Beyond The Dead/ Issue 26

What is Truly Beyond The Dead? - Issue 26 of Beyond The Dead
Dessi: Anthony, we have a visitor…

Anthony slowly begins to use his legs to life him out of the fabric brown chair. He turned his hairy head towards Lionell.

Anthony: And this is?

Dessi: Oh, don’t you remember Lionell?

Anthony: Oh Lionell? Long time no see… Anthony walked slowly towards him and reached his hand out expecting a handshake.

Lionell: Yea, It’s been like six years or something… Lionell returns the handshake.

Anthony: Well you’re welcome to stay, but only on a few conditions.

Lionell: And what may those be?

Anthony: Well we need more and more people to go on supply’s runs, and we need people to keep watch on the walls. Does that sound easy enough?

Lionell: Yea I suppose so.

Anthony: Dessi can you excuse us?

Dessi: Oh, my bad. Dessi proceeds to quickly walk outside of the door.

Anthony: Come take a seat man, don’t be shy. Anthony begins to pour two cups of whiskey, as he sits down, and is followed by Lionell.

Lionell: So how did this place come along? Lionell reaches out to receive the cup of whisky, Anthony is holding out in front of him.

Anthony: Well I bought my grandparents’ house out here, and then the apocalypse just hit… Somehow I was the one who grew the balls to take control of this place… I basically call all the shots that go on.

Lionell: Yea, I see… Well you a fine looking place here.

<p class="MsoNormal">Anthony: Yea, well I hope there aren’t any hard feelings from the high school days… Being young and stupid makes us both crazy.

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Ha-ha, yea…

<p class="MsoNormal">Anthony: So how many people do you have exactly?

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: We have 14 people…

<p class="MsoNormal">Anthony: Oh, well just go visit Diamond, she has all the keys to the vacant houses…

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Oh, alright thanks man! Lionell forces himself to make a smile. <p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">Anthony: Yep, just remember the conditions. Anthony proceeds back to his soft chair, and begins watching the fire.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">-

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;"> <p class="MsoNormal">Kelsey: Have you killed on those things before?

<p class="MsoNormal">Nick: Yea, I actually killed multiple…

<p class="MsoNormal">Kelsey: Oh, was it tough?

<p class="MsoNormal">Nick: I mean, they’re dead, you just can’t think like its tough when they’re trying to eat you.

<p class="MsoNormal">Kelsey: Yea, I know what you mean

<p class="MsoNormal">Nick: Yea, so does this make us boyfriend and girlfriend? <p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">Kelsey: Already? Sure why not! With all of this stuff going on; you aren’t just going to find a random cute boy. Nick can’t help but blush.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">Kelsey: So who were those other boys?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">Nick: Oh them? That’s Bradley and Jay…. They have been through a lot of stuff…. Nick looks towards Bradley and Jay playing basketball with Pecks, Tron, and a few other guys.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">Kelsey: Well haven’t we all?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">Nick: Over the past weeks Bradley has lost his brother and his ex-girlfriend, and Jay lost his Dad, and his sister who was Bradley’s ex.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">Kelsey: Oh, dang that’s some hard stuff to deal with… I don’t know how they can keep them self together.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">Nick: Yea, I mean I lost my parent’s but you just have to be tough, can’t let the big things bring you down…

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">Kelsey: Yea, oh yea! Have you met my dog Cuddles?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">Nick: Oh no! Cuddles?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">Kelsey: Yea, come on I show you her!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">Nick: Oh man, I haven’t seen a dog in a while amazingly!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">Kelsey: Well let’s go!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">Nick: So what did you used to do before all of this?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">Kelsey: I actually used to model! Then I wasn't smart with my money, and had to live in a small apartment!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">Nick: Oh, you didn't go to any college or anything?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">Kelsey: Nope, already made enough money modeling.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">Nick: That's pretty cool! Maybe you can show me some of your photos!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">Kelsey: Of course you can!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">-

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;"> <p class="MsoNormal">On the wall, Alfred, Greta, Ryu, and Mark were on guard duty.

<p class="MsoNormal">Alfred: This chick Elena tough!

<p class="MsoNormal">Greta: And what do you want me to do about it?

<p class="MsoNormal">Alfred: I don’t know; tell me more stuff about girls!

<p class="MsoNormal">Greta: More stuff about girls? Well we have boobs that are all I can tell you, unless you want more stuff.

<p class="MsoNormal">Alfred: Oh come on, I didn’t ask you to name stuff I love.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ryu: Girl problems?

<p class="MsoNormal">Alfred: I don’t know what to call it, to be honest…

<p class="MsoNormal">Ryu: What’s the case? Ryu sees a female pale biter approaching slowly.

<p class="MsoNormal">Alfred: Bro, she likes me yet she doesn’t want a relationship.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ryu: Then just keep trying harder! She bound to get with you man! Ryu pulls out multiple throwing stars with sharp blades.

<p class="MsoNormal">Greta: Uhm, where’s your gun?

<p class="MsoNormal">Ryu: I don’t need one! Watch this! Ryu lifts the star in front of his head, and aims it towards the pale biter moving slowly. He quickly flicks his risk, and before Alfred could turn his head to keep up with the star, the female biter was already down.

<p class="MsoNormal">Greta: Damn! That was pretty impressive! How many do you got?

<p class="MsoNormal">Ryu: A good amount to keep me going! I just stack up on them, and I have nothing else to do so I just make them out of wood or whatever I can find.

<p class="MsoNormal">Alfred:  How are you able to sharpen them like that?

<p class="MsoNormal">Ryu: Just uses a knife and stuff, and you’re bound for it to get sharpen.

<p class="MsoNormal">Alfred: Well you got to teach me that man!

<p class="MsoNormal">Ryu: I think this might be a bit difficult, but we’ll see.

<p class="MsoNormal">Alfred: Come on man!

<p class="MsoNormal">Ryu: Fine I will! By the way, what’s up with that dude over there? Ryu points towards Mark’s direction.

<p class="MsoNormal">Alfred: Oh, he just sleeping, he isn’t a fan of guarding or any such things.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ryu: Well he better not is doing that with Anthony around.

<p class="MsoNormal">Alfred: Anthony?

<p class="MsoNormal">Ryu: Yea, he runs this place.

<p class="MsoNormal">Greta: So he’s like the boss? <p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">Ryu: Yea, just stay on his good side and you’ll be okay.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">-

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;"> <p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Yo Diamond! What up girl!

<p class="MsoNormal">Diamond: Aye! What up Lino! You here for individual houses?

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Yea, Anthony told me you got them.

<p class="MsoNormal">Diamond: Yea, how many do you need?

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: 5 will be fine! And if you could, try to get them together please?

<p class="MsoNormal">Diamond: Of course brother, just give me some time to find some!

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Alright, take your time! Lionell hears a bell ring, and quickly turns noticing Willow wearing his grey and white hoodie that titles “Only” on the front.

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Hey babe! Nice hoodie you got on. Lionell gives her a smooch on her cheek.

<p class="MsoNormal">Willow: Hey, so that was Dessi?

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Yep, that’s Dessi… There’s a short moment of silence until it is broken by Willow.

<p class="MsoNormal">Willow: She’s very pretty.

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: You’re pretty too thoe babe… I bet y’all be good friends.

<p class="MsoNormal">Willow: What if I don’t want to be friends?

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: I’m not going to sit here and force you; I mean it’s your decision. If you want to, then go ahead.

<p class="MsoNormal">Willow: How about when we get our keys to our house, me and you have a little fun? Willow smiles as she rubs her finger down Lionell’s shirt until it reaches the tip of his pants.

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: I can dig that!

<p class="MsoNormal">Willow: Alright cool! So who’s Diamond? Seems cool!

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Oh my gosh! I have known her since we were just little kids! Our Mothers actually grew up with each other. She’s like a sister too me, like when I was depressed in high school, she was there too give me words of wisdom.

<p class="MsoNormal">Willow: Aww, that’s cute!

<p class="MsoNormal">Diamond: Alright guys I got the keys! Oh, hey aren’t you Willow?

<p class="MsoNormal">Willow: Oh hey! And yes, and you’re Diamond?

<p class="MsoNormal">Diamond: Yea! Well nice too meet you, well y’all guys go ahead and get settled in and I’ll see you guys around! Oh yea by the way,, the biggest house is the Tennessee Titans keys!

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Tennessee Titans? You talking about the house I grew up in?

<p class="MsoNormal">Diamond: Yea, go enjoy it bud! <p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">Lionell: Thanks Diamond, that means a lot, I catch you later! Lionell grabs ahold of Willow’s hand and the two make their way out of the brick building.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">-

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;"> <p class="MsoNormal">Lionell and Willow reach a large peach colored house. The sides were brown as if they were made of real wood. Lionell and Willow begin to make their way back towards the cars, and the others to get situated.

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Hey babe, I meet with you later! Just take the BMW back to the house.

<p class="MsoNormal">Willow: Are you sure? You’re going to let me drive this boy?

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Yea, I think you’re strong enough to handle it! Willow can’t help but crack a grind on her face.

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell tucks his hands in his pockets, and walks towards the bus. He looks around and notices Nick, Bradley, Jay, Greta, Mark, and Alfred missing.

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Yo Walter, where’s everyone else?

<p class="MsoNormal">Walter: Bradley and Jay are playing basketball with the boys, Jay, Greta, and Mark are on guard duty, and I guess Nick ran off with some girl.

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Oh, alright! Well I got keys to the house! You guys are going to have to stay in a single house together thoe!

<p class="MsoNormal">Walter: Paxtan, Teague, and I can room then! Teague doesn’t bother me much!

<p class="MsoNormal">Nadine: Angie and I will stay in whatever house Greta gets!

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Alright, cool! Well go ahead and take the bus towards where my home will be, and just look for the address, but just wait for everyone else.

<p class="MsoNormal">Walter: Alright, thanks bud! You know, you really have grown into a man now… I think you’ll be a great leader man! Walter starts his engine and follows Lionell’s instructions. Lionell smiles, and begin walking towards the guard tower.

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Alright guys! I got keys too houses! Who’s rooming with whom?

<p class="MsoNormal">Greta: I’ll room with Angie, and Nadine!

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Alright, good because Nadine said she wanted too room with you guys as well!

<p class="MsoNormal">Greta: Yay!

<p class="MsoNormal">Alfred: Elena?

<p class="MsoNormal">Elena: Fine, I suppose so… <p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">Alfred: Oh my gosh! Well let’s go! Alfred quickly grabs her hand and runs with her towards the bus. Elena begins to laugh, as she is thrilled by Alfred’s quick reaction.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">Lionell: Well here your keys Mark, you get a house all by yourself.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">Mark: Oh cool. <p class="MsoNormal">Lionell walks towards the basketball court, and is quickly impressed at the quickly three-pointer Bradley had made off the dribble.

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Yo, fellas! Sorry to interrupt your game, but I need to see Bradley, and Jay.

<p class="MsoNormal">NaTron: It’s alright man! By the way my name is NaTron, but you can call me Tron! NaTron offers Lionell a handshake.

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Alright cool man! My name is Lionell, nice too meet you! Lionell accepts the handshake.

<p class="MsoNormal">Bradley: Yo what’s up?

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: I got keys; I don’t know how you guys want to do it?

<p class="MsoNormal">Jay: Oh it’s alright! NaTron and Pecks are letting us stay in his crib!

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Ha-ha, what type of crib?

<p class="MsoNormal">Bradley: I guess it’s kind of like a sorority! But yea, they said there is room for the two of us!

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Alright, cool then! Well I catch up with you guys later! Make sure these boys don’t cause too much trouble Tron! <p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">NaTron: Sure thing sir!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">From the distance he had seen Nick talking to Kelsey on the sidewalk, as she walks her dog.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">Lionell: Yo Nick, I see you met a new girl! Hey, the names Lionell!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">Kelsey: Oh, hey! I’m Kelsey, and this is Cuddles!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">Lionell: Cute Corgi!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">Kelsey: Yea, they have to be exercised a lot!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">Lionell: That’s pretty cool, well Nick I have one last key left for a house! You want it?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">Nick: Nah, I think I’m going to kick it with Kelsey!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">Lionell: Alright cool, well enjoy y’all guys time!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">-

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">

It’s getting late, and there’s a full moon. The sky isn’t dim at all, but blue and misty. There are at least 5 people on guard control. Everyone is in their houses either asleep, or awake. <p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Willow: It feels so good to get some rest!

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Yea, defiantly! So how about those things you were talking about earlier?

<p class="MsoNormal">Willow: Oh those things? What type of things? Willow jumps on top of Lionell, and begins unbuttoning his shirt. <p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">Lionell: That stuff that helps me release steam from all this killing biters! Lionell quickly smiles, and wraps Willow in his arms.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">-

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;"> <p class="MsoNormal">Elena: Alright, this is how it’s going to go down, I get my own room and you get your own room; Deal?

<p class="MsoNormal">Alfred: Deal!

<p class="MsoNormal">Elena: Now if you’ll excuse me I’ll be going to sleep.

<p class="MsoNormal">Alfred and Elena head to their own individual rooms. 20 minutes go by until Alfred hears a knock on his door. He opens it too only see Elena crying.

<p class="MsoNormal">Alfred: What’s wrong?

<p class="MsoNormal">Elena: Just were having bad dreams… I just can’t handle the fact that my parents are dead… I just need somebody right now. The two exchange hugs, and continue to stay in the same position.

<p class="MsoNormal">Alfred: Well if you ever need anything, I’m here. Just let me know when you need anything.

<p class="MsoNormal">Elena: Can I stay in here for the night? Elena wipes multiple tears off of her eyes. <p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">Alfred: Of course you can!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;">-

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border-style:none;padding:0in;"> <p class="MsoNormal">Anthony and Dessi are lying in their master bed. Anthony is asleep, as he cradles his tatted arms across Dessi’s stomach. Dessi is still awake, as she stares at the pitch black wall thinking to herself. She can’t help but think about all of the moments her and Lionell used to have before the apocalypse happens. She smiles, and even giggles at some of the thoughts that pop in her mind.

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Just pull the car up slowly. Dessi slowly presses down on the pedal and holds the steering wheel strait.

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: There you go! Now back up slowly, and turn the wheel to the right. Dessi follows his instructions, as he helps her turns the wheel the direction it needs to be.

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Good job! Just pull up and you are good! Dessi follows the simple instructions.

<p class="MsoNormal">Dessi: Oh my gosh! I did it! Thanks Lionell, you’re totally the best! Dessi gives Lionell a long giant hug.

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Just make sure you pass parking in-between the cars on the test!

<p class="MsoNormal">Dessi: Thanks! Dessi quickly gives Lionell a peck on the cheek.

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: What was that for? Lionell grinds.

<p class="MsoNormal">Dessi: Just a thank you that’s all!

<p class="MsoNormal">Dessi can’t help but laugh at the many memories her and Lionell shared. She sits there waiting; sometimes hoping she never left the mansion. She begins asking herself many of the same questions over and over again, trying to figure out answers. Then she realizes she is already with Anthony, who has been treating her good. She continues asking herself the same questions.

<p class="MsoNormal">“How long will the apocalypse end?

<p class="MsoNormal">“Should she show Lionell her true feelings?”

<span style="font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language: EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">“What is truly beyond the dead?"