Darkness Falls (Book 1): Rise of the Fallen

by Francis, Martin W.

  That is indeed one hell of a run of shitty luck.” Dan shuffled in his seat uncomfortable from such a long unexpected story.

  Dan filled Jessie in on their ordeals the last couple weeks. He unknowingly gave personality and character traits about all of them which Jessie was listening intently for. She used her talented skill of reading a person’s honesty while he spoke. She learned everything she needed to in a few minutes which had been her intent when going in depth with her own story.

  “Well, if you don’t mind riding with three armed men we might could give you a lift to where ever it is that you’re heading. Also, I do believe the guy I mentioned that is heading to Ruidoso planned on trying to gather survivors. He might be trying to put together a community of sorts which actually seems like a good idea. That’s where we are heading after seeing if our family in Colorado made it or not.”

  I’m kind of used to being around armed men. None of you seem to have a criminal element or hidden agenda that I picked up. I suppose a ride definitely beats walking. I wouldn’t mind the company or getting out of the snow either to tell the truth. I’m heading to Colorado myself.” Kurt opened the back door sliding over to make room for the woman he no longer felt a threat. “The environment in New Mexico would be wonderful, but need to weigh my options before committing to the trip to meet your friend.”

  -2-

  It did not take very long for me to make it to Ruidoso. I turned off at the long winding road that led up to my cabin. The closest neighbors consisting of a small block of tourist rental cabin (for an elite few that did not mind paying extravagant prices for a few days of enjoyment) and vacation homes were at least a quarter mile away. My cabin was huge compared to most cabins and built on the crest of the mountains. It was surrounded by a multitude of large trees and usually wildlife at any time of the year. The cabin had been built to my specifications. I have remodeled it occasionally to add on additional space for various reasons. It took me a little while to unload all the gear I had brought with me. After that I sat down to eat a bowl of chili warmed over a small fire pit out back. Finally satisfied, I fell asleep in a soft comfortable recliner in the living area.

  The following morning I added homemade silencers to all the guns in my arsenal that I would not draw unwanted attention from multiple Fallen if I had to take down one. I then went to the closest grocery store where I found very little on the shelves. I decided that I would have to search a few unoccupied properties. My neighbors seemed like a good choice since the area needed to be cleared anyway if Dan actually did decide to show up with a small group. I worked the eight cabins systematically in order on one side of the block. Arriving on the block I noticed two Fallen lingering about a dead deer on the road. These Fallen were hard to look at without feeling truly saddened. They were both young boys around six or seven years old. I stepped out of the RV aiming my pistol at one of them. They noticed me right away. Turning their attention form the deer they began to run toward me. I hesitated momentarily because they were children. Five feet away my mind snapped into survival mode. I dropped the first one before leaping onto the hood of a nearby car to avoid the other from nearly being bitten. After shooting the second I made my way back to my RV. Inside I sat the gun on the dashboard shedding a few tears for the boys. I came to the realization that this truly was a different world and nothing would ever be easy again. I had to find the strength and resolve to adapt and survive. The only comfort I had was that I knew those children died long ago. I told myself Fallen were not human, but monsters dwelling in the shells of those that had passed.

  Starting up the engine I pulled into the first driveway. I grabbed an empty duffel bag on my way to scout the first cabin. The first three properties were empty of residents living or Fallen. There were plenty of canned goods, Bottled water, batteries, and other items I found lying about to fill the duffel multiple times. I had brought several boxes in the RV where I would dump the contents anytime the duffel became too full. At the fourth cabin I kicked in the front door as I had done with the others. The living room beyond the door was stained with blood which I took as a bad omen. Not seeing any movement I entered immediately pulling down the curtains from the double bay windows to let in light. As light flooded in so did the stench in the air I breathed in. I had to exit for a moment to get a gasp of fresh air because it was so overwhelming. I went back to the RV where I grabbed an oxygen face mask with replaceable cartridges to breathe clean air usually lasted about five minutes per cartridge.

  Entering back into the dwelling I noticed movement out of the corner of my eye in the kitchen just as I passed the door frame of the main entrance. Turning to my right in a quick motion I aimed my gun towards the kitchen. Waiting patiently nothing visibly stirred. I slowly made my way forward expecting the inevitable. I entered the kitchen making my way carefully around a counter. A dead body was lying on the ground with the chest cavity torn open exposing what was left of the organs inside. Its head was missing completely. There were bite marks on the neck like it had been torn off by a set of teeth. The rest of the floor in the kitchen was littered with pans and a box of Captain Crunch that was strewn about everywhere. At the other end of the kitchen there was a door I assumed was a pantry which was slightly ajar.

  “If someone is in the pantry come out now. I’m armed with an AK-47 assault rifle. You have until the count of three before I start shooting.”

  There was a rustling noise that emanated from inside the pantry. I counted loudly enough to make sure I was heard. On saying three the pantry door exploded open. A blood covered Fallen with a knife protruding from a shoulder blade stood have hunched looking ready to pounce. He glanced around like he was looking for a way to escape. The fact that it came out when I got to three showed that it was likely intelligent enough to still comprehend English which was astonishing and frightening at the same time. How could something so close to human be so violent with no disregard for the life of others? Piercing blue eyes studied my facial expressions and movement. It must have realized my momentary confusion thinking it was an opportune moment to attack. It lunged forward with a leap followed by an immense speed. Barely able to squeeze off the trigger inches before it was on me a burst of bullets flung it backwards onto the ground. It was slumped appearing dead, but seeing enough horror movies I shot it again in the head just for good measure.

  I searched the rest of the cabin without further issues. In the backyard I found a pile of fence posts, several boxes of nails, and a box of tools. I boarded up the insides of the doors I had kicked in and all the windows of the four cabins I had searched. Doing this would make it easier to know if living or Fallen were to enter the properties. Finishing half the block had been exhausting but left me with a sense of accomplishment. I returned back to the RV going back home for a late lunch.

  -3-

  A large sign stood on the side of the road with the words ‘Welcome to Colorado.’ Someone had spray painted in gold over part of the words at the bottom so it read: Enjoy your stay in the…land of the dead.

  “Well at least someone is keeping themselves busy with their morbid sense of humor. Even with the world overrun with Fallen someone can’t find something better to do than vandalize property with graffiti.” Jessie shook her head with dismay. She went back to staring at the scenery passing since the sign was passed by. “I used to be like that. Not tagging things of course. That would be way below my intelligence level. I got in trouble doing stupid things though in my teenage years out of rebellious nature and strict parents mostly. Regardless I was heading down a path to prison or worse.”

  “What made you change?” Kurt looked at her curiously.

  “Met a woman named Iris Porter while in juvenile detention. She set me straight and was a mentor that seemed to understand me when other didn’t. She was the reason I eventually joined the military which will make or break anyone. Luckily, I was one of the ones that learned to become a better person. Learning to follow orders was the most difficult task because I ha
d authority issues. Apparently I had a superiority complex according to the military head shrink. That was overcome by having to run miles in the rain, thousands of push-ups, and scrubbing floors with a toothbrush.”

  “Probably why Kurt thought you looked like trouble when we saw you on the side of the road,” Dan laughed. “You still carry a look that is a tad bit frightening.”

  “Hey, I was just being cautious after the ordeal with William a few days back.” Kurt was blushing bright red from embarrassment.

  “No worries Kurt I would have been cautious too. After all I’m sure a gorgeous woman like myself is probably overwhelming to anyone.” Jess gave a playful wink while smiling. Everyone in the van laughed except Kurt who was turning even redder.

  A couple hours later Dan pulled into a driveway. “This is our family’s place. Let’s go check for any signs before we head off to Denver.” Dan tried to smile but it was evident he was worried he would find them among the Fallen.

  The group got out arming themselves as they approached the house. Sam knocked on the front door out of old habit. No reply came after waiting for a couple minutes. Kurt and Sam both looked at each other momentarily. They both nodded as if reading each other’s thoughts, something siblings and really close friends seem to have the talent for doing from years of knowing each other. They both made a timed rush throwing their weight into their muscled shoulders as they came in contact with the door. It was knocked clear from the hinges flying a couple feet before landing with a crash. Dan and Jessie rushed in covering the area with guns drawn while the other two regained their footing. A quick search of the house found neither living nor Fallen. Clothing and other noticeable items appeared to be missing. While searching their sister’s room last, Jessie glanced at the dresser’s mirror. On the dresser sat a picture of a striking white woman with short haired blond woman who looked about twenty. She had gorgeous blue eyes that nicely coincided with her pretty smile. She wore a red dress that tightly hugged around her lean figure with substantial curves leaving little to the imagination. Jessie bit her lip finding herself a little aroused. Her four brothers were also in the picture standing on both sides of her with similar colored hair and eyes doing their best to fake a smile for the camera. Sticking out from behind the picture was an envelope that simply stated: For whomever may find this. Jessie grabbed the letter handing it to Dan who had just walked in the room. He opened it finding a letter. After calling his other brothers into the room, he read the letter aloud for everyone to hear.

  If you have found my letter then I wish you well and hope we come across each other’s paths in the near future. My name is Amy Weatherford and I have not seen another living soul in days. My father was attacked by a large group of Fallen while we were attempting to get food supplies earlier today. He sacrificed his own life so that I could live which explains why you likely will noticed some of the ink is blurred with my tears. Sorry, I’m just extremely sad right now. I am armed and have some food supplies that will hopefully provide sustenance for at least a week. Not sure I can find the courage to search for more with those things lurking about, but I will do what I must to survive as long as I can.

  Anyway, I am heading to Mustang Pass near the campsite I recall visiting often as a child with my brothers. Speaking of my brothers if by some one in a million chance one of you are reading this get your ass out that way and rescue me already lol. Seriously though I hope to see you. I miss and love you all dearly.

  The letter was signed and dated four days ago according to Dan. It didn’t take any discussion for the brothers to rush to the van with Jessie following right behind them. Dan started up the engine quickly backing out of the driveway. The tires spun smoking on the road leaving black marks before gripping the pavement to propel forward. Around thirty minutes later a ticket booth flew past for admission to Mustang Pass. Apparently Dan recalled which campsite to head to as he made a tight left turn at a fork in the road. Three Fallen stood in the direct path of the oncoming vehicle getting plowed down before they had a moment to react. Further ahead they found Amy’s car off the side of the road. It appeared that she had quickly veered off the road to avoid something as the front end was wrapped around a tree. A hasty inspection showed that the air bags had deployed and the driver’s side window was shattered from the inside out. A few bullet casings lay around a Fallen near the driver’s side of the car. Footprint indentations on the somewhat muddy surface appeared to be a female headed off in the direction of the campsite. Luckily the snow had finally melted few days ago. She would be a lot harder to track otherwise. The group followed the footprints through a wooded area which led to a large black tent.

  “That’s Paw’s tent! Amy! Are you here?” Kurt yelled out having to be quieted by his other brothers so that he did not attract Fallen.

  Sam quickly thrust his head inside the tent momentarily before whispering that she wasn’t here. A quiet sound almost sounding like a voice came from the East woods. Jessie silenced the others listening intently. An exasperated low voice barely audible whispered the word ‘help’ carrying to Jessie’s ears alone. Jessie took off into the woods leaving the men confused for a moment before heading after her. Jessie stopped a few minutes later bending down to examine drops of blood which led over to a tree. There were large male footprints that circled around the tree then headed back off in the direction they had originally come from. Jessie immediately made the connection looking up into the tree. Among the branches lay a woman with one of her arms dangling loosely. The brother finally caught up winded from running.

  “She’s in the tree. Doesn’t look like she has the strength to make her way down. One of us is going to have to go up and get her.”

  The other looked up in surprise at finding Amy. They were elated yet stood around pondering what she was doing in the tree. It was obvious they were not accustomed to the art of tree climbing likely do to their large builds.

  “Okay I’ll do it. One of you give me a lift to reach that branch below her.”

  Sam gripped his hands together lifting once Jessie had her foot between them. She pulled herself up into a sitting position on the branch then carefully stood while bracing herself against the trunk. She was barely able to get her reach high enough to get her arms under Amy. She lifted her pivoting while leaning her back against the tree. She called down to the other below that they were going to have to catch Amy so she wouldn’t get injured from the fall. They lined up directly below with their arms slightly lifted.

  “Seriously guys be ready to catch her. On the count of three. One. Two. Three.” Jessie kneeled down as much as possible before letting her drop over the side of the branch precisely aiming towards their outstretched arms as best she could. Kurt and Dan caught her in their arms. Apparently years of playing football finally paid off. “Sam give me a hand down from here.” Jessie let herself hang from the branch gently resting her feet on Sam’s shoulders who was now standing under her. He reached up gripping her waist easing her to the ground.

  “Don’t talk Amy. Let’s get you back to the van so I can look you over,” Dan said. Amy’s eyes were open and she smiled at the sight of her brothers. Kurt repositioned Amy in his arms to carry her. “Jessie. Sam. Watch our backs. I’ll take the lead.” Dan slung Kurt’s gun that had fallen to the ground over his shoulder as he moved to the front. Jessie and Sam took up position at the rear.

  Just passing the tent noise came from different directions. They all stopped taking up a defensive circle around Kurt who was holding Amy. A moment later eight Fallen came out of nowhere. Bullets flew as the three fired off in a relentless effort to keep them from getting too close. The group exhaled relief as the guns became silent. They quickly picked up the pace in case more Fallen might be drawn to the sound of the gun fire. Traversing the last part of the short walk was uneventful. Sam laid down a few of the seats in the vans to make room for Dan to give Amy a fast look over.

  “I’m no doctor but know enough to say she is only suffering from dehydration
and maybe a cold. There are no bite marks but she cut her arm up a little bit climbing up the tree probably. I’ll have her right as rain in a couple days.”

  -4-

  I cleared the rest of the cabins in that neighborhood the following day. Ended up killing another five Fallen in the process. I still had plenty of ammo but noticeably less. There was also the fact that if the other came with the intention of staying here indefinitely that we were going to need more ammunition to protect ourselves. Eventually we would run short even if I could find more with so many Fallen out there but we would handle that situation when the time came. I searched the phone book for gun stores finding three that were nearby. They would be my first destinations in the morning. I ate stew straight from the can being too hungry to attempt to heat it up. Exhausted I easily fell asleep without an issue.

  After a long nights rest I headed off to explore the gun shops. The first two were a bust being broken into and cleaned out. The last one called Roberts’s Hunting Emporium astonished me on arrival. I was bewildered to find steel bars incasing all the windows and a solid metal overhead door completely covering the entrance to the front of the store. Breaking in was going to be a feat that would require a lot of work and the right tools. Parking the RV I glanced in the driver’s side mirror noticing there was an automotive shop across the street. The main door to the business was wide open. As I speculated the possibility of there being a torch handy at the shop I saw two Fallen wearing mechanic uniforms streak out of the open doorway. I dropped the key to the ignition into the floorboard. Within seconds they came up on the RV. One attempted to break into the rear side door which was laughable since I had reinforced it with a steel bar and multiple locks years ago being paranoid someone would break in while I was soundly sleeping. The other Fallen pulled himself up onto the hood intently gawking inside at what it assumed would be its next meal. It banged on the glass extremely hard making small cracks that were rapidly spreading. A gun shot was fired off from somewhere outside. The creature on the hood slumped over falling off after losing a large chunk of its skull. A second shot rang out dropping the other Fallen a second later. Not positive they were completely dead I waited a minute before opening my door.