The Divide_Legacy

by Mitchel Grace

  The soldiers applauded. Sarah’s words seemed to lift their spirits somewhat. She knew it wouldn’t be enough to ease their worry, but she also understood that they needed something to look forward to. These brave men and women needed to know they were fighting for a good future and not more hardship and heartbreak.

  “So my mom might be the leader of Raines again, huh?” Veronica asked with a grin as Sarah got down.

  “If that’s what it takes. We have to make this right.”

  “I . . . I’m sorry,” Veronica said and looked away in shame.

  “For what? None of this was your fault,” Sarah immediately said and lifted her daughter’s chin up, making her meet her eyes.

  “It really was. If I hadn’t gotten captured, none of this would have ever happened.”

  “You can’t be held responsible for what bad people do, Veronica. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in life, it’s that. It’s easy to blame yourself, but it would be a mistake if you did. I have a feeling this city is going to need you when you’re older. It took brains and guts for you to put together an army to rescue us. You’re a natural born leader.”

  “Do you really think so?”

  “I know so, and speaking of being a leader, there’s one person who could use you right now,” Sarah said and motioned to a very depressed Lee.

  “He does look like his dog just died or something,” Veronica said.

  “Lee could use a friend. Do you think you could talk to him for me? I would do it, but I think he needs someone besides his mom.”

  “I’ll try, but Mom, just so you know I’m really proud to be your daughter. I never knew how much you affected people until they lined up to risk their lives for you.”

  With that, they went their separate ways. Alex and Sarah went to find a tent and some blankets. It was already freezing outside. Veronica, meanwhile, went to find Roger and plan her talk with Lee. It was going to be a night full of talks and plans. Little did they know that it would be the plans they made that night that affected the rest of their lives.

  Chapter 20

  The Road Home

  As they lay there shivering in their tent, Sarah’s mind wouldn’t shut off. How would all of this end? Would they get home only to discover that all of their friends were dead? It was a sobering question that left her more than a little troubled. Alex could tell she was restless. The tossing and turning had made it obvious, and he knew he needed to address the issue that was on both of their minds.

  “All right. Let’s talk about it,” Alex said.

  “What is there to talk about? We’re going to get there, and those monsters will have torn the city apart. No matter how we think of it, that’s the reality awaiting us,” Sarah said. It was obvious that she felt defeated, so Alex wrapped his arms around her and said what she needed to hear most.

  “Even if that’s true, we’ll rebuild. It was thanks to you and Jake’s sacrifice that Raines was able to become the free place it did. If we have to sacrifice even more to put things right, then that’s exactly what we’ll do. I don’t know how yet, but I promise we’ll make things right, and some day, our vision of Raines will be completed with no insiders or outsiders, just a people who are one.”

  “You can’t promise that.”

  “Yes, I can. Have I ever lied to you?”

  “I suppose not, but let me ask you this. What do you think we’ll find there?”

  “A lot of death, but they won’t have killed more than was absolutely necessary. They’ll want the rest to load all of our supplies and to keep for slaves. I believe most of our people will still be fine.”

  “I sure hope you’re right. I never thought I would miss the palace back in New Vegas,” Sarah said as she shivered.

  Alex pulled her close. It was freezing that night, but it wasn’t all bad for him. It reminded Alex of nights as a boy when they had no electric heat and firewood wouldn’t quite keep up with the chill of the night air. Back then, his whole family would huddle together for warmth. His dad and Will were still alive then. Now he was doing that same thing with the woman who meant everything to him. Sure, it was cold, but in some ways, it had never been warmer for Alex. They were free, together, and they were almost home. No matter what dangers awaited them there, Alex was ready.

  In the tent next to theirs, Travis had been exhausted and passed out almost as soon as his head hit the pillow. Lee, on the other hand, couldn’t quite let the day go. They had escaped, he had lost a girl he might love, and now they were going to fight once again. He was only seventeen. Lee knew that his dad had been considered a man by that age, but he wasn’t his father. Lee didn’t know if he could ever be that brave or take hardship quite as well. The truth was that he was simply a heartbroken kid who was afraid of what might come next.

  Ultimately, Lee decided there was no use in lying there beside a heater that barely worked. If he was going to think all night, then he might as well walk. Lee unzipped the tent and stepped out into the night air, which chilled him to the bone. It was almost enough reason for him to turn around right there, but then he saw a campfire in front of Roger’s tent. Veronica was sitting there alone shivering.

  “Hey, couldn’t sleep either?” Lee asked as he sat down beside her.

  “No, and I don’t know how Roger could. For that matter, how are Mom and Dad asleep right now? Tomorrow is going to be the most important day of our lives, and we might all die. Doesn’t that worry anyone else?” she asked with fear in her eyes.

  “I don’t think it’s that they aren’t concerned. It’s just that they’ve seen a lot more than us.”

  “I get what you’re saying, but it’s irritating. Sometimes I feel like I’m surrounded by all of these brave people, and some people assume that I’m one of them because my last name is Morgan, but what if I’m not that kind of Morgan?” Veronica asked insecurely.

  “Trust me when I say you are. You’re strong. You’re just nervous like me. How could we not be after everything that’s happened lately?”

  “I’m sorry. You shouldn’t be the one reassuring me. I heard about Alisa. You two were close, weren’t you?” she asked, trying to pry a little further and get a better picture of what that girl had been to her brother.

  “I think we were, and I’m pretty sure we would have been a lot closer if she had stuck around.”

  “So why didn’t she?”

  “It’s complicated. Even if Mom and Dad were in the wrong, what would you do? I mean, reverse the situation and say we had invaded New Vegas. If you met someone from Raines while you were there, could you have stayed, or would you have gone back home to try to put things back together?”

  “I get what you mean, and I can’t say that I would ever abandon my home. You didn’t have to come with us, though. I mean, I want you here, but if your heart is with her, then I would understand.”

  “My heart is with our family, but thanks. I doubt they would have been very welcoming of a man from Raines after what happened to their city, so I don’t know if that was even an option.”

  “So you’re stuck with us until you can go get your girl when this is all over.”

  “Go get her? How do I even know that we’ll live through this?”

  “Because your big sister is with you. Plus, from what I’ve heard, you can take care of yourself now.”

  “I guess I can. I’m so glad you’re safe. I know I never said it, but I panicked when you went missing. I don’t know what we would have done without you, and Roger truly looked troubled while you were gone. It was almost like his whole world had ended. By the way, what’s up with that?” he asked, doing a little prying of his own.

  “I like him, and he cares about me. Before, age and what people might think meant a lot, but after everything I went through, I realized that if you have someone who cares about you like Roger does me then you’re luckier than almost everyone else. I’m going to stick with him after this is over, assuming we make it.”

  “Well, I won’t lie. It’s weird
because he’s like a big brother to me, but you have my support. I know you’ll treat each other well, and all I really care about is that you’re happy.”

  “Why didn’t we talk like this when we were younger?” Veronica asked with a grin.

  “I don’t know. I think you just thought I was your annoying little brother, and I did my own thing, too. Almost losing everything puts things into perspective, though.”

  “It really does. None of the things we had came for free, and getting them back won’t either. Do you think we’re ready to do whatever we have to in order to get our lives back?”

  “Definitely not, but we’ll still do it anyway. Maybe that’s what being brave is really about.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Well, deep down I think everyone is really scared in moments like this. Bravery isn’t about not being afraid. That’s called stupidity. Being brave is about facing things even when you’re unprepared. Do you know what I mean?”

  “I think I do. Well, it’s freezing, little brother. I’ve got to get back into my tent and under a heater. You should get some sleep, too,” Veronica said and stood before turning back to him once again. “Oh, and don’t worry about Alisa. I’m telling you that you’ll see her again someday soon.”

  With that, they went back to their tents. It still took him a while, but eventually, Lee’s mind calmed, and a deep sleep took him. In previous days, nightmares had plagued him. He would dream about being murdered in the pit and wake up sweating. On this night, however, all he dreamed about was going back to Alisa. It seemed like a long shot, but somehow, he knew he would see her again. By that time, both cities would be stabilized, and their lives would be back on track. It was so close yet so far away. Lee could almost taste it.

  * * * * *

  The following morning, Alex and Sarah woke up to feel the warmth of the morning light. It was that perfect time of day between the cold and the heat where life truly felt wonderful. Alex couldn’t believe that people used to have an entire season that felt like this. For about twenty minutes, it was perfect.

  Unfortunately, it couldn’t last, and as they ate breakfast, the heat rolled in and it began to feel a bit unbearable in a completely different way. Thankfully, they got on the road quickly. They would be back in Raines by that evening. None of them were particularly looking forward to it, though. They were nervous, and Alex could clearly see the dread on everyone’s faces. He knew now might be the time to lighten the mood.

  “Do you remember when you two were kids and you said you wanted to take a trip to the outside world?” Alex asked with a grin while looking back at Veronica.

  “I do. I can’t believe I ever wanted to come out here,” she said and smiled.

  “Oh, it isn’t that bad, is it? I was born on the outside. Besides the whole kidnapping thing, how has it been for the two of you?”

  “Well, that was the only part for me,” Veronica said and bit her lip before continuing. “I do have to admit that there’s something wild and free about the outside world, though. I prefer the safety of Raines, but I don’t want this to be the last time we go outside.”

  “Me either. There are savage people out here, but there are also kind and brave ones. That’s obvious by the fact that so many people came to save us. I didn’t recognize any of them. That can only mean they were all outsiders,” Lee said.

  “They are. We tried to convince the insiders, but as you can guess, the thought of walking out into what they consider hell wasn’t exactly a good one. They said thanks but no thanks,” Veronica said.

  “That figures. I also think it was good for me to be out here personally.”

  “And why is that?” Roger asked.

  “Because I learned what not to do early on, and then I learned how to be what people needed me to be. I learned that it’s about more than me. I think I might have grown up while I was out here.”

  “I get exactly what you’re saying. I was a coward before, and yeah. I was right. Leaving was a terrible idea. It caused all of us so much trouble, but it changed me, too. I know I’m not weak, and I know I can survive, no matter what I have to do. I don’t think I was ever a man before. I’m sorry I didn’t go with you, Veronica. If I had, maybe things wouldn’t have turned out this way,” Travis said.

  “It wasn’t your fault. Trust me when I say there was nothing you or anyone else could’ve done. We were ambushed. You might have died if you had gone,” Roger said.

  “I don’t blame you, Travis. In fact, I wish I had been a little more cowardly,” Veronica said with a grin.

  “So that’s it, huh? My children are all grown up suddenly?” Sarah teased.

  “Not exactly, but I think we’re getting there,” Veronica said.

  Alex smiled. He had dreaded the idea of his children ever leaving the safety of the walls. It was leaving those walls that had taught them to be brave, however. Sure, it had caused them a lot of trouble, but now he knew concretely that his kids could survive without him.

  It’s a bittersweet goal to make your children self-reliant because they don’t necessarily need you after that, but at least Alex had given them what his dad and Jake gave him. They had shown him what family looked like, how to survive, and what right and wrong was, even if they were on the wrong side of things sometimes. After one more job, Alex could feel confident in leaving the future of Raines to a new generation who were educated and logical, but also led by strong and courageous people like his children and Travis.

  It had taken fire and ice to forge Raines into the society it needed to be. Alex had never backed down from a challenge, and he had all the courage necessary to make that a reality. Sarah, on the other hand, was educated and fit to lead. Together they made up exactly what Raines needed. Maybe his children would be the best of both worlds.

  The hours passed quicker than Alex and Sarah thought they would as everyone traded stories and talked about simpler times. They did, however, arrive in Raines eventually. When they got within a few miles, they could already see smoke. As they got even closer, they could see the ruins of houses that were still smoldering. Citizens were loading trucks with what Alex assumed to be stolen supplies. He couldn’t tell how many people they had lost, but it didn’t look like there were nearly enough citizens in Raines. He wanted to pretend that maybe some had escaped, but Alex knew the truth. Odds were that somewhere around a fourth of all outsiders in Raines had been killed.

  “We need to stop now and figure out exactly how we’re going to do this. If we don’t move as one, we won’t stand a chance,” Roger said.

  “I completely agree,” Sarah said, and the driver grabbed a hand-held radio and told the vehicles behind them to stop.

  Then they pulled off to the side of the road and got out. Alex looked like hell with a limp and a bandaged shoulder that the blood had seeped through, but he knew this was his moment. Sarah reassured the people, but Alex was the rougher side of what the citizens looked up to. He had been an outsider and a fighter. If these men would follow anyone into war, it was going to be someone like him.

  “Can I have everyone’s attention please?” Alex asked as he stepped forward and motioned for Sarah, Roger, and Veronica to come with him.

  Everyone got quiet, and Alex cleared his throat. He was nervous for so many reasons. Alex had never liked talking to large groups, but it was more than that. This city and his family represented everything that was valuable about his life. If they couldn’t get out of this with Raines and all of his family members alive, then it would all be for nothing. In order for everything to work out, though, he couldn’t show that fear. If he didn’t believe in this, then neither would they. Finally, Alex took a breath, cleared his mind, and began to speak.

  “Nothing about today is going to be simple. Then again, I know exactly the type of men and women I’m talking to. None of your lives have been simple from the start. It’s been a struggle to survive every day. Today won’t be any different, but we’re all fighters standing here. Shoot straight, d
on’t hesitate, and have no mercy. Our enemy certainly won’t. If you do those things, I promise you that we’ll be victorious.

  “Standing beside me is your former leader and my wife, Sarah Morgan. As much as I hate the idea of it, she will be in this fight, too. If ever you find that you’re lost and don’t know what to do, lean on her for direction. You can also trust Roger and my daughter Veronica. After all, they were the ones who organized this army to begin with. The two of them will be leading a team of you from the east, while Sarah and I will be going with a team invading from the west. We have one simple plan, and I know it isn’t much of one, but it’s always been good enough to protect what is ours. Kill any enemy you see, and protect our people along the way.

  “Once the intruders have been driven from the city, I assure you that everyone here will be rewarded. Sarah and I don’t rule this city anymore, but we’ll talk to the man who does. He’ll agree to give you more credits, as well as any supplies you need to survive until the next indoor city is finished. After that, we’ll all be secure together, and there will be no insiders or outsiders. Raines will finally be one. That’s the future we’re fighting for today. Will you join me, my friends, for one final fight that will determine everything about our future?” Alex asked.

  A barrage of cheers was the only answer he needed. Then he looked back to see his daughter’s face. She looked nervous, and Alex could understand why, but she was ready for this. He gave her a nod of approval and then motioned for Travis and Lee to come with them. He trusted that his son was ready for war, but he still wanted him close by just in case. As for Travis, Alex had learned that there was more to that boy than met the eye. He had a feeling that Travis would be useful in the fight before it was all over.

  They went their separate ways, aligning their vehicles with the east and west sides of Raines. Then they checked their weapons one last time and headed for the city. A fight for the future of everything was in the making, and it was too late to turn back now!