Even the Strongest must Fall

School

“Open up!” yelled Matt. The cardboard covering the small door window shifted and a fearful eye peered at the scavenging party. It scanned the bloodied boys and girl that formed the party and went away. A second later the cardboard was shifted back into place and a click was heard as the door swung in to admit them. The kids rushed in, grateful to be away from their pursuers. The crazed, hungry and diseased teachers that roamed the school.

The scav party dumped their weapons and bags on the classroom floor. No one cheered their return, or rummaged their bags to see what they found. The only thing that caught their attention was the missing kid in a normally five person scavenging party. It was Ryan who broke the silence, “Who did we lose?” “We lost Kumar, isn’t it bloody obvious?” snapped Matt. Everyone groaned, tension somewhat lessened now that someone had initiated conversation, however tactless it was. Matt and Kumar were good friends and attended Muay Thai classes together. To lose ever calm and strong Kumar was a big blow to the remnants of the student body of Crescent Secondary. Leon tried to offer Matt a bottle of water but the former Council President waved him away and went to plop himself in the corner. Silence ensued for a few more minutes before the rest of the scavengers decided to distribute their finds.

Matt stared blankly at the wall behind Nick as he read off the list of names of the remaining students in the school. He heard nothing, except the blank void that was Kumar. He could still see the first and last look of terror on Kumar’s face as he was dragged into the night and into the throng of teachers. His screaming had cut off with a horrible crunch. Matt should have seen it coming, what with the night and dark corners. Shortcuts were never worth the time nowadays, and he had to learn it the hard way. He sent out a silent prayer to his departed friend and fell asleep.

Nick stood in front of the group of students, taking roll call.

“Ryan.”

“Here.”

“Diana.”

“Here…”

“Aki.”

“Nick.”

“Leon.”

“Here.”

“Damien.”

“Still alive.”

The list went on, ranging from the Normal to Express classes. All were in their graduating year, and all of them regretted not saving the younger kids. They were holed up in Classroom 4/4. Cardboard and furniture were stacked against the doors and windows to prevent the teachers from breaking in. The doors were locked to, the keys were lifted from the janitor, mercifully dead from the illness. They were in the care of Zhen, the library assistant who read up on everything including security. Fighting and killing were what occupied the rest of the students for half a year. Fighting and killing everyone over the age of eighteen. The diseased ridden “legitimate” adults that roam the streets, devouring any kid less than eighteen stupid enough to go out alone or unarmed. The students had, after overcoming differences and panic, had devised a routine for everyone. Every three days, or two if supplies were running low, a scavenging party of five students would head out and find edible items for the group. Sometimes the party would also bring back books, usable scrap for their barrier and once, a collection of kitchen knives and butchering equipment. Normally three good fighters set out with two gatherers. This time, Matt had set out with Kumar, Aki, Zeke and William. William learned how to pick and break locks, making him an exclusive member of the scavs. Kumar and Matt had their martial prowess, and Aki was their strongest girl second to the fencer Hannah, injured badly after a fall. Zeke had the sharpest eyes, even with his thick spectacles.