Nova Nocte (Book 2): Quarantined in Chaos

by Melissa Gibbo

  ###

  Sunny and I watched the sun set a brilliant orange and purple over the burning pile of Dead. It had taken an hour, but our group cleared the demolished automobiles from the road and raided them for anything of value. The bodies were stacked waist high and in varying stages of decay. For good measure, I wore thick leather gloves to toss heads into the flames.

  Wouldn’t do to get bitten by just a head and die now.

  Lorcan used his harpoon to move the heads. I watched the middle-aged tourist and tried to remember how long he’d been in the community; five, maybe six months? His shirt was patchy with sweat from the endeavor even though the rest of us wore jackets to stay comfortable. I felt worry rise in my gut. Could he have a fever?

  “Anyone want to tone down the fire a bit? It’s right warm tonight.”

  That’s right, he’s from Ireland. This is probably close to summer weather for him.

  My nerves eased as I patted Lorcan on the back and grabbed the leg of a particularly large body.

  “It’ll get cooler, don’t worry. It’s not what you’re used to, but the weather will chill up soon.”

  He smiled as we added the swollen carcass to the inferno.

  “Well that’s a blessing. I can’t wait to get up north and find some transport home. This holiday’s gone on too long for my liking.”

  The back of the Dodge opened. Daemon rolled out and landed on the ground with a thud. His mentor stepped over him and stretched his arms towards the heavens.

  “Thank the Gods we are out of that compartment.” The Roman exclaimed over the chorus of cracks emanating from his spine.

  I watched as Daemon popped upright and did some twists and stretches of his own.

  “Nice stunt work there.” I teased.

  He pulled his mane into a ponytail and grinned.

  “Thanks. Think I might audition for a gig as a stunt double when we get out of here. That or gigolo. I have the body for it don’t you think?”

  We laughed for a second before it sounded strained. Cal shot us each a look and I heard his voice in my head again.

  ‘Try not to be tempted by his comments; the boy is merely trying to return to being friends. We will both be gone soon enough.’

  Without thinking I’d checked out the physique in question and fought the feelings that it spawned.

  “Maybe you should be a mime. Canada is part French, I’m sure you’d get work.”

  The others chuckled at the jibe and we sat down to plan the evening.

  ###

  We spent half the evening clearing a path on the defunct highway. Along with weeds, the asphalt had sprouted decayed corpses, staggering Dead, and abandoned autos. The jack-knifed semi required a joint effort from Daemon and Cal.

  “You have to lift a little, not just shove it.”

  “Daemon, this may surprise you, but I do know how to push things out of a path.”

  “And yet,” He wiped a swatch of hair from his face. “...you aren’t lifting when you push.”

  I stabbed at a crawling fleshie with my camp shovel. The serrated edge sawed into the exposed cranium and ended the creature’s stinky existence. Behind me I heard a loud smack.

  “Sorry, my boy thought I’d slap some sense into you. How is your respect for your elders coming?”

  A metallic creaking accompanied the barb.

  “Ugh, it’s getting better old man. You just keep this thing moving into that ravine.”

  I fought to withdraw the embedded shovel before using it to drag the body off the road. Light chuckling followed the sound of the semi being overturned and rolling to a stop at the trees.

  I really expected that to blow up. Must’ve watched too many movies.

  Shrugging away my disappointment, I signaled the team to regroup.

  “Alright, we are clear for the foreseeable distance; let’s get rolling.”

  The small reserves of fuel were poured into the vehicles and we rode while our Undead allies flew ahead. The dim moonlight threw the solid shadow we drove on into contrast; the trees to either side stood like jagged teeth ready to devour our convoy. As our group joked and watched for hazards, I picked a tiny star and made a wish. And then I pushed aside the memory of my night with Daemon.

  CHAPTER 9 DECEMBER 13TH - YEAR 2

  Our trek is detoured. Cal is furious and Reggie barely agreed to stay with us. We stopped near a sign for Savannah and Daemon went silent. After we set up a camp for the coming day, the fledgling vampire spoke up.

  “I need to make a stop tomorrow.”

  All eyes on the young vampire poking the fire with a stick.

  “Why the hell do we need to make a stop; we’re stopped now.” Reggie asked.

  I didn’t know a vampire’s face could lose more color. Daemon stared into the flames.

  “We don’t; I do. It’s personal. Can we just hang here for one extra day? There should be plenty of goods this close to Savannah; it is... was a big city.”

  Cal and I locked eyes.

  What is going on?

  The Roman walked over and sat next to his protégé.

  “We need more detail than that, my boy. Why should we delay near an area likely to be overrun with foes?”

  Tiny embers floated from the pit and added to the starlight. I heard Daemon’s voice breaking when he answered.

  “I used to live near here. I want to see if my parents are still alive.”

  “Oh.” I looked away. It felt like hours before anyone looked at Daemon or said anything. “I think we can all wait one day. We can try to replenish our supplies and gas. Does anyone mind?”

  Chase and Sunny shook their heads and held one another. Looking around there was quiet consent. Until Reggie.

  “I mind.”

  “Why? Why do you care if I spend one night looking for my folks? There’s bound to be plenty of loot around for you. Or other survivors for you to kill when you ‘check ahead’ of us.”

  I whipped my head around.

  “What! You’ve been hunting people?”

  Reggie scoffed.

  “Of course. My mission here is to get you out of quarantine and set up with new lives; not to save everyone I cross. Most would’ve killed your little pack of refugees for a crust of bread.”

  “That’s not the point; it wasn’t the deal.”

  Cal rose to put a hand on my shoulder.

  “Actually, it was. Our agreement was that my old friend could do whatever he felt necessary to get this group out alive. If he wishes to feed primarily off potential enemies, it is his right. He is risking everything to do this favor for us. Let him be.”

  “So why can’t I go into town?”

  “Because, kid, you are a vampire. I know you want to check on your parents, but you can’t. They are almost certainly dead and I’m sure they thought you died back when you got turned; that life is over.”

  “Bullshit! I haven’t been able to see them since prom. Instead I got bit, turned, and forced to leave them behind. I just want to know if they are okay.”

  “And if they are? What then? Do you intend to take them with us?”

  “Well, yeah. But we can glamour them when we get to safety. We’re already doing that with everyone else.”

  Daemon stood an inch from Reggie’s face.

  “No. It’s not permitted by the laws of our kind. Once you are part of our community, there’s no going back. Trust me it’ll just make things harder. Remember them like they used to be; your folks are probably long dead.”

  A pale fist hit Reggie in the chest, sending him flying into the side of a SUV. As the vampire recovered we stood back to watch in shock. The steel door was caved in. Reggie glared with glowing green eyes as his fangs descended. Daemon’s burned red. In the darkness I could see a tiny sparks coming from his palms.

  This is NOT going to end well. What the fuck do I do?

  Reggie charged Daemon and they exchanged blows so fast they looked like streaks of oil paint against a black canvas. Cal kept shouting at
them to stop and trying to pull them apart.

  And then Reggie burst into flames.

  “How in Jupiter’s name...?”

  Daemon simply stood with his eyes and hands focused on the burning vampire. I watched as his broken nose shifted back into place over the frantic screams of the older Undead. Cal managed to get his friend to drop & roll. The blaze extinguished, the vampire slowly rose; he looked like a blackened chicken. His skin made a crunching sound as the he moved. The Roman aided our guide with a gentle arm. Neither took their eyes off Daemon. Their eyes held fear; no anger, just fear.

  The fledgling relaxed his pose and fell to his knees.

  That must’ve exhausted him. But how did he do that? Even Cal can barely manage a few sparks after centuries of training.

  No one spoke while Cal fed Reggie from his own wrist. Weapons were clutched as we witnessed the gradual healing of our immortal counterparts. After Sunny laid her spear down the others joined her on the ground near the Prius. I listened to the crickets, the crackle of the cook fire, and my heart beating.

  “We will go to town tomorrow. Daemon will have a night to ascertain the condition of his family and I will recuperate.” He looked at his friend. “Caelinus, you have a dangerous protégé. I will remember that in the future; so should you.”

  I cleared my throat.

  “Let’s get some sleep. I think we could all use a few hours of rest. No more weirdness or whatnot until we’ve all had a nap and some dinner. Agreed?”

  Daemon and the others nodded. As we made our way to our sleeping places or watch locations, the Nurse checked on Sunny. Afterwards, Chase spoke to her protruding belly while the Nurse offered Reggie a painkiller. I curled up in the front seat of the truck.

  No thinking tonight, brain. There’s too much to deal with right now. Just turn off for a couple of hours.

  CHAPTER 10 DECEMBER 14TH - YEAR 2

  I woke around noon to a chorus of groans and a reek of rot. The familiar clank of weapons being drawn led me to the sentries. I whispered as I leaned in.

  “What’s up? Why didn’t anyone wake me?”

  I knelt along the side of a wrecked Durango and peeked at the mass of Dead. Vincent signaled Bubba and Sunny to stay put in the Prius before answering.

  “This swarm came up pretty quick, no time to raise the alarm.”

  I chanced a better look at our foes.

  “What do you mean they came on quick? You mean they move fast or they happened to wander through a blind spot?”

  His forehead wrinkled as he lifted his silenced pistol.

  “I mean look at them; they all look recently dead. They haven’t overdone it and torn all the tendons yet. These fleshies are still going full tilt at anything that moves.”

  A crow landed at the side of the road. Three of the creatures were on it with gnashing teeth before it could flutter its wings. I counted at least ten others rushing to join the meal.

  Only two seem to be injured; the others move like lightning. Dammit. No advantage until sunset and that’s not for six or seven hours.

  I tapped Vincent on the shoulder and tilted my head to the dump truck at our left. It was a solid ten yards of open ground, but it was away from the others in our vehicles and it seemed high enough to keep the Dead at bay. Assuming we could get to it and over the back gate.

  What’s the worst that can happen? Wait, don’t think about that...

  He looked at me and back at the faces of our friends and lovers. Concern made their eyes appear larger than possible and their breathing fogged the windows. We gave them a wave and pointed at our watches. Chase nodded and crossed himself for us. Taking a big breathe, we counted down with our fingers. And then we RAN.

  We fled for the refuge without looking back. Heavy footfalls and death rattles fell in behind us. I pumped my legs faster and forced myself to breathe. Swinging my arms further out I grabbed at the air for assistance; as though the molecules would somehow give me grips to pull my body forward at an accelerated rate. The former soldier outstripped me and reached the truck immediately.

  Why isn’t he climbing in?

  Every inhale burned inside my lungs and my ribs were stretched as much as my legs. Vincent clasped his hands together and screamed to me.

  “Foot in hand an over!”

  I followed the instruction and used his palms as a springboard. As soon as I reached the top of the truck, I reached down to pull him up. His grip was tight and he flung his body next to mine in one smooth movement. We hopped into the back of the dump truck and tried to catch our breath. The slamming of frantic cadavers into the side of the automobile drowned out the sound of our panting.

  “Your parents would be proud.”

  Vincent gave me a bewildered look.

  “Why?”

  I laughed, “Even while running for your life from reanimated corpses, you still took the time to be a gentleman.”

  I attempted a straight face and we both broke into a fit of chuckling. I snorted and wiped away a tear. I stretched my burning calves and stood to survey the situation.

  The swarm of zombies surrounded the construction vehicle and several others were joining them from the brush along the highway. The others peered out the cracks at the top of the windows. I waved to let them know we were okay. Sunny gave us a thumbs-up while her husband did a little happy dance and threw his arm around Bubba.

  “Vincent, your sweetie is waiting. Let him see you.”

  He rose and smiled. We waved over the heads of the ravenous cadavers like we were riding a float in the worst parade ever. After a few minutes, I pointed at the sun and back to the interior of the truck. The others settled in to wait for sunset to release our Undead companions. Vincent and I sat along the steel wall in the sliver of shade.

  “Got any water, Squirrel?”

  I pulled my canteen off my belt and shook it; a swish answered. I held it out to him and searched my pockets for the flask I recovered on the last run. He took a couple of sips and passed it back to me. I drank a little before accepting that my new flask was lost forever.

  “We’ve got three-quarters of a canteen of water to last the day. Think we should try to put down a couple of fleshies from here or conserve energy until nightfall?”

  I looked at the football sized chunks of concrete surrounding us.

  “What the hell; let’s give it a try. I think we can do some damage with those.”

  I grabbed a hefty piece of stone and stood at the top of the mound. With a practice swing, I tossed the ballista at the crowd of recently dead. It crashed into the shoulder of a man who looked like Peter Jackson in a Hawaiian shirt and jeans. The fuzzy carcass fell over but hoisted itself again; this time its arm swung loose in the busted socket.

  “Not bad. I think we can at least do enough damage to give us a better shot. If not, reinforcements will awaken soon.”

  My partner flung a block and bowled over two of the Dead, breaking the legs on one.

  “Nice one. What bugs me, though, is that there are so many zombies who were living people not long ago. That means their either was a group thriving until recently and they got overwhelmed or...”

  “...that there still is a rival camp nearby and these are just the ones they lost a short time ago. Yeah, I know.”

  We both threw brick-sized lumps and managed to destroy one of our attackers and completely miss the other. The satisfying crunch of its skull caving in gave me a second wind.

  “This trip tonight is gonna suck isn’t it?”

  “Doesn’t it always?”

  He’s got a point. At least I’ll...we’ll have Daemon, Cal, and Reggie to help. Wonder if Daemon’s folks are alive? I hope this doesn’t end as badly as my family.

  I pushed aside my thoughts and the ghosts of my former life.

  “You make a good point, Vincent.”

  ###

  When the last rays of light faded into the shadows of pine trees and totaled cars, only five Dead remained around our battered hideaway. Pale forms
tore the heads apart as another gurgled through its broken maw. Black blood bubbled from the ripped throat of the spectral-eyed woman. Sunny stood a dozen steps from the creature and looked away while Reggie stomped its face into the pavement; only a silent puddle remained of the distorted features.

  No one spoke about why Sunny was so distraught over the kill; it was obvious. The fleshie had been stumbling with its baby dragging the ground by the umbilical cord. Thankfully, the baby hadn’t turned as well. As we built a low fire to dispose of the other Dead, Chase and I buried the woman and her daughter. Bubba said a prayer over the grave while the rest of us looked on.

  I wonder what she would’ve named her. Or did she even know if it was going to be a girl?

  I used my peripheral vision to check on Sunny; stone-faced but her pallor told us how worried she was. She barely appeared to notice her husband placing his surviving hand on her arm. I made a private promise to myself to keep the same fate from reaching my friend.

  At any cost, she will get out of here with their child.

  The mourning done, we spoke haltingly about our concerns about enemies in the area. Gear was prepped and loaded for the search for Daemon’s family, but the atmosphere of death and doom permeated the troupe. Daemon twitched and hurried to help everyone with their tasks.

  “Are we ready yet? I want to have plenty of time to reach home and see them. It’s been a couple of years.”

  Reggie frowned but held his tongue. The rest of us took our places in the convoy. I tapped the roof of the pickup twice.

  “We’re off. You three clear a path and we will follow.”

  Daemon grinned and levitated a foot into the air.

  “Got it; I’ll lead the way.”

  “Daemon...” He paused to look at me. “...I hope this works out. But, well, if not remember that we are here for you.”

  He swallowed and clenched his jaw as he swiped hair from his face.

  “I know. Thanks, Squirrel. But they’re alive; I’m sure of it.”