AN: This is a collab story that is co-written by CapAleran2 and JadeOccelot. We've written our own fanfictions, but this co-writing thing is a first for both of us. We're hoping you enjoy this as much if not more than our individual works. If you like what you read, be sure to follow/favorite and review and tell us. It is always appreciated.

Storyline: Rumors and reports of an unknown virus spread through Kansas City, Missouri. The news reveals that it's not just in the east coast, it's spreading all over the map. Out of the initial chaos emerges a group consisting of family and friends that band together in jointed effort to trek across the country in a hopeful and desperate bid to escape the fate that awaits the rest of the world.

[AU/Zombie, modern/no magic, tragedy]

*Rated Mature- There is intense language, violence, gore, and some sexual situations. Reader discretion is strongly advised.

*We do not own any of the pictures.

*We do not own any of the music.

*We do not own any of Fairy Tail - that's all Hiro Mashima.

Existence

By

CapAleran2 and JadeOccelot

"Zero Hour"/Future World Music & Armen Hambar

PROLOGUE

"This wasn't how living was supposed to be, in this desecrated wasteland and diminishing memories of the past weeks and months that felt more like years. How long had it been since any one of us had slept in warm beds with blankets pulled up to our chins? Had eaten a hot meal that wasn't earlier walking around on its own accord, or had showered with the privacy and comforts of indoor plumbing -something which has long been taken for granted. It is all a nightmare from which none of us can wake up. Death is something both feared and welcomed. Dying is easy, it's the staying dead part that's hard. Some say there is still a hope that normalcy can resume, but looking around now, it's hard to see that hope. My eyes don't see it. Yet."

Lucy glanced up from the rock beneath her as she stilled her pen on the notebook paper on her knee. She took a deep breath and sighed, watching her long time companions as they went about the daily business. It wasn't the everyday routines they had had before; but a modified version of their old lives, a combination of survival and fantasy.

The small children played in the dirt near her and the older children helped stack rocks around what would later be a small fire for the night. Laxus and Gray were stacking what wood they could find to burn. When they had emptied their arms of their load, Laxus headed back out to gather more. Gray rose from his crouch near the ring of rocks and placed his hands on his hips. With a lingering glance at the smaller children, he turned to follow Laxus.

It caused a small smile to grace Lucy's face. Friends who had not been very close were now inseparable. People with certain issues had by now faced them and moved on to bigger ones, issues that they all faced in some way. What choice did any of them have? Facing fears was something that must be done. It strengthened their characters, gave them courage. It enabled them to survive.

Her friendship with Levy had grown considerably as well. The tiny blue haired woman was now poking through one of their supply bags in search of cooking necessities no doubt at Mira's request. Her brown eyes looked up to check on the children before catching Lucy's stare. She smiled brightly and continued digging through the dark green pack. Everyone had their place. They all knew their responsibilities and followed through, knowing that all in their large group depended on their completed tasks. There were roles to fill.

Lucy flipped through her notebook and clicked the pen a couple of times before going back to the latest entry. It was a wonder that Natsu had even come across the items on their scavenge outings. She had been excited to finally feel a pen between her fingers and the paper under her hands. It felt like her previous life filled with writing. She gazed at her lap where the items sat, then glanced to the flowing stream to her left down the knoll.

Erza stood atop a boulder with her hand up to shield her eyes from the setting sun. Her scarlet hair flowed loosely in the breeze and she turned to Jellal behind her, who watched the other side of the water. He fingered the holstered pistol at his waist, his head turning as he observed their surroundings. The pair of them agreed to serve as scouts as they traveled, and sentries for the night when they made camp.

Several feet away facing the water's edge and backs to the boulder stood the towering Gajeel and her husband, Natsu. The two had decisively led them since that fateful day, both sharing the heavy burden of leadership together. Gajeel crossed his arms and spoke to Natsu, who nodded and his lips moved in answer. She couldn't hear what was said, but as she took another deep breath, she remembered why they were where they were. How they got there.

"Here in this silent wilderness. No, in this silent world, there is death. We kill for food, for supplies, for protection, for survival. We survive, but it's not living. But we can't turn back. Forward is our only option. But for now, in this quiet place, there is a sense of tranquility. For how long this false sense will last... that is always the unknown variable."

Existence

AN: This is sort of a short prologue packed with details. More details and characters will be presented as longer chapters are revealed and as the story progresses.