The night was cold, quiet, and weary. The stars were a constant reminder of all those we've lost.
The group of us were sitting around a bonfire. No one dared to speak or move. It was just quiet.
We've decided to start training for Marco's attack tomorrow. We're attacking him on Friday, which means that we have four days to outsmart him. To become better than him.
Perhaps that's why everyone was so quiet.
Our plan sounds impossible. Call it my own wishful thinking, but I actually think we'll be able to pull it off.
I mean, Marco's just a man.
He's not some kind of invincible being or a God of some sort. He's just a man. A cruel, cruel man who cares about nothing but himself.
"He's everything that's wrong with this world, isn't he?" I softly asked.
"Seems like it." Oliver shortly responded to my question.
"But then again, he's also someone's son. I mean, there must be someone out there who loves him with their whole entire being." Ellie softly uttered.
"Still doesn't change all the fucked up things he's done." Cooper chimed in.
"Agreed," Ronan stated before looking into my eyes. "And know that none of that will matter once we're at war with him. Because to kill Marco, we'll have to think like Marco and show no remorse." Ronan added.
"At least we have you on our side," Cooper told Ronan. "We're guaranteed to win this war. Thanks to you, brother. God bless America." He uttered with a broad smile on his face, and everyone started laughing at him.
"Is it 8PM already?" Ellie curiously asked through her laughter.
"Yeah, turn the radio on," Oliver told DeAndre, who had been unusually quiet this evening. Normally, he'd have a lot to say, but I guess not tonight.
[Radio Static Fades In]
"Attention, survivors. This is an emergency bulletin from the Underground Broadcast Network.
Breaking News: Eyewitnesses in New York City report that a man has been seen hanging on the city gates, an image that has stirred chaos among the remaining civilian population.
Rumor has it that this individual is none other than Doctor Michael Welch. Authorities and local militias are now combing the area, and investigations are underway to confirm his identity and intentions.
In related news, survivors have received word of a safe haven, a sanctuary, in San Jose. More details on this refuge will be provided as soon as they become available.
Stay tuned to this frequency for continuous updates. Until then, keep your wits about you and stay safe out there."
[Radio Static Fades Out]
DeAndre turned off the radio, and we all looked at each other in shock. A chill ran down my spine as the broadcast was still ringing through my ears.
"We all heard that, right?" Cooper asked us with wide eyes.
"They hung him on the city gates?" Ellie asked.
"What does that even mean? Is he still alive?" A deep frown settled on my forehead as I looked around at the group.
"I think so," Oliver softly uttered. "I mean, I think they would've mentioned if he was dead.
"This has gotta be part of some kind of elaborate plan. They want us to go on a rescue mission for your dad when it's actually just an ambush." DeAndre put two and two together.
"What if it's not. What if he's really been hung on the city gates?" I asked them in horror.
"I'm going out there." Oliver blankly stated.
"Me too," I added before getting up from where I was sitting.
"Ellie and I will stay here and look after the farm," Cooper told us.
"I'll come with you guys." DeAndre offered. We headed into the house and grabbed two weapons each, along with a sufficient amount of ammunition.
The four of us left the house together and jumped into the Jeep. Oliver started the engine before speeding down the road. A cloud of dust followed us as we made our way to the main road.
"Take the back roads. Marco's men are still looking for Hailey-Jade." Ronan reminded Oliver, who simply nodded at him before turning down another dirt road. He switched the headlights off in the process.
"Holy shit," DeAndre uttered while staring at the main road that was now beside us.
Bright lights blinded our vision as they passed us. Car after car, speeding down the road. My eyes widened in panic.
"They're headed for the farm," Oliver uttered in panic. The car came to an abrupt stop. My heart was ready to jump out of my chest.
"Turn back! We have to turn back!"
"They're looking for you, Hailey. Ellie and Cooper will be fine." Ronan calmly uttered. "Let's focus on the mission ahead of us." He added.
But I couldn't focus on the mission ahead of us. What if something happens to Ellie and Cooper because of me?
"They're gonna be fine," Ronan repeated himself, snapping me out of my thoughts, and I slowly nodded at him.
"Okay. Then let's keep going." I told Oliver, and he started the engine again before continuing down the road.
Me not being on the farm will only piss Marco off even more. But the fact that Marco and his men have never met Ellie and Cooper before counts in our favor.
They just need to make up a very convincing lie.
"We should probably discuss what we're gonna do once we get to the city," DeAndre uttered, breaking the silence.
"We're gonna have to hide the car somewhere close to us but hidden. We're gonna have to walk the rest of the way. Blend in with the rest of the civilians." Ronan told us.
"Sounds like a plan," Oliver uttered.
The car dawned in silence as the city came into our line of view. We hid the car behind an abandoned and seemingly empty building before jumping out.
I grabbed my gun from the backseat before shutting the door behind me.
"It's go time, baby," Oliver uttered before locking the car doors behind us.
We made our way into the city. Distant shouting and chanting could immediately be heard the closer we got.
I guess the civilians aren't too pleased about people being hung on the city gates.