Everyone stared at the TV. Ellis racked his brain for an explanation. "The Fourth World, why did it sound so familiar," he thought. Then it dawned on him. The Navajo believed that mankind were not originally from Earth. That they had passed through three other worlds before settling on this one. What if there was more to this story than they knew. Information and knowledge tends to be lost to time. But, what does it mean by the world coming to an end? Will people have to find some gateway to pass into the next world?
Byron was on his feet, the light of the TV was enough to highlight his form. "What the fuck?" he asked. Then the power came back and everyone looked around to see panic. Ellis remembered how the voice sounded, as if it was all around them. "Is this some kind of joke?" Lisa asked.
"It can't be real, can it?" Gabby sounded panicked. Ellis put a reassuring hand on her shoulder, "What ever it is, we'll wait it out and see what is happening." At that moment, a large earthquake hit the house. Everything shook. The windows sounded like they were about to shatter. Ellis fell to his knees from all of the shaking. Lisa had thrown herself into Byron's arms. Gabby gripped the chair like her life depended on it. When they checked their phones, it registered as a 7.4 magnitude earthquake. When they checked the house, they were fortunate to find minimal damage and everyone hoped their luck would last.
The next few days, the group stayed in their house. Classes had been cancelled. Phone calls were made. An emergency broad cast was sent all over the country urging people to stay inside and wait for further instructions. Byron and Ellis watched the news together and saw a world that was slowly falling apart.
Volcanoes around the world erupted. The Yellowstone super volcano was smoking now. More earthquakes were recorded. A plague of locusts had appeared in the Southwestern United States, eating plants, animals and people. They stayed East of the Rockies, but it was still unnerving. Byron paused the TV on one of the images. "Mother of god," he said and dropped the remote. Ellis took a moment and then saw what he had seen. In the swarm, rode a robed man on a black horse. In his hands, were a set of scales. A quote came to him and Ellis spoke it aloud;
"I looked and behold, a black horse; and he who sat upon it held a set of scales in his hand. And I heard a voice speak, 'A quart of wheat for a denarius, three quarts barley for a denarius; and do not damage the oil and wine."
"What was that?" Byron said, fear danced in his eyes. Ellis answered, "Book of Revelations. It talks about the breaking of seven seals to start the apocalypse. The third seal releases famine upon the world." Byron looked back at the image. The robed man was no longer there, "I guess we both saw that then right?"
"Yeah, we did," Ellis answered and checked social media. Many people who weren't in the damage zones were posting about hearing strange noises. Someone claimed their dead brother had payed him a visit. He watch it live and had to leave because of what happened as soon as the man opened the door to meet him. It was not pretty. Rumors of monsters spread like wildfire after that. There were posts by people who lived near the ocean of seeing large, serpentine forms moving beneath the surface.
Their town was no exception. All around them, they heard sirens and screams. Gunshots in the distance. More than once, they had something knock on their front and back doors, trying to get in. No one wanted to see what it was. The had covered all of the windows with curtains and blankets to block the view of anything from the outside. And now things had calmed down somewhat.
Ellis let out a breath, "It is like a flood gate keeping back all of the wrong busted open." Byron was fidgeting with his fingers. Gabby finally came out of her room and walked into the kitchen. She made a point not to look at the TV. "I'm sure the National Guard will have everything under control."
"I hope so," Ellis said. Gabby shifted through the kitchen and was looking through the pantry. A scream was heard outside. It was quickly cut off. Byron stood and moved to look out the window. Ellis stopped him. "Let's be smart about this," Ellis said, "We don't know what is going."
"I know, but we need to know what's out there," he said and pushed past Ellis. Byron was careful. He slipped open the curtains a small sliver. "Looks clear," he said and let them fall back in place. Gabby spoke from the kitchen, "Bad news. We are running low on food."
"Crap," Ellis said, "I thought we had enough for at least another week."
"We didn't have much to begin with," Gabby said, "Byron was suppose to go shopping while we were at class." Byron grumbled and went to his room. Ellis turned off the TV and looked into the pantry. It was looking thinned out. "Alright, we need to make a food run," he said, "We'll need to work out a plan. Most places will be sparse right now."
"We'll need preserved foods like canned goods," Gabby said and closed the door. Ellis went to his room to get ready. He put on a loose fitting tank top with a pair of cargo pants paired with sneakers. He emptied out his backpack of everything. He knocked on Byron's door when he was done. Byron opened it and revealed he was thinking the same thing as Ellis.
Byron had equipped himself with a full tactical kit. He wore a bullet proof vest. A Pistol was strapped to his left thigh with a combat knife over his right breast. He had on a large military pack and handed Ellis a kukri. "I guess I don't need to talk you into doing this," he said. Ellis shook his head, "I'm just glad we are on the same page." Ellis strapped the kukri to his hip and knocked on Lisa's door. Lisa opened it, looking like she hadn't slept in days. "House meeting in a few minutes," Ellis said and she nodded. When everyone was gathered, they went over what the plan was.
"Okay," Byron began, "We are low on food and we have no idea what is going on outside. I'm sure you heard the screams, sirens, mayhem and you have seen the news. The apocalypse is here. There are many people who would like tell us, 'I told you so,' right now." Everyone chuckled at that. Byron continued, "Ellis and I are going out to have a look around and to see what we can scavenge. Do not open the door for anyone, but us. Even if it sounds like us, double check. If you see a dead relative, do not open the door. If you see someone who needs help, do not open the door. Ellis and I have keys and we will knock to signal that it is us coming in. We both have our phones on us and we will let you guys know if we won't be back tonight."
"What if someone tries to break in?" Gabby asked Byron smiled slightly, "Tell them to get lost and if they do break in, beat them up. And before I forget." He left the table and went back to his room. He came back with a box. "This came in a few days ago, I was waiting for your birthday," he said to Lisa and opened the box.
Inside was a cavalry saber. It had a golden grip with a silver blade. Lisa lifted it and studied it. She drew it from its scabbard and swung it a few times. "Is this real?" she asked and tested the blade, "It's sharp." Byron nodded, "Yes, I even had it professional sharpened before it shipped. It's a heavier than what you're used to, but I know you like saber's." Lisa hugged him, being careful not to cut him by accident.
"It should help you guys defend the home front while he are gone," Byron said, "So, lets get our signals set before we start." Both Byron and Ellis left the house through the front door. They checked the street before leaving and decided that the roads would be the best way to get around. They kept themselves alert as they walk. They passes houses with doors left open. Others were closed and looked to have been barricaded on the inside. They walked in silence for several blocks.
The streets remained empty. It seemed no one wanted to leave their homes yet. "So," Ellis said breaking the silence, "You and Lisa. How long has that been a thing?" Byron chuckled, "I guess there is no sense in hiding it. It's a bit more recent then you might suspect."
"Was it when everything went to shit?"
"A bit before that, but the apocalypse was what sealed the deal. It kind of put things into perspective. The sword was my way of finally asking her to be my girlfriend. Are you going to make any moves on Gabby?"
"I don't think so," Ellis said, "I've put some thought into it and I don't know if I see her that way."
"Just don't be an ass about it. I might have to leave you for whatever's been trying to get in."
This time Ellis laughed, "I understand. Where should we check first."
"I was thinking the Station. It may not have any food, but it will give us a good starting point. Let's go this way, it's faster," Byron said and Ellis grabbed his arm. The road had a few abandoned cars. One was flipped onto it's side. A raven sat on one of the vehicles and cawed once. "I don't think we should go that way," Ellis said. Byron looked puzzled, "Why not. It looks clear and I don't hear anything. Besides, that raven doesn't seem to mind."
"It's the raven that's the problem. It feels like it is telling us to turn back." Ellis explained. Byron shook his head, "And why are we listening to a carrion bird. Aren't they bad omens and such?"
"In Western myths, yes. But, in Alaskan Native mythologies, Raven is a friend. The Haida's depict him as a trickster with humanity's best interest in heart. Hell, Odin saw all with the help of his Raven's Hugin and Munnin." Ellis explained, "I don't know why, but I think I can understand the bird somewhat." Byron rubbed at his eyes, "I reserve the right to shoot you if we end up dead."
"Deal."
Both men turned and walked another direction, taking a longer route to get to the Station. More raven's appeared, warning them of dangerous routes. Ellis didn't know why he knew what they meant, but he was counting his blessings. Eventually, they reached the Station and found it destroyed.
The glass door was shattered. All of the shelves were knocked over and scattered. boxes of food were scattered and torn open. The fountain drink machine was completely smashed. To top it off, there was blood all over the floor. A murder of crows was gathered around the entrance. They scattered when both men approached. The warnings of danger were made, but ignored. Ellis drew his kukri and Byron pulled his gun. They took their time, keeping an eye on their exit. "Hello," Ellis called.
"Is that you Ellis?" came the voice of Mrs. Lou from the back. Both men relaxed some. "Yes, it is," Ellis replied, "Are you alright? It looks like a tornado came through here."
"I am fine. Why don't you came back here and help me with something."
Both Byron and Ellis looked at each other. Ellis took a step towards the back room and Byron stopped him this time. "Something doesn't smell right," he whispered, "Look at the door to the back." Ellis took another look at where the heavy steel door used to be. It looked like a wrecking ball had hit it. There was also a trail of blood leading to the opening. "Plus we have a murder of crows outside," Byron continued then called out, "Hey Mrs. Lou, it's Byron. Why don't you come out where we can see you."
"I can't, I'm stuck," came Mrs. Lou's voice. Both men began to back towards the front door. "Sorry to hear that," Ellis said, "But can you elaborate why you are stuck?"
"I stuck, can you boys help me?" came her voice. Then there was movement from the back room. Like something big was shifting around. "Sounds like you've got it covered," Byron called, "We're going to check around the building to make sure there is nothing amiss." They reached the threshold when a big, meaty hand grabbed the ruined door frame.
What showed itself was once human. Long dark hair fell off its head in wisps. Where a neck used to be, was nothing but folds of fat. Its face had become mostly mouth with razor sharp teeth. Its eyes had vanished under its fat folds and nose had grown. Blood covered its mouth and down onto its neck were a pair of flat breasts and a bulging stomach of pale flesh greeted it. It stopped an sniffed the air and spoke with Mrs. Lou's voice, "Are you still there?"
This thing was not Mrs. Lou, nor was it created from her. Both Ellis and Byron knew that. They saw the nail polish still in place on its torn nails. The remains of a dress sat tattered over the expanse of flesh that was this monstrosity. "What the fuck," Byron said under his breath. It was a small sound, even the crows remained silent outside. But it was enough for the large thing to set its nonexistent sight on Byron. Ellis took a step back without looking, not wanting to remove his eyes from this monster, and stepped on a glass shard. The crunch sounded as if it were right next to his ear.
The monstrosity charged at Ellis, plowing though the counter as if it were paper. Ellis dove out of the way as the large thing barreled past him and knock Byron over. Both men were on their feet and running for their lives. "I take it back," Byron said, "Listening the to the raven's and crows was a good idea."