《The Greek Apocalypse Volume 1: Sweat, Blood & magic》


 Prologue: A Hot Morning {re-writen}

    <Uuugh > [What is up with that heat?] thought the male that was laying on a small bed, he was almost naked except for his shorts, his hairy body was covered with sweat and his skin was redden by the heat


    Waking up from his dump bed, which is placed at the corner of the room so his body, could lean on the cool wall, his arms and legs are sticking in his body from the sweat, he raised the still sleeping body from the bed, opening his heavy eyelids and looking around he finds what the problem was, the fan that it usually worked all night was closed, picking himself up from the wet bed, he headed to the fan , thinking that probably his grandmother went to his room and closed his fan so to not burn too much electric energy, still not thinking that she had never done such thing.


    Click ¡­ click, click, click pressing the button to power the fan it doesn¡¯t respond, pressing it again to be sure that it wasn¡¯t his mistake, he checks the cable of the fun and sees that it''s plugged


    Sighting in the depressing realization that they have a power outage with no other choice he decides that he should exit his room, squeezing himself through the second bed that is never used when he is staying here for the college year. He opens the plain wooden door that cannot be used to keep even the slightest sound out, walking through the white tiled hall that leads to the two toilets, the two extra bedrooms and the storage room.


    Reaching the kitchen slash living room, he notice that the door and shutter are closed, looking at the clock he sees that was 1:30 and then he realizes that the white cheap mechanical clock has stopped working looking, at the light that passes through the shutters he guesses that it¡¯s probably 9 or 10, but he doesn¡¯t care, getting to the fridge he takes a cold bottle of water to cool his body down, finishing the drink he closes the fridge and he heads to his room, getting his phone to use the 4G, unplugging his phone from charge he lays on the couch of his living room, getting a good position on the couch everything was perfect except that he couldn¡¯t open his phone , it was because the battery was completely empty, putting it on the coffee table he goes to get a book to read, finding it he dust it off, he always picks this book up, read some pages and letting it down because he didn¡¯t find it so interesting and he always had more interesting things to do.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    While reading the book he starts thinking why he always put it down the story was good. After some time of reading, he¡¯s stopped by a sound of something outside, waiting for some moments to hear where the sound come from, but it stopped as suddenly it started, not questioning what it was he continued to read the book. But he couldn¡¯t finish the chapter he was reading because the sounds started again and he was sure that the coming from the porch. Taking the keys from the desk his heads to the living room to open the door, thinking that it wasn¡¯t the wisest idea to check what is making the sound but he still unlocked the door, opening it his face is hit by hot air, looking around he notice the classic porch accept, that everything was upturn, popping out his head he see something that not supposed to be there, it was a dog sized bug that had a green sheen more correctly it was a beetle with pinchers that probably can cut flesh like butter, it probably was true because they were covered with blood, that creature was hellish something that was not supposed to be on earth, he was stunned by what he was seeing the bug turned and faced the male it pincers had a leg of the plastic chair, letting the leg he started charging, realizing what was happening he pulled his head inside and closed the door. Hearing the sound of what it was probably the screaming of the bug and the sound of the bug''s legs hitting on the tiles, he brace himself by putting his back on the door, closing his eyes he hoped that what he was seeing was a fragment of his imagination, but the world did late him hope.


    Bang¡­ Hsing, Hsing, Hsing.


    Bang¡­ Hsing, Hsing, Hsing.


    <What the fuck>

 Chapter 1: Last Night Beers

    <come on dude are you really leaving tomorrow its fucking Wednesday nobody leaves Wednesday Friday yes but Wednesday, it¡¯s kind of weird. > Said the tall male, he had blond to brown hair with blue eyes, he was well tanned with a fit well-toned body from judo training, he was tall and his height became more promenade from his friend¡¯s short stature. He was not that he was short he was a bit shorter than normal but, it was lowered by his lazy stature. His hair was brown and his eyes were green. He was a little bit fat and he had a bad looking beard.


    <Oh come on the only reason you say this is because you live on Friday.>


    <come on Niko you are leaving in the middle of the week it¡¯s kind of weird and this has nothing to do that I leave on Friday it¡¯s just slander you hear just slander preposterous..> he answered with a coy smile.


    Taking a confided pose Nikos said <I know how awesome I am but I didn¡¯t expect my charm and sexiness to turn you gay, now I see you waited so the others will leave so to have me all for yourself and confess your unending love you have for me but in the end you have not enough time or courage to take that step how tragic.>


    <Oh yes sure by the way you now I have a girlfriend.> John said and Nikos continues smiling<then it is that I draw all the girls in so no girl come to you and make your girlfriend jealous but be careful because I cannot control my charm and maybe you lose your girlfriend.>


    John suddenly stopped in the middle of the sidewalk his face shocked and then.


    <bhahahahahahaha>


    <Are you serious> John said wheezing and unable to breathe <wow you really over did the joke. The guy that cannot hit on girls and the numbers of girlfriends you had are 0 and it''s not because you are ugly I will say it hundred time you are just shy, wait a minute a want to record what you said for the others because no one will believe me that you said that>. Reaching into his pocket for his iPhone with the well-worn case of all the times it fell from his hand you can barely see the AC-DC symbol. <can you say this again>.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    <aaa no I don¡¯t know ¡­¡­ that not.>Nikos said with a red face.


    <You see it¡¯s so easy to make you red>said while laughing.


    <focert what I said>


    < Forget >


    <What>


    <you saidfocertno forget>


    <fuuuuck fine let¡¯s go back to the topic. It¡¯s simple I want to go back home the college exams ended five days ago all the others left three days ago or the same day the exams ended. More important> Nikos said while starting smiling coyly <I want to be as far away of this hotbed of humidity when the heat wave hits Greece, hear 32¡ãc feels like 40¡ãc and what will happen when it hits 40¡ãc I will die I swear I will not survive>


    <ok fine you don¡¯t need to be so dramatic. Sooo we are going to the usual place right>


    <ok let¡¯s go I am burning up, I need four five beers to cool down> Nikos said while fanning his face with his shirt.


    <beer is not water Nikos> said with a stern face


    <yes I know and it¡¯s cost and I have only 6€ I cannot by too much>said dejectedly


    <thank god that means that I don¡¯t need to carry back your drunk ass>


    <it only happened once you hear me once and it was a party with free alcohol and if I remember correctly it was a time that you tried to push a girl to me and fucked it real bad.> said looking real angry


    <But it¡¯s still really funny>


    With the conversion continues they reach the beer bar, it was a snobby looking bar with hundred different kinds of beers where you can find 50€ beer but most college students came for the shop''s special beer that cost 0,50€ the bottle they start drinking and complain about the difficult test of the last. While the night comes the friends leave the bar and say good bye for this hot night that to them was like the others and the same could be said to the hall world that went to sleep, it was nothing different.

 Chapter 2: Death, Desist & Smashed

    <he he he he he>


    <what he he what was that> he manage to get out of his mouth, he was breathing uneven and fast for normal not even knowing if it was could be count as breathing.


    He raised his self from the flour that he slide down from the force of the hit on the door his face had turned to a sickle green, his hand were trembling, taking again a seat on the flour putting his back on the door to feel if that thing has left, that monster had probably left but nothing come he¡¯s fear was kind subsided but that didn¡¯t mend that he wasn¡¯t afraid like shit. The bug made him terrified out of his mind he maybe wasn¡¯t the best at biology but he took enough test and with the need of study he learned enough to be best that most and from what he learned bugs like that should not exist, it was terrifying, he hated bugs yes a major part of it was his fear of them it wasn¡¯t that major to be called a phobia and maybe a part was his discus of them but he could deal with them.


    [What now. Calm down the bug probably, left it hasn¡¯t hit the door for some time] he thought.


    <take deep breath everything going to be fine> been calmed downed he look around and to his horror realize that the windows were open the shutters were down but the windows were open so the wind pass through realizing that the windows may no help on stopping it but safety is more important running to close the two in the kitchen and the one in his room. While heading in his grandparents rooms he remembered that his grandfather didn¡¯t put the shutters down on the night thinking [I must wake them up, something is wrong and close the shutters so the bug don¡¯t get in]


    Opening his grandpa¡¯s room he was struck with fear the screen was reaped up and the bug was in the house. <Fuck> he immediately went to close the door but he stopped for a second [what will happen to grandpa] but that moment of hesitation was what the bug needed to scurry to the door while slipping on the tiled floor, realizing what happened Nikos started closing the door but he couldn¡¯t close the door fast enough seeing the head of the bug protruding of the corner on the door but Nikos didn¡¯t looked scared opposite he was smiling <ha you idiot I will crush your head> pulling the door with all his might and a vicious smile, alas the bug remained unhurt the only thing that has change is that has change is that looked more annoyed and his pincers started moving faster seeing that the smiled drained from his face and become panicked. Cold sweat started covering the hot sweat that accumulated from running around <why don¡¯t you just die I I did nothing wrong just leave please> he said while pulling the door but still nothing.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Seeing nothing changing he change his position to get a better grip by moving his feet closer to the pincers, getting a little extra strength but again nothing changed at the same time in the new position his foot slipped closer and closer to the pincer until snap <aaah fuck> at that moment his right calf was cut a deep and nasty looking wound was created from the pincher.


    Pain passed through his body he had never felt pain in such decree he had never felt in his entire life, strength left his body the door opened little. Realizing what happening he grip on the nob of the door become harder, putting all he had, time felt like it slowed, his body moved on his own putting everything he had and a little more that he didn¡¯t know he had he pulled close the wooden door with such force that the door corners cracked.


    The bug was still alive, but for the first time its head cracked and started bleeding a green ooze the pincers that grabbed his bloody foot weaken the bugs movements slowed and the stopped the door firmly pushing on his head of fear it was still alive staying like this for some time until the adrenalin levels decrease and the pain in his leg began again he opened the door and started it smashing on the head with door until it closed.


    Getting on the side of the wall to support himself his breathing was uneven that was cut from sobbing, starting walking with one leg to the storage so to put no force on it. Reaching the storage he reaches for the first aid kit getting down on the floor with bandages disinfectants and medical tape, looking on the wound he realize that were deep they were two deep cuts on each side of the calf bleeding badly and a bit of flesh was falling out. Don¡¯t knowing what to do he through disinfectants, closed the wounds with medical tape and covered them with bandages while doing that he started yelling <grandma grandpa are you alright do you hear me I am heart are you alive please wake up> but nobody answered the only sound that could be heard were the crickets of summer and Nikos sobbing that was not coming from pain.

 Chapter 3: Delusion Of Hope

    There was a blood trail it began from the cracked door where there was a puddle of green ooze, the trail was leading to a corner of a storage where Nikos was crying. He was crying not from the extreme pain coming from the cuts on the leg raising his head <what should I do>. Raising himself up from the corner he screamed <what the fuck should I do> starting walking using the wall as support.


    <Yes I know today I was leaving with the bus I should leave as fast as possible let''s get my thinks and go>


    Passing through the hall he stopped and looked at the two doors that lead into the grandparents¡¯ rooms, the one that leads into his grandpa room there was a not so recognizable beetle head, to the contract his grandma¡¯s door is us nothing changed looking away he gets into his room.


    Looking around he picks up his backpack, taking a seat on the chair to rest his good leg he pulled the luggage near him. He opens it and put two changes of clothes taking his empty phone and charger, picking himself up he use the wall to go to the kitchen.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    Reaching the kitchen he gets to the fridge taking a bottle of 1.5 liters and put in the pack, taking his keys and wallet he gets outside. But stop himself thinking that maybe they will be more bugs and with the heart leg he couldn¡¯t probably run away from them, opening a little he looks around, seeing nothing he heads out checking the perimeter still there was nothing, straining his ears for sounds of bugs but again nothing.


    <ok nothing really nothing> feeling the scorching heat he headed to the gardens storage double checking around, Nikos opens the door to search for the wood cutting axe, if he had to fight with it, he maybe could defend himself, find it he heads to his home to get the bicycle to use it as support like a crutch, getting to the outside door.


    <ok ok I go to the bus station get the bus back home to Athens and I leave away from here. If someone asks about the axe I will say that eem yes that I was bringing it back from helping my grandpa cut some wood> slapping his face to wake up, getting pump shaking his body releasing some jolts of pain in the leg. Opening the door Nikos began the journey.

 Chapter 4: The Person Without Brain Has Legs

    Outside of his home, Nikos raised his hurt leg slowly over his bike. Getting a comfortable seat Nikos put the axe on the handles and started moving it with his good leg by pushing the asphalt continuing the movement he raised speed to a normal walk. The day was hot he didn¡¯t know what the hour was but it was between 11 to 12 o¡¯clock but the heat was high, reaching the corner of his street he looks around and he sees nobody, no cars moving around the streets no people walking on the sidewalk it was sickeningly quite looking to his left was the graveyard that housed the church of these area passing across the gate Nikos notice something unsettling that was a bug that was digging a grave and aside were two more dug graves, not letting his eyes away from the bug¡¯s back he left as quitter us he could turning right for the bus station he gets on the bike lane and continuous onwards.


    After a few minute of a slow bike ride to the deserted city outskirts with the only thing changing was a jolt of pains and sobs from the hole and anomaly¡¯s on the street, but still, he had to move and live from here.


    In the middle of the journey,on an open field there was a fight a male human at his 20 thrusting a kitchen knife at a bug but not even scratching it but the beetle launched and chopped the stomach of the male open and cut guts fell out but the man was not yet dead screaming from pain trying to close the wound on his stomach with his free hand, continuing slashing more frantically with all slices hitting but again living it unhurt except a small scratch on the bugs eye that only led to making it annoyed opening it pincers it charged at his stomach that was protected by his hand but for it was nothing and broke the hand closing the pincers the screaming stopped and the bug started eating.


    Nikos was frozen by disgust and fear he had never seen a dead man he was not even brave enough to see the dead bodies of his grandparents and more nothing such brutal but here he was looking at a murder or better a slater the man had no chance the man could not cut the exoskeleton of the bug the only solace he had was the disconnection he had from the target he didn¡¯t know who he was but it was still terrifying and disgusting.


    Realizing he had stayed still watching the carnage, concentrating he continuous his way to the bus station looking behind him to be sure the bug didn¡¯t get his head up from its food. Ten minutes after the beginning of the journey he reaches at the bus station, slowly getting out of his bike and wiping the sweat from his forehead, he looks around the super market near the station was closed, the pharmacy was closed, the caf¨¦ was closed but everything shouldn¡¯t be close he thought probably because he reached here with difficulty and returning back would be dangerous letting the axe near the bicycle locking it, feeling stupid about it Nikos gets in the station reaching the ticket station he takes a better look around and there none here.


    <Is anyone here> Nikos yelled in hope that he wasn¡¯t alone here.Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    <Ok shit things are worse than I thought >


    What the fuck should I do now is this the apocalypse no it cannot be bugs attacking that¡¯s ridiculous>


    Sitting up from the bench that had taken a seat to think Nikos looks again around the station looking outside nothing was moving the reality that was denying from the beginning of the day settle in realizing the situation was dire Nikos rushed to his bike to return home where he would be safe unlocking it and getting the axe to the same place he started pedaling in the way back the pain was almost insufferable he was using both his legs to go as fast he could. Thinking how stupid he was [why I was denying I wouldn¡¯t have been I such danger I would be safe at home] feeling something wet in his leg he looks at his wounds and sees blood coming out but he cannot stop remembering the bug that was eating the male body he slows down and goes to the opposite side of the road staying us quite as he could reaching the place where the bug was something unexpected happened there were two bugs and they were fighting each other probably for the body.


    In his way back he notices to people running to the two bugs.


    <Be careful they are bugs that way> Nikos yelled kind of awkwardly the male pair stopped and look at him.


    <What do you mean by bugs> asked one male with a questioning face.


    <what are you doing ye must go to the hospital>.


    <don¡¯t go theretheir giant bugs they way you go>


    <Come on you aren¡¯t even good at lying you don¡¯t even look at us when you lie>


    <but but I am not lying> Nikos tried to say but probably the stable made them sure that he was lying and starting leaving, Nikos looked at their back giving up he started leaving.


    Reaching the corner of the graveyard Nikos stopped and took some breaths the clothes are striking at him from the sweat and the heat was increasing stopping pedaling to calm the pain he uses his left leg to push forward.


    But immediately stopped when he heard the sound of a bug running at him realizing that he forgot the bug that was at the graveyard scrabbling to get offthe bike Nikos hit his leg on the bike the fear and adrenaline cover the pain from his heart leg, taking cover using the bike as defense and using the two handed axe with his right hand it was uncomfortable but it was the best he had,waiting for the charging bug to come he lowers his stance to take the powerful hit and don''t fall backwards, the bug hit the frame of the bike the force hit his body and almost throws him down using his axe Nikos hit the bugs head the attack was horrible using a wood cutting axe to make a diagonal attack with it was a bad idea the axe balance was awful leading to heating the bugs head with the flat side only leaving a crack <fuck>. The bug started pushing again Nikos didn¡¯t bulge but his hand slips on a pincer cutting his flesh the surprise made the bike slip of his grasps seeing that things were going bad he freed himself from the bike taking the axe with two hands and swing it downwards smashing the head of the bug and making it stop moving.


    Taking a break on the asphalt and letting the axe on the head of the bug looking at it better he realizes he almost missed the break on the head was at the end of the left side.


    Picking the bike up and dislodging the axe from the corpse he reaches home.

 Chapter 5: Race To The Center

    Closing the door Nikos laid himself on the couch, blood flowing from his new wounds on his left hand and the old from his right foot, the blood felt good he made him feel cool on his sweating body.


    Raising his body up to get himself fixed up, getting the medic kit this time and putting cotton to pressure his wounds so to stop the bleeding, throwing the used bandages to trash looking at his new wound in his left hand, the cut was not so deep and the pain was ignorable in front of his foot, laying on the couch Nikos starts to go to sleep but his jolted awake in realization how dangerous it is to go to sleep now.


    Without a rest Nikos picks his tired body that only want to just sleep, getting to the fridge to get something to eat, opening there were some left overs of the food his grandmother cooked it was pasta bolognese looking at it Nikos starting tearing up realising that was the last meal that she will ever make again, taking he started eating with tears on his eyes, finishing the meal of cold pasta that was still awful because he always over cooked the pasta to the point she had to put a ton of oil to not stuck together and made disgusting, she couldn¡¯t cook pasta.


    Cleaning his eyes from tears and blowing his nose Nikos started speaking to himself to calm his self-down, going to the toilet he started thinking <what the fuck should I do,people are dying around and I almost died two times in one hour> covering his face with his hand <ok concentrate. You are Nikos Lykonidis you will move forward you will push through I will not fall> he pulled his hands off his face and started pumping himself up by punching the air.


    <aah fuck my hand>holding his hand that forgot that was injured.


    <ok first weapon, the axe is ok but I have to cut it in half to use with one hand> cutting it in half to use with one Nikos return from the shed <ok food now> getting canned food for four days so to not fill to much the back pack he put another bottle of water so to have two, the medic kit and one change of clothes the back pack was barely closing. Getting the sunglasses and elastic bandana he was ready to leave.


    Taking a deep breath Nikos opens and he is hit by the heat of the middle of the day getting a look around for any danger Nikos takes the bike from the wall he put on, he notice where the bug was hit the frame was slight bend <I must leave the home because alone I will die more people more possibilities to live. I really hope>.


    Pushing the bike with his good leg with out hurrying up looking around twice to not make the same mistake again  getting on the road to the park, it was at the center of Katerini and most people should go to the center its where Nikos would have gone so some people should be there while thinking that he reaches the main road it was usually filled with people that browsed the shops, but taking a better look he froze the street was filled with human body¡¯s and bugs fighting over them, backing up Nikos decided that the main roads were a no for use the were probably all filled with death and bugs eating, taking as much distance from the most used streets using the back streets and diverting from his way if it comes close to any part of the main streets, but still it was not enough to dodge all the bugs but again he had to change streets, the ride to the park took to much that he expected but he reached the park but none was there his plan had failed he thought that more people would be there [maybe there would be some inside the park and a cannot see them].


    Looking around the park there was again nobody circling the park again, he takes a seat on the bench, that was covered by a shadow of a tree <aah the heat I cannot handle it> looking around he decides to yell he hadn¡¯t see any bug near the park it was weird but he really didn''t care <is anyone here>. There was silence except the sound of crickets <come on nobody is here> waiting for a response he hears <yes are you okay why are you yelling in the park> a male at his middle on his 20 came from the corner of his eye sight <yes I am fine not totally but enough fine you are the first person I see today alive not true but still, I didn¡¯t believe that I made the right decision but you are here> the man was looking him with a face full with question <what do you mean by, no I don¡¯t care I just searching to find someone with a phone do you have a phone on you I want to call an ambulance for my parents> he was speaking to fast barely and understanding what he was saying, he was frantic <you mean you don¡¯t know what is happening> Nikos said with a astonish face <I know what is happening the power is down no phone of mine has any battery and my parents maybe have died answer my question do you have a phone> this time he was angry and annoyed <you don¡¯t know about the bugs that are killing humans> <are you on drugs yes you are on drugs >he said annoyed and started leaving without leaving eye contact with Nikos < don¡¯t leave trust me I¡¯m not on drugs they are real I can point to them> pointing with the axe to the main street noticing the axe the male jump backwards <chill dude put the axe down> <don¡¯t worry it¡¯s for the bugs only> <just let me go my parents maybe are dead and I have little siblings that are alone in the home> <I will not harm you the bugs are real just please believe me I can lead you to one of them> Nikos said pleading to the male the male stop he looked at the axe and said with a skeptic face <yes but give me the axe> <but if it attack us how will I defend myself><no axe no deal ok> Nikos looking at the axe decided that he really needed an ally and gave him the axe <ok will you follow me now>the male look at the axe again and to Nikos <ok but make it fast> he took him some time by he agreed <follow me but please be quiet> walking for some time the male asked <what is the green stuff on the axe> Nikos looking back at the axe <that is bug brain> remembering that he hadn''t clean it the man was disbelieving < oh and my name is Gianni¡¯s> <mine is Nikos> reaching the main street Nikos took a look at the road and notice a bug eating a female body whispering <ok that what you will see is disgusting and you should not go there ok>Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    <Ugh fine>


    <no please believe me> Nikos said pleading he was the first person who had met and he trust him about the bugs still he had alive family, taking a moment Gianni¡¯s said with a firm face <ok I will trust you> <look> leading his head at the bug Gianni¡¯s was shocked <WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT WE¡­>Nikos cover Gianni¡¯s face <quite it probably can hear us> without letting him speak until he calmed down.


    <Ok let¡¯s go back>Nikos said letting his hand from Gianni¡¯s mouth.


    <No what about the woman>


    <We can¡¯t kill it and you know the woman is dead> Nikos answered with a resin face


    <What about the bug brains in the axe> pointing it to Nikos


    <It was luck look at me I¡¯m injured the only reason I survived was I was lucky>


    An awkward silence stayed in the air not even one of the two know what to say.


    <Should we return to the park> Nikos asked


    <ehm ah yes we should> Gianni¡¯s started to walk back he had his world broken down


    <Could you give me back the axe>


    <Yes>


    <Are you ok I know it¡¯s pretty fucking crazy but know its reality>


    <You are right but what the fuck should we do we should hurry up> and starting walking faster


    <wait up I can¡¯t walk fast I am hurt> Nikos said pointing at his foot


    <That a nasty one come I will give you a shoulder>reaching the park they take a seat at the bench that they met


    <What should we do>


    <we? I came here to find people but nobody is here, I hoped with enough people we could survive I don¡¯t know what I was thinking it was stupid>


    <Why can¡¯t it work?>looked at me with a questioning face


    <Do you see anyone here except us>


    <We can make them come>


    looking at Gianni''s with hope. <Yes many people don¡¯t know what is happening>


    <We can get my sprays and write that survivors should come here>


    <But what about the bugs>


    <Get some weapons from hardware shop let¡¯s get to my house to begin> getting up the two new comrades with raised determination started to go at Gianni¡¯s home

 Chapter 6: : A Friends Morning

    Waking up in a cool room John stretch himself up, getting out of the king size bed, he gets the remote for the air condition pressing the button to close it, starting to leave the room he notices that the sound of the condition closing didn¡¯t come, pressing again nothing happen, taking a looking up he notice that it hasn¡¯t any power, pressing the light switches for the lights and sees no response, realizing what happens he gets out of his room to the three room apartment, raising the shutters of his apartment on the 4<sup>th</sup> floor, his hit by the warm light of the day.


    Making a cup of coffee Jonh takes a seat on the couch, picking up the phone from the coffee table trying to open it but nothing happens, remembering that at the night it had 65% of battery. [Something is wrong] he thought. Going into his room to check his laptop, trying to open it up he is hit again by the same problem, it didn¡¯t have any battery making sure that something is wrong, getting to the balcony he takes a look around to find that the streets were empty, more empty than normal, at this early time of the day the streets were empty except of the few cars and people that passed, his apartment was looking at the main road of Katerini, waiting for a minute for someone to pass but nobody not a car, not a person, the bakery that was always open before he was awake is closed. Something for sure was wrong.


    Getting inside of his apartment, John takes a seat on his three person couch, <what is wrong, why is the electric power down and all the electrical devices don¡¯t work>going around his apartment to check all his devices that have a battery, but he finds that they don¡¯t work anymore. He started thinking what could it be [are we in war and Katerini was hit with E.M.P. even if that happened someone should have been outside] getting to the balcony to make sure that nobody was outside, looking at the street again he finds again nobody was there, waiting for the possibility of someone passing. After some time of waiting he hears a sound from his left side, noticing something moving in the corner of the street, John moved closer to the street corner from his balcony, the movements were from a trash can shaking, the movements were unnatural to a point that someone was making it, the shaking continued but he could not see who was doing it, he was waiting for the person that is doing it to stop, but it continued resigning that it will not stop soon John headed inside, before he closed the window, a scream broke the silence that was stagnated for some time, from the right side of the street, he sees two people running away from a giant bug, the scene was terrifying the party of one male and one female run like they never run but their escape from it was futile, like a wolf hunting his prey it followed them and it was faster than them. Probably understanding that the female stopped, seeing that the male did the same, the female prepared for a fight using her hands to guard herself, the bug didn¡¯t stop it charged like a crazed bull to the closer victim, that was by chance the female maybe it was fate or bad luck but she was the target, the bug point his pincers that were like a bear trap it opened enough to have a gap and charged, they penetrated her body with a splatter of blood it washed the face of the bug, the attack was clean it hit her and went through like a hot knife cutting butter, she didn¡¯t have any chance, she was now on the ground screaming her feet had didn''t have enough strength to hold her up anymore, she was still alive unfortunately but for not for much longer, because the bug started snapping his pincer until the female stop moving. The male that was behind her was frozen he looked like a Greek statue, he had stopped moving probably from shock realizing what happened John yelled <run you idiot, if you don¡¯t want to die come to my building I will let you in> Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    Waking up the man looked at John his eye were shining they were filled with hope, he started running towards the building. John went inside, taking the key to open the doors he started running, getting to the entrance he unlocks the door, waiting for the man to come but he never did because when he looked outside, there was nobody except of a corpse of the male that was face down to the ground been chewed by a second bug that came out of nowhere, John closed the door turning his back on the street he raised his body through the stairs depressed.


    Reaching the apartment, closing the door John started preparing to leave getting some food to his backpack some first aid kit products and his phone in hope he can fix it. Ravaging through the kitchen to get a big knife, getting to the balcony he looks to find the perfect moment to leave, looking again at the trash can that was shaking he notice finally what it was, it was a bug trying to get inside it. Waiting for the perfect time to live his apartment so he was not attacked by any bug, but every hour it passed more people died, he yelled for them to come to him but in their panic they didn¡¯t notice or couldn¡¯t reach the apartment before they were attacked, feeling more and more depressed about his failure to save anyone, he waited for the perfect moment to come and it at the middle of noon, he got out of his apartment, sneaking away from the central road that was filled with the dead bodies that are been used to feed bugs, sticking his body in the wall he started running towards his friend house, it was 2 minute of running continually, reaching Nikos home he notices that the shutters were down, smiling because his friend probably was still alive, opening the outside door John stopped and took some breaths he was covered with sweat from running and was tired but he was happy, reaching the Nikos entrance door he knocks and yells <Nikos are you in there>.

 Chapter 7: At Last Night

    Looking at the setting sun Gianni¡¯s smiled, but Nikos wasn''t so happy. There were dirtied up some, fingers were dyed pink and blue, their clothes were filled with dirt and grime and their sweat made their clothes stick on them.


    <We almost did it> Nikos spoke up


    <No. we did it> Gianni¡¯s replied


    <What about the streets that we haven¡¯t covered with garbage bins or the few streets we covered with the messages to come here>Nikos was while speaking becoming more depressed the more he talked.


    <you are too worried, we made so much progress with only two person strength when other people come we will fix all the other problems. So calm down and see the bright sight of things, look what we did today> Gianni¡¯s said showing what they did today.


    <Yes you maybe are right, but what about if they don¡¯t come>


    <They will come when they see the world is going to shit, they will come together and the only place they know where their people is here>Gianni¡¯s said with determined look while he was staring Nikos down


    Looking away Nikos answered weakly <yes maybe you are right>


    <I am right to come let get at my home it¡¯s still not safe out here> Gianni¡¯s rose with a difficulty his tiredness and injuries are making his movement difficult, while getting home he thought about what they did today.


    It was late noon when they went at the apartment building that looked at the park, it was the only residential apartment building near the park, all the others building there were apartments for shops and services like lawyers and private doctors. Reaching the floor were Gianni¡¯s apartment was opening his door, Gianni¡¯s enters Nikos didn¡¯t follow him inside, waiting for him in the doorway Nikos looks inside there was a 18 year old woman, that when he saw Gianni¡¯s entering raised herself from the couch and started walking to Gianni¡¯s she was furious and said <where the did you go?>


    <I was going to find a phone to call an ambulance to save our parents> said Gianni¡¯s raising his voice.


    The girl turned and looked at the couch, Nikos notice that on the couch was another girl she was younger than the girl that was talking with Gianni¡¯s, turning to talk to Gianni¡¯s she started whispering <they are dead Gianni¡¯s understand it you cannot save them they don¡¯t have a pulse or breathing its hopples, just stop please> she grabbed him and started crying.


    A voice picked up from the couch <Margaret are you ok will our parents be ok> said the little girl.


    Margaret cleaned her eyes and started smiling turning to face the girl she said <everything going to be fine Anna, our parents will be ok>Gianni¡¯s with a disappointed expression looked at Margaret and started speaking <why are you lying to Anna you said it they are dead> Margaret was shocked but Anna had an expression filled with terror <what are you meaning by they are dead.. > she couldn¡¯t continuing talking because he started crying, Margaret had a murderous look <why did you tell her like that, it was too fast> Gianni¡¯s had a fed up expression <and when would you said that our parents are dead tomorrow in two days we don¡¯t have time> Margaret was angry < no but I would have prepared for her to take the news slower and what do you mean we don¡¯t have time>. Their argument continued with Anna crying on the couch, Nikos knew that he didn¡¯t belong in the argument and he felt awkward, so he left the apartment and sit on the lip of the entrance to the apartment building.


    After some time Gianni¡¯s come outside of the apartment building wearing a back pack he smiled at Nikos and said <let''s go>


    <Where? and what about your family> Nikos asked picking himself from the ground.


    <Don¡¯t worry we talked it out and they will probably be safe to our house> still smiling, but he could see sadness in his eyes, waiting for Nikos to sit up he Continued <first we go to the hardware store for weapons and then we make the perimeter>


    Seeing nothing wrong with the plan Nikos said nothing. Reaching the hardware shop there faced with a new challenge the store was locked with metallic shutters, there were locked with a big locket trying to break the locket by hammering it with the backside of the axe, leaving only some smalls dents they realize they were going nowhere looking for another shop near the park, they are met with the same problem.


    <It''s hopeless we have nothing to defend ourselves expect this axe and we cannot even break into a store> Nikos said stressed out was it hopeless was it stupid. But Gianni¡¯s didn¡¯t think the same <no it''s not hopeless we just need a metal cutter, if we find that all our problems will be solved> thinking about it Nikos realized how easily he was stressed taking a breath he spoke up<you are right we only have to find it I think I have one in my house> <why didn¡¯t you said sooner, great we can go to your home to get it.. > Gianni¡¯s said Nikos stopped him <we must pass through the streets filled with bugs it¡¯s not safe> Gianni¡¯s stopped to think about it <the rewards outweigh the danger> Gianni¡¯s waited for Nikos answer <fine but you will follow what I say ok> Gianni¡¯s smiling for winning Nikos over said pointing the street <of course, lead the way>The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Starting to return back to his home Nikos used the roads that took to reach the park but he find new problems, there were more bugs probably double than he saw when he come to the park, but the more annoying thing was that Gianni¡¯s stopped to right for survivors to come at the park, however Nikos understudied why it was needed to do that, Gianni¡¯s was right at doing that but he was still worried by staying in the same place for too much time. Nevertheless they reach Nikos home, but Nikos saw something weird the outside door was open, gripping his axe Nikos slowed down to quitter his step, signaling Gianni¡¯s to don¡¯t follow he passed the doors frame and froze an unknown males body was been eaten by a bug, sneaking on the porch Nikos grebes his cut axe with his two hands jumping on the bugs back and smashes its head, probably his luck running out he didn¡¯t kill it and the bug starting shaking trying to throw Nikos down, panicking Nikos started smacking the axe on the bugs head it was a race who could last longer, was it Nikos grip or the bugs head and something gave first, it was the bugs head making the bug lose strength to his legs and stopping it suddenly throwing Nikos down. Hearing the footsteps Nikos turned his head from the tiled floor that he was laying down to see Gianni¡¯s running to him <Whoa what the fuck did you do> Nikos thought a minute and said <I don¡¯t know I just thought that it would be in danger if it notices us and I just jump I didn¡¯t think it too much> looking at the bug Gianni¡¯s said <yes you didn¡¯t think it too much and I thought that you were careful all the time being quieter turning streets even thinking there was a possibility of a bug> getting the hand that was presenting by Gianni¡¯s Nikos was raised up <I don¡¯t know I thought it was a good idea you haven¡¯t killed any bugs and I have ¡­. I don¡¯t know it¡¯s probably was stupid> Gianni¡¯s looked skeptical at Nikos and pointed to the body <do you know who he is>taking a look Nikos shrugs <I don¡¯t now look at his head it doesn¡¯t exist> getting a closer look Gianni¡¯s said <yes you are right, but look at the back there is a big hole do you think the bug did it> looking at it and being disgusted Nikos answered I don¡¯t know and I don¡¯t want to look at it anymore> <yes> Gianni¡¯s looked at it and took the back pack and saying probably to the body<you don¡¯t need this anymore>.


    Getting the steel cuter they returned back from a different way to write more messages about the park. Opening the hardware shop, Nikos looked for a one handed axe and finding a rack there where different types but they were mostly the same taking two axes getting back to Gianni¡¯s and giving one to Gianni¡¯s, Nikos <ask what now?>.


    <We make your idea of the safe perimeter with the trash cans>


    <You now that it was a stupid idea when you think about is very bad>


    <come on it cannot be so bad. What¡¯s the problem>


    <you know when I took a better look, we will need four to five bins too close one street that would have worked fine but there seven streets and if the best case we would need 28 bins. So the idea was stupid to forget that it even existed> Nikos finished speaking he was looking defeated what would happen now he was starting to streets out his heart started beating faster, when he had to deal with a wall and couldn¡¯t jump it in the first time, he would give up and just sit in front of it soaking in depression. Most of the times someone just puss him enough to try again and succeed, this time was different he didn¡¯t have anyone to push him.


    <Your idea is not stupid> said Gianni¡¯s waking Nikos from his depression but he didn¡¯t stop there <the number is great but is not impossible we can cut some fat by using fewer bins on the cross roads by no covering every road but we can cover them together. Come on don¡¯t be so pessimistic let''s look around the park to find some bins> hitting the back of Nikos he started running around watching that Nikos smiled made he was overthinking it so he started running too.


    Meeting again they had found around the park only ten, looking at it they understand that had to get out of the park to get the rest, before they left Nikos had an idea getting a metal saw and some rope he headed to a supermarket near the park, stealing a supermarket cart he started cutting its sides getting the rope he tied it in his hand he created a shield.


    <what are those? Are this shields it has holes>said Gianni¡¯s that was looking at me silently when I was making them


    <Yes they have and that will help us when the bugs attack the pincer will come through the holes and then we twist the shield and there are trapped then we are free to hit them with the axe>


    <Yes I see how it works>


    Starting gathering bins as quieter as the could, but they were too slow even one bin could take them 30 minutes to get one back, getting the 11<sup>th</sup> bin there are faced with the first bug they have been so lucky and they could deal with most bugs by changing streets, but this bug just jumped out of the corner surprising us, Gianni¡¯s was in front and was the first to react putting his shield in front of him taking the hit with the shield he twists the shield he catches the bug and the starts to hit the bug until It was dead.


    <Wow that was hard and I don¡¯t want to do it again> Gianni¡¯s said trying to dislodge the pincers from the shield.


    <It didn¡¯t appear so>said Nikos pushing the bin


    Returning back to the park they started covering the streets, tying them with iron wires so to not move they manage to close most roads except of one, while doing it Gianni¡¯s raised the question <why aren¡¯t any bugs in the park> Nikos was down on the ground tying the wills together he had questioned that but he didn¡¯t care, it was safe and was all that it matter without answering Gianni¡¯s continued <do you think that it is because there no people in the park> Nikos finishing the job said <it may be a possibility but we must finish the job>. Continuing the work until the sun started setting.

 Chapter 8: The First Day After

    They were running but the bug was reaching them, in front of them was a barrier made of garbage bins, it was only 30meters that was separating them from safety, they were going to die and she was starting thinking what she did wrong.


    Yesterday the world just went to shit her parents died and the power went down, her phone broke down he couldn¡¯t call anyone, with the only choice she had was to go to her grandmother for help, but she found that she was dead too. She couldn¡¯t handle it she was crying almost all day, she couldn¡¯t leave the house to call for help because of her little brother he was 8 years old and couldn¡¯t leave him for long time alone, getting to the streets outside of her apartment building, she couldn¡¯t find anyone, she was leaving in a two story apartment on the first floor was where her grandmother used to leave. The day passed with great difficulty, she had to deal with her emotions, she was fearful of not knowing what was happening, sad from the death of her family but most important, she felt weak from don¡¯t knowing what was happening and she couldn¡¯t do anything to change. That was fine in front of what she saw in the evening, it was a monster, a giant bug outside of her home, when she saw it first she thought that her mind was playing a sick joke, but looking at it a little more she realizes to here degrading mental state that it was real, don¡¯t knowing what to do she just locked the house and made her little brother not to leave the house. The day passed slowly but it passed all the work she did was mechanical she cooked using gas, she made a meal for the two of them, finishing she started sweeping the house then dusting it off and then tried to wash the dishes but found she didn¡¯t have enough water pressure to do it, taking a seat near her brother she watched the sun, it was almost sundown, looking at her brother George she thought how happy he was still was, ignorance was glee, silence started settling down and her mind started working on overdrive, the thoughts that Dannay tried to suppress started to bubble up and like boiling water started spilling out tears started flowing trying to suppress it and failing she picked herself up and run to her room putting her face on the pillow she let it go like a blocked river it burst out. Time passed and she heard a knocking on the door waking up from what she was doing, cleaning her eyes and opening the door she sees her brother <I am bored > he said picking him she leads him to his room putting him to sleep, begrudgingly he complied. Unlocking the door to her parent''s doors she looks in there were her parents laying on their bed like they were just sleeping it was like they were still alive just like the others days, but she knew better taking the last look she locks the door, she goes to sleep for the night.


    A new day was starting it was seemingly going to be like the last day, a boring walk with the only think to look outside was the bug, it was moving across the street leaving and coming but doing nothing just moving it was doing this for hours. But everything changed when a group of three people with axes appeared from the corner of the street fearing them she hid herself behind the curtain waiting for the bug to attack them and run away, but they stayed the bug attacked them and one of them went in front and killed it, like it was nothing she was amazed by what they did, but they didn¡¯t stop amazing her taking some sprays they starting writing that {survivors should come to the park if you want to survive, the apocalypse is here} and started leaving. She was still behind the curtain, not appearing because she didn¡¯t trust them, they had written about the apocalypse that maybe had come but it didn¡¯t give them any reason to be trusted and she didn¡¯t need them she only have to wait it out so the army and government will dill with the problem, she just has to wait it out she didn¡¯t have to risk her and brothers life to just be with others people, she was safe at her home and the bug that was in front of her building is dead she safe and everything is okay.


    The time continued clicking again but she had nothing to do in the morning only thing she could do is to watch the ceiling or the sky, deciding that she liked the sky more she goes to lay on the balcony but her peaceful time was interrupted, by a crass being jolted up she looks around she sees across the street a bug attacking a door that was different from the other it a brownish sheen and was a bit bigger it had crushed on a glass steel door it had broken the glass, revealing a terrified young man behind it, the bug was probably noticed him and attacked him but it couldn¡¯t break through the steel door but the bug didn¡¯t give up he continued on munching the door.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    Deciding that was enough for today, she destructs herself by cooking food for her and her brother. Finishing the meal for the noon that was chicken with rise, picking up her brother and putting him on the couch, finding a book so to read and to destruct him. Getting to the balcony again to take some breath and let her emotion free and the tears flowed again she felt relieved by letting them flow but she is stopped when she noticed that the bug that was attacking the door disappeared and a hole in the steel door took its place, the bars were cut and bent inside it was a bug sized hole the tears stopped her expression changed to terror her hands started trembling her fake safety cradled down like the lei it was. Getting inside she started packing staff, she could decide how much to take, she was in a state of confusion going around the like a scared dog. That was brought the attention of her little brother <what happening Dannay> he asked with eyes filled with innocents and confusion she had the look of a hearted puppy looking at him and feeling like thousand needles pricking her heart she answered with trembling voice <don¡¯t worry I¡¯m fine it¡¯s just that we are preparing to go to the park> finishing with a smile she hoped that he wouldn¡¯t question anymore but like the whole day her hope was crushed <ok but when mom and dad will come back I miss them and I even drew a picture of us> taking a closer look Dannay sees the picture he had drawn it was good for his age but it''s still bad you couldn¡¯t even say the gender bad to her eyes it was a master piece like cold water she walked her up realizing that she had lost focus, she was just wondering around putting random think on the bag. Getting her head straight she prepared to leave the house, getting ready to leave she dresses her brother will he grumbles he did want to go to the park but they had to leave.


    Getting out of the house she checks her surroundings being sure that nothing dangerous is outside. She started walking at a fast pace towards the park while dragging George behind her he was confused but he stayed quiet.


    Their journey through the dead city passed without a hitch there was no bug in sight but there were many holes in the side of the buildings. Turning the corner they see a wall made out of trash bins that were written <safe haven> there were two blocks away but for her, it was only two meters away from salvation. Beginning to head to that direction with a hop to her steps, passing the first block her hearts stop the sound of trashing is heard from the the corner of the street she didn¡¯t want to take a look she knew what it was grasping her brother and picking him up she started running she didn¡¯t want to take a look but the same couldn¡¯t be said for her brother he saw what was behind, <Dannay what¡¯s is the thing that¡¯s chasing us> said with a trembling voice filled with fear, Dannay didn¡¯t respond she couldn¡¯t what could he say, the only thing she could do is run to the barrier and jump it. She was running with all he got she heard the bug coming closer and closer her brother was screaming that it was going to catch them she was half way through the block, but she wasn¡¯t sure that it was going to make it, the only thing she could do was scream for help in hope someone could hear her, but none came she knew she could make it, vile thoughts surfaced to her mind if she did have her brother on her shoulder maybe she could make it, if he let him fall she would be safe but that were the moments where the humans where challenge and the true self¡¯s appeared and her true self-was, not someone that will through her brother to his death grabbing him harder she pushed herself to run even harder her breathing was ragged her lungs were burning, tears flowed from her eyes, but when she started accepting her death a man jumped over the bin and headed her way, he was armed, her feet were like the had cached fire but she continued until she was passed by the man and started slowing down, reaching the barrier she turns around and sees the man walking back while behind him was a dead bug <are you ok I heard your screaming > said the man he looked rugged with wound all over him, she couldn¡¯t thank him from all the sobbing, she was hugging her brother <okay let me help you get in the park> picking herself ups he tried to stop crying but couldn¡¯t the man helped her and her brother to climbed and said <welcome to the park> she was finally safe and looking to her crying brother she knew that she had a long talk.

 Chapter 9: the Warrior Morning

    Waking up in the park Nikos stretched his body, he had crumbs all over the place, the cause was that he slept in a sheet thrown over a patch of grass, even that it was still the best spot in the park, it was situated under a tree shadow. Nikos was thinking how easy was to sleep on the couch in Gianni''s house, but after the first people started coming and having nowhere to sleep, he felt guilty and a bit shy to ask to sleep on the couch, again. He moved his head in a circling motion, trying to make the pain n that was accumulated disperse from his neck, he and some volunteers had to sleep without pillows so the kids and some others could, cutting through the people that were in the park, he headed to the supermarket.


    Getting inside of the supermarket he finds his assistant, who was a female ex-employee of an another supermarket chain that came to them yesterday morning, she had seen what Gianni''s and he had written two days ago, the reason she came was that she was leaving in an apartment alone and feared for her safety. She was squatting down and writing in her block how many and what eatables they had.


    <Morning> Nikos said with a sleepy and heavy voice.


    Turning her head slowly she nods at him, her face was white with comically big black circles under her eyes, the red haired beauty that always was smiling had a dead pan face.


    Taking some time he asks <what wrong with you> his voice was still slow and sleepy but it was filled with concern.


    Sitting up slowly she said <I couldn¡¯t sleep at all the howl night it was terrifying, the possibility of a bug attacking, how the fuck the stinking trash cans protect us, I don¡¯t understand> she closed her eyes and started massaging them. Opening her eyes she looks at Nikos and with a questioning face she asks <what about you how did you sleep I saw you last night in the park>. He had slept fine it was difficult to fall for sleep but for him sleeping was forgetting everything, all his worries disappear he didn¡¯t have to think about how much food they will need there wasn¡¯t an ever present danger of the bugs and he didn¡¯t need to think about her, nothing happening it was the escape from reality. <I slept fine> Nikos said.


    <ha, you are lucky> she said yawning and continuing her work.


    <you can go to sleep if you want I will cover you work, but only for this time> Nikos said with a small smile <but only you can sleep in the offices inside this building> been cautious so the people don¡¯t think that he showed favoritism for some people, so he made her go to the supermarket office in the corner of the shop. She started walking to the office <thanks for that I owe you for this one> she said.


    He didn¡¯t need her for the whole day they had almost finish the work yesterday and they only had a corridor of food products to catalog, they were not important most of them were junk food and carbonated drinks.


    Ending the cataloging after two hours he checks the sun outside and sees that¡¯s is about 10 to 11 o¡¯clock. Thinking that all the people should be awake he takes outs most of the food that will go bad without refrigeration. They had probably have gone a little bad but they had to get rid of them and feed the people getting a desk outside and putting on it all the products and started giving them to the people that were here, they didn¡¯t immediately start coming to the desk but understanding what was happening, they started one by one coming and taking a small bottle of milk or some yogurt to eat, for the morning they weren¡¯t many people that spoke a silence of fear for the future dampening the mood.


    Finishing feeding all the people in the park that number over 30 people and giving not so cold any more coffee to the people that guarded the barriers. The people on the barrier look ruffed up, even if they were the second shift they didn¡¯t sleep too much and they were tired and the first shift was sleeping and will not wake up for some time, very few people were able to deal with the bugs with small preparation but they had to take what they had and what they had were 8 males and 6 females that took sift to guard the barriers. These people were able to deal with the bugs, most of them had seen bugs killing humans or had killed a bug by the help of Gianni''s most of them had become used to the face of a bug and were able to smash his head without bagging an eye, something that none had thought will happen.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    Most people had a job to do, only 12 adults didn¡¯t have anything to do and he would put them to job, splitting them in a team of 8 and 4, he lead the small group to the supermarket giving them supplies for 50 people and cooking utensil he guide them to cook some food for the group of people it was a slow and awkward beginning, they didn¡¯t known each other and they didn¡¯t know what to cook but after some they started working together.


    Next was the other group supplying them with crowbars and hammers, he led them to a building <ok you have to break to those building today if you want to sleep under a roof tonight. It doesn¡¯t have to be clean if you need to just destroy the whole door do it> finishing talking Nikos looks for questions and a little man probably closer to a boy raise his voice <what happens if people are inside and what if they are dead what would we do with the body> Nikos gave him a smile that kid thought ahead <don¡¯t worry all the buildings are offices nobody leaves here and the family of Gianni''s that was probably the only people living here were buried yesterday in someone backyard, probably the best treatment that people will get, if you find anyone we will bury him outside. <If you don¡¯t have any questions begin>. Getting to know each other, they started breaking to the biggest building it had six flours and probably will fit all the people inside it.


    With the work inside the park started picking up Nikos decided that he needed to take a break. Stealing a chair from the counters he headed to the storage that was situated underground of the supermarket. Closing his eyes he takes a breath sweats covered his body and the cool atmosphere of the storage cooled him down, but he couldn¡¯t relax the pain from his wound hasn¡¯t dissipated at all and his wounds started smelling quite but trying to pull the bandages of he is stopped by the pus that probably was accumulated at night, the bandages were stuck at his wounds and immense pain was produce every time he tried to peel it off, but that would be fine if his wound would stop bleeding every minute he had to stop to clean the blood, he didn¡¯t know if this was too bad for his health but he felt very low powered.


    Quitting his tries to free his wounds from the bandages he just closes his eyes and take a few minutes to rest. After some time he raises himself up and goes to check the small group cooking. They had almost finished cooking all the products that he had given them, all of them where the meat that needed refrigeration and milk based products and by the look of it they decided to put them in the pan. <it seems like it finished am I right> Nikos asked, a woman stops cooking and comes to him <yes it¡¯s the last bunch and we finished> he remember her it was the girl from yesterday that was running with her brother away from the bug <ok when you finish there is meat in the butchery, cook the half of it and when you finish it call me again>, she was shocked <what why we can eat so much and how much time will it take and more important you haven¡¯t given us enough salt, every piece meat has barely salt on it> she looked confused and kind of exposited <I know that I gave you little salt and trust me you don¡¯t need more salt and when you cook the meat on the butchery make it well well done so it doesn¡¯t rote fast, ok> she looked tired but said <fine but after we eat> Nikos wasn¡¯t so happy <hhm take turns we don¡¯t have enough gas to use>now she looked more resign <ok we will do that> said will she started heading to the others to update them.


    Taking a walk in the park Nikos meet Giannis for the first time this day he was talking to some new people that probably came today Gianys had his hair in a ponytail and had changed his clothes again, he was the only person that had this luxury. Finishing his talking about working together and that all the people here had lost people close to them he notices Nikos who was waiting for him, <you gave a good speech probably I don¡¯t know> Giannis laughed at the respond <then I guess thanks for the response I think probably> the think that Nikos could was only smirk <ah come on Nikos you are a downer what is it, we don¡¯t have enough food> he said with a worrying face but Nikos assured him <no we have enough food even for a hundred people to leave more or less for a month> hearing that Giannis smiled <great then why are you like that> Nikos sighed and rubbed his face <it¡¯s that we don¡¯t have¡­> before he was able to finish he was interrupted by one of the guard coming out of nowhere saying <Gianni''s Nikos there¡¯s a guy you will probably like to meet>.

 Chapter 10: The Warrior Evening

    Reaching the barrier that was bathed in green bug ooze, Nikos raised his head over it, behind it was a group of 10 people that was being led by a man dressed in a military uniform, but that wasn¡¯t the think jumping out from him, it was the two handed long sword in his side.


    <what¡¯s up> Gianni¡¯s asked then he smiled and said <don¡¯t wait outside with the bugs come in> but Nikos couldn¡¯t understand why Gianni¡¯s wasn¡¯t even a tiny bit worried about the man with the sword.


    <ah hell nothing much just come from the outskirts, saved some people killed 9 bugs, nothing much> said the male in the military uniform while pointing in his sword.


    The group of people following him where a random arrangement of people from all the walks of life, more exact from age of 30 to 8 years old, unarmed with no baggage that most people that come to them always had. Getting all the people up to the barrier Nikos leads them to the supermarket where the cooking group where located. some people had started eating, they had some pieces of steak that were between burned and rare on the side they had a piece of bread and that was placed on a flimsy plastic plate. The group was still cooking the second portion of meat that Nikos had made them cook. looking around he sees that people didn¡¯t have anywhere to sit and most of them were sitting under trees and using the ground as a table, looking back at the new people he says <ok guys take a plate and eat up> they were wary but with a bit of push, they started eating. Looking around Nikos saw people eating with a lighter mood some face where brighter than they were this morning, all the guards from the first shift were awake and talking to each other of how shitty their night was, while some people from the building group laid on the grass not able to lift their arms, but the thing that brightens the atmosphere more was the kid playing tag making you almost forget the dire situation that was present. But he didn¡¯t have enough time to relax, after the break he took to check his wounds, now he had to give them water and he had to be careful of how to do it, he got some plastic cups and filled them with water giving only one cup every person so the water not be wasted , some asked for second but he had to deny them us kindle us he could but they were still disappointed.


    Finishing feeding the people Nikos waited while cleaning the trash for the cooks to finish. But it was looking like it would take some time to finish cooking and Nikos could not stay still so he decided to check the workers in the building. Reaching the built Nikos heard the sound of the workers in the final four entering inside it he notice the work on most doors in the first flours where like drove a car through them they were mostly pieces, but when he climbing the flours he notices that the doors look better and better. Then he reached the final four where team of people where breaking in the two final doors, Nikos waited for them to finish, they used the hammers to heat where the lock was until something gave that was the door and not the iron frame finishing the final door Nikos approached the team <it seems like you have finished> Nikos said taking a look inside the empty apartment, it was split into two rooms with a door, the first would have been the waiting room and the next one would have been the office, but it was empty pointing that it wasn¡¯t yet been leased, <yes it was kind of difficult because all the doors made of aluminum but a little trial and error we got the hang of it> the man that spoke was a big male he was probably the biggest in size survivor that was here he had his hair shaven and probably was at his late 20 he remembered him clearly because they were planning to make him guard but then realize they realized his probable phobia of bugs <ok what was your name again> asked Nikos the man expression saddened he probably had told his name and Nikos forgot it <its Michael> making note in his brain to not forget it again Nikos says <ah yes mine is Nikos. What did you find in here anything interesting> Michael face frowned while thinking and said <nothing interesting couches chairs desks and computers nothing else right guys> he said while turning back to the team for affirmation <ok if that¡¯s all but unfortunately you haven¡¯t finish take everything that is not a couch and someone can lay on it and deposited it down the street of this building> making a serious face Michael said <yes we will begin immediately>.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    Finishing talking with Michael Nikos went back to the cooking group who had finish cooking the meat and were lay in the wall of the supermarket building, <I see you have finished cooking the food> looking at the four people that were 3 females and a male Dannay turns her head that was red and filled with sweat from the heat and says <yes 15 minutes ago were are cooling down now> nodding will hearing that Nikos said


    Dannay expression changed from one of tiredness to one of acceptance <ahh what is it again> giving her one of the few smile he had left he says <don¡¯t worry it the final job for today the only thing you have to do all the meat that you have left accepted the chicken and turkey will go down where there are boxes that will be filled with salt and the meat more or less we will try to salt the meat it can fail but it can succeed to> taking a look to make sure that they are hear him he continues <of course this is the last job for today so get going> picking themselves up with grunts and complaining the cooks start the job that he had put them, but when he was going to help them out he is stop by someone saying <you are Nikos right> when he turns around he sees the man in military uniform <yes I am what do you want>, fixing his short black hair with his hand he says <I wasn¡¯t able to eat and Gianni¡¯s sent me to you to give me something to eat>thinking about it, he was pretty sure that the man hadn¡¯t eaten any think today <ok I can get you some think follow me>, walking to storage underground the two people didn¡¯t share a word getting the cooked meat that was store he gives him to piece of meat and then he fills him a plastic cup of water <ok that¡¯s all> the male looked at it and asked <isn¡¯t it a bit little> he surged and said <we have to keep some supplies if we don¡¯t want to die> the man was taken back <you are a little blunt, die that was kind of sudden ah yes I haven¡¯t told my name it is Antony>, but he didn¡¯t ask for more and started eating. When he finish eating Nikos decided to ask <where did you find this sword> cleaning his mouth with his hand Antony said <it¡¯s a replica from game of thrones ice I had it and decided to use it> accepting his answer with a nod he continued <how you dealt with so many bugs one bug for most people is certain death> he gave a sad smile and said <yes I know how deadly they are but if you are fast and ready with a heavy weapon you can smash their heads before they attack you, ah and I saw your shields you created they pretty smart> again Nikos nodded he didn¡¯t want to much talk today he was stressed the only reason he talked was so it wasn¡¯t so awkward but he had finished eating and all the jobs for today were almost finished so he left for his spot under the tree to waited for the night meal.

 Chapter 11: Warrior Night

    Sitting under the shadow of the tree Nikos realized how horrible bored he was. He was sitting down for hours, most of them were passed with him sleeping, but he still had hours to waste and he had nothing to do while lying there. Thoughts came maybe he could talk and built relationship with the people in the park, but he didn¡¯t know anyone and he wasn¡¯t good at beginning conversation, even if he found a way to begin it he couldn¡¯t keep it going, he was fine at talking with people about work because it was a set conversation, it had a set beginning and an end, thinking about it he realize about his friends, the friend that he had back in his home and the giant possibility that they are dead and if they weren¡¯t dead he wouldn¡¯t possibly see them again, a smile spread on his face he remembered how 4 days ago he was grumbling about how expensive and tiring was a 5 hours journey with the bus was, maybe he could laugh if the situation was not so depressing. More important his whole family was dead except his maybe his little sister, but he couldn¡¯t imagine how she would be after seeing their parent dead body could she handle this, but more important could she survive the bugs, he trembled and hugged his legs, fear and sadness overtook him, about how shit thinks went and all the people he hold dear may be dead, the only thing that keeps him from going more depressed that was comfortable for him, was the knowledge that all his thoughts were possibilities and still he had a friend near him, it was Gianni¡¯s, he may have forgotten about him but every person would in that situation, maybe today couldn¡¯t go save him because it was dangerous to leave alone, but tomorrow he will make sure that it will happen.


    Getting his heart under control and stopping himself from getting back to the black hole, he started thinking about what he should do tomorrow but again he wasn¡¯t able to do it forever, even if he was taking in account every little detail so he picked himself up from the sweat filled bed sheet that was changed color from the grass to a green color.


    Circling the park again and again trying to think anything to do, but he couldn¡¯t escape the black hole every time he got further away he was sucked back in, it was like Sisyphus punishment he had to struggle to get us far away from the black hole and then fail and get back to the hole.


    But his struggles were finished because the time for the preparation for the night¡¯s meal had to begin. Searching for the cooking group he finds the sort male that was part of the group, he was probably the most striking person from the camp cause he had blue colored hair accepted of that, he had nothing special about him, <hey get your group together and meet me at the supermarket ok> said Nikos without warning the male <ah you surprised me what is it again we only finished the job you made us do before 3 hours and you said it was the last> he was startled he was speaking to a female that if Nikos remember correctly was a second shift guard, <I know that but now is a different time and if you want people to eat go find the others, please> Nikos looked for the whole conversation with an expressionless face <agh you are killing as with so much job> he said comedically but Nikos didn¡¯t react neither did the female <oh I see tuff crowd but what we can do at this times> he continued acting like a comedian <but I have to beat you good bye because I have to find the others> he bowed and left with a fast pace, Nikos wasn¡¯t in the mood for fun but he understood in different circumstance and other people it would have been funny turning around he see the female and ask <how are things in the barrier> the female raises her head and says from her Buddha sitting position <I don¡¯t know, barrier like, 1 hour of silence and boom a bug attack then you wait filled with fear that the bug stops attacking the trash can and put his head through the gap to smack it>she was stressed it was probably to her limit very close to snapping, Nikos sat closed to her and said <ok take a breath, have you slept yet> while biting her nails she said <yes but only for 2 hours> she should have slept longer but she probably couldn¡¯t <ok what would you like to calm down> looking to him she said <I want all the bugs to die and my family to come back> Nikos was surprised he expect she would ask something simple maybe a drink or an object but she ask for something extremely impossible <you now unfortunately I can¡¯t do that ask me something simple> massaging her nose <I¡¯m sorry I didn''t know what got into me, a pizza with orange soda and a dessert would be very good> Nikos smiled so she would be comfortable <you are lucky that¡¯s the menu today> hearing that she smiled maybe it wasn¡¯t the biggest smiled she had but it was a smile, it wasn¡¯t difficult this nights meal was the frozen foods that would go bad and there wasn¡¯t any way preserve them that included pizzas maybe his plan didn¡¯t include sodas and sweets but it could change it.


    After trying to comfort the girl, he headed to the supermarket, he didn¡¯t have to wait cause the cooking team was there and they weren¡¯t so happy but Nikos didn¡¯t care <ok it¡¯s time to cook the night meal..> before he was able to finish his sentence Dannay spoke <wait a minute you said that we finished our jobs for today> she was giving Nikos a scornful look <yes I know what I said but probably you didn¡¯t understand you finished the extra jobs for today that were preserving food and what did you expect that we will starve the night> but the scornful look didn¡¯t disappear <you should have explained it better> Nikos sighted <and what do you expect to do now starve the night out you are ridiculous you have the easiest job of all the people in this park and you are complaining that you have to cook for more two hours while outside the park people die> Nikos was annoyed it was ridiculous what they said and probably it was sawing in his face with Dannay reaction <eeeeh sorry ok we will begin> trying to get his annoyance under controlee he continued <okay now that we agree, get all the frozen pizza and cook it for tonight> Dannay turning back to her normal self she asks <how will we cook the pizza without a oven> Nikos said <simply put in on a pan put cap on it and done a small oven> while he was living he remembered <ah I almost forgot near the fish in the freezers there are frozen croissant and such thing and near the dairy fridge there are brownies get them out and cook them too, ok> and like that he left.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    Getting to the soda and juices corridor, he looks at all the useless products he couldn¡¯t use them for survival, all the sodas would make people dehydrated and some of the juices were useful as hydrants but most of them would just make the thirst worst but for this night he will forget about this fact. Getting a supermarket trolley he fills it up with sodas juices and beers then heads to the freezer. The freezer like everything had stopped working after the apocalypse and they were a wet mesh but they were still cool and could probably cool down the drinks, when he finished he looks at all the frozen food that will go to waste because there wasn¡¯t any way to preserve them if he could it may have added 1 months more to the group, but the more he thought he realized that the group will not stop only to 40 people it will increase and increase and the food in the freezer wouldn¡¯t count on 4 days of food, he doesn¡¯t know what will happen when he cannot feed them all but he didn¡¯t have to worry about it because it will never reach that moment.


    The sundown come people started eating, cool soda and beers were given around and desserts were given, from afar it was like a party, he was checking around to make sure everyone was happy with drinks, food, and desserts, and he had to make sure to go and personally give the girl food and started crying with a smile on her face, but it didn¡¯t give him comfort, he didn¡¯t know if things will get worse or better with time.


    The night comes the people were filled and most started going to the cleared building, some stayed outside sticking with themselves one of them was Michael he was sitting near Nikos spot but tonight he wouldn¡¯t sleep outside he would sleep on Gianni¡¯s couch, but he didn¡¯t come here for that <I didn¡¯t saw you getting anything to drink here take this> turning around Michael catches the can of beer that Nikos through <cold beer I would prefer natural tea> Nikos didn¡¯t speak until he sat down near him <too bad we don¡¯t have anything like that in the drinks that I put out> smiling he said <its fine beer is the second best what are you drinking> said pointing in his bottle.


    <Cider cherry flavored cider the last that I would drink for a long time> Nikos said taking a swig.


    <I didn¡¯t think that would be difficult for you to just take a cider> Michael said while opening the beer.


    <don¡¯t say such thing I couldn¡¯t do such think image what people would say if the fat person that keeps the food is enjoying his life while they are hungry>Nikos said while increasing his grip on the glass bottle.


    <Don¡¯t worry such thing will not happen none will say such thing¡­>


    <None will say it but they will think about it> and like that awkward silence spread Nikos came here to try to speak and built a relationship but he didn¡¯t know what to do.


    But in this awkward silence, Nikos said <you should probably leave>.


    <What do you mean by that> Michael said look with a worrying face.


    Nikos sight again <sorry I didn¡¯t mean to threaten you what I mean is the group in the park probably will not survive but you alone will have a bigger chance, you will have more supplies, but more important you can fight the bugs quite easily you just have to go to supermarket and scavenge food only for yourself and boom you will survive it>


    Michaels worrying face didn¡¯t leave <so you say if I stay here I will starve to death>.


    A bitter laugh came from Nikos <no you will not starve all people fear starvation but the death will come from thirst we have so little water that the group of 40 people will last only for one week and the group will increase and increase until we cannot find any water> he said while finishing the bottle of cider.


    <Really and why are staying here then> Michael spoke while turning to look at Nikos.


    <I can leave I am heart every step I take am placed in a world of pain, I can¡¯t fight as well as you, my wounds are bleeding badly and probably make me weaker by the hour there is a possibility I will not survive> when he said that Nikos laid back at the grass and none spoke for some time.


    After some time passing Nikos said <I should leave I will not pressure you on what you should do>.


    The day was over and now Nikos was laying on the couch of Gianni¡¯s apartment he didn¡¯t care what people would think, he was dead tired. Unfortunately for him sleep didn¡¯t come and he was forced to stay awake looking on the ceiling of the apartment, but when his eyes fell down he noticed a back pack and that back pack was the same that was found in the dead body outside his home, his curiosity got his better of him and he had to know what was inside of it, opening up he found clothes food and an i-phone that had a well-worn ac-dc cover.