Some Kind of Virus (AU Story - Part 1)

Some Kind of Virus is a serial story set in the Lights and Clockwork universe - a futuristic, cyberpunk interpretation of Blest, but with zombies. Some things to know about this story:

• The story is told from the first-person perspective of the MC, codenamed and referred to as "Brightburner." No mention of Brightburner's gender or physical appearance is made in the story, allowing you to imagine the narrator as you see fit. However, as the protagonist of this interpretation, they will also have their own personality and mannerisms as I write and develop them. Just something to keep in mind!
• All major Shepherd characters will eventually appear in this story, so if you don't see your favorite yet, don't worry! They will show up in due course.
• Some other minor characters, however, do not exist in this AU. Notably, a few characters do not have their family members in the Lights and Clockwork world: Blade doesn't have a brother in this universe, for example. This was to avoid complications and muddled character concerns once the zombie apocalypse hits. 
• This AU was cobbled together a few hours after the initial poll for the short story was posted this month and is entirely improvised. If you find yourself confused on any of the terms or worldbuilding therein, feel free to refer to the attached primer, though it's by no means necessary to enjoy the story! However, be warned that the primer does contain minor spoilers. 
• Content warning: this story holds all of the things common to zombie and cyberpunk stories, including descriptions of violence, blood, gore, infection and viral epidemics, horror situations, murder, and death. Brief mentions of drug addiction, economic collapse, crime, gang violence, and other dystopian elements are alluded to. 

I hope you enjoy!