Beyond My Choices/Issue 9

Issue 9 - Chanderliers
'''Among the bus a girl with velvet red cake curly long hair lies. Her eyes dart open as she moves her pupils around the damage around her. She looks out of the window and by now the sun is beginning to set as the sky turns orange. It’s a pretty view she admits to herself, but what the fuck happened?! '''

'''She stands up; she loses balance but quickly catches herself. She looks around as if she’s a little girl lost without her Mother. Blood splats are against the wall, as a few bodies surround to make the scene much more surreal. She grabs her bag, and soon enough she’s out.'''

'''She stumbles on a piece of wood as she lands harshly upon what once were her soft hands. He looks towards her hand, as she sweeps away any twigs or pieces of a rock that have glued themselves upon her palms. She then looks in front of her, as she notices it’s a similar bag. Nothing fancy about it, but she seen the black bag before. She opens it up, and a katana is seen inside it. She’s not quite sure what to do with it, but immediately lifts it out of the bag as she hears growls form behind her.'''

'''She turns around katana in hand pointing the sound; but there’s nothing there. Instead it’s a sight she’s quite confused by. A few hummers ride through the streets, but her eyes grow big. A semi-truck drives with a tank upon its rear end.'''

'''Audi: What the fuck… Audi thinks to herself. She quickly ducks into the bushes as a few men with rifles wrapped around their shoulders. '''

'''It was as if someone was running their own militia. Behind her the familiar growls which she though before was just the sound of trucks flying by come by again. This time, it’s different; the biter walks slowly but surely he’ll get a meal. Audi is fully aware of this as she her back towards the biter, with the katana ready to insert it into its skull. Every step it takes her heart pounds as she tries to figure out how she’ll be able to handle situations without making any noise. '''

'''The biter reaches her, but easily she stabs it through the head. She sighs, until she sits down. (Crack!) She lands upon a stick which cracks. She quickly relaxes herself down, as she hears a soldier cry out.'''

Soldier: Hey Brantley, I think I heard something.

Brantley: Come on, something out here?

'''Soldier: I swore I heard something man! It could be a deer or something, and I need something to eat man!'''

'''Brantley: Is it that important to go check out? The soldier nods his head, and the two men proceed to walk into the woods.'''

'''The two man search around, and they’re getting warmer and warmer to Audi. Her heart pumps faster, as adrenalin begins to rage in her blood stream. '''

Brantley: Check behind that rock over there Nick.

'''Nick proceeds as he slowly covers the rock which hides Audi. He turns his head, and he lets out a scream as a blade comes in contact with his chest. The scream catches Brantley’s attention as he immediately calls for help when he sees a dead Nick lying on the ground. Behind Nick, he sees red hair run into the wood!'''

'''Brantley: Back up! Back up! Brantley screams at the top of his lungs. Soldiers are there to accompany him within seconds.'''

'''Audi runs through the trees as she can hear yells of the soldiers from behind her. She skips over a large dead tree, as she moves swiftly between the branches. From the corner of her eyes she can see the presence of biters joining in on the lottery for Audi. She continues to run and eventually there aren’t any more biters in her presence although she can still hear yells form the soldiers that follow her. She turns her head once to look back, and there aren’t any signs of life, she turns her head back forward and soon she’s knocked out on the ground. '''

<p class="MsoNormal">Barely with any signs of vision she’s able to have a brief look of a female until finally everything turned black.

<p class="MsoNormal">--

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Tom kneels down in front a juke box. He scrolls through the selection of music, until a familiar song catches his eyes. It reads ''“Rolling in the Deep” – Adele. ''He reaches in his back pocket, where he pulls out a wallet. He begins digging inside of it, until he stops once being approached by Bradley.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Bradley: You still carry around a wallet?

<p class="MsoNormal">Tom: Yea…  Tom says as he continues to search through his wallet.

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Bradley: How come? It’s not much these days someone just carry’s a wallet with them.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Tom: Yea, but it just reminds me that there was life before this.

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Bradley: Fo’ sho man! (Bradley takes a seat on the ground upon the wall next to the jukebox.) But come on, that can’t just be it!'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Tom: Well you hadn’t let me finished! Anyways, it’s always good to have quarters on you, because you’ll never know when you’ll find a jukebox or something! '''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Bradley: Ahh, that’s pretty damn clever! How many quarters you have?'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Tom looks inside his wallet, and proceeds to count. He eventually tosses it down when he pulls a single quarter out.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Tom: Honestly, I’m too lazy to ever count… if I had to guess, maybe about ten dollars. '''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Tom then clicks the button that plays the song he has selected. The room then lights up louder, as Adele’s Rolling in the Deep begins to play.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''This music catches everyone attention, as it’s been quite quiet today. Every thirty minutes someone talks, and for the next thirty it will be quiet. Everyone rejoices as the sound of music even if it wasn’t their taste refreshed their ears.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Bradley: I’m guessing you’re an Adele fan?

<p class="MsoNormal">Tom: Yea, in fact I got to meet her one time when she visited D.C!

<p class="MsoNormal">Bradley: You know with you being like in the secret service, why have you never told any stories?

<p class="MsoNormal">Tom: Well I do, but mostly because no one never asking!

<p class="MsoNormal">Bradley: Well I’m asking!

<p class="MsoNormal">Tom:  Let me think… let me think…

<p class="MsoNormal">--

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Lionell sits upon his brown wooden stairs. He stares at the dusty ground as he taps his feet swiftly as it interrupts Willow’s make-up session.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Willow: You okay hunny?

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Lionell: Yea, I’m cool. Lionell smirks, as he stares at little Braxton toss around his legos.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Willow: Come on, I know that tone Lino… 

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Alright, you got me once again!

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Willow: What is it this time? Willow sets down her make-up and looks towards Lionell.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: I don’t know, believe it or not I’ve just had a lot on my plate lately, I mean I don’t know how this trip will go… I mean what if something goes wrong?

<p class="MsoNormal">Willow: Come on Lionell, don’t think so negative!

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: I mean I would love to think positive, which that’s what I’ve been trying to do but damn just the thought…

<p class="MsoNormal">Willow: The thought of what?

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Lionell: Of everyone firing back at me! I mean what if they blame me for something bad happening?'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Willow: Come on Lino… You’re being too hard on yourself! You brought civilization to these people, and this is such a whole new step since the apocalypse has hit! I mean, we’re communicating with people in New York! Look how far we have come!'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Lionell: I suppose so! You always know how to cheer me up Willow!'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Willow: Oh what would you do without me!

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: I think the real question is what would you do without someone to give any information to?

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Willow: Oh boy! Let’s just say Elena and I probably wouldn’t be considered sisters! Besides I know you still need it, especially after what happen to Dessi…'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Yea, let’s not talk about any of that; just know that I love you and Brax.

<p class="MsoNormal">'''The two love birds exchange in a kiss. Willow quickly presumes back to putting her make-up on, as Lionell checks his tuxedo to see if it’s still looking nice. He comes to a final decision that it’s good quality enough to wear in public. He sits up in his chair and makes his way towards baby Braxton as he throws a lego brick on the ground.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Lionell: Woah there bud, watch where you throwing men! He lifts him up and stares at his miniature tuxedo.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Willow: He looks just like you! Cute and handsome!'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Oh, whatever you’re just saying that!

<p class="MsoNormal">Willow can’t help but laugh as she continues applying her make-up on.

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Lionell: Alright man, next time you got to make sure you don’t sit on this dirty floor! '''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Lionell carries Braxton throughout the door, as they exchange goodbyes with Willow. He holds Braxton, as he walks down a set of stairs. He finally reaches the bottom of the stairs, as he looks around at the beautiful view. Many people walk and dance around, as the room is light up with sunshine gold. Lionell can’t help but welcome everyone.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''He continues to walk as he reaches a door, which he soon walks in. It’s like a great escape theatre as a big screen lights up. Many people sit down in their seats ready to watch their annual movie night. He makes his way up the stairs where he waits for his deer Willow to meet up with Brax and Lionell. '''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Lionell sits next to Braxton as he sits down in a chair. '''

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: What’s up little dude?

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Braxton: D-dy! Braxton yells in excitement as he tries his best to pronounce the word “Daddy”.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Lionell: Alright man, it’s about that time to see Aunt Elena! Lionell lifts up Braxton off the ground as he walks him throughout the pale hallway. He finally reaches a door where Elena sits with a bunch of other children. '''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Lionell: Hey Elena! The two exchange in quick hug.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Elena: Hey little man! Elena reaches her hand out ready for a high-five which Brax excitingly accepts.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Elena: Why don’t you go hang out with Myron! Brax smiles as he baby steps towards his friend.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: How’s Myron been?

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Elena: Uhm, he’s been alright! And he finally called Alfred Daddy so that’s a good thing!'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Lionell: That’s great! I’m glad y’all guys are finally coming along!'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Elena: Yeah, me to! Earlier I let Myron pick the movie, and once again he picked Power Rangers!'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Lionell: Ha-ha! That’s great, anyways tell Al I said what’s up, and are y’all guys coming over for dinner tomorrow?'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Elena: Uhm, I’ll have to talk to Al, but most likely!

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Lionell: Alright then cool! And just like that Lionell makes his way back towards his room, where he sees Willow sit in the chair next to him.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">--

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Chandeliers lights up the room as Tom sits at a table filled with varieties of foods. At the end of the table the president sits down. Next to him sits his wife and his daughter, as they grub in his food. Tom knew he wasn’t supposed to be enjoying himself to a meal, but the president allowed it. Who wouldn’t pass up on a meal from the white house?'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Tom takes a bite out of his meal as the taste of juicy ham feels his mouth. In front of him sits Adrian, who looks like he’s enjoying the ham as much Tom.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Adrian: Wow, this is quite the meal! '''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Tom: Sure is! Too bad we don’t get this every day!'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Tom finishes his meal as he’s already set to get back to work. Without saying a word to the president, which he never could even have the opportunity; he made his way towards the front door where he immediately opens it. '''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''For the next hour he stands patiently as he watches a bunch of old people, and very few younger people formal dance. Despite the smell of old people, it made him feel cool. A “smart educated rich kid” type of feel. He didn’t want to get all too cocky, but he knew this was the job for him! Six figures per year, working with some of the coolest shit in the world! This was defiantly his thing!'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''His favorite part of the job was walking outside of the president’s van. Bulletproof windows and tires was what got him. They weren’t just ordinary bulletproof windows and tires, but they were like the Incredible Hulk’s chest! Main point is, he thought it looked like the bat mobile!'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''With the black shades covering his face he starts feeling numb. “A good drink right now would be amazing” he thought as he needed something to keep him up. He then hears the intercom awaken both him and the room of people.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Intercom: Ladies and gentleman! Please welcome the president’s daughter!'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''A young girl with dark brunette cherry curly hair steps out as she holds a guitar in her hand. In front of her stand a microphone, and a stool to hold her. She walks slowly, and even she feels nervous despite being the president’s daughter. She stares at her Father and her Mother, and to the crowd of people. She even recognizes some of the secret services body guards, one of them being Tom.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''She plays the first note, than the second and the third and by the forth it’s clear what song she’s about to sing. She’s always been a fan of Adele, even when she was underground. Then again underground is more of a term for “hip-hop rappers” but she didn’t care; even she would fuck with hip-hop. She continues to play, until her soft voice silences the room in “awes” and “oohs.”'''

<p class="MsoNormal">President Daughter: ''There's a fire starting in my heart. ''

<p class="MsoNormal">''Reaching a fever pitch, it's bringing me out the dark. ''

<p class="MsoNormal">''Finally I can see you crystal clear! Go 'head and sell me out and I'll lay your ship bare, See how I leave with every piece of you. ''

<p class="MsoNormal">Don't underestimate the things that I will do!

<p class="MsoNormal">There's a fire starting in my heart

<p class="MsoNormal">Reaching a fever pitch

<p class="MsoNormal">And it's bringing me out the dark

<p class="MsoNormal">She continues to play the notes, as she closes her eyes and grind her teeth.

<p class="MsoNormal">The scars of your love remind me of us

<p class="MsoNormal">They keep me thinking that we almost had it all

<p class="MsoNormal">The scars of your love, they leave me breathless

<p class="MsoNormal">I can't help feeling

<p class="MsoNormal">We could have had it all

<p class="MsoNormal">'''For the next four minutes she continues playing and singing along with the guitar as she finally stops. The crowd lets out a large roar of claps, as Tom stairs in aws. Such a beautiful voice, he didn’t know what to do. Especially from only being a 13 year old girl. “Damn, she has a very nice looking future” Tom thought to himself.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">--

<p class="MsoNormal">Bradley: That’s it?

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Tom: Yep! My origin of my love for the song Rolling in the Deep! '''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Bradley: Yea, that’s a really cool story man! You know I don’t quite remember but, I remember this one girl playing a guitar, and she was playing a similar tone to this! '''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Tom: Really? Did you hear her singing?'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Bradley: From what I’ve remember, yea… Very talented!

<p class="MsoNormal">Tom: It’s amazing how music can still bring people like us together in this world man!

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Bradley: For sure man! '''

<p class="MsoNormal">--

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Dante stands in the woods with a bow and arrow in his hand. He’s looking for some deer, or anything but a biter. He walks stealthy throughout the misty woods, as he looks around. Leaves lie everywhere, as logs takes turns to rotate in and out of the ground it seems. He was used to this, and he loved the feel of boots punishing the mud which lies underneath him.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''He continues to walk stealthy as he notices a deer. He can’t help but smile, as he soon realizes he’s basically the real-life counter part of Hawkeye of the Avengers! That was his favorite superhero after all! Dude didn’t really have superpowers, unless his enhanced vision counter but Dante could easily make up for that as strikes the deer in its bold shoulder. For the next five minutes Dante spends chasing down the deer. He finally reaches down the dead deer which he soon dies of blood loss, as he crouches down once he hears the sounds of motor vehicles drive by. Hummers and SUVS drive by as he’s unsure if he should say something or not. She grabs the deer and slowly pulls towards the club as he needs to let the others know about this… “Hopefully I made the right decision” Dante thinks to himself.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">--

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Lionell stares at Willow, as she can’t help but laugh. '''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Lionell: I’m guessing this is your new favorite movie?! Lionell says grinning.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Willow: Uh, yea! Adam Sandler is just so hilarious! Anyways, I’m going to go use the little girl’s room!'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Lionell: Alright take your time! Willow gets up but she stops when she feels Lionell hand touch her wrist.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Willow: Yes?

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Just know I always will love you, even when I’m dead I’ll always be there!

<p class="MsoNormal">Willow: Silly, I already know, besides not like that’s going to happen!

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: I just got to tell you that every day!

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Willow: And you have, good job! The two exchanges in a kiss, and soon Willow’s gone.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Within a few minutes the door cracks open again.

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Lionell: I see your back sooner than expected! Lionell says without looking back at the door. He hears no response as he turns around and is hit in the face with the butt of a gun. It’s a masked man. Lionell grabs ahold of the man, as he punches the jaw of him. But quickly the man counters and smashes the gun upon Lionell’s temple. '''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''He holds the gun towards Lionell’s voice, as he takes off his mask. Lionell can’t make out the face but he can tell once he hears the voice.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Voice: I’ve been waiting for this for a long ass time!

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: I’ve known you for four years, why now?

<p class="MsoNormal">Voice: Because, power… You’re just step one as of now.

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Look just put the fucking fun down and we can talk about this later!

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Voice: I’m sorry there won’t be a later… Any last words? The man says in a grueling angry voice.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Lionell: Fuck you! My people may or may not be able to find out you did this, but when they do they’ll fuck you up! Lionell then spits in his face.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Voice: Seriously? I’m sure no one even has the fucking leadership or balls to fucking try to do something!'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Bradley does, you’re only getting yourself more trouble.

<p class="MsoNormal">The man punches Lionell in the jaw as blood pours from his lips.

<p class="MsoNormal">'''Lionell: You couldn’t take me out like a man could you! Had to come in here with a little mask, and cheap shot me!'''

<p class="MsoNormal">The man puts his finger on the trigger as he’s ready to fire.

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: I love you Willow.

<p class="MsoNormal">'''A loud lingering gunshot echoes throughout the theatre as screams fill the air. '''

Last Issue: Issue 8 - Next Issue: Issue 10
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