Chereads / Shattered Aeon / Chapter 11 - Chapter 11

Chapter 11 - Chapter 11

In the midst of a zombie apocalypse, where the world had been overrun by the undead, Abner fought tooth and nail to reach his safehouse. He had spent countless nights wandering through desolate streets, evading hordes of ravenous creatures and scavenging for meager supplies. The weight of loss clung to him like a shroud as he trekked through the ruins of what once was a thriving city.

Abner's mind was haunted by the memories of his friends, who had fought alongside him until they could fight no more. Their courage and determination lingered in his heart, driving him forward even when despair threatened to consume him. It was a constant reminder of the fragility of human existence in a world overrun by zombies.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Abner stumbled upon his safehouse—a small, dilapidated house tucked away in a quiet corner of the once-bustling neighborhood. He cautiously stepped inside, barricading the door behind him with whatever he could find. The musty smell and eerie silence greeted him, a stark contrast to the chaos outside.

As exhaustion washed over him like a tide, Abner collapsed onto a tattered couch. He longed for the comfort and warmth of his friends' presence, their laughter, and the reassuring feeling of camaraderie that had fortified their spirits during the darkest of times. The emptiness in his heart seemed to grow heavier by the minute.

Hope, however, refused to abandon Abner entirely. He knew that their sacrifices could not be in vain. With each passing day, he had witnessed acts of bravery and kindness amidst the chaos—strangers helping one another, humanity fighting to cling onto what remained. These glimpses of the indomitable human spirit fueled his determination to survive.

As the night descended, Abner collapsed onto the worn-out couch and closed his eyes. He surrendered himself to sleep, hoping that the dawn would bring with it a renewed sense of purpose and strength. In his dreams, his friends' faces appeared, reminding him of their legacy—reminding him that their deaths, though painful, would forever be a beacon of resilience and courage.

As the sun broke through the thick clouds, Abner's eyes fluttered open. He rose from the couch, his mind focused on the challenges that lay ahead. The weight of his friends' memories was still present, but now it fueled a fire within him rather than weigh him down.

With a deep breath, Abner stepped out of the safehouse, ready to face the horrors of the world once more. The wind whispered promises of uncertainty, but he was determined to forge his own path. For in this new day, he would honor his friends by living each moment to its fullest, and fighting with every ounce of his being to ensure that hope would survive, even in the darkest of times.

*Meanwhile at the Base*

In the midst of the grim reality of the zombie apocalypse, hope became a rare and treasured commodity. But for Maia, Davis, Willard, and Ashford, hearing Abner's voice through the crackling of their walkie-talkies ignited a fire of determination within them.

Major Maia, a young and fearless woman, had been anxiously awaiting any sign of Abner's survival. She had lost contact with him when their group was forced to separate during a chaotic zombie attack upon returning the base with half of his unit who made it back home. As the sun began to set and hope dwindled, the sound of Abner's voice brought tears of joy to her eyes.

Sgt. Davis, Abner's loyal brother in arms, glanced at Maia with deep concern. They had been on countless missions together, facing death head-on, but this was the first time Davis had seen Maia this vulnerable. He understood the extent of their bond and vowed to protect her at all costs.

Lt. Willard, Abner's commanding officer, listened intently as Abner detailed the ordeal he had faced - the narrow escapes, the relentless hordes of undead, and the harrowing encounters with other desperate survivors. Willard's heart swelled with pride for his courageous soldier, grateful that Abner had somehow managed to stay alive against all odds.

Commander Ashford, a seasoned commander known for his calm demeanor, couldn't help but crack a smile upon hearing Abner's voice. He had always recognized Abner's leadership potential and respected his unwavering loyalty. Now, with their group scattered and dwindling in numbers, Ashford knew Abner's survival was crucial to ensuring the survival of them all.

Despite the overwhelming threat of the undead, Maia, Davis, Willard, and Ashford refused to give in to despair. They knew that Abner was their beacon of hope, and his survival gave them the strength to carry on(also Ashford was trying to keep Abner alive to keep his grandniece happy, Ashford saw Maia as his granddaughter. So, he will keep his granddaughter happy from this cursed world they lived in).

Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, as the group battled through relentless swarms of zombies, scavenged for supplies, rescuing the survivors, expanding their settlements and faced the stark reality that the world they once knew had crumbled. Yet, every day, Maia sent her unwavering love and determination through the walkie-talkie, ensuring Abner knew she was still fighting alongside him in spirit.

Whenever Abner's voice crackled through the static, it served as a reminder of the love, camaraderie, and resilience they all shared. It was the lifeline that kept them going, motivating them to push forward, knowing they were not alone.

As the seasons changed and hope blossomed anew, an opportunity finally presented itself to reunite the group. Maia, Davis, Willard, and Ashford, battered and scarred, but refusing to be defeated, assembled at the pre-determined meeting spot with their weapons and hearts prepared for any surprises.

And when Abner finally resurface, their reunion was filled with tears, laughter, and a renewed sense of purpose. They were four souls, forged together through chaos and tragedy, determined to stand firm against the undead until their last breath.

In this perilous landscape, where survival was never guaranteed, love, loyalty, and the unbreakable bond between comrades became the ultimate weapons against the encroaching darkness. Together, Maia, Davis, Willard, Ashford, and Abner would face whatever lay ahead, knowing that their connection would guide them through the darkest night of the zombie apocalypse.

After a few minutes, they lost contact from Abner. This frightened them the most, they were losing their greatest source of strength, hope, and love. For their relief, they managed to fix the signal and this happened.

Abner's voice crackled through the radio as he reported his situation. "This is Abner, over. My unit got separated from me in the chaos. I am currently travelling alone through hostile territory overrun by zombies. I repeat, alone and in hostile territory."

Maia's heart sank as she clutched the edge of the table. The worry etched on her face was evident, betraying her attempt to remain composed. Davis, Abner's loyal brother in arms, gave her a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder.

Willard, Abner's commanding officer, listened intently, his face shadowed by concern. The sound of static punctuated Abner's transmission as they held their breath, waiting for more details.

"I've managed to scavenge a few supplies, but it won't last long," Abner continued. His voice trembled slightly, weighed down by the loneliness and uncertainty of his journey. "I've encountered several hordes of zombies, but I've been able to remain undetected. However, my situation feels increasingly precarious."

Commander Ashford, his commanding officer, exchanged a grave glance with Willard. They both knew the odds Abner was facing — the world had descended into chaos ever since the outbreak began. Overwhelmed by the severity of the situation, they had no choice but to trust Abner's skills and resourcefulness.

"Stay focused, Abner," Willard responded over the crackling radio. "We'll do everything in our power to get to you. But for now, your top priority is survival. Find a safe location and stay hidden until backup arrives."

The words hung heavy in the room, acknowledging the dangerous reality they all faced. They were fighting an enemy the world had never seen before — one that seemed unstoppable, ruthless, and relentless.

Outside, the wind howled through the broken windows, carrying the distant moans of the undead. The world they knew had crumbled, leaving only remnants of a once-thriving civilization. But amidst the chaos and despair, their determination to save one of their own burned bright.

Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. The team worked tirelessly, navigating treacherous terrain, battling hordes of zombies, and cautiously searching for any sign of Abner. Their determination pushed them forward when all hope seemed lost.

One foggy morning, as the sun timidly peeked through the dilapidated buildings, a weak signal came through their radio. "This is Abner," Abner's voice crackled with relief. "I'm alive, and I've found shelter. I will find my way back to you, over".

The entire room erupted with joy and relief. Maia's face lit up with a smile as tears streamed down her cheeks. Davis clenched his fists, finally allowing himself a moment of respite after months of uncertainty.

Willard and Commander Ashford exchanged a knowing nod. But, the question stands. What does he mean will find his way back to them?

Davis asked "Brother what do you mean by that?". The others were agreed with him, and they were eager to know what happened to Abner's situation right now.

"It means that I found myself deep behind enemy lines in the ruined city called Phourton, next to Quncester City, yeah, it's too far away from the base and I'm so fucked right now". Abner replied causing the people in the room shocked and scared at the same time.

They panic to see Abner wandered alone in the most dangerous place in all other places, Davis, clenched his fists, frustration etched on his face. "We can't just leave him out there," he pleaded, his voice tinged with urgency. "He's risking his life for us. We need to find a way to bring him back."

Maia clenched her fists, her worry evident in her voice. "Abner, we can't just leave you out there alone. We need to come get you. Tell us where you are."

Abner hesitated for a moment. He knew that they were risking their lives by going out to rescue him. The zombie apocalypse had morphed the world into a dangerous labyrinth where every step could spell doom. "No, Maia. It's too risky. I don't want to put any of you in danger."

Davis, his voice tinged with determination, chimed in, "You think we're gonna let you fight those things alone? We're your brothers. We've got your back."

Willard, their commanding officer, spoke up, his voice grave. "Abner, you're not just a soldier; you're family. We're coming for you, no matter what it takes."

"But sir, what about the rest of the unit?" Abner's voice trembled with concern. "I don't want you risking your lives for just one person."

Ashford massaging his temples as he finally realizes the danger that may given to them if they went out of there and save him, Willard's thought was in the same boat as Ashford.

"Abner, we will wait for you if you found the nearest place that can pick you up, give us some updates when you can, my son". Ashord informed him as they heard Abner's sighed in relief and replied.

"Solid copy, I will promise to you all that, I will make it back to you. Please don't go outside just yet, Maia, I love you". After that, he cut off.

Willard, sighed heavily, reflecting on the difficult choices made in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. "Abner has always been a selfless soldier," he admitted, his voice tinged with respect. "But it's our duty not just to protect him but to protect the entire unit. We can't jeopardize our chances of survival because of one man's determination."

Ashford, nodded in agreement, his weathered face reflecting the weight of their predicament. "We need to assess the situation carefully," he said, his voice filled with authority. "We'll gather intel, track Abner's movements, and explore avenues to bring him back safely."

For that they agreed, the trio were trying their best to persuade Maia to believe in him. Finally, she believes him and willing to wait for Abner's update.

She misses Abner so much waiting for him to comeback in her arms. She prayed day and night for Abner's safety, she will wait and hope that God will watch over Abner as he trek through hell for her and their friends.