Zombies (7 page)

“Yes I am and that is only the beginning.  Unless we win the battle
of the spirits, it will soon become a battle with the zombies.” 

That sobering thought created fear
within the novice.  Michael only liked those zombie movies because he knew they weren’t real.  Now that he was learning it could become a reality, it wasn’t nearly as amusing.  “You are right about one thing.  This mess only gets worse, doesn’t it?” said Michael.

“Yep and
unless we can keep people from being overtaken by the demons, the zombies will be next.  Then it becomes a battle of the demons in the decaying flesh,” said Angelica.

“Well
, one thing about it, the demons will be inside people that have already died once,” said Michael.

“I hate to burst your bubble, Michael.  Those creatures will go for the living too.  Before long
, you will have to watch your back everywhere you go.  If they latch onto you, it will be too late for any of us,” said Angelica.

“I thought the zombies were created by some sort of parasite that controlled the brain.  Now you are telling me that demons are at the root of the problem?” asked Michael.

“Not entirely.  The demons will use the zombies to spread the parasites.  Before long, there will be so many people infected with this incurable condition that we will be fighting a battle that humans can’t possibly win.”

“You are scaring me
, Angelica,” said the young man.

“It scares me too and that is why we must keep this from happening,” said Angelica.

“What are our chances in preventing the rise of the zombies?” asked Michael. 

When she didn’t answer, the professor did it for her.
  “We have a 10% chance in succeeding.”  That sobering statistic reverberated throughout the empty auditorium.  The sound of his voice bounced off the walls and echoed back and forth, if only in their minds.

“Are you telling me there is a 90% chance of us failing to head off the zombie
apocalypse?” asked Michael.  Again, Angelica didn’t answer.  That was as good as a yes in Michael’s mind.  “Then shouldn’t we be searching for a way to fight the zombies?  Heading it off seems to be hopeless.”

“It’s never hopeless.  Remember we do have a 10% chance in succeeding,” said Angelica.

“I don’t like the odds.  But, against my better judgment, I need to ask another question.  How many zombies can we expect to face if we fail?”

“Half the
population is already carriers of this parasite.  Under normal circumstance, it will never be a problem.  But under the right conditions, it could spread like wildfire.  If it is not stopped, the world is doomed,” said the professor.

“Aren’t you the optimist?  Is he telling the truth?” asked Michael.  A nod from Angelica provided the startling
reality.  “Did my parents know any of this?”

“They gave their lives
attempting to avoid the apocalypses.  Now it is up to you, Michael,” said Angelica.

“I thought you said it would take all of us,” questioned Michael.

“You are right.  But without you, we have no chance at all,” said Angelica.

“Suppose we are successful in heading off the zombie apocalypses
.  Will the demons disappear at some point?” ask Michael.

“We
may have entered the thousand-year reign.  So to answer your question, this is a long, drawn out battle,” said Angelica.

“Could you shed a little light on the subject?  What is the thousand
-year reign as you mentioned?” asked Michael.

“The demons have been in chains of darkness until now.  Recently they
may have been loosed and will walk the earth for a time period of a thousand years,” said the professor.

“A thousand years?  We
won’t live that long, so what is the use in trying?” asked Michael.

“Don’t be so quick to judge.  There are things going on that you don’t understand yet,” said Angelica.

“That is one thing that we agree on.  I have no idea whatsoever concerning what is going on or why,” said Michael.

“Just focus on the problem at hand.  Wha
t you saw last night is a sample of what’s to come.  This outburst with the student is the next level.  If we don’t stop them soon, the zombies will follow.  If that happens, there will be no reasoning among the people.  Those creatures will control the minds of the victims and, thus, they will live up to their name,” said Angelica. 

“What will happen to the student that lay here a moment ago?” asked Michael.

“He will be fine, at least for the moment.  The demon that attempted to control him was too weak.”

“If this gets to the zombie apocalypses, can we stand against them?” asked Michael.

“One on one there is a way to destroy them.  But as a group . . .”  She stopped short of finishing what she had prepared to say.

“As a group
, it’s hopeless, isn’t it?”

“Not altogether, but it will be much
simpler to prevent it,” said Angelica.

“You have already admitted we only have
a 10% chance in doing that.  Now you are saying we have even less of a chance after that?” asked Michael.  Again her silence answered his question.  “All this is too confusing.  Are you saying the zombies will be controlled by the demons, or will they be controlled by the parasites that enter the brain?”

“Both, but what triggers
the whole catastrophe is the demons.  They use the parasites to spread the condition.  By entering the mind of an infected person, they can control their thoughts.  What was once a docile person is suddenly transformed into an unfeeling monster.  The dead will rise from the grave, but only the ones that haven’t fully decayed.  They need the brain to be at least partially intact.  As for the living, once the brain becomes infected, it spreads.  At first the zombie will eat all human flesh.  Once the condition has progressed to the final stages, they are only interested in eating human brains.  They will even eat each other before this stage in reached.  It is difficult to tell by looking at them what stage they have entered, so the best approach is to go for the brains when being attacked.  Any person that is infected by them will naturally turn into the same type creature.  Under the right conditions, the whole world could become contaminated in a matter of months,” said Angelica.

“If you don’t mind
, I would like to see the passage from the Bible the young lady referred to before the outburst,” said Michael.

“Sure
.  It begins in Matthew 8:16 and continues throughout the chapter,” said Angelica.  The two gentlemen stared at her in awe.  Did she, in fact, have the entire book memorized?  When Michael read from the passage, he realized this inferred that people could become possessed with devils as mentioned in one place or with demons as mentioned in another.  When he had finished reading, he understood everything Angelica had told them was, in fact, true—if he believed what was written.

“This passage
mentions demons.  Do you know of any mention of witches?” asked Michael.

“Jezebel is spoken of
as practicing witchcraft in II Kings 9:22.  Witchcraft is condemned in Galatians 5:20.  Exodus 22:18 says, ‘Thou shall not suffer a witch to live.’  I Samuel 28 versus 7-15 speak of Saul talking to the spirit of Samuel after his death at the beckoning of a witch.  Yes there is plenty to consider if you believe the Bible,” said Angelica.  Again the men were astonished at her recollection of the passages.

“What about demons?” asked Michael.

“The book is full of material concerning devils or demons.  In fact, you need to be aware of one in particular.  There is a devil called Satan of whom it is said can transform himself into an angel of light in II Corinthians 11:14.” 

After checking it out
, Michael was ready to reveal his findings.  “She has spoken truthfully.  But, many will disagree with you over the accuracy of the Bible,” said Michael.

“
Fair enough.  We have many other sources,” said Angelica.

“One thing in our favor is the fact
that the world is receptive to the idea of zombies.  That is the craze in case you guys haven’t noticed,” said the professor.

“The big question is whether that will help or hinder our efforts,” said Angelica.

“I suppose if we have to defend against the zombies, it will work in our favor.  Once people see it has become a reality, nobody will question our efforts as we destroy the creatures.  But, are we certain there is no cure for these people?” asked Michael.  A stare from his companions quickly removed any doubts.  “That is a shame though.  What if these people were once good?”

“If they were good before being infected, you can bet your bottom dollar they have been turned,” said the professor.

“He is right about that, but our job is to save as many people as possible.  That will have a twofold purpose.  First of all, it will keep the demons from becoming even more powerful.  Secondly, it will strengthen our own forces in this battle,” said Angelica.

“From what I am hearing
, there is also the possibility that the world is doomed,” said Michael.

“Then there may be only a few survivors as your movies suggest.  If that turns out to be the case, the three of us will help those few,” said Angelica.

“Do we even have any weapons, and does anyone know how to destroy the zombies on a large scale?” asked Michael.

“We will have the weapons when they are needed.  As far as winning the battle with a zombie, it’s all in taking out the brain.
  That is the only sure way to do it no matter what stage they are in.  A bullet or sword entering the brain will do the job.  But, I must warn you.  These creatures will have superhuman strength, and there is no point in attempting to reason with them.  If they get their arms around you, it’s over.  Even I won’t be able to help you then,” said Angelica.  The sound of the buzzer signaled the end of classes.  This had been the last one of the day for the professor, yet nobody had showed up which was not surprising after the previous ordeal.

“Well there is no point in hanging around here any longer.  We just as well go back to the cabin,” said the professor.

“Why can’t we go to our homes and meet here in the morning?” asked Michael, looking for a way out.  After considering all they had learned, he would simply skip out on them.  The thought had crossed his mind.

“We have already discussed it
, and you need to listen to me.  I have a very good reason for staying at the cabin; and you guys are coming, like it or not,” said Angelica.  The commanding tone of her voice was not to be challenged.

“Couldn’t you have found something less primitive?  We don’t even have running water and that creek is cold,” complained Michael.

“You’ll get used to it.  Now follow me,” said Angelica, retrieving her laptop.

“Why are you taking
your computer?  We don’t have internet connection,” said Michael.

“Yes we do,” said Angelica.

“That stinks.  We have internet, yet we are forced to go into the woods to bathe?”

“Look on the bright side
, Michael.  It is a great way to get you awake in the morning,” said Angelica, walking out the door. 

Chapter 6

As they were leaving the building,
Angelica looked over her shoulder and noticed a cloud building in the east.  “You guys may want to pick up the pace.  There is a storm brewing.”

“Did anyone think to bring an umbrella?” asked Michael.

“Don’t be such a baby.  You won’t melt,” teased Angelica.

“I was thinking about the professor in that suit,” said Michael.  A
streak of lightening sailing across the sky was followed by a loud clap of thunder, causing the ground to rumble beneath their feet.  “Okay, gee-whiz.  I was only kidding,” said Michael.  Another streak of lightening followed.

“It’s never good to tell a lie
, Michael,” said Angelica.  He remained silent wondering if the next one would strike him.  The terrified look on his face caused his two companions to laugh.  Attempting to relieve his tension, Angelica added, “That had nothing to do with it, but I hope you get the point just the same.”

“I am glad you guys think it was funny.  All this business about demons and zombies is messing with my mind,” said Michael.  He noticed Angelica was about to comment and decided to beat her to it.  “I know I will get used to it.  But, to be truthful
, I am not so sure about that.”  Being overtaken by darkness had made the journey that much more frightening, especially after their previous conversations.  While it was getting later in the day, it was much too early for the light to be fading.  With the darkness closing in, Michael began to imagine all sorts of demons lurking behind every tree, bush or shadow.

“Would you please relax?  You are messing up my signals,” said Angelica
, having noticed Michael’s state.  Before he could comment, a loud screeching noise echoed across the deep hollow just to their right.  Suddenly he found his hand wrapped around Angelica’s arm.  “Michael, you need to turn me loose.”

“Not again
.  Sorry about that,” said Michael, preparing to battle the demons.  His companion laughed as he took a stance.

“Are you planning
on hurting that poor thing?” asked Angelica, pointing to a deer as it ran across the road in front of them.  Then they noticed an owl perched on a limb overhanging the trail.  While they were observing the beautiful creatures, the rain overtook them.  “You guys can stand around here all you want.  As for me, I am ready to make a run for the cabin.”  That sounded like an invitation, and the men quickly followed.  In a dead run, with the noise of the pounding rain obscuring all other sounds, nobody had noticed that they were being observed.  Had it not been for the stormy conditions at least one of them might have gotten a glimpse of the bright red fiery eyes.  The demonic creatures followed from a distance, stalking their victims.  Just what they were up too was yet to be determined. 

Suddenly, with the cabin in view, Angelica sensed the presence of evil
and stopped. “You guys go on inside while I check something out.”  Startled at first, Michael searched the area for any clues of what was bothering her.  Seeing nothing, he followed the professor inside the quaint little cabin, leaving Angelica standing outside in the rain.  Once inside the men attempted to dry off.  Being soaked, they sought towels to cover up to get warm. 

Anxious for their companion to return, Michael
dropped the towel and began pacing the floor.  Finally after a lengthy wait, he voiced those concerns.  “Something is wrong.  Wait here for us,” said Michael, striding toward the door.

“You need to do as Angelica instructed.  She knows what she is doing,” said the professor.  That didn’t stop him
, and moments later he was out of view.  However, when he came near his friend, he almost wished he had waited. 

There standing before him
was a host of weird horned creatures with long pointed tails.  Their ears stood erect with pointed tips extending above the top of their red, bony heads.  There was no hair on the ugly creatures, and each had a nose that was long and pointed.  The teeth were sharp as razors and much too large to be human.  But most disturbing of all were the eyes.  There was no doubt that these were the demons he had been warned about.  He froze, hoping to go undetected by the vicious beast.  He had fought demons the night before, but they were nothing like these creatures.  Still he had not spotted his companion.  Finally, unable to locate her, Michael turned to leave.  A firm grip on his arm prevented it.  Anxious but fearful, he turned to face the source of such great strength.

“Michael
, don’t look into the eyes!” yelled Angelica from a distance.  It was too late.  Those eyes were so compelling he could not resist the urge.  He was drawn into the soul of the creature as if by choice.  What could possibly be inside such a mysterious being?  Just as he was about to reach a point of no return, he was pulled away by a more powerful force.  With a flaming sword, Angelica defended the two of them.  Finally, Michael was able to emerge from the trance in time to assist his companion already in the heat of the fierce battle.  With flaming swords brandishing all about, the enemy began to disappear right before their eyes.  Just as quickly as the battle had begun it ended, leaving behind the two valiant warriors.  Moments later their appearance changed.  In the blink of an eye, they we transformed into flesh and blood.

“Where did those ugly
things come from?” asked Michael.

“Is that what you saw?” asked Angelica.

“Well, yes, you saw them too, didn’t you?  Sure you did.  You were right beside me,” said Michael, confused.

“Yes, but I only saw beautiful creatures that looked much like you.  The only difference was the eyes,” said Angelica.

“You are kidding, right?  Those things were the ugliest beasts I have even seen.”

“That is understandable.  What you saw was your imagination,” said Angelica.

“Like hell you say.  I felt the grip of th
at beast.”

“You misunderstand
, Michael.  They are real only in your imagination.  It is the same for me, only I see a different image,” said Angelica.

“Then can our imagination harm us?”

“Yes, it is as real as it gets in the spiritual realm.  If they had defeated us, we would now be one of them.  And while we are on the subject, you messed up, Michael.”

“How do you figure that?  We won didn’t we?”

“True, but at one point you were under their control.  This time I saved you, my friend.  Now let’s go back to make sure the professor is okay,” said Angelica.  As they walked away, many questions swirled through Michael’s mind.  At the top of the list were the demons they faced only moments earlier.  Finally, perceiving his thoughts, Angelica mentioned it first.  “We didn’t create the demons by simply imagining them.  They are everywhere, we only confronted them.  But the visions we each see is accentuated by our own expectations of what they should look like.”

“What would happen if we just ignore
d the demons?”

“They will
just enter the minds of others and do their mischief.  It seems they are stepping up the activity though.  That means we will be forced to work faster,” said Angelica.

“Faster?  I have only known you for two days and look what has already happened
.”

“Yes, but I have known you even before you
were born.  The time has finally arrived, and the battle is brewing,” said Angelica.

“If my memory serves me correctly, the battle has already begun.”

“That was just a little skirmish and so were the others.  You will know when Armageddon arrives.  I won’t have to tell you when that happens,” said Angelica.

“I am afraid to ask,” said Michael in deep thought while staring over his shoulder.

“It is just as well, because you are not ready for the whole truth yet.  In fact, I am not ready either; and that disturbs me.  If we don’t gain control over our thoughts, we will surely loose the battle with the demons,” said Angelica.

“And if that happens, the rise of the zombies will soon follow, right?”

“Right.  Now describe the demons in every detail so I know what we are dealing with here,” said Angelica.  Minutes later while listening intently to the description being provided by her companion, Angelica came to a startling conclusion.  “The battle has progressed and the chief of demons is about to make his appearance.”

“Are you referring
to Satan?” asked Michael.

“We have a stronger term for that beast.”  She paused.

“Well are you going to share it with me?”

“Beelzebub!” said Angelica
, picking up the pace.  Michael slowed the tempo while entering deep thought.  Something about that name jogged his memory.  He had read about Satan and wondered if the two were in fact the same evil creature.  Yet, she seemed to distinguish between the two.  “Maybe it was for effects.  After all there seemed to be a hierarchy even among the demons,” thought Michael. 

When he arrived at the cabin,
he became relieved to find the professor in good spirits.  “Did you see anything out there?” he asked.

“Oh yeah, we had to battle the demons once again, but I gave them something to remember us by,” said Michael.  This boasting didn’t set well with his companion.  The look in Angelica’s eyes reminded him of something she had said.  Those words echoed throughout his mind.  “Pride goes before the fall,” he mumbled.

“And don’t ever forget it,” whispered Angelica.

“Actually it was Angelica that saved me this time.  I made a mistake and looked into the eyes of the creature, something she had already warned
me about,” said Michael.

“Well, it seems you are fine now.  So
, is anyone hungry?” asked the professor.  They were surprised to find the small table neatly set for three with steam rising from the hot food placed in the middle.

Being in shock, Michael stared at the meal
laid out before them.  “How long were we out there?” he asked, taking a seat.

“Time has no relevance in the spiritual world,” said Angelica.

“Actually you guys were gone more than an hour, and I was becoming worried.  To keep my mind off the dangers you faced, I tried to stay busy by cooking,” said the professor.  “I hope you find it satisfactory.”  He waved his hand over the food as if to invite them to the feast.

“This is more than satisfactory.  It has been a long time since I have had any decent food,” said Michael.
  They took a seat with the young man still in deep thought.  Were any of the visions he had witnessed real?  Only the clouded memory of what occurred in that brief moment remained.  He noticed there was not a mark on either of them.  If the battle had indeed occurred, surely there would be some sort of sign.  Quietness overcame the gathering as they consumed the delicious food.  That didn’t reign in the wandering eyes.  The young man noticed Angelica’s water soaked clothes and couldn’t help staring at her beautiful body.  Yet, that was only part of what was going on in his mind.  Behind those windows to the soul were many thoughts. 

Finally, Angelica decided to bring
up what they were all concentrating on.  “Based on Michael’s description of the creatures, we are about to meet the chief.” 

Immediately the professor laid his fork aside.
  “Then we are too late,” he said.

“It’s never too late.  We will just have to step up our efforts,” said Angelica.

“If the demons are at this stage already, then we are in for more than we can handle,” said the professor.

“Wait a minute.  Don’t base everything on what I thought I saw.  Maybe I was mistaken,” said Michael.
  Stares from his companions quickly settled the question.  “I suppose you’re right.”  Clearly confused, he asked, “But what does this mean?”

“It tells us we underestimated our opponent.  They are attempting to blindside us,” said the professor.
  Although this explanation was intended to help Michael understand the situation, it did not fully answer his question.

To shed further light on the subject, Angelica added,
“We expected the demons to send in underlings ahead of the main event.  Based upon what is occurring now, we are well into the thousand years.  Maybe there is something to the witch trials after all.  That could have been the beginning.  If so, the battle is already well under way.”  This only caused more confusion for Michael.  “The demons have sent in the heavyweights.  We can expect the worst.”

“Do you mean more battles like the one back there?” asked Michael.

“It’s already past that stage.  We can expect people to become possessed by demons.  The only way to recognize them is by staring into the eyes,” said Angelica.

“But you said I was not to look into the eyes,” said Michael.

“Only when we are in the spiritual realm.  Out here that is often the only clue,” said Angelica.

“What are we to do when we spot one of th
ose demons?” asked Michael.

“Our foremost concern is to prevent them from hurting others.  My guess is that the demons will attempt to commit mass murders through
an unsuspecting person they have taken control over.  Then the instigator of the attack will kill themselves, leaving behind chaos and confusion over why any of this happened in the first place,” said Angelica.