Singled Out - Mike's Diary Day 87

*Morning*

I lost all sorts of hope. I don't know whether we will find Jess and Victor again. If God allows (not sure if he really does exist), we will meet again in no time. No doubt about that. This is our second day at the Grand Oak river, and hopefully Victor and Jess can reach us tomorrow right before we leave. The morning was really gloomy, quiet, and very foggy. I've never seen a fog this thick since that thunderstorm that hit 3 years before this happen. The river was calm, nothing was really going on, so I just sat there on a rock staring straight down the river, keeping watch of the camp. I have plan for today, that is to see if there is any suburbs or town around. Probably gonna take Moses, or Jack, or Julie with me. Julie most likely. I'm pretty sure this is one of the best sleeps that those three have had since forever. In fact, they're still on their own spot, snoring. I got lost in thought, and wasn't paying attention of what behind me, and there they were. There were 2 craze and 1 cutter. I didn't wanna wake the others up, and alerting the craze that they were there, so I decided to lure them away. Away from those three. I thought they weren't able to go across the river, but they did with ease. I knew I was screwed at that moment.

*Afternoon*

I have successfully lured those craze away, killed two of them, but spared the cutter since I don't have any good weapons to kill it. I lured it even further, but now the fog is really thickened out. I don't know where I came from; therefore I don't know how to get back to them. I'm starting to think that what if they decided to wait for me for another day, then something bad happen to them. That would suck and just kinda defeat the whole purpose of trying to survive. As if for now though, I have no where to go, and it's all just a waiting game. I bumped to several craze, but the good thing about this fog is that you can't really see 2 metres beyond your position, so when I sat down, all I can see were craze legs that are wandering about. Again, they can see me due to the thickness of the fog. That fog saves my life.

*Evening*

I'm hungry, thirsty, and exhausted. I didn't even think about Jack, Moses, and Julie. I just try to find some water, but I came out short. No food, no water, so I guess I have to go through the night without those things. It's getting dark, and I wouldn't risk my life trying to find a way back. It's just going to complicate the situation, and I would've gotten lost even more than  I already am. I just hope that one of those three try the flares. It's very risky, but it's a chance that they might have to take if I can't find my way back to the shore of Grand Oak River. God help me.


*Night*

I walked about half a mile away from where I was from. Stupid idea I know,  but hey taking chances right? I don't know where to sleep since there is no one keeping watch for me. I didn't bring any ropes whatsoever, so sleeping in a tree is a choice that I have to pass. Digging a ditch? well I could do that, but I'd probably pass out of dehydration before I even finish digging the whole thing. One way to do it I guess. I don't sleep. I am right now proping my back on a tree trunk. Watching the stars, listening to all kind of creatures' noises. Getting creeped out, scared, no food, water, or weapons. I'm really tired and can passed out anytime, and hopefully I can wake up healthy the next day.

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Mike's Diary Day 79 - Off we go

*Last Midnight*

It was crazy.  I didn't know what to say to Jack, and how to respond to what he had told me.
Blood? My carved back? Ann? What the hell is he talking about? He sounded really crazy, and didn't think it through. Well, we argued, he yelled at me, and walked away. All I said was ""Let me sleep on it", but I doubt he heard it. I tried my best to rethink everything right before I went asleep. He did sound crazy, INSANE, weird, like a fool. Honestly. If he stayed? We might be able to help him, if he left, where to? Crazy bastard. Though, he has helped us a lot. I mean A LOT. Maybe it's time to return the favour huh? Yes. I'm going with him, but only me, I'm not putting everyone else's lives in danger. I was thinking too loud apparently that Julie heard me and wanted to go. Of course. OF COURSE SHE WANTS TO GO WITH US. WHY??

*Very early in the morning*

I woke Julie up, and told her to pack up her stuff, without making any noises, and without waking everyone else up. This is the second time that I have to leave my brother, Victor, my family. Though, I left a note. In Moses's back-pack. He'll know what to do. I packed up everything I needed, map, compass, weapons, blunt weapons, traps, molotovs, and all the other good stuff. Jack walked in my tent, "Thanks." he said. I walked up to him, I whispered/yelled "You better be right about Ann man. I'm not sacrificing my life and Julie's without any reward. That is, killing this son of a bitch Ann." He nodded. We packed up, and we proceeded our way through the thickets, avoiding craze, and saw actually some of them are trapped in the hole that we dug for the past 2 days.

*Afternoon*

We walked pretty far, no action still, no danger, so far so good, and there was no psychopaths trying to kill us. Good sign right? Jack asked "Did they know we're living? How's your brother then?". I said "We've planned this out. Long time ago, before this apocalyptic bullshit happened. Creepy huh?". We continued walking, may be stop here and there for a break. Jack was leading the way, Julie in the middle, and I was at the very back. Julie particularly very interested in Jack's story for some reason. She asked so many questions while Jack was having a hard time answering them. "Why did you bring this girl with you?" Jack said "None of your business", Julie responded. "She's just gonna get us killed." Jack said, again Julie and her sassyness responded "Fuck you old man." I just chuckled and repeated it "Yeah, fuck you old man."

*Evening*

We encountered some villages, but we decided to went back 2-3 kilometers away from the village to scout everything around it. I had my binoculars, and Jack has his sniper rifle, while Julie keeping a close watch with her glock. We decided to climbed up at tree to see what activities are going on in that village. No, it wasn't even a  village, more like a camp, temporary camp. I zoomed in with my binocular to see what the guys look like, and yes. As Jack described before, red eyes and all that bullshit. Hmpfff... This is gonna be tough. Jack wanted to end it right away, but I wasn't sure if "Ann" was even there, so I talked some sense to him, and told him that we better be camping on top of this tree to see who they really are, and whether "Ann" is there with them or not. He indeed agreed. I climbed up the tree first, then hooked a rope around the branches, then Julie right under me, then Jack right under she. We felt pretty safe up here, plus we have some height advantages. This was when I decided to just sleep it off and continue the journey tomorrow, or even confront the group (if they're still there tomorrow morning). Jack was obviously disappointed, but hey, the safer trip we have the better for everyone, so deal with it Jack. We're gonna get that psychopath eventually.

*Late night*
I just woke up, and now I'm writing (you don't say). I heard something, but when I looked down, those two were sleeping. Maybe just a paranoia that kicked in? I just checked the camp with my binoculars and they were are still there. Good for now.

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Mike's Diary Day 71 - Best Inventions Come At the Worst Era

*Morning*

I woke up earlier than usual today. Took a little walk around the base (not too far this time). After a good 30 to 35minutes or so, I decided to go back into the gate, but then I saw Jack, so I followed him. He headed towards the weaponry storage, then to his work-bench which he later used to fiddle around with his new project. He did some target practice, and it was impressive. Not so much noise created from that thing, but it has still some weaknesses. I surprised him, he turned around and almost press the trigger, but he didn't. I told him that his innovation is pretty impressive, but he works more than he rests, so I told him to catch a break sometimes.

*Afternoon*

I was fiddling and doodling around on my sketch book (originally trying to come up with a battle plan, but nothing just comes in today). Instead, I was sketching soe architectural stuff that I think would be really cool if we make one. After hours, I finnally got it. A vertical farming method. We build an opened building without ceilings, only stairs and 5 floors of dirt (not tiles) so we can plant stuff on, without wasting our backyard space. It will take at least 3 men to do this, so I assigned the twins and Victor to do the construction (Victor was a bachelor graduate in engineering). After we finished some calculations, it came down to a conclusion that it'll take 1 week to make it with 3 men, and we are short on wood (I need to work on that). We took a break, and this was when Julie nwas reported missinh.

*Evening*

I spent the rest of the evening trying to look for Julie. Finally decided to get Jack and Victor to come with me to the city to find Julie. Long story short, we met Julie at an arcade. I don't know why she went there. She said that she wished everything was working like it used to because she misses the old games. Then we went "shopping", she was really happy. Never seen that happy face anywhere else before. We got tp the dolls and girly stuff and I clerly remember what she said "Man, that's gay." Anyways, later I told her not to travel alone again (ironically). She made a deal with me that she won't do with unless I do it again. "Jack? Victor? back me up here? well fuck you guys." I said. Clearly they agreed and support the deal. hmmmm what can I do right?

We proceeded our way back to the base, and during the trip, I askwd Jack about Ann. Where she is and all, and Jack looked disturbed by those questions. Crazy thought, Jack killed her? but why? Anyways,we spent the rest of the trip with silence.

*Night*

We arrived at base, had some dinner. beans today just FYI. It tasted pretty good I'd say, well then again, everything is good when ypur food shortage is kinda low. Jack seemed morebothered than before, fiddling around with his invention, his work is more sloppy this time, so I told him to get a major break (maybe he's boyhered by my questions aout Ann.) We're in front of a fireplace. Julie, Jess, Victor and I. Jess and Victor are playing cards, whereas Julie is busy reading the comic books that she has found at the arcade. I'm exhausted because I haven't recovered fully from the gun shot wounds. I'm gonna get some rest now.

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Mike's Diary Day 67 - 2 back, 1 missing

               Had a rough day yesterday, today we made the run. I'll really how it went. Woke up, android the usual things. Breakfast, checking the perimeter, supplies, and weapons. Julie woke up an hour later, and packed up her own stuff. She asked me what we are going to do now, and I told her that we were going to find our way back to the town. We walked for hours, and I used my best ability to track down pur previous route. Before we reached the town, we decided to take a little break. We sat down for a few minutes, and drank some water.
                "Do you think... we can trust Ann?" Julie broke the ice.
                "What makes you think that?"
                "There's something about her is just not right."
                "Well, I don't like to think it that way." I responded.
We got up and continued our walk to the town. Viechles of searching, I was finally able to drag our asses back to the town. Before we go into the road however, I told Julie that once we get to the open road, anything can happen, so we better run as soon as possible.  She nodded, and we were off on our way back to our base. On the way back, there were few craze, but we decided to avoid them instead of wasting our energy trying to kill those fuckers. Julie and I decided that it'd be a good idea to find a car, so that I can hotwire it, and drive it back to the base, but without luck, we didn't and what we wanted. Instead, We arrived near the building where I first met Jack. I stood there a bit longer, and looked toward that direction.
                "You okay? What are you doing?" Julie asked
                "Yeah I'm good. Just some old memories."
                "Of what?"
                "Me saving Jack."
                "Are you like the Angel of humanity or something?"
                "Why?"
                "All you do is save lives." She said
                "Well I wanted to be a police."
I continued the walk while Julie followed. I saw a motor bike, but I've never hot-wired a motor bike before. Unless they key is still attached. We walked towards it, and saw no key. However, it was parked beside a gas station, so I was guessing that the ex-owner might be other, and we might be able to acquire the key. I entered the room, and saw 3 craze. They were all sleeping? I guess, but they weren't interested in our presence that I know for sure. I saw the owner of the bike (who is now an infected), snuck up behind him, and stabbed the back of his head with my machete. Stealth, quick, instant kill. I searched for the key, and there it was. I took the key, and ran out with Julie towards the bike. I got on, so was Julie, but the problem was that it's been a long time since the bike was last used, so  I had to start it manually, by the pedal. After a few tries I figured that this was not a good idea. Craze started to notice us. We were terrified, I told Julie to take the hand gun and fire at will, while I tried to set the bike to on. Just before one of them reached us, we escaped. Good Lord, that was scary. I now have a ride, so we just head back right away to base. Once we arrived, I right away with Julie went to the supply room, and sorted our finds, then I went to check on Jack's room, but no one was there. I checked all around the base, but he wasn't anywhere to be found. Ahhhhhh this is just great. I figured that I will have a search party to go after him tomorrow, if he hasn't come back, but now, I have to start in organizing the deffence and attack strategies to use against the valors.

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Mike's diary Day 65 - Two Fuckers, We're Being Watched.

          I woke up beside Julie this morning, I saw her yawned
          "Good morning." She said. I smiled and looked at her 'hand'.
          "Do you wanna anything on that?" I asked.
          "Yes, anything would be good."
          "Knife?"
          "Sure"
          "Okay, we will get you patched up once we get back to base." I said to her.

I got up and checked the surroundings, while Julie was looting for some supplies. That morning was very sunny, breezy, all I could see UT the window was a torn flag waving in mid air, unfinished construction buildings, and some craze. Once Julie was done, I told her that we are going to a hospital near by to loot some medicine and other important stuff that we might be able to take.

            I walked outside with my iron sight aimed down, I checked if the coast is clear, and I signaled Julie to follow right behind me. We turned left back to the ally way, proceeded our way through, and turned left on the second house. The road was empty so I decided to me a run across. We did, I could see the hospital building clear from where we were at, and I couldn't wait to see what's inside. For another 35 minutes walk, we arrived on our destination. We went inside, not too many craze so far, so Julie and I handled it though sweat. We started looting the stuff, first aid kit, alcohol, bandage, painkillers, and many more. I then proceeded my way to the emergency room, and I opened the door, I was greeted by two guys. Yup, they're all dead now. I talked my way out.
             "Remember us?" One of them said
             "Nope, not a bit."
             "You destroyed our base."
             "Oh, the Valors?" I asked while taking few glances behind them.
             "Where is the girl?" The other asked
             "Or we'll kill you."
             "Oh you mean that one?" I gestured with my head to look back when Julie stabbed the guy repeatedly in the neck. I took my gun and fired at the other before he could slash Julie's other hand off. Once the gun fire went off, all I could hear was craze's scream and footsteps.
              "C'mon we gotta run." I said.
We ran away from the kitchen, trying to get out of the hospital, but we were blocked by a horde. We decided to find another way, but with no luck, we found dead ends. Our last hope was upstairs. I led the way, I pushed our way up and slashed some heads off along the way. We were terrified, I almost peed in my pants. We found a  door, I breached it open, waited for Julie to come, and closed it. I held the door with all my strength from the craze who were trying to get a piece of us. I quickly told Julie to find a metal to use the door. After a struggle, she found it, but it wasn't strong enough, so I decided to jam the door with anything we could find. We found chairs, sofas, and tables. Great, we're stuck now. Julie was breathing heavily, but was still able to throw out a smile or two. The sky is turning orange, it's getting dark, and we're stuck on the roof. Julie and I have to think of something tomorrow if we still wanna live for another day. In the other hand, I am worry that the other back at base are looking for us (well obviously). I hope everyone is still in one piece by the time we got back, especially Jack. One more thing, I hope the valors don't find their way to our base before we got back. They probably did, if they didn't, how the fuck did they know we were going to the hospital? Even more odd when they said
                  "Remember us?"

As if they were expecting our presence in the building. I am pretty sure, everyone (even the ones in our base) is being watched. Is it possible that they have an inside men, or women? I'm going to stop writing right here because Julie is telling me to eat.

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Mike's Diary - Day 38th Just Another Day in Paradise

            After that long journey that we had to make yesterday, we were exhausted (mentally and physically). I ended up staying at the base, it doesn't feel so good just staying in this small, dirty, dusty room with cracked windows that are covered by wooden boards. I want to help the others, but my body is telling me not to.

            I get up out of my bed staggering, my whole body is shaking. I walk outside into a hallway covered with gray walls, dull, and dead, and I put much effort to go to Jack's room and see how he's doing. He was still asleep so I just left a note for him on his nightstand beside the mini lamp. "I'm sorry for making you promise something that's almost impossible. I just care a lot about Lexi and I didn't want her or you to get hurt. Thank you, go get some rest and keep the area safe, we're running out of supplies so I figured on going alone, hence we need more people to help out with base and our barricades. Go meet my brother Moses, he'll tell you what to do. One more thing, don't tell Lexi that I'm going alone, I don't want her to be in any danger. - Mike"

            I walk then to Lexi's room and she's not in it, then I heard footsteps in the hallway. It's Jess, she was just wanted to tell me that Lexi is going to the barn with the other kids, so I left. I took a dagger with me, a water bottle, backpack, a handgun with a suppressor attached to it, and a spare clothing. I went with Madison (my favourite horse of all in the barn) and off I go to scavenge for more supplies. There is something odd today, the road is really quite, no signs of craze, the wind breeze blows across my face, when suddenly I see fire burning down a building (how? I thought to myself). I rush towards it, and I saw an old guy trying to get away from the craze. As I approached him, he sees me and asks for help, so I did. 

            After the perimeter was clear, I pointed my gun at this guy, and asked

"Did you get bite?"

"No" he said, "I swear to my mother's grave."

"Tell me your story!" I demanded

"I got separated from the group" (who would've thought. I think to myself ), then he continued "I swear, do you have a base? Mind if I join your group?"

"You do anything stupid, this gun will be up your mouth. Yes I do have a group, what does that mean? more stomach to feed since I just met another survivor few days ago."

"What's his name?" he asked

"Why do you care?"

"Jack."

"You know him? Well this about to get real interesting. I'll ask Jack who you really are, I don't believe you truly yet." I said.

            We took off then with Madison back to our camp, everything went very smoothly when suddenly the road that was empty now is blocked by tons of craze. I tried going around and it didn't work, and I started to worry. I tried to distract them and so I could find alternate alley ways, they were also blocked. I'm going to be out of base for a night, I hope they won't worry too much about me. I took a long way down town with this guy, his name is Keral, and we made a camp.

"Let's go back to base tomorrow" I said

"No need to hurry, your name?"

"Michael. I go with Mike." 

"So how many of you are in that base?"

"You'll see it tomorrow. Now we have to go on a shift, 4 hours sleep, 4 hours guard."

"I'll guard first." He said

I didn't say anything, half of my heart is doubting it but half is saying that I should get some rest, so I decided to take a rest for 4 hours. I just hope people at base don't try to find me, I don't want them to worry too much especially my brother and Lexi.

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