The Zombie Zone

"Theo..."

"Theodore, wake up..."

The rapturous smack of a hand against a desk pulled Theo out of his slumber. He cranked his head up, and squinted against the classroom's light. A little bit of drool collected on his black leather jacket's sleeve. Murmurs and chuckles danced in his ears, and oriented his senses to his surroundings.

Hansel Community College, Martha Bowen's Academic Building, Biology 201, Mrs. Hanover's lecture hall. A class count of thirty or so young adults either found his rude awakening amusing, or stayed straight-faced and unphased. Theo chose the second row up, out of the four. Only the quickest students to class ever claimed the upper seats, and the bookworms and go-getters claimed the front. Theo just wanted some peace.

The professor, Mrs. Hanover, used her bodacious body to show her annoyance. She tapped her heeled foot, and folded her arms below her large bosom. She wore a white blazer, which overlayed a green top. A cute ribbon on the shirt's cleavage barely eclipsed the mature, sexy image. Her wavy, medium layered dirty blonde hair framed her cross expression.

"That is the third time you've drifted off in my class this week, Theodore Black," Hanover's disappointment sliced through the students' droning. "See me after class."

"Dude, Hanover's class is, like, the easiest," some hipster in a beanie cap whispered to Theo from the top behind. He sounded punchable, and his snickering didn't help, "What is wrong with you?"

Theo slowly panned a death glare up at the hipster. The guy sank back in his seat and silently apologized by averting his eyes. Everybody else followed suit. Two things were well-known about Theodore Black; he's lousy, and he's a thug. One was accurate, the other exaggerated. Theo never felt like letting people know which one was which.

Theo planted his head against a propped up hand, "What a drag."

Name: Theodore Black

Height: 5'9 Weight: 161lbs Age: 21

Hair: Dark and unkempt, slight stubble

Body: Athletic, lean with 6-pack

It didn't take too much longer for Mrs. Hanover to dismiss the class. Theo thanked his luck for making it through most of the class unconscious. He picked up his disheveled backpack and slung it over one shoulder. He adjusted his jacket, straightened the white tee, and stretched out the black leather pants that rode up on his ankles. As he stepped out in the aisle, a person from behind bumped him with some force. Beanie boy cracked a grin when Theo tumbled against the desk counter.

Theo grunted, "You piece of sh..."

Another person hit Theo, but gave it enough umph to knock his backpack forward. It tilted Theo more, and he glared at the one responsible when they passed by.

It was as if the term douche canoe manifested as a person. Shit-eating grin, well-groomed beard, combed-over brown hair, and antagonistic, kind eyes. His aviation-style jumper jacket denoted all the places he ever visited thanks to the patches and pins along the arms and shoulders. His clean and neat jeans and Timberlands were a theme in his group of friends; to them, image was everything. He was a bane on Theo's existence; Lorenzo Ravenhill.

"Watch it, sleepyhead. Don't want anybody getting hurt," Lorenzo verbally jabbed.

Name: Lorenzo Ravenhill

Height: 6'2 Weight: 180lbs Age: 23

Hair: Brown, full, swept hair, full but short beard

Body: Some bulk, mostly brawny

Lorenzo and his small group of goons hissed laughter. Theo oriented his backpack properly, but didn't have the opportunity afterwards to jump the asshole. They were already at the front of the aisle, and a line of other students were in the way.

"Watch your back, Lorenzo," Theo threatened, hot under the collar.

Lorenzo mocked Theo's theatrics, and it only amused his group even more. By the time their laughter became echoes in the halls, Theo and Mrs. Hanover were the only ones left in the room.

Theo stomped to the front, and before the anticipating professor. She was stationed at her desk, and sat with one leg over the other. Her black pants hugged her thighs tight, and the belt squeezed her waist like Spiderman squeezed the train from Spiderman 2. It gave the bodacious woman an hourglass figure.

"Young men always bucking at one another. That's natural, I suppose," Hanover commented.

Name: Penelope Hanover

Height: 5'6 Weight: 155lbs Age: 39

Hair: Blonde, medium layered

Body: Curvaceous bombshell

"As both your professor and counsellor, I advise you don't find yourself in any more trouble, Theodore. You're already falling behind in your classes. Remember to breathe," Hanover showed compassion.

"He's an asshole, and not just to me. If he keeps pushing, eventually somebody is going to push back," Theo reasoned.

"And you want that somebody to be you?"

"Might as well. I'm falling behind, anyways," Theo chose fatalism.

"Theodore..." Hanover pitied the response. It'd been two months since Theo started to receive counsel. The professor strained her concern, "Don't speak that way. You have a lot of promise. You just need some motivation. Your future is in my hands, and I want to make sure I handle you right."

Theo picked up on the undertone. The same tone she used before in private counsel. An infliction like a tease. A hint of seduction. Sexual innuendo. Granted, Theo could never prove she wanted him, and chalked it up as an odd, flirtatious personality trait.

"Wouldn't it be easier to just let me be?" Theo didn't like the counselling anyways.

"All hard things are worth earning. I can show you with some private lessons. Just you and me," Hanover drew her hand along her green top's collar.

An offer Theo wasn't new to, and one he wouldn't take, "Maybe another time. I have too much on my plate."

He disappointed her again, "Oh, Theodore, you have to change something. If you don't, you'll flunk out of college."

"Right...sorry again for sleeping in class. I'll try to hit the hay earlier. Maybe it'll help with my grades, too," Theo said all this as an excuse to end the conversation. He left on the spot, with a potentially horny teacher ogling him from behind.

The hallways of the northwest academic building weren't too abuzz. Not many students went to or fro from class or home. Regardless, Theo chose to take up as little wing span as possible by stuffing his hands in his pockets. He navigated his way outside.

Outside, the student body moved like schools of fish. They either congregated between the seven different buildings across the widespread campus, or gathered at hot spots like small parks, the central fountain, or benches.

Theo disagreed with the sunny day's brightness, and slipped his sunglasses on. He took to the sidewalk. His next class was in ten minutes, and all the way across campus. However, the dejection he recently adopted made him reconsider wasting energy.

A few paces ahead, he saw a young man staring longingly towards the Health and Sports building. This rotund man - who'd argue that he's more big boned than anything - wore black cargo shorts, a Dungeons and Dragons shirt, and a stylish white jacket that hung loose over that. His medium long hair was combed back and mostly hidden under a ballcap, and framed his rather jolly face. He adjusted his thick-framed black glasses and sighed. The sigh emoted his elated daydreaming.

Theo walked up next to the daydreamer. He wasn't noticed, and Theo couldn't tell what stole his attention. Theo even waved a hand in front of the guy's face. Nothing.

Theo flicked the guy's general nipple area, "Hank."

Hank jutted out of his mental compartment and grabbed his titty, "Woah! Oh, hey, Theo, what's up?! I didn't see you there!"

"I've been here for a minute. What are you distracted by?"

"The most beautiful woman in the history of humankind," Hank went back to said distraction. He instantly drooled.

Name: Hank Thomas

Height: 5'9 Weight: 188lbs Age: 21

Hair: Light brown, medium and curly

Body: Non-athletic, big boned

It finally clicked for Theo; he knew the woman, even if he didn't agree with the sentiment. Ahead, near the front doors of the Health and Sports building, was said woman. She was a foreign exchange student, from somewhere in Europe, and her beauty was model-esque. Dazzling smooth skin, long and blonde locks, and friendly brown eyes. Her smile denoted soft confidence, and her body represented dedication. Muscular, but not bodybuilder buff. It was easy to tell with the corset top she wore, with straps that went up and around her shoulders, as well as the tight, black pants that billowed out at the ankles. Her biceps would put many men to shame, and her broad shoulders could carry two kegs of ale. She wore tabby cat ears that flinched and bent when she spoke, and a matching prosthetic tail hung from the backside of her belt.

"Ah, sweet Lucija..." Hank wavered a derpy smile.

"Have you even asked her out yet?" Theo wondered. Hank had a crush on Lucija since the beginning of the semester.

"I plan on it! I'm waiting for the right moment to approach her after swim class," Hank formed a fist of declaration. A fire burned in his eyes: a burning passion.

"Well, good luck, then," Theo cheered his lifelong friend on. It's literally the least he could do.

"How are you and Susan?"

"Not a thing."

"Y'alls chemistry says otherwise," Hank adjusted his glasses like an evil chess player.

"Shut up..."

"Oh! Have you heard the update?! About the water reservoir?" Hank fumbled with one of his pockets to grab his phone.

"Uh, not really. Dad mentioned it this morning, but honestly, I don't care..."

"You should! It's where the city gets a chunk of its water from!" Hank found his handheld device. He went through his lockscreen -- its background showed a bikini-clad anime chick in a compromised position -- and opened an article he saved.

Lots of text that would take too long to read. Theo pretended to skim while Hank went on, "The news covered it in a single night, and then -- bam -- no more coverage. A product transport for X-Safari crashes off the dam and it barely gets airtime? Something smells..."

"That's very conspiratorial of you," Theo pitied.

"Hey, I'm not a conspiracy theorist..." Hank led off to give himself time to pose with a raised chin. "I'm a conspiracy optimist!"

"Wow, you're so cool," Theo said with the same excitement of a sloth. Hank slapped his arm in retaliation, but he barely felt it. Theo asked, "What was even in the truck?"

"Chemical, pharmaceuticals, supplies, etc. X-Safari are famous for their genetic work. They're the ones behind Homollata Tortum drugs."

"You expect me to know what that is?"

"Ah, not a fellow man of culture," again, Hank favored his odd pride.

"Hank!" a woman with an accent called. Theo and Hank were surprised to see Lucija jogging over to them. She flashed Theo a smile, but talked to Hank, "Good to see you. I wondered if you would attend today."

Name: Lucija Vukovic

Height: 5'11 Weight: 185lbs Age: 24

Hair: Long and light, styled with a low braid

Body: Muscular and voluptuous

Hank stammered and blushed, "Y-you did?"

"Mhmm, I have noticed you come to the center early. You are one of the first to arrive almost each day. That dedication is really, uh, inspirational. Not to also mention, you have improved in form and body," Lucija praised left and right. It seemed so out-of-nowhere that Theo's cynicism suspected something foul afoot. Yet her words and expressions seemed genuine. The cat ears she wore automatically moved with her expressions.

Hank was hooked, "I didn't think anybody ever noticed. That means a lot, Lucija."

"Let's keep up the good work," the foreign exchange student held up a fist of determination. She wore fingerless gloves, and Theo could make out a cat paw pattern in the palm. She flashed Theo another smile, and then jogged into the Sports building for their upcoming swim class.

"Good work, huh?" Hank metaphorically floated. He looked to Theo with a heartfelt expression, "I'm gonna go earn myself a girlfriend."

Theo couldn't help but feel warm, "Go get her, dude."

Hank headed to swim class. Theo stewed on his friend's 'hard work'. The idea of assorting effort and staying vigilant seemed so unachievable. Maybe...

"Whatcha doing, cowboy?" another woman said, this time from behind Theo.

He didn't need to turn to know who it was, but he wanted to. Standing just half a foot shorter than him, and with the voice of a mischievous pixie, was his other longtime friend, Susan.

She tilted her head to avoid his sunglasses's glare. Her black hair bobbed to the side, but half her bangs were held back by a red hairpin. Her eyes were a capturing brown, and highlighted by dark blue eyeshadow. At this angle, the sun matched her brightness.

Name: Susan Genesis

Height: 5'2 Weight: 118lbs Age: 20

Hair: Black, short bob

Body: Slender and short

"Speak of the devil and she'll appear," Theo verbally jabbed.

"Excuse me? Who's the devil?"

"Hank and I were just talking about you."

"Nice things, I'm sure," Susan gave a knowing stare.

"I'd never speak poorly of the devil," Theo gave a knowing smirk. Susan scrunched her little nose at him, but took it like the champ she was.

"Classes are about to start soon, and you're quite some ways from your next one. I'll walk with you," Susan stepped next to Theo.

"Nah, no need," Theo tried to deflect her.

She caught a whiff of deviancy, "You're not planning to skip class, are you?"

He disassociated, "Maybe..."

"One of those days?"

"Maybe..."

Susan put her hands behind her back, but refrained from scolds and patronizes. She wore a smaller jacket with a faux fur collar. It partially opened when she switched stances. Underneath was a multi-colored shirt reminiscent of street art. Her hugging skirt, black thigh-high boots, and studded belt stole a lot of Theo's attention.

Susan headed for the science building. The same one Theo just left, "Welp, I suppose we should head to your hangout spot, then."

Her words disarmed Theo's gloom, "You know about that?"

She played coy, "Maybe..."

Theo and Susan meandered back into the north academic building. It was nearly empty before; now it was eerily empty. Only a couple of classes were in session when they passed by auditoriums. Mrs. Hanover's was closed; she was on lunch.

"Where is everybody?" Theo became too curious not to wonder out loud. He took his sunglasses and hung them from his shirt collar.

"Lots of people are calling out sick," Susan had the answer. "My last class was missing half the usuals. The doctor, Mrs. Mendoza, over in the student center has been a busy bee. There was a line of people this morning when I grabbed breakfast. I think it has something to do with the contaminated reservoir. Dad wants me to pick up water bottles on the way home."

"Smart move," Theo noted that for later, too. "Hank mentioned that."

"If it isn't one problem, it's another," Susan rolled with the punches.

"It doesn't bother me. Less people, less judgment," Theo liked the feeling of isolation.

"Oooh, really trying to live up to the lone wolf, greaser type, huh?"

"Less greaser, more Chromeo. I don't have a type," Theo believed.

"Definitely Dark-type," Susan joked.

"Nobody's going to get that reference."

"I knew you would say that," Susan held her fingers to her head, as the Psychic-type.

"I guess skipping class is the least of my professors' concerns," Theo also looked on the bright side. He connected the dots, "Doesn't that mean you're skipping class, too?"

"I guess we both have secrets now. My lips are sealed," Susan flashed a fey-like smirk. Theo snorted a laugh and gestured, zipping his mouth shut.

The way to his hangout, to escape the noise, was four fleets of stairs up to the roof. Technically, only campus staff could access it. However, the second floor access door didn't lock properly. Theo learned this when he overheard a complaining custodian, and nobody seemed to care about fixing it. Even better, nobody ever caught Theo.

The stairs were as desolate as the building. Each step echoed, and panged the nerves.

Theo's mind, however, wandered to the distraction leading him. Susan's skirt only went halfway down her thighs. Following her meant he could see more that was hidden. If he trailed behind, he'd be able to see far up enough to invade some privacy.

His mind played. Sliding clothes off, squeezes to sensual parts, and erotic gasps. He downcast his eyes, shamed by the intrusive thoughts. Susan and him were friends for the longest time. He was a lucky bum; she was a top-of-the-class adventurer. They'd never...

He gazed back up when she reached the next landing. Her skirt slid up enough with the raise of her leg. A sliver of her panties showed. Navy blue, lacey, and slightly see-through lingerie; it wasn't much, but it was enough.

Lingerie? It confused Theo. Susan didn't have a boyfriend; not since high school. There really wouldn't be any other reason to wear that kind of stuff. To give somebody a sexy view before fully undressing. Yet Theo couldn't think of a single guy she spent time with more than...

Theo's heart skipped a beat. He forced himself up the steps, to the isolated rooftop. He didn't want Susan to become suspicious. Or maybe she wanted him to see her. His inner thoughts became a whirlwind.

Was Susan skipping class with him to...

"Have you been up here recently?" Susan slowed her ascent near the top.

She popped Theo out of his mind fountain, "Uh, no. Not since last week."

At the top of the stairwell, a heavy metal door with a press bar sat slightly ajar. A slice of day peeked in.

The skippers stepped out onto the rooftop of the academic building. A set of large AC vents were to the right, and a chain-link fence surrounded the roof ledge. Theo and Susan stayed quiet and cautious.

"Maybe I forgot to close it all the way..." Theo whispered a suspicion.

"No, listen," Susan, looking up to focus, pointed over towards the AC vents. They weren't on, but a faint noise could be heard. The hissing gasps of a woman. A moan occasionally mingled in. Perversion came to their minds.

They used stealth and maneuvered around the AC vents. The sound grew louder. It was indeed a sexual engagement, and the low grunts of the pair became more clear. Theo and Susan peered around one vent and saw the adult scene playing out up against the back of the stairwell exit.

A few unused cardboard boxes were laid on the ground as makeshift bedding, and an old sheet cushioned them. A young man and a young woman, college students, assumed the missionary position. They were too busy to notice their new peepers. Theo and Susan knew the students: it was Lorenzo, and his girlfriend, Snowdrop.

The couple were obviously in the middle of a quickie. Lorenzo's pants were barely lowered, just enough for the prick's prick to penetrate. Snowdrop, an Asian American woman with a petite body, still had her clothes on. A long sleeve blue and yellow shirt with black stripes, pulled up above her chest, and her short shorts and panties around her ankle.

Lorenzo straightened up and spread Snowdrop's legs wider. He thrusted his hips forward with force, and it rocked Snowdrop back and forth. Her breasts bobbed inside her sky blue bra. She cried out, and strained more and more.

"Please, stop...it hurts..." Snowdrop pleaded.

Name: Miyuki "Snowdrop" Williams

Height: 5'0 Weight: 103lbs Age: 21

Hair: Brown, short, and unkempt

Body: Slim, but meek

"Quiet now, babe. It's going to feel better in a moment," Lorenzo ignored. He smooshed his thighs into her and shoved his cock balls deep. Snowdrop yelped and drew away, but the asshole covered her mouth. He peered around, but saw nobody, nor a hint of suspicious sound. He then slapped her face, "Shut it, before you get us caught. Fucking idiot."