Never Too Late


Chapter 3: Young

All Together, walk alone against all we've ever known.

All we've ever wanted was a place to call our home.

But you take all we are; the innocence of our hearts. Made to kneel before the alter as you tear us apart.

~ Hollywood Undead, Young.

Ruth walked with her brother, Abigail, and the twins to the clearing; she kept her head down even though the corn greeted her over her small family. Yes, the corn greeted Ruth many times, it bestowed kindness and care toward her while slapping and tripping others. As much as she hated the corn, hated He Who Walks Behind The Rows, even she had to admit what good both did. The small, non adult, population was growing and growing fast. The children still played, games like Hide and Seek were not forbidden, the middle aged children, about eleven to thirteen, started to work but were given simple jobs. The teenagers and soon to be adults worked to real jobs. Men took care of the harvests and fields, any job considered manly was done by the men and the men alone. Women cooked for everyone, cleaned for their families, and did most of the considered house work unless pregnant. Nannies, normally the middle aged girls, helped take care the expecting mothers and those who are soon to be sacrificed and have children who need guardians.

Ruth knew that He was doing this, letting them prosper, but for his own needs. He had visited once in her sleep, all she saw was his eyes and that's all she dared to see. He had confronted her about her belief and she gave in to Him; she allowed herself to become a follower to a degree and he hadn't pressed for anything more than her prayers and her life, when the time came. She knew that this relationship between them and Him was necessary and both parties benefited from it.

Still doesn't make it any less wicked. She sighed and sat beside Abigail. The youngest sat in the front while the oldest sat in the back, Ruth was allowed to sit where she pleased and no one cared. Being the Seer had it's perks occasionally.

"Ruth." the brunette turned and saw her soon-to-be lover standing not far behind her, only two boys away from her spot. She gave Malachai a small smile and nod of her head as a response. He returned the gesture and they both then settled their gazes upon Isaac. The young child felt their gazes and stared back for a brief moment before giving his full attention to all the children.

"Behold! Our lord has shown me so much about what should come today!" he said loudly, earning himself everyone's attention. "Today is the day of honor for our most loyal followers and for our Seer."

Ruth stilled a moment as everyone's eye fell on her. She pretended that it didn't bother her but only to those who truly knew her could see she was on edge. That had Micheal realizing that something was really wrong.

"Our Seer has seen our corn prosper beyond what would be deemed possible by man." he waved his right arm toward the corn and explained, "Before the Great Cleansing, the fields expanded to only four miles. Now the corn has spread across more than another ten miles. In a short few years time the corn will expand sixty miles long!"

Excitement ran through the children, minus Ruth and Micheal. They found it greatly disturbing for the corn to grow so far on its own, increasing His domain. However, they both knew that the only way to end his Reign was to burn the corn, something they couldn't do unless they had a car that was functional and had enough gasoline to make it to another town. Even then, who could guarantee that all the corn would burn? Not even Ruth could do that.

"We are prospering more than expected, our future is bright and today, He wishes to bestow honors upon his loyal warriors for guarding His children." Isaac started calling the warriors forward, all except Malachai were standing before everyone and receiving an applaud. "Their honors, however, are not as great as what He has in store for the leader of the Warriors and our Seer."

Ruth felt her heart start to pound so much that it became audible in her ears. Malachai continued to look emotionless but deep down, even he was fidgeting a bit. He knew that this was the moment he feared the most but he needed to live through this to get to his wedding.

"A few days ago," Isaac began, "Malachai had ask our Seer, Ruth to become his wife." Gasps and jealous glares followed that. "Our lord is greatly pleased with Malachai's decision and bestows his blessings upon the couple." Isaac roamed his eyes upon the children, seeing the displeasure that settled upon the women and the small envy that was steaming from the men. "Tonight we will hold the wedding here in the clearing, for He Who Walks Behind The Rows wishes to witness their joining."

The children stilled, Malachai and Ruth included; He Who Walks Behind The Rows had only been present through one wedding and that was David's when he married his soon-to-be sacrificed wife Rebekah. This was considered the greatest honor, an honor Ruth wasn't so sure she was happy about. Still, it wasn't like she could tell Him not to come or insist on having her wedding in the church. She was just going to have to deal with it until the moment she says I do.

"We will not have a preaching today." Isaac announced, "Today we will prepare a feast and make preparations for the ceremony!"

The children cheered, mainly the youngest and oldest. Those around Malachai's and Ruth's age were jealous and did not wish to spend their day celebrating a romance they felt they deserved. After all, what better honor was there than to be the husband of the Seer or wife of the strongest warrior?

Isaac watched everyone leave, keeping his eye solely on Ruth and Micheal. The young brunette seemed uncomfortable with her older sibling as he looked down at her with confusion and anger. Isaac knew too well what was going through the taller one's mind, his dark expression said it all. He was confused as to why he sister agreed to marry Malachai and angry that Malachai dare to even ask such a request of the girl.

"Ruth." Isaac approached the small family, his expression undeterred by Micheal's anger. "I would like to talk to all of you for a moment."

Ruth cringed slightly, she knew what he wanted to discuss and she had the most sickening feeling that her brother would need some anger releasing later. "Of course."

Abigail handed Ruth her sons while taking her place by Micheal, she knew too well how violent the man could be toward the young prophet. " I understand that this engagement was kept from the two of you." Isaac looked directly at Micheal and Abigail, "But assure you, there is no greater joy that to wed Ruth and Malachai."

Micheal sneered at that but Abigail stopped him from making any rude remarks. "Isaac," the blonde replied softly, "this is quite the surprise but we all know that Micheal and Ruth can't really be separated. Much less, Micheal will never want her to be alone with Malachai."

Isaac stared at Micheal expressionlessly, he was as blank as ever. "This is a great honor, He will be greatly displeased if she and Malachai are not joined." he looked at Ruth and asked, "Have you seen anything lately?"

Ruth slowly nodded, "I saw an Outlander and his young son. They should be here next week but I do not have a specific date."

Isaac nodded, "I'll inform Malachai to keep guard." He looked back at Abigail and Micheal, "Malachai has already moved her stuff into his house, don't fret over this anymore."

Micheal's glare darkened as Isaac excused himself from the clearing, leaving them to stand in awe. Shaking his head Micheal nudged his head toward the exit, "Let's go."

"Micheal...?" Ruth looked at her brother's retreating form.

He looked at her over his shoulder and shrugged, "We'll talk about this later."

Ruth felt a cold chill run down her spine, she knew that he was furious and probably feeling betrayed by her. It wasn't like Malachai had murdered their mother and brothers, no he didn't commit that crime.

"Are you okay Ruth?" Abigail asked, placing her small hand on the brunette's shoulder. "Ruth?"

"I'm fine." Ruth mumbled softly, "I just hope Micheal is."

Abigail's eyes followed Ruth's, "I would say that he'll be fine but I would be lying."

"I know." She sighed, "I just wish he wouldn't be so mad about it."

Abigail shrugged, she knew Ruth and Micheal too well. She knew their displeasure at the Cleansing was deep and irreversible, no matter what. Ruth had given in to their ways, she obeyed Isaac's command and worked without complaint while Micheal did his share without a word, relying his trust on only four people; Ruth, Abigail, and his twin boys.

Micheal, thoroughly upset and betrayed, entered his small three room house and stormed to his sister's room. Her room that she had since she was four and witnessed the Cleansing. Micheal released a forced sighed, his right arm leaned on the door frame and his fist was clenched tightly.

He hated Malachai, the boy who loved his sister dearly yet allowed her to witness such a horrific scene at her tender age. Malachai was once in Micheal's good graces, there was a time where the older man wanted Ruth to marry Malachai. But that had changed eleven years ago, that all changed.

"Damn you Malachai." he cursed under his breath, "Damn you!"

During his rage Micheal hadn't heard the sounds of feet making their way toward him. "Perhaps it's not Malachai you should be damning Micheal." Micheal turned and saw Ruth standing behind him, her hands folded in front of her and her head slightly bowed. "Maybe I am the one to be blamed as well."

Micheal heaved a deep sigh, "How could you agree to this Sam?" Ruth flinched as he call her by what was deemed a forbidden name. "how could you give away what freedom you had left in the dictatorship?"

She didn't answer for a moment, she was questioning herself as she watched the floor. When she finally took in a breath to speak she said, "I could only think about the small boy who promised he'd love me even in death. I remembered the boy who saved me multiple times from spiders and snakes, who tended to me whenever I was crying or hurt."

"Do you really think he's that same little boy you cared for all those years ago?"

"No." she answered, "Not completely. I think that little boy is still there but at least I know that I can get you out of here."

Micheal fully turned toward his younger sister, escape from Gatlin was impossible. Only two people have tried in the beginning, only one barely made it out before being ran over by a large group of Outlanders, who were later killed for entering Gatlin.

"There is a way Micheal." she insisted after catching a glint in his brown eyes. "He cannot stop you at the crack of dawn and Isaac will not be able to inform Malachai within a fourteen minute time range."

Micheal considered this, after all his sister truly was the only one who could predict such a thing.

But could he truly trust her after this? Could he after she agreed to marry the boy who helped ruin their lives? The boy who is now the most loyal warrior of an entity who was more demonic that holy? It was one hell of idea that could cost Micheal his life along with his sons and Abigail. Could he truly risk that?

"It is a big decision." she stated softly, " And a very risky one too."

"When would we be able to do this?" Micheal asked almost distant to the younger girl. "When?"

"To make the odds more in your favor?" she was silent for a second, then finally added, "The feast of the Cleansing is this Friday. The following morning will be slow, especially for Isaac."

"We could leave at the crack of dawn then?" he asked, "What about He Who Walks Behind The Rows?"

"He does not dwell when the sun begins to peek," she replied, "he will be unable to stop you both on the road and through the corn, though I should advise you to run through the corn where the forbidden houses lay."

Micheal arched a brow at that, "Why?"

"Because they are too far from his domain and those corn were too decayed for Him to save and make part of his world." She looked at him sympathetically, "Our old house is there Micheal, why not spend the night there after the feast?"

"Isaac nor Malachai-"

"They'll never know." she stated simply, "He does not consider you one of his children, you're just a another sacrifice that is an a nonbeliever of his power. The only reason he kept you was that you were my brother, my full-blood brother."

Micheal took that offensively and got in her face, "And what does that mean?"

"It means that in order for there to be seers, He'd need two of the same blood background." she looked him dead in the eye. "Remember what mom use to tell us? How women are more sensitive than men but it wouldn't be impossible for a man to gain sensitivity?"

Micheal backed away; he remembered when his mother had told him and Ruth that night. Why was it Ruth could foresee the future, because she was sensitive enough to receive it. Micheal, being older and mentally stronger against foreign elements, managed to block any future events. But, that didn't mean his sons, twins are highly noted as supernatural, can.

"He wants my boys after you." Micheal stated.

Ruth reluctantly nodded, "We both know how I feel about being used, imagine them." she gripped her brother's shoulder harshly, "We both don't want that for them."

"You predicted that?"

She forced a sigh, "I predicted a lot of things that I never told Isaac or Malachai. I predicted this chaos the minute David came to Gatlin and I didn't do anything to stop it." Her brown eyes began to water, "I let all the adults die when I could have prevented it in the beginning."

"Sam-"

"The future isn't set in stone Micheal." she continued, "It can always be changed." she smiled and stated, "Gatlin will lose power when they do not have eyes to see their path."

"Do really think we'll be able to get out?" He returned the smile genuinely.

"Yes." she stated confidently, "All you need is patience."

He chuckled for a minute then frowned, "What about you?"

She frowned too but her determination remained. "Someone needs to stay here and protect your absence."

"Isaac will punish you!" Micheal said under his breath, "Malachai will-"

Ruth put up her hand, "I will be pregnant by that time. They can't hurt me."

Micheal felt his temper flare, "How will that keep Gatlin from having eyes?!" he growled darkly, "You'll be providing a new Seer!"

"In September 1963 I saw the murder of the adults by the hands of their own young. In April 1975, I see Gatlin weakening. I will lose Malachai."

Micheal froze, it made sense now. Everything made sense. "I see. And you and your kid?"

She smiled sadly, "Like I said the future isn't permanent but I might be the one."

Micheal knew what she meant there and shook his head in response, "We both know that you'll never be able to do that, there is too much corn."

"The other sixty miles is completely vulnerable, no one will be able to stop the fires." She added with a true smile again. "If you burn that corn, however you can, He will be destroyed."

Micheal smiled, "Sometimes I wonder if you really are my sister."

"I've been wondering that since I was born." she laughed, "I trust you won't make a scene then?"

Micheal looked away and chuckled, "Why can't they remember what I'll never forget."

"How these dreams can come undone," Ruth continued the lyrics happily, "when you're young."

Micheal kissed his sister's forehead, he trusted her. She put too much thought into this for him to believe she'd betray him. All he really needed now was to know she'd be in good hands until The corn would be vanquished. For once in twelve years, Micheal finally trusted Malachai again.

"What's with you two?" Abigail asked curiously, she hadn't heard their entire conversation but she did hear them recite the lyrics of a song Ruth once claimed to have heard. The first and last time she heard them recite it was when she payed a surprise visit Micheal before their wedding and she accidentally stumbled upon them talking. "Is everything okay?"

"Yeah." Micheal smiled, "Abby, mind if we talk with the boys after Ruth's wedding?"

Abigail tilted her head and nodded, "Sure, but why?"

"We got a few things to discuss, I'll fill you in later on." Micheal pushed Ruth toward Abigail, "Help Ruth get ready will ya? I'll deal with the boys."

"Alright." Abigail and Ruth headed toward the younger one's room while Micheal descended the stairs toward his sons' favorite hiding spot; the kitchen cabinets. When the girls were securely in Ruth's room Abigail attacked. "What were you and Micheal talking about?"

"What do you think?" Ruth asked, her tone darkly suggesting that Abigail already knew what the siblings were discussing. "And don't you dare fight my brother on this."

"Gatlin is a paradise!" the blonde hissed.

"Paradise my ass, are you the seer?!" Ruth growled threateningly, "Do you see the horrors I see, do you even know why I receive these hellishly evil images?" Abigail remained quiet but shook her blonde head, "Then trust me, for the boys' sake leave this living nightmare and help me destroy it. No one deserves this kind of life."