Dimensia

by Steven Thornton, Jr

  Chapter: Seventeen.

  Life in the concentration camp was no dinner at Red Lobster with their delicious cheese biscuits. It was miserable to say the least. It was an ideal catalyst for bacteria as sickness and death lurked all around us. The living conditions were harsher than one can fathom: dysentery spread throughout. Military officers patrolled the crowds, armed with rifles and wearing masks to defend themselves from the viruses and illnesses that plagued the people of the camp. Fatigue had worn its toll on most everyone. Health was dwindling, and often a fight would break out or a prisoner would try to run for his or her freedom. Delirium had set in and all felt hunger.

  Anyone in the camp would have liked to be anywhere else but there. The overarching emotion of the members being contained in the camp was desperation. My will to live was gone. A prospering world outside the walls of the camp was not evident. Screams we heard at all hours from nightmares some experienced were now common. As soon as a group was called for the line, a fresh group of new recruits would fill their place. The picture of loved ones being snatched up from the grasps of another's arms was just another day. It saddened me to think that the world had changed so much and that something this horrifying happened on a daily basis. I'm afraid the ship had long sailed that carried compassion for the human race. I often questioned how it was possible that so many outside the walls could be so ignorant and blinded from our pain and suffering.

  We were allowed to shower only once a week and in large groups. The shower was a fire truck that with its hose would spray us down with our prison garb still on. If one had to use the restroom, there was no privacy. The restroom facility was ten different stalls and located in the middle of the various holding cells. Needless to say, they would seldom be emptied and the smell was nauseating. We were given one meal a day and sometimes one could get overlooked and forced to go hungry. Morale was thin and the vibe was dark.

  It was common knowledge that if one simply said 'chip,' worlds would change. A few seconds would go by and a couple of military officers would escort you to a separate room. I must have seen thousands change their minds and get escorted to the various side rooms. You were immediately given a hot meal and fresh clothing for relenting to conformity.

  We were categorized by serial numbers and waiting for the ultimate destiny of the line. Can you imagine having to come to terms when your group gets called for the line your days were numbered; your future dismal and fashioned around a single decision.

  Feeling like giving into temptation, I contemplated the choice. After spending weeks in the camp, I too doubted what I thought to be true. One can only take so much torment. At times I was starved, beaten, as my mind rebelled at the thought. I prayed to whoever would listen. I asked for a sign and for a glimmer of hope. One day, one day I received the answer I had been so persistently asking for.

  The facility I was being held captive in began to violently shake and I felt rumbling from the earth below. The ground beneath me swayed back and forth. The lights overhead began to flicker in and out, to explode. People began to stand up and run toward the nearest overhead structure.

  "Earthquake," someone yelled. In hopes of protection, many of us lunged beneath pillars or overhead concrete beams. Minutes passed as the walls of the facility began to collapse around us. The earthquake seemed to have lasted for several minutes. When the rumbling finally stopped we realized that we had survived. For the first time in a long time we saw the sun in the sky and felt a cool breeze stir about. As the dust slowly settled, I looked around and saw smiles on each face. Each person was happy to be alive and was now free. No one knew or cared how long it would last for.

  Walking through the devastation, many lives were lost as the facility had caved in and smashed down on top of us. Once outside, most people milled about like frightened farm animals. None of us felt the need to look back, as having a fresh start felt promising for our miniscule lives. Beyond the walls, after walking a short distance and speaking with other survivors, rumors had spread that a meteor had struck somewhere in the Middle East. I understood that the meteor was so large that it had thrown the Earth out of orbit. The result was that our world was being sucked into the gravitational pull of a black hole that was gobbling up galaxies.

  Everything seemed promising but soon things took a turn for the worse. The weather changed from normal to bizarre. In that, the spirits only I had seen could now be seen by everyone. With the demons of hell released, life unfolded into another dimension. Thirsting for blood, the beasts ravaged, killed, and slaughtered anyone and anything in their paths. Here, it forced everyone to put aside their petty differences and to come together for the good of humanity. The Sun, when out, was hot and so intense that it would cause boils if you went out for any length of time. The water was bacteria- ridden from the intense heat. The result was that animals mutated into crazed creatures and nature was now an enemy. Our natural resources quickly diminished, and soon after, nothing was available for consumption. We were free from the Order, but the Order was chaos. Here I witnessed humanity at its worst: people were murdering each other to survive, doing any and everything to save themselves; something I can associate to becoming demon possessed. It was something less than imaginable. Families hid together and others formed groups with a common interest, seeking safe havens from the morbid creatures that inhabited the earth. No one was safe, nowhere was safe.

  The chemicals released from the meteor soon began to infect us, creating monsters out of us. Your chance of surviving was slim, and you wanted to hide and not go out to search for food or other survivors. The beasts, whose sole purpose was to wreck havoc on the earth, ravaged it and conquered the known world in a few days. The savage beasts could jump and run faster than humanly possible. Other primordial creatures were the scariest. Constantly horrified, I experienced the terror first-hand. I witnessed, children being scooped up by such creatures. I witnessed creatures that stood upright, over seven feet tall, towering over their innocent victims. Some resembled scorpions and were a hundred times larger and merciless. Others could fly, and some were of a hybrid species of half-man, half-spider. On the insect level, these creatures traveled in swarms of billions, thirsting for blood. I witnessed a swarm of them devour the flesh of a human in seconds and fly off, leaving nothing behind but a pile of bones. The weather at anytime was erratic and unpredictable. It would change from cold to hot, with no warning. Tornadoes, fires, earthquakes, and acid rain storms were common. We heard that continents had split into many pieces. Tidal waves and tsunamis had swallowed the smaller continents while those areas close to water became submerged. With the earth's gravity being different, it became much more difficult to breathe, and small movements seemed exhausting.

  Fortunately for me, I had found an honest group of people who endured most of the events I have spoken of. We were fortunate enough to find shelter in an old abandoned warehouse. The darkness however was much worse then we had foreseen as we were left to rely on our hearing, easily deceived by the constant screams heard at all hours.

  Not having a stockpile of food, we would take turns venturing out into the darkness in search of something edible. In pairs, one could not mistake the voice in the back of our minds. That reminded us that at any second we could be discovered and wouldn't stand a chance of survival. Needless to say, it was scary when it was your turn to venture outside. With only a small flashlight and fighting the cold temperature, you were not to return to camp until you had found some type of food. The longer we hid the harder this became.

  At base camp we had a few supplies, which we had found in the neighboring abandoned houses and our form of protection consisted of two guns and a few knives. Our militia was the men of the camp. We would take turns patrolling in shifts. One day I was on my way back to base camp after having collected a few canned goods from a deserted house a few hundred yards away. I stopped because I heard m
ovement in the vicinity. Standing perfectly still and straining to listen, I heard the rustling of leaves and patter of footsteps. I looked towards the sound as an outline of a figure came into focus. Unfortunately, I could not make it out entirely in the dark. Dark Siders don't have auras. In the distance, the unknown figure breathed heavily and bore a disgusting odor.

  "Who's there?" I yelled, frightened. I shined my flashlight the direction of the object or creature just as the object or creature engaged its attack. Feeling uncertain, I could feel the earth shake as it charged toward me. With only a knife and flashlight in hand, I kept my light on the object and realized what had facilitated my fear. Unfortunately for me, it was definitely a beast, now charging like a bull. Unlike a bull, however, the creature seemed much different. In the reflection of light I made out the creature in its entirety. It was large, at least twice the size of an adult rhino and had glowing red eyes. Its head was large and its body was covered in a shield of horns. Not knowing what to do, I figured I could resort to use my marble, but I hadn't possessed it for sometime. I looked to my left and observed nothing more than darkness and then to my right but conceivably more of the same. 'Run!' My inner voice screamed. Fifty yards off, the creature plowed full speed ahead as I felt its massiveness. With each step it took the ground rumbled beneath me.

  "Run, Fisher," someone yelled. As I turned in the direction of the voice, I saw someone at base camp powering a flashlight on and off in the distance. Twenty yards off, the creature steamed ahead, grunting and fueled with excitement. Standing in the beast's direct path, I dropped the canned goods resting in my arms as screams from my group at base camp filled the air. At the last second I dove to my left, and came within inches of being plowed over as I felt a gust of wind driven by the creature's size and speed. I landed hard on the ground and saw a flash of something headed for my face. Instinctively, I laid flat on the ground and felt something pierce my side,

  "Ahhhh!" I yelled in pain.

  "Fisher!" the members of base camp yelled as the beast plowed ahead. I turned to look at the beast and saw many horns on its tail, and hanging off one was a piece of my shirt. In severe pain and feeling weak, I saw someone from base camp running toward me with flashlight in hand as the light bounced against the ground.

  "Go back!" I yelled.

  "Go back!" Slamming my fists to the ground, I turned over on my backside and felt a throbbing pain. I looked to my right as the beast panted in the distance, staring right at me with its glowing red eyes. I struggled to sit up as blood covered the ground, just as the beast engaged a second offensive attack. As if in slow motion, the base camp hero maintained his stride of running to my aid. I don't know what overcame me but I held out my arms and closed my eyes. I thought, 'beast be gone.' At that second, I felt an intense rush of energy spread through my veins and could feel heat from a blaze of light that emerged between my hands. As I opened my eyes, between my hands I saw a blazing fiery ball of white light. Redirecting my attention to the creature that was now yards away. I felt a cool breeze stir as I drew my hands near. In a refusal to die I pushed out as the ball of light began to extend. Instantly in contact of the beast, it seemed to absorb the light, and two seconds later exploded in a combustion of light. As the light continued on its trajectory, extended out into the distance. Drained of energy and a fair amount of blood. I felt weak as I fell to my knees and collapsed.

  When I awoke, I felt pain and realized I was hurt, becoming aware of a bandage wrapped around my lower rib cage. I tried to stand but couldn't. It hurt more than I had anticipated as I let out a scream and decided to sit back down. A woman from the camp rushed to my aid. My memory was clouded as she explained what had happened to me.

  As days passed, sickness spread into our safe haven. Many of our occupants became ill and some died of disease. I was often asked about the beast that I had been fortunate enough to elude and how I was able to defeat it. I wished things had been different, but as days passed, more and more people began to die around me. When someone died, we didn't have a proper burial, we would simply carry their bodies out into the darkness and leave the remains to be eaten by the beasts. Life as we knew it and the luxuries that we took for granted on a daily basis in our previous world were never to be had again.

  It's difficult for us to imagine, I know. But I put this on everything. Be glad you are living in a time and world where you can live a semi-productive and prosperous life. You don't need to fear beasts or fear survival on such a scale. To put it lightly, you have no idea how bad things can be. As you are reading my story, you are reading it and not experiencing it, for which I am grateful. It wasn't long until the beasts that plagued the earth began to turn on one another. With food supplies dwindling (us), they had to resort to their primordial instincts of survival and had to fend off each other.

  Days came and went and soon weeks had passed. I had only been able to walk for a few days when people one at a time came out of hiding. I too participated in the risk and came to realize that a lot of others had escaped the plagues of illness and feasts of the unpredictable beasts. It was here that I saw humanity at its best. I saw everyone who had survived come together. Despite whatever preconceived perspectives or train of thoughts others may have possessed, people began helping one another. Although the beasts were still in force, there were not nearly as many, resulting in a greater sense of safety. Whether a false sense or real, I was skeptical but remained optimistic.

  One day while gathering supplies, I heard someone call out my name. I carefully walked toward the voice, not knowing if I was delirious or going crazy. I saw what I thought was a bright glow and quickly realized that it was Order. I started to walk toward her and felt great joy since it had been awhile.

  "Order, help me. Please, I can't do this anymore!" I yelled aloud.

  "Fisher, it's time, we must go now, we are needed," she said in a sympathetic tone. I continued to walk toward her with my sore body which still ached I was genuinely happy to see her. As I approached, I reached out as Order grabbed my hand and began to lift me up. While smiling, her wavy blonde hair danced in the wind and her beautiful green eyes glistened. Staring into her eyes I felt a sudden calming come over me; a reassurance that I had not lived in vain. I turned to look at the life I had grown accustom to and wished all the people who I had met the best of luck. Order lifted her arm and pointed towards the sky. I looked up as the sky became consumed with what appeared to be meteors plummeting to earth in the millions. It was a sight to be seen. As soon as one made impact, another would emerge in the sky to take its place. I witnessed people fleeing from their safe havens in search of shelter and with hopes of escaping them. Order wrapped her arms around my neck and tightly held to the back of my head. I felt an intense rush of energy as I closed my eyes, opening them to find myself standing on a battlefield. It was exactly as it had been before, with billions of people ready to fight as far as one could see. There were the beasts I had seen ravaging the earth, as well as others who were with the Dark Siders.

  As the fight commenced, I could use my talents with purpose and discovered I had many more. I could move swift like a tiger and was able to jump higher, hear better, and telekinetically lift beasts over my head. I could strike a blow by throwing a right hook and send creatures flying backwards, shooting through the atmosphere. I learned how to not only throw massive blows, but also attach my power. In return, the Dark Siders would absorb the light, being unable to withstand its force, and explode into a cloud of light. For the first time in my life, I felt worthy to be fighting against these beasts that were without shame, guilt, or faint remorse for needlessly torturing so many.

  The screams of the beasts filled the air as loud as the falls from a mighty river. The smell of blood was nauseating. I saw Light Workers fall short in front of my eyes after being ganged up on by beasts. I watched fellow Light Workers being torn apart limb from li
mb. I fought fire-breathing creatures, two-headed demonic entities, and other creatures that could fly. I fought beasts that could only live in hell.

  We stood our ground for days as I watched both sides suffer severe losses. It was here, in the mist of battle, where I saw a familiar face. I looked closely and recognized that it was my frenemy, Chance. His eyes glowed red and his face was covered in blood. He held a blade that resembled a sword; only it was much larger and thicker. He looked in disbelief in recognition of me, and took off in a forward sprint toward me. With the blade held above his head, he screamed aloud. From a distance of about five yards, he leapt and landed in front of me as we began to circle one another, staring each other in the eyes. He seemed to have a hypnotic stare about him.

  "It doesn't have to be this way," I yelled, continuing to circle one another. Waiting for some kind of response, but received none. He just stared blankly, then lunged forward, swinging his blade at me. I jumped back trying to avoid coming in contact with it, but felt it graze my shoulder. The attack caught me off guard as he had beaten me to the draw. I looked in disbelief and saw blood running down my arm. I quickly jumped to the right as his blade nearly caught me again. I looked at Chance and realized this was not the Chance I had known. In a flash of activity, he engaged another offensive attack. In a moment of courage, I lifted my right hand and formed a fist around the handle of the blade as we struggled against one another. For a brief moment we stared into each other's eyes. He growled and salvia began to run from his mouth. With all my strength I lifted my arm and sent him into the air above, his blade falling to the ground. I jumped into the air as I extended my arms. Seconds later, I managed to catch up to him. Hundreds of yards in the air I raised my right hand and released a right hook. The blow caught him above his right eye and sent him tumbling to the ground below. Free falling through the air, I decided to follow him. He fell with his back to the ground face-up and eyes locked on me. Seconds prior to impact, I caught up to him. There was no regard to thought; I had to finish this once and for all. I stood on his chest mid-flight and knew I had to act fast, since the impact of the fall was approaching. I bent down and placed my fist over his heart. I wanted to make it as painless as possible, but doubt resonated in my mind. Tears began to build within me, perhaps out of anger or love for my friend. Struggling to find the strength, I closed my eyes and sent a wave of light through his body. His eyes changed from red to brown as he looked right at me.

  "Thank you Fisher, do it. I am not what I was. You don't know me anymore, do it! Please!" he yelled, causing my eyes to fill with tears as my heart raged. I started to remove my fist from his chest, thinking there had to be another way. When he reached up with both arms and forcefully held my hand against his chest as the light grew into a bright blaze. With his head tilted back, Chance screamed in pain from the absorption.

  "I'm sorry it had to be this way. Please forgive me," he said, now beginning to shake wildly. He then exploded into tiny fragments of light, each of which turned to ash as they descended to the ground below.

  I fell to the ground in pain, not trying to brace my fall. Upon impact, I looked up and saw a Nephilim towering over me; the body of a man but three times as large, and the strength of a God. The Nephilim raised its axe-like weapon, and simultaneously released an angry roar. In a downward swing I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, stretching out my neck. My life flashed before my eyes and I wanted to go back to the days of innocence and live in the bliss of ignorance. I missed my loved ones and wanted to see them. I hoped I was about to meet them. Waiting for the impact of the blade, I wanted to feel as little pain as possible. Seconds developed, I opened my eyes and found the Nephilim lying next to me, staring right at me with blood running from its head. Sitting up in disbelief, I saw Order walking toward me.

  "You didn't think it was going to be that easy, did you?" she asked. I grinned and began to dry my eyes.

  Order and I continued to fight side by side for days upon end until the fighting ceased. This day was tremendous! In blood up to our ankles, I looked around the devastation and saw bodies on the ground in every direction. The flourishing green grass I had previously seen was not evident. Absorbing the devastation, the sun appeared in the distance. I stood embracing the magnificence of the moment. I felt a sense of conquest and fulfillment that swept over me as the few Dark Siders who had survived screamed in defeat. Scanning the field, I witnessed them combust into flames, disintegrating into nothing more than tiny particles of ash.

  Watching the sunrise for the first time in sometime, I felt the warmth of the sun's rays touch my skin. It was a feeling of rebirth, as if a new day had come and our world had changed dramatically. Looking into the heavens, I saw planets in the sky that I had never seen, truly breathtaking. Life! A new day! I looked around at fellow Light Workers who also stood in awe. Order, standing a few yards away, smiled. I slowly turned to walk toward her and grabbed her right hand, interlacing our fingers.

  "We will never be again, alone," I whispered with our eyes fading into each other's,

  "Fisher, you know this isn't the end don't you," Order said, as she turned to look at me with a cheerful smile.

  "What are you talking about?" I asked.

  "You thought your planet was the only planet that inhabited life?" She grinned mischievously and then continued,

  "Get ready, you haven't seen anything yet." I was momentarily thrown off guard and thought she was messing around.

  "Ha-ha, very funny. You're kidding right?" Staring into her green eyes I began contemplating what this meant.

  "If only I was," she smiled as the words echoed in my mind, lingering into oblivion.