on the subject of shops, brains and dead people.

[Aaron Voegele]

Aaron had traveled a long way since he decided to leave Missouri. He drove north, and made it to Minnesota, to the Mall of America specifically, in Bloomington. It was a seven hour drive, well, about ten hours because of all the congested routes, he had little food left, and decided it would be a good idea to go looking for provisions. It wasn't really smart to go into one of the biggest malls in the country, but he knew he could survive, and he knew there would be food. The mall looked abandoned; it was strange to see such a big place so devoid of life, no matter he would get in, being an Army Ranger taught him more than just how to survive in the wilderness, he also knew how to survive in an urban zone that was filled with tangos. Only difference is that these tangos were carnivorous flesh eating monsters.

He decided instead of going to the main entrance, he would take a different approach, though this was his first time at this mall he knew that they had an underground transit system, he knew he would encounter ghoulie resistance, but he figured there would be less zombies, and that some would be stuck in the light rails. He walked along the track toward the mall, his carbine at the ready. On his way out he had picked up some firecrackers, he figured that could be used as a good diversion to draw them away when he saw fit. He walked into the light rail station that was in the mall, he could hear the moans of the undead and knew it was time to be hyper-vigilant. It was bad that he was going to be in such close quarters with these ghouls, but something was just telling him to go into the mall, something higher. He proceeded to go into the building and sure enough there was resistance, about four ghouls stood in his way. He didn't have time to play around he sprung into action, he charged the closest one to him and smashed it in the face with his stock, backing up he unloaded three well placed shots in to the foreheads of the other ghouls. The ghoul he hit stood back up, he knew he wasn't dead and proceeded to shoot it dead. He worked his way to the entrance of the mall, he didn't have a silencer on his rifle so he didn't want to fire a shot. He saw a group of about 5 zombies ahead of him in the light rail tunnel, he wouldn't be able to sneak past them. He threw the strap of his gun on his shoulder and took out a lighter and a fire cracker, lighting the firework he threw it. It blew up right when it left his hand and caught the attention of the ghouls. He didn't wait Aaron booked it through the entrance and tried slamming the door behind him, he ran to the first floor, hoping he didn't run into anyother ghouls.

[Anna 'Lizza' Maywell]

lizza never thought she'd find herself on a road trip, but that's how it had been. it was just her, her beat down car, and her trusty crowbar. she had been lucky enough to sneak in and out of places, looking for anything she could use or live off of. a new weapon was definitely on her needs list. along with more water, and general supplies. her only problem was that she was roaming around with nothing to carry her things in. not to mention what she needed was a shopping spree. so she found her way to bloomington, heading for the largest landmarks. for starters, the mall. lizza was prepared, planning and plotting in her head. she knew the car was getting old and needed mechanics badly. maybe it was time to search for another. but it was a risky move. she only hoped that the mall wasn't raging with roamers. if that were to be the case, she'd be sure to either get in and out, or pass the place completely.

there were perks to being alone. it made things easier for her and she was used to it. lizza had managed plenty alone already, seeing anyone hadn't even crossed her mind. any down time she may wonder if there are other survivors. she even has mistaken her family for some roamers before. the thought of other human beings, that are not undead, only brought dread more than hope. it was a strange way of seeing things but lizza didn't have much going for - she never really had.

the blonde had made it to the abandoned lot, cautiously sauntering to the entrance of the mall. she ran a hand through her stringy hair before gripping her crowbar in her on hand a bit better. after searching around and inside some of the entrance windows, she entered the massive mall. she looked up and around the gigantic place - never once have been there but now, when there weren't any live people to talk and shop. in a matter of seconds her mind was set back into her state of focus. she wasn't exactly thinking of what she needed at the moment, her plan was to grab whatever could be useful.

nothing seemed to be working and lizza instantly made her way to a bathroom. after checking every bathroom stall, she looked at herself in the mirror and sighed. taking a moment there as she stared at her reflection for a moment, lizza thought of water. trying the sinks, she was lucky enough that one had offered her nice drops of water. she used the bit of water to pat her face and her arms, even her legs some. lizza took advantage of it as long as she thought was alright. opening the door quickly and walking out, lizza soon found herself walking down the mall. looking into one of the stores carefully, the blonde didn't hesitate to snatch a bag off the ground. she looked inside and found it empty. well it could still be of use to her.

lizza walked around and couldn't find much use in the place. she walked right past a sleeping roamer, one that had been sitting on a bench. she stopped dead before backing away. although it began to wake. she swiftly went back where she came from before hearing the shuffling of feet. she crouched down wondering what else was in her, making all of the racket. it was terrible and not safe. she rushed to the next floor upstairs, almost hopeful as to what could be up there. she had run into any other roamers, but she was sure there were plenty around the mall. not finding much, or rather not having a good feeling about the place, lizza made her way quickly down the stairs and back to the first floor. she rushed to the entrance. there wasn't anything she needed to risk to get in this place.

the blonde flipped back her long hair but came to a sudden halt at the sight of someting going straight towards the entrance. it was moving more than any roamer would be able to. she crouched down again, tip toeing closer but being hidden by one of the stands in the mall. she checked around herself before looking back. maybe she could sneak up on it and ram it in the head. with the crowbar she was able to kill quietly for the most part.

and yet, without thinking it much further, lizza stepped her way with determination to get out without any disturbances. she raised her arm with the crowbar tight in her grasp, realizing that it was a man. a living man! her eyes widened at the sight of another human being. it was strange and some kind of hope struck her in that moment. "oh my god..." that feeling was soon replaced by fear. she looked up to the second floor, knowing the roamers were wandering up there. her eyes traveled back to the man and she backed away, almost wanting nothing to do with him. her car was just outside, but she doubted it could take any more miles. who knew how much time she had now with this man and his guns. "where the hell did you come from?" she mused with a distinct and uneasy frown on her soft face. she cocked her head to the second floor, curious as to what was lurking up there. she had only covered maybe and inch of the place compared to its greatness.

[Cole Peyton]

Cole slowly made his way to the apple store, he found behavior of the person he just ran into pretty odd, and had to find if there was any particular reason for it. Then again, she just about blew him away, so maybe it wasn't the smartest thing to "surprise" her again. As he inwardly debated what his next move was, Daryal took things into his own hands and simply addressed everyone within the radius.

He moved up to where Daryal was and finally got the chance to give the girl a lookover. Upon further investigation, he had no idea what to make of her...a pink shotgun? They made those? Well, she obviously was a free spirit. Maybe a little too free by his standards. Judging by the look on her face with being in the apple store, he began to think her sudden outburst may have simply been because of her love of Steve Jobs' innovations.

Daryal's proposed idea was a little risky, especially when he claimed he ran into an infected back in that store. So they were in here, but how many, and where? They'd more than likely find out soon enough, if infected were in here, they were probably smelling humans. "I'm down, might as well do something productive in here." He shrugged. The thought that maybe they would eventually need a quick escape crossed his mind, and so he voiced his concern. "I dunno if locking all the store gates is the best option, what if we need an alternative escape route?" He looked to Daryal and then back to the lady, to gauge if they took it as sense or nonsense.

What about the mass number of infected outside? They surely would be trying to pry their way in, they needed to do something about that, but what? Board up every single entrance? That was his single biggest concern.

[hopeburnsbright]

Jake's eyes softened and he sighed with relief, believing her too be alright. "Well good. What would i do if something had happened to you? life would get boring again." He said with a small laugh.
He let her talk about her phone, and again the guilt stung like hell. how in the hell was he supposed to fix something THAT important? shit he'd messed up big. "Jalen, I'm sorry. I'm really really truly sorry." He said seriously, waiting for her to slap him and he would take it. "I panicked at the noise. but there is no way that i can justify doing this to y-........" Jake froze.
"You almost shot someone? as in there are more people?" Jake asked, hardly able to believe it. When he turned he saw another two men enter the store. Fantastic! absolutely brilliant! Jake's grin widened massively at the sight, however he did bend to pick his knife from the floor, immediately holding it in a nonaggression way but still. he wasn't stupid.
The one man started making suggestions to head for security and that made a lot of sense to him. if the camera's were working maybe they could even check where the infected were! that would save them a hell of a lot of time and keep them safe. sure there were other good reasons but that was the main one to Jake.
"Sounds like a plan to me." he agreed enthusiastically before pausing. "oh and seeing as this is the kinda world where we can die any second, I'd like to add that I'm Jake and it's nice to meet you both." Jake added with a small nod to the two males.
He was about to start towards the door when Jake stopped. looked at his feet. and sighed. "You three can go. I'll be right behind you all." he said, his tone making it clear he wasn't all that enthusiastic. "got to find a phone to make up for my rampant stupidity." He said, giving Jalen a small grin.

[Jalen Steele]

Jalen smiled at Jake using her model smile. It was pretty and sweet and put everyone at ease and easily hid her true feelings or emotions. "So you did break my phone." It wasn't an accusation more like an off handed statement. She didn't mean any ill will towards him. Though her face lit up with a mischievousness in her eyes. She had a brilliant idea on how Jake was going to help her. She needed to go after Trust. Oh dear God she forgot about Trust. She needed to get shoes and go after Trust. What if he died because she had taken too long to save him?

"What people? Oh yeah. There," she said just as he turned and the two guys were walking up. Jalen hadn't seen the big black guy, but she wasn't going to say that. Instead she just eyed him and adjusted her stance slightly as the two men approached. She wasn't sure what they wanted and though Jalen didn't know Jake and knew Jake would destroy her things and curse at her she had a gun and was prepare to kill all 3 in case they were all working together. As the guy spoke Jalen's eyes narrowed slightly. She wasn't one to be told what to do and she didn't like how this guy was coming off; cop or no cop. She opened her mouth to tell him where he could stick his orders when Jake started talking. Jake was following along and Jalen had to admit it did sound like a good idea.

"I'm Jalen Steele. Now before we start going off half cock, Mr. Officer, how about we come up with a real plan. What you suggested was a goal, but no real means on how to do that. Plus aside from the uniform why should I trust that you aren't going to kill me or him. I like his idea," Jalen pointed at Cole the guy who's name she didn't get either. Hell, until Jake said his name she didn't know his name either. "We shouldn't close up all the shops. What if someone wants to go in one? I think we should go to the security office like you said and check out the cameras. See where they are and eliminate them one by one. There's weapons and ammo in that shop over there and -"

Suddenly there was a muted explosion. Jalen screamed and clutched Jake's arm. She stared at the 3 people. "I don't think we're alone. Where did that come from? I think some dumb fucktard has heard the signal and decided to blow the place up." Jalen turned to Jake. "And you thought my phone was a bad idea. What do you think a grenade is going to do aside from ruin the infrastructure of the damn building. What if the fucktard had just blown a hole into the mall. WE'RE ALL GOING TO DIE!"

Jalen felt herself being pushed back and Jay take over. She took in a deep breath and stepped away from Jake. Her voice was cold and calculating as she took in the situation. "Here's what we need to do. We need to check out the explosion. Make sure we are still secure in this building. To do that we need to get to that security room and check the cameras. Sees who's here and psycho. After we handle that then we can slowly exterminate the walkers and runners?"

[Daryal Taylor]

Daryal listened to the young lady complain and try to take charge, so he ignored her. He decided he was better off as he was earlier, on his own. As she continued to talk he walked away, heading toward the hallway leading to the security office. Suddenly a loud popping was heard, something underneath them. It sounded like a gunshot. As Jalen started screaming in a panic, Daryal headed down the hallway tunnel.

He held his axe firmly in both hands as he passed each corner in the darkness, a few florescent lights flickered as he continued. He reached a a door in the center of the hall, but it was locked. He easily smashed off the handle with his axe and entered.

It was the security room. There were dozens of monitors flickering on and off, and a few of them had good enough feeds to view. He looked at the monitors for any sign of life...or un-life. He saw two people near one of the entrances. One male and one female, it appeared as if they had just met each other. Daryal looked to the mall map and tried to find their location, and when he did he put the map in his pocket and started to head out.

As he exited he heard a noise, almost like a grunt. Then he heard a slight banging against something. He turned back around and realized it was coming from one of the rooms in the security office. He went to the door and saw blood stained on the floor, then heard the noise again. There's a walker in there, he thought. He grabbed the handle with his free hand and slung it open, as a cat burst out and ran off under some of the desks.

"What the ..." Daryal said, almost falling over.

It must have been locked in there somehow, he thought. Then he looked inside the closet and saw an open vent. It was too small for him to manage through, but someone, or something, was using the vent system for transportation. The thought creeped him out, so he closed the door and shoved a desk up to it to block it. Maybe someone was watching them already?

He shook his head of the thoughts and ran out of the office, heading back toward the main halls of the mall.

[Jalen Steele]

Jay wasn't finished with what she was saying when the big black guy just walked away. She stared at his retreating back and rolled her eyes with a huge sigh. "It's a wonder you haven't died yet," she mumbled under her breath as she soundlessly walked away from the group going her own way. She didn't have time for any gung-ho heroes. If he was going to get killed she seriously needed to get her priorities straight. Jay wiggled her toes. Which included getting shoes and then kicking zombie ass to save Trust. Jay knew Trust. If he wasn't inside already he would be holed up somewhere. Hopefully, nearby. She didn't think he would just leave her here by herself. Well, he didn't know about her, but he wouldn't leave Jalen.

Jay stopped in front of a Payless Shoe Store. It only had one light on inside; creating shadows. She went to go inside, but her foot studdered step. What the hell are you doing?

We need shoes, Jalen. I'm getting us shoes.

In there? No! No way.

Look. This is the closest store and I'm not wasting anymore time. We go in here and I'll let you chose the shoes. Jay waited a moment, but all she got was silence. She took a step and this time she wasn't halted by Jalen. She stepped inside the store and hefted the pistol. She walked down the row looking down the first aisle. Empty. The second aisle was also empty. The third isle had someone sitting there. Remembering Jalen's almost blunder she hesitated before firing.

"Look buddy. Unless you want a round in your forehead I suggest you say Hi." The guy stood up. "Last warning." He slowly turned and Jay sucked in a breath. It was a girl. A pregnant girl. A dead pregnant girl. The girl took a step, then another, and another and Jay fired. The kickback was more than she expected, but the shot hit home. The girl hadn't been far when Jay fired. Jay could feel Jalen retreating even further back as she slowly walked up to the girl. Jay's horror grew when she saw the girl's belly was moving almost as if something was clawing it's way out. Jay put the pistol against the stomach and fired. The thing was still moving. She fired again. Still moving. She moved the pistol up and fired twice more before the stomach stopped moving. A zombie fetus she didn't want to see. Ever.

Jay stood up and didn't notice the blood on her clothes and luckily not on her face. She walked over to the next aisle. Empty. The last aisle had half a man slowly dragging himself towards her. After the pregnant girl this zombie was easy to take care of. She just walked behind him and as he tried to turn to grab her she put the gun to his head and squeezed the trigger. He dropped hitting the floor with a small thud.

She glanced up seeing this aisle held her shoe size: 8. She went down waiting for Jalen to stop her. Finally Jalen stopped her at a pair of boots that stopped just below the knees. They were leather or looked leather and the heel was more of a wedge than a heel. They would protect her legs and they looked good with her outfit. Jalen's thought; not Jay. Jay put on the shoes and walked out of the store in time to see someone looking at her.

"I need to make sure Trust isn't here. I need to find that intercom system and I assume it'll be in the security office." Jay didn't waste time getting there. She walked in and checked some of the cameras. There were other survivors here, but she didn't care. There were also zombies in the mall. She didn't even glance at the desk shoved against the closet. She looked over the PA system and started pushing buttons. Once she thought she had the right one she spoke into the mic.

"Trust? Are you in here? Trust if you are here please ... come out into the open." Jay waited a moment looking at the cameras. What if he wasn't here? She would have to restock on ammo and find him. She switch the cameras to look outside and her heart started pounding. There were more and more walkers coming to this mall. If Trust was out there he had long fled or was devoured. Now Jay prayed her only friend had made it inside. "Trust?! Dammit are you here?

[Sgt. Aramil Cassidy]

A hour earlier then when everyone arrived

Aramil and what was left of his team which was only two others not counting himself. Rodriguez and Sasser sat in the back of the SWAT van weapons loaded. They were driving down the roads heading for the transmission that was coming from a mall that had some refugees. They were going to pull them out of there but when they arrived the place was swarming with the infected. All three of them didn't know how anyone in there could survive this long but the transmission was strong and not that long ago. The decided it would be best to take the underground route into the mall through the parking garage. It would be the safest and more direct route into the building.

The only place the transmission could come from was from the security office so that's where they would head to. It seemed unreal but they had come a long way to stop now. The world had gone to shit and half their team was dead. They needed ammo and supplies if they were to continue on surviving. IF this place really was secure they could rest for a few days before moving on. Aramil grabbed his pistol and scout loading them both before getting back in the driver seat. He made a hand motion and they motioned back signaling him that they were ready to attack. Aramil stepped on the gas and headed straight for the underground garage running over a few stray infected in the process. He flipped on the lights and headed straight for the entrance down below.

To his amazement it was empty, not a soul was down here living or infected. Which was bad.. Or at least Aramil thought it was. They arrived at the entrance and got out of the SWAT van that was beat to hell. They got to the door to some department store and found the door wide open. The refuge's must have missed this door when securing the mall. They entered and shut the doors behind them locking them. They wouldn't make the same mistake. Aramil's stomach clenched and his hope died as they found those doors open. It wasn't good for the chances of people alive inside now but still they swore a oath to protect the innocent and save them if they could so they moved forward.

Upon reaching the inside of the mall nothing was to be found only trails of blood leading into some department stores. He motioned for Rodriguez to check it out and moved on with Sasser to the security office. Once the two of them reached the security office They heard gun fire and Rodriguez scream out a blood curdling scream.

"SON OF A B*TCH" Aramil cured out and told Sasser to clear the door and ran back to the department store which happened to be a discount clothing store. The smell hit Aramils nostrils and he snorted at the smell of death trying to enter his body. It was horrific but he kept his pistol raised and entered the department store. He walked slowly and could hear the familiar sound of the infected feeding on flesh. The gushing of blood hitting the tile floor. Aramil reached the back of the shop and found a infected feeding on Rodriguez's face. Aramil lowered his pistol for a second and shook his head. Another team member down now only him and Sasser remained of what was left of his team. The zombie looked up at him finally noticing live warm flesh walking in front of him. It tried to stand up but Aramil put a bullet in its forehead before it could get very far and then another in his own team members head to make sure he didn't get up. He would spare his friend that fate.

Aramil made his way back to the security office and saw the door was open. He raised his pistol and entered the room but it was empty. Only a dead security guard lay near the vent shaft that was open. It must be a access route to the top of the third floor since the elevators shut off at certain times. He crawled into the space and went up the ladder to the top. It was a maintenance access to the roof which then lead down to the floor below it. There was blood on the ladder which lead Aramil to believe the guard was injured and tried to come down here to stop the transmission but died before he could do that.

"Sasser.. Shit" Aramil muttered and hurried up onto the roof. It was empty but a blood trail lead into the open roof access door to the floor below it. He followed it and found it was the security floor and break room for the employees. It was well lit and smelled like death. The survivors here must have had a person that was bitten brought up here as it was completely secluded from the rest of the mall when the elevators were not working at night. As he entered the room further he heard the munching sound and the smell got stronger. His heart fell as he saw Sassers tactical helmet with blood on it scattered on the floor. Her blond hair just in view and as Aramil came around the corner he saw the horrific sight. Two dead walkers laid next to her and the last one feeding on her insides. They were strung all around her dead body and in the infected beast's mouth. He face blank without pain of what was being done to her body. Many bite marks were seen on her shoulders and neck. She got ambushed by the infected and took them all down but one.

Aramil put a bullet into the zombies head and walked over to her body. He knelt to her side and looked into her eyes, but closed them quickly. They held the shock in them of her death and the pain that the infected had done to her. Aramil shook his head, his whole team now dead he was the only one left. The good new was that this place was secure now once again but a mess and he was alone now.

Present time

Aramil had decided to keep the broadcast promise and provide what it offered, security, food, and shelter from the infected. Aramil had cleared the body's from the shelter upstairs and threw them off the roof into the horde. It would keep them busy and off the doors for awhile. He then cleaned up all the blood from the room making it look good as new. It would be unsettling for survivors to come to a gore infested safe house. As Aramil tossed over the last body and went to go inside he heard a window shatter then a car alarm go off. He rushed to the other side and saw a man running from a car with a bat. He must be trying to get inside and used the car as bait.

Turning back he rushed inside the secure shelter and grabbed his weapons along with his mag light issued flashlight. He wanted to be prepared if there was a breach in the mall or if the person was crazy. Aramil then headed for the elevator it was the easiest route down and they were working as it was just now dusk. only issue was it was on the other side of the vent for the security office but that was a small matter. It would also be easier to get everyone up and to safety then a vent shaft would since only one person at a time could get up there. As he came to the ground floor he turned the corner in a jog pistol drawn and flashlight in the other hand turning it on.

He got to the fountain and saw the broken phone on the ground, he followed the noises and talking which was coming from the security office. Then the PA system blasted, Calling out to a man named trust. The woman's voice echoed in the empty mall like a private disturbed concert in your backyard. Upon reaching the security office Aramil saw there was more then one survivor in the mall. He raised his flashlight and pistol to the door remembering his training as the flashlight would blind them from seeing him clearly.

"This is PPD (Portland Police Department), Put your hands up where I can see them and put your weapons on the ground NOW! Or I shoot first and ask questions later! DO IT NOW!" Aramil yelled out to the survivors. Hopefully they all had some sanity in the and would listen to him. He didn't need a Mexican stand off happening with strangers especially with the infected knocking at their door.

OOC: Sorry guys its so long hope you all don't mind the post had to think of a way to get introduced into the thread lol

[Dr. Scott McCoy]

Scott just stood very still waiting for the guy to decided if he was going to kill Scott, or to leave him alone. Scott hoped the guy would decide to just leave Scott alone as he hadn't been doing anything wrong. He knew he probably should not have come into the womens bathroom, but he just hadn't felt like using the mens bathroom with the condition that it was in. The guy finally let go of Scott's shirt, and Scott couldn't help but jump when the guy patted him on the back. Scott had been sure that the guy was going to kill him. Scott just nodded his head when the guy apologized. He had no idea what to say to him. His heart was still pounding so he closed his eyes and rested his head against the wall inside the stall.

After a few seconds of breathing Scott zipped his pants up and walked out of the stall. "Trust?" Scott asked when the guy said that was what he was called. It seemed like a strange name to Scott and he wasn't sure how anybody could trust the guy with how he barged into stalls putting guns to people's heads. There was also a woman in the womens bathroom and Scott watched her while she introduced herself. He was then glad that the guy was the one that had went into the stall and not the woman. "Doctor Scott McCoy" Scott said introducing himself. His voice showed he was still a little annoyed. He was glad to see actual survivors, but it was hard for him to get over the guy called Trust barging in on him. Trust apologized again, and Scott nodded his head and sighed. "I understand you did what you thought you had to do." Scott said.

Scott went over to one of the sinks farthest from the sink that Trust and Abby were at, and he began washing his hands trying not to eavesdrop on Trust and Abby's conversation. When Scott was done he dried his hands and looked over to see Trust smiling at him. Scott smiled back then looked away to look around the room. He didn't want to bug the two, but he also didn't want to leave right after actually meeting survivors. "So have you known each other long?" Scott asked trying to start a conversation. It was a stupid question, but he wasn't able to think of anything else. He leaned against the wall right by the sinks. He still stayed a few feet away from the two so they didn't feel uncomfortable with him being there.

[hopeburnsbright]

Jake gave the officer an apologetic grin. "sorry. She's like that. For what it is worth? i liked your plan." He said weakly before sighing and heading after Jalen, because lord knew that someone had to keep an eye on her.
Jake HATED loud noises. With Jalen gra bbing onto him, Jake was able to stop himself visibly panicking as his head dove from left to right to try and figure it out.
And then weird things started to happen to Jalen, she was acting more confident, more serious, more...... dangerous. Jake didn't know why, but he liked it. She was pretty much the same Jalen (her heading for a store for shoes proved that) but the way she carried herself was almost cocky. She had always been sexy yeah. This? Jake couldn't think of her as anything other then death on legs and it was beyond almost every chick he had ever seen.
Twirling his knife in his hands, Jake looked at it and scrunched his nose at the amount of blood on it, so as he walked, he scraped the edge of the blade against the wall as he walked, it made a horrible noise and didn't do anything to help get rid of the blood so he stopped.
And then Jalen was yelling about Trust. Oh yeah, Jake had forgotten about her friend. He felt bad. honestly he did.
"I think-" Jake began before a guy burst in, started yelling and aiming a gun in their faces.
Like any other, only-just-sane man. Jake immediately tossed his knife to the floor at the cops feet, raised his hands. he then took several steps to the left and put himself between the cop and Jalen. No way was he going to let her get shot because of one trigger happy guy. She was worth more then that. More then Jake, and well worth dying for.
He laughed, rolling his eyes. "Look. asshole. You're a cop? that don't mean shit. what you are is another fuck with a gun. And you are either gonna kill me or you're not. same as every other fuck with a gun." Jake paused and smirked at Jalen, "You're not one. I like you. But this guy seems to think that there IS a Portland Police Department anymore. Or that i am gonna be put on trial! or that we are gonna trust him because he's a cop!"
Jake looked back at the police officer and grinned. He wasn't trying to provoke him, but he just didn't care anymore. "There were a LOT of good cops man, and i trusted the law when there was any. But I'm sorry. It's over. You're not a cop any more. I'm not a tech support worker anymore. We're alive. that's all. and all we have left to prove you are a good and sane man is trust and faith. Please. put the gun down, show us that we don't have to fear you. Please. I WILL NOT LET HER DIE BECAUSE YOU ARE UNWILLING TO BE HUMAN!" Jake finally yelled at the cop, the stress of the moment getting to him.
He didn't even realize Jalen meant this much to him. the hell had that happened?

[Daryal Taylor]

Just as Daryal was about to leave the young girl from earlier ran in and started messing with the intercom system. She began to speak into it, clearly not knowing it was off. Daryal walked over and pushed the 'on' button for her and smiled.

"I'll help you find your friend," Daryal said.

Suddenly a noise came from the hall. Daryal pulled out his handgun and took cover near the door, he used his hands to motion for the girl to be quiet. Then a voice came out:

"This is PPD (Portland Police Department), Put your hands up where I can see them and put your weapons on the ground NOW! Or I shoot first and ask questions later! DO IT NOW!"

"Oh hell no," Daryal said. "Well this is NYPD mother f*cker, you put your hands up and put your mother f*ckin' weapons on the ground b*tch! Or I'm gonna f*ckin' shoot first and then kick your dead ass in the head!"

Daryal found himself turning back into the way he was in his old days on the streets, before he was a cop. When it was kill or be killed, much like it is again these days.

He winked at Jalen, assuring her that he had the situation under control...

[Makaio "Trust" Memorare]

Makaio's eye's lit up when the man said his name. It wasn't the name that made him so happy. It was his prefix. Doctor. Was he a medical doctor or one of those people who assumed the title of doctor but really had nothing to do with the medical field but instead worked on computers or journals or something bazaar like that. Why were those people called doctors anyways? It's not like their journalism was anything like going into surgery.

Either way Makaio smiled as he saw Abby reveal her injured wrist. He smiled softly, trying to affirm her to make sure he had faith it wasn't a bite wound. He looked back at the man as he asked a question. It seemed that it wasn't that apparent that they were strangers. Which wasn't something he had thought about. Only about a week ago he hadn't met anyone himself. Now this was the third and fourth persons he had met. Makaio shook his head. He could come up with some lie, but that was pointless. This man seemed harmless, actually he could possibly be a huge help to them. Makaio turned his head to Abby and his lips curved into a soft smile. Just looking at her he felt like he had known her for a long time. Which didn't logically make sense. But he answered the man while looking into Abby's eyes gently with his hazel eyes.

"No, we just met when entering the mall ourselves."

Makaio then looked down at Abby's wrist, then back over at the man he almost just killed. Hoping Abby wouldn't mind his next suggestion, but it just made sense to him.

"You a Doctor Fo' Real? maybe Jalike to look at her wrist and help out in some way Braddah?"

Makaio looked over to Abby with a concerned look to make sure that it was okay with her if this man looked at her wrist instead. It made sense, if he was a doctor he could actually help. The most Makaio could do was wash it and put a bandage on it. But maybe that was all that could be done? He didn't know but he didn't mind letting someone who could actually do something look.

Before the man could answer the sound of the intercom hazed on and sudden there was a loud booming familiar voice; an it was yelling his name. The blood instantly drained from his face. He felt like he just heard a ghost. He just remembered the Jalen. The woman he came here with. They were separated, but now she was looking for him. She seemed worried.

Makaio didn't think. "Lolo Buggah! I'll be back!" He exclaimed as he quickly turned and ran out of the bathroom. He had no idea where he was running to or what he would do when he got there. He just started running. Back out into the darkness of the Macy's. As Makaio ran he instantly his a desk, which his eyes couldn't focus on yet. Hitting the desk

[/color=white]"'Ey!"[/color]

Makaio pushed himself away from the desk and began to fast walk through the store. His hands out to block himself from bumping into a number of other things. As he walked he kept his eyes on the light of the rest of the mall far ahead. It felt like it took him an hour but once he got out he ran out to the middle of the walk way. Looking around as his Hazel eyes began scanning as if he was going to see her in person. Then it hit him. He just left Abby alone in the bathroom with someone he wasn't sure if he could trust. How Ironic. Makaio wasn't really that trust worthy after all. Makaio shook his head and pushed his face into his palm and shook his head. Once again he was acting without thinking.

"Junk friend I am...." He muttered to himself as he looked back and forth between the rest of the mall and the dark Macy's. What should he do? Go back or push on into the mall alone looking for Jalen. It was the fact that he know where Abby was and that she might be in danger that drove him. He went running back into Macy's, his eyes scanning over the blanket of darkness as he tried to make his way back through the maze of clothing racks. His senses being clouded by the scent of perfumes as he scurried back towards the woman's bathroom.

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ATTIRE Pic at top of post CREDIT sam ! of Confronting the Faceless. Don't remove the credit or I will find you. LYRICS young – hollywood undead NOTES Still not feeling to great, sorry it's not the best post. WORD COUNT 810

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[Abby Kramer]

[/color] she called after him in that quiet way she did when surprised, but he was gone and out, she stood watching where he had just exited, and then looked down to the tile, allowing her eyes to drop and shoulders to childishly slump.

Of course he had come here with someone else! Of course he they were his priority. Like the doctor had just asked if they had known each other long and the answer was no, so why would there be any reason for him to stick around with some he just bumped into. She turned back to the man in the bathroom and gave a weaker smile. Now it felt awkward expecting him to inspect her wound, she was tempted to roll down her sleeve and conceal it just like she would conceal these memories of the monsters once someone got around to cleaning the mess up. She felt like rocking back and forth on her heals nervously, and asking what he thought the odds were of Trust coming back were. But that was too high school, and this was a grown man who would wonder how a child survived this long.

Instead she smiled weakly and made small chat, "How many people do you think survived? I've only ran into two people so far, one being Trust and you're the third." The nervous chatter was all she could muster up. She wondered if the other survivors were gathering she wondered if this place was really safe and secure. She wondered who had sent out the original broadcast, and she wondered if she would see Trust again.


word count: 584

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