The Beginning of the End

by Emily Allison

  “Are we just going to wait until I turn?”

  “You’re not gonna turn,” Chloe said harshly. “Let’s just give it a few minutes, OK? Can you do that for me?”

  “I’m not going anywhere.” Damon hesitated. “My head feels funny. I don’t know. Oh my gut.” He clutched at his stomach. “I think I’m gonna puke.”

  “Don’t you dare, I don’t want the cure coming back outta you,” Chloe threatened.

  Chloe watched as he closed his eyes, complaining they hurt. They sat there in the dim light for what seemed like an eternity. Mathias reached for his pistol when they thought Damon had stopped breathing. Everyone caught their breath. The group watched. Finally they saw his chest rise then fall. His skin seemed less pale now than it was when she first gave him the elixir.

  “Well, he’s been out for thirty minutes,” Mathias said. “Give him a shake, Riley.”

  Riley reluctantly hoisted his weapon, stepped forward and reached down to shake Damon. Droplets of sweat beaded on his forehead. He was less sure the cure was going to work. When Damon didn’t open his eyes, he shook harder.

  “Damon, wake up!” Chloe slapped him across the face.

  “I’m awake. You didn’t have to hit me,” Damon rasped. “I think I need a drink.”

  Damon cracked his eyes open, and immediately everyone jumped back. Mathias held his pistol slightly raised. Each of them looked like they had seen a ghost.

  “What the hell are all of you staring at?” he asked as he pulled himself up to a sitting position. He needed a little help from Victoria.

  “Your eyes. They’re yellow,” Victoria whispered in awe.

  “Yellow?”

  The four of them nodded. “How do you feel?” Riley asked. Damon noticed he was standing a little farther away than the others.

  Damon shrugged, winching a little. “A little sore, a little weak. But the dizziness and racing heart are gone.”

  “It worked.” Chloe jumped to her feet. “I told you it would.”

  “Let’s not get carried away. We’ll take him to the safe zone, but not a word to anyone but Dr. Brunson and Nikoli,” Victoria ordered. She couldn’t hide her optimism.

  Chloe gave Damon a huge hug, despite Mathias’ attempt to intervene. “I love you.”

  Damon smiled. “I love you too. Now let’s go home.”

  “What in the hell did I miss?” a voice grumbled from the entry way.

  The five of them snapped their heads to see Harper hunched over, holding his chest. His stone cold face showed a glimmer of pain with each breath.

  “Harper, you’re alright!” Chloe shouted and ran at the big man.

  Harper held out the hand that wasn’t holding his chest to slow her down. “You could say that. But take it easy kid, that thing did a number on me.” He paused for a second, taking in the scene. “So what’s going on here?” He covered the distance slowly and just as he got within arm’s length of Damon, light hit his face. Harper shrank back. “What the fuck happened to your shoulder?”

  “Don’t freak out,” Chloe held her hands up when she saw him reach for his pistol.

  “That’s a bite, Chloe,” he grumbled, his voice filled with distaste.

  The four of them all started talking at once, but stopped when Damon spoke. “It’s a long story. We’ll fill you in on the way home.” He cracked a weak smile as Mathias pulled him up off the ground by his good arm.

  As they walked out of the hotel into the sunlight Harper caught sight of Damon’s eyes. “What the fuck’s wrong with your eyes?”

  “It’s all part of the story,” answered Damon. “I’m sure Riley will fill you in shortly.”

  It was an intense ride home. Damon felt like a ticking time bomb sitting in the back seat of the Toyota. Harper and Riley rode on each side of him. Chloe was crammed in the back while Victoria drove and Mathias sat shotgun.

  Riley dramatically regaled the story of the battle with Dr. Dellinger and Damon’s infection. Chloe elaborated on how it was her who recognized the antidote and convinced Damon to take it, despite him being dead set on being put out of his misery.

  “I just hope it works,” Harper breathed. The big marine put a hand over his chest as pain shot through it.

  “You OK, big man?” asked Riley from Damon’s left.

  Harper nodded. “Bastard got me good. I’m pretty sure I have some broken ribs.”

  “You sure you’re not just butt hurt from not being the one that killed Dr. Dreadful?” Riley joked.

  “Not in the mood,” he grumbled.

  At the hospital the van pulled into the ambulance bay. The ER doors swung open, and they ushered Damon inside. Harper ignored the pain in his chest to help Damon get on the gurney while Victoria set off to find Dr. Brunson. It wasn’t long before she returned with the doctor and explained the unusual situation without divulging too much information.

  “My God.” Dr. Brunson was speechless when looking at Damon’s eyes. “Well, I have never seen that before, I can tell you that right now. How are you feeling?”

  “Fine. My shoulder hurts a little.” More than a little. Damon didn’t want to complain. All he wanted was for time to pass quickly. There was no other way to see if he would turn or not.

  “Well, we’ll get you checked out, but only time will tell if the antidote worked.”

  “Thanks, Doc.”

  Dr. Brunson flashed a smile on her sweet face, but Victoria could tell she was hesitant on giving a prognosis.

  “I’ll stay with ya, D,” Riley said. “And I’ll make sure to find you some pink bandages.”

  Harper slapped the mechanic on the good shoulder and smiled wide. “See you later, brother.”

  “You sure you don’t want looked over?” Dr. Brunson asked kindly. “You look like you took a beating.”

  “I’ll be fine, just take good care of him.”

  Damon sighed and pressed his head against the white cotton pillow. He let his new eyes close. At least his family was safe once more.

  chapter 26

  Two months had passed since Damon was bitten and treated with the antidote Dr. Dellinger created to cure the zombie virus. It remained a mystery as to whether or not that was his true intent, but to Damon and everyone else’s relief, it worked. He had no residual symptoms, aside from a gnarly scar and electric yellow eyes, which had faded to a deep golden hue.

  With his health intact, Damon was able to fulfill his promise to Victoria and take her hand in marriage. The day had finally come. Victoria wanted to have the ceremony as far away from the apocalypse as possible, choosing a quiet area away from the compound where the creek met the mountainside.

  “Do I really have to wear this?” Damon asked as he tugged against the itchy cotton shirt.

  Chloe popped her hip out to the side, and her satin purple dress wavered with her movements. “Of course you do. Plus you look good.”

  Damon analyzed himself in the mirror, tugging at the black suit, then massaged his shaven face. “I guess I do.”

  “Alright, now get over there. Victoria is gonna come stomping around here wondering what’s takin’ you so long.”

  “You’re so pushy.”

  Chloe cracked a big smile and waltzed out of Damon’s bedroom.

  The ceremony was short and sweet. Chloe was the maid of honor while Liz and Kya served as bridesmaids. Riley, Harper, and Mathias stood proudly next to Damon. Chloe cheered as Boomer lumbered down the aisle with a frilly pillow attached to his collar. Victoria and Damon wrote their own vows, despite Damon’s attempt to get out of it, explaining to Chloe and Victoria that he wasn’t good at the mushy stuff. He wasn’t met with any sympathy and ended up doing as he was told.

  Chirping birds and a rushing stream served as music while guests waited for the two to exchange vows. Green leaves rustled with a gentle breeze.

  “Victoria,” he started, “I can’t explain how lucky I feel right now. I never could have imagined finding love again, but then I found you and you made it all so eas
y. I promise to always be there for you, to protect you-if you ever need protecting.” Victoria laughed through her tears as Damon continued, “And most of all, I promise to love you with everything I have.”

  Victoria wiped tears with a white tissue. The two exchanged rings and the officiant told Damon he could kiss his bride. Cheers erupted from the small crowd. After many congratulations and hugs were exchanged, everyone started making their way to the fire station for the reception.

  The interior of the brick building was streamed with white tulle and evergreen. Long tables were draped in white and had water filled glass vases set in the center. Lit candles floated lazily in the water with flames flickering. In the back there was a place set aside for the dance floor.

  The meal was consisted of seasoned rice and dehydrated meat, which was the usual meal for them, and Damon was fine with that. In fact, he could not have been happier. He wasn’t a zombie, Chloe was happy, and Harper had made a speedy recovery. With Hagerty and Dr. Dellinger gone, the community was able to move on, grow and survive.

  “Throw the damn garter!” he heard Riley shout.

  The marine was in the middle of the dance floor with Harper and a few other men, but he was obviously more excited.

  “You are too excited about this,” Damon laughed.

  “Whatever man, I just happen to like this part.”

  “I like the bouquet toss,” Chloe said, shifting her dress again. She was definitely ready to get back into her jeans.

  Victoria sat comfortably on a steel chair while she propped her leg up on Damon’s shoulder. The crowd cheered as he pulled the white and blue garter down her calf with his teeth. Damon gave her a quick kiss then stood ready to throw. Riley jumped like a basketball star, he felt the frilly material touch his fingertips but bounce out of reach. The white and blue band landed lightly on Harper’s thick shoulder, and the big marine clasped his hand over it, waving it at Riley. He couldn’t hold back a deep laugh, which became infectious. Riley flipped him the bird, and he walked away with a grin.

  The wedding reception went on without a hitch, with the warm summer breeze continuing on throughout the night. When Damon and Victoria finally retired for the evening, he was practically out before his head hit the pillow. He was still in his itchy cotton shirt and dress pants, but had managed to kick off his shiny black shoes. Victoria smiled as she slipped out of her dress; their relationship had been consummated a long time ago, and she was exhausted. She gently slid into the soft bed. As she drifted off next to him, she thought that life couldn’t get any better. It had only taken an apocalypse for her to find love.

  chapter 27

  There was no tropical honeymoon for the newlyweds. Life in the safe zone continued on under the summer sun. Bulbous white clouds dotted the sky as Damon and Victoria strolled the perimeter of the compound. He indolently leaned over to grab a stick out of the tall grass and threw it for Boomer. The bloodhound bounded after it with a loud and happy bark. Damon was about pick up the piece of wood again when his walkie went off.

  “Go,” he said into the little black box.

  Riley’s voice came over the speaker. “Damon, you gotta come down here.” By here, he meant to the gate.

  “What’s going on?” Damon wasn’t exactly sure if he really wanted to know the answer. He was starting to enjoy the quiet life. The routine supply runs provided all the excitement he needed.

  There was static. “Just get over here. We got some visitors.”

  Damon groaned and glanced sidelong at Victoria. “What now?”

  When they arrived at the gate, Damon let out another groan. He was looking at a group of people dressed in velvet robes of purple, red and gold.

  “What fresh hell is this?” Damon asked to the sky.

  Riley shot him an angled eyebrow. “They say they’re here to save us.”

  Harper was standing cross armed with a rifle resting threateningly at his hip. He remained silent with an exasperated look on his face; he couldn’t help the fact he thought the whole thing was absurd.

  Damon approached the fence. He thought back to the story Chloe had told a year ago about a religious group that caused the downfall of another settlement. He couldn’t be sure these were the same people, but he had a feeling. It wasn’t a risk he was willing to take. He had taken enough.

  “Let the power of Jesus Christ heal your people,” a sharp voice announced from under the purple velvet hood.

  “OK,OK. We don’t need saving. Now please continue on your way. I’m sure you can find some squirrels out there that need saving or some shit.”

  The man continued, “Please hear our wo-“

  Damon held up his hands. “Nah, we’ve heard enough. Just go.”

  Two women began chanting from behind their leader.

  The sound of the group’s impromptu service and banging on the gate had drawn the attention of some overly decomposed zombies. Riley pointed at them. “Hey there’s some guys you can help.”

  The leader snapped his head around, rustling his purple hood. “Let us in at once,” he ordered.

  “Pretty big man, ordering us around from out there,” Riley said smartly, his blue eyes glinted as he stared.

  “They may be slow, but they’ll catch up to ya. Believe me,” Damon reassured.

  The group looked at each other under their hoods. Their voices were hushed, but it was obvious to Damon that they knew what the zombies were capable of. After another minute, they quietly disbursed.

  “Those people were weird, huh?” Riley asked Damon and Harper. “You think those were the people Chloe was talking about?”

  Damon shrugged. “I don’t know, but hopefully that’s the last we hear of them.”

  “I will talk to Mathias about adding a guard for the next few weeks,” Harper offered, not wanting to take a risk.

  “Sounds like a good idea.” Damon watched the group walk briskly down the interstate. He didn’t know how long he stood there, but he waited until he saw them disappear on the horizon.

  The summer nights were getting warmer with the sun taking longer to set. Damon was sitting with Victoria, Riley, Harper, and Mathias in the backyard of their home. They were talking about how few zombie sightings there had been when Chloe burst through the back door.

  “Hey Damon, there’s a guy down at the gate saying he’s pretty sure he knew your cousin.”

  Damon rocked in his chair, his face slapped with confusion. “Wait…what?”

  “I’m serious. Come see. He’s on horseback. He’s got a letter with him and won’t give it to anyone but you.”

  “Well, I guess we gotta go see what’s up,” Riley said.

  “I’m intrigued,” Victoria added, getting up from her chair.

  “Us too,” Mathias and Harper rumbled together.

  “Come on, he’s waiting,” Chloe urged.

  “Alright, alright. I’m just taken aback, but let’s go,” Damon said as he got up from his chair.

  When the six of them arrived at the gate, they saw a man dressed in a brown poncho atop a brown horse with a black mane. There were four saddle bags, two on each side of the horse’s back. Damon could tell the man was of Asian descent and his black hair was overgrown, otherwise he was a mystery. His eyes darted back and forth, and occasionally swiveled around on the horse to check for zombies. It was clear he was well aware of his surroundings.

  “What can we do for you?” Damon asked awkwardly.

  “Are you Damon Marshall?” his accented voice was low but direct.

  “Maybe.”

  “I take that as a yes. I have a letter for you. It’s from Cole Brannen.”

  Damon froze. Cole. That was his cousin’s name, his cousin that lived in Virginia. “Open the gate,” he ordered in an instant.

  “Damon,” Harper grumbled, not wanting to remind him of the last person they had a disagreement on.

  “Let him in.” Damon went to open the gate.

  Harper watched as the man led the mare through the chain-link.
He nimbly climbed down from the saddle. Harper squeezed his rifle a little harder when he reached into one of the saddle bags. He relaxed when he saw the man pull out a yellowed envelope with Damon’s name scribbled on it.

  “Where are you from?”

  “The Liberty Island Settlement in New York,” he said simply. “May I rest here for a couple days?”

  Victoria answered for them, “Of course you can. It must have been a long journey.”

  “A long journey indeed,” he replied, his voice hardly above a whisper. He heard the big man groan.

  Damon hesitated, but then nodded. He took the letter out of his hand. “Guys, will you show him to the fire station.” He wanted to read it by himself. He found a curb and let himself sink down. He broke the sill of the envelope and pulled out a handwritten letter on lined paper, like it was taken from a school notebook. Damon sat down on the curb, the hot air hanging on his skin.

  ‘Dear Damon,

  I hope this letter finds its way to you. I heard you had a settlement, and I hope it’s true. Whatever is happening is terrible, but I’m sure you know that by now. Can you believe we lived to see something like this? All those times we spent playing cops and robbers, only to find out we would be playing humans and zombies. I made it to the Statue of Liberty. Survivors made a settlement here. The island was free from infection…’

  The letter went on to explain how his cousin came to be at the island. The most heartbreaking part of the letter came at the end, and Damon wasn’t ready for it.

  ‘…I was injured, my lung was punctured the doctors say. I will be dead soon. I write this letter so you know there are others out there. There are good people out there. Stay safe and survive.

  Sincerely,

  Cole’

  Damon’s heart slammed into the concrete about the time he lost his breath. His cousin, another blood relative, had survived the initial outbreak, only to be mortally wounded when escaping the undead. It wasn’t fair. But he learned about another settlement, which meant more survivors, and not vile excuses like Hagerty and his men. Damon rose from the ground and sprinted to the fire station. The others needed to know, and he needed to write a letter. He ran down the dark street knowing mankind would survive.