Zombie Games Book Five (End Zone)

by Middleton, Kristen

  A giant face, its’ lips twisting in rage, appeared before them in the flames. Two horns protruded from the beast’s head, its’ eyes were pitch black, and it had a forked tongue which slid out of its mouth, licking the earth.

  “Mommy!” screamed Kylie, terrified.

  Kristie, in shock, pushed Kylie and Adria behind her, shielding her from the horror.

  Giant fingers made of fire grasped the edge of the hole as the beast struggled to raise itself up. As its shoulders began to rise above the edge, a bright white light sprang out from beneath the demon.

  “Let’s get out of here!” hollered Bryce, backing away.

  The beast roared in anger as it struggled to free itself from the hole but the light became brighter, now filling the room. “No…!” it growled.

  Henry grabbed Paige, who was frozen in shock. “Get back!”

  “Look!” pointed Paige, staring up at the ceiling.

  A beam of light from above, shot down and hit the demon in the head. It screamed in anguish and was pushed down into the hole, along with the fire.

  “Whoa!” said Kylie, peaking around Kristie.

  As the beam of light continued to pour into the hellish abyss, there was an ear-splitting rumble from deep inside.

  Henry walked over and stared over the edge. He gasped. “I think it’s filling, by golly!”

  “Let me see!” said Kylie.

  “No, don’t stay back,” replied Bryce. “You too, Henry. Get back.”

  Henry backed up and they all watched in stunned silence as the hole began to close in on itself, with granite and rocks rising from the core.

  “It really is closing!” cried Kristie, her eyes transfixed.

  When the hole was completely filled everything became silent and the earth grew still.

  “What in the hell just happened?” asked Belinda.

  “Bobby,” said Paige, turning to her. “I think it was Bobby.”

  “What do you mean?” asked Belinda.

  “Bobby and Cassie were pulled into the hole,” said Bryce, in a husky voice.

  Belinda’s eyes filled with tears. She smiled sadly. “He did it. He succeeded. Just like he said he would.”

  Bryce nodded and wiped his face.

  She walked over to him and gave him a hug. “He loved you so much, you know,” she whispered. “So much. So did Cassie.”

  He let out a choked sob.

  She stepped away from him and touched his cheek. “Bryce, honey, this was his destiny. It was his calling.”

  “As the ‘Chosen One’?” he asked, his lips trembling.

  She nodded. “Yes. When he told me, I didn’t want to believe it. I loved that little boy, Bryce. I really did. But, he has always known that this would be his fate. He’s known it his entire life.”

  Bryce cleared his throat and sniffed. “He did?

  “Yes, and he was so proud and honored. You could see it in his eyes when he told me.”

  “What about Cassie?” asked Paige, staring at the fresh dirt in the center of the mall. “Was this always her destiny, too?”

  Belinda sighed. “Maybe. I don’t know.”

  “What happened to the hole?!” hollered Allie, rushing down the escalator followed by her grandparents.

  “Oh hell,” said Henry, rubbing a hand over his face.

  Kristie wiped the tears from her face and walked towards Allie. “Honey, we need to talk to you.”

  Allie froze and looked around. “Where’s my sister?”

  “What’s happened?” asked Steve, stopping next to Allie.

  “Where’s Cassie?!” squeaked Allie, seeing the looks of horror on everyone’s faces. She turned to Bryce. “Where is she?”

  “She’s gone,” said Kristie, pulling her into her arms. “I’m so sorry, honey.”

  “What do you mean?” she asked, pulling away to look into her face.

  Kristie licked her lips and smiled sadly. “She was pulled into the hole. With Bobby and Nora.”

  “Oh my God,” gasped Irene, her eyes filling with tears.

  “The hole? Where is it?” asked Steve, looking towards the fresh dirt.

  Henry walked over and explained what had happened while Kristie held Allie, trying to console her.

  “And then it closed up,” said Henry. “It was a miracle, though. Whether it was Bobby or God himself, the damn thing closed up and it’s gone.”

  Steve wrapped his arms around Irene and they held each other, mourning quietly.

  “Has anyone seen Justice or Tiny?” asked Paige.

  Allie shook her head.

  “No,” sniffled Irene. She cleared her throat. “We found Allie and haven’t run into anyone else.”

  “I’ll go look for them,” said Bryce. “I need to get out of here for a while.”

  “I’ll come with you,” said Henry, picking up his gun.

  “Me too,” said Paige.

  “Paige-,” said Kristie.

  “Mom, quit coddling me,” she cut in. “I’m not a baby.”

  “Just like Cassie used to say,” said Allie, sadly.

  Kristie swore under her breath. “Fine. Just be careful. We’ve lost enough already.”

  “I know,” said Paige, following Bryce and Henry.

  “Oh hell, let’s follow them. There’s no reason to wait here anymore,” said Kristie.

  “Speaking of babies,” said Kylie, holding Adria. “Can someone take her for a while? My arm is killing me.”

  Irene stepped forward. “Sure, I’ll take her. So, this is the one everyone thought was the ‘Chosen One’?”

  Kylie handed her to her. “Yes.”

  Irene stared down into the baby’s face. “Poor thing. This must have been a horrible experience for her.”

  “She did really good,” said Kylie. “I can’t believe it.”

  “What’s her name?” asked Steve.

  Kylie smiled sadly. “Her name is Adria. Adria Cassandra Wild.”

  Allie wiped her tears and smiled. “You’re naming her after Cassie?”

  Kylie smiled back. “Yes. That way you’ll always still have part of your sister. The Wild One.”

  “Even in death, Cassie will always be a part of your life,” said Irene. “You can count on that, Allie.”

  Allie hugged her. “I know.”

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Cassie

  Bobby?

  Yes.

  Where are we? Why is it still so dark?

  Open your eyes.

  I opened them and blinked in confusion. To say that it was not at all what I expected was an understatement.

  “Bobby!” I hollered, looking around in astonishment.

  Instead of where I thought I’d still be, in the fiery pit of Hell, I was in a lush green meadow, with flowers, blue skies, and birds chirping in the distance.

  Have I died?

  Technically, yes.

  I certainly didn’t feel any different. “Where are you?” I yelled, twirling around.

  “Sorry,” he replied, stepping around me.

  “Don’t sneak up on me like that!” I gasped, still pretty freaked out. “This is… where are we?”

  “Where do you think?” he asked with a twinkle in his eye.

  I looked around again and smiled. “I don’t know… this place is unreal. I mean, it’s kind of taking my breath away, now that I think about it. It’s just so beautiful and perfect. Like paradise.”

  “It should take your breath away, Cassie. It’s your idea of Heaven.”

  My eyes widened. “Am I in Heaven?”

  “Not exactly,” he turned. “Look behind you.”

  I turned around and was stunned to see a glittery golden bridge leading to a rainbow of beautiful lights.

  “Beyond that rainbow you’ll find the real Heaven.”

  Tears came to my eyes. I placed a hand to my lips as a rush of emotions spread through me. It was as if I could actually feel the love emanating from the other side of the bridge. It was strong. Comforting. Exhilar
ating. Yearning to get closer, I took a step towards it.

  “Wait,” said Bobby touching my arm.

  Reluctantly, I turned back to look at him. On the outside, he still looked like Bryce’s little brother, but I was now aware that he was so much more. Brother, son, protector, and the one who had been chosen to outwit Lucifer on earth. “Who are you, really?” I asked.

  His eyes softened. “I am someone that God chose to teach Lucifer that he is powerless. That he will always lose in the end as will those who fall under his spell.”

  My lips curled up. “Because good always conquers evil?”

  “Yes.”

  “So, he chose you for this lesson?”

  “Yes, but I would have volunteered, wholeheartedly.”

  I stared at him in awe. “Are you the son of God, like Jesus?”

  “In a way, we are all his children.”

  “Are you an angel?”

  “Let’s just say that I am a very old… soul. Although you know me as a young boy, I’m…” he began to change before my eyes, until he stood as full grown man, possibly in his twenties. He kind of reminded me of Bryce, only his hair was long and he had a beard. “Whomever I decide to be.”

  “Travis kept calling you the ‘Chosen One’.”

  “And I am. But not who he thought I was. He thought I was the second coming of Christ.”

  “But you weren’t?”

  He shook his head. “No. Nobody knows when that will happen. Only God and he certainly won’t give it away to Lucifer.”

  “Was Travis and Lucifer really responsible for the zombies?”

  “Travis was sent to earth by Lucifer, because somehow he believed that the ‘End of Days’ would be soon upon us. Travis tampered with the vaccine, turning people into, what you call, zombies.”

  “What about Father Brambati?”

  “A bad man who Travis was able to manipulate into helping him. Nothing else.”

  “So, they weren’t like… the Unholy Trinity or anything?”

  Bobby sighed. “No, they may have believed that they were, but that particular prophecy hasn’t begun yet. At least, not that I’m aware of. If they were, they probably would have gotten much farther in their mischief.”

  “What about the earthquakes and red rivers?”

  “I believe that Lucifer played a hand in that as well. Trying to draw out the child of God.”

  “So, they wanted to destroy you because they thought that you were part of the prophecy that would finally destroy Lucifer forever?”

  “That about sums it up,” he said. “Unfortunately, many lives were taken. But thing will get better. The sun will rise and nature will be restored now. Your life will get back on track.”

  I sighed and looked back to the bridge. “Speaking of which, you told me to wait. Why?”

  His face became serious. “Because it’s not your time.”

  “You’re saying that I’m going back?”

  “The truth is, you’re needed now more than ever back on earth.”

  “Me? Why me?” I asked, almost disappointed. The pull to go over the bridge and see everything, was so strong that I felt a sudden sense of loss.

  “To rebuild and help the other survivors start over.”

  “You mean help clean up the zombies?”

  He nodded. “Yes. There are also those who you’ve met along the way, who need you now more than ever. Those whose hearts you’ve touched and are counting on your return.”

  An image of Allie, frightened and hiding, made me sad. Then there was Kallie, the little girl at the orphanage. And Goldie…

  “Okay. I understand.”

  He smiled.

  I cleared my throat. “Uh, so how does this work? Do I click my heels and say ‘there’s no place like home’ three times?”

  “Funny. No, it’s much simpler. There is one more thing, however.”

  “What?”

  He looked over my head and smiled.

  I turned around and screamed with joy.

  My parents.

  I flew forward and threw myself into their arms, crying.

  “Oh sweetheart,” said my dad, kissing the top of my head. “We’re both so proud of you.”

  Although we were hugging, it was different. Not quite the same as back home. Our physical bodies were gone but I could still feel the warmth of their love, in the form of what I could only describe as some kind of energy.

  “I’ve missed you guys, so much,” I said, loving them more than ever.

  “We know,” replied my mom. “But what you didn’t know is that we’ve been with you. Watching and supporting you.”

  “You have?”

  “Yes. And like your father said, we’ve been so very proud of you. Looking after your sister, standing up for what you believe in. Caring for your friends.”

  “Thanks.” I smiled sadly. “I guess I have to leave here soon.”

  My mother, who looked more youthful and vibrant than ever, smiled back. “Yes, honey, but you’ll be back. Some day.”

  “Yeah, but I kind of wish that I could stay. I mean, I know what Bobby said, but it’s so hard…”

  “Once you return to earth, you’ll be glad that you did,” said my dad, who’d lost the gray wisps and the lines on his face from all of the stress. “They need you down there, Wild One, and your adventure isn’t over yet.”

  “I just miss you guys… and,” I turned to look at the bridge. “I really want to cross that bridge.”

  “Of course you do,” said my mom. “And some day you will. Right now, however, you have some other bridges that need to be traveled.”

  Images of Bryce flashed through my brain.

  I smiled.

  “Stay honest and true,” said my mother. “And above all else, don’t give up on the others. No matter how discouraging things may seem, don’t ever give up on fighting for what’s right.”

  “Stay strong, honey,” said my dad, backing away. “We love you.”

  “Wait,” I cried, as my mother backed away too. “Can’t we just be together a little longer? Please? I’ve missed you both so much.”

  “We’ll be with you,” said my dad, taking my mother’s hand. “And someday, we’ll be back to accompany you over that bridge.”

  Before I could respond, they both disappeared.

  Wiping tears from my face, I spun around, looking for Bobby. Instead, I was caught with yet another surprise.

  Nora and Billie.

  They were standing on the bridge, holding hands and smiling at me.

  Relieved that they were okay and together at last, I raised my hand and waved.

  They both waved back.

  “It’s time,” said Bobby.

  I turned and found him standing in the grass again. I laughed. “You really have to quit doing that!”

  He smiled. “Sorry.”

  My smile fell. “Are you coming with me?”

  He shook his head. “That particular adventure ran its course. You must go back alone.”

  “But what about Bryce? He’s going to miss his little brother dearly.”

  His eyes softened. “He’ll be fine. You’ll help him pull through it.”

  “Can I tell him about you?”

  “Of course. That’s why you’re going back. To enlighten others. Give them hope and tell them to live humbly.”

  “Humbly? Even Henry?”

  He chuckled. “Yes, even that Old Cowboy.”

  “Okay.”

  He suddenly looked troubled.

  “What’s wrong?” I asked.

  “You need to wake up.”

  My eyes widened. “What?”

  “Wake up. Quickly!” he hollered as everything went black.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Cassie

  When I opened my eyes, I found myself in the parking lot of the mall, near Nordstrom’s. Surrounding me, were dozens of zombies. Unfortunately, these ones were not ignoring me.

  “Really?” I asked, looking up at the stars. “Yo
u couldn’t have put me in a safer place?

  A star twinkled in the distance. Obviously, those upstairs were not too worried.

  “Okay, so you’ve got me covered.”

  I quickly got up and began backing away as they approached me, growling and drooling hungrily. Fortunately, there were only about thirty of them, which was much better odds then earlier. Too bad I didn’t have a weapon.

  “Crap.”

  “Hey!” hollered a man’s voice, banging something loud behind me.

  I turned to find Rob beating a metal garbage can cover with a hammer. Next to him were Mac and Carolyn, both holding weapons. I sighed in relief.

  “See you lost the ax!” yelled Mac, smiling grimly. “Guess we got here just in time.”

  “I haven’t lost it, I gave it to my little sister,” I replied kicking a zombie in the face and sending him flying. I quickly turned and snapped a side-kick to the chin of another zombie, knocking him backwards.

  “Good move,” said Mac, smiling as he began swinging his machete.

  “Watch out Carolyn!” I yelled as another zombie approached her from behind. He was so tall that he made her look like a dwarf.

  She turned and gasped, then fired a single shot from her revolver, hitting the zombie in the head.

  “Don’t waste your bullets,” said Rob, slamming his hammer into another zombie.

  “Did you see the size of that one?” she shouted. “I couldn’t reach his neck if I was on a stepstool.”

  “Always an excuse,” said Rob. “Good thing you have a list hidden somewhere so you don’t use the same one twice.”

  “Men,” said Carolyn, flipping him off. From the little smirk on her face, I could tell that their relationship was almost as interesting as mine and Bryce’s.

  “Cassie!”” shouted Tiny.

  I turned to find him and Justice jogging out of the Nordstrom’s. As soon as they got near, they started helping clear the zombies. When most of them were finished off, Tiny rushed over and gave me a hug, lifting me off of the cement.

  “Girl, you gave us all a scare! Where in the hell have you been?”

  “Long story,” I said, when he put me down.

  “Where’s Bobby?” asked Justice.

  I sighed. “He’s gone.”

  Tiny’s expression was somber. “Dammit, are you sure?” he asked, struggling with words.