Beyond The Dead/ Issue 45

Losing Hope - Issue 45 of Beyond The Dead
Lionell stood in front of a camp fire, not knowing what to expect. Were these bandits? Were they even good? Would this be any hope? Those questions kept running through his mind over and over, as he walked slowly towards the fire.

First he noticed two men, but none of them were familiar. Lionell finally begin to walk into vision of the man, as they quickly raised their guns aiming towards Lionell.

Lionell: Don’t shoot! Lionell raises his hands to make sure he isn’t planning to do anything crazy.

Fabian: Keep your gun on him Prince; I’m going to get Jeremih real quick. Fabian quickly walks away. Instead of following orders, Prince lowers his gun, and begins to stare Lionell in the eyes.

Prince: What brings you around here?

Lionell: Oh- Uh-

Prince: Well, spit it out…

Lionell: Look today I, and a few guest were kicked out of our safe haven and we just need a place to stay… We could help you gain food, water, anything else… All we’re asking in return is a tent to sleep in!

Prince: I don’t know man… I’m not sure what the others woul- Prince is quickly cut off by the voice of Jeremih. Lionell and Prince, both turn their attention towards him as they also see Fabian walking behind him.

Jeremih: Holy shit! Lionell, am I correct?! Jeremih jogs over to him, as the two exchanges in a quick dap.

Lionell: Yea, Jeremih?

Jeremih: Yeah.

Fabian: Wait, y’all two know each other or something?

Lionell: Not exactly, but we got some history…

Fabian: Like…

Jeremih: Well, Misty Forrest had a trade deal going on Garden Hills…

<p class="MsoNormal">Prince: Well that obviously didn’t work out did it? Everyone quickly pauses as they hear a sound come from a few of the bushes. Walter steps out, with Nadine behind him.

<p class="MsoNormal">Fabian: Who’s this?

<p class="MsoNormal">Prince: Relax man… These people seem like good people…

<p class="MsoNormal">Fabian: So, what do we have to do with anything?!

<p class="MsoNormal">Prince: They wanted to stay… And on top of that, they said they could even help us out! Get food, water, all that those things! Think about it! We’re one step closer to a better life, with the more people we take in!

<p class="MsoNormal">Fabian: Fine… tents are over there...

<p class="MsoNormal">Nadine: So we can stay?!

<p class="MsoNormal">Fabian: I suppose so… Just, leave me be for a while, this day been long as hell… Fabian walks away from the group as he heads towards his tent.

<p class="MsoNormal">--

<p class="MsoNormal">Jeremih and Lionell sit across from each other, as the two play a game of checkers.

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: So… Tell me what the hell happened at Garden Hills…

<p class="MsoNormal">Jeremih: Well, you remember Carter? Lionell nods his head yes.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Well, turns out the fucker pretty much ratter us out! Told Ripley about how we snuck out when we weren’t supposed to, and how K-Rock was killed. Turns out a few of Ripley man, took DayDay from us, and he never returned…”

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: So, he’s dead?

<p class="MsoNormal">Jeremih: As much as I hate to say it… Yea, it’s a shame what gang life can do to you… Both before and after the apocalypse… Dude was already in a bad situation when this sorry…

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Damn, isn’t it pretty crazy with some of the people you meet in life?

<p class="MsoNormal">Jeremih: For sho’…

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: So, how y’all make it out alive?

<p class="MsoNormal">Jeremih: We heard them coming from house to house, and we snuck through the back window… Who knows if they’re looking for us!

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Damn, so is it just you that made it?

<p class="MsoNormal">Jeremih: Nah, luckily I still got my dawg Holiday! I don’t know where that fool wondered off to, but he somewhere…

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Damn, so that one trip fucked you over?

<p class="MsoNormal">Jeremih: Yea, Unfortunately… I suppose it’s your turn.

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Shit, I don’t even know where to start! Lionell looks around, as he soon notices the camp is quiet. Only Jeremih and him are awake.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Well you remember that girl that came here?”

<p class="MsoNormal">Jeremih: Oh, yeah!

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Well her name Nadine, other dude is Walter, but yea some shit went down and Nadine was going to be exile! Now the leader of the place-

<p class="MsoNormal">Jeremih: Anthony, right?

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Oh, yea! Well I and he always had history, and I mean bad history! I wasn’t just going to let the fuck take over one of the people; I’ve help throughout this whole time out!

<p class="MsoNormal">Jeremih: Yea, they yo people man, I can respect that!

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Yea, but anyways one day I decided to follow this dude, because originally Ryu, and I were supposed to have a little chat but something happened and Ryu thought it be better if he went alone. So anyways, turns out I found him…

<p class="MsoNormal">Jeremih: Alive?!

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Nah, dead… There’s a short awkward silence between the two until it is cut by Jeremih.

<p class="MsoNormal">Jeremih: Damn, Ryu was pretty damn cool to… We actually went to school with each other during High School, but we never really talked or actually even met until going on the trade routes were monetary for my me and my home boys.

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: A lot of shit gone on though…

<p class="MsoNormal">Jeremih: Yea… so what about yo chick?

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: My chick?

<p class="MsoNormal">Jeremih: Yeah, you know, the girl you can go home to and enjoy!

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Shit, I don’t even know… I just hope she is doing fine… You got one?

<p class="MsoNormal">Jeremih: Nah… Been lonely for a damn while man… The closest pussy I’ve gotten in the past two years was just from the strip clubs, and shit, sometimes that doesn’t even fill my needs.

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Damn, it must have been pretty damn rough living here hasn’t it?

<p class="MsoNormal">Jeremih: Hell yea… Been living here for quite some time now! Didn’t you say you used to live here?

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Yeah, but that was a while back… Then once I graduated, I had gotten accepted into Vanderbilt!

<p class="MsoNormal">Jeremih: Vanderbilt? Damn, isn’t that a big school though?

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Yeah.

<p class="MsoNormal">Jeremih: How were you even able to get in?

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Music scholarship! Played the piano and got accepted into the band! Not many people know though…

<p class="MsoNormal">Jeremih: Why not?

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: I don’t know, it just never really crossed my mind that much.

<p class="MsoNormal">Jeremih: Well that’s pretty damn cool my dude; well I’m its getting pretty damn late, and this checkers game hasn’t even been touched in the past 15 minuets!

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Oh, alright see you later then. The two exchange a handshake and go their different direction.

<p class="MsoNormal">--

<p class="MsoNormal">Willow awakened from her comfy bed. She didn’t want to get up, as she rubbed her foot against the mattress. Slowly she opened her eyes, and her expression soon turned from being happy to sad. She looked around looking for her man Lionell, but he was nowhere to be found. This whole time she’s been telling her self if was a dream, but eventually reality came and hit her strait in the face.

<p class="MsoNormal">Willow sat still until she stood up. She went through her normal routine except this time, she didn’t want cry. She brushed her teeth, put on new cloths, and ate breast fast until finally she was out of the house. She walked slowly down the street, passing a few strangers on the way, until finally she noticed Paxtan.

<p class="MsoNormal">Willow: Paxtan! Willow called out, catching Paxtan’s attention. Paxtan begin jog over to her.

<p class="MsoNormal">Paxtan: Hey!

<p class="MsoNormal">Willow: Hey… I’m guessing Lionell left this morning?

<p class="MsoNormal">Paxtan: Oh, yeah… Paxtan mood dawns down as he sees Willow’s face become even more emotional.

<p class="MsoNormal">Willow: Oh- Thanks I guess… Willow begins to walk fast pass Paxtan, as she’s just ready to begin to tear it.

<p class="MsoNormal">Willow quickly stops when she hears Paxtan’s voice.

<p class="MsoNormal">Paxtan: Hey Willow… I know we don’t talk or anything, but you with my cousin Lionell, and that pretty much makes you family… So if you ever need any support or just somebody to talk to, I’m here.

<p class="MsoNormal">Willow quickly turns around and gives Paxtan a hug. For once, she could know she could rely on somebody besides Lionell, Alfred, or her sister.

<p class="MsoNormal">Paxtan continued hugging her despite this whole situation being weird and different. He wasn’t very used, or didn’t know what to do to comfort somebody. But he just wanted to do what Lionell wanted him to do, and that was to take care of Willow.

<p class="MsoNormal">--

<p class="MsoNormal">Dessi took a sip of her drink as she watched the sit come ''The Vampire Diaries. ''She couldn’t help but laugh when something funny popped up. Quickly the TV screen turned black. Willow noticed the white TV remote in the hands of Anthony.

<p class="MsoNormal">Dessi: Hey, I was watching that!

<p class="MsoNormal">Anthony: Well there are way too many things going on right now for you to watch whatever you’re watching.

<p class="MsoNormal">Dessi: Well maybe I wanted to watch something to calm the mood a bit. Because as of lately, you haven’t been acting the same at all! Really, was kicking Lionell and that poor girl out really worth it?!

<p class="MsoNormal">Anthony: Look, I’m really sorry… I’ll try to start acting more calm…

<p class="MsoNormal">Anthony tosses the remote control back to Dessi.

<p class="MsoNormal">Anthony: Well, feel free to continue watching your TV show.

<p class="MsoNormal">Anthony begins to walk the opposite way, until Dessi calls his name.

<p class="MsoNormal">Dessi: So, where’s Ryu?

<p class="MsoNormal">Anthony: What do you mean?

<p class="MsoNormal">Dessi: I haven’t seen him all… I’ve been worried.

<p class="MsoNormal">Anthony: Me neither… Weird… Anthony turns towards the door and begins walking hoping to leave this topic alone and done.

<p class="MsoNormal">Dessi: Anthony! You know something that happened!

<p class="MsoNormal">Anthony: Now you? What the fuck has been everyone deal with me?!

<p class="MsoNormal">Dessi: You always know where everyone is! Ryu wouldn’t just leave without your consent!

<p class="MsoNormal">Anthony: Alright… Look but don’t freak out, but he and I went out, and some bandits got to us….

<p class="MsoNormal">Dessi: You honestly expect me to believe you?

<p class="MsoNormal">Anthony: You wanted the truth, so I told you the truth!

<p class="MsoNormal">Dessi: Seriously? A group of bandits came and attacked you and Ryu?

<p class="MsoNormal">Anthony: Yea…

<p class="MsoNormal">Dessi: So what exactly did Lionell have to do with it?

<p class="MsoNormal">Anthony: Lionell wouldn’t mind his own business! That’s what happened! Dessi continues to watch her TV show, as Anthony is startled by her actions.

<p class="MsoNormal">Anthony: That’s it? Dessi doesn’t respond, as Anthony is finally able to leave the damp room.

<p class="MsoNormal">Dessi just couldn’t buy it, but deep in down she knew a 100% Ryu was dead.

<p class="MsoNormal">--

<p class="MsoNormal">Greta walked silently up and down the sidewalks. She couldn’t believe her best friend throughout this progress is now gone.

<p class="MsoNormal">Greta continued, until finally she seen Gio. She never chatted with him, but he was silent, so he wouldn’t get on her nerves she figured.

<p class="MsoNormal">Greta: Hey! Gio turned around shocked, someone was actually speaking him!

<p class="MsoNormal">Gio: Oh hey! Didn’t notice you were there!

<p class="MsoNormal">Greta: Oh, sorry if I scared you…

<p class="MsoNormal">Gio: Oh, it’s alright! I’m not doing much else.

<p class="MsoNormal">Greta: So what are you up to? Greta notices he’s been kicking a ball around.

<p class="MsoNormal">Gio: Just been kicking the ball around… You know, I could use someone to help me?

<p class="MsoNormal">Greta: I’m not quite sure if that person fits me description.

<p class="MsoNormal">Gio: Oh come on! I’m sure I could teach you!

<p class="MsoNormal">Greta: You? I’m not sure about that buddy…

<p class="MsoNormal">Gio: Why not? I look like a foot baller don’t I?

<p class="MsoNormal">Greta: I guess…

<p class="MsoNormal">Gio: Alright, good enough for a yes! Quick, catch! Gio kicks the ball towards Greta as it quickly pounces off her chest.

<p class="MsoNormal">Greta: Ouch! Dang, Mama could have at least spared some of her chest to me!

<p class="MsoNormal">Gio: Alright, let’s go pretty girl! Greta rolls her eyes as she kicks the ball back towards Gio.

<p class="MsoNormal">--

<p class="MsoNormal">Jerome sat on guard duty as he watched the lonely sidewalks. He’s been given more hours to keep guard; normally someone would be angry, but for Jerome, it felt like a promotion! After all he had nothing else going on, and he always enjoyed bossing around the younger teens like C.J., Bradley, and Jay.

<p class="MsoNormal">Jerome looked towards Teague who was chugging down an energy drink.

<p class="MsoNormal">Jerome: Don’t you ever take time off of being a guard dude?

<p class="MsoNormal">Teague: What do you mean? Teague takes another sip of his energy drink.

<p class="MsoNormal">Jerome: Like, you’re constantly always up here! Don’t you got a girl or something?

<p class="MsoNormal">Teague: Unfortunately I don’t…

<p class="MsoNormal">Jerome: Shit, be nice if strip clubs were still around!

<p class="MsoNormal">Teague: Why need strip clubs, when there are just horny people walking around the street?

<p class="MsoNormal">Jerome: How would you know?

<p class="MsoNormal">Teague: Shit, I’ve already met a few of them! The two men share a laugh.

<p class="MsoNormal">Bradley, Nick, Jay, and C.J. sit on the opposite side of two men as they continue to talk. Bradley holds his Glock in his hand, still scared to use it. Jay stands next to him with his pistol in his holster, while C.J. and Nick stand beside him.

<p class="MsoNormal">C.J.: So… What do you guys think y’all are going to be in three years?

<p class="MsoNormal">Jay: I don’t know, probably dead.

<p class="MsoNormal">Nick: Come on man, don’t talk like that!

<p class="MsoNormal">Jay: I mean it’s possible! I know I’m gone have that sexy chinstrap!

<p class="MsoNormal">Bradley: You’re so weird; always say some dramatic stuff, and then something funny to try to lighten the mood.

<p class="MsoNormal">Jay: Shoot, no one was complaining about it until now! Well I already said where I’m going to be, someone else go.

<p class="MsoNormal">Nick: I don’t know! Anything but dead!

<p class="MsoNormal">C.J.: Nah, you gone be like some philosopher or some shit, one of those dudes that smoke weed to get knowledge and stuff!

<p class="MsoNormal">Nick: What makes you say that?

<p class="MsoNormal">C.J.: Well you’re practically the peace maker! Nick nods his head and shrugs his solders.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Well I can see myself still being a guard! Shooting some biters in the head always brings that pride like you on a football team or something!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Bradley: Why don’t we just worry about the present, and not the future? We still young guys, and need to cherish every bit of what life has to offer!

<p class="MsoNormal">Jay: Damn, if you put it that way I can work with that.

<p class="MsoNormal">Nick: I thought that stuff is my job?

<p class="MsoNormal">Bradley: Well I guess I’m already ahead of you in life! Better catch up!

<p class="MsoNormal">--

<p class="MsoNormal">Paxtan sat across from Alfred as the two begin to eat their cereal.

<p class="MsoNormal">Paxtan: So, what’s this thing about me having to catch on?

<p class="MsoNormal">Alfred: Well, we got to keep this on a low profile… I don’t want anyone trying bringing this information to Anthony.

<p class="MsoNormal">Paxtan: Alright, so what about it?

<p class="MsoNormal">Alfred: Well Lionell went out one night, and Ryu was killed explaining why we haven’t seen him! Lionell mentioned him going somewhere, but he didn’t know. So our main task if to get to the bottom of it.

<p class="MsoNormal">Paxtan: And, we’re supposed to do this how?

<p class="MsoNormal">Alfred: Well, I’m still trying to figure that part out… But, we will not be able to do this alone… You’re going to help me recruit a team! We just need around five to four people, you down?

<p class="MsoNormal">Paxtan: If it helps Lionell, and the rest of it I’m down.

<p class="MsoNormal">Alfred: Well, it wouldn’t have mattered what you had said, but I’m glad you’re being cooperative.

<p class="MsoNormal">Paxtan: So when do we begin?

<p class="MsoNormal">Alfred: Oh, recruiting? Paxtan nods his head yes.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Now”

<p class="MsoNormal">--

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell sat in his car along with Walter who sat next to him, as the two enjoyed the verses being spit out of the radio.

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Have you begin regretting to come with me?

<p class="MsoNormal">Walter: Well there are the pros and cons, I mean indoors are obviously better than a tent!

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Yea, for sure.

<p class="MsoNormal">Walter: So, how’s everything been?

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Shitty, losing hope each and every day.

<p class="MsoNormal">Walter: Aren’t we all?

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Everyone, except Anthony…

<p class="MsoNormal">Walter: Seriously though, what the fuck is that dude’s problem?

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: Anything that is the synonym of crazy!

<p class="MsoNormal">Walter: Sounds about right…

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: If I hadn’t had anyone, I’ll probably be dead by now…

<p class="MsoNormal">Walter: By biters?

<p class="MsoNormal">Lionell: No, by suicide. Walter sighs as he closes his eyes to take a nap. Lionell stares outside the car window, as he can see Nadine is at least enjoying her time, as she sits down on blanket reading a book. Lionell can’t help but just smile, knowing at least someone still looks like they have hope.

<p class="MsoNormal">Last Issue: Issue 44 Next Issue: Issue 46

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