HELP! [Manhattan Mall Group / Open]

[NPC]

Eddie Kingston
Darren Johnson
Melissa Ackerman
Steve Young

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They were all running. Running as fast as possible. Running for their very lives. There was no looking back. There was no way these four were going to try and stop. There was no way they were going to give in. They couldn't. Running meant the difference between life and death... And these four were determined to live. Living was the most important thing to them... Because in reality they were more than just four. Even though it was only four people running through the streets of Manhattan, it was really five of them: Melissa was pregnant. She still couldn't understand how their lives had turned out this way... But she wasn't going to die. She was going to live for her baby. And so, she ran as fast as she'd ever run in her entire life. The group had lost some up until this point, and to be honest, they weren't sure if they had been bitten or if they'd actually been lucky enough to make it through and survive. This was how things were. Even though you were a part of a group... Your own life mattered most. It was basic survival instincts in their most primal form.

They ran until they felt as though their hearts would explode... And then they ran some more. It wasn't until Eddie spotted the Manhattan Mall that he had an idea. That'd make a pretty damn good place to stay... And then, from the corner of his eye, Eddie could've sworn that he saw someone on the roof. There were people in there? "There, look! We have to get in there. It's got to be safe." The four of them ran as fast as they could until they reached the entrance to the mall. Darren Johnson immediately moved towards the door... And that was when a sheer panic spread throughout his body. "It's locked! Check the other doors." But it was no use... All the doors were locked. Melissa looked over her shoulder, only to seemingly never ending swarm of infected approaching. She banged against the door helplessly as she frantically eyed their impending doom. Steve looked back and forth between the building and the zombies moving closer towards them. "LET US IN! SHE'S PREGNANT! YOU HAVE TO DO SOMETHING!" What Steve said didn't really make sense. But the deadbeat was more concerned over his own safety... If that meant dangling Melissa's pregnancy in front of these people then that was what he was going to do. Steve just wanted to live. With the horde of infected approaching still, the group continued to beat against the doors, hoping for a miracle. [/blockquote]

[NPC]

STANLEY HOLTZ

"That's it...come to daddy. Yeeeeah come on...that's it...a little closer." the gruff voice muttered to himself. Stan Holtz was crouched at the end of the roof, his favourite spot in this whole damn place. Hell Stan spent more time up here then he did anywhere else in this god forsaken place, this was where he felt home. He was on watch duty, 24/7 and that was without being nominated for the task. He was a pro-active guy, liked the get his hands dirty and there weren't nothing more fun then zombie killing.

He stared down the scope of his sniper rifle, aiming on those mother fuckers, waiting for them to come into view and then BAM! bitch went down. Stanley pressed the trigger, the bullet soared silently through the air before smashing its way right into that mother fuckers skull. He had to stop himself from cheering to high heaven, there was nothing like a badass head shot. That was how this game worked, you could shoot at those fuckers all day and they'd keep moving but one clean blow to the head...they weren't getting back up.

As he watched the critter hit the ground, a satisfied grin stained the mans chops. He didn't know what the rest of them were crying about, this was fucking fun! the most fun he'd had in a damn long time. He lined up, ready take another until...something through him off of his game. What the fuck?..people? living..breathing..non-flesh eating people.

Stan narrowed his eyes, not because there was life on the horizon but because those stupid mother fuckers were leading a horde toward them. "Fuuuuck.." Stan grumbled jumping to his feet. The others at this time were in the mall, they were not on the roof watching the man kill the undead. Stan may have been a brute at times but he was a team player and right now, these people in here who had let him in this place willingly were his team. So, doing his job as the 'watchman' he was quick to inform them.

The man took giant steps in his size 14's as he bounded from the roof and down the stairs back into the mall "There's some people comin'.." Stan called, stopping at the top of the escalators. Stan bounded down the escalators, rifle in his hand ready to fire if necessary. He was an ex-soldier, so he always came prepared, thought as a soldier 24/7 which was likely why he'd taken his post up on the roof.

The banging began on the door, and in full soldier mode he had his rifle pointed at the door ready for those fuckers if they got in here. Anyone who pushed there way inside would get a bullet between the eyes, living dead or otherwise because this shit was far too risky. Furrowing his brows, her kept the gun aimed and his eyes narrowed on the door waiting for a cue to fire.

"LET US IN! SHE'S PREGNANT! YOU HAVE TO DO SOMETHING!" One of the men yelled. Well i'll be damned, now he didn't know what to do. He couldn't leave a pregnant lady out there, that wasn't right at all. Yes, he did have some morals and leaving a pregnant, helpless woman and her unborn child outside to be feasted on was not something he liked the idea of. Stan dropped his guard, turning his eyes over his shoulders to look at the others for answers. He was out of his depth right now.

[Justin Miller]

"Who in the hell would wear this crap?" Justin said out loud to nobody in particular. Justin stood in front of the Aeropostale with a look of disgust on his face. Both Jim and Stan were behind Justin on this one; the three of them were going to be caught dead wearing preppy crap like this. Justin would much rather have a zombie crack his head open and eat his brains like Spaghetti-O's than to wear some sky blue shirt with a popped collar.

"Most of the d-bags that wore this crap ended up a flesh eating maniac," Justin shrugged. With a shotgun in hand, Justin aimed it towards a the male mannequin in the window. The same mannequin that earned Justin's disgust over the clothes that it was wearing. Without one bit of hesitation, Justin blew a hole in the thing. The glass shattered and the mannequin was torn in half. The purple t-shirt it was wearing was nearly ripped to shreds.

This, ladies and gentlemen, was the product of boredom. Justin was slowly starting to loose his mind; more so than he already had. Justin wanted to get out of this mall so bad, he was starting the climb the walls. Justin just wanted to go outside and talk a walk and get a good lung full of that fresh air. Too bad taking a walk outside was signing your own death warrant and taking in a breath of fresh air was taking in a breath of rotting flesh.

Fucking zombies.

Gamestop provided a decent break from the boredom. Just like in real life, Justin was the king of zombie killing. Justin dominated Dead Rising and Dead Rising 2; beating them faster than anyone else in the mall. But video games could only break the monotony for so long before Justin got bored of that too.

This was the only time that Justin got just even the slightest bit envious of Stan. Stan seemed so easily amused when sniping zombies off of the roof. But then again, looking at Stan, you would assume that he was easily amused by anything really. Sometimes, Justin wanted to get a tennis ball, cut it open and put peanut butter inside of it. Justin figured that would entertain Stan for about an hour or so.

Justin was lolly-gagging around on this "patrol". Three times a day, every day, they would patrol the halls of the mall. Nothing worth while ever happened anyways, Justin just saw this as a tedious chore that helped Anna from completely loosing her shit like Nick Cage.

"Why is it burned?!" Justin said softly to himself, picturing Anna holding up some burned doll. He almost started laughing when he imagined her running down street proclaiming that she was a vampire over and over again.

That's when something worth while actually happened. Stan must have come rushing down from his perch on the roof to alert everyone that people were inbound. Justin's ears perked up like a dog when it hears the word 'treat'.

"DON'T JUST STAND THERE! HELP ME, STAN!"

Justin rushed to the main opening the mall, not waiting for Stan. When Justin came up to the doors, he saw four people pounding on the door. Three guys, one of which Justin thought should've been all sparkly and shit. The other was a woman who was clearly pregnant. All of them looking worse for wear, but that was to be expected when your running for your life from crazed cannibals look to take a bit out of your ass.

"Get in! Get in!" Justin said, unlocking the door and assisting the pregnant woman. "You, get her upstairs and look for a brunette named Anna, she's a nurse and she can help. Go... GO!" Justin told Sparkly Vampire. "Come on! Come on!"

Justin held the door open, waiting for the two that were bringing up the rear of the group. Zombies were hot on their trail. Mostly runners, but Justin saw a few stragglers behind them. Once Stan finally arrived on the scene, Justin exited the mall to provide some cover for the two of them.

"Awwwww shit!" Justin said, seeing the rest of the horde that was behind them. Justin wasn't going to put the others at risk. Andre 3000 had already got in. "Dude, sorry about this, but we're gonna have to take a different route," Justin said as he slammed the door before the oldest of the group could get inside. "Here!" Justin shoved the shotgun into the man's chest. He could use it a lot more than Justin could.

From the back of his jeans, Justin pulled out that fucking frying pan. The guy stared at him like he was as crazy as the zombies. "Yeah, I know.. but I've killed a lot more of them with this thing than that thing," Justin informed the man. "STAN! Lock the door and make sure NOBODY comes out after us. Now get back to the roof and lay down some covering fire will ya!"

"As for you, starting running to the backside of the building!" Justin said as he pulled the man along with him.

Justin was going to be so pissed if he got chomped on.

+*+*+

Words: 886
Mood: Pretty damn spiffy!
Thoughts: Longest post in a while. WHOO!

[James 'Jim' Hunter]

James Hunter

"Who in the hell would wear this crap?" Justin said aloud. At the time Jim was seated by the entrance loading up his rifle. He was close enough to hear him pass off his comment. He lifted his eyes, narrowing them toward the younger man and stifled a laugh. Justin was stood looking at some of the mannequins in the shop window; he had to admit himself that he wouldn’t be caught dead in that shit either. Jim wasn’t a fan of raised collars and colours only women could pull off. He liked his shirts, mostly plaid, wife beaters and t-shirts. He may not have been fashionable, but his taste was simple and comfort over style. Actually, he could recall his girls complaining about his tastes stating that he looked like an out of place cowboy or even worse still, Billy Ray Cyrus. Sometimes, his girls could be mean...but god did he miss them.

"Most of the d-bags that wore this crap ended up a flesh eating maniac," Justin shrugged. Jim chuckled “I guess they’re not big fans either, then hm?” he passed off quietly, as he continued to load up his gun. He lifted his eyes back to Justin as he blasted that very mannequin he’d just criticised to high heaven. Jim smirked ever so, shaking his head a little...oh the things people did when they were bored. “...I know it’s like being a god damn prisoner in here. You feel like the walls are closing in on you. But, we’ll be outta here soon. In the meantime, try not to lose your head.” Jim spoke nonchalantly as he finished loading up his gun. The older man turned his gaze to Justin, nodding up the escalators in jest of where Anna and the boys had gone “That girl, she needs you. You can’t afford to lose yourself now” James told him; call it some friendly advice if anything. He felt a little sentimental at the moment, mostly because Justin was like him in some ways. He’d do anything for anyone; only by trying to protect them he’d do the wrong thing...like Jim did.

Turning his eyes back to Justin he nodded “...No matter what you do, you’ve gotta stick by her. Or you’re going to be full of regret, just like I am. Because she’s gone, that’s it. And you think you’re doing the right thing being the hero, trying to save her but...it turns out the only way you can do that is by sticking with her.” Jim trailed, dropping his eyes back to his gun. He was evidently talking about his wife; he’d shared his tale up on meeting Justin. He’d told him about the morning all this shit had occurred and he’d sent his wife to the evacuation site with his youngest daughter. He thought by sending them ahead it would save them but really he should have been there with them because if he had, they’d be alive and he’d know they were safe. Now, he just hoped they were okay...he didn’t know either way. He should have been there, but he wasn’t.

Regret was a horrible thing, it rotted you from the inside and he could feel it. It was like a constant burning in his chest. His family were not with him, they were out there all alone and possibly dead. Times like these you needed those people close to you and even though he knew that Justin and Anna hadn’t known each other for more than around two weeks, but they relied on each other. Jim could tell by the way they looked at each other, because he used to look at his wife that very same way. It was as if you couldn’t breathe without them next to you, because it was like a part of yourself was missing. The pain was unbearable at times, but the only thing driving Jim was the hope that his kids were alive and that maybe, just maybe his wife had gotten out of this shit hole and was waiting for him somewhere.

He was ripped from his own thoughts by an occurrence. It was odd around here, something happening and all because lately nothing ever happened. Turning his head to look over his shoulder he saw Stan bounding down the escalators, it seemed there were people coming. James lifted himself from his seat, rifle in hand. It wasn’t until Stan reached them that the banging began against the door, the foursome pounding against the glass trying to get in.

Justin was first to lead, James quickly following behind him. Stan seemed more cautious than anything, holding his gun up ready to shoot them rather than let them inside. He had the right idea, be cautious and all of that shit but not scare them away at gun point. He’d been let inside here, it was wrong to turn others in need away. Justin didn’t hesitate and neither did James. They opened the shutters first, before coming to the doors. There were four of them, three men and a woman...a heavily pregnant woman by the looks of it.

As Justin aided them inside, he kept a look out, his gun raised out of the door ready to shoot any fuckers that got close. He had Justin’s back, even if Stan didn’t right now. He understood, he was scared no doubt and wanted to cover his own ass. They didn’t know these people, they could be infected or plain crazy but right now, they had to take their chances. Justin urged them inside, James making space as they entered, the pregnant lady coming inside first. She was there main priority right now, she needed seeing too above all else and that’s where Anna came in.

Stan came to the door, aiding as further back up as the horde emerged from behind there guests. For the most these infected followers were the type who ran at vast speeds, a few stragglers behind who were much easier to pick off. It was at that moment Justin burst out the door. Jim narrowed his eyes on the young man, it was instinct really...they were a team and by being in a team, they all watched each other’s backs. Justin was a good kid, he reminded him of his own boy. James’s gut told him to exit right behind him, but he didn’t know these people and he still didn’t trust Stan. He’d just have to cover him from the roof.

The trio came in, the fourth being left outside with Justin who willingly closed the door behind him. James stepped back urging the others out of the way whilst Stan pulled the shutters down, securing the mall. James turned quickly and bolted back up the escalators. He moved as quick as his legs could carry him, armed with his rifle and bounding for the roof. Stan was quick behind him, the others following but being waved off into the direction Anna was stationed. Climbing the stairs to the roof, he smashed through the door and bolted across the roof top. He covered the roof, keeping his eyes on Justin and Eddie as they ran around the building.

“Stan! watch there backs! If anything comes near them you shoot, you hear me?!” he ordered, pointing at the man before moving toward the ladders that had been pulled up when they first got here. He let the strap on his rifle linger around his neck, his gun in place and picked up the ladders. Lifting them he began to slot them into place, above the roof of Justin’s jeep that the two could use as leverage. This had been his entry point when he’d come back with Justin and it proved damn useful. James whistled from his position, the ladders now in place for them to get up.

Stepping aside he pulled his rifle into his hands and aimed ready to pick those fuckers off when they neared closer to Justin and Eddie.

[Anna Ryan]

Anna was seated on the upper level of the mall with Thomas who was lying on the floor colouring in the pictures in his book. She watched him, her back resting against the balcony overlooking the lower level. Thomas wasn’t much of a talker, not anymore...there was a point where you couldn’t shut him up but now he just said nothing. She was certain it was the shock that had gotten to him; he was so scared of everything right now and fiercely clingy to his siblings. He lifted his picture up showing her his colouring. She grinned at him; at least he was keeping himself busy.

She glanced behind her down at Justin and Jim who were talking below. She watched them for a moment before turning to Thomas and urging him to come over to her. The little boy grabbed his book off the floor and walked toward her; she pulled him onto her lap, hugging her arms around him and gave him a kiss on the cheek “You know, I’m proud of you. You are very brave.” She said gently, prompting a small smile from the child.

Anna tried her best to keep her siblings safe, Thomas was extremely dependent on her because he was young and didn’t know much and Simon well he had his own brain, he did whatever he wanted but once crossing a line Anna stepped in. She tried to let the reigns lose for him, at least a little because he’d need to learn to take care of himself...after all, could she be certain she’d always be around to protect them? She liked to think so but she had to be realistic here.

For the meantime, she’d work her butt off to ensure that both of her boys were safe. Anna lifted her eyes from ahead of her, hearing the sound of Stan’s heavy feet pounding against the flooring as he rushed toward the escalators. She gently picked Thomas up and stood to her feet looking down onto the ground level where he joined Justin and Jim. She glanced around for Simon, where was he? But then she caught sight of him coming from one of the other departments to investigate the sudden commotion below. She always worried about him wondering off and often had to bite her tongue to prevent herself from yelling at him.

She watched the men below as they began to move toward the doors and it was at that moment she heard the sounds. She looked at Simon and put Thomas down urging him toward Simon “Take him, go back inside and close the door” she instructed the two boys to the safety of the small department store Simon had previously been inside. She dropped her eyes to the entrance again watching as three new faces were let inside, two men and a young woman who after looking again noted to be pregnant, practically about to drop. Anna wide eyed moved toward the escalators as the trio were navigated toward her.

She moved down the escalators in a bid to meet them halfway whilst Stan bounded up the opposite side and back to his spot on the roof. Anna narrowed her eyes seeing Justin dip out the door with a fourth man who’d been kept outside. Her eyes widened as she snapped her gaze at Jim “What the hell is he doing?!” she called, the clear concern evident in her tone. She had her hands full now, but that didn’t stop her from worrying. She helped the blonde up the escalators with assistance from the duo beside her and carried her to the department store where Simon and Thomas were seating.

“Put her down gently” Anna instructed to the men as they gently placed Melissa onto the small bed. Anna took a seat beside her, the woman was finding it hard to breath likely from all of the running but she had to be certain that this was the reason for her short breaths and not the occurrence of contractions. She glanced over at both men behind her “How far gone is she?” she asked them, both men, clearly had no idea and both looked at one another before the darker skinned man spoke up “She said she was pretty close to her due date. A couple of weeks or so...i don't know” Darren said, taking a seat beside Anna “She’s going to be okay, right?” he asked, Anna gave an uncertain look at first but it faded “She’s gonna be fine” she assured. “What’s her name?” she asked, to which the younger, spiky haired guy replied “Melissa...” he stated, he glanced from them to outside trying to get a look at what was going on downstairs.

Anna nodded and turned back to Melissa, she told her to take deep breaths in a bid to calm her down. Anna called over to Simon to go fetch a bottle of water, which would quench Melissa’s thirst and hopefully aid her breathing. After several moments she began to calm down, catching her breath again. She was tired and laid her head back against the pillow. Anna sat with her for a little while, talking to get some answers and find out her situation. Mellissa was due in several weeks, but Anna knew that stress could bring on labour much sooner so it was their job to keep her calm and at ease.

Her eyes scaled Darren and Steve as they stood there looking helplessly at Melissa who was exhausted. She smiled at them, leaving Melissa for a few moments as she headed over “She’s going to be okay. What about you two, any injuries aside from the ones I can see. I can clean those up for you, if you want.” She told Steve who bought his hand to his face, not even realising he’d been injured. He nodded some. It was precaution to enquire about injuries, Darren had none but Steve had a few grazes to his face and hands nothing out of the ordinary. She sustained minor scratches herself over the last two weeks but it was always best to ask.

Darren took a seat with Melissa, whilst she took Steve across the room to a seat where she could tend to the cuts on his face and hands.

Comments: someone reported my rules fuckin wankers lol
Outfit: Practical Attire no heels when killing zombies!
Word Count: 1000+
Mood: tiiired

[NPC]

Eddie Kingston
Darren Johnson
Melissa Ackerman
Steve Young

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They were running faster than they'd ever run before in their entire lives. The four of them... They were the most unlikely of companions. They were a ragtag group brought together by one common factor... The entire city had been thrust into this apocalyptic shit hole. There was zombies everywhere... Just like out of the movies. Out of all them... It was worse for Melissa. She was pregnant, and to be completely honest she couldn't believe that she was able to run this fast. As far as Melissa was concerned she should've been a corpse by now. The young woman guessed that she owed it to the guys though... There was no way she would've survived without them. Melissa Ackerman definitely owed a lot to all of these guys. They were reason she was able to keep this up and without them she wasn't sure if she'd have made it. Not only was she running for herself though... She was running for the life of her unborn baby. To Melissa that was what kept her going. She couldn't give up now...

As the group ran for their lives with a horde of zombies behind them, they approached Manhattan Mall. The group tried to open the doors quickly, however they soon realized that they were shut. Instinctively, they began to yell out... Yet, it wasn't until Steve Young had shouted out that they had a pregnant woman with them, that the doors were opened and they were pulled inside. The group stood there uncomfortably for a moment, as orders were barked at them. Two guys told Steve and Darren to take Melissa upstairs where there was a doctor, while one of the men shoved a shotgun at at Eddie. Eddie Kingston gripped the gun tightly as he waited for his orders. The older man was thankful for the fact that this group had let them in. If it weren't for their act of kindness (even if it was out of Steve being a bit of a prick), they'd all be dead right now.

Steve and Darren walked with Melissa, holding her up and carrying her in a sense as they supported her and helped her upstairs towards where the medical person was. After a few moments, everything seemed to calm down upstairs. Melissa was out of breathe, but she began to get her bearings. All that running had really taken a lot out of her. The young woman was more than thankful as Darren came over to sit with her. "Thanks Darren..." Steve's eyes shot up as he sat in the corner cleaning his own wounds. Why was that bitch thanking Darren? Steve was the reason they were alive. He'd told these people she was pregnant. Had it not been for that, they would've been outside, dead where they'd been standing. Steve shook his head slightly as he sat there in his seat cleaning his face. The young man brushed his hand down his leg and as he got to his ankle, he felt a sharp pain... Steve didn't need to look... He knew what it was. Luckily, the slacker's jeans covered the wound. No one needed to know, right? With a slight smile on his face, Steve eyed Ana. "So you guys've got this whole mall to yourselves? Who are you? The rent-a-cops?" The young man smiled slightly as he tried to ease the awkward tension within the entire mall. These people had saved their lives... But what now?

Outside, the storming horde of zombies was not subsiding. They clashed against the front doors of the mall... This was far from over... It was only the beginning.[/blockquote]

[NPC]

STANLEY HOLTZ

Things had gotten real fucked up, Stan found himself not feeling all that great about there 'home' now. Sure, he wasn't one to turn people away but jesus christ...could they have been any louder? they just drew those fuckers right to them and now they were fucked again. He didn't get to grace them with his pressence as duty called once more, he had a roof to cover after all.

Justin had gone out with the remaining newbies who just wasn't quick enough to get inside. The roofs access was the only other entry to this place which meant those things would be chasing them along the way. Stan would take his position on the roof and shoot to kill, anything that moved or took off after them.

Once arriving on the roof he took up his position and aimed his gun ready. James retrieved the ladders and set them up for Justin and the new guy to climb up. This had been the route he used, the route which rewarded him with a god damn headache after Anna tried to beat him down. People and there territory...that shit was crazy.

Those things were hot on Justins tail and he and Jim did there best to shoot down those mother fuckers. He knew though, more would come and why? because those morons had led them right here. This place was now a hot spot for infected because inside awaited a whole feast for them. Stan wasn't too thrilled about that, but what could you do? at the end of the day, you had to bound together...or whatever the fuck that meant..to survive.

[James 'Jim' Hunter]

James Hunter

Jim Hunter had taken his place on the roof covering Justin and the new guy whose name he still had not gotten. The two of them were pretty quick on there feet and thankfully those dumb sons of bitches weren't so hot on there toes. Evermore, they needed cover because despite those things moving at a snails pace...in groups they were really dangerous.

He kept a keen eye, covering both men's backs as they made a run around the side of the building. Right now, everything had turned topsy turvy, this once safe haven now being a hotspot for those sons of bitches. He couldn't point the finger of blame, after all these people were just seeking shelter...they hadn't meant to lure those fucks with them. Shit happened, but it was what you did with said shit that counted. They weren't going to turn anyone away, no way.

Jim had to take a few pot shots, nothing too serious and only to ward those fuckers back. Once both men were at the vehicle, he pulled down the ladders and promptly urged the duo up them. Helping them up, he proceeded to pull the ladders back up, his eyes dropping to the faces of those infected out of luck. Groans and moans came from them as they reached upward as if trying to get a hold of them. They weren't getting inside via this entry, for a start there was no access point and if they did manage to climb on the Jeep they'd have to jump pretty damn high to try and get onto the roof.

Jim pat Justin on the back, before greeting the other man with a nod. They each then headed back inside to rejoin the rest of there quickly growing team. By now, Anna had assisted the men and..woman into the homing store where the heavily pregnant broad was seated. She'd been on her feet for sometime, that couldn't have been good for her.

James stayed silent as he entered the building with the others. Now, he'd only got a glimpse of the new faces, but already figured he wasn't much of a fan of the pasty faced, tall haired dude...there was something about his face, it spelt trouble to Jim. He wasn't judgemental as such but, he liked to go with his gut and right now his gut told him that this guy was someone to keep a close eye on.

"So you guys've got this whole mall to yourselves? Who are you? The rent-a-cops?" Steve asked. Jim smirked a little, nodding his head in direction toward the younger man, addressing him "Somethin' like that." he stated, turning and taking a seat down on the foot of the opposing bed to the one that they had seated the pregnant lady down.

"How long have you been out there?" he asked curiously, days? weeks? had the pregnant lady been running all of this time. "Any of you injured?" He asked, you had to double check. He fleeted his eyes toward the pregnant girl, giving her a small smile. She was young, possibly around the same age as his eldest daughter, which was kind of disheartening for the man to see and consider that maybe, just maybe he'd never get to see his girl have kids of her own. He dropped his eyes for a moment rubbing the back of his head before arising to his feet.

"Anyone hungry?" Jim asked, there was no other way of greeting new faces then that over broken bread. They weren't going to send them back outside, so they may as well have gotten acquainted.

[Justin Miller]

Justin was glad to have someone like James around. He understood exactly what Justin was thinking at pretty much every point in the day and always found the words to say at the proper time. Justin figured that James saw a lot of himself in Justin; Justin thought of that as a good thing. If Justin was half the man that James was when Justin got into his later years, Justin would consider that a well lived life.

But Justin wasn't sure if he would actually live until next week, let alone a few years from now.

"As long as I'm alive and kicking, she's going to be protected. No matter what," Justin said, hoping that his words would reassure James that Justin wasn't completely loosing his mind.

James was right, however, in that soon they would have to leave the mall. Everything was already running low and supply runs were getting longer and more dangerous every night. Justin knew that soon they would have to leave the mall and find a new safe haven. But Justin had no idea where in the hell they could go.

The hospitals and the evacuation sites were not only tapped dry of anything useful, they were completely over run with zombies. So Justin knew to avoid those. They could potentially head to Madison Square Garden, it was a few blocks from where they already were. The best routes for the group to take would be through the subway. Justin figured that most of them were topside, with maybe a handful finding their way down into the subway system.

But as Justin was deep into his own thoughts, formulating some kind of plan, hell just decided that it should break loose for no apparent reason.

A group of four came rushing towards the front door, lucky that Stan was smart enough to not mistake them for the living dead. The first one through the door was a kid that looked like he belonged in some bullshit teenage vampire movie. He banged on the glass door, more than likely hoping that they would break down so he could cower underneath something. Justin got the sense that he wasn't much of a fighter and would rather let people fight for him.

He was screaming at the top of his lungs about a pregnant woman, whom was the second one in. With the way Vampire Boy was screaming, you would have figured he was doing his damnedest to make sure the woman was the first one in and completely safe from the zombies outside. A slender black guy was right behind them and bringing up the rear was someone that Justin figured was the leader of this rag tag group of survivors.

Too bad he and Justin had to take the back entrance.

With one might swing, Justin took out a zombie that blocked their path. The cracking of his skull was quite audible and if you weren't used to the noise, you might have thrown up a little bit in your mouth. He was just the first of many.

Justin was quite surprised with the guy. His aim with the shotgun was true and he was blowing heads off of zombies left and right. Unfortunately, he could only blow the heads off of two zombies that were to the left and to the right. He had just used the last two shotgun shells that Justin had on him.

Without hesitation, the guy used the shotgun like a baseball bat. He was swinging for the fences and took out a handful of zombies as they ran for the ladder.

"Where's the fuckin--- oh, there it is" Justin started to shout about the ladder before he saw Jim lowering it down. With one impressive leap, Justin hopped onto the hood of his Jeep and started climbing with the leader of the new group right behind him. James pulled the both of them onto the roof, patting Justin on the back as he did so.

"That was the most fun I never want to have again," Justin said, still clutching one of his favorite weapons. "Justin Miller," Justin said, shaking the hand of the man that he believed to be the fearless leader.

"Eddie Kingston," Now that they've been officially introduced, Justin and Eddie began making their way back into the mall. Justin smiled as he saw Anna with everything under control. The pregnant woman as seated comfortably on a bed in the home store. She must be thanking the lord up above that not only was she safe, that she was finally off of her feet.

"I'm Batman," Justin said to Vampire Boy, a sly smile coming across his face. Despite having risked his life just moments ago, Justin still had not lost that sense of humor of his.

Yeah, Justin was indeed a little crazy.

+*+*+
Words: 800ish I think
Mood: Full
Thoughts: I refuse to let this place die!

[NPC]

Eddie Kingston
Darren Johnson
Melissa Ackerman
Steve Young

[/color][/right]

Eddie Kingston could not believe the shit he was in. Come on, a zombie apocalypse? Eddie couldn't believe it. He still had to pinch himself every day he woke up. Eddie had been running for a long time before he'd met up with the others. The young man couldn't believe his luck. He really didn't like this, but then again who did? Now, Eddie's main focus and main goal was survival. The young man had become quite adept at killing. No, Eddie hadn't been much of a killer beforehand… But now… Eddie had certainly picked up the trade quite a bit. What Eddie and the others he was with had learned to do best of all was run… They ran quickly and they ran intelligently. Eddie knew that it was either run and survive or stop and be eaten. Eddie and the gang knew that they would much rather live than anything else. The young man could've stopped and thanked God right then and there if it hadn't been for that lesson about never stop running. He hadn't expected to be let into the mall… Eddie assumed that there were still a few good souls left in New York City, which was nice in its own way. Once inside, Eddie took his position immediately as he was told to. He was handed a shotgun and immediately began to help them fight off the oncoming hordes of zombies that had been chasing the group of four… Thankfully, they finally had a place to stop for a while… Just to rest to catch their breathe.

Eddie grimaced slightly as one of the men spoke to him. "About a week I suppose… The four of us found each other and banded together…" For a moment Eddie paused slightly before speaking up again. "We're all healthy… I think… I'm unsure right now… When you're running like that… It's hard to keep track of everyone." For a moment, Eddie paused as they all moved upstairs where the others were. Melissa smiled at Anna for a moment as she eyed Darren and Steve. Darren's eyes met the pretty woman's and smiled. "No, I think we're okay here…" For a moment, everything remained quiet as they stood around. Melissa decided to break the silence as she remained lying down. "Thanks for letting us in… You really have no idea how much it truly meant…" Steve eyed Justin for a moment as he smiled and informed him that he was in fact, Batman… Steve smiled slightly as he shifted in his chair. "Yeah… And I'm Dracula, nice to meet you…" For a moment, Steve paused as he smiled before an overwhelming sensation took over him… Steve's expression changed dramatically as he grimaced and grit his teeth… It was then that Steve realized what'd happened… Yet for now, Steve didn't say anything. Instead, Melissa spoke up. "What's wrong with him? Steve are you okay?"[/blockquote]

[Anna Ryan]

"Any of you injured?" Jim asked. Anna briefly shook her head before Eddie and DJ responded. She fleeted her eyes toward Justin, glad to see him in one piece. Anna didn't have her doubts, she knew he could take care of himself but to be honest times like these and in difficult situations as this one could never be certain. Melissa thanked them graciously, Anna smiled slightly, setting her eyes back on the blonde "Hey...it's okay. You don't have to thank us, what kind of people would we be if we left you guys out there?" she asked. Melissa smiled back at her, nodding her head gently as she once more laid back to rest.

"Anyone hungry?" Jim asked. Anna shook head head once more, before shifting her eyes toward Steve whose expression shifted, he was stricken with a sudden pain. Anna was the first to get up out of her spot on the bed as Melissa also sat forward, enquiring toward his well being. She gave a concerned look to Justin and Jim before ushering Thomas and Ryan aside again. She had to take precaution, she wouldn't have her brothers see anything more that could possibly worsen this already shit situation. She approached Steve slowly.

"Steve, you're going to have to be honest with us. Are you hurt?" she asked him, glancing at Justin and James as she did "I checked them, they said they were okay." Anna stated, but maybe she should have done a full body check instead of relying on there words and her sight from fist glance.

She turned her eyes to Steve, lowering her gaze toward the parts she couldn't see...like his legs. Anna sighed "...Roll up your trouser legs." The brunette asked him gently. Anna looked at the others "All of you, if you have any injuries at all...you have to be honest. You have to tell us. If you got...scratched or bit...by those things. You have to tell us." Anna stressed, the others were fine, they had been honest but it appeared that Steve was reluctant to answer let alone let anyone really check him.

She stood opposite Steve, eyes narrowed on his. She needed to see for herself, to make sure he wasn't injured because if he was...if those things had got him...they were all at risk.

Comments:
Outfit: Practical Attire no heels when killing zombies!
Word Count: 456
Mood: tiiired, MY POST WAS SHIT! BUT WILL BE BETTER

[NPC]

STANLEY HOLTZ

The group reunited and headed back inside the mall, he'd grown accustomed to working along side these men and though at first he wasn't much of a fan of them, he had quickly gained respect. In the outbreak, Stan had lost his friends and he wasn't really sure how to come back from that. But, upon meeting these people he found himself feeling a whole lot better about the situation he was in, these people had his back and each others, he felt safe.

Once they got inside and the brief introductions were made, he couldn't help but focus his attention on the new faces. It was uncommon for him to be so un-trusting toward others and new faces and truth be told he didn't trust them all that much...especially the younger guy, he looked shady. There was something not quite right about him and brows were raised when the man seemed to harbour some kind of injury. Anna was quick to move forward toward him, Stan ready on his heels to grab the man if need be but the spotlight was now on him.

Anna urged him to expose himself, she had an inkling and to be honest he happily backed up her cautiousness with his own. Stan lifted his shotgun up and pointed it almost in the man's face as he echoed Anna's demands "You heard the lady...show her." he said flatly, his voice and tone much deeper, much more harsher then Anna's. She was a gentle young woman, he wasn't and if Steve wanted to get on his bad side, he'd feel the end of his shotgun.

[James 'Jim' Hunter]

James Hunter

It was funny because despite not really knowing Justin, there was almost a sense of familiarity within the young man. Jim looked at him and he saw...his son, or himself even. Justin was very much like how Jim was at that age and kind of still now. It didn't take a genius to pick up on the fact that Justin was a leader at heart. "As long as I'm alive and kicking, she's going to be protected. No matter what," Justin assured. Jim nodded his head at the younger man, trusting his words. He was a level headed man, gutsy and the kind to throw himself to the wolves in a bid to save others and that to Jim was actually a good thing.

With the new faces on the horizon, it was time for them to get to work. As expected, Justin was quick to display the traits that Jim had seen himself within. He happily put himself out to help another, and by directly throwing himself to those cannibals, had he potentially saved this poor man's life. Jim raced to the roof with Stan in a bid to give Justin the well needed cover he desired, those things were god damn fast in a group but alone they were easy to get around.

Alas Justin and there new acquaintance Eddie emerged onto the roof. With a brief introduction over they headed inside to regroup with the others. Anna had the situation under control as ever, her brothers staying as close to her as they could. She was another person he admired, so dedicated to looking after her loved ones..she was a good woman and her brothers were very lucky. He only could have hoped that his kids were doing the same, if they had found one another that they were protecting each other as best as they could.

Steve squirmed in agony, which everyone saw. Anna was first to approach him having ushered her brothers aside, Jim extended his arms, roping both her brothers toward him and keeping them close just in case things got out of hand. He furrowed his brows, dark eyes watching Steve with caution as the young brunette approached him. He was hiding something and they had all come to this conclusion without saying it out loud.

Stan quickly got involved, typical Stan but to be honest right now Jim approved. It seemed that red-neck son of a bitch had actually started to conform to the idea of being in a group. He'd began pulling his weight, becoming a team player and for Jim that was enough to keep him around. Sure, from time to time they had to keep him in check...more so when he opted to ogle Anna's back end like it was a hot chocolate fudge Sunday. Other then that, he was a decent fellow and a good gunner as far as the team were concerned.

"Just do as they ask and no one needs to get hurt, son.." Jim spoke gently toward the young man. He didn't want anyone getting hurt here, but if they had to use force he would not hesitate to put Steve flat on his back just so that they could get the answers they sought. He'd have rather not, but if it took that...then he would do it in a heartbeat. By not knowing, by not knowing for sure...Steve was putting everyone at risk especially his own.

[Simon Ryan]

It was just like any other day in the infected city of Manhattan, New York. Simon didn’t know quite what to do with himself day after day. He read a lot, but mostly he played free video games from the Gamestop that they had in the mall. He made sure not to trail off to far for to long, otherwise Anna became a bit over protective of him. She always seemed to be nervous he was going to go get himself in trouble. After all, he had a habit of that before any of this stuff happened. He had a brain, and he used it well. It was just sometimes his conscious over powered that and he sometimes went with his gut instead.

Currently he was sitting in the department store, reading a book on with of the display chairs they had for people to see a model of if they wanted to buy it. It was his favorite chair, like the same model he had at home. It was like he was sitting in his living room again, playing video games or reading, which was exactly what he was doing, reading. Ironically he was re-reading the zombie survival guide. Yes, a very popular book, even more so now that it was really going on around him. He was reading it for ideas, intake, knowledge of things he might need to know and might want to remember for later. It wasn’t like they were going to live in the mall forever. Who knows what might happen. The infected could get in and take over the mall, or they might run out of supplies. There is no telling what might happen and it pays to have all your bases covered.

He finally gained enough knowledge for the time being and hopped off the couch, exiting the department store and headed back into the mall when she saw Anna coming over, pushing Thomas over to him. “Take him, go back inside and close the door” Her took Thomas by the hand and looked at her curiously. “Why, What’s going on?” he asked, but quickly after his question was asked he ran back inside the department store with his little brother and closed the door behind him.

“What’s going on, Simon?” Thomas asked with his worried eyes looking up at him. Simon looked down and gave him a warm smile. Suddenly it was like a flashback from the night him and Thomas were locked up in his room when his parent’s got infected. “I’m not sure, Tommy. But how about you sit down on the chair and promise not to move until I get back, okay? You still got that DS I got for you?” Thomas nodded as he took it out of his pocket. “Okay, Simon… I’ll be good. Promise.” Simon walked him over to the chair as he sat down and turned on his ds. Simon kissed the little boy on the head and then he ran out for the door, giving him one last glance before leaving the room. He was nervous to keep him there by himself, but he knew he wasn’t going anywhere for awhile.

He ran down to the commotion and saw what was going on. There were a few people, one pregnant woman and three other guys. One of the woman was injured. It didn’t take long for his sister to see him and ask for some water. He nodded and ran over to get a bottle of water and gave it to his sister. “What the hell did I miss now?” He asked, looking around.

From there, Simon stepped back and watched everything unravel. The adults were taking care of everything and Simon was sticking around to make sure there were no infected around and nobody was hurt. Obviously somebody was hurt, but were they infected. "All of you, if you have any injuries at all...you have to be honest. You have to tell us. If you got...scratched or bit...by those things. You have to tell us." Simon held his breath, these guys didn’t seem to want to fess up whether they were hurt or not, maybe they didn’t think an injury was that big of a deal because they didn’t know if a zombie bites or scratches you, you’ll become on of them eventually.

He glanced around at the newcomers and waited for them to speak.

[Justin Miller]

It's been previously stated many times before; Justin was just crazy enough to have a sense of humor about everything but was sane enough to keep Millersota(he was the only one to ever call it that) safe from the zombies that lurked outside.

For a moment, Justin thought about just letting the pregnant girl in and give the trio of dudes a sympathetic look to go along with the "I'm sorry, I'm not letting you in". Justin was going to make damn sure that he and do anything within his power to make sure those around him were protected from being infected, but currently, he was contradicting himself in a way. The safe bet would for Justin to not have let any of them in. Those withing the walls of Manhattan Mall would be safe for another day from infection if Justin kept them out.

But Justin was still human after all. Even though these were the worst of times, his heart would have broken the instant he denied these people a safe haven. Justin has always been a man that did what he knew was right; letting these people in and giving them shelter was the right thing to do.

As the group began introducing one another, Justin got a quick read on the kid that called himself Dracula. It certainly fit because the kid was pale skinned, looking like a piece of notebook paper. Justin instantly came to the assumption that Dracula was infected. Still armed with his trademark frying pan, he gripped at it tightly. If this kid was truly infected, it would only be a matter of time before Justin caved his head in with the cast iron cooking utensil.

"This is gonna sound weird.... but you three... down to your tightie whities," Justin never once in his life thought that he would command three males to strip down to their underwear, but these were no longer normal situations. "Anna, take her into one of the stores and check her yourself," Justin said as he motioned towards the pregnant lady. Justin was going to make everyone strip to their undies so that they were thoroughly checked, but he wasn't about to make a pregnant woman stand in her underwear in front of a bunch of dudes.

"We're just being safe here. As much I wish I could trust your word, we need to be damn careful," Justin said to the four newbies. "So... just... strip," Justin said as he turned his back towards the group.

"I feel really dirty right now," Justin whispered to James with his back still turned the newest members of the group.

+*+*+

Words: 446
Mood: Decent enough
Thoughts: Yeah, Justin kinda came off perverted, but he's just making damn sure. So shut up, Tina.