Just a Little Death (Children of the Apocalypse Book 1) (11 page)

Police tape stretched across the white doors and two biohazard symbols were taped to the windows.

“Clear out the area.”

I turned to see a police officer and campus security coming towards us. He held his badge up like any of us would doubt that he was with the police. The light glinted off the metal as he walked towards us. “The cafeteria is considered a biohazard area until we are sure none of the food supply has been contaminated by the workers who have been infected. You all need to return to your dorms as classes have been canceled for the day. You will get a student alert e-mail from the administration explaining what is going on.”

I glanced around at all the silent students. They dispersed as if all they needed to know was that classes were canceled, but it seemed the idea that the plague was on campus silenced them. Ruthie grabbed my hand and squeezed it. We made our way back towards the entrance of our building.

“If Pestilence doesn’t return, then an epidemic can shut the whole city down. People will leave the city before it’s put into quarantine, but those here will be left to suffer what’s left behind.”

One day of classes being canceled didn’t mean that the whole city would shut down, but it was a start. Soon anywhere that handled food wouldn’t be considered safe because someone who was infected would handle the food in some part of the process. It wasn’t worth the risk. Infected body fluids could be as simple as a drop of spit, but if the timing was wrong it could infect someone.

We walked to the courtyard and a shiver crawled up my spine. Ruthie froze next to me and we both turned around, wondering what kind of demon we would find. My brows drew together as Professor L. stepped in front of us. Her hair flowed down to her waist and black wings unfolded from her back, the tips of them brushing the ground. She met my gaze with red irises and a wicked smile showing her teeth were just a little more pointed than normal.

We were wrong, she wasn’t a demon, she was a fallen angel. Ruthie put a hand on my shoulder. “Do not summon your weapon. Do not engage.”

All my instincts cried out to disobey her and summon the scythe. I’d learned that I found comfort in the handle of it and protection in the gleam of the steel blade.

“Your father has managed to continue to elude me, but if someone had told me that you were one of my students I would have laughed at them. Death having a daughter.” She sounded amused and shook her head. “What is the bloodline of the apocalypse coming to? Mere children running around, killing demons and taunting my Sins.”

Taunting her Sins? She was an angel, and the Seven Sins belonged to Lucifer, or whatever the Devil’s name was since it was a woman. My eyes widened as my mind came to a stunning theory that I didn’t want to admit was possible. Panic made my throat dry and stole my voice. Now, I wanted nothing more than to summon my scythe.

“Oh, you don’t know who I am.” She smiled and sauntered towards me, a sway in her hips that she didn’t have when she was at the head of the classroom. “I’m Lust, Pride, Envy, Gluttony, Greed, Wrath and Sloth, all wrapped into one package. I am the angel that disobeyed and was cast into Hell. I made it my paradise and turned around to show them how powerful I really was.”

“You’re Lucifer,” I muttered.

She shrugged a slim shoulder and brushed a hand down my cheek. I froze under her warm touch and tried to find the breath she stole in one touch.

“Leave her be. She’s not a full Child of the Apocalypse. Killing her isn’t going to help fulfill your plan.” Ruthie growled, her hand never leaving my shoulder.

Lucile pulled her hand away from me. “Oh, a guardian angel. Ruthie, how nice to see you again. The last time we met, I murdered your charge.”

Ruthie’s hand tightened a bit on my shoulder. “A mistake I won’t make again, I promise you. You can’t attack us unless we attack you first.”

“A lovely fail safe put in place by the higher powers. Such a shame. I’d love to gut Sammy and leave her to die at your feet.” She spun around and waved a hand. “I’ll see you around. My demons and Sins are everywhere. No matter what your plans, I’ll know. And Sammy, give your father my regards. Tell him I’d love to join him for tea one night.”

We stood and watched her walk back towards the classroom buildings. When she was out of sight my breath and thoughts came back to me. A weight lifted off my chest and I could move and think straight.

“You know, I always thought algebra class was hell and now I know why.” I motioned to where Lucile walked off to. “What the actual hell?”

Ruthie shook her head. “Not here. Let’s get back to the room, we need to talk to the others to let them know that she’s here too.” Her voice shook a little.

“You’re going to let her say something like that and just walk away from me without saying anything? I want to know what happened. How did she take one of your charges?” I tried to keep the hurt out of my voice. She was able to know every aspect of my life, but I barely knew hers.

Ruthie spun around to face me. Red rose to her cheeks and her teeth clenched as her gaze searched my face. After a moment her look softened and she took a deep breath. She looked down at the ground while a fine tremor moved through her body.

“I wasn’t able to turn him away from the temptation and he ended up dying of his addiction. I failed because I was not strong enough to change the influences in his life and turn him back to the proper path. That’s the thing, freewill is amazing and temptation is so easily found. Just one more drink of scotch, just another hit of the drug, it won’t matter. It’s not enough to change. He did horrible things and no one was able to turn him back to the correct path. I failed as his guardian angel, I watched as they buried him and his widow and children grieved. That was before I was assigned to you.” She shook her head and grief tinted her voice. “It doesn’t matter now. I might have failed to change his mind and his ways, but it was his freewill that led him down that path.” 

But I knew better than to believe her about it not mattering. She wouldn’t look at me when she told me the story; she turned right back around and headed towards the dorm without another word. Guilt still ate at her and I was sure she didn’t want to repeat the same mistake. It made me wonder how many angels lost the battle against the temptations humans fought. I caught up to her and walked next to her.

“Thank you.”

“For what?” She still didn’t look at me as she dug her key out of her pocket and swiped it.

“For being open with me. I don’t know much about you or the others. I know Pete likes soccer and has lived in the human world for most his life. Now I know something about you. It’s easier for me to trust you if you seem more…like me.” Normal wasn’t the correct word and human didn’t seem to be right either.

She chuckled. “We’re all like you. We all have things in our pasts that we aren’t proud of either. I never wanted you to know that I failed, especially with the person I was in charge of before you.”

We walked to our room and she threw her bag on her bed. “I’ll get a hold of the boys. You need to email your adviser and tell her that you’re wanting to take an incomplete on your algebra class because of strange circumstances.”

“I’m pretty sure they need more reasoning than that.” I shook my head.

Ruthie smiled. “We have people all over too. Tell him that it’s the Devil’s tool and he’ll understand.”

I turned on my computer and went to my e-mail. The idea that we also had people all over helped me relax. Some tension moved away from my neck and shoulders, it wasn’t just the five of us up against hell. We had back up.

The Devil's Playground

Administration canceled classes for the rest of the week due to more faculty testing positive for the plague. They were able to get the cafeteria opened, but as I made my way from station to station looking for something that could be appetizing, I noticed the changes. A medical mask covered the face of each worker and long sleeve clothing now covered everyone’s skin. Hairnets had been switched out for complete medical hats. Picking food seemed more like preparing for surgery than finding something tasty.

I finally settled on pizza and french fries and made my way back out into the dining area. Pete, Kaleb, Aeron and Ruthie were already sitting down and talking over their trays.

Pete scooted over in the booth for me and I sat down. We’d spent Wednesday and Thursday trying to decide what to do about Lucile being on campus. The consensus was to avoid her at all costs and make sure we didn’t accidentally engage her.

“What have I missed?” I asked, peeling a pepperoni off my pizza. “Anything new?”

“Death toll is expected to increase by twenty percent by the end of the month. Texas has shut off its borders trying to ward off the plague, so has Utah. Texas is threatening to move forward with the war, but Aeron thinks that we should look at other places thinking about attacking.” Pete leaned back on the bench. “Either way, war is coming on top of the plague.”

“He’s right, there are several enemies who think that because of the death toll right now, it’s going to be a wise idea to attack. Luckily, I don’t think it has reached nuclear threats yet, but we’re talking about an increase in terrorist attacks or possibly biological warfare in an attempt to lower our numbers even more.” Aeron pushed his empty tray away. “It’s a good strategy as we can’t handle the increased medical needs of the plague.” He crossed his arms. “So if they add something on top of that, say like anthrax, then we can easily be conquered. Our President would have no choice but to call it a defeat and bend to whatever country happens to think of it first.”

I nodded and looked to Kaleb. “Please tell me you have something better?”

“Half the livestock that supplies the United States have fallen ill and half the farmers are experiencing biblical-like plagues of the crops. Those who depend on food provided by the government are having difficulty because the suppliers for those are unable to make enough to keep up with the demands. Eggs are currently at fifteen dollars for a dozen, pork is at ten dollars a pound, beef is almost up to twenty a pound. We’re going to see people dying of starvation.”

So no good news on that front either. I closed my eyes and focused on the numbers. “We’re looking at losing half the population before the end of the school year.”

“And after that?” Ruthie asked, worried.

“I don’t know. It seems that’s as far as I can see.” I took a bite of my pizza. “We leave after breakfast. Death will meet us there and we’ll find that first seal. He’ll be able to break it.”

None of them looked at me. Maybe I was being over confident, but something had to give. The idea that the world would see a full apocalyptic rage before the year was over didn’t sit right with me. We finished eating and put our trays on the belt before walking out of the dining hall.

“I’ve got the SUV all gassed up and packed so we can go. It’ll take us about eight hours to get there and eight to get back. We don’t leave until we’ve searched every inch, and we hope we don’t run into any demons and that Death doesn’t join the other horsemen in their prisons.” Pete said. “Let’s get this show on the road.”

We followed him to the parking lot and started piling in the SUV. I looked out the window to see Gypsy leaning over her balcony, watching us. She even went as far as to give me a little wave as Pete pulled out of the parking lot. For a moment I envied the fact that she got to be normal, only having to report about us and never having to engage in a battle, never having to worry about if her friends would make it to see the end of the day. She’d probably turn right around and report back to Lucile, but she had no idea where we were going, just that we were all leaving.

I pushed the thoughts aside and tried to focus on the task ahead of us. Finding Pestilence.

Welcome to Devil’s Playground. Camping Center.
The faded words on the wooden sign matched the cracked and chipped pole standing outside the parking lot. On the edge of the lot the cabins lined up against the asphalt and looked to be in better shape than the sign. A trailer ended the line of the cabins with a vinyl sign hanging on the porch declaring it as the Office. We parked the car and got out. I stretched and groaned as my spine popped and muscles protested after the long drive. The others did the same and Ruthie ended with her hands on her hips as she turned around to look at the scenery.

“Such a damn shame this place carries the title of Devil.”

Trees moved up the mountain side in shades of green, with patches of naked Aspen trees in preparation for the coming winter. The sounds of water tumbling through a river came from somewhere close and the fresh air held no scent of city pollution. It would have been great, if we weren’t here looking for a horseman of the Apocalypse. “I’ll go get us checked in and get the keys.” Aeron moved away from the car and towards the trailer.

“It seems too peaceful to be something that belongs to Lucile.” I closed my eyes and listened to the sounds of the river and the birds chirping.

“We aren’t to the playground yet. This is just the campground. It’ll be about an hour hike to the rock formation and then you’ll see exactly why it’s called the Devil’s Playground.” Pete stepped up to my side. “Look to the west. Do you see those clouds?”

I opened my eyes and looked. Black and grey swirled around a nearby area. Flashes of lightning struck down followed by a dull crash of thunder. “That’s above the playground?”

“Yes, and that strike of lightening? It hit a rock. There’s no pattern to it which is what makes it so dangerous.”

I needed to remember that for when we went up there. We were planning on climbing each rock and looking for a seal. Odds were, one of us was going to get struck by lightning. Gravel crunched and we turned around. Death stood there clad in a pair of jeans and a black t-shirt. He grinned. “It’s been awhile since I’ve actually gotten to enjoy nature.”

“Death!” Pete exclaimed and went to shake my father’s hand. They clasped hands and gave each other a pat on the back.

“Pete, you’re looking more like your dad every time I see you.” Death looked over and grinned at Kaleb. “Good to see all of you again. Where’s Aeron?”

Aeron came jogging back out of the trailer holding up keys. “We’ve got four of the cabins, so we’ll have to double up a bit.”

“Ruthie and I will bunk together.” I said.

“Death can stay with me.” Kaleb said. “Tomorrow we’ll hike down to Devil’s Playground and see what there is to find. For tonight, we have a choice. We can do some good old fashioned camp out cooking, or go into town and have a meal.”

We all exchanged a look, but it was Death that spoke up. “Let’s go into town. It’s only thirty minutes away and we might be able to find someone who is local that can tell us if there’s been an increase in demon activity.”

I wasn’t sure how we were all going to fit into the SUV, but Death grinned. “I’ll meet you there.” He disappeared before our eyes and I wondered when, or if, I would get the power to teleport like that.

“Ah, the powers of a full horseman while the rest of us have to travel like commoners.” Aeron gave a dramatic sigh.

Ruthie laughed. “Speak for yourself. I can do it, but I have to stick around with you knuckle heads. Let’s drop our stuff off and we’ll pile back in the SUV and head to town.”

Pete popped the trunk and we pulled out the suitcases, each taking them to our respective cabins. Ruthie unlocked the door and pushed it open. It creaked on the hinges as it opened to the miniature living quarters. Two beds sat in the middle of the cabin, with another door on the opposite wall of the room. I assumed it was a bathroom. The walls were textured to look like an actual log cabin and everything had a strange pink and turquoise diamond pattern on it, from the bed spread to the bulk purchased print above the beds.

“Cozy.” Ruthie said and walked further in. A dresser sat against the wall opposite the beds and she put her suitcase by it.

I rolled mine over and leaned it against the wall. “It’s like a little mini hotel room.”

“Camping with a bit of comfort.” She looked around. “At least out here we don’t have to worry about people freaking out over the plague.”

I sat on the bed. “At least not until we get into town. I can’t imagine how a small mountain town is taking this outbreak.”

“You’d be surprised, a lot of rural towns are used to seeing cases of the plague popping up now and then. Just maybe not to this extent.” Ruthie patted her bed. “We’re only going to be here for a night. Two at most. Then it’s back home and back to people who truly are freaking out.”

I stood and we walked back outside, locking up the cabin behind us. Pete leaned against his SUV, his eyes closed and a small smile on his face. “Enjoying the outdoors?”

“It’s so quiet out here, it’s nice. Nothing like the cities that make up most of the US. Nothing compares to the silence of a forest.” He looked at me and opened the door of the car. “Kaleb and Aeron decided they were going to stay here and scout out the area. We’ll bring them back some food.”

I climbed into the front seat and Ruthie in the back. “They’re worried that someone knows we’re here.” Ruthie said.

“With the Sins and Lucile wandering around campus, yes, they are.” Pete closed his door. “They also wanted to talk to the owner about anything strange going on here.” He started the SUV and pulled out of the red graveled parking lot. The gravel crunched under the wheels until he pulled the car onto the two-lane mountain highway.

The evergreen trees were disrupted by houses on occasion and eventually gave way to a small town. Stone and brick buildings lined the roads with bundled up pedestrians moving along the sidewalks. Pete pulled the SUV into a parallel parking spot and we all got out. Death stood in front of an old graying brick building, leaning against the walls, his arms crossed. He looked out of place in his t-shirt while everyone walked around in jackets and hats.

“Pizza, you won’t find any better slice than ol’ Ben’s Pizza.” Death motioned to the dirty wooden door. “He’ll make sure no one bothers us. If anyone knows what’s going on in this town, it’s Ben.”

A bell chimed above our heads as the door swung open and we walked in. We stood in the lobby and started to strip our layers down. The smells of pepperoni, cheese, sauce, and dough filtered through the air and my stomach growled. The restaurant filled with low chatter as we walked further in. A man stepped up and started to speak, until he met Death’s gaze.

“Ah, I’ll let Ben know you’re here. Come, I have the perfect table for you.” The host led us back to a red leather covered booth. The single light hanging above the table cast an eerie glow over the corner of the room. The chatter of voices had dulled and we were left waiting for Ben.

Ruthie scooted into one side of the booth. “Who is Ben?”

“He’s a fallen angel, he was cast out for disobeying an order and infringing on his human’s freewill. He’s not a bad guy, he just made a bad choice.”

Ruthie shifted uncomfortably and met my gaze. I shrugged and leaned back in the booth. “If he can give us information on what, if anything, is going on at Devil’s Playground, then I’ll take it. My mom’s a fallen angel and she’s not all that bad.”

“You still don’t know what she was kicked out of heaven for though.” Pete pointed out. “Those mistakes are unforgivable for a reason.”

I locked my jaw and clenched my fists to keep from striking out at him. “She raised me and I turned out okay, she did everything she could to make sure that I had a good childhood and stayed out of trouble.”

Death chuckled and we all looked at him. “And yet, here you are, trying to stop the apocalypse, chatting with the other children of the horsemen, an angel, Death, and soon a fallen angel. I think something might have gone wrong in your mother’s plan.”

He had a point. A shadow came over the table and I looked up at the tall man standing there. I could see a shadow of wings behind him as he met my gaze with his deep brown eyes. The slightest wrinkles at the corner of his eyes and on his forehead gave clues to his age, but he held himself tall and proud.

“Death, have you finally come to collect my soul?” His words poured out in a rough voice. “Is my time and punishment finally over?”

Death shook his head. “We’re here to talk about Devil’s Playground. Take a seat.”

Ben pulled a chair up to the end of the table. “Another angel, how nice to have you in my establishment.”

Ruthie smiled. “I hear your pizza is the best, you must have had a lifetime to perfect it.”

He jerked as if she’d slapped him. “You bring a group here to talk about Devil’s Playground. Is there something going on that I’m missing?”

“Only almost a hundred thousand deaths from the plague, the rising prices of food, and war threatening to break out.” Pete said. “Or do you not get the news here?” He added with a hint of sarcasm.