Romeo and Juliet and Zombies

By Aaron Abilene

Romeo and Juliet, but it's set during the zombie apocalyse.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Syphon Creative
• Release date: Oct 10, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223851707

Book preview

Romeo and Juliet and Zombies

Aaron Abilene

Published by Syphon Creative, 2023.

This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.

ROMEO AND JULIET AND ZOMBIES

First edition. October 10, 2023.

Copyright © 2023 Aaron Abilene.

ISBN: 979-8223851707

Written by Aaron Abilene.

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Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright Page

Also By Aaron Abilene

Romeo and Juliet and Zombies

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Also By Aaron Abilene

Romeo and Juliet and Zombies

Written by Aaron Abilene

––––––––

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a weak, orange glow on the desolate landscape of crumbling buildings and barren streets. A heavy silence filled the air, broken only by the distant moans and groans of the undead. They roamed the streets with their rotting flesh and insatiable hunger, reminders of the once-thriving world that had fallen apart.

As the evening shadows grew longer, two figures cautiously made their way through the wasteland, using stealth and cunning to avoid attracting unwanted attention. Romeo, his muscular frame clad in tattered clothing and homemade armor, gripped a makeshift spear tightly in his hand. His dark hair was matted and unkempt, a consequence of living in a world without running water or proper hygiene. Despite the hardships he faced daily, his green eyes still shone with determination and hope.

Juliet walked beside him, her slender figure draped in layers of scavenged fabric that protected her from the biting cold and offered some camouflage among the debris. Her long blond hair was braided and secured tightly against her head, keeping it out of reach of any wandering hands - alive or otherwise. The confidence and grace with which she moved belied the constant danger she lived in, while her blue eyes seemed to carry secrets and wisdom beyond her years.

Romeo, we need to find shelter before nightfall, Juliet whispered urgently, scanning the area for a suitable hiding place. The zombies will be more active soon.

Agreed, Romeo replied, his voice low and steady. We'll head towards that old apartment building over there. Hopefully, we can find something useful inside too.

As they picked their way through the rubble, Romeo couldn't help but marvel at the strength and resilience that Juliet possessed. In a world where resources were scarce, and death lurked around every corner, their survival depended on their ability to adapt and rely on one another. And despite the odds stacked against them, Romeo knew that as long as they had each other, there was still hope.

Let's go, Romeo said, squeezing Juliet's hand gently before they both moved forward into the unknown dangers and dwindling light of the post-apocalyptic world.

––––––––

Romeo's breath fogged the air as he climbed the last few steps of the fire escape, gazing out over his walled-off safe zone. It was a small but well-defended community, nestled in what had once been a bustling city square. The fortified walls, made of stacked shipping containers and debris, stood tall and imposing against the desolate horizon. Inside, the people busied themselves tending to makeshift gardens and repurposed solar panels – innovations that allowed them to survive in this unforgiving world.

Remember when we used to have clean water from the taps? Romeo whispered to himself, recalling simpler times before the apocalypse.

Romeo! a voice called from below, interrupting his thoughts. A familiar face appeared at the base of the fire escape – it was Tybalt, one of the community's leaders. We need you to run an errand for us. There's been talk of trading with another group. Meet me at the gate.

Understood, Romeo replied, descending the metal staircase with practiced ease. As he walked toward the gate, he couldn't help but think of Juliet's isolated community. Situated deep within the nearby forest, their camp was shrouded in secrecy. Its inhabitants lived in underground bunkers connected by a labyrinth of tunnels, a design meant to keep zombies at bay. Romeo had only seen it once, during a tense negotiation for medical supplies. At the time, he couldn't help but admire their ingenuity.

Keep your guard up, Tybalt warned, handing Romeo a worn backpack filled with trade goods. We don't know if we can trust these people yet.

Of course, Romeo agreed, knowing all too well the past conflicts between their communities. It began with a skirmish over food and water, escalated into a full-blown battle after a member of Juliet's community was accused of stealing from Romeo's safe zone. Blood had been spilled on both sides, leaving a bitter taste in the mouths of those who survived.

Where are we meeting them? Romeo asked, adjusting the straps of his backpack as he prepared to venture out into the wasteland.

By the old church near the forest, Tybalt replied, his voice tight with concern. And remember – if anything goes wrong, get back here as fast as you can.

Understood, Romeo said, nodding solemnly. As he set off toward the meeting point, he couldn't help but hope that this trade would mark the beginning of a new era – one where their communities could work together instead of against each other.

Maybe then, he thought, his heart aching for Juliet, we could finally be together without fear or judgment. The possibility filled him with a cautious optimism, and he vowed to do everything in his power to make it a reality.

––––––––

The sun was a dull glow on the horizon, casting an eerie light over the desolate landscape. Romeo stood atop the concrete wall that surrounded his community, scanning for any signs of danger. The scarcity of resources had made life within the safety of their walls a constant struggle. Food and water were rationed, and every able-bodied member of the community was expected to contribute. As the first line of defense against the zombies that roamed the wasteland beyond, Romeo took his responsibility seriously.

Romeo! called Benvolio from below, It's time to change shifts.

Alright, Romeo replied, careful not to let his guard down as he descended from the wall. He couldn't help but think of Juliet, wondering how she fared in her own isolated community, hidden deep within the forest. Were they struggling as much as his people? Did she know the same gnawing hunger that haunted him at night?

Have you heard anything about the other group? Romeo asked Benvolio as they walked toward the mess hall for breakfast.

Nothing yet, Benvolio sighed. But I hope we can start working together soon. We need all the help we can get.

Agreed, Romeo said, thinking of the woman he longed to be with despite the distance and distrust between their communities.

Meanwhile, in her own community, Juliet awoke before dawn, slipping quietly out of bed to avoid disturbing her family. With food and clean water so scarce, every member of her group had to do their part, even if it meant taking on tasks they'd never imagined before the world fell apart.

Morning, she whispered to her cousin, Tybalt, who was already up and sharpening his axe.

Juliet, he nodded, focused intently on his task. Big day today. We got word there might be a small group of zombies heading our way. We need to be prepared.

Of course, Juliet said, her heart pounding as she thought of the danger that lurked just beyond their makeshift barricades.

Help me with these traps, Tybalt ordered, pulling out a bundle of wire and spikes. We can't afford any mistakes.

Understood, Juliet replied, setting to work alongside her cousin. As they labored to fortify their home, she couldn't help but think of Romeo – what he might be doing at that very moment, if he was safe from both zombies and the perils of their post-apocalyptic world.

Tybalt, she ventured after a while, do you think there's any chance we could ever make peace with the other community? Work together to survive?

Maybe, Tybalt admitted, his face softening for a brief moment. But it won't be easy. There's too much bad blood between us.

Juliet nodded, understanding all too well the weight of their shared history. As they continued to work in silence, she clung to the hope that somehow, someday, things might change – that she and Romeo could finally stand side by side without fear or judgment.

Until then, she vowed to herself, I'll do whatever it takes to keep my loved ones safe. And with that resolve burning bright within her, she worked tirelessly through the long, difficult day, never allowing herself to waver in her determination.

––––––––

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a blood-red glow over the post-apocalyptic landscape. Romeo leaned against the crumbling wall that surrounded his community's safe zone, staring out at the vast expanse of desolation that separated him from Juliet. The wind carried with it the distant moans of the undead – a haunting reminder of the ever-present danger lurking just beyond their reach.

Romeo, a voice called out, and he turned to see his friend Benvolio approaching. What are you doing out here?

Thinking, Romeo replied quietly, his eyes never leaving the horizon. About her.

Juliet? Benvolio asked, worry creasing his brow. You know that's dangerous, man. If anyone found out—

I know the risks, Romeo interrupted, frustration simmering beneath his words. But what else am I supposed to do? She's all I can think about.

Benvolio sighed, placing a hand on his friend's shoulder. We'll figure something out. As they stood there, lost in thought, a sudden commotion erupted nearby.

Zombies! someone screamed, sending both young men into action.

Go! Warn the others! Romeo shouted as he raced headlong into the fray, wielding a makeshift weapon fashioned from scrap metal and broken glass. Benvolio hesitated for only a moment before sprinting off to alert the rest of their community.

As Romeo fought, every swing of his weapon fueled by desperation and longing, he couldn't help but imagine how different things might be if the two communities could put aside their differences and stand united against the undead threat. In his heart, he held onto the hope that one day, he and Juliet could be together without fear or conflict.

Back! He yelled, driving away the last of the zombies. Panting, he surveyed the carnage around him, and then looked towards the direction of Juliet's home. Somehow... we'll make this work, he whispered.

Meanwhile, within the isolated community where Juliet resided, a heated debate raged over the dwindling resources. The scarcity of food and water had reached a critical point, forcing the community to consider the previously unthinkable – forging an alliance with Romeo's safe zone in order to survive.

Are you out of your mind? Tybalt spat, glaring at the other members of their council. We can't trust them!

Tybalt, we have no choice, one of the elders insisted. If we don't act now, we won't last another month.

Unless you can come up with a better solution, another elder added, staring pointedly at Tybalt. This is our only option.

Juliet listened intently from her hiding spot behind a tattered curtain, her heart pounding in her chest. Could this be the opportunity she and Romeo had been waiting for? A chance to not only save their communities but to finally bridge the chasm that separated them?

Fine, Tybalt grumbled, his voice laced with anger and resentment. But if they betray us, it's on your heads.

Agreed, the elders replied in unison, before dispersing to spread the news throughout the community.

As Juliet stepped out from her hiding place, the weight of the decision pressing down on her shoulders, she allowed herself a tiny glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, things were about to change for the better. And as she looked out into the darkness, she couldn't help but think of Romeo, and the future they might share together in this unforgiving world.

––––––––

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting shadows across the landscape as Romeo stood on the rooftop of a crumbling building within his safe zone. The orange glow illuminated his chiseled features, highlighting the determination in his eyes. He gripped a walkie-talkie, waiting for Juliet's soft voice to crackle through.

Romeo, do you copy? her whisper came through, and Romeo felt a warmth spread through him despite the chill in the air.

Copy, he replied, his voice low and steady. How are things on your end?

Tybalt and the others agreed to work together, but tensions are high. We need to prove that we can trust each other if this is going to work.

Romeo nodded, though he knew she couldn't see him. We'll make it work, Juliet. For us, and for our people.

A distant howl interrupted their conversation, and Romeo's posture stiffened. Hold on, he whispered, straining to listen. Gunshots echoed through the night, followed by the unmistakable sound of snarling zombies. They're attacking my safe zone, he said urgently. I have to help.

Be careful, Romeo. Please. Worry laced her words, her love for him evident even through the static.

Always. He pocketed the walkie-talkie and sprinted towards the commotion, his heart pounding in his chest.

As Romeo fought alongside his community members, fending off wave after wave of undead attackers, he couldn't help but think of Juliet. Their love had been forged in secret, but now their romance was intertwined with the fate of their communities. They needed to trust each other more than ever, and the weight of that responsibility bore down on him even as he swung his weapon at the relentless horde.

Finally, as the last zombie fell, Romeo allowed himself a moment to catch his breath. He could see the exhaustion etched on the faces of those around him, but there was also a sense of unity. They had faced this threat together and survived.

Juliet, he whispered into the walkie-talkie, wiping sweat from his brow. We made it.

Thank God, she replied, relief palpable in her voice. Romeo, we've been given a chance to bring our people together. Let's make the most of it.

Agreed, he said, determination surging through him. As he looked around at the weary survivors, he knew they would have to work harder than ever before to forge lasting bonds between their communities. But with Juliet by his side, anything seemed possible.

Let's do this, for us and for everyone else who's still fighting to survive in this world, Romeo declared, his voice resolute.

Always, Juliet echoed, their love a beacon of hope amidst the darkness that surrounded them.

––––––––

The sun began to rise, casting a warm glow over the desolate landscape. The survivors from both communities gathered around the fallen bodies of the zombies, their faces a mixture of relief and sorrow. Romeo glanced at Juliet from across the clearing, their eyes locking for a moment before they both looked away. The air was thick with tension, the shared victory bittersweet.

Romeo walked toward the outer perimeter of the walled-off safe zone, dragging the body of a zombie behind him. He could hear the murmurs of others behind him, discussing how to dispose of the corpses and repair the damage caused by the attack.

Hey, Juliet's voice called out to him, her approach tentative. Romeo, can we talk?

Of course, he replied, dropping the lifeless body beside the growing pile and wiping his hands on his pants. What's on your mind?

Last night... it changed everything, didn't it? Her eyes were filled with a mix of fear and determination. We can't go back to the way things were. We need to unite our people, but how do we convince them to let go of the past and trust each other?

Romeo sighed, running a hand through his sweat-drenched hair. I don't know, Juliet. But we have to try. If this alliance is going to work, we need to start by showing them that we're stronger together.

Right, she agreed, taking his hand. Let's call a meeting, bring everyone together and discuss our options. We'll share resources, knowledge, and skills. It won't be easy, but it's the only way forward.

As the sun climbed higher in the sky, the two communities faced each other warily in the clearing. Romeo and Juliet stood side by side, their clasped hands a symbol of unity as they addressed the crowd.

Look around you, Romeo began, his voice strong and steady. "We've all lost something in this apocalypse – family, friends, our homes.