The world was quiet, peaceful at last. Nothing could disturb that beautiful silence anymore, peaceful. The small town was nice, friendly neighbours, always greeting each other enthusiastically.

Nothing quite like it in the world.

The scenery is green and lush with it’s deciduous trees, more specifically Oak, Beech and Birch surrounding our small lovely town of Drazon / Direark how lovely the view is with it’s wildflowers under them. The grass in town is kept, the leaves taken care of each autumn, and flowers often watered. We have the nicest townspeople who will greet you with smiles everyday and will threaten you with warm hugs.

Lovely.

Just absolutely lovely.

The world before the steps were vast and quiet, the large doors behind him were thick and made of steel from what looks like an old bank vault door. Shoes worn, clothes well worn and loved with the slight stain here and there. The sun has not risen yet and dark shadows danced along the empty streets the shift was an uneasy sight as tense silence washed over the group of four. The practised whispers were like soft wind brushing over the silent world before them.

Then a loud noise erupted from the far corner of the quiet town. Bell tolls sound the ringing of the dead walked towards the haunting sound. The group moved forward in quick silence as if they too practised the routine over for years. Soon the bell stops its roll call and silence filled the world again with a few grumbles from the dead walkers as if they were disappointed in the call was not for food. Soon in another corner sound of small tinkling was heard.

It was rhythmic in is sound and soon the sound grew louder and the dead walkers started towards the sound. The sun spilled over the town in cold light and the noisy shadow was now visible. It was a young looking person with a large hooded jacket and large pants only hanging on by a tight belt. It looked as if they were putting on a show for the dead walkers as they roamed towards them.

The dancing figure started to glance around as they kept their rhythmic noise, as if interpreting the glance to the dance they started to run from the dead walkers who started to take notice of them. They quickened their pace and started to follow the dancer in a more rushed pace.

The small group started forward to their next destination as the dancer kept the dead paparazzi busy. The group entered a small apartment building and started a small search first for the remaining dead walkers and again for things that could be useful. They kept an ear out for the dancer in case they came back but were pleased that the dancer didn’t return with their paparazzi of adoring fans.

The warehouse was guarded all hours, with runners earning their keep by gathering supplies and runners keeping the dead occupied. The place was silent as they worked, knowing their roles in the silent place. The doors opened and in came the earned runners, few people were out and listened to the hushed voices stating their status.

“No bites, no wounds, just a quick trip with few supplies. Do we need to head out again? Clicks is keeping the dead walkers busy.”

“No, stay. Clicks will return soon, he’ll want to know what happened while he was keeping the dead walkers off of you.”

“I’m relived there are no wounds,” a man added to the voices.

“Same, Doctor,” the people dispersed and went about their sorting of supplies.

Evening fell and no one has heard from Clicks, it was unusual but it does happen. Not everyone can make it back in time with that many dead walkers on them. It is worrying to think that they might not makee it back at all. If it was the case, Clicks would go out to search the town for the missing.

Often they would be reported as dead.

“We need to send someone out for that boy,” a woman said worried.

“No, Clicks can take care of himself. Don’t forget that we went to him for help and shelter,” a man said beside the woman. It was true, he was alone in the warehouse sealing it the best he could with what he had. When we entered we thought it was the perfect place. He was scared of us at first and we stated what we wanted and wanted shelter from the world outside. “Chances are he found someone in need of help.”

“We can’t take in anymore and he knows this, we also can’t spare any supplies.”

“Clicks is such a young boy, he shouldn’t be doing this in the first place.”

“Everyone pulls their weight, you should get your chores done.”

The morning rose over the buildings and the bell tolls once more of another survived day. Exiting the building without their dancer was nerveracking but it was needed, some think that he plans this just to keep the people alert and not rely on him. Because, sometimes people get comfortable and complacenent, they make mistakes and get hurt easily. 

Leaving the warehouse behind finally they travel to the next building which was an appartment complex. No doubt that there are lots of dead walkers in there to greet them happily. Entering the building they checked their corners and started searching on the main floor for something that could be useful. Whatever they find they put by the door just in case something uptop goes wrong.

So far it’s good, so they make their way up and search the halls for leftover dead walkers, it’s cleared so they begin their search two appartments at a time while one stands out to guard. One helps clear out with the bulk of the findings and brings it to the front door with the rest of the stuff. They continued the system until the front door was too far of a walk and dead walkers were starting to emerge.

They got what they could and went to the front to get everything that they could carry. Returning back to the warehouse they stated their report.

“No bites, no wounds plenty of supplies from the apartment complex but the floors 3 and up were swarming with dead walkers. We can clear the first two floors easily as long as we don’t run into any daed walkers.”

“Good work, we’ll stick with the apartments get settled. We need the second group ready prepare them for what to expect in the apartment.”

“Right, has Clicks come back yet?” The Leaders silence was answer enough, people looked like they would start sending out search parties soon. Gathering up the group started making plans for their next run to the apartment while sorting out their findings.

When the next group stepped up to the doors they waited and listened and started moving forward in silent steps so as not to draw any attention to them. What surprised them was that the streets were empty the reprots were true. They entered the apartment complex and searched the main floor for anything that was missed, then made their way up. Searching each room until nothing of use could be found. They repeated the process and checked on the 3rd floor for the dead walker update. It was as the first group said. A count of 5 dead walkers so they travelled back down only to stop when one started roaming around on the previous floor.

Silence was key in situations like this, silence was important for these runs. They knelt on the stairs and waited, barely moving.

It’s been hours now, someone would be worrying about them soon.

They hoped.

Hoped and waited for the sound of someone coming to rescuse them.

Then they heard it.

Gentle bells tolling in the streets.

Their rescuer was none other than Clicks himself.

The sound rhythmic and enchanting, only growing lower. Then the door to the main floor sounded alerting the dead walker near them. Qucikly they moved to one of the empty rooms while Clicks got to work on clearing out the complex. The low beat of the music he had, nearly drowned out by the many bells on his clothes was perferct. Dead walkers starting towards him as if chasing him down for an autograph.

He lead them out with a few straglers left behind, the only way that they could get out was by window but that would be dangerous. Then they heard Clicks come back again and circle around the second floor to gather more dead walkers. He done it three times and soon it was quiet, but now they knew to wait for Clicks’ word to come out. Silence over took them as they listened for the quiet clicking sound that told them ‘Come Out.’ It was quick but with practice they understood what he was trying to say.

They heard him and they got out and rushed towards the main floor where Clicks stood waiting for them in complete silence. His skeleton mask and jacket all to familiar and spoke of home. He looked up at them with disappointment that soon vanished to worry, he gave them a quick once over and off they went back home to the warehouse.

They walked in and were surrounded by worried looking facing and hugs because once Clicks looks you over you were alright. They gave their report and in return were updated on what had happened while they were gone.

As it turned out, by the time they were rescued Clicks had just returned and was told of what happened. He got dressed and made way to their location.

“From now on, thanks to Clicks,” the Leader called out to everyone gathered, “We will be in radio contact. No one is out there without a radio, our MC will be Grey Rivers. Fight amongst yourselves on who is who.”