Relief

"Ready?" Marionette asked, while stationed on the switch to lift up the garage door located just right about next to it. I feel a little bit uneasy hopping in an automobile. Why? It'll attract most of the attention, judging by the velocity and the sound that this vehicle will emit. A two kilometre walk is by means no joke for us, wondering around in a city swarming with these unknown creatures. It's best to be safe under the protection of a car than on foot. Steeling my resolve, I placed my bag beside my seat and readied my melee weapon in case for emergencies. Both firearms are prepared on our pockets, fully loaded with two magazines each individual. With this, we are now about to venture the void.

I gave Marionette a nod and soon after focusing on what's ahead waiting for us. She too returned the favour, making herself on standby upon hitting the switch.

Despite these dangerous occurrence, Quinn was left unshaken as she grips the wheel tightly while hanging her feet free on either the gas or the brakes.

"Go for it" I shouted. As soon I as I called the signal, Marionette pulls the trigger. In response to these, the wide doors of the garage opened abruptly, making the scenery of what we can call 'zombies' laid on the setting; confused but apart from being alive. Without giving away our chance, Quinn steps on the gas, and soon pressed the nitro engine, to gather all the speed we require to bypass the horde. The car dashes straight forward, looking for a road. I soon searched my map to see any available streets left to be driven. As soon as we got out, the garage door shuts tight with a loud *bang* from behind; as the people inside prays for our safety.

The car was now swiftly moving, intercepting anyone who dares stand on our way. Apparently, a mob had been alerted by the loud noise we had discharged. Large numbers of 'zombies' came running quick enough for a normal person could perform. But alas, most of their efforts are futile against a machine with four wheels, driving for about 70 miles per hour. Despite the car being bought 'brand new', it was now covered in gory ominous blood stains from the monsters we had crashed upon.

Calmly, I began assessing the GPS of my phone and examine the streets and turns we have to make before reaching upon our destination; and of course, a back-up plan in case of any mischiefs to occur during our journey. We're residing in a village, a little bit further from the ones we can call the busy streets of manila. We're heading towards a store not far away from the outskirts of our vicinity, thus heading towards the infamous shop which the neighbours had took a liking for. Its distance is two kilometres ahead upon reaching our destination.

I know for a fact that the streets of Manila is one of the terrible that I had experienced with. Lots of cars, terrible drivers here and there. It couldn't be helped. But the roads here in the village are somehow distinct, surrounded by villas and buildings apart. Thus, the cars filling the road are limited, making our travel getaway faster during this time.

We passed by multiple houses, some of which were even on fire, while others were left unoccupied. May be they were in a rush and left the place in a state of panic? 'There's no point on thinking of that now' shrugging off the trivial thought.

As expected, within less than thirty minutes, we finally arrived at the destination. Fortunately for us, the mobs that had just been tailing us from behind had vanished from sight, unable to catch up. Through my GPS of my phone, the store is just straight ahead besides a street called 'Forbes Park', driving through the 'Flame Tree road'.

The store's entrance stands tall roughly around 20 feet, two storeys, and 250 metres wide. Its doors are tempered with glass that attracts citizens from what's in store for them inside. Surprisingly, even after three months had passed, the interior parts and the goods of the store are left unscratched. It also seems that through the transparency of the glass enables us to see through what's inside, the store is isolated from any living life.

"Let's park around here" Quinn nervously states, as she turns the wheel towards the empty space right across the store. We stopped the car and perfectly stationed it, just like Quinn had intentioned. Observing our surroundings one more time, we finally step foot on our destination

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

*Slams* The garage door slams shut after Grey and Quinn managed to drive straight into the horde. "I hope they're alright" Annette paints from all the tension that had went through inside of her. Who can blame her; for one small misstep could occur then that'll be the end for all of them. As in response, the mobs outside went growling in anger, chasing for the speedy car which had drove right pass at them. While the few, which were roaming around near the garage door, had noticed the gap which the car had went through. In spite, they began knocking from the door, hoping to get pass the obstacle in front of them.

*GROOWL*

Succeeding noises enveloped the room combined with the sinister knocks from the outside. Annette, Rebecca Turner, and Marionette could only hope for the best at the sturdy metal garage door.

"We should head back to the living room" Marionette spoke up, trying to ease the tension laid in their lives.

With a light nod, Rebecca and the others quietly went inside.

45 minutes had passed and their anxieties had took over the atmosphere. Everyone became restless, as if not knowing what they are all supposed to do. While coping around various things over Annette's phone, she stumbles upon the radio, hoping to check for any news related for their survival. As if mocking her every existence, the radio waves are all disclosed with a buzzling tune rendering through her ears.

"Not again" countless times she had tried and countless of time she had yet again failed. With a crushing defeat, she was about turn off her mobile phone but suddenly…A glimmer of hope bathe their expressions as the radio started buzzling through the room

"ATTENTION MGA KAKABABAYAN. NAIS NG GOBYERNO NA MAKIPAGTULUNGAN SA MAMAMAYAN. INAANYAYAHAN NAMIN KAYO PUMUNTA SA ISANG SHELTER SA MANILA CITY HALL. NAROON ANG MGA SUNDALONG MAKAKAPAG BIGAY PROTECTION SAINYO;PAGKAIN SA MGA GUTOM. SA MGA BUHAY AT WALANG SYMPTOMAS, PUMUNTA NA KAYO SA SHELTER (in English "ATTENTION ALL CITIZENS. THE GOVERNMENT WILL PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TOWARDS THE PEOPLE. WE ARE ALL INVITING YOU TO RUSH OVER THE SHELTER HERE IN THE MANILA CITY ALL. SOLDIERS AND RELIEFS ARE READILY AVAILABLE. TO THOSE WHO ARE STILL ALIVE AND WELL, LISTENING TO THIS ANNOUNCEMENT, PLEASE PROCEED TO THE SHELTER)

Momentarily shocked, they await the return of Grey to report the news.

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We parked our car near the store and soon readied our equipment. Quinn will handle our protection in case of an emergency would arise while I, on the other hand, will take care all of the goods needed for the family; and a stranger, of course (but we treat her as one of our family member, nonetheless). "Are you ready?" Quinn asks me with a shaky voice. Ironically, her shaking voice wouldn't bring any assurance but I guess she's trying real hard to impress me, as an adult and as our dignified maid.

I replied with a nod and soon we departed from our seats and headed for the glassy doors. We tried opening the handles slightly, but a sign was still up saying *push* on the inside but surely it was mistaken. The door was locked and one slight tremor will shatter the whole, attracting further danger.

"Hmm" Quinn was lost in thought trying to figure out the puzzle.

But at the same time, an imaginary light bulb appeared above my head.

The additional gadgets installed in my phone. The lock indeed requires a key and a key can always be replicated by the proper equipment. I have the perfect tool for that.

I opened my phone and began tuning up the application.

-----Do you want to use Lock Pick Tool? Yes/No----

I press yes with enthusiasm and as soon as the touch screen clicks, an antenna of some sort sprung from the top of my phone. Like a metal pipe, painted in sky blue.

Quinn was agape upon seeing my technologies. Well, she was also amazed from the technologies my dad always create; not to mention all sorts of experiments I was engaged with during my breaks are all in awe.

"What's that?" She asks, trying so hard not to touch the blue pole released from my phone.

I explained it to her that my cell phone has all sorts of functions and these 'lock pit', an application that has the function to open any types of locks that needs a key, was one of it. We're running out of time so the door must come first, and promising her to explain all of these later.

I properly placed the mysterious pole towards the lock pick, and the only words came right out of my mouth was 'well, what do we know? It's all done!' followed by a click, creating a small gap from the glass doors.

Quinn smirks in disbelief, as she proceeds first; trying to check the surroundings. We had mentioned that she will go first, checking the safety of our front while I, myself, secures our breech. No sounds must be committed and a light tap on the back would be our only way of communicating for each other.

Like SWATS rampaging through a discrete mission, we head towards the store, quietly as possible, never producing any unnecessary noise around our surroundings. One thing that we should put into consideration was the glass doors which exposes us from the monsters outside and the other was…

There's a door at the end of the room marked by a sign 'for staffs only'. Should we check it and look for further survivors? Or even threats that will be troublesome if left uncleansed? I consulted Quinn about it and asked for her opinion.

She told me that there was no need to be wary about the door and it should just be left untouched. I second the matter, and proceed snatching…I mean, putting all of the foods, which are still edible, inside my bag. Quinn follows suit, and starts to clean up on the right side of the wide stall.

A total of two minutes had passed and our bags are now completely full with canned goods and soaps for our hygiene. Not the best things to be considered mixing them inside the bag, so we had to gather plastics on our way out just to separate them thoroughly during our scavenge.

"Are you good to go?" Quinn asks, as she lifts her bag through her back, terribly outweighing her own muscular strength. I too couldn't complain the same.

"Yep. It feels a little bit heavy" we exchanged laughs, but for the most part, Quinn had reluctantly minded the bag that I was carrying; offering me that she should be the only one transporting it. I somehow managed to persuade her than I'm still a growing man and needed some weighs to properly enhance my muscles and with an 'aah~ this is some sort of exercise to master, is that it' while drifting away from our current topic.

As soon as we're about to head for the exit, three zombies were spotted by Quinn and hurriedly ducks her head, as she too grabs mine. I was surprised by the sudden movement, but I trust her instincts far more than mine.

"What happened?" I whispered, but as soon as I finished my sentence, Quinn replied with a 'shh', pointing her index finger upwards parallel from her mouth.

"Three individuals, 4 o'clock." She said, keeping her tone quietly as possible to not alert the infected. We backed away slowly, crouching our way from the stands which carried varieties of food not too long ago.

These three dogs are now swarming around our car, our one way ticket ride home. Time was still ticking, a constraint and an enemy from mankind.

"What should we do?" I asked, while formulating various plans inside my head.

We could break the glass and gun them in the body, but I suppose the probability of us missing our targets would lead to our gruesome death

We could also make a run for it while defending each other's backs but I doubt they could outrun us too damn easily.

Or, our last option, wait for them to leave, which would be the most bitter chance of survival. We can't hide the fact that some monsters might add up while dawn is quickly approaching. We wouldn't want our families waiting in our house would grow worried.

What should we do?

"We lure them" Quinn said, while giving me a wink. Was she flirting? No way, right?

Maybe… THE BOTTLE. RIGHT.

I rummage my bag and looked for the two glasses of soda that can hold 1.5L, standing 14 inches tall.

Utilising these bottles, we can lure them using the shattering sounds that'll attract the ears of the zombies, enabling us the chance to hop on the car. If we were to fail, we always have our trusty fire arms prepared, lock and loaded during these crucial times. I like it.

As if reading my mind, Quinn grabs one of the bottle and marches forward. I followed suit, letting Quinn lead the way towards the entrance door. On a ninety angle towards my right, I should be able to land the bottle away from the car. As soon as the bottle would land and shatter, we'll be using Quinn's bottle to enhance the sounds on a longer distance from the one that I'd thrown. It's a perfect combination. I may lack the muscular strength during my fitness exams in my schools, but using different forms of calculations and accuracy, my mathematical methods will never fail me!

Commencing our plan, i gesture my arm, still in a crouching posture, as I heave my bottle ninety degrees east from the store. Our luck had ran out the moment that the bottle landed way far ahead than we had expected. With a loud *THUG* the bottle landed 36 metres, securing our defeat. Or was it?

The three zombies timidly approaches the bottle, menacingly growling towards their target, unfazed from the slightest sound.

"That's our cue, GO!" I whispered. We dashed our way towards our automobile and landed it, butt first on our seats, as Quinn panicky hits the gas.

"HAHA~ we made it, didn't we? WOOHOO this calls for a celebration" I shouted, still passing by countless of mobs during our journey.

"Master, I think there's trouble" her voice sounded chilling, slowly stopping the acceleration built up from the car.

I couldn't believe my eyes as I saw…

A large bulky man, no, it was no human being to begin with but a monster with its decaying body slowly cripples a man's head, splatting his blood into its mercy.