From the Ash Page 5

  Was she safe?

  Was she even alive?

  He swallowed back tears, as he did every night since the world changed. “Good night, my sweet Phoenix."

  A long and gratifying howl cut through the night, bringing another smile to the old man's lips as he stared into the night, longing to hold his daughter in his arms again.

  Chapter 11

  Shots Fired

  * * *

  HOW IS THIS possible?" I whispered, removing my mask.

  Three days after my near fatal encounter, I came to the edge of a major highway, four lanes wide. On the side I stood on, everything was decimated; trees lay bare and on their side, their roots visible as though plucked from the earth and cast aside like weeds. Multiple vehicles littered the road; nothing but their twisted chassis were left, hollow metal hulls awaiting assembly.

  Yet, the other side of the highway. There trees stood untouched, rising high into the air, their lush green leaves and branches swaying in the slight breeze, a beautiful sound that I hadn't heard since that tragic day. I stood entranced, not trusting what my eyes were seeing, expecting the gorgeous scenery to disappear at any moment.

  One side a barren wasteland, nothing but ash and dust.

  One side a vibrant forest, signs of a world I once knew.

  Could this be real?

  I was scanning the tree line when something caught my eye. A light blue sign sat a few hundred yards away. I squinted, trying to make out what the wording was, but I could only see what looked like an arrow, pointing towards another road that vanished into the trees.

  My senses were on high alert as I slowly made my way across the highway. I figured if someone was out there with a long-ranged rifle, I would have already been dodging bullets, but better safe than sorry. I maneuvered between the broken frames of the vehicles, peeking towards the tree line, looking for anything or anyone that could be a possible threat.

  Would you look at that? Trees! I've got wood from all that wood!

  I tripped, stumbling into the last vehicle and scraping my hands against the frame. I bit my tongue, stopping myself from crying out as blood seeped from my palms.

  "Kip, what the–”

  Crack!

  I dropped to the ground as sparks flew from where my hand had been just a moment ago, the reverberations from the impact ringing loudly in my ears.

  You're welcome.

  I made myself as flat as I could. The chassis didn't give me a lot of protection, but I didn't have many other options. Another shot rang out. A chunk of pavement exploded near my foot, sending fragments of concrete flying into the air.

  "Fuck!" I yelled, flipping to my side and curling my knees towards my chest.

  I would suggest moving.

  "No shit!"

  Hey, I'm just trying to help! You're acting like this is a life and death situation.

  I gritted my teeth, frantically scanning for an escape route, but everywhere I looked was in the open. Another shot rang out. Sparks flew near my head, the bullet missing me by inches.

  If you only had some way to defend yourself...you know, maybe a gun like that maniac–

  I tore my pack from behind me, furiously reaching inside, searching until my hands finally felt the handle of Chaz’s enormous handgun. I lifted the gun and fired blindly towards the tree line.

  Click.

  I swore as I opened the chamber, I had forgotten that I had emptied it. So much for safety first. As I reached into my pack for the shells, a voice called out.

  "Next shot I put in your skull!"

  The voice was muffled, making it impossible to differentiate the gender of the speaker.

  I grabbed the remaining shells, spreading them out in my palms. "Four shots.” I peeked towards the tree line. “I'll have to pinpoint where they're at."

  Just ask them politely to step out in the open so you can shoot them in the face. Trust me, honesty is always the best policy.

  As I began to load the chamber, the shooter spoke again. "You got one minute to walk away. Don't test me. If I see you do anything but walk back in the direction you came from, you'll be a feast for the cannibals."

  Hey! Maybe they're talking about Gary! Tell 'em you killed him…you guys will become best friends I bet!

  "I'm just passing through! I don't want any trouble."

  Loud, sarcastic laughter was the shooter’s retort. "Heard that before. Think I'm stupid, Raider? You're lucky I have some sense of mercy left in my body, or you'd be dead already."

  I finished loading the chamber, praying I wouldn't have to fire a single shot. But whoever the shooter was, clearly had a vendetta against these “Raiders,” and their mind seemed to be made up that I was one of them.

  I had to try though; I wasn't turning back.

  "I can't go back the way I came; there is nothing that way. Please, I'm just trying to get home. I'll go up the road and around, but I can't go back, I've come too far."

  There was no response. I peeked towards the tree line again. The breeze was dying down, but I still could not see anything that gave away the shooter's position.

  I heard a loud cocking noise. I sighed.

  "Ten seconds left!"

  Now or never, Phoenix.

  I braced the gun on my chest, holding it with both hands. I took a few quick breaths-

  "Five seconds!"

  "Watch over me mom..." I whispered, looking to the heavens.

  "Three seconds!"

  Now!

  "One sec–”

  I rolled to my left and came up in a crouch, one knee on the ground, and fired a shot towards the trees.

  Bang!

  The recoil from the gun was mammoth, I hadn't expected it to be that violent. I fell on my ass, staring at the hand cannon a moment before I realized sitting in the open wasn't the smartest of plans. When I looked up, the results of the bullet's impact were evident. Bark from the nearest tree exploded from the trunk, showering the area like candy bursting from a piñata.

  Hmm, I could go for a Twix bar right now. No, a Reese's cup! Oh god, I miss candy!

  The sun seemed to be my ally today as it caught the scope of my enemy’s rifle. Its rays gleamed off the glass, betraying the shooter's location and giving me my target.

  I inhaled deeply through my nose, exhaled slowly, fired another round. The reflection from the scope vanished, followed by a loud yelp and a stream of obscenities. Seconds later there was the shooter, a figure in head-to-toe camouflage, darting in between the trees with an enormous rifle strapped to their back, hauling ass in the opposite direction, deeper into the trees. I fired another round at the fleeing figure. It was worth the round to make them think twice about turning around and exchanging more gunfire.

  I ran towards the median–since it dipped down a little bit. At least I had some sort of cover as long as I stayed low and kept the tree line to my right.

  Where are you going?

  I indicated the blue arrow sign with my head, "Over there."

  Uhh, isn't that towards our welcoming committee?

  "Yes, but I'm running low on supplies. This might be my best chance to find some food. Who knows how long it will be before I get this opportunity again."

  What makes you think any supplies will be there?

  I sprinted towards the sign, taking cover directly below it. I sat there a moment, looking and listening for anything that could be a threat. Finally feeling it was safe, I reached up and began wiping the dirt and grime away from the sign. I stood back, grinning from ear from ear as my suspicions were confirmed.

  Phoenix?

  I pointed down the road, veering into the trees. "Rest area, that way. And hopefully some supplies."

  Think they have some chocolate there?

  I just shook my head and began making my way down the road, eyeing the tree line as I went.

  Chapter 12

  Cat Fight

  * * *

  AFTER A FEW hundred feet, the road split into three directions. More signs–with arrows directing oncoming vehicles to their proper destinations–sat on an island. I followed the path that read “Cars,” and after a few moments, I grinned with satisfaction as I found what I'd been hoping for.

  Ahead on my right was a large, brick building. Ivy encased the exterior like a cocoon, leaving a small portion of the domed roof visible. As I crossed the parking lot, I saw multiple red-arched roofs peeking above the tall grass around the main building, reminding me of groves that were once used for various reasons.

  This reminds me of the scene from the second Jurassic Park. Those dumb asses go running through the tall grass, then the raptors pounce on 'em, remember that? Ha. Classic.

  "So, I should watch out for raptors is what you're saying?" I asked sarcastically.

  I think you'll be okay. They haven't been seen for a while. Now, snakes on the other hand…

  I ignored Kip's rambling as I reached the entrance to the building.

  …my anaconda don't want none unless you got BUNS HUN, baby got–

  "Kip, I need you to shut up for a second," I hissed.

  Geesh! Yes ma'am. What's got you so on edge? I mean, besides being shot at a few minutes ago. I feel like you're being a little snippy.

  I shook my head. "Something is just...off." I couldn't think of any other way to put it as I stepped inside.

  I was standing in a large, circular room. Beams of light streamed through the glass roofing above, showering the area with pale rays of light. It was empty except for a desk that sat near the far wall, a large "Welcome Center" sign hanging behind it. As I walked towards it, I scanned the area, searching the lobby for answers as to why my senses were on edge. There were bathrooms to my left, and an open area that looked like a dining area to my right. "I can't put my finger on what's got me s
o spooked about this building," I whispered as I approached the desk.

  Hmm, it doesn't look like anything is out of place around here. Except, well, it does seem rather tidy, don't you think?

  I ran a finger over the length of the desk. Bringing my finger to my eyes, I furrowed my eyebrows. "You're right. It’s spotless in here; not a speck of dust."

  So, a clean building has you ready to pull out your Sais and whack someone? What am I missing here?

  I moved behind the desk. Neatly stacked pamphlets sat underneath, with various other supplies. "You saw outside. It looked as if no one’s been here since the day the bombs dropped. But in here," I grabbed a can of Pledge from the floor and sat it on the desk, "someone has been keeping the inside of this place clean." I sniffed the top of the desk, a strong lemon scent filled my nostrils. "And recently."

  So...? And really, Phoenix? Smelling the desk?

  I sighed. "So, they might not be too excited if they find us here, and I'm tired of being shot at." I nodded towards the doors to my right and left. "I just want to have a look around and get out of here."

  Sounds good to me.

  I grabbed one of the pamphlets and turned around. "Welcome to Oklahoma," I chuckled, a wide grin spreading across my face, "Another state down, Kip."

  Hey, fun fact for you. Did you know, Oklahoma is home to the World Cow Chip Throwing Championship?

  I raised an eyebrow. "Uhh, that's lovely...what is a cow chip?" I looked up and noticed a large map of the United States in a glass case. A large red “You Are Here” dot placed me on the border between Texas and Oklahoma.

  I'd be delighted to answer that for you, Phoenix. A cow chip is a flat, dry lump of cow dung.

  I snorted. "Excuse me?"

  Poo, doody, feces, big ole pile of–

  "Okay, I get it. Thank you for that information."

  Cue the giant rainbow. The more you know!

  I shut my eyes and shook my head, never surprised at Kip's ability to put a smile on my face. When I opened my eyes, the sun began to shine brighter through the roof above. I looked up, took a long deep breath, and reveled in the warmth that washed over me. I held that breath as a faint creak broke the silence of the room, as if someone was trying to open a door without being noticed. I kept my head up, acting as if I hadn't heard the noise. When I looked towards the glass, my eyes widened; an enormous rifle emerged in the reflection from the bathroom door behind me.

  "You have got to be fucking kidding me," I whispered, right before I threw myself to the floor.

  Boom!

  The sound was deafening. Glass rained down on me as the case above exploded. I shut my eyes and threw my hands over my ears as two more shots were fired, a mammoth-sized hole evaporated a portion of the desk only a few feet from my head.

  Is that a goddamn elephant gun!?

  I gritted my teeth, knowing that I would be exposed momentarily–the desk couldn't take much more of this and I had nowhere to go.

  Click.

  "No, not now!" the shooter hissed. I could hear them trying to pull the cocking mechanism back violently.

  I didn't hesitate. I rolled from behind the desk and took off running towards the shooter. I reached behind me mid-stride and grabbed my Sais. Standing in the middle of the room was the same figure from the woods, only now I could see her face. Large brown eyes grew wide as I barreled towards her. She flung the strap of her rifle over her head, cursing as it momentarily caught in her dreadlocks.

  I was only a few feet from her when she threw the rifle at me. I slid to a stop and caught it with my elbows and chest, like a receiver catching a pass. I wrapped my arms around it; I couldn't believe how heavy it was. I dropped her gun at my side and set my feet, taking in the figure before me. She stood around the same height as me, but where I had the build of a petite gymnast, she looked as if she could play on Dallas’ defensive line and could probably bench press a truck. Blood trickled down her caramel-colored skin from cuts above her right eye, but did little to abate how beautiful she was.

  You're not switching teams on me, are ya, Phoenix?

  "Done gawking? Looking at your handy work?" she hissed, pointing towards her eye. "I bet you're one of those cannibal fuckers...wondering how I'll taste, you sick bastard?" She ripped off her camo top and tossed it aside, revealing a well-defined torso. "You'll have to fight for this meal." She grinned, reaching behind her; the sunlight shone brightly off the weapon she brought forth.

  Is that...a sword? You sure know how to find all the fucking psychos.

  I shook my head. "I'm pretty sure you're the one who fired first–"

  "You came from the Wasteland. You're either a Raider or a cannibal, so which one is it?" she demanded, pointing her sword at me.

  “Neither! Like I was trying to tell you before, I'm just trying to get home–"

  She laughed, cutting me off. "Yeah, nice try. You know how many times somebody has come from the Wasteland, spouting off about, 'I don't mean any harm, I'm just looking for food–‘" she spit at my feet, “–and the best one yet, 'trying to get home'. We've been burned before–” Her mouth snapped shut.

  I raised an eyebrow. "We?"

  “No…it is, it’s just me," she said quickly. She began twirling her sword in front of her. "Make your move, bitch, or you can just stand there. Makes it easier for me."

  I sighed. "I don't want to fight you."

  She snorted. "You should have thought of that before coming into our– my territory," she corrected herself.

  I don't think she's going to just let you walk out of here, babe.

  "You're not going to let me leave, are you?"

  Her face scrunched up. "Just so you can come back another day, or find me when I'm sleeping?" She threw her head back and scoffed. "A Raider with a sense of humor, that's a new one."

  I shook my head and twirled my Sais. "You're going to regret this."

  She began walking towards me. "Sure, sure. Let's see how good–"

  Loud static cut through the air; I looked towards her belt, a walkie-talkie was resting on her hip. A voice broke through the static. "Aria! Talk to me. Are you alright?" Panic was evident in the speaker’s voice.

  "I'm assuming you're–" I began, but she swung her sword, trying to decapitate me.

  I leaned back, the blade missing my throat by inches. She came on ferociously, cutting low and making me jump over the swing. When I landed, I kicked her in the side; the strike made my plant leg buckle. I hopped backwards, rubbing my leg; it felt like I'd just kicked a concrete pillar.

  Holy shit, she may have a T-800 skeletal structure under that flesh, be careful!

  She reversed her grip, spinning around with her sword leading the way. I brought my Sais up, parrying the blow. Her momentum spun her completely around, exposing her back.

  I aimed my strike at her shoulder, but just as I was about to pierce it, she rolled forward. I followed her, launching myself in the air with my blades leading the way.

  She came out of her roll, turning back towards me in a crouch. Her left arm darted out and I felt something connect with my arm as I landed; my jacket had stopped the projectile from piercing my skin.

  We snarled at each other, locked in a stalemate with our blades inches away from one another's face. I had the leverage, being on top. I knew if the positions were switched, she would've impaled me by now, pinning me with her considerable body weight.

  The walkie-talkie crackled again. "Aria, we're only a few miles out. You'd better have a good excuse for not answering, young lady!"

  Alarm flashed in her eyes as she looked towards her belt. She appeared more horrified by the voice than she did by my Sais, inches from her face. I knew that look; I'd worn it myself many times. It dawned on me just how young this girl looked, and judging by her reaction, I could only guess whose voice was on the other end of the radio.

  The snarl returned as she looked back towards me, determination now burning in her eyes. Unexpectedly, she dropped to the knee she’d had her elbow propped up on, making me lose my balance. She spun on her knees as I cartwheeled in the opposite direction, putting a few feet between us.

  I watched as she jumped to her feet and burst towards me, sword leading the way.

  I plucked the small knife protruding from my jacket sleeve and tossed it aside. "Bitch put a hole in my new jacket," I whispered, before parrying the strike aimed at my head.