't imagine trying to get the entire bag down, but knows he could if he had too. The aftereffects may not bode so well, however.

“Well? Any good?”

“It's great. Thanks,” Gabe manages.

“Liar,” Cynthia says with a faint smile, “The look on your face said you were about to start weeping. Again.”

“Can I have some?” Dani holds her hand out.

“Later, Dani. We need to save it for when we need it. Here, Cynthia, let me take that green one.” After a bit of wrangling, Cynthia tosses him the empty bag as requested, into which he places the jerky as well as the bottle of pain killers. “Do you know how to use one of these?” Gabe asks, holding out the revolver. Cynthia tenses visibly and waves it away.

“No!.. No. I, um.. Don't like guns.”

“Oh.” Gabe quickly thrusts the firearm into his left pocket, but not before checking to assure the safety was on. “Well then. Did you try to check on Rebecca?”

“Who?”

“The woman in the apartment across from yours.”

“Oh, yeah. I tried to open the door but it was locked,” Cynthia says plainly.

“You just tried to walk right in?” Gabe asks in disbelief.

“Oh. Um. I guess I did,” she replies with a timid smile. Gabe just shakes his head and takes Dani's hand.

“Well come on. Let's go see if she's home.” Gabe leads the group out onto the landing in front of Rebecca's door and knocks twice. “Hello? Anybody home?” Gabe calls out loudly in order to be heard through the thick metal door.

“Ms. Rebecca? We're going to go find my Mom and you should come with us!” Dani joins in even louder, looking up to Gabe with a smile. Cynthia tenses up and harshly shushes them both.

“Do you want those thi-” She's cut off as a chilling moan echos up from the floor below, and is soon joined by a few more from farther off.
>>
No. 500481 ID: bf54a8

how many stairs you got? and do you have a fire escape?
best way to handle this is lure them all up one way then evac another way.
>>
No. 500483 ID: 76b151

Well, fuck. We might have a horde on our hands soon. Alright decision time. Baricade the stair entrance... or vamoose from the building. I think we should leave personally.
>>
No. 500484 ID: 040617
File 136347882158.png - (406.92KB , 838x554 , Above the Strain MAP EDITED.png )
500484

“Damn it,” Cynthia swears, immediately covering her mouth and blushing as she remembers there are virgin ears listening in.

“Forget this,” Gabe says, “You and Dani go out the fire escape. I'll stay here and lure as many as I can up the main stairway and follow behind.”

“I did something wrong, huh?” Dani states, looking a bit scared.

“Yes, but so did he, so it's alright.” Cynthia turns to address Gabe. “Are you sure? Should you at least take the spear as well?”

“Hello? Is someone out there?” comes a voice from the other side of the door.

Shit.
>>
No. 500488 ID: 76b151

Cynthia can you explain while I see what I can do about barricading the stairways?
>>
No. 500489 ID: 040617

>>500488
((She was referring to Gabe himself. Gabe kinda yelled too.))
>>
No. 500495 ID: bf54a8

he means cynthia tell rebecca while we do the stairs.
>>
No. 500507 ID: 040617
File 136348323008.png - (56.96KB , 828x595 , Strain Inventory.png )
500507

“Cynthia, you explain the current situation to her- I'll see what I can do about barricading these stairs. Gabe rushes into his apartment, grabbing the end of his futon and dragging it out the door.

“-found a little girl next door named Dani-”

“Hello Ms. Rebecca!”

“-gathered a little bit of food and supplies and we're heading out to find her-” Gabe shoves the couch down the stairs with a clatter and it comes to rest in the double back.

“-to check on you but we made too much noise and now those things are on their way here,” Cynthia finishes breathlessly as Gabe rushes into Danson's apartment to drag out the heavy wooden coffee table. With some effort, that finds it's way down the stairs as well, along with all of Dani's school supplies.

“She's getting a few things and then she'll be right out,” Cynthia informs him as he moves back for the Danson's couch. Cynthia comes with him, putting down the spear to help lift the couch. Together, they manage to get it atop the coffee table, so that anything that wants up the stairs will have to crawl over the pile. Gabe leans over and tries to catch his breath. Meanwhile, the first dead head has wandered up the lower flight of stairs, but seems perplexed by the proposition of scaling the couch. Meanwhile, Rebecca exits from her room. Her dark red hair is drawn up in a ponytail, and she's dressed in a tight red V-neck and jeans. She carries with her only a medium sized purse. She looks around and noticing that Dani is looking very anxious, crouches down to look her in the eye.

“So you must be Dani. I'm Rebecca. And who's this?” she asks, pointing to the stuffed animal clutched tightly in Dani's grasp.

“That's Kammi. He's my giraffe.” Dani begins to calm down as she starts to regale Rebecca with the adventures of herself and Kammi. Rebecca seems to be listening intently, but Gabe does catch her trying to conceal anxious glances towards him and the stairway.

“So are we still going with the fire escape and lure plan?” Cynthia questions quietly.
>>
No. 500511 ID: bf54a8

yeah, gimme the spear and i'll poke at them when they peek over.
>>
No. 500524 ID: 040617
File 136348600864.png - (57.30KB , 828x595 , Strain Inventory.png )
500524

“Yeah, hand me the polearm. I'll stab at them while I can.” Cynthia nods and hands it over.

“Just.. Be careful.” Gabe considers a teasing retort, but instead simply nods and then uses his head to gesture towards the fire escape. Cynthia smiles faintly and gives him a brief, awkward hug before gathering up Rebecca and Dani and moving towards the window. Rebecca is holding Dani's hand as they pass by- Dani's other arm preoccupied by wringing the poor stuffed animal's neck.

“Thanks for giving me the heads up, handsome. Even if it did get you into this mess,” whispers Rebecca as she passes him, giving Gabe a small wink as she goes. Gabe watches as Cynthia yanks open the window, immediately setting off the fire alarms and sprinklers.

“Who the heck hooks up sprinklers to a fire escape window? Idiots!” Rebecca yells out over the alarm as she helps Dani through the window.

“I don't know, but Gabe! You can't stay here,” Cynthia cries, “The alarm will attract them from all over. If you wait around they'll have the place surrounded.”

But if no one's here to keep these things' collective attention, they might just follow us out through the front door. Crap, what to do..
>>
No. 500548 ID: bf54a8

there is currently a lot of noise and a lot of motion i this building. each other and the water. if one actually sees you it may come after you but they will not hear you.
>>
No. 500652 ID: 040617
File 136354597196.png - (62.06KB , 828x595 , Strain Inventory.png )
500652

You're right,” Gabe relents, “The alarm should hold their attention. Let's go.” He follows the trio out the window, making eye contact with Rebecca as he climbs through. “Do you know how to shoot?”

“A bit,” she replies with a grin, pulling a tiny handgun out of her purse. “Ruger LCP. It chambers point-three-eighty APC rounds, with six in a clip. The bullets are less powerful than a 9mm, but a headshot should still go through as long as it's not at an angle. I've only got one spare clip, so that's twelve shots in all,” she finishes, smile growing a bit wider. Gabe gets the feeling that she's enjoying the prospect of using it a little too much. Cynthia meanwhile, upon seeing Rebecca showing off her firearm, has made her way down the ladder and dropped to the ground below. The alleyway is free of zombies, but that will likely only last for so long.

“Alright, Gabe, you come next. Drop my spear down first,” she calls up softly.

“Okay. Dani, you're coming next. Rebecca, watch the interior in case any of them make it through the barricade.” Gabe drops the weapon down as requested, but Cynthia misses the catch as it lands with a clatter. Shrugging, he hefts his nearly empty bag higher up onto his shoulder and makes the decent with only a small bit of difficulty, his wounds twinging at the strain. Hanging from the bottom rung, he drops the last few feet.

“Okay sweetie, you gotta be brave and climb down the ladder for me, okay?” Rebecca tells Dani in a motherly tone. Dani sets her jaw and nods, clutching Kammi more tightly to her.

“Drop Kammi first so you can use both hands,” Gabe suggests, “I'll catch him.”

“..It's a her,” she murmurs, unheard over the fire alarm. Gathering up her courage, she drops the fuzzy giraffe over the side of the railing. Gabe catches it deftly, and then waves Dani down. She puts her foot on the first rung and lowers herself onto the ladder. She moves slowly, taking one rung at a time.

“Honey,” Rebecca calls out as the young girl is only halfway down, “I don't mean to rush you, but you need to move a little faster.”

“Don't shoot unless you have to,” Gabe commands, understanding that something had managed to navigate the barricade. Dani speeds up, moving hand over hand now, breathing quickly. It seems she understands as well. She starts to panic, and her foot misses a rung just as she lets go of the one above. She flails, windmilling her arms in an attempt to regain balance. Gabe lets go of the stuffed animal and lunges forward, just as Dani slips and plummets to the ground below. Gabe reaches her just in time, catching the child with a grunt and a flair of pain in his right arm.

“You dropped Kammi,” Dani says, clearly still stunned from what had just occurred. Cynthia picked up the poor giraffe and dusts it off before handing it to Dani, who squeezes it securely.

“Shoot or don't shoot? It's almost to the window!”

“Just close it,” Gabe yells, putting Dani down and inspecting his arm with a glance. The wound seemed to have opened up again, and fresh blood has already begun seeping through the already soaked bandage.

“It's jammed!”

“Gabe? We've got another problem,” Cynthia states, readying her weapon. One of the creatures has wandered into the mouth of the alleyway, already starting to shuffle towards the group with a loud moan.
>>
No. 500653 ID: bf54a8

"just run! it will take the fastest path and that is walking off the side instead of climbing down"

grab spear ready fight.
>>
No. 500667 ID: 1e9349
File 136355427075.png - (60.65KB , 828x595 , Strain Inventory Edit 2.png )
500667

“Just run!” Gabe yells, grabbing the spear from Cynthia's hands. “It'll take the fast way down- over the edge!” Rebecca swiftly steps back from the window just as the zombie tries to dive through. She stows her handgun into her purse and places the strap in her mouth. She starts climbing down the ladder as quickly as she can.

Gabe raises the provisional polearm and carefully advances on the encroaching undead. His pulse is hammering in his head, and his fingers grip the hollow plastic shaft intensely. He stops just out of the zombie's reach and plunges the blade into its shoulder, pushing with all his might. The walker pitches over onto it's back, and the force of the fall twists the blade askew in its duct tape binding. It's still attached to the broom as it comes free of the body, but, until Gabe has a calm moment to rewrap it, it won't be much use for stabbing.

“RUN!” Gabe yells, taking two snappy steps forward and then yet another to place his heel on the thing's neck. Cynthia and Dani rush past into the street. The younger of the pair screams as she looks around- Cynthia merely scoops her up and takes off to the right, out of view. The grounded husk latches onto Gabe's leg with both hands just as he was about to make his escape. Its grip is surprisingly strong, pulling Gabe off balance. He falls forward, bent spear flying from his grasp. The corner of a dumpster rises up to meet him, and the world goes black.

[CONTROL OF GABRIEL WRIGHT HAS BE LOST. PLEASE SELECT A CHARACTER]
>>
No. 500671 ID: bf54a8

rebecca: run over and help gabe, whack the thing in the skull a little and then drag gabe with you.
>>
No. 500675 ID: 1e9349
File 136355758547.png - (61.34KB , 828x595 , Strain Inventory Edit 2.png )
500675

The shuffling horror beat her to the ground, hitting with a sickening smack. It wasn't moving anymore. Rebecca dropped to the ground, but as she lands, her ankle twists inwards, sending pain shooting up her leg. An unbidden cry escapes her throat, causing her to open her mouth and send the purse tumbling to the ground. Nothing's broken, but it definitely hurts to walk. She scoops up her bag and moves to help Gabe, seeing he was in trouble.

Spotting a loose brick in the wall, she yanks it out. A small packet of white powder falls out, but she simply ignores it, moving as fast as she can to help Gabe. The zombie is currently trying to gnaw it's way through his shoe, but thankfully hasn't made any progress. Rebecca bends over and caves its skull in with several quick strikes, sending congealed blood spraying up her arm. She drops the blood-soaked brick and grabs Gabe under his arms, wincing at the head wound he'd sustained. She manages to drag Gabe out to the street, only to find a small crowd of zombies bearing down on her from the front of the apartment building.
>>
No. 500678 ID: 55d5a7

Careful, Rebecca, you've got a biohazardous material splattered all over you. Don't let that get into your body or anyone else's.

There's enough noise, you can probably get away with popping off some shots. Get the three in the front of the pack, then follow Dani and Cynthia. Can you move faster than the walkers, dragging Gabe like that? If so, do that. If not... Well, we might be about to lose Gabe.
>>
No. 500690 ID: 1e9349
File 136356146307.png - (61.30KB , 828x595 , Strain Inventory.png )
500690

It's difficult to support Gabe with one arm, but not impossible. Her ankle screams at her- for what she has to do, she needs to put his weight on it. She tries to take care to keep the blood on her hand and arm from getting near any of his injuries, but she's got other things occupying her mind. Her now free hand flies into her purse, immediately finding her small pistol and drawing it out. The fire alarm should mask the shots, so she squeezes a few off. She takes a shot at each of the three forewalkers, downing two of them and hitting the other in the chest.

She quickly drops the pistol back into her purse and returns to dragging Gabe away. She looks back over her shoulder to see Cynthia and Dani having stopped and are looking back. At the pace Rebecca is going with her limp and Gabe burdening her, she's barely keeping pace with the advancing mob. But dragging Gabe makes for hard work- she's not sure how long she can keep it up. Calling Cynthia and Dani back to help would put them all in danger, but the only other real options Rebecca can think of are to either try and take down all eight of the zombies coming her way or to simply abandon Gabe to his fate.
>>
No. 500694 ID: 23bb7b

Keep running. The zombies has to go back to the apartments sooner or later with all that noise.

If any one of them gets close, shoot them. Infact, once you start shooting, reload as soon as you find a break. You can always pick up the clip later after all the zombies are gone and right now you run the risk of running out of ammo fast.
>>
No. 500695 ID: 55d5a7

It's not often I say this, but please don't update so fast. It'll help if we can get a bit of time to mull over important decisions together and come to a consensus.

Well, I don't want to use all of our bullets here, if it can be helped. Call those two ladies back to help you drag Gabe, should be an okay choice.
>>
No. 500698 ID: bf54a8

big problem is why did gabe do what he did in the first place? he attacked it in the shoulder, a spot he KNOWS wont kill it. and then kept pushing until it fell over and ruined the weapon. its hard to help out when a character takes a lot of actions between suggestions. also reading back, it seems he didn't take the money? no one said 'take the money' cause the way you said it, it sounded like he already did. simply, you wrote too much description about wanting to take something that it sounded like he took it. sorry, just, characters making dumb choices without us being able to help makes me aggravated.
>>
No. 500700 ID: 23bb7b

We're just voices in his head. Good, bad, we'd pressure him to do things. We're just schizophrenia.

Well, Calling out to the ladies is okay, but I'd keep the gun handy for when they get close. That's why we have bullets for.
>>
No. 500705 ID: 1e9349

I'm sorry, but my thinking was that I couldn't really see a way to kill it with the weapon he had- that knife probably would just glance off the skull if he stabbed it there. Best thing to do would be knock it over and try and pin it. To be fair, what I got from your suggestion was attack the zombie with the spear, and I assumed the goal was escape. A more detailed suggestion than "grab spear ready fight" would do wonders to clear up misconceptions. As for the billfold, I'll add the money in, though I thought the moral choice I had set up was pretty clear. Finally, I'll try and space out my posts more- I was just used to only having one reader to rely on.
>>
No. 500707 ID: bf54a8

it's granularity. yes he got ready to fight, but then he started the fight, did some fighting, and then tried to do something after fighting. only way to cover all bases would be to make a massive suggestion tree with branches based on what COULD happen. i wanted to get ready to fight, but not start fighting yet, see if anything changed after that amount of time. like trying to play a fighting game and pick out all your moves before the start of the match.
>>
No. 500711 ID: 1e9349

Alright, you've got a point. I'll keep this in mind. Sorry about this.
>>
No. 500712 ID: 23bb7b

It's pretty hard otherwise to try to stab a zombie with a spear, especially if the weight on the other side is much heavier than the end he's holding. And seeing as it's a hollow plastic tubing, I'd say his miss range is pretty wide.

That aside, honestly, I'm okay with the way he write. The guy's not a kleptomaniac - he's a schizophrenic. And we're the voices in his mind - aka, we can only tell him what to do. He has a mind of his own. Like I explained to GrayJ earlier over somewhere else, the schizophrenic mind could even drive the man to the point where he'd make irrational, abstract decisions, even if the man itself doesn't want to.

You want full control over his actions? Take the medicine.
>>
No. 500713 ID: 23bb7b

Also how do I blacktext

derp
>>
No. 500718 ID: 1e9349
File 136357262571.png - (61.62KB , 828x595 , Strain Inventory.png )
500718

Unwilling to leave the man behind, but knowing that she is unable to do this alone, she yells for Cynthia to come assist. Rebecca continues struggling to keep dragging Gabe's heft down the road. A ghoul begins to pull ahead of the others, clearly a bit faster than its peers. Rebecca shifts Gabe over again and pulls the pistol, taking the shot. It goes down with a new hole in its head, and Rebecca keeps moving, although her saving grace has cost her some distance from the main mob. Finally, Cynthia arrives with Dani in tow. Together they're able to almost completely get Gabe off the ground, with only his feet dragging along. Dani leads the way back the direction she and Cynthia came from, and eventually the group manages to outpace the mob as it gradually loses interest.
>>
No. 500720 ID: 23bb7b

Keep on going. If we're headed in direction of Dani's mom's house, go there. If not, stop by any open non-food store to rest. There won't be people.
>>
No. 501025 ID: ba9c9e

^^ What he said.


It's a pretty cool story so far! Although I'd like for the cast to get to somewhere restful so we can get back to Gabe. I quite like how Gabe talks to us in the beginning. Is there going to be anymore of those?

I know Gabe's blacked out, although, with him and schizophrenia... If we were to get inside his mind right now, it might open up some pretty... interesting doors.
>>
No. 501152 ID: 88d573
File 136372943236.png - (62.39KB , 828x595 , Strain Inventory.png )
501152

The pair pull Gabe off the street, heading towards a strip center whose parking lot was nearly empty. The lone car towards the back of the lot had its door wide open, with a bloody handprint plastered near the handle. Dani's eyes quickly lit up at the sight of a small mom and pop toy store, as though having forgotten about the undead they had just narrowly escaped. There was also a Payless, a Subway, a Verizon shop, and finally a small “mathnasium”, as the sign called it.
>>
No. 501154 ID: 76b151

The two non-infected should eat up. Give Dani a bit of jerky too. We'll head to the toy store. Hoepfully they'll have a place we can lock up and hold up for the night.
>>
No. 501157 ID: bf54a8

actually.. toy store. it could have baseball bats.
>>
No. 501162 ID: eabb5e

I agree with the Toy Store. Patch up Gabe, and keep a really low profile.
>>
No. 501170 ID: 040617
File 136373464192.png - (65.63KB , 828x595 , Strain Inventory.png )
501170

If you haven't figured it out my now, I update the inventory at the *end* of the associated post, so please read first and then look. I should have mentioned this earlier- my apologies.


“There could be baseball bats over in Kid's Playce,” Cynthia suggests, and Rebecca nods in response. Thus deciding to go with Dani's obviously preferred choice, the group moves to ener the toy store. Dani practically bounces as she approaches the door, but Rebecca catches her arm, temporarily budening Cynthia with Gabe's entire weight.

“We've got to be careful,” Rebecca tells the girl sternly, moving back to help the encumbered asian woman, “There could be more of them inside, or who knows what. Besides, even if they aren't if you make too much noise, they could find us anyways. So we've gotta stay quiet.”

“Okay, I'll be good,” Cynthia whispers solemnly, still bouncing on the balls of her feet in excitement.

“Thank you. Now you wait here with Gabe and Cynthia,” Rebecca continues, looking across the former to meet eyes with the latter to make sure she understands. She helps Cynthia set Gabe up against the wall as she continues speaking. “I've got to go make sure its safe inside.” Rebecca rapidly draws her pistol once she's free handed, causing Cynthia to flinch slightly. She removes the spare clip from her bag and reloads the gun, not wanting to be caught with an empty chamber just when she needs it. She places the nearly empty clip back in her handbag and readjusts the purse back onto her shoulder, leaving both her hands free to steady the gun- good thing, too. Her hands are shaking slightly from the exertion of dragging Gabe the past couple of blocks. At least her ankle isn't screaming at her anymore.

A quick scan of the window reveals little about Kid's Playce that they didn't already know- though Rebecca does note that someone had left the lights on. She remembers that the emergency broadcast had started around midday on the 8th telling people to return to their homes- They even called people's cellphones. So either these people left in a hurry, or there was still someone inside.

With gun at the ready, she opens the door and moves along the front of the store, clearing all the aisles. She notes sever styles of plastic bats, but there did seem to be some smaller wooden ones. She stops for a moment to grab one of the Junior Sluggers. She wishes it were longer than her forearm, but it would at least be easy to handle. She then limps as quietly as she can back behind the counter, assuring nothing was hiding behind it before going for the door at the back. Upon opening it, a shocking sight greets her. Larger metal shelves line the walls, all with boxes upon boxes burdening them. On the floor of the storage room is an elderly woman dressed in flowery apparel, a pool of blood surrounding her head. What more immediately draws her attention, however, is an older man weakly thrashing around against the noose around his neck. The rope winds around the ceiling supports, and below the man is a knocked over chair. Rebecca only has moments to act if she wants to do something.
>>
No. 501173 ID: 76b151

Shoot the man in the head. Hes gone. A living being would be long dead.
>>
No. 501174 ID: bf54a8

flip chair back over and put it back under him.
>>
No. 501178 ID: eabb5e

Hey Rebecca! put the chair back. You want the old man to get a solid surface to stand on.
>>
No. 501183 ID: 040617
File 136373676737.png - (65.63KB , 828x595 , Strain Inventory.png )
501183

Acting out of reflex, Rebecca grabs the chair and puts it back under him. To her sudden surprise, the man reaches down and grabs a chunk of her hair. Before she can even yell out in surprise, the patch is ripped out by the roots, putting her in some pain and leaving a patch on the back of her head bare. She leaps back and quickly pops the hung zombie in the head, splattering the wall of boxes with gray matter. The ghoul proceeds to hang limp, and Rebecca uses some time to rub the back of her head. Bringing Dani in here may not be the best idea, but then again, staying back out in front of the windows where wandering monstrosities could see them would probably be worse. Staying up there would mean trying to move some shelving in front of the window, which would make a good deal of noise. On the other hand, hiding the bodies would be no easy task- unless she wants to empty a box out, there's nowhere to put them. To be honest though, neither Cynthia or Rebecca are feeling up to the heavy lifting- both are just wanting some rest.

Sorry Redaeth, majority vote.
>>
No. 501185 ID: 76b151

Move the corpses out of the building. Keep Dani occupied with exploring the store. Allow her to play with what she wants but she can only bring one small toy when we leave so she should pick a favorite. She's going to have to get used to seeing dead bodies. And the fact that she ate flesh means she probably won't have the normal reactions a little girl will normally have. She'll probably want to eat them.
>>
No. 501186 ID: bf54a8

yeah, hiding shit wont help. she already ate human flesh. maybe put gabe near them, the smell of blood may wake him up.
>>
No. 501188 ID: eabb5e

Will eating flesh help soothe the wounds? I wonder... But it also would have made infection worse, if the meat is infected aswell.

Really, just close the door to the back and bring everyone in. Lock the place down. We can deal with the body later.

Hopefully the shots weren't that loud, with all the fire alarm going on down the block.
>>
No. 501194 ID: eabb5e

>>501188
Your post isn't very clear. Do you mean to keep the body as it is, or move it out?
>>
No. 501206 ID: 040617
File 136374113318.png - (66.03KB , 828x595 , Strain Inventory.png )
501206

But rest will have to wait for now. Rebecca gets the idea to see if Gabe won't wake up to the smell in the back room. She quickly sweeps the rest of the room and then places her pistol back where it belongs. Returning to the front of the store, she waves to Cynthia to help her pick up Gabe, tucking the mini-bat under her arm. Cynthia grabs him under the shoulders, while Rebecca carries his legs, a familiar pain settling into her ankle once again.

“Are you alright? Dani and I heard the shot,” Cynthia asks.

“Yeah, it's just... Dani, honey, why don't you go ahead and play,” Rebecca suggests, causing Dani to wave her tiny little fists in front of her in excitement. She runs off down one of the aisles, and Rebecca waits until she's out of earshot before continuing on in a whisper. “There's a old man and who I guess was his wife back there- both dead now. The old man tried to hang himself after assumedly braining the woman. It worked, but he must have came back as a zombie.”

“Was he bitten?”

“Didn't check,” Rebecca replies as Cynthia backs into the back room. “Here, just lay him down here.” Cynthia complies, and moments later, Gabe finds himself awake on the hard cold floor, suddenly very hungry and with a splitting headache.
>>
No. 501216 ID: eabb5e

Switch view to Gabe!


Hey Gabe. Wake up. Are you alright?

I know it's a bit foggy, but tell me what you see around you.


Also, ladies, you can talk about tacos.
>>
No. 501227 ID: fd0c9c

look around the toy store, maybe there's something else useful

I think the party should rest for a bit because Gabe seems really injured
>>
No. 501231 ID: 040617
File 136375583240.png - (66.36KB , 828x595 , Strain Inventory.png )
501231

[CONTROL HAS NOW SWITCHED BACK TO GABE]

Oh man my head. This has gotta be the worst headache I've ever had. But yeah, I'm okay. I think. Unless I'm dead. But my arm still hurts so I doubt it. Shoulder feels better though. Something smells... Great. But considering what's in the room, the thought is kind of nauseating. The women are here, as well as a couple of bodies, both dead, judging by all the blood. The women are talking at me, but my brain can't comprehend it right now over the pain. The bodies smell good, but... The women.. -No, no. Not even going to think about that. Please no. Damn, I can't remember the last time I was so hungry. It's hard to think straight, though that could be from the headache...
>>
No. 501233 ID: 76b151

We need to get some meat into Dani and Gabe. We might have a use for those corpses after all. Bleh.
>>
No. 501237 ID: eabb5e

Hey. Noms the bodies. You know you want to.
>>
No. 501293 ID: bf54a8

your stomach is saying to eat live flesh, you gotta force it to make due with dead.
>>
No. 501331 ID: 040617
File 136381441009.png - (64.26KB , 833x595 , Strain Inventory.png )
501331

You're right. I've got to eat- now- but I won't be like one of them.

Dave tears himself away from the two women and crawls laboriously towards the flowery fashioned corpse. Without the thought of using a tool entering his mind, he lifts its arm up and bites into the hanging skin of its lower arm.

This is... Amazing. Why haven't I tried this before?

The thought crosses his mind without a shred of irony as he digs in to his first post-infection meal. He hears the women leave the storage area behind him, but it doesn't really register. All that matters is the nourishment in front of him. All too soon, he's had his fill. His stomach pains him as it stretches to accomidate the excess meat, but Gabe doesn't mind. He's never had something so delicious in his life, and, for some reason, that doesn't really bother him. Maybe once the feel-good sensation of a full stomach wears off, but not for now. For now, his head isn't hurting quite so badly, and while his wounds are itching, it's a good itch. A refreshing itch.
>>
No. 501332 ID: 76b151

You are most likely healing. Time to assure the ladies that you are not yet undead. You were just starving and you knew if you didn't eat you would be. If they want to kill you though you'd understand. You've become a monster who ejoys eating human flesh.
>>
No. 501334 ID: e0dfd5

Okay, you had your fill. You gotta force yourself to stop. If this feels good for you and you were suffering before, Dani should have some.

Well, we don't want to scare her. Tear off some flesh to give to her away from the bodies.
>>
No. 501342 ID: 040617

stop. you've had enough, the more he eats the more he'll put the others in danger.
>>
No. 501343 ID: 040617
File 136381658544.png - (64.16KB , 833x595 , Strain Inventory.png )
501343

I- I am a monster, aren't I?

Forcing himself to stop eating, Gabe sits back and stands. Now able to think a bit more clearly, he kneels back down with a muttered apology and wipes his hands and mouth clean on the dress, leaving bloody smears on the once pretty floral design. Gabe then goes to knock on the door, calling to those outside.

“Um.. Cynthia? Dani?.. Uh.. Rebecca?” He speaks into the door, the latter's name momentarily slipping his pain clouded mind. “I-... I'm okay, more or less. I'm sorry you two saw that. But I'm not one of them. If you still want to, uh.. 'Take care of me'-” he censors, knowing that Dani is probably also listening in, “-then I would understand.”

Unintelligible whispers are the only thing to make it through the door for a few moments, before finally the door opens towards him. Rebecca has her gun out, but at least it's not pointed towards him. Gabe puts his hands up and puts on his most friendly smile, causing Cynthia to flinch and look away. The minor distraction lets Dani twist free of her grip and run through the door, throwing herself at Gabe's leg and giving him a tight hug.

“OhmigoshMrGabeyou'reallbetterI'msohappyIthoughtyou'dneverwakeup- ComeseeallthecooltoysIgotand...” Gabe just smiles a little wider and kneels down to return the hug as she continues to talk at a mile a minute.

“You've still got a little, um.. Something all over your teeth,” Rebecca says with a grimace, putting away her pistol and relaxing a bit. Gabe quickly stops smiling quite so wide. “And no, we're not going to 'take care of you'-”

“Yeah huh!” Dani interjects, “You dragged him all the way here and got him to wake up and feel better! Don't worry Mr. Gabe- if she won't take care of you, I will!”

Rebecca can't help but smile despite the mood as the euphemism sails right over the young one's head. “You're still sane, and that's all that matters, was my point.”

Cynthia moves forward and awkwardly joins Dani in the hug. “I thought you'd turned- I'm so sorry for losing faith in you,” she whispers.

Suddenly, the pressure on Gabe's leg doesn't feel quite so tight as Dani perks her head up and sniffs the air.

“Heyyy, what's that- Oh..” She says, finally noticing the bodies. She seems to fixate on them, and everyone else tenses up slightly.
>>
No. 501344 ID: e0dfd5

Tell everyone to leave, even Dani.

Hey Gabe, fix a plate for Dani. there's no reason to expose her to uncivilization and savagry.
>>
No. 501345 ID: 040617

fix dani's food,then they should move to dani's mother's house. they might be able to find her alive, and if not food and some weapons hopefully
>>
No. 501363 ID: 040617
File 136382366121.png - (60.21KB , 833x595 , Strain Inventory.png )
501363

Gabe quickly ushers everyone out of the room, though Dani is loath to go.

“I'll bring you something here right quick,” he says to assuage her desire. “Cynthia, would you go fetch me a Frisbee or something?” She nods and hurries off back into the store, while Rebecca finishes coaxing Dani out. The little one's eyes never leave the pair of corpses.

Gabe searches around the storage area for any kind of blade; he does not find the prospect of using his teeth quite so appealing this time. He comes across a box cutter just as Cynthia returns with the makeshift plate.

“Thanks. Is there any rubbing alcohol left?”

“Yea, most of the bottle actually,” she replies, pulling the medkit out of her backpack and drawing out the requested bottle. “Here.” Gabe takes the sterilizing agent and pours a little into his hand, wiping down the edge of the box cutter as well as he can without cutting himself.

“Thank you. I can handle it from here,” he says, handing it back to her. She quickly excuses herself and Gabe gets to work sawing off a chunk of the corpse's other arm.

============================================================

Eventually, Gabe wanders out with a hunk of meat on the pink plastic plate, interrupting a tea party the three were having behind the counter. Dani is immediately on her feet when she sees him, moving over to accept what she knows is for her. While Gabe was busy, she's found herself a plastic tiara and pink tutu. Cynthia and Rebecca are both wearing similar crowns. Cynthia seems a little bit uncomfortable, but Rebecca looks like a natural. Gabe can't help but smile at their outfits, and, as a way to distract himself from what has and is about to take place, he decides to play along. Getting down on one knee, he proffers unto the child her lunch.

“Your food, madam,” he jokes, and for a fleeting moment he's actually able to forget he's feeding a child with another human being.

“Yay!” she cheers, “Thanks Mr. Gabe!” She takes the plate and hurries back to the tea party. “Come sit down!” she excitedly beacons, quickly being shushed by Rebecca. Gabe complies, baffled with the turn of events his life had taken in such a few short hours.

So this is how the world ends. With teacups and tiaras.

As soon as he's seated, Dani goes to dig in before restraining herself. She then bends over, locks her hands together, and starts to pray, barely audible.

“Dear God, thank you for my food today and for Mr. Gabe and Ms. Rebecca and even Ms. Cynthia even though she doesn't know what to do with me like she said. Please bless this food, Amen.” She then proceeds to dig in, eating it like a bloody sandwich. Gabe, meanwhile, is blown away with the absurdity of it all. Watching a little girl pray over an old woman's flesh before eating it made everything seem surreal.

“Dave? You okay?” asks Cynthia, reaching out to put a hand on his shoulder.

“Wha? Oh, yeah, sorry. Just kind of spaced out there.”

“Well don't scare me like that. You make me think you're going to go zombie on us.” Everyone but Dani half-freezes.

“That's the first time any of us have called them that,” Rebecca says quietly breaking the awkward silence.

“Well, I know I've been thinking it,” Gabe interjects.

“We all have,” Rebecca counters, “But it's still weird to hear it said aloud. It kind of makes all this craziness seem less real.”

“Believe me, I know what you mean,” Gabe replies.

“So anyways,” Cynthia eventually says, trying to change the somber mood, “What do we do now that all of us have had at least something to eat?”

“Mommy!” Dani says cheerfully, licking her fingers clean.

“Well I was thinking we head to a storage place near here first. My brother has an RV there and I know where he hides the keys,” Rebecca suggests.

“I could probably use some medical attention though,” says Gabe, rubbing the back of his head.

"We could also use some more food," Cynthia finishes, "We're all out of the regular stuff, and who knows when we'll find more of what you guys need again?"
>>
No. 501378 ID: 76b151

>>501363
Given the state of the city? I don't think thats going to be a problem. Normal food might be... but as long as the zombies are mindless canned food like soups will work.
>>
No. 501402 ID: 040617

>>501378
You didn't suggest a course of action, just ruled one out...
>>
No. 501403 ID: bf54a8

are there any ziplock bags or something here? if so then put some meat in them. for food and can open and throw to zombie swarms as distraction.
if not then forget it, need something that can seal super tight.

car may be nice, but may be noisy. think it's worth it. would let us then reach dani's mom real fast and then go right to a hospital.
>>
No. 501442 ID: e0dfd5

I'm agreeing with above course of action, but don't forget to take the time to treat Gabe with the first aid kit and some painkillers. There should be more than enough supplies to treat a laceration, so I'm not worried about running out of either.

I'd tike to talk to Gabe for a few moment though. see in his mind.

"Hey Gabe. It's me again. It's us again."
>>
No. 501455 ID: 040617

“We'll head after the RV,” Gabe decides.

“Cynthia, will you hand me the medkit? I'd like to bandage up this gash on the side of my head before we go.”

“Sure thing.” As she's digging for the kit, Gabe takes out the painkillers and pops a handful. It may just be the placebo effect, but relief is immediate.

Hey there. You guys have been rather helpful lately, which is strange, considering how you were before my medication. What's up?
>>
No. 501460 ID: e0dfd5

I'm surprised you've been keeping us sane this whole time. Who knows, maybe it's the whole danger scenario that takes our minds off our... usual shenanigans.

But you know this won't last forever, right?
>>
No. 501462 ID: 040617

Unless this ordeal gets me killed... What's your point?
>>
No. 501463 ID: e0dfd5

"Do you really think they care about you? Look around. They left you when they saw what a monster you became into. You'll never recover from that. You know what you're doing... Killing humans, eating humans.

You know you're just a monster. You're a monster. You're a honest god-damned monster."
>>
No. 501464 ID: 040617

I haven't killed a human yet. And I would've left too in their situation. But they didn't kill me. So I'm no monster, yet.
>>
No. 501466 ID: e0dfd5

Look at you. Look at your hands. They're red with the blood of the fallen. You still have the taste of human flesh in your mouth, just like a monster. What's to say those out there that you've eaten isn't just like you? You know what you are, and you know what you're turning into. You're turning bloodthirsy, like the wolves of the silver moon. You're turning into a monster.

They know it too. You know they're just waiting. It's all one waiting game.





... Are you happy?

>>
No. 501468 ID: bf54a8

oh shush. you are just mad cause you aren't the one driving.
>>
No. 501469 ID: e0dfd5

Maybe not, but someone's gotta fill the void in his head.
>>
No. 501470 ID: bf54a8

anyway. we don't know how this thing works. t resurrects dead bodies. an seems to drive you insane when you get hungry. but how long can it take control? you are still alive, there is still hope.
>>
No. 501471 ID: bf54a8

>>501469
my point is you seem to be the jackass-lobe in this head.
>>
No. 501472 ID: e0dfd5

>>501471
Yep. Don't want me around? There's always the meds he has. It'll make all the voices go away.
>>
No. 501473 ID: e0dfd5

But fine. I'll behave.

For now.

>>
No. 501474 ID: bf54a8

yeah make the bad ones, and the GOOD ones. i shouldn't NEED to pull you in. because if gabe dies, we all die. so what gives gabe the best chance to survive is what we want. and that is sticking with a group. alone one mistake will result in being overwhelmed, but with allies they can pull you ass out of the fire.
>>
No. 501475 ID: 040617
File 136384112740.png - (60.25KB , 833x595 , Strain Inventory.png )
501475

Right now? Yes, for once I am. And I've had enough of your shit. Consider yourself ignored

Gabe finishes wrapping up his head, throwing the supplies into their box and shoving the whole thing at Cynthia a bit harder than intended.

"..Everything okay?" she asks, honestly worried.

"Yea.. Uh, yea. I'm fine," Gabe replies, waving her off. "Let's just get moving."

After a bit of fuss and a lot of serious inner debate, Dani finally decides to take the tiara with her, edging out the Frisbee and Ms. Tipperbottom, a dolly that attended the tea party. After gathering up their things, the group sets out. Do they take the back alleys and risk getting off course, or do they stick to the main roads?
>>
No. 501477 ID: 76b151

>>501475
Back allies.
>>
No. 501478 ID: e0dfd5

main roads.
>>
No. 501479 ID: bf54a8

the allys should have less traffic. and if you go too far you can probably hop a fence or break a door.
>>
No. 501481 ID: 040617
File 136384320941.png - (60.35KB , 833x595 , Strain Inventory.png )
501481

They decide to take the back alleys. Despite the dangers of getting lost, it should be significantly more free of undead.

“It's this way, I think,” Rebecca says, leading the way, still with a limp. The world is shockingly quiet without all the normal hustle and bustle of everyday life, but the new life they're quickly coming to lead has its own array of sounds. The constant moaning of the undead carrying across the cold air. The ever present alarm or siren, always going off somewhere. The occasional pop of gunfire or scream of someone passing on. And rarely, the sound of a car whizzing through the empty streets. As Rebecca guides the group through the back streets, they come across a pair of zombies, fighting over some scrap or another. They don't seem to have noticed the group yet, and as such, they have time for a split second decision.
>>
No. 501488 ID: e0dfd5

Quickly get past them. Make sure the group stay quiet, though.
>>
No. 501489 ID: bf54a8

tap finger to mouth to signal silence. be ready with weapons just in case. and move quickly.
>>
No. 501809 ID: 1e9349

Gabe raises his finger to his mouth, making sure everyone meets his gaze for a moment before lowering his hand. He picks up Dani and the group attempts to sneak by the pair. Just as he thinks they're about to get away with it, one of the ghouls suddenly releases his grip on the long dead rat and sniffs the air. Rebecca has her gun at the ready, and goes to raise it, but a gunshot might cause more problems than it would solve.
>>
No. 501856 ID: 76b151

Continue sneaking around them...

[Switch to Rebecca]
Stealth is the key right now. Only fire if they go after us.

Wait, if we're symptoms of schizophrenia how did we switch in the first place... unless the bite caused Gabe to become psychic some how. Then once he turns we'll become the overmind of all the zombies! YES I CAN SEE IT! IT WILL BE GLORIOUS!

We shall rule over this planet.
>>
No. 501858 ID: bf54a8

this is why i wanted ziplocks of meat. can throw an open bag and they would go after it.

anyway, hold up bat and try to motion for rebecca to lower the gun. and keep moving.
>>
No. 501878 ID: 66d27e

Just keep moving away from the zombies. They seem to be relying on smell - The dead bodies are a good masking tool for now, but you have to get away as soon as possible.
>>
No. 501966 ID: 3eb86d

>>501856
Ugh, can you imagine trying to get zombies to do anything more complicated than "bite that thing" or "don't bite that thing"?

Anyway, yeah, SNEAK QUICKLY. Even trying to stab the approaching zombie in the head with something MIGHT be preferable than raising a mob with a gunshot.

OOOOH, you know what would be great? Those things you throw on the ground and they make small bangs! You could use them for distractions! ...Or, you know, you could just use pebbles for close-by distractions. Yeah, do that last one; maybe you can convince them to go investigate another alley.
>>
No. 501968 ID: 040617
File 136407384813.png - (60.21KB , 833x595 , Strain Inventory.png )
501968

Gabe signals her down, and tries to wave the group forward, readjusting his hold on Dani. The child has covered her eyes and buried her head into Gabe's chest- he can feel her sharp breaths against his wounded shoulder. Cynthia and Rebecca seem to get it, and speed up a little. Gabe keeps his eye on the alert zombie, but luck seems to favor the group. As the victorious undead rips his first bite from the poor rodent, a spray of blood is thrown into the air- and right into the alerted one's nostrils. He immediately dive tackles his once again opponent, and the group makes a clean get away.

The rest of the trip to the RV park is uneventful- it seems Rebecca's sense of direction is spot on. As they approach the chain fenced backing of their destination, they begin to hear something akin to a hoarse dog barking. Or rather, a small pack of hoarse dogs barking. From the sound of it, they're inside the RV park, the back of which should be around the next corner.
>>
No. 501969 ID: bf54a8

barking sounds like they are alive. look over at them first before getting too close in case they are alive but crazy.
>>
No. 501991 ID: 28b279

Dude. Those aren't dogs.

But even a live dog is just as dangerous.
Have Cynthia take point and give her the revolver, and take Rebecca's bat. she has a gun already.

Like the poster said, take care and check the area out first.
If it's safe I'd suggest moving quickly to Rebecca's brother's house.
>>
No. 505414 ID: 040617
File 136579892646.png - (60.10KB , 833x595 , Strain Inventory.png )
505414

Peeking around the edge, Gabe can see the source of the commotion through the barbed wire topped chain link fence that makes up the RV park's back wall. Four dogs can be seen circling around an old Winnebago, occasionally throwing themselves against the door. Gabe's stomach sinks when he sees that one of their number has half of its face hanging in a flap, revealing the muscle and sinew beneath. He can see, however, a small place in the fence where someone has cut their way through- if they're lucky, the group might just be able to sneak into the lot without the pack's noticing. Though, from the way they're behaving, the pack may have someone trapped inside. Gabe considers taking the rest of the party's opinion, or simply taking action before the undead dogs catch their scent.
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No. 505417 ID: 4a522d

Get to where you were going first - the brother's RV. It's likely the person can hold out for a bit longer, and you guys can talk over the situation in a safe place.

You might find something useful.
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No. 505419 ID: bf54a8

the problem with dogs is they are faster then people zombies. if they notice you they will get you unless you are right near a door when they start chasing. have the keys already in hand and only ONE person will go in. to minimize chance of making a noise. the rest will be lookout watching the dogs and yelling a warning if they start freaking out.
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No. 505421 ID: 040617

>>505419
Who should make the run, in that case? Gabe would normally volunteer, but he's not in the best of shape at the moment. Then again, if something does go wrong, at least he's already infected.
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No. 505430 ID: bf54a8

well running is the worst idea anyway, want to sneak into the rv, not make a mad dash. no one would make a mad dash. get close enough and maybe you can make it the rest of the way despite a mistake. but yeah, if gabe can move without being loud then he's goo enough.
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