Kurosaki Mafuyu / "Natsuo" / "Usa-chan Man" (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
formerbanchou) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
backyardbbq2016-04-10 09:59 am
formerbanchou) wrote in backyardbbq2016-04-10 09:59 am
OH NO ZOMBIES (closed)
When the first cases had started showing up, nobody had panicked. There was a great deal of concern, but the media had done a good job of keeping everything under wraps, and in the first stage of infection the people still looked normal anyway. They had that it was a mutation of rabies, quarantined the bitten, and treated them with antiviral meds.
That hadn't worked. It wasn't a virus, it was a spore, and spores were not stopped by antiviral meds. Instead, within two days, the people bitten had turned into the same shambling freaks that had started the mess.
Of course, when the initial bite victims had been taken in for treatment, one had hidden their injury and not gone. So when they turned, they bit a bunch of people, who in turn hid their injuries. And that same pattern repeated until there were a hundred or so 'zombies' lurking about New York city, hidden away in locked apartments and such.
For a year after that, it was a struggle to try to contain the zombies and keep people from panicking. It was contained within the city itself, but most people had to learn the signs of infection and what numbers to call if they thought someone was infected. Still, it was considered an 'American' problem, and most of the world did little to help, beyond screening incoming Americans for bite marks.
Then, one day, it all changed. one of the infected made it to a rooftop, and they just sat down and died. Within a day, a horrendous mushroom-like growth sprouted out of their head, overtaking their scalp and dotting their body in smaller growths. One more day later, the growths burst, raining spores down on the unsuspecting people below.
It didn't take long after that. The bites were easy to contain, but millions of spores raining down on an unsuspecting public? Nobody stood a chance. Infection rates went through the roof, and suddenly the military couldn't keep up. Borders were closed, martial law was declared, and every effort was made to protect the remaining uninfected people.
Some years later, the United States was effectively a deadzone. Some settlements remained, with their high walls and residents full of the necessary gear to survive. But every trip beyond the safety of the walls was a risk, and those trips were necessary to find food, medicine, and so forth. Living in a small, sectioned-off area of a big city just wasn't sustainable in the long run.
That was why Mafuyu had decided that it was time to move on. Though she had pretty much grown up in the walls, having only been a small child when the first outbreak happened, she could see the signs of collapse. Food rations were getting smaller and smaller. Fights broke out daily. People disappeared without any sign of where they went. Zombies turned up just outside the walls, wearing pieces of gear that most definitely had come from within the walled area. This settlement didn't have much longer, and anyone who wanted to survive would have to move on.
But Mafuyu was careful about how she brought up the subject. 'hey, let's leave the safety of the walls on a rumor and a hope of a better life somewhere else' was not easy to say. Plus, Chris was older than her, and probably remembered the beginning of the outbreak better than she did. That risk might be too much for him. She still had to try, though, there was no way she would be able to make the journey alone.
So, one morning, she waited in their shared living room for him to wake up. Which was unusual, Mafuyu usually slept in late. With the curfew in place, there was no reason to get up too early. But there she was, sitting on a milk crate near the window, waiting for Chris to appear before she finally spoke. "Morning."
Okay, she was a bit scared. She decided that she might as well gauge his mood before bringing up her idea. Her bright and bubbly greeting might have given her away, though, it was the tone she usually saved for when she was trying to seem nonthreatening, or when she was about to ask Chris for something.
That hadn't worked. It wasn't a virus, it was a spore, and spores were not stopped by antiviral meds. Instead, within two days, the people bitten had turned into the same shambling freaks that had started the mess.
Of course, when the initial bite victims had been taken in for treatment, one had hidden their injury and not gone. So when they turned, they bit a bunch of people, who in turn hid their injuries. And that same pattern repeated until there were a hundred or so 'zombies' lurking about New York city, hidden away in locked apartments and such.
For a year after that, it was a struggle to try to contain the zombies and keep people from panicking. It was contained within the city itself, but most people had to learn the signs of infection and what numbers to call if they thought someone was infected. Still, it was considered an 'American' problem, and most of the world did little to help, beyond screening incoming Americans for bite marks.
Then, one day, it all changed. one of the infected made it to a rooftop, and they just sat down and died. Within a day, a horrendous mushroom-like growth sprouted out of their head, overtaking their scalp and dotting their body in smaller growths. One more day later, the growths burst, raining spores down on the unsuspecting people below.
It didn't take long after that. The bites were easy to contain, but millions of spores raining down on an unsuspecting public? Nobody stood a chance. Infection rates went through the roof, and suddenly the military couldn't keep up. Borders were closed, martial law was declared, and every effort was made to protect the remaining uninfected people.
Some years later, the United States was effectively a deadzone. Some settlements remained, with their high walls and residents full of the necessary gear to survive. But every trip beyond the safety of the walls was a risk, and those trips were necessary to find food, medicine, and so forth. Living in a small, sectioned-off area of a big city just wasn't sustainable in the long run.
That was why Mafuyu had decided that it was time to move on. Though she had pretty much grown up in the walls, having only been a small child when the first outbreak happened, she could see the signs of collapse. Food rations were getting smaller and smaller. Fights broke out daily. People disappeared without any sign of where they went. Zombies turned up just outside the walls, wearing pieces of gear that most definitely had come from within the walled area. This settlement didn't have much longer, and anyone who wanted to survive would have to move on.
But Mafuyu was careful about how she brought up the subject. 'hey, let's leave the safety of the walls on a rumor and a hope of a better life somewhere else' was not easy to say. Plus, Chris was older than her, and probably remembered the beginning of the outbreak better than she did. That risk might be too much for him. She still had to try, though, there was no way she would be able to make the journey alone.
So, one morning, she waited in their shared living room for him to wake up. Which was unusual, Mafuyu usually slept in late. With the curfew in place, there was no reason to get up too early. But there she was, sitting on a milk crate near the window, waiting for Chris to appear before she finally spoke. "Morning."
Okay, she was a bit scared. She decided that she might as well gauge his mood before bringing up her idea. Her bright and bubbly greeting might have given her away, though, it was the tone she usually saved for when she was trying to seem nonthreatening, or when she was about to ask Chris for something.
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I know. [ The wrinkle between his brow continues to crease at her mention of being an adult. Perhaps they were both fortunate that Mafuyu looked a few years younger than seventeen. Though the settlement didn't force their 'ideology' with the women who stayed behind most days, he still wasn't comfortable with what he saw. So he switches to her mother tongue. After finding out no one understood Japanese, he'd asked Jill and Mafuyu to teach him just enough to speak and understand the basics. His enunciation is still hard and stilted, but it had worked so far in keeping information between them through hold-ups and questioning. On top of that, she still had her cultural identity even if it did alienate or draw attention to them both at times. ] 'And we agreed on keeping these sort of talks between us.'
[ While he means about keeping her age between them, for her safety, he finally relents little by little. However, before he can give his approval or final say he'd like to sift through a few more of her answers. So the accent drops, as well as his arms before his hands grip at the edge of the counter. This time he carefully scrutinizes her as he continues to question. And hopefully Mafuyu'll convince them both that she's fit to do some training and some scavenging. ]
Is this something you want to do? You can't step outside of these walls feeling unsure or distracted, Mafuyu.
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But then there was that last question...
Mafuyu hadn't really told anyone about her past, before the outbreak, but she had shared one important fact: she had been on the east coast attending school, but her family was from the west coast. She hadn't had contact with them since the phone lines had gone down years ago, so she had no idea if they were even alive or not. Surviving took up a lot of her free time, especially those few months between when her east-coast-guardian had died and when she had met Chris and Jill when she had been on her own, but sometimes her thoughts still drifted back to her parents.
But she felt like she couldn't just say that, nobody would agree to hike across the country on the slim chance that maybe one specific person had survived. No, she had to make it sound logical.]
Well, things have been not so great around here. I was thinking, maybe we should go somewhere else? Somewhere that's doing better? I've heard about settlements out in the midwest, where there's fewer zombies and much more land and stuff for growing food. It just sounded like it might be a good place to go.
[By then she had started poking at her plate with her fork, moving around the few bits of egg left on there that were too small to pick up without physically licking the plate itself. It was a nervous tic, she just couldn't keep her hands still when she was under the spotlight. The hem of her shirt was wrinkles a bit from the constant rolling and unrolling she did to it when she didn't have anything else to fiddle with. But as nervous as she was, she still had to push forward, and hope that Chris agreed to it.
With all the big cities and towering buildings, there was no telling how many zombies were still around. But maybe if they went west, they might find that promised land. It wasn't called 'flyover country' for nothing. With how on-edge everyone had gotten in the last year, Mafuyu wasn't sure how much longer this settlement would last. It was spring now, but if they wanted to get anywhere safe before winter, they would have to leave soon. Even if the zombies were slightly less of a hassle in the winter (being plant-based, they went dormant in the cold months), that wasn't much of a trade-off for the bitter cold and snow that came with it.]
no subject
However, with the mayor keeping close watch on his small populace, simply getting up and leaving would mean the camp's guns would be on them both. It wasn't impossible, on the contrary—Chris and Jill had planned this scenario out for years after the Mansion Incident—it was just making sure Mafuyu would even survive the trek at all was the issue. Other camps meant learning their circle of politics and how they functioned, while most of them could already be at full capacity or looking to take advantage of wandering survivors for their supplies. The Midwest was also unforgiving, and heading West meant they'd come up on the remains of Raccoon sooner or later. All in all, her words seemed like wishful thinking at best—or even a lie. It was as if she was telling him half-formed thoughts, rushed and hastily planned, but he remains quiet until she's finished. ]
All right.. So you'd like to stay East, or were you looking to go somewhere else after that?
[ When it gets down to it, Chris settles on drilling her for more solid answers. Albeit gently, he only wants to make sure she's ready to even start travelling a couple hundred or so miles to Upstate New York on foot. There was a difference in saying something and acting on 'em, but if Mafuyu were to be convincing enough then he'll get started on those plans immediately. ]
Be honest, Mafuyu. We can't leave this place until we're both on the same page.
no subject
But that also meant that she was insistent on what she wanted to do, and she didn't back down at Chris' questions.]
I overheard some rumors from the traders that come into town sometimes. Apparently there's settlements out in the midwest, in places like South Nebraska and Kansas.
[Don't mind her, the last time she was in an actual school was years ago, and she was failing geography then.]
Apparently the summers are mild, and the winters are snowy enough that the zombies go dormant. And with all the extra space out there, there's plenty of room for farming and stuff.
What do you think? Does it sound like a good place to go?
[Still not 100% the truth, as she hadn't mentioned hoping to find her parents yet, but what she was saying was truthful. The rumors had sounded promising, and the chance to be somewhere besides this crumbling city sounded promising. She didn't want to admit it, but the sounds of the tall buildings groaning as they shifted in the dirt after years of disrepair was unsettling to her.]
sorry about that had some post-operation appointments i should be good now!
Well, I've lived and drifted through the Midwest enough to know about the weather, yeah. [ The smile he wears drops slightly, twists in some places as he recalls on better times. Life before the mansion incident or the bombing of Raccoon, leaving the Air Force, drifting between states before getting an offer to join S.T.A.R.S. through Barry. All of which involved Jill in some ways, and even then, the thought of Barry brought up the need to tell him the news. That sooner or later Chris would make it out of the States alone, with no Jill in tow. Thankfully, Mafuyu seems to be more focused on drawing up half-convincing ideas than paying attention to his emotions. Something he's honestly glad for sometimes—Sighing, he plays it off as if he's honestly conceded to her plans. ] If it were up to me, Canada would be a much better place, but we can settle down somewhere else in the meantime if that's what you'd like.
[ The smile comes back, however more strained. Now wasn't the time to count his losses, much less reminisce on a past he can no longer really appreciate or go back to. In the meantime, he switches gears and plans for their escape to Upstate New York before heading in any direction. ]
But we'll be going about this my way.
It's ok, I hope you're doing well!
Well, if Canada hadn't been overrun by zombies too, it was close enough to the USA that it could have gotten some infected people in before the borders closed. Or hell, people trying to sneak in at points could bring the spores with them too, and it wasn't like Canada had that huge fence like Mexico did.]
Okay, you can lead. And if you think Canada's better then that would be good too, but...
[Confused look ahoy, Chris. Watch out, Mafuyu was a curious one, and liked to prod for information.]
Isn't Canada doing the whole "no Americans allowed" thing?
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Most of my connections have gone and moved there since the start of all this. [ There might still be a few 'friends' of his in and around the US, he thinks. Though his more trusted associates up north might pegged him and Jill dead, if not crazy from the amount of years they've all stayed locked up in the country. Still, they'd be half-right. Or maybe a quarter, if only he looked dead as he'd felt sometimes. ] I figure we make our way to the Burton's before looking for yours. Unless you'd like it the other way around?
[ There's a pause before continuing, all this time Chris only assumed Mafuyu's parents were well off and safe from the chaos. No doubt they'd probably be clinging to any piece of news concerning their daughter, but from the safety of their home abroad. Shifting uncomfortably at this spot by the counter, he finally pushes away from it a second time to lean against the rickety kitchen table to face Mafuyu. Head tilted as he keeps their sights locked. This was by far the most serious question he'd ask of her, considering how many years he'd thought otherwise. ]
Although I assumed you were a high school kid on a field trip here. Aren't your folks back in Japan?
whoops that sure was a weekend
No- well I mean, my parents weren't there, no. We all moved to California when I was like ten. I remember it was a little confusing at first, because the school years are different here, and I went right into middle school when I would've still been in elementary back in Japan.
I went back to visit my grandparents in the summer, but for the most part we lived in California. Dad's job is there. We were gonna go back, me and mom, once I finished high school, but...
[But then zombies.]
But anyway, that's all in the past. I don't think I could go back now anyway, even if there was a way to get there. They probably sealed off all the boarders, since Japan's a bunch of islands and all. It's a lot easier to keep zombies out of there.
[She tried to sound nonchalant about it, like it wasn't a big deal to her, but there was a hint of regret to her words. She still remembered life in Japan, and she missed it. Especially now, with how bad things had gotten.]
no rush toots! i hope you had a good weekend uwu
There's no harm in going to California, at least to check. [ Unsure of what to say—an apology perhaps, or a thanks for being honest—Chris keeps quiet instead. Opting to nod solemnly before shooting Mafuyu a thin smile. ] And while I can't guarantee it'll be our first stop, I've got no problems searching for your parents before we leave for Canada.
[ It's the best he can promise at the moment, as Chris is uncertain where they'll both be when (or if) they reach California, but if he were in Mafuyu's position sitting around idly would never cross his mind. Though the realization only serves to make the gap between them much larger—for now, Mafuyu was dependent on him to get her there. ]
Rest up. Starting tomorrow we'll walk around the camp a few times to get a lay of the land. [ Mostly for Mafuyu's benefit and to get her used to their general area. There were some infected around, but they either wandered in groups or were gunned down en masse by their camp or surrounding settlements. And with the current season, the only real danger at the moment was avoiding the spores if anything. Still, while there was no need to tell Mafuyu to keep their plans under wraps, he keeps his sights locked onto her's before continuing. ] Speak in Japanese if you can and pack your things when the lights are out. We'll leave the next time it rains.
I did indeed, I've been helping a friend who had a baby recently.
[She was almost too quick to sound hopeful. So much for trying to play it cool.
But Mafuyu, being Mafuyu, tried to cover up that slip in her Totally Working Poker Face by looking away very quickly and stammering out a fake-excuse.]
I-I mean, if we're going there anyway, it couldn't hurt to look. I know the odds are against them being alive, but it's better to check, right?
[Thankfully, Chris gave her an out from that conversation, in the form of talking about preparations. There was a lot to do, and she could focus on that instead. So, finally, she stood up.]
Right. Scout things out, get ready to go.
[After a short pause, she added one last question.]
Why when it rains, though? To cover our footsteps? Because footprints in the mud would be a pretty big clue that we snuck out.
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Right. [ There's another nod on his end as he takes Mafuyu's plates up to wash. Judging from her reaction, he's glad to see Mafuyu back on her feet; literally and figuratively. Along with the way her expressions look a little less clouded after their talk. ] Don't be in a rush to pack, all right? You never know who could be watching.
[ After cleaning up, Chris moves back into the living room to suit up. Though he isn't in a rush as the most the two of them would need for the day is either lunch or dinner, water, and wood for the fireplace. All of which he could get by noon. Holstering his knife and pistol before checking the seals on his respirator and googles, Chris continues on with his reply from the living room. ]
As for the rain, well, there's hardly any people out around camp during then. [ Most settlers in and around camp used it as a day to go over their reserves thoroughly, same with their self-appointed 'mayor'. And with the infected being plant-based, they needed sun and watering to spread their spores, too. Ironic how both seemed to take breaks on rainy days. Regardless, most infected stood around in the fields during then and so long as the two of them kept out of the way then traveling to his old house shouldn't be much of a hassle. ] We don't have to wear our masks either, since most of the spores are taken care of when it's wet. Just try your best not to touch the ground.
want to skip ahead a few days, to when they are ready to go?
[She could be careful. Stick stuff away, sneak rations home when she could, that sort of thing. Finding the gas mask was going to be the hard part though, it wasn't like they just gave those out. It needed to be recently-cleaned too, trying to scavenge one from outside the walls ran the risk of having spores on the inside of the filter.
She nodded in response to the explanation about the rain. It made sense now, everyone would want to stay inside and not get wet. Getting a cold was a huge risk now, what with there not being much medicine anymore.
Though if she were honest, the risk of being caught by the men from the settlement was far scarier than the thought of zombies. Her memories of the zombies were distant, as she had spent years inside without ever coming across one. These men, however, were ruthless, and she saw how little mercy they had for everyone.]
I'll be careful, I promise.
[Mafuyu was a bit of a screw-up sometimes, but when it mattered, she would make sure to keep her word. She wasn't going to make a mistake that killed Chris, she wouldn't be able to live with herself after that. He was practically like a big brother to her at this point.]
no subject
Enough to where he'd swiped her a decent survival knife from their camp's 'security'. Full tang, small enough for her to comfortably hold when chopping wood or whittling down branches, and the holster was large enough to tie around her hips like a belt. It would have to do until they could reach his family house up north, but it was a weapon she could count on in the meantime.
While waiting, Chris surveys their flat one last time. For the past couple of weeks he stuck to wearing old and faded clothes before suggesting Mafuyu to do the same a few days ago. He'd washed and strung them up in the living room to dry and this day was no exception, but the point of it had been was to pack their sturdier gear and make the place looked lived in. They'd be leaving their ratty clothes behind, if only to buy them some time before anyone noticed they were long gone. He'd secured a mask for her along with replacement filters and electrical tape as a makeshift seal just in case of any tears.
Finally, the majority of their supplies were in his rucksack and duffel while Mafuyu would carry their gear and clothes. Chris had made sure she would only be carrying the lightest bags out of the two of them. Satisfied, he zips up in his old BSAA windbreaker. It was hooded and water-proof which makes him thankful as his organization had kept extreme weather in mind when designing their gear. ]
Mafuyu? Let's go.