Among Monsters

September 7th, 2017

Uh, howdy. I don’t really know what to do with this, I was told by my therapist to keep a journal to record my thoughts. I suppose I should start with who I am. My name is Hunter Queen, I am 22 years old, and my favorite hobbies are reading and making things out of Mighty Blox. I know, a bit childish, but I can make some pretty neat stuff.

September 9th, 2017

Oops, accidentally skipped a day. Eh, it’s alright, I didn’t really have anything interesting happen yesterday anyway. I saw a record amount of ambulances today, I counted 5 in total altogether, it was pretty wild. But yeah, I suppose missing a day or two wouldn’t hurt anybody, right?

September 10th, 2017

Something happened down the hall in my apartment complex last night. The police were called, then an ambulance came and took someone away in a body bag. I don’t know what happened exactly, but it sounded like the person was “viciously attacked”. Whatever that means. I’m not exactly close to anybody here, but I do my best to talk to them, at the very least. Anyways, it’s getting late, so I’m gonna call it a night.

September 12th, 2017

I was watching the news today, and oddly enough, there was another attack in Missouri, similar to the one from a couple of days ago. They also called it a “vicious attack”. I found that odd, if not a little weird.

The news just reported 17 different attacks across the nation, all similar in nature. Now I’m a little freaked out. What in the hell is going on?

September 14th, 2017

So I don’t know exactly what’s going on outside, but it’s concerning, to say the least. I don’t really know what to make of it.

the news is covering whatever this is as "individuals with erratic and ravenous behavior unlike anything the CDC has seen before". people are going nuts all over the place. from Singapore to the UK, even over here in the states. I just hope that whatever it is that it doesn’t become too serious.

September 15th, 2017

The National Guard has blocked off most of the major cities, so to say I’m worried would be an understatement. I don’t fully understand whats going on, the news keeps saying the same thing over and over, about how this "pandemic" as they called it would be dealt with. Even the president is saying that it will be dealt with swiftly and quickly, but I don’t know…

September 17th, 2017

Somebody came pounding on the door earlier today, It scared the shit out of me. I didn’t open the door, obviously, cause what if they were one of the ravenous infected? I didn’t wanna take the chance. I had to turn the news off since they’re not saying anything new. I’m worried that whatever this is, whatever’s going on, that it’s not gonna go away anytime soon.

September 19th, 2017

Boy, I’m sure glad I filled any empty container with water, cause that just went out while I was sleeping. Even then, it’s super hard to go to sleep with all the noise going on outside. I keep hearing gunshots and screaming, it’s awful. I don’t have that much food left, maybe a week’s worth tops. Hopefully, I can get to the store and stock up as much as I can.

September 20th, 2017

So remember when I said that I had a week’s worth? Well, it’s more like a few day’s worths. I just checked so that’s gonna be a problem. I’m scared to go outside and get more, but if I don’t, I’ll starve. Maybe I’ll try and go tomorrow after I get some rest. Hopefully, I’ll be able to get some sleep…

September 21st, 2017

Alright, I’m heading out for food. I’ll be back as soon as I possibly can. I’m arming myself with a kitchen knife, so at least I’ll be protected. Also, the lights are flickering on and off, so the power might go out soon. I better charge all my power banks and such, just in case. Okay, ill be back.

Oh my god.

It’s gone to hell in a handbasket out there. There are bodies littering the streets, the hallways of my apartment complex. My god, there was blood everywhere. People torn to shreds, it was ungodly. I threw up from the sights. Luckily, I was able to get to the store unharmed. They didn’t have much, so I just took what I could. I have enough food to last me three weeks at the very most if I conserve it. I’m gonna try to get some sleep and forget what I saw, even though I know I won’t.

END OF CHAPTER 1

September 22nd, 2017

Morning. I think I have an idea for an effective-ish weapon to defend myself. I’m gonna take a broken broom handle and fasten a kitchen knife to the end of it. I’ll let you know how that goes.

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Okay, it’s pretty shitty, but it works. I didn’t have anything but some electrical tape and rags for a handle. Like I said, its shit, but it serves its purpose. I just hope I don’t have to use it…

September 24th, 2017

Well, the power went out. Thankfully I charged my flashlights and picked up some candles from when I went to the store. It’s daylight out, so I can write this without the use of a candle or wasting my flashlight battery. I’ve also been hearing these snarling noises coming from down the hall, and it’s making me worried. Hopefully, those things don’t find me.

September 25th, 2017

Since this started, I often find myself wondering what the point of it all is. Like, what’s our purpose? Why is this happening to us? Why now? What kind of sick sense of humor does God have to allow shit like this to happen to his own creations? I’ve been a religious man, but now I find myself questioning God’s plan in all this. I know that he can’t intervene, but it feels like he should have. At least for us.

September 27th, 2017

I’m running low on water. I need to head back out to get some more. I’ll be back and update this with what I find.

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The sights haven’t been easier to look at, seeing what and who lay in the streets makes my stomach turn. I got to the store but they barely had any water bottles or jugs left. I managed to scrape together enough to last me about a couple of days at most unless I drink very little at a time, then it should last me a week. Well, here’s to hoping I’m able to find some more.

September 28th, 2017

One of my power banks isn’t working, so now I’m down to two. I really was hoping on charging my phone with that one, since it was the biggest one out of the others. I’m gonna try and figure out what’s wrong with it, hopefully, I’ll be able to find the problem and fix it. I just had my favorite can of beans today as well. It was super good. I don’t really have all that much to say, other than the snarling down the hall is getting closer every day. It’s almost like those things are searching for something. I dunno, I’m just really tired, I’m gonna call it a night. I’ll write some more tomorrow. I’m really getting used to making this a near-daily thing.

September 29th, 2017

One of those things managed to find me. I don’t know how, but they did. I had to do what I had to in order to keep myself safe. While it was trying to get through the door, I took my makeshift spear and stabbed it, directly in the face. It stopped moving, and it just sorta slumped down. I m shaking so badly. I recognized them as well, that’s the worst part. It was Mr. Hendricks from down the hall. He was the nicest guy, gave me a muffin one morning just cause he could. I didn’t want to, I swear. But it was trying to get me, I had no choice. I had no choice…

September 30th, 2017

I’m still recalling what happened yesterday. God, I feel awful. I never wanted to do it. I tried to talk to it, but that obviously didn’t work. I’m not very hungry today, but I did have a little water. My stomach feels like its in knots. I’m gonna try and sleep it off some, hopefully, I’ll feel better tomorrow.

October 1st, 2017

I went back outside today. I had to move the body from out in front of the door, as well. That. was difficult. Knowing that was a person didn't help, either. While I was out, I met another human. The first interaction with another person I’ve had since this whole thing started. He was terrified that I would hurt him. Luckily I was able to convince him otherwise. We got to talking, and he seems like a really nice guy. He gave me a spare revolver with some ammunition, which I greatly appreciated. In return, I gave him some of my food. He looked like he was going to cry from happiness, I don’t think the poor guy had food in a good while. Today was a good day. One I haven’t had in a long time

October 3rd, 2017

I’m forever grateful that that survivor, who I found out his name was Jacob, gave me. It’s much better than that shitty little spear I made. So, to practice with the gun without actually using it, I went over to the local sporting goods store and got myself a bb gun. There were a couple of those things on the way, so I had to move quietly and make sure they didn’t see me. I got back and set up some empty food cans filled with dirt so they don’t ting so loud. I’m gonna practice shooting tomorrow, wish me luck.

October 4th, 2017

I never realized how bad of a shot I was. I managed to hit the cans 5 times out of the 20 shots I took. Hopefully, over time I’ll get better. I’m gonna try and focus on my weapon skills for a while, so I may not write for some time. I’ll be back…

END OF CHAPTER 2

November 13th, 2017

Hey, it’s been a minute since I’ve written. Weapons training has been going good, I’ve been able to hit the cans 19 times out of 20, so there’s that. I don’t know if it’s just my imagination, but I swear I can smell my favorite canned food. It’s making my mouth water just thinking about it. I don’t think that it’s my imagination, though. I’m gonna check it out.

I found out where the smell was coming from, and I couldn’t be happier. I went down the hall, following the smell until I found the source. It was coming from a group of other survivors cooking! I teared up a bit from seeing other people, other non-ravenous people. It made me so happy. They were cautious at first, but I found out that Jacob was there. He even vouched for me and told them what happened all that time ago. It was really good to see him doing well. They invited me in and allowed me some of their food. It was really good talking to other people.

November 14th, 2017

I woke up to screams from down the hall, so I grabbed the revolver and ran down there. There were about 5 or so of those things slamming against the door of the bunker. One of them noticed and came right at me. I raised the revolver and landed a hit on the side of its head. The other noticed and came after me. I started firing, I took out three others before one got to me and pinned me to the ground. I was fighting to get it off of me when Jacob came up and stabbed it in the back of the head. To say that I owe him one is an understatement. I owe him my life. He helped me up and asked me if I was alright, and I told him as such. The others came out and started hugging me, thanking me for saving them. I told them it was no big deal, but hey wouldn’t hear it. Guess I’m a hero now, hehe. My nerves are shot, I’m gonna call it a day. I’ll update tomorrow.

November 15th, 2017

All the survivors are very nice. Well, all but one. This one girl, her name is Becca. I don’t know much about her, but she’s super quiet and keeps to herself. I don’t know how, but her dark brown hair perfectly matches her crystal blue eyes. Shes mysteriously pretty, and its a bit distracting. She always wears these really nice fingerless gloves that look really cool. I’m gonna try to get to know more about her when I can.

November 18th, 2017

I got her to open up a bit about herself, you know before this whole thing started. She used to be a Private Investigator, would solve cases people gave her. She says she mostly solved cases where people suspected their spouse of cheating on them, which gave her a headache most of the time. She hates cheaters, but for reasons, she didn’t want to talk about it. I think I know the reason, but I’m not gonna say anything. Not until I know for sure.

November 20th, 2017

I went and buried Mr. Hendricks today. It seemed like the most proper thing to do. I wrapped him up in an old sheet and buried him out back of the apartment complex. I feel awful waiting this long to do it, I just couldn’t bring myself to. I had to kill him, and that’s gonna sit with me for the rest of my life. Killing those other things, which the other survivors called “Antis”, still isn’t sitting well with me. I threw up after everyone congratulated me. I don’t feel like no damn hero, I feel like a monster. No better than those “Antis”.

November 22th, 2017

Becca asked for my help today. She told me something that was a bit perplexing, and it piqued my interest. She’s trying to find out what exactly happened, you know, how the apocalypse started and all that. She asked for my help and told her I would help to the best of my ability. She smiled at that, which was a first for me since I’ve never seen her smile before. It was kinda cute, to be honest. She seemed happy I said yes, which made me happy. I dunno why it did, but I guess that’s just me. I suppose the investigation is gonna be happening, and I’m pretty invested to know what we find.

November 24th, 2017

So far, Becca and I haven’t been able to find much of anything. A couple leads here and there, but so far they’ve been fruitless. However, there is one lead that we do have. There’s was a survivor that came by the other day, and he told us about someone who knows how this all happened. He didn’t give us much to go off of, but it got our attention. Problem is, they’re three towns over, and we’re not equipped well enough, nor do we have the supplies to travel that far. That didn’t stop Becca from packing up her things and telling me we were going. I tried to talk to her, but she wouldn’t have it. She said, “if what he says is true, then we need to find this person and get our answers”. I reluctantly agreed. After packing up my stuff, I said goodbye to everybody in the bunker. Jacob wanted to come along, but I told him that there needs to be someone to protect these people. He understood. And with that, I’m writing this in an old diner about two hours from the bunker. I’ll keep you updated on what happens next.

END OF CHAPTER 3

November 26th, 2017

Becca finds it funny that I write in this, and I kinda have to agree. It is a bit odd. But it helps me to keep my thoughts straight and true. We’re about 20 hours from the bunker, and I miss the others. We ran into a couple of groups of Antis. We had to sneak past them to conserve our energy and ammunition. We had some canned corn for dinner, that was pretty good. Becca opened up a bit about herself, while we ate. She told me about this one time she got caught up during one of her stakeouts for a case by this elderly woman that was watering her plants. She said the old lady looked at her and said, and I quote: “are you here to help? No? Then stop blocking the sunlight, my lilacs need it more than you do”. I don’t know why, but that made me laugh. It was the first genuine laugh I’ve had in a very long time and seeing me laugh made her laugh as well. She’s awesome.

November 27th, 2017

According to the map, we’re almost to Fort Worth. We’ve been making good time and even better conservation on our supplies. It’s starting to get cold, so we swung by a local clothing store and picked up some jackets. Becca got a pretty nice black leather jacket, while I went for a pretty snazzy winter jacket. I have to say, it looks damn good on me, and so does Becca’s on her. It really compliments her eyes. I’ll write when we make it into town.

November 29th, 2017

We had to take a slight detour yesterday. There was a big group of Antis on the main road there, so we took some backroads. It was a nice scenic view, so that was a plus. Regardless, we made it to Fort Worth, and we bunkered inside of an old store. There’s not much to scavenge, but we did get some lighters and other useful stuff. We made camp and ate some canned pineapple. That was super good, really sweet and tasty. I’m gonna call it a night, we gotta be up early tomorrow to start our search for this mystery person. Goodnight.

November 30th, 2017

We started our search in nearby buildings and found a group of survivors. We asked them about the mystery person and they told us to check the Kimbell Art Museum since the rumors state that that the person we’re looking for is there. We’re going to head over there tomorrow first thing in the morning. We’re gonna get some more rest, cause Becca and I are still tired from the journey here.

December 1st, 2017

I woke up to Becca in my arms. She woke up and jumped off of me, obviously flustered. It was kinda cute if I’m being honest. Regardless, we went to explore the Kimbell Art Museum. We didn’t find much, but we did find signs that somebody has been living there. Becca guesses it was pretty recently, as well, judging by the fresh cans of eaten food. We decided on staking the place out until whoever bunkering down here comes back, so that’s what we’ve been doing for the past 4 hours. Nobody has shown up yet, but we have seen plenty of groups of Antis roaming about the place. It’s so strange how they roam in packs, instead of individually. It’s very interesting.

Somebody just showed up and is walking inside. The odd thing is, is that the Antis didn’t even acknowledge him, They just let him by. Becca and I are going to confront him, and hopefully, he’ll be the guy we’re looking for.

December 2nd, 2017

Sorry, I didn’t write any more last night. However, we did manage to talk with him, and what we found out was startling.

His name is Karl Stephens. He is, or was, a scientist. He is part Anti, part human, and there are others like him as well. The Antis work basically as a hive mind, but since he’s half-human, he still holds on to the humanity he has left, with the added benefit of the full Antis not bothering him. “It’s the humans I have to look out for”, he says. That would explain why he was so jumpy when he saw us at first. He almost started yelling, had Becca not pinned him up against the wall and covered his mouth. I can understand being cautious, he was terrified. We managed to convince him that we were friendly and made him promise not to scream. We also managed to find out a little about how it all happened. Apparently, it wasn’t something some mad scientist created in a lab. A group of archaeologists apparently unearthed a tainted piece of bone from a paleolithic hunter skeleton in Cairo and had sent it to get analyzed. We asked him how he knows this and he told us that he was the one analyzing the bone sample. To say we were shocked doesn’t fully describe it. We asked how it got out in the first place next. He told us that one of the scientists accidentally mixed up the bone marrow from the sample with another supposed to be given to a patient at a local hospital. At this point, he started tearing up. “It's all my fault, you know. I should have had the damn thing labeled, but by the time I had found out, it was too late. They had already gone and implanted it into the person”. So this whole apocalypse was because of some scientists’ negligence to properly label his fucking samples. That made me a bit of everything, all at once. Angry, sad, happy because we figured it out, confused, everything. I didn’t know what to properly feel. I still don’t, to be honest. We’re heading back tomorrow, so at least we got that going for us…

December 3rd, 2017

We’re heading back to the bunker today. I think its safe to say that Becca was disappointed by what she found out because she hasn’t been in the best mood since last night. I completely understand cause I’m pretty disappointed too. There’s somebody on the road, it looks like they need help…

END OF CHAPTER 4

December 4th, 2017

We’ve fucked up. We’ve fucked up badly. That guy didn’t need help. he was bait. I don’t know where I am right now, nor do I know where Becca is. I seem to be inside some kind of makeshift cage. It’s dark, I don’t know what’s around me. it’s too quiet. I’m scared. I don’t know what’s going to happen, nor do I think I wanna know what’s going to happen. God, I hope Becca’s alright.

December 5th, 2017

It’s light out. I can finally make out my surroundings. We seem to be somewhere in the woods, in some kind of a camp. There are three men by a campfire making small talk and laughing. I don't know what they want with us just yet. I don't see Becca anywhere. God, I hope she’s alright.

One of the guys came over here and told me something that chilled me to my core.

“Bet this the first time you’ve seen a half-human, right?”

This gang… it's a gang of half Antis.

Oh my god.

December 6th, 2017

This cage is cramped, it’s way too small for me. I guess I can’t complain. I’m still alive, so at least I got that going for me. These guys are fucking terrifying. Why do they have us? Why don't they just kill us and get it over with? I guess I’ll just have to find out…

December 8th, 2017

She… she had to… oh god… oh fuck, no…

December 10th, 2017

Becca… I’m sorry, I didn’t try to save you. I tried, God only knows how hard I fought to save you. I tried so god damn hard… those men, no, those monsters, they put us into a pit with a large group of Antis. They told us one thing: Fight or die. They threw me and Becca into the pit and unleashed the Antis. We managed to fight off a couple before Becca… she managed to throw me out of the pit before she got overwhelmed by the last of the Antis. Her screams… they’ll never leave me…

December 11th, 2017

I’m about halfway back to the bunker. I don’t know how I’m going to explain to the others what happened. I’m hungry and dehydrated, but even worse: I’m heartbroken. I miss Becca, so very much.

December 12th, 2017

I finally got back to the bunker and told the others what happened. We’re gonna hold a funeral for Becca tomorrow. I don't know how I’m gonna take it. I’m going to take some time away from writing this to focus on myself, and try to move on from this hell I’m living right now. To say God has a sick sense of humor is putting it mildly. I’m gonna be back, I just don't know when…

END OF PART 1

February 28th, 2018

I have returned. I picked up from where Becca left off with the investigation, and Jacob and I are finding out more and more about the Antis and what they are. I remembered that Karl said something about them being a hive mind, how they all function with a common goal in mind, that of which we are still trying to unearth. I’ll update when we have more information.

March 2nd, 2018

I had a pretty bad dream last night. I dont know how to explain it, but I’ll do my best to tell you. In my dream I encountered Becca, but she was turned into an Anti. she managed to kill Jacob before I had to kill her myself. In killing her, this horde of Antis come from all over and swarm the bunker. Everybody dies, leaving me by myself. I looked into a puddle on the ground and see that I’ve been turned into an Anti. I heard that dreams are supposed to have a meaning, but I dont know what the meaning could be for this one.

March 3rd, 2018

I dont know what happened. I dont know how they found us. But those bastards found us and the bunker. Bobby and his goons found out where we were holding up, and took the bunker from us. Thankfully they didn’t hurt anybody, but now we’re without a place to stay. We’re holding up inside of the local store for the time being. We barricaded the doors and windows so nobody or nothing gets in. I wish that something good would happen for us, cause this is bullshit.

March 5th, 2018

Jacob and I made a discovery today. We found an Anti nesting ground, and what we found inside could help us figure out what the Antis want and what their goals are.

We found pictures and books. Pictures of buildings and bridges, but they were torn to shreds. Same with the books. They were destroyed in such a way that made us wonder: why did they destroy these? Out of all the things to destroy, why these? What’s the purpose?

March 6th, 2018

A group of Antis came by today. Jacob and I took up defensive positions until they passed. This was so much easier when we had the bunker. We can’t stay here forever, we need to find another place to stay, someplace that’s safe and easy to live in. in the meantime, we’ll live here until we find a more suitable place.

March 7th, 2018

I was taking stock of what we have left supplies wise, and I could have sworn I heard Becca call my name. It startled me, and it brought back a glimmer of hope that I haven’t felt in a long time. But, I think it was just my brain playing tricks on me. Fucking asshole.

March 8th, 2018

I had that dream again last night, but it was different. Everything still happens, but I saw a vision of somebody. He looked like an Anti, but he spoke to me like a human. He said:

“I am the one above them all”.

I woke up in a cold sweat after that, but it got me thinking. I remembered how Karl said that Antis work as a hive mind, so that must mean that there’s somebody or something controlling them. There’s an Anti that controls the others.

There it is…

Becca would be proud.

END OF CHAPTER 6

March 10th, 2018

I’ve decided that if I’m to get more answers about all this and where I can find The Great Anti, is to head back to Karl and get more answers. I’m gonna go alone, cause I can’t handle another death on my conscience. Jacob is going to look after the group as well as Jefferson. I’ve been training him to help defend the groups if anything were to happen to either me or Jacob. I packed up my stuff and headed out. I’m writing this inside of an old diner and eating some canned beans. They’re the good kind with bacon bits in it. Super tasty.

March 12th, 2018

I’ve made it back to the Kimbell Art Museum. I didn’t see Karl, so I dont think he’s here right now. I’m gonna camp out where Becca and I did last time and wait for him. I’m having a can of creamed corn for dinner waiting for Karl to come back. I’ll update when I get the information I need.

March 13th, 2018

Karl came back around midnight. I greeted him and he seemed happy to see me. He asked me where Becca was. I forgot that he didn’t know. I had to tell him what happened. He was shocked, but not because Becca passed, but because he said that “his brother has gone off the rails”. Bobby is Karl’s brother! I didn’t know what to say, I was stunned. I had no idea. I was so startled by this, I almost forgot to ask him about The Great Anti (I’m just gonna shorten it to TGA cause its easier). I brought it up to him, and he told me that TGA is very much real. He informed me that the only person who could possibly be TGA is the patient who got the bone marrow transplant. Patient Zero, of course! The first infected. As he told me that, Karl gave me a notebook filled with notes. It was his own research on the Antis. Since he doesn’t work on their hivemind, he doesn’t know how they think, but being part anti makes it easier to research them because they ignore him as if he were one of their own. He showed me pictures of some buildings that were in horrible shape like they were torn apart. He informed me that the Antis did this. They deliberately tore these buildings apart. I informed him about the books Jacob and I found a little while ago, and that got us thinking. They’re destroying literature and architecture, but why? Even Karl didn’t have an answer. I asked him if he wanted to come back with me. He told me probably another time, he still has work to do. Fair enough. I’m heading back to the hideout, I’ll update when I arrive.