Chapter 26: Fates of the Ambitious

Jacob Seed opened the door to his brother's office. Joseph had called him and told him to stop by before quickly hanging up the phone. Now he watched as his brother worked hard on writing more documents. Joseph was always working. He had been working since the Seeds had been children. The trio had endured a lot. Abuse, scorn, hate, neglect, all of these things were brought down upon it. Jacob had gone to war and John had been adopted by a rich family, leaving Joseph all alone. But he never faltered. Jacob knew that his brother had searched long and hard to reunite them, enduring much hardship. Finally, after many years, they had come together. Joseph, thought they had found their community, a place they could build and wait for the coming predicted collapse. Privately, Jacob had strong doubts. Yes, he had been through war and seen the destruction that man cause. Even with that experience, Jacob had doubts that man would totally destroy themselves. Destroy each other, yes, but not everything. But Joseph had a strong conviction it would happen. He said he had heard God's voice. Even with all the doubts he had, he was still Jacob's brother.

When he entered the room, Jacob saw a man that had been beaten down by the troubles of the past month than what he had gone through for his entire life. Joseph was frantically writing on a piece of paper. Jacob could see the determination on his face but also the stress that was taking hold of him. His confidence had been shaken.

"Thank you for coming Jacob." Joseph said without looking up.

Jacob walked over to his desk making no attempt to see what his brother was writing. "Of course brother. What did you need?"

Joseph put his pen down and folded his hands so they were resting underneath his chin. "It seems that things have become worse. Joanna has not been answering my calls so I assume the Henbene has been lost."

Jacob was not surprised, given the two sides but he still instinctively reacted. "Are you sure? Perhaps she's still busy fighting them?"

Joseph shook his head. "No. Joanna has always answered me when I called. It was the same with her predecessor."

They both were in silence for a few moments then Joseph continued. "Regardless, things have gone further than I would have thought. The collapse will come sooner than I thought."

Jacob thought he knew his brother but now he wasn't making much sense. "What do you mean?"

"John has already been sent back to the Holland Valley bunker." Before Jacob could respond, Joseph put up his hand and continued. "I assure you that he has reached the bunker safely. With the sinners distracted in the west, he was able to get in without any trouble. Soon, we will join him.

Jacob was beginning to understand now. Joseph seemed to be losing hope and now he wanted to hold up in a bunker until his prediction would come true. "Is that why you wanted me to come? So we could head for the bunker they're still in the east?"

Joseph shook his head again. "No. Soon I will join John in his bunker." He lifted the sheet he was working on. "I must reassure our faithful that everything will be alright. That they will be safe. But for that to be true, I need you Jacob."

Jacob nodded. "What do you need me to do Joseph?"

Jospeh had returned his hands to under his chin and closed his eyes. "I need you to gather as many supplies as you can from your area and bring them here. John already stockpiled us a lot of food with his prior reaping. So specifically, we need weapons and ammunition in which to defend ourselves for when the collapse comes. Medicine too. We must be prepared as possible.

"I understand brother. But what of the enemy? If Joanna is indeed dead, they will come for me next."

"Jacob, defend yourself of course. But the supplies getting to the bunker must be our top priority. The sinners will receive their judgment when they burn in the fires of the collapse." His last sentence was laced with anger.

Jacob nodded. He still didn't think the collapse would ever come but he wouldn't waver from his brother now. "It'll take a little bit to gather everything brother. But I will join you and John as soon as I can." He turned and started to leave but stopped upon Joseph getting out of his chair. He turned around to find his Joseph embracing him.

"God keep you safe Jacob."

Kyle followed Faith as she led them back through the bunker. He kept his eyes open for any possible enemies even though he was almost sure that there weren't any left in this area. He did notice that Faith was walking differently from before. Previously, she had a cautious approach but now she seemed to stride forward with confidence. Kyle wondered if it was because she knew there were no enemies left in the bunker or if it was because of the conversation they had after Joanna had been killed. Whatever the reason, her brisk pace meant that they soon reached the junction where they had parted with their friends who were waiting for them.

Jess saw them first but it was Nick that spoke. "We figured you guys would be back soon."

"Why? What happened?" Kyle asked

Jess stuck her thumb out towards where the cultists had been coming from. "After you went ahead, I managed to wound a few of the peggies that were trying to come after us. They pulled the ones withs arrows with them back and just sat in cover, occasionally trying to take potshots at us. Then all of a sudden, it got all quiet, heard one of them talking, then they started pulling everyone out. They just gave up.

"What happened with Joanna?" Grace questioned.

"Joanna is dead." Faith said simply. But the tone in which she said it made everyone turn to look at her. To them Faith had changed somehow. Before, she was unsure of herself, clinging close to Kyle. Now she had determination in her eyes and a confidence that wasn't present before. There was some silence before Kyle broke it.

"We'll discuss the details later. Needless to say, I think the Henbene region is clear. We should get back to the jail and decide on what to do next."

Everyone nodded and Kyle took the lead with Faith following close beside him. On the way back to the vehicles, Kyle stole glances at Faith. She had her pistol out and actively watched their surroundings for any enemies. In a way, she was kind of acting like, himself. It was rather curious. The ride back to the jail was mostly in silence, the only noise coming from the back of one of the trucks were Tracey's group chatted amongst themselves. The group arrived at the jail to find it buzzing with activity. Evidently, they had cleaned up after the last attack. Kyle even spotted the sheriff milling around outside.

"Hey! The hero returns!" He greeted him. "I assume you being here means that the conservatory was taken? Now we won't have to worry any more about the bliss production." The sheriff had not known that they had already gone to the bunker and dealt with their leader. As Kyle was about to explain things to the sheriff, Jess pulled up beside him and indicated that's she wanted to talk privately.

"Faith, can you explain things to the sheriff in his office? I need to talk to Jess real quick."

Faith looked at Jess then back to Kyle, her expression unchanging. She nodded then ushered the dumbfounded sheriff inside towards his office. Kyle let out a sigh as he turned towards Jess.

"Did you need something?"

Jess crossed her arms. "Yeah, what happened back at the bunker, ya know, with Joanna. Faith seems different now."

Kyle sighed again; he knew this was going to come up. "So at a certain point, Faith suggested we split up. She got to Joanna first and I ended up having to put down Burke."

Jess eyed him suspiciously. "If Faith reached her first, what did she do?"

"Faith had this whole thing planned out. She knew what Joanna was going to do and put things in motion so she would reach Joanna first. She acted like she was coming back to the cult and suggested Joanna send out Burke to deal with me which worked in my favor. Faith also knew that Joanna would trap me from the direction I was coming from. She waiting until Joanna' guard was down threatening to kill me then Faith shot her."

Jess' expression changed to anger which Kyle was hoping to avoid. "Are you fucking telling me she used you as bait? She knew that you would be in danger?! And she even pretended to be back with the peggies again? What the fuck Kyle?!"

"Calm down Jess. It all worked out in the end. Even with her acting, I could tell she didn't go back to the peggies. She did enough to get Joanna's guard down and finish the job. I just didn't expect her to think through this whole plan."

"Her whole plan could have gotten you killed!" Jess was pacing back and forth. "Here I was, trusting her more like you wanted because she seems to genuinely care for you. But then she pulls this shit? It makes me question giving her the benefit of the doubt. And I'm guessing she's acting the way she is because of how everything went down?"

"Jess, you have to believe me when I tell you that she regretted how things went. She thought her plan was the best way to take down Joanna and minimize the risk. Of course there was still risk involved. Joanna could have killed be right away instead of taunting me. But Faith knew her well, knew her so well that she knew exactly what Joanna would do." He looked over towards the jail where Faith had gone then back to Jess. "Look, between you and me, Faith kinda of lost it after Joanna died. She starting tearing up about putting me in danger. I told her it was alright, that everything worked out, just like I'm telling you, and you know what she said? She promised she's never deceived me again, never leave my side. Her eyes told me she was telling the truth. Its the same look you saw when we came back. She's more determined than ever, more confident than ever."

Jess' anger slowly faded as she took a deep breath. "So she'd done being a damsel in distress and wants to fight with the rest of us? For you?"

"Yeah, I think so. Maybe Joanna had reminded her of what she left behind and how she has changed so much. She's become her own person and she seems to have a cause that she wants to fight for by her own will instead of someone else's."

Jess nodded slowly. "If you say so Kyle. I guess I'll let her off the hook since she seems incredibly determined to be close to you. Speaking of which, have you guys become intimate yet?" Jess now had a mischievous smirk.

Kyle looked around to make sure no one was listening. "We kissed, back at the conservatory. It was the best things I've ever felt."

Jess nudged him playfully. "Don't let her take you too fast. Take it at your pace. Even I have to admit Kyle, you two make a good pair."

Kyle rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment. "Thanks Jess, means a lot coming from you.

Jess waved him off in her typical fashion. "Yeah, yeah, I'm going to go take care of some things. You better catch up with her and the sheriff. I'll meet up with you guys when I'm done."

"Alright, see you soon Jess."

They parted ways as Kyle made his way towards the sheriff's office. The hallways were filled with people, some moving supplies, some chatting with others, and some just passing through. The crowd was such that it took a little bit longer to reach the office. He entered to find Faith and the sheriff but also Tracey was there leaning against the wall.

"Ah, Kyle." Whitehorse turned to greet him. "Faith just got done explaining what you guys have been up to. Not only did you guys capture the conservatory but you also infiltrated the bunker and took down the cult's herald for the Henbene. Quite impressive if I do say so myself. I feel like we're really making some headway taking down this cult."

Kyle stole a glance at Tracey but she just seemed to be surveying the scene playing out in front of her. Next, he turned his attention to Faith. She smiled slightly at him, happy that he was beside her but her face turned back as she looked back at the sheriff. Whitehorse seemed to detect that something was amiss as he frowned.

"I would have thought you would have been happier rook. Is there something I need to know about?"

Kyle shook his head. "Its nothing sheriff." He instead approached the map that was laid out on the center table. "So the valley and the Henbene have been cleared. That means that is only Jacob and Joseph left."

Whitehorse and Faith joined him. "Right, that's the situation right now." Whitehorse remarked. We're going to be focusing on cleaning up things around here but I'm assuming you'll be heading north, right?" The sheriff studied the top of the map closely. "You've had several run-ins with Jacob up north, you make any headway?"

"Some. We've taken out a lieutenant of his and his radar station. However, we haven't been able to stay for very long because he usually reacts pretty quickly. Also, we're not exactly on friendliest terms with the local resistance force up there."

Whitehorse turned to him confused. "Why not? They have to know by now how much you've done against the cult."

Kyle just stared at him, hoping the sheriff would figure it out on his own and not make him say it out loud. Luckily, he did. "Oh…." He simply said.

"Anyways…." Kyle continued "I'm not sure what the situation is up there. I can't imagine that the cult has too many people left. I'm sure I can get a few of my people to come up north with me but…."

"I'll send some of my people to go with you." Tracey suddenly spoke up.

Kyle looked back at her; eyebrow raised. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah its fine. We enough people here to do what you need to do. Besides I know some of them are still itching to do more against the cult. They'll be happy to join up with you."

He gave her a small smile. "Thanks Tracey."

"Don't mention it. You've done a lot for us. We can at least help you take down the rest of the cult."

Kyle noticed she had turned her attention to Faith but he pretended not to notice. "Well it looks like you got your group Kyle. But why don't you stay here for the night and leave tomorrow morning? You guys are probably tired from everything you did today. Why don't you stay here for the night, get some grub, stock up on supplies, and leave first thing tomorrow morning?"

"That sound like a good idea sheriff." He noticed that Tracey and Faith were now eying each other. He figured it was bound to happen at some point. "Sheriff, you mind you take a walk with me to the inventory room? We can discuss what we'll need for the journey north."

White seemed surprised but he nodded in agreement. "Alright. That's probably a good idea."

Whitehorse led the way out. Kyle looked back just before he left. The two were still staring at each other. But then Faith turned to him and smiled. "I'll join you in a bit."

Kyle nodded. He hoped that Faith and Tracey would resolve their differences but time would tell. He closed the door behind him as he left.

Faith saw the worried expression on Kyle's face. He knew about her and Tracey's history and had also noticed that they had been exchanging looks. She had done her best to reassure him that everything would be fine. This talk was bound to happen and Faith was confident it would go smoothly, mostly.

"He really cares for you." Tracey remarked as soon as Kyle had left. "I'm glad there's someone else besides me who gives a shit about you."

Faith turned back towards Tracey. "I care about him too…a lot has happened, and a lot has changed. I admit, even I've changed a lot, Tracey."

Tracey stopped leaning against the wall. "You know, ever since that time where I left and you remained in the cult, I wondered what would happen. Then you became Joseph's herald of the region and it seemed like we were destined to collide. I wondered if you'd really changed so much that you'd harm me." Tracey then approached Faith in a menacing matter, tone serious. "I wondered if you'd changed so much that I'd have to kill you."

In the past, Faith had always been intimidated by Tracey. Even though they had become best friends, Tracey also had this certain look and aura to her. Others would see it as bullying or belligerence but Faith at least had some understanding of it. Time had changed things though. Now Faith understood it, and was no long afraid.

Faith stood her ground. "At the time, The Father had wanted you eliminated and I was prepared to do what was necessary, unaware of your presence. But luckily Kyle came along and changed all that. Not only did he stop me from doing something I would have regretted but he showed me the truth."

A slight smile appeared on Tracey's lips. "He is something special, even I have to admit that. Even with all that had happened; the feeling of betrayal in my heart, I didn't want to hate you. I didn't want to fight you." She sighed. "So now it seems you've changed again. You're no longer the timid girl I used to know. Frankly I'm not sure I know much about you anymore."

Faith could see where this was headed. "Tracey, I'm still the same person that you knew before. I've just gained more confidence in myself. Even with everything that has happened Tracey, I still consider you my best friend."

Feelings of regret and happiness flashed across Tracey's face. "Rachel, I'm…I'm sorry for being so hard on you. You were my only friend and yet I still acted like a bitch sometimes. But deep down, I always cared even when I didn't show it. I truly appreciate that you still consider me your best friend."

Faith smiled. "Of course Tracey. That won't ever change. You helped me through my worst of times. I will never forget that. We had some fun moments back in the day."

"Rachel…" Tracey was beginning to be overcome with emotions that she was not used to expressing. She could think of only one way to release it. Something she had never done before, at least for a long time. She stepped forward and embraced Faith. The former herald returned the favor and they hugged each other tightly. They had finally put their split behind them and were ready to restart from when they had known each other so well.

"I know he'll take good care of you Rachel." Tracey whispered. "I'm happy you both have found what you truly deserve."

"Thank you, Tracey." Faith whispered back.

The next morning, after some preparation, the team loaded up in two trucks. Kyle Jess and Faith would be in one truck, while Grace would drive the other vehicle with Tracey's for soldiers in the back. Kyle found out early in the morning that Nick was heading back to Holland Valley.

"Kim gave me a call." He told Kyle. "Looks like the baby is close to popping out so I gotta get home and stay with her. But you know if it weren't for this, I'd be right there with you guys."

"Its alright Nick. I totally understand. Do you have a ride there?"

"Yeah, Jerome says he'd be willing to drive me home. He says he's gotta return to his church in Falls End so it works out."

"Alright then. Take care Nick. Say hi to Kim for me."

"Will do partner. Make sure you stop by and visit us once you're done kicking Jacob's ass."

As they started leaving the jail to head north, Kyle also received an unexpected call.

"Kyle?"

"Hudson, is that you? Its been a while."

'That's kinda of the reason I'm calling Kyle. What are you up to?"

"We're about to leave the jail and head north. The henbane is clear so we're on our way to go after Jacob."

"That sounds better than what I'm doing here. I've been bored out of my ass hanging out around the Spread Eagle. Can I meet you up there?"

"Yeah sure, you wanna to meet us at the bridge leading from the Henbene to the whitetail mountains? We're going to be in two pick-up trucks."

"Sounds good Kyle. I'll see you guys there."

The journey to the meet with Hudson was uneventful. With the cult out of the region, there weren't many vehicles on the road. There were only a few civilian vehicles who saw that it was safe to come out. Besides Faith pointing out a herd of deer, the trip was silent as well. Kyle spotted a vehicle that was parked right before the bridge. As soon as their trucks stopped, Hudson got out of her car and approached Kyle's window.

"You got room for one more?" Kyle motioned to the back where Hudson joined Faith. She immediately noticed that things had changed since the last time she had seen this group. Faith was more confident, Jess was more tolerant, and Kyle, he was mostly the same. The team continued their journey until the Whitetail region until they reached their destination, the Whitetail's base.

"What are we doing here?" Hudson asked as they got out

"We're going to see if the Whitetails' would be willing to help us." Kyle answered.

Hudson saw everyone readying and checking their weapons like they were going to storm the bunker. "Why would you need to ask? Don't they know you're fighting against the peggies?" Of course they'll help you."

"Don't be too sure." Kyle replied as he led the team toward the entrance. He lined up Grace's group on the side of the door while Faith, Hudson and himself were on the other side. Jess was in the lead.

"Jess, can you do the honors?"

Jess nodded and made her way to the door. Hudson was confused. Were they really trying to talk to these people or lure them out to kill them? As Jess reached the door, she gave it a few taps.

"Parker, you there? Its Jess. We need to talk."

There was silence as Jess waited around. It was unusual, Parker usually replied right away. Even if he had wanted them to go away, he would have said something by now. Something wasn't right.

"Parker, you there?" Jess called again.

More silence. Now Jess knew for sure that something was up. She turned to Kyle to ask what they should do since no one was answering when the shutter opened.

"Who's out there?" It was the voice of a young male.

"Its Jess, Jess Black."

"Jess Black? OH! I remember you. Badass archer right?"

Jess looked at the pair of eyes looking at her with skepticism. "I guess you could say that. Anyways, do you know what happened to Parker? We need to talk to Eli."

"Is Kyle, the mercenary with you?" Asked the boy.

"Yeah, he's here."

There were a few moments of silence. "Alright, we're going to be coming out. Please don't shoot."

The shutter closed and Jess thought she may have intimidated the boy away. She made her way back to Kyle to let him know what was going on when suddenly the door opened. Kyle and his group all aimed their weapon's at the open door, expecting a hostile encounter. But what they saw surprised them. The first out was a teenager, maybe only about 17 or 18. He had no weapon and just a backpack. Behind him were six other people. These six were armed but they had their hands raised and they looked scared to death.

"You're Kyle right?" The boy asked directing the question to Kyle.

"That right. We came here to see Eli. We were hoping we could patch things up and team together to go after Jacob."

The boy looked like he was about to cry but he regained his composure and stepped forward. "Eli's dead."