Today Marcus and the Teens were going to the New Eden compound since Hunter knew that area better than either of them did he was coming along for the ride with Carmina as a backup.
Jerome gave Hunter back his knife before he left. Hunter smiled at seeing his precious knife back. He would most likely need it when he would soon go to deal with New Eden. "Thanks, Jerome," he said to his guardian.
The old pastor nodded. "Don't mention it," he said before leaning closer to Hunter and taking a more serious tone. "Make sure to keep it close. If New Eden is half of what it used to be before the Collapse, then you need to be more careful than usual."
That warning left Hunter concentrated and a little conflicted. He had heard many stories about the people of New Eden and Joseph Seed and what they had done to Hope County. Almost none of it was good and a good portion of it gave him nightmares when he was very young.
However, after what happened to him not long ago he began questioning Jerome's claims. He was out hunting for food as he did usually, but he was attacked by a large bear who gave him some bad claw marks on his chest, that bear would've killed him if it wasn't for the mysterious masked New Edener who saved him and healed his wounds. That person wasn't anything like how Jerome described the Peggies, he told him that they were a cult of killers and psychopaths who only cared about serving their Father, but that person risked his own life to save his. That was Hunter's first encounter with a Peggie in a very long time but that man helped him and brought him back to his friends, that got Hunter thinking that the Peggies probably weren't what Jerome believed them to be anymore, maybe they've changed in the last seventeen years.
"Um...Jerome, I know you and the others don't like the idea of forming a truce with New Eden, but whatever happened between you and them was long ago and if we do manage to get their help then we're gonna have to trust each other if we're gonna defeat the Twins." Hunter said.
"I know, you're right Hunter, but you never saw the things that Joseph and his family had their people do you our loved ones," Jerome never forgot all the horrible things that Eden's Gate has done to their home, a lot of it still haunted many of the people, some even had the scars to remember. "You and Carmina may be able to accept a truce willingly with Joseph Seed but a lot of us aren't gonna accept his or his followers help easily."
"I don't like having you go out there to find those monsters, I'm worried that they'll hurt you and string you up like some sort of message to others," Jerome said, worried in his voice.
Hunter placed a hand on Jerome's shoulder. "Don't worry, I'll be careful when we get to New Eden. Besides, I think that everything is gonna play out fine because I have faith and so should you, you're the one who taught me that it's always important to have faith in ourselves and in each other, now I'm asking you to have faith in me and the Captain that we can pull this off."
Jerome smiled at Hunter, he was just as influential as his father was. Whenever the Resistance morale was low Rook would always stand in front of a crowd and give a speech that would inspire hope that they could win against Eden's Gate, now Hunter's doing the same thing to him.
"Alright" Jerome sighed before handing Hunter's new Sniper rifle over to him that was given to him by Nana. "Just bring us back some help."
Hunter took the rifle from Jerome's hand then said in a confident voice, "We will,"
Jerome gave Hunter a hug and wished him luck before he walked off. Hunter came up to Carmina and Marcus, who were just finishing up with packing their gear for the long journey north. Marcus looked up to Hunter when he zipped up his backpack. "Hey, kid," he greeted. "Are you ready to go?" he asked, slinging his backpack over his shoulder.
Hunter nodded. "Yeah, let's get going." They were all about to leave before Carmina said, "Wait, wait!"
Marcus looked to the teenage girl. "What's up?"
"I gotta say goodbye to Mom and Dad," she said. "I haven't really talked to them since last night, and they haven't really said a word to me either." The sadness that Carmina was feeling was visible to the two men. Carmina didn't like the idea of going against her Mom and Dad's advice, but this was a life and death situation. The Highwaymen only needed an opening and they would kill them all, or worse.
Hunter nodded at what Carmina said about Nick and Kim. "Yeah, I don't blame you for not wanting to talk to them last night. I don't think I've ever seen Nick that mad after he found out about our plan to head north."
When Nick found out that Prosperity was gonna discuss a truce between them and the Peggies, he was pissed, to say the least. He began voicing his objections by describing the things Eden's Gate had done in the past, and even showing the scar on his chest where John Seed cut off a piece of his skin and stapled it to a wall.
Marcus sighed. He understood the kids' uncertainty, but their backs were up against the wall. Rush did all he could to help them fight the Highwaymen, but it wasn't enough. Not yet, anyway. He put his hand on Carmina's shoulder. "Look, I can tell when a person is good at heart. Your parents aren't going to hate you forever for this, I'm sure they'll come around." That part made Carmina feel a little bit better.
Then Marcus continued. "We go North, we find this Joseph Seed and do what we need to in order to earn his help. If Rush is right about what he's claiming, these people have something that the Highwaymen aren't expecting." He then looked over to the main house, where Nick and Kim were most likely held up. "Now go. We'll be waiting for you."
With that confidence booster, Carmina headed to the main building, where Kim oversaw the plans for Prosperity for the longest time.
Carmina found her parents at the table talking to each other and judging by the worried looks on their faces they were talking about something worrisome. Carmina proceeded with caution to not interrupt them, partly because of being respectful and partly because she wanted to hear what they had to say after last night.
"So that's it?" Nick asked Kim. "After everything we did for that girl, she does this to us?"
Kim sighed then said. "Look, I'm not exactly happy about this either, but Carmina's not a little girl anymore. She's a grown woman who is more than capable of making her own decisions. Even though some of those decisions are reckless and stupid. If only she knew what happened all those years ago…"
"She knows," Nick said sternly. "We told her time and time again for years that those people are Hell personified, and that 'Father' of theirs is the goddamn devil!"
"You think I don't know that?" Kim replied, her voice starting to break. "We're stuck in a situation where there are only two ways it can end: bad and worse, and I don't know what's worse!"
"Hey," Carmina said sheepishly, choosing a bad time to butt in, but she couldn't hear any more of this.
"WHAT?!" Kim and Nick said in unison, making Carmina's body freeze and her face pale. She was speechless, she had never heard either of them raise their voices to her like that.
After half a second they realized who they were yelling at, they froze as well and calmed down immediately.
"Oh! Hey, Carmina," Kim said in a calm voice but feeling embarrassed and ashamed on the inside.
"Hey, kiddo," Nick said, in a very similar position as Kim.
The sight of her parents calming down made Carmina feel at ease as well. After a few seconds of awkward silence between the three, she uttered, "Well, we're about to get going."
The anger they had just buried began to resurface at the mention of Carmina and Hunter leaving with the Captain to get help from the enemy that they worked so hard to destroy long ago. Nick sighed and asked his daughter. "Are you sure you want to do this kiddo?
Carmina shrugged her shoulders. "It doesn't really matter if I want to do it or not," she said honestly. "This needs to happen if we're gonna have a future."
Kim sighed in defeat. "Just promise us that you'll be careful and that you'll look after each other."
Carmina smiled. "I promise, Mom," she said just before hugging her mother. "I love you."
She then turned to Nick. "Love, you too, Dad." she then hugs her father, who hugs her in return, but even harder. She broke the hug before Nick could choke the life out of his own daughter. She then rejoined the other two people of her party to begin their long drive into the north.
Marcus and Hunter finished loading their equipment into the truck and were just waiting on Carmina to finish talking with her parents so they could get going. After a minute or two of waiting, Carmina came out through the front gates and went over to them. Hunter saw her coming and walked over to her. "How'd it go?" Hunter asked.
"It went pretty well actually, I'm ready to go now," Carmina said.
"Then let's go, we're burnin' daylight." The captain said.
With that in mind, the group got into the truck and departed for New Eden to enlist their help in defeating the Highwaymen.
The drive north lasted the entire morning, the journey north was filled with silence, the group was too busy preparing themselves for what was to come to talk amongst themselves. As they were driving they began to notice the warning signs that the Peggies put up against outsiders in their territory, that would've made any other person run in fear, but the three of them needed to talk to the 'Father' and they weren't gonna leave until they got his help in their fight so they had to continue on.
When they were getting close to the Compound Hunter spoke up filling the long silence. "Marcus, stop the truck here," Hunter requested.
"What? Why?" Marcus asked.
"Just do it," Hunter demanded.
Marcus complied and pulled the truck along the side of the old road, then turned to face Hunter. "Why are we stopping here, we're close to the compound?"
"I think it's better if we go the rest of the way on foot," Hunter suggested.
"Why should we do that? Hunter, the compound is like ten minutes away," Carmina asked.
"Well we're in a stolen Highwayman vehicle and I think that if any New Edeners see us before we arrive at the compound, they might mistake us for the enemy, so it's probably better if we walk the rest of the way," Hunter explained to them.
"Hmm… he's got a point, Marcus, the last thing we need right now is the New Edeners mistaking us for the enemy, when we need to come as allies," Carmina stated.
Marcus thought about it and realized they were right, besides the compound isn't far so walking the rest of the way shouldn't be hard. "Alright, we'll continue on foot from here but stay close and watch each other's backs,"
Both teens nodded then grabbed their equipment before getting out of the truck. When they were all ready to move they continued the rest of their journey on foot.
After walking the rest of the way, The Captain and the teens finally made it to the compound, they walked past the broken bridge and made it to the wooden gate that leads inside.
"Well, this is it," Hunter muttered.
"Yeah, we've finally made it to New Eden," Carmina nodded in agreement.
Marcus turned around to face his companions. "Alright, both of you stay behind me, let me do the talking, and keep your weapon's holstered. We don't wanna start a fight with these people." He instructed.
Both teens nodded at the Captain understanding the need to be careful with Eden's Gate. Marcus turned back around then looked at the gate, he raised his hand up to the door, knocked on it a few times then waited patiently for somebody to answer.
A few seconds later, a small hatch on the door opened, and the group found themselves staring at the Judge of New Eden. "Umm… My name is Marcus, and these are my friends Hunter and Carmina. We're here to see your leader," Marcus explained to the masked individual.
The Judge looked at the group for a moment, the one that caught his eye was Hunter, the boy that he saved and took a liking to was now at New Eden's doorstep with the Rye's daughter, both under the command of the Captain that he's heard a lot about. He eyed the sinners before he grunted in annoyance, shook his head, and reached for the hatch to close it back, he was ordered not to allow outsiders inside the compound and he wasn't making an exception for three sinners even if one of them was one that he helped.
"Wait!" Marcus quickly shouted at the Judge before he closed the hatch, he stopped and looked at the captain, letting out a grunt. "We really need to talk to your leader and I think I have something that he wants."
The Judge tilted his head at the Captain in confusion letting out a confused grunt.
Marcus reached into his jacket, then pulled out a book that he got from the small island. He raised the book up in front of the Judge so he could see it. The Judge was surprised at the sight. The sinner has Joseph Seed's writings, he's the one who will bring back the 'Father'. Joseph's prophecy has come true. The Judge knew that that sinner looked like the one from Joseph's vision, but he just thought that he was just someone who bore his resemblance but he was wrong. This man truly is Joseph Seed's successor.
The Judge stared at the book for another second, then closed the hatch. A moment later, the gate to the Compound opened. The Judge faced the group and extended a hand to the Bridge. Once Marcus and the teens were inside the Judge closed the gate and ran in front of the group.
The Judge grunted and gestured for the Captain and his friends to follow him.
As they walked deeper into the Compound, people started noticing the Captain and the teens. Hunter and Carmina glanced at the New Edener's as they were following the Judge, none of the people seemed pleased that they were in their compound. There were murmurs that the group could hear but some that they couldn't.
"Outsiders? Here?" A Peggie said incredulously.
"Non-believers in our walls?" Another Peggie muttered.
"We should prepare the sacrament, just in case." A Female Peggie said to another person.
"That one has the book; next he'll relight the flame, then the sacrament." A Chosen said to another Chosen.
"He will never be worthy of the sacrament." A Peggie said to a teenager.
They just chose to ignore the people and continue following the Judge to wherever he was leading them to.
The Judge led the group to a large wooden building at the highest point in the New Eden compound. It was most likely the place where their leader resided. The masked man pointed his finger at the captain then pointed it to the entrance. The Captain nodded and walked inside, the teens followed behind but the Judge stopped them by extending his hand.
Both teens looked at the Judge and he pointed to the captain. "What?" Carmina asked unsure of what the Judge was saying given that he wasn't saying a word.
"I think he's saying that only I can go inside, and you two need to stay out here until I come out" The Captain guessed.
The Judge nodded meaning that the Captain was correct in his guess.
Carmina looked at the Judge and shook her head at him in disagreement, "No way, we're a team and we stick together."
"Yeah, where he goes we got too." Hunter spat at the Judge.
The Judge took a step closer while growling, he pointed at the Captain, then pointed it at the teens and finally pointed it at the ground.
Not wanting things to escalate, the Captain spoke up. "Guys, it's OK just do what he says and stay where you are."
"But, we're a team man," Hunter argued.
"I know, but we came here to make allies, so we need to be respectful to these people and do what they tell us to," Marcus stated.
Hunter and Carmina remained quiet for a second before they both reluctantly nodded at the Captain.
"Alright, just don't take too long okay?" Carmina requested.
"Don't worry I won't," Marcus reassured the Teens then turned around and headed into the building leaving Hunter and Carmina alone with the Judge.
The Captain entered the Hut and looked around it for a moment. The inside of it was very simple, much like the other structures in the compound. The most impressive thing in the hut was a large portrait hanging over an altar. He took a few steps over to get a closer look, he recognized the man in the portrait, it was the same man from the visions he had on the island, Joseph Seed 'The Father' and the leader of New Eden.
Before he could take a few steps closer to it the sound of footsteps filled his ears, he turned around and saw a man standing behind him. The person in front of him, however, wasn't Joseph Seed. The man looked like he was in his early twenties, he had long hair that reached his neck and didn't have any tattoos as Joseph did. The young man was wearing the same simple garb as everyone else in New Eden, with a fox pelt on his right shoulder.
"You aren't what I was expecting. Maybe the same could be said for me." The man said, shrugging his shoulders.
Marcus expected to find Joseph Seed here, but instead, he was met with this stranger, he really wanted to meet the Father, he had so many questions that he wanted to ask him, but seeing as how he isn't here he introduced himself.
"My name is Marcus, Prosperity sent me to find your leader to ask for New Eden's help in our fight against the Highwayman," Marcus explained
"I already know who you are and why you're here," The man said, "If you came here looking for the old man, well…do you have the book?" He asked, curiously.
The Captain nodded and held up the book right in front of the man. The stranger's eyes widened and his jaw dropped at the sight of the book.
"Do you know what that is?" The man asked.
"It's a book that explains New Eden," The Captain guessed.
The Stranger started taking a few steps to the Captain, "It's more than that, that is the Word of Joseph. His teaching, his guidance, his wisdom…and his madness." The Stranger spoke, walking closer to him, then carefully taking the book from Marcus's hand.
When the stranger had the book in his hands he walked to the Altar and opened the book. "I have searched everywhere for this book. Joseph said the one who found it would be 'ordained by God to be the true ruler of Eden…' And you are the one who returns it to us."
"What?" Marcus said incredulously. Hearing this was a real shock to him. 'Joseph thinks that I'm some successor for him? How does he even know me?' Marcus wondered. He didn't come here to lead some tribe of fanatics, he came to get help for Prosperity.
Before Marcus could say anything the Stranger slammed the book shut and walked behind the podium to stand in front of the portrait. "It should have been me. I'm the one they turned to when he disappeared into the North. I'm the one who has held this family together. I'm the one they chose to lead. I have protected them from the locust and the snakes. I am the one who kept us alive and safe between these walls…Not the old man. ME!" The stranger ranted, and pushed the wooden podium over and continued to angrily rant.
"My father wanted to build a paradise, but when it got too hard he ran away." After having vented his frustrations, the man calmed down, so Marcus walked closer to him. "You came looking for his help, but Joseph is dead. No one wants to acknowledge this, but it's the truth. Our family still keeps believing in him, and they'll never stop believing in him… until they understand he was not a messiah, he was just a man."
"Help me show them…bring back proof of his death, and I'll help your people." The stranger requested. Marcus was against helping this man, he looked like the kind of person who craves power and cares mainly for himself. People like that aren't those that he's willing to work with, but he came here for help and he wasn't leaving without it, so he had no choice but to do as this man tells him too.
"OK, I'll help you," Marcus said, reluctantly.
"Good, now New Eden will not allow you to travel North until you have proven yourself worthy by lighting the Flame of Eden." The stranger picked up a knife and pressed it into his hand making a small cut, before gathering the blood with two of his fingers and drawing a mark on the Captain's forehead. "My people know this mark. They will lead you to the flame. Your friends outside may help you if you want them to, just restore the flame."
And with that, he extended his arm to the exit. Marcus nodded and proceeded toward the exit but when he got there he stopped and turned back to the stranger.
"When I come back I expect you to keep your end of this agreement." The Captain said.
"I will, and also my name is Ethan Seed, the son of Joseph seed." The Stranger introduced himself to the Captain. "Thought you should know,"
"OK, Ethan, I'll return once your flame has been reignited." The Captain said then walked off.
Marcus exited the Hut and found Hunter and Carmina conversing with a girl around their age, The Judge remained where he was with his arms crossed frozen like a statue. The three stopped talking when they saw that the Captain was outside, so Carmina and Hunter walked over to him.
"How did it go in there? Are the Peggies gonna help our people?" Carmina asked.
Marcus looked at the Teens who were waiting for an answer, he nodded his head and said, "Yes, but first we have to do something for them before they'll agree to help us."
"OK, what do they need us to do?" Hunter asked, then noticed the mark on the captain's forehead. "Wait, what's that mark on your head?"
Before Marcus could explain the mark the young woman that Hunter and Carmina were talking with a second ago gasped in surprise at the captain making all three of them turn towards her. "You bear the mark, sinner, Ethan has chosen you to reignite the Flame of Eden," Ellie said.
"Who are you?" Marcus asked the girl.
"Oh, right I haven't introduced myself, my apologies," The girl apologized to the Captain then proceeded to introduce herself. "My name is Ellie, I'm one of the chosen, a fast learner, and a faithful servant to Joseph Seed and the Judge."
"Well it's nice to meet you, Ellie, do you know where the Flame is because Ethan didn't tell me where it is?" Marcus asked. "He just told me that New Eden knows this mark and the people would guide me to the Flame."
Ellie nodded. "Mhmm, I do, the flame resides south of here and east of the Holland Valley atop the highest peak where a statue of our Father used to be before it was toppled by a sinner many years ago. There are a few of our Chosen there who have been attempting to retake the flame but with little success, the three of you may be able to help them," Ellie said.
"We've seen that place before," Hunter said,
Carmina nodded in agreement. "Yeah, and it's on our map."
"Alright, then let's get going, the sooner we get this done the better," Marcus stated.
With their destination set, Marcus and the Teens left for the Flame, when they were gone Ellie turned around to face the Judge.
"Judge, I would like to request permission to follow the Sinners and help them retake our flame from the locusts." Ellie requested.
The Judge growled disapprovingly and shook his head at Ellie and crossed his arms.
"I know that it will be dangerous to attempt to retake the flame from the swarm of locusts that control it, but I'm a Chosen and I took an oath to help and protect New Eden in times like this, that's an oath that I do not intend to break. I know that I'm just a kid, but you taught me how to fight and it's because of your training that I have been able to handle myself, please just allow me to help them." Ellie begged.
The Judge got to know Ellie since she was very young. He knew that she was strong, fierce, and loyal like none of the others. She made him proud, and he was sure that the Father would be proud of her too if he could see her now. He knew there was no turning her away. Not to mention, he knew that the prophecy that Joseph told him about was upon them. There was too much at stake for this mission to be a failure. Whether or not this man is the future shepherd of New Eden, he would need all the help he could get.
The Judge let out a sigh and nodded his head at Ellie.
Ellie smiled at the Judge, "Thank you," Ellie turned around and ran to her hut as fast as she could and retrieved her bow and quiver, then ran out to catch up with the Captain and his friends. She caught up to the group as they were arriving at their truck.
"Wait!" Ellie shouted at them.
They stopped and turned around to see the young woman from the compound running up to them carrying a bow in her hand and a quiver on her back.
"Ellie? What are you doing here?" Marcus asked.
Ellie raised a finger, she was catching her breath from running fast without stopping. After a minute she spoke. "I'm coming along with you to help retake the flame."
"What? Absolutely not kid, it's way too dangerous for you to go out there with us," Marcus refused.
"I can handle myself, sinner, I've fought the locusts a few times, and I have scars to show for it," Ellie raised her shirt revealing a few scars made from bullet wounds.
The wounds that Hunter and Carmina saw made them gasp in disbelief and sympathy. As for the Captain, he only raised his eyebrows as he was impressed with Ellie. He heard from Rush that these "Chosen" had faced the Highwaymen before, with taking more shots that normal human beings couldn't get back up from, and retreat alive with taking a few of the marauders' lives.
"You've got spirit, kid," Marcus complimented. "But is that enough to take on these bastards this time? After all we've done, the Highwaymen are gonna be pushing back harder than ever, especially after how many they lost at Prosperity. Something tells me that reigniting this Flame won't be easy. Are you sure you're up for that?"
"I am," Ellie said confidently.
Marus looked to Hunter and Carmina. "You guys cool with this?" he asked his two friends.
Carmina nodded. "I'm good." she said. "It could be fun hanging out with someone from New Eden."
"Yeah, I got no problem with it either, besides I've always been curious about New Eden's culture, like how they fight or if what Jerome has been telling me about them is true or not." Hunter said.
Seeing that Hunter and Carmina were fine with bringing Ellie with them, he sighed and said. "OK, you can come with us, get in."
Ellie looked at the truck and tensed, she didn't know what to feel when she came up to the truck that the three "sinners" had arrived at the outskirts of the Compound in. She was always interested and amazed by technology, but she was just as guilty of being anywhere near it. The people of New Eden have sworn to turn away and destroy anything connected to the old world that led to the Collapse. She knew that these three did not share their beliefs, but she was still guilty of going with those that the rest of New Eden called 'sinners.'
When she got next to the truck, she brushed her hands together and prayed. "Father please forgive me for being involved in such sinful technology at this very moment. But, this is for the future of New Eden, so I hope you can find forgiveness in your heart."
With that Ellie opened the door to the backseat of the truck and climbed inside, Hunter and Carmina followed behind her. Marcus noticed Ellie praying for forgiveness for even being near a truck. They really have rejected everything to do with technology. It didn't really bother him that much though, and Hunter and Carmina didn't seem to mind either. He climbed into the driver's seat, then started the truck and drove to the Flame.
The Group along with the young warrior Ellie arrived at the bottom of the mountain underneath the remains of the statue where they found a few Chosen waiting for them. The leader of this group of chosen was a male African in his late forties, bald but had a beard, he wore the same simple attire everyone in New Eden wore. When he saw the sinners approaching he walked over to them with a serious look.
"Why have you come here, sinners?" The Chosen demanded an answer.
Before Marcus or the teens could answer the Chosen, Ellie spoke up for them. "It's OK Henry, these sinners have come to help reignite the Flame of Eden," she said, before pointing to Marcus. "This one has been selected by Ethan to perform this sacred task."
Henry saw the mark on the Captain's forehead and was a little shocked, to say the least. "Ethan has chosen a sinner of all people to attempt to relight our Flame?"
"Yes," Ellie nodded.
"Very well then." The Chosen approached the Captain and said. "If Ethan has marked you then he must see something in you. Many of us tried to light the Flame of Eden, and all have failed. There are many Highwaymen surrounding the flame and they kill without pity. Our best option against their numbers and firepower is to take them out with cunning and stealth." Henry suggested.
"That's a good idea, that way we'll be able to clear out the Highwaymen around the flame easily and avoid any of us getting killed," Marcus stated.
"But Marcus, me and Carmina don't have suppressors for our guns so we won't be able to kill them quietly, Well I still can with my knife but you get the point." Hunter pointed out.
"Worry not child, we have some extra bows with us," Henry said, a Chosen picked up a spare bow and quiver, threw them over to Henry he caught them and approached Hunter. "Do you remember how to use one of these?"
Hunter looked at the bow and smirked. "Hell yeah, I'm great with bows."
Hunter discarded his rifle and took the bow and quiver from Henry, then loaded an arrow from the quiver and tested it out, the bow seemed sturdy enough to use. It was impressive that the New Edeners have been fighting the Highwaymen with only bows and spears instead of guns and explosives. It really was no wonder why the Highwaymen fear them.
Carmina was reluctant about using a bow, as she has not had as much practice with one as Hunter. But the last thing she wanted was the Highwaymen swarming them because they weren't careful. She took a bow from one of the Chosen who was offering them to the group of outsiders. She examined the bow and saw that it was finely made and was taken care of thanks to the Chosen. Still, she felt uneasy about using one instead of a gun.
Hunter picked up on this and looked to Carmina. "So, do you remember how to use one of these?"
"Umm… only a little. You know that bows are really more your thing than mine," Carmina admitted, a little embarrassed.
"Yeah, but we really can't afford getting spotted by those assholes, especially when they have numbers and the high ground on their side," Hunter reasoned. "Just get as close as you can without being spotted and take them out. If anything happens, me and Marcus we'll be right behind you."
Carmina smiled and slightly blushed at what Hunter said. For a few seconds, they began to look into each others' eyes, momentarily forgetting about the situation around them.
Marus saw this and shook his head with a smile. "Alright, lovebirds. Save it for when we're not in Highwaymen territory, we have a job to do so let's get to it."
Both teens blushed deep red and shook themselves awake to get back to the task at hand.
"So, uh, we should, you know umm...well…" Hunter trailed off.
"Yeah, let's, uh, you know…" Carmina trailed off also.
Ellie noticed the interaction between the two teens and felt the need to say something. "You seem to have strong feelings for each other, that's just adorable." she pointed out in a joking tone.
The teens groaned in embarrassment and moved ahead with the other Chosen to end the Highwaymen presence at the Flame of Eden.
The journey up the mountain wasn't an easy one. Each step had to be made carefully if they didn't want to alert the Highwaymen or any wild animals. Soon enough, they found the Highwaymen bandits that were pillaging the sacred site of New Eden.
As the group of survivors and Chosen made it up the mountain, they not only found the marauders, but also the abundant resources that New Eden had collected. Radios, refrigerators, generators, engines, and many more things that ran on electricity. Marcus learned from Ellie that her people take such things to the Flame in order to burn them, and their sins in the process. It didn't really make sense to him, but he wasn't about to say the wrong thing to his new allies.
Back to the task at hand, the group had the Highwaymen insight, mainly in groups of two or three. With luck, Carmina managed to get close enough to put her bow skills to use. While in the bushes, she released an arrow right in the back of an unsuspecting Highwayman. Before the one that was talking to him could call for help, Hunter picked him off by shooting an arrow right through the visor of their helmet.
The Highwaymen may be a great threat in large numbers and resources, but they were hardly classified as soldiers while on their own. The Highwaymen guarding the flame, in particular, were just grunts who had no real training, the only thing they were good for is guarding stuff and bullying innocent people.
With that in mind, the chances of the Highwaymen repelling the attack were slim to none. Within a few minutes, the Chosen and survivors managed to clear them all out, with no casualties. A few close calls, but no fatalities on their side.
With all the Highwaymen guarding the Flame now dead everyone regrouped at the entrance to the cave, the entrance was decorated with those crazy paintings that the Highwaymen always drew on everything, the Chosen and the scavengers were disgusted by it, nobody really understood why the Highwaymen like these drawings so much but nobody really seemed to care much. Now that the Highwaymen guarding the flame were all dead the next step was to reignite the fires to restore the Flame.
"OK, we've made it to the cave, now what do we have to do to relight your flame?" Marus asked the chosen.
"I'm afraid we've brought you as far as we can. You must descend into the cavern and light the flame alone. Since Ethan has given you the mark you have to be the one to relight the flame." Henry said.
"Alright, how do I do that?" Marcus asked.
"The Highwaymen have flooded the cave and sealed the pipes. Those pipes contain the bliss that feeds the sacred flame. You must first drain the water and destroy the pipes to release the bliss, then ignite it so that the righteous fire may rise again. And be careful it does not consume you." Henry warned the Captain.
"Hunter, Carmina, Both of you stay out here with the chosen incase any Highwaymen reinforcements show up." Marcus ordered.
"Don't worry if any Highwaymen do show up we'll make sure they don't get past us." Hunter said while loading an arrow into his new bow.
Marcus ventured into the bowels of the Flame and saw that it was more elaborate than he could've imagined. There was a decent network of pipes and drainage systems, the latter of which he needed to activate to solve the flooding problem. When the water was gone, all he needed to do was break the pipes to release the Bliss, which according to Henry, fed the Flame.
Marcus searched the caves for the three pipes containing the Bliss, which he broke and released the gas into the main chamber. He could just tell by the sight of the gas that he didn't want to be exposed to too much of it. He moved as quick as he could as he smashed every container that contained Bliss until it filled up the entire cave. Knowing he had to get out now to avoid exposure to too much of the bliss the captain ran as fast as he could out of the cave.
When Marcus came out of the Cave he immediately gasped for air to get the bliss out of his system, after a moment he managed to recover enough, then turned his attention to the cave, with the bliss free all that was required now was to just ignite the bliss.
Hunter came over to Marcus carrying a Moltov in his hand. "Here, take this." Hunter handed the molotov to the Captain.
"Where did you get that?" Marcus asked.
Hunter shrugged and said, "Just found it one a Highwaymen corpse, should be just what we need to ignite that Bliss."
Marcus took the molotov from Hunter's hand, then pulled out a lighter from his pocket. He started up the lighter and brought it up to the rag, when it was lit Marcus threw the bottle into the cave and the molotov broke and fire spewed out of it. Fire suddenly engulfed the cave and as soon as it did the chosen all had joyous looks on their faces.
"You've done it!" Ellie cheered. "After so long the Flame of Eden has been restored to us."
Henry smiled and approached the captain. "Sinner. Or Marcus… the Father will know what to call you. Today you've accomplished something that Ethan himself was never able to do. Clearly, you are the one who will make Joseph's prophecy come true. Now you and your friends must return to Ethan for further instructions. But go knowing that you have given us a new hope." Henry then walked off to join the other Chosen in burning objects that the Highwaymen have left around here.
"Come on guys we need to return to Ethan, hopefully this will be enough to convince New Eden to allow us to journey north." Marcus said.
"After what you've done here I believe that anyone New Eden would be a fool to believe you're still not worthy." Ellie commented.
The group made their way down to the truck and drove back to New Eden.
When Marcus, the teens, and Ellie finished restoring the Flame of Eden they returned to the compound where they found the people of New Eden gathered in front of the Main Hut where Ethan stood in front of the crowd with the Judge of New Eden standing behind him.
"These Non-believers are Sinners. These Non-Believers do not know our ways. These Non-Believers…" Ethan preached against Marcus, Carmina, and Hunter. Ellie decided she's heard enough so she walked in front of the crowd and spoke out against Ethan, "Have relit our most sacred flame."
Ellie then pointed to the Captain, "This Sinner has proven to us all that he is worthy to seek out our Father, he's given us hope that's something we haven't had in a long time. We've been without Joseph's guidance for too long, it's time somebody ventured North and brought him back to us!"
The crowd began muttering to each other in agreement with Ellie.
"The Father will absolve this Sinner." A short-haired Peggie said then proceeded to grab his arm.
"Send the Sinner to the North." A brunette said, grabbing the Captains other arm.
The Peggies escorted the Captain up to the front of the crowd. The crowd erupted in support, but Ethan raised his arms up to silence the New Edeners. "Family of New Eden. You have searched your hearts and truly believe that this sinner should seek our Father?" Ethan questioned.
"Yes." A peggie said.
"It is certain." A man proclaimed.
Seeing that there was no changing anyone's minds Ethan relented. "Father shows mercy to sinners. After all, we are all his children." Ethan walked down to the Captain and gently placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Prepare the sacrament,"
"Yes, the sacrament."
Almost everyone in the crowd requested that Ethan must give the Captain receive the sacrament, he was confused about what the sacrament was, but he would have his answer soon enough.
Ethan turned his head to face the Judge, raised his arm towards him, and shook his fingers to the left. The Judge nodded and walked over to a table made from a tree stump where a golden chalice rested on it. He turned his head back to Marcus and escorted him over to the Judge. "The Father guides us at this moment."
Ethan Seed stood in front of the people of New Eden and announced, "The Sinner is granted pilgrimage North." He then raised his arms high and said, "He will bring back the Father,"
The New Edeners including Ellie all erupted in happiness, somebody was finally going to venture North to find Joseph Seed and bring him back to them. Hunter and Carmina walked up in front of the crowd and he asked. "What about us?" Hunter demanded.
"We helped restore your 'Flame' and we should be sent north too." Carmina added.
"NO!" Ethan spat at them, which made them both jump back a little in shock. "Both of you may have helped restore our flame to us which many of us here are grateful for, but only one person must be sent north, it is the will of the father, you two must stay behind and till your captain returns."
The teens were about to protest against that but Marcus raised an arm at them before either of them could let out a single word. "Guys, it's OK, I'll be fine."
"But, you won't have any backup," Carmina argued.
Marcus sighed, he really appreciated that Hunter and Carmina were almost always willing to step into the fire alongside him, but sometimes they can be so stubborn. "I know you guys don't like this, but I have to do this alone, just trust me okay? I will return."
"Fine," Hunter muttered.
"Be careful out there." Carmina said.
"I will," Marcus turned back to Ethan as he was just being handed a chalice by the Judge. "This will allow you to cross the threshold and live." Ethan placed his hand on the captain's shoulder and sent him to his knees, he leaned in close towards him and whispered. "Bring back proof of his death. They will at last understand that I am their Prophet. And I'll give you the help you and your people need. We both get what we want."
Marcus didn't like helping Ethan one bit, he just tried to get the peggies to turn on him and his friends. Ethan is hungry for power and if he becomes the new leader then he may twist these people, he needed to find Joseph and bring him back so he could remove Ethan from power. Ethan gave the drink to the captain and as soon as he finished it his vision started turning blurry. Ethan got up and handed the chalice back to the Judge. "We will show you the way." Ethan said before Marcus collapsed onto the ground.
Marcus awoke with a groan, his eyes slowly opened to find himself in a partially destroyed church, lit up by candles. He noticed that it was now dark out, which meant that he had been unconscious for many hours. He groggily picked himself up off of the floor and saw that he was not alone. Ethan and the Judge were also with him, which means they are the ones who must have brought him to this place.
"What the hell was that stuff?" Marcus asked as he got up off the ground.
"I already explained it to you." Ethan stated.
"No, I mean why did I pass out? And why didn't you warn me that was going to happen?" Marcus asked.
"Apologies I should've told you." Ethan apologised to the Captain then got down to business. "Now listen well; Joseph has a sanctuary far to the North. Ritual demands you light signal fires along the way. I doubt the old man will even be alive to see them though."
"Why do I need to light signal fires?" Marcus asked.
"Because if you don't light the fires, it will be the death of you. Despite you receiving the Sacrament, the North can still kill you. This boat and fire are your best means of safe, swift passage. Stray from them only when it's absolutely necessary. " Ethan held a bow and quiver filled with arrows out to the captain. "Do you know how to use these?"
"Yeah" Marcus nodded then took them from Ethan's hands.
"Good, then use your bow to light the signals with fire arrows. Bring me proof of my father's death, and I will make sure you are remembered as a friend to the prophet. Go now, with my blessing." Ethan said than him and the Judge left the ruins of the building. Marcus didn't trust Ethan at all; he just tried to turn the people against him, if it weren't for Ellie speaking out against Ethan then he probably wouldn't get this far. Ethan cannot become leader of New Eden, so Marcus needed to find Joseph Seed and bring him back to stop Ethan's treachery.
Not wasting another moment Marcus got in the boat, he started the engine and rode off North to find the Father. Meanwhile, Hunter and Carmina were waiting at the docks to see Marcus off along with the other New Edeners. They heard the faint sound of an engine coming from down the river. Being seasoned from hearing similar sounds coming from Highwaymen boats, they readied their weapons just in case. When the sounds got closer, they realized that their fears had been for nothing and saw Marcus coursing through the river and heading for the large cloud of Bliss that blocked them from the rest of the north of Hope County.
Many of them wished the Captain luck, including the Teens and Ellie on his journey north to find Joseph Seed and bring him back to them.
Another chapter of the New Dawn completed. I hope that all you readers like it, please leave a review and tell me what you think.
I would also like to give a personal shout out to FairyTail 96 for helping me out with the last few chapters. I couldn't have gotten this far without his help.