The Junk Drawer

This chapter is dedicated to leigh_ because I really enjoy reading her story and I think most of you will as well. Check out "Friendship for Dummies".

When it was quiet, Decklan turned back to the chalkboard. Before he could begin, Leo leaned over and whispered in his ear. “Oh, right, sorry dude. Go ahead,” Decklan urged him.

“Okay guys,” Leo said, walking over to the table where he and Decklan had made camp. “We should go over all the equipment needed to play before we start with the rules. First is the traditional orange bandana, which you can purchase from us. To mark that you are a human, you must wear it around your arm. To mark that you are a zombie, you must tie it around your head. Bandanas must be worn at all times, is that clear?”

There was a mumble of agreements from the crowd.

“Okay, next is the Nerf gun. The only way to stun a zombie from tagging you is by shooting it with a foam dart. You can get these from Toys ‘R’ Us, or someplace like that. Only one weapon per human and the guns must be registered with me before the start of the game.” Decklan picked up an example gun from the table and modeled it to the crowd, making a group of girls in the front giggle.

“Last is your identification token. They will be given out once you pay the ten dollar fee for playing. The fee goes to paying for the winner’s trip to the Wisconsin Dells. Humans must carry their token with them at all times. When you are tagged by a zombie, you have to hand them your token and then they can register you online as out of the game.” When Leo was finished explaining, he turned to Decklan and nodded his head.

“Sorry about that everyone. Now we can go over the rules.” He picked up a piece of chalk. “First and most importantly, humans cannot be tagged in the following places: at work, in church, at a health facility and of course our headquarters here at Everything Roni. Also remember the new rule that was started last year. Humans can’t be tagged while naked, or in their underwear. This is to prevent zombies from hiding in places where humans might be vulnerable, like the shower.”

There were a series of snickers from the crowd.

“Anyways, moving on now. All human players who make it to the second round of the game, which will start on the 25th, will be required to compete in multiple challenges set up by me, the head zombie. An example of what a challenge might be, is a scavenger hunt across the town. These tests are meant to reduce the remaining humans, so the game will be won before the end of the summer. Due to many complaints about the challenges being too hard last year, we have made a new rule. If tagged in a challenge, you have one way to save yourself.” Decklan paused for a dramatic effect. “Humans can go streaking in front of the zombie population to get back in the game. However, humans will only get one save. Once you’ve used it up, if you’re tagged, you’re out of the game for good. Sound fun?”

“Like, butt naked streaking?” a Decklan fan girl asked. She crossed her arms over her chest uncomfortably.

“Yes, completely nude. But it’s not something you are forced to do. It’s just an option.”

“Best rule ever,” said Luke, who was Decklan’s other best friend, as he wiggled his eyebrows up and down. “All you lucky ladies will get to see a bit of the Lukenator.”

Abby, who was slurping down her sugar concoction, snorted at Luke’s comment.

“Are there any questions?” Decklan asked, ignoring his friend.

I do!Why did Decklan have to volunteer to be the first zombie? I thought while looking him up and down. If he were playing, maybe I would have a chance to see him nak—

“Can we like, have people help us?” Mandy asked, interrupting my delicious thought.

Coughing to cover up my laugh, I rolled my eyes. Mandy also worked at Everything Roni, so I had first hand knowledge that she wasn’t the sharpest tool in the shed. She always needed help with simple things, like opening the register. There was no way she could win the game all on her own.

“Non-players may have no direct contact with the game. For example, they can’t act as shields or bring trapped humans food. Non-players can however give out advice and other