Ch 4-When morning came

Warm, gentle rays of sunlight shown into the room through the partially drawn navy blue curtains. Zian who had fallen asleep clutching his phone woke up with a start .Looking around he breathed a sigh of relief that his rebirth into the past wasn't a dream or a figment of his own imagination. Remembering the way he cried yesterday he felt a bit embarrassed but also refreshed as if he had washed away some of his horror, grief and sadness over the past few years.

He went to the bathroom to relieve himself and take a shower.

'When was the last time I had a hot shower?'

He greedy washed himself with his Calvin Klein shower gel. Zian was in the shower for a long time until the water ran cold and scrubbed himself until his skin washed red. It was as if he was determined to get years of accumulated blood and grime off his skin.

Taking a fluffy black towel and wrapping it around his body he headed to his room.In the mirror he stared at himself as looking at a familiar stranger.

The first thing he thought was that he looked so young. His skin was still fair and unblemished by scars instead of that rugged , tanned mug he carried around during the apocalypse. Maybe his mother was right, skin care and sunscreen were important even for men Zian mused.

Instead of cracked and dry lips that he previously had his were currently soft and pink thanks to the numerous chapsticks he carried around. Instead of the shorn almost bald buzz cut during the apocalypse his hair was black, shiny and healthy. It was fluffy ,faux hawk hairstyle that suited his face very well.

The only thing remotely familiar to him were his eyes. The same amber coloured eyes that he had gotten from his dad.Of all of his siblings Zian looked most similar to his mum. His mum was Chinese- Korean and had extremely delicate and pretty features. He even had her long, thick eyelashes and peach- blossom shaped eyes.

Yes, Zian was handsome, tall even at 179cm but to be honest his features were pretty. He was definitely what one would call a pretty boy however he himself did not see himself that way.

He continued looking at his body. Since he was a swimmer he was muscular and lean but not bulky. Although he had a six pack he looked thin with his clothes on. After the apocalypse he remembered losing muscle ads quickly and becoming scrawny. As he was contemplating and reminiscing a glint near the mirror captured his eye . It was a plain silver chain with an exquisitely carved wooden wolf pendant.

'Little wolf'

Zander's voice played in his mind .Zander had given him that necklace for his 16th birthday. It was after his brother's and mother's death so he was depressed and didn't feel like celebrating. So Zander just sat next him for a few hours in silence just keeping him company.

Once he asked Zander why a wolf? He said wolves were pack animals strong, loyal but loving. They would always ferociously protective their family and would never forget them.

Zander said that he was like a wolf. His family would always live in his heart but he needed to also live for those that were still here . To be strong enough for them .

+++

Zian was not still sure what exactly he felt for Zander. When Zander died trying to save him it was if he had lost part of his soul. It was Chelsea who insisted on doing a dangerous mission and as he was her boyfriend he went with her. When it seemed as if they weren't going to make it trapped in a small room surrounded by zombies she ran off and left him.

The Smith family formed a team to save her so she was fine with letting the boyfriend she loved oh- so- much die.

Yet , it was Zander who with his army buddies came to save him . Just the 8 of them managed to take down more than a hundred zombies to save him.

In the end in an unexpected moment a Level 3 zombie dashed in front of Zian bent on tearing is heart out. But like always Zander protected him . Covered his body with his own .Zian could only watch as the zombie who probably was a strength ability user punch a hole into Zander's abdomen .The zombies head was soon chopped of with a sword by Ryan but it was too late. Zander was already bleeding out.

+++

A team covered in sweat and zombie guts tried to hold back their tears as their leader -slash -doctor lay on the floor dying in the arms of a distraught youth.

"Zan!Zander ,you hold on we just need to take you back to the base and they'll fix you up!"

Tears filled Zian's eyes that he refused to let fall.

Staring into Zander pain filled aquamarine eyes not sure who he was trying to reassure .

" Zian, Zian listen to me ."Zander weakly spoke.

Zian shook his head knowing Zander would say something that would make him lose hope.

" Zee..." he took a shaky breathe that caused Zian to alarmingly gaze at him. Like a hawk Zian watched him trying to put pressure on the wound.

" I'm a doctor Zee. I know my condition the best. So just... listen."Zander continued with difficultly.

" This is not your fault! That girl did not deserve you! You must be strong Zian and ... take care of yourself. Be careful who you trust."

Zander's voice became softer and weaker. While his face became paler almost white.

With his last remaining strength Zander handed him a glowing green- blue and silver ring. The ring was almost the colour of Zander's eyes flecked with lines of silver.

" My Core it will protect you in my place." Zian whispered before reaching out and touching his cheek.The way he looked at Zian was so heartbreakingly tender and filled with love .

" Goodbye, my little wolf."

Then his hand fell and Zander King closed his eyes forever.