[i] "Peachy.  Just out for a stroll amongst the local wildlife." [/i]

Marko smirked as he examined the street up and down, no more of the infected seemed to be coming their way. A couple of stragglers, probably deaf loitered, swaying as they stood. Chief began to bark wildly which brought the man's attention back to the woman, now disarmed who appeared to be locked in a hand-to-hand struggle for her life. "Picturesque, ain't it?" He asked with a hint of sarcasm before she could ask for his help.

The German shepherd continued to bark savagely, approached Ray and the infected incessant gnawing and the clacking of teeth, a vicious growl emanating from deep within the rotting throat of the walking corpse. Marko was close behind and quickly, holding the hatchet in both hands, brought the wooden handle around the creatures throat, pulling it back away from Ray. He could feel his feet go from underneath him as he slipped on litter before he landed on his back. The infected came crashing down with him, luckily for the young man he had the stinking cadaver in a position where he could keep himself from being bitten and ultimately turned. For a brief moment he pondered on how quickly the tables could turn. This infected was a large man in a previous life and his weight prevented Marko from any kind of maneuver that might free him. "Kill this fucking thing!" He roared as the undead being thrashed, Marko could feel the air being taken from him and began to feel winded. Chief had stopped barking and instead was now positioned as if about to pounce, teeth born and ready to rip infected flesh, a low growl with ears at attention.

Marko began to think of a lot in these moments, his view shifting between the grey skies, his dog and his last hope. He wondered if she would return the favor or leave him there to be crushed. "Help." He uttered, there was no strength left in his voice for any more shouting. He had himself trapped but could not let up the force being brought down on the infected's neck without risking being bitten.