After The End

Chapter XIII

Ronny marched with Omar and his people. By now they had chased their enemy to the northern side of the island. They had made it to the village Jackson had set up in. It was here where Omar stopped following the Mount Vernon troops. Omar watched as the troops disappeared into the forest. Omar then looked back to his group. Confidence surfaced from deep within him as he screamed, "This island is ours! No one can take it from us! If they wanna try to, they will be killed! Our homes! Our land"! It was now when the crowd erupted into cheers and screams. Ronny, however, was not cheering. He watched as everyone around him celebrated their victory. Ronny spotted another person who also was not celebrating. It was Thomas, who was at the other end of the crowd. Both Ronny and Thomas navigated through the crowd until they both were at the other end of the village, far away from Omar and his followers. Thomas said, "What do we do, Ronny"? Ronny said, "As much as I hate to say it, we have to stay here for a bit. I was told that one of my people are out here. I need to make sure he isn't killed. I need to find him. Once I talk to him, I'll figure out a plan". Thomas said, "Ronny, we can't wait that long. If Mount Vernon attacked us back at camp, they'll certainly attack us now. Besides, you and I have no food. I know sure as hell, I'm not eating goddamn human again". Ronny said, "Then what do you suggest we do"? Thomas said, "You told me you have people at Mount Vernon? Maybe if we go to Mount Vernon, they'll let us in. You can tell them of your connection". Ronny sighed as he said, "Mount Vernon isn't the answer. I was told my people are broken. Besides, they don't seem like the type to accept the enemy alive". Frustrated, Thomas hit the side of a building. He immediately regretted his decision as his hand grew red as he was in pain. Ronny said, "Serves you right for making a stupid decision. However, like I said our best choice is to wait for my friend Nick to show up". Thomas didn't bother to argue as the two watched Omar socialize with the group. Suddenly, Omar and Ronny made eye contact as Omar made his way over to him. 

Omar said, "So Ronny, why are you still here? Why are you still with my group if we're monsters to you"? Ronny ignored the question and said, "Why did you stop chasing those people"? Omar was like Ronny as he wanted information just as badly as Ronny did. Omar said, "Who's side are you really on"? Ronny couldn't speak. As he tried to talk nothing came out, it was as if Omar's words created a barrier that Ronny couldn't penetrate. Omar said, "I know your people are at Mount Vernon. I also know I killed your friend. What will you do if I kill another"? Omar then looked at Thomas and grabbed him. He then aimed his gun at Thomas's head, "What would you do if I pulled the trigger"? Ronny tried to take a step forward, however, Omar jerked back and pulled Thomas with him as he said, "One more step and I will pull the trigger". Ronny stood still as he watched Omar and Thomas. Omar then said, "You never answered my question. What would you do if I killed another person you cared about"? Ronny took a deep breath. He was trembling as he began to doubt what he should say. Finally, Ronny spoke, "Well if it were now and you killed Thomas, I wouldn't do anything. I couldn't do anything. However, I would find the right time and the right place to kill you. Now if you wanna talk about anyone at Mount Vernon, I'm sure the whole time were there, there'll be bullets flying every which way. Perhaps a stray one will get you. So if you wanna kill Thomas, go right ahead. But remember, I'll be on you ready for the right moment to kill you". Thomas looked fearful as he believed Omar would kill him. Omar looked at Ronny as he thought about his next action, however, after a moment Omar began to laugh. He let go of Thomas as he said, "Now that's what I wanted to hear. A man with no fear and no idea how ignorant he actually is. Well, goodnight you two". However, before Omar could walk away, Ronny said, "I answered your question, now you answer mine. Why did we stop chasing those men". Omar said, "They're waiting for us at the bridge. They're leading us into a trap. We wanted to take back this village. Now we wait to strike, we wait for the perfect time and place". Omar began to chuckle as he said, "Does that sound familiar"? Omar then walked away. As Ronny watched him walk away, he noticed that Jackson was nearby and had watched the entire encounter. Jackson, as always, looked serious almost angry. When Ronny and Jackson made eye contact, Jackson walked away. Thomas coughed as he could now breathe normally as he said, "Ronny. We need to leave. That was almost my death. If he's willing to kill me to prove a point, I'm sure he'll do the same with you. We can't stay here anymore". Ronny said, "Let's just stay until late tonight when everyone's asleep. We can look for Nick and if we don't find him. I guess we can head to Mount Vernon".

Meanwhile, at Mount Vernon, Gavin and Tyler were sitting in Tyler's office. They had just heard the news that the Islanders didn't fall for their trap. Gavin said, "I hope we have a plan B". Tyler said, "I wouldn't be a respected military officer if I didn't provide backups. If they're still on the northern part of the island, that can work to our benefit. Our men are waiting along the coastline on the island waiting for orders". Tyler stopped talking abruptly. Gavin said, "What are the orders"? Tyler smiled as he said, "Gavin, it's time you show me what you're capable of. I'm in no condition to be out in the field of battle. Not with this wound. I'm giving you authority to order the squat in any way you see fit. However, remember when you attack, leave Omar, Jackson, and Ronny alive. Their knowledge is valuable to us. Now go out there and end this". As Gavin walked outside, he felt refreshed as he realized how much power he had. He was in charge of the majority of the military officers at Mount Vernon. This was a leadership role he hadn't felt since he was the leader of the group in Seattle. Before he left for the island, Gavin first made a stop at Grace's house. She was sitting in a chair on her front porch. In her arms was Albee. As Gavin approached the two, he could hear Albee giggling as he enjoyed the warm day that contrasts the cold autumn season. Grace said, "Hey you, what are you up to today"? They kissed as Gavin said, "Oh, just doing some errands for Tyler. He wants me to go with the group to the island". Grace's face portrayed panic. She said, "Please, be careful. I need you. And you're no good to me dead". Gavin chuckled as he said, "I'm sure it'll be a quick in and out. I'll be fine". He then looked at Albee and said in a giggly tone, "Isn't that right"? Gavin began to play with Albee's hands and feet. Albee laughed as Gavin continued. After a few more moments, Gavin got up and headed off to the west wall. Waiting for him was a small group to escort him to his troops. 

After walking some miles, he approached the bridge that led to the island. He could see his men waiting for him on the other side. However, as he got closer, he realized just how many troops he had. There had to have been hundreds of men waiting around. It was many more than Gavin had anticipated and it shocked him. However, he collected himself as he got off the bridge and approached the men. By now they had all heard that Gavin would be in charge because as he approached, they all formed in line and stood stiffly. Gavin said, "We all know what we're about to face. These people here know the land better than us. However, we have something they don't -- knowledge. We know their tactics, we came prepared for a battle that we're gonna win. Now everyone get some rest. We're attacking tonight when they least expect it". Everyone, in unison, said, "Sir yes sir". They then began to do what they had been doing before. Gavin watched them as he thought about Ronny and how it would take everything within him not to kill him.

Elsewhere, Xavier and Sarah had been hiding near Mount Vernon since they were forced to flee after what Tyler did. Xavier said, "Sarah, I'm telling you, I saw Gavin lead the city. He's going to attack Ronny and the people he's with. We need to go find him before it's too late". Sarah sighed, "Fine but how are we gonna get to Ronny before Gavin attacks"? Xavier said, "Well knowing Gavin, he's gonna wait until tonight to attack. So that gives us some time to get to Ronny and warn him. But we have to leave now". Sarah stood up as the two walked to the shoreline and followed it to the bridge. Just making it to the bridge took quite some time as Sarah still wasn't in her peak physical form as she still tried to adjust to one-dimensional vision. Once they were on the bridge, they saw the military was set up not too far from the other end. Sarah said, "So now what do we do"? Xavier said, "Well there's no other way. We have to cross". Xavier looked up at the sky to see the beautiful colors of orange and red. He said, "It's getting late. We have to go now if we'll make it to him on time". They both crouched on the bridge as they crept along. They made sure they were undetected as if they were spotted they would die. As they approached the other end of the bridge, Xavier noticed massive boulders were near the bridge. The boulders were also not too far away from the forest. This was their only chance of making it undetected. Once they made it to the end of the bridge, Xavier observed the military force. He couldn't find Gavin, however, he noticed most were asleep or playing cards. So, together, Xavier and Sarah ran behind the boulder and then into the forest. Once in the forest, they paused to catch their breath as they felt the pressure of not being caught suddenly vanish. They slowly walked deeper into the forest. As they walked they heard the crunching of leaves. Xavier was alert as he took out his gun. the crunches grew louder as they both stopped moving. Suddenly, Xavier heard the click of a gun as he heard someone say, "Drop the gun". Xavier knew it was Mount Vernon. He dropped the gun as he accepted defeat. "Turn around," the person said. Xavier did as demanded to see that in the person's grasp was Sarah. The gun was pointed to her temple. However, before the person could make any more demands, he looked at Xavier. Xavier looked at him. It was Nick.