CHAPTER ONE
                                                                 {Season One Episode One} 

WOODS SOMEWHERE

Mariella swung her knife around her hand in a circle. She hated taking the night watch with Garnett, but Warren was taking care of Nana. She was supposed to be meeting with Sketchy and Skeezy in the morning to see if they've found her a new weapon, her bat had finally broken after hitting a Z over the head. The wooden bat had honestly lasted her longer than she expected it too.

However her taking Warrens watch meant she wouldn't be able to sleep until later in the day. Her walkie crackling is what stopped her in her tracks, it was the one her and uncle shared. The best walkies, they bounced any towers and you could get a hold of one another no matter how far. Just not other countries. Anywhere in the states though.

Ever since the Z's came about they hadn't been that far away from each other. Once she had found her way to Garnett they had stuck close together. "Marie." Garnetts voice called through the device as she pulled it up.

"Copy."

"At the waters edge. Could use some back up." She rolled her eyes a bit before she pressed down on the button.

"Is Warren not meeting you?"

"She is. Could use you too." Marie let out a sad smile as she knew that Charles was lying. The girl hated guns. She would be of no use to him. "It's okay. Nothings expected." He spoke again assuring her before she nodded to herself.

"One minute." She replied before strapping the walkie back to her belt. As she jogged her way through the trees she thought back to the last time she had fired a gun, that was the worst day of her life. It instilled so much fear into her that despite having one, she had never shot it since that night. Even touching it gave her goosebumps and a dark pit in her stomach.

When she reached the edge of the water, she spotted Charles and Warren both already there. "Been watching them for a while, far as I can tell it's just two males." Charles spoke, neither of them having heard the younger girl. "See what they want. We can always turn them back around." He spoke before clicking the flashlight to signal them.

"We should've let them keeping going." Mariella spoke and Warren jumped slightly.

"You've gotta stop that." The older woman spoke almost with a scolding tone to the younger one who smiled sheepishly.

"Habit. Sorry." She apologized before she focused back on the boat that was coming closer towards the shore. "I'm serious though, I have a bad gut feeling about this." Mariella explained before Warren rubbed her shoulder and Charles glanced back.

"It'll be okay, sweetie." Warren soothed.

"How did Nana's eighth go?" Charlie asked and Marie side glanced him.

"Very good." Warren spoke softly causing a small smile to tilt the younger girls lips. Nana was a good woman. "Good people." Marie nodded in agreement.

"Thanks for doing it, I just uh can't anymore. Too many." Marie put her hand on her uncles shoulder trying to provide him with some comfort. She hated the Z's but she also loved the world that they had given them.

Her uncle was a better man because of this world. "It's okay. She was ready to go." Warren spoke and Marie smiled.

"Aren't we all?" She asked and the two chuckled lightly at the younger of them.

"Ah, here they come." Warren spoke and Marie tensed slightly.

"I'll handle the meet and greet, you two cover me from here." Garnett spoke Marie nodded before she felt her right hand graze the pistol strapped to her thigh. Goosebumps already crawling through her skin. Her uncle had made sure that she had one despite her protests to keep it. Better safe than sorry he had told her at the time.

"Any problems, you hit the ground. We'll handle the rest." Warren spoke and Charles walked towards the edge she glanced towards the younger Garnett. They both understood her words. Warren would handle it.

"That's far enough gentlemen. Identify yourself and state your business." Her uncles voice carried towards the two as Marie shifted on her feet nervously. "Team of snipers has you covered, so sudden moves." He spoke and Marie observed the dark man in the boat.

He had a long white scar across his face and was wearing a military uniform. This far into the apocalypse and he still held onto the uncomfortable clothing. " Lieutenant Mark Hammond. Delta force." He spoke and Marie made eye contact with Warren.

"Is there still a government?" She whispered towards the woman who shook her head.

"We would've heard back." Warren spoke and Marie focused back to the conversation at hand.

"I'm on a mission from what's left of the government and I need your help." He spoke and she raised her eyebrows. So there was still a government.

"What mission? From what government?" Garnett asked and Warren shifted. Hammond shook his head before speaking.

"Look to be honest I don't know if anyone who gave me the order is still alive. I do know it's imperative that I get this man to a medical lab in California. Alive." He spoke and at Warrens first step Marie followed right next to her.

"Well I guess I won't shoot him. Yet." She threateningly said as she turned her gun to the side. Marie was very thankful for the people who could handle guns.

"Who is he? Some kind of doctor?" Garnett asked and Marie watched as the man looked down almost holding back a sigh.

"Yeah not exactly. His name is Murphy, and he may be the last best chance to save humanity." Marie scoffed lightly as she watched Garnett move his light over to the man in the brown jacket.

He seemed to cower away from the light before he looked up through his hair with a glare. One that Marie instantly returned. She already didn't like this guy.

CAMP BLUE SKY

By the time the group of four made it to the gates Marie heard a voice call out. "Little G! You coming?" Doc called and Marie stared up at her uncle, asking if he still needed her. He shook his head and as she stepped closer to give him a hug she decided against it. She didn't want these men to know they were related.

"Little G?" Hammond asked but the girl was already walking towards the trio who were stood at the edge of the camp. She knew Warren and Garnett wouldn't tell him what he wanted to know.

"Didn't think you were gonna make it." Addy stated as she fell into step with them.

"Who were those guys?" Mack asked and she met his eyes before she shrugged.

"Long story, tell you later." Marie told them as they walked before she rubbed her tired eyes. "Man those two idiots have better got my new weapon." She spoke tiredly as Mack chuckled at her before Addy patted her shoulder.

"I'm sure they do. It's been long enough, the real question is are they gonna hold up to the deal?" She asked and Marie rolled her eyes.

"They better. These are my last four cigarettes." She spoke sternly before Doc laughed causing the three to look over at him.

"Man It's when you talk like that I'm reminded that you're Garnett's niece." He said and Marie rolled her eyes lightly. Mack ruffled the youngest of the groups hair messing up her braid even more.

"Don't touch the hair! When Addy braided it she nearly ripped it all out." Marie cried as she heard Addy scoff.

"I didn't. You're just sensitive, we could always cut it short. Keep anything from grabbing it." She said and Marie touched the end of her braid. It started at the top of her head before circling down and to her left side.

"No." She spoke before she picked up her speed and fell into step with Doc. He started rambling about something but her mind wasn't really there. Thinking back to her mother.

ROAD CLEARING

"Hey! If it isn't Little G and Doc!" He called out waving and Marie felt a small smile tug at her lips.

"Sketchy!" Doc called wrapping the other man into a hug. The con artist smiled before pulling Marie into a hug, his hand falling dangerously close to her ass. She rolled her eyes pulling away before she looked at him expectantly a hopeful twinkle in her eyes.

"I've got it don't worry." He spoke and she smiled at him.

"Really?" She asked and he nodded before opening the back of the truck. He pulled out a short sword that was put away in a leather holder, a single strap hanging from it.

"We always deliver." He spoke and Addy and Mack broke the clearing smiling at the adorable look on Marie's face.

"Still four cigarettes right?" She asked and the man nodded.

"Gotta keep my word for our favorite girl." Sketchy said as she smiled before pulling the cigarettes out of the tin can and passing them to him as he passed her the sword.

It was smaller and lighter than she thought but she wasn't going to complain. It was wider than she thought but she seemed to like it. Seemed sturdy. She took it out of the sheath as Sketchy engaged with Mack and Addy while Skeezy and Dox started their trade.

The cool metal of the handle felt good against her hand, as she noticed it wrapped around the handle and onto the blade slightly. She twirled it in her hand before tossing it up and catching it again. She liked the weightlessness of the weapon.

It meant she would only need one hand to swing it. She had been in her own world with the weapon before a Z breaking the trees broke her out of that world. She raised the sword with both hands before slamming it in the temple of the Z.

The blade slid out easily as a small smile made it way onto her face. She liked this sword. Way easier to wield than a wooden bat.

"Nice. You alright? That was a little close." Mack's voice caused her to glance over a small smile on her face.

"Yeah, that was a fast one." Addy chimed in and Mariella huffed out a small laugh.

"I'm okay." She sent the two a smile as Mack patted her shoulder as she turned to Sketchy. "I love this thing." The man chuckled and nodded before everyone focused on the Z that had magically appeared.

"Hey, isn't that Red Hansen?"

"Oh Z's got Red? Damn! He was one our best customers, tough as bullets." Mariella sucked on her teeth at Skeezy's words.

"Looks like his bullets ran out." Addy glanced over at her almost with a scolding look but the younger girl just shrugged. People died all the time, it was the zompocalpyse after all. As long as her people didn't die she didn't really care. Maybe it was cold and heartless but she's lost more than enough.

"I wonder if his brothers know?" Skeezy asked and then growling and leaves crunching sounded through the woods.

"Yeah I think so cuz here they come." Sketchy spoke and Mack pulled out his gun stepping forward. As the first Z broke the tree line Mack shot the bullet hitting its mark and killing the Z. Addy stepped forward with the second one hitting it twice as a way to test out the bat the two traders had given her. Mariella watched as Mack came over and shot the Z finally giving it mercy.

"Wasn't there four of the brothers?" Mariella asked and right after she stopped talking a Z broke through the trees and grabbing onto Mack who held it back as best he could by the neck.

"Mack!"

"Mack!"

Her and Addy yelled for him before two shots rang out and the Z fell. Marie glanced towards Sketchy and Skeezy who were putting their guns down. She nodded in thanks before letting her sword rest pointed towards the ground.

"Closing Time!" Sketchy called as Doc Skeezy and Sketchy started clearing off the table.

"Hey! Wait!" Marie called rushing towards the van the two drove before going by Sketchy. He paused looking into her eyes as she tapped her sword against her leg in nervousness. "Did you find anything about him?" She asked a vulnerability to her facial expression. The same one she always held when asking Sketchy about said person.

He gave her a sad smile as he rested his hands on the wheel. "Sorry Darlin, We struck out again. I'll keep an eye out and meet you back here same time as always." Marie swallowed thickly before nodding. However before the two could drive away Doc called for Marie. "Say hi to your uncle for me." Mariella laughed shaking her head.

"He doesn't like you." She spoke an amused look on her face as she stepped away and started walking around the van.

"I know!" Sketchy called before they peeled off onto the road and Doc waved his hand in a hurry motion towards her.

"Come on Little G! Time to get back." He spoke before walking into the trees and Marie glanced over at Mack and Addy, one of who was recording. Before walking into the woods to catch up with Doc.

OUTSKIRTS OF CAMP BLUE SKY

"Holy shit!" Addy exclaimed as Mariella stood in shock gripping her swords handle tighter. Gun shots firing off constantly.

"What happened?" Marie asked as she went to take a step forward but Mack caught her arm tugging her back.

"Wait! Wait!" He called a she struggled more against his hold. "We don't know-"

"Charles is there!" She exclaimed worry crossing all of her features, even her body took a stance they have all come to recognize as uneasy. "We can't leave him there, I can't leave him there." She spoke as Addy wrapped her arms around the shorter girl pulling her into her body. Providing comfort by the tight hold and her body heat.

"We'll radio." Doc spoke before he pulled out the radio ducking down by a log as Mack followed before Addy lowered herself and Mariella with her. "Mayday, Mayday calling camp blue sky. This is Doc with Thompson Carver, and Garnett.  What is your situation? Over."

"Hey Doc. What's going on? What's going on?" Mariella's body slackened at hearing her uncles voice he was okay. She looked back at the camp seeing it become engulfed in flames.

"Oh God." She spoke bringing her free hand to cover her mouth.

"Garnett thank God you're alive. We thought everyone was dead!"

"I'm not at camp blue sky. Whats happening?" Doc spoke through the radio before Garnett's voice came through again. "Wait, say again?" He asked and then an explosion sounded out and everyone watched as the camp blew up. Their home had blown up right in front of their eyes.

"Blue Sky's been overrun. The whole place is.... on fire."

"Survivors?"

"Well there was a ton of gunfire a while ago, but nothing since." Doc spoke into it before it crackled loudly and he slapped the bottom a couple of times. He stood up fixing the strap of his bag. "Come on lets go." Mariella shared a look with Mack and Addy before she stood up following Doc.

"Where do we go?" Mack asked and Marie scoffed lightly adjusting her grip on her sword.

"Charles said he wasn't there, he'll be coming back towards the main road." She spoke jogging between Mack and Doc.

"We should try to get a better look at the camp, he'll be coming back, check for survivors. We'll meet up outside the gates." Addy spoke and Marie nodded before picking up speed to be closer to the front with the red head. They were stopped suddenly at seeing the bus, Marie letting out a sigh of relief. Not everyone was gone.

"Oh." Addy called taking a deep breath. "There's the escape bus." She sounded just as relieved as Marie felt. "Oh they got the kids out." She spoke and Marie felt her cheeks pull into a smile.

"That's great!" She exclaimed. However her face quickly turned into fear and shock as they all saw a Z poke its head through the window. They all quickly went running towards the bus Marie readying her sword slightly. The bus veered off the road hitting a tree as Mack brought his gun up hesitantly.

A Z opened the door to the bus causing them to turn slightly. "Change direction!" Marie yelled just as Mack yelled for them to go. Everyone was dead and that brought a chill over her body. "They're too fast! We'll never make it!" Marie called just as Mack turned glancing behind him like she had been.

"We'll make it!" He yelled back to her as they all started their trek up a steep hill to the main road. However he quickly put his hand up holding Addy from going closer who did the same to stop Mariella. There we four Z's standing on the road blocking their path.

Marie raised her sword getting ready to fight through them but the truck had slammed right into the Z's causing a screech to sound from the brakes being pressed so hard. "Get in!" Garnett called before the dark skinned man from this morning opened the back door. The sound of the Z's from before coming up the hill caused them all to move, she tossed her sword into the back of the truck before hauling herself over the edge helping Addy get into the back.

Mack smacked the back of the truck before yelling out for them to go as Marie stared sadly at the road as the truck moved. The truck whipping her hair even more out of her braid. The group of Z's following after the truck. "May God give you peace." She spoke as she fiddled with her charm bracelet.

Addy reached over and placed her hand on her arm as Mack laced his fingers through Addy's free hand. All three of them finding comfort from each other.

3,047 Words!
THANK YOU FOR READING!🖤❤️
I've had half of this chapter written for a few days and I finally made myself finish it😭