Inevitability
Better Days

March, 2004. There are so many things starting to go on at once. Somebody commited suicide right in front of us a while back and there was nothing we could really do since he seemed to be so lost. It just isn't right for someone to kill themselves when others are still alive!

I guess it's not my room to argue especially at a time like this. There was another one of those demon things in a hotel that we found in our last town. I wasn't ready for anything since it happened almost right after the one that crashed through the church window. I didn't have much of a stomach for seeing so much death but I'm growing use to it the further we go on. The zombies are now the least of our worries now that we know there are more of those demons running around.

In that hotel I thought for sure that he wouldn't make it out alive. When he told me to run I wasn't sure if I should or not so I threw him one of my pistols and hoped for the best as I went down to the floor below. I didn't know it but it wasn't safe there either. After hearing loud gunshots and roaring from that beast it got quiet. I was worried and almost started back up the stairs again until I heard a huge crash into the room adjacent from the one I was in. The monster burst through the wall and rolled on the floor just feet away from me soon after.

I was glad to see that my companion wasn't dead. He climbed out of the hole in the wall and ran over to me immediatly. "Give me your gun!" he said and it took me a little bit to do so since I wasn't sure if the beast was dead or not. As soon as it started moving I handed my other pistol over and ran down the stairs and out of the hotel just as he told me to.

While waiting outside I heard faint shots and then some screaming. I couldn't distinguish if it was from the monster or not. I think it was about half an hour later that I was blessed by seeing my trench coat wearing savior step out of the old, desecrated building dragging behind him the arm of the beast. He seemed a little too satisfied with it to me but then again it was his first time to face one of those things by himself and live. When I saw his wound I had to patch him up in case he might get an infection so I took him back to the car and did so. For once I actually felt like nothing was wrong with the world while I healed his wound and put a couple banadages around his head. He was very cooperative with me and didn't seem to fuss with the alcohol although I did see him wince from the stinging.

I guess there's always a certain time that you forget about the biggest problem in the world and just have a different view on what's happening. You can't stay mad or depressed all the time. Things change and I guess you just have to adapt to it sometimes. Now everything seems a little tense since we seem to be getting closer to the town that this Justin Reese worked in. If anything's what it seems then maybe this whole thing was just an accident but then why did it have to be this big of an accident?

I hope we find some answers here instead of more zombies or demons. I just want everything to be over alredy but I know it won't just go away. Why does everything have to be so hard? Sometimes I wish that maybe I should've given up a while ago.

May, 2004. Oh God. I just want out of this now! I don't know how much more I can take! It just keep getting worse and it feels like there's no stopping it! I hope somebody will find these pages and be able to understand my angst. I guess I should start from when we entered the town to let you in on why I'm so fucking upset.

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Once we drove into the town the place looked just the same as any other town or city we visited before. Nobody there from it seemed but we still had to make sure. We found shelters along the way which took up most of our time but the only thing inside were either canned food or bodies of the unfortunate. I decided to search the houses and leave the rest to my only friend left. There wasn't really anything to search for in the houses except the occasional bullets and supplies we needed. We wasted most of our ammo on the demons and the zombies before we realized it.

After a few days we decided that nobody was left alive here at all. There weren't any zombies either which worried me more than anything. The biochemical place that Mr. Reese was employed was at the other end of the town and we'd get there soon enough. It seemed that Jenkins' friend couldn't wait though but he eventually settled down and agreed we needed more time to search before we went into something like that. The last couple of towns were small enough to go through in a day or so. A week at most. This town seemed much larger and a lot more cumbersome than the past two. Either way we had to go through it and find any survivors that have been fending the living dead off by themselves.

Days went by like they were thrown at us. It was getting hotter and I wondered why he kept wearing that trench coat. Maybe he felt secure with it. I know I felt secure whenever I was near him so I guess that was it. There were a few times we almost mistook a zombie dog for a real one since they walked normally but we saw what they were before t they got too close to us.

Many times I wondered how long it'd take us to trudge through each city until we found a survivor who wasn't suicidal. It was a pain to search in every spot someone may have hidden. It was always for the best though in case we actually did find someone. We did manage to find a couple dog tags in some rubble. So some people here were either in the army or have served in it sometime. The whoel world now reaked of rotting flesh. There was almsot no place you could go to not smell it.

During our time in this particular town though, we did spot someone or something running in the woods. If it was person then maybe they'd spot us. If not then we were ready with what ammo we had left. We weren't about to die now after coming so far. I'm not sure but I think that maybe there are some survivors left but I just wish I knew where. I mean we've been searching for about half of a year almost. Things should be able to change soon but how soon? What if it's never?

I learned that if Jenkins' friend can't fix something then he does the best thing for it. "Fuck it," he usually says and then either leaves it alone or smashes it to pieces. I can understand since it does get really frusterating now that we know there's probably nobody alive. I've had to calm him down a few times since he wouldn't stop hitting a safe with a pipe. He did manage to open after about ten more minutes of repeatedly banging the hell out of it. Nothing was inside but then again that wasn't a big surprise. Most people took what they could once they found out about the attacks and fled to what they thought was a safe place. I don't know why but I'm starting to feel an attachment to this man. He does his best to protect me and does a damn good job at it too I have to say. He's always there for me, like he has much of a choice. I wonder if he feels the same way about me? If so then it'll show soon enough.

Well after a few more days we finally got to where he was wanting to go. The biochemical lab was underground but not far. Mainly it was just like a big basement in my opinion since it was right under the building. The elevator worked amazingly enough and still don't know why they put that in there when it was only just right below your feet. As we got inside the whole place looked like somebody went psychotic on everything. Not a thing was intact and glass and wires covered the tiled floor. It may have been a shiny floor once but now it just looked like someone died on it, which is probably exactly what happened.

Metal beams supporting the roof above were bent and mangled as well like something just peeled it back. The electronics of the whole place were fried to a crisp. If I had to guess, about six to eight people could run this little lab. The suprising thing was that was were no electronic locks. Only electronic doors that opened when you got close enough. Giant glass test tubes lined the back wall as well. Every single one of them as busted open and it looks like if something escaped it decided to take out anything in here.

After a few minutes of looking around we decided to stop and wait til tomorrow to search some more. The only thing we found useful in there was some more first aid and medical kits. As we were about to retreat to the car the elevator hummed to life and lifted up. Someone must've pushed the button and brought it up. We waited a moment longer and finally the elevator began to descend back towards us. I hid behind the main console in the small room while Jenkins' friend spread himself against the wall. I was tempted to look over the consol to see if anyone was on it and if they were alive or not. I kept myself down until I heard a squeaky voice yelp out and a few slams against some hard metal.

I finally peeked over the machine and saw some guy being held against the wall in a tattered and worn lab coat. He was squealing and almost on verge of tears for no reason. Well, maybe the slamming could shake up anybody. I rose from my hiding spot and walked over to him as Jenkins' partner let go of his shirt. "Tell me what all this stuff is in here." The guy said nothing and only cowered under both of us. I asked again and this time got a reply. "They were used for experiments designed for military and medical purposes!" he shreaked then winced as if someone was about to hit him. I looked at my new found partner and shrugged, "You can handle him from here." He nodded and began asked questions immediately. I didn't bother to stay so I took the elevator out and waited across the street from the underground lab.

I was just about to give up when I saw our survivor scamper out and behind him was my so-called partner. Neither of them looked to be in the best of moods. When I asked what was wrong he said he'd tell me later. I knew he would but I just hate being patient! I can't stand waiting! Anyways, we got ourselves a little more aquainted with our new guest and told him he could not answer anything that he didn't want to now. I guess he was really shook up in there and interogated pretty bad. He didn't bother answering anything.

We made ourselves dinner and didn't really speak much that night. It really bothered me that we were taking some guy with us now. I know should be happy we met another survivor but the way that Jenkins' friend acted it kind of scares me. I guess he'll tell me when he feels I'm ready.

-----

The next morning we woke up and found out that our little scientist was gone. He must've fled while we just drifted off to sleep since his pillow was ice cold. I decided to ask what happened in that lab between my friend and the scientist. All I got in reply was hesitant stare then a quick change in subject of where to find the guy.

It really started pissing me off but I could bear with it considering we have watched out for each other. He probably thinks what I don't know won't hurt me now. It's kind of strange though since I've come close to death a few times already. The zombies were still their usual selves and just as easy to get around. The only problem with them was that they did get in groups and that slowed us down every now and then.

I also noticed how the zombies have been rotting away over the past since they've been given life. The only features you can make on some now is that they once were human. Some have their whole skull showing and no jaw bone. The brain inside must be coming close to nothing since they're also the easiest to dodge. But, of course, there are ones that look like they have just rose. Sometimes I wonder if those were survivors who just lost when it was so close.

I decided to check less infested parts of the town while Mr. No-Name checked more of the lab. It only took a few hours before we met back at the car. I asked him what that scientist said to him that day but he still didn't want to tell me. By now I was getting really upset. If it was something that could help us then I needed to know it as well! I was just about to scream at him before he lifted his hand as if to silence me. Strange thing is that it worked.

He took the time to think about how he was going to word himself then began. It turns out that those demon things were once people. Prisoners if you really want to be specific. They volunteered themselves and knew of the consequences if the experiment failed. Of course, that wasn't the only lab that was working on them. Others are hidden throughout the world. Japan, Russia, Africa, everywhere. They would even help heal these monsters if they were hurt. The military was wanting a new weapon that could also make soldiers once they died. Turns out, even the scientists couldn't control it.

The reason they changed in appearance is because they gave each one some kind of super-steroid or something very similar. Makes the bones harder, skin tougher, and the person a hell of a lot uglier. They can't think and are driven only by rage and hate. Well, at least I knew what they were now.

I just didn't know how we were going to stop every single one of them and still be standing ourselves. We got in the car and decided to check a few more towns around this area then go to the next big city. Just wish we had brought more ammo.

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It took us about two, maybe 3 weeks to check the surrounding towns. We finally took our chance and went into the big city nearest the lab. It was about the same size as the city I lived in. The one before all this started. Skyscrapers were closely packed as if to keep the sun from reaching the ground. Though there were mostly just skeletons of the skyscrapers now, at least half them were. The roads were lined with rusted and charred cars as well as dried brown spots that were once somebody's blood.

Once we picked a spot that was easy to get to we chose a side of the city to search. I took the Eastern part and began wondering if it was the right choice. He said if anything happens then just do my best and try to find him. Well, I guess it could've been worse.

Every time we decided to scout the urban areas it took a long time. We both knew the risks of being by ourselves with more than zombies running around but it just didn't seem to matter to me. Apartments seemed to resemble those old haunted houses you see in movies. Most of the houses that were only one floor seemed to be in pretty good shape if fire or weather hasn't already taken it's toll on it.

A few hours later I went back to the car and waited. I don't know why he didn't come back. It was reaching night pretty fast and things were starting to appear more intimidating. I could tell he hasn't been back since the time we left and the time I got back. Nothing new has been disturbed or taken. Nothing was missing. Just the way we left the car. Keys in the ignition and ready to go if anything happened. Before I realized it, it was already dark and now I was beginning to panic. More than ever I was starting to feel angry for some reason. I just can't allow myself to show emotion right now. Even if I'm about to die I don't want whatever is killing me to have the satisfactory of seeing me in terror. I kept looking at my watch from time to time and eventually four more hours passed. It was around ten or eleven and I couldn't take it anymore. I grabbed a flashlight and some holsters. I took two pistols and an assault rifle. I've never fired one before but it was a perfect time to try if anything got in my way.

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By morning I hadn't fired a single shot and wasted a few batteries along the way. I was surprised at how empty this place was. Usually there were zombies trapped in basements or closets but there wasn't any. Not that I found anyways. I still didn't want to drive off without my partner. He was the only thing that kept me sane this entire time. I don't think I could keep emotionally stable if he was gone. The car was cold inside but it didn't bother me. All I did was sit in the driver's seat and think about that key. I layed the rifle in the backseat then leaned back deciding to wait a few more hours before I just left.

Maybe a little nap would do me better. I doubt it. I don't see him anywhere. Nothing's moving. Nothing at all. The wind even seems to be still. That last piece I was holding onto is now gone. I turned the key and let the roar of the engine fill my ears. Shifting out of park was a slow process since I kept looking out the windows in hope of seeing him walking out of the shadows or maybe running up form behind me. Nothing. The car began it's slow move foreward as I lightly pushed the gas pedal.

You may have noticed the wet stains on this paper. Those are from my tears of agony. I can't bear to think of him being gone. As I write at this moment the car is two feet from it's original position and stopped. I turned it off already and couldn't help but to wait longer. He wouldn't leave me here, I know it! Shit! Something's moving in the distance.

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I can't believe it! He made it! He's alright and he told me what happened. He fell into a reservoir and when he got himself out it was too cold and freezing to walk back. He made himself a fire and camped out inside one of the skyscrapers. His trenchcoat is tattered and a little worn from everything up until now but he still wears it. Of course he didn't just dry overnight so I quickly fetched him some towels and let him dry off the rest of the way and let him have his own privacy while he changed some clothes. It's strange how it's summer and it's cold as hell at night still. Whatever, it doesn't matter. He's back and I'm happy with that.

His ammo us still good though. Thank God it was too. Not long after we got ourselves situated that already too familiar howl came from a couple miles away. He told me to get in the car and drive away from where it came. I told ihm he'd have to make me do it if I was going to think he wasn't to make it again. We agreed to stay and fight for yet another showdown between brains and brawn. This time around we used over half our ammo supply since the thing just wouldn't fucking die. One of us finally got the bright idea to blow things head off completely instead of just making more holes in it. Nothing of that sort was around so we resorted to the next best thing. I shot out it's right knee and he shot out it's left. The thing toppled over screaming in either pain or envy. Blood was covering the street and it didn't seem to stop even then. It began crawling towards the closest one of us. Me. I unloaded the rest of my rifle into it's right arm crippling it more but it kept coming. Finally, it's left arm exploded into a cloud a pink and red and bits of flesh. Looked like we found our weapon.

I looked to the side to see my friend pushing himself back up from off the ground with some new weapon. It was a long and thick rifle. I don't remember him carrying it to the car but maybe he hid it from me. More than likely he did just as not to make me worry. He walked over to the beast and kicked it over on it's back then stuck the end of the rifle in it's mouth. It screamed again but this time was cut short as the head exploded into a fury of blood and bone. Suprisingly I only got a little on myself but my friend had to change clothes, again. When he fired it that time I saw his feet leave the ground and go up. He fell a few feet away from it and could only smile at me. When asked what gun that was he hid from me he said, "It's an anti-tank rifle. Hard as hell to carry around even harder to fire. Only four shots left too." I laughed and helped him up.

A few hours later we were ready to go and then something started bugging me. Why were traveling West? Why didn't we just stay where we knew the city? When asked him all he could say was, "I Don't really know. I just think something is this way." That's fucking great! We've been traveling for over a year and checking out cities and shelters to find horribly mangled corpses and grotesque scenes only because he THINKS something is the other way! That's what pisses me off! Why can't he tell me things when he starts?! I know I shouldn't get mad but I am. I am fucking pissed! I know I'll get over it, but I don't know how long it'll be from now. Maybe when I wake up next. Either way I hope it's soon.

August or September, 2004. I can't remember what month it is almsot anymore. We've been checking more cities along the way and they just hold the same thing but no answers as to why this all started. The lab's security looked it would've been enough to stop one of those things if they got out but then again, maybe not. Maybe there's a bigger role we're missing. But everyone's dead. Everyone but us. That scientist is probably long gone by now. Oh well, I just hope the end isn't going to take us as well...