by Roman Shepp
He strode outside and grabbed some fresh fruit, crunching into a juicy apple. He wiped his chin as he enjoyed the sweet taste in his mouth, then wandered over to the school. Although there had been a recent influx of children, there always had been children in the community. Some people even had been born and raised here over the years. Some had left as well, wanting to experience the world. Those people were fools. Matthias' generation was a little wiser than the previous one. There were more resources to show people the true nature of the world, and it led to a lot of people arriving, like Matthias. This was in addition to the people who had fled to the city, uncertain of their place in the world in these troubled times. They all had been brought here by the current of destiny, for this was the center of the new world.
The school was basically a small area of the field that had been cordoned off for the children. A tarp had been raised to provide shelter, and a haphazard assortment of rudimentary tables and chairs were lined up facing the teacher, a young woman named Charlotte. She was one of the people who had known nothing but this life, and like many others she had become frustrated with the direction of the community before Hugo had taken over. The children were rapt. There were about twenty in all, although she knew there were some even younger ones who weren't quite ready for school yet. All of them stared wide-eyed at Charlotte as she told them more about Hugo's philosophy.
“The world was different than you know it to be now, and different from the one that you're going to grow up in. People have been blind for too long. They thought that the purpose of life was to amass wealth and material things, always trying to get bigger and better things, but that only leaves you empty. There is no meaning in accumulating possessions. What matters is the feelings inside your heart, the connections you make with other people, but those others have been blind for so long that they need reminding. That is what Hugo is trying to do. You children are lucky because you never have had to suffer the reality of living in the city. I was sent there for a few months so I could better understand our mission, and I was glad it was only for a few months. My parents lived it for years, and I don't know how they could withstand it. They saw the light, though, just like your parents did.
“Can you imagine that people used to spend most of their days working jobs they did not like? Instead of nurturing their soul and pursuing their own interests they sat at desks and tapped numbers into a computer. Never did they create anything. Their work amounted to nothing, and yet they gave so much of their lives. People had to pay to live, and it meant that, really, they hardly lived at all. There was no joy anywhere. They were stripped of everything that made them human. Hugo has made it our mission to make sure that never happens again. If the world goes back to the way it was then, you may be forced to give up this life and work a dreary job for the rest of your days, always worried about having to pay the bills and making sure you get to work on time. Never will you be able to do anything for yourself.
“It's no wonder the world ended, but it's surprising we ever let it get to that stage in the first place. We must remain vigilant and ensure this kind of thing never happens again. I cannot stress enough how fortunate you are that you have escaped that fate and have been brought here, but so many other children haven't been. They still think the only way to live is to grind away at life. So, we have to go out into the city and show them they are wrong. They may not like what we have to say at first because they're so used to believing something different, but we know this is the right way, and eventually they will come around. People will be free to pursue their own happiness. Everyone will be free. Doesn't that sound like a much better world than the one that came before?”
All the kids nodded vehemently, and Charlotte smiled widely. Matthias beamed with pride as well. He couldn't wait until it all came to fruition, for it was going to be glorious.
Two arms slipped around his waist and long, dark hair fell upon his neck and shoulders. He turned to kiss her on the lips. Natasha only had grown more beautiful the longer she had spent in this community. One of the new arrivals who had fled from the city, Natasha and Matthias had felt sparks instantly. She was a strong woman, with a slender body and, although she was older than Matthias, she still had plenty of energy. Her skin was tight, and she had curves in all the right places. Her body had not been ravaged even though she had had two kids, who both were sitting in the class right now.
“It's so good to see them so passionate,” she said.
“I know,” Matthias replied, placing his hand upon hers. He lifted one of her hands to his lips and kissed it. She smiled and leaned her head on his shoulder.
“I can't remember the last time they were so intent on anything that wasn't a phone or an iPad. It's really amazing what this place can do.”
“It's just changing the way we think. We all fell into the same traps, but now we've seen the light and we're free. Soon we'll show others as well and rally them to our cause.”
“They'll all want to join us. People are crying out for some direction. I can't believe how far we've come. There was a point when I didn't think I'd be able to keep Frank Jr. and John alive. Those first few nights were so scary.”
“You don't have to think about them anymore,” Matthias said tenderly.
“No, I do, because they showed me my true nature. I'm a changed woman, Matthias. You've helped me see that. I know so far I've been holding back a little bit, and I'm sorry for that, but it's hard when you've been spurned for so long.”
“Whoever your husband was, he didn't deserve you. If he couldn't see your glory, then he was blind, and it's better that you have been led to me,” he said, taking his eyes away from the children to focus on her. He spoke with passionate zeal, and searched her blue eyes, finding the same passion returned.
“It is, but I want to tell you of my past, to show you how much I've changed and what effect this place...and you...have had on me.”
Matthias inclined his head. “Then let us walk,” he said, and they strolled around the outskirts of the camp, entering the forest, where they were shaded by trees. Birds sang, and the world was entirely peaceful. In some ways it almost was a shame that they would have to leave this place, but the good of the world demanded it.
“I want you to know that nothing you say will change my opinion of you. As far as I am concerned that life does not matter anymore. The person you were is as different to you now as a caterpillar is to a butterfly.”
Natasha blushed. “It's been so long since anyone has spoken to me as sweetly as you. For so long I was in a toxic relationship with a politician. I thought it was a good marriage. When I first met him, I was blinded by his charm and all his promises of a good future together, but soon after we married I quickly realized they were empty promises. He gave me the things I wanted, like children and a good home, but it was never the same as I had imagined. He was absent, and I don't think he ever truly loved me. He just wanted me so that people would think he was a good family man. I suppose that was when I started to realize just how empty life was. For all the comforts I had I wasn't happy, and even when I bought myself new things it didn't change anything. The boys brought me happiness, but it was always bittersweet because I knew how different life could be if Frank just tried. That's all I asked really, just some effort. There were moments when I thought he was going to change, but then he fell into the same old habits.
“I was upset about it at first. It almost killed me when I found out about the first affair. Do you know what he told me? As I was on my knees in tears, he told me to stop being so childish, like I was somehow out of line for expecting him to be faithful to me. I looked down at my wedding ring and I knew just how hollow the world really was. It was built on lies and deception. I started to look at my friends and realized they were in the same position. It just seemed so silly. The vows I had made, the promises that had been made to me, were for nothing. Frank had built his career on this image and everyone believed him.”
“Why did you not reveal the trut
h?”
“I suppose I should have, but at the time I was scared. Frank was connected, and I didn't know what would happen to me. I was just his wife. I had no job of my own. I was afraid he'd take the kids too, and the last thing I wanted was for them to turn out like him, or even to be raised by another woman. You should have seen the woman he was cheating on me with, well, the main one anyway. She worked for him. He thought he was so smart, covering it up, but I saw the messages she sent him. Young and pretty and ambitious, that's what he liked. I was the one who gave him a home and a family. I was the one who raised his children and had to make excuses about why he was going to miss their birthday parties or the ball game, and did I once get a thank you? No.”
Natasha paused to take a breath. “Part of me was glad when the world went dark. It gave me a chance to escape. As soon as it happened I realized how toxic Frank had been to my life, although I wasn't sure if I could make it alone. For so long my life revolved around him, and it's a miracle that I managed to make it to this place intact. But since I've been here I've learned so much about myself. You've all shown me so much.”
“No, Natasha, you had it in you all along. There are different types of strength. You endured unhappiness for a long time, but you did not get swallowed up by the bitterness. You chose to stick by your children because you knew that if you didn't they would be lost to the modern world too. Your husband never was your husband, not really, he was just the man who gave you a home and a life. For too long you have been unappreciated, and I will make it my personal mission to make up for those lost years.” Before she could say anything, Matthias planted his lips upon hers, pressing them fiercely against her. Whenever he was around her Matthias was filled with an overwhelming passion, and he did not understand how any man looking at her could desire anyone else.
“I will never let anything like that happen to you again. You have found your place. You always were meant to be here. Your eyes have been opened now. Never let them be closed again.”
“I still can't believe you're real,” she said, stroking his torso. He slipped his arms around the small of her back and pulled her into him again. They kissed deeply, and he groaned with pleasure at the taste of her lips.
“Being with you made me realize how long it's been since I've felt truly alive.”
Matthias caressed her cheek with the back of his hand, brushing away some loose strands of dark hair. Natasha was everything he wanted in a woman. Even the kids were great, and at that age where they were malleable enough to learn new things. A new world required new ways of living, and Matthias was glad he didn't have to go through it alone.
“Being here has given me clarity,” Natasha continued. “I only wish I had seen it sooner, so I didn't have to waste so much of my life. It's like I always had these feelings inside me, but I didn't know what they truly meant until they were spoken by Hugo.”
“He is a great man, and he has done the same for many others. I remember feeling the same when I first met him. Finally, a man who understood what I was thinking. The most glorious day was when he took control of this community. That was the true beginning, and I feel honored to have been a part of it.”
“He reminds me of Frank in a way, in that he has the ability to capture people's attention. I know he never would do the things that Frank did, though.”
“No, Hugo is an honorable man and I am proud to stand by his side. He even promised me I would be a king like him when we reforge the world.”
“I am so pleased for you, Matthias, although I am not surprised. It is only right that you should be recognized for all your efforts. You are just as great a man as him.”
“I do not know about that. Perhaps in some ways, maybe not in others.”
They continued walking for a few moments more. A soft breeze rippled through the trees, making the leaves stir. Natasha rolled her lower lip under her teeth and looked around to ensure that nobody else was within earshot.
“When are you going to make your move?” she asked. Matthias' lips curled into a small smile.
“What makes you think I have any move to make? I am incredibly loyal to Hugo.”
“I've only ever been attracted to ambitious men, Matthias. I may have changed, but I haven't changed that much,” she said dryly.
“I believe in Hugo and what he's accomplishing. As for the future, well, who can say?”
“You know I'll support you in whatever you do. It's the message that's important, not the man leading it. All leaders must step down at some point. Otherwise, they become corrupt and vain. I do not want to speak ill of Hugo, but often it is inevitable. I know you, Matthias. I know you have a great mind and are every bit Hugo’s equal. You could lead this community just as well as him, perhaps even better. You have the respect of everyone.”
“Perhaps, perhaps,” Matthias said coyly. “There is plenty of time for the future to unfold. Patience is a virtue. If I do have my own ambitions, I will let you know, of course. However, I believe in Hugo and I stand firmly by his side.”
Natasha nodded. They held hands as they walked, and Matthias pondered her words. He always had dreamed of leading men someday. Ever since he was young he knew there was something different about him, something special. He'd read that a lot of famous people often had the same feeling, and he was confident it would come in time. For now, he would learn from Hugo, but at least he knew he had Natasha by his side. Although he was a firm believer in self-reliance, it was refreshing to have someone else he could trust and rely upon.
“Tell me about yourself, Matthias. What was your life like before all this? Were you in love? Did you have a family?”
“My life before this doesn't matter. I was unhappy. I was fooled into pursuing dreams that were not my own. I don't like to think about those dark days. Although they helped me become the man I am today I would rather leave them behind. They hold nothing for me but a reminder of the things I do not wish to be a part of the world. I was like the masses, enthralled by a system that only wanted to shackle us. Ever since I have been freed I have not wanted to return to those thoughts. My eyes are turned toward the future, as is my heart and my mind.”
Matthias heard movement nearby. A scouting party had returned, looking troubled. The leader, Tom, nodded to him and Natasha.
“You look troubled, Tom,” Matthias said. “Have you found anything?”
“A mass of dead bodies,” he said. “It looks like they've been slaughtered. I was going to go to Hugo with it.”
“No need, I was just about to go see him myself. I will tell him for you,” he said, and listened as Tom gave him his full report.
“The thing is, Matthias, whoever did this looks like they're getting closer. We found a few sites and it looks as though they're coming for us.”
Tom looked frightened. Matthias was a little concerned, but he was confident in the ability of the community to defend itself.
“You did good work, Tom. You and the others should go get something to eat.” Tom looked grateful.
Matthias gave Natasha a parting kiss and went to the central tent where Hugo was sitting, basking in the glory of the world. Matthias relayed the information Tom had given him. Hugo tossed his head back and laughed loudly, rubbing his hands together with glee.
“It's finally happening, Matthias. Madness is coming to us. This is a test, one that we shall not fail, and once we have passed it will be time to move to the city.”
“You mean you welcome this killer?”
“Of course. What better way to test our mettle? We likely shall face far more dangerous things in the city.”
“Indeed,” Matthias said, although he wasn't entirely sure they should be courting danger.
“Yes, yes, it is all happening as I have foreseen. Soon we shall be ready, Matthias. Soon we shall walk to the city and make our true mark on the world.”
Matthias inclined his head and stood by the makeshift throne. He looked up at Hugo and thought about Natasha's words. Hugo had done so much. He was a
visionary. Without him none of this would have happened, but sometimes a leader was only there to complete one objective. When the world had been shown the right way, it may be time for someone else to take the lead, and Matthias was perfectly poised to be that man. It wasn't that he craved power, rather that he was assured and confident of his place in the world. He knew he was destined for greatness, and what could be greater than leading a new world? Yes, Hugo may have foreseen plenty of things, but he could not foresee Matthias' future. One day Matthias would stand tall and proud and everyone would bow down to him. Matthias already had killed one leader of the community. It wouldn't be a stretch to kill another. Hugo's bare neck seemed to stare at him. Enticing him. Seducing him.
Matthias blinked.
No. It was not time yet. There still was much that had to be done. But one day...one day.
Chapter Fourteen
Tony awoke with a start. His breath was haggard. Groot was nuzzling him. Tony raised his hand to his aching head and tried shaking away the stupor. His stomach grumbled, and his throat was raw, but he was alive. Then panic seized him as he looked beside him at Quentin. The huge man was lying on the floor, still breathing.
It was over. Tony hardly could believe it. He had won. Breathing heavily, he used the bat as a cane to support his weight. The pain flooded through him again. He was glad that one shot had been enough as he didn't think he had another in him.
“We did it, Groot. We saved everyone,” Tony said.
Before the man, who apparently was called Quentin, could wake up, Tony wanted to get out of there. Not wasting any time to gather up their supplies, he and Groot made their way up the slope to the exit of the bunker. The sun shone outside, and Tony was grateful at the thought of feeling fresh air upon his skin again. The time spent in the bunker seemed to have gone on for longer than it actually had, and he didn't know how the others had spent so much time down there.