Until The End

by Brown, Derek

  “I will do what needs to be done. Do not worry about that. We are going to destroy them all Erik, together.” I looked up at Erik and saw him holding a pack which he handed to me.

  “Here I had this made for you. You are a Hunter now and it is high time you looked like one of us.” He handed me the pack. In it were clothes there were a pair of dark green pants and a dark green shirt with a hood to cover my face. He leaned over speaking quietly to me.

  “Thank you Erik so much.” I took the clothes and moved to put them on. After I had dressed, I saw everyone was also finishing getting ready. Erick motioned for all of us to join him quickly.

  “My dearest friends, I have to thank all of you for following me this far. I know the road has not been an easy road to follow and we have lost too many dear friends. While it may be easy to just give up none of you have and I know that none of you will. I can’t promise that we are all going to make it out of this alive but what I can promise is that each and every one of you will be remember for this day. So let’s give them hell. I am with you all until the end.” Erik raised his hand to salute each of us.

  “Until the end!” Everyone echoed the chant together. Looking at each of these people I could that they were dedicated to Erik and I could tell they would follow him to hell and back. I joined in the chant and I said it and believed it with the entirety of my being. With that Erik simply said.

  “Let’s move out ladies and gentlemen.” We all began to move quietly and quickly making the trip much fast than we had the pervious time we came out here. When we reached the path that led to the area overlooking the valley Erik moved to my side. “Be ready for the signal. It will be three quick burst of light from the flash light. Remember to have your fire going and once you start shooting don’t stop you until you drive them to the south pass. Watch your back Archer, you are on your own up there.”

  “Of course Erik.” I gave him a quick nod and began my journey up the path. It was quiet except the constant back and forth scraping noises I could hear coming from the valley. As I made my way to top, the sneer number of infected spread out down below me took the air out of my lungs again. I could just feel the panic rising up like foul tasting vomit rising up from my stomach to my mouth. Once I reached the overlook point, I quickly got my arrows laid out before and I dug a small hole and grab the matches. I was ready now I just had to wait for the signal, it seemed like it took forever when in reality I am sure it really only took about fifteen minutes. When I saw three short quick burst of light shine from the south pass I started my fire. By now the sun was coming over the mountains and I could see clearing from the vantage point the valley laid out below me. I lit the first arrow on fire and brought my bow up taking careful aim on the northern most barrel. I figured if I started the fires there it would drive them slow. I brought the bow up drawing back the string and felt that familiar feeling of the string brushing against my nose. I aimed down the shaft of the arrow and slowed my breathing. This was my moment everything mattered in this moment. I have to do this if I miss then I will and all the Hunters will most likely die. I felt my muscles tense and it took everything in me to clear my mind of everything. I took aim and with every ounce of me I hoped I had a true aim. It felt like I was outside of myself watching me as I slowly released the bowstring and the arrow went flying into the air. I watched as the arrow flew seventy yards, it flew over the heads of the infected. They almost seemed at peace, not one of them noticed the arrow flying over them. Then the arrow flew over the barrel and hit an infected in the head. The head exploded as my heart sank. Quickly I pulled another arrow and sent it flying into the air. This time the arrow hit the barrel dead on and it exploded sending wood and fire spewing in every direction. Pandora’s Box was opened the fire set off panic, the infected started screaming as the fire began spreading. The fire spread rapidly and grew high creating walls of shearing heat. The infected were moving everywhere at once with no sense of direction. I grabbed another arrow trying to get focused on the task at hand. I took aim at another barrel and I let the arrow fly. I again found my mark and the barrel exploded this time though it sent flames licking up the bark of a huge oak tree. Flames shot up the oak tree and in moments the entire tree was engulfed. The light from the oak tree was brighter than the sun now. The drought of California was actually helping me now. The infected turned almost in fear of the tree and began moving in unison away from it towards the south pass. They were crawling over each other to get out faster. I grabbed another arrow and I took aim again causing fire to erupt spurting up a fountain of flames. Then I could Erik shouting orders and I saw grenades flying towards the infected. Huge explosions tore apart the infected but their screams would not be silenced. I saw Z and Destroyer down below shooting at the infected as they came into their paths. The terrible carnage of the scene below me caused me to turn away. When I turned around I could see Queen throwing more grenades into the ranks of the infected. Then I saw Erik he was surveying the area. It was clear his plan had worked better than he could have hoped for. I saw Lindy cutting a path through the infected and then I saw that the infected were overtaking her. I quickly pulled another arrow and sent it flying killing the infected closest to her. It wasn’t enough though I saw her trip and they jumped on top of her.

  “No!” I screamed and my arms were moving so fast as I let arrow after arrow fly but it was too late. I saw Cope come out of nowhere but he didn’t make it in time. Cope lost it and went charging into the valley of fire, I lost sight of him. I watched as the fire spread out in all directions below me devouring the infected in its path. As I turned away from the death below could see a figure standing watching the south pass, Michael. He was moving slow carefully avoiding the flames. He was watching the fire as he let out a loud howl. The infected almost in unison stopped in their tracks and turned towards the imposing figure who stood tall with a wall of flame at his back. He seemed to look around at them and then he pointed towards the south pass and a howl of pure hatred and fury escaped his lips. The hundreds of infected stopped moving in panic and all of a sudden attacked in unison. I watched as one of they flew towards Z and Destroyer. I tried to warn them.

  “Watch out!” I could only watch as they were over taken but they did turn and run. Erik was in no way prepared for an attack of this nature. His position was going to be overrun soon. I had to do something; I quick grabbed the rest of my arrows and started running towards the pass. I was sprinting as fast as I could and as I reached them I saw the Queen was getting overpowered and pulled out the katana and rushed to her side. The infected were attacking with a ferocity that I had never witnessed before. Queen and I went back to back as the infected rushed us. I swung my sword cutting off the head of an infected woman. While Queen chopped the arm off one infected only to counter another infected on the back swing.

  “Queen we can’t keep this up there are too many we have to run. On three we run. 1, 2, and 3!” We both turned and ran as fast as we could I slid down and cut the legs out from under two infected who were blocking our path.

  “Thanks Archer!” Queen flashed me a quick smile and we ran neck in neck. We managed to lose the infected as we made it to Erik’s side who was yelling at everyone to keep firing. His face was pale and he looked exhausted as his eyes met mine. “We almost had…” He covered his eyes and lowered his head.

  “Pull it together man!” I grasped his shoulders trying to snap him out of it. But he lost in his defeat right now and he wasn’t thinking clearly. Then the infected were almost on top of us. I turned to run but stopped when Erik stood rooted in place. “Dammit man snap out of it! Hurry up!” I shouted at him. Then I saw an infected running up to him and I quickly brought my bow up and let an arrow fly over Erik’s shoulder into the right eye socket of an infected. That was enough to get Erik moving, he turned towards me and we started the wildest craziest run of my life. We were running through the trees dodging and ducking branches all the while hearing the infected pursuing us from behind. Just when I thought
my lungs were going to burst we ran to the top of a hill and were met by an army. They had Humvees with fifty cals mounted on top of them. They all carried Ar-15s and M-14s aimed at the infected. Erick, Queen and myself froze as we had hundreds of guns pointed at us. Then I saw Z and Destroyer were standing with the army who wore an armband of black with a gold cross on it.

  “Get out of the way you fools!” Z shouted at jolting us to movement and we crossed the line of men and women who bore the cross. As we moved through the ranks we found ourselves held at gun point. We were relieved of all of our weapons but it was ok as I turned I watched the Brothers of the Cross mow down the rest of the infected. As much as I hated them I was never so grateful to see as I was at that moment. I saw Z and Destroyer walking towards us. Erik was the first to speak.

  “What is going on…” His voice caught in his throat as he saw they both wore the cross on their arms. Z snarled at him.

  “Oh stop you fool, it’s always been about gaining power and these guys have all the power in the world. Then Destroyer walked up to me and brought his fist flying towards me as he landed a punch across my jaw.

  “Archer I never liked you. And we would never would have gone through this plan if Erik hadn’t found you. Do you know how hard it was to kill Carl’s daughter without any of the hunters knowing? I worked hard to make that happen and made it all for nothing.” I felt pain explode as stars entered my vision. Then Erik moved to attack Destroyer but Z pulled a pistol out on him.

  “Don’t do anything stupid.” Erik stopped in his tracks but I could see anger written all over his face. Z motioned and several men came over and placed zip ties on our wrist as our hands were put behind our backs. “Alright watch them as we mop up the rest of these infected and do what the pathetic Hunters couldn’t do.” Z laughed as he moved back to the front lines. Queen, Erik, and I were forced to sit down as the war raged on beyond our field of vision. We could see the flames from the fires burning. We heard the sounds of guns firing for at least twenty minutes before it finally stopped. Z came back over to us.

  “It’s done, the infected are gone now.” He smiled. Erik looked up at him.

  “Z, how could you do this to us? You betrayed us. Lindy’s gone, she is dead. Everyone is dead.” Erik broke down and looked defeated.

  “Shut up! That is on you. Erik you failed us, you let them die. This fool plan of yours caused this. Do not dare put this on me!” Z snarled at him. “I would kill you now but Gods Hand wants to make an example out of you. Erik you had the chance to join them and you turned away. Their deaths are on your head.” Z turned around and we were told to get up and start moving.

  May 14, 2014

  I do not know how long we were forced to march. I do know that we have been moving south though. But today they finally let us stretch our arms out. The guards kept their guns pointed at us but we all got up and were moving around trying to ease the pain of tensed muscles. Then we shall some commotion in the middle of the camp. I looked over to see Z calling another member of the Brothers of the Cross over.

  “Yes Brother Z!” He moved over to stand in front Z. The man was a small stature man maybe about 5’5” with short brown hair. He had blood on him from the battle and he walked with a limp. He kept his head down trying to avoid eye contact with Z.

  “We have rules we must follow for a reason would you agree?” Brother Cory had a look of terror cross his face as he nodded his head yes. Destroyer moved behind Cory and kicked him hard behind the knees causing Cory to fall.

  “Answer him!” Quickly Cory complied.

  “Yes sir.” Z stood there pausing for a moment looking around to make sure everyone was watching. He paused when he met my eyes for a second longer and I saw madness in his eyes.

  “If don’t have order we can’t survive in this forsaken world can we?” Again he nodded his head yes in agreement before he remember to speak. Destroyer kicked him again and I tensed I wanted to stop this.

  “Yes, of course Brother Z.” Z motioned for Destroyer to stop.

  “If we don’t follow the righteous path that God’s Hand has placed in front of our feet then we are no better than rest of these forsaken folks are we?” Brother Cory had tears rolling down his face but again he just nodded. “Now if someone from the Flock breaks those rules then he has to be punished does he not?” Brother Cory was trembling visibly yet again he nodded though. “You were told to bring your daughter to the God’s Hand to be blessed and yet you did not arrive at your scheduled time. He does not give out his blessing lightly and it is considered a great offense towards your family to not show up.” Finally Brother Cory stood up and spoke in a quivering voice.

  “She is only seven years old, she is my only daughter, please you must understand. I meant no disrespect, please forgive me.” He fell to his knees moving to clutch Brother Z’s legs pleading with him. “Oh god what is going to happen to my daughter and my wife? Please don’t hurt them.” His face was red with tears and terror.

  “I’ll grant you some mercy Brother Cory for your bravery on the battlefield. Your daughter is already with the Gods Hand and will receive her blessing. Your wife will spend one week being reeducated then will be assigned a more devote follower of the Cross as her husband. For you though, I have a special punishment just for you. I think that you will find it extremely fitting.” With that Z turned towards me giving me a wicked smile and a wink.

  “No I want no part of this.” I spoke and Z snarled at me as he continued speaking to Cory.

  “Archer you will do what you are told to do. Kill him and your life with be spared. If you don’t then these nice men will gun you both down and we will continue upon our way. Although if you don’t kill Cory then his wife and daughter will pay dearly for it. I do hope you disobey so I can watch them kill you Archer.” He motioned for Cory to face me. The man was crying and sobbing but he just stood there not even making a move to defend himself. I was sickened with the position I found myself in. I didn’t move an inch I just stared there at him and he stared at me. I couldn’t go through with this but I didn’t know what to do. Z moved towards me handing me my Kukri with a smile. “Archer I am becoming impatient do it now or I will kill you do not test me, you will find that I have no patience.” Z moved away leaving me facing this poor man in front of me.

  “You better do it.” Brother Cory whispered to me as he sobbed. I moved closer to him, I still didn’t know what I was going to do. His red rimmed eyes met mine and I could see defeat he had already given up hope. I was frozen in place my muscles wouldn’t move. Z shouted at me.

  “Now Archer! I am becoming less and less interested in you by the minute.” I looked into Cory’s eyes and saw utter sadness there. He moved closer to me and motion me to bring the kukri up. He leaned in to my ear whispering.

  “Find my wife and daughter and tell them I love them. I am sorry. Thank you.” Before I knew what was happening he drove his neck into my Kukri and turned his head effectively slicing his throat. He dropped and I watched the life slip out of him as Death came to take his restless soul. He looked at peace lying on the ground of the forest looking up. “I see them oh god I see the light…” He whispered so softly I could barely hear him. I watched as the last of his life left his body.

  I was sick to my stomach and I felt like vomiting but I had nothing in my stomach. I stood rooted in place staring at Cory’s body, I was shaken to my very core. All I could think in my head is what have I done. Tears run unchecked down my face, tears of the anger and fury inside of me. I swear he will pay for this.

  May 16, 2014

  I am not sure how long or how far we marched before we finally made it over a hill and I got my first glimpse of the camp I had started searching for. Destroyer approach us as he spoke.

  “Behold God’s City. You all have been blessed to be able to be granted entrance. Although you will all be hung as demon worshipers at least your bodies will be granted peace from the Gods Hand. It didn’t take long for us to reach the main gates.
I saw that the entire city was surround by a wall of concrete and steel beams. With watch towers spaced even along the way with two guards on top of each tower. The main gates opened as the army entered the city. We were marching along an eight foot wide road with buildings that were neatly maintained. It looks like they built the God’s city upon the foundation of an old city and placed the walls up after the collapse of society. As we moved towards the center of the city I could see a gather in front of what must once have been city hall. It was the biggest building with statues of angels with wings and swords adoring the roof. And two huge lions guarding front entrance. It was between the two lions I finally got to see the man who was the architect of the situation I found myself in, Gods Hand, as he called himself. It appeared there was a town meeting going on. We were told to stop as Z spoke up.

  “We have returned from our mission. It was a success. Bless be you Gods Hand.” Z raised his voice so that I carried over the crowd. GodsHand stopped speaking and raised his head up and I saw he had brooding dark brown eyes. When the crowd became silent he spoke and it was as if his words carried gravity that caused the world to become silent.

  “Blessed be you Brother Z. I am glad you have found your way back to the flock… I have good news as well. I was just informing the flock that Emma Brown you have been chosen to be blessed next…” He leaned over the podium sweating as a smile crept onto his face. “Now everyone let us congratulate Z on his swift return and victory.” I froze in my tracks, I felt like I was being stabbed in the chest. To come this far and now be powerless, if it hadn’t been for Erik nudging me I might have tried to attack Gods Hand at that moment. As everyone’s attention turned to Z, I looked around searching for Emma or her mother. Z spoke up again with a huge evil smile on his face.