GHOST

BY

RICHARD COTTON

Not many people paid any attention to the brown brick wall enclosing the large area around the edge of town. Some of the people that lived in the town told newcomers that it had been there since the dawn of time. But this was frowned on as brick’s weren’t around at the dawn of time, but the locals said this was dark magic at work. The words across the gate were recent but were now faded slightly. If you read them they said Halloween Zoo. There was a warning next to the entrance giving all a warning that if they entered it was at their own risk and there were no refunds. The sun shone outside of the brick wall but if you looked to its top you could see that there were dark areas, even some rain clouds with lightening and thunder. The entrance fee was only small and come with free life insurance. There was a paper to sign on the way in that said that all that entered have seen the legal paper work and agree that if they shouldn’t do as the signs say then they are putting them selves at risk. Mandy and Hanna both stood at the gates. There was the sign of the devil place next to the booth. In one hand he held the sign to go in and in the other was a bubble with the words dare you enter my Zoo of the most evil un-dead? “Do you really think this is real, Hanna?”

“No it’s fake, Mandy. Made up of props from old films I bet.” Hanna patted her right shoulder to calm her.

They paid to go in signing all the paper work to show they would abide by the rules. Then they stepped through the rusty gate. Inside they found a large open area with a map and signpost for each section of the Halloween Zoo. They saw Vampires, Werewolves, Zombies, Ghost and Ghouls. There were then lesser signs for each of the un-dead areas. The Ghost where in an old American western town for some reason but Hanna and Mandy didn’t question that This they decided would be the best place to start the tour as it seemed the less of all the evil that would be in the zoo. The entrance to the western town was through a door that went into a tunnel and made you feel like you were really travelling through time and space back to a time when Ghost towns likes this stood waiting to be reclaimed and re-built. Hanna and Mandy felt a little queasy as the sat on the buggy that helped them travel through the tunnel. They arrived in a hay loft at the end of the ride. There were some steps down on one side and a ramp for those who couldn’t use the stairs. Hanna helped Mandy out of the buggy.

“This looks like the end of the ride.” Hanna felt excited about seeing a ghost even if it was only a three-d projection.

“Are you sure about this, Hanna?” Mandy glanced around nervously.

“Of cause I am.” Hanna headed for the steps.

“Hanna, don’t leave me here.” Mandy shouted feeling her skin tingle.

“Come on then, no slacking.”

Mandy stepped down onto the hard surface of the ground still not feeling sure about what they were about to do. The door to the hay barn stood half off its hinges as spiders busied them selves in the eves making webs for the flies that flew around some rotten horses. There was a soft neigh as they walked past the rancid meat. But they knew none of those horses made that noise.

“Did they really have to make the meat stink so much?” Mandy held her noise as the smell made her feel green.

“It adds to the realistic atmosphere.” Hanna smiled as he sniffed in lungs full of the foul smell.

“Then that sound must have come from a tape machine.” Mandy looked around to see if she could see any speakers.

“Most likely yes.” Hanna shrugged.

A cool breeze blew through the open door and made Mandy shiver. She didn’t feel this was right but there was no way out with Hanna around. They went out into the warm mid day sun. The road was dusty and looked as thou it hadn’t rained for days. Tumble weed rolled around the town blown by the warm breeze. Mandy felt sweat drop from her brow. “This doesn’t look like it could be haunted by any ghost.” Mandy spat the words out.

“I admit it looks to light for Ghost to be around. Let’s go inside the local tavern and see if there’s anything in there.” Hanna hugged her to help calm her down.

They walked down the street to the tavern. The swing gates looked as if they had seen better days but still hung there ready to be used. Hanna pushed the right one open and it creaked loudly. Then as they walked into the bar the piano started to play by it self.

“Don’t worry Mandy that would be one of them piano’s that have the self playing part to them.” Hanna laid her right hand on her left shoulder.

“Well it doesn’t look like one of them to me.” Mandy watched a spider cross the keys as they went up and down.

They stepped deeper into the tavern and saw more spiders, webs than there was in the hay loft. The stage was empty and the curtains hung tattered and torn. The dance floor had wholes in it big enough for someone to fall through. The stairs up to the upper floor could still be used which helped. Hanna looked out side to see that it had turned dark.

“What time do you have Mandy?” Hanna noticed her watch had stopped. “My watch says Two pm, Hanna,” Mandy looked at the digital watch on her left wrist “Why do you ask?” “It’s turned dark out side and there’s no moon shining.” Hanna turned to face her.

Mandy turned to look back through the swing gates to see that Hanna was telling the truth. “How come it’s dark?” “I don’t know,” Hanna answered “But I should think it’s just some effect used to make it look dark.”

Mandy went to the entrance to look out but the gates wouldn’t open to let her out. “We’re stuck in here, Hanna,”Hanna tried the gate but found to her amazement that she also couldn’t open them. “Let’s see if there’s a drink around here.”

“I could do with something to eat.” Mandy felt her stomach.

They walked to the bar Hanna found a glass of Whiskey there ready poured and there was a plate of egg, chips, and peas sat there vapour rising from them. Mandy looked around but couldn’t see anyone there that could have cooked it let alone served it. Hanna picked the whiskey up. He took a sip and winced.

“Wow that’s strong,” Joe wiped a tear from his eye. “I didn’t think it was going to be that bad.”

“The food is nice, I wonder who cooked it.” Mandy tucked into the plate of food. A drink had appeared next to the plate after she had finished the first mouthful.

“Did you just think of a drink Mandy?” Hanna noticed the glass in front of him.

“Yes I did,” Mandy picked up the tall glass. “Just how I like my drink cool and fresh.”

“Did you see anyone put that glass there?” Hanna glanced around.

“No, I didn’t.” Mandy looked around the room nervously.

Mandy shifted around on the stall but no matter where she looked there was no one to be seen. Having finished the male and drinks they left the bar.

“Shall we have a look up stairs, Mandy?” Hanna noticed the stairway.

“Do we have too, Hanna?”

“You can hold onto me if it helps.” Hanna held out her right hand.

“Thanks, it might make me feel better.” Mandy took hold of Hanna’s warm hand.

They started up the stairs which creaked with every foot fall. “All done for atmosphere I suspect, don’t you think, Mandy?”

“Oh yes it would be, this makes you feel even more scared.”

At the top of the stairs there was the balcony that overlooked the bar below. Hanna and Mandy both noticed a fog like figure behind the bar. It moved along and glasses appeared filled with drinks. They stopped to see who was going to drink them but there was no one there. “Let’s see what’s up here Mandy.” Hanna pulled her along.

Hanna went to the first door he came to and pushed it open. There was gun fire and three holes appeared in the frame just to the left of Hanna. Mandy stood back to see if there were any more shots being fired.

“I think we are safe, there’s no one in here.” Hanna wiped the sweat running down her forehead.

“You sure has those holes didn’t come from nowhere.” Mandy glanced at the holes.

“Special effects.”

Hanna stepped into the room he shivered as it felt really cold once inside the room. There was a tin bath next to the bed but there was no water in the bath has it had several holes in where someone had been shot. Red stains pooled around the bath where blood had gone with the water. There was a patch of what looked like fog in the darker corner close to the sideboard where the shooter might have been standing to fire all those years ago, but Hanna thought that it was just her imagining it. The fog moved and went right through him making his skin prickle as it did so. Mandy let out a scream as the fog also walked through her to head for the stairs. Hanna helped her back to her feet after she past out for a few seconds.

“I want out of here, Hanna!” Mandy whined.

“We’re stuck here till day light.” “Its day light now. According to my watch.”

“Yet its night time outside look.”

Mandy walked to the window and looked through the cracked glass. It was dark outside and there was a faint beam of moonlight shining down onto the street. Mandy swore she saw a thick sheet of fog moving about the street.

“This is to scary Hanna,”

“It’s ghost town and that’s what you want from those things.”

“I didn’t sign up to have my self scared to death.”

“You did sign for that the moment you walked into the Zoo, Mandy,”

“But not to die here I didn’t.”

“You wont die here, that’s not what the zoo’s about.” Hanna laughed lightly.

“Then why is it so scary?”

“It’s all show and special effects to help the zoo make money.”

“Then why did pay pennies to get in if they are trying to make money?”

“To keep the rest of the place going.”

They left the bed room to find them selves within a dim hallway instead of the tavern. The wind was blowing from somewhere and making a howling noise as it did so. There was no other way to go, so they headed out in to the corridor. They saw that it was within a large house of some sort. It looked like the place was Victorian, maybe somewhere in England.

“How did they do that?” Mandy asked glancing around nervously. “We must have been turned somehow whilst not looking as we were in the bed room.”

“I didn’t feel anything move.”

“Let’s have a look around.”

Mandy grabbed her hand.

Hanna felt a shiver run up her spine as her hands felt icy cold. “Are you ok Mandy?”

“I’m fine, apart from not wanting to see another ghost.”

They saw candle filled lights that flickered with the wind that was howling outside. It made Mandy wish she was back outside on the street heading for home. How did she let Hanna talk her into this she couldn’t remember but it was the wrong thing for her to have done. The reached a junction, to the left it went deeper into the dark house. The other way was a dimly lit stairway heading downwards.

“Do we go down or towards the dark, Hanna?” “I would go for the dark but as you’re here I will go down.”

“Even going down there, is heading into the dark.” Mandy pointed down the stairway.

“There is some light down there even if it’s dim.”

They took the stairs slowly has the candles didn’t light the steps to well. There was a well worn carpet that looked as if it had been a fine one in the past. The windows didn’t let in much light form outside to help. The paintings that lined the wall seemed to be alive as they walked past. They a figure floated up the stairs, it looked like a young girl around twelve Joe thought. She smiled as she floated along. She reached the pair, turned still smiling. Then the girl grow a few feet expanded and her skeleton showed with her insides as clear as day, she let out scream that sounded like the hounds of hell let loose. Then she turned and carried on up the stairs, but crying now. Hanna stood there mouth open whilst Mandy knelt weak at the knees sobbing gently.

Hanna knelt next to her. “Come on we have to go on down, there’s nowhere else to go now.”

“I will try.”

It was till she stood up that she noticed the damp patch on her denim Jeans.

“I must have wet my self.” Mandy sobbed slightly.

“We have to move, the stairs are disappearing.” Hanna urged her on.

Hanna helped Mandy walk the rest of the way down. They ended up in a castle hall. It was large with torches flickering around an empty throne. A figure sat on the throne. It looked like a king but he was see through and when he moved a little wisp of mist rose and fell. Hanna held Mandy close as they walked close to the throne.

“Welcome to my castle.” Hanna turned to see the Ghostly figure talking close by.

This made Hanna jump, Mandy grew closer to her sucking her thumb as she did so. They walked past the King slowly.

“This was the year I had my best battle and lost due to a wild mistake and I had my head chopped off.” The King lifted his head and laughing loudly.

“I hate this place, Hanna.” Mandy turned to hide her face in Hanna’s right shoulder.

“We will be out of here soon.” Hanna drew her closer.

The hall looked small but was bigger than what Hanna thought as it took them a half an hour to reach the large oak door out of the castle. Out side it was dark and foggy. It was too hard to see what was out there. But Hanna pulled Mandy across the drawbridge. This ended at a road that went left to right of the one that led up to the castle. Hanna stopped before setting foot on the new road as he felt a rumble under her feet. There was something heading along the road from the right he felt. Then out of the fog a flaming horse appeared. Sat on his back was a figure that looked like a man with no head. The horse ran past bringing with it a stiff breeze that blew Hanna around for a few seconds. Then it stopped. Hanna opened her eyes and saw that they were outside a stone built hall. She helped Mandy along the drive and got them inside. The light here was made up of a large fire in the middle of the room, but at least it was warm. There was no mist here at least. Hanna sat Mandy down. There was some food and drink on a side table. There was also some clothing hanging over a beam that ran down into the ground. He saw they were both male and female. He took the food and drink then gave Mandy the clothes.

“This looks like a rest area of the zoo.” Hanna relaxed slightly.

“I just want out of the zoo.” Mandy shivered.

“Try to eat and drink something.” Hanna patted Mandy on her right shoulder.

“It won’t make me want to stay in this zoo.” Mandy pulled away from Hanna.

“Look on the bright side you have come through some of the bad bits that this place can offer I think.” Hanna laughed.

Mandy looked into her dark brown eyes and pulled a face.

“Now Mandy, don’t hit me.” Hanna saw fear in Mandy’s Hazel eyes.

“If I hit you it will only hurt my hand and that’s a little price to pay for my silly mistake in saying yes to entering this zoo.”

“Ok it was a mistake but at least we have only a small way to go to get back.” Hanna backed away.

“Are you sure of that?”

“There is only so much they can do with ghost.” Hanna shrugged.

“There’s more than what you think Hanna.”

The food went down well as did the drink. They sat awhile longer to get as warm as they could.

“Do you think there’s a toilet around here?” Mandy glanced around.

“There’s a hole behind the wall there that I think you use as a toilet.” Hanna pointed back the way they had come.

“Why would they do that?”

“This is the age when they went in holes.”

“Well you look the other way then whilst I do what I have to do.”

“Sure thing.”

Hanna looked at the far wall where there hung a pouch that looked like it held something within. She thought it was most likely herbs for the cooking pot. As he looked the pouch lifted up off the hook and floated in the air. It moved across the room. She saw it fly past her at speed to hit the far wall close to Mandy’s head. She looked up a snarl on her face. “If you did that I’ll skin you alive.” Mandy felt angry.

“I promise you I didn’t do a thing.” Hanna held her hands up.

“Who did then?” Mandy moved back towards the fire.

“I don’t know, it sort of moved on its own.” Hanna shrugged.

Mandy looked around the place they sat in. “And you said this was the safe area.” “Maybe it was till we finished the food and drink.” Hanna shrugged again.

Mandy stood up. She walked towards the entrance of the room. “I’m leaving; you can stay if you want,”

“I am coming don’t rush off now.”

They stepped out into darkness. The full moon shone brightly and snow lay on the ground. Mandy shivered with the cool wind that was blowing. They left the hut as door closed on them and crunched off into the deep snow.

“What sort of ghost would be here?” Mandy pulled her clothes closer.

“A cold one.” Hanna shivered.

“Don’t try to be funny; I’m not in the mood for it.”

Mandy looked back but the stone building had disappeared as it was snow all around them. She didn’t feel this was going to have a good ending. They seemed to walk for ages before they came upon a wooden cabin. There was a thin plume of smoke curling up from the roof drifting off on the gentle breeze. They headed for the building seeking to get out of the cold. The door was only a fur draped over the opening. Hanna pushed it aside and let Mandy go first. Once inside they found them selves within a small cave. Somewhere there was water dripping. The light was made by some fluorescing moss. This made the cave feel eerie. Hanna pulled Mandy to her.

“I think we might encounter more ghosts here.” Hanna’s voice echoed around the area.

They saw large spider webs covering the walls and dangling down over the next through gap in the rock wall. They carefully brushed through the webs trying not to disturb the spiders or wake them up just in case they were deadly. The next cave had a river running through it. There was a dock with a bucket full of golden coins.

“Why doesn’t anyone steel them?” Hanna wondered to herself.

“I would think that if they did they might end up stuck in the zoo as an exhibit.”

They heard the water ripple as a boat head over to the dock. Hanna looked closer to who was using the long pole to push the boat along. It was a tall figure with a black hooded robe and his or her hands were like bones. Then she saw a sign. One gold coin for each passenger or no getting in. She looked around but there was nowhere else to go but with the boat man or woman. The boat stopped. The boat person stuck out there bonny hand. She picked up to gold coins.

“Mandy, I think we have to get on as this is the only way forwards.”

Mandy looked at her. “If you think its safe then I will.” “I don’t know if its safe but it’s the only way we can move on from here.”

Mandy stepped into the boat making it rock slightly, as Hanna stepped in she had to steady herself so as not to fall in the water. She was amazed the figure was even affected by the boat rocking. Hanna placed the two gold pieces in the bonny hands. The fingers closed around them and then the hand dropped them in to a pouch on the belt of the hooded robe. The hand then took up the pole with the other one and pushed off from the dock turning the boat as it did so. Now facing the other way the boat glided gentle along with a quiet swish and a splash of the pole as it went through the water. The boat went down the river the banks either side held figures that where see through. They were made up of old, young, middle age and even from different time lines. Mandy sat close to Hanna shivering, her head on to Hanna’s chest.

“Tell me when we reach the other end Hanna.” Mandy squeezed her eyes shut.

“I will.” Hanna sank slightly down into the boat.

The air turned cold as the boat edged deeper down the river. Hanna then thought she saw her late dad looking from the bank at her. Then she saw Mandy’s Mother and Father they both had parts of them missing as they died in a car crash. She made sure Mandy couldn’t see them as the boat drifted past. The boat then seemed to speed up slightly as the neared a rough patch in the river. The water spun them around three times. Then the boat drifted out of the eddy. Now there was ghost of pirates, criminals, and all sorts of evil things. Hanna made sure that Mandy was safely wrapped up and could see what the horrors were as they floated down the river. They past boat’s that were all haunted and then they had planes. Hanna wondered when this would run out as there couldn’t be many more ways the zoo could show ghost. The boat glided to the dock silently and stopped. Hanna stood up and got off helping Mandy as he did so. The bony figure turned the boat around and disappeared back up river. “Come on Mandy, we have to walk again.” Hanna took her hand.

“Are we out of the ghost area?” Mandy opened her eyes slightly.

“I don’t know as we have still a distance to go in this tunnel here.” Hanna glanced around.

They set off down the tunnel which seemed to be lit with neon lighting. Hanna couldn’t work out why that would be but the lights did keep it bright around them. They walked past doors that didn’t lead anywhere. Then they stepped out into a hall that had more cobwebs than the cave did. They felt fear in the air. The light came from small bulbs that hung around the walls giving off faint light. Hanna shivered. “What’s up, Hanna?” Mandy held Hanna’s left arm tightly.

“I think we have entered something that’s haunted by a lot of ghost.”

“No don’t say that.”

“Sorry but I feel fear in the air.” Hanna felt Mandy move closer to her.

Mandy clung to Hanna; she didn’t want any more ghosts now. It was almost too much with what they had been through. Hanna noticed a dark spot to the left of the room that seemed to be moving slowly. It felt cold to her and when he breathed a small vapour rose up. Mandy shivered pulling Hanna closer to her to keep warm. The darkness turned to move towards them. It turned into a shapeless figure then it picked up speed and ran right through them leaving them feeling like they had been frozen to the spot. Hanna moved first pulling Mandy along. They reached the stairs when a white ghost lady glided down them to walk past, her face was half eaten and maggots fell from her face. This made Hanna feel green. They climbed the stairs heading for the next floor. A ghost popped out of the wall to float across them it was a young boy who had no legs blood dripped from where his legs had been. The boy turned looked at them and gave a scream that made their blood curdle. Hanna dropped to her knees pulling Mandy with her. They knelt there on the step eyes closed till the scream stopped.

They stood up and reached the top of the stairs. It wasn’t till then that Hanna realised they were back in the old hall with candles that led to a dark area. Hanna helped Mandy past the dark patch to find them selves next to a dusty hallway that she could hear foot steps in but couldn’t see anyone walking within the hall. “Sorry Mandy but we have to go down through here.”

“Ok, but stay close to me.” Mandy hugged her tightly.

Hanna walked along holding Mandy close as they went into the hall. The walls either side had paintings on next to a door. Hanna didn’t know if this was meant to say who was behind the door or just there as art as he didn’t want to open one of the doors to find out. The reached the end of the hall which turned out to be a door. Next to this there was a picture of Santa Clause. “Why would they put a picture of Santa next to a door in a ghost house?” Hanna smiled slightly.

“This as to be a joke Hanna, just open the door and we go through please.”

Hanna took hold of the handle. It turned slowly; the door creaked as she pulled it open. Light streamed into their eyes from the sun outside the door. It was warm and welcome to them. Hanna stepped out but was surprised when Mandy didn’t come with him. She turned to look back. Mandy stood tall within the door her face was pale and see through. She smiled then let out a banshee cry that turned Hanna ashen. The door shut leaving Hanna on her own out in the sun.

VAMPIRES

Hanna wondered around the open area till she met Joe. He was shorter than her by a good foot. She bumped into him and looked at him with her bright green eyes and asked what he was doing in the zoo by himself. Joe told her about his trip through the ghost area and she said she would stick with him for now. They walked to a coffee shop to have a drink.

“So how come you’re in here on your own Joe?”

“Oh I’ve only just entered this area a few minuets ago. I hadn’t decided where to go next, yet.”

“There is only one way to go from here, that’s to the Vampires.”

“Then Vampires it is.”

“You’re not scared are you?”

“No I’ll be fine thanks; I have my garlic just in case.”

“Good, Let’s go.”

They left the café to walk along the cobbled path towards a gate that looked out onto a field.

“This looks easier than the ghosts.” Joe looked around.

“Looks aren’t everything.” Hanna feeling a chilly

They pushed through the gate and into the field. Once past it the air turned cool. Joe saw that it was night up ahead.

“How come it’s night in that area only?” Joe pointed over to a dark area.

“The zoo must use some sort of machine to make it dark over there.”

Joe noticed that the moon was full in the darkness. Below them has they reached the top of a small hill they could see a village much like what there was in the vampire films. Above this on another hill over from them stood the typical Vampire castle Joe saw a tree just ahead. Over one of the thicker branches there lay a figure. It was a pale man. On his neck there was two puncture marks from which there dripped blood onto the floor below. The man moved to hiss at them then went back to hanging over the branch.

“What was that all about?” Joe scratched his head.

“Just getting you used to vampires I should think.” Hanna shivered.

They gave the tree a wide berth with out going over the edge of the path, then headed down on into the village. Here there was a bunch of villagers wondering around with torches. They gave Joe and Hanna a look that said why you are here. They even made a face that told them it was evil to be in the village and there was only one reason for that and that would be the vampire that lived in the castle. Joe looked over the tiled roof of the building he could see bats flying around the castle in the beams of the moon. One of them seemed bigger than the rest. The villagers stopped walking around and gathered in the square. Torches pointing towards the largest bat as it flew downwards. The bat stopped then in front of everyone it morphed into a man. He had a long cloak with a red lining. Sort dark hair combed neatly across to the right. His pale face looked down on them, four fangs stuck out from the top and bottom of his mouth. His dark trousers were neat and his leather shoes showed his likeness in the polish. The villagers shouted up to the Vampire but all he did was to hover there snarling. This went on for ten minuets then the crowed split and started to thin out and the Vampire flew off up to the castle. It’s was like watching a feed time with out the feed. Joe was disappointed that no one was taken and turned into a vampire.

Joe and Hanna set off up the path to the castle where the vampire flew into after the show. The large oaken door stood open and they could see light within. They went in and found that it was warmer inside. There was no sign of anyone. The large hall was full of things that may have been old but Joe and Hanna didn’t want to touch them to find out just in case someone came to tell them off. They moved from the hall to what was signed as the smoking room. Here the furniture looked as if it was a normal castle where people lived and not a vampire. There was a door that was half open on the left wall of the room. The light from there was dimmer. Joe moved closer to have a look around.

He saw stairs heading downwards. “Let’s see what’s down here.”

“Sure it will be fun.” Hanna laughed.

They stepped onto the step and moved down. There was no carpet on the stone stairs so they took it easy so as not to slip. They reached the last stair to enter a lower room that was lit with flickering torches. There was a coffin sat on top of a plinth. It was black all around and the lid was shut. Joe looked around the room to see if there was anything else in the room, he saw another door out and a wooden stake nest to it, but little else. “What’s this all about then?” Joe looking around the room

“It looks like we are meant to kill the vampire.” Hanna looked at the stake.

“That would be wrong as they would then need a new vampire for the show.” Joe was surprised that this would happen.

“Let’s see what the other door does then.” Hanna moved towards the door.

Joe and Hanna walked past the coffin to the other door. Joe placed his hand on the door know. They turned when they herd a thud behind them. Joe and Hanna turned slowly to see the vampire sat up within the coffin. His pale face looked at them intently. Then he stood slowly to step out of the coffin on to the floor. Joe opened the door behind him but Hanna stood stock still facing the vampire. “What do you think you’re doing intruding in my castle?” The Vampire said in that film voice. “We came because this is part of a zoo.” Joe looked at the Vampire nervously.

“This is no zoo. This is my castle and I will have your princess for my wife.” The Vampire floated to the stone floor.

“Hanna, get here now.” Joe grabbed Hanna’s right arm.

“Sorry Joe but his offer out weighs yours.” Hanna answered dreamily.

Joe felt someone push past him pushing both him and Hanna out of the door. “Go, I have this.” The mysterious figure grabbed the stake closing the door behind them.

Joe didn’t stay to find out what was happening on the other side of the door but went on, Hanna now back to normal not far behind. “You feel better now?” Joe turned to Hanna.

“I feel great,” Hanna replied. “Did something happen?” “You came under the spell of that vampire.”

“Did I?” Hanna scratched her head “I don’t feel like I did.” “Well you did,” Joe said. “It was a good job that man came in to push you out.” “Right,” Hanna looked along the corridor they were in. “It looks like we go this way.”

They followed the corridor till they come to another door. Joe pulled it open to find they were in a fancy house with stairs going down. There was no coffin or any sight of vampire around the room. Joe went in followed closely by Hanna.

“This is a bit of a let down.” Hanna feeling disappointed.

“Why’s that?” “Only one vampire and not a great one either.” “I don’t think we are out of the woods as they say.” Joe glanced around.

They went down the stairs into a warm room. The moonbeams shone through the curtain onto a chair that sat in front of a fire that crackled in the grate. There was a door out of the room to the outside and one to the left which led somewhere within the building. “Which way Hanna?” Joe glanced around.

“Hang on something is coming towards the front door.” Hanna pulled him back.

“How do you know that?” Joe asked cynically.

“I can feel something approaching.”

Joe looked at Hanna she did seem to be strange looking. Maybe it was another vampire he thought. The knob on the door in front of the turned slowly with a rattle the door sprung open and there stood an ugly Vampire its face was twisted and its nose was big and pointed. The vampire walked in holding its hands out, its finger nails were over grown to form talons.

The figure had a bald head and pointed ears. His teeth were all long. This person limped towards them his pale face intent on Hanna more the Joe. Joe tugged Hanna to wards the far side so they were away from this new vampire didn’t look like it could talk. But it did look intelligent. He moved slowly around the room. Joe and Hanna found them selves blocked by the right hand door. Joe turned the knob. The door opened onto another room. It was a kitchen and there was another exit from there. Joe pulled Hanna with him into the kitchen. Then slammed the door before making for the door out of the house.

Outside the moon was still full and the light shone down past a lighthouse to the left of the track they were now on. On the right there were open fields and a small forest. Now outside Joe felt they had more chance of not been disturbed by any more vampires. They walked holding hands smiling as this seemed to be a place of rest. Then Joe spotted a tall slim man leaning against a tree. His face was pale but unlike the last vampire this one seemed to be good lucking. He smiled at seeing Joe and Hanna.

“You seem friendly for a vampire.” Joe said as they neared this vampire.

“I’m one of the new vampires that only drink blood that is in a bottle.” He hissed.

“Great then you don’t want to bite us?” Joe asked trying to protect his neck.

“No I don’t want to bite you,” He answered “But watch out for the were-vampire.”

“I didn’t even know there was one like that.” Hanna said sceptically.

“Yes he was out one day waiting for his pray when a werewolf spied him and managed to turn him in to what he is now.” The vampire turned to Hanna.

“Why are you so friendly unlike the other vampire’s?” Hanna asked not really buying this vampire’s demeanour.

“We grew out of that biting the neck five years ago when it seemed so old fashioned that we as a race decided to drink the blood out of cup after asking and we have never looked back.” The Vampire boasted.

“Thanks for your help by the way.” Joe took the young mans hand and shook it.

“No problem,” He said “Just be very careful in the were-vampire area.”

They walked away from the young man towards a wall that led into a small open field with a wood to the side. The area was darker than most had been so far. The moon was hidden behind some clouds with a few beams shooting through the gaps. This made it eerier than anything they had been in so far. They walked into the wood as that was the way the path went. Joe didn’t like the idea of been in the dark wood with something that could attack at any moment. There was a faint howl some distance off.

This made the hairs on Joes neck stand on end. “Did you hear that Hanna?”

“Yes sure I did, but it seems a log way off to be anything within these woods.”

Joe looked back. “It’s too far to go back from here.” “Going on seems the best thing then.” Joe looked ahead. “There seems to be a long way to go that way too.” “We have to do something,” Hanna said “We can’t hang around here.”

“Let’s get a move on.”

Joe started to walk at pace, Hanna trying to keep up with him. They did this for half an hour then Joe had to stop. They had reached a fork in the road.

“Which way Joe?” Hanna looked around.

“I should take the right.” Joe answered puffing from the quick walking.

“Why do you say that?” Hanna asked still puffing her self.

They both looked around when a howl came from behind them.

“Well looks like we will have to go and let’s hope I have the right road.” Joe felt nervous.

They set off at peace up the right track. The wood closed in around them and soon they had to push the branches out of they way to keep moving. This slowed them down to a snails pace. They pushed on all the time the howling seemed to be closing from behind them. Then they came out of the trees into a glade. There was a patch where there had been a fire that seemed to have burnt through the wooden house that was still there but now in ruins. Joe smelt the charred remains to see how old it could be. But the smell was thin as the wood was damp so he had no idea how old it could be. Then the trees behind them crashed to one side as something big made its way towards them.

“Quick into the burnt house now.” Joe pushed Hanna in front of him.

“Do you think it will help?”

“We can only hope.” Joe climbed through the broken door after Hanna.

They sat behind the door the smell of burnt wood around them. Joe hoped it would throw the beast off that was chasing them. He looked trough the narrow crack between the door and its jamb. The tree’s parted with a loud crack as something big pulled them apart. Hanna clung to him, he could feel her shaking. The bit’s of branches and twigs feel to the ground in the open space. Joe could just see the out line of a wolf like thing that stood on two legs. It had rather long fangs and for some reason it had folded wings across its back. This must be the were-vampire Joe thought to him self. It stood there between the trees it two front paws hold what was left from its rampage in getting to the glad. It panted heavily spit dripping from the fang onto the floor. Joe pulled both him self and Hanna closer to the wall. There was a crash outside as the beast threw a tree to the other side of the hut. Joe wondered if it was trying to either find them on the other side or to make them come out of the hut. The hut shook as the thing stamped around the edge of the hut. Shoot feel down onto both Joe and Hanna. Joe suddenly felt his nose tickle. He held onto it making his eyes water in doing so. The beast moved to the left side of the hut and roared. The building shook yet again and gave a creak. Joe pulled Hanna to the other side of the door as a large timber fell with a loud crash. They heard the beast smash the wall on left leaving a hole the size of a big dog. This was followed by the head of the Were-vampire. It roared deafening both Joe and Hanna. Joe managed to get up and pull Hanna along, they got to the right side.

Joe looked back to see the beast pushing at the wall. “Quick we have to get out.”

“There’s only one way and that’s the window over there Joe.” Hanna pointed to the window.

“Then we use that.” Hanna moved to the window.

They dashed for the window. Hanna pulled her self through first. Joe reached it just as the Were-vampire brook into the hut. Joe pushed him self and dove head first through the window. He landed on his right shoulder hurting it badly. Hanna helped him up and they moved into the woods on the other side of the hut. Joe looked back. The hut burst open and the Were-vampire stood there howling. Joe started to worry that now he was injured they would make it away. But just as the beast stepped off the hut base the sun started to come out and the beast turned back into the woods on the other side where it was still dark. Joe breathed a sigh of relief.

“You alright Hanna?” Joe turned to look at her.

“It was the best fun I have had in ages,” Hanna replied. “Boy you look pale.” “I feel a bit weak with this arm of mine.” Joe felt his left arm.

“Maybe we should find a medic.” Hanna glanced around.

“I don’t think they would have one in this place.” Joe held his left arm.

“We have to keep moving any way just in case it turns dark here.” Hanna moved on.

“I’ll manage.” Joe stood up unsteadily.

Hanna helped Joe stand then the set off along the track that now was running through hilly country side. The sun was setting again which didn’t surprise Joe as he expected more vampires to come. They walked along feeling cool as the air here was cooler than what they had just been through. “What type of vampire do you think lives here Joe?” Hanna looked around

“The same sort that would live in a castle close to a village I should think.” Joe replied not knowing if there were many different types of Vampire.

“Do you think they will try to turn us into vampires?”

“I don’t think this zoo is like that, it might want to scare you but not to make you part of the attractions,”

They rounded the corner to see that ahead there was a group of Vampires all hanging around the track just wait for someone to walk their way.

“Hanna you run through them whilst I keep them busy.” Joe squared up to the vampires.

“But they will catch you.” Hanna pulled Joe towards her.

“That’s why I am letting you go ahead,” Joe said. “I am I to much pain to carry on.”

“If you think this is what you want.” Hanna said softly.

“It’s the only way you’ll make it out.” Hanna pushed her away.

“Ok.”

Hanna pulled his face down so that she could kiss him. “You made things good whilst we were together.”

“Thanks for been there for me.” Joe hugged her.

“I’ll remember you.” Hanna moved away slowly.

“At least you’ll have that advantage,” Joe said. “Now go, I’ll distract those vampires for you.”Hanna left Joe and walked down the track whilst he shouted and waved to the vampires, they saw him and set off after him. Hanna ran down the rest of the track till it reached a wall with a door in it. On opening the door she found her self within a coffee shop.

ZOMBIES

Hanna sat panting in the café having left Joe back in the Vampire area. She held a hot cup of coffee in front of her trying not to shake the cup as she drank. As she drank she noticed that there were many people the same as her, but some of them had less of a shake. Then she spotted a man htat seemed very calm. She took her coffee and walked over to him.

“Hi I can’t help notice that you’re very calm,” Hanna paused. “By the way my name is Hanna Smith.”

“Hi. I am Martin Green. I found the vampires very tame really.”

“Didn’t you get attacked by the were-vampire?”

“Yes I did, but it only went so far then was stopped by the sun,” Martin replied. “It was then that I realised that the zoo controlled what happened with in an area and that they wouldn’t let anyone get hurt.”

“Did you have someone with you?”

“No I went through on my own.”

“Didn’t you think that was unwise?”

“No I find that if you’re on your own then there’s less trouble to happen.” Martin laughed.

“I don’t think you will go through the next zone on your own.”

Martin looked at the sign. “No I think I will go through with someone on this one.”

“I hear they have transport and weapons in this zone.”

“That is right they do,” Martin said. “I think it’s to stop them from biting you more than killing them thou.”

“Do you know how to use a gun?”

“I have used one once or twice yes,” Martin answered. “How about you?” “I will have to pick it up as we go along.”

“Then I hope they have some easy weapons to use within the zoo.”

They sat there for more then two hours drinking and eating as they didn’t want to set off on an empty stomach. They watched others come from the Vampire zone and walk straight through to the zombies. This would put them in danger thought Martin, but that was up to them. “Come on then let’s make a move.” Martin stood up.

“You in any hurry to go through there?”

“Not really but we can’t sit here all day.” Martin turned to the door.

“To true,” Hanna said. “At least it’s safer than zombies.”

They got up and headed for the door out into the zombie zone. Through the door they found a four wheeled car that had three machine guns and two shot guns on. Looking in the boot Martin also noticed some hand grenades and smoke canisters. “This car as been stocked up with weapons and food.”

“It look’s like this will last several days,” Martin said. “I hope it’s not that big an area to get through.”

“Probably only put that there just in case, I hope anyway.”

“Do you want me to drive or ride shot gun?”

“I think you would make the better shot so I’ll drive.”

Martin got in on the left side whilst Hanna got in on the right. Hanna found the keys where already in the ignition and looking closer she saw that they were welded there. She turned them and the jeep sprang into life. It was quiet and Hanna wondered if this was because it was electrical. Hanna let the handbrake of and put the jeep into gear. The car drove smoothly along the road. Ahead they could see that this was going to change as there was a large group of houses that were all in different states of ruin. The road had blocks on and parts of it were potholed. The ride was going to be rough soon thought Hanna. The sun shone high in the sky yet there was little wild life around. Hanna slowed when they reached the first block to miss the large pothole the other side of it. The jeep still rocked slightly even though she missed the pothole. Once past this first obstacle the road would have to be driven in a zigzag fashion to miss the holes as she drove along. It was so quiet as they drove along it was almost too much to bear. Hanna slowed to a stop.

“Why have you stopped for?” Martin looked to Hanna.

“I wanted to see if there were any zombies around.” Hanna smiled.

They were parked close to a ruined building that was the first one in a row of them. This building had the near wall smashed out onto the ground. The upstairs window where just hanging above the whole and intact which surprised Hanna? Then out of the corner of her eye she saw a small amount of people that seemed to be shuffling towards them.

“This must be the zombies.” Hanna noticed the slowness of the people walking towards them.

“They seem so slow and not at all dangerous.”

“Don’t go by looks alone.”

Hanna backed the jeep up and drove on; the zombies were always just behind them as they couldn’t drive too quickly with the way the road was set up. Hanna then felt something hit the jeeps side.

“One of the zombies threw a brick, can’t you go quicker?” Martin urged her on.

“I am doing my best.” Hanna answered trying to keep the jeep from overturning.

The jeep bumped a little hard when she hit a deep pothole causing some bruising to her ribs.

Martin shouted. “Will you take is easy I felt that and it’s left a mark on my backside.” “Either you want me to get away from the zombies or to slow down which is it Martin?” Hanna didn’t turn to look at him.

“A bit of both please.”

Hanna drove around the corner of a building to find the road blocked. She saw that the way they would have to go was through a garage in a building.

“Ready the guns Martin we are going into a building.” Hanna pulled the car over.

“They have been ready for sometime.”

Hanna drove slowly into the open garage not wanting to scrape the jeep. Once inside it be came dull and she had to turn the lights on to see the other end of the building. There was a dripping noise as water leaked out of a pipe to their right. On the left there was an upper part to the building. There was a slight glow in the passage way up there but neither of them wanted to explore what was up there. There was a noise of a small stone hitting the road as they sat there in the jeep. Martin looked up and saw that there was a zombie approaching at pace.

“Move it we have fast zombies,” Martin looked back.

“Which way?”

“They are coming from our left, above us.”

Hanna drove off but had to be slow as the track was badly rutted. Then she heard Martin fire the machine gun. There was a dull thud as some of the shoots hit the zombies and some hit walls behind them. Hanna felt the jeep tilt slightly as the road leant to the right. She hoped they wouldn’t crash. At the last minuet it went the other way and they were still on four wheels. Hanna hoped they would be out of this soon as there seemed a lot of zombies behind them now and they were moving faster than the ones they saw earlier. Hanna found the jeep turning to the left and they crashed through a wall. The jeep ended up in a ditch on the other side. Hanna grabbed the shotgun and three boxes of bullets then a box full of food. Martin grabbed the machine gun and some food. Then they headed for the fence that was close by. They climbed through the fence into a compound. Martin closed the hole up hoping to slow the zombies down. “At least this is a police station.”

“They might have some more stuff here we can use.” Hanna hopeful of something useful.

“The only way we are going to find out is to have a look around.”

Martin led the way as they walked down the corridor to the main area within the police station. Hanna found some food that was in tins and ok. The rest of it was stale. Martin found some drink htat they could use as it was in bottles and tins. “They are outside the fence luckily.” Martin looked out of the window.

“Do you think they can get in?” Hanna moved to look out of the same window.

“I don’t think the fence was made to break as the zoo wouldn’t want its visitors to become part of the show.” Martin turned to look at her.

“There is some stairs here that go up.” Hanna pointed to the stairs.

“They could lead into trouble.”

“I don’t think we can go back out the way we come in.”

“No it would be too dangerous to go that way.”

“Let‘s take the stairs.” Hanna dashed to the first step.

Martin went to the stairs. Hanna picked some more things up then followed him. They reached the top o find a door that led onto a flat roof. The sky was a dull blue colour as the sun was setting.

“I don’t think we want to leave here at night.” Martin felt some zombies could try to attack.

“No it would be too hazardous to do that.”

“Where do we go then?”

“There seems to be light in that part of the building over there.” Hanna pointed to an office that seemed to be built onto the top of the roof.

They headed to it. The door opened into a smaller office. There was a group of televisions that showed the aspect of the area around the police station. There was a kettle that was full of water and a tea pot close by. Then they noticed the sheriff he seemed to be asleep. Hanna went over to him but found out he was just a wax dummy that looked very real. Martin switched the kettle on. They sat down to look at the televisions. Each one showed the streets around the station. There were zombies wondering around in each picture. They seemed to know that they were trapped within the building. “Is there any way out of here, Martin?”

“I don’t think we will get out till day light.” “You don’t think they will come to get us before then?”

“No I don’t think they will attack as the zoo wouldn’t want that.”

“We can fall asleep then?” Hanna glanced around.

“You do that and I’ll stay awake for the night.”

Hanna lay down on the flat camp bed that was within the office whilst Martin sat to watch the televisions. He felt cool as the sun set so he wrapped a blanket around him self. After placing two on to Hanna. Sitting there with the cup of tea Martin started to think of the time he had been out on holiday to Spain. It was nice and warm in the day but at night it got cold. This was like that but the fear would keep him awake. The next think he knew was the first rays of sunlight shining through the window of the office. Martin had a quick look at the televisions but the zombies had vanished. Looking around the office he saw Hanna and the dummy but nothing else so they hadn’t reached the office. “Come on Hanna its light out side.” Martin nudged her to wake her up.

“Hmm anything to eat?” Hanna yawned.

“I’ll open a tin of soup.” Martin held a tin up.

“That will do nicely.”

Martin found a small microwave oven that could warm the soup up. There was bowls and he also made a pot of tea. Hanna washed her face in some cool water from the tap that was with the sink in the office. Then she sat next to Martin.

“Hmm this is nice and warm.” Hanna sipped at the soup.

“Good, there’s no sign of zombies here now.”

“I wouldn’t think they have gone,” Hanna said. “We have to make it through here to the next zone.” “What would that be?”

“I wouldn’t know as there is no map to the zoo.” Hanna pointed to the boards that littered the road.

“There must be some indication what would come next?” Martin glanced around.

“Sorry no idea.” Hanna shrugged.

“When do you think we should go?” Martin looked out towards the road.

“When we have finished this soup and tea.”

“That soon,” Martin paused. “Then we had better be ready for zombies once we have finished.”

They left the pots in the sink then gathered what they could. Then went out of the door. They stepped on to a narrow track between buildings. “How did this happen?” Hanna looked around.

“The zoo works like this so I understand.”

“Keep your eye’s open.” Hanna glanced around as they went.

“This is going to take time.” Martin walked slowly.

“It’s the only way forwards.”

They stuck close to the walls making sure that the way was clear. “This is silly why do they make it so hard to go through the zones?” Martin asked harshly.

“I think it’s all to make us know what it’s like been Halloween.”

“They want us to be scared but not dead.”

“That might not be right you know.”

They came to the end of the narrow street to look out into a large airport tarmac. In the distance there was the booking in and departure building. On the strip there were some airplanes each in a different state of ruin. “Do you think we should just go to the air port building it self?” Hanna looked towards the air port.

“We might have to use one of the planes for cover.” Martin turned to run for it.

“I wouldn’t want to be stuck in one of them if zombies came along.” Hanna felt nervous of been stuck on a plane.

“Well I think it’s too far to make the building without using at least one of them.” Martin noticed how far it was to reach the main terminal.

“The best one to use then would be the third one along as it seems to have the most cover.” Hanna pointed the way.

“Right, then we head for that.”

“I’ll go first then.”

“Try to reach the jumbo’s right engine, and then cover me.” Martin pointed to the engine.

Hanna peeked around the sides of the walls they stood close to before moving out on seeing it clear. Hanna took it slowly not wanting to trip on any of the cracks that had formed on the tarmac or full down one of the larger pot holes. She made it half way when she heard a shuffling noise. Looking to her left she saw the zombies moving slowly towards them. So she dashed for the jumbo engine whilst martin fired at the zombies to keep them back. When Hanna reached cover she fired making sure Martin made it safely to the engine next.

“That was some fancy shooting Hanna.” Martin felt in awe of her.

“Can’t miss with this shotgun.” Hanna patted the gun.

“Right lets reach the seven three seven next.” Martin pointed to the next plane.

“Looks like we will have to go through the plane it self to get to the building.” Hanna saw how far they had come.

“At least the emergency ramps are deployed on the far side.” Martin noticed, knowing this would help.

“That’s a bonus for this side its steps and zombies will try to come up.” Hanna sighed.

“There’s a fence either side of the steps and a gate that looks like you have to have all your brains with you to open.” Martin noticed.

“Lets hope that it’s not to hard to open then,” Hanna popped her head around the engine. “Cover me till I reach the gate. Then I’ll cover you,”

“Ok. Get going.” Martin aimed the gun.

Hanna ran out to the sound of bullets thudding into the zombies as they pushed forwards to wards their track. She reached the gate and covered Martin. He got there quicker then started to work on the gate. He found that it was a little latch that you had to use a small hook to lift it up. Martin thought this would stop the zombies as they hadn’t the fingers to it. With the gate open they went in and shut it. Then they took the stairs up. What surprised Hanna was that once in the plane it seemed very normal. Nothing within this plane was broken. The wings might be missing but it they were there it would be able to take off anytime.

“It looks like this is a rest stop.” Martin felt tired.

“Good as I don’t think I would want to go out there yet.” Hanna looked out of the window.

Hanna outside she could see the airport building, it was closer yet still seemed miles away to reach. The sun was setting as well which meant they would have to spend the night on the plane. “Shame we couldn’t make the building before dark.”

“Well at least we are still alive.” Martin was thankful that they were inside away from the zombies.

“Yes but is that a good thing or bad thing as we could still end up a zombie.”

Martin found the bar and took a drink of rum that was there. Sitting down to look out the other side he saw that the zombies didn’t approach the gate or track up to the plane. He wondered if they were programmed to act that way. There didn’t seem to be any fencing to stop them actually getting to the gate. Then he saw them part as two more people made a dash for the steps into the plane guns blazing. They got through the gate and onto the stairs with little problem even thou the zombies were pressing in and the light fading. They bounded up the stairs and into the inside.

“Hi there I am Robbie and this is Jill.” Robbie was tall with a large black beard and curly hair

“Hi. I am Martin and this is Hanna.” Martin said taking the hand that was offered.

They all shook hands. Martin took Robbie to the bar whilst Hanna and Jill went to warm some food up. They sat there watching the sun go down whilst the zombies fought each other over what scraps they wanted. “Do you think we can make the airport building in the morning?” Hanna looking at Martin.

“Looking out this side no, but on the side where the building is there does seem to be fewer zombies.” Martin looked out of other side of the plane.

“I found that if you walked calmly they seem less interested in you.” Robbie said trying to help.

“When he does that it scares me.” Jill spoke softly.

“How old are you Jill?” Hanna asked looking to the small girl that stood there. “I’m fourteen,” Jill replied forcefully.

“You lied about your age to get into the zoo.” Martin said surprised at her.

“I said she was mad to do that but so far she has held her own.” Robbie said a broad smile on his face.

“And how old are you then?” Martin asked looking to Robbie.

“I am seventeen.” Robbie replied calmly.

“You also lied about your age.” Martin said shocked at how he was fooled by this young mans looks.

“At least I have had some adventure before entering this place which has helped me.” Robbie said calmly.

Martin looked at Robbie as he thought that this boy was a person who thought he could do anything. This would be his come down Martin hoped. Hanna and Jill found them selves getting on with each other. They had a common bond even thou they were ten years age difference. They even decided to let the two men stay up whilst they went to sleep in the upper part of the plane. “This is going to be boring.” Robbie looked out of the window.

“I must admit this is the least interesting part of the zoo.” Martin turned to Robbie.

The zombies outside seemed to be having a fight with each other and throwing things at the planes fuselage. The thudding sounded like they were drumming a tune.

“I hope this stops soon, I can’t see how those two ladies can sleep through this.” Robbie said holding his hands over his ears.

“They do seem to be thinning out.” Martin said not looking away from the window.

“Not too soon.” Robbie laid back to have a nap.

“You’re not going to sleep?” Martin asked surprised at the young man. “Yes what else is there to do?” Robbie replied sulkily.

“You can keep watch with me.” Martin said forcefully.

“No thanks,” Robbie said. “I need a kip.” Martin let Robbie lay down as he couldn’t force him to stay up and keep watch. Martin looked up to see stars in the sky and a full moon that lit up the few zombies left as they still fought with each other. There was still the odd thud as a piece of dead zombie was thrown at the plane but it was less now it was dark. Martin wished there was some way of watching a film or TV program as it was dull just watching the tarmac and stars. Martin woke to the smell of bacon and eggs cooking. He saw that Robbie had been for a wash and brush up, so he took him self off. Hanna and Jill were busy cooking having got up before both Martin and Robbie. Having made him self feel fresh Martin joined the others for the food.

“We have to move out once we have finished this.” Martin said between mouthfuls.

“Do you think they will be that quick in coming back?” Jill asked nervously.

“I and Hanna saw some that were really quick, so yes.” Martin replied between bites of the food.

“There are some out there that are part animal too.” Robbie said wanting to add to the worry.

“I saw a zombie dog,” Jill said quietly. “I wonder if there is a zombie ghost, or vampire.”

“Haven’t you been to those zones yet?” Hanna asked looking to Jill.

“No we came in through the Zombie one first.” Jill said nervously.

They left the plates and cups once finished and headed for the far exit then went out of the right side via the emergency slide.

“Once at the bottom you cover us, Hanna,” Martin shouted.

“Who is taking the lead?” Robbie asked sternly.

“You and I will go first so that we can protect the ladies once we reach cover.” Martin said angrily.

“What cover is that?” Jill asked piping up.

“There’s a terminal bus over to the right we can use before the building.” Martin pointed to the crashed bus.

“That looks good,” Robbie said. “I’ll take point then.” Martin watched as Robbie loaded up his machine gun that looked miles too big for him to handle.

“Do you want to change with mine?” Martin asked seeing Robbie had abetter weapon.

“No you can have that, I’m ok with this.” Robbie replied smirking at Martin.

Robbie and Martin slid down to the tarmac then set out to the bus leaving Hanna and Jill to watch their backs. Robbie charged like he was some western hero even thou there were no zombies around to fight. Martin felt that this was going to go wrong at some point. They reached the bus with out anything attacking which to Martin was a miracle in it self. Martin looked into the bus and saw three zombies sitting there waiting. Robbie hadn’t seen them but it was too late as Hanna and Jill were making their way to the bus. They reached half way when the zombies rose out of the chairs and made for the bus exit. Robbie fired but was too late as the first three zombies crashed into him pushing him to the ground. Martin ran to join Hanna and Jill as they pushed past the bus on towards the airport building. Martin turning to fire back at the zombies with Hanna, letting Jill to forge ahead and keep their front clear if need be. They soon reached the near side wall of the building.

“We have to go in.” Jill panicked.

“The front glass is all broken so let’s go in there.” Hanna pointed to the gap.

“Quick get in those zombies are coming fast.” Martin urged them on.

They went in through the broken doors. The foyer was dusty with rubble around. The stairs were there but a couple were broken so they had to watch their step as they went up. At the top there were shops that had been busy at one time but now lay empty and broken.

At the far end there was a door. “Let’s make for that door.” Martin headed for the door.

They walked past the open shops checking that they were clear. They reached the door and Martin had to pull it hard to open it. On the other side there was flat ground with potholes and a build not to far away. Martin looked back to see the fast zombies heading their way.

“Go I’ll hold them here till you reach that building.” Martin urged Hanna to take Jill onwards.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes go.”

Hanna grabbed Jill’s hand and they made a dash for the building around the large potholes. They burst into the cabin. Hanna looked back but saw the door was closed and Martin was on the other side.

“Looks like it’s me and you kid.” Hanna said hugging Jill close to her.

“I don’t miss Robbie but I could have got to know Martin better.” Jill sobbed lightly.

Hanna closed the cabin door and noticed that it was warm within. Then glancing around she saw that there was a fire in the grate burning which was warming the water and close by there was a Aga to cook on. Hanna sat Jill down and brewed a pot of tea for them, then put a pot of potatoes to cook and peas. There were beef burgers in the fridge so she placed them on the grill. Looking at Jill Hanna felt sorry for her losing someone was bad but to see someone die at the hands of zombies would turn anyone sad.

Hanna placed the food in front of Jill and made sure she ate it. “That’s better,”

“It’s filling Hanna.” Jill brightening up.

“Look I know we have both lost someone but we have to reach the end of this zone then we can rest for a while.”

“Do you think we will both make it?”

“If I have anything to do with it, yes we will.”

They rested up for the night sleeping restlessly as they could hear shuffling of feet on the far side of the hut. By day light the noise had eased. Hanna cooked up a breakfast then they made ready to move on. On opening the far door they saw that the last part of the zombie zone was a factory fall of zombies and the only way out was a door three floor’s down into the factory.

“This is going to be the toughest part of the zone.” Hanna looked around nervously.

“They look like these are slow zombies.”

“That’s good as we might get through with out them getting to close.” Hanna patted Jill’s back lightly.

They stepped through the door onto the marble type floor of the upper walkway of the factory. Hanna walked to the near by door. All of the walls and doors were glass so they could see right down to the door they had to reach.

“Once we go through here there’s no turning back Jill.” “I understand Hanna.”

Hanna touched the key pad and the door slid open silently. They stepped into the first area. It was cool and there was a breeze blowing in through the wrecked walls. They saw offices and work rooms but what they needed to d o was reach the first stair way down. Between them there was a large group of zombies waiting to get them. But for now they were just limping around the walk way Hanna pulled Jill along to make sure they stuck close to each other as the walked along on tip toes. They seemed to be going well as the zombies ignored them and Hanna relaxed thinking if this was the worst that could happen it was going to be a breeze. Then one zombie turned to spot them. Hanna had to fire her gun as it made its way towards them quickly. Jill reached the stair way first and covered Hanna so she could reach it. They made their way down at a run. The stairs ended at a door and a small room to the next level. They entered the room.

“Cool a safe room.” Hanna felt relieved.

“This is the best part about this zone; you get to rest a lot.” Jill relaxed.

“Why have this here it don’t make any sense thou?”

“Makes a lot of sense to me, it’s a trial by fear.”

Hanna looked through the next door. The zombies here seemed livelier than the first lot and group together more.

“This is going to get harder.” Hanna noticing the zombies.

“Just like a game,” Jill said. “But I think we will make it.”

“I hope we will,” Hanna looked at her gun. “I am running low on ammo, how about you?” “I think I can make it last till the door but it’s going to be a close call.”

“Let’s hope we don’t get attacked before the stairs.”

“They seem to be further away this time.”

“They are and there is less cover too.”

“Are we ready to go?”

“There’s no time like the future.” Hanna moved forwards.

Hanna opened the sliding door and this time they stepped onto a metal floor. It was cooler in this level as there was a big part of the wall missing and it showed a ruined city teeming with zombies. Hanna let Jill go in front as she kept glancing back making sure they were at least clear at the rear. Then she heard Jill fire. Three zombies fell to the ground just in front of them.

“Come on this way.” Jill waved franticly at Hanna.

“Ok, I’ll help.” Hanna rushed over.

Hanna fire and took out another four zombies as they went along. They reached the next door and stair way just as a large group of zombies came behind them. Jill opened the door and helped Hanna in closing it just as the zombies reached the doorway. They went down the stairs to the last room before the exit. Hanna lay panting as they waited to regain their strength.

“I have at least two clips left.” Jill panted heavily.

“I have at least eight shoots by the look of it.” Hanna breathing heavily.

“You’ll have to use it as a club after that then.”

“That means me getting close to them.”

“I won’t be far behind you in doing that,” Jill said. “I’ll try to keep them off you as long as I can.”

“Thanks,” Hanna said. “Let’s try to keep as much ammo as we can till the end.”

“Ok, but that means using the guns as clubs as we go along.” Jill looked down at the gun.

“That might be the best idea.” Hanna turned her own gun around.

“Right,” Jill said. “Are you ready?” “Give me a few more seconds then I’ll be ready.”

Hanna looked out onto the factory floor. There was machinery here they could use as cover and plenty of work bays that would slow the zombies down, if they were lucky there might even by tools they could use to save the ammo. Hanna took one last minuet to rest then opened the last sliding door. “This is it now, no going back.”

“Right with you.”

They went out into the cool ground floor. The hard flooring don’t make for good cover but the machinery would Hanna hoped. The zombies didn’t seem too interested in them at first as they reached the first bench with out any of them attacking them. Hanna looked out to see that the first few were on the move having smelt their body odour. “Time to move they are coming.” Hanna urged Jill on.

“Watch you’re left as you move out.”

Hanna looked to the left to see that there were some fast moving zombies moving their way. They moved on to try to reach the next cover but the zombies intervened, so they had to change directions and used their weapons as clubs to reach the next cover. The zombies kept pressing in on them but they burst through in to a quiet space. The zombies seemed to back off when they reached the safety of cover.

“Why don’t they attack when we reach protection?” Jill was thankful for the rest.

“I think the zoo as it set up so that those are good enough to get through to have a rest whilst making for the doors.”

“They still seem a long way off.”

“I would say it’s going to take another fifteen minuets to reach them.” Hanna looked around.

“Do you think we will have to use the guns?”

“Looking at the zombies I should think we will need them.”

They readied the guns then they made a dash for the door. Zombies pressed in again slowing them down to a crawl as they had to club and shoot their way through. Hanna began to sweet at the thought of not making it. Jill was holding them back with the machine gun more than the shotgun was. Hanna reached the door. It was a slid door which surprised her but she didn’t complain. Pulling it to the left she found that there was a small room before the coffee shop door here. She pulled Jill in and slid the door closed.