Chapter Text
Your shaking fingers clung to the latched lock situated on the door of your apartment, as if locking it would keep out all of the horrific nightmare-ish abominations that lingered just outside. The complex had been in complete disarray for days now, screams and cries filling the corridors that once held life and positivity. You vaguely remembered greeting your neighbors cheerfully after every work day ended, a simple job as a hostess in a nearby restaurant. What was once a small comfort before you got in the solitude of your small apartment now became a melancholic memory.
It had started days ago, reports of strange events in the city. People lashing out randomly, showing violent tendencies that even seemed to stump police officers. Then there was the attacks, brutal and cannibalistic, unlike anything that’s ever been seen in the once semi-peaceful city.
They tried to play it off like they had everything under control but clearly things only went from bad to worse as the days went by. People freaked out when the dead walked around attacking them, they tried to evacuate the city but were stopped by government troops forcing them to stay put until there was a containment of this situation. You knew deep down, there never would be one. You felt that after being trapped in your own home for days that hope was a far fetched dream.
Honestly you felt like things had changed drastically ever since the police station announced the return of the remaining members of the S.T.A.R.S unit in the papers. They didn’t disclose much but only that not all of them made it back from whatever mission they’d been sent on. They disbanded the group for the foreseeable future but that was all you knew. You didn’t know anyone in the police force, nor did you pay much attention to what went on inside of it. You only knew that one of those retired officers was one of your neighbors.
The woman, you weren’t really sure of her name, had barely exited her own apartment for a week straight. The only time she’d opened her door was after a delivery man came to set a pizza box outside for her. You never bothered her no matter how hard the urge to make sure she was okay was to resist. You figured the woman was scarred by whatever she’d experienced on that mission.
Now, you wished that you did because you weren’t even sure the woman was alive still after the chaos unfolding in the complex currently. The groans and screeches of those things lingered alongside the soft cries of injured or terrified people. It was like something out of a horror film, a complete and utter disaster.
With a soft breath, you stepped back and wrung your hands together nervously. You had no self defense skills as being a hostess never really gave you the chance to learn but you had a baseball bat. It was from your time in the little leagues as a kid, that for some reason, you held onto. It wasn’t much but for now, it was something. You had your hostess dress on and a pair of heels, your hair pulled back in a style best suited for your tastes. Heels were so not a good fit for a zombie attack but you didn’t know that you’d be locked in your own home days ago when you clocked in and out.
It was then that you made the bold decision to leave your apartment and find shelter possibly at the police station. It had to be better than here, right? They’d have food and water, supplies for medical care and a possible way out of this. You were sure of it, if anyone could do something, it would be the police force. Maybe you could knock on the officer woman’s door to see if she’d want to come along. She probably knew the exact route.
Nodding to yourself as a way to hype yourself up, you kicked off your heels and unzipped the dress, deciding to trade the unconventional outfit for some sweatpants and a black tank top. Now for the shoes, a pair of old hiking boots that would protect your feet much better. You kept your hair the way it was, leaving in the pair of golden hoop earrings for extra confidence. It didn’t really help but these were your favorite pair.
God, were you really doing this? Were you going to leave the subtle comfort of your home to venture out into the undead world?
You white knuckled your baseball bat, beginning to step closer to your door in order to unlatch the lock and gently slide the door handle open. A whiff of stale, dead air immediately hit your nose and you almost lurched back with a stunned gasp, feeling the terror already seeping through your body.
You panicked eyes centered in on the door a few ways down from yours, where the soft sound of speaking and footsteps echoed lightly through the walls. The cop, she was alive and somebody was speaking to her possibly. There were survivors, the comfort of knowing you weren’t alone truly in this city made it worth it. Worth stepping out and trying to live-
You lurched down with a cry of surprise at a heavy explosion rocking the entire building, sending your bat rolling down the hallway as if to taunt you. You were on your knees while the floor caved in and crackled beneath the weight of the absolutely atrocious man standing in the hallway, in a newly made hole broken through the cop’s apartment.
He towered there, tightened grotesque skin and roughened sharp irises, mouth pulled in a sinister manner with wide teeth on display. He wore a leather coat and large boots to accommodate his hulking size. It wasn’t really a man, it was a monster. Worse than the man eating freaks wandering around.
Still, it didn’t seem like he cared much for your presence, he was centered in on the cop as she rushed from her apartment and closed the still remaining door behind herself. She was tall, with dark pants, boots, and a blue and white tank top. Her short brunette hair flew around her face as she latched her arm onto her stomach with a pained expression. Her heavy steps brought her closer as she stumbled down the hallway, eyes gleamed with panic as she faced the only other living person in this building.
“Shit- Come on! He’s coming!” Her voice was stern as she bent down to grab onto your hand, launching you up and into a sprint as the two of you rushed to escape the creature that was in hot pursuit.
You kept a tight hold on the cop’s wrist as you allowed yourself to be pulled along towards the exit door. You could make it if you hurried, hopefully. You were thankful for the fast acting save but you would have time to say your gratitude when you both weren’t being chased by a horrifying beast.
Instead of trying to open the exit door, the brunette tugged you inside one of the doors to the right, hurrying to grasp a wooden bookcase with a showcase of strength. You rushed to help, the two of you successfully moving it down to cover the door together.
“Thanks…” The officer panted as sweat seeped along her pale skin, eyes hardened with a survival instinct and determination to outrun her attacker.
You nodded. “No, thank you. You saved my life…what’s your name?” You replied in earnest. You introduced yourself first with a soft breathy tone, exhaustion already creeping in your adrenaline filled body.
“Nice to meet you. Jill Valentine” The brunette told you, eyeing your frame up and down. “But we’re not out of the woods yet, stay close. We gotta get outta here” She strode forwards with you following steadily.
Your steps were almost matching each other’s as you flowed easily through the bedroom lit by the fires outside. It was unlike anything you’d ever imagined happening when you moved to this city a few months ago. It was supposed to be cozy and now you’re wrapped up in some horrible nightmare fuel you didn’t ask for.
Jill grasped the broken window frame and hopped out smoothly, turning to hold her hands out for you. “C’mon. I’ve got you” She reassured as she took in your soft hesitance.
You took a shallow breath and gently clasped your shaking palms into hers, allowing her to pull you through the frame and steady you with a soft gloved hand at your waist. Your face was definitely tinted red from the heat and exhaustion of running and not from the beautiful woman in your company.
With a wince, she remembered she was hurt and limped over the railing, down the fire escape stairs with you in tow. The city was on fire and people were screaming as they were chased or as they fell from the apartment’s windows. It was absolute madness, your eyes welled with tears at the sight of it all.
“What the hell…no way…” She murmured in disbelief as you followed closely, not wanting to ever get separated from your only source of protection in this situation.
You watched as she climbed into another window, helping you inside afterwards like she did the first time. You two were now settled in a room that looked to be previously under construction, white tarps littered the area along with paint buckets and tools.
“What is happening? This is…this is pure chaos! I didn’t know how bad it was really until we stepped out here together” You sniffled, wiping your eyes with your trembling fingers, makeup softly running down your cheeks. Perfect, now you looked like a drowned raccoon (opposite of the burning city).
Jill grunted. “You didn’t leave your place until now?” She asked, making mindless chatter as her sharp eyes glinted in the light, sourcing a continuing way out.
You sighed. “No…I was too afraid when I heard the noises…” You admitted.
Something in her harsh resolve softened as she held out her gloved hand, features warm and determined. “I promise you that I won’t let anything happen to you. We’re getting out of here together, alright?” She nodded as if to confirm these words to herself too.
You smiled. “Okay…but…what was that thing back there? Why was it trying so hard to kill you?” Your words faltered as nerves settled inside of you.
“That I don’t know. I’m as in the dark as you but it’s not going to win. Let’s keep moving” Jill stepped forwards and kept one of her hands clasped with yours to keep you close to her.
You were so enthralled by her confidence and her will to survive that you placed all of your trust in this woman you barely knew. Something told you that she was a good person, somebody that would see to it that you both made it out on the other side of this. That gave you hope, something you lacked for days now.
Too bad the current circumstances sucked horribly because the ceiling crashed inwards as the same towering creature burst through, narrowly avoiding both of you as you each flew to the ground at the impact.
Jill cried as she side stepped, missing the man’s large hand that tried to swipe at her body. She called your name desperately. “Run!” Her voice was panicked.
With a wail at the sight of tentacles erupting from his hands, you bolted forwards and crawled through a stack of shelves, Jill close behind you with her hands urged you to continue as fast as possible. You fell onto your bottom on the other side as the creature’s appendages curled around her leg to yank her back.
“Jill!” You gasped, your hands reaching for her as she grunted. “Here!” You grabbed a piece of broken glass and handed it to her to use for leverage.
With a yell of defiance, Jill’s arm swiped up with precision as she cut the creature from her limb so she could crawl the rest of the way through with your guidance, pulling at her hands.
“Thanks!” She nodded at you as the two of you rushed into the next hallway, avoiding fire and obstacles to the best of your ability.
You screamed as a blast hit both of your backs, causing you to be jolted through the doorway and careening into the railing of the outside steps, sending you slamming into her lithe frame on accident with a groan.
“Fuck…you okay?” Jill turned breathlessly, her hands shaking as they patted along your body to check for major injuries. “We just need to make it off this building and then we’re gonna be okay” She reassured, though she didn’t seem too confident in her words then.
You straightened and heaved a breath. “I’m okay…just a little winded. You have a strong back” In a frenzied state, you allowed the words to slip through your lips. Way to give away your undeniable attraction to strong women.
A huffed breathy laugh left her despite everything. “That so? Appreciate it” She smiled, it was nice to see that under such horrible conditions.
The two of you continued down the fire escape steps until a yellow ladder appeared towards the end, a possible escape route.
“Okay…” Jill stepped forwards and just as she was about to lead you there, the creature burst through the wall and grabbed her face, lifting her into the air with a terrifying amount of force. She yelled in panic as he threw her back inside the apartment complex, a part that was deeply on fire still.
You cried out and with wide eyes, your feet propelled you towards the ladder, your hands clammy as you grasped the bars and hurriedly lowered yourself further down the side of the building while the creature rushed along to pursue your companion. You had to get to the road and find some sort of help. There had to be something.
Once your booted feet landed on the pavement with a soft thud, you hurried around to one of the exits around the alleyway closest to where you dropped down from.
You rushed up to the steel door and pulled it open hurriedly, staring down the narrowed fiery hallway while the creature plowed through the walls in chase of Jill, who was running as fast as she could.
“Jill! Hurry!” You called out, watching her swing her head towards you. “This place is coming down!” Your voice carried along to her.
Jill sprinted out the doors and collided with your body, pulling you down with her on the ground as falling debris filled the doorway, officially blocking the creature’s path to the woman.
For a while, you both huffed out desperate breaths as the cool night air began to seep into your respective lungs. She was covered in ash and blood, sweat soaked her entire body. You had battle scars of your own to bare as she half laid atop you for a moment before suddenly remembering where she was.
“Shit, I’m sorry” Jill rushed to her feet and helped you to yours, eyes apologetic but also appreciative. “Thanks for the save, once again. You come in handy” She flashed a tired grin.
“No problem. What the fuck is up with that thing?” You panted, rushing forwards to sling an arm around her shoulder to support her worn out frame as the two of you slowly walked along the alley, the entrance filled with screaming people running all over the place. It was madness. The Liquor Store’s neon sign glinted ominously above them.
“Dunno…” She breathed, body leaning against your own as her chest heaved with the aftermath of the chase. “But you were brave back there, you know. I’m glad you were there,” She said your name so softly at the end.
Your cheeks heated up as you smiled. “Hey, I couldn’t leave you to fend it off on your own like that. You saved my life…so I save yours. We’re a team, right?” You asked almost shyly.
Jill’s grin widened. “Of course, partner. You and me ‘till the end” She bumped her arm with yours.
In the loudness of the night, a bond was formed.
“Jill! Over here!” A male’s panicked voice sounded from the end of the alleyway as he stopped to survey the two of them.
Something in the woman brightened as she moved off of you and led you towards the man. Soft chestnut hair with dark pants and a yellow puffed vest showcasing the words R.P.D on it.
“Brad! You okay? What was that thing?” Jill asked as they stopped to greet each other.
You studied him, wondering if he was one of her previous co-workers. He seemed nice, so far.
“Damned if I know. But right now it’s got a hard-on for the only two S.T.A.R.S left in town. You and me” Brad answered her, shrugging. “Who’s this? A stray?” He nodded to you standing quietly beside her.
Jill scoffed. “No. This is” She told him your name. “I found her when that thing crashed through our apartment building. She’s tough, we’re leaving together. You have to come with us” She explained, then her attention turned to you. “This is Brad Vickers” She introduced.
You smiled. “Nice to meet you” You nodded at him.
Brad smiled back. “You too, kid” He replied. “Anyways of course I’m comin’. I’m not sticking around. Look around you…the longer we wait, the more screwed we are” He frowned.
Jill stumbled along, wrapping her arm around your waist to steady herself again as the two of you trailed along him down the street of wailing civilians. “How did this happen so fast?” She asked.
“I dunno. But one fucked up thing always leads to another” Brad answered as he hurried a little ways ahead. “It’s like Arklay on steroids” He commented, gazing around.
Arklay Mountains. That was the name of the place they’d deployed to a while back. The one nobody was allowed to really talk about. You could guess it was probably really bad for him to say that.
For a little bit, nobody spoke. The three of you just hurried along the streets, gazing at the large cinema signs and establishments that once were calming, now filled with a horrible sense of death and grief. It was like looking at the shell of a city that once was, abandoned even though citizens still resided there. They just weren’t what they used to be.
“Hey, hey, wait! Up here!” Brad suddenly veered to the left, leaving them to hurry and catch up to his pace.
You and Jill rounded the corner, seeing a fence with a group of those zombies pressing against it. Spitting, bleeding, gazing with milky eyes full of hunger. Skin falling off of their bones. Hauntingly disgusting.
“We’ve gotta be dreaming. How can this many people be infected?” Jill said, breathless as she took in the scene, her arm tightening on your side almost protectively.
You sighed. “I wish I was dreaming. It would be better if this was all one big nightmare…this is so crazy” You told her.
You gasped as the fences began to cave in as the dead pressed relentlessly against them. “They’re breaking through!” You called out, gaining Brad’s attention as he rushed to the side in a spooked manner.
Jill’s hands grabbed your hips as she moved you closer to Brad’s retreating figure. “Go!” She called, lifting a boot and slamming it into the stomach of the dead woman ambling towards her.
You rushed inside the building as Brad held the door open, watching as he leaned down to grab a sign and hurl it at them as Jill finally moved to join you.
“Door behind you! Go!” Brad called as he slammed his body against the closed door to hold off the snarling crowd of zombies that were trying to bust in.
Jill grabbed your hand and rushed over to it, stopping to look back at her friend. She gasped as a zombie slid in the crack enough to chomp down on the skin of his wrist. “Brad!” She cried out in alarm.
You acted without thinking as your body scrambled for the knife on the ground, launching over to slam it deeply into the dead’s face, causing it to slacken its grip on the man. Jill slammed the doors closed shortly after you did so, offering guidance.
“Don’t think about it” Jill offered the soft comfort to him but he seemed distraught over the bite on his skin. “We’re gonna
make a run for it” She urged.
“Thanks for the save, kid. But c’mon Jill, we know how this ends” Brad whispered tragically.
Jill stood firm. “No. I don’t” She narrowed her eyes at him, refusing to accept what he was trying to say.
Your heart broke at the sight of her losing one of her close friends, somebody who was previously in the same boat as her with the creature’s hunt. You felt a flare of protectiveness for her, wanting to keep her out of the monster’s path.
“Are we still a team?” Brad asked instead of supplying a decent answer.
“Always” She confirmed.
“Then do me a favor and don’t fuck up like I did. Go! You don’t just have yourself to look after, keep her safe for me” Brad shoved her away from him and urged you both to the door.
You sent him a devastating look as Jill guided you through the door, into another alleyway.
She stood there for a moment, in a deep sense of sadness and anger. Her heart raced as she rounded the corner and looked at the corpse lying there with a pistol discarded in his lap. “I’m sorry, Brad…” She whispered.
You squeezed her hand in comfort. “He was good. I’m sorry, Jill” You tried your best to offer her something she could hold onto but it seemed she just wanted to forget as she leaned down to grab the gun.
“Do you know how to shoot?” She asked, curiously, as she checked the ammo in it.
You shook your head. “Absolutely not…being a hostess doesn’t really come with shooting lessons” You tried to offer up some swift joke and she seemed to take the bait.
“Well, that’s okay. We’ll find you something. Just stay close to me” Jill said, stepping forwards with you in tow.
You strayed over to the left as the two of you passed by the deceased and rapidly decaying body. The stench was so strong that your hand flew up to cover your nose, hoping that if you ignored what was happening around you, it would give you a slight ease.
Jill spun around at the sound of a low throaty groan piercing the chilly breeze, her form tensing as she shoved you behind her in a body block. Her hands gripped the pistol as she lifted it into the air and aimed at the newly staggering zombie that had drifted around where you’d both just emerged from.
You suppressed a small noise of discomfort as you watched her empty a total of four bullets deeply into the squishy skull of the undead, its body dropping like a sack of potatoes.
“Okay” She breathed. “Let’s go” Her body turned and she guided you carefully along the rest of the way until you reached another stretch of road.
You gasped. “Jill, we gotta hurry. There’s a crowd” You warned, hurrying ahead of her slightly in a desperate attempt to lengthen the distance between yourself and the horde of dead people behind you.
“Watch out!” Jill suddenly shouted, her body piloting forwards as her arms encircled your waist to haul you back from a falling sign that smacked heavily against the road, sizzling and flickering as it stood as an obstacle in your way.
“Fuck….thank you. That would’ve been such a disappointing way to go after all of this” Your hands clasped against her arms where she still held you, heaving and internally screaming for a break of some sort.
Jill unlatched her arms and then eyed the sign. “You’re welcome. Saved you from a dissatisfying death” She flashed a small grin and then dropped down to her hands and knees. “Afraid the only way through is underneath. Come on, carefully. Follow my lead” She instructed gently.
“My hero” You chorused, slowly dropping down and wincing softly at the feeling of the rough pavement and small pieces of glass lingering on your body as you followed her.
Once you were both safely crossed over to the other side, she led the way as you both headed towards a fence that cut into another small alleyway.
“I’m sorry you came out of your apartment just to end up on the run with me from my monstrous stalker. Can’t have been what you imagined your night being like” Jill made idle conversation as the two of you momentarily caught your breath after all the relentless running and fighting.
You huffed. “It was either this or get blown up with the rest of that complex, I’m glad you found me. I, uh…I thought about checking on you a few weeks before this all happened because you’d been in your apartment for so long without any interactions” You admitted to her.
Jill’s expression grew slightly tight. “S’okay. I was actually on house arrest sorta ever since coming back from my previous assignment with the remaining of my team. I was booked, a hot date with memories I didn’t want and a fuck ton of sleeping pills. More than I should’ve taken actually” She grew sheepish.
You didn’t pry. “You sure got a lot of pizza delivered though” Your small turned embarrassed as you admitted this accidentally.
She laughed. “Sure did. I’m not touching another pizza for a long time after this” She commented.
Your smile turned teasing. “Aw, so I can cross a pizza date off?” You went for a joke, trying to lighten the overall mood.
Jill was about to reply when a spotlight shone down on the two of you as a helicopter whirring could be heard above. Possible rescue team had actually arrived here.
“You two down there! Get to the parking garage roof!” A loud voice echoed from above.
Looks like you got your next destination. Hopefully a safe place out of this nightmare-ish reality.