Chapter 1: The Beginning

It all started as a typical day for me, getting up, go to work, head home, and then back to sleep. A boring life if you ask me. The only difference is that this was the day before the winter solstice of 2012. That entire Mayan calendar thing stating the world is going to end on Dec. 21st, 2012. I did not believe in it compared to some other people in the world. From what I heard on the radio on the way to work is there were some riots happening in major cities across the globe. I am glad I did not live near those cities. Living in a rural part of the United States does have its advantages.

Before I go any further, I should tell you more about me. My name is Bob and I am pretty much your average 25 year old man at 5'11" tall, average body shape and strength, blue eyes, brown hair, and wear glasses. The clothes I typically wear to work are a T-shirt with a design on it, blue jeans, socks, and work boots. One thing that you consider me unique is I am into technology (yes a computer/tech geek). While some people struggle a little bit in figuring out devices, I can just look at it and analyze it to see how it works and how to use it. Some of my interest is also into several Anime series (you see later in the story), video games, dragons, and martial arts practice. I like to work my mind and body to stay in shape, but not like some bulky muscle dudes.

When I got to work, I actually found I was the only one to show up. "Great. Just fucking great. Drove all the way to work and the place is locked up. Why did I not get the memo that we are going to shut down today?" I was pretty furious. Lucky I calmed myself down and decide just to head home to avoid any crazies that might start up. I took the back roads as I feel the main ones are getting back up of people fleeing for no reason and causing accidents.

I get home and turn on the news to see anything new is being reported about today. News reporters on every station are reporting about riots showing up in more location around the globe and military and police are doing their best to control them and get them to disperse. "Good thing I am not like one of those idiots. Panicking about the end of the world based upon a Mayan calendar. Bunch of bullshit."

Seeing nothing else is being reported, I turned the TV off and head to my computer work to kill some time and frustration. First person shooter games are a good way to pass the time and the latest Call of Duty is without doubt the best one yet. After a couple hours of kill shots and head shots, I break away for lunch. A quick sandwich made with chips to go with it. I head back to the living room to see the latest status of the world. No news reports were on the screen. Just an automate message asking people to stay indoors as Martial Law is being enforced to reduce the casualties. "Wow. It is really getting crazy out there. Maybe I should get some weapons ready to defend with."

I head downstairs into the basement where the den is located. Another thing I have an interest in is certain weapons. I look at the main wall and I see different blade types as well as guns. From daggers, short swords, katanas, and broad swords to hand guns, shot guns, rifles, and machine guns. I grab a custom backpack designed for ammo storage and quick access and start loading up. "Let's see, 2 M1911s, a dozen cartridges, 6 boxes of ammo for it, couple daggers and throwing stars, hunting knife, and short sword. I hate to see the guy who decides to fuck with me. Oh, one last thing. My prize possession, a real samurai sword I had custom made." Wasn't cheap, but it was worth every dollar.

I head back upstairs and decide to also back some emergency supplies in case I have to make a run for whatever reason. Going through the Boy Scouts finally comes useful in knowing what I need to survive. I snag a water purifier, canteen, first aid kit, flint and steel, MRE packs, and some other survival equipment. The last thing I decide to get is my solar USB charger, iPad, android phone, and solar charged LED flashlight.

"That should be everything I should need for an end of the world scenario. I never thought it would actually come to this." I look around the empty house and realize I did not really do much with my life. I have no girlfriend, my family lives in other parts of the country, and my friends have not contacted me today. I decide to cook a nice steak and potatoes as this might be my last meal. A nice 12oz steak cooked medium and a roasted potato with butter and sour cream. I would throw in a salad to stay healthy, but screw it. I ate it and was happy with it.

Looking back at the TV, cable is now out and only shows static. "Great. Let's see if there is anything on the radio." I turn it on and could not find any stations broadcasting. "Wow. It is really getting bad out there if the radio is also out. Last source of info I can get is the police scanner." I go and get it from the den and turn it on. Scanning all the local police frequencies, I suddenly hear a panicking officer with gunshot in the background. I quickly turn it off as I realize it is a shit storm out there. Looking at a clock seeing its only 9pm, "Hmm, seeing there is only three hours before the world is supposed to end, let's read some fan fiction."

I pull out my iPad and start up one story I download the other day. One of my favorites, it is a My Little Pony fan fiction story. Yes, I am a Brony also. With violence, I balance it with peaceful thoughts and My Little Pony is one of the most peaceful places I can think of. Everyone helps each other and no sign of war. "If this world does end, I wish I could live in that world. I have had it with the greed and violence people show to each other. Thank you Mayans for predicting the end of the world. You are causing everyone to panic and go into riots."

I look at the clock and now display 11:59pm. "Well, only a minute left." I pack the iPad back up and put the backpack on with the samurai sword attached to my belt. I count the seconds down waiting for the worst or finding out it is a fluke. The clock changes over to 12:00am and then everything goes white.