Eden's Gate

Chapter 9 - Boomer's Jealous

The bright sunlight woke me up. I saw Skylar sat by the bank, fishing. I stood up, splashing some water on my face before I walked up to her.

"Morning Skylar, any fish biting yet?" I asked, sitting beside her. She turned and smiled.

"Morning Rook. Nothing just yet. Remember last night when I told you about The Admiral, the 200-year-old fish? I had a thought that it might be easier if we caught it together. Even if we split the cash 50/50, it's still enough for me and my boyfriend Dylan... So, you in?"

"Of course. I just need to check on something. How about I radio you when I'm free. Where should we meet?" I liked taking a minute to relax, but I need to deal with other things first.

"I'll meet you at the Clagett Boathouse and we'll get after The Admiral. Get ready for a fight though, 'cause that motherfucker? He's got some serious teeth." I nodded as Boomer and I walked through the forest. I loved relaxing after the constant battles I'd been fighting, but I knew I couldn't just ignore taking down Eden's Gate forever. The longer I waited, the worse it would become. As we made it to a road, I shot two Peggies, driving a quad bike. Hopping on the bike, we made our way towards the lumber mill. As we drove, the sides of the road were littered with bodies strung up, bags over their heads and the words SINNER painted next to them. I felt sick. These people were being treated inhumanely, killing and displaying them for fun. I spotted two posters stuck on trees and boards, one for Eli Palmer and the other for Jess Black. I looked around spotting an outpost as I drove. I pulled up and scoped the place out. As always, Peggies littered the place, guarding the lodge and the surroundings. Speakers blasted Joseph Seed's words throughout the grounds. I grated my teeth together at his voice. I sent Boomer in to take out two of the Peggies whilst I aimed at another two. Firing two bullets flying towards them, I ran to a different cover, just as they looked over. They gathered towards where I had previously hidden. Taking out a grenade, I removed the pin and threw it at them, killing every Peggie stood there with one explosion. I grabbed my pistol and shot the last few Peggies inside the lodge as they ran outside. I checked around the lodge for supplies and ammunition as I called the Resistance, informing them that the Elk Jaw Lodge was cleared and liberated. Soon members of the Resistance came and helped clear out the lodge of Eden's Gate Propaganda and bodies.

I looked at my arm and leg since I'd been in the Bliss, neither had hurt when I fought. Removing the bandages, my eyes widened. My gunshot wounds were healed, no scars or any indication of any injury ever being there. My mind tried to process this new information and come up with a logical explanation, but I was failing. I didn't know how it had healed so quickly or so cleanly. It just had. I pulled my sleeves and trouser leg down before walking around the outpost, looking for anyone I could help. People began to shout, and guns fired. I ran to see what was happening. A white wolf with a red cross on its face was growling at us, teeth bared and hunched down, ready to pounce.

A Judge. One of Jacob's wolves. I raised my pistol and joined in, firing at the Judge. It turned around and ran back into the woods. I ran after it.

Even if it's just an animal, wolves are intelligent creatures. It could lead Jacob right to these people. I need to put it down. I ran after the wolf, Boomer following close behind me. I raised my gun up and fired at the wolves back left leg. It whimpered as it collapsed to the ground. I ran up to it, keeping Boomer behind me at a safe distance. I slowly approached, keeping a safe distance away from it. Wild animals are dangerous when injured. They will attack if I get too close. I need to be careful. The wolf looked at me, growling lightly in warning. It tried to stand up, only collapsing and whimpering in pain. It looked at me again, I felt guilt filling me.

It wasn't the wolf's fault it's like this. It's Jacob's. He's abused them and conditioned them into being like this. I... I can't just kill it. No matter how much I tried to build up the resolve to kill the Judge, I just couldn't. I must be crazy.