TWD: Road to Survival

Chapter 1: Outbreak:

The plane touched down at LAX under a sky so bright and blue it felt almost artificial, as if the day had been meticulously crafted to welcome new arrivals. The sun, still low on the horizon, hinted at the kind of warmth that would later press down relentlessly on the city. Despite the airport’s usual frenetic energy, there was an odd sense of calm. Everything, from disembarking to collecting my luggage, moved with unusual efficiency, as though the typical chaos had been subdued by some unseen ****.
As I navigated the terminal, a faint, persistent sound began to register. Coughing. It wasn’t disruptive or overly noticeable, more like a background hum, a static that blended with the ambient noise. Near one of the large monitors broadcasting the morning news, a polished voice broke through: “...health officials monitoring a flu-like illness spreading across parts of the Midwest. While urging vigilance, they stress there’s no cause for alarm...” The words dissolved into the swirl of announcements and conversation, leaving only a vague impression. At the time, it seemed like just another piece of passing news, easily dismissed.
Stepping outside, I was greeted by the familiar, pungent blend of jet fuel and salt-tinged air. The sprawling expanse of LAX buzzed around me, chaotic and yet strangely comforting. There, leaning casually against a cherry-red classic Mustang, stood Garrett. His cocky grin was exactly as I remembered, framed by sunglasses perched low enough to reveal the mischievous spark in his eyes.
“Well, well,” he called out, arms folded across his chest. “Look what the East dragged in.”
I shook my head, unable to suppress a grin. “If I had to guess, I’d say a very handsome man.”
“Nah,” Garrett shot back with a laugh, closing the distance between us with a strong-arm handshake that quickly turned into a brief, fraternal hug. “He’s ugly as fuck, but word is he’s a hell of a cocksucker.”
“Good to see you haven’t changed, Garrett.”
He pulled back, slapping my shoulder with a familiar ease. “Need help with the bags?”
“If my chauffeur would be so kind,” I replied, tossing him my duffel. The exchange felt effortless, like slipping back into a well-worn jacket. The years apart hadn’t eroded the rhythm of our friendship.
“Where’s Priya?” I asked as he loaded the trunk.
“Fencing class,” Garrett said with a smirk. “She wanted to come, but I told her to stick to her routine. She’s pissed about it, but she’ll forgive me once she sees you.”
Sliding into the Mustang’s passenger seat, I took in the interior. The mix of polished chrome and worn leather carried a lived-in charm. “I can’t believe you’re still driving this thing. Three years, and you haven’t upgraded?”
Garrett glared as he turned the key, the engine roaring to life with a throaty growl. “Watch your mouth. She’s a classic. And she was Dad’s car, I’m not letting her go.” His tone softened, the usual bravado giving way to a more solemn undertone.
The mention of his father brought a pang of guilt. “I’m sorry I couldn’t make the funeral.”
He shrugged, keeping his eyes on the road as we pulled into the flow of traffic. “You had your reasons. Dad understood, and so do I.” For a moment, silence filled the car, heavy but not uncomfortable. Then his voice shifted, edged with concern. “You sure you’re safe, Nate?”
I avoided his gaze, focusing instead on the cityscape outside the window. “The mission was successful. Douglas and the higher-ups handled the fallout. As far as the Order’s concerned, I’m dead.”
Garrett didn’t look convinced. “You don’t just cross them and walk away clean.”
“I didn’t say it was clean,” I replied curtly. “But you and Priya don’t need to worry. Douglas made sure of that.”
After a moment, Garrett relented with a nod. “You eat yet?”
The tension eased as we shifted back into easy banter, the kind that filled the silences with laughter. Garrett teased me relentlessly about Japan, mocking my supposed lack of culinary taste. The city blurred past us, its sprawling expanse a tapestry of noise and color. After three years abroad, the familiar sights and sounds felt oddly foreign, like visiting the shadow of a memory.
As the Mustang navigated the labyrinth of Los Angeles streets, I couldn’t shake the faint unease that had settled at the airport. The coughing, the news report, it clung to the edges of my thoughts, a shadow in the periphery. Occasionally, I glanced at pedestrians, watching their movements, searching their faces. Most seemed oblivious, caught in the rhythms of their lives. But something about their unawareness made the unease sharpen.
____

We pulled into Garrett’s apartment complex, a modest but well-kept building with beige walls and an understated charm. As we unloaded my bags from the trunk, a familiar voice cut through the quiet of the parking lot.
“Well, Heaven strike me if it isn’t Nathaniel Black. I thought you were dead.”
I turned to see a striking figure approaching us, her blonde hair catching the light. “Susan, still as gorgeous as ever, aren’t you?” I said, recognizing her instantly.
“And you, still as charming as ever despite never calling me back,” she replied, arms crossed, her tone a mix of amusement and reproach. Garrett gave me a knowing smirk, subtly signaling for me to handle this as he continued unloading.
I shrugged, offering her a sheepish smile. “I told you I was leaving the States.”
“You did,” she said, her expression softening slightly. “But we live in the 21st century, Nathan. You could’ve returned a call or texted me—just to let me know you were still alive.”
“I had to get a new phone,” I replied, weaving a half-truth. “Lost all my contacts. I couldn’t even talk to Garrett for a while. Imagine his surprise when he found out I was coming back.”
She sighed, her gaze lingering on me. “Right… It’s just… I missed you.”
“I missed you too,” I said with a smirk, stepping a little closer. “We did have our fair share of fun back then.”
Her lips curled into a playful smile. “If you want… maybe we could catch up later tonight,” she said, her fingers lightly brushing against my chest. “Bring some wine. I’ll be waiting.”
I chuckled, her boldness bringing back old memories. “Sounds like fun.”
“Good,” she said, turning on her heel and walking away, her hips swaying with deliberate elegance. Garrett appeared beside me, shaking his head.
“You know,” he said, his voice tinged with mock disdain, “I’ve never understood what you saw in that blonde bimbo. She’s just… plain.”
I shot him a smirk. “You’re just jealous she was more into me than you.”
“Pfft, as if,” he retorted, laughing as we grabbed the last of my luggage.
____
Inside Garrett’s apartment, the scent of fresh coffee and faint traces of lavender greeted me, a comforting contrast to the heat outside. As Garrett opened the door, I was met with an enthusiastic blur of movement.
“Nathan!” A small figure barreled into me, wrapping me in a tight hug.
“Whoa, hey there, Pri!” I said, laughing as I returned her embrace. “Look at you—you’ve grown!”
She blushed, tucking a strand of dark hair behind her ear. “Well, it’s been a while since you’ve seen me. I was still in high school back then.”
“Even so, it’s good to see you,” I said with genuine warmth.
“Likewise!” she said, her face lighting up with joy. “Come on, get settled. I’ll make some tea.”
She disappeared into the kitchen while Garrett and I sank onto the worn leather couch. A few minutes later, she returned with a tray holding three cups of steaming tea, her movements graceful and practiced.
Passing each of us a cup, she settled into an armchair across from us. “So,” she began, leaning forward, “did you bring anything from your friends in the East? Oh, and—did you have a girlfriend over there? Come on, spill the beans!”
I couldn’t help but laugh at her enthusiasm. “Sorry, Priya, no gifts this time. I completely forgot before heading back. And no girlfriend either, though…” I trailed off with a smirk, “there may have been a couple of flings.”
“Boo,” Priya and Garrett jeered in unison, mock disappointment written all over their faces.
“Oh, screw both of you,” I said, shaking my head as they erupted into laughter.
We spent the next hour catching up, the room filled with the kind of lighthearted banter that only old friends and family can share. It felt good to be back in familiar company, even if the shadows of the past still lingered in my thoughts.
Eventually, fatigue began to weigh on me. Rising from the couch, I stretched. “I’m gonna crash for a bit,” I announced. “The trip wore me out.”
Garrett nodded. “You know where the guest room is.”
As I settled into the small but cozy room, the events of the past few years replayed in my mind. My life had been turned upside down too many times to count, each twist leaving scars that hadn’t quite healed. Lying back on the bed, I let out a long breath, staring at the ceiling.
There’s no way it could get worse. Could it?

____

After the nap, I decided to take Susan up on her offer. Her apartment was just down the corridor from ours. It seemed harmless enough, a chance to reconnect, maybe distract myself from the heaviness weighing on me since I returned.
I knocked on her door but got no reply. “Susan? You there?” I called out, rapping again. By the fourth knock, the door creaked open slightly.
“Weird…” I muttered, hesitating as unease prickled at the edges of my thoughts. The lock appeared broken. “Maybe I’ll just leave a note…”
I was about to turn away when a faint noise came from inside, a low, guttural sound, like an animal’s growl. My muscles tensed. “Susan?” I called again, pushing the door open fully.
The smell hit me first. It was the acrid, metallic stench of blood, mingled with the putrid rot of decay. My stomach churned as I stepped inside, every instinct screaming at me to leave.
The living room was dimly lit, but the crimson streaks on the floor were impossible to miss. Blood. Thick, dark trails leading toward her bedroom. My breath quickened as I crouched to inspect the marks, my fingers brushing the sticky residue.
“What the hell…”
The noises grew louder, unmistakably coming from the bedroom. Heart pounding, I grabbed a knife from the kitchen and inched toward the door. Pushing it open, I froze, the sight before me rooting me in place.
Susan was crouched on the floor, her back to me, tearing into the lifeless body of her cat. Blood coated her hands, face, and clothes, and the room reeked of ****.
“What the… Susan?” My voice wavered as I tightened my grip on the knife.
She turned slowly, and I stumbled back. Her eyes, bloodshot and devoid of humanity, locked onto mine. Her skin was pallid, her movements jerky and unnatural. A deep bite mark marred her left hand, the flesh around it blackened and swollen.
“Susan?” I managed, my voice barely above a whisper. “What happened to you? Are you—”
She lunged.
“SUSAN!” I shouted, dodging her and holding up the knife defensively. Her strength was inhuman; she clawed and snapped at me, her movements wild and feral.
“Back off!” I yelled, trying to keep her at bay. “What the hell is wrong with you?!”
Despite my training, she was relentless. I managed to push her back and raised the knife. “Susan,” I pleaded, my voice shaking. “Let me help you. We’ll get you to a hospital, okay? Just—stop!”
She didn’t stop. She growled, lunging at me again. We tumbled into the living room, the knife slipping from my grip. She clawed at my arms, her teeth snapping dangerously close to my neck.
“Damn it, Susan!” I roared, adrenaline surging as I shoved her off and grabbed the knife. With a **** swing, I slashed her wrist. Her hand fell to the floor, limp and lifeless.
“Oh God,” I whispered, stepping back. “Susan, I’m sorry—I didn’t mean—”
But she kept coming. Blood poured from her severed wrist, yet she didn’t falter.
“What the fuck?!” I screamed, barely holding her off. I felt her teethes approaching my neck and the end was near if it wasn’t for the help of an old friend.

Garrett came from behind with a baseball bat as she gave Susan a big hit on the head sending her flying to the floor, helping me to my feet. “YOU, OKAY?!” He asked concerned and confused at the scene.
“Ask her,” I said hoarsely, gesturing toward Susan’s still-moving form.
She rose again, her head tilting at an unnatural angle, her growls filling the room.
“This isn’t possible,” Garrett muttered, his face pale. “She should be dead. She’s bleeding out, she should be dead!”
“She’s not stopping,” I said, my voice barely audible. “It’s like she’s already dead.”
We fought her again, trying everything—slashes, stabs, anything to stop her. Nothing worked. Finally, Garrett let out a roar, raising the bat and delivering blow after blow to her head until she crumpled, her body finally still.
Breathing heavily, we stood over her lifeless corpse, blood splattered across the room and our clothes. My hands trembled as I muttered, “What… just… happened?”
Garrett shook his head, his face ashen. “I don’t know. I’ve never seen anything like that. She just—kept going. Oh God… Susan…” He gagged, covering his mouth.
“Garrett? Nathan?” Priya’s voice rang out from the doorway.
We turned to see her standing there, her face pale with shock as she took in the scene.
“Pri, wait—” I started, but she turned and bolted.
“Shit!” I muttered, chasing after her.
Priya reached the corner of the hallway and stopped abruptly, her eyes widening in terror. The older man from the aparment at the other side of the hall. Mr. Lexington, staggered toward her, his mouth twisted into a snarl, his body covered in gory wounds.
“Mr. Lexington?” Priya stammered, stepping back. “Are you okay?”
He lunged at her, growling. “MR LEXINGTON STOP IT’S ME!”
“Get away from her!” I shouted, kicking him hard. He stumbled backward, and I helped Priya to her feet. "Are you okay?"
“Stay behind me,” I said, shielding her as the old man rose again.
This time I was prepared as I took the offensive and attacked the infected old man, Like before stabbing didn’t work so I went the Garrett approached and aimed for the head, With one fast and precise moment I stabbed the top of his head pushing the knife to his nervous system. That seemed to do the trick as the old man fall dead to the ground defeated and lifeless at last.
Garrett caught up to us, pulling Priya into a tight embrace as she sobbed against him. My hands shook uncontrollably as flashes of my past surfaced—Japan, the blood, the screams… The sound around me became only muted noise as I heard a voice breaking through the white noise.
“Nathan! Snap out of it!” Garrett’s voice broke through the haze, shaking me by the shoulders.
I took a shuddering breath, nodding as I steadied myself.
I looked at him with my eyes widen before calming myself taking a deep breath. They both looked at me scared for my wellbeing, I stopped my shaking hand as I give them a reassuring look. Suddenly a huge sound of an explosion came from outside, without a second thought Garrett rushed upstairs to the rooftop. “Garrett wait!” Priya said following her brother from behind upstairs, after recovering myself I joined them.
The city was in chaos. Fires blazed, smoke billowed into the sky, and the distant echoes of screams filled the air. “What’s going on? Are we being invaded?” Priya asked scared with teary as Garrett hugged her trying to calm her down.

From my pocket my phone ringed, the caller was unexpected. It was Douglas, I answered the call nervous and confused myself of what was going on. “Douglas! You there? Just what the fuck is going on here?!” I asked.

“Nathan- tr- the city-lost- “Douglas was being cut off; it seems the internet was also working poorly. More explosion came making a roaring chaotic sound from the distance.

“Douglas! You there???” I asked trying to gather answers.

“Nathan! LEAVE THE CITY. WHATEVER YOU DO, DON’T COME BACK TO HQ UNTIL- “then the call stopped as all the lights from the town went dark, only fire and smoke illuminated the chaos around us. The end of the world had started.