Empty-Headed (Working Title)

A/N: This is an old story I never finished. I don't know if I ever will get around to it now, but there was a point in time I was sure this would be my magnum opus. Anyway, if you like zombie stories that are more about people than the zombies, maybe you'll like this one, too.

I'll be posting it in chapters to make it easier to read, as not everything that is written is in the proper order.

Trigger warning: There may be topics or scenarios that make you uncomfortable. I'm sorry and it's okay if this is not for you.

Thank you, if you take the time to read this and enjoy. :)

Chapter 1

Forest Hills was a small town in the middle of nowhere. The closest city was a good forty minutes away by car. In recent years, especially, it had become this way. What had once been a bustling city on the verge of the up and coming had been reduced to nothing more than a place for the retired to spend their days or the needy to cling to their welfare checks. Despite this fact, businesses seemed to strive and thrive in this small town. Mostly, they were owned by the generations upon generations that had always been there. Yet, occasionally a newcomer would arrive with some sort of grand idea and stay there a while. They never seemed to last long, though.

There was a point in time when Argus had traveled into this very place almost daily. Whether it was on his way to work or merely for a trip of more simple desire. Yes, he knew the way the road curved well and had often brushed over the simplicity of the town on his way through. He'd take note of each new restaurant or store that would open. 'I'll have to go there someday...' Yet, he never did. He was always far too busy to do such things. If it wasn't work, he was running his girls to dance classes or sports games. Or simply, going from one appointment to the next. Now, though, he pined for the way it once had been. Remembering that casual morning drive caused a familiar pang in his heart... Any problems in his life at that point seemed so miniscule. So superficial. If only he could go back to a day like that...

"Psst, sunshine! Wake up!" A voice broke through his senses and Argus found himself exactly where he'd wished he wasn't... Crouched low behind an abandoned car, using it as a form of protection until the owner of the voice gave him the signal to move. This voice in question was only a few feet away, taking coverage behind a similar sort of wall.

Argus shook his head and cleared his throat. Well, so much for the old days... It made no sense to reminisce. Who knew if they'd ever get back to feeling like that? Shifting his weight, he adjusted the strap on his bag and looked to the one who had called him out. "We ready?"

The other man laughed. He was a young twenty-something with brown eyes. Yet, his most distinguishing feature would have to have been the amount of hair on his head. It was a dingy blonde color and thick, wrapped in dreadlocks that fell just past his shoulders. This he kept pulled up and out of his face most days and that's the way he wore it now.

Smith was his name. Whether it was the first or last, not many knew. There wasn't much about his life before that he let on. In fact, the most Argus knew was that he came from a bigger city. Apparently, he'd just moved into the area right before the shit hit the fan... Overall, he was a good-natured fellow who was one of the few left in the god forsaken place who seemed to have much of a sense of humor about him. Although everyone had their moments and it seemed like this world liked to try to bring out the worst it could. "Thought I'd lost you there," He gave a nod, "We're clear."

"Good. Let's get this over with and get on home." With that, the two men slowly began to proceed. They were merely feet from the belly of the little town. Another supply run, although they both knew this place was practically clean. They'd have to start spreading out further soon. To look for supplies elsewhere. It was an idea that no one liked to entertain, knowing full well that it meant they'd be putting themselves at a higher risk rate.

No one was exactly sure how it started. There was talk that it had been an attack on the states that grew ridiculously out of hand. Others were convinced it was simply a severe illness that no one had caught onto quickly enough... And then, there were those who firmly believed the Rapture had happened. Yet, whatever it was, it was clear that something was amiss, and that the world had become an increasingly terrifying place. It seemed to start in the cities or other densely populated areas. Before all networks went out, the news was describing it as a worldwide "Rabies". Some sort of "Super-Virus". The last Argus and his small group had heard, there was a team working on a cure, yet that had been many months ago. It was hard to say if they'd found anything or if they'd just given up on the idea... All they knew was that once you got sick, there was no coming back from it. Your mind went and you were driven by the simplest and most basic of instincts, with a burning desire for flesh.

The road before them was unusually clear. That was a relief as well. No matter how many trips they made into town, it never seemed to have any effect on the amount of bodies that lingered. Fortunately, it seemed they'd wandered to another section for the time being. Perhaps, an unlucky soul had fallen victim to the herd. Argus shook the thought from his mind as they made their way up the next block.

The local 'convenient' wasn't very far away. It took them only a matter of minutes to reach their destination. Honestly, it had been pretty much picked clean at this point... A few bottles and boxes were strewn across the floor, but nothing of major interest. Argus picked through the meager givings, grabbing a can here and there as he went.

Smith took the other side of the shop. He ambled slowly, a hand resting upon the holster of his gun just in case they were to be surprised. To the pharmacy he went, tipping empty boxes over and searching for whatever he could find. On a small shelf, he found a single box of ibuprofen and a prescription nasal spray. Idly, he twirled the small box in his hands as if he needed to make up his mind about something. Glancing about, he opened the box quietly and stuffed the tiny bottle in his pocket. Chucking the remnants aside, he continued his search. Further back, there were a few packages of gauze.

"I dunno, pard'ner..." He spoke lightly, a mock twang lacing his tone, as he moved to where the other man moved, "We may need to find another-"

"Shh!" Argus had his finger to his lips as he shot Smith a look. From the back of the shop, a scuffling could be heard. Only a few feet away from where both men stood. It was now that Smith drew his gun from his holster and edged closer down the aisle. Argus, with his gun up and at the ready, also moved forward. Catching his friend's eye, he gave a nod and they both turned around the corner slowly.

Guns flew out before them instantly, and if it hadn't been for the sudden human cry, shots could have brought about a fatal mistake. There, crouched low before them was a young woman who looked both shocked and terrified all at once. Standing, she dropped the few items in her arms and let them fall to the ground, wincing as the beams from their tiny flashlights caught her line of vision. Raising her arms in the air, she spoke softly, but urgently, "Please, don't shoot me. I promise, I won't do anything.. Please." Her dark eyes shot back and forth between the two men. Purple circles engulfed them. She probably hadn't been sleeping very well lately. But it wasn't this that held the men's attention and made them think twice. No, not at all. It was the small makeshift wrap that the woman wore around her and what exactly lay in it. A small and sleeping form was nestled close to its mother's bosom, snoozing peacefully as the world went past it.

Argus softened considerably at the sight. For an instant, he was no longer in the dank and trash-riddled shop. No, now he was in a bright, sterile hospital room, cradling his firstborn in his arms. He remembered how she gripped his finger in her tiny hand only hours after coming into the world. A sudden feeling of emptiness washed over him, and as quickly as the memory had come, it dispersed. His cool eyes narrowed, reflecting almost an eerie gray in the cast off from his flashlight. Looking the woman over skeptically, he wondered if the child was even her own... People nowadays were very rarely the types that they seemed. It was a lesson that wasn't easy to learn, but once you got it... You didn't forget. He shook his head, "Are you alone?"

"W-well, " The woman, without dropping her arms, glanced to the small form bundled to her, "It's just us at the moment."

It was Smith's turn, and he stepped up to the plate quickly, "At the moment? What's that supposed to mean?"

The woman's eyes fell, and she placed one arm around the tiny bundle, slowly and cautiously, "We were separated a while ago..." She flicked her sight back to the men before her, "It's just us."

There was an exchanged look between the men and then Argus was the next to speak, "Where are you staying? Here?" He quirked an eyebrow and shot a glance about the desolate shop. The woman shook her head quickly, "No, no... Well, not exactly... I've found a house not far from here that was barricaded pretty well. I just kinda... fixed it up a bit." She shrugged her shoulders and now hugged the small child in her arms. The baby reacted to her touch by snuggling closer to its mother's chest, "If it's not too much trouble, fellas, we'd really love to make it back there before night fall..."

"It's just the two of you?" Smith now shared the same expression that his partner held earlier. When she nodded, he shook his head incredulously, "How long have you been here?"

"Only a few days.. We are going to move soon. I just needed to check for a few things... " Her eyes wandered to the formula and baby food that had been dropped at her feet. "Anyway, " She shot a wary glance to the front of the store, "If we're all good here, I'll forget we ever met."

"Get your stuff." Argus' voice was suddenly gruff, "We'll get you home. Then we'll pretend this never happened." Smith gave him a look. It was obvious why his partner felt the need to help the two strangers, but that didn't mean they needed to risk their own lives in the process. Frankly, he couldn't honestly see them making it very far even if they got them home safely, "Don't play the hero..." He might have said more but the intensity in the other man's eyes was enough to stop him. He just shook his head and scoffed, shooting a nervous glance over his shoulder.

"You don't need to worry about us." The woman's eyes turned sharp as she glared at the two, "We're fine."

Argus sighed, "Look, I'm being honest here. If you run into a pack of those.. things.. you won't stand a chance. We'll get you as close as possible. Mostly for the sake of the kid. Then we're gone. You'll never hear from us again."

She shifted uncomfortably as she fought an inward battle, but finally gave a nod, "Fine. But we have to move fast. It's getting dark."

It was no lie. As they stepped out into the fresh air, the sky was darkening. They'd lingered in town much longer than originally intended. Argus signaled to the others to remain quiet as he stepped out into the street. The air was considerably cooler now, filled with the chill of autumn. The months were flying by. The seasons seemed to change too fast. It was an idea that they all held onto tightly, but one that no one wished to acknowledge. For winter meant a colder climate, which added not only the dilemma of keeping fed, but also keeping warm. The first winter had been terrible. They were hoping to be better prepared this time around.

Glancing up and down the street, he nodded toward the other two. Smith came up to his side while the woman lingered but a few steps behind.

Smith was the one to speak, his voice low, "Which way is it?"

The woman stepped before them now and began to move down the sidewalk, "This way.. Only a few blocks over." She had such a petite frame, it was any wonder how she'd managed to make it this long by herself. They'd seen bigger, stronger men fall to the force of their new world and that was while surrounded by others who tried to save them. Yet, here she was, walking before them, cradling her child like it was just another day strolling through town.

They fell into a slow walk. The two men kept their eyes peeled, glancing back and forth with weapons at the ready. Tensions were high. It was so strange that they hadn't encountered a single being at this point. Usually, they'd have run into one or two by now. Smith did his best to control the shaking in his hands.

"It's just around this corner. Once we get there, you can go- Shit!" Her voice caught in her throat as they turned the corner. There, spread out in small clumps, stood the horde. It was hard to say an exact number, but there were at least thirty swaying, moaning bodies ambling in their direct path. Faces were awash in forever anguished expressions, mouths gnawing at the air. Each and every set of eyes held that same vacant and faraway look. Some had sunken in faces and bodies, appearing as if theyd been starving for quite some time. Others were a tad bit fresher and fuller. Yet, they all were just as deadly as the next and, in numbers, were an even greater force.

Argus instinctively reached out and pulled her back, pressing their bodies against the nearest wall and cloaked in shadow. Smith was immediately there, his eyes wide and darting back and forth as Argus asked, "Is there another way?"

The woman looked to them helplessly and shook her head, "I-I don't know."

"There must be.... Maybe an alleyway?" It was true that he had driven through this town every day for the same job for years. Yet, that didn't mean he knew the town well. In fact, he could barely navigate main street. Smith was already moving, keeping close but trying to see if they could find another way around. It was also an attempt to calm his nerves. His body trembled and his pulse raced. He could feel the blood pounding in his temples.

"It's on this street. Just a few houses down.. Maybe if we just move quietly? They weren't here before..." Her expression was bewildered, "They move so fast..."

Smith gave Argus a look as if to blame him for the insanity that was about to ensue, then looked back to her. Swallowing, he kept his voice steady as he could, "I-if it's what we have to do, then let's go."

Argus shouldered his bag, tightening the straps and making sure his gun was loaded. In this situation, a gun was a terrible option. Any slightest sound could easily cost them their life. But if one got just a little too close, it might be the only thing that could save them, "Hold that little one close and keep quiet."

And in this way, they began to edge slowly into the street. Sticking to the shadows of the houses and moving at a gentle pace was their best strategy. It seemed, that whatever it was that caused this reaction to take place affected the eyesight of the creatures. Darkness was the perfect cover. It was almost a blessing that night was upon them. The house wasn't far. This could be done.

And suddenly, everything went to hell.

From out of nowhere came the heartwrenching scream of the suddenly awake infant. The woman frantically attempted to soothe the child, but it was too late. In a wave-like motion, the monsters turned, moans escalating to enthralled screams and chatter. Smith's eyes widened,

"Fu-"

"Run!" The word exploded from Argus's mouth and he grabbed the woman's arm and ran in one motion. Gunshots rang out only inches behind them as Smith shot an aggressive attacker to the ground.

"Which one is it?!" Argus shouted back to her frantically as he pistol whipped a grabber that got just a bit too close.

"The gray one! All the way down!"

It was merely feet away. They were being surrounded. It was now or never. Argus launched himself forward, barrelling through the wall that was trying to close him in. The world was a mix of screams and gunshots. He could no longer tell if they came from his group or if they belonged to the beings raining down over them. Everywhere, the stench of flesh and death clung. Hands pulled and tugged at his clothes, hair, anything they could grab. He stumbled forward as one seemingly dead creature launched from its position on the ground and grabbed at his ankle.

"Aah!" The woman clutched to her child as she fell to her knees, being pulled over as Argus fell. A particularly emaciated scrounge was upon her in an instant. Two gunshots rang out and both of the attackers fell limp to the ground. Smith ran to the woman's side and pulled her to her feet. Argus leapt forward and practically bounded up the front steps.

He hit the door running. "In! Get in!" The group rushed in and the door was slammed. Searching the room frantically, he noted a China cabinet in the main entry. Indicating his partner, he spoke, "Here, help me with this."

The two men struggled to move the piece of furniture in front of the door as quickly as possible. The woman was already up the stairs once they finished.

The older man looked to Smith, "You alright?" He paused, catching his breath.

Smith gave himself a glance over and then gave a shaky nod, "Y-yeah. All good."

"Good." Argus clapped him on the shoulder lightly and began up the stairs. They found the other two tucked away inside what looked like a nursery. In the corner of the room, the woman was busying herself with the formula she'd picked up and hurrying to give the young sobber a bottle.

"Sh, sh, Darling, it's okay." She turned to face them, cradling the small child in her arms. It now was noisiliy sucking at the bottle in her hand, "Close that door. Please."

Smith shut the door as Argus crossed the room to the window. Outside, the sun was no longer visible. The bodies were moving and writhing at the base of the two-story house. It was disconcerting, to say the least. "I doubt that'll hold them. We can't stay here long... "

"It'll have to do for now." She moved slowly to the other side of the room and sat herself in a small rocking chair, eyes focused on the small form in her arms.

Smith was the one to speak next and it was with a hint of sharpness in which he spat, "And we're supposed to just wait until they break in? Then what? We let them eat us alive?" He could no longer control the fear that gripped him. God, if only he could calm himself. If only he had something to take his mind off things...

"Hey, knock it off." Argus snapped, agitated not only with his partner's attitude but also with the very predicament they were in. It didn't seem likely they'd be leaving anytime soon... So, they might as well have made the best of it. The sound of the bodies hitting the door downstairs was entirely nerve wracking, but Argus' mind was already focusing on the room around them, searching for any possible way to escape while keeping them all alive.

There was the window. That seemed to be their only exit. Luckily, the houses in the area were pretty close. They'd almost be able to climb from this window to the roof of the next if it was entirely necessary. They might still have a sliver of a chance.

Smith retreated to a corner of the room. There was a darkness overcoming him that Argus knew too well.

It was in this way that the three sat for the next few moments. The silence was creeping upon them and even the dull cries of the angry outside seemed to grow softer. The woman cooed lovingly at the child in her arms, lulling the infant back into a gentle slumber. Only then, did she lift her gaze to the men in the room, "Thank you."

Needless to say, they were both thrown off guard. Maybe it was the silence in the room. Or maybe it was the fact that not many bothered with manners anymore. Not since this all began. Either way, both men looked to her with an almost exact look of uncertainty in their eyes. Yet, before either could speak, the woman spoke again, "I'm Addie, by the way... And this little one is Hope." She smiled solemnly.

"Smith." He spoke first, "and that's Argus."

Another silence fell across the room, before Addie continued, "It's so strange, isn't it? That only months ago, we were all living our own, bland lives? Odd how quickly things can change..."

Smith snorted, "In the blink of an eye..."

"Yup." Argus muttered, his mind wandering back to only months before when he would have passed through this town without a concern for its streets at all...

"God, I'd give anything to have that all back..." Her voice cracked as she closed her eyes, leaning her head defeatedly against the back of the chair. It was moments before anyone spoke again. Addie lifted her head and looked to the men, "What did you do? Before any of this happened?"

Argus shook his head and the younger man spoke quickly, "Doesn't matter. You won't know us long anyway."

Her expression deepened, "Right." A hard edge gripped her voice and she stood slowly, "How long will you be squatting here, then?"

"Listen, we didn't have to help you out, lady." Smith began, climbing to his feet, "You're just lucky we're here now."

"Is that a fact?" She glared in his direction, "I was doing just fine until you two showed up. And I'll be doing even better once you're gone."

Smith opened his mouth to speak, but Argus cut him off, sternly, "It's suicide to go out there right now. If we left, we'd both be dead and then they'd just come after you." He shook his head and crossed the room to lean against a wall, "We'll just have to wait it out..."