NOTE: This book contains graphic violence, intense language, and gore. If this were a movie, it'd be Rated-R.
Chapter Six
THE NEW ENEMY
Only a day had passed since Michael, Nick, and the late Roman went to battle with the cunning enemy, Luke. Eventually they won, but they paid for their victory with many lives, one of them being Roman. After Michael successfully defeated Luke, word spread quickly to the other enemy armies of the defeated Luke, and not all the enemies in the towns of Fountain Hills and Fort McDowell would accept defeat. Defeat was something terrible even in their warped definition of good and bad.
The story continues on a new day, in the OConnell Colony.
"Just one day ago," O'Connell announced to a weary crowd of soldiers, I saw the bravest of you go to battle. He paused. You fought gallantly, and we thank those that died for fighting for this land. He looked at the sky, as if seeing Roman and the other fallen soldiers. Then he looked back at the crowd of kids. But, most importantly we thank two soldiers who were with us from the very beginning. Everyone smiled, knowing what was coming. They are Nick and Michael!
The crowd applauded and cheered, as if they were at a concert where a famous song had just ended, and Michael and Nick walked up towards OConnell, who was holding two large boxes.
For helping us, we give you these. OConnell finished, as he handed Michael and Nick rectangular boxes.
They opened them, and found inside well crafted, metal swords. Michael and Nick gladly took these real swords as a great gift, they were, after all, better than sticks. After that small ceremony of honor, kids in the colony began setting up tables and setting food on them. Then all of the kids feasted on what seemed like food to them, but they, being kids, were really eating nothing but junk foods. Potato chips and dip, small candy bars, and soda; things theyd been able to salvage from town after the adults had disappeared.
The day was going down and the evening was coming up, the Colony of OConnell evolved from a junk food feast to a party! Two large speakers were set up in the middle of the colony and then loud music began shooting out. The power couldnt be supplied by any electrical outlets any more because the power was out so the inhabitants dragged in three generators. They connected them to the speakers and the speakers connected to a player and then the music began. Most of the music played was rock. In the courtyard of the colony, a large crowd of dancing inhabitants began to grow. Michael came out of his little house and saw the party raging on. OConnell approached him with a bottle of soda.
Why arent you dancing? OConnell asked taking a sip of his drink.
Michael looked into the dancing crowd and replied, I dont think that this is a thing to be partying for.
Why not? OConnell asked.
We won one war and that is what we celebrate. Also, just like our past wars there will be more, for some reason, I think that. Michael finished.
Nick was partying himself to the death nearby. OConnell slowly began understanding what Michael was weakly describing.
If the war comes back, we will be ready. OConnell finished.
Nick heard the last words of OConnell and popped into their little conversation.
And before that war comes back, lets enjoy our selves shall we? Nick announced.
Nick didnt sound like himself; he sounded a bit hyper but had sense of drunkenness in his tone but no alcohol had been served that night. Michael ignored that and let the party go on for he knew that Nick was just having a good time.
Michael went back into his little house and laid down on his little cot provided by OConnell and tried to sleep but the music from outside was keeping him awake. OConnell did the same as Michael although he didnt go to sleep, he was thinking about several things. One of them was what would happen if the war did come back to the colony. Another one of those thoughts was OConnells lost sister, Sara. Would he ever find her in this mess?
After hours of partying for their victory most of the partiers passed out where they were at around 3:00 AM. Nick drizzled into sleep outside on a table as if he were a drunk that suddenly collapsed to the ground because of too much in take of beer. As Nick peacefully slept, someone had just crept out of the desert surround the colony and up to the gate on the outside. Whoever it was, the person was limping in the darkness as if injured by an animal. The person outside lost their balance and fell against the colony wall but they held themselves up weakly. The noise from the collision only made Nick roll over to one side. The person began making their way to the main gate. The person rattled the gate a bit expecting it to swing right open but it didnt. The person tried again and pushed the gate even harder making loud rumble. This time it was the racket that caused Nick to be awakened. He stood up but was still sitting on the table he passed out on. He pulled back his long hair from his eyes and yawned but as he did he saw blinds of shadows passing the walls.
Nick pulled his sword out and didnt speak a word until he found out if the person stumbling around the gate was an enemy or not. Warily, but steadily, he walked to the gate and peeked out of an opening. Their clothes were ripped in some parts, and blood seeped from those areas. Nick opened the door then and saw the person. He took a step back in shock. It was a girl! The girl stumbled towards Nick, her tired eyes trying to recognize him but she had fainted, falling into Nicks arms, before she could decide if she knew him or not. Nick didnt know what to do. Having a girl faint and fall into his arms wasnt exactly something he did on a daily bases. "Hey, wake up, he said shaking her a bit, Wake up!" He said, but the girl didnt wake up, Hey! Someone help!" Nick shouted out.
No one came, so Nick picked her up gently placing her over his shoulder, and laid her onto a table. Nick looked at her wounds then noticed that something was stabbed into her side. He looked around, and then pulled it out. It was an arrowhead of all things Nick could ever imagine. Nick stared at the blood stained tip of the arrow and then threw it aside like a remote.
Nick moved the girl onto his bed and took a deep breath from carrying a girl for the past five minutes. After that he sort of focused on the girl on his bed and saw blood dripping from places of her body. Nick grabbed a rag and cleaned her wounds as much as he could, finding that many of the wounds were deep cuts, while some were small scratches. Her whole body was covered with numerous wounds. Nick cringed, imagining the pain the girl must be going through for he had maybe been through the same thing the girl did when Lukes guards tortured them. This thought caused Nick to grab at his back where the needles of a cactus were stabbed with. It had been more than two hours; the girl had been cleaned up of all her scratches and wounds. Nick brought a chair over from the party and placed it beside the girls bed and sat in it.
He stared at the girl with his arms folded across his chest. He thought back to those nightmarish memories of their torturing. He remembered seeing his brother be beat to death by a powerful guard sending in punches as hard as bricks into Michaels face. Then his memory shot back to when he was tortured, when he was thrown against the face of a cactus stabbing needles into his bare back and then to the savage beatings afterwards. Then the last thing he remembered was the look of poor Roman when Michael had just been tortured to death. All of these memories shot through Nicks mind but he cleared his head and closed his eyes and there he fell asleep until the morning.
Morning came quickly, and the girl was still asleep until she slowly opened her tired eyes and saw Nick asleep in the chair. She didnt know him so her eyes opened quickly and she stood up. There was too much adrenaline rushing through her body to allow her to feel the pain she was really in. Nicks eyes opened a little bit and he caught a glimpse of the girl sitting up in the bed. He closed his eyes but then he realized what he saw and opened them widely this time and got up out of his chair, worried she would attack.
"WWhere am I?" The girl asked, looking around with wide, skeptical eyes.
"O'Connell's Colony." Nick replied.
"O'Connell?" She asked, her voice softening.
"Yeah." Nick said.
Then the girl seemed to relax completely, as she lay back down on the bed and put her head in her hands. "Oh, thank god." She said.
"Why?" Nick asked.
What?
Well, I want to know why youre thanking God for. Nick said, flashing a weak smile.
The girl smiled back, her beauty shining through all of her pain for a moment.
"O'Connell is my brother." She replied.
Nick was surprised that O'Connell had a sister, and was at first angry, wondering why he let his sister run around in this mess. Nick then asked, "What's your name."
Her voice was music to his long-deprived ears as she said, "Sara."
"Sara." Nick whispered, falling into a sort of trance as he looked at the girl. It felt wonderful to be talking to someone who wasnt a sweaty, grumpy soldier. He smiled without realizing it, and just stared at her, until Sara raised an eyebrow. Nick snapped out of it suddenly embarrassed.
Sorryitits a nice name. He stuttered, and then started smiling again.
Thank you. Sara said, clearly amused. Then her face turned serious, and she said, You took care of me. Nick could do nothing but smile. I remember seeing you last night. I remember. She smiled. Sorry for falling onto you like that.
You fell for me. Nick said, laughing, then became serious as he saw the serious look on Saras face.
Yeah. She said. I have. She looked straight into his eyes, then looked away and asked, Is my brother here?
Yeah. Nick said. Ill go get him. He walked out of the small camp but ran to the house of OConnell. OConnell was still sleeping in his little twin sized bed. Nick reached down and shook him awake.
"O'Connell, Nick said as he tugged at OConnell, he didnt awaken, O'Connell! Wake up." Nick finished pushing OConnell awake.
"What? Why?" O'Connell asked, looking around like someone had just attacked him.
"Your sister is here." Nick said.
O'Connell got up quickly. What? But he didnt wait for the answer, he just followed Nick to where Sara was. Nick lead OConnell to his hut and there they both saw Sara.
"Sara? Oh my God! Sara! Is it you?" O'Connell asked, looking relieved to see her alive.
Yes! Its me! Sara answered back sadly.
OConnell and Sara met each other with great big hugs.
When we crashed I thought Id lost you, what happened? OConnell asked.
"I was a prisoner." Sara replied. She lay back on the bed, her pain returning at full force now that the adrenaline had pumped out of her system.
"What? OConnell was so angry his face turned red. Who took you as a prisoner?" He asked, with a tone that said he was ready to kick ass.
"David." Sara shuddered at the memory of that boy, flashes of moments where hed purposely increased her pain flashing through her mind as if she were going through them again.
"Oh god." O'Connell said his tone full of serious rage.
"What?" Nick asked, completely oblivious to whom this David kid was.
"David is another troublemaker. OConnell turned and looked at Nick. He is much worse than Luke." He said.
"Oh no." Nick suddenly understood why they were acting the way they were.
"Why did he take you as prisoner?" O'Connell asked Sara.
"He took me prisoner, Sara looked away, avoiding her brothers eyes, because of you. She turned her eyes to OConnell to see how he had reacted, and when she saw only love and concern in his eyes, she continued. After you defeated Luke, all the troublemakers that followed Luke didn't accept a defeat. So over ten thousand of them fled to the Colony of David, where he is gathering all armies for a major assault on this reservation. Sara sighed. That would mean the annihilation of this colony." She explained.
"Oh my god." O'Connell said. "When did this happen?"
"Last night." Sara replied, although it had felt like years of torture to her.
"Shit last night!? He could be arriving here any time now!" Nick said.
If the worst should happen, the Colony at the Fiesta Mall will become of use. OConnell said.
O'Connell ran out of the colony and into the middle of it in the courtyard where many of the colony inhabitants were knocked out of the ground.
Wake up! Wake up now! Now! OConnell shouted into the colony.
Some of the kids only rolled on their sides but then OConnell shouted the last time with all his might and said, Wake up now!
At this the kids that were on the ground began to awake slowly.
Listen up! I need a good sighted boy who is capable of fighting to stand out in the front of the gate! OConnell said.
One kid stood up and raised his hand to tell OConnell that he volunteered. OConnell looked at him and said, Good, gather your stuff and stand outside.
After that OConnell went to his hut and dressed in full war style: One sword, two knives, one machete, and a one useless magnum bullet. That was when Michael walked in.
"Hey, uh. He looked OConnell up and down, amused. What are you dressing up for?" Michael asked.
"Oh, Michael. OConnell looked at him. Ummfirst of all your mission isn't over." Michaels amused grin faded. "Another enemy has come about, and he's about to strike."
"And you never told me!?" Michael shouted.
"Well," O'Connell started to say, but stopped when he heard the shouting of a kid from the outer wall.
"Something's coming!" The kid shouted.
"They're already here!" O'Connell said, voicing his worst fear.
"Oh no! I'm not ready!" Michael said, and then ran to his hut to change.
OConnell ran outside, jogged to the main gate, and looked through the gate. Over six hundred boys that were enemies were charging straight towards the colony, running with all the speed they had. "Close the gate!" O'Connell ordered.
Six kids from O'Connell's colony ran to the gate and closed it. But, O'Connell knew that a weak wooden gate wouldn't hold out an army like that.
"Barricade the entrance!" He ordered. Then O'Connell ran to the wall and looked through a tiny opening, and he saw the enemy still charging at full speed towards the gate. "Forget the barricade! Brace the gate!" He shouted.
All the kids of the Colony of O'Connell put their bodies against the gate. The charging enemy reached the gate and slammed it with all their force knocking the inhabitants of the colony all onto their backs. Not only did Davids army hit the gate with their bodies, but they also slammed it with a sharp-edged ram that they had hidden in the thickness of their army, making a huge hole in the gate. Davids soldiers backed the tipped ram out of the newly made hole and poked their arms in; they were holding arrow guns. They began shooting the arrows into the crowd of the kids, until they were all shot.
"They got arrows!" One kid shouted out.
O'Connell ran to the opening in the gate, took out his machete, and cut one enemies arm and the arm shot back out to avoid any more hits. Michael came out and pulled out his real sword, as he ran to the opening. He stabbed one kid, and then stabbed another that was trying to come in through the half breached gate of the colony.
"Where's Nick?" Michael asked.
"With my sister!" O'Connell shouted back.
One of David's boys was about to shoot Michael with an arrow, but he ducked as it wisped pass his head. More kids joined in and braced the gate, but it was almost opening. Michael kept on stabbing kids outside the gate then stopped for a moment when he noticed a couple of soldiers from the enemy were throwing bottles of gasoline at the gate. The gate was soaked.
He stared at the gate for a second, stunned, then yelled, "They're going to burn the gate!"
Sure enough, one kid from Davids army lit a match, sneering at OConnells soldiers, and threw it on the gate. The gate, once a protective barrier, became a wall of vicious fire, with flames that lashed out at innocents. Michael backed off with O'Connell and the other survivors in the middle of the colony. When they backed off they saw those who were caught on fire running wildly around attempting to put out the fire engulfing their body. Then the army of David shot an arrow at them killing them.
Nick came running to them then. He stopped and looked at the burning gate. "What the hell happened?" Nick asked.
"We're overtaken." Michael replied, as he noticed Nick's hand was grasping Sara's tightly. Nice time to get a girlfriend. He added, still irritated.
"Go out the back gate!" O'Connell said, cutting Michael off before he could say anything else.
All of them ran to the back of the colony and opened the back gate. Michael looked back and saw that Davids army slammed the gate with the tipped ram bursting through the front gate. The two opening doors of the gate slid open revealing easy access to the colony.
"Run!" Michael shouted in encouragement, as they fled into the desert.
David's forces killed the remaining people in the colony and began to follow the fleeing army. They kept on running, while still firing. One of David's boys shot an arrow into a kids back, killing him. Another arrow hit the back of a kid's leg. All of them continued into the desert, and Sara, still weak, found it hard to keep running. We need to hurry. Nick said, helping her get back up when she fell. She nodded, knowing she had no choice but to add to her pain, and started running again.
Michael quickly turned around and stabbed some of the enemy soldiers and he kept on hitting them with stylized moves that took down many. One kid shot an arrow straight for Michael, but Michael hit it away with his sword. He then took out his machete and began battling them. Nick let go of Saras hand and joined in, with a machete in one hand and a knife in the other. Even after they killed a lot of them, more were still pouring in like a flood.
"Run! Run! Run!" Michael shouted, looking at Nick.
Both of them began running, knowing that two against a large army like that was hopeless. More and more of David's fighters were running to them, as they continued to run off into the desert. Both Michael and Nick ran as fast as their legs could carry them, until the enemy stopped and gave up on the last few survivors. Michael and Nick came to a stop and knelt down gasping for breath. As soon as they got their breathing back to normal they noticed that O'Connell, Sara, and the other survivors were no where in sight.
"What the hell was that back there?" Michael asked, slightly out of breath.
"Some kid named David is in control now." Nick replied.
"God damn it!" Michael shouted in anger that was now turned toward this new enemy rather than his brother.
"I know," Nick said, "but, O'Connell said something about a colony at the Fiesta Mall or something."
"Fiesta mall?" Michael asked.
"Yeah."
"Great. Let's hope that the second war doesnt begin soon, or, better yet, that there is no second war." Michael said.
Chapter Seven
THE MALL
Michael walked on as Nick followed him closely behind.
Michael, Nick gasped as he jogged behind Michael, What exactly are you doing?
What do you think Im doing? Im looking for OConnell and the others. Michael sternly replied.
Well it isnt going to do any good if you just walk anywhere, yell out their names or something. Nick said.
Yell out? I dont think thats such a good thing to do when we have this new enemy behind us. Michael answered back. Nick looked to his right and saw the open desert so he just shouted, Sara! The voice echoed down the valley.
Michael turned and looked at Nick and said, Whatre you doing! What did I say to you? What did I tell you? Yelling wont be such a good thing to do when those guys back there almost killed us.
I know, its just I wanted to see if anybody came if I did yell out. Nick said innocently.
And thats another thing! Michael sort of shouted, Whats this girl you have now?
Her names Sara. Nick answered straightly.
Michael stopped and looked into Nicks face and said, What kind of person makes a girlfriend during a war?
Nick looked back at Michael and answered, Me I suppose.
Michael stared at Nick for a while then he finally walked away but as he did he hit his head against a hanging branch. Michael was silent for a while but then he said, How worse can this day get?
Michael walked on and Nick followed. Michael began speaking to Nick again although he was still walking; all he did was looking over his shoulder.
So, Michael said suspiciously as if talking a man to man talk between a brother and a brother, Tell the truth Nick, did you put a feel onto the girl?
What? Nick said as if surprised by this question.
Oh come on! What did you do to her? Michael asked more into the subject.
Nothing, I just cleaned her wounds up and that was it, plus, what would you know about that? You never could get a girl to yourself without me. Nick finished.
And what are you then, the Pimp of Fountain Hills? Michael joked.
At least I can get a girls attention to me. Nick commented.
Michael turned around and said, Tell me, have you ever kissed a girl before?
Nick was silent.
Have you ever gone beyond a kiss? Michael asked.
Nick was silent again. Michael went into what would happen if things went beyond a kiss. Nick looked at him ignoring what he was saying but then out of the clear blue sky OConnell popped up behind Michael. Michael was still talking about what would happen if things went beyond a kiss. Nicks eyes widened as everybody, including Sara and the survivors, was listening to what Michael was saying.
Michael finally stopped but saw the widened eyes of Nick.
What? Michael asked Nick.
Michael looked behind his shoulder and saw OConnell, Sara, and the survivors looking at him like some weirdo.
Oh, Michael said embarrassed like, Hey.
OConnell finally attempted to say, "Hey, you guys okay?"
Who? Michael? Or Michaels head? Nick joked.
Oh youre cool now! Michael said to Nick.
Hey! That's not the issue." OConnell said.
"What is the issue?" Michael asked.
"The issue is how we are going to get to this mall Ive been talking about. OConnell said.
What, you dont know where it is? Michael asked.
No, Roman talked about it briefly but I couldnt quite understand where the mall was. OConnell said.
Nick thought about it and then one mall name came into his head and he said, The Fiesta Mall?
O'Connells face brightened when he heard this.
Yes, thats it. OConnell said as if he remembered the title of the mall himself.
Now how do we get there? Michael asked himself.
OConnell pulled a pair of keys out of his pocket and smiled at Michael who looked up at the jingling keys.
"Right." Michael said, understanding immediately.
O'Connell led them to a vehicle that looked brand new.
"Good thing I know how to drive." O'Connell commented, as if expecting a thank you.
Nick nodded, as all of them jumped into the vehicle and headed for the mall. OConnell started the engine and it started regularly then he hit the gas and they zoomed off into the desert roads. OConnell traveled down a curved road passing Michael and Nicks house and heading into the town of Fountain Hills. As soon as they left the town of Fountain Hills, they reached the City of Scottsdale. O'Connell got onto Shea Boulevard and drove quickly down the road but then he slowed the vehicle down.
Whats wrong? Nick asked.
Look ahead. OConnell said pointing with his chin.
Nick looked ahead and saw many vehicles ahead that were flipped over and burning. Trash flew around the entire place, showing the currents in the wind as it winded and twirled in the air. Light poles were lying on the ground and there were the dead bodies of kids on the road and in the beaten cars and trucks. It looked like a road straight into hell, like someone had left Satans door open for a few minutes and this was what had escaped.
"God, look at this place." Nick said.
"It seems hell has erupted." O'Connell stated.
Although the sight of bloodied up and dismembered bodies of kids was a horrible sight, Michaels first thought was 'Did God plan this?'
They soon found their way through the messed up road and onto a half-clear driveway. They drove past many destroyed buildings and landscapes. Buildings were on fire and still writhed in flames. It was daytime, but the smoke from the burning things filled up the sky, casting a foggy vial across the sun.
"Are we almost there yet?" A survivor asked. He was tired; they were all tired.
"Yeah, almost." O'Connell replied.
They went on through the twisted metal and drove six miles or more, until they finally reached a clear road. The reason why it was so clear was because the road belonged to the Pima Reservation and nobody drove upon it unless forced to. As they took the clear road they saved a large amount of time getting to the Fiesta Mall in Mesa. Finally OConnell took the last turn they would make and beyond that turn was the Fiesta Mall.
So this is it then? OConnell asked Michael.
Michael nodded and answered, Yeah, this is it.
OConnell put his foot on the gas and they drove forward along a paved road that was between the Fiesta Mall and a line of shops. OConnell turned into a road entrance where on each side of the entrance stood a restaurant. Nick looked out his window and saw that the mall was in the shape of a cross. Each end of the cross had an entrance but they were all barricaded with boards from top to bottom. The only side they seemed to see that wasnt barricaded was the south side where there was a raised parking lot. The raised parking lot rose off the ground about thirty feet into the air. All it basically was was a second floor parking lot connected to the second floor of the Mall. OConnell noticed it first so he said, That raised parking lot seems a good place to enter.
OConnell looked towards it and he drove to the south end of the mall, and then drove up a runway to the raised parkway. As they drove across the empty lot they all noticed that no dead bodies, no wrecked cars, and no debris of any buildings were seen on the raised parkway. It surprised Nick but another thing had surprised Nick too. OConnell had said that there was a large colony at the Mall but to him and the others, it seemed as dead as it was in Nicks house when their parents were gone. Nick looked up at the roof and saw no one standing on guard. He looked into the second floor entrance and saw nothing but a dark store inside of them. OConnell stopped and stepped out of the car. Nick followed him and stood next to him.
OConnell, Asked Nick, Are you sure this is the right place?
Yes, OConnell replied quickly, Im sure of it, Roman even told me, The Fiesta Mall.
Nick looked back up at the roof and OConnell went back into the car. Nick focused on the roof a bit more but then he saw something move. To him it was nothing but a small piece of blurs quickly moving across the edge. Nick put his hand on his sword and focused even more.
Well theres nobody here, OConnell announced to the passenger in the car, So I guess its ours for the taking.
Nick looked to his far left and saw something! For sure now this wasnt a blur, but a person holding what looked like a bow gun! He was aiming at the car where OConnell was a clear target.
OConnell!!! Nick screamed.
OConnell got out and saw Nick but then the arrow was shot, it hit the vehicles window, shattering it. Then another arrow hit the top of the car. O'Connell leaped from the car, raising his hands up in the air to stop the firing.
"Hey! Were not the enemy!" O'Connell shouted.
Guards on the roof of the Mall dropped their arrow guns and shouted back, How do we know?
Because you wouldve been dead already if we were the enemy! OConnell shouted back sending an echo.
The guards on the roof were silent until one shouted back, "Were sorry!"
"Good! You should be! You almost hit me!" O'Connell shouted back.
Then the entrance of the store opened up and a boy came out of the glass doors with a real sword in hand.
"What are you doing here, and what do you want?" The boy asked.
"Whoa! Drop the sword, and I'll tell you." O'Connell demanded.
"No, I don't think so." The boy replied. Hed fought too many sly enemies to take the chance.
"Okay, well I'm not from around here but my name is O'Connell and those peoples names are Michael and Nick. The girl is my sister, Sara." O'Connell answered.
"What do you want to know?" The boy asked abruptly.
I dont want to know anything; we just want to take shelter here." O'Connell said.
"Why would you come to us?" The boy asked, more abruptly.
"We've come here, because Fountain Hills and the Fort McDowell Indian Community were both overrun by the enemy. And, we've come here, because my friend Roman told me about this place." O'Connell explained.
The boys face changed, softened. "You knew Roman?" The boy asked more calmly.
"Yes, for my part." O'Connell replied.
"Then it would surprise you then to learn that he is dead." The boy, said more calmly and with the air of one grieving.
"Yes, I know he's dead. He was slain in battle. His death was avenged already by my other friend, Nick." O'Connell replied, pointing to Nick.
The boy looked at Nick. "You killed my brother's killer?" He asked.
"Your brother?" Nick asked.
"Yes, Roman was my brother." The boy replied, hanging his head in reverence.
"I never knew that, Nick said, But, yes I did kill the person who killed your brother." He added.
"If you did slay my brother's killer," the boy said. "Then you are certainly welcome to this place."
"Right." Michael said, a bit jealous that his brother was getting the attention.
By the way, my name is Quinn, the Ruler and Commander of the Mall Colony.
Sara ran quickly to Nick and he took her hand. OConnell glanced over at them and smiled to himself. Sara had seen such grievous days since their parents had disappeared. It made OConnell glad to see her happy again. Three guards from the top lowered their crossbows, as the doors to the mall opened automatically.
"Welcome to the Fiesta Mall." Quinn said.
O'Connell, Nick, Michael, Sara, and the seven survivors entered the mall from the Sears store. Amazingly, everything was still in place as it had been before. Some kids walked around as if they were buying things. The floors still shined with no stains. The clothes were neatly folded and the cashier registers still had money in them.
"We still run by the rules in this mall. The money that was in the cashier in the mall is used only in this mall to buy the daily things we need to survive." Quinn said, as they saw some kids buying shirts.
After walking through the Sears store they entered the mini-store part of the mall. Quinn walked forward to the railing blocking off the twenty foot fall to the first floor. Nick came behind him and looked beyond where they stood and he saw many kids running and walking around. Nick looked to the first floor and there were sleeping bags completely filling up the first floor of the mall. Nick looked to his left and he saw a stairwell leading down to the first floor, then he noticed the only way you could get down to the first floor was down six stairways, four escalators, and one elevator.
Quinn began walking to the right so everybody followed him. As they passed the store with all the movies in it there were teenage girls who were babysitting smaller kids with family movies such as 101 Dalmatians, the Little Mermaid, the Lion King, Peter Pan, and Shrek playing on the televisions. Apparently the entire mall had some power left in it to charge things like all the electronics. They continued and came upon two stores that were right next to each other: A Knife Shop and Guns by S.A.M.M. store.
"These stores are only used for the important things like raids and enemies." Quinn explained.
Nick glared into the Knife Shop and he saw that there were long swords in glass containers. In other glass containers were hundreds of other small knives, cooking knives, and artful knives. Behind the counters were the most expensive swords. One of these swords, the one in the middle, was a replica of the sword, Anduril, Flame of the West. Beside it were the two swords used by Orlando Bloom in the Lord of the Rings character, Legolas, and next to them, sat the large axe used by John-Rhys Davies in the Lord of the Rings as Gimli.
"Those swords are given to a select few for the most important jobs." Quinn said.
Michael looked at them gleam into his face but Nick came beside him and asked, What are you thinking?
Michael was silent for awhile but then he answered back and said, Im thinking . . . no. . . Hoping that we arent the ones who have to hold those swords.
Nick looked at them and thought the same thing that Michael was thinking but Sara grabbed Nick and said, Were moving on.
Michael and Nick took their eyes off the gleaming sword of Anduril and followed Sara and the others. As they both left Nick noticed a crowd of younger children running and playing but as soon as Nick passed by they stopped as if someone had told them too. Then they looked at Nick walk by, Nick stared at them but then broke the staring and walked off. Quinn lead them to a Sleep America store where mattresses were everywhere from one corner to the next.
This is where youll be staying I suppose, Quinn said as he greeted them into the store, Now I have to go and do something so make your selves at home.
Quinn walked off as everybody made themselves comfortable in the mattresses. Michael just picked a bed and simply sat upon it looking depressed. OConnell looked at him and walked to him.
Whats going on now? OConnell asked.
Nothing, Michael paused, For now.
OConnell thought about the thing Michael said back at his colony during the celebration.
The war is still troubling you isnt it? OConnell said as he knew what
Michael was thinking.
Michael looked up at OConnell who sat down upon a bed across from Michaels. Then Michael said, I know now what it feels like to be hunted.
OConnell didnt understand what Michael was saying, they were all in a safe place and nothing could harm them.
What do you mean Michael? OConnell asked.
Well like I said before the war could come to us and it did, back at the colony, and now I have this feeling inside of me that the war will spread to this mall. Michael finished.
Well, OConnell paused unwilling to say what he was about to say but he said it, The word is hope and thats all we can depend on if the war spreads here and if the war comes here, courage will be our strength and it will lead us away from hope and into victory.
OConnell parted from Michael but before he did he patted Michael on the shoulder.
* * *
It became night, and once more everybody was asleep except Nick. Nick couldnt have slept if hed tried, because he had only one thought running through his mind, I miss you mom and dad. He looked at Michael, realizing that his own bother had never asked him if he missed their mom or dad. Even during the days theyd stayed at their house, furtively waiting for them to come home, Michael and Nick had never mentioned how they felt about their missing parents. It was simply something they didnt talk about.
"Hey," Nick whispered to Michael, who was asleep in the bed next to him, "Hey!" He said a bit louder, when Michael didnt stir.
"What?" Michael replied, slowly and weakly.
"Have you ever missed mom or dad since that morning when Roman bumped into us?" Nick asked, looking in the dark at his brother.
"Of course." Michael said, yawning. "Why do you want to know?" He asked.
"I just wanted to know if you were scared when we went to battle against Luke." Nick replied.
Michael stood up on his bed and looked at Nick and replied, "Of course I was scared, and the only thoughts I saw in my mind were two things: the victory of our battle and our parents." Michael said, as if Nick should have known.
"Oh." Nick replied, without shedding any tears.
When we charged into the frontlines of Lukes army, I didnt know what was going to happen. Someone couldve easily shoved a knife into my back or slammed my head with a bat. But no one did because the hopes of our victory were high and the loss of our parents sort of gave me a boost like they were watching over me like a guardian of some type. I know that sounded kind of weird but really, I felt this presence looking over me like a cold breeze, Michael said emotionally, "Now get back to sleep. We're safe here." Michael said, as he turned onto his side.
Nick turned onto his back and stared into the ceiling. The only two thoughts that ran through his mind were his life and his parents. Would he survive this war? Would his own brother survive? These thoughts ran through his mind continuously, unstoppable and unrestrained. The more he thought of it, the more it made him more emotional and sadtwo things he hadnt often felt before.
He turned to his side, and as he did a small raindrop of a tear slipped from his eye. And that was all. That was the only sign that Nick really felt any loss, and then it was gone. Nick closed his eyes and fell asleep silently.
Morning came quickly, almost as if night had never been and Nick would forget completely why hed cried the night before, his only thought being his doom. Michael woke up first before anybody else. He rose from his comfortable Sleep America bed and walked outside the store and to the railing overlooking kids still sleeping in sleeping bags on the ground. The smaller kids slept in the play area with the teenage babysitters.
Michael saw the kids on the ground and it all reminded him of a chain that went on and on. The first links were the good children, the second link was the mall, and the third and fourth links were Michael and Nick. The fifth link, going all the way to the end, was the enemy. The enemy that would like to be the only people to live and rule all over the place and in order to do that, they'd have to kill all the good children. Just the thought of that sent chills rippling down Michaels spine, and the smile on his face was torn off and replaced by a worried look.
What are you thinking? Michael turned and looked at Sara. She looked tired, like shed just woken up too.
He smiled, putting on a front that would hopefully comfort her. Nothing much. He lied.
Sara walked up beside him, and looked over the railing at the sleeping kids. It will happen soon. She said.
What?
She turned her head and looked at him. The war to end all wars. She looked back at the defenseless kids. It will be long and hard and. She choked on what she was saying. And not everyone will make it.
You have nothing to worry about Sara. Michael said, placing a hand on her shoulder. She looked at him through tear-filled eyes. Youre well protected here, and if everything else goes wrong I will do my best to watch out for you.
Sara looked like she didnt know what to say, like she could have hugged him. She finally looked back at the sleeping kids, settling with a simple, Thank you. After a few seconds her tears were gone, and she spoke with a strong, clear voice. Theyre going to wipe us all out. She said. Then she glanced at Michael one more time, and turned and walked away.
Michael watched her leave then looked back over the railing. Would the enemy come to them and wipe them all out? That question haunted Michael the entire day like a ghost in a mansion. Michael was walking pass some stores in the late afternoon but he passed a store and saw Quinn in there alone.
"Hey Quinn!" Michael shouted, to get Quinn's attention.
"Yeah?" Quinn said, looking around for who was talking to him. He saw Michael and smiled.
"I need to talk to you." Michael said.
"About what?" Quinn asked.
"I just thought of this in the morning. The reason why we fled from Fort McDowell is, because the enemy overran us." Michael explained.
"Yeah? So you fled? What's the big deal?" Quinn asked.
"The big deal is that I have a strange feeling that they overran us for a reason, we wiped out the colony of Luke and Luke had connections with other enemies. Those connections he had might have a mission. They wanted to kill us for what we did to Luke and thats my strange feeling. They might come here for us. These guys are the blood-thirsty, greedy type that takes everything they can, even the innocent lives of people." Michael said.
"Like they would want to come over here?" Quinn replied, with a tone that would have gotten him detention had he been speaking to a teacher.
"Oh yes they would." Michael said, more seriously.
"How would you know about it?" Asked Quinn.
"Believe me, you weren't at Fort McDowell," Michael said, remembering it all. "The enemy's army consists of over fifteen thousand strong and mean teens willing to do what they are told to do. Michael looked at Quinn, his eyes dead serious.
"What do you think will happen?" Quinn asked,
"What do I think will happen? The first thing on their minds is to kill everyone in this mall because of us." Michael answered.
"Oh my God." Quinn said, anxiety filling his face with a sort of scared-sick look.
"You get it now, huh?" Michael asked.
"Yes, more clearly." Quinn replied.
He stood there frozen for a bit, lost in thought, but then a kid on the malls loud-speakers said, Outside towers report a crowd of enemies coming towards us from the west side!
Quinns eyes grew wide as he looked up at Michael, then quickly as a deer Quinn sprinted to the west side of the mall, which was where the raised parking lot stood. He reached the raised parking lot, surprised to see the enemy soldiers already running off already.
Michael appeared behind him, out of breath.
"They're gone," Quinn whispered. "They've gone."
"Where?" Michael asked quickly.
"Down towards that road." Quinn said, as he pointed to his right.
"Towards Fountain Hills. Oh man! Michael pounded his hands against his head in frustration. They're going to report our location to their leader, David." He said, looking panicked.
"Oh no" Quinn said. "What am I going to do? I've got all those children in there!" He pointed to the mall.
"You must meet them head on; keep them away from the children." Michael said, so sure of what he was saying that Quinn didnt doubt.
But the thought still scared him. "Open war?" Quinn asked.
"Open war is inevitable Quinn and you know this," Michael said. "You cannot move this entire place before they come. Their army is fast and smart and strong. They will never stop. Trust me, I know."
Quinn looked up at the cloudless sky, and then at Michael's serious face. "What should I say to them? If I say that kids are coming to kill us all they'll flee into the even more dangerous world outside of this mall." Quinn said.
"Then you must not say the word army. Michael said, simply. Just say that only two hundred are coming." He suggested.
"Right, then that is what I will do." Quinn said.
Quinn ran through the glass doors and up to the secret third floor. Michael walked to the edge and looked out upon the clear parking lot below.
"The second war has begun," Michael said, remembering what Sara had said. He dropped his head into his hands. It felt heavy, and it hurta headache that would never leave. He felt like crying, and yet his body refused to let him. He looked up, brushing his hands through his hair. "How did it come to this?"
As he spoke, Quinn's voice came on the speakerphone through the entire mall. "Everybody quiet down." Quinn said, calmly. "We have some bad news. The kids that hadnt been paying attention stopped what they were doing and listened now. The enemy has found us, and they are going to come here to try to wipe us out."
The kids in the mall stood still listening to the message.
"We must risk open war. Do not panic. First, we must barricade all the entrances, so they can't come in. Second, as of this moment all teen boys are called to war. Third, we must keep the girls and the little ones on the third floor and the roof. And lastly, we can't let the mall be breached at all." Quinn reported, sadly. If the kids had been able to see his face, they would have despaired, for he looked like one condemned to a painful death with the foreknowledge of the very act that would take his life.
Michael heard the message and leaned against the stone edge, looking down. War. That was all he could think about. War was something you read about in school and saw in the movies, not something you participated in before you were even twenty years old. But, there was no longer school or movies. This was the real thing, and it was slapping them in their tired faces while laughing.
The day went on, and all the teenage girls and small children packed their sleeping bags and moved them to the third floor. Only Sara lingered, standing away in a corner of the mall that was almost unnoticeable with Nick in front of her. She looked up at him, her eyes saying more to him than he wished to know. She was in pain, pain for him, for what was coming. She already felt the loss like it had happened yesterday, and her eyes were telling this to Nick, shouting it at him.
Dont cry. Nick said, taking Saras hands in his. A tear fell from her eye, dropping almost in slow motion, and hitting the ground with a heart-wrenching splash. Nick looked down at the tiny, salty puddle it had made, then back up at Sara.
When I. She paused, clearing her throat. When I stumbled into you that night, I was so close to death that I could almost see the Angels standing around you, begging me to go with them. But. She paused again, this time to stop crying before going on. But, then I saw you and I realized that, I knew that I was finally, truly home. Because home is the one place on earth where youre supposed to be, and the people youre supposed to be with are always there. My brother told me that once. She looked to her right, seeing OConnell talking to some kids about his sword.
Hes knows a lot of things like that, about life I mean. And he also said that. Sara couldnt go on.
What? Nick asked, pained to see her struggle.
Sara looked at him and said, He said that maybe this new world, this world without adults, has happened for a reason. It was the end of their age and now our new era has begun and Ive just been wondering about how ours is going. That maybe we were meant to do certain things that we never would have in the old world, meet certain peoplemake certain alliances.
Nick smiled, realizing what she was getting at. And you know what? She looked at him. He was right. He brushed his hand against her cheek, and she closed her eyes, cherishing the moment.
Sara, my time here is not done. He added and at that moment the doors of the third door corridor opened and all the small kids and teenage girls were moving there, Ill come back to you. She looked really doubtful, so he pulled her into a comforting hug and at that moment the hammering of nails on walls echoed through the mall as all the male soldiers were barricading the entrances, I promise. He whispered into her ear. Then he pulled away, wiped a tear from Saras cheek, and left to prepare for the coming battle.
Quinn was standing by the north side exit with a key in his hands, he slipped the key into a keyhole beside the entrance to the JcPenny store. He turned the key and the security gate began closing slowly. After it closed Michael, Nick, and some other soldiers of the mall began placing extra boards from office doors to spare pieces in the large trash can outside onto the gate strengthening them. On the raised parkway, the runway entrance was turned into a three-foot thick wooden wall that was unbreakable. It stood as a barrier from enemies charging up the runway.
Michael put up the last barrier for the gate that closed the entrance to the mall and Nick nailed it into the all. After barricading the entrances Quinn walked behind Michael and said, "Well, everything is prepared, come to the Knife shop when you get settled in."
"Okay." Both of them said together.
* * *
It was eight o'clock in the night when Nick and Michael walked to the Knife Shop on the first floor. When they reached it, Quinn was behind the counter of the shop. Michael and Nick entered the store looking at Quinn.
"Well, here we are." Michael said, as he walked in.
"What did you want?" Nick asked, almost scared of the answer.
"I wanted to give these to you. Nick, you first."
Quinn pulled out a wooden case decorated with what looked like art from an ancient language. Nick's eyes followed the case as it was finally put on top of the glass counter. Quinn unlocked the two locks on the front and slowly opened it.
As it opened, Nick's eyes saw a glittering light from the case that had to be the shine of some precious metal or gold. Nick picked up what ever it was in the case, and then he used his other hand to pick the second item out of the box.
He had pulled out one foot and a half-long blade with white handles. The blades had decorations of plants and those strange markings that were on the case. The edges of the two blades looked as if they would pierce the strongest metal ever.
"These you've probably seen before. Unless youve lived under a rock for the past five years." Quinn said, smiling. "Perhaps in the Lord of the Rings? Legolas?"
"What? How? How did you get these?" Nick asked, staring at the daggers in awe.
"Like I said when you first came in here, the Knife Shop has many things in need for the importance of a battle." Quinn said.
"The importance of a battle? Why would you give me these? What about Michael?" Nick asked, looking at his brother.
"Ah, wait just a second." Quinn said. He pulled out another long box that had a new kind of language on it. Quinn unlocked the two locks in the front and opened it. Inside was another sword, a meter stick length long, and very, very sharp. With it came a small dagger that was curved in the middle.
"This here is the sword that cut the Ring of power from the Dark Lord. It was the Sword That Was Broken, but reformed by the elves and became Andzril: Flame of the West. Its been in this store for quite a long time, waiting for the right person to take it. Now, I give it to you." Quinn said.
"More simply, this is Aragorn's sword, right?" Asked Nick who was not so keen on the Tolkien trivia.
"Yeah, anyway, the reason why I'm giving these to you is, because I was wondering if you'd command the armies. Michael if you take this offer, you have to answer yes or no." Quinn explained. "You too Nick."
Nick nodded first.
Michael had a hard time deciding whether to say yes or no because the honor of receiving this sword had haunted him since he first heard about it. Michael thought it over and suddenly Saras words came into his mind, Maybe we were meant to do certain things that we never would have in the old world.
After thinking it over Michael nodded in reply and Quinn said, "Thank you.
Michael nodded back.
Michael you will command the first army, which will be on the raised parkway outside the Sears store. Nick you'll command the second army inside the mall but, both of you listen, the defenses have to hold. If you fail to defend the mall, all hope is lost." Quinn explained.
"They will hold." Michael replied, studying the Narsil replica.
"They will." Nick added.
"Good." Quinn said, looking satisfied. "Here are your holsters for your new weapons."
Quinn handed Nick two small holsters. Then he handed one small and one large holster to Michael, who put his dagger and the Narsil replica in them. Nick twirled the two blades stylishly into their holsters. Quinn smiled.
"When I look at you two, I see no sign of fear or emotion. I have great faith in you two. You know why?" Asked Quinn.
Michael and Nick stared for a moment, and then Quinn spoke, "Because, you have nothing in your heart but the word Volunteer. The Heart of a Volunteer is what makes a man fearless. He said. Only fear makes you fearful." Quinn added.
Both of them smiled at Quinns comment. It was time for the mall to sleep, sleep into the night and wake up in the morning, wake up to their doom or their hope. The entire mall had fallen asleep except for Nick. He was staring blankly at the ceiling of the Sleep America store. The same thoughts came into his mind as before when he went to battle with Lukes army two days ago.
As he was thinking these things, Sara has snuck into the store and approached Nick. Sara slipped into the bed with Nick who was curious in why she saw doing this.
Sara? Nick asked.
Let me sleep here with you, this night, before the battle, please. Sara said with a feel of deep emotion.
Nick nodded in answer. Sara made herself comfortable beside Nick holding him tight as if he were falling off a cliff and her grab would save him from his fall. Nick looked down at Sara who was pressing against him. The both of them had fallen asleep and the night had passed and the morning had come. The sun had crept through the roofs windows and hit Nick. Nicks eyes shot open and saw that the sun was up. Nick got to his feet and loaded up on all his weapons but as he did, Sara looked up and saw Nick standing all dressed up. On his side he had his sword OConnell had given him at his colony and on his back were the two holsters carrying the two identical swords Quinn had given him before. Nick took a deep breath and began walking out of the store but Sara stopped him grabbing at his hand.
Wait. Sara said.
Nick stopped and faced Sara.
I wanted to give you this before you went. Sara said silently.
Sara wrapped her arms around Nick and kissed him. Sara took her lips off of Nicks lips and said, I want that kiss back after this is done.
Nick smiled and walked off but his hand barely grasped Saras hand but then they tore apart like paper. Saras hand was still out in the air and Nick turned around fully and made his way to the third floor.
OConnell saw this happen and he walked up to Sara who stared onto Nicks leaving. OConnell touched Saras shoulder and Sara looked at her brother who had the same sad droopy face she had.
Dont worry Sara, hell come back. OConnell said trying to comfort Sara.
Sara hugged her brother but he said, You best be getting to the third floor with the rest.
OConnell and Sara walked to the third floor leaving behind the Sleep America store.
Chapter Eight
THE DEFENSE OF FIESTA MALL
Nick entered a room with surveillance monitors all over the walls. He walked passed another room but in this one Quinn was standing there with Michael. They were all listening to a radio.
Whats going on? Nick asked.
Word from the watch towers outside the mall says that they can hear marching coming towards them. Quinn said.
Where are the towers now? Nick asked.
One mile away from the mall in every direction. Quinn replied.
Nick walked to the radio and heard what the tower guard was saying.
We can hear slow marching coming towards us. Its getting closer. The towers guard said.
Nick needed more information on what he going to battle against so he asked, Whats the tower guards name?
Jonathon. Quinn answered back.
Nick grabbed the radio and spoke into it, Jonathon do you copy over?
I can hear you loud and clear. Jonathon replied.
Good, what can you see so far, over? Nick asked.
Well I cant see anything but the slow marching sound I can hear now is growing stronger. Wait! I can see something! Jonathon said from the radio.
The Tower in which Jonathon was at was one mile down the road from the Fiesta Mall, he looked beyond the road and saw a horizon of soldiers marching down the road.
Whoever this is, I hope you can fend off this enemy, theyre approaching now and are within a mile and a half away from the mall now. Jonathon said.
Nick looked at Quinn darkly but then static came as the Second Tower from the west side of the mall came in.
Hey! Its me from the West Tower! We have another army coming in from the Raised Parking Lot! We have another army coming in! The West Tower Guard shouted.
Nick and Michael exited out of the room and made their way to the second floor. As Michael and Nick were walking down a corridor to the second floor OConnell and Sara passed by staring at each other walking off to their destinations. OConnell walked into the monitor room where Quinn was on the radio, and Sara tended to the children in the large room up ahead.
Nick and Michael reached the second floor and they saw that the entire first and second floor was filled with soldiers top and bottom. Michael began announcing what their plans were.
Alright! Listen up, we have a total of two armies approaching us from the east and west side of this mall. The soldiers on the first floor will make their way with me to the Raised Parking Lot on the south side and defend this mall there. Nick, you stay with the soldiers on the first floor and wait here. If they breach through that gate on the raised parking lot, we have you here to hold them off," Michael explained, "The rest of you follow me." Michael sprang like a fleeing fox toward the Sears store. Another two hundred boys followed him carrying metal swords, bows, and arrows.
"Hey Michael!" Nick shouted to his brother. Michael stopped. "Good luck." Nick said. Michael nodded.
Then he ran to the raised parkway. Nick stood there, as his brother ran.
The sun was shining outside on the raised parkway, as Michael and his army took their positions. Michael stood in the middle as the rest of the army surrounded him. The first row was on the edge of the raised parkway. Then six more rows of soldiers stood behind them. No signs of fear were seen in the soldier's eyes and faces as they hid well what they were feeling. The runway entrance was made into an unbreakable wooden gate, and at the roof of the mall overlooking the raised parkway were more archers. It wasnt long at all before Michael could hear the strong, bold marching of David's army.
"Do you see anything?" Asked Michael.
"Yeah." One kid said.
"Whoa!" Another shouted.
"What is it?" Asked Michael.
"Quinn said theyd only have two hundred. The kids eyes were wide. They have what looks like ten thousand!" He said.
"What?" Michael said, as he fought his way through the thick crowd of kids.
He looked ahead and saw over ten thousand enemy soldiers advancing slowly to the raised parkway, marching, and marching. They came towards them with the hatred like the Nazis and the initiative of people even more psycho. There were over two hundred rows of organized enemy soldiers going back as far as they eye could see.
"We're going to need a bigger gate." Michael whispered to himself.
"Look! They have ladders!" One kid shouted.
Michael looked into the sea of enemy soldiers and saw that one group was hauling more than five ladders per group. There were over 50 groups and they all had five ladders each. As Michael overlooked the enemy marching in he said, Courage.
Across the mall was a Bank of America building which had more than forty floors in it causing it to look over the entire land of the mall. On the roof of that building were two teenagers. One person had a walkie-talkie in his hand; the kid behind him was the enemy leader, David. David stood beside the communicator overlooking the mall and as he did he could clearly see his army of ten thousand soldiers marching in on the raised parking lot.
David
The kid took out a pair of binoculars and looked down towards the mall, and said to David, "They're about twenty feet from the mall."
"Good. Tell them to stop." David ordered.
"Stop!" The kid shouted on the walkie-talkie.
Another kid in the army of David shouted, "Stop!"
The enemy army stopped just twenty feet from the raised parkway staring at the defenders of the mall. Michael ran back to the edge and shouted, "Arm your arrows!"
Michaels army each took out an arrow and notched with their bows then pulled the string back. The guards on the roof did the same thing.
"Arm your swords!" The commander of David's army shouted.
All of the enemy soldiers took out meter long silver swords that glimmered under the bright sun.
"At my signal, fire your arrows." Michael shouted.
"Proceed up the runway," The commander of David's army shouted. "Set up the archers and gun rows!"
The front three rows charged up the runway. Michael couldnt believe what he was witnessing; he was witnessing what he was trying to avoid: an open war. He stared at the first three rows of the enemy approaching the wooden gate that lead onto the top of the raised parking lot.
"Hold... Hold. One soldiers fingers looked like they might slip and let go. Hold! The kid was sweating, straining to not shoot. FIRE!" Michael commanded.
Michael's army released their arrows into the enemy charging up the runway and the front row collapsed to the ground, dead but the back row seemed unaffected, and they charged ahead, ignoring the fallen kids. |
