the chronicles of Orpheus:izombie: The undeath and times of Liv Moore.

by SinisterSpider

Summary:

during a murder case, Liv Moore and her new (also similarly undead) ally discover a threatening plot against seattle and zombiekind. meanwhile, a new and sinister foe gathers strength in the shadows...(AU during and post izombie season 3.)

Notes:

Commentary from the Author: Hello and welcome to my prologue. These chapter would be considered my first ever story. (Hence the coming edginess and "word barf".) Thankfully my narrative abilities have hopefully improved but I'll let you be the judge. Now I present to you part one of my OC's origin. Now on with the show.

Chapter 1: Once Upon a time, in the Emerald City..

Literature Text
A prologue to T.C.O.O Izombie: The undeath and times of Liv Moore

 

Disclaimer: I do not own izombie.

 

October the 21st, 1962

 

Sue was dying, she was dying from exhaustion and a gut full of hot dogs, donuts and cola. When focusing she could hear her belly growling in protest, angered that it’s lady and mistress, Susan Long, nicked named Sue by relations would put it through such abuse. Now it was screaming back, swearing horrible vengeance. She can feel it, her stomach turning every bit of gluttonous indulgence into a semi-digestive pool of gore. She had already started burping and tasted the abominable goo monster from space that would soon crash land.

‘Don’t be sick. Don’t be sick, Don’t be sick,’ muttered Richard quite nervously, while driving his marooned Lincoln continental to their cabin in the woods, that was somewhere close to one of Seattle’s lakes.

He had fine brown hair and wore a black leather jacket to go with his white shirt, along with black trousers and brown shoe’s. Sue knew and was friends with Richard since they were “married” way back in kindergarten, much to the laughter of their parents. Sue and Richard’s suppose “wife” Deborah made sure he did all the work of course.

‘Relax Richard, our girl here is a true Portlander, belly of steel ain’t that right Sue ?’ said Deborah, Sue’s other best friend. Who wore a blue shirt, along with a darker blue and white square pattern skirt and lame green high-heel shoes.She also had black hair, that she to be plumbed out and wore a blue head band, to match with the rest of her dress.

Deborah’s sense of fashion was something of a parallel opposite when compared to Sue’s appearance, who had thin long blonde hair, wore a orangey red one-piece dress and white go-go boots. Richard then sighs in defeat. ‘Fine, she’s forgiven. It isn’t everyday that we all get to see forty eight years into the future.’ said Richard, while smiling briefly into the upper car for Sue to see.

‘It is when you spend a whole week in Seattle, for the world fair Richard.’ replied Sue smiling, but groaning at the same time.

‘Ah relax “hard gut,” was just missing with you earlier, we’re just about reached our destination. You know me, “crappy sense of humour.” said Richard, thankfully holding true to his word. For when Sue looked out to her passenger side window she can see the opened iron gates leading to what she would know to be more road, going upwards in direction towards a warm and still salvation.

Their cabin was massive, well it needed to be, since their collage class needed the sleeping space, for their weekly stay at Seattle.

Though besides Sue and her two other fellow musketeers, sleep seemed to be the last thing on the rest of her classes mind, preferring to instead to mingle with the locals and party past the twilight hour, while the classes two male tutors, were blissfully unaware, since they choose to stay at a shared room in a motel close by. This was one such night.

‘No no no no no!’ was all Richard could say, when he was exiting, his car and reacting to the now financial nightmare, which would forever tarnish the name of his father’s campus, that was the rental cabin, while Deborah was helping Sue exit the the car. The two girls understood Richard’s reaction, from seeing the state of the cabin themselves.

Apparently Jamie Ward, along with the rest of their class, plus another twenty people their age, arrived to have one of their parties in the cabin.

This time Jamie seemly wanted to end the night with a bang, with the apparent side goal of choking the sensibility out of the cabin with his fellow hippies.

Sue liked to think she was pro-countercultural. There were certain aspects of the hippies way of life and goals she found interesting and embraced them such as looking out for the environment and treating everyone equally, regardless of gender and who you love, but like the christian crusade before it. Jamie and the rest of his ilk seem to have forgotten what goals of their “beliefs” were and now only embrace the hedonism and drug consumption.

Causing social decay, not preventing it and blaming their ill behaviour on others when it suits them, like a spoilt bratty twelve year old. With the cabin now serving as a shrine to everything wrong with the hippie culture.

The once beautifully dark brown oak that made the cabin, was from the front of the house now covered with a enormous cartoon exasperated portrait. The artist did a good job with the details of the picture was of a pleasant countryside of two hills that were facing each other on opposite sides, with the cliff-faces looking as if they were trying to reach the other like lost-lovers.

There was also a nice field of flowers of a large variety of colours for the ground scenery, that would have made Sue almost forgive the artist for ruining the front of their mansion sized cabin, if it wasn’t for what else was in the portrait.

From the top left corner of the portrait. From the top left corner of the portrait was a enlarged head of John F.Kenndy, face in a similar pose as England’s Queen Elizabeth’s, that Sue found on pence coins when she went to a family holiday to London.

The pupil of the president’s eye was replaced with the hippies sign for peace, iris and whites were replaced with lime green and bright purple.

The jaw was open at a unnaturally largely wide position. He appeared to be vomiting out a rainbow, that was hitting the ground of the painted fields in a waterfall like sequence.

From the left side of the multi-coloured waterfall, was a depiction of two semi-humanoid woodland critters, one had pink fur and the other had sickly yellow, guiding and pushing a queue of U.S soldiers and cops into the waterfall, which after going into, are shown on the opposite side of the waterfall, to have turned into nymphs, creature’s belonging to greek myths, that resembled women, who wore only leaves and flowers to cover the more private areas of their body’s, though the artist seemed to have either forgotten or purposefully ignored that last detail, as the nymphs were displayed fully nude.

They also appeared to have something wrong with their breast’s, as they seemed to be greatly swollen, even by magical creature standards, along with massive buttocks and a broken curved back, which made Sue wonder how they were able to stand, let alone prance in the fields the way that the portrait was displaying some of them to do, while most of the other body deformed nymphs were busy making out with each other, while wallowing in the multi-coloured puddles that were forming on the ground of the portrait.

Sue also noticed that above the gang-banging nymphs, in the portraits depiction of the sky, was John Lennon of the Beatles floating in Mid-Air and like the nymphs was also nude and had his appearance exasperated to a certain degree as well, in the the form of a slightly bigger head than the average person and a ridiculously wide grin, with teeth as long as half of sue’s arms, in a gum space that should have belonged to a mouth of a great white shark.

His bare body was displayed as being quite hairy and he seemed to be riding in the sky on a winged unicorn, that was light blue in colour and had the hippie peace symbol tattooed on it’s right buttocks, it’s wings resembled those of a dove and a trail of stardust was following each of the wings, serving as a “cutting the wind” sequence. The mane of the unicorn had a beautiful wavy rainbow pattern of colour, while the unicorn itself was showing to be giving a wide smile, which made it look a little bit like a donkey.

Sue then cringed and put her right hand over her mouth to try and not throw up, when she realised that the painted depiction of John Lennon wasn’t riding the the unicorn, but shagging it, a regrettable discovery she made, when she noticed that John was intensively gripping on the unicorn’s sides, while “resting “ on it’s buttocks, rather than the upper part of it’s back.

Of course the former cabin, now turned hippie den shrine, would be nothing without the hippie’s themselves, which the now ruined cabin was overflowing with.

At the front of the cabin, as if to play homage to the portrait, were around a dozen people, both men and women, who were semi-naked, dancing or at least attempting to dance to the beat of the Archie’s song “sugar, sugar”, though they were all clearly as high as a kite, as half of them were struggling to stay balanced let alone dance. While the other half appeared to have given up and either started crawling on all fours like animals or wallowing in the recently moist muddied ground like pigs, along with throwing and rubbing the mud on each other while laughing, which made it harder for Sue to not throw up and caused Deborah to make a face, when both girls realised that the “mud” was coming from two pipe leaks that were connected to cabin’s sewer waste.

The first leak was oozing out of the ground from the bottom right corner of the cabin, while the second, which was in the above direction of the garden, with five people dancing round the second leak, trying to get mouthfuls of the brown liquid.

‘Yep’ Sue thought to herself. ‘These people must be on some pretty good shit, to be lining up and trying the real thing.’

Sue then made a gagging noise, but was still able to keep her mouth closed and swallow what ever vomit was about to come out. Not one to take small mercies for granted, Deborah took Sue away from the human-pig den, that used to be their cabin and walked the both of them towards the pond, that was just on the left side of the hill, just a bit below were the cabin was. As Deborah knew it would only be so long until Sue would have to “clear her engine’s”. While Richard continued walking towards cabin front door, with a look of murder in his eyes.

 

‘What’s in the box?’ said Jamie, talking to no one except a pass out bystander.

Both of which lying on the sofas, while everyone else were either still dancing, dry humping or resting else where.

Jamie, who was extremely high after and still eating a box of brownies that were offered by a fourteen year old girl, who had worn strange shaped glasses and said that they were a “tradition” of her faith. She then vanished back into the crowd of other party guests and students, while Jamie started stuffing his face with the brownies, which is when the “trips” began.

The people and the room around Jamie melted and turned into multi-changing colour blobs that floated in the colour changing void that was the living room. The blobs also merged and separated from each other, which made Jamie feel that he was inside a lava lamp.

He was however not the only thing that was still solid in this astral plane. For just a distance away, in front of Jamie was the fireplace and placed in top of it was a mini Chinese statue of a cat, which was painted gold, with Chinese writing that circled at the upper torso below the neck and around the shoulders.

There was another ring of symbols at the lower part of the torso, just above the feet, It also had bright green eyes and a friendly smile.

The cat reminded Jamie of a science class subject he and the rest of a science class subject he and the rest of his mate’s did back in Portland, sometime before going to their week away field trip to Seattle to celebrate world’s fair and to meet the president who was suppose to attend today’s closing ceremony, but he never came due to a “heavy cold” much to the probable dismay of Richard “by the book” Harris. ‘

Ha, thinks he has a right to boss the rest of us around because his Dad own’s the campus.’ thought Jamie to himself, While the fire place dissolved into bubbles.

The cat statue was going through a different metamorphosis however, slowly turning into a ball made up of worm-like organisms and slowly growing in size, while Jamie continued his trail of thought.

‘Fool’s too busy tying boy scout knot’s to realise that the man is leading us all to a cliff edge of atomic rot and ain’t nothing going to stop it. Not following rule’s not sending U.S pigs and dogs into the meat girder known as Vietnam and certainly not being obvious to it all and hide all the man’s sins with a fair about a future that would never come!’

The ball of golden worms separated at this point, revealing that they were cats that were part eel from the waist down, had gold skin instead of fur and glowing emerald eyes with no pupils, which made them resemble a ghoulish version of the statue they originated from.

They started swimming towards Jamie, but he was unintimidated by their charge in the ever colour-changing ocean, simply blowing smoke rings towards them via a pipe of cocaine he was currently using between brownie munching and continued on with his thoughts.

‘Perhaps that’s what… What’s his name? Ah, yes Schrodinger! The class subject, about Schrodinger’s cat.’

Jamie remembered the discussion now or rather the enjoyment he got from winding his Teacher up, when played dumb, which made Jamie smile drunkenly. The subject was named such after the physicist Erwin Schrodinger, who discussed with Albert Einstein, what Schrodinger saw as the problems of the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics.

Schrodinger used a cat locked in a steel chamber as an example, attaching a small mechanism within the box.

The mechanism being made out of a radioactive source, an internal monitor and a hammer, all strapped with wire and with a flask of poison below the hammer. If the monitor defects a single atom decaying, the flask is shattered, releasing the poison, which kills the cat.

The mechanics that Schrodinger and Einstein discussed implies that after a while, the cat is simultaneously alive and dead. Yet, when one looks in the box, one sees the cat either alive or dead, not both and dead Thus posing the question of when exactly quantum superposition ends and reality resolves into one possibility or the other.

“What’s in the box?” Was the question that Jamie’s Teacher greeted the class with, Jamie then remembered how he turned science class into a free period, by rallying the class against how Schrodinger committed “animal cruelty “ for the sake of playing pretend science.

The look on his Teachers face was priceless, a specially after trying to order the class to calm down, Jamie Teacher’s face begun to tense up and turned pale, as the stress caused him to have a heart attack. Leading to the teacher passing out and hitting the floor. ‘What’s in the box live pig or dead pig ?’

The ambulance arrived half an hour later to collect the body. Jamie didn’t even remember his name and why would he ? The corpse was one of them, blind followers of the man JFK and his league of masters. ‘Ordering us all to fight a war that we have no business in, choking the earth, with their oil fuels and hair sprays and their nuclear weapons.

What’s in the box, green forest or desert of ash, true flesh or plastic fake, peace and sex or hate and open wounds?’

The cat-ghouls were circling round Jamie like a lover, while using the upper paws they still possessed to claw Jamie’s shoulders, giving Jamie a painful, but pleasurable experience.

The cats whispered warnings to Jamie. Repeating the words, run, get out and his coming, over and over again. Yet at the same time they were grabbing him, bringing him farther down the purple ocean, while Jamie forgot how to breath and started to drown.

The cat-things were clawing him now, with their humanoid hands. Putting their fingers right into his chest and the back of his head. He could feel their nails touching his brain and heart, while he screamed and tried uselessly to break free. Still sinking and starting to pass out, Jamie then noticed four giant tentacles rising from the abyss.

Wait not tentacles…fingers! Four giant, long claw-like fingers attached to a enormous Pam that together formed a huge monstrous hand made out of shadow, waiting to claim Jamie from out the dark.

The cat-things were now repeatedly chanting “his here” and turned red, donned a more demonic appearance and started laughing. Something began to open in the giant pam, a bright yellow, reptilian eye that stared at Jamie, stared right into his soul.

Reality started to warp and Jamie could feel his body twist and stretch with it. He tried to scream desperately for help from what ever force or presence that would grant it, but to his horror, nothing but wasteful air bubbles came out, no matter how hard he shrieked.

His body begun to spas out, as it started to the shut down. He was close enough to the hand that it’s claw like fingers, started to close in. Preparing to trap Jamie for ever and then…and then…

 

Richard grabbed a glass from the nearest bystander and spilled it’s contents on Jamie. Bringing him out from what ever high he was obviously in.

The cabin was as much a pig den inside, as it was outside. There was massive splashes of paint that covered the walls of the living room, while the painters who were responsible for redecorating the walls, were busy having a group orgie on the floor causing them to tip the remaining contents on the floor, while the painters were still gang banging.

There were a higher number of people, than what Richard expected. There was at least over fifty people inside, while outside had forty. While the people outside were playing in their own filth. The party guests inside were either dancing to the song “sugar sugar” that Richard heard earlier from outside, still shagging or resting from Said shagging on the floor sofas or the breakfast bar in the kitchen, that’s entrance was below the living room stairs.

The upper floor and banister of said stairs were covered from top to bottom with toilet roll paper, some clothes that was mostly underwear and paint like the walls plus glitter. The floors of the cabin took the worst of the party beatings, as they were covered with rubbish, food and paint, which was spread further on the floor by the gang-bangers. Who were covered in moist multicolour and crumbs. Their bodies moving like eels and worms. In other words, the cabin was a f### fest in every sense of the word.

It didn’t take Richard long, to find Jamie. He just had to follow the strong scent of marijuana, which lead him to the fire place were low and behold, on a sofa he found in between a three body human sandwich was Jamie. Wearing only underwear and a short purple dressing gown. Since adopting the hippie life style, Jamie grew his hair long, which made it difficult to clean and was visibly greasy. He also started spurting a bit of facial hair stubble since their weekly stay at Seattle. Jamie looked lost after Richard tossed drink of whiskey on his face, as he began to register the student in front of him and then had the facial expression of “oh shit” written on his face.

‘Richard? Ummm, welcome to the revolution brother ! Thought you were staying at the fair, with Deborah and…um…what’s her name?’

‘Sue was sick, so I drove both her and Deborah up here early and I take it by “revolution”, you actually mean this.’ replied Richard, who brought his arms outwards and looked round him when he said “this”, so Jamie knew that he was referring to the party round them. ‘Our teachers said, no more drugs or cult gatherings Jamie. If they saw this’…

’Well it’s a good thing that “big brother” is busy screwing each other, else where isn’t it ? Interrupted and countered Jamie, fed up with Richards boy scout attitude while Richard waited until Jamie finished his tangent, before saying anything more.

‘Our teachers should be sharing their love with us, the new world order! Instead their hiding, scared of what “the big old man” might think of what the older kids do in their free time. Maybe the “great establishment” should worry about their own subjects turning, rather than fighting wars that don’t concern us.’

‘Those wars do concern us Jamie! Responded Richard, now tired of Jamie’s bullshit.

‘And I don’t think anyone with a leak of sense, gay or not would want to be part of your cult gang bangs.’

‘For the last time Richard, me and the rest of the rainbow squids are part of the new one true world order. One that Mother earth would approve of.’

‘Yeah sure, I can see your groups “grand progress” in “saving the world.” Said Richard sarcastically, while kicking a can of cola across the floor and widely looking at the rest of the rubbish and food waste on the ground, so Jamie Knew what he was out the obvious.

Like Sue, Richard use to believe in the hippie cause, but witnessing the decadence back at Portland, his home caused him to have a change of heart and now he shared the same opinion as most other older adults and law enforcers.

It was bad enough that Portland had a reputation for being a heaven for crime, but now it was also looked down upon as “ground zero”for american wave of hippie fever.

With his fathers campus seen as the heart of it all. A fact that Richard would make damn sure that Jamie wouldn’t cock it up for them. Richard continued his conversation with Jamie

‘And let’s not forget the “chocolate fountain” that your friend’s somehow dug up in the garden. As I’m sure Mother nature “loves” her grasses drowning in human filth.’

‘Well it’s probably no different, than what our boys are doing in Vietnam.’ countered Jamie. His face turning more red and frustrated per second.

Despite his high, he was clearly getting angry and barely holding his nerve. ‘What?’

‘You heard me Richard, why do you look down on me and others like me, when it’s your people fighting in a war that doesn’t concern us ! It’s not us that you hear, burning down unarmed villages and doing sexual-assaults on the native women is it?’

‘No, you and the rest of your ‘cult-junkies’ prefer underage boys and girls who don’t know any better.’ countered Richard, who was referring to the infamous case of father Fred, the man who was originally the head of the hippie group the rainbow squids and took Jamie and the most of the other students under his wing.

Fred took a shine to one of the students in particular, a girl called Eve, who was a family member of the local mob. Who later disappeared, only for her body to appear two appear two days later semi-buried in a forest.

It didn’t take long for the authorities to track the evidence to the “fathers” camper van. The mob beat them to the punch, however as when the police where going to question Fred, his van apparently suffered a gas leak over night, but they were still able to find the perfectly preserved “tools” the highland bastard used to “fine” Eve in the cupboard, along with a written confession and there were rumours at Richard’s, campus that when examining Fred’s body, the police found several bruisings and stab wounds. Serves the sick freak right.

Jamie and the other members of Fred’s “enlightened “ were saddened by their former mentors passing, despite the obvious, with Fred’s convicted crime being something of a sore point. Jamie shut his mouth upon hearing what Richard said and started grinding his teeth and flaring his nostrils.

‘Good,’ thought Richard, he was looking for someone to fight.

‘Richard, what happened to Eve…’ But before any of them could say anything else. A sudden purple light appeared through the cabin windows behind Richard, Which got everyone who was present attention. Including the two young men who were about to brawl.

Richard ran up the stairs to see were the lights were coming from, along with everyone else.While Jamie was holding on to the stair banister for balance support, while he walked up to Richard.

‘Is this your doing?’ asked Richard, once Jamie reached him.

‘Ain’t my doing man.’ replied Jamie ‘But it’s good to know that I’m not the only one seeing the groovy light show.’

Richard moved his attention to the said light show that Jamie mentioned.From what Richard could see, the purple light was coming from the sky, moving in wavy patterns that reminded Richard of similar lights he saw when his family took a holiday in Alaska during the dark months.

The source of the unnatural phenomenon however, was actually coming from some kind of cylinder or something close to a cylinder. Richard would have miss took it as a strange form of lightning due to how bright it was, but it appeared to be staying in place.

The lighting cylinder appeared to be coming from the woodland somewhere close to the… Richard heard a scream that came from down the side of the hill that lead to the road. It was a scream he heard before. Back when a group of students pulled a Halloween prank on…’Deborah!’ Richard said out loud to himself.

He then moved his attention to Jamie.

‘Keep everyone in doors and away from what ever that freak light show outside is. And I’ll say to the tutors, you had nothing to do with the party tonight. Deal? ordered and requested Richard.

‘What ever you say man.’ replied Jamie, who still had his attention on the light show outside.

Richard looked at frustrated, but quickly ran down the stairs, exited the cabin and ran as fast as he could to where the scream came from. When he reached the estate gates, Richard was greeted with the sight of a tourist bus that had stopped and a group of people standing in a circle in the middle of the clear road.

Fearful of the worse, Richard ran to the circle of people.

Pushing past the crowd his fear’s were turned into a reality. In the open space of the crowd, on the road lay the blooded broken body of Sue. Sue who he knew since he was six. Sue who he confided I, when his father started drinking. Sue who’s body lay twisted. Eyes still open. Richard snapped out of his trans when he noticed Deborah sitting up straight in a curved ball position next to…next to body. Crying and being comforted by an elderly woman and an urban man with a cap. Richard went to do the same as the strangers and ask Deborah how her and Sue went from the cabin pond to here so quickly, as they were two opposite directions apart. He knelt down and went to reach for his friend

‘Deborah…’ said Richard to his friend, but before he could continue, Deborah lifted her head and the sight that Richard saw shocked him and caused him to land on his buttocks and backwards crawl away a bit from what he was seeing.

‘H-How…’

‘The blonde was seen pushing her, to the other side of the road before the bus hit. They came out of nowhere, according to the driver.’ said the man in the cap, answering Richard’s question.

‘As for what happened to her face…we don’t know.’

‘Could it be to do with the lights?’ Asked Richard.

’What?’

‘The lights in the sky! The ones coming from the lighting cylinder in the forest!’ ‘Son, there hasn’t been any lights appearing in the sky all morning.’ said the capped man with a puzzled look on his face.

‘Morning?’ replied Richard, who was also now very confused and as if on queue, the sun started to rise on Richard’s lift.

He and the capped man then moved their attention back to Deborah when she stared whispering something under her breath. Richard still couldn’t believe what happened to her. The top half of her face was burnt, her eye lids melted shut. ‘It came…’ said Deborah a bit louder. It came from the lightning.’

Chapter 2: Chapter 1: Introducing the amazing, the sensational, the incredible…

Summary:

during a murder case, Liv Moore and her new (also similarly undead) ally discover a threatening plot against seattle and zombiekind. meanwhile, a new and sinister foe gathers strength in the shadows...(AU during and post izombie season 3.)

Notes:

Commentary by the Author: Thanks to everyone who read my prologue. In this chapter, you'll be (re)introduced to Liv and the rest of the canon main cast. Hope you enjoy and don't forget to comment/send feedback.

Literature Text
Chapter 1: Introducing the amazing, the sensational, the incredible…

 

Disclaimer: I do not own izombie.

 

Seattle

 

2016/present

 

The crowd was large in CenturyLink field for tonight’s football game. At least 68,000 chairs were occupied by fans, ready to cheer and support or cast hard judgement and criticise their favourite teams. The crowds were all wearing rain coats to prepare for the elements that Seattle was both famous and infamous for depending on who asked. It wasn’t nicknamed the “rain city” for nothing.

Some members of the crowd were smart enough to sneak snacks before the game begun, while others despite common sense, had no problems paying for over priced drinks, hot dogs, corn dogs and other fast foods to fill their bellies. Despite the game taking place around 9:00pm, the lights inside the stadium were bright enough, that if you were to watch the game at home, you would have thought it took place in the morning, rather than the evening.

As always the fans of the local team, the Seattle Seahawks were getting restless and started collectively mimicking their supporting team’s drum line “the blue thunder”, via clapping their hands. They then started chanting “Hawks” or “Go Hawks” for some.

This in turn gained the spite of the fans of the opposing team, the Arizona cardinals, which resulted in them either booing or insultingly shouting “Go home sea cocks.” Their protests fell on deaf ears however, as the fans of the Seahawks were louder and out numbered the opposing fans 10-3. With their cheers only getting louder when a mix of fireworks, confetti and smoke, all of which were either white or green in colour, appeared on both sides of one of the entrances to the pitch.

From the entrance came the Seahawks themselves, all of which wore traditional American football gear, that was white with green lines and numbers. They jogged in pairs to the centre of the pitch meeting the opposing team, who came out of the opposite face entrance, that had a similar minor firework show like the Seahawks, but the cardinals entrance display was red and white to match their uniforms.

Both teams then took their gaming positions, waiting for the sound of whistle, which would happen in one…two…and in a eye blink the Hawks and cardinals were running, pushing and wrestling each other they tried to get the pig skin, while the crowd cheered. All of them blissfully unaware of what was happening in the half-built skyscraper, not far from the stadium.

 

Alice Sanders was your basic mild-mannered 17 year old cheerleader. Having excellent performance in her gymnastics class, according to her teacher. So much so that her parents made sure, that she would be able to join the city’s local cheerleader team the Sea Gal’s. A cheerleader team that was associated with the Seattle Seahawks and one that started to fantasise about joining a year ago. With her early audition being a surprise birthday gift.

She still had to work tooth and nail for it the diploma though. That said given her current situation, she was experiencing what older people would call “be careful what you wish for,” sort of deal. Given that she was recently kidnapped and was currently being held hostage by some gang.

It was her own fault of course. After her performance in the stadium, she was greeted by a man of Asian, either of Chinese or Japanese descent.

He wore a black suit with a blue shirt and pair of white trained with a blue line pattern on both of them. He also had fine black hair and a small moustache. Alice thought he looked liked an agent and it was because of that, that she didn’t question him, when he said he was looking for candidates for America’s next top model.

That and she may have found him tiny bit good looking.

Damn how could she be so stupid?

Next thing she knew. The suppose “agent” or AJ as he introduced one of the stadium exits, where two other Asian men were waiting from for her, with a small black bag, that they used to cover her head, as they grabbed her.

When they removed the bag, she was here. Some abandoned building that looked as if it was still in the middle of being built.

Two men were standing on either side front of Alice holding guns.AJ was also in front of her pacing and was also holding a gun. This one smaller compared to the weapons that the other two men were holding with his left hand, while with his right, he was holding a mobile phone to the side of his face and talking to someone through it.

The conversation didn’t seem as if it was going well though, as AJ looked angry.

‘What part of renewing your agreement with the triad, then you’ll get your daughter back do you not “understand” Mr Sanders !’ raged AJ.

Her father! It was her father at the other end of the phone. Alice tried to scream, but her mouth was covered with duck tape.

She didn’t want to be here. The makeup on her face was starting to splotch up, as a mix result of tears and sweat. Making her look like a sad clown. Alice’s wrists were starting to get sore, from trying to wrestle herself from the rope that kept her on the wooden chair, that she was sitting on. Worst of all she was getting her Sea Gals uniform, once clean and bright lame, covered in saw dust. That part she hated the most.

She just wanted go home and put this madness behind her, as if it was a bad dream. But it wasn’t a dream. It was still happening.

Alice stopped squealing after AJ did a head nod, which was body language for “shut her up” to one of the men who was still in front of Alice. After getting the message from his boss, the guard turned facing Alice and pointed his gun to her face, to make her be quiet. AJ then relaxed and exhaled. ‘Fine have it your way. Hope you enjoy tonight’s game. Heard a rumour it’s going to end with a bang.’ said AJ to the phone while smirking.

He then switched his attention back to Alice and the guard.

‘Radio the rest of the guys, tell them to clear out and gear up. There’s only one reason, that Adrian had for not giving in to our demands and I for one don’t want to be here when the S.P.D arrive.’ said AJ to the guard, who was getting the radio out.

‘What about the girl, ain’t she dead weight?’ replied the guard, thinking a step a head.

‘Nah we’ll keep her and give her to someone who handles the the black market.’ AJ said and when he mentioned black market, Alice felt a wet tingle down her leg. No one was prepared for what was to happen next.

There was a sudden scream from the radio, which caused all four guards present to look at it in a mix of confusion and terror as to what caused such a reaction from one of their own. AJ who looked at the radio in a frustrated manner however, knew what or rather who it was.

Before he could say any thing though, the elevator from the ground floor, was moving up to their level. AJ’s men looked at him, to see if they should take cover positions and aim for what ever was to come out from the lift.

Reading their body language and thinking the same thing. AJ nods and the guards then run closer to elevator doors and take shooting positions, to prepare for what was coming, while AJ took Alice off the chair to use as a hostage.

‘If it’s white, black and red all over, aim for the head…’ ordered and advised AJ.

His underlings were expressionless, but AJ could tell they were terrified. Hell he was terrified after what happened the last time.

‘And what ever you do.’ continued AJ, while the lift was about to reach their level.

‘Don’t let her get close.’

The elevator doors made a “ping” noise before opening. When they were wide enough, the guards wasted no time in fulling the lift with lead.

The noise of gunfire caused Alice to flinch a little, causing AJ to tighten his grip. When they were done firing, the lift was filled with holes. Some of the bullets hit the elevator lift lights, causing it to spark and flicker.

There was a form of mass on the lift floor, but the inside of the lift was now too dark due to the damage light to make out what it was.

No way of telling if they hit their target or not. The two guards who were closest to the right side of the lift looked back to AJ, to see if he wanted them to investigate the mass and with a nod from their boss they slowly made their way to the lift. Their guns primed and ready for any surprises.

Still moving slowly and his partner watching his back, the guard who was closet to the elevator went to reach for the mass.

Discovering it to be a sailor themed stuffed blue bear, that the guard recognised as a cartoon character called captain wozzle. The captain in question, probably experienced better days though. No thanks to the guard and the other members of their gang present, the Blue cobras.

Poor Wozzle would need an eye-patch and a few stitches. Perhaps AJ would allow the guard to take the bear with him and he in turn could give it to his niece as a birthday or Christmas gift. Snapping out of his pipe dream, the guard “noticed” a beeping noise and a green flashing just at the corner of his eye.

Turning his head and discovering too late. The guard found that the origin of the flashing was coming from a perfectly set booby trap of explosives that were strapped around the inside of the elevator doors. With the guard only having a enough time to widen his eyes in shock, before the beeping light turned a still red, which was followed by a blinding flash of light and bang, that then covered the centre of the room in a thick fog, making it hard for everyone present to see. Regaining focus after the explosion, the second guard, the one who followed and was closest to the other first guard, who was in the elevator at the time of the explosion, went into the lift weapon primed, to check on the well being of his colleague.

Only to find that there was nothing on the ground except for the bear. Still on his knees and wondering what happened to his fellow gang member, he was unaware of two humanoid shapes hidden in the fog.

One was unconscious and being held up right by the second shape, while the other was laying on the elevator wall at the the second Blue cobras guards left. It’s only visible feature being a pair of red eyes that looked as if they belonged to a bloodshot corpse, that were eyeing the cobras scalp as if it was an imaginary ham. She wasn’t planning to eat his brains though.

After all she had a code to follow. Instead she dropped the first Blue cobra thug she knocked out earlier and was holding up right up until now, which caused the second thug to be distracted by the sudden knocked out appearance of his fellow and made it easier for her to punch his forehead, resulting in him falling on the floor unconscious. The noise of his fall alerted the other two thugs however, who then responded to the noise with a second wave of bullets.

After firing the two remaining Blue cobra thugs then moved closer to see, if they hit their target. Both thugs entered the lift at once, so as to not repeat their comrades mistake of entering the lift one at a time.

Their change in of strategy backfired horribly however, as apart from the two unconscious thugs who were still lying on the elevator floor, their was nothing else. No sign of a third body. The two Blue cobras then looked to each other in a mix of panic, but mostly in confusion as to what was going on.

Both men were unaware of the two red eyes looking at them, this time from the elevator ceiling, before their heads were grabbed by two pale fingerless gloved hands that then banged their heads on each other. Leaving both men unconscious.

‘Four cobras, one lift, slight change of positions. Can’t believe that tactic actually worked. At least this floor was easier than the last.’ thought the shadowy figure to herself, while she lowered herself from the elevator ceiling.

‘Had to use the more “direct” approach for that one. That said, saying that I hurt them more than they hurt me, would be kind of an understatement though.’ thought the shadowy figure to herself when she was holding her stomach.

Feeling where some of the bullet and knife wounds went through her, after her seven to one brawl from the previous floor.

Some of the wounds were deep and went right through, thankfully none were lethal, at least for her. After all you can’t kill what was already undead.

That said…’Ravi’s probably going to bury me alive after he finds out about the wear and tear, I put his costume through.’

Putting her dilemma aside, she focus again on the task at hand.She caught all of the cobras tails, but where did the head go to ? She then noticed the building exit, that lead to the roof door was open. With no time to waste, she then hurried to confront AJ.

 

His scheme falling apart and his underlings taken out of the game. AJ hurried to the roof of the building still tightly holding Alice, with his gun pressed on her head while they moved. He was running out of time.

Sure there was the surprise at the stadium, but that won’t do him any good at the moment. He needed an escape plan. He still had the girl, maybe he could use her to…Alice stood on AJ’s foot when they reached the middle of the roof which made him almost yelp in pain. She then tried to escape his grip, but he dragged her close to him again.

‘Pull something like that again, I’ll start to wonder why I don’t cut my loses.’ hissed AJ when he pressed his gun on Alice’s head once more.

It was at that moment that AJ heard a noise behind one of the buildings air ventilation constructs, that sounded like a can being tipped over and caused AJ to slightly jump when he heard it. ‘Move another inch and we’ll find out, how empty “Goldilocks” head is after I blow it!’ shouted AJ in the direction where the noise came from, but received no answer.

‘You did a real number on my boys. Hard to believe that one girl could waste ten grown men like that. Then again your not like most girls, are you?’ continued AJ trying to sound in control. Still no answer. AJ was starting to get restless.

‘Tell you what, how about you and me play a game of trust. You come out in the open, I give you the girl and I walk. Don’t play and I clear the chess board.’ A upon hearing that last part, Alice tried to struggle herself free, but AJ was to strong.

When there was no response to AJ’s ultimatum, AJ decided to push for a reaction. ‘Offer going once…’ said AJ as he pushed the end of his pistol at Alice’s forehead.

He was unaware of a shadowy figure moving through the vent system, that AJ was standing on top of. It was moving closer to where he was standing. ‘Going twice…’ But before AJ could say “gone” a black blur came out of the vents behind him.

It then grabbed and twisted his arm that was holding the pistol gun, the pain causing AJ to loosen his grip on Alice, who used the opportunity to escape. The blur then quickly finished AJ off, by grabbing the back of AJ’s head and slamming him on to the ground face first. AJ was still conscious, but didn’t fight back, as he knew he was beaten.

‘Sold’ said the shadowy figure who just took down AJ. Alice who stood in front of the whole whole scene in shock, then looked at her rescuer and realised the figure wasn’t a blur at all, but was in fact a women, who looked like they were in their late twenty’s, her hair and skin was as pale as snow and she wore a black domino mask and dark clothing, that looked a bit like a costume.

Alice then realised who she was looking at. The vigilante known as the Seattle Nitemare.

 

It wasn’t long before the abandoned building was surrounded by the SPD SWAT teams, who got an anonymous tip that Alice Sanders, daughter of shipping manger Adrian Sanders, was being held by heavy armed felons, with suspected relations to the Blue cobra gang.

The SWAT teams made sure to prepare for the situation, but when they entered the building, they found that the “hostiles” were already taken care of and the kidnapped teenager safely secured. With the teenage girl’s rescuer waiting to assist the police to take care of the trash.

While helping to take the last of the cobras to the armoured vans. Nitemare or as she was known by her real identity Liv Moore was then greeted by a friendly face. A dark skinned man who had a painter’s brush styled moustache and wore a gray suit minus a blazer and instead wore a SWAT vest, he also wore fine black shoes. Liv recognised him as Commissioner Clive Babineaux, her ally from the other side of the law.

They originally had a rocky start, her being a vigilante and him a cop. Since saving Clive’s nine month old child from a mob hit however, they have since formed a partnership that was as solid as they come. Together they had successfully rid the SPD of corruption and since being promoted to commissioner, were able to put most of Seattle’s organised crime behind bars.

With the Blue cobras being the last scrap of the barrel of the criminal underworld, they had yet to catch up until now. ‘A hostage saved, mostly unharmed, eleven known convicts found unconscious and no police casualties or injuries since arrival. All thanks to you, Seattle’s friendly neighbourhood superhero.’ said Clive, as he walked closer to his long time vigilante ally.

‘What are friends for and I think you mean super heroine.’ replied Liv as she greeted the commissioner with a hand shake. ‘Took some time, but seems that our two person crusade, that we started a year ago is about to reach it’s end. Now that we have Mr Boss and all of his associates behind bars, including AJ and his Blue cobras. Seems that things are going to be boring in the city for now on. Not that I imagine, that either of us would have a problem with the new quiet of course.’ said Clive, who was looking at his surroundings, while he was talking to Liv. Trying to picture the new peace that was to come.

‘Tell me about it, it wasn’t too long ago, that we were looking at a full on war zone.’ said Liv who joined Clive in watching the police sirens. Remembering back to the drug war between Mr Boss and his former right hand man Blaine.

The later of whom was revealed to have been responsible for turning Liv, when he showed his zombie nature during the gang war. He hadn’t been seen since then however, as after a tense fight with Liv on a cargo ship, he disappeared in an explosion. While Clive was able to press charges against Mr Boss, thanks to Liv’s assistance in gathering evidence. ‘Going to miss wearing the old cape and cowl though.’

‘You thinking of retiring?’ said Clive, who turned his head to Liv and Liv in turn, looked back to him. ‘As you said Commissioner, crime in Seattle is going to be a lot more manageable, now that we’ve taken down Mr Boss and his operations and Blaine has quiet as well, thus no need for me and my team, taking the law into our own hands and making the Seattle police department look bad.’

‘Look bad? Nite, if anything, you and your merry men have became something of an inspiration for all the officers round here. Though I understand your decision, the SPD going to miss you and your gang. Is there no way I could convince you to join the force publicly?’ Clive asked Liv.

‘Now Commissioner, how do you know that I am not already working for the force?’ said Liv, in a playful manner and smiling.

Hinting at her civilian job as the SPD’s assistant medical examiner.

Their pleasant conversation was interrupted by AJ’s laughter however, who now had a swollen right black eye, bleeding fore head and missing front tooth.

Like the rest of his gang present, AJ was handcuffed and sat in the back of one of the SPD SWAT vans, that was parked behind Liv and Clive during their conversation. ‘Sorry to interrupt your “honeymoon” plans, but tonight’s show isn’t over.’ said AJ, smiling wide, as both Liv and Clive turned in his direction.

‘Oh don’t look surprised, you two should have known I’d have a hail mary play up my sleeve, if my “negotiation” with Goldilocks’s daddy didn’t play out the way I wanted it. “Hail Mary” being the big word here, given tonight’s game.’ AJ teased, followed by both Liv’s and the Commissioner’s eyes widening , when they both realised what he meant. AJ then made an explosion gesture with face. Making it more obvious.

With no time to waste, Liv then pressed and held her finger on a black earpiece, that was in her right ear. ‘Captain to Birdseye, I need you to check for any sign of explosives or radioactive isotopes, at CenturyLink field ASAP!’

 

Meanwhile in a undisclosed location, in a mostly dark room, with the main source of light coming from a big half circled desk that was occupied by a large number of screens and keyboards.

Each screen showed a different image such as a map of the city and a list of criminal ID’s Overseeing all this was a tall man of Indian-English descent, who had tidy black hair and an average sized beard. He wore a brown woolly jumper, grey Jeans and red shoes that had white laces. He also had a white doctor’s uniform jacket, that he placed on it work chair. Attached on to the left side of the jacket was the man’s medical examiner ID for the SPD, written on it was his named “Dr.Ravi Chakrabarti”, though Liv and the rest of the gang would call him “Birdseye” when in the field incase the criminal element were to somehow able to hack their channel.

Ravi had taken advantage of his free time by playing the PC edition of Elder scrolls online, since Liv AKA Nitemare said she just took down AJ and successfully “leak” the hostage location to the SPD.

His character “Sir whiskers,” a black furred khajiit dragon knight that was also a werewolf was in the middle of very nearly slaying a lich, when on the screen he was playing on, a link appeared that said that pale haired bombshell is calling. Causing him to accidentally slip his finger on the keyboard that made his character switch from third person to first person. Thus when the Lich attacked, it caused the infamous freezing glitch, that happens with some Elder scrolls online bosses. Gritting his teeth and flaring his nostrils, in the response that he’d have to restart his game later, he then quickly scrolled his mouse to answer the call. ‘Captain to Birdseye, I need you to check for any sign of explosive or radioactive isotopes, at CenturyLink field ASAP!’ said Liv urgently.

Updated on the situation, Ravi then worked his tech wiz magic using the computers to hack through a satellite to look for any sign of a bomb. It was tricky though, as satellite sensors were designed to pick up signs of nuclear explosion after or during detonation, not before. Thankfully since Liv said the bomb would be somewhere at the CenturyLink Field, it helped to narrow down his search and by temporarily “borrowing” the stadiums security cameras and then adding a few illegal modifications…’Sweeping the football fields now and detecting early signs gamma rays at… bugger.’ said Ravi in a thick British Londoner accent.

‘What’s wrong?’ asked Liv, through the other end of the voice channel ‘I’ve found the bomb, but if my readings are correct, it’s currently being tossed about by the football players, stuffed in pig skin. Apparently gaining heat every time a new player grabs it. With the predicted explosion happening, by the time one of the teams tosses the ball in their respected rival’s giant tune fork.’

‘Giant tune fork?’

‘You know, the big white poles you “colonisers” use instead of nets, amongst other things.’ said Ravi in a mixer of sarcasm and truth as he had no idea what said “white poles” were.

‘Raahh I mean Birdseye, this is not the time to goof off! Me and the Commissioner won’t be able to reach the stadium in time. Can you contact Killer abs and Lethal long socks ?’ requested Liv who almost slipped Ravi’s secret identity. She understood that Ravi was just trying to lighten the mood, but this wasn’t the time to make wisecracks. ‘Already have.’ said Ravi who smiled at his own brilliance.

 

This was it. The winning score. The Arizona cardinals were gaining the upper hand on the Seattle Seahawks. In desperation the Hawks started playing more aggressively. Not caring for injuring their rivals or if their own best players were disqualified as a result. Their change of tactics backfired horribly however.

As they burnt through all of their reserve players and what ever wounds they inflicted on the cardinals, the cardinals inflicted five times as hard and were more discrete.

In the end between trying to swarm each other with their own body weight and “accidentally” breaking the respective opponents skull and leg bone, their was only one cardinal and two Hawks left standing, with the cardinal about to reach the opponents goal post. Not caring that the pig skin he was carrying started growing increasingly warmer or even that it began to tick.

He was almost at the post until he was hit by the full weight of another man, who wore a armour padded sleeves costume, with gloved bracers and a mask that covered the top part of his head and looked a bit like a bike helmet, all of which were coloured in either white, blue or red. There was also silver stars that were decorated on the man’s costume, that reminded the cardinal of the American flag.

Finally the last thing of interest that the cardinal noticed was the pig skin, that the costume figure grabbed from the cardinal he rammed him, started to glow and the costume figure then through it mid-air, until it was nothing more than an orange speck in the sky, that was then quickly replaced by a massive flash of light, which then quickly faded.

The all-American themed super hero then pressed his right finger on his mask. ‘First mate to Birdseye, threat has been averted.’

 

When Liv and Commissioner Clive arrived at the stadium to meet up with Liv’s other vigilante allies, they were greeted by a massive crowd, who came to thank their local super heroine in person, for stopping tonight’s terrorist attack.

The crowd all wore and carried some form of Seattle Nitemare merchandise such as t-shirts, jumpers, action figures and teddy bears, as well as carrying home made written sighs, to proudly show their praise for their local champion. Despite their good intentions, the crowd would have blocked the duos way to the football field, but thankfully their were small metal fences, that kept the crowd from them and security guards that helped keep thing’s under control.

Nearing the entrance to field Liv and Clive came across one of Liv’s vigilante teammates called Law’s Pursuit, aka Lethal long socks, aka Liv’s friend Peyton Charles, who was currently trying debrief the Mayor and some other people of importance, who were attending tonight’s game.

Since she was a vigilante that operated during the day, Peyton’s costume was primarily gold, with white serving as a secondary colour. Like Liv, Peyton also wore a domino mask, that was gold rather than black and wore a belt that had a LP insignia on it. She also had a pictured symbol of the court scales of justice on her chest and wore long golden coloured gloves and boots.

She noticed Liv and Clive coming to her direction and decided to walk towards them and update them on the situation Peyton was also a bit taller than Liv and had long brown hair and walked with the grace of a super model due to her heels. ‘The Mayor wanted to speak with you Commissioner.’ said Peyton, as she continued to walk towards them.

She started talking to Liv as soon as Clive was out of earshot. ‘Remind me why I Requested Birdseye to give me designer heels, as your next crime scene going to be my ankles.’ said Peyton under her breath and fake smiling, to mislead photographers, as she and Liv continued to walk into the football field, in reach of the last member their group.

‘Because when Birdseye showed some of his old comic covers from his collection, to help you find what you wanted for your costume design, you said that you wanted the suit to look like the heroine called Sungirl.’ replied Liv who spoke quietly and faked smiled like Peyton as they continued walking.

‘Well that was before I realised what kind of “sacrifice” I was making for trying to be fashionable and saving the day at the same time, didn’t I!’ Peyton quietly raged.

‘Could be worse.’ replied Liv, remembering her first botched attempt at a super suit that looked like a ninja wearing a massive legging.

Ehhh even now, thinking back to it made her cringe. ‘Fair enough, hey found killer abs dead ahead.’ said Peyton, who started smiling for real, followed by Liv, both of whom started waving at their friend and fellow super hero Major Rager, aka killer abs, aka likes calling himself First mate on coms, aka Major Nathaniel Lillywhite.

They found him standing on the wedding alter in the middle of the football field, waiting for them. He wore a groom styled suit, while Liv, who now had natural crustacean tanned skin and longer slightly curled brown hair, wore a flower pattern sleeved wedding gown.

Peyton’s outfit also changed she now wore a stylish short skirt purple bridesmaid dress and dark scarlet heeled sandals. She linked arms with Liv, as they walked to the altar.

While she walked, Liv noticed her friends and family sitting at the left side of the altar, while Major’s sat at the right. The whole stadium turned dark, except for the centre where the ceremony was taking place, due to a massive light that beamed on the spot.

There were other light spots too on other parts round the field floor, that were smaller in size and moved, as they had to fellow the cheerleaders who were now dressed in 2000’s high school cosplay with the Seahawk mascots Blitz and Taima being the lead dancers, who moved to the tune of the Dandy warhols song “We used to be friends.”

The Dancer’s and music stopped as Liv reached the altar, which also appeared on four giant screens that were positioned on the stadium roof, so audiences could get a close up on the bride and groom to be.

The priest who was hosting the ceremony started giving a speech, he wore a wireless headset and speaker, so the whole stadium was able to hear him.

Well mostly everyone, except Liv, who was too busy starring at her husband-to-be Major and just laughed with everyone else, when the priest presumably said something funny.

God, did Major look hot. Not only did Major have a strong physic, his face looked as if it was sculpted an artist, that you would normally find on statues or in the dreams of young teenage girls. He had kind eyes and slightly ginger brown hair, that’s edges were gelled to stay up right.

As she continued to stare, while Major smiled back at her, Liv was thinking of how they first met at the university of Washington, how they first started dating, how Major popped the question in Seattle’s space needle during a fire works display and how they would grow old and…wait, grow old?

Liv was so distracted by her thoughts, that she was completely unaware when the the priest said ‘Do you, Major Nathaniel Lillywhite take Olivia Moore as your lawful wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or poor, in sickness or in health, to cherish until death do you part?’

‘I do,’replied Major, not even hesitating.

‘And do you Olivia Moore’… Liv snapped out of her thoughts upon hearing her name.

‘Take Major Nathaniel Lillywhite as your lawful husband to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poor, in sickness or in health, to cherish until death do you part?’ The priest asked Liv.

‘Until death? Is this a joke?’ thought Liv bitterly.

Once upon a time this was what she wa…no scratch that, this was were her life should have headed. Promising job as a doctor, married to the perfect man. Happy ever after, the end, but thanks to the person standing in front of her, that life was now over. ‘No,’ said Liv casually, looking Major straight in the eye, as he became confused.

‘Liv I don’t understand?’

‘Major we can never have this because of you !’raged Liv, after which things got weird.

 

(🎵Doom Eternal-Main Theme(Official Version) by Ruba🎵)

 

‘That a girl.’ said a familiar voice that gave Liv goosebumps.

When she turned to find it’s origin, she discovered that the voice came from… ‘Blaine.’ said Liv face to face with the man responsible for her new undead lifestyle.

He seemed to be cooking brains on a barbecue grill. ‘You really know how to make your old man…sire lord…supreme necro-patriarch…Big Granda-Z…hmm going to have to think about my titles, but you probably get what I’m saying.’ said Blaine, trying and failing to be charismatic.

‘Won’t be to sure on that boss, she has made some “poor life choices” after all.’ said Lowell Tracey, who was was sitting on a wooden picnic table close to Blaine and was eating one of Blaine’s brain burgers.

Lowell still had the bullet would on his forehead from were Blaine shot him. ‘Tell me about it.’ said Drake Holloway, who was putting more hot sauce on his brain burger and left to find another table to sit.

Drake resembled his “full Romero” appearance, before his death and like Lowell had a bullet head wound, from when Liv shot him to save Clive. ‘Now boys, you can’t blame Liv for everything.’ said Marcy Khan, who sat in a table beside Lowell and like Drake had a Romero zombie appearance.

‘You can blame Major though.’ said Rita DeClarke, who sat opposite facing Marcy Khan.

Like Liv, Rita’s hair and skin was bleach white and had a blood oozing gun wound on her forehead as a result of Major shooting her. She seemed to be eating the brains of her own father’s decapitated head that was on a silver plate. ‘Marcy…Rita… But your both dead! How is any of this possible?’ said Liv growing confused.

‘Ouch Liv, your one to talk.’ replied Rita, who put her left hand on her breast, pretending to be offended.

After Rita’s remark, Liv then looked down on herself, to see what Rita was talking about. She seemed to have regain her pale white skin, purple panda eyes and short haired appearance and wore nothing, but yellow tape, that the SPD use for crime scenes. Liv then looked up to see, the whole world round her change.

The once pitch black sky, was now a surreal blazing fire. The stadium crowd and wedding guests all turned into rapid undead and started eating each other, while Clive and the SPD charged into the Stadium, all of them seemly turned into cavemen and fought against the undead with their clubs.

‘Liv,’ Liv turned to the sound of Ravi’s voice, but was instead greeted by a black furred terrier, with a Union Jack themed dog coat.

‘I think we have a problem.’ said the terrier, with Ravi’s voice. ‘You should probably listen to him Liv.’ said Major, who was now a brown and white furred basset hound that had a miniature American flag themed cape attached to his collar.

Before Liv had time to react to Major’s and Ravi’s strange change of appearance, the ground began to shake and crack, however Liv quickly learned it wasn’t just the ground but everything, even the sky began to split and tear and when the cracks were wide enough, something begun to emerge from there centre.

Liv tried to run, but somehow either by fear or force from a higher power, found herself frozen in place. All she can do was wait for what ever the thing was, to emerge from the cracks from beyond reality.

Slowly but surely, the creature started crawling out to its new domain. Purple tentacles crept out of the void and anchored themselves to the ground of the stadium. There were multiple massive red eyes starring from the other side of the cracks and somehow, Liv knew they were all on her.

Before she knew it, the world smashed like glass and the tentacled thing sped towards Liv and said her name in a feminine, but familiar voice. In fact it sounded very much like…

 

(🎵End music🎵)

 

‘Liv, Liv come on, time to wake up.’ said Peyton, who was in her power suit for her day in the office and found her zombie roommate and best friend, Liv in her pink top and white square pattern trouser bottom pyjamas, sleeping on the living room sofa of their apartment, with the TV and DVD player still on, as well as many boxset discs, junk food and written scrap paper on the floor and tea table.

Liv had recently eaten the brains of a gardener called Mark Kirby, who was run down by a car and who also turned out to be an amateur fanfic writer in his spare time. At the time Liv didn’t care much for the latter detail, so long as Mark’s brain got her to focus on other things, besides her recent fall out with Major.

However it turned out Mark was unable to balance his hobby with his bedtime schedule, resulting in a lack of sleep and his eventful death by not looking at both ways of the road.

‘Hey Charles to the walking dead, time to get up.’ ordered Peyton, as she continued to gently push Liv’s arm to wake her up, with thankfully fruitful results.

Though still groaning, Liv started to rise. ‘The living dead aren’t suppose to rise until night.’ said a semi-wake Liv, who upon sitting up, brushed some popcorn and pencil sharpens off her PJ’s.

‘Well most living dead don’t work for the police morgue or help solve murders, do they ? teased Peyton, as Liv rubbed her eyes. ‘And as much as I would like to join you on your four season binge watch of Oliver Queens abs, I have to go kick-ass in the court house and you have to get ready and help Clive investigate a murder in a lake. Otherwise “we have failed this city.”’ continued Peyton smiling courageously, while rising her arms to form a imaginary quiver aiming at Liv and saying the last part in a deep mocking tone of voice, in a attempt to impersonate the fictional DC comics character Oliver Queen, also known as the Arrow from the show of the same name, which credits were currently on the TV that was still playing.

As Liv put her face on her hands, as she tried to focus her thoughts. ‘Maybe a new “mental perspective” is exactly what the doctor ordered.’ Thought Liv as the credits theme tune was about to reach it’s end.

 

(🎬Queue the Izombie season 1 intro🎬)

Notes:

Commentary by the author: Hope you all enjoyed that little dream sequence. The following chapter will explore Liv actual back story and slight deviations from canon. Plus the beginning of a case that will reveal a whole new world of wonder…and horror for our undead hero(ine)

Chapter 3: Chapter 2:The horror from the deep.

Summary:

during a murder case, Liv Moore and her new (also similarly undead) ally discover a threatening plot against seattle and zombiekind. meanwhile, a new and sinister foe gathers strength in the shadows...(AU during and post izombie season 3.)

Notes:

I hope you enjoyed Liv’s little dream. In this chapter, you'll be joining our favourite undead crime resolver in her morning routine. Followed by a in story explained flashback dump of her actual origin so your all caught with current events. Followed by the investigation of the plot. Which gets unexpectedly wild as the story progresses.

Chapter 2:The horror from the deep.

 

Disclaimer: I do not own izombie

 

After being awakened by Peyton, Liv quickly got prepared for work.Before leaving for the office, Peyton told Liv that Clive would be picking her up in twenty minutes. Thankfully given Liv’s “condition” meant that she can afford to skip breakfast with no ill side effects, except for one day a month when the brain munchies kick in. So Liv just needed to get changed and washed, while listening to a radio playing of the song “99 red balloons”.

Today Liv decided to wear a black shirt, red jumper, with grey jeans and brown walking boots. In no time, she got herself ready for the day and went outside of the apartment building, just as Clive arrived in his black dodger charger police car and let Liv sit in the front passenger side of the vehicle.

The drive to the crime scene was long, which gave Liv sometime to think about her dream or at least what she can recall from it, as she looked into the wing mirror. Recalling how in her dream that she was once again part of the living, only to return to “team-z” as Blaine would say, once the dream turned into a hellish nightmare.

How long was it since the boat party massacre? Three? No. Two years. Two years and five months, that she has lived with the culture-shock of being an undead living, talking actually real zombie.

Liv could memorise the day of her “death”, as if it was yesterday. Remembering how it all happened not long after becoming a trainee doctor at Seattle hospital. She remembered the pride in her mother’s face, when Liv showed her the I.D staff card, knowing that her daughter would be following her foot steps in the world of medicine. Liv recalled the thrill she got from working in the surgery wing, her Mum offered her a place in the maternity ward, but there was a certain buzz Liv got when dealing with the more gory and challenging elements of working in a hospital, that always interested her.

Knowing that every heart artery cleared, every lung relieved of pressure and every bone pushed back into place, that she was helping save lives and making a real difference.

Ironically it was that exact same drive that made her some what of an oddity, next to most of other doctors and nurses who preferred more safer and less bloody patient conditions, that they could easily work with and finish before 5:00pm.

Even back at university, Liv was driven by her work. With her first date with Major being something of a minor miracle by Peyton, who back then was Liv’s sorority sister. After a few successful dates and sometime after graduating, her and Major got engaged. They would have been well married now, if it wasn’t for the fact that her then work colleague, Marcy Khan invited her to a boat party at Washington lake.

Originally Liv declined, but after mentioning it to Major, was convinced by him to go. “What could go wrong?” She remembered him say. Heh. Apparently having a weasel on board by the name of Blaine Debeers, who was giving away a tainted strain of a drug called utopium, as if it was free candy. Which when taken with the energy drink max rager, that was also on the boat due to company licence, apparently gives people an appetite for brains. Liv tried taking her chances going overboard but a zombie, later revealed to be Blaine himself, scratched her and during a struggle between the two, Liv tripped. Hitting her head hard on the back of the boat, before falling into the lake water.

Next thing Liv knew was waking up in a body bag on a rocky beachside of the lake. Lined up with the other party goers who didn’t make it and a dozen ambulance drivers taking the bodies. With one of them taking notice of Liv and ran to alert his fellows, of “seemingly” one of the few living survivors of the massacre.

Before he returned though, was when Liv noticed another thing since awakening. She was hungry. Following her nose instinctively, Liv wondered off to some near by bushes and found a washed up body, that seemed to have already been eaten by another zombie and still had some brain matter left. Liv quickly realised what she had become during her first zombie meal.

After which she ended things with Major, withdrew from her Mum and younger brother Evan and left her residency at the hospital, to instead work as an assistant medical examiner in the Seattle police department Morgue. So she could get her monthly supply of brains, without other people noticing.

She was able to keep a low profile for three months, until her boss, Ravi walked in on her, while she was eating Chinese noodles with a side of grey-matter. Apparently he had his suspicions about her for awhile and showed sympathy when Liv explained her condition. Even going as far as trying to create a cure for the zombie virus.

Shortly after explaining her story though, Clive who was investigating a case involving the body, that Liv ate the brains of, came down to the morgue to check how the autopsy was getting on and after waving some police cuffs during a conversation with Ravi, caused Liv to have a vision, a memory from her “lunch”, that she mentioned out loud, proved to be a clue to the body’s identity and later allowed Liv to pose as a psychic to assist Clive, in solving the case. Helping him ever since and gaining a new purpose in life, along with new friends and allies through the detective and her medical examiner boss.

It didn’t take long for a new set of problems to rise up though, as Ravi and Liv came across a web video, that showed another zombie, later revealed to be Marcy Khan, was stuck somewhere in abandoned shipyard and when both Liv and Ravi went to investigate. They discovered that, after three months without brains to eat, Marcy had gone “full Romero”, a standard, non-intelligent zombie normally seen in horror movies.

With no known way to restore Marcy’s humanity, even after giving her some brain matter and after a failed attempt to communicate with her, Ravi accidentally got himself stuck in the same trench as Marcy. Leaving Liv no choice, but to go in and put Marcy down with her bare hands.

It was also during this time, that Blaine resurfaced, claiming to be a changed man.

In truth though he wasn’t only back dealing drugs, but started a black market scheme by scratching some of Seattle’s elite, turning them into zombies and then later being paid by them. By giving his “new customers” a food delivery supply of brains to keep their “appetites” in check. The real problem however, was unlike Liv who got her brains from corpses, Blaine got his from street kids. Recruiting and turning thugs, to go out at night and hunt for “fresh stock”.

To make the situation worse, most of the kids went to a homeless shelter, that Major worked at. Since knowing the kids personally, he took it a upon himself to find out why they went missing. Ending up loosing his job and a girlfriend he hooked up with recently at the time in the process.

Even going as far as putting himself in a mental institution, when one of Blaine’s thugs noticed being stalked by Major, later broke into Major’s house and after Major shot him multiple times in the chest during a brawl between the two men, the thugs body “vanished” when Major called Clive, who back then didn’t know about Seattle’s undead residents and who went to Major’s house to investigate. Only to dismiss Major’s story of the break in, due to a lack of evidence.

Major did however eventually learn the truth on his own. Buying illegal firearms to storm meat cute, a butchers shop that served as Blaine’s cover of operations.

Accidentally getting captured, but eventually able to get himself free, Major was able to take out all of Blaine’s thugs present, only for Blaine himself to stab him. Thankfully Liv got word of Major’s abduction and later shot and injected Blaine with a yet to be tested cure made by Ravi, when she noticed the would-be-undead-crime boss standing over a wounded Major.

Having no choice but to scratch her ex-finance, as a result of nearly dying from the knife wound. Liv told Major the truth about everything, even suggesting that they could finally be together now that Major was like her. Only for him to be disgusted with the idea of becoming an undead monster and who could blame him ? Liv herself wasn’t exactly thrilled with the idea of feeding from the corpse of others, not to mention that trying to rekindle a romance your ex, when he just discovered that your a zombie and a gang of them butchered and ate street kids you knew and worked with, then telling him that you turned him into one, probably wasn’t the best idea.

So Liv gave Major the last dose of Ravi’s experimental cure, while he slept. Once again avoiding him for sometime and giving them both a break to think were they stood with one another.

There were other casualties too.During one of her cases with Clive, Liv met a fellow zombie and singer called Lowell Tracey, who she later became romantically involved with, but after eating some brains that Lowell got from Blaine’s delivery service, was how she learned the truth of how Blaine was getting his “food” supply. With Lowell trying his best to ignore the terrified memories of Blaine’s victims, until getting much scorn from Liv convinced him otherwise.

Leading them both to “take care” of Blaine themselves. With Lowell inviting Blaine to a private barbecue, to discuss a false music manager deal, while Liv who ate the brains of a former U.S marine sniper, sat and waited with a long range weapon, to take a clear shoot at Blaine’s head. Only to have a last minute change of heart, not wanting to be brought down to Blaine’s level.

A decision she quickly regretted, when Lowell who grew disgusted at himself for ignoring the horrific last moments of the street kids, tried to end Blaine himself, only for Blaine to gain the upper hand and shoot Lowell point blank in the face. ‘She has made some “poor life choices” after all.’ Liv recalled Lowell say in her dream. Wasn’t hard to figure out what he was referring to.

More so when Liv later got news, that her younger brother Evan, arrived at Blaine’s butchers shop to be hired as a delivery boy, not long after Major’s firefight. Only to instead be caught, face first in a gas leak explosion. It was a miracle that the lower parts of his body took the worst of the burns, his injuries were still critical though, resulting in him needing a blood transfusion. Some thing that Liv couldn’t do, for a number of obvious reasons, despite her mother’s pleas. Ending most of what ever good standings she had left with her family.

Little did Liv knew, that the worst was yet to come. As Max Rager, the company that owned the boat where the Washington Lake massacre took place, discovered that their energy drink product was partly to blame for creating a zombie virus.

To cover their tracks the CEO Vaughn Du Clarke, blackmailed and hired Major as his personal zombie hunter, somehow learning of his new ability to sense the not-yet-departed, after taking the cure. Eliminating anyone they believed to no longer be part of the living, by collecting data bill records of anyone, who purchased spray tan (not everyone could get away with the “goth girl” look.) and hot sauce, the latter of which was a delicacy for Liv and her ilk, since becoming a zombie removes most senses on people’s taste buds.

In return for Major’s compliance, Vaughn wouldn’t order his personal goon Janko to hunt down Liv. ‘You can’t blame Liv for everything.’ Liv recalled Marcy say in her dream. ‘Wouldn’t be so sure about that.’ thought Liv, noticing a pattern from what she remembered so far.

Still it wasn’t all bad though, as during Liv’s and Ravi’s search for the tainted utopium, the source of zombie virus and only way to remake a cure, with assistance from a slightly reformed Blaine. They came across a wounded small time crook, later revealed to be an undercover cop called Drake Holloway.Who Liv scratched and later started dating.

Unfortunately it didn’t last, as Drake was later kidnapped by Major, who kept Drake in a freezer along with his other “eliminated” targets, until Ravi would be able to creat a new mass produced cure for the zombie virus. Vaughn caught on to what Major was doing however and abducted Major’s frozen captives for later testing and eventful termination, while Major was arrested by Clive and an FBI agent called Dale Bozzio, under charges of evidence connecting Major with the recent disappearance of Seattle’s wealthy and possible leads tying Major with the massacre back at Blaine’s butcher’s. Even gaining a nickname “the chaos killer” by the public, due to the fact that the victims had no connection with one another.

To make matters worse the effects of the original zombie cure, that Major took were beginning to wear off. Meaning if he were to be imprisoned for his crimes and with no way of giving him brains, he would go rabid and kick start a zombie outbreak.

This left Liv no choice, but to tell Clive the truth about what she was. Able to convince him, the detective was able to drop the charges against Major, due to some of the evidence being contradictory anyway, much to the disappointment of his FBI partner, who Clive was growing close with. In retaliation Vaughn ordered Janko to capture Liv and would have succeeded, if not for Ravi’s interfering. Resulting in Janko dying from a tranquilliser overdose, during a struggle between Ravi and the hired mercenary.

‘He shouldn’t have to be in that situation.’ thought Liv, remembering the look of horror and frozen shock on Ravi’s face, when she awoke on the morgue office sofa and tried to reassure her friend, that there was no other way and as it turned out the death of Vaughn’s right hand man was exactly what they needed to get into Max Rager and rescue the captive zombies.

Eating Janko’s brain, Liv and a rezombified Major were able to sneak into the Max Rager complex by dressing in SWAT cosplay, as Vaughn was hosting a prison themed party. With the duo of would-be-undead-rescuers later being joined by Clive, who grew worried about the two, since their rescue mission was taking longer than they had planned and simply used his detective status to convince the security guard at the buildings front entrance to let him in.

All three were discovered by Vaughn but a sudden zombie infestation, a result from a few of Max Rager’s scientists “sampling” some leftover tainted utopium salvaged from the sight of the original boat massacre and drinking the company’s new product Super Max, provided both a necessary distraction to escape from Vaughn’s forces, while removing most opposition that the trio would have to have faced.

They were finally able to reach Vaughn’s secret laboratory, were he kept the sentient zombies, including his own daughter Rita, who got infected during a experiment gone wrong. Before Liv, Clive and Major could free the Max Rager captives, Vaughn who had been following the trio, released a now “Romero” zombified Drake who attacked Clive, resulting in Liv shooting Drake in the head to save her work partner and friends life and after a brief chase from Major, Vaughn was killed and had his brain eaten by Rita, who entered a feeding frenzy and was put down by Major not long afterward. This then brought Liv and the gang up to date, with the current situation with Fillmore-Graves and the zombie truthers…

‘You doing alright Liv?’ said Clive, which caused Liv to come out of her trip to memory lane. Today Clive wore a dark purple turtle neck jumper with a fashionable leather jacket, dark gray suit trousers and fine black boots and unlike his appearance in Liv’s dream, Clive didn’t have a moustache.

Once she was more alert, Liv realised that she rested her head on her left hand in a thinker pose, still staring at the wing mirror, which probably gave Clive a hint that she was in deep thought. ‘Sorry Clive, was miles away.’

‘Mark Kirby keeping you awake at night?’ Liv smiled at that last question, glad that she can be open with the detective now that she told her secret.

‘Sort of, turns Mark was more passionate about reading and watching about superheroes, than he was about naming plant varieties and before his untimely demise started writing fan fiction when a particular show or film didn’t reach his and other comic geeks standards.’ replied Liv.

‘Well at least this time your just writing about vigilantes, rather than dressing up as one.’ said Clive, thinking back to last winter when Liv started “acting” like a murdered wannabe cape crusader, they were investigating and thought it would be a good idea to put a mask on herself, which later got her in serious trouble and caused Clive temporary suspend her on accompanying him on any future cases. This was before he learnt of Liv’s “work appetites” and have since patched things over.

‘Fair enough and Ravi thinks it’s a big improvement compared to the extreme prankster brain I had before it. Unfortunately when Mark took on his new hobby, he hadn’t yet found a good time management balance.

So I ended up spending most of the week doing late nighters, writing and rewriting descriptions about characters, places and making sure that when people in the story talk, they sound like human beings, rather than one dimensional paper cut outs.

Worse I decided to take my story in a different direction than what I had planned. ‘What started off as my attempt to fix Arrow…’ ‘You mean that green archer dude on the sky one channel ?’ Yep very one, you watch it?’ Liv asked Clive, as she straightened herself to sit properly.

‘Seen a few episodes, before my late night viewing of Game of thrones. Thought the first two seasons were good, the third not so much.’

‘I know right, not to mention that the big bad of the season was suppose to be a batman villain. Plus overkill with the dark storylines. At least with thrones, they add a bit of humour once in a while.’ ‘So Mark was into thrones too.’ replied Clive. ‘A minor interest yes, he wasn’t a big fan of throne’s more sexual scenes, something you could have told me and we’ll discuss, at a later date Mr Babineaux.’

‘Crap!’ thought Clive briefly, when he realised that when his female friend said that they now know what was in Game of thrones, that it meant they knew all of the content in the show. Including little finger’s whore house, the Lannister’s siblings “secret” and the birth of the demon assassin and if she watched the show at her apartment… ‘Oh god, Peyton!’ It was in this second of a moment, that Clive grew scared of the women sitting next to him, but as Liv said they’ll talk about it at a later time.

‘But yes Mark liked the unpredictable story telling and the brutal reality of the setting. Anyway I’m getting off topic. So yes I decided to do a fanfic story to try and fix Arrow, then thought it a nice idea to insert myself and when I realised that my insert was a far superior heroine than Arrow, I decided to write a solo story for them instead.’

‘Any chance that Ravi might get a story preview of this “perfect heroine”?’ asked Clive, smiling jokingly to himself, knowing that if Ravi got wind of Liv’s story, the medical examiner would never let Liv forget about it, once the effects of the writer’s brain wears off.

‘Well I haven’t finished it yet, but I gave Ravi a preview of my first completed couple of chapters and he seemed to like what I’ve written so far.’

‘Really?’ said Clive, surprised and thinking that there might be some hope for Liv yet. ‘Totally, ahhh going off topic again. So as a result of me writing and watching TV late, I ended up dreaming about my latest chapter. Involving a hostage rescue and attempted terrorist attack.’

‘Sounds intense.’ Oh Clive, wait to you see what I have planned for the finale. Anyway I was in the place of my insert in this dream and when the threat was neutralised, bad guys lose, good guys win etc. The dream switched to me, how I was before I became a zombie, meeting Major at a wedding altar, so we could get married. How ever when taking our vows, I was filled with this sudden hate for him and when I said no, I was back to being a “night of the living dead” extra, followed by my whole world falling apart literally.I also saw Lowell and Drake…’

‘As in Tracey and Holloway?’ said Clive, remembering the former from a murder case and the latter from the Max Rager incident, one that he wouldn’t forget in a hurry.

‘Yes, plus Vaughn’s daughter Rita and my old work colleague as they did when they “permadieded.” Then some giant purple squid-thing came out of nowhere and then I woke up. So now I’m just wondering what it all meant?’ said Liv, who looked at Clive for his opinion. ‘Well I’m no shrink, but it seems your mind is playing recap on all the trauma you’ve experienced theses past two years explaining the dead boyfriends and acquaintances and as for Major, probably more to do with his recent actions as of late.’ answered Clive.

‘You mean with him bringing us back to square one for a cure to zombism, due to some girl he met? Yeah don’t think I’m going to forgive that one in a hurry.’ replied Liv, the rage she felt at the wedding alter, from last night’s dream beginning to make sense.

Apart from the tested reverting back into zombies, another negative side effect of Ravi’s first proto-cure was that, upon returning to undeath, the host subject would die in a number of weeks. Leading Ravi to start working on a improved second variant, well before Blaine and Major started craving gray matter again.

With Blaine volunteering to take it first, to test for any bugs with the second zombie cure and to make amends for his past misdeeds.

‘Probably the only noble, with no strings attached action he’s ever done.’ thought Liv. The new cure appeared to have worked, but caused the once again human Blaine to have amnesia. Seemly forgetting key details about his past and everything from when he first turned.This made Major hesitate before considering, taking the cure himself.

Liv would later learn, it was because one of the zombies, he kidnapped back when he worked for Max Rager, a women called Natalie, wasn’t present when they rescued the others in Vaughn’s secret lab and was taken by Janko to somewhere else. Major eventually located her and then took the cure when his condition grew lethal and some time later traveled to his Mom’s neighbourhood, before he started losing his memories.

At first, not knowing were he was, Liv and her friends were seriously worried for Major’s sake, that was when Peyton met with the others, who was told by Blaine that the amnesia wasn’t permanent and that he was faking it once he got his memory back, so he could escape his past and start a relationship with her.

Naturally Peyton was disgusted with this and told the others right away. Finding Major rekindling with his Mother, over a past grievance. Unfortunately that wasn’t the worst of the drama.

After Liv and the gang returned to the SPD morgue, they found the place turned upside down and all remaining fifteen samples of Ravi’s second, more successful cure stolen. Still there was hope or so Liv thought, when Ravi told her Major took two vials instead of one.

Excited that they may still be able to replicate and mass produce an effective antidote for the zombie virus and not thinking twice, Liv asked Major to give her the other vial he would most likely still have, only for Major to tell her the obvious.

‘Of course he gave the other vial to someone else.’ Thought Liv to herself, seeing the irony of the situation. Thinking that her Mum must have felt the same thing, when her son, Liv’s own brother, was lying in hospital at death’s door. With her daughter, not revealing why was refusing to help save him. As if someone just kicked a puppy right in front of her.

Only in Liv’s case, not only did no cure mean, possibly damning her for eternity to feast on the brains of the living or the dearly departed, but all of the undead residents of Seattle as well. Along with no counter offence for if or rather when D-day happens followed by the zombie apocalypses.

Speechless and devastated that her only chance at a normal life was gone. Liv left Major, not sure what to say.

Yes the circumstances weren’t completely his fault, but… ‘Currently when ever the topic of Major comes up, I just can’t help but think “if only”. If only he didn’t wonder off, someone would still be in the morgue and the cures wouldn’t be stolen.

If only he was honest with me sooner about Vaughn and Max Rager, Drake would still be alive. If only he didn’t go on a one man crusade, to find out what happened to the missing street kids, then he wouldn’t have been stabbed by Blaine and thus wouldn’t be caught up in all this.

If only he didn’t convince me to change my mind about the Washington lake party, I wouldn’t be caught up in all this!’ sighed Liv, in a exaggerated feeling sorry for herself tone of voice.

‘I see, you probably won’t want to hear this Liv, but don’t you think your being petty, blaming Major for what happened with the cures?’ asked Clive. ‘How you mean?’ replied Liv, with her own question, calmly but quite inquisitive.

‘I think you know as well as I do, that the break-in at the morgue wasn’t Major’s fault. As for the rest, I’ve kind of noticed a pattern with you two, that your both as bad as each other in your own way. You hide your “condition” from Major, because you thought you were protecting him. Then later Major did the same the same thing, when he didn’t tell you about Vaughn.

Though you both had your reasons at the time, it instead put the unaware party and others at more risk and pain than you wanted. Besides despite what you think at the minute, you becoming a zombie wasn’t all bad, I mean how else would you have met me and Ravi? Not to mention you helped with a lot of cases that would have either not have been solved or take longer to figure out otherwise.’ said Clive, hoping his advice and encouragement would be helpful to Liv, who exhaled through her nostrils, in deep thought.

‘Your right, I can’t hold Major responsible for every bad thing that’s happened and he is trying to make up for his wrong doings, when he worked for Max Rager. I should talk to him when I get the chance. No more secrets right?’ said Liv, remembering the promise they all made each other after the Max Rager incident, which caused the detective to smirk before speaking again.

‘That a girl, anymore details about your dream you want to share?’ asked Clive.

‘Well the attempted terrorist attack was only something, that happened in my dream, as I only written about the kidnapping. I remember something about the bad guys hiding a bomb inside a pigskin at CenturyLink field…’

‘Which teams played and what was the finale score?’ interrupted Clive, who sounded as if he was jolted by a electric wire and who now had a more serious facial expression. ‘I think the teams were Seahawks and Arizona cardinals, why do you ask?’

‘Liv, as you well know, one of the reasons why I bought your vision cover story, was because my great-aunt used to be one and sometimes when she slept, her dreams end up being predictions of future. Clues and hints for things like 9/11, the date of Michael Jackson’s death, you name it. So if you can and if our partnership has meant anything to you, please tell me. What. Was. The. Score?’ said Clive, as if his life depended on Liv’s answer.

‘Do you really need to pull the partnership card?’ asked Liv. ‘This is a matter of life or death.’ replied Clive, who turned to look at Liv briefly, before returning his attention to the road. ‘Ok well if I recall correctly… Cardinals beat Hawks by one point.’ said Liv, expecting a reaction from Clive. He was quite for one minute, until they reached a red traffic light, then Clive grunted something that sounded like “every damn season”, under his breath, while punching and talking his frustration out on the driver’s wheel horn.

 

Ravi was at the docks with the body, along with a few parked police cars and cops who were patrolling the crime scene, when Clive arrived with Liv.

Since the weather forecast was given rain coat, the medical examiner decided to wear a dark green rain coat, black wooly hat, black jeans and dark grey walking boats. Ravi also wore a brown jumper under his coat to stay warm.

Before leaving his car, Clive decided to reach for his dark grey wool coat jacket, putting it on as he exited his vehicle.

Since she was in a rush to get ready this morning, Liv forgot to take her body warmer with her. Thankfully along with skipping meals, another perk of being a zombie, meant you didn’t feel much of a change in temperature anymore. She would normally still wrap up warm for the colder weather though, for appearance sake.

‘What took you two?’ asked Ravi, when he noticed his undead assistant and the detective walking towards him. It was unlike Clive to be late. ‘Had bad luck in traffic.’ replied Clive. ‘Couldn’t you have used the police siren?’

‘It wasn’t the traffic itself, that was the problem.’ said Liv slightly smirking, who got a glare from Clive, causing her to do the “zip it” hand motion. Her way of letting the detective know, that she would say no more of the matter.

‘What’s the status on the situation.’ said Clive, turning his attention back to Ravi.

‘Well two recently dating love birds decide to hideout in Seattle, away from their daily lively hood for the week.

Since they don’t want too many people to take notice of them, they both rent a houseboat. Then isolate themselves up river at Washington lake and during a originally planned romantic evening of campfires, marshmallows and a viewing of the princess bride, are party crashed by our murder victim here. Who after a three weeks build-up of trapped body gas rose to the surface of the water.

Much to the couple’s, who are right over their, dismay. said Ravi, who after showing Clive and Liv the body, pointed at two people who were standing at one of the police cars, still giving their witness statement to an officer.

The couple consisted of a man with ginger curly hair and a beard similar to Ravi’s, who wore a plain white collared shirt, green pocket long shorts and desert cream coloured shoes. ‘Yep, definitely not from the city.’ thought Liv, when she noticed the shorts. Still he did look familiar, but however much she tried Liv couldn’t put her finger on it.

The man’s other half however, a lightly dark skinned women, who had long black black hair and wore a blue summer dress with white flowers decorated on it and scandals, Liv insistently recognised as… ‘Is that Meghan Markle from Suits?’ asked Liv, a bit excitedly when she saw the famous actress from her Mum’s and Peyton’s favourite show.

‘With one Prince Harry of Wale.’ answered Ravi, revealing the identity of the ginger haired man next to Meghan, who was trying his best not to look cold, only for his shivering bare legs to betray him. As in British royal family Harry?’ Asked Clive, also interested and looking at the couple.

‘Yep, very one. Apparently the Prince and Meghan meet through an acquaintance. Originally they were going to meet in England, but due to Harry wanting a break away from family heritage, decided to meet here instead.’ said Ravi.

‘How did you come across that information?’

‘Well since you and Clive didn’t arrive yet, I thought I might kill time by chatting with one’s royal highness, was asking him how things are doing in the homeland and if the British fleet is ready to take the country back from you colonisers.’

‘Oh me and Clive met some of your invasion buddies already.’

‘Really?’

‘Yeah, they were asking big foot and a leprechaun for advice in battle positions and turns out that I became a you-know-what, due to your friends polluting the lake with tea.’

‘You had to mention the tea.’ said Ravi, who understood Liv’s joke and played along. ‘Could we please hold off the clowning around, until we get back to the morgue please.’ asked Clive, wanting to stay on target and gave Liv and Ravi his serious stare, so they knew that he meant it.

‘Right, so as I was saying, I wanted to wait until you two arrive before inspecting our corpse-but-definitely-still-dead-friend here. Shall we Liv?’

Why yes, honoured royal guard of his highness nation, we shall.’ replied Liv, in a over dramatic tone. After which she noticed Clive moving his head in disapproval, due to Liv ignoring his request, but he also smirked while he did. Glad to see his work partner in a fairer mood, than what she was this morning.

Kneeling down, while putting on disposable plastic gloves that were beside Ravi’s other equipment, the medical examiner and his undead assistant prepared to inspect the body, to determine the cause of death and possibly a clue to the victims identity.

As a result of the corpse spending a large amount of time in fresh water, the progress of body decay was slowed. With most of the victims remaining skin still being a sickly gray white, with some corners of the face and fully on the scalp being a inky blue black instead. Some of the lake bottom feeders made up for the slow rotting process though. Leaving only the upper left of the face and both ears untouched, while the flesh around the right of the face, nose and jaw area were clearly eaten on by goodness-knows-what. Leaving only a muscle fibbers left to cover the exposed parts of the skull.

The eyes of the victim appeared to have lost colour, as was common with dead bodies given time. Both hands of the corpse were pitch black and looked wavered and drained, with some fingers on both sides having fallen off. The natural result of no blood flow.

Finally the clothing of the body consisted of a long brown trench coat, reverse zebra coloured trousers and muddied fine shoes, all of which were still damp. With a large looking stain on the right side of the victims belly, close to were Liv knelt and which had a number of big holes in the centre. ‘Seems our victim here died from a mixer of blood loss and hyperthermia, judging from the massive stain on your end. Mind opening his coat ?’ Ravi asked Liv. ‘Sure, you spoke with Peyton lately?’ asked Liv, while she unbuttoned the victims coat.

‘Not since our drama involving Blaine. Don’t think she wants to risk me telling her “I told you so.”’

‘Maybe, But let’s not forget your “fling” with Katty Kupps, so you can’t take the moral high ground either.’ replied Liv, while she was on the victims last coat button. Reminding Ravi of his one night stand with his former boss, from his days working for the center for disease control. ‘Hey, how was I suppose to know that Peyton was going to rekindle with me that very same night?’

‘Ravi, sometimes you can be the most brave, smartest and kindest person I know and other times you can be a real womanising jaahhha jeez !’ said Liv, as she and Ravi jumped straight back on their feet and backed away from the corpse after Liv pulled the coat open.

Revealing a dozen transparent eel-like bodied catfish that rested on the murder victims former-white-now-pee-yellow coloured collared shirt. Clive was still with Liv and Ravi when it happened and put his left hand over his mouth, to stop himself from throwing up. ‘What on earth are those?’ asked Clive, who had a facial expression of total disgust and was still trying hard to keep his breakfast in.

As he and the others stared at the ghoulish almost serpent looking things as they slid themselves off the left side of the body, trying to return to freshwater, now that they were exposed.

‘They seem to be a small gathering of candiru. Their a parasitic species of fish that feed off the blood of other animals and usually are found in the Amazon.’ answered Ravi, who was trying to calm nerves after the trios jump scare.

As he and Clive continued to stare at the candirus, Liv noticed something sticking out of the victims belly and went to pull it out. Once she did the object she was holding got the other two’s attention, as all three thought it looked like…

‘A tooth ?’ said Ravi puzzled. The suppose tooth that Liv held with her right hand, seemed to be almost the same size as half her arm and was thin curved dagger shaped, it’s tip dark with blood.

‘You guys have any idea, what this belonged to?’ Liv asked the two men. ‘Well it’s too long to be a bull shark, could be a chance that it’s exactly a scale?’

‘Or could be a handmade murder weapon, crafted to look like it belonged to an animal.’ Ravi and then later Clive answered, after Liv noticed and then picked up something in the body’s inner coat pocket, later revealed to be a soggy wallet. The medical examiner then lifted something out of it, that looked like a licence of some kind.

‘Believe I have I.D for victim here. A Mr Sylvester Carter.’

‘Carter?’

‘You know him?’ Ravi asked Clive. ‘Well Sylvester or as people called him back at the office, Syde use to be the SPD receptionist back in the 80s, until he was sacked for reopening a cold case. Rumour was he became a private investigator and went off grid, presumably to solve the case himself.’

‘What was the unsolved crime ?’ asked Liv. ‘Don’t know, I only knew about Syde, back in my vice days, when I was partnered with Devore. Her and the rest of the senior officers use to joke about his big leaving speech. During coffee breaks from time to time, even though Syde was fired.’

‘You think someone may have murdered him because of the case he was working on ?’ questioned Ravi. ‘Likely, but we’ll need to retrace his steps first just to make sure. I’ll also ask the Lieutenant, if we can have a permit to investigate any nearby Native-American fishing communities. See if they might help identify our possible murder weapon here. You two head back to the morgue with our victim. Have a feeling your “third-eye” is going to prove real real handy with this one Liv.’ said Clive, who got a nod and a smile from Liv.

‘First though we’re going to need to notify the National Invasive Species Council. Incase anymore of those… fish are still swimming in the lake.’ Said Clive, referring to the candirus.

‘Probably a good idea to remind the local fishermen to go to their local toilets, as there have been past reported incidents involving candiru swimming up urine streams and going straight into a human victim’s…’Ok don’t need a full picture Ravi.’ said Clive, quick to stop the end of Ravi’s sentence. ‘But yes I’ll inform the SPD, to warn fishermen not to “pollute” the lake, until further notice. I’ll met you two later.’

‘Clive,’ said Liv, just as Clive was about to go back to his car. ‘Yes Liv?’

‘Just wanted to say thanks for helping me, screw my head right this morning.’

Clive then smiled at Liv, before replying. ‘Anytime,’

 

Commentary by the author: and the mystery begins. Poor Syde though. As always, feel free to comment/review. Coming up: who is inmate 027?

Notes:

Commentary by the author: and the mystery begins. Poor Syde though. As always, feel free to comment/review. Coming up: who is inmate 027?

Chapter 4: Chapter 3: The strange case of inmate 027

Summary:

during a murder case, Liv Moore and her new (also similarly undead) ally discover a threatening plot against seattle and zombiekind. meanwhile, a new and sinister foe gathers strength in the shadows...(AU during and post izombie season 3.)

Notes:

Commentary by the author: if the implied circumstance of Syde’s murder sent chills..hehehe...well wait to you see who Major has to interview in this chapter. Always feel free to comment. Now on to the show.

Chapter 3: The strange case of inmate 027

 

Disclaimer:I do not own izombie

 

It took Major six minutes to read the file, on Fillmore-Graves recent “guest” and another two to reread and process the information of the report, given that it sounded like something from a horror story. Then again, he should be used to this, sort of thing by now. ‘So more than just, attempted prison stabbing then?’ Major asked a young dark skinned man called Justin Bill, who was at Major’s left, as he finished reading the file. Regarding the incident that happened, in the women prison institution at 1:00am this morning.

Both men were walking in a windowless gray lighted corridor, that lead towards an undisclosed location within the Fillmore-Graves complex. Like Justin, Major was currently wearing his out-of-duty Fillmore-Graves uniform, that consisted of a dark navy marine logo cap, shirt and dark gray military trousers, with black walking boots.

‘Ask Zach and the rest of the clean up crew, if you don’t believe the file. According to him when he, Chase and the other guys arrived. They thought the prisoner was one of us, gone berserk. Once they convinced the warden for entry into the cell though, turns out the unfortunate assailants had less smashed heads and more lack of blood. With signs of deep cuts, bruises and some arms and legs twisted in all sorts of wrong directions, except for one who was torn to pieces and torso used to block the cell window. All of which was most likely done by their suppose target.’ replied Justin, as he and Major walked past a few of their co-workers, who were walking towards the opposite direction.

‘And the inmate herself?’

‘From what I heard…just sat in her bed. No reaction to our guy’s, just staring at the wall. Almost like she or depending who you ask, it was waiting for something.’ said Justin, as they neared and stopped at the door, leading to the room containing the inmate. ‘Remind me again why Chase wants me to guest star, in his take of Interview with a vampire?’ asked Major , half-nerveless. Once upon a time, learning that Seattle had their own personal version of Dracula, would have caused him to run for the hills. But wiping out an entire gang of undead crooks, working for a crazed CEO and “guest-starring in a terrifying real world resident evil scene, had the habit of hardening ones resolve.

‘Because you haven’t told our boss that you’ve miraculously became part of the living again and because of some stupid “bro’s before hoe’s” pack you and me made, has guilt trip me enough, not to walk into Chase’s office and tell him that you now have a normal non-zombie infected pulse!’ whispered and hissed Justin, still wondering why he was still letting his recent friend do this.

‘Ah relax I handled worse than this Remember?’

‘Really, since when?’

‘…Ok good point, look despite my “new fragile position”, I still need to makeup for my time working for Vaughn Du Clarke, amongst other things.’whispered and answered Major, remembering the look of devastation on Liv’s face, when he told her the truth regarding the cure.

‘Major, if Liv finds out I let you do a dumbass move like this…’ ‘Hey it was me who hooked you two up, to begin with remember?

As you said bro’s before hoe’s, if anything happens, I’ll say to Chase it was all on me.’ said Major normally, who smiled at Justin to try and reassure his friend.

It only half worked. ‘Fine but what ever happens in there, you need to come clean with Chase after wards. I ain’t having your dead self-righteous dumbass giving me grieve, for the rest of my life and since I’m a zombie, that can be a very long time.’ ‘Very well, interrogate the the scary monster lady and then tell Chase the truth. What could go wrong?’ Said Major, as both he and Justin opened the double-sided door and entered the room.

 

(🎵Theme:Selena-Christopher Drake (Batman:The Dark knight Returns OST)🎵)

 

The creature sat on a metal retractable chair, at a table within a giant transparent cell, both of which were made out of plastic, except for the cells ceiling, that was concrete. It’s hands were cuffed behind it’s back and a black muffler covered it’s mouth.

The creature was bald, save for a few strands of hair that hung loosely on it’s scalp. It’s skin was lame-green and had large cheekbones, which made it resemble a rotting corpse, with traces of make-up, that was still around some parts on it’s face. It’s ears were long and pointed and it’s clothing was civilisation based, wearing a red turtle neck jumper and a black long skirt.

Since waiting for it’s interrogator, it would make unnatural growling noises, twitch it’s head around the room, as if examining it’s surroundings and occasionally “blinked” sideways using a white nictitating membrane within it’s eyelids, similar to a crocodile. The guards within the room assumed it was some form of intimidation strategy.

 

(🎵End music🎵)

 

In truth however, it was because her skin was growing irritated by the cell lights. Trying to ignore the burning sensation, she decided to play a game with herself, trying to guess where each of the guards stood and how many there where in the room. It was tricky though, as she was normally able to see and stalk her prey via their own body heat. But for some reason, her captors were near invisible to her.

She can still make out humanoid shapes in the dark red background of her eye vision, when she focused though and she was still able to hear their pacing and heartbeats, the later of which was moving slower than what was normal. Their was also something else she noticed, the smell

Normally she would find the scent of the human-cattle intoxicating, especially when they sweat. Oh how she loved it, when they sweat. Sweat meant adrenaline, which for her kind, was equal to ripe fruit. These guards, these things on the other hand smelled wrong. Their stench was like something had died and was left to rot. In which case she was thankful for the cage, that helped keep most of the odour out.’Note to self, having an organ that works for both taste and smell sucks!’ the creature thought to herself.

Self? Heh, she guessed she’ll have to get used to having her own mind. So far for better and for worse, neither friend nor foe followed her here. Where ever here was anyway.

Last she remembered, was having something of a “lethal parental debut” with her ex-husband over their son’s future upbringing in the empire state building and the next thing she knew, she was in what appeared to be a opened prison cell with four other women in front of her. One of them holding a small blade, that was presumably for who ever was originally in the cell. Obviously not for her though, judging by the surprised reactions of the would-be-assailants. Still they did taste delicious.

She did decide to “soften” her meal before she took a bite of course. Twice she clumsily tried striking her prey, when they were armed and twice it almost cost her life. Since the moment she came here though, her awareness and intelligence seemed to have increased. A fact she theorised, was a result of being disconnected from her master’s hive-mind. Presumably as survival mechanism. But for what purpose?

The creature then heard the noise of a door opening. What emerged would have made her mouth water, if she was still able to produce saliva. Burning a brighter shade of red, within the darker shades of her sight and a heart beating at a normal pace, her seemly in shape and thus healthy meal, walked calmly to her cage.Her soon-to-be-snack then picked up a chair of his own, that originally lay flat outside of her current cell. Then placed it opposite facing her, before beginning the interrogation.

‘Inmate 027, real name Uma Voss. Prior to last night’s incident, you were serving a prison sentence at the WCCW for man-slaughter. According to intel at 9:00pm last night, a group of fellow convicts bribed some guards to have access to your cell room, to what we assume was to be an attempted stabbing, for a possible disagreement you may have had earlier that same day. Given evidence of the scene, they were unaware of your current condition.’ said the oblivious-sacrificial-lamb, who was reading the file in his hand, before looking at her for a response and then looked back at the file when he didn’t get one.

She noticed his heart beating a bit faster though.Presumably a result of losing his nerve, due to her staring at him like a hungry mantis about to lunge, since he entered the room.

‘If you can understand and comply, we would like to know the circumstance of your present state. Did you or someone you know consume, breath or have any other contact with anything, that may have caused illness…’

‘You think I’m sick?’ replied the creature in an unnatural but still feminine voice, that sounded more like an echo. Her interrogator’s heart beat steadied, obviously relaxed, by the fact that she could communicate. Heh, not something she’s known to happen often.

‘So you can talk?’

‘Yes and judging by your mannerism, I’m not your first monster, I’m I?’ she noticed her interrogator smile, after she said “first monster.” Interestingly his smile wasn’t cruel or mocking, but kind and according to his heart rate he was thinking of someone, at least briefly. A lover perhaps?

‘Well your not wrong there and your not the first of the undead variety, I’ve met either.’ said the interrogator, his heart rate rising a little in excitement. The four ripon drum-beat starting to make the creature hungry. She made sure to keep her facial expression blank though.

‘Undead, So there’s others like me?’

‘Yes most of my co-workers at Fillmore-Graves and some of the local residents of Seattle are zombies.’

‘Zombies? Well at least that explains the stench.’ thought the creature, figuring out at last why she could barely see anyone else in the room. That only left a few other important questions for her to ask. ‘What’s it like in New York these days?’

‘You mean the weather or just generally?’

‘So no reports of a city lockdown?’

‘Not that I’m aware of.’

‘Large number of people disappearing?’

‘Not when I last checked the news.’

‘Hmmm’ expressed the creature, who temporarily took eyes off Major, as she took the information in. After two seconds, she moved her attention back to her interrogator.‘

Well thank you…umm…what’s your name?’

‘You can call me officer Lillywhite.’replied Major, who grew trusting due to non-hostilities between himself and the captive so far. ‘Well officer, you have been a great help to me and so I feel almost bad…’

‘For what?’

‘For this’ said the creature calmly, after she dislocated her thumb on her left hand to escape her cuffs, then using her right hand to grab Major by the throat. Pressing her black taloned fingers as she did.

 

(🎵I’m Going to Kill Everyone in this Room-Christopher Drake (Batman:The Dark Knight Returns OST🎵)

 

Major’s heart began to race. The creature smiled maliciously behind her muffler mask, as she tried to cut it’s straps with her still-broken hand. Hissing an unearthly noise, like an animal about to strike. She just needed to wait a second longer before his blood was ripe. Which was all the time Major needed to get something from his pocket.The creature noticed too late, as Major quickly sprayed her eyes with pepper spray. Causing her to drop him as she stepped backwards.

Trying and failing to rub the antiperspirant like substance out of her eyes.

She continued to hiss and growl as a group of barely-visible humanoid shapes shoved and tasered her to the ground.

While two other humanoid shapes checked on Major for injuries, who sat upright on the ground, legs flat where the creature dropped him. His left hand covering the right side of his neck.

‘Another time then officer.’ Thought the creature while smirking. Before being taken to one of Fillmore-Graves freezing cells.

(🎵End music🎵)

 

It started raining heavy as Chase Graves, who was now in charge of his late brother’s and sister-in-laws private military company Fillmore-Graves, stood at his office window, hands behind his back. He was looking down on the troops as they were still doing running exercises within the company grounds, despite the weather.

To the outside world, they appeared to be ordinary mercenary soldier’s, who were simply determined to finish their laps. The bystanders being none the wiser, that said soldiers didn’t feel the worse of the cold. That they didn’t grow sick, nor needed rest or every officers secret wish, bathroom breaks.

The perfect army and the best part? Not one, not one soldier, including Chase himself, was a cyborg or some crazed mutated dinosaur man. Apart from their monthly requirement of grey matter, their near immortality and their unnatural pain resilience. They were still men both in appearance and mind.

Chase felt it a minor shame, that he currently had to discipline the soldier’s, to cancel that more human aspect of themselves, but he couldn’t afford to play the “fun uncle.” Not after his sister-in-law Vivien Stoll, died in a suspicious helicopter accident a few weeks back and specially not after what happened with Major today, during his interrogation with inmate 027.

Chase had brown hair and like the rest of the military personnel of Fillmore-Graves, he wore the out-of-duty uniform, along with a cap and a black gun holster, that contained his sidearm.

His office like most of the rooms in the building, was all marble grey, with a huge blue neon f and g lettered sign, that served as the Fillmore-Graves logo, on the wall behind his desk. On his desk was a laptop, that showed the creature’s attack on Major from earlier. With Major himself, who now had a white med patch on his neck and was sitting opposite the desk watching the footage.

‘Did Vivian ever tell you, about our trip to the Atlantic ocean?’ asked Chase, still staring at the window. ‘No sir’ replied Major, with a tone of accepted defeat in hi voice. Chase sarcastically smirked and stared into space as he continued his story. ‘It was back in our younger, more bolder days. Me, my brother, Vivian and a couple of friends, decided to go skinny dipping with some great whites.

As in no cages We all figured we would be fine, so long as none of us, did anything to provoke them. Unfortunately, one of our colleagues hand a recent leg operation.’ Chase turned from the window, his face now dead blank, but his eyes still burning with fury, as he continued his story and walked back to his desk.

‘Big ugly looking scar, doctors advised him to not get it wet. Kept that information to himself though.’ Chase was now standing hunched over, both hands on his chair and his eyes on Major as he continued.

‘So when he hit the water, his stitches burst open. Water turned red, sharks went nuts and the rest of us swam to the nearest part of land, which happened to be a rocky island in the middle of nowhere and guess what? There was no else on the boat. No one to steer it, to us. So we had to wait, until the sharks finished their meal and left to elsewhere.

I had to spend six hours, making sure that the seagulls didn’t mistake my balls for an exposed oyster, while a friend of mine was eaten alive. You see Seattle is now my balls, Major and not only dose it, fall to me. To make sure that my fellow “great whites” stay in line, until we finish zombie island. But now I have a frigging tiger shark, in the basement. With no idea what it wants or if there’s more of them.’

‘Chase…’ Major stopped talking when Chase tossed his chair to his right side of the room. The new head of Fillmore-Graves, was normally calm and collected, when he addressed his soldiers. For Chase to act like this, meant he was beyond furious with Major.

Chase tried to calm himself before speaking to Major again.

‘I’ll apologise for not keeping my anger in check, but it isn’t everyday that one of our own, not only withholds information about somehow becoming human again, but also thought it was better to not mention his altered condition. Before going into the same breathing space, as a god damn vampire! Do you have any idea what would have happened, if the guards didn’t reach you in time? If that thing decided, it didn’t want to play with it’s food? I would have to be the one, to look your friends and family in the eye and lie about your untimely demise.’

Chase paused before he finished. ‘From this day forth, you are no longer an employee of Fillmore-Graves and apart from your non-tanned friend at the SPD morgue, you will tell no one about what you witnessed today, understood?’

‘Yes sir’ replied Major, accepting that he messed-up big style. ‘Go’ said Chase, turning to pick up his chair, as Major exited the office.

As Major left, a another figure entered the room to check in on Chase. A middle-aged women, who had or rather appeared to have dark skin and black short hair and wore a dark red dress, with brown heels. The figure was holding a clip board, that held some paperwork, as she approached Chase.

How’s the construction work at zombie island going, Miss Gold?’ Chase asked the figure, as he moved back on his chair. ‘Minor delays, but nothing that can’t be sorted and should still be completed for our D-day deadline.’ replied the Fillmore-Graves executive Carey Gold, in a British accent. Carey handled the less military operations and unlike Vivian and the late field commander A.K.Fortesan, didn’t go on the fateful helicopter, that exploded.

‘Great, glad to hear some good news for a change. Anything else?’

‘Their appears to be, a minor celebrity visiting the city. Has a professor title, but is a figurehead for a self-created religion.’

‘So a legal cult, with a couple of pay checks?’ replied Chase, as Carey passed him the clip board.

‘Pretty much, so you might want to go and join Baracus, when he meets this professor, during one of his gatherings. Last thing we need is the first zombie mayor of Seattle, to gain bad press from a few zealots.’

‘The things I do for peace.’ said Chase under his breath, before reading the papers, while wishing that Vivian and his brother Harrison, were still here to handle this sort of thing. Chase was a commander first and foremost, thus he had no love for social politics.

‘You two really landed me in it huh?’ Chase thought to himself, as the rain continued to pour outside. With local weather channels reporting, that it would only get worse in the following days to come.

Notes:

Commentary by the author: did anyone else dislike how they antagonist Chase for season four? Plus I’ll be interested to hear anyone’s theory on exactly who and what the inmate is. (Hint: they inspired the vamps in blade 2. Gullermo Del Toro later explored and created his own spin on these bloodsucker’s in a book trilogy and later tv show in the late early 2010s. She’s also divorced and is manicured by a Nazis butler. Who is she?)

Chapter 5: Chapter 4: The elven(ish) hour

Summary:

during a murder case, Liv Moore and her new (also similarly undead) ally discover a threatening plot against seattle and zombiekind. meanwhile, a new and sinister foe gathers strength in the shadows...(AU during and post izombie season 3.)

Literature Text
Chapter 4: The elven(ish) hour

 

Disclaimer: I do not own izombie

 

Liv couldn’t help but stare at Syde’s corpse, which now lay on a giant metal wheel-legged tray in the middle of the SPD morgue. As Ravi disposed of the body’s clothing, that he and Liv cut up with scissors earlier and replaced the now shredded rags, with a white thin blanket to cover the lower body and leg areas of the corpse.

It’s grotesque appearance reminded Liv of a Romero and she couldn’t help, but wonder if she could have ended up like Syde or worse. Back when she first discovered her undead affliction and decided to cut herself off from society completely. It was stuff like this that made her appreciate her friends Peyton, Ravi and now Clive that stood by her, despite her carrion-based cannibalistic tenancies.

Speaking of Clive, she noticed the detective standing at the morgue kitchen area breakfast bar, listening to the radio. Wanting to repay the favour for his earlier advice this morning Liv walked towards Clive, to see what was on his mind.

‘You checking to see, if the martins invaded yet? Liv asked Clive, who turned to face her. ‘Checking to see if Harley and his zombie-truthers, been making much noise. Nothing as of yet though.’ said Clive grimly.

Back when Liv and the gang found out about Vivian’s and Fillmore-Graves true nature and their plans for building a zombie-homeland on an island in preparation for discovery-day or “D-day” for short, the predicted date for when ordinary people discover the existence of Liv and her ilk. Clive was reacquainted with a young boy called Wally Reid. Who was among a private school of zombie-kids, within the Fillmore-Graves complex and who Clive was close with, along with Wally’s mother during Clive’s career as a vice cop.

Apparently Wally was turned like most of the staff and their family members after a Fillmore-Graves company event, in attempt to save his life in response to a highly contagious bio-terrorist attack from abroad and was overjoyed when he met the detective again. Then fate played a cruel joke as both Wally, his Mum and Uncle were later murdered. All with a headshot, finger nails cut off. An obvious zombie-hate crime.

With Clive swearing to avenge the family’s death. Working the case in secret and assisted by both Liv, Ravi and Fillmore-Graves, Clive gathered enough information to believe that the killer was a man called Harley Johns. Who was a figurehead for a small group of Seattleites, who believed that the zombie apocalypse was upon them and was later revealed to have been related to a member of staff at Max Rager, died during the party massacre. But not before showing leaked photos of what Vaughn had in his secret lab to Harley.

This then lead both Ravi and Liv, who disguised herself, to try infiltrating themselves into Harley’s group. But it turned out new members needed to do a heartbeat test before entering.

Not only that but one of Harley’s armed guards, a ruff tall-looking man called Mr Flakmen, started making offensive racial 9/11 comments towards Ravi. Which seemed to anger Harley, who was against racial harassment ironically and started going into a heated debate with Flakemen, but not before Harley requested for Ravi and Liv, the latter posing as Ravi’s wife, to leave for their own sake until Harley got his house in order.

Since then Harley and the rest of the zombie truthers have grown silent, even on their web page and it’s assumed the group may have split up after the argument.

‘Sorry Clive, if me and Ravi hadn’t have tried to sneak into one of Harley’s gatherings. We would probably have known their next move by now.’ replied Liv, feeling bad.

‘Don’t beat yourself up, over it Liv. It wasn’t you or Ravi’s fault that one of the truthers, ended up being a racist pig. If not you or Ravi, then he would just found an excuse, to snap at someone else and the truthers would still have gone silent.

You two were just there, when the camel broke it’s back and for what it’s worth though you were putting yourselves at risk. Trying to infiltrate Harley’s group was slightly ingenious on both you two’s part.’ said Clive, glad to be focusing on something else, besides the radio.

‘Slightly being a big word though and in future I would prefer it, if you tell me about your ideas before you set them in motion. Anyway, now that my lectures over. I think it’s time for me to go back up stairs and see if Devore or anyone else has information about Syde’s last known location before he died or at the very least were he had been living, since he left the police department. Won’t do me any good standing in here all day.’ Said Clive before he made his way to the stairs, but suddenly halted and turned back to Liv, facing her from a far distance.

‘Sorry, forgot to say thanks for bringing me back to earth and I’ll apologise if I was a bit harsh with you just there.’ Liv then smiled before replying. ‘You weren’t and I owe you one for your advice, earlier this morning remember. Before you go though, is there anything I need to know about Syde before I have him for brunch?’

‘Brunch?’

‘Short for having late breakfast closer to twelve or eleven. It’s a term used by younger people, to try and normalise skipping recommended first meals. But yes back to Syde, anything I need to know?’ asked Liv, wanting to know what personality changes to expect.

‘Well I never met Syde personally. From what I gathered from Devore though, he kept to himself a lot of the time. That was until he decided to reopen a cold case, that his father was unable to solve back in the sixties. Devore used to joke about, how he shifted into this “noir investigator” persona. Who acted as if, the whole world was against him. She also said, that he liked to keep a journal with him at all times. He also grew a bit short tempered and reputation for going awol and harassing people, which caused the SPD a lot of bother and in the end, was what eventually got him fired.’

‘So I’m going to go bad cop then?’

‘Seems so, might be best if I handle arrested questioning by myself. If or when the need arises. That ok with you?’ Liv then nodded in agreement, to Clive’s question.

‘Wait at my desk when your ready.’ said Clive, as he left for the stairs. After which Liv walked back to the body of the murder victim, where Ravi was now standing over and who had prepared the autopsy equipment for them to get to work.

‘Bottom feeders really did do a number on poor Syde Carter here, didn’t they?’ said the medical examiner, once Liv stood at his right. Who followed Ravi’s gaze at what was left of Syde’s face.

‘Well he sure did pass away colourfully, for someone who preferred keeping to themselves. Find anything on the body, while I was talking to Clive?’ asked Liv, as she put on disposable gloves and construction worker goggles.

‘As a matter of fact I did. I haven’t opened him up yet, but the surface of his body is already giving me more clues as to how he died. See the bruising at the left side of his chest?’ Ravi asked Liv, as pointed with his own gloved hand at the mentioned injury, that something must have hit the murder victim with great force, for it to be as large as that and judging by how the bruised side of Syde’s chest was slightly lower than his other side. It can be assumed that a few ribs were broken as well.

‘Seems Syde here was in a middle of brawl, before he swam with the fishes and look at this arm.’ continued Ravi, as he lifted up said limb that was closet to him and pointed at some puncture wounds on Syde’s wrist. Barely visible now, as the lower half of both of Syde’s arms were as black as his hands, along with the flesh underneath the cuts.‘Appears something tried to claw at our dead private eye here.’

‘You think what ever thrashed Syde, also gave him those marks?’ asked Liv.

‘Mostly likely, could be that his attacker, somehow has a pet bear and after stabbing him with a bone knife, commanded it to maul him to death. But not before Syde decided to take his chances in the lake.’ replied Ravi, trying to think of a reasonable explanation for the body’s injuries.

‘And their was me thinking, that you were going say he was attacked by the monster of black lagoon.’ Liv joked with a smirk.

‘Give me some credit Liv. Though I predicted the possibility of a zombie virus, back when I worked for the centre for disease control. Got fired when I shared that theory with my superiors. Then was proven right by, well you. I’m still an atheist, meaning I won’t believe it until I see it and until then as far as I’m concerned. There is no more chance of a race of “fish-people” living in Seattle’s lakes, than there is of me dating Billie Piper.’

‘Didn’t expect you to be so “agent Scully” about this.’

‘Well it’s either that or we all start believing a story, about how someone saw a winged pig fly to the North Pole to deliver presents for Easter morning.’ said Ravi, trying to keep a straight face after his sarcastic statement.

‘Sounds reasonable, still if it was a bear why didn’t it follow him to the lake?’

‘Maybe some possible witness or witnesses were starting to get close, to where the murder was taking place and the killer ordered their oversized pet to back away. We’ll find out the definite cause of death eventually, after you have lunch of course.’ said Ravi and once he was finished talking, Liv then turned on the bone saw and proceeded to cut into the crown area of Syde’s skull. Followed by removing and placing the brain on a grey chopping board to cut up.

She then placed the now chopped pieces of brain onto a round piece of soda bread, but not before adding some hot sauce onto the bread first.

After which Liv added some cut up peppers of an extra spicy breed, along with some grated cheese. Finally she put the homemade or rather “work-officemade” bread pizza into the morgue catering area microwave for a couple of minutes. Once cooked Liv cut the pizza, into four triangle slices. Placing them on a plate and then sat down, to enjoy her handy work.

Though she would never admit it and act disgusted by it, when asked by some people. Liv took great pleasure in eating the grey matter. It was less to do with taste and more to do with how filling it was. She can eat normal food like everyone else, but unless it contained some form of brain, it no longer satisfied hunger. In which case she was thankful that she knew what she was early on, otherwise she would probably have gained some unnecessary weight, if she didn’t go “romero” first that is. Liv took her time enjoying her meal, before meeting Clive up stairs.

 

Liv’s journal. October the 3rd 2016

Had to clean the rat cages before leaving the morgue. And by clean I don’t mean getting rid of rodent poop, but rather what remained of their “food”, since their now like me and will stay that way, until Ravi can make a new cure.

Not that being turned into a zombie and then later used as a guinea pig, for a possible lethal injection is any better. Currently I am waiting for my still-living partner to show up. Probably has his hands full with Devore, in trying to get information of any native-american tribes, who have a history of using bone crafted daggers.

Wonder if she has a bone to still pick with Clive, for back when he worked for vice?

If so could detective Cavanaugh be in on it? After all he is a career rival and a while back, I did learn that both he and Devore were… Oh God that’s it!

Both Devore and Cavanaugh are a part of some satanic orgie cult! But who else is a part of their number? I noticed Jimmy Hahn staring at me, when I walked towards Clive’s desk. What about the technician Steve? Performing dark rituals would be right up his alley or maybe the whole SPD is in on it.

I have to think of a plan? Maybe I could find Clive, convince him to take Devore hostage and then…

 

‘I didn’t know, you took a journal to work with you.’ said Clive, as he approached Liv from behind and caught her writing on a small black notebook. Liv was startled, when Clive spoke to her, before she turned to face him.

They were both in the SPD main work room, were Clive and the other members of the police force go about doing their daily business.

Unlike other police stations, such as New York or Los Angeles, were the main rooms were all grey and windowless. The SPD’s walls were cream yellow, with grey serving as the colour for the floor and square shaped windows on almost all the walls, to let the sunlight in. Though you wouldn’t be able to tell, as it started to rain and gave the place a more depressive look. It didn’t stop the other detectives and police officers from doing their work though.

‘Now or never Liv.’ She thought to herself before replying to Clive.

‘Oh I normally don’t, just a habit I picked up today after lunch.’

‘So Syde’s brain is kicking in then. Any visions yet?’

‘Not unless they include the SPD, praying to the anti-christ.’

‘Damn it!’ thought the irrational side of Liv’s mind, that wanted to tell Clive of her conspiracy. While the more rational part of her head, saw through the impulse to do something, she would regret later.

‘Well it’s good your not, letting your “food” drive your actions. Hey, maybe you could teach some of the boys here to think with their heads, rather than their stomachs when we get the chance.’ said Clive, with a amused smirk.

‘Maybe but probably best to wait until, after D-day and only when we have a cure, for my “food craving” problem first.’ replied Liv, playing along with the detective’s jest.

‘Sounds ideal, good news by the way. Seems someone reported, a shipwreck at Washington lake. Apparently a small boat called Kraken’s bane crashed inland towards a forest and when SPD computer experts I.D’d it, guess who came up as the owner?’

‘One recently deceased private eye.’ replied Liv

‘Bingo, Devore has already given us permission clearance, to check on Syde’s former living quarters and is currently informing the local cops on sight of our arrival. Ready to use that “ol’eightball-sight” of yours?’ Liv then smirks herself, before answering Clive’s question.

‘Don’t think my lack of sleep, has busted my “third-eye” yet.’ replied Liv, but after they both took a couple of steps forwards. The music theme for arrow began to play on Liv’s mobile, which caused some of officer’s to stop what they were doing and stare at where the noise was coming from.

Resulting in Liv looking round her, while smiling apologetically and awkwardly at each of Clive’s co-workers and finally at Clive himself, who though wasn’t really offended, still raised an eyebrow at Liv. Which was his way, of silently saying “really?” to her. Liv sudden audience then went back to work, once she pressed the call link on her phone.

‘What’s up powergirl?’ said Liv, who continued to walk with Clive, now that the minor drama was finished and recognised the number was from Peyton.

‘Someone sounds more alert, than they were this morning. Tell me, do you remember when your Mum, took you to that crazy over the top religious conventions when you were a kid?’ Liv’s friend asked from the other side of the phone line.

‘Peyton, you know that before I decided believing in a feminine deity, my Mum raised me and my brother to be atheists.’ replied Liv, understanding Peyton’s humour. Something that her best friend and her boss Ravi had in common.

‘Real shame they haven’t had a solid relationship yet.’ Liv thought to herself.

‘Well that’s the sort of experience, I’ve been getting all morning. There’s a new church that opened in one of Seattle’s old abandoned shipyards, that got Baracus’s attention. As a result I’ve been accompanying him, on a guided tour as his chief of staff. You would think it was the second coming, with the number of people here. The nearest car park was just stuffed, with these large white tents, that are either used for merchandising, small faith gatherings, country music or food and other activities. You name it, they got it, so long as it’s branded.

They probably should have chosen, a better opening date though. Sure glad I remembered, to take my umbrella.’

‘I can see why you would call it “over the top”,not to mention a shipyard sounds like an odd place to build a church. They planning to baptise people at the lake?’

‘Maybe, but I think it’s because the church, is suppose to be part aquarium.’

‘Aquarium?’

‘That’s what Derek told me, apparently what ever religion the church follows, requires them to be one with the sea. Seems the owner decided to settle for lake instead. Now enough about me, how’s your and Clive’s case going?’ Peyton asked Liv, the latter of whom was currently exiting the SPD building and followed the detective back to the car.

‘Some new evidence, has recently came to light. As for my lunch, has a habit of jumping to conclusions based on paranoia rather than evidence, but not hard to resist. Still happy enough for Clive to handle arrested questioning on his own, just in case though.’

‘That’s a clever girl. About to enter holy ground now. Hopefully speak with you later. Bye’

‘Bye’ both Liv and Peyton said to each other, before Liv hanged up and joined Clive in his car.

 

Peyton put her mobile back in her handbag, once her conversation with Liv was finished. She was currently in a circle made up of six large men in suits, while another suited shorter middle-aged man, her boss and now Mayor of Seattle Floyd Baracus, was at her left.

All of them were quickly making their way through a busy crowd, towards a massive octagon-shaped building, that was mostly made up of white painted steel and dark windows. In a attempt to escape the heavy rain and to meet the buildings owner, during one of his ceremonies. ‘Did you tell your friend, I said hi?’ Baracus asked his chief of staff, who shared and held her umbrella for her boss.

The newly appointed Mayor had met, Peyton’s friend a few times before. They either consisted of the “pale-skin proud” M.E assistant, either rescuing him from a mad CEO of a energy drink company or helping Baracus, hide his true zombie nature from the public.

It was part of that reason why he promoted Peyton, while the other part was because he knew she was a damn good assistant D.A and before taking to politics, considered taking her under his wing. Well it was less “taking an interest” and more “strategically sold” by his sponsor Fillmore-Graves. After sharing their plans about a zombie homeland and how he coming Mayor could prove useful. For a reasonable price of course.

‘Crap, forgot to say you were asking about her.’

‘Hey it’s fine, I’ll book an appointment at the SPD and talk to her then. Besides I sadly have other more important affairs, to handle at present.’

‘Why sadly?’

‘I haven’t forgotten about what your friends have done for me. Liv most of all, if it wasn’t for the necessary cloak and dagger. I would have most likely have given her the key to the city at this point. Then again, she did get that vision with me and Miss pain. Might have to abuse my position and her and you, a bribed VIP paid flight to Rio instead.’ Joked Baracus with a smile, remembering when Peyton first mentioned about Liv’s vision involving him and the aforementioned dominatrix.

Apparently Peyton believed he may have played a hand in the suicide of Ms pain’s murderer Mr Wecker and that Fillmore-Graves were in on it, but after a few cabinet meetings and a private guilt confession later, Peyton learnt that Baracus was no mastermind and in fact was more interested in ultimately maintaining the city’s financial status quo. Even though that wasn’t exactly what he promised in his election campaign.

Still him coming clean, in turn caused Peyton to be honest of her own suspicions, which later proved beneficial for them both, in building a higher level of trust.

A skill that became very useful in deed, before arriving here. A specially when Baracus confessed that he had no idea, who this Professor Ward and his “house of Dagon” was about and that the only reason he was visiting the church, was because it would help build his public image.Resulting in Peyton googling what kind of religion it was, before calling and checking in on her friend.

‘Might take you on that offer Mr mayor, but maybe after the current situation with Fillmore-Graves is sorted first. Until then it’s as you said, we have bigger fish to fry. Speaking of which, I’ve finished doing your homework. Turn’s out this isn’t Professor Ward’s, first trip to Seattle. Apparently back in the sixties he and his friends from high school, had a weekly stay here during the Seattle world fair.’

‘That the one were JFK faked a cold, so he could deal with the Cuban missile crisis?’ the mayor asked Peyton as they neared two rectangle-shaped windowed black coloured doors, which served as the church’s main entrance.

Peyton then continued her conversation with Baracus, but more quietly, as to make sure no one else overheard.

‘Very one Mr mayor and it turns out the crisis, wasn’t the only drama that happened that night. Seems our new resident holy man, used to be quite the party animal back in the day and caused a lot of property damage in a cabin that his class rented. Then in the following morning, a fellow student of Ward’s class, a girl called Sue Long, died after being run over by a bus. The incident would have made headline news, but as you can imagine. The city along with the whole of America at the time, were more concerned with the cold war. After Sue’s death though, Ward decided to do a U-turn and quit high school to go on a sprite journey across the United States and later traveled overseas to England and Egypt. After which he started founding his own faith. Building his churches all over the world, most of which were constructed in coastal areas, and his followers believed it kept them close to their divine celestial trinity.’ said Peyton, once they reached the entrance doors, which were then both opened by two of Baracus’s guards.

As they entered Peyton took the surroundings of the main hall in. The room was large and was either black or white in colour, with most areas designed to look very modern. Similar to certain cafes and small time enterprise buildings, that Peyton visited in the past.

In the centre of the room was a huge wide cylinder-shaped tank, that housed several species of salmon, which continuously Swam in a circle and were all local in Washington lake. Outside of the tank, were two stairs that were placed on either side of the mega sized fish bowl. Both of which lead to three layers of upper balcony floors, both of which had curved-bar-styled banisters, facing in the direction of the tank. Allowing bystanders to view it at different angles and a single door on each floor, that lead into the church stage room.

Other visible features in the room included several displayed portrait art pieces that were related to the house of Dagon’s beliefs, a display case containing a large black book, presumably a definitive edition of the church’s beliefs and a artificial rock pool, which was as wide as a pond and according to a species description chart beside it. Contained small fish and other bottom-feeders, that were also local in Seattle’s lakes like the salmon.

Peyton was no detective, but her work required to “read” people. Which meant trying to learn about her clients, co-workers and opposition by any means possible. Small details that reveal what kind of person, they really were.

Such as change of eye contact, to tell when their being genuine or trying to hide something. Or in these case, examining a person’s possessions, from a trophy case or better yet, their house or office of business.

From what Peyton could gather from this room, Professor Ward was one to massage his ego. Literally having built a temple about how great he is and from the variety of fish, was too cheap to invest in anything otherwise. Peyton also knew that Baracus was also taking the information the room provided in and was trying to figure out, a way to use it to his favour. In that regard Peyton was grateful, they weren’t competing in the court house.

‘He seems to have a big bank account, for someone who likes to travel.’ Baracus said to Peyton quietly, as they continued to walk towards one of the stage room entrances, with Baracus still looking round his surroundings, as he kept moving. Most of the church bystanders were polite enough to move back and allow Baracus and his staff some space to walk quickly to their destination, while the few who didn’t move away in time, were gently pushed aside by Baracus’s guards.

‘Well given his passion for both fresh and salt water, the professor ended up being sponsored by a few sea protection programmes and social groups during the nineties and early two thousands who were more than happy to assist with any financial issues. Well they use to, until their love affair ended a year ago.’

‘How so?’

‘Seemingly where ever Ward’s churches are built, the area’s local fish population booms, usually in a month or in rare case’s a week even. Followed by a few hook-happy fishermen, wanting to get as many big and rare catches as possible. Instead of trying to stop the would-be-sea-poachers though, in exchange for joining their faith, the house of Dagon allows them to net their fish reserves. Including the ones for endangered species. It didn’t go well once the sea protection groups took notice. The interesting part though, is that only a few of those groups left, while most joined the church’s current sponsor Black-Sphinx international. Thus Ward was easily able to bypass any charges against him, due to his number of supporters in high places. Plus the fishermen who converted into the church.’

‘Let me guess, most if not all the other visitors here besides us, happen to have a passion or business in fishing at Seattle’s local lakes?’ the mayor asked Peyton quietly, as they entered and looked for their seats, in the main stage room.

The whole area was dark, making everything barely visible. Except for some painted white numbers on the black plastic seats, so the audience knew were to sit. Peyton along with Baracus and his guards checked the numbers, navigating themselves through people and row upon row of chairs. The latter of which covered three quarters of the room and were all facing a stage, which looked like it lead to an empty void, due to an illusion of darkness within the room.

Walking through the rows, reminded Peyton of those fancy lecture rooms in universities. Given the similarities in design.

‘You be right sir, you know better than in anyone, that the only thing that would attract a crowd this big in Seattle, is either because Microsoft released a new app or another product. Or if someone is promising to make everyone else, a whole lot of money.’ Peyton answered, as they all found their chairs and began to sit down.

Baracus sat in the middle, while Peyton sat at his right, with the several other neighbouring seats, from either side of Baracus, were being occupied by his guards. ‘Well let’s see what the holy man has to say.’ replied the mayor, sounding intrigued. Once everyone was seated. The room then darkened even more, with the only source of light coming from a unfolding, plain white sheet from above the stage. Once the giant screen was finished unrolling, a film projection started to form on it. Displaying strange glyphs that, somehow gave Peyton the shivers.

As if the language didn’t and shouldn’t belong. She also heard a chant of whispering around the room, which was slowly getting louder and didn’t help her rising tension. It also didn’t help, that she couldn’t see the source of where it was coming from. Eventually figuring it was most likely a speaker effect.

Before she could ask to be excused, Peyton almost jumped out of her skin.

When she heard an anonymous voice say long ago that boomed across the whole room, while the whispers continued to chant. As the voice continued to talk, the projection of the screen changed to a computer 3D imaging of the sun and earth.

‘Our father and his angels crossed the stars, building his kingdom.’

A humanoid figure appeared beside the sun and earth. It was featureless and reminded Peyton of a paper cut out. But it’s shape hinted to be that of an elderly robed shepherd, with angelic wings. Presumably this “father” the narrator kept mentioning. ‘With our world, the centre of all things, serving as his prized jewel.’ The projection then zoomed in and solely focused on earth.

‘It was here he decided the destiny of the universe and made us all equal. Until he was betrayed by one of his creations.’ The featureless shepherd appeared again, this time surrounded by several other shadowy figures. The bodies of which resembled an overgrown potato, with roots for arms and legs, along with flower-shaped heads. There was now a flame effect surrounding the earth. Symbolising the flower-headed-things betrayal and want for destruction.

‘Now our lord rests, in his house of R’lyeh. Dreaming until the time of prophecy, when all will hear his song again and ever after.’ The image of the burning earth, then begun to fade. Replaced by a blank heavenly light.

‘Until that time, we children of Dagon. Offspring of the father’s champion and bringers of his teachings spread and share his word in all places. Thus…’ The narration then stopped, as the screen went dark. Followed by another light being switched on. This one being beamed on a middle-aged man, who was standing at the centre edge of the stage. He wore a blue suit, a darker blue and red tilted-striped-patterned tie and expensive black shoes. He also had a goatee beard.

Peyton assumed this to be the man himself. Professor James Ward, in the flesh.

‘Is our great pleasure, to have you all join us today.’ said the Professor, as he smiled at his audience.

 

Despite regaining her calm attitude, after the unnerving whisper chanting effect earlier. Peyton was the first to rush herself out the stage room, after Ward’s speech. With Baracus and his guards just behind her and who in turn, were followed by the exiting crowd, which was either returning to the small fair outside or stayed in the hall, to check out the available.

‘Well that was… an experience.’ said Peyton, stopping and pressing her right handed thumb and finger between her eyes. Still trying to process the mystical gibberish or rather just plain gibberish, Ward was preaching to everyone on that stage.

‘You talking about when our started talking about some “vision” he had, at his teens about cats or that last story about a gravedigger who fell in a coffin and came out an inch smaller? None of which, I found went anywhere.’ replied the mayor, now standing beside standing beside Peyton. He too was at a loss, as to what Ward was talking about.

‘Wasn’t the last story about a place called Sarnath?’

‘Must have dosed off for that one. Still Ward must be doing something right, to attract massive crowds like this. If what you said about him earlier was true, then having Ward’s presence in Seattle might prove useful during fishing season.’

‘True, you might gain bad press from a few wild life protection groups. But if think having Ward around, will increase lake tourism…’

‘Tourism?’

‘Isn’t that why you want him to stick around?’ Peyton asked the mayor, wondering what he really meant. ‘Sorry, I was actually thinking when me and my son, will go to the lake at that time. But yes an increase in tourism wouldn’t hurt either. Speaking of which, there’s the man himself.’ Baracus replied, seeing Ward talking to a small crowd of people, in front of a newly placed large bronze statue of a elderly robed man with wings. Obviously an ideal for the unnamed “father” deity, that the professor was talking about earlier.

Seeing it, caused Peyton to wonder how thick the walls of the church actually were. Given that the statue wasn’t there, when she entered the church and she didn’t hear anything out of the stage room, during the whole of Ward’s bible reading. Why would he need such a large soundproof area? Peyton decided to leave her speculations for later and followed Baracus, as he and his guards walked towards Ward.

The professor then looked at them smiling, when Baracus and his employees were at a distance length. ‘A pleasure to see you in our house, Mr Baracus.’ said Ward, greeting the mayor with a handshake, once they were face to face.

As the two men continued to greet one another, Peyton noticed the professor wearing a gold ring, on his left hand’s middle finger. It appeared to have what looked like an image of an octopus carved on it, with an emerald within the ring, serving as the background. Looking at give Peyton that “run and hide” instinct, felt just before Ward’s speech earlier.

‘The pleasure is mine, Professor. My chief of staff, has already told me a bit about yourself. You planning to stay at our fair city, for a bit or do you have plans to go elsewhere?’

‘Well Funny you would mention that Mr Baracus, as I’m hoping to make a permanent move. I’ve made plans to retire from “house head” and I figured that there would be no better place, to build my “last temple”, than the city were I reinvented myself and had my eyes opened ever since.’

‘Retire?’ the mayor asked Ward puzzled, as they stopped shaking hands.

‘I’m nearing seventy-two years of age. In that time, I have spread the father’s word in all tongues. Thus I have seen fit, to rest my sword and prepare for my finale ascension.’ replied Ward and though Baracus was able to hold a steady causal smirking-facade. By looking at the mayor’s eyes, Peyton could tell Baracus was surprised when Ward revealed his actual age.

Despite telling him earlier, how long the professor has been active. She couldn’t blame the mayor if he forgot. As Ward looked closer to Baracus’s age, of around forty years old. ‘Who’s your plus one, by the way?’ Ward asked looking at Peyton.

‘Charles, Peyton Charles, I’m the chief of staff the mayor mentioned.’

‘Chief of staff and not wife? Seems you maybe more modest, than I expected Mr Baracus.’ Ward replied looking at Baracus, before returning his attention to Peyton. ‘Still if it’s Miss and not Mrs, then perhaps you wouldn’t mind me, giving you a tour at some of my more…private chambers.’ said Ward, gently lifting Peyton’s right hand, with his left. Lifting it to his face. But before Ward had a chance to kiss it. Peyton quickly slipped her hand out of his grasp.

‘I appreciate your hospitality Ward, but I think such honours would be…wasted, on someone who doesn’t share your exact “vision”.’ said Peyton trying not to call Ward, on being the sleaze ball that he is. She met the professor’s type a few times before, back when she was an assistant D.A. In most circumstances she would know better, than to accept such advances, especially when they were Ward age.

Most circumstances except one and never again.

‘An unbeliever, shame. Thankfully, as you can see for your selves. Our opened doors, have attracted a mighty flock.’ Ward said, facing Baracus again. While lifting his arms in a wide empty embrace, looking across the room at all the bystanders, within the main hall.

‘What was that saying, from that old Kevin Costner film again? Ah yes “if you build it, they will come.” So Mr Baracus, if it is not faith you seek, then what else?’

‘Well professor, giving your reputation with the fishing community. I wondered if you might be interested in…’

‘I was wondering, where we meant find you Mr mayor.’ Chase Graves greeted Baracus, as he appeared out of the crowd with Carey Gold at his left, both of them quickly walked towards the mayor. Like Ward and Baracus, the new head of Fillmore-Graves was also wearing a suit. After getting both men’s and Peyton’s attention, Chase then quickly switched his focus on the professor.

‘And you must be this church’s founder. Name’s Chase Graves, you’ve may have heard of my late sister-in-law, Vivian Stoll?’ Chase asked Ward, as he too greeted the professor with a handshake.

‘Of course, from the helicopter explosion. Me and my followers pray for her loss. Along with the demise of my former apostle, Vaughn Du Clarke. Father take him.’

‘Vaughn Du Clarke?’ Peyton thought to herself. As in the same Du Clarke, who’s company was partly responsible, for the creation of the zombie virus and later tried to cover his tracks by capturing and eliminating those infected.

‘You knew Vaughn?’ Baracus asked Ward, his voice betraying a hint of anger.

‘I would have considered him my ace pupil, once a upon a time. Until I learned he only joined, to bed one of our soon-to-be purity matrons.’

‘Purity matrons?’

‘Girls at the age of fourteen, who agree to ceremony marry, the divine children of our lord and no one else, as we consider it sacrilege.’ Ward answered Peyton.

‘Let me guess, once she became damaged goods, you decided to cut your loss and let Du Clarke have his way with her? Once he agreed to leave of course.’ Peyton asked, her tone now cold and indifferent.

‘Wouldn’t say that, the girl was of rich blood. She would have been taken care of either way. A pity though, the money we could have gotten, with her inheritance, would have been a great asset, to our cause.’

‘You mean, you were planning to bleed her dry?’

‘Isn’t that, a women’s place Mr Baracus?’

‘Given that it’s the twenty-first century and I’m a feminist. I think it’s beyond manipulative. We’ll see ourselves out. Do you want to join us Chase?’

‘In a moment Mr Mayor. I was hoping to ask Ward here, about an assignment, he requested of my late brother to do, back in his mercenary days.’ Before Chase had a chance, to ask Ward any more questions. Someone else then appeared, out of the crowd. A heavy-tanned skinned man, of at least partly Arabian descent, that had a small pyramidal-styled moustache and like Baracus’s guards, wore a black suit. With the only difference being, that the man’s suit had gold buttons on his sleeves. He also wore round-shaped sunglasses. The stranger had a blank expression on his face as he approached Ward, at the professor’s right and whispered in his ear.After a few nods from Ward, the stranger stopped and turned facing the others. Hands behind his back and his facial expression still blank.

‘You have to forgive me Mr Graves but my manager of foreign affairs, has just informed me of an urgent matter, I must deal with. Perhaps another time.’ Said Ward smiling, before following his manager into the crowd, where they vanished from Peyton’s view.

‘Did you know about his relationship with Vaugh?’ Peyton asked Chase quietly.

‘Just got a file, about it this morning. It also mentioned about a mission, that almost went south which brother accepted. As you’ve already heard.’

‘Classified?’

‘So much so, even Vivian didn’t want to share it. Only got the file, as a late part of her will and I’ve only read a brief summary. How’s your friend, at the morgue doing? Is she and the detective any closer, to finding Harley?’

‘Last I heard, she said that Harley’s group has pretty much disbanded.’

‘Good, that puts less pressure on us. Is she busy this weekend?’ Chase asked also quietly and more formally.

‘Well she’s currently working on a case, with Clive and they might still be trying to solve it, come Saturday and Sunday. Why do you ask, is it to do with D-day?’

‘I was actually hoping to see, if it would suit her to join me for drink. In an up town bar, I’ve been visiting recently.’

‘Wait, are you planning to ask, my friend on a date?’ Peyton asked puzzled and curious.

‘Well she is an attractive women and one who shares the same “needs” as me.So I did wonder if…’

‘She’s already seeing someone.’ said Peyton plainly and quickly.

‘Oh, living or…’

‘One of your’s and she doesn’t agree with your “disciple” methods either. My advice, don’t even and keep it professional.’ Peyton finished, being blunt.

‘Noted, I believe that’s all I can share at the moment. I’ll be seeing you two, if the need arises.’ said Chase, as he and Carey made their way towards the church doors.

‘Gosh Peyton, I know you were trying to be honest. But did you really need to put, the man’s heart on a pike.’ said Baracus, once Chase was no longer in sight.

‘Sorry chief, recently got hardened, after a few heartbreaks.’

‘A few?’

‘One being a temporary jackass and the other being a lying weasel. All in a space of a few weeks and I’ve been hiding in my work ever since.’

‘Jeez Peyton, and I thought my love life was complicated. Coffee break before, my two o’clock appointment?’

‘Sure, so long as it’s not in this loony house.’ said Peyton, sounding relieved and out loud. For once not caring, if the bystanders inside the church heard her or not.

Notes:

Commentary by the author: Don’t think you need me to tell you something fishy is going on. (Sorry couldn’t help myself.) Please comment/review

Chapter 6: Chapter 5:House of mystery

Summary:

The undeath and times of Liv Moore » by sinister.spider01 during a murder case, Liv Moore and her new (also similarly undead) ally discover a threatening plot against seattle and zombiekind. meanwhile, a new and sinister foe gathers strength in the shadows...(AU during and post izombie season 3.)

Notes:

Commentary by the author: now we return to Liv and Clive during their investigations. I'll apologise to any fans of Liv’s "vision trips" and personality 180s from the canon izombie series. Both elements seemed to have only been present once the plot developed further. I also found Liv was funny enough just being herself. But enough of that, time to go back to the show and reunite with a familiar face...

Izombie: The undeath and times of Liv Moore ch.5
Deviation Actions

 

Chapter 5:House of mystery

 

Disclaimer: I do not own izombie.

 

Clive parked his black dodge charger, within the woods. As he and Liv, walked towards the sight of the crashed boat, which was close to where the detective parked.

As Devore said, they were two officers on duty at the site of the crash. One of them was leaning out of the driver side door, of the only other police car present and was currently looking through his mobile phone. While his partner decided to pass the time, by using binoculars to bird watch. They both stopped what they were doing, once Clive and Liv walked closer to their position.

‘Detective Babineaux, names officer Logan, but you can call me by my first name Henry.’ said the officer, who was previously bird watching. As he walked towards Clive, to great him and update the detective on the current situation.

Like his partner, Henry wore the SPD logo’d black cap hat, dark navy waterproof coat jacket and black trousers and boots. Which proved ideal due to the heavy rain. That made it’s way through the trees and was able to turn some parts, of the ground into damp mud. Which Clive knew, was going to be a nightmare. When he’ll have to clean, his shoes later.

‘What’s the status on the situation?’ Clive asked the officer, as Henry stood sideways, in front of the detective and Liv. So as to switch his attention, to them and the sight of the crash as he spoke.

‘SPD got a report at around 6:00am, about the crash from some campers. Who decided to have, a morning stroll close to the lake. Devore assigned me and my partner Douglas, to investigate and after Douglas used his phone, to look up who owned the boat. We reported back to her.’

‘Did you and Douglas have a look inside the craft?’

‘We did, but left most of what’s inside alone, incase it May hindered your own investigation. We’ve already checked, the fuel reading of the boat. Seems the engine was left running, which resulted in the vehicle ramming itself into a tree, that was growing just at the edge of land. There’s also several signs, of a struggle taking place. Which may have caused, the death of your murder victim. I also discovered, a barrel filled with living candiru. Though there’s a ring stain, that was right next to it. Which judging from it’s size, was probably another barrel that went over board.’

‘Alright, thanks for the feedback Henry. Is the boat still safe enough, to walk into?’

‘Mostly, just mind some glass shards on the ground.’

‘We’ll make sure to be careful then.’ replied Clive, as he and Liv walked closer, to the shipwreck. After crossing through under some yellow tape, that was setup around the crime scene.

The detective and M.E assistant were able, to see the state of the Kraken’s bane themselves. Which was now half-way submerged headfirst, into the bottom of a massive acorn tree. That was at, the side of the lake. The roots and landmass being the only things, keeping the craft from sinking.

Clive imagined, that the scrap crews would need a few shovels, saws and maybe even a small digger. Before they could, take the boat anywhere. Another thing Clive noticed, was the amount of damage done to the craft. Some of which looked, as if they originated from something besides a crash. There also appeared, to be two small, but wide wooded planks. That were placed, between the boat and the edge of the forest.

‘Where did you get the two pieces of wood?’ said Clive, as he stopped, turned his head and called back to Henry.

‘From the forementioned campers. They previously visited, a nearby labourer for some bonfire wood. And we asked, if we could borrow some.’ replied the officer, who after answering the detective, continued to bird watch.

With the mystery, of the planks solved. Clive returned his attention, to the crime scene. Which was when Liv, noticed the gray plastic barrel that Henry mentioned earlier and was now placed on land. Followed by Clive, Liv made her way towards it and lifted the lid to check it’s contents. Sure enough, the barrel was filled with a small number of the same transparent eel-things. That she, Clive and Ravi, saw on Syde’s body earlier.

‘Wonder how they’re able to live, without having food for so long.’ Liv asked Clive, who kept his distance from the barrel. As the all-of-the-sudden extremely brave M.E assistant, continued to chew a piece of gum. That she got at a garage shop, before coming here. Clive then steadily, walked closer to the barrel to peak inside it.

‘Considering the number of fish, I’d say cannibalism.’ replied the detective, after which Liv put the lid back on. As Clive turned back and stared at the crashed craft.

‘Judging from the angle, Syde’s boat must have been originally placed further down, the opposite side of the lake. Before speeding sideways, up towards here.’ said the detective after he traced his finger. From where the boat was now. To where Clive guessed, it was originally.

‘Anyone live round, that area. Who might not want a private investigator, peaking at their backyard?’ Liv asked, as she tried to look where Clive pointed.

‘Nah, in terms of getting away with murder. A place like this is perfect. You can head-shot someone, with a silencer pistol. Bury them afterword and by the time, we find the body. The culprit would have, already left for abroad and built themselves a new identity.’

‘Well let’s hope Syde’s assailant, wasn’t interested in committing the perfect crime. Maybe we can still, find something on the boat. Maybe we can still, find something on the boat. Before we consider, traveling the world in eighty days.’

‘It’s always a pop-culture reference, with you and Ravi isn’t it?’

‘Come on Clive, you know you love us for it.’ said Liv grinning, as they continued to walk towards the Kraken’s bane. They then put on disposable gloves, that Clive had stored in his coat jacket pocket. Before using the planks, to safely go on the Kraken’s bane’s upper deck.

The state of the water vessel, was a complete mess. Numerous items and equipment were tossed, all over the place. The glass shards that Henry mentioned, were scattered all round the engine controls and the floor around the captain’s wheels. All of which originated from a broken window, with a large tree root sticking through it.

‘Damn, it stinks.’ said Clive, with a disgusted expression, while using his coat jacket to cover his face. While Clive tried to overcome, the boats bad smell. Liv discovered a dried red stain, on the ground of the vessel’s upper deck and noticed a tipped over icebox. Which judging by the shape of the former blood-puddle, was the source of the stain. She then walked over, to investigate it. Lifting the icebox and opening the lid. Liv found it contained, several blood bags. Similar to reserves, she came across in hospital. Back when Liv was, a medical resident. Thankfully the labels on the bags, said that they came from a catfish.

Liv also discovered, one of the bags to be empty, due to prolonged leaking.

‘I think I found the “fish food”, that Syde was using.’ said Liv.

‘Well it’s gone off, what ever it was.’ replied Clive, keeping his distance. The detective, then noticed something of interest, just a few inches away.

‘Look at this, Liv.’ said Clive, calling the inquisitive zombie over. Who closed the lid of the icebox and placed it upright, back on the ground. Joining Clive in a crouched position, as he held up a used shotgun shell

Liv noticed there were several others like it, scattered across the floor. Some of which were unused. That meant who ever, was using the ammunition. Did so in a panic.

‘Looks like Syde, was trying to chase something off and was somehow taken, overboard in the attempt.’

‘What makes you think, Syde was the shooter?’ asked Liv, as both she and Clive, started to stand up right.

‘While you were examining the icebox. I noticed a few, stray hits on the boat and was trying to figure out, were the shots came from. Which lead me here, at the top centre of the vessel. And there’s a few other hit marks, just behind you. That means our gunman, was trying to shot out of the Kraken’s bane. Probably to defend it.’ replied Clive, who pointed at the shot holes behind Liv. Once he finished talking.

‘Ravi suggested that Syde, may have been attacked by a bear.’

‘Doubtful, bears are normally solitary by nature. What ever Syde was trying to at, was coming from multiple directions. Meaning more than one. If I had to guess, I’d say it was wolfs and trained ones at that. Otherwise we would have found, what would’ve remained of Syde’s body here.’

‘So we’re looking for, an off-grid dog trainer?’

‘Possibly, let’s check the lower deck. Maybe we could find, a lead there.’ said the detective, who followed by Liv, then made his way down the lower deck.

The room was dark, save for a dim light that came from the boat’s lower windows. While the floor was flood, with a foot level of water. The result of a few tree roots, piercing through the bottom of the water vessel. Apart from the massive puddle. The lower deck, was mostly still intact. The room was a cross between a sitting area and kitchen. With a small breakfast bar.

Placed on the breakfast bar, was a microwave, knife rake and fruit bowel. The latter’s contents of which, had long since became mouldy.

Close to the windows, designed in an oval-shape, was the boat’s alternative to a couch. That also had a bed pillow and blankets, placed on the right side of it.

There was also a wooden square-shaped desk. That had multiple sheets and scraps of paper, plus a cold partly drunken cup of coffee and a dried, half eaten bacon and salad sandwich.

The most unique feature, of the room though. Was the several dream catchers and other totems, that were attached to the ceiling of the lower deck. Some of the items were, feathered miniature clay idols. While others were, more barbaric in appearance. Still possessing feathers, as part of the design. But being made up of only string, small bones and animal skulls instead. There were also strange symbols drawn on the walls of the lower deck. Which judging from the artist equipment, placed neatly on the breakfast bar and painted fingerprints on the table’s papers and sofa blanket. Was the handy work, of Syde himself.

Finally there was a large pin board. Placed on the wall, at Liv’s and Clive’s right.

On it was a “web of intrigue”. Made up of red wool thread, old news paper’s, photos and nail pins.The latter of which was used, to hold the web together. When the duo noticed the board. Clive decided to walk closer towards it, to inspect it’s display better. Upon reading the newspaper headlines, the detective discovered that some of the articles, from other cities and towns. Some of which were published, outside of U.S. All the stories had one thing in common though.

They were all about communities, close to sea. With the articles explaining, how each of the communities experienced, a miraculous increase of fish catches and sudden wealth.

There were also Xs, stars, crosses and question marks, drawn on the news papers by an ink pen. As well as drawn circles on the articles and photos. Thankfully Syde did it, to help keep track of his own work or possibly Syde knew his investigation, was dangerous and left these instructions, in the event of his untimely demise. Which would allow a backed detective, Clive in this case, to finish the late private eyes case. Thieves aren’t the only ones, with honour amongst them.

‘This seems to be what Syde was looking into, before his death.’ said Clive, as he took photos of the board, with his mobile. As he did, Liv switched her attention, the lower deck windows. Particularly one that was shattered open. Oddly there didn’t seem to be any tree roots near it. Upon closer inspection, Liv noticed two sideways positioned lines, scratched into the wooden wall, close to it. Immediately after seeing the claw marks, Liv then felt a sudden brain rush. It was like Liv just remembered something she misplaced, only more intense. Liv knew what this feeling was. She was experiencing a vision.

 

He needed to stay conscious. If he closed eyes now his assailant, what ever it was. Would continue to drag his body, through the window. Letting the lake water and it’s freezing temperature, to do the rest.

He needed to find something anything to release the creature’s grip, before his body gave up, to exhaustion and a lack of oxygen. Of course the glass! The glass from the window, where the creature now held him landed inwards. He was unable to move his head, but he could still feel round. It didn’t take him long, to find a shard suitable for his needs. He then jabbed the piece of glass, into his assailants left webbed hand. Which was then followed by an unnatural hissing noise and the oily limb of the assailant, letting go of his throat.

This allowed him to turn glimpse his attacker, as he was regaining his breath. The thing had retreated, back to water and due to the dark of night, he was unable to see it clearly. It’s eyes however, he saw only too well. Two bright yellow orbs, sticking just out of the surface of the water, looking right back at him. Which was then followed by fourteen other orbs. That meant there were eight, of the things in total. Which meant he was screamed.

He could try reaching land, but it was still too far from the city and he knew these things, were damn good leapers. They can hunt him down in the forest, almost as good as they can in water. Not to mention, he didn’t know if whoever sent those things was out there. Waiting to finish the job.

He needed to get this boat moving and make sure, that it reached the other side of the lake. The yellowed-eyed demons may not mind, staying on god’s green earth for a few hours. But he knew they needed, to head back to the water at some point. It was the best hope he had.

Before leaving for the upper deck. He quickly walked towards and lifted up they bottom part, of the middle centre couch. Where he stored his shotgun and ammo shells. Switching both the weapon and it’s ammunition for a big black book, he originally left on the small table. The private eye then, looked at the pin board. One last time, before going to meet his fate outside.

‘Sorry Pa’ Sylvester said, as Liv vision ended.

 

‘What did you see?’ Clive asked Liv, knowing she was reliving a past memory from the murder victim. Due to Liv’s frozen, blank faced expression. The M.E assistant gulped, when she snapped back to the present.

‘Syde was grabbed by his attacker, from this window.’

‘Did you get a look, at their face?’ asked the detective, moving closer to Liv’s position. To have a better look, at the window and check it, for any traces of blood or scratched skin, that he could use to I.D the attacker. Getting a small tube and cotton bud, to collect any samples. Liv was unsure, how to answer Clive’s question. That and she just realised, she swallowed her gum during the vision.

‘I…I think Syde thought, he was being chased by monsters.’

Clive stopped rubbing the cotton bud on a darken piece of glass, that was still attached to the window frame. And turned his head, to face Liv as he spoke.

‘We talking zombies or…’

‘Thankfully not, from what I saw. Who or rather what ever tried to drown Syde, had large yellow eyes. Too big to be a person. They also had a reflective reaction, to the boat lights like some animals. And the eyes were, poking out of the water.’

‘bull sharks maybe?’

‘Bull sharks don’t have hands, to strangle people. Syde’s vision felt strange though. Like his mind was having trouble, accepting the more unusual elements, of what took place. Did Syde have, any known mental issues. Back when he was, working for the SPD?’ Liv asked the detective. Remembering her experience from eating the brains, of a mental patient called Scott.E. Who suffered from paranoid delusion. Clive then put the cotton bud, in the small tube. As he continued to talk.

‘Well according to Devore, during his leaving speech. Syde mentioned something, about a secret society, that worshipped aliens and was secretly running the world, from behind scenes. Of course the department, never believed him and laughed the whole thing off. He wasn’t known, for seeing things though. But I wouldn’t rule it out. Considering the state of his living space.’ said Clive, looking round the room, with Liv following his gaze.

‘That said, since I’ve learned there’s some resident undead, living in Seattle. I wouldn’t rule out the possibility, of Syde being attacked by something unexplained. In which case, it would be a good idea, to report our findings to Fillmore-Graves. But only if this case becomes…”weirder” than expected. Was there anything else, you saw in your vision?’

‘Syde put a large book, in this part of couch.’ replied Liv, walking towards the couches centre. Then lifting the lid of the secret storage compartment up. There covered under grey and brown blankets, was the book she saw in her vision. Removing the blankets she got a good view of it’s cover. Which debuted an image of a rather cross looking octopus or another form of cephalopod, with what appeared to be bat wings, attached to it’s head. Above the image, was the book’s title written in golden writing.

She couldn’t explain it, but after mentally reading the book’s name. Liv felt some form of impulse, to toss the book out of the window. To make sure, no mortal eyes would eyes would ever gaze upon it again. Going against the urge, she then showed the book to Clive.

‘Any idea what, a necronomicon is?’ Liv asked, as she gave the book to the detective. Who after looking at the cover, seem to briefly share the same facial reaction as Liv. Before going back to his usual “smouldering intensity” expression. Then switching to surprise and puzzlement, when opening the books contents.

‘I haven’t and I think I know why. The pages seem to be written, in another language. Either Latin or Greek. I don’t think Syde came across this locally. Would you mind trying, to translate this?’ asked Clive, who gave the book back to Liv. Remembering how, when they first met. Liv was able to speak Romanian, due to the brains she was on. If Syde did get, this book abroad. Maybe he taught himself, to read it.

‘Sorry Clive, no idea what these words mean.’ replied Liv, trying to read the book. Until an idea dawned on her and switch her attention, back to the desk covered in papers. Before looking at Clive and passing the book back to him.

‘If Syde wasn’t able to read a foreign language, then he was using something else that did.’ said Liv, while crouching down to the desk and moving some of the papers away. Until she found a mobile, that was presumably Syde’s. ‘The batteries are long dead, but I bet once we give this to our tech expert. They’ll mostly find some form of translator app, hopefully one with a english download of what’s in that book.’

‘I’ll make sure to pass the the phone and book to Steve then. Think he’ll want, to have a look at both. said Clive, as Liv gave him the phone. ‘Before we drive back to the SPD though, there’s a den. Which seems to be in, the centre of Syde’s web.’

‘Sounds cosy, wonder why anyone would want to abandon a estate, with that sales pitch?’

‘Well your in luck, I happen to know about the infamous strange and unsolved case of October 1962. I’ll fill you in, while I drive.’ said Clive, as they both prepared to leave the vessel and return to Clive’s car. But not before the boat shifted a little, which startled the detective and M.E assistant. With Liv being the most spooked, of the two.

‘Clive’

‘Yes Liv?’

‘Could you do me a favour and stay away, from the water. At least until we’re done, with the case?’ Liv asked, looking at the broken window concerned.

‘You don’t need, to ask me twice.’ replied Clive, knowing the reason behind her request.

 

‘So a large number of stoned teenagers claimed they saw purple lighting, just outside of the cabin they were partying in?’ questioned Liv, as she and Clive exited the black dodge charger, to investigate their next possible lead. It was getting close to 4:00pm. As the cabin was in the opposite direction of the city, from the woods they inspected Syde’s boat at.

Liv couldn’t help but feel that this murder mystery, was slowly becoming a wild goose chase. So far, they’ve only uncovered more questions than answers and she knew Clive was thinking the same thing too. She noticed he was constantly checking his fuel readings, as he drove and filled her in on the cabin’s history. Since working with him, Clive had always shown to be a “by the book” officer and if cabin was connected to Syde’s death. That meant there was something here, that the killer didn’t want the deceased private eye to find. Something that could be used against them in a court of law.

‘Pretty much, though given that all but one of the witnesses, either smoked or consumed large amounts of hallucinations. The officers in charge of the investigation, didn’t think the accounts of the event were accurate.’

‘What about the drug clean witness. What did he see?’ the M.E assistant replied, as she looked at what was left of the cabin in front of them.

Time had not been kind to the hangman’s den. The roof of the once five star wooden mansion home, had caved in and now had holes in curtain areas. Mould, moss and ivy had covered every corner of the house some of the windows were cracked and the whole front of the cabin, had a large faded pornagraphic art display of some furry animals, semi-nude or completely bare skinned flower girls and what appeared to be John Lennon from that old boy band the Beatles, humping a flying unicorn. Who’s dazed and manic grin will probably haunt Liv’s dreams for the next four months.

What Liv found most curious though, was the graffiti doodles that were all over, the rest of what was left the portrait. Such as a coin faced posed depiction of JFK, that now had a red line that went sideways, from the top back corner of his head, to his mouth. Followed by a blood-splash effect, placed on both directions of what Liv guessed was the aftermath of a bullet going through the late-president’s skull.

There was also some furry critters on the portrait, which now had graffiti devil horns or a rather cartoon looking zombies eating their brains. A depiction that Liv wasn’t amused with.

Finally there was a huge half drawn speech bubble, that was suppose to read dead dream. Though it seemed the artist didn’t have time to finish, as when they were halfway on the word dream, they stopped at the letter a and started doing a sideways line. That almost reached, the bottom of the cabin.

‘I know right? Seems despite the rumours, the kids like to come here and “fill in” whatever the display was originally suppose to be. Just goes to show. Sooner or later yesterday’s war banner, will eventually become tomorrow’s toilet paper.’ said Clive, also taking the sight in.

‘The original cabin occupies did that, even while they were chasing the dragon?’ replied Liv, somewhat amazed that a few crackheads were able to put such detail, in the original artwork. Clive then did a brief light chuckle, before giving his answer.

‘It’s amazing what some people, can do when high. Shame it couldn’t be, for something more productive.’

‘You said something about rumours, that should have scared the kids away. Mind filling me in?’ Liv asked

‘Sure, I was about to tell you anyway. As it’s connected to the clean witness, you just mentioned. Apparently when the so called “purple lights” appeared. Two of his friends, were at the road. One of them was hit by a bus and the other was extremely scarred. Which the cops assumed, was the result of a radioactive bio hazard. The whole SPD, ran a full forest inspection. In case it was communist agents, testing a new explosive weapon. They didn’t find, what they wanted. But they did discover something else, when they returned to the cabin site.’

‘And what was that?’

‘You ever watched, a film called evolution? Has your man, who plays Moulder from x-files and your other guy from American pie?’

‘Use to watch it, with my brother Evan when we were kids. Wait are you telling me, they found a bunch of ugly blue gorillas, living under the cabin. Which all got eaten by a giant starfish and then the police department, had to shove hair shampoo up it’s...’

‘Wowww not that weird, but your close. They found a small abnormal ecosystem developing in an old tunnelling network below, where we are standing now. Things like unknown flora and strange insects. All harmless though.’

‘Well if it was harmless, why has the cabin to disrepair?’ Liv questioned Clive, once more.

‘Because that wasn’t what scared people away. Between possibly being a radiation zone and being trashed by the rising hippie movement. Rental owners started having weird experiences, at the cabin. Objects being placed, where there not suppose to be. Kids and animals seeing things, that weren’t there. And accounts of rooms being freezing, despite turning the heat up. Eventfully the landlord thought the place was cursed and it shutdown, due to seeing it as a lost investment.’

‘Cursed? Sounds a lot more like they, thought the cabin was...’ before Liv had the chance to say haunted. Both she and Clive heard aloud rubble and turned in the direction of the sky, from were it came.

‘Strange, weather forecast said there wouldn’t be thunder and lightning, until tomorrow night. Looks as if we’ll need to rush our search, if we want to beat the storm.’

‘So what are we looking for?’ asked Liv, switching her attention back to the detective.

‘From what I understood from the pin board, back at Syde’s boat. He may have found a lead, on his cult conspiracy. So we’ll be looking for anything, that would indicate that form of activity. Things such as a sacrifice tool or weapon, gryph marked organs, a prayer line or some form of gathering chamber even. Something that the original investigation, from the sixties may have missed.’ Clive replied, looking at Liv.

‘Marked organs? Have you been secretly watching temple of doom with Ravi, when I’m not in the morgue?’

‘Sadly no, you wouldn’t believe what some types of people can get away with, when no one’s watching.’

‘Including a secret lair?’

‘Wouldn’t be too different, from an underground fighting arena or drug lab. With stuff you would you expect, from a horror movie extra. Also every lead of evidence I’ve mentioned, will most likely have a cephalopod or some other form of fish theme. Not unlike the cover for the necronomcon, you came across.’

‘The cabin seems like, a big place to search in. With a lot of it falling apart. You still think we’ll be able to stay ahead of the storm, before we find what we’re looking for?’

‘That’s why we’ll be splitting up to cover more ground, once we head inside.’ said the detective, getting two miniature torchlights from his right pocket and passed one of them, to his undead partner.

‘Split up? You sure that’s the best course of action?’ I mean, I’ve watched enough scooby Doo to know, that’s when the ghost likes to pop up and get the mystery gang. Especially if this case ends up, being a “little weirder” than we’re use to.’ said Liv, thinking back to her vision from earlier and the paranoid scare, that her and Clive had, when they were leaving Syde’s boat.

‘I know, but until we actually come across something unnatural, we’ll go about this like any other case we’ve done. Otherwise we’ll end up running from our own shadows, while a killer is running loose. Who may still be at large, in the city. Besides wasn’t that how Scooby and the gang catch the bad guy’s and discover they were nothing more, than creepy dudes in costume?’ said Clive, giving a reassuring smile to Liv.

‘Alright “Freddy”, then let’s split up and look for clues.’ said Liv smiling back.

 

(🎵Silent Hill OST-Promise Reprise (without noise) [slowed version] by chaotic alice🎵)

 

Pushing the front cabin door inwards. Liv and Clive entered the abandoned building. Taking in the surroundings the undead M.E assistant, tried picturing what the former living space use to look like. Before it gained it’s infamous reputation. Imagining it to look like, some of the more larger and expansive cabins close to the city. Unfortunately the passing of time had been much more cruel, in side of the cabin than it was outside.

Liv was able to see the other ends of the holes on the roof, that she saw outside of the building and which brought, a lot of daylight, in what would otherwise be a pitch black living room and dining area. Large chunks of the cabin’s wooden furniture and foundations, were either eaten by wood worm and other insects or rotting from the inside out, due to dampness. Plastic cups, glasses, bottles, plates and moulded hardened food covered the floor. Finally there was more faded wall art, similar to, what Liv and Clive saw outside. Which made Liv feel somewhat unnerved, due to some of the more intact exasperated portraits, looking as if they were all staring at her.

‘The former owner must have decided to leave the clean up, to house guests.’

‘Doesn’t seem that any of them, stayed long enough to finish the job.’ said Liv, turning on her torch along with Clive.

‘Think I’ll check, round the kitchen area. You ok with heading up the stair?’

‘Think I should be ok.’ Liv replied, as both she and the detective started walking in separate directions.

The undead M.E assistant figured that Clive requested her to check the upper floor, because she would have less risk of a fatal injury. If the wood was unable, to take her weight. She just had to make sure to cover her head, if she did end up falling.

Liv also realised she probably should have asked Clive, for a walkie-talkie from his car. But decided against it. If this place did turn out, to be hunted. Chances are she would most likely, get a lot of supernatural mumbo-jumbo. Which would most likely lead her, to some trapdoor filled with spikes. While the ghost, moved on to finish Clive.

‘Heh, guess Ravi isn’t the only one, with a wild imagination.’ Liv thought to herself, as she carefully crept up the creaky stairs. Walking past a semi-faded yellow smiling face, that was painted on the wall. It’s image was imperfect, as there was a red mush of paint, that was splashed on it’s forehead and traveled sideways passing it’s right eye. It reminded Liv, of the hospital patients with head injuries, back when she was a medical resident and some of the corpses in her current job. As Liv continued to walk.

Her mind kept wondering what it would mean, if what her and Clive theorised was true. If this place was actually hunted. If there was fish-men in the lake. If there were other things, that go bump in the night besides zombies. What would that mean, for her and people like herself? Was what happened at the boat party massacre, still an act of chance or was it part of some divine plan?

(🎵End of music🎵)

 

‘Don’t think like that Liv. It doesn’t change, what happened to you. Besides what god or other celestial being, would want to creat zombies anyway?’ Liv thought to herself, as she reached the top of the stairs.

As she did the sunlight that came through, the cabin’s windows and hole gaps in the walls and ceiling started to darken.

Followed by a rumble of thunder.

‘Seems that storm Clive mentioned, is picking pace. I better do the same, if we want to find any leads.’ thought the undead M.E assistant. She also didn’t like, how everything became darker all of a sudden. It gave the place, a more sinister atmosphere. Walking a bit quicker and using the torchlight to check the floor and walls, for anything that would look out of the ordinary.

As she continued her way, through the corridors. Liv noticed something off with a wooden vase stand, while she shone her torch round it’s direction. As one would expect, the stand had a few cobwebs and was covered in dust. What caught Liv’s eye though, was the clean square shape left on top of it. That meant, not only was there some form of object which was originally placed on it. But that it was moved quite recently.

There also appeared to be a drag trail on the floor, leading to where the vase was standing now. Which seemed to have another dust pattern, going the same way. This one instead being made up of footprints, heels by the look of things.

‘Looks like you across, your first lead Liv. Wonder if I should, give a shout out to Clive.’ Liv thought looking behind her at the direction she came in. Half the hallway looked, as if it was in the middle of being swallowed by shadow.

‘Maybe not yet, at least not until I find something more. Or in this case someone. Then take it or them, with me down the stairs. Don’t want to risk Clive breaking anything or worse, by rushing up here. I’m a big girl and a zombie, who ate the brains of a private eye anyway. So I should be able, to take care of this myself. Well unless the footprints belong to the ghost, in which case I’ll be out of my depth.’ thought Liv, who turned back to the direction of the footprint trail, as she continued to weigh her options.

‘But Clive’s right, until either of us find something to prove or disprove what I saw in my vision. I’ll need to go about this, like any other non-paranormal related case. Damn why did he, have to have a point?’ thought the undead M.E assistant, who finished debuting with herself. Deciding to get over her paranoia and follow where the footprints lead. Until the trail took her, to a very strange part of the hallway. Liv would have mistook it as being a scene extra, for Willie Wonker and the chocolate factory. As every corner of the room, was covered in a massive splash of paint.

Unlike the lower part of the hall, that her and Clive saw when they entered the building.

The whole hallway was just a massive ocean current of colour, rather than being a cartoon portrait of something or someone else. None of the paint seemed to have faded and when Liv looked closely, she discovered there were handprints within the multi-coloured ocean. The whole area seemed very much intact and had no holes in the walls or ceiling, at least from what Liv could see.Causing her to turn up, the brightness of her torch.

The weirdest feature of this part of the hallway however, were the homemade dummies made of sticks and emptied dried-up paint containers. The latter of which served as the dummies heads, with a smiley face doodled on them all.

Each of the dummies, did a certain pose. Some sat on seats, while others stood up. Their backs positioned to lie on the wall, while holding empty plastic cups. Clearly they were imitating party guests, most likely a nod to the sixties incident. Liv also noticed the bucket-heads had names drawn on their foreheads.

‘Seems someone doesn’t want the past, to remain buried.’ thought Liv to herself, after which she noticed that there was light, coming through one of the bed rooms doors. Once she noticed it, the undead M.E assistant lowered the brightness of her torchlight. Then slowly crept towards the direction of the door. If the person on the other side, proved to be dangerous. Then the last thing she would want to do, is alert them of her presence. As she got closer Liv started hearing what sounded like music, coming from the other end of the door. The Twist by Hank Ballard, if she wasn’t mistaken.

‘Please don’t be a buffalo Bill, please don’t be a buffalo Bill.’ Liv thought to herself, hoping she wasn’t about to jump, into a scene extra from silence of the lambs. As she tried turning, the rusted handle. With little success, as it was jammed shut. Scraping the stealth approach, the undead M.E assistant decided to use her full strength, to force the door open. Busting the handle, Liv then quickly stepped into the bed room. Where she was greeted by more of the bucket-heads, five in total seating round a poker table. They were even holding cards, as if playing a game.

The room itself had violet coloured walls, electric powered lantern styled lights that were used to dimly brighten the room, a fancy looking dressing table and a large bed with thick silk blinds. With the poker table being placed, just at the foot of it.

The room also had an old turntable or “phonograph” as Ravi would call it, which was the source of the music that Liv was currently hearing and would probably explain why the room’s other occupant, hadn’t yet noticed the undead M.E assistant standing at the now broken entrance.

Said occupant being a long blonde haired girl of around seventeen, who wore a light red one-piece dress and white boots. The heels matching the footprints, Liv was following. They appeared to be, in the middle of mouthing the words of the song. Dancing as they did, with their eyes closed.

Liv tried doing a fake-cough to alert the girl, of her presence. However the room’s other resident, merely continued to dance. As if she heard nothing.

‘Hi’ said Liv loudly, to get the girls attention. But again she continued dancing, as if Liv wasn’t there. Fed up with being ignored, the undead M.E assistant walked off towards the turntable. After lifting up the stylus, the girl finally stopped what she was doing and turned facing Liv.

‘Awww, why you have to go and ruin my jam lady! Can’t a girl, get a break?’ complained the martin, returning to planet earth. Looking at the turntable, as she did.

‘Oh sorry, was I suppose to wait until your encore, before you realised I was standing in front of you?’ sarcastically questioned Liv, who was not impressed with the girl’s lack in manners. After which the girl then quickly, moved her attention to the undead M.E assistant. As if acknowledging her, for the first time.

‘God is this what Clive meant, by modern teenagers living in a bubble nowadays?’ Liv thought to herself.

‘Wait you can see me?’

‘Well last I checked, closing your eyes doesn’t make you invisi... Hey what are you doing?’ Liv asked, as the girl started touching the undead M.E assistant’s breasts. Before moving up to Liv’s face, as if she was a security guard.

‘Still solid, then how...’ said the girl, who Liv started to think was on something. As she moved the girl’s all-to-comfortable grooming hands, off her body. The undead M.E assistant would have blushed in embarrassment, if she still had a normal living pulse.

‘I know you may not be thinking clearly, at the moment. But I would prefer it if we answer each other’s questions, while keeping our hands to ourselves.’ said Liv, who started to calm and collect herself, then breathed in and out before continuing to talk.

‘Now I think we started, on the wrong foot. My name is Liv Moore. I work for the SPD along with my partner, who like me is currently exploring this premises, for any evidence that would assist us in our current investigation. If your able, would you mind telling me why you are currently hanging out with ahemm...Fred, Archie and Leo, in this abandoned permanence?’ asked the undead M.E assistant, who took a second to read some of the names of the bucket-heads present and trying to sound as much like Clive as possible, so as to seem more professional.

‘SPD? See pee dee? Hmmm rings a bell, mind telling me what that’s short for?’ asked the girl, who looked away from Liv, lifting her right hand towards her face and placed one of her fingers on her chin. Obviously deep in thought, trying to recall what SPD meant. Something that Liv, found very odd. The girl at least sounded like she had, a local American accent. So how could she forget, the local police department’s shorter title? Even if she was, from out of town. The girl would have at least lived close to another part of United States, with a similar police force such as the NYPD or CPD. Unless of course she was a part of some family of hillbillies and hermits, but Liv highly doubted it judging from the girl’s clothing.

Still she should probably ask, just in case.

‘Don’t they not have a police department, where your from?’ the undead M.E assistant asked. Which the girl responded with another hmmm. An action that caused Liv to wonder, if the girl wasn’t actually high, but rather mentally disabled in some form. That or maybe this girl did come from space and spent her whole life in a rocket. The undead M.E assistant then wondered if she could use that, for a story premise after she finished the leftover brains of Mark Kirby, that she kept in a fridge at her department.

‘Oh yeah, we have a whole swollen carcass full of bloody boy scouts, back in pork island where I was hatched by a suffering manatee.’ replied the blonde who smiled friendly, acting as if what she just said, wasn’t any bit warped or vile.

‘Oook, maybe replace mentally disabled, with just unstable. Once I meet up with Clive again, I should ask him if any mental institutions have any missing patients, with a description of being in their late teens, female and possessing blonde hair.’ Liv thought to herself, after she heard the girl’s gibberish.

Before the undead M.E assistant, could ask anything else. The girl then rushed to Liv’s face, almost making the zombie jump out of her skin, due to how unnaturally quick she was.

‘Say, if you and your friend are giving away cookies, have done anything about Patrick and Mojo yet? asked the girl, her face turning from a dopey half-dreaming expression, to a more desperate and somewhat ravaging look. Even her voice, sounded more serious.

‘Who’s Patrick and Mojo?’ Liv asked, a bit unnerved by how close, the blonde was to her face. Now backing away from the undead M.E assistant, while launching and saying “who’s Patrick?” Under her breath, as if the answer was obvious. The girl eventually stopped, fake-coughed and straightened. Preparing herself, to answer Liv’s questions.

‘Why Saint Patrick of course, the little furry imp comes here to either store nuts in our letter box or soil on poor Fred’s head from time to time. Ain’t that right Fred?’ the blonde question one of the bucket-heads, with no response.

‘Ah he doesn’t want me to cramp his style, during a game. My bad Fred. You know how men are.’ the girl said, whispering her last conversation to Liv. The undead M.E assistant trying her best, to keep her face expressionless, as she didn’t want to possibly “trigger”, the obviously mentally ill girl.

‘So Patrick’s a squirrel then?’ said Liv with a straight face, while folding her arms.

‘Well I prefer the term miniature Satan, but yeah whatever floats your boat.’

‘And Mojo?’

‘Only passed by recently. Big hairy looking fella. Seemed to have been in a few fights, before he came here. He also has a murderous look in his eyes, which seem to be two different colours and his teeth appear to have seen better days. Though I haven’t had a good look at them, until recently.’

‘Recently? Do you mind telling me, how long ago that was?’ Liv asked the girl, who seemed to be looking at something passed the undead M.E assistant, as she questioned the blonde. From what the girl said, she may have seen Liv’s and Clive’s murder suspect.

‘Well by recent I mean, well...right now.’ the girl replied casually. Now realising what the blonde was seeing, Liv turned only to be greeted by a large grey mass of flesh and fur, which possessed an odd pair eyes above it. One blue and the other brown. The zombie didn’t have time, to make out it’s shape properly however. As for soon as she turned the odd-eyed shape made a growling noise, then leapt and put it’s full weight on the undead M.E assistant. Unable to take the sudden impact weight of two large bodies hitting the ground, the fragile upper floor of the cabin easily snapped to pieces. Causing Liv and her attacker to hit the lower floor, which like the former level broke apart just as easy. Revealing a hole, leading to a pitch black oblivion.

Liv didn’t know how far, her and her assailant were falling. Only that there was some form of light coming from the bottom, that was getting bigger. No not bigger, closer! That meant she had to find a way, to brace for impact quick. Using her strength, the undead M.E assistant was able to was able to get her arms out of her attacker’s grip. Covering her head, as best she could until...

Notes:

Commentary by the author: Who’s the mysterious blonde? Will Liv survive the fall intact? What’s swimming in Seattle’s waters? Will lost every make sense? Stay tuned

Chapter 7: Chapter 6:Through the rabbit hole

Summary:

during a murder case, Liv Moore and her new (also similarly undead) ally discover a threatening plot against seattle and zombiekind. meanwhile, a new and sinister foe gathers strength in the shadows...(AU during and post izombie season 3.)

Notes:

Commentary by author: Now we return from Liv falling into the abyss.

Mknight34
Feb 13, 2025
I
literature
Izombie: The undeath and times of Liv Moore ch.6
Deviation Actions

Literature Text
Chapter 6:Through the rabbit hole

 

Disclaimer:I do not own izombie.

 

(🎵Lost in the deep sea by Thanos Zampoukas🎵)

 

‘Liv, ohhh Liiivv, that’s right keep making your way back to land of the...well to-yet-to-be departed.’ said the smiling blonde, who was standing above of Liv as the undead M.E assistant began to regain consciousness. The zombie found herself lying, on some wet rocky ground. Except for where she rested her head and neck, which was actually on... Liv immediately got up, her left leg limping as she did and backed away from the body that lay beside her. Appearing to be, some form of primate. Though Liv couldn’t identify what kind it was.

The primate was large, at least the same size of a fully grown man and a quarter. At first Liv thought it to be some breed of gorilla, until she noticed it’s body structure didn’t match. Where a gorilla had a large stomach and at times, have relaxing expression on it’s face. The beast that now lay dead at Liv’s feet, possessed only a look of pure hate and malice. It’s mouth was left opened, showing it’s exposed and rotted gums, that still had a few sickly yellow teeth attached to them. Rather than having a large gut, the dead primate possessed a rather big hump on it’s back. There were also long thin scars, of different sizes all over it’s body. Some being more recent, than others.

That then left Liv, one last question. Where was the source of light coming from?

Examining the cave around her, the injured zombie discovered a large form of blue and light purple luminous fungus. Some taking the form of mushrooms, while others took the shape of root veins growing and thriving on the rain water battered rock. The droplets of which landed in a underground river, far below where Liv was currently standing. Which was a large piece of rock, that was still attached to the cave via two long parts of earth. Forming a “bridge” of sorts, as there were far too many to have formed naturally.

Which was when Liv noticed, another odd feature of the cave: the bugs. The zombie knew that caves, weren’t completely barren of life. In fact some contained, the most unusual creatures imaginable. But even Liv didn’t expect to see, what she was currently looking at. For resting on a mushroom, close to where she stood. The zombie noticed pale white glowing butterflies, landing and flying off the giant fungus. Apparently using their straw-like tongues, to pierce the mushroom and feed off some form of blue fluid.

While on the ground, there was a hermit crab-like creature the size of a small football, scathing for food. Apart from it’s size, another difference between it and a normal hermit crab, was instead of a snail shell. The creature seemed to be using a piece of cave rock, as it’s “mobile home.”

The whole sight looked like, it belonged to a scene from a fairy tale or science fiction show. It all just felt so surreal.

 

(🎵End of music🎵)

 

Once she was done, briefly admiring the view. Liv then looked up, to see how far she had fallen. With the zombie being shocked, with how small the single flickering hole of daylight was.

‘Yeah, you and Mojo here, had quite the fall. Well him more than you it seems. Surprised your still standing. I mean besides the impact the shock alone, would have been a enough to stop anyone’s heart. Though something tells me, your not just anyone.’ said the blonde, who was looking upwards with Liv, folding her arms. Before switching her gaze mid-sentence, to stare at something on Liv’s back.

Following the blonde’s gaze. Liv used her left hand to feel the spot of her body, where the strange teenager was staring. To the zombie’s surprise she discovered a piece of wood, that was shoved behind her back. It’s jammed in tip seemly touching, one of her lower ribs by the feel of things. Liv then simply pulled the piece of fallen debris, out of her. Not feeling pain, during the process. Due to most of her nerves no longer being active, since becoming undead. Examining the piece of wood, which had a small amount of her blood on it. Before tossing it into, the endless void below her.

‘Ah crap, should have thought, where I was throwing that to!’ Liv thought to herself, realising she may have contaminated the Washington river network. Still it was just a small bit of blood. So chances are, nothing would come from it. Maybe. She thinks. She hopes. God she would need to inform Ravi. Maybe leave the part, where she thrown the wood in the water like a bimbo. But she would need to think of a cov...

‘Hey, you experiencing brain damage? You better not be spacing out already. said the blonde, who snapped the fingers of her right hand to Liv’s face. To get the zombie out of her daydream. Which was when, an obvious question popped in Liv’s head.

‘How the hell, did you get down here?’ Liv asked the teenager.

‘Oh simple, I followed you and Mojo, as you fell and after that I’ve been calling your name ever since.’ the blonde replied, who got a confused stare from Liv.

‘You mean to tell me, you just fell down with us and came perfectly unscathed?’

‘Hehehe, my Dad always said I was lucky.’ said the teenager with a sad laugh, who looked away from Liv as she answered. Clearly thinking or rather recalling something, as they spoke. Liv then closed her eyes and put the thumb and top finger, of her right hand on her face. Trying to think, before saying anything else and process her current situation. There was the slim chance, that the blonde girl was actually the spirit that hunted the Hangman’s den. Problem with that theory though, was that ghosts were suppose to have, a cold presence about them. Even if she was now a walking corpse, Liv thought she would at least feel that.

Then there was the previous moment, when the girl groped her. Liv definitely felt that action, but not in the ethereal plane way. Until she regroup with Clive, Liv figured she would be best to treat the girl, like an imaginary friend. A possible byproduct of having Syde for lunch, along with the paranoia she experienced earlier.

‘You happen to know a way, back to the cabin?’ Liv asked, after giving a small sigh.

‘Maybe, the diggers here make new tunnels, around this cave all the time.’

‘Diggers?’

‘Think they use to be ants until a few years ago, when that purple light appeared. Well at least I think, it was a few years. That said, that tunnel behind you seems too big, for their handy work. Since I’m assuming you can’t fly, your best probably going that way and hopefully find an entrance to the surface. I’m Sue, by the way.’ said the blonde, finding it rude and unprofessional of the extremely pale female in investigator to not ask. As she pointed at the tunnel, she was referring to.

‘Ok, so enter the tunnel leading to god-knows-where. Possibly run into an extra, from Honey I shrank the kids...’

‘Huh?’ responded Sue, sounding puzzled.

‘What?’ replied Liv, curious of the blondes reaction.

‘Nothing, just didn’t get the reference Is that a new film or radio serial, that came out?’

‘Radio serial? Do you mean an online audio book?’

‘Online? Is that a new word for “wired in”?’ Both Liv and Sue answered, questioned and confused each other. Only succeeding in, raising one of the other females eyebrows. Liv then broke the silence, with a sigh.

‘Look we’re wasting time, with... whatever this is suppose to be! As I was saying, going to act on your suggestion about the tunnels. Try and avoid any large bugs, along the way. And hopefully reach the surface again. Piece of cake. And thanks for introducing yourself Sue. I think.’

‘You think?’ asked Sue, the annoyance in her voice returning.

‘My day has been making a lot less sense, since you showed up. And figment of my imagination or not, you could have at least given me an earlier heads up on King Kong here, before his football tackle.’ said Liv, in mild anger. Briefly looking and using her left hand to point at the dead primate, when referring to it.

‘Hey how was I suppose to know, you were still solid! Sue snapped, followed by a sigh and a look of guilt.

‘But I guess I should have, still gave you a warning just in case. It’s just been a while, since I last spoke to someone. Maybe I could, make it up to you. I can scout ahead of the tunnel and let you know which direction, takes you back to the surface. Deal?’ asked the blonde, raising her right hand, for Liv to take. Considering her options and mental state, Liv decided to gently push the girl’s hand down and decline Sue’s offer. Believing the blonde to not be much help, if she did end up being imagery.

‘I think I should be fine, but thanks anyway.’ replied Liv, feeling bad for not, taking Sue’s offer. The zombie then changed her attitude, to being more up lifting as she continued.

‘If you do want to help though, I might come across a few clues for my and my partner’s investigation. While trying to find my way, back to the surface. I could need someone else’s opinion, if I do. But only if it suits you, of course.’ Liv finished, trying her best to make her possible temporary imaginary friend feel wanted and needed. She didn’t know why but Liv for some reason, didn’t want to be too hard on her possible hallucination. Which was strange, as she only felt this way around other people. Back when she was, a little less pale.

‘Sure anything to make up for your free-fall. Mind if I ask a few questions, while we’re on the move?’ Sue asked, while she was walking beside Liv. Who lifted another and much larger piece of wooden debris, compared to the one she pulled out of herself earlier. Using it to help support her balance, as she made her way towards one of the tunnels. Her undead state making her highly pain tolerant, from her leg wound. This however in some ways, made the experience of her injury much worse than the average person.

Instead of being in agony, Liv was actually fully aware of the two broken ends of her lower front leg bone move and shift slightly. Then being put back into place, by her shifting nerves and flesh joints. Problem being the lower, part of her bone was slightly dislocated. She would need to see what she can do to mend it, once she reunited with Clive.

Another fun fact she and Ravi discovered about herself and other zombies, was that so long as they didn’t go Romero. They would be able to heal from most injuries. The healing ability wasn’t “wolverine peak” as according to Ravi, nor would she or anyone like her be able to regrow a lost limb. But lethal wounds such as gunshots and severe scars, would slowly fade give time. Liv then grunted in discomfort, before answering Sue’s question.

‘Certainly, think I need to focus on something, besides my injury anyway.’

‘You talking about, the cricket ball sized hole on your back or the broken leg, that should be making you howl louder than a wolf?’ Sue replied, with another question.

‘The leg, but I take it your more interested, in now I’m sort of shrugging off both injuries correct?’ said Liv, as she neared the end of the stone bridge and was about to enter, the large tunnel in front of her. Her full attention focused on it, as she addressed Sue.

‘Pretty much, I... don’t get out of the cabin often and I’ve stayed put for so long, I don’t know how things have changed. So are you like some... Ah what were those things, from that summer film the creation of the humanoids called? Ah yes robots. Are you a robot?’ Sue asked, who whispered partly to herself and then snapped her fingers on her right hand. Before asking Liv, her latest question. Liv smirked then chuckled to herself, before answering the blonde.

‘If only and it’s a good guess. But no I’m actually, what you would call a zombie.’

‘A zombie, like from a horror film?’ Sue replied, when both she and Liv entered the man-made tunnel. ‘Yep, though as you can tell I’m a bit more higher functioning, than the ones on screen.’

‘Well that explains, your pale complexion. I can’t believe, I didn’t see it sooner. So do you know, the witch doctor who brought you back?’

‘Witch doctor?’

‘Most likely a man of colour, probably lives just outside the city and chances are they own a voodoo store. I mean, how else can people turn into zombies?’ Sue asked, as both she and Liv entered the man-made tunnel. With Liv struggling to, hold in a chuckle. An action that, Sue noticed and decided to address.

‘Did something funny, pop into your head?’

‘Sorry, just...was taken back by your theory, about how I started craving brains.’

‘Brains?’

‘What me and other zombies eat to stay sane. Otherwise we became more dumb and rapid. Something that me and some of my friends, are trying to make sure doesn’t happen.’

‘Why, I mean if a few zombies went nuts, surely the higher authorities can take care of it?’

‘Not unless it requires a nuclear missile.’

Isn’t that, a little extreme? It’s not as if zombies spread like a virah...’ Sue stopped when Liv, turned to look at her. Raising her right eyebrow and showing a “are you for real?” facial expression. Which was then followed, by Sue’s eyes widening as she realised what Liv was implying.

‘No way, zombies are created through a virus. Like a cold? That’s...that’s actually groovy well, terrifying but still kind of groovy in a horror sense. Maybe someone could, make a movie or tv show even. Which focuses on a ex-soldier, joining what’s left of the military. Exploring the world to try and stop the swarms of undead.’

‘Yeah it’s called world war z and it’s already been made.’

‘Oh...well...ok, well what if the story wasn’t about an ex-soldier. What if it was actually a police officer, who comes across a group of other survivors and they have to travel across America to not only escape the zombies, but other people too.’ ‘Called the walking dead and I personally think it should have ended, in season three.’

‘Well what if, the zombies were a result of an evil company, who want to rule the world. And the only thing stopping them is...’

‘Resident evil, good games movies not so much.’

‘Well what if the zombies were really angry.’

‘Twenty eight days later.’

‘Crazy?’

‘The crazies, yes very creative name I know.’

‘Were Nazis?’

‘Already done to death.’

‘A plot-device for a teenage soap drama.’

‘Literally zombie high.’ said Liv, referring to her favourite show. With her idea bubble burst, Sue frowned.

‘Creativity is dead now, isn’t it?’

‘And is now nothing more, than a bloated reanimated corpse.’

‘Speaking of which, how long do you think you were in the cabin for?’ Liv asked the blonde. Last she checked the film Sue mentioned, was beyond ancient. Only recalling the name, via a previous debate with Ravi about the all time classic science fiction movies, that defined the genre. Using it as an “ace in the hole,” when Liv mentioned Bladerunner. Which apparently Ravi believed, to be overrated.

‘Alright, But promise you won’t freak out?’

‘Cross my heart and hope to die...again.’ replied Liv, noticing what looked like a skeleton, just a few steps in front of her. Lying down but with it’s back, rested on the cave wall. There also appeared to be something shining round it’s neck, which raised Liv’s interest. Causing her to limp a bit quicker, towards it.

‘I think I’ve been stuck here, for at least forty years.’

‘Must be some moisturiser, your using. You don’t look, a day over seventy.’

‘Heh, well I did always try and live a healthy lifestyle.’ darkly joked Sue, once Liv reached the long-since deceased corpse.

‘Don’t tell me, the skeleton’s alive as well!’ said Sue, with a sound of excitement in her voice. As Liv slightly bent down and lifted what looked, like some form of silver pendant. It’s design likeness, seem to be based of some form of octopus or kraken. With the creature’s tendrils being spread out, posing as if the cephalopod was wrapping itself on to the piece of jewellery.

‘When Mojo arrived here, were there any men who dropped him off? Most likely wearing a similar form of jewellery, to the one I’m currently holding?’ Liv asked, her head turned and looking up towards her left, as she addressed Sue.

‘Sadly didn’t see anyone. Mojo just barged in one night and made the cabin his own. Though he would occasionally leave, to hunt for food. Which was...”unpleasant” to recall.’

‘What do you mean by unpleasant?’

‘Well since your a cop, you probably get a few missing person reports. If any of them were last seen, around these neck of the woods. They most likely ran into Mojo, during one of his hunts.’

‘And here I thought Blaine, kidnapping and eating teenagers was grim.’

‘Who did what?’ said Sue, shocked with the information Liv shared.

‘It’s a long and sad story, but I’ll tell you more about it once we get out of here. Until then think I’ll hold on, to this for Clive. Have a hunch that this piece of jewellery, is connected to our current case.’

‘What makes you say that?’ Sue questioned, as Liv put the necklace, in her front right trouser pocket. While slowly raising herself off the ground, before continuing her journey through the tunnel. Still answering Sue’s questions, as they went onward.

‘During my and Clive’s investigation we came across a book, that was hidden on a crashed boat. Both of which had a cephalopod theme, in some form of another. Our murder victim also kept some news articles, with his assailants most likely being connected with a conspiracy, the deceased was trying to uncover.’

‘Assailants, you thinking their a part of some shadow government?’

‘More likely a cult, with a finding Nemo fetish.’

‘I see...who’s Nemo?’ Liv slightly chuckled, remembering that Sue wouldn’t even know of Pixar studios, given her suppose age.

‘Nemo is a clown fish who gets kidnapped and who’s dad has to swim, all the way to Sydney to find him. It would be ahead, of your day?’

‘Well I didn’t watch much except for westerns, a cartoon about a mouse I forgot the name of and of course my favourite show Casper.’

‘You don’t happen to mean, the friendly ghost by any chance?’

‘Wait, you telling me it’s still airing?’ Sue replied excitedly.

‘Well rebooted, would be more accurate and it last aired a couple of years ago. But yes everyone’s lovable ghoul, is still fondly remembered. Both as a tv series and as a large line of films.’ Sue then stopped and faced the zombie directly before speaking.

‘Films, as in not once but several times Casper hit premiere screens and screens and not one of them reached the old television set in the rotten chunk of wood, I spent decades going mad in!’ said Sue, loudly clearly outraged. Before Liv could reply though, both she and Sue heard something further forward in their direction. Liv would have mistook it for a bird, except it sounded louder.

‘Please don’t let this, be a tetradactyl.’ Liv thought to herself, not leaving the possibility out given the day she’s been experiencing. That was until she remembered, there was another kind of large reptile. That was more likely, to live in caves. Which not only possessed wings, but also breathed fire.

‘On second thought, please please be a tetradactyl!’ The zombie thought to herself. Once she started imagining, a dragon having roasted-Liv for dinner. However as she listened in again, the sound changed. Sounding more like rats or mice scurrying away, when spotted by a predator. Then changing back again, to sounding like a bird. Only this time, there was another clicking noise that went along with it. With her curiosity, outweighing her fear. Liv slowly and quietly limped further up, the direction of the tunnel.

She wish could have found a pickaxe or some form of sidearm, on the skeletal remains she searched. Unfortunately besides the necklace and some worn rags, that use to be the corpse’s clothes. Liv couldn’t find, much else of use. And with her injury, she doubted her supernatural strength would be enough. Even if, she did go full-zombie.

First she would need to see what was, actually ahead of her. Hopefully they were some form of exquisite birds or bats, that wouldn’t cause Liv much bother. If not she would need to find a way to avoid and sneak past, what ever she may have to deal with.

Finally reaching the top of path and then turning to her right and quickly hiding behind a rock, once she saw the source of the sounds she was hearing. For up ahead in a large bee hive shaped section of the caves, that almost looked like a background scene from the little mermaid. Lifting rocks and some weird glowing rabbit-like creatures of multiple colours, were ants. But the infamous fire-ants, that would terrorise homes. Nor the brown wood cutters, known to scare off bears with their stinging acid saliva. No Liv would have picked either of the previous two, other the spiked jointed, black chitin, with white glowing tiger-strips and four-glowing-eyed insects, which were the same size, as a dog or ten year old child any day.

As Liv continued to observe, the giant insects. Trying to figure out a way, to get pass them. The zombie then turned her heard, to the sound of Sue humming. Almost forgetting she was accompanied, on this misadventure with the blonde. Who Liv just realised, was floating in midair. Positioned as if she was, lying on a invisible swing-bed. ‘Since when were you, able to do that?’ Liv quietly asked the possible ghost/figment of her imagination.

‘Oooh this? Well ahhh...since I’ve been stuck at the cabin. Pleasedontfreakout!’ replied Sue, loudly and quickly. Closing her eyes, face frowning, while gritting her teeth and preparing for the inevitable screaming session. Only to open her eyes, once said session never came to pass.

‘Your not running, for the hills?’ Sue asked

‘Didn’t you just request me, to not freak out?’

‘Yeah, but you don’t expect people, to listen to the floating girl do you?’

‘Well if you must know, I can’t really run at the moment. And I have bigger problems. Namely the massive bugs, that are currently in front of us!’ replied Liv, sounding annoyed but still whispering. As if acknowledging the giant ants, for the first time. Sue switching her floating position, to one more up right. Looking at what lay ahead of her and Liv.

‘Ah I see you’ve met, the diggers. Seems they’ve built themselves a new storage area, to keep the chowbugs in.’

‘Chowbugs? You mean those things their carrying?’ said Liv, realising that the glowing creatures, weren’t rabbits. But in fact looked closer to aphids or green fly, as some people would call them.

‘Yep, that would be them. They use to be, a lot smaller. Until they started tasting the plant-life and fungus, in the caves. After which not only, did they get bigger. But a lot more colourful, along with gaining a few extra eyes. Even needing a bull-chowbug to “do the deed” with. Course once they stayed in the caves, the ants followed. Becoming just as big, once they got that sweet “chow-juice”. After which, the diggers not only started popping up. But were practically running the tunnels and ever since, been farming the walking jellybeans.’

‘So these diggers, do they also happen to have a taste, for things besides giant aphids. Particularly people, by any chance?’ Liv asked, looking at the diggers. With Sue still floating out in the open, following her gaze.

‘Well they have clashed with Mojo, when ever he decides to bring his lunch in the caves. And there’s been a few incidents, when people have slid in here on their own or gotten lost. With the diggers taking what ever’s left of the unlucky ones, to where they keep the rest of their food. I recall one time when they would find a live one, that wondered too close to their colony. Once they did they sprayed him with something, from their foreheads. It started to burn and harden around the guy’s face. I can still sometimes, hear him trying to scream for help. As the boiling cement like substance, dissolved his face suffocated him. Think I named Bella, after the name he was trying to call out.’

‘Guess you could say, he died hard.’

‘...Are you trying to make another film reference?’ asked Sue, noticing Liv changing her voice to a easy going jokey tone, along with smirking and acting as if, she was waiting for Sue to catch on to what she just said.

‘Oh sorry forgot, your a girl out of time. Hope I didn’t cause offence.’

‘None taken.’ replied Sue, who like Liv continued looking, at the creatures. Until something got the blonde’s attention, as she looked at the upper part of the cave.

‘I believe I found the solution, to your ant problem. See those orange sacks, attached to the top part of the cave?’

‘You mean those giant worm-looking things?’ replied Liv, looking at where Sue was pointing, to discover they where several large living ring coiled hunks of flesh. Which lay upside down on top of the cave, as if they were bats.

‘Well those worms, are actually cavehunter cocoons. The diggers other rival, for the caves besides Mojo. And will immediately sprout out, if disturbed. I can toss a rock at a few of them. They won’t be able to do, much damage to this many diggers. But it should give you an opening to make it, to the next tunnel leading to the surface. If you have any better ideas though, I’m all ears.’ Sue finished, after which Liv still hiding behind a rock and staring at the cocoons, considered her options.

‘Sounds a good a plan, as any other. Mind if I do, the rock tossing though?’

‘Well if you don’t think, it will strain your wound sure.’ replied the blonde, with a smile. Afterword Liv looked and found a small stone, that was near to where she was hiding. The injured zombie then carefully got herself, standing up straight again. Using the piece of wood she still had from earlier, to steady herself. With the diggers, still unaware of her presence. Liv then positioned herself, as if she was about to toss a cricket ball. Focusing her aim and looking at her target she...

‘Liv!’ shouted Sue, responding to late, when one of the diggers, came from the entrance Liv and Sue came from, made an unnatural noise behind Liv. Causing the zombie to jump, once she noticed the creature behind her. Before the digger pinned Liv, to the ground.

Overpowering her with hand sized cuff-like claws, on the ends of it’s top and middle legs. Doing so with a surprising, great amount of strength. Touching Liv’s face with it’s antennae, then...letting her go? Relieved, but confused by the sudden change of events. Liv while rubbing her wrists, watched as the digger started making rodent noises. Then used it’s top legs to rub at it’s antennae. While another digger that was making shrieking bird noises, came to the sounds of it’s fellow worker.

Once the two giant insects, faced each other. They started rubbing the other digger’s antennae, with their own. All the while making animal-like noises. As if they were having a conversation.

As Liv kept looking at the two large mutated ants, communicating with each other. Sue hovered to the zombie’s right, also interested in the scene taking place before them.

‘Strange, thought that digger, was going to rip you to shreds. Wonder what made them stop and why has it, started to chitchat with it’s buddy?’

‘I think it’s telling them, I’ve gone off.’ said Liv, while getting herself back up again. Recalling a lesson at summer school, (god she was a sad child) about how ants used their antennae to touch, smell and taste. She also remembered, how colony’s prefer fresh food and would take their dead away from the nest to prevent the spread of disease. Since Liv was now an undead monster, that meant she was both a walking corpse that went passed it’s cell by date and also carried a contagion, one that the diggers obviously didn’t want to risk catching. Though this meant she no longer, had to worry about sneaking past the giant insects. Liv couldn’t help but feel a little hurt, by the fact that she a zombie wasn’t desired even by other monsters.

‘Dose that mean we don’t have to cause a distraction?’

‘Given that I’m quickly, becoming the gossip of the day. I think we’re good.’ replied Liv, seeing several other diggers joining the other two.

‘Darn it!’ said Sue, annoyed that her plan was now irrelevant. Taking her frustration out, by kicking a pebble. Followed by the small rock bouncing off a cave wall, at almost bullet speed. Then hitting another higher positioned wall, at a different angle. Before hitting another part of the cave, then finally hitting the link that connected two of the cavehunter cocoons to the caves ceiling.Causing the two fat worm-like things, to fall on the ground.

Once they did, they both started to crack open. Revealing something purple covered in pink-creamy fluid moving within the cocoons. What ever emerged was almost, the same size as a bear and Liv could only describe the appearance of the creatures, as mantis-like. With four chitin exoskeleton hands, instead of normal insect feet. The blades on it’s arms, were more scissor-shaped. And instead of the traditional insect-eyes, in there place were multiple cat-like eyeballs.

The latter feature made it hard, for Liv to look at the beasts. As if the creatures looked so surreal, her mind couldn’t accept what it was seeing.

Once they saw their surroundings, the two cavehunters gave a loud hiss. Revealing thin long dagger like teeth. Responding to the animalistic challenge, of their natural rivals. All the diggers stopped what they were doing, with some responding with their own bird-like shrieks. Before facing the cavehunters head on, by spraying them with a sickly green sticky substance. That came from their foreheads and made a sizzling noise, once it made contact with the cavehunters. Causing the mantis-like creatures, to make an inhuman screaming noise. Which in turn caused the other cavehunter cocoons, to burst open and release four more of the mutated bugs. That flew down to assist, their attacked siblings.

As the diggers, continued to spray the mantis-like creatures. Both Liv and Sue looked wide-eyed at the scene, taking place before them.

‘Think we should go, before this party gets a little more wild.’

‘Yeah think?’ said Liv, with a mix tone of sarcasm and temper directed at Sue. But decided to take, the blondes advice and leave while they had the chance. Ants may not, like undead flesh. But Liv didn’t want to test that same theory, with the cavehunters. As quickly as they could, the two cave wonders left the giant mutated rivals to their dispute. And continued their journey, to the cave’s next entrance. Only slowing down again, when they could no longer hear hissing behind them.

 

Liv was silent, for the rest of journey. As she and Sue walked through, different parts of the cave. Coming across all kinds, of strange luminous creatures, fungus and plant-life as they did. These included something looking like ocean corral, that possessed eyes which retreated back into it’s self. When it noticed the two wanderers, heading to it’s direction.

Giant snails, the size of a small couch chair. Which both they and shells were pitch black and possessed, multi-coloured swirl and eye-shaped patterns on them. The creatures eating something, that resembled semi-transparent glow in the dark seaweed or lattice. And a waterfall, that was purple in colour.

Collectively the place had, an out of world beauty about it. Liv would even go so far, as to say calming in a way. Which was ironically ideal, as it allowed her to think a few things over. The zombie finding her world shrunken somewhat, given todays events. First discovering the possible existence of fish-people, living in Seattle’s lakes. Then falling to a bottomless pit, filled with all kinds of strange creatures. And the most intriguing mystery of all.

At first she thought it best, to treat Sue like an imaginary friend. But after witnessing a cause and effect, involving said blonde. Liv realised that Sue, was living person. Was being the big word. Now she was playing and coming to terms, with the sentence she repeated in her head.

Sue the girl leading her through the cave, was a ghost. A lost soul. A spirit that hadn’t moved on. Leading her a zombie, through an alien cave. After being attacked by a mutated gorilla, during an investigation involving fish-men. She’s mad. She didn’t know when. But obviously she went mad, at some point. And is currently raving in a asylum somewhere.

‘Heh, hehe haha.’

‘What’s the joke?’

‘Nothing, just...accepting circumstances.’ said Liv, snapping out of her temporary madness. She didn’t know how long it would take, until they reached the surface. She would need to think, of something to do until then. Or else risk losing her mind, well before her hunger sets in.

‘So earlier you mentioned your Dad, mind telling me more about him?’ Liv asked, who thought it best to learn about the suspect Spector.

‘You sure? It’s kind of a sad and long story and I’m not sure, if I remember much.’ replied Sue, who turned briefly to Liv as she talked, while they both continued with their journey.

‘Think we have time and I’m kind of curious, about pork island.’

‘Alright, well if you must know, my dad used to be a mad tick I think?’

‘Mad tick, mad tick, mid-ic...Ahh you mean medic!’ said Liv, after trying to work out what Sue really meant.

‘Ah yes I think, that was the proper term for what he did. Didn’t like talking about it though.’

‘Why, did he handle most of the critically injured patients?’

‘Partly, plus everything else he experienced in the South Pacific. My Dad never wanted to talk about, what he seen during the war.’

‘South Pacific? War? You don’t mean...’

‘That he was in the follow-up, to the conflict to end all conflicts. Heh, I remember how my friend Deborah, say how she was glad her grandpa passed away in 1933. To live pass one hell, only to see another in almost two decades. It can drive, a person mad you know.’ said the probable-ghost, briefly losing her pixie facade and her voice sounding more grim.

‘Was being raised by him difficult?’

‘Far from it, but his time in the Pacific did change him. My Mum told me when Dad returned from the war, it was like living with a ghost. He would barely speak, only talking to her about house essentials. And spent most nights, either working in his shed or seating on the living room chair. Staring blankly, at the wall until morning. Avoiding anyone and everyone he could. Though most of those habits apparently changed, after I was born. At least that’s what my Mum’s Mum...’

‘You mean your grandmother?’

‘Yes, knew the proper word escaped me. Yeah according to her. The moment of my birth was the first time Dad showed even a spark of emotion, since retiring from military duty. She said I was, like the sun to him. And without me, he would have continued to wilt. God Liv, he use to spoil me as a kid. Paying for for all the rides, when a theme park was in town. Always got me, loads of presents. Sometimes I thought, I was a princess and my Dad was going, to take to a fairy tale.’

‘What about your Mum, were you as close with her?’ Sue stayed silent, for a full minute before answering.

‘We grew apart, think she became envious of the attention I was getting. Which then lead to her and Dad arguing, then shouting. And then and then after a strong noise complaint from one of the neighbours, they agreed to a divorce. Obviously I went to live with my Dad, since Mum didn’t want anything to do with me. And for a while he had to balance his job as a salesman and coming home early, to pick me up from school. That was of course, before he remarried a women called Elisabeth. Who’s daughter Deborah, I was already childhood friends with.’ said Sue, who expressed a small smile when remembering her friend, from a long passed age.

‘Sounds like you had, a eventful childhood.’

‘I suppose so, when you put it like that. After said family drama, my life became quiet dull. Well my friend was now, my step-sister. But besides now sharing one roof, our family carried on as normal at pork island. Which is just a brief, flight away to Seattle.’

‘I see, so “pork island” is actually Portland. Would I be correct?’

‘Hmmm, I think so, yes it’s coming back to me. God you must have thought, I was flying with the cuckoos. Due to the name mix up.’

‘Hey it’s water under the bridge. I would have gone mad or Verbally mixed up myself. If I was mute and invisible to everyone, for five decades.’

‘Five decades?’

‘The current year is 2016 fifty years since...the incident with the bus.’ Liv said, putting two and two together. She was surprised that Sue, was still walking forward. With no reaction, to what she said. Was she wrong, about Sue after...

‘Heh, so you figured it out. Was I that missed?’ replied Sue not looking back, after another long pause. Breaking the silence between the blonde ghost and pale zombie.

 

(🎵Silent Hill Blood Tears “Lisa’s Theme Not Tomorrow” (Extended) by wickedslicks1003🎵)

 

‘My partner mentioned to me about it and how afterword, the cabin started being a haven for strange activity. He said people thought it was a curse, but from what he told me. It sounded more more like, the handy work of a ghost. That being you.’

‘Did you know from the beginning or...’

‘Not a immediately, but since landing in the cave I’ve been piecing it together.Would you mind, if I ask...’

‘About my death?’

‘I was actually planning to ask, what the sixties were like.’

‘Hmm, tell you what. You figure out a way for me, to leave the cabin grounds and I’ll talk more about myself. But only in the extra condition, you give me a modern day tour of emerald city. Deal?’

‘You planning to put a foot massage, in the fine print?’

‘Well if you don’t like it, I can always leave you here and you can find your own way out. Sue sarcastically teased.

‘No no, I can’t promise anything but I’ll see what I can do.’

‘Guess I’ll have to, settle for that. Speaking of finding our exit, seems we reached the end of the line.’ Finished Sue, with both the undead M.E assistant and spirit standing and looking at a cave in. Which had several skeletons, lying on the ground. With two of the long dead corpse being semi-submerged below the pile of rocks, that now blocked Liv’s way to the surface. There also appeared to be small wooden crates, filled with bottles scattered across the area. Along with old rife guns, placed below or were at least lying close, to where all the skeletons were positioned. With many rusted bullet shells also on the ground, all of which were spent. Crouching close to one of the bodies, Liv picked up one of the shells. Trying to picture, what befell this men.

‘Seems they all, put up a a last stand. Presumably against the caves overgrown residents.’

‘But how, I mean when I first explored these caves. The diggers and the other creatures living here, were the same size as my hand. And the clothes and weapons on these bodies, look like they came from the 1800s. During that time when the guy, with the funny beard was president.’ said Sue, looking at a different skeleton while lifting and holding it’s skull.

‘You mean Abraham Lincoln and yes, you sure the bugs only popped up after the incident in 1962?’

‘Yes, I’m dead certain of it...pun not intended. Though... I remember avoiding this area, of the tunnels.’ said Sue, who put the skull she was holding, gently back on to the ground. Then sat on a near by rock, before continuing her story.

‘I can’t explain why, but I felt this presence. This... rage looking for me. I think spent ten years, in the cabin after feeling it. As if hiding, would make it disappear.’

‘A ghost scared, of a hunted tunnel route. Remind me why, your the tour guide again?’ said Liv, as she got herself up again and faced Sue when questioning the blonde. Highlighting the ghost girl’s growing talent for horror stories.

‘Oh I don’t know, maybe because I’m the only member of staff. With years of experience.’ replied Sue, after which both she and Liv started laughing at each other’s sarcastic remarks. Once they were done fooling around, Liv then made her way to one of the bottle crates. With Sue following behind her.

Crouching down, Liv then lifted one of the crate’s contents. Despite her nerves now being more numb, due to her undead nature. The black non-transparent bottle in Liv’s hand, was freezing to the touch.

‘What kind of glass, is this made of?’ Liv thought to herself, as she then popped the lid open. Revealing it to contain, a strange green fizzing-liquid. Which despite the feeling of it’s container, radiated a extreme force of heat coming from the now opened bottle top.

‘God it stinks.’ said Sue, who was standing at Liv’s right as the zombie opened the lid.

‘You can smell?’

‘Only other living sense I still have, besides sight. Was kind of nightmare in the cabin, after the toilet waste pipeline stopped working and decided to “crawl back up.” replied the ghost, who hugged herself and shivered when recalling the memory.

‘Take it you can’t?’

‘Ever since I’ve been turned, my sense of smell, taste and touch has either dulled or faded completely.’

‘Can you still...pleasure yourself?’

‘That I’ll keep classified, thank you very much.’ Liv replied, with a touch of annoyance in her voice. Not wanting to discuss, such private information with someone she just met. Be they ghost or not. When making her statement however, she spilled some of the bottle’s contains in Sue’s direction.With the green liquid, going right through the blonde ghost. And hitting the ground and wall behind her.Which caused a series of sparks, like fireworks to go off. Causing both undead females, to jump in shock and back away from the brief light show. Which left miniature smoking craters of various sizes, on the spots where the spills landed.

‘Don’t think they used that stuff, as moonshine.’ said Sue, in a tone mixed with shock and amazement. While Liv looked back, at the bottle in her hand. Then to the rocks, blocking the entrance. With an idea forming in her head, Liv smiled as she closed the lid of the bottle. Then lifted two more of the explosives, away from the entrance and stood behind a large rock.

‘Please tell me your not going to do, what I think your going to do?’ said Sue, who followed Liv and noticed, the look of mad determination in her eyes. Wanting to warn her, before she blew herself to kingdom come. ‘Oh I’m doing exactly, what you think I’m doing. What harm is it to you anyway?’

‘As much as I enjoy your company. I’m not sure if I’m ready to chat with you, in this caves for all eternity. If you end up, getting sealed in.’

‘Really and there I thought you were, concerned for my well being.’

‘Hey, I just saw you survive a deep dive with Mojo. Then pull a piece of wood, off your back. Thy shall only weep, for the living and not the dead.’

‘Hypocrite.’

‘Neo-trash.’ both undead females, playfully argued. After which Sue held her breath, as Liv held the bottles between the fingers of her right hand. While she took, a tossing position. Staring at the entrance, she began to count down in her head. ‘One...two...?’

 

(🎵End of music🎵)

Notes:

Commentary by the author: fun fact: in case your wondering. Yes the scene with Liv and the digger is based on fact. Both ants, termites and probably other hive and colony based insects have a strict hygiene policy. Unless beneficial they will avoid any form of diseased corpses and/or harmful fungus to minimize a risk of infection to the rest of the brood. Feel free to comment/review Liv’s and Sue’s misadventure.

Chapter 8: Chapter 7:Things that go, boom in the night

Summary:

during a murder case, Liv Moore and her new (also similarly undead) ally discover a threatening plot against seattle and zombiekind. meanwhile, a new and sinister foe gathers strength in the shadows...(AU during and post izombie season 3.)

Chapter 7:Things that go, boom in the night

 

Disclaimer: I do not own izombie.

 

All was near quiet, in the woods of Washington. Now that the worst, of the rain had died down. With many animals now coming out hiding, in search of food. Including a rather large chorus frog, that seemed to have found a strange looking worm. That made a weird rattling noise, when ever it moved.

If it was a more, sentient creature. The frog might have wondered, why such a strange looking thing was acting in such a way. But alas it was, a mere simple amphibian. With it’s only concern, being about food. After a few croaks, the frog opened it’s mouth. Revealing it’s long and sticky tongue, that it used to strike the worm. Only it wasn’t, a worm at all. But rather the coiled-ringed tail of a rattlesnake, that was hiding under a bush and was also in search of prey.

Unfortunately or rather fortunately, depending on one’s viewpoint. It was a rather awkward catch, for the barely limbed reptile. It’s mouth was able to catch, the amphibian’s tongue just fine. But the snake’s fangs were unable to reach, the frog’s famous hunting muscle. Not only that, but when the tongue retracted. Since the snake was heavier, the frog instead went to it. And in a attempt to escape, the terrified amphibian tried to hop away mid-retraction. Resulting in it, accidentally curling it’s tongue around the rattlesnake’s head. Causing the reptile to try, shaking the slimy rag-doll off it’s face to no success.

Both the frog and snake stopped their struggle, when they heard the sound of hotting. The sound they understand meant death. A sound that was, getting closer. Both the reptile and amphibian only had a enough time, to notice a large capital m-shaped yellow-eyed shadow about to lunge at them and...

‘Boom’ screamed the flashing thunder, that came from where a wall of rocks used to be. The said small boulders were now scattered, around the forest burning.

‘But what happened to the shadow?’ screamed the instincts of the snake and frog. Their eyes searching round the forest, until they saw one of the rocks. That had a cooked, but still feathered wing and bird leg poking out from under it.

Suddenly there was a noise of foot steps, coming from the smoking area where the rocks use to be. That startled the snake and frog. Causing the reptile to sliver elsewhere, to try getting out of the it’s awkward position. As a extremely pale women emerged, from out of the newly created cave entrance.

 

‘God, I didn’t know how much I missed wide open spaces until now.’ said Liv, standing still a moment and inhaling the great outdoors while looking up, after coming out of the cave of horrors.

She may not be able to feel the breeze, of fresh-air the same way as the living. But Liv was still thankful, to be experiencing it at all.

Time had passed, since she was stuck in the tunnels. As the sky was now dark and filled with stars. The latter of which, wasn’t a common site in the city. Usually Liv and other Seattleites, would be greeted by a pitch black sky. With the common sight and sounds of planes flying in and out the city. It reminded Liv of her childhood, back when she use to go to summer camp. Back when she first noticed, what the night sky really looked like.

‘Really, if you think caves are bad. Try going to a tea party, in a mouse hole. If anyone told you going through walls, makes it any less awkward they’d be wrong.’ said Sue floating behind Liv.

‘A mouse tea party, social visit or special occasion?’

‘The latter, Eugene’s wife just gave birth to nineriplites. Was kicked out by their great-grandchildren though. Never did get along, with the new family figure head.’

‘So animals can, see you as well?’ Liv asked, turning to face Sue and trying not to chuckle. Remembering what Clive said, about pets of cabin guests. Reacting to something, that wasn’t there.

‘Some interactions, went better than others. But yes, animals and even some of those small people...’

‘Kids?’

‘Yes kids, are able to see and hear me.’

‘And here I thought being a zombie, was a cruel and unusual punishment.’ said Liv, who felt empathy for Sue’s situation. To spend five decades in the same place, with only animals and young children to interact with. Would be quite, the lonely experience indeed. Before either zombie or ghost, could continue their conversation. Liv heard a noise similar to a approaching ambulance, coming from her far right. Along with flashing lights that were moving up a hill, which despite which despite now seeing it, at a different angle. Looked an awful lot like, the hill Clive drove up earlier.

‘Crap, Clive must have called Seattle mountain rescue, about my fall. I’ll have to get back and think of a cover story, that I found my own way out. Preferably before anyone, enters a cave with giant bugs.’ said Liv, as she started to limp in the direction of the hill. Only to stop and turn, when she noticed Sue not following.

‘You not tagging along?’

‘Sorry Liv, but until you meet up with your partner. We’re going to have to split. I was able to stick with you this long, because of the direct tunnel leading from the cabin to the caves. As I think it was technically a part of where I hunted, thus a loophole. I can even roam round the porch too. But anything beyond that, is like trying to force the sides of a magnet together. The more I push, the more the world pushes back.’ Sue replied, explaining her condition to Liv.

‘But don’t worry now that your safe and sound, I can quickly find my own way back and meet you back at the cabin. And don’t forget about our deal Ms Moore, which I’ll be holding you to.’ finished Sue, who crossed her arms as if it made more authoritative.

‘I’ll keep that in mind.’ said Liv, before walking back to the direction of the hill.

 

Clive was busy talking to Justin and another soldier from Fillmore-Graves, both the latter’s of which were in full black military gear and were just outside the front of the cabin when Liv arrived. With the Fillmore-Graves branded SWAT vans she seen glimpses of earlier, being parked outside of the abandoned building. Along with other black geared soldiers, carrying weapons and mountain climbing equipment into the cabin.

Once Liv was close enough, both the detective and zombie mercenary ran to meet her. With Justin trying to help support her for balance, once he noticed Liv’s leg injury.

‘Liv, how...’

‘Tunnels were a labyrinth and I had to make my own exit, but as you can see I made it out.’ Liv said, answering Justin’s question

‘And the King Kong?’ asked Clive, with one of his eyebrows raised and look in his eyes, that was a mix between surprise and relief.

‘Didn’t survive the fall, but Justin...’ said Liv, switching eye contact from Clive to her boyfriend. Getting his attention, once she mentioned his name.

‘...Unless you want to take part, in a scene from aliens. And give Seattle a large ant problem. You need to stop your friend, before they go down into the caves. And if their already down there, order them to not shot anything with six legs. Despite how terrifying, it may look.’ Liv finished, which was followed by Justin looking back at Clive and passing Liv to the detective. The undead mercenary running to the cabin, while shouting in his wakie-takie about “aborting the operation”.

‘You look like, you seen better days.’

‘Heh you should see, the other guy.’ Liv answered, followed by grunting in discomfort. It would be sometime, before her leg healed completely. But her bones weren’t shifting as much, which was a good sign.

Besides her obvious injury, while still holding to a stick and Clive for balance. Liv had a brief second to look at herself and noticed for the first time, how much dirt and dust was on her person since leaving the caves. At least that was her ordeal over with.

‘You decided to call Fillmore-Graves, instead of the SMR?’

‘Thought it was, a better alternative. Incase you had any “fatal injuries”, that would be difficult to explain. So terrifying and six-legged huh. Take it there’s no chance, you experienced a hallucination?’ Clive asked, as both he and Liv continued looking at the working Fillmore-Graves personnel. Before turning to face each other, once Clive was finished talking.

‘If it wasn’t for the fact, I was assaulted by a huge ape-like creature. I would have, questioned it myself. That...and there’s also the cabin’s resident, who guided me while I was in the tunnels.’

‘Resident?’ questioned Clive, as he felt the night air getting colder all of a sudden. To the point where, he could see his own breath. Then noticing his pale friend, was staring in front of her at a empty space. Clive assumed Liv, was having another vision. However unnoticed to the detective, Liv was in fact looking at her so called “cave guide” simply levitating out of the ground. While humming The Twist tune, that Liv heard from the turntable earlier today. When she first met, the blonde haired ghost.

‘Thought I might travel, through the ground. To avoid your friends, while they work. Despite not seeing me, other people seem to act a little unnerved when I’m close. Kind of like what I assume your partner, is doing at the moment.’

‘Probably because he feels, your ghostly presence.’

‘Are you having another, “chasing the weatherman” episode Liv?’ questioned Clive, remembering their conversation back on the boat. About the possibility of Syde suffering through, some form of delusion. And that it may have passed to Liv, due to having the murdered private investigator’s brain for lunch. Which despite recent events, could still be the case.

‘Maybe, but after a few incidents since meeting Sue...’

‘So your imaginary friend, is called Sue?’ Clive responded, believing his suspicions to be confirmed.That was until an acorn, at least to Clive’s perspective, looked like it was floating off the ground. Then started speeding, towards the detective mid-air. As if someone tossed it. Which was then, followed by the tree nut. Successfully hitting the detracted detective, on the forehead.

‘Rude’ said Sue, who was the one that threw the acorn. As a result of taking offence, from Clive not acknowledging her existence.

‘Ouch, strange if I didn’t know any better. I could have sworn, that acorn floated from the ground and not from the tree above us. Ouch.’ said Clive, after being hit again by another acorn.

‘That’s because it did, come from the ground. You lousy Javan...’

‘Sue!’ Liv said loudly, shocked by the ghost’s sudden outburst.

‘I’ll apologise for my temper. Just don’t like it, when people shut me out.’ said Sue, after giving a big sigh.

‘Well I would prefer it, if you didn’t take your “attention issues” out on my work colleague.’ Scowled Liv, after which Sue in response cheekily stuck her tongue out, towards the undead M.E assistant. Who merely shook her head, with a unimpressed look. Meanwhile Clive who was still watching his friend talking to thin air, was putting two and two together. Noticing that Liv was talking in the direction, of where the detective originally thought the nut came from. As well as hearing and understanding the conversation, the zombie was having. It looked like she was arguing with someone, for taking their frustrations out on him, due to saying something offensive.

‘So maybe Liv isn’t, losing her mind after all.’ Clive thought to himself, as he was still rubbing his forehead.

‘Alright, I’ll go back to being open minded. Could your friend do a physical action, that would prove their presence. Preferably one that doesn’t, involve tossing a nut at me.’ said Clive, as he addressed Liv. After which something that, should have been impossible happened. From Clive’s left, he heard a scratching noise. Like when kids, scribble or write something on tree bark. He turned to see, what was causing it. To find in his confusion and later horror, was a written message on a tree. That said here lives Sue Long, with the dates from 1962 to present written below. With the writer being a small floating pointy stone, that Clive witnessed carve the last two words into the wood. Before suddenly falling, to the ground. Floating objects, a sudden coolness in the air and the way Liv worded about her companion from the caves. And Sue’s last name, suddenly appearing in his head.

‘Susan “Sue” Janet Long died in a tragic bus accident, during the last days of the Seattle world’s fair.’

‘Cursed? Sounds a lot more like, they thought the cabin was...’

‘Hunted!’ said Clive, quietly saying the last part to himself. As he recalled the tragic story behind the cabin and what Liv mentioned, during their investigation. The detective then started backing away from the tree, as if it was a bad omen. All the while, still staring at it. He stopped moving, once Liv started calling his name.

‘Liv y-you befriended a ghost.’

‘Yep, apparently.’

‘I live in a world with ghosts, zombies and possibly fish-people?’

‘Looks like it.’ finished Liv, as the detective looked her up and down. Then briefly at thin air, before speaking to Liv again.

‘I think I need to go into religion.’ replied Clive, before Liv spoke of her arrangement with the blonde sprite, in Sue’s behalf to Clive and later Justin. Once the latter was finished warning his fellow soldiers, about the giant bugs living underground.

Notes:

Commentary by the author: poor Clive, next time Fillmore-Graves "guest" checks out. And Ward goes for a date.

Chapter 9: Chapter 8:Nocturnal predators

Summary:

during a murder case, Liv Moore and her new (also similarly undead) ally discover a threatening plot against seattle and zombiekind. meanwhile, a new and sinister foe gathers strength in the shadows...(AU during and post izombie season 3.)

Chapter 8:Nocturnal predators

 

Disclaimer:I do not own izombie

 

Most of the employees at Fillmore-Graves, had left home for the evening. Leaving only a small number of guards, to serve as the night shift. Including two fully military equipped zombie mercenaries, who were given the responsibility of watching over Fillmore-Graves current “guest”. Who was currently in one of, the company’s new detention cells. Large spaced freezers originally built, if any of Seattle’s undead populous or Fillmore-Graves troops stood out of line.

One of the mercenaries, a man called Marc was staring at the creature through the window on the huge mental door. After the little stunt, it pulled with Major. Chase ordered for the beast, to be put into a strap jacket and chain it to a wheeled rack. Which along with the muffler still placed on it’s mouth, gave it a Hannibal Lecter look albeit more monstrous.

However what Mark found most troubling, was that the creature was still active. Even after several hours, in thick cold air. The cells were designed for zombie prisoners, because their bodies would freeze solid. Thus putting the undead occupant in suspended animation for years, decades or even centuries depending on how serious the crime. Until they had finished their sentence and then would be allowed to, rejoin the modern world.

Unfortunately as it turned out, the creature was much warmer than a zombie or even a human for that matter. It’s body temperature being at around 48.9oc, so the creature merely looked back at the window and did that blinking sideways thing from time to time. With out so much, as a shiver.

‘This blows.’ said another guard, who sat on a grey retractable chair at Marc’s right and was munching through some extra spicy flavoured crisps, as he continued his rant.

‘Why do we have to be, the ones on night watch. While Zach and most of the guys, get to host Major’s farewell party?’

‘Because Chase Graves thought, we should be the ones to prevent armageddon Josh.’ replied Marc, turning his head to the other guards direction. Who merely chuckled to himself.

‘Save the dramatics Marc, I would hardly call “watching the fridge” as stopping armageddon.’

‘Really? And what would happen, if that thing was loose in the city?’

‘Well probably a few warmy deaths, but they would have eventually sorted it out themselves. Either via the higher authorities or most likely a group similar to the Zombie-Truthers, would take care of it.’ said Josh, close to finishing the crisp bag.

‘True but those “warmies” as you like to call them, would become paranoid. And start turning every tree and rock, until they find what they believe to be an undead monster. What happens when they shake the wrong tree and discover one of their neighbours, likes a little extra “brainy flavour” in their Sunday brunch. What then?’

‘Fair point, but isn’t Chase working on easing our existence to the known world. And didn’t you tell me, Carey had a contingency in motion just in case?’ replied Josh, referring to when Marc told him a bit about Carey’s plot. Marc then went back, to staring at the freezer window.

‘That was then, from what I’ve heard Carey’s ace, has been delayed.’

‘Yeah, But we still have Chase’s plan right?’

‘Yeah...right.’ said Marc, with a slight tone of annoyance in his voice.

‘Have you checked in, with Daniels yet?’ said the brooding and seemly wiser of the guards, who remembered their third colleague Daniels, was suppose to radio from the lab by now. The latter guard was given change, of watching over the quarantined bodies. That they found in the same prison cell, as the creature. Quarantined for when the Fillmore-Graves science staff, inspected the drained corpses. They discovered an identified species of parasite, living within the bodies of the deceased victims. With one of the scientists, running late tests. Monitoring how the organisms, breed and thrived. With Daniels filling both Marc and Josh in, how the lab coats research was going.

Daniels was kind of pitiful. Ever since becoming a zombie, the poor guy had developed a phobia against germs, worms and other nasties that like to live in people. The fact he was ordered to do lab duty, came across as a cruel joke.

‘Sorry, kind of forgot. Was busy trying not, to die of boredom.’ replied Josh, who finished his crisp bag. With a annoyed sigh, Marc then pressed the side button of his walkie-talkie.

Daniels, this is Marc over.’ radioed the more sensible of the guards, only to get no response.

‘This is Marc over?’ Still nothing.

‘You won’t trip, if I leave you here right?’

‘If I need your hand for the toilet, I’ll let you know.’ sarcastically said Josh, as he stuffed the empty crisp bag into his trouser pocket and was unamused by Marc’s jab.

Once the more sensible of the two left, Josh then got up from the chair to go to the nearest vending machine. To get something else, to munch on. As soon as he reached his destination Josh put a quarter in close, to where the dial was and started pressing numbers to get another packet of crisps.

As he waited for his snack to drop, at the inside of the vending machine letter post-like delivery guard. Josh noticed something behind him, in his reflection from the display case. He couldn’t see it clearly, but it looked long and fleshly. Almost like a grotesque skinless anaconda, coming from the ceiling. Once noticing it Josh quickly turned to see, what it really was. Only to find nothing there or from above.

‘Guess we zombies, still need sleep after all.’ Josh thought to himself, before collecting his snack from the vending machine cat-flap and walked back to where Fillmore-Graves monstrous prisoner was. Making himself comfy Josh sat in his chair, beside the freezer once more before opening the new crisp packet. As he opened the bag, the hallway light above Josh began to flicker and deem. Which was strange, as the lights were newly fitted.

Puzzled the zombie mercenary decided to look up, to see what was causing it. He didn’t get a chance to react, once the bullet of a silencer pistol went through his forehead. The shooter gently landing on their feet, after crawling the ceiling and following the undead soldier since he got his latest helping of snacks. It could still sense the others. It’s fellow turned all like the guard’s assassin, were about to complete their respected tasks simultaneously as commanded.

Once the bald, long eared rotted corpse-like creature was done staring at the stinking vermin it just put down. It then continued, it’s objective.

Walking in front of the freezer door, the fledging bloodsucker then processed to open it. Allowing it to get a better look, at its about to be freed mistress. Who smiled, behind her muffler.

‘Come to mommy.’ telepathically ordered the head vampire, as it’s eyes glowed red.

 

‘More please’. requested and smiled a middle-aged women called Katty Kupps, to a waiter in a uptown bar. She had brown short hair, wore a purple black belted short skirt dress, under a black confetti-styled coat and black high-heeled shoes.

Katy was sent to this delightful city, by the centre of disease control or CDC for short. To investigate, a potential bioterror attack. That had been almost three months ago, three months of checking and rechecking any signs of an outbreak. Three months of preparing, for the worst. At first, the signs were all there, at least when she first arrived. Such as a tragic plane crash, that was originally in flight towards Seattle. With one of the casualties, shown to have consumed human grey matter. And when their flesh tissue samples, were tested privately by Katty herself. She discovered deceased foreign cells, that alerted the host’s DNA. With her findings matching up, with a similar incident at the now burnt down Max Rager building. But unfortunately or rather fortunately, the trail had grown cold and the scheduled outbreak never came to pass. Leaving the only possibility, being that either the predicted time was off on standby, until her superiors told her otherwise.

If it was one of those younger scientists, in her place. They would have saw this as a waste of a career promoting opportunity and would have saw this as a waste of a career promoting opportunity and would have complained about their prolonged stay. Katty was not one, of those people. In fact the disease expert, found she enjoyed her time in the nicked named emerald city. Especially when she, was reacquainted with her former protege Ravi Chakrabarti. Who after being fired by her and the CDC, landed on his feet. By becoming the SPD’s medical examiner, bless him.

In fact their reunion, went a little too well. As after working, catching up and later getting extremely drunk with her younger former co-worker. They both ended up, having a one night stand. Unfortunately Ravi was at the time, going through some relationship troubles with another women.

Who Katty eventually learned would become the new mayor’s chief of staff, via local news papers and who was planning to patch things up with the morgue examiner that very same night. Only to find her former lover, smelling of alcohol and Katty herself walking down the stairs like the cat that got the cream.

‘Guess I’ll have to start, raising my bed courting standards and add “not in a middle of a awkward relationship” in my terms and conditions.’ Katty thought to herself, before finding her latest conquest of the night. Who sat in a table, just a distance away.

He looked like someone Katty should recognise, but for the life of her she couldn’t put her finger on it. All she knew was he looked close to her age, was kind of handsome in a rich billionaire way and was seemingly on his own.

‘Well he seems a little old for my taste, but I’m probably better to be safe than sorry.’ thought Katty, weighing her options. Lifting her handbag and wine glass. She then started walking, towards the stranger’s table.

‘Mind if I join you?’ Katty asked the stranger, once she was close enough. Which was followed by him quickly, turning to the direction of the voice and giving a warm smile.

‘For a fair lady like you, be my guest. So what brings you to my side of the woods?’ questioned the stranger, as Katty made herself comfortable.

‘Well I guess simple curiosity, I suppose.’

‘And what is it about me, you find so curious?’ the stranger replied, as he rubbed a gold ring with a octopus-like image designed on it. That was placed on his middle finger, in front of Katty’s view. She was too busy staring at the man’s eyes though, that pierced right through her heart. God how she longed for a man, to look at her like the way he was. Still she was best, to keep her poker face on. ‘Well, get us both a drink and I might tell you.’ Katty cleverly replied back, with a seductive smile. Her power move, seemingly paying off.

‘Waiter, get us your finest wine please.’ the stranger called, not looking away from Katty and still eyeing her, like the goose that walked into the fox’s den.

 

Some later...

 

It was 2:00am when Katty and the stranger, who she later learned was called James Ward were dry humping and stuffing each other’s throats with the other’s tongue. As the church founder of the house of Dagon, struggled to find his mansion key in his trouser pocket. While still all but literally eating the face, of the middle aged women. Eventually finding what he was looking for and opening the door.

Ward then had to detach himself, from Katty’s wriggled lips. With some of her lipstick, staining his face and beard. As he found a switch to turn on the mansion gas lamps. That lit the blood red coloured walled hallway, albeit weakly.Thus Katty could only barely see, Ward’s living space.

‘See you prefer to live, of the grid.’

‘You’ll never know, when big brother’s going to pull the cable. Not to mention, I prefer peace and quiet when... giving guests a tour.’ replied Ward, as Katty rapped her arms, loosely round his neck. And started repeatedly kissing him, at the left side of his face. Which given, her body build. Would have reminded any other present bystanders, of how a chicken would pick the ground for worms.

‘So where should, we go first? The top...’ said Katty, still kissing Ward’s between sentences.

‘Or the bottom?’

‘Hmmm, I think upstairs, but not before we get my perfectly aged Scott first, from the cellar.’

‘Ohhh, well please lead the way.’ said the lovestruck Katty, who let Ward take her right hand. Taking her to, the forementioned cellar.

‘This place looks more, like a dungeon.’ said Katty, noting how large Ward’s cellar was as they continued walking.

‘What can I say I’ve travelled a lot, other the years. Figured I needed, the extra room.’

‘Really, you need all this space, just to store alcohol?’

‘Who said, I use this place only for alcohol. Ah here we are, would you want to do the honours?’ said Ward, as he stopped at a locked iron door and turned to face Katty while smiling. Pulling out a large old fashioned key, in front of the middle-aged women.

‘Why sir, don’t mind if I do.’ replied the still drunk and love smitten Katty, who then took the key from Ward and unlocked the door. She then walked in, not realising the professor wasn’t following her. Nor how there didn’t seem to be, any wine racks. Though most of the room, was pitch black. So she would most likely need to get closer to find...

There was a sudden loud clanking noise behind Katty, that made her jump and turn to it’s direction. To find that the door, she went through had closed shut. Instinctively she walked back, to it and tried turning the handle and using the key. None of which budged.

‘Ward hahaha, could you let a girl out?’ called Katty, as she looked through the barred window hole. While chuckling to herself, due to embarrassment and nerves. With Ward’s continued absence and silence, not helping.

‘You still somewhere, round here James?’ Katty called again, looking through the other side of the window. This time with a slightly more, serious and worried tone in her voice. But instead of getting a reply from the professor, her call was answered by another noise behind her. It sounded like something flapping in on it’s self and there was another noise.

She couldn’t describe it, apart from saying it sounded like nothing she heard before. She turned slowly, to see the sound’s source. She couldn’t see it clearly, due to the darkness. Except of course for the thousands and thousands of small white glowing stars, looking back at her.

Suddenly before Katty could react, her “roommate” sprayed something on her face. It stung like hell and blinded her left eye. Causing Katty to lift her left hand, to cover the source of the pain. Only for it, to get stuck. Then her heart went cold, when she realised something strangely and horrifyingly familiar about, what was transparently visible in the glue-like substance.

What ever was on her face, wasn’t sticking on it. It was merging with it, assimilating it. As Katty saw half of her own face and left being liquefied and sucked by the glue! The fingertips of her own hand, now being permanently infused to her face.

Caught between crying and panting given her horrifying situation. Katty tried to pull back and violently moving the door handle continuously. This however only seemed to enrage what ever was living in the dark, as the noises started to sound more like snarling. Then more associated to pig squealing, but more unearthly.

Katty then started sweating and preying under her breath. She didn’t want to die. Not like this. Not like... And with a single show of force. The beast pulled the screaming women towards it, as if she was on a fishing hook. With Katty’s cries echoing across the chamber.

Notes:

Commentary by author: next time we return to Liv and gang.

Chapter 10: Chapter 9:Incident report

Summary:

during a murder case, Liv Moore and her new (also similarly undead) ally discover a threatening plot against seattle and zombiekind. meanwhile, a new and sinister foe gathers strength in the shadows...(AU during and post izombie season 3.)

Chapter 9:Incident report

 

Disclaimer:I do not own izombie

 

‘So let me get this straight. When you and the rest of your squad, were deployed in response to a distress call from Detective Babineaux. You discovered, not only that the sight was inhabited by a abnormal entity. But that there is actually, a whole highly mutated ecosystem of enlarged insects. Located below one of Seattle’s forests?’

‘Yes sir, we even brought a living specimen with us. To verify our claim. Plus the body of the primate creature, that attacked Babineaux’s co-worker Olivia Moore. The accounts of the gho... I mean “abnormal entity”, You’ll have to trust via word of mouth as a verifying source sir.’ replied Justin, standing at attention in Chase’s office. With his fellow zombie mercenary and friend Zach Stoll, standing in the same pose at Justin’s right. And another higher ranking officer called Hobbs, who stood normally at Zach’s left while holding a black iPad. As Chase sat at his desk and continued questioning the two junior officers. With a look, as sharp as an eagle.

‘Well as it turns out, due to some recent unconnected but equally strange events. I’m open to believe you and your squads accounts, of interacting with the spirit. Which brings me, to the other more immediate problem.’ said the new head of Fillmore-Graves grimly, as he turned his attention to Zach and Hobbs.

‘When Justin and his squad returned to base, to report and deliver their findings. They came to find, our lab raided. The local staff killed, their heads either impaled or brutality smashed in. With similar incidents found across the hallway, file storage room, armoury, the detention cells and where we keep our supple of super max. In that time the assailants, seem to have gotten everything they needed from each of those areas. Weapons and uniform gear which helped them escape under our noise. Filed information regarding recent company topics. A single box, of our adrenaline performing agent. And last but not least, successfully freed one of their own. Who’s most likely their leader, from imprisonment. So Zach, what were you and most of the troops doing. When our brothers-in-arms, were being picked off one by one like lemmings then?’ Chase asked Zach, while resting his chin on his conjoined hands

‘Me...and the men, decided to give Major a farewell party.’ replied Zach, with a gulp.

Chase then turned, his chair around. Leaving the back of the seat, facing Zach’s direction. As the head of Fillmore-Graves, looked up at the company logo. As if it would provide answers, to his recent troubles.

‘Get out of my sight.’ Chase responded coldly, with Zach heeding his command.

‘So what kind of intel, did the long-ears leave with Hobbs?’ the Fillmore-Graves head asked his tactics advisor, as Chase turned his chair to face said man.

‘Primary information, regarding the truthers and Mr DeBeers sir.’ Hobbs replied, checking his iPad to make sure that was everything.

‘The enemy of my enemy, is my friend. Clever, let’s see if we can bet them at their next move.

‘Alert the mayor of our situation, tell him to start a city wide quarantine lockdown. Due to a possible, bioterror attack. People going out at the dark night, to be suspected carriers. If these gets ugly, as I predict. We out ourselves, as a counter measure against the other more feral infection. Hopefully by playing information control, we can reveal our true nature to governments of the world. More positively, than we feared. But continue construction of zombie island, incase of failure of strategy. And I want eyes on Harley and DeBeers that understood?’

‘Yes sir, talk about making the most of a bad situation.’ said Hobbs, sounding as if a slight weight was lifted off his shoulders.

‘I like to think of it, as leading by example. Your dismissed.’ commanded Chase, who turned one eye in Justin’s direction. When he said, the part about “leading by example.” Before turning his full attention, at the still present soldier.

‘One blind-eye, even for a millisecond. That’s how close, we are to doomsday Justin. I know I was harsh, in the way I disciplined you. For losing the previous box, of Super Max. But I hope you now know the possible threats, you may have had us open to at the time.’

‘I understand sir, won’t happen again.’ Justin replied formally.

‘At ease, your no longer in my bad books.’ said Chase, followed by Justin standing more relaxed. Before Chase continued.

‘In fact, while me and the other grown-ups deal with Dracula’s morning faced bride. I’ll be assigning you a team, to assist Ms Moore and detective Babineaux with their paranormal-related investigation. Unless there’s a later evidential link, that connects our current problem with their latest murder case. They are not to be advised, about our escape prisoner. That understood?’

‘Sir, forgive me...but can you tell me why you want to keep the detective and Ms Moore in the dark? Would it not be more ideal, to alert a high ranking officer of the local law enforcement and one of our kind to the potential threat, sir.’

That’s a fair enough, question soldier and I would’ve done just that. But as your former squad mate and friend, Major Lilywhite may have already told you. Ms Moore, has a small reputation to act on impulse. As evidence, by her superhero stunt last Christmas and a scandal involving the governor. Which resulted in her brief arrest. Given how effective these “point-ear”, have shown in taking us out. If Ms Moore decided, to go at it alone. She would be more, of a liability than assistance. Same goes for, her still living cop partner. Especially now, we know the escapee and her accomplishes can infect others. Hence why I’m putting you on, secret babysitting duty. By the time, their done with their investigation. Hopefully we will have already, have bagged and tagged the blood suckers. If not they’ll know, once we tell the whole city as part of our contingency plan. Can I trust you, with this Justin?’ said Chase, looking Justin straight in the eyes.

‘Yes sir.’ replied the soldier, which Chase responded by nodding.

‘Dismissed.’ said the Fillmore-Graves head. After which Justin left the room, as Chase continued discussing company affairs and strategies with Hobbs.

 

‘Awww, how come you two get to do the fun stuff?’ said Ravi, in a partly fake-whining tone. He, Liv and Clive were all at the SPD morgue. With Liv now wearing a blue jumper, instead of red. While the rest of her new clothes were similar in colour, to what she previously wore. The latter of which either, had to be put in the washing machine or thrown out, due to the amount of dirt and tears from falling into the cave last night. Hence why she now, wore a leg cast. And had to use crutches, to help walk to places. Which was why, she rested her thigh on the edge of the morgue’s catering area breakfast bar. As she and the other two men holding coffee cups, once more discussed last nights events. And the aftermath of Liv’s experience.

‘If only my old bosses, from the CDC could see me now. Not only proven speculations, about a zombie outbreak. But also discovering the existence of ghosts. An actual ghost, hunting a cabin just outside of Seattle! Not to mention the big foot, that jumped you Liv or the ecosystem of giant insects you uncovered. They should have a statue of me, in the London history museum. Professor Ravi Chakrabarti he who, discovered the world of the unexplained.’ finished the day dreaming medical examiner, who said his last sentence in a dramatic manner.

‘Well sorry to burst your bubble, “Professor Ravi”. But we still have, a case to solve. Liv did the hangman’s... “local resident” tell you, anything that might help us?’ Clive asked Liv, who the pale zombie could tell was trying his hardest to keep his cool under recent circumstances. Last night, Ravi was mostly concerned about Liv’s well being. After hearing about her injuries and being lost in the cave, from Peyton via a phone call. With both of them acting as if, she was their child or younger sibling. Given the amount of cuddling Liv got from both her best friend and her boss, once he arrived to her apartment. While Clive still partly in shell-shock and who walked Liv back to her home, was the one who told them about Liv’s “latest acquaintance.” Who Liv mentioned, helped her find her way back to the outside world. Leaving the more wilder details of her experience, until this morning. While both Ravi and Clive stayed awake last night, for similar but also different reasons. It was kind of funny, though. Between the three of them, it was the two members of the still-living. Who looked as if, they came out of a graveyard moaning.

‘Apart from thinking, that Mojo...’

‘Mojo?’

‘The big scary ape, that jumped Liv yesterday. And is now, six feet under.’ said Ravi, who asked Liv for more details, of her story this morning before Clive’s arrival.

‘Thanks Ravi, now where was I? Oh yeah. Apart from telling me, that Mojo. Was responsible for a few missing person cases. Nothing much, but while we were in the caves. Sue noted how the tunnels, looked man-made. My guess it’s maybe connected to the skeletal remains, we encountered in our journey. What about things, at your end Clive. Has Steve had a chance, to read Syde’s mobile data history yet?’

‘I’ve only just, gave it to him this morning. Thankfully due to Steve’s “culture taste”, he already knew what the nerconomicon was. In fact he was practically drooling, when I showed it to him.’

‘Really, wonder why it would, cause that reaction.’ replied Ravi, while folding his arms.

‘Apparently it’s something of a globe myth. Supposedly it’s a guide, written by a self-proclaimed wizard called Abdul al Alhazred.’

‘Abah al whoa?’ said Liv, trying to pronounce the words, Clive just said. It’s a Arabic name. And I don’t blame you, for the mispronunciation. I myself had to practice saying it, before coming here. No offence, Ravi.’

‘None taken, I’m actually Indian-British. And even I find it difficult, to pronounce the names of some of my far distant relatives. So what did, this Abdul Jafar write this nerconomicon for? Spell? said Ravi, who got a smirk from Liv. After making the Aladdin reference.

‘That plus as a bestiary, artefact catalogue, bible and a potents recipe book.’

‘Wait, you telling this wizard, made a real world Mcguffin? said Ravi, excitedly and trying hard not to laugh, at the absurd information. That Clive, just told them.

‘Pretty much, the most interesting thing Steve told me though. Was that these “Mcguffins,” are known to either appear after a unexplained event or during a cult bust, are known to either appear after a unexplained event or during a cult bust. Where these nerconomicon’s are used to summon what ever “magic genie” the hooded weirdos thought could solve all their life problems. Which in both scenarios, the books becoming reportedly lost to the higher authorities.’

‘And the pendant?’ asked Liv, though she could probably guess Clive’s next answer. Given that the necronomicon had a reputation, to not stray too far from the “hooded weirdos” Clive mentioned. ‘Well, since I had trouble sleeping last night, due to learning the existence of the supernatural yesterday. I decided to do, some late night search. Based on the information, from Syde’s web of intrigue. All of it boiling down to locations, visited and converted by the house of Dagon.’

‘As in the new church, that replaced one of Seattle’s old ship yards?’ said Ravi, after drinking his cup of coffee, before placing it on a nearby surgical table.

‘Very one and according to a loose source from the internet, church’s inner circle wear pendants similar to the one you gave me Liv.’

‘So are we planning to bring in whoever’s in charge of the church, for wanted questioning?’

Not that simple sadly. Due to public status the church founder professor James Ward, is too big for us to take in. And as I said it was a loose source, based off theory. We need solid evidence, for us to connect Ward with the pedant. Let alone, Syde’s murder. Also Liv...’ Clive paused with a look of regret in his eyes, before breaking the news to the undead M.E assistant.

‘Given your injury, Devore has taking you off the case. Your on leave, until you’ve recovered from your leg injury.’

‘Damn it, I guess it makes sense. How am I suppose to help you and get visions, when I’ve been benched.’

‘I had an idea, despite being unable to take Ward in. I can still question him, at the church. I might be able to take a few photos, then send them to you and see if that triggers anything. I’m also still a detective and might find a few clues myself. Besides aren’t you planning to help Fillmore-Graves with your “new buddy” back at the cabin?’ questioned Clive, remembering before Ravi went into his “high on smug speech.” How Liv got said request, from Justin via text. Followed by her complaining about her phone storage being full. Since Liv’s newer one was destroyed, during her fall last night.

‘Good point, at least my day won’t be too boring. Ravi would you mind, driving me to a nearby voodoo store called Enchantments and Things. Before taking me, to Hangman’s den?’

‘And what would one get, in return for these services?’ asked Ravi, sarcastically.

‘Well given how one, is dating a man. In charge of overseeing a hunted house and is probably in need, of a scientific expert’s opinion of the matter. One might be able, to sneak another one in the restricted area.’

‘Very well, I shall take one at they word. And go get thyself ready.’ Ravi replied, done playing posh talk. Then headed to his office to prepare himself. ‘Sure you’ll be able to handle Ward, by yourself Clive?’

‘If I can survive, undercover in a ruthless Asian gang and a zombie outbreak. Then I think I can handle, a possible cult leader.’

‘And if it ends up, being more than a cult leader?’ said Liv, with a concerned tone. She remembered the vision, back at Syde’s boat. How terrified the late private eye was, in his last moments. Of the eyes looking back at him, from the water. How something large sounding, swam away away from the water vessel. After she and Clive, finished investigating it. As if it was, listening in on them.

Before last night’s experience, she would have dismissed it as paranoia. But now...

‘Liv... I know this has obviously, turned into the strangest case we’ve ever done. But I think between you, me, Ravi and Major. We should be able to take on, what goes bump in the night. Whether that be, a cult backed by monsters. A power mad CEO, of a energy drink company. Or a zombie criminal enterprise, we got one thing they don’t.’

‘Family?’

‘I was going to say, an army of undead mercenaries. But yeah, if you think family works against all I just said...’

‘Shut up.’ said Liv, in a sarcastic tone and smirking. With her small smile, growing a little sadder before replying to the detective.

‘Just promise me, you won’t do anything reckless. I’m the only one who can survive anything, but a head wound remember?’

‘Don’t make a girl a promise, if you know you can’t keep it.’

‘Did you just, quote halo 3 to me?’ said Liv, recalling the video game Major played back in their school days.

‘Hey your the one who made the fast and furious reference.’

‘Point made just make sure, you come back in one piece.’

‘Scout’s honour.’ Clive replied, before heading upstairs to continue the investigation.

Notes:

Commentary by author: next time we explore part 2 of Sue’s origin.

Chapter 11: Chapter 10:My sanctuary, my prison

Summary:

during a murder case, Liv Moore and her new (also similarly undead) ally discover a threatening plot against seattle and zombiekind. meanwhile, a new and sinister foe gathers strength in the shadows...(AU during and post izombie season 3. )

Notes:

Commentary by the author: got to to confess. Besides the horrific odeal I put the two characters in the first part of the chapter through. I had fun with certain scenes. Hope you enjoy.

Chapter 10:My sanctuary, my prison

 

Disclaimer:I do not own izombie

 

1962/then

 

‘Blaaahh’

‘That’s it Sue, get it out of your system.’ said Deborah, helping Sue to stand up right. As the blonde continued to barf up what she had for lunch, tea and everything In-between into the pond.

Which was below the hill and deeper into the woods, from where the cabin was.

The surroundings of the teenage girls was also, where the cabin’s landlord liked to cut wood. Evident by the logs and an axe, that was left stuck in what remained of a cut down tree, next to Sue and Deborah. Who only had the sound of crickets and frogs, keeping them company. While their other friend Richard, was mostly likely giving Jamie Ward an ear full. Given the sorry sight their insensitive classmate, turned their temporary home into.

Deborah could still see, the lights of the party reflecting in the night sky. As she continued to take the sight in, Sue was finally finished “lightening her load” and started taking deep breaths.

‘And here I thought, I was the one watching over you. While we were, away from home.’

‘Don’t think it’s me, you should owe anything to.’

‘You talking about Richard?’ said Sue, resuming her vomiting session.

‘Yeah and not just about you, needing the lift back. But why you really decided to stuff your face, to begin with.’ Said Deborah, with a serious tone. Which caused Sue, to look up at her friend. Once she was finished puking.

‘Deborah…’

‘Don’t Deborah me! You know as well, as I do why he’s stuck by you, for so long. Not to mention, his family is real upper class. And he’s a gentlemen. So why hasn’t a girl, like you asked him out yet?’

‘Because he’s like a brother to me. A relationship, would just be weird. Besides I don’t think I’m ready, to settle down yet.’

‘Sue, we’re going to be leaving college soon. Meaning Richard will be the right age, to take part in the fight at Vietnam. If you don’t tell him, how you feel. He’s going to wind up di…’

Before Deborah, could finish her lecture. Their was a sudden purple flash of light, appearing from the woods. Causing the two girls to cover their eyes, with their arms. While a huge rush of wind blew, from the lights direction. Carrying leaves and twigs, into the air.

Then everything stopped, literally. The pieces of broken tree and dirt, that previously danced around Sue and Deborah. Simply stayed in mid-air. As if they were trapped, in ember.

‘What in god’s name.’ said Deborah, who approached one of the perfectly still flying leaves. While Sue, now slightly pale due to the vomiting. Watched as her friend approached, the unexplained phenomenon.

‘Careful you might catch, whatever’s making everything freeze.’

‘What makes you think, it’s contagious?’ replied Deborah, heeding her friends warning and backed away from the leaf. ‘Don’t you see, that purple light was obviously some soviet weapon. That’s detonated and has made everything go weird.’

‘Maybe but this seems, more than a little bit beyond the commies or anyone’s capabilities.’ Said Deborah, trying to figure out. Another reasonable explanation.

‘Well whatever it is, we shouldn’t be staying here in the open. Let’s go back to the cabin and tell everyone what’s happened, at the pond. Then we can call the higher authorities about…’

Sue stopped talking, before finishing her sentence. With both her and Deborah , almost jumping out of their skin. When both girls, heard a strange noise. Coming from all directions.

It almost sounded, like a howl. But different, more disorientated and far too loud to be from stray dogs or a pack of wolfs. Though that last account, may not be accurate. As the animals noises despite sounding more angry, were getting quieter, further away.

‘Then why do, I get the feeling. That whatever’s making those calls, isn’t planning to leave us alone?’ thought Sue, while her and Deborah were frozen in place, by their own nerves. Unsure which direction, to run at. As the unearthly howls were still coming from all around them.

The volume of the noise, now consistently changing.

Switching between high and low, it’s source coming from impossible areas

First Sue and Deborah thought the beast, were behind them. Only to find nothing there. Then the sounds source started coming from, some tall grass at the edge of the pond.

Followed by some form of mass, coming and growing from a forming purple fog . It’s body was like, a dark smoky living shadow. That consistently divided and reformed, from one being. The thing was, as large as a rhino. But it’s physic, was similar to a extremely muscular guard hound. Those were where, the animal similarities ended though.

As instead of paws, the creature possessed three fingered claws. With the ones on it’s front legs, being longer than the back. As for the head, well it was unlike anything Sue saw before. As it’s face was completely featureless, except for a pointed toothy mouth.

It seemed to still be able, to sense it’s surroundings though.

 

(🎵Hound of Tindalos by Graham Powlman🎵)

 

Despite seemingly not possessing, a pair of eyes. As the creature turned in the direction of the girls, who started to back away slowly. To afraid to run, incase that was how the beast traces it’s prey. It started to lift it’s huge legs, slowly creeping forward. Going in the same direction as Deborah, in particular. It’s mouth started to drool, a strange pus-like substance. Causing Sue’s friend and stepsister, to sweat nervously.

While the blonde, tried to sneak behind the beast. Until she would be able, to get the axe from the nearby tree stomp. As she did, the beast’s face started to glow red. Appearing as multiple glowing orbs, that were about to feed on their latest victim. Opening it’s mouth and growling as it did, the beast used it’s long insect-like tongue to strike Deborah from the top part of their face. Causing Deborah to scream, as the beast’s saliva burnt her eyes and melted her skin.

More worried about her friend’s and stepsister’s well being, than her own. And taking advantage of the beast being distracted. Sue immediately started, sprinting towards the axe.

She ran awkwardly and almost tripped a few times, due to her boots. But she quickly regained her balance. There was, no time for error. No second chances, if she allowed this…this demon time to kill Deborah.

Sue then grabbed the axe and through a mix of determination, a miraculous level of adrenaline, a huge breath and a second pull. Sue was able to left the axe, then quickly ran between the demon and Deborah. And dropped the blade of the axe, on to the beast’s tongue. Causing it to make an unearthly and horrible shriek, of pain and rage. It’s dark blood, being scattered across the forest floor. As it swung it's now, chopped in half muscle into the air. As if it was, a fire-breathing dragon.

With the creature preoccupied, Sue then ran to her friend. Who now was laying on the ground. Face to the sky, but hands covering her eyes.

As she cried in pain. Sue then helped her friend up, followed by checking what that monster did to Deborah…oh God.

 

(🎵Hound of Tindalos by Graham Plowman🎵)

 

‘Sue is that you?’ said Deborah, now blind and permanently scarred.

Sue was speechless, what can she say to reassure her friend?

‘T-that thing it…’

‘I-it’s OK Deborah, we’re just going back up the hill and tell Richard, what’s happened.’

‘B-but…’

‘Don’t worry, you’ve heard what todays doctors can do. If they can replace limbs, with plastic and metal. I’m sure they can, fix your sight.’ Sue lied, after which the real nightmare began.

For at the corner of her eye, Sue noticed creature’s identical to the one that was screaming in hatred. Emerging from every and any corner and angle around them.

She didn’t count how many, nor did she stay to find out. Grabbing Deborah by the right arm and shoulder, Sue started to run. Holding and directing her friend, as she went. But when she took the first steps, on the hill pathway. Something pulled on her leg, with great force.

At first Sue thought, it was one of the demons. Dragging her to hell. Only to discover, she was half right. There was no fire or pitchforks. Instead there were markets, people wearing strange clothes, a clear night sky and in the distance pyramids. Her and Deborah, were in Egypt.

Though something was off. The town Sue and her friend were in, must have experienced some form of serious money boom. As the strange clothing the people, round her wore looked expensive. Then a boy of around eight years old, walked passed her. Carrying and seemingly playing on a curious rectangle shaped device, he had on his hand. For some reason, the word phone popped up in her head. Though she didn’t know why.

Then she heard an, all too familiar growl behind her and a confused Deborah. Who clung on to her friend, like a life line in the ocean. Turning round Sue discovered one of the beast’s, was hungry staking them. From one of the buildings.

Despite not being in with the crowd, Sue briefly wondered why no one else, noticed the huge monster. There was no time to waste though. As she started to once again, grab hold of Deborah. And started to quickly walk in the opposite direction, of the beast. Which then gave chase, after the two time displaced girls.

Sue kept quickly walking, only for reality to be ripped, in front of her. Followed by both the blonde and dark haired girls trip, into the new time zone.

These time, they seemed to now be in ancient Rome with many robed bystanders, looking at them in shock and confusion. But Sue wasn’t, looking for them. For she knew what, brought t her and her friend here. She was proven, all too right.

When not one but three of the demons, appeared climbing on the walls from the far distance. Sue again started to run. Followed by going into several, other time shifts. From Victorian era London, to federal Japan. Then in no man’s land, during world war one. Before returning back into the woods, in her and Deborah’s time.

Before the girls had time, to process their surroundings though. They both heard, the horrid howls and snarls of their pursuers. And Sue could see the infamous purple lightning, glowing through the tree gaps. Followed by the smoke, that Sue now understood, was a sign of the demons emergence.

‘We need to keep moving.’ Said Sue, out loud while doing just that. Holding Deborah, by the right wrist.

They kept running. No matter what, they had to keep running. For whatever reasons, these creatures were toying with them. Like a cat with a mouse. Meaning once she stops and ends the game. Her and Deborah were done for.

Suddenly time skipped and Sue found herself and Deborah, in the middle of the road. With something blinding her from the rigah…

By instinct Sue immediately pushed her screaming friend, to the other side of the road. Before she heard a loud car horn and then…

 

(🎵End music🎵)

 

‘I’ve shifted again!’ Was Sue’s first thought, when she found herself surrounded by half-naked teenagers around her age. All high, with some dry humping each other. What’s it this time? A dystopian future, where humanity gave in to their basic instincts?

‘Keep everyone in doors and away from whatever that freak light show outside is. And I’ll…’ That voice? Coming from the stairs. Stairs that she recognised.

‘Richard!’ Sue shouted out loud, before avoiding and quickly moving pass the party guests. To reunite, with her friend. Sue then speed faster. When she saw Richard, make his way down the stairs.

When she saw Richard, make his way down the stairs. A look of great concern, on his face. Most likely because Richard knew, Sue was in distress. Once he was close enough, Sue started raising her arms to embrace him. Jumped then… went right through him. Followed by the blonde, being swallowed by the floor. Richard, still speeding past her. Showing no sign, of worrying for her well being. As she lifted herself, out of the floor.

No not lifted, floated. Sue was floating, out of the ground as if she was a balloon. And no one, not one person present, paid her any attention. To be fair, most of them were all too busy. Looking at something outside. Probably the same light show, that both she and Deborah witnessed. But there were, still a few people lying on ground or chairs. Surely, at least one of them should have noticed, a blonde girl flying in the hallway like Peter Pan.

It was like, Sue was invisible. But she couldn’t be invisible. Otherwise she wouldn’t be able to see, her own…

And that was when Sue noticed, after a closer look. That her arms were in fact , transparent in some way. She could see the ground, right through them if she focused enough. Then Sue noticed the hall mirror, then immediately floated towards it. Sue could still, see her reflection. But like her arms, the rest of her being was also a little transparent. ‘What’s happened to me?’ Sue said to herself, culture shocked and out loud.

Which was when Sue, while looking at her own reflection, noticed another girl.

Who lay on the couch and had a look of complete terror, also staring at the mirror.

‘Wait, can she see me?’ Sue thought to herself, as she turned to face the girl. As she moved closer, Sue noticed the young woman was looking and her line of sight, was following something below Sue. Even when she moved and it seemed to unnerve the girl more.

When Sue got closer. The blonde then decided to stop, while the girl hid behind a blanket.

‘Am I being followed, by a mouse?’ Sue pondered as she checked below herself. Finding almost nothing but, her own shadow which she figured by itself, would have terrified anyone. Noticing the girl shaking and praying under the covers. Sue decided to leave, the poor teenager alone and check what Richard was up to.

Everyone else still hadn’t paid her any attention. As Sue phased right through them and the cabin walls.

‘How is it morning already?’ Sue thought to herself, who noticed the sun rise from a distance away. Which should have been impossible, as she, Deborah and Richard arrived here at 12:30am. The blonde then went back, to trying to find Richard. Who must have been, around the Hangman’s den’s entrance. Floating down the hill, Sue then noticed her friend just outside of the cabin grounds. Who was kneeling down, close to a nearby bus and was facing what looked like Deborah. With a few other bystanders, who were either comforting Sue’s, now permanently blind friend or stood in a circle around Deborah and Richard.

There was another circle, of people too. This one smaller and had someone, laying in the middle of it.

Sue tried to go, pass the gate. But when she did, she discovered some kind of force, preventing her from going forward. It was like the very weight of the world, was pushing back at Sue. Stopping her from leaving.

So she stayed, at the gate. Waiting for Richard to take Deborah back, to the cabin. Sue didn’t know, how long she waited. Half an hour, an hour or two maybe. Before Sue heard what sounded like both police and ambulance sirens, coming up from the city’s direction. The blonde counted two ambulance vans and four Seattle police department vehicles, that parked round the gate. With Richard, Deborah and a law officer going in one van. While the other person, who was lying in a white sheet and was carried to the other van.

Sue didn’t know why, but she felt should have known that person. And that she was, forgetting something important.

What was she doing, before appearing in the cabin again? Probably doesn’t matter, despite her current condition.

She knew Deborah, will explain everything to Richard. And they’ll both rush back, to try and fix her.

‘I’ll just have to wait, a little while longer is all.’ Sue thought to herself, as she continued to sit crossed legged in mid-air. And watched as both ambulance vans, returned to the city. While the police cars stayed parked, with the remaining officers making their way to ground zero, of the strange weather phenomenon. Unware of the spirit, they all walked passed.

 

2016/now

 

‘Sweet Christ and Mary!’

‘Sorry won’t happen again.’ Said Sue, giving a third apology this morning. To another one of those military geared men, for appearing through a wall and surprising them.

What company, did they work for again? Ah yes Fillmore-Graves. The soldiers from Fillmore-Graves, wasted no time. In equipment, to help prepare their exploration of the tunnels below the cabin. Which she had earlier offered insight for.

Given she had explored some of the tunnel routes. Which she had drawn as maps for the man Overseeing the operation, who was called Justin.

Speaking of which, the blonde haired ghost found said undead mercenary. Looking through the many different albums, that were left lying, next to the turntable. Which was in Sue’s reenacted “games room”, where Liv first met the reclusive spirit.

Not wanting to, startle the man. Sue decided to knock the room’s opened door, to alert him of her presence.

‘Find a song or soundtrack, that’s caught your eye?’ Sue asked, once Justin focused his attention on the spirit.

At first glance, she seemed ordinary besides floating in mid-air and her sixties retro wardrobe get-up. But now it was daybreak, Justin and his man were able to notice Sue’s other supernatural features.

The first being that Sue, was in fact slightly transparent. Even now Justin could just about see, the door behind her. While the second and more unusual feature, was that Sue seemed to glow a little. Especially whenever sunlight, touched her skin. As a result Sue reminded Justin of a wine glass, left lying on the beach.

Not that he was weirded out, by that fact. If anything at least to him, they somewhat made Sue more alluring in a way.

‘Just admiring your taste. So you’re a Twist girl huh?’

‘Used to be, into the Beatles. But I started to dislike, their songs a while back. I just started finding their music, too flat and sad to dance to. Especially since I’m already depressed as it is, given my condition.’

‘Was that also when, you decided to redecorate?’ replied Justin, Who briefly looked round the room. Before switching his attention, back to Sue. Who started looking, across at the ground. With a look of sadness, in her eyes.

‘That came later. After the cabin, stopped attracting tourists. I was left to my own devices and their was still a lot of unused paint, stored in the shed. Decided to get busy.’

‘And the dummies? Are they just for display or are they a cast away deal?’

‘Cast away?’

‘Oh crap sorry. Forgot your not familiar, with modern pop-culture references.’

‘It’s alright, I’m just glad to be talking to someone. Who doesn’t feel the need to run. Once they see my reflection. Speaking of, I’ve been meaning to ask

How long has zombies, been a thing?’

‘Not long, earliest sightings were two years ago. And even then our existence, isn’t yet public knowledge.

Fillmore-Graves, is currently working with the mayor, to ease that process of information, to the wider world though.’ said Justin, with a betraying hint of resentment in his voice. An expression that Sue, took note of.

‘take it you don’t agree, with the plan?’ asked the blonde, her suspensions confirmed when Justin started walking closer to her. While looking side to side. As if he expected the walls, were listening in on him.

‘It’s…not just me. Many of my colleagues, feel the same way. Yeah we’re building on a island, as a contingency. But that just makes us, an easier target.’ answered Justin quietly. Him and Sue, were almost face to face with each other. Which caused the blonde, to feel something she only ever experienced, before she died.

‘Have you spoke to your boss, about you and your colleagues concerns?’ Sue asked, looking above at the towering soldier. Who after noticing what was going on, between him and the ghost. Took two steps back. Hinting his restraint.

‘Chase Graves, isn’t the most open minded of people. A fact I learnt, the hard way. Damn this conversation got grim, real quick.’

‘My bad, guess I’ve reached that old age. Where I only spread doom and gloom. Let’s talk about something else. So, how long, have you been wearing the stars and stripes?’

‘Also only recently, only joined Fillmore-Graves. Because I was at the wrong place, at the wrong time.’

‘What were you before then?’

‘DJ or disc-jockey, for the proper title. I I would play recorded music, at festival events, dance clubs and parties. Not unlike the one, that took place here.’

‘Did you do much travelling?’

‘A few gigs at Los Angeles and San Francisco. Nothing abroad though.’ said Justin, who got a radio call from hid walkie-talkie.

‘Understood, I’ll be with you soon.’ answered Justin, to whoever was at the other side of the radio. Before filling Sue in.

‘Seems Liv’s arrived with company. Plus the “brain food” to help unbend you, to the cabin grounds been delivered. You ready, to come down stairs?’

‘The sooner the better.’

‘Good, before we go, can I ask you a favor?’

‘Sure’ replied Sue, to Justin’s request curiously.

‘The conversation about how I feel, in regards to what my boss is planning. Could you keep it between us?’

‘Cross my heart.’

 

‘Fancy seeing, you guys here!’ called a bald man, who Liv and her boss recognized as one of Blaine’s underlings Don.E. jacket, dark jeans and black and white shoes. Which was a poor dress choice, due to the rain that was reported to last all day. As a result Don.E was currently hiding from the sky shower, below some cover that the derelict cabin provided.

While Liv and Ravi were aware of today’s weather and wore yellow waterproof SPD logo coats, plus their own more causal clothing underneath them. Including their own thick and warmer coats. And walking boots, due to the muddy forest ground. With the Fillmore-Graves soldiers present, being the only ones seemly not being bothered by the current weather. Either standing or patrolling round the permanence, with one of them lifting a crate filled with lunchboxes. While another of the Fillmore-Graves mercenaries, was counting and giving dollar notes to Don.E for delivering the package.

Despite Don.E greeting the two, both Ravi and Liv were weary of the former drug-dealer. After all the only two people, who knew and had anything to gain from Ravi’s stolen cures. Were Don.E and his boss. A specially when the former, was trying to negotiate a deal with Ravi. Just before the cures were stolen, after the medical examiner declined the offer. While Blaine had always proven, to be untrustworthy and work any angle to get what he wanted. No matter who he hurt or how inhumane his actions.

Both had cause and both were suspects. And all Liv and her friend could do. Is wait until either skeletor or

Or his ambitious henchman, made a move related to the subject. Speaking of henchmen…

‘Who’s the mop asked Ravi, referring to a curly-haired man who was assisting the Fillmore-Graves soldier carry the last of the crates. The man wore a grey zipped hooded jumper, that’s sleeves only reached his elbows. Black trousers, plus untied blue and white shoes.

Once he and the mercenary, were finished unloading. Curlylocks jogged his way towards Ravi, all the while with a dopey grin on his face.

‘Names Tanner, use to deal for your friend Major. How is he theses days?’ said the curly-haired man, who lifted up his right hand in greeting. Ravi didn’t bother to shake it and instead gave a fake-dopey smile, of his own.

‘Better now that his no longer seeing you.’ answered the medical examiner, before Tanner had a chance to reply. Justin then emerged from the cabin and made his presence known.

‘Easy ladies. We’re running a co-operative study and research op. Not auditioning for a “conflict-ball” scene for neighbors. Sorry if the payment came short. Fillmore-Graves will be happy to pay the rest, at a later date.’

‘Ah don’t worry about it, since you guys are our best customers. We’ll call it even. Be seeing you guys.’ Said Don.E, as he finished talking to Justin. Followed by saying his goodbyes to Liv and Ravi. While giving a slight salute and then giving a head nod signal to Tanner, to follow him to the shady plot logo van.

Liv, Ravi and Justin waited, until the delivery men drove down the hill and were out of sight. Before discussing about more serious matters.

‘How are you finding the leg cast?’ Justin asked Liv, as she used her crutches to get close to him. Then gave the mercenary a quick kiss, on the lips before replying.

‘Well I think Luke mistook me, as his pal R2 before coming here. But I think I’m getting used to limping around. And thankfully us zombies, can recover quicker and heal better than the average person. Not to mention while me and Ravi, were at a voodoo store. I got a suppose ancient shaman medicine. If it works, it should shorten my recovery to a few days.’

‘Here’s hoping it’s not a dud and it’s good your sense of humor isn’t broken. Speaking of company, you didn’t tell me you were planning to bring a plus one.’

‘Sorry Justin, should have mentioned that I wanted Ravi to tag along. Thought he might help, with studying the tunnels.’

‘Really, a medical examiner from the police morgue. Giving an expert opinion, on behaviour patterns and reactions of insects? Never mind the fact, that their roughly the same size as a man.’

‘Well I’ll have you know, I used to be quiet the expert when it comes to insects Ants being my former specialty.’ Ravi said calmly, in his own defense. Causing Justin to raise an eyebrow, in curiosity. ‘You use to own, an ant farm as a kid?’

‘For a bit, plus I like to read about hive-based insects in my spare time. So I know about how ants register things, through scent and pheromones. Probably why they haven’t attacked any of your men yet. They must think your ruined goods and don’t want to risk food poisoning. I’d advice to still not, get trigger-happy though. As obviously that would provoke the colony, to go on the offensive and Seattle will look like a cheesy bug horror flick from the sixties.’

‘Hey, I’ll have you know. My generation, was a golden age of sci-fi cinema.’ said Sue, as she levitated down from the cabin to meet with Justin and others. She didn’t know, what to make of Don.E and Tanner. So Sue decided to wait, at one of the cabin’s upper level windows.

‘I don’t think he meant, any offence towards you.’ Justin said to the blonde, which Ravi found a little strange at first.

As it looked as if Justin and Liv, were looking at thin air.

‘Take it your friend, from last night is with us Liv? Said Ravi, who started shivering.

‘Yes she is, Sue this is my boss and friend Ravi Chakrabarti. Like Clive, his still part of the living.’ Said Liv, answering her boss and then introducing Sue, to the medical examiner. With the blonde spirit requesting Liv, to pass along a message

‘She says it’s nice to meet you Ravi.’

‘Oh alright well it’s a pleasure, to meet your acquaintance Sue. It’s not every day, that someone gets to communicate with… What’s with you two?’ questioned Ravi, noticing Liv’s chuckling and Justin trying to stop himself from doing the same.

He was unware that Sue. Actually moved behind him and was currently giving him bunny ears. Until the ghost burst out, in laughter.

‘Hahaha, sorry just it’s been awhile, since I last had fun with a blinder. So what’s with the lunch boxes? I mean, I know most of you guys eat human brains. But isn’t it a little early, to be snacking at this time?’

‘Oh yeah, I forgot to mention. After eating we temporary gain some of our “meals” memories and personality traits. Depending on who I ate. I could become as ruthless and cold as a hitman one minute. Then become as warm and inspiring, as a football coach the next. Which is why I help Clive, with his cases.’

‘So your not a detective?’

‘No I’m actually an assistant medical examiner. Which is how I get, my food supply. While working with Clive on cases, I pose as a psychic. When in truth I get random flashes, of what and potentially who killed the victim.’

‘Groovy, the side effects of your food, sound fun and chaotic at the same time. Wonder how Fillmore-Graves, stay organize and effective. If more than half their men, could potentially become pacifists because they all ate the brains of monks?’

‘We don’t, our organization normally mixes our brains together. Which helps stop, the side effects Liv mentioned.’ answered Justin, joining in on Liv’s and Sue’s conversation.

‘Yuke and I thought cold stew sounded unpleasant. So who’s brains, are these anyway?’ Sue asked the group present, with Justin being the one to answer.

‘A dozen exorcists, several acclaimed ghost hunters and watchers, twenty spiritualists and one native American shaman. Did you and your boss, bring the equipment I requested Liv?’

‘Yes, should all be in the car.’

‘I’ll give you a hand, in carrying it all.’ Added Ravi, who lead Justin and another Fillmore-Graves soldiers to the vehicle.

While Liv and Sue were left, on their own. As two other soldiers, started lifting the crates filled with brains. But not before Liv took, one of the lunch boxes.

‘Don’t know if theses, will help release you from hunting Hangman’s Den. Bit one of the perks of being undead, is that we potentially have all eternity, to figure out what works if this doesn’t.’ said Liv, as she opened the lid of the small lunch box. And used a blue plastic fork, to dig through the grey matter. That rested, on a nest of salad. As if it was a piece of tuna and not a grave robbed organ.

‘Well, if I do end up stuck here until the end of time. I could always become a landlord and rent it out, to people like us. Once I Sue Fillmore-Graves, for raiding my living space of course.’

‘Didn’t take you, as a two-faced pincher. Sounds as if, your beginning to act your age.’ said Liv cheekily, as she started eating the brain.

‘Shut up, I’m as young in spirit, as I am in appearance. Otherwise, I would have washed that potty mouth of yours with soap.’

Liv swallowed, before answering Sue. ‘Really, Washington’s resident ghost vs a zombie from the Seattle police. Sounds like a low budget film, made by asylum.’

‘Since when did mental institutions, start making films?’

‘Oh I don’t mean an actual asylum, I meant…’ Liv stopped herself, when Sue started chuckling. ‘Got you good there, didn’t I.’

‘Well it’s good, both your senses and humour are coming back to you.’ Said Liv, half sarcastically.

‘Yeah, can I ask you something Liv?’

‘Sure.’

‘If you and this soldiers are successful with freeing me. And if somehow I’m.. still here. Can I…live or rather move in with you?’

Liv was quiet for awhile, before she answered Sue.

‘It’s just I don’t know, where else to go. All my known family, has probably passed on. And all my friends are at the autumn years of their lives, at this point. They don’t need a literal ghost, from their past to wor…’

‘Yes.’

‘What?’

‘I’d need to tell, my roommate first. And we’ll have set rules and boundaries. But yes, your more than welcome to stay at my place.’ Liv answered, who then got a hug from the blonde.

‘Thanks, Liv, I’ll make sure you don’t regret it.’

‘Your welcome, now do you want to tell me what kind of music, you like to listen to?’ Liv asked, getting her phone at the ready to make a playlist. For her potential new roommate.

‘Sure, theirs actually a song. I heard years ago, from a strange metal box. One of the painters, use to bring up here. That I instantly fell, in love with. Think the box said, the singer was singer was called queen.’

‘Oh so you might be a highlander girl then.’

‘Highlander?’

‘I’ll show you it, if you end up living with me and my friend Peyton. But until then, you’ll have to settle for this.’ Said Liv, who played a song Sue hadn’t heard hadn’t heard since the eighties. The ghost closing her eyes, gave a sad smile and let the music take her from reality.

 

Commentary by author: you can't bet a good queen song. Next time, Blaine gets an offer to die for.

Notes:

Commentary by the author: you can't bet a good queen song. Next time, Blaine gets an offer to die for.

Chapter 12: Chapter 11:Mutual benefits

Summary:

during a murder case, Liv Moore and her new (also similarly undead) ally discover a threatening plot against seattle and zombiekind. meanwhile, a new and sinister foe gathers strength in the shadows...(AU during and post izombie season 3.)

Notes:

Commentary by the author: as stated in my previous commentary Blaine makes his in the flesh appearance in this chapter. Along the identity reveal of the escape Fillmore-Graves prisoner. Hope you enjoy and leave your thoughts in the comments.

Mknight34
May 9, 2025
I
literature
Izombie the undeath and times of Liv Moore ch.11
Deviation Actions

Literature Text
Chapter 11:Mutual benefits

 

‘Annd cann you feel thhe lovve toonigght? It is where we are. It’s enough for this wide-eyed wanderer. That we got this bar…meant far dammit!’ said semi-casual suited and white-haired man, who was singing a famous lion king song, while playing it’s tune on piano in a funeral home called shady Plot. Until he had a sudden once pleasant, but now annoying daydream, pop in his head. Causing him to go off script and give off to himself.

He was normally, sharper than this. He wasn’t known for letting stray thoughts, get the better of him. Then again, what was that word? Something to do with the Greek pantheon. And in recent times, is used for an artist, writer’s and musician’s for labeling their inspirations? A word that sounded like moo… Ah yes muse, Blaine had recently lost his muse.

After telling one little harmless lie. That just so happened, to affect a certain nuance’s even more troublesome ex-fiancé. No no, that’s unfair. As easy and as much as he wanted to strangle Major. They and even Liv, actually got along back when he faked or rather stretched the truth of his amnesia. Not out of foul play no, but to have a fresh start. He even got a bonus, by the name of Peyton Charles. But alas all good things, must come to an end.

And his dear old Dad, tried to make an attempt on his life. Blaine, decided to “visit” an old client. Turning Blaine into a zombie once more, to enact his revenge. Now his Dad was in the old family well, while Blaine had took over his business and future plans.

Well took over may not be the right word, since Blaine would have most likely had thought of it himself. If it wasn’t for the complication of being injected, with unstable cures and falling hard for his lawyer. Oh well, at least things were going his way again. So long as he gets his food stock from abroad and the deceased, rather than how he use to do it he should be fine. And with the blueprints of his father’s future plans, about expanding the brain operation beyond Seattle. Things were finally going his wah…

Suddenly Blaine mobile started to vibrate. Snapping Blaine out of his thoughts, as he dug into his left trouser pocket for his phone. Recognizing the number, was coming from his former henchman-turned-business partner.

‘Don.E. my man, was starting to think you playing banjo with our top client. Was their any problems, with the payment transaction?’ said Blaine, the charm and easy manner of his voice, masking his irritation from the phone call.

‘Nah got the payment, no problem. In fact we have someone all the way from Manhattan here at the scratching post. Chicken says she has a business proposal, but wants to sell it to you in person.’

‘Business proposal?’ replied Blaine, thinking out loud. And wondering how word of his and Don.E’s for all intents and purposes secret zombie bar, reached all the way to New York. Without Blaine himself setting the scene in motion. Let alone wanting, to make a deal with a Denown brain-eaters. Did any of his previous clients, take a trip to the big apple. And scratch someone with a similar vision as him?

‘Obviously, though they say, they don’t have long. So your better get your butt down here ASAP.’

‘Understood, tell them to keep their brief cases open. The smell of money, helps quicken me up.’

‘ Got ya, see you soon.’ said Don.E., before Blaine ended the call and shouted the name of a large, well built and ponytail hair-styled fine suited man called Dino. To drive Blaine to his and Don.E’s other place of business.

 

Despite minor difficulties, with traffic. Dino was able to park close to the alleyway. Where the scratching post was located.

The large ponytailed undead man, then proceeded to loudly knock at a red metal door four times. Before a curly-zombie, opened a small rectangular gap from the other side of it. To see who it was knocking.

‘Tanner was it?’ Blaine asked the doormen, as he stood close to Dino wearing a soft cotton long black coat. Which according to some people, made him look like Dracula’s dopey cousin.

‘Oh hi boss, I’ll let you in now. Don.E’s currently with our guests. They’ve requested we stay closed, until their business is concluded.’ replied Tanner, uncharacteristically clear and straight to the point. While he unlocked and opened the door.

Not that Blaine noticed or even cared, for Tanner’s change of mannerisms. As he was more concerned, that his and Don.E’s baby hadn’t it’s doors opened. When it should be filled with customers and their wallets.

‘Requested? This deal Don.E. mentioned, better not come with legal issues. At least not to the extent, that it would make waves with the press. Or require any bodies making it to the police morgue. Don’t think I want another catering enterprise, going up in flames. And when I say flames, I don’t mean financially, I mean literally.’ said Blaine, referring to the meat cute disaster. As he and Dino walked into the club and followed Tanner.

The two men then stopped dead in their tracks, when both Blaine and Dino saw who their “guests” were along with Don.E’s current state.

The latter of whom was currently strapped to a chair, with a piece of duck tape stuck on his mouth. Desperately trying to scream something to Blaine, who he made eye contact. Unfortunately, the brain-dealing zombie and his thug heavy realized too late. When three of Don.E’s captors, either bald or balding, pointed-eared, lime-skin colored humanoid creatures with long needles for teeth, ambushed Blaine and Dino. By aiming shotguns and silencer pistols, at the two zombies respected heads. With two more of the creatures aiming their rifles at them, from a further point in the room. To make sure neither zombie tried anything reckless.

All the while snarling and sticking what passed for tongues, out of their mouths. A large grotesque looking fleshy muscle, which seemed to have some form of stinger at the tip, with two flabby lesser tongues on either side of the offensive organ.

Another thing Blaine noted about the several creatures in the room, was their dress choice. Some seemed to be wearing the Fillmore-Graves military uniform and combat gear. While others wore more civilian based-clothing, that looked worn and dirty. With some of the male wearers still possessing beards.

‘Got a say, and your friend here. Run a nice little mouse hole, in this part of town.’ said a female voice, coming from one of the clubs dining tables.

Where Candy Baker, a blonde haired and tanned female zombie who wore a short-sleeved western country shirt, black-shiny sweat pants and cheetah spotted high-heeled shoes and who was Blaine’s makeup artist. Was seemingly giving one of the creatures?, likely the leader a beauty treatment.

‘A nice cozy office and I must say, love the lightning of this place. There is one problem though.’ Said the creature at the table. As it finished putting two contact lenses, on it’s dark blood-red eyes. Followed by donning, a black haired wig.

Before looking at a small mirror, Candy passed to it. Which the creature passed back, once it saw it’s own reflection and gave Candy it’s thanks.

It then got up from it’s seat, turned and walked towards the two men. While holding a human brain, in it’s right black gloved hand. Unlike it’s underlings, the creatures ring leader wore nice clean civilian-based clothing and due to the wig and makeup, looked like a women entering their forties.

Once she was close enough, the ring leader then raised her right arm, still holding the brain. Lifting her head back and squeezed the organ. Causing drips of blood to land in her wide-opened mouth. Showing her own razor-sharp teeth and tongue. The latter of which the ring leader, used to lick her lips and other parts of her face. Revealing some of her tongues actual length. Blaine thought it looked like a lovechild, between a snake and a baboon’s back end. With the should be aborted child inheriting, the butt’s looks. After her snack, the ring leader went back to address Blaine and Dino.

‘You barely have anything, to drink.’ the creature finished, while dropping the squished brain onto the floor, as if it was a used can. While she stared at Blaine and Dino.

‘We have a no litter policy, you know.’ Blaine said calmly, showing he wasn’t intimated by the blood-drinker’s fear tactics. Causing the ring leader, to cock her head in Blaine’s direction. Her right arm still raised, while fiddling and rubbing the fingers of her bloodied and brain-chucked covered hand. As she walked slowly closer, to Don.E’s business partner. As if she was a seagull, about to crack an oyster.

‘And you must be Mr McDonough, I presume?’

‘McDonough, was my father’s last name and he’s been disposed of. You can call me Blaine DeBeers and if you still have business with me, I can see about making it worth your…sorry I can’t do this, while one of your boys is breathing on my face. If your going to kill me, could you at least give me breathing room please.’ Blaine requested, noticing and feeling uncomfortable with how one of the creatures that held the shotgun to his head, was getting too close for comfort. While still growling, with it’s tongue sticking out. Were these things planning to eat them, or was there…another reason why the creature was looking at him hungry? God, please let it be, because they want to eat them.

‘Oh that? Sorry, I just needed to see you more clearly. I’ll request for him to back off, I’ll even lower my guard a little. But first, I need a show of good faith. You lay down your own sidearm and I’ll drop mine.’ Said the ring leader, smiling wide. Which, with her naturally long sharp teeth and the fixed look of her eyes,Dawmade Blaine think she belonged in a Stephen King novel, as an antagonist.

Reading the willing hostile intent of the scratching post’s intruders, via their facial expressions and body language. Blaine figured it best, to obey the creature’s demands. Slowly, Blaine lifted a hand gun from under his blazer. Then placing it on the ground, with Dino following his lead.

‘And the backups.’ said the creature, playfully. As if Blaine was a kindergartener, hiding crayons.

Still, he did what the creature requested.

‘And the junk in the trunk.’

Damn, what was this woman’s profession. Monster gun control detector? Grudgingly, Blaine went into the back of his trousers. Lifting and dropping a small silver pistol. Now fully disarmed and without so much as a head signal. The ring leader’s underlings stopped aiming their weapons at the two zombies.

‘OK, now that I’ve done my part. Would you mind telling me, what brings you to our bar?’

‘Straight to business, good. Well, before we begin, I have a few files. That I think you’ll find enlightening. Along with a script which will come in handy, once you hear a door knock right about…’ and just as the ring leader teased, the Scratching Post’s door was greeted by two loud thuds that got everyone who was inside the bar attention.

When Blaine turned back to the ring leader, she was handing some papers, including the script she mentioned. Which, the ring leader kept separate from some other paperwork, presumably the files.

Somewhat bewildered by the quick and questionable change of circumstances taking place. Blaine none the less read through the presumed files, as he walked to the door. And not liking what was written on it. Blaine then opened the gap, that Tanner used earlier. And found two tall Fillmore-Graves soldiers, standing at the other side of the door.

‘Any reason why you’re still closed, Mr. DeBeers?’ said one of the soldiers formally, who was standing closet to the door. While the soldiers colleague stood at his right.

‘Bar’s suffering an infestation of stink bug. As you can imagine, given our “mainu”, we don’t want to involve local extermination services. So we’re trying to deal with it ourselves. We could really use a hand actually, you guys got a sec? said Blaine, who briefly looked at the script while the soldier spoke. Then improvised with inviting the two men. In a gambit, to reassure them that there was nothing out of the ordinary. Just that the bar was dealing with a small crisis. That the two soldiers wouldn’t want to involve themselves in.

The two Fillmore-Graves representatives then looked at each other, before looking back at Blaine. ‘Unfortunately, we’re dealing with a more emergent problem. We have reason to believe you and your staff, maybe targeted by a group of unidentified hostiles. That escape our custody last night.’

‘Unidentified? Are we talking E.T and his buddies. Because I think, I have Moulder and Scully on speed dial.’

‘This maybe a joke to you Mr. DeBeer. But the hostiles have shown, to be carrying an unknown sickness. Seemingly harmless to people like us, but highly contiguous to warmies. So we prefer you don’t waste our time. If you have nothing else to add, we’ll be on our…’

‘Wait, wait!’ said Blaine looking at the rest of the script, while nodding his head in different directions and adding a mix tone of importance and panic. As if he was a court witness or crime suspect about to confess.

‘One of our guys, Tanner, said he had to make a delivery out of the city. Going in the direction of the interstate five highway. I dismissed it at the time but he sounded worried, scared even. Like he was pressured, into doing something. Tried ringing him after that, but he didn’t answer.’ Blaine lied. With his tall tell finished, the soldiers nodded.

‘Thanks for your cooperation we’ll try and intercept your delivery man.’

‘Thanks, you know where to find us.’ Said Blaine, while giving a fake wide-open smile as the soldiers left.

Once he closed the gap, on the door. Blaine walked back, to the center of the. Where he found the ring leader lightly clapping. With Tanner and one of the ring leader’s corpse-like underlings next to her. While Dino and the other pointed-eared stood where they were.’

‘Bravo, bravo Mr. DeBeers. You make quit the actor and the way you improvised, with the small amount of material you were given. Such a deserves an Oscar. Still…’ continued the ring leader finishing her jest, then proceeded to fire a silencer through Tanner’s skull.

Once his body collapsed on the ground. The pointed-eared monster that was closet to the ring leader, then carried it into the bars kitchen. With the ring leader, giving a mental command to leave Tanner’s corpse just outside somewhere off interstate ninety. Once she convinces Blaine to “lend” them, one of his business delivery vans of course.

It was also at this moment, that Blaine recalled a sliver of information from a while back.

‘…There’s only so many we can include, in the main cast.’

‘Got a say, for someone who confessed to murder due to guilt. You seem to lack a little…hesitation when you offed our boy just now.’ said Blaine, remembering a newspaper Peyton read, back when they were together. Involving a woman called Uma Voss, who pleaded guilty to killing a wedding planner.

In response to Blaine’s information, the ring leader placed a gloved finger, on her chin mentally highlighting three keywords while briefly looking at the side and thinking out loud. Before talking to Blaine again. Who was approaching her slowly, while two of the ring leader’s underlings followed just behind him. With their mouths open and tongues out, to act as the ring leader’s eyes.

‘Hmmm, confessed to murder? Guess that explains why, the other me was imprisoned.’

‘Well, this has got a lot more interesting.’ Blaine thought to himself, still walking casually forwards. Before stopping just a space between himself and the ring leader. And asking an obvious question, anyone in his position would ask.

‘So you’re actually not Uma. If that’s the case, that makes you what? Bodying-vampires from outer space, planning to take over the world?’ said Blaine, which the ring leader and all of her underlings responded with a collective hissing noise. That almost sounded like a chuckle. Before answering Blaine’s question.

‘That’s a very good guess Mr. DeBeers, except for a few details. Yes my kind, do body snatch. But not in the way, you think. We also prefer our proper racial title strigoi. We’re not from space, but we do came from far, far way. That I don’t think, you would believe me if I told you. And you can call me Kelly, Kelly Goodweather and as for the world… Well if you can ask your big friend over their, to squeeze another brain for me. I would be more than happy, to discuss a business arrangement. That would benefit us both.’ Said Goodweather, who sat at the nearest table. Followed by giving a hand signal. For Blaine to join her.

‘Dino, can you get the lady here, a refreshment. And a Frenchmen for me, while your at it.’ said Blaine, to his lackey. Who went into the kitchen with out a word, with two other strigoi following him.

While the zombie club owner, sat down to join the leader of the grotesque vampires.

‘Any reason why you’ve still, got my business partner hostage?’

‘Oh that, sorry we jumped him to convince his now deceased curly-haired friend to let us in. I hope you don’t mind us, cutting one of your employees career short. Though I imagine, he was expandable to begin with?’

‘Probably, but you’ll need to ask my partner. Who I am sure, can easily forgive the lose and the minor misunderstanding.’ said Blaine, who then directed and shouted that last sentence to Don.E. Who then had the duck tape bluntly removed by one of the other strigoi.

‘Jeez man, were you trying to take off my lips! Your suppose to remove the tape nice an… Don.E stopped his complaining, when the strigoi placed a silencer on his forehead.

 

(🎵The strain main theme by Geek Music🎵)

 

‘…I mean, yeah it’s all water under the bridge. And I picked Tanner straight from the street. So…could you please untie me?’ asked Don.E. with a nervous tone, despite the smile he was trying to give. Thankfully, whatever these strigoi-things were, they didn’t seem to hold grudges. Evident when the next thing Don.E. knew, was another strigoi coming over to cut his bonds.

‘Notice you lot aren’t chatty with one another. Is that to do with that glow-show from your eyes?’ said Blaine, noticing Goodweather’s eyes going red, whenever all the other strigoi took a joint or commanded action.

‘Humans converse, Canines howl, birds sing and insects have scent. But my kind, we only need to talk through here.’ Goodweather answered, while placing a finger briefly on her head.

‘Seems more like your only one talking and everyone else is happy, to jump the cliff edge.’

I wouldn’t expect any less from them. They’ll…suffice until I’m reacquainted with my real family.’ Said the head strigoi, who’s mind traveled a few miles, in latter sentence. While Dino arrived with a wine glass filled with blood for the scratching post’s guest and a human brain on a small white plate and glass full of hot sauce for Blaine.

‘You must have a pretty big family, to have turned this many.’

‘Oh this isn’t everyone. I’ve sent a few of my “offspring” on a little recruitment task.’

‘Recruitment? You planning to turn anyone important?’ Blaine asked, as he used a knife and fork to eat his meal.

‘No big name targets yet. Just there was another person of interest in Fillmore-Graves radar. I’ve already got him, but I’ve been using him to draw out his connections through out the city. Who knew, a group of wannabe zombie-hunters would have such a well-oiled social network huh?’ said Goodweather, who drank the liquid red-iron down her throat. As the head strigoi used her telepathic hivemind ability to look through the eyes of her latest fledging. While still negotiating with Blaine.

 

(🎵End Muisc🎵)

 

Disclaimer: I do not own izombie...or the strain

Notes:

Commentary by the author: My secondary antagonist of my tale is Kelly Goodweather and the strigoi from the book/tv series the strain. Who's a lot more evolved in this series compared to canon. Since disconnected from the master, she sort of become or rather mutated into the head of the local strigoi hivemind. Now let's see who Goodweather was talking about...

Chapter 13: Chapter 12:Three little piggies

Summary:

during a murder case, Liv Moore and her new (also similarly undead) ally discover a threatening plot against seattle and zombiekind. meanwhile, a new and sinister foe gathers strength in the shadows...(AU during and post izombie season 3.)

Notes:

Commentary by the author: for those curious why I chose a obscure character for as secondary antagonist and side-plot my tale. Well it because I'm hopping to build Goodweather up as Liv's arch rival as my series progresses. Both characters parallel and oppose each other quite nicely. They were both "nearly" survivors/uninfected were it not for a single scratch/parasite.Where Liv would have had a happy ever after. Kelly was in the middle of custody rights for her son over her husband. Who she accused of having an affair. Liv distant herself from her loved ones when she was turned. But ultimately became her best self. While Goodweather become an expansion of a great evil. Hounded her family to be turned and all together became more monstrous and calculating. They're even mirrors and opposites in tone and race. Liv is a fresh looking zombie from a black comedy. Goodweather is a grotesque vampire from a ultra serious horror trilogy. Speaking of which don't expect many laughs from this chapter. As Kelly is still in the middle of stomping some butterfly's. Read if you dare...

Chapter 12:Three little piggies

 

Warning: chapter not for the faint of hearted.

 

‘When did Rachel she’ll arrive?’ said a small middle-aged man working on his mobile phone, by the name Mr Huntsman, to a large and wider dark-skinned man called Billy Cook.

The of whom, wore mundane clothes. While Huntsman wore brown trousers, trainer shoes, a cream colored knitted jumper and a green and lame colour patterned Hawian shirt.

They both stood outside of an abandoned slaughter house, located in a ship yard just outside of the city.

Huntsman was currently trying to contact the zombie truthers figurehead Harley Jones, who after sometime absent sent out an email. Which was something about possibly finding alive one, inside of the building they were currently standing outside of.

‘she should be here any minute. Ah, speak of the devil.’ Replied Billy, who sighted a small young, long-flat brown with blonde tips haired woman, Rachel Greenblat, approaching them with her hands in her pockets. Since she preferred to travel around in a motorbike. Rachel wore a black leather jacket, military green colored trousers and large black high-heeled boots.

‘Hi guys, did I miss much?’ Rachel asked, giving the two men a warm smile.

‘Hi Rachel, nah nothings happened yet. Apart from Harley’s instructions to meet here. After a while, my friend Huntsman, who’s next to me, has been trying to reach him.’

‘But as you can see, I haven’t had the best of luck.’ Huntsman said, joining the other two’s conversation. As he put his mobile, back in to his pocket. With a look of frustration on his face.

‘Kind of strange we’re the only ones here. I recognize some of the cars, from where we parked. We kind of expected more people to be out here with us. Or at the very least, an escort of sorts.’

‘So neither of you have been inside yet?’ Rachel asked the two men, with Huntsman shaking his head.

‘No, we followed through with what the message said. Don’t go in until instructed. My guess Harley and his brothers, are scouting inside the building. Hunting for the zombie he mentioned and making sure it doesn’t jump us, when we go in.’

‘Or maybe something worse, got to them.’ Rachel suggested, which got the two men’s interest.

‘Worse?’

‘Have any of you heard of the recent murder investigation yesterday?’

‘You mean the one involving the private eye?’ questioned Billy.

‘Yes, well I got word about it, though my Google search recommendation.’ Said Rachel, who got a disappointed sigh from Huntsman.

‘Something I said?’

‘I’m kind of against clicking recommended links. That’s just asking for the government, to hack your Internet files.’

‘Oook noted, anyway the link was from a website similar to the zombie truthers blog.’

‘Similar, in what way?’

‘The site was called black sphinx and they seem to have a few theories about a religious group called the House of Dagon.’

‘As in…’

‘The same House of Dagon, that recently moved in. Yeah apparently, there’s this wild conspiracy that they’ve made some pact with fish-people. Hence why so many of the House’s churches are built at sea-based towns and villages.’

‘So what does this have to do with the dead private eye. And our current situation?’ asked Huntsman, wanting to stay on subject.

‘Because according to a few other sources, I’m in contact with. One of the items the SPD, found on the body. Was a Unidentified tooth. Similar to certain breeds of fish, only a lot bigger. Not to mention before the House of Dagon moved in and around the area of where House’s church is built. With some of the sightings taking place around the same time, but at different locations. So either one or both of the storiess is a hocus or…’

‘There’s more than one fish-person.’ said Billy, to which Rachel replied…

‘Bingo, meaning if Harley and his brothers found where their lair or next is…’

‘They’d be unprepared.’ Huntsman, answered, with him and Billy finally understanding what Rachel was explaining to them.

‘Should we tell the higher authorities?’ Billy suggested, to which Rachel shook her head.

‘They’d just dismiss the claim like the others. Especially if it’s coming from us zombie doomsayers. I mean yeah, according to that God awful show frostbites. The mayor’s finally warning people about a potential undead infestation. But how many people like us, did it take to screw that light bulb for them? How many other people are taking the news headline seriously?’ Rachel pointed out, while Huntsman was deep in thought. Taking in the information Rachel shared with them.

‘She’s right, we’re essentially on our own for this. We’ll need to get inside now. At the very least, just to check in on Harley. Best case scenario, this whole thing was a rush and a waste of our time. And at worst… Well we know where the entrance and exit is. And if we do find something, we take a photo using our mobiles. And show the others, what we found.’

‘But what if we all get caught?’ questioned Billy.

‘Billy’s right, we need someone out here. Huntsman, how do you feel about the dark?’ said Rachel, taking charge.

‘If it means protecting the city. Won’t be a problem.’

‘Good then you and I will walk in. Billy, you ok to wait out here?’

‘Sure.’ replied the former guardsmen. Followed by Rachel and Huntsman entering the slaughter house. It was after a minute, when Billy experienced a case of déjà vu. For walking towards him, from the direction of the car park was Rachel.

‘You back already?’ Billy asked the reporter.

‘You back already?’ Billy asked the reporter.

‘Back from where and is everyone else inside?’ replied and questioned Rachel, sounding confused.

‘You just went in with Mr. Huntsman, not so long ago. Did you separate and leave him in there?’

‘Billy, I only just got here…’ before, Rachel had a chance to continue. Both she and Billy heard a sudden yell of grown man from the abandoned slaughter house. Fearing for his friend’s well being. Billy quickly made his way to the building, with Rachel accompanying him.

 

‘Huntsman!’ Billy called for his friend in the pitch-black factory. With both him and Rachel, using the lights of their mobile phones to see through the darkness. While walking slowly and carefully so as to not trip on any leftover equipment.

‘They must have sealed this place in tight.’ Whispered Rachel, as she and Billy continued walking forward.

The reporter had visited, a few other abandoned buildings in the past. All of which had many states of disrepair, that allowed sunlight to go through. This place however, seemed very much intact, at least in regard to the structural foundations. And the windows must have been all blocked, for it to be this dark. It was also extremely dusty, given Rachel saw on the floor and dust particles falling and moving under the light of her phone.

There was something off about her surroundings, though. Something wrong with the aura of this place. Abandoned buildings always had this sort of ancient pyramid vibe about them. They felt like they belonged in another age and you could picture the hardship the previous occupations put in their work. But all Rachel got, was a sense of being watched and a horrid scent of decay.

They continued walking, further into the building. With neither of them starting small-talk. In case it would distract from their search. Until Rachel and Billy both stopped when they came across a glowing small rectangular shape on the ground. And when they shone the lights from their mobile screens on it. They found another but familiar mobile and what appeared to be an unconscious-body lying on it’s side. it’s back facing the direction of Billy and Rachel.

‘Keep your distance.’ Billy said to Rachel quietly, as he slowly lifted a nearby metal rod from the ground and carefully walked to the body of his friend. While Rachel stayed on the spot and acted as a torch bearer for Billy. The former guardsmen then knelt next to Huntsman and turned his body facing upwards.

‘I should have been here, man.’ Said Billy under his breath after he checked for a pulse. He didn’t get one, but he did find Huntsman’s state of death strange.

First there was the body’s extremely pale complexion. Which Billy knew happened to corpses over time. But he didn’t think it would happen this immediately. Then there was the singular large nail-sized hole at the side of Huntsman’s throat. Though there was no blood-trail or any sign of the nail in question. Finally, there was the third and most disturbing discovery. For when Billy shined his U.V light screened mobile on the puncture wound. He discovered something or rather some things, glowing in response to light from his phone. Once Rachel crept a little closer. The young woman looked as if she was about to be sick.

‘Are those…’

‘They are.’ answered Billy, beating Rachel to the punch. As to both their horror and disgust, the former guardsmen and reporter could see the needle-thin organisms crawl and swim under Huntsman’s skin. Worms, hundreds and hundreds of worms, were travelling and dancing in Billy’s dead colleague’s body.

Both the former guardsmen and reporter continued staring at the parasitic organisms moving in Huntsman’s body. Rachel was completely unaware of two red-eyes from the darkness looking right behind her. Nor was she aware of the two talon-fingered hands, creeping from the shadows close to her face. Before grabbing Rachel by her mouth to prevent Rachel from screaming. She was still able to make a muffled sound, though.

And got Billy’s attention when she dropped her mobile.

Unfortunately, the guardsmen didn’t react quickly enough before Rachel vanished into the darkness. With Billy only having enough time to call out Rachel’s name. His first instinct was to somehow follow where Rachel’s adductor was heading. But due to a lack of a trail and the risk of himself getting lost in the darkness.

Billy decided to quickly walk the way back, from where he and Rachel came. On their own, be damned. He needed to tell the higher authorities of someone or rather someones, were kidnapping the truthers and using this abandoned slaughter house to capture them.

 

‘Thump, thump…thump, thump.’

 

Maybe it’s because Harley came across something. Something that would prove the existence of zombies or maybe it was something else. And now they are all being hunted by a mysterious illuminati group or criminal organization that didn’t want it’s secrets revealed.

 

‘Thumpthump…thumpthump.’

 

Billy was finding it hard to breathe now due to his unfit state. But he was finally at the doors. That he and Rachel en…something was wrong.

 

‘Thumpthumpthumpthump.’

 

Billy tried turning the handle, but something was jamming it from the other side. Suddenly, Billy saw a blurred humanoid shape through the unclean windows of the door. At first, he thought the shape was Rachel having somehow escaped her captors.

Billy couldn’t explain it, but the longer he looked at the shape. The more of a headache he got. And rather than try opening the door from the other side. From what Billy gathered from the shaped posterior. Who ever was outside stood in attention, with their hands behind their back. As if examining what was going on from the inside. And despite the filth of the glass. Billy would have sworn that the person or thing was smirking at him. Which it did, even as Billy felt something make contact with the back of his neck. The large stinger jamming itself into Billy’s upper spinal area. Instantly paralyzing him.

This was followed by three other stingers that were attached to three large frog-like tongues striking at different parts behind Billy.

 

‘Thumpthumpthumpthump, thump tump…thump…’ were the last noises of Billy’s heart. As he collapsed, head first on to the ground. While the pack of strigoi vampires continued draining his blood.

Their stingers working as both a feeding and reproductive organ. Drinking the red while injecting something more solid, white and wiggling into their latest meal. Which would serve Goodweather well in the future as a personal guard.

Still, as the head-strigoi pondered to herself while still seeing through Harley Jones. Who was now feeding on Billy with one of his brothers. Goodweather wondered about… Hunter? No Huntsman. Reed Anthony Huntsman. Single. Age forty-seven. Lived in one of Seattle’s upper state neighborhoods. Chooses to see conspiracies as staying ahead of the curve. Love x-files and the rebooted Italian job. Hates mustard. And will be awaking soon. Yes, Goodweather wondered what caused him to scream like that. Before Harley and some of the other turned, caught up to him.

Yes, she did set a metaphorical mousetrap for Harley’s truthers. But normally, she would give the unenlightened prey a signal first. Which was when through Harley’s eyes, Goodweather saw it. Through a barely visible crimson void, a bright burning surreal sentence was being written on the door that Billy was previously trying to open. ‘Positivity, 8:50pm and in person.’ Goodweather read, before mentally leaving Harley and the others to their feeding.

 

Commentary by author: will announce chapter release in the Izombie sub-reddit once chapters 13 and 14 are uploaded.

Notes:

Commentary by the author: will announce chapter release in the Izombie sub-reddit once chapters 13 and 14 are uploaded.

Notes:

Commentary from the Author: and that’s introduction for my OC finished. Well, when I say OC. I mean relabeled Ellie from the original izombie comic series. If you have any questions about the chapter. Please share them in the review/comments section