COUNT YOUR LUCKY STARS
CHAPTER 1: FOR SURVIVAL
Raccoon City: 10 p.m.
"Are we almost there yet?" I whined. I was just trying to piss Mr. Valentino off. I hated him, he was my captor, in other words he kidnapped me.
"Shut up, kid." He yelled back in that irritating accent of his. Stupid jerk, I'm sixteen and hardly a kid. Just one minute close to his gun...
"Where are you taking me anyway?" I asked with an annoying tone in my voice.
"I'm taking youz for an 'interview' with Umbrella." Mr. V was talking about the multi-billion dollar corporation that was manufacturing bio-weapons. I know this because I had hacked into their computers just a few days ago. And got caught. Damn.
"So when are we gonna be there?!" Now he was sure to snap. Ha ha, sucker.
"Damn you stop talkin'!" He turned to yell at me. By now we must have been somewhere in the middle of this city, I'm not sure which one yet. He didn't even see the person walking in front of the car...
BAM!
My head smashed into the dashboard and it hurt like a bitch. I could feel the warm crimson blood drip down my face, stinging my eyes, leaving a bitter sweet taste in the corner of my mouth. The car was a silent vector for what seemed like hours until I gathered the strength to pry my bloodied mug off the dashboard. That hurt too. Mr. V's head was in even worse condition then mine, I could see the veins that had been near to exploding in his angered head now. For a moment I almost felt sorry for him, then the pain from the scratch on my knee I got when he 'helped' me into the car made me remember why I thought he was a shithead. Ha, let him rot for all I care, the son of a bitch, I thought in my shaken up head.
"Finally, a chance to escape." My hand reached for the door until his hand grabbed my arm in a brutal fashion.
"Stay in here, girly. Unless youz want to have a meetin' with my Beretta." Mr. V's other hand patted the cold metal of his gun, damn him. "I'll go see what I hit."
Go see what he hit! What kind of stupid asshole did they send after me anyway? Let's see... Two legs, two arms, walks upright and was wearing a red Nike shirt. Must have been a fucking deer. Idiot.
Mr. V's shadow was played across the road in the light generated by the headlights, the same light glistened off the growing pool of blood surrounding the person. Poor guy, I don't think he's getting up after this one. But what's one more civilian life to Umbrella? Jack shit, that's what. I've read about all the 'accidents' that occurred in a place called Raccoon City. People mutilated to death by the bio-weapons they create, but to the press all it was were animal attacks. I suppose the people at Umbrella could be called animals, but that would be a step up. I've read all the classified reports on the S.T.A.R.S. members as well, they've gone through a lot of bad shit. And leave it to Umbrella to be able to cover everything up, even the corrupt police chief, Irons I think his name is. It's because of him that I got caught...
* * *
My eyes read and re-read the computer screen again, all of it was so much. I had just finished reading all the files I hacked from Umbrella and I could almost puke. Not only were they creating bio-weapons but they were manufacturing something called the T-Virus and they were testing it too. So far it had been only in labs but they had something planned for Raccoon City, it was going to be the next test site. And the police chief sat on a cushioned chair watching all of it.
I had to tell someone. I couldn't sit idly by and watch as a so called 'keeper of piece' assisted in the end to an entire city. It had to stop it before thousands of innocent people died. My numb hands grabbed for the phone and began to dial 911. I didn't care if I got caught for hacking, all that mattered was that those people would live.
There wasn't a dial tone.
"Hello?" I said instinctively, thoughts rushed through my head.
Until I got an answer. "Hello, Miss Tequila Ebony. Tsk, tsk, you shouldn't go places where you're not wanted." The male voice dripped with a kind of sadistic pleasure out of my downfall. I couldn't respond because my door came flying off the hinges and a burly armed man came rushing in.
Enter Mr. Valentino! Just your run-of-the mill henchman from Umbrella, and a rough one at that. Immediately I was taken from my place by the computer and carted out of the house by one arm. I saw him drop a note before I was all but booted out of the door. The folded note read 'To mom and dad' on the front, I guess it was a note saying that I had run away because of the cruel injustices of the world. That was when I began to doubt the intelligence of my captor. But then I suppose it's perfectly normal to run away from home and kick the door with a size 14 shoe before leaving. Happens all the time right?
* * *
I used Mr. V's jacket to wipe the blood off my face, however crudely. I hope he puts it on before the blood dries. Still can't believe he left that note, especially when I don't even live with my parents anymore. Mainly because they're dead, died in a drunk driving accident. Remember kids, never drink and drive. Or name your child after your favorite alcohol, it's just not cool. I live with my twenty-two year old sister now, I like her a lot more then I did my parents.
Mr. V suddenly jumped back from the body in front of the car and drew his gun. Then he fired, repeatedly. The flashes from the bullets glimmered in my eyes, a cold lump of fear rose into my throat. Why was he shooting the dead guy? Is he going to turn the barrel on me next? All I knew was that I had to get out and run until my legs couldn't take me any further. Watching him lower the gun, I placed my hand on the cold steel of the door handle-
-Then I bolted. I ran from the car pumping my arms furiously. I heard shots ring out into the air behind me and swiveled my head, Mr. V was shooting a second body now. Did we hit two? Must have. But why isn't he chasing me? And why did he look so pale faced? I doubt that that kind of guy would be afraid to kill anyone, let alone a half dead person he almost killed the first time. I could hear moaning behind me, why couldn't he just shoot them in the head so it hurts less and is over faster?
I ran until it my lungs were aflame with an invisible fire. Hands on my knees, bent over, I panted trying to catch the breath that I so foolishly chased away. I was now hiding in the shadows. Now was the time to find somewhere to hide and call the cops, hopefully they weren't under Umbrella's control like so many other cities. A convenience store beckoned me to come to it, enticing me with the neon of it's sign. All right, seems safe enough, though the only person there was the cashier. After checking for any signals of Mr. V a calmly strode up to the store and entered.
Another gunshot rang in my ears, it wasn't far away. Acting casual I waved to the red vest clad cashier and ducked behind a candy stand pretending to look at the contents. Peeking through the holes I saw Mr. V run by the store in a mad rush, he looked really mad, but did I see a hint of fear in his eyes as well? I could understand that, his boss would probably arrange for a swimming trip with concrete flippers for him if he lost me. Too bad, hope the water is warm.
After ample time passed and I was sure he wouldn't come back I brought a candy bar up to the counter.
"Could I use your phone please?" I didn't want him to know that I had been kidnapped, he might be one of Umbrella's spies that they have all over the country. I pulled out a dollar to pay for but kept my face down, he'd probably know what's up after seeing my blood smeared face, what a great first impression.
He didn't take my money, or respond. Slowly I looked up and into his eyes, they had a white film over them, sort of like cataracts. Deaf and blind? There's the employee of the month for ya. Then I realized-
-It wasn't a red vest. It was his ribs! Chunks of flesh hung limply from the cracked bones, his internal organs (or should I say what was left of them) a sickly green. I hadn't noticed the smell of rotting before, but I sure as hell did now! He lurched over the counter and made a grab for me, what the hell is going on! I ducked and searched for the door I came in from, there was more of the cataracts eyed people out there! Then my eyes fell upon something that made my blood turn to ice. Time stopped, my veins froze over, my eyebrows so high they were in my hair, I saw it.
Raccoon City Variety. The name of the store, the name of the city. I'm screwed.
A wail of hunger broke me from my trance, the cashier was almost on top of me! Taking frantic steps backwards my hand reached out for anything that could be used as a weapon, they latched onto something plastic and heavy. In panic I swung whatever it was at his head, a wet crunch followed. When my eyes cleared of the panic I saw his head a few feet away from his body, then I looked at my weapon-
-I had killed him with a Pepsi bottle. Shit, now that's the joy of cola!
Horror flashed and flared in my eyes as hunks of cashier dropped from the bottle. In disgust I threw it to the ground, and was soon doing the same with my supper. As I heaved a last time I suddenly remembered the others. They pounded at the windows in a desperate attempt to break through the glass. I had to think fast.
I ran past the still twitching body and dove over the counter. I hit the first button I saw. A motor grinded rusty gears and steel shutters came crashing down. Not a moment too soon either, one cataracts that broke through was cut in half by the heavy shutters, her writhing body finally coming to a halt a few seconds later.
My mind raced faster then it ever had before, a hundred questions overwhelmed me. What are they? Why were they coming after me? Did I really just kill someone? I retched the rest of stomach's contents at that thought. Okay, think.
I am in Raccoon City, they must be T-Virus carriers. Zombies. By the looks of the cashier they like human flesh, that would explain their hunger. I didn't kill him, I set him free. He was already dead, just a drooling, puss encrusted, shadow of his former self. I have to get out of this city.
It took about fifteen minutes of panicking, puking, and pacing to finally calm down. By that time I had found a handgun under the counter, good thing there's plenty of people who are a little paranoid. It was fully loaded, great.
I stumbled in a daze to the back room to try to find a bathroom to clean up. Unfortunately I found the person responsible for the cashiers sudden weight loss. A once blonde haired woman staggered towards me reaching to me with bloody arms, moaning for the sweet taste of human. I raised the gun and shot her in the head, she immediately fell to the ground gushing blood. Unfocused eyes stared stupidly at the gun I held in my hands, my eyes. Quickly I assessed what I could learn from this; that zombies die when the head is no longer functioning. That makes my survival a little easier, only a little though. Suddenly I was very grateful my ex-boyfriend John took me to the shooting range.
When I found the bathroom I washed my face of the blood that was beginning to harden and dry, it felt a whole lot better. I opened the medical kit that was by the sink and searched for a bandage to cover the inch-long gash on my forehead. I began patching myself up.
"I think I have a concussion." I spoke aloud, there was no way I could keep my sanity without hearing a living persons voice, even if it was my own. "No way you can sleep tonight." I said to my reflection in the mirror. "Not that I'll be able to anyway." The words lingered in the dead air while I gazed at the blood draining down the sink. My hair was a little bloodied but it didn't matter, it was braided into lots of tiny braids and cut just above my shoulders. A trail of vermilion tears made their way down my white T-shirt. Mr. V was kind enough to take me shopping, only so I wouldn't be recognized. I had a brand new pair of dark blue jeans on and black sneakers on my feet.
"I would freeze my ass off if I go outside in this, I'll have to find something in here." I searched the joining room and found a big black hooded sweater with a picture of Ryoko and Ryo-Ohki from Tenchi Muyo on it. The woman must have been an anime freak, just like me. It would keep out the chill and keep me warm enough. But I don't think the cold is what I have to worry about right now. I also found her backpack and looted it for anything that I might be able to use, I found a butterfly knife, pain killers and her diary. The butterfly knife will come in handy, I'm great with those. I took two painkillers as soon as I opened the bottle, this concussion is going to hurt a lot. I was going to throw the diary away but for some reason I decided to read it...
* * *
September 23
The boss have been acting a little strange lately... He keeps scratching himself in public, it's really gross! He also has started eating like a pig, that's even worse. Yesterday a piece of turkey hit my face when he made an attempt to eat an entire leg in three seconds.
Sandy
September 24
Now I'm getting scared, today the boss began to salivate while looking at me. It wasn't a perverted, letchy kinda look either. He looked hungry. I think I'm gonna start bringing my knife to work, just for safety. He's been scratching more and more too, and I think I have it now too. I keep scratching a lot.
Sandy
September 25
Today I go to work and make lot of mistake. Boss yell. Asshole. Damn itchy no go away. Getting hungry. Eat boss.
Sandy
September 26
Itchy. Hungry. Chapped lips.
Me
* * *
I put the diary on the closest table and walked away soberly. It must have been hell for her, and everyone else in this cursed city. I decided to raid the store of what I could then leave through the back exit. I ran down the isles grabbing water bottles, energy bars, Band-Aids, toilet paper, lighters, Pepsi (for those times I run out ammo), money from the register and a bunch of those packaged lunches. I gorged myself on those microwaveable hamburgers before I left, who knows when the next time I'll be able to eat a full meal again.
With the backpack strapped to me and the gun in my right hand I stepped up to the back door. "This is it. Out there are the worst monsters you'll ever face. But it's the only way out." I raised my hand to open the door and my sweater sleeve fell back a little revealing my Lucky Stars. A charm bracelet my sister gave to me. It had seven stars on it, each a different color, each meaning something different. All I knew was that my Lucky Stars will protect me, just like my sister would...
CHAPTER 1: FOR SURVIVAL
Raccoon City: 10 p.m.
"Are we almost there yet?" I whined. I was just trying to piss Mr. Valentino off. I hated him, he was my captor, in other words he kidnapped me.
"Shut up, kid." He yelled back in that irritating accent of his. Stupid jerk, I'm sixteen and hardly a kid. Just one minute close to his gun...
"Where are you taking me anyway?" I asked with an annoying tone in my voice.
"I'm taking youz for an 'interview' with Umbrella." Mr. V was talking about the multi-billion dollar corporation that was manufacturing bio-weapons. I know this because I had hacked into their computers just a few days ago. And got caught. Damn.
"So when are we gonna be there?!" Now he was sure to snap. Ha ha, sucker.
"Damn you stop talkin'!" He turned to yell at me. By now we must have been somewhere in the middle of this city, I'm not sure which one yet. He didn't even see the person walking in front of the car...
BAM!
My head smashed into the dashboard and it hurt like a bitch. I could feel the warm crimson blood drip down my face, stinging my eyes, leaving a bitter sweet taste in the corner of my mouth. The car was a silent vector for what seemed like hours until I gathered the strength to pry my bloodied mug off the dashboard. That hurt too. Mr. V's head was in even worse condition then mine, I could see the veins that had been near to exploding in his angered head now. For a moment I almost felt sorry for him, then the pain from the scratch on my knee I got when he 'helped' me into the car made me remember why I thought he was a shithead. Ha, let him rot for all I care, the son of a bitch, I thought in my shaken up head.
"Finally, a chance to escape." My hand reached for the door until his hand grabbed my arm in a brutal fashion.
"Stay in here, girly. Unless youz want to have a meetin' with my Beretta." Mr. V's other hand patted the cold metal of his gun, damn him. "I'll go see what I hit."
Go see what he hit! What kind of stupid asshole did they send after me anyway? Let's see... Two legs, two arms, walks upright and was wearing a red Nike shirt. Must have been a fucking deer. Idiot.
Mr. V's shadow was played across the road in the light generated by the headlights, the same light glistened off the growing pool of blood surrounding the person. Poor guy, I don't think he's getting up after this one. But what's one more civilian life to Umbrella? Jack shit, that's what. I've read about all the 'accidents' that occurred in a place called Raccoon City. People mutilated to death by the bio-weapons they create, but to the press all it was were animal attacks. I suppose the people at Umbrella could be called animals, but that would be a step up. I've read all the classified reports on the S.T.A.R.S. members as well, they've gone through a lot of bad shit. And leave it to Umbrella to be able to cover everything up, even the corrupt police chief, Irons I think his name is. It's because of him that I got caught...
* * *
My eyes read and re-read the computer screen again, all of it was so much. I had just finished reading all the files I hacked from Umbrella and I could almost puke. Not only were they creating bio-weapons but they were manufacturing something called the T-Virus and they were testing it too. So far it had been only in labs but they had something planned for Raccoon City, it was going to be the next test site. And the police chief sat on a cushioned chair watching all of it.
I had to tell someone. I couldn't sit idly by and watch as a so called 'keeper of piece' assisted in the end to an entire city. It had to stop it before thousands of innocent people died. My numb hands grabbed for the phone and began to dial 911. I didn't care if I got caught for hacking, all that mattered was that those people would live.
There wasn't a dial tone.
"Hello?" I said instinctively, thoughts rushed through my head.
Until I got an answer. "Hello, Miss Tequila Ebony. Tsk, tsk, you shouldn't go places where you're not wanted." The male voice dripped with a kind of sadistic pleasure out of my downfall. I couldn't respond because my door came flying off the hinges and a burly armed man came rushing in.
Enter Mr. Valentino! Just your run-of-the mill henchman from Umbrella, and a rough one at that. Immediately I was taken from my place by the computer and carted out of the house by one arm. I saw him drop a note before I was all but booted out of the door. The folded note read 'To mom and dad' on the front, I guess it was a note saying that I had run away because of the cruel injustices of the world. That was when I began to doubt the intelligence of my captor. But then I suppose it's perfectly normal to run away from home and kick the door with a size 14 shoe before leaving. Happens all the time right?
* * *
I used Mr. V's jacket to wipe the blood off my face, however crudely. I hope he puts it on before the blood dries. Still can't believe he left that note, especially when I don't even live with my parents anymore. Mainly because they're dead, died in a drunk driving accident. Remember kids, never drink and drive. Or name your child after your favorite alcohol, it's just not cool. I live with my twenty-two year old sister now, I like her a lot more then I did my parents.
Mr. V suddenly jumped back from the body in front of the car and drew his gun. Then he fired, repeatedly. The flashes from the bullets glimmered in my eyes, a cold lump of fear rose into my throat. Why was he shooting the dead guy? Is he going to turn the barrel on me next? All I knew was that I had to get out and run until my legs couldn't take me any further. Watching him lower the gun, I placed my hand on the cold steel of the door handle-
-Then I bolted. I ran from the car pumping my arms furiously. I heard shots ring out into the air behind me and swiveled my head, Mr. V was shooting a second body now. Did we hit two? Must have. But why isn't he chasing me? And why did he look so pale faced? I doubt that that kind of guy would be afraid to kill anyone, let alone a half dead person he almost killed the first time. I could hear moaning behind me, why couldn't he just shoot them in the head so it hurts less and is over faster?
I ran until it my lungs were aflame with an invisible fire. Hands on my knees, bent over, I panted trying to catch the breath that I so foolishly chased away. I was now hiding in the shadows. Now was the time to find somewhere to hide and call the cops, hopefully they weren't under Umbrella's control like so many other cities. A convenience store beckoned me to come to it, enticing me with the neon of it's sign. All right, seems safe enough, though the only person there was the cashier. After checking for any signals of Mr. V a calmly strode up to the store and entered.
Another gunshot rang in my ears, it wasn't far away. Acting casual I waved to the red vest clad cashier and ducked behind a candy stand pretending to look at the contents. Peeking through the holes I saw Mr. V run by the store in a mad rush, he looked really mad, but did I see a hint of fear in his eyes as well? I could understand that, his boss would probably arrange for a swimming trip with concrete flippers for him if he lost me. Too bad, hope the water is warm.
After ample time passed and I was sure he wouldn't come back I brought a candy bar up to the counter.
"Could I use your phone please?" I didn't want him to know that I had been kidnapped, he might be one of Umbrella's spies that they have all over the country. I pulled out a dollar to pay for but kept my face down, he'd probably know what's up after seeing my blood smeared face, what a great first impression.
He didn't take my money, or respond. Slowly I looked up and into his eyes, they had a white film over them, sort of like cataracts. Deaf and blind? There's the employee of the month for ya. Then I realized-
-It wasn't a red vest. It was his ribs! Chunks of flesh hung limply from the cracked bones, his internal organs (or should I say what was left of them) a sickly green. I hadn't noticed the smell of rotting before, but I sure as hell did now! He lurched over the counter and made a grab for me, what the hell is going on! I ducked and searched for the door I came in from, there was more of the cataracts eyed people out there! Then my eyes fell upon something that made my blood turn to ice. Time stopped, my veins froze over, my eyebrows so high they were in my hair, I saw it.
Raccoon City Variety. The name of the store, the name of the city. I'm screwed.
A wail of hunger broke me from my trance, the cashier was almost on top of me! Taking frantic steps backwards my hand reached out for anything that could be used as a weapon, they latched onto something plastic and heavy. In panic I swung whatever it was at his head, a wet crunch followed. When my eyes cleared of the panic I saw his head a few feet away from his body, then I looked at my weapon-
-I had killed him with a Pepsi bottle. Shit, now that's the joy of cola!
Horror flashed and flared in my eyes as hunks of cashier dropped from the bottle. In disgust I threw it to the ground, and was soon doing the same with my supper. As I heaved a last time I suddenly remembered the others. They pounded at the windows in a desperate attempt to break through the glass. I had to think fast.
I ran past the still twitching body and dove over the counter. I hit the first button I saw. A motor grinded rusty gears and steel shutters came crashing down. Not a moment too soon either, one cataracts that broke through was cut in half by the heavy shutters, her writhing body finally coming to a halt a few seconds later.
My mind raced faster then it ever had before, a hundred questions overwhelmed me. What are they? Why were they coming after me? Did I really just kill someone? I retched the rest of stomach's contents at that thought. Okay, think.
I am in Raccoon City, they must be T-Virus carriers. Zombies. By the looks of the cashier they like human flesh, that would explain their hunger. I didn't kill him, I set him free. He was already dead, just a drooling, puss encrusted, shadow of his former self. I have to get out of this city.
It took about fifteen minutes of panicking, puking, and pacing to finally calm down. By that time I had found a handgun under the counter, good thing there's plenty of people who are a little paranoid. It was fully loaded, great.
I stumbled in a daze to the back room to try to find a bathroom to clean up. Unfortunately I found the person responsible for the cashiers sudden weight loss. A once blonde haired woman staggered towards me reaching to me with bloody arms, moaning for the sweet taste of human. I raised the gun and shot her in the head, she immediately fell to the ground gushing blood. Unfocused eyes stared stupidly at the gun I held in my hands, my eyes. Quickly I assessed what I could learn from this; that zombies die when the head is no longer functioning. That makes my survival a little easier, only a little though. Suddenly I was very grateful my ex-boyfriend John took me to the shooting range.
When I found the bathroom I washed my face of the blood that was beginning to harden and dry, it felt a whole lot better. I opened the medical kit that was by the sink and searched for a bandage to cover the inch-long gash on my forehead. I began patching myself up.
"I think I have a concussion." I spoke aloud, there was no way I could keep my sanity without hearing a living persons voice, even if it was my own. "No way you can sleep tonight." I said to my reflection in the mirror. "Not that I'll be able to anyway." The words lingered in the dead air while I gazed at the blood draining down the sink. My hair was a little bloodied but it didn't matter, it was braided into lots of tiny braids and cut just above my shoulders. A trail of vermilion tears made their way down my white T-shirt. Mr. V was kind enough to take me shopping, only so I wouldn't be recognized. I had a brand new pair of dark blue jeans on and black sneakers on my feet.
"I would freeze my ass off if I go outside in this, I'll have to find something in here." I searched the joining room and found a big black hooded sweater with a picture of Ryoko and Ryo-Ohki from Tenchi Muyo on it. The woman must have been an anime freak, just like me. It would keep out the chill and keep me warm enough. But I don't think the cold is what I have to worry about right now. I also found her backpack and looted it for anything that I might be able to use, I found a butterfly knife, pain killers and her diary. The butterfly knife will come in handy, I'm great with those. I took two painkillers as soon as I opened the bottle, this concussion is going to hurt a lot. I was going to throw the diary away but for some reason I decided to read it...
* * *
September 23
The boss have been acting a little strange lately... He keeps scratching himself in public, it's really gross! He also has started eating like a pig, that's even worse. Yesterday a piece of turkey hit my face when he made an attempt to eat an entire leg in three seconds.
Sandy
September 24
Now I'm getting scared, today the boss began to salivate while looking at me. It wasn't a perverted, letchy kinda look either. He looked hungry. I think I'm gonna start bringing my knife to work, just for safety. He's been scratching more and more too, and I think I have it now too. I keep scratching a lot.
Sandy
September 25
Today I go to work and make lot of mistake. Boss yell. Asshole. Damn itchy no go away. Getting hungry. Eat boss.
Sandy
September 26
Itchy. Hungry. Chapped lips.
Me
* * *
I put the diary on the closest table and walked away soberly. It must have been hell for her, and everyone else in this cursed city. I decided to raid the store of what I could then leave through the back exit. I ran down the isles grabbing water bottles, energy bars, Band-Aids, toilet paper, lighters, Pepsi (for those times I run out ammo), money from the register and a bunch of those packaged lunches. I gorged myself on those microwaveable hamburgers before I left, who knows when the next time I'll be able to eat a full meal again.
With the backpack strapped to me and the gun in my right hand I stepped up to the back door. "This is it. Out there are the worst monsters you'll ever face. But it's the only way out." I raised my hand to open the door and my sweater sleeve fell back a little revealing my Lucky Stars. A charm bracelet my sister gave to me. It had seven stars on it, each a different color, each meaning something different. All I knew was that my Lucky Stars will protect me, just like my sister would...