"Hold your horses there, mate." Charles gently pushed me back before I could go further. "Remember what I said about rest? You need it, pronto."

I ignored his prattle. It didn't matter if I didn't sleep for an eternity, I just had to see for myself. I struggled in his hold, staring at the new world with desperate eyes. "But Jack... I need to―"

"He's right. You've had a long day," Wastia grumbled, "and so have I."

Styke placed a hand on his shoulder and rolled his neck around. "We should head back to base. The others are prolly worried."

Others? There were more of them in the next sector? I dragged my hand up my other arm as my blurred vision settled on Charles' tan, jaded arm. I only hummed to clarify I was listening. Though I was, my mind wandered to Jack and the cluster of emotions I held for him.

After sinking his arm back to his side, Charles trudged forward. His sagged pants jingled when he reached for the door. I gulped. Was I really doing this? What if it was a trap? Could I trust these people?

I glanced back. If I ran now, I'd risk bumping into a savage, but at least it'd be on my own terms. Behind me was the sleeping city Jack and I had resided in. Leaving now felt like I'd lose the last memory of my dear brother. However, if the real deal wasn't here then he was definitely in another sector.

"What're ya standin' around for?" Styke started. "Get moving."

Tightening my fists, I headed for the door behind the others. This was it. I didn't have the luxury of turning back now; Jack was waiting for me.

"Alright, I'm ready," I replied as I adjusted my candy-coated clothes. With one last sniffle, I followed the three of them in after Charles hauled the door open.

He gave a low bow. His jaw shook when he offered a smile. "Ladies first."

I returned his action with a curt nod as I brushed past him. Once my feet met with bloodied concrete, I took in what rested before me, wide eyed. "Sector 899. That's... Philadelphia, right?"

"What's left of it. Ever visited before? It used to be so congested before the uh, 'apocalypse' started." Charles treaded this topic carefully. With each word his voice lowered until I struggled to hear him mutter the end.

Shaking my head, I sighed. "No, I can't say I have. But... my brother wanted to come here." I persed my lips. Jack was so disappointed when he learned of the city's fallen state. Yet he put on a brave front for my sake.

Another sigh left my parted lips. The white mist slipped from my grasp just as quickly as Jack had. Both refused to stay by side. I slapped my cheeks to push the negative thoughts in the back of my mind. Everything'd be okay. Once I found Jack, we'd... well, I wasn't sure yet. That could wait.

We walked past rows of battered homes, some with lights flickering in their rooms. "Hey," I said aloud to no one in particular, "who lives here?"

Wastia shifted her gaze to me. After a huff, she answered, "Who else? The dead."

My eyes widened. I gawked from her to the houses neatly tucked together, nearly dropping my own jaw. "I... I thought you guys just walked around aimlessly until you found food. Like the movies, y'know?"

"'You're not supposed to say that," I heard Styke mumble before pinching between his thin brows.

Wastia's head whipped in my direction before I could take back whatever insulting thing I'd said. "Listen here, you little shit," she spat, marching towards me, "Dealing with your fresh ass is hard enough. I refuse to―mmf!"

Charles sealed her mouth shut with one hand. The other held back by the neck. "Easy there, Wasty," he coaxed with a smile. "She doesn't know anything, remember?"

Muffled screeches erupted from her while she struggled in his grip. She stared bullets into my eyes and stomped her foot. Multiple times.

"S-Sorry for saying something offensive. I didn't mean to," I said, waving my hands defensively. After taking a step back, I looked away. Some people with a variety of injuries watched us from their front porches. One man, whose skull peeked from under his bowler hat, narrowed his eyes at me.

It seemed like it wouldn't be long before we drew unwanted attention. "Look, isn't that the point of this week?" I crossed my arms when she glared. "Getting me adjusted to the undead life?"

Charles jerked his hand from her mouth and exclaimed, "Dammit, she bit me!" He shook it, wincing.

Wastia took advantage of his distraction and shook free from his arm. "It won't even hurt, dumbass." She dusted off her black shorts and belly shirt, then pointed to me. "It isn't 'you guys'. I know you're new and all, but don't forget you're dead, too."

With that, she continued where she left off, walking to who knew where. I scurried behind them once Charles and Styke started moving. Dammit, they must've hated me now. What if I was burnt to a crisp before I could find Jack? What if zombies committed a different kind of cannibalism?

"Guys!" I called, tapping on Styke and Charles' shoulders. "How do I know you guys won't e-eat me? Aren't zombies into―"

Styke's glare stopped me from finishing my sentence. Even in the dark I could spot the shine of his bared canines. "Shut up."

His low, menacing tone sent shivers down to my toes. "Understood."

Silence hovered over us as we headed 'home'. More buildings cluttered the streets the further we walked. Desolate campuses, graffitied churches and destroyed schools etched themselves into my memory. Jack wouldn't have wanted to see this.

It was practically a ghost town, unless the zombi―undead roaming the streets. They walked around us, some greeting me with small smiles. I waved back hesitantly. Zombies, huh. Well, at least I had one less threat to worry about. Still, if they were conscious and could speak, how come they couldn't get along with civilians?

Memories of my death gave me my answer. I placed my hand over my chest and grimaced. Not a single thump pulsed through me. Despite the thin crowd's boisterous chatter, all was silent in my body. I squeezed my shirt, fingers quivering.

So much happened today. How could I be sure this area was safe? What if a savage slipped through the damaged security? My mouth hung agape as I searched for the right phrase to say. I didn't want to sound insulting, but I didn't want to beat around the bushes, either. With the last of my courage for the day, I clasped my hands together and said, "Hey―"

My face slammed into Styke's back before I could finish. He backed away, patting my shoulder. "Sorry about that. But look, we're here," the dead man announced with a small smile.

When I looked to where his gaze landed, I found a huge, tan building. Most of its windows were shattered, yet dim lights illuminated their rooms. I'd spent so much time thinking, I didn't bother paying attention to where we were going. Truth be told, I never expected the dead to have such... ordinary daily lives. Brows furrowed, I looked back to the group. "A... A hotel?"

Charles faced me after nodding. "Yup. We usually hang around here when we have nothing to do."

Huh. How unexpected. It'd be great to fInally lay down, though. Having quality dessert was also a plus. A smile spread across my face at the consideration. Doughnuts, croissants, cinnamon buns, fondue... I could only imagine what they had on the room service's dessert menu. "C-Can I stay here, too?"

He held his chin in his palm. "Hm, that depends." After humming, Charles shifted his gaze to Wastia and Styke. "What do you guys think?"

I looked to them. While Charles wiggled his eyebrows and grinned, the other two didn't look as pleased. "Let's see," Wastia started, counting on her hand, "you disobeyed our instructions, killed a... test dummy, disrespected our culture, and gave in to your junk food addiction multiple times by the hour. Frankly, I see no reason to let you in."

My heart sunk to my feet. If I couldn't join them, how would I be guaranteed safety? Being alone wasn't fun, especially when I had to find Jack before something bad happened to him. I squeezed my skirt's fabric for dear life as I kept my eyes on the ground. The tan paving blurred in seconds.

"However," Wastia added while adjusting her shorts' belt, "the week isn't over yet!"

"That's right." Relief flooded through me. I relaxed my shoulders, releasing a deep sigh. "I'll make up for it," I mumbled before following them inside.

The lobby was average, to say the least. Red blotches stained its blue carpet, while cracks ruined the nearly-stainless marble flooring.

My feet remained glued at the entrance. Why did they bring me here? I didn't have the money for a room. Jack used to say hotels were for the rich, and we were far from that.

To my left, Wastia and Styke talked to a woman sitting at the counter. Her thin ponytail swooshed when she handed them a book.

I scowled, then scanned for their other companion. Charles sat in the lounge, arms spread over the couch's back pillows. My stomach twisted at the sight. How could mere zombies have such luxuries while most civilians barely went a day without fear?

A door opened behind me. Before I could move, it brushed my back. The cold surface forced me out my thoughts. Shivering, I looked to the perpetrator just to find a green, shriveling woman dressed in purple.

She narrowed her eyes at me. "Oh, sorry about that. Are you alright, dear?"

After taking a step back, I gave a stiff nod in response. "I-I'm fine. Sorry, miss."

"That's good." The woman flashed me a smile. "Make sure you watch where you're going. Wouldn't want your head to fall off!"

At that, my hands slammed over my ears. I repeated, eyes bulged, "'F-Fall off?'"

"Oh come now, I'm just pulling your leg." She waved her hand as chuckles left her chapped lips. When I didn't laugh with her, the woman sighed. "You must be a newcomer. What a pity."

My eyes switched from her lavender dress to the floor. Hands falling to my side, I shuffled my feet. "How―"

"Lulu!" Wastia's call sliced through my sentence before I said something I'd regret.

Styke and the rest stood by the elevator. Charles waved me over while dangling a key card in the air.

I gave a polite smile to the stranger dressed in purple. "It was nice meeting you, but I have to go."

"No, no, I should be leaving as well. Apologies for keeping you."

Once we bid each other farewell, I met up with the others. They headed in the elevator after its doors slid open, with me following suit.

Voices reached my ears, but I couldn't catch what they were saying. My thoughts were too focused on the people I'd met so far. Mary, that woman, and these people―what was going on? Zombies weren't supposed to act so... human.

This wasn't fair at all.