From the Ash
From The Ash
Dave Heron
Copyright © 2017 by Dave Herron
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
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Mom, Dad & Jen: For making my childhood full of unforgettable memories. I am truly blessed to have you two as parents, and such an amazing big sister.
To my sons, Max & Bennett: It is such a privilege to be your Dad. Watching you two grow has been one of the most incredible experiences of my life; you have taught me so much. I cannot put into words how much love I have for you boys.
My heart, My love, Jaime: You are such an incredible wife, mother, friend. Through thick and thin, our love has never wavered, and never will. I cannot wait to see where life takes us. With you by my side, I know it will be an extraordinary journey.
And lastly, to You, who now hold this book in your hands: Thank you for giving this story a chance.
Contents
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
10. Interlude
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
13. Interlude II
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
19. Interlude III
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
24. Interlude IV
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Epilogue
About the Author
Also From DevilDog Press
Acknowledgments
Tracy: For making my dreams a reality. Words cannot express what this opportunity means to me.
Mark: For being there for me when I needed it the most. What you may have thought was nothing more than a few simple messages, meant more to me than you will ever now. There goes my last man card.
Sheila: Your ability to take what I’ve written, sprinkle in the wizardry that is your masterful editing, and morph this book into a publish-worthy novel, has been a truly amazing experience to behold.
To Wattpad: For being a platform aspiring writers can use to bring their stories to life. Without it, this book wouldn’t exist.
My Wattpad Crew: Lina, Katie, Karma, Lucy, Arcci, Sorcha—You are all truly amazing people.
A special thank you to Anna & Lexie: You ladies were such an intricate part of this process. This book would not be what it is today without your invaluable insight. I am forever grateful.
To my niece Ashlie: Love you turd. Without you, I wouldn’t have known about Wattpad…this is all your fault!
Chapter 1
The Phoenix Rises
DARKNESS.
Am I dead?
I can't be.
I...feel pain, suffocation–terror.
Phoenix.
"Daddy?"
Come on baby, get up. You're not a quitter–you never were.
"I'm so tired,” I said, coughing. “I just want to see Mom."
Don't talk like that. Your mother wasn't a quitter. She fought until the day she died; she’s fighting for you now–can you hear her?
"Please, Daddy…”
Don't you dare quit on me! Rennys don't quit! Say it!
I gritted my teeth, my father's words adding fuel to the inferno building inside my gut. "When we fall..."
That's it, my father’s voice called to me. Survive, baby. Live…
“We rise!” I screamed; a war cry for survival, my family's motto escaping my throat with thunderous conviction.
I FELT LIKE I’d been reborn–reborn into a foreign world; a distant planet. A tornado of endless ash and dust swirled around me as I emerged from my tomb. I didn’t know how long I had been trapped beneath the collapsed buildings. My eyes watered–not from the sunlight breaking through the hazy clouds, but from the crooked limbs and charred bones scattered across the shattered city.
I sobbed, but my father’s words returned to me, stirring up that fire in my belly once more.
When we fall, we rise.
Thus began my new life in a hostile world of ash and dust.
Only one thing mattered now.
Survival.
Chapter 2
A New World
* * *
One year later...
* * *
OLD FOUNDATIONS STOOD twisted and forgotten around me, much like the rest of the world. I unhooked my water canteen from my pack, and emptied the last drops into my mouth. I could feel the cool droplets run down the back of my throat. Two minutes later that now familiar parch returned. I shook the canteen; I would need to refill soon. I trudged through the ruins of the old town; a clear path stretched between the heaps of gnarled metal beams and charred rubble.
"Get your damned hands up!"
"God damn it,” I mumbled.
I slowly raised my hands above my head. I couldn't see the speaker. All I heard were a few pairs of feet–three, maybe–running towards me, emerging from their hiding spots, which I had obviously missed.
You've done it now! How could you be so careless? Tsk-tsk.
"Shut it, Kip," I growled, twisting my heels into the dry dirt.
"What did you say?” the same man barked. “Don't talk! And keep your hands where I can see 'em. Leo, get his pack. Strip this bastard of everything. I want his mask."
Ha! They think you're a dude. Aren't they in for a big surprise!
Kip was right about both observations. First, I had been completely careless, walking into this decimated hellhole. My dwindling food and drink supply had silenced all my other senses, keen intuition that usually kept me from situations like this. Second, this Leo character definitely was in for a surprise, one he'd never expect.
"That's right! Keep 'em up. Gary, don't just stand there. Go help Leo," the original speaker ordered.
Another man answered him. "Keep bossing me around, Chaz,” he seethed. “I'm gonna take tha–"
Click.
My ears perked up. You never forget the sound of a pistol’s hammer being cocked.
Oh, the drama! What will happen next? Will Phoenix suffer a gruesome death at the hands of these fine gentlemen? Will she–
"Kip...” I hissed through clenched teeth.
Heck. You're no fun.
A gun changed this scenario. The question was, is it loaded? I had to be careful–wait for the perfect opportunity to introduce myself properly.
You mean ‘kick their ass,’ right?
I didn't have a chance to answer Kip. The trio behind me continued their spat.
"You gonna shoot me, Chaz?"
Gary is quite the angry fellow, isn't he? Definitely not a team player.
"I'll blow your fucking head off if you talk back to me again. Think I won't, smart ass? Try me. I'm tired of your shit anyways," Chaz retorted.
"Guys, let's just get this prick's stuff and head back to the hideout," the third person, Leo, finally said.
A hideout? That means they have goodies, Phoenix! Remember to ask them nicely where their stash is…after you kick their asses, of course.
"Just get it over with," Chaz dismissed.
Feet shuffled across the path towards me; I looked down. Two shadows crept up on either side of me.
"Don't you move or you'll be dead before you hit the ground! Just give them your shit and maybe we'll let you live," Chaz sneered.
Please tell me you're going to at least kill this Chaz character?
The shadow on the left's arm reached out, and gripped my backpack. And that's when I struck.
I spun, clutching the man's arm and twisting it. I brought my elbow down, connecting with his perfectly. I was awarded with the sound of his bone snapping.
Ouch. That's got to hurt!
He cried out, dropping to his knees. His wails of agony grew as he stared at his twisted limb. Both of his companions’ eyes widened in disbelief; the maneuver had taken no more than a second. Chaz recovered first, bringing the barrel of a wicked looking handgun up towards me. I dashed towards their other companion, who stood with his jaw hanging open. I hoped Chaz wouldn't shoot as I used his friend for cover.
BANG!
Ha! Here's to hoping!
My cover staggered, stumbling into me. I clutched his shirt and put my shoulder against his back to keep him upright.
"What the hell?" Chaz screeched, panic evident in his voice.
"You shot me!" Leo wailed.
Thank you, Captain Obvious.
I began moving us forward. The familiar clicking of the hammer being drawn back met my ears again.
I do say Phoenix, I believe he's going to put another bullet in his…friend, I guess?
"What the fuck man! Don't shoot!" Leo pleaded.
My shield dug his heals into the ground, trying to halt our progress, but I had too much momentum.
"Move Leo! I'm gonna end this bastard!" Chaz roared
.
I peeked around Leo's shoulder. Chaz was no more than ten feet away now, a determined expression on his face, his gun pointed towards us. I ducked back behind Leo, and not a moment too soon.
Bang!
Blood sprayed over my mask, obscuring my vision. The impact from the bullet, sent Leo staggering back into me, he could no longer stand on his own. This time, I lost my balance, sending both of us sprawling to the ground. The air was shoved from my lungs as we landed. Leo's tirade of obscenities sounded distant as I tried to gather my senses.
This is no time for a nap, Phoenix! Get up.
"You're not helping..." I groaned.
Alright champ, get up. We need you in there. If you're not going to win us the game, who is? I need you–this team needs you. Do it for us! And…scene! The award for best actor goes to…
Click.
My eyes darted up. Through the blood-soaked eye-slits of my mask, I saw Chaz, standing over me. His gun pointed straight at my head.
Think he's out of bullets?
Chapter 3
Sai of Relief
* * *
STARING DOWN THE barrel of an enormous hand gun that would make Dirty Harry proud, I did the only thing I could think of.
"Don't shoot!"
Really Phoenix?
But it worked; Chaz hesitated. His brows furrowed, the barrel slowly lowering to his side. He tilted his head, and squinted at me. He reached down and ripped my mask off. His eyes widened, as if he had awakened suddenly from a dream.
"You're...you're a woman!" he exclaimed, a euphoric expression surfacing upon his face.
Quick! Blow your stranger-danger whistle!
He thrust the gun in his belt, tossing my mask away. The labored breathing of his friend was an afterthought as he reached down and rolled him aside. I don't know if he'd forgotten what I had just done to his other companion, who still lay on the ground a few yards away, cradling his shattered elbow, or just hadn't seen a female since the day the world had gone to shit, but if he thought I was some helpless woman…he would learn as his friends had.
Chaz grabbed my arms, his hands shaking as he did so. I let him lift me to my feet, preparing myself for a fight. He easily outweighed me by a hundred pounds; there was a reason he led this group. He ran one of his lunchbox size hands through my hair. "Red is my favorite color.” His voice was hardly above a whisper.
Holy shit this guy needs to get laid...not by you of course.
I shifted my left leg forward, my right leg just a few inches back.
Chaz seemed to be entranced. He brought his hand down over my cheek, mumbling softly. "And are those freckles, I see?"
His touch sent shivers down my spine; I'd had enough. I looked down, acting shy to his touch. When he brought a hand under my chin to lift my head up, I bent my knees, and launched myself upwards. My head connected with his jaw, snapping his head backwards.
Look at those teeth fly!
Upwards I went, twisting my body as I continued my ascent. As he straightened his head, I snapped a kick out, connecting with his jaw once again.
Your dad would be proud of that kick. Look, more teeth flying!
Chaz stumbled backwards–amazingly, staying on his feet. He shook his head, staring at me with a look of bewilderment and pure hatred as he regained his senses.
"I'll kill you for that!" he bellowed, the veins on his neck threatening to burst.
Geesh, this guy is one tough cookie...good luck, Phoenix.
He reached down, grabbing for his gun. Or so he thought.
"Looking for this?" I asked, holding his revolver up, dangling it in my hand.
He looked down, his hands simultaneously darting towards his belt. "How did you–” he hissed, patting his empty waistline.
You're going to shoot him, right?
I looked at the gun, running a hand over the long barrel. "You know I hate guns, Kip," I replied softly. Opening the cylinder, I let the remaining bullets fall into my hand. Tossing the empty shells away, I tucked the gun and the remaining four bullets into my pack.
Aw, come on. I thought you were going to shoot him. A kneecap, foot, testicle…something!
Chaz narrowed his eyes suspiciously. He licked his lips, "You think you are just gonna walk away?” He reached behind him, bringing forth a knife easily the size of my forearm.
Holy shit...is that Rambo's knife?
"Walk away, Chaz. No one has to die here."
Besides his friend over there you mean? I'm pretty sure he's dead.
Chaz snorted, a feral expression emerging onto his face. "You should have kept that gun handy." He began waving the knife in front of him, trying to instill fear into me. He brought the blade to his lips, his tongue slithering out and running along the edge.
That's about an eight on the creepy scale…
I let out a sigh. "Have it your way." Reaching behind me, I grasped the hilts of the last gift my father gave me before I left for college. Watching Chaz's face melt into a look of uncertainty as I slowly drew the twin Sais from my pack, my lips curling into a triumphant grin. The beautiful weapons felt as if they were made for my hands, and my hands alone. I brought them against my chest, crossing the fifteen inch blades at the hilts. Taking a deep breath, I launched into the routine I practiced every morning, honing each movement over the years until they were executed with utter precision.
I'm so turned on right now…
Chaz was rooted in place, watching as I twirled the blades one last time before bringing them back against my chest. He swallowed, as if trying to digest what just happened.
"Who the fuck are you?"
Oh, say something cool! Like...Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father, prepare to die.
My green eyes bore into his, holding his gaze, daring him to make his move.
He snorted, his chest heaving as if mustering his fleeting courage to return. "You think that little display is going to save you? I'm not going to kill you quickly, I'll have my fun with you first. But don't worry, you'll probably enjoy it, you little whore!"
The wind whipped my hair wildly. Like a bull seeing red, he charged with reckless abandon. When he was no more than a few feet away, he thrust his knife forward, trying to impale me. I danced to my left, reversing the grip on my Sais and striking him in the shoulder with both blades. He cried out, his momentum carrying him past me a few steps. He turned and barreled at me once again.
Look out, he's pissed now!
This time he slowed his pace, stopping in front of me. He swung the knife overhead; I ducked as he brought it down, trying to cleave me in two. I rolled away, bringing my weapons in front of me defensively as I came up from my crouch.
"Stay still!" he wailed in frustration.
Don't listen to him Phoenix, it's a trick!
He came at me slowly, his eyes searching for an opening. I mimicked his movements, staying with him step for step, keeping myself directly in front of him. That's when he did something I didn't expect. He feigned a jab with the blade, and quicker than I could have anticipated, reached across his body threw the knife at me like a Frisbee.
Incoming!
I did the only thing I could think of and brought my weapons up, crossing the blades in front of my face. The impact jolted me backwards, but I successfully deflected the projectile.
Incoming again!
Kip's warning was too late. Strong arms wrapped around me, pulling me close into a crushing embrace. My breath shot from my lungs, threatening never to return if I didn't do something quickly.
"Shh, it will be over soon. Then the real fun begins." Chaz's smirk sent jolts of anger through my body.