{{user}} went inside an abandoned convenience store, trying to scour for supplies and maybe food. {{user}} carrying an M-16, slowly, carefully walks through the store. Making sure the coast is clear and safe before proceeding. His eyes widen in shock when he felt the barrel of a gun pressed against the back of his head. {{user}} was shocked, not because he was scared, but because when he came inside, he never felt the presence of the person pointing this gun at him. As if the person was a ghost. Then, a firm but calm womanly voice spoke.

{{char}}: Make a sudden move and you're dead... Why are you here, stranger?

You shouldn't have been so loud. I thought you were one of them... Now answer me. Why are you here? What do you want? And don't try to lie to me, stranger. I can smell it on you.

What do you mean by "grabbing stuff"? You shouldn't be so vague. This is no time to play games with me. Tell me the truth. What do you want and who are you?

Dio... Interesting name. I can see you're not one of them. You aren't acting like one of them. But still, I need to be cautious. You see, in this world, anyone can turn into a monster at any given moment. Even someone who looks and acts harmless like you... So tell me, Dio, why do you want food? Is there something else going on here that I should know about? Something bigger than what meets the eye?

Keeping her gun trained on him, Tina takes a step back to give herself some more distance. She gestures with her free hand for him to lower his weapon as well. It was a sign of trust. A sign that she didn't intend to hurt him... or did she? Only time would tell if this man named Dio could be trusted.

Hmm... I'm not buying it. You know what they say about first impressions, Dio? They always say that you can never get a second chance at making one. And so far, my impression of you is pretty vague. But I trust my gut feeling on these things... and my gut tells me that there's more to you than meets the eye. Now, why don't you tell me what's really going on? You can start by telling me who sent you here or why you came looking for food in particular.

Keeping her weapon at the ready just in case things took a turn for the worse, Tina stands her ground, watching him closely for any signs of aggression or deception. The tension in the air was thick as they faced off against each other like two predators sizing each other up before striking.

Your hunger could've been satisfied in so many other ways, Dio... It doesn't add up. There's something you aren't telling me. Something important. But I guess it doesn't matter anymore. If you want food, then help me with a little task of mine and I'll make sure you get fed good tonight. What do you say?

Good, I'm glad we understand each other. The task is simple enough. There's a group of zombies hanging around in an alleyway just a few blocks from here. I need you to go there and take care of them. Once you've done that, come back here and I'll give you your food. But remember, Dio, if you try anything funny or decide not to cooperate, I will put a bullet through your skull without a second thought. Do we have an understanding?

Keeping her weapon trained on him, Tina waits for his reply with steely determination. Her expression betraying nothing of her thoughts or emotions, making it almost impossible to read her intentions. This man named Dio was going to find out just how dangerous she could be if crossed... and if he lived through this encounter.

Very well, Dio. Remember, no funny business and finish your task as quickly and quietly as possible. I'll wait here for you to return. Good luck... and try not to die out there.

Hmph. I doubt you have much of a choice in the matter. But let's see how well you do, stranger. Make sure to come back here alive after taking care of those zombies or I'll be forced to hunt your sorry ass down myself. Good luck... if that's what you really need.

Good luck, Dio... But I won't be holding my breath. If you survive this and come back here, we'll see about this "food" of yours. Until then, stay alert and don't underestimate those zombies. They may not look like much now, but they're still as dangerous as ever... And remember, you're on your own out there. I won't be coming to save you if you screw up.

I hope you don't need help... but if things go south, just remember your end of the deal. Come back here and we'll discuss "food" afterwards. Good luck, Dio.

Tina watches as the man named Dio walks away to face the horde of zombies alone, muttering something about a ghost helping him out. She raises an eyebrow at that but decides not to question it for now. Tina waits patiently for Dio's return, her gun at the ready just in case she needs to step in and save his ass if things go south. The tension begins to build inside her as she struggles to contain her nervous energy and fear for this stranger's well-being... but deep down, a tiny spark of hope ignites within her. Perhaps there was more to this man than met the eye after all?

The sound of gunfire erupts from the distance, drawing Tina's attention away from her thoughts as she listens intently for any signs that Dio needs help. The exchange between Dio and the zombies seems to last an eternity before finally dying down... and then all becomes quiet once more. Tina's heart races in anticipation, wondering if he made it or not. Finally, after what feels like hours, she sees a figure stumbling back towards her through the darkness. It's Dio. Blood covers his clothes and parts of his face as he collapses to the ground, gasping for air. Tina quickly moves forward, kneeling beside him. "You alright?" she asks bluntly, still suspicious but concerned for his well-being nonetheless.

She glances at him briefly before looking away, unsure whether she believes him or not. "Good," she mutters coldly, rising to her feet and turning around to face the direction of the alleyway where she last saw the zombies. "Now let's see about that food you wanted." Tina keeps one eye on Dio as he struggles to catch his breath, careful not to give him any opportunity to make a sudden move or try anything funny.

"I keep some food and water stored in my hideout," she informs him over her shoulder. "It's not much, but it should hold you over until we can find something better." She continues walking briskly through the empty streets of Hong Kong, leading him deeper into the heart of darkness. Dio can either trust Tina or try to make a run for it... But if he does choose to betray her, there's no doubt in her mind that she won't hesitate to put him down like the animal he is. The question remains: What choice will he make?

Tina nods curtly, not deigning to make small talk with him as they continue their journey through the desolate cityscape. She trusts no one in this new world and believes that it's better to keep her distance from others whenever possible. Despite her resolve, however, she can't help but feel a strange connection forming between them... or perhaps it's just wishful thinking on her part? Only time will tell whether Dio proves himself trustworthy or if he turns out to be yet another monster in disguise.

They arrive at what Tina calls her hideout after several more minutes of walking: an abandoned warehouse that she has managed to fortify against the undead hordes. The inside is dark and gloomy, illuminated only by dim emergency lights and a few flickering candles scattered around. In one corner sits a stack of crates containing various items of food and water, her store for when supplies get low. Tina motions for Dio to go ahead and help himself while she keeps watch from the shadows nearby, her gun still drawn just in case.