musings-of-a-midnight-melody

[musings-of-a-midnight-melody]

Zombie apocalypse SBI

Cw for zombie apocalypse stuff, and this is a word/thought spew so no proper grammar/paragraph breaks.

Disarmer: this is based on characters, not the actual cc’s themselves. I do not support Wilbur.

Tommy who's been surviving on his own for so long, only barely getting by on scraps and escaping the jaws of the undead. he's tired, stressed, and paranoid. His only weapon is a metal bat he just barely managed to grab when the chaos happened, separated from his family and friends. He doesn't even know who's alive, or if there is anyone alive. He hasn't seen another living person since the initial outbreak. He’s slowly losing hope, and one night as he's setting up camp, there's a noise. Gripping his bat firmly in both hands, he creeps up behind a figure lurking about in some nearby bush, and whacks them in the back of the head with his eyes closed. He expects to see a corpse of a zombie when he opens his eyes, but instead sees.. a person. A living, breathing, person. And Tommy's just possibly killed him. Cursing, he looks around before putting down his bat, and dragging the person back to his camp. he jogs back to where he left his bat, and brings it back. He props the person against the wall of the building he's in, and gets a better look at them. It’s a man that seems to be in his mid 20's, with brown curly hair and.. glasses. How the fuck does someone have glass- oh, there's no lens. Must be aesthetic reasons, then. Well, as aesthetic you can get in the middle of a zombie apocalypse. Tommy, begrudgingly, falls asleep and hopes this stranger won't wake up and kill him. He wakes the next morning, to his mild surprise, with the stranger warming himself with the fire Tommy had made. As they lock eyes, they both start to talk "you little shit-" "I SWEAR I DIDN'T MEAN TO KNOCK YOU OUT". After a while of Tommy apologising and the man tearing into him, he introduces himself as Wilbur. Tommy's eyes light up as Wilbur tells his story, which is quite similar to Tommy's, but deflates a little as Wilbur confirms what Tommy feared; no signs of other survivors. then Wilbur smiles slightly "but hey, I found you, man! We have a chance of surviving this together. If you'll stick with me?" Tommy probably agreed to it a little too fast, but he's been without human contact for so long. While he hates to admit it, he's lonely. He always thought the zombie apocalypse would be full of cool, zombie killing action, but it's not. It’s sleepless nights and having to go without food. It’s having a panic attack after barely escaping from a horde and feeling so exhausted that you'd do anything for a warm, soft bed. Wilbur likely offered to pair with this kid too quickly, but he could see they both needed someone else to survive with, otherwise they wouldn't last much longer. Plus, Tommy's a kid, probably scared and unprepared. Not that Wilbur was prepared, but no 17 year old would survive on their own for long. But, Tommy has. And although he knocked Wilbur out, Wilbur could see how worried this kid was that Wilbur would hate him, after doing something that Wilbur probably would've done as well. They’re interrupted by the distant sound of approaching zombies, and the pair head out. While it's difficult adjusting to life with another person again, so much pressure is lifted from both of their shoulders. No need to worry about a particularly quiet zombie sneaking up on you when your guard's down, knowing that someone has your back when you rest. And, the pair start to regain something they both thought they'd lost long ago. Hope.

It’s one night where it's Tommy's turn to watch while Wilbur rests, snoring slightly. He can hear growling, quiet and distant, but it sounds like a horde. Shaking Wilbur awake, Tommy grabs the semi-working binoculars (you can only see out of one lens) to get a better look. There is a horde, but it's not coming in their direction. Wilbur mumbles groggily about what Tommy woke him up for, Tommy merely hands him the binoculars and points in the direction of the horde. Wilbur looks, and turns his gaze to Tommy, slightly annoyed. They’re not even heading towards the pair, why the hell did Tommy wake him? "No, look" Tommy insists. Wilbur, looks again, slightly rolling his eyes, and takes note that the horde is heading towards a source of light. Something you don't see often unless you forgot to put out a fire you made. There must be more people. And there's a horde headed right towards them. Wilbur, while wanting to meet with other survivors, doesn't want to risk his and Tommy's safety by going into a group of undead. They don't even know if those other survivors are friendly or still alive, but before Wilbur can get a word out, Tommy's started taking off with his backpack on and bat in hand. "Come on, Wil. We’ve got to help them, they're in trouble!" Wilbur manages to grab Tommy's arm before he leaves properly, pulling him back. "Tom, we don't know if there's actual survivors or not. There could've been some faulty wiring that's started a fire. Plus, if there are survivors, we don't know if they're hostile. I don't want you getting hurt." Tommy has that look on his face, though - a look that Wilbur's come to recognise over these past few months with Tommy. It’s a look that says "I'm doing what I want, and you can't stop me." Sighing, Wilbur grabs his machete and backpack, and tries hard not to smile when he sees how Tommy's face brightens when he sees Wil grabbing his stuff.

They quietly make their way over, and Wilbur notices something strange. "Tommy, weren't there more zombies when we looked? Where have they gone?" looking around, Tommy frowns. "Where the fuck did those ugly bastards go?" Before Wilbur can reply, the pair hear the sound of a gun clicking behind them. "WE'RE ALIVE DON'T SHOOT US" Tommy screams, and a hand is harshly slapped over his mouth. "Are you nuts?! Loud noises are gonna attract more of those things, what are you thinkin?!" Wilbur has his hands up in attempt to not look threatening, and Tommy decides he doesn't like being silenced. He licks the hand currently covering his mouth. The person removes their hand in disgust, while a light wheezing is heard from their companion. They’re trying not to laugh while the first person voices their disgust. "Who’s the loud one now, bitch?" "Tommy!" "Heh?" Unable to hold it in, the companion bursts out laughing at Tommy’s comment. “Phil. Phil please. Now is not the time to be laughing at my misery.” “Mate you should’ve seen your face!” Wilbur and Tommy can’t help their laughter too, now. The unnamed guy just looks distraught as he’s laughed at by Phil, Tommy and Wilbur. Clattering nearby alerts the small group, and they can hear the sound of the groaning undead. “We need to get the hell out of here” Tommy remarks as he grabs onto the sleeve of Wilbur’s coat. Wilbur looks back at him “you don’t say! We have a camp not far from here, come with us.” The guy supposedly named Phil, starts to follow as unnamed just looks bewildered. “We’re just trusting complete strangers are we now, Phil?” He questions his partner, following behind begrudgingly. “It’s better than another horde of those fuckin things!” Once the group reach the camp, Phil formally introduces himself to Tommy and Wilbur. “Sorry for pointing a gun at you earlier, we didn’t know if you guys were zombies or not” Wilbur smiles as he slings an arm around Tommy’s shoulder, pulling him closer “don’t worry, it’s basically what Tommy did when he first came across me. Except he knocked me out with his bat” Tommy groans as he shoves Wilbur away “Wil! I thought we weren’t going to bring that up again. Ugh, anyway, who’s the bitch?” Tommy asked as he pointed towards Phil’s partner, who currently stood leaning against the wall, prompting a small “heh?” from him. Phil chuckled “oh that’s Techno, don’t mind him. He’s goofy once you get to know him” Techno just grumbled as he crossed his arms, with Wilbur taking note of a mostly-healed bite wound on one. Tensing up, he grabbed his machete as he put his free arm in front on Tommy. “Is he infected?” Phil frowns as he looks at Wilbur before turning around towards Techno, realising what Wilbur was referring to. “Oh! Uh, probably not” Wilbur squinted, trying to push Tommy behind him. “Probably not?” while Phil seemed friendly and Techno cautious, Wilbur didn’t like the idea of someone being infected travelling with him and Tommy, he couldn’t take the risk of him turning and attacking them. “Well, it’s been quite a while since he got bit, and nothing’s really changed. We think he’s immune.” “I’m sorry but I can’t trust the chance of him turning, Tom-“ “oh come on Wil, quit being such a tight ass. Look at how far along that bite has healed, and he’s normal. Give them a chance.” Wilbur lets out a deep sigh. “Fine. But if he shows any signs of being a flesh muncher, we’re bailing.” Phil just laughs whilst Tommy breaks into a big smile, immediately bombarding the two with questions.

It’s a rough first weeks of the group travelling together, with both parties once again having to adjust to new company. Tommy’s a gremlin, Wilbur doesn’t trust Techno, Techno is tired of Wil’s mistrust, and Phil is losing his head trying to keep them all alive. Phil sends Wilbur and Techno out on a supply run together while he and Tommy explore an empty building that they plan to make into a base, in hopes that Wilbur and Techno will stop looking like they’re going to strangle the other. They’re raiding an abandoned supermarket, and Wilbur keeps glancing at Techno every so often, squinting at his arm. Techno sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Y’know, if I was going to turn into a zombie I would’ve turned ages ago? I’m not going to just start eating your brains out of the blue” Wilbur huffs, shoving some cans into his backpack before turning towards Techno. “And how are you so sure of that? For all we know, you could just be resistant and it takes a while for you to turn!” Exasperated, Techno snaps back “I have been travelling with Phil for months! I’ve had this bite for nearly a year! I am NOT infected!” “Well excuse me for being concerned about the safety of Tommy and I! I trust Tommy with my life, and I’m not about to risk his!” Wilbur’s raised his voice now, the repressed tension between him and Techno causing them to forget one of the most important rules; be quiet as to not alert the undead. “If you’re so concerned about your safety, why don’t you just go and leave then! Phil and I were doing just fine on our own!” “Fine!” “Fine!” Groan. ”Shit”. The pair’s arguing had caused some unwanted attention, and quite a lot of it too. Techno pulls the shotgun from his back and aims for the first few zombies that have entered from the front. “Get the rest of the food and head to the emergency exit! I’ll hold them off, now go!” Wilbur wastes no time shakily knocking the remaining cans into the backpack, dashing for the exit. Techno fires a few more shots, and as Wilbur reaches the exit, he hears Techno curse before running towards Wilbur. Wilbur shoves the door, only for it to be blocked on the other side. Shit shit shit! Frantically trying to get the door open, Wilbur fails to notice a zombie creeping up on him. “Wilbur, look out!” Just as Wilbur turns, he sees the open jaws of a zombie, ready to take a chunk out of Wilbur. Wilbur covers his face with his arms. I’m sorry Tommy. Instead of a painful bite like he was expecting, Wilbur hears the pained gasp of Techno. The zombie bit Techno’s shoulder, who proceeds to punch the zombie off of him, knocking it to the ground before stomping its’ head in. Techno turns to Wilbur “we shove together on three. Ready?” Wilbur nods. “One, two, three!” The door gives way, and the duo run back to camp, Techno clutching his shoulder. When the two get back, they’re greeted by a grinning Phil, whose grin quickly fades as he sees Techno. “Techno got bit!” Phil rushes to get medical equipment, as Tommy comes out, a distraught look on his face at hearing Wilbur’s comment. Phil takes Techno into a room to work on the wound, while Wilbur and Tommy wait anxiously. Tommy looks like he’s about to cry, which prompts Wilbur to pull him into a hug. “Techno’s going to be fine Tom, you know how stubborn he is.” Wilbur can feel how Tommy’s shaking, and he can’t deny that he feels himself shaking a little, too. Phil comes out a little while later, saying that Techno is fine, but he’ll be out of commission for a bit and will need to rest. Tommy rushes to see him, pulling him into a teary hug. “Techno! You’re okay!” Techno laughs a little, patting Tommy’s head. “Of course I am, you think I’m gonna let one wimpy, twig of a zombie take me down?” When Tommy doesn’t respond, and merely hugs Techno harder, Techno returns the hug. “I’m fine, Theseus. I promise.” Wilbur walks in soon after, watching the two hugs. “Uh, sorry to interrupt, but uh- can- can I have a word with you, Techno?” Techno nods as Tommy pulls away and makes his way outside. Wilbur stands there for a bit, shuffling awkwardly.

“Wilb-“ “Thank you, Techno. For saving my ass back there. I’ve barely trusted you yet you took that hit for me. And I’m sorry that I’ve been such an ass to you since we met.” Techno looks taken aback, before he sighs softly. “I haven’t been the best person to you, either, so you’re not entirely to blame. Also, you’re welcome. If I let you die then there would be no one to keep Tommy in check.” Wilbur laughed at that, before Techno started talking again. “But seriously, I couldn’t let you die. The kid needs you.” Wilbur softened a little at that. “And we need you, too. So maybe think about that before you throw yourself in front of a zombie for me?” Techno smirked. “Alright, fine. Guess I’ll let you be zombie chow next time.” The two shared a laugh before Wilbur walked up to Techno. “I hope you can forgive me and that we can be friends.” Wilbur reached out a hand to Techno, who took it and gave it a shake. “Maybe acquaintances at best.” He joked. Phil and Tommy then walked in, and the group started to relax. It was going to be a bitch to survive, but this group knew as long as they had each other, they would be okay.

[musings-of-a-midnight-melody]

Here again.

In the same hall, in front of the same black rose, in the inbetween.

Karl sighs, and makes his way through the white halls. His head was ringing slightly, a side effect that came with entering the inbetween. Maybe he’d have a bit more time to explore today, hopefully to find something new that could present helpful information. Humming a familiar tune to fill the silence, Karl gently let his hand run along the wall. Something felt different today, the inbetween somehow didn’t... feel as lonely, as sombre as it usually did. Instead of going up the stairs as he intended to, Karl made his way to the courtyard with slight turmoil. He was so set on going up those stairs today, why did he walk...

There’s music playing. Actual music, and it’s not the theme that Karl has been humming. He stands there, in the hallway, still. Trying to process why there is music gently echoing through the regularly soundless halls. He swallows, taking a breath before continuing towards the courtyard where the swings come into view. Only this time, there’s someone else there, on the swing Karl leaves vacant. Someone... familiar. Their back is turned towards him and a thin tail with a tuft of fur at the end is swaying back and forth, slowly. The slightly elongated and pointy ears twitch occasionally, each ear corresponding the colour of what side they’re on. Tidy, fluffy black and white hair blows ever so slightly in the soft breeze.

Karl tenses for a moment as purple and yellow flash in his mind, but he soon realises that the pattern of the person before him is different. Ranboo. Karl relaxes slightly, until he remembers exactly where he is. The inbetween. He can’t recall ever seeing another person here, so why is Ranboo here? Before he can utter a single word, Ranboo speaks.

“Hello, Karl. Come, sit.”

Ranboo’s voice has a calm, gentle air to it. Quite unlike his usual tone, but it still sounds like Ranboo. Karl makes his way over and hops on the swing, the chains rattle quietly and the wood creaks slightly. That’s when he notices the small, purple particles. Of course, Karl knows that Ranboo is half enderman, everyone does. But Ranboo usually didn’t have particles coming off him. He turns his head to look at Ranboo to find that his right eye, usually green, is the same colour as his left.

Karl could feel his throat tightening. This isn’t right. This isn’t normal. What’s going on? Ranboo has a small, soft smile on his face.

“You must be wondering what I’m doing here.”

Karl nods, distrustful of his voice.

“I’m helping someone at the moment. But in order for me to help him, I cannot be in control of my body. It acts as a vessel whilst I remain here. Quite a lovely place it is, don’t you agree?”

“Y-yeah,” Karl cleared his throat, “it’s- it’s nice, I guess. Very big, though.” Ranboo let out a hum of agreement. Karl turns his head away from Ranboo and towards the birch tree. They both continued to sit in silence, Ranboo had been facing forward the entire time, and the music Karl heard earlier is still playing. A question, however, ate away at his mind; who is Ranboo helping?

“Oh, you know him. Everyone does.”

What? Karl swears he felt his heart drop. Ranboo’s smile widened, now showing off a nice set of sharp teeth.

How did-

“He’s existed for a long time. He’s been here since the beginning, and will be here to the end. It won’t be long now. One day, eventually, he will return.”

“A-And who is that, may I- may I ask?”

No response.

“R-Ranboo..?”

Karl forced himself to face Ranboo, to see Ranboo staring right back at him. Only, it wasn’t Ranboo’s face. It was a mask, with an all too distinct smile on it.

:)

Karl woke up with a gasp in a cold sweat, practically launching himself up off the ground. He sat there for a few minutes, heart racing and breathing erratic. After managing to get his breathing pace steady, Karl looks up, and finds himself confused at the sight of a spruce and mushroom ceiling. Oh, right. I moved the library.

He sighs, gets up and gets out a book and quill, ready to write down the events of his most recent time travel occurrence and his strange visit to the inbetween. Right, the inbetween, where Ranboo was. Or, who he thinks was Ranboo. He sets down the quill and rests it on the paper, only to still.

Why is the music still playing?