by Kyle West
Chapter 40
MAKARA AND SAMUEL HAD made it to the main concourse on the ground floor when they heard gunshots ringing out from the upper tier. Both looked up to see Dan firing at a man stumbling toward him.
Makara took off, but Samuel grabbed her by the shirt, keeping her in place.
“Let go of me!”
Samuel didn’t let go. The gunshots ceased, as the two siblings watched Raine approach the man. Another shot rang out, and then silence.
Several people were running up to the third floor, where the fight had taken place, but most remained in place, watching the proceedings from the safety of the ground floor.
“Let me go up there, Samuel,” Makara said. “Raine might be hurt.”
“Raine is fine,” Samuel said. “See? You can see him walking around up there.”
Makara saw that he was right. Raine, along with Dan, were moving with a group of soldiers toward the infirmary.
“Looks like somebody got hurt,” Samuel said.
At that moment, Makara felt a rumbling from the floor beneath, shortly followed the sound of an explosion coming from outside. Some of the people on the concourse ducked, but Makara didn’t bother.
She felt fear for the first time, though, a reminder that the actual fighting would be starting all too soon.
“We should take up our positions,” Samuel said.
Makara nodded, glancing worriedly at the third tier. Raine was no longer in sight.
“Okay,” she said. “Let’s go.”
RAINE WATCHED AS THE flames licked away at Darlene Sander’s shroud. The smell was something awful, but he wouldn’t dishonor her by standing aside.
He heard artillery in the distance, mortars whistling and falling on their outer defenses set up to the north. Those defenses would not last long.
“Boss,” Dan said. “We should go back in.”
Raine nodded. “You’re right. We’ll focus on the ones we can save.”
Raine leaned aside and coughed, the palm of his hand covered with some nasty looking mucus.
Just a coincidence, he thought, but he hid his hand before Dan could see it.
“Let’s head back in,” he said. “I need to get on the P.A. to give a few last orders.”
RAINE HEADED TO THE Angels’ command center, not far from his office. That was where the mall’s old security office had been located, and the Angels had restored the P.A. system during their time fixing up the mall. Any message relayed in here would play out of every speaker in the complex
Raine reached for the handheld mic now, holding it up to his mouth. Dan pressed the power button.
What, already? Raine thought. He’d barely had time to gather his thoughts.
“Lost Angels,” he said. “This is Raine. If you’ve followed orders, you’re already well on your way to your battle stations, or already in place. We still have some time before the main attack begins, but the Reapers are coming. They’re already bombing our northern outposts, which we don’t expect to last long.”
Raine paused to gather his thoughts. What should he talk about first? The Angels’ overall strategy? His own thoughts on the matter? What about what to do with the young ones?
There were so many things to cover.
“The defensive strategy General Green and I have outlined has shored up all of our defenses here, in the mall. Every entrance has been closed but two, both of which are well-defended and reinforced.”
That won’t matter if they shell us to hell, Raine thought. He’d leave out that detail, though.
“This place is our home,” Raine said. “Home is a rare thing for most folks these days. We worked hard to build something, a society where all men and women are free. We’re the only ones in all L.A. who have outlawed slavery. We are the example, the future for everyone to aspire to. This mall is more than home to me, for that reason. It’s worth defending with every drop of my blood. My friends are here, and so is a future that’ll shine brighter because of our actions today.”
He looked to Dan to supported, who gave a nod for Raine to continue.
“We’ve been on a course for confrontation with the Reapers for a while, now. Carin Black’s way is different from our way. Many of you came to us after escaping his slave camps. You know what the city will be like if he wins this battle. His members fight out of fear, while we fight for freedom and our homes.
“Our strategy is two-fold. Most of you will be staying behind to help with the defense, while a smaller, handpicked force will be on the attack. If you’re part of the attacking force, head to the garage, and defending force, head to the concourse if you haven’t already received your assignments.
“Both of our forces have to find success today. We depend on each other. Defenders need to keep out the invaders until their dying breath. Do not surrender, never accept surrender from the Reapers. Nothing but death or slavery awaits you at their hands. Fight to your last, and don’t show the enemy mercy. They will show you none.
“Makara, Samuel. If you’re listening to this, come join me now in the command center.
“Children under thirteen years of age and their designated guardians; seek shelter now on level B1.”
Raine thought things over, wondering if there was anything he had left out. When Dan said nothing, he thought of his closing statements.
“The sun will rise on a new future for L.A., one where freedom will banish the darkness caused by Ragnarok. Fight for that future, as surely as you fight for yourselves and your loved ones. That’s all. Good luck.”
Raine put the receiver back and waited.
Chapter 41
MAKARA AND SAMUEL LEFT the crowd of people heading for the barricade located on the mall’s north side, and turned back to head into the command center. When they arrived, out of breath, they found Raine waiting for them.
Before either of them could ask what was going on, Raine spoke.
“You’re both with me.”
Makara blinked in surprise. “Wait. We’re part of the attack force, now?”
Raine nodded. “Yes. I’ll be leading that personally, while Dan is going to be overseeing the defense.”
Makara felt her chest swell with pride. “I won’t let you down, Raine.”
“What’s the plan?” Samuel said.
“Simple,” Raine said. “Carin Black will be behind enemy lines. We’re to take our force, punch a hole in the Reapers’ eastern lines, and find him and settle the score once and for all.”
Makara felt her eyes widen at that. “What . . . how are we to even . . .?
“I know,” Raine said. “It’s a long shot. But it might be the only shot we have. We’re outnumbered three to one at least, and when the reinforcements arrive from the eastern gangs, the odds will be even worse. We have to end this quickly. If the mall goes down before we take out Black . . .” He looked from Makara, then back to Samuel. “Remember what I said earlier.”
“Raine . . .” Makara started.
He shook his head. “Remember. If you don’t agree, then you’re off the attack force, and I’m sending you both on your way right now.”
“We agree,” Samuel said, before Makara could say anything more.
Raine arched an eyebrow at Makara, and she let out a huff. “Fine.”
“You can take one of the bikes with a sidecar,” Raine said. “Samuel drives, Makara shoots.”
“What about you, Raine?” Makara asked.
“Me? I’m leading the attack. About fifty of us in all.”
Fifty. Would that be enough to break the Reapers’ line and find Black at the same time? Makara realized that the majority would have to stay behind and defend the mall.
“All right,” she said. “Are we doing this?”
Raine nodded. “One more thing. That guy you brought back . . . he went crazy and attacked Darlene. She’s no longer with us.”
Dan nodded to confirm this fact while Makara processed the news.
“I’m sorry,” she said. “It’s our fault
we brought him back . . .”
“You couldn’t have known,” Raine said. “I’d have done the same myself. Both he and Darlene were burned out back. There was no time for a proper ceremony.”
That hurt even worse, but Makara couldn’t find fault with it. “She’ll be missed, Raine.”
“You should get going, Boss,” Dan said. “The attack force should be assembled by now.”
Raine nodded. “Good luck, Dan.”
The two men shook hands. Makara knew as well as anyone else that this could be the last time they ever saw each other.
They headed out the door for the parking garage.
WHEN THEY ARRIVED, they found all the Angel bikers with their guns at the ready. They cheered Raine as he came forward, but his serious attitude caused them to go quiet and pay attention.
“This ends today,” he said. He paused a moment, coughing into his shoulder. He took a swig from his canteen to wash down the phlegm that had collected in his throat. “We have no choice but victory. If we lose this battle, it’ll be the end of the Angels. We have one mission, and one mission only. Kill Black. He’s out there somewhere, behind enemy lines. We’ll find him and end this war for good.”
“We’ll find him, Raine,” a gruff, bearded man said. Other Angels shouted their agreement.
“Let’s ride, then,” Raine said.
He went to his chopper, parked at the forefront of the rest, its pair of silver angel wings covering the handlebars. The others mounted up, but Raine was the first to start his engine, the roar echoing throughout the confines of the garage. Others started up their bikes until a great din filled the interior of the garage.
Makara and Samuel headed for one of the nearer bikes with a sidecar, given to them by the garage head. Samuel climbed on and started it up while Makara entered the sidecar, hefting her AR-15.
The bikes were heading down the exit ramp, now, and Samuel pulled out after them.
The attack was on.
Chapter 42
THE ANGELS ROLLED NORTH in a single mass, across the parking lot and onto the streets north of the mall. The sounds of explosions were barely discernible above the collective roar of the engines.
It did not take long to meet resistance. They came upon a group of ten or so Reapers, off their bikes and setting up a barricade on the road. Raine surged on ahead, taking the first shots as his chopper approached. The Reapers dove for cover, but it did them little good. The skirmish was over in a matter of minutes, with all the Reapers dead and only one fallen Angel.
The men raided the bodies for more ammunition and pressed on. Raine turned north and the Angels followed him. The sounds of the bombardment were getting louder. Makara realized that Raine was following the sound.
And before she knew it, they were rounding a corner and straight ahead was the Lost Angels’ old base, filled to the brim with Reapers using it as a fort. Raine charged ahead, to catch them unaware before they could set up a proper defense.
As the Angels neared the old walls, still mangled from the siege two years ago, they received some sporadic gunfire, but there was no gate to keep them out. The Angels opened fire, downing multiple Reapers before they even had the chance to return fire.
Reapers were shooting from the windows of the old base, down on the Angels below.
Raine parked next to the building and shot his way up the front door, with others close behind.
We’re up to our necks in it now, Makara thought.
She followed Raine into the building, where Angels were already securing the place floor by floor.
The numbers were about even, but the Angels had surprise on their side, killing at least ten Reapers within the first couple of minutes. Now, the Reapers were setting up defensive positions within the building. Raine and the Angels knew the building, and used that knowledge to their advantage, coming up on defensive emplacements from behind and taking Reapers out who were hiding.
Makara stayed with Samuel the entire time, her heart pounding madly. They joined several Angels at a corner, and took turns taking shots down a hallway. Makara reloaded her magazine, and fired again, scoring a hit on a Reaper’s shoulder.
After thirty minutes of fighting, the gunshots were lessening. What Reapers were left were rounded up and executed in the yard.
There was no Carin Black, though. Raine was fuming, but already, the Angels were gathering in the yard around him, waiting for the next move.
“Where to, Boss?” one of them asked.
“Word will get to Black that we’re here, if it hasn’t already,” Raine said. “We have to keep moving.”
Raine didn’t look good to Makara. There was a hazy look in his eyes, and she didn’t like the way he was coughing. He suddenly gripped his stomach and threw up on the yard. As the men stepped back, Makara could see whatever came out wasn’t normal upchuck. It was dark, and smelled vile.
Some of the men turned aside to throw up themselves, while Raine stumbled for his bike.
“Raine!” Makara ran up to him. “You’re sick. You can’t fight like this.”
The roar of engines filled the air. The sound was coming from outside the base.
“They’re coming, Boss,” one of the men said. “What do we do?”
“Black,” Raine said, half-delirious. “We have to get to Black.”
The men looked at each other, unsure of what to do.
“We ain’t finding Black if you’re puking your guts out,” the same man said. “Help me load him on his bike, Mike.”
“There’s no time,” Mike said.
Makara saw that he was right. The sounds of the approaching engines were louder, now.
“Man the walls!” Samuel called out, taking charge since no one else wanted to do it.
The men exchanged glances at being told what to do by a sixteen-year-old, but none of them could argue against the sense of that order.
The Angels hurried to man the walls. If they didn’t set up their positions as quickly as the Reapers, they’d meet the same fate. Makara and Samuel, meanwhile, pulled Raine inside the old base, despite his protests and struggles. It was a testament to his weakness that he couldn’t break free of their grip.
“We’ll watch over you,” Makara said. “Don’t make this harder than it needs to be, Raine.”
Raine was all but crying now. “I need to avenge them, Makara. I need to avenge my wife and daughter.”
“It’s not over yet,” Samuel said. “You might get your chance, Raine.”
Gunshots sounded from the ramparts as Makara and Samuel dragged the Lost Angels’ leader up the stairs. Reapers on bikes poured through the open gates. The Angels concentrated their fire, knocking a few of the Reapers off their mounts. They leaned Raine up against a wall, going to the window to add their own fire at Reapers pouring in from below. Angels started to go down in the crossfire.
Raine was already standing up, and stumbling towards the stairs.
“Raine!” Makara called.
He lost his footing and tumbled down them. Both siblings abandoned their positions and came to help their leader. He groaned as he crawled toward the wall, as Makara and Samuel helped him up. He had a nasty gash on his head.
“Raine, can you hear me?” Makara asked.
He spat, and blood came out. “For it to end like this . . . this disease will get me, sure as it got him . . .”
“Don’t say that,” Makara said. “It’s not over yet.”
“Makara,” Raine said, his eyes glassy. “You have to go. That’s an order.”
Makara was about to protest when a mortar whistled overhead. The entire building rumbled from the impact, while bits of wall and ceiling rained from above.
“I’m not going anywhere, Raine.”
“This was . . . a last-ditch hope. Dan and I . . . we knew this would be over unless we somehow killed Black.” He coughed again, the liquid staining his hand a mixture of blood and dark fluid. “The mall is going to fall, Makara. This is the Angels’ last stand. I don’t w
ant you to die in it. You’re a survivor.” His dark eyes met hers. “Keep surviving.”
“No, this isn’t the end,” Makara said, voice rising. “Don’t say that, Raine.”
“Samuel,” Raine said, his eyes seeming to get lucid for the first time. “Remember what I told you.”
Makara looked at her brother in horror. That horror was realized when her brother nodded.
“I’ll do it, Raine.”
More gunshots from outside. Makara ran up the stairs and took up her position again at the window. Angels were falling now, and fast. A few bullets whizzed by, so she ducked and crawled back to the stairwell.
“In the basement,” Raine said. “There’s a cellar door that comes out the back. If the Reaps don’t know about it, you might get out alive.”
“I will not run!” Makara said. “I’ll die here before I do that.”
“Take her, Samuel,” Raine ordered. “Makara . . . find Ohlan. Your purpose isn’t over. You must survive. You must survive.”
Raine closed his eyes, as Makara shook him by the shoulders madly. “Raine. Raine! Don’t you die on me. This isn’t over.”
Tears streamed down her face, washing the dust of the bombardment away. Another explosion rocked the building from the south.
“This place is gonna come down,” Samuel said. “We got to go, now.”
Even Makara had to admit it was over. Even if Raine were to survive whatever sickness was taking him, they’d have to carry him out of the building, causing their progress to be slowed.
“Thank you,” Makara whispered, to Raine’s quiet form.
His lips tugged upward in a smile. His eyes opened halfway, but only halfway.
Samuel reached for his neck and waited.
“Nothing,” he said. “I’m sorry. We can do nothing else.” His eyes were watery, too.
He stood and started to pull Makara downstairs. They needed to make it to the basement before the Reapers started getting into the building.
Makara resisted at first, not wanting to leave Raine behind, the man who had saved her and kept her safe. It was all gone, now. There would be no vengeance for him, no justice for Adrienne or Valerie.
