Hey guys,

Just a quick update. Author's notes at the beginning, they will be shorter. Just going to hope into. They are just for announcements. Let's go!

Chapter 7: Episode Finale: Hunter's Folly Pt. 2

"Mind filling us in," Ed asked after his moment of shock overcame him. He was cautious now. Was this all a setup? Jon side glanced Ed and nodded.

He started with a sigh. "This, my new friends, is my old crew. Been with these guys since the entire thing started."

"Kinda weird and coincidental that we somehow meet them here, " Kevin's said with a hint of nervousness that Cori did detect.

"We not with him, trust me, and honestly, I am as shocked as you guys." Cori turned to Jon with somber eyes. "We thought you were dead brother, after that horde came through, you never came back to the meeting point."

"I know," He said with a sad tone. "Everything went to shit so fast and I lost my cool. Got trapped in a home for three days with nothing to eat or drink. Barely escaped."

"We waited for a week." The girl said.

Jon shook his head. "You guys should've left. I thought you guys were long gone and I had no idea where you guys were. Just been wandering, well, I was until a few months ago. Ended up here for a while. How long you guys been here?"

"Three days," The man that was Bronco answered. "Telling how we haven't run to you and your rather weakened condition, you were a prisoner."

Jon nodded in confirmation. "I was, you guys haven't seen the Arena?"

"We have," the brown haired man said. "Just not the actual thing, just stayed where we were. Anyways, who are they?"

"I'm Ed," Ed started and introduced all his friends. "Look, you guys are obviously close with Jon, think you can get us out of here? Something big is coming and we need to leave."

"What's coming?" The girl asked. Her answer came at the sound of a blaring noise. An alarm.

"Shit, you all hide! People going to start coming through here and getting weapons." They didn't need another warning and headed back to the entrance they came in through, their hopes high that Edd and them were starting the attack.

"So there's the camp?" Shaun asked as he, and a few of his security, examined the spot Edd pointed to.

"Yeah, and here and here are their defenses." Edd went on, giving more details of the layout they saw, estimated numbers, any sort of weapons they had stocked up, and anything they could generally find. "I even saw one of my friends, even for a brief moment. They all could be still alive."

"You can get yourself killed boy." Grint, a man of fifty aged years said after hearing this information.

" I know," Edd stated. "But I can't sit around and leave my friends to die. Thank you, Shaun, I appreciate the information. But what do you want to do?"

"Well, more likely a fight about 3:1, and we are the one. Dan's camp must be well off for him to be going on this trips of his with large groups at a time. A chain of leadership probably, but here and here." The man pointed to the north guard tower and south guard tower. "They are the entrances of the zoo that I know of when it was still up and running. You said they had a gate?"

Nazz came to answer. "Yeah, but just fences that they placed it seemed. Easy to take apart. That horde that was heading to their direction, we haven't forgot right?"

"No,"Shaun answered and rubbed his beard. "That's a good thing and bad, we would need to hope Dan's people could take them on, or at least some of them, their defense will be up but they would be distracted. If anything, we should mobilize in an hour's time and start to hustle to catch them while they are distracted." Shaun saw the teens and their tired state, they just came in twenty minutes ago and night was closing.

"We can use the darkness as an aid. Sneak up on them. Assuming the people he has can hold the horde back and win, we can definitely spring a surprise attack just as soon as they finish." Edd added.

"Post our best shots at these locations with the few silences we have," Another security detail said, she being in her mid thirties and black. "They start firing, cause confusion and, since we have just barely enough, to attack all directions at once."

"Take out the lights first, they'll have them up and we will be covered." Finn stated offhandedly.

"That horde better be strong, those mutations don't go down without a fight, no?" Grint asked and Edd shook his head.

"We don't know for sure, we haven't necessarily fought with these things too much. The Agile is the one we were most fearful of, Alphas just might be a big bullet sponge for all we know." Tech answered.

"This plan is all based on chances? Nothing solid?" The black woman said. "For all we know, a bird or animal could have distracted them or something else could have lead them away. Who is the say Dan's men haven't detected this horde and are already done with them? Or should we address that certain people may still be responsible for Dan's intrusion not too long ago?"

"Geya is right, while we did do a sweep of everything, there could be the chance that we could have a mole. As much as it pains me, we may not know everyone's loyalty. We could end up there and get stabbed in the back. Or the people we leave here may even be of concern to kill or take hostage anyone since we will all be gone."

"I know, I know," Shaun stated with annoyance. "But we have to go on this whim, we can't let this linger that we know all of this. If there is a mole, he or she would end up talking to him and he might just end up packing and leaving and we be right back where we were. We have to act tonight. Making sure everything will go well and that there are no moles."

Geya and Grint nodded. Nothing liking it, but they couldn't argue with that logic, even if it did spell a lot of potential errors.

"If anything, Helen, Jack, Kaya, and I can be trusted. We can keep an eye out. I and Kaya can go to the battlefield with you guys, and Helen and Jack can stay and supervise everyone here." Finn offered. Shaun nodded.

"Yeah, that could work, get them informed and only them," Shaun said hearing all their words, they had a lot to talk about but little time. He turned to Grint. "Grint, get your people. I want guards posted here and I want everyone else who is able to be ready at the West gate with ammunition and get three nurses for the wounded. If anything, Dan probably has more than just Eddward's friends. Get our best shots too and equip them with silencers. Be ready Let's move people!" With that, people were off except for Edd, who told Nazz and Tech to tell Eddy what's up and wait for him at the gate.

"There's going to be losses." Eddward started right away. Their plan was only for the best situation with no moles or any off hand chance. "That horde, ironically, is our best chance of an effective and quick battle. Besides that, we are looking at an all out battle.

"Yeah, but it's the best we can do. Besides, my people are smart and capable. And, it is about time someone paid up to my two dead men and all the trouble he caused. It might just be hell, but hopefully, we'll have another trump card." Shaun said with a smirk and that caught Edd by surprise, wondering if he had an inside man himself, but the Leader thought about it and realized it.

"My friends…" Edd said quietly.

Shaun nodded. "If they are anything like you say, they probably planning a way out and may even cause some confusion. Plus, those five guys you sent ahead of time allowed for me to plan most of this out beforehand. Just hope that if they are planning something, we going to be there in time to get them out or at least help them out from the outside. Soon, Edd, it is going to be a lot of chaos and things are going to be fast. I know you're capable and so are your friends. But be careful. Stay cool, stay sharp, and you guys will be fine."

Edd soaked his words up and nodded. He may have been in tense situations with the dead, but this will be Edd's biggest human encounter. The leader nodded once more and thanked him.

"Now, time to make Dan pay." Shaun said with a firm expression.

"He will. By my hands or yours. I'll meet you at the gate, see ya soon." Shaun grunted and stared at the map. Memorizing the layout and the execution. Sighing, he knew it was time for this to end with Dan. Time to end him.

"Fuck," Cori whispered as the last man went out with a weapon. The black man looked at the blonde woman and motioned for her to get the hiding group. "Everyone else, get ready to leave."

"What's going on?!" Ed asked. He can already hear the gunfire.

"Get weapons, young man!" Bronco stated as everyone started to load.

"Janice, fill us in." Jon said, almost immediately putting on a leader atmosphere as he started to get armed and geared up with what was left.

"A massive horde just popped up out of nowhere."Said woman started to gather magazines for her pistol." Big chunky things, something running fast, a lot of shit just coming. Camp is surrounded and things are going down. What we going to do about this?"

"Well Ed, I guess you guys got your way out." Jo said turned as he kept the gun from the guard. Kevin was able to find a few clips for an assault rifle, Rolf scavenged what he could for a simple 9mm, Ed found a shotgun and pistol, instructing for Kevin to grab hold of some weapons for Dante and Callie.

"We need to get our friends, what you guys going to do?" Ed said as he finishing arming up and getting everything prepared. The people took all they could.

"We can leave," the brunette man with a swearing mouth said. "We got you, so fuck these guys to all hell, fight our way through, and make it home for the kumbaya."

Now, the outside sounded with gunfire and screeches. Beacons.

"No,"Jon said as he went to front entrance. Everyone waiting for his word. "Current objective, help Ed and his friends, and get this shit done. We can group up and follow them, understood?"

"Yes sir," Jon's companions said. Ed was impressed. Jon was more than he made out to be and he nodded to Ed to come over, said teen did.

"Your plan?"

"We have two different places, where they keep women prisoners and for Dante. Rolf and Kevin, you guys get Dante. Jon, think you can take me to where the women are?" Jon nodded.

"Cori, Bronco, on me. Janice, Brent, you're with Rolf and Kevin. Rendezvous in twenty with objectives done at the north gate of the zoo." Everyone nodded. They opened the door and stepped into the chaos. The gunfire wild as bullets flew in the lively night. All the lights were on and screaming was heard from both Beacons and people. Ed looked and saw an Alpha jump on a guard tower to the right and knock it over as people tried to put the beast down.

"What a war zone," Ed stated as he followed after Jon through the camp. A group of enemies saw them and motioned for the two to come over, they were dressed up still. Instead, Jon, Cori and Bronco gunned them down and they were too surprised to be caught up.

"Why you do that?!" Ed asked as the men reloaded.

"Ed,"Jon said. "this camp is falling tonight. Fuck letting any of them live. I mean, your friend died in front of you, don't want some justice done?" Ed gritted his teeth. The death was hard in his head and he did want justice for his friend gunned down in front of him. He wanted death, but not needless bloodshed, Ed thought. Jon wanted his own sense of revenge, against everyone.

Cori grunted in agreement. "If not us, then the things out there would get them."

"I just want one man to die, you don't need to kill them. Blow our cover and we got to worry about the dead and the people."

Broke spoke. "You offer a valid point, however, even after this horde is dead or if they are dead, it does not matter. We are getting out of here and with this chaos, no one will miss any of them or us."

"We can have philosophical debate later, let's move." Jon ordered and Ed had no choice but to go with it. He needed these guys to get to his sister, he'll just roll with it and saw two more strangers gunned down by Cori. He gripped the shotgun, it is like they killed without any thought. Like it didn't matter. Who was Jon really? Who were they?

The group of four passed by an outside monkey exhibit on their left and Ed was the first one to spot an Agile running straight towards them from the right, tearing through people in front of it.

"Agile!"

Everyone turned to the call and saw the creature rushing towards them; they started to fire but it was too close and went for Cori who barely dodged and it nipped his side. The three uninjured started to fire at the scrambling beast, the bullets hitting the body and tearing into its decaying flesh. It was Ed's shotgun that hit the head and ended it. Bronco and Jon checked up on Cori.

Armor stopped it from getting in too deep but it was enough to cut him to bleed a lot. "Fuck, should have been more careful."

"Damn it Cori," Jon said, wondering where they could go to patch him up in this mess of a situation.

"What do we do?" Ed looked around and stood sentry for people and Soulless.

"I can patch him up. I may not be Janice, but stitching this quickly takes priority." Bronco said as he hoisted the man over his shoulder.

"AHH! Fuck you, Bronco!" Cori said aloud.

"You sure?" Jon asked and the Russian man nodded.

"Just go, we'll meet at the rendezvous shortly. If not, sooner. Don't worry." The black man could only nod and trust them. Bronco made way to where the Agile came to find an open tent to work with.

"He's going to be okay right?" Ed inquired.

Yeah, come on, we're almost there." Jon stated. They continued on and for a few moments, they just heard the guns and screams and the world around them go to shit. It was almost like beginning Ed felt, the beginning of this nightmare. It took a minute but Ed saw that they were nearing the aquarium section. A thought popped up.

"How many you think are in there?" Ed asked.

"A few more than we can handle, maybe. Why?" They were getting closer.

"Think we can save them all?" Ed wondered and Jon shook his head.

He responded. "I don't know, trying to be hero?" The black man couldn't help but smile at that. Remembering the old days.

"Maybe, don't know why, but I think we should try to get them all out. Edd is on his way." Ed said as they went to the entrance and lined up on the sides of the door.

"Lets hope, we'll think of something." Jon said and nodded. Ed turned and kicked in the door. Big brother to the rescue.

Eddward Silver was silent as the group of twenty-seven men moved through the forest at night.

Edd knew the formation they were in. Shaun took time to explain everything and go over details. They were split up in groups of five, with Shaun and Grint at the forefront. Edd knew he was in a formation with Natz, the woman that he punched, she expressed joy and saw that she, Len, and Tanny, were on this mission while the other two were stationed at the Sanctuary.

Nazz and Tech were in two separate groups. Four of the groups had one best shot to take the guard tower and they have been moving briskly. One group was to start the attack right away and start to pick of the people. They walked in one line with an easy to break rope used to guide them in the same direction. Luckily, Shaun had night vision goggles stolen from somewhere "far away" he said. But enough for five groups and one lead. Best shot was in the middle and Edd was in the back, on high alert. It was pitch black, but Edd could see a bit well, having been used to this for years.

Their feet moved the leaves and crunch was low in sound. Nothing was around them, it seemed. No dead and no living besides their own. Edd wondered how things will go. How many losses there might be. He remembered Shaun's words that it may be chaos as they passed the old factory that he, Tech, and Nazz rested in. "Stay cool, stay sharp.."

Suddenly, an alarm went off and everyone froze for a second. It was distant but noticeable. They realized that it was as Len said, an alarm from the camp if the horde was large enough. Things were going well.

"Double time it! Stay low, on guard, and silent!" Shaun's voice said through the darkness. The Leader felt a tug on the rope and started to move. Everyone moved as one. They could hear the distant gunfire and the screech of the Beacons reached Edd's ears as if it was a lullaby of horror. He cursed mentally. Things were going down. He wanted to call out to Shaun and tell him that they needed to wait instead of rushing in. The noises grew and the screams and moans of the dead started to close in on them. Edd saw in the distant the gunfire that roared and the lights that were flashing everywhere to keep an eye on the dead.

"Halt!" The bright lights of the camp was enough to let them see each other, though barely. Edd knew they were half a mile out and that Dan's gear was probably blinding for anyone alive and looking at it. Shaun's voice was drowned out by the gunfire for Edd as he moved his mouth to Grint and Shaun had cut his rope. They all heard the sound of things breaking and saw as the woods got darker. Lights went out for one tower. Grint took his group with him. Shaun went to each group and told them to get into position and take care of any dead that may lurk in front of them, and they all could see the Soulless through the trees, marching towards the noise and knowing better, it would draw more sooner or later. Some of the trees were knocked over, obviously by the Alphas.

People started to move. Edd reviewed that they were to wait until the dead were finished or that when Dan's men have made them less. The current thing, post up and stay alive. Kill any and all Soulless that come in contact with you. Wait for the signal and be ready to start firing at any moment. Edd moved with his group. To be posted on north gate entrance of the zoo, one of the exit ways. Tech was to be on the south end of the zoo, and Nazz was to cover the East entrance of the zoo. Nazz and him were stationed at the vehicle exits that they used; if Dan or anyone were to escape through vehicle, they were charged with putting them down.

The groups were still half a mile out and hustled to their positions. Edd was keeping up and then he saw something in the corner of his eye. It was too late as the person in front of him was tackled by an Agile. The squad panicked as they felt the rope tug and snap with Edd being pushed back a little by the Agile's feet, the man screamed as the Agile quickly slashed and bite down into the body and flesh. Edd acted quickly and put an arrow into the Agile, missing the head and hitting the neck. Making it turn towards him and try to get a hold, Edd dodged and was going to fire but a gunshot rang and its head jerked one direction with its body going limp. Edd turned and saw Natz with a pistol.

One of the other guys checked on the one attacked. "Fuck, he's gone. Damn thing tore through him. Poor bastard."

"Thanks Natz." The gunfire from the enemy camp continued. "Let's move, shall we?"

"Yeah," the best shot said. Shaken up a bit that the corpse of their ally could have been him. The group moved steadily together, wondering if any of the other groups were in trouble like they were. It didn't take long, as they closed in closer to Brooky Zoo and they were at the edge of the forest and next to the road that would lead out to the highway and suburbs. The guard tower light showed an empty parking lot. The entrance of teh zoo was not the friendly one it was in the day, the drawing and sculptures were busted, rusted, and chipped paint all around. Blood dried to dark brown on the ground here and there and on the gate entranced. Now it was covered with gates and barbed wire and heavily fortified entrance. There were no Soulless around thankfully. Though the gunfire being shot from everywhere shows that this was probably the one clear location.

"Hey," A man's voice said that was the one in front of the group. "Stay on guard, may not be any around here but they could be coming anytime soon."

"What about that gate? Everything else is being attacked, we could possibly try to move up. Sneak in and get an attack in early." Natz offered.

"No," He quickly disagreed. "We wait for Shaun's signal and then we'll start. We don't even know what might come through that gate."

"But there are no guards here it seems,"Mr. Silver said. They all looked. The Guard tower was indeed unoccupied. Probably to cover for the other areas being assaulted. Edd looked and saw the horde was getting inside the zoo, having busted through the gate. The inside must be a bloodbath at this point.

"But where is Dan?" Edd thought and he needed to get inside. There was one thing, he did not want that man to be alive after tonight. He had to pay.

"Still, we can't risk it." The man said. Edd looked at him and sighed. His family was in there. No more waiting. He hoped through the foliage and made a dash for the gate. He heard the short shout of "no" but he didn't care. His feet moved and his footing was not audible over the gunfire that took over his ears. He was at the gate and leaned as he caught his breath. He drew a pistol and prepped for his entry.

Examining the gate, he saw that barbed wire was on top and that there was a latch between the doors. He quickly got to it and started to lift it up, hearing it the metal make a "shing" and "scap" as he unlocked the gate. He started to pull it open and there was a struggle. The door must be done by a lever as he tried to swing it up open.

"How the hell did he do this damn thing" Edd whispered. Suddenly, a pair of hands appeared to help him and it was Natz's. "What are you doing?"

"Helping you." Natz grunted as they both pulled on the gate. A bit of it started to open, the rusted gate creaked a little and they stopped. It was big enough to squeeze through.

"You don't need to come further, I'm here to rescue my friends. You can go back." Edd stated, knowing full well they she or him could end up dead.

"I know, but you don't know where your friends might be held. I can get you there, at least to the women's location. Work our way from there." Edd did need her. He thought for a quick second and nodded.

"Stay close to me and say where we need to go. We shoot anyone on site." The woman nodded. They squeezed through and once their weapons were drawn, the two rushed into the brink of the chaos.

Dante wondered what the hell he needed to do. Everything was going to shit, apparently. He saw the chaos, but he was defenseless save for the knife he had on him, he can hold himself against the Soulless, but there were those guys with guns and he knew he would end up dead. He saw Rolf and Kevin being escorted by guards, wondering if they were dead or coming to get him.

"Or leave me behind…" Dante shook those thoughts. They wouldn't leave him behind. He just needed to wait for them to come and get him from this place. He had to sit tight.

What Dante didn't consider was his "master" coming into the room, covered in blood and with an assault rifle in hand. He panted and looked crazy as he looked around something, turning the bed and tables any which way he could. He kept looking until he found a small chest and was in the process of prying it open. Dante saw him opening it a few times, judging by his state, he lost the key out there. The firearms went out and the screaming was coming more greatly. Dante remembered this from before, the camp they were in, this one was being destroyed and overrun too.

Suddenly, the man turned towards Dante cowering in the corner.

"Bitch, come here." He lunged at Dante and the young man moved to the side but the man grabbed hold of his leg. Dante gripped the knife as the man held him by the neck. "You're going to be bait. I need to leave this shit hole." Dante struggled and kicked the man. He tried to get out of his grasp. Thinking on impulse, he moved the knife and tried to get his throat but stabbed him in the cheek. It was quick and the blood seeped as Dante was dropped as the man tried to get the knife that went completely through his cheek. Dante panicked wondering what he would do, the man would kill him outright. He was better out there than here, but before he dashed, the "master" was shot in the head and fell down dead. Dante wondered what the hell happened and saw Kevin and Rolf bust through looking for him.

"Took you two long enough…"Dante muttered as he stood and the two boys looked to the young former "slave".

"Dante!" Two said and ROlf was first to give the boy a "manly" hug and punch into the shoulder. Kevin simply nodded and smiled.

"Got him?" Janice said.

Yeah, let's go. North gate, right?" Rolf said as they were on guard stepping into outside.

"Yeah, let's ditch this place like a hooker." Brent said with laugh as they started to go. Janice rolling her eyes at him.

"Ed through here." Jon said. The aquarium's power was out and they were using flashlights that were on the guards. Jon was pointing down a corridor. Left and right of it were old fish tanks, some full with murky water and floating dead bones of fish. Others were cracked and had the water run out of it years ago with cobwebs decorating the inside. The floor was a cracked beige tile of small squares with black lines in between, there was blood on some the ground, some dried but some fresh. Just small patches but noticeable. They both moved cautiously, checking everywhere for any sort of enemy. The warzone outside was just echoes and distant from the thick walls of the building.

The lights moved in front of Ed with his shotgun on his left arm and that respective hand holding the flashlight. The corridor was long and his heartbeat increased, the tension rising, not knowing if his sister was even alive. But Ed feared of what may have happened to her, if the women were kept separately, then what did they do? If the men were kept and fought each other to death, what were the captured women's purpose. Ed could only have dread by that thought: sex slaves.

"Ed, we're close." Jon stated and they entered a circular room with large, magnificent tanks. This was where the big fish were hold. They were still in tact, with deep cracks and the water was a mix of red and brown. "I heard that Dan would toss bodies in here and left them. No fish were in them so they just decayed and bled out."

"How long has Dan been here?" Ed wondered aloud.

Jon shrugged and it wasn't seen by Ed as he moved his light around. "I came a few months ago honestly. By my time here, I say a good year. But...they had multiple camps, I'm sure. I was moved here. Found some factory with a bunch of them and before I knew it, I was in a cage and set to fight against others. Never really knew. My guess is that post fell out because a bunch of people were there for the fights."

Ed could only nod and he spotted a door in between tanks. "Is that where we need to go." Jon walked up to the Sentinel, standing next to him.

"Yeah, that's the best my memory could jog."

"You weren't always a fighter, were you?" Ed asked, trying to get something on him.

"Slave some days, fighter some. I rather not mention those days. Sometimes, killing others is better than being forced into the ground with a whip." Ed winced a bit at that mental image. Ed and Jon went to the door and Ed pulled the door and metal clicked. Locked.

"Stand back," Ed said backing up as he charged at the door full force and the door swung open into the wall and Ed impacted with the wall on the other side. His shoulder hurt a bit but he could take it. Childhood years of pain and strong arm action made his bones pretty strong.

"You good Ed? Shoulder not busted." Ed moved his shoulder in an elbow motion and they both saw the flight of stairs that lead down into a darkened basement. Not too far down.

"Let's go." Ed said and they stalked down the stairs, Ed in front and Jon in rear, looking back now and then to make sure they were good. They reached the bottom and a locked door greeted them just a few day, it had chains on it.

"Don't think you can bust through that…"Jon stated and Ed wonder what he could do and looked at his shotgun.

"Shotgun should do it, no?" Jon could only shrug and said it couldn't hurt.

Ed moved to the door and to the left. He aimed at the chain on the door. He pulled the trigger and it shot his hearing and he saw a bit of sparks flying. The confined space did not leave much room for sound to travel. He shook his head and saw the chain with bullet holes in the wall and some in the door. The chain was a bit damaged and another one might do it in. He shot with the same effect but now an added, muffled sound of a chain hitting the ground was heard through the ringing of his ear. Ed moved back a little and Jon put his hand on the Sentinel's shoulder, seemingly unaffected by the noise.

"Ed, you with me?" He asked the young boy with genuine worry.

"Yeah, yeah.." Ed got out with a few deep breathes. His ears were never used to that, but he gathered his bearings. The door was open and he had to get his sister. Ed took point again as he approached the door and he took another breath, preparing for what he could see and he was not ready as he saw the women cower under the light and muttering started to consume everywhere. The air was clean, but the atmosphere was dreadful as he saw women dressed up, but thin boned and some looked very sick. He could only wonder why but he had to ask.

"Hey, does anyone know a girl named Sarah? Or someone named Callie?" Ed asked softly as his light went to everyone. Jon stepped in and looked around. The room was almost lit with both of their lights. But that took simply moments and Ed got a response.

"Ed?" Ed turned his light and looked around until he spotted her within the arms of Callie. Ed quickly ran over and once he was close, he saw the state Sarah was in. She seemed unconscious but she had bruises all over her arms, legs, and a black eye on her left eye. She looked terrible.

"What...what happened?" Ed was brimmed with a full force of sadness, failure, but strongly, of rage and wanting someone dead.

"Some guy...he took her...and from what she said, there were more than just him...I'm sorry Ed, I tried...I really tried." Callie could only say broken hearted, knowing that Ed must be in a lot of pain. Noticing how protective he was and could already see the tears he had rolling down his cheeks. Jon was silent and watched. Letting Ed figure things out while he tried to figure out the situation with freeing them. But in the slightest of sounds, Jon picked up footsteps and they were dangerously close. He turned and headed to the door and fired into the hallway of the randomly. It caught everyone by surprise why the man started to shoot and he didn't stop until his magazine was empty. It was silent until Jon spoke and flashed his flashlight, seeing the stairs and walls with bullet holes.

"Come out! I heard you! You can't hide!" The black man said and they waited. Jon quickly reloaded and he almost lost his head as an arrow went by his head and he ducked into the side of the wall.

"An arrow?" Callie and Ed thought. Only one person came to mind.

"Hey, stop, we're friendly! We'll come peacefully, we just want someone." A woman's voice said and their doubts set in that it was Edd.

"Who?" Jon asked. He would play along. Get them out into the open.

"Two girls," A male's voice said and Ed froze for a second. "Sarah and Callie." Ed couldn't believe it yet he could. The man smiled bittersweet. His brother did come.

Edd and Natz held hid behind a wall. They were sweaty and panting. They had a few encounters and were still a bit away from the aquarium, where Sarah and Callie were to be held. Edd had his bow drawn and peeked around the corner, seeing a lone person running. He quickly turned and took aim, faster than the woman could put her weapon up, and the arrow flew and hit her neck. She held it as she tried to stop the bleeding and only fell down, choking on her blood. Edd shook a bit, it was not something he was used to doing. Taking another life, another human. They kept their run as they went through, Edd ripping the arrow out of dead woman's neck with a squishy meaty noise.

Soulless and people were everywhere. Alphas and Agiles were rampaging throughout the camp and the gunfire was slowing down. Some explosions were in the air and Edd and Natz took cover as a building had exploded, sending debris everywhere. Things were going to hell, real quick.

"This horde is too big! We may not be even able to get them." Edd knew that the signal would come soon and they would start firing and moving in. Hopefully, it won't be too bad. The two headed for the aquarium. A few Soulless would come running but they were quickly put down with arrows and pistol. The aquarium was in sight and they only sped up and once they reached the steps, Edd turned to see if anything was behind them. However, the only thing he could see was a trail of smoke in the nighttime sky. The lights of the camp flickered off and the fires of the landscape was lit, with the aquarium being a bit elevated, they saw the entirety cover in the flames and the red flare exploded.

"That's the signal, isn't it?" Natz stated as the lights came back in and were flickering but seemed to stay on. For how long, they did not know.

"Yeah, that has to be it. Let's hurry and get moving." Edd stated as they went inside. It was pitch black in the room, but Natz luckily had a flashlight. The Leader stood close by as they went. It was then that they heard a gunshot. Loud. A second didn't pass before another one was heard.

"Shit." Edd whispered. The two ran to the source quickly, going through a long hallway with fish tanks before ending in a big room with large class filled with water. They searched around and saw a door opened and swung open. The two got tense. Not knowing what could be down there or what was happening. They pulled up their weapons and Natz lead the way. As they reached the stairs, they heard a singular voice. Sounded male. They descended, slowly. Making each step careful and accurate. However, Natz put her foot too close to a step's edge and stumbled a few steps. Edd's ears picked up footsteps and he pulled Natz above a bit as the spot her foot was lit up. Gunfire boomed into the hallway and they both waited with hands on their ears and their bodies closed in. Before long, the firing stopped. A light shined on the stairs and a man's voice yelled.

"Come out! I heard you! You can't hide!" The two cursed. They were known to these guys. Shoot on sight it seemed. The Leader heard a click, a gun reloaded, he could get him; he went down a few steps, bow drawn and an arrow ready as he shot into the darkness. No sound but a dud, he missed and hit a wall, he think. Edd was thinking of a response but Natz beat him to it.

"Hey, stop, we're friendly! We'll come peacefully, we just want someone."

"Who?" The same voice said. Edd took this as his turn to speak.

"Two girls, Sarah and Callie." It was a bit silent for a few minutes and an unexpected voice spoke.

"They are down here." Eddward's eyes widen.

"Ed!" He called out. Almost regretted it.

"Yeah, it's me. Jon, he's my friend." The Ed didn't wait as he rushed into the room and passed a black man, he saw a light pointed towards Callie and what seemed to be Sarah. Ed was in front of them. He ws excited and he rushed to his friends, his family but was stopped as he noticed Sarah's condition.

"Holy fuck...Oh no, who the hell did this?!" Edd kneeled and examined the girl, knowing a bit of medical knowledge. She was out cold, hopefully, not a concussion, bruises and he noted that the hem of her "Dress" had blood on it.

"A few guys Double D...a few guys got a hold of her...before...before…"Ed shook with tears as he punched the ground hard. Double D couldn't imagine the feeling Ed was in, but this has gone too far. How could this happen? He knew that they did this, but to brutally attack a young girl even after what seems like rape, it was just ludicrous. It made him more furious, more thirsty for blood, and he hated that he let this happen. That he was tricked. That he couldn't help his people and now look at them.

"Ed…"Double D started off with whisper. "...where's everyone else?"

"Your two friends, Rolf and Kevin, was it? They with my guys getting your friend called Dante. We meeting at the north gate entrance. We were thinking of getting all these women out and rushing over there, try to escape." Jon explained. But Edd knew one name was missing.

"Ed, where's Johnny?" Ed could only look away and shook his head.

"How?" The voice Edd had was void. Callie shook her head with small tears coming, knowing what that gunshot was now. It had to be.

Jon spoke again as he knew Ed may be too pained to say it. "He was gunned down, trying to escape. He was able to snatch keys away and give it to Ed...he died giving us a chance to escape. Honorable man."

"Johnny…" Edd thought. Sarah beaten, Johnny dead, and Dante was in no better condition it seemed. All of it happened because of himself, he failed, he failed. It was him...him...him...him…

"He's going to pay…" The Leader said as he clenched his fist. He needed to find him. It's time he died.

"What are we going to do?" Callie asked. "We are chained up, anyway to get us out?"

Edd focused and he looked around. Seeing the chained ankles of the women and noticing a key. He could pick lock it, but the man would get away. Too much time.

"I have a way," Natz said. "There's a point of the chain here that can loosen them all up. The chains run through the walls so if one is cut the right way, we can set them all free. They'll have the shackles on their ankles until we can get them off, but they'll be free."

"Good thinking. I'll help." Jon said quickly.

"We came with a camp, they are assaulting this base as we speak. Killing off Dan's men and the Soulless out there, if I see anyone, I'll tell them of this location. Just stay guard here and I'll make sure you'll get help." Edd stated coldly, the thoughts in his head of what he needed to do.

"Where are you going Double D?" Ed asked and Edd turned giving him a serious expression. It took a second. But Ed nodded.

"Do you know where Dan is or could be?" Edd asked Jon.

"Well, last time I checked would be the middle of the zoo in an exhibit. It's a big tent but has a bridge leading to it. It's not too far from here and if you look, you'll find it." He explained.

Edd nodded and asked for Natz flashlight who gave it to him.

"I'll be back, I'll see you guys at the North entrance. I believe I saw a large truck that can probably fit the women inside." He stated simply. Edd made way to the door, the flashlight in hand and the fury deep inside of him. Tonight, Dan will die.

Nazz saw the flare high up in the sky, almost, coincidently, at the same time as the camp lights going off and the ones in charge of their group said it was a go. The best shot was posted and started to fire at both the dead and the living. The same could be said about everyone else, Nazz saw from the lights that were still left that a lot of Soulless and people were starting to drop. The rope they had was snapped and Nazz fell behind as her group charged forward and start firing.

The Chef stepped up and moved to catch up, her pistol in hand. She moved low and fast. She saw the dark green paint of their backs, to signal they were friendly and moved to an ally. She took aim of a Soulless and the gunshot rang as the bullet met the thing in the head. It fell. She kept moving and shooting, their main goal was to infiltrate through any openings and her team was heading towards the down guard tower, bodies of the Soulless littered the grass and the young girl tripped and fell face forward, but caught herself and kept moving. Stepping on bodies and feeling flesh compress, squish, and bones crack, snap. It was a mix of squishes and pops and gunshots. They weren't noticed and Nazz saw a guard tower, being climbed by Agiles and the guards in it firing down. They turned their attention as a group of their guys attacked from another direction, hailing bullets on them. They started to fire back, but Agiles and bullets met them. Wood splittered from elongated nails of the dead and the bullets of the living. There was no one alive there anymore.

They passed through the field and met the rusty gate of the zoo. The guard tower was demolished, but at the base was an opening and they started to fit through. Nazz waited as they squeezed in with grunts. She looked at the wood popping up and destruction of the tower, she saw that there was a body still in their, moving, she bend her position and saw that his stomach had a large wooden thing protruding from his gut and intestines hanging off it like a christmas tree. It was sickening, and lucking it was her turn to go inside. She was small, but the gear made it difficult to get through. She managed though and popped down inside the camp. Her group waited for her. Two men, one woman, and herself. Nazz didn't know their names.

"Alright, "the one other female said as they laid at the base of the fallen tower, next to a small building they were all crouched together. "The plan is to stick together, we are here to kill anyone and anything that has two legs, can eat or shoot you."

"You," The woman said to Nazz. "what's your name?"

"Nazz"

She nodded. "Alright Nazz, I'm Te (pronounced: T-eh) and this is Brian and Hank." The two nodded. They looked pretty average. Brian was black with black hair, Hank was white with no hair and bald. Te was black and had short black hair in a small ponytail.

"We going to make our way through, Nazz take the rear. I take lead. Shoot everyone on site."

"Everyone?" Hank asked. Nazz was worried too. Thinking of her friends that could be out there in this mess.

"Well, not everyone. Anyone who could possibly be a victim or prisoner. Anyone with no gun." Te said.

"And if these victims or prisoners have guns to protect themselves?" Nazz asked. Te thought about it for a second.

"Make sure their friendly and won't come with ill-intent. Watch your fire, okay? It is going to be hell, especially with these damn lights." The woman said as the lights were flickering, maybe that last explosion was the power room.

They all nodded and Nazz made it a priority to keep an eye out for Rolf, Johnny, Dante, Kevin, Ed, Sarah, and Callie. They had to be somewhere. They moved and they were met with tents and dead people walking. As one, they moved and shot any Soulless down. They moved fast, checking tents and corners and making sure things were covered. Gunshots were becoming more apparent and Nazz could see that the Alphas weren't running around and causing trouble, they were probably already put down.

Nazz couldn't help the smell that was taking over the air, the smell of fire, wood, rot, blood, it was all so much for her senses as she felt her stomach churn and buckle. The sounds of gunshots, screams, and shouting. The sight of bodies, blood, and death was just a lot to take in. But she pushed forward, the goal in mind.

OKAY!

THAT IS ALL I CAN WRITE FOR NOW! This was suppose to spill over into the next section of the narrative, but I am cutting it down here. It is already long enough as is and I don't want it to be something long. The BIG Finale is coming next chapter though, but you guys know how this works. Next chapter I am working on will be Being Heroes. So keep an eye out for that before I even touch the finale for this one.

I am happy with this but I know that constructive feedback is a must for writers. SO please, not hate, but make me become a better writer. Enjoy and have fun wherever you are. Love you all.

Peace out!