73The amount of times I've written and rewritten this is insane. In other words, I literally could not come up with a solid epilogue so I'm just going to leave this here.
I'm sorry it has taken me so long to update this story. Summer was far more hectic than I thought it would be. And before I knew it, it was September and this story was still conclusion-less. So, I pulled up the file and quickly typed up the rest of this...Over and over before deciding on this as the final copy. Hopefully it does this story justice; after all, I have been working on it for over a year now.
I just want to thank Christie for the review on the previous chapter and everyone else who has read this for the continued support. It really means a lot as a novice writer and I honestly appreciate it. :)
As for more CoD stories...I'm working on a few more. I'll update my profile with the story information as it continues to grow.
Thank you all again! I hope to see you all soon! :D
Have a great week!
Epilogue
You Are Now Raj Mansingh
You watch the ambulance whisk your daughter and your son-in-law to the closest hospital. Pausing to reflect upon the accomplishments of your day so far, you return to the agents as they prep for the departure of the other Carriers and Colonists.
"Men," you call, and they turn towards you, "I'm going to check things out on the inside."
"With all due respect," one of them begins but you reveal your stash of weapons on the inside of your jacket.
"I'll be fine," you assure. "This isn't my first hoedown." You turn away, motioning for the guards around the White House to recede. You crawl through the rubble, taking notes of your surroundings. The building seems structurally safe at the moment, but there's no doubt something could cause it to collapse at any moment. You guide yourself using the hushed sounds of the Infected.
You walk into a circular room. Blood stains the floor and a huddle of Infected begin hissing at you, but refuse to attack, as their leader, a blonde, pale, sunken-faced zombie, holds them back. She doesn't see you as a threat, and you feel the same.
Heavy breathing catches your attention and you're drawn towards a slumped mass upon the floor. You grin and unsheathe your dagger from within and approach. It takes all your strength, but you manage to flip the beast onto his back. Bullet holes pepper the soft flesh of his neck and mouth.
"So," you begin quietly, "you're Doctor Strader."
The monster hisses and tries to lift his hand, but fails. He will succumb to his wounds soon, which leaves you just enough time for your own revenge.
"You're nothing, now," you whisper. "Nothing but a sad, dying, monster of a man. All because someone killed your wife." You trace the dagger along his cheek and he growls softly. "How you found out where I was stationed, I will never know. And I don't care to know. Your assassins are dead and you're following so quickly behind them."
Strader grunts a reply, and you see the sorrow in his eyes; the pleading he holds. You know he wants you to end it quickly so he'll no longer suffer. But suffering is exactly what he deserves.
"You want mercy?" you hiss. "After all you've done?" The anger is overwhelming, but you are able to control yourself from plunging the dagger into his throat and giving him what he wants. "You placed my daughter in jeopardy. You almost took my grandchild's parents away, and you expect me to show you mercy? You killed this country's leader, you Infected more individuals, and you want me to help you get rid of the consequences." You take your dagger and jab it into Strader's abdomen. He roars out in pain and you rip it out viciously. "Did you ever stop to think what your wife would say if she saw you like this?"
Strader's pants are heavy as he replies in his own language. You roll your eyes and move the blade to his chest, just below the sternum. "You have no excuse for your behavior. People lose loved ones every day, and so many handle it by doing good. You performed evil and now..." You realize what you're doing. You're on his level. You're hurting him because he harmed your family. You take the knife and place it on his heart. "Now...I'll let the good lord take it from here." You force the blade down and the light snaps off in Strader's eyes. The beast is dead.
You stand up and wipe the blood on your jacket before sheathing your weapon. The Infected stare in shock. "Well, what are you waiting for! I'm your escort. Follow me if you wish to be cured. Stay behind if you wish to be shot."
The blonde Infected translated and immediately, the horde gathered around you. It's strange. You used to despise these creatures. And now they only hoped for someone as kind as you to take them away from their suffering and to restore them to their full potential. You reach out your hand to the leader of the pack, minding her jagged nails. She gratefully takes it and begins to mutter something.
"Th-thank...Y-y-you..."
You chuckle and begin to walk with her. "If my daughter can trust you, than I shall as well." And so, you lead the Infected into the light, where they belong, leaving Strader's corpse in the dark, where he belongs.
Mal's P.O.V
Fractured jaw. Dental implants were fitted into my gums and wires surgically installed to help the healing process. Needless to say, I was grateful for the amounts of pain killers I was put on. However, despite the tiring effects of the drugs, I was more than wide awake when Natara was in the room. She held my hand and talked to me about what she did that day and how the others were doing. Zoey and Ellis were both miserable, trapped inside D.C. without the presence of their baby boy. Louis and Nick, who had broken bones while fighting hordes of infected, were getting their injuries taken care of. Jeremy had bruises and slight sprains, but was overall alright, though in need of psychological treatment. Allison was recovering nicely, and the rest of the gang spent their days visiting each other.
I was able to leave the hospital a few days after my arrival, as well as everyone else and our next step was boarding a plane to San Francisco, where we'd all be reunited with people we loved. The Colonists would be back with Mike and John V. Zoey and Ellis would have Bill once more and Natara and I would have our daughter. Nick would have his wife and kid back, and Ken would have Amy. Kai would take control of VOPA and begin searching for ways to turn the rest of the zombies we encountered, as well as Blaise, back into fully, functional, human beings.
The long plane ride was dreadful, considering all the pain I was experiencing. However, my senses were blanketed by the very idea that Strader was dead and this nightmarish experience would only become a distant memory. Hopefully.
Upon arriving home, we were greeted by the happy faces of coworkers and family members. The face I was most excited to see, however, was the little girl standing in the front. Brown, matted hair, blue eyes, and tears streaming down her cheeks. I knelt down, opened my arms and she ran straight into my embrace.
"Daddy!" she cried, gripping tighter, refusing to let me go. I kissed the side of her head and picked her up. "I missed you."
"I missed you too, Sweetheart," I replied quietly, now rocking her.
Stella ran up to Nick and surprised him with a hug that looked a little to tight. Sami followed in suit, laughing at the joy of being reunited with her father. Amy jumped into Ken's arms and he spun her around, the biggest smile I had ever seen plastered on his face. The Colonists were meeting up with their family members, all tear-stricken. Zoey cradled Bill and Ellis stood behind her, his rough, calloused hands gripping her shoulders with a sense of protection. He was never going to let his family go again.
However, most of the Carriers had already lost everyone they considered closest to them. Coach wrapped an arm around Louis and spoke about the gift of friendship. Francis stood nervously beside Rochelle, trying to strike up a conversation. It was the first time I had ever seen the biker blush. And Kai...Well, he was going around and hugging everyone.
Natara joined my side, followed by her mother and sister. I handed Katie off to Natara to accept Anita's embrace.
"Thank you," she whispered, "for keeping my daughter safe."
"No," I replied, matching her tone, "thank you for keeping mine safe."
We broke away, smiling, before Neha tackled me into a hug. I always liked Neha's energy. I laughed and returned the gesture.
Despite all the joy I was feeling, however, there was something still missing. Someone missing. I looked at the sea of people eager to greet us. No one seemed out of place. Even Maria Yeong, my Captain, was here, among other officers.
Natara grabbed my arm gently. "What are you thinking about?" she asked and I shrugged.
"I don't know," I answered. "It just feels like...Not everyone who should be here is here."
"Your father," she guessed and it struck me.
My father. The man I had hated for years. The man who disappeared shortly after the Infection began and was still missing. He could be dead. He could be alive. I would never know. But I knew one thing for certain.
"I miss him," I admitted quietly. "And it kills me not knowing if he's dead or alive."
"If he's alive," Natara replied, "he'll find his way home."
I only hoped he would. Even if it was for a moment or too. All I wanted to do was apologize. This ordeal made me realize that life is far too short to hold grudges.
"Who's up for Rip Van Wrinkles?" Ken called throughout our audience and they all agreed cheerfully. "It's on me! Let's go!" With Amy at his side, Ken led us to our destination. It was a fairly long walk, but just long enough for us to reflect on what happened.
"You think that this is the end?" I asked Natara. "Of the Infection?"
"Who knows for sure?" she replied. "It could be. And maybe it is. All I know is that it's over for now, and we need to enjoy this time we all have together before something breaks us apart."
I placed my arm around her shoulder. "Let's not waste any time, then."
Needless to say, it was an enjoyable ending to what had been a hellish beginning. And I couldn't have asked for more.
-C.O.D-
San Trobida—Shortly after Strader's defeat
Jacob Fallon leaned against the balcony of the Salazar Mansion, looking beyond the horizon and contemplating. He had been in San Trobida for nearly eight years; since the beginning of the first infection.
"Beautiful night," a gruff voice from behind spoke up. Jacob remained unmoved. General Salazar approached and joined his comrade's side. "What troubles you, my friend?"
Jacob sighed before standing upright. "It's nothing."
General Salazar smirked. "You're worried about your son."
Jacob, though surprised at his friend's luck guess, shook his head. "No...He's old enough to care for himself..." He resumed his slouched positioned he had maintained before his friend interrupted him and his thoughts. General Salazar mimicked him.
"You know, Jacob, it's okay to worry for your children. Even better for you to interfere. But tell me...What has kept you from leaving our beautiful country to be with your son and his family."
Jacob scoffed. "My boy doesn't need me around anymore. I doubt he even wants to see me. I caused him, his sister, and his mother so much pain when they were around."
"But you're sorry, no?"
Jacob side-glanced and shrugged. "I am, but I don't see what you're poking at, Salazar."
"In times of such peril," General Salazar continued, "One often disregards past hurt to form repairs. Have I ever told you the story of my late son, Jacob?" Jacob shook his head. "My son, Javier, was born years after Esmeralda. Strong, intelligent, but also filled with humility. The cartel lifestyle wasn't for him, and we often fought because of it. Javier wanted nothing more than to live a better, more pure life, and I saw him fit to play a role in the most gritty parts of my cartel dealings.
"We eventually stopped talking. He remained in San Trobida, but made changes to his last name so he was no longer affiliated with our way of life. However, there were still many who knew him and many who were angry with his betrayal. You, my friend, know what happens when cartels are angry." General Salazar clenched his fist. "They brought his corpse to me and announced his death eagerly. I thought his death would strengthen our works...But it only brought me further anger.
"Jacob, my friend, do not wait to tell your son you're sorry. This world is cruel and sees fit to take the lives of anyone. Before you know it, your son will end up like my boy. Or you will."
Jacob only nodded. His friend had good intentions and they were definitely to be considered. But as of that moment, he concluded that he'd rather cement the memories he had with his son in the past than recreate new ones with an even bigger possibility of screwing things up. He stretched before turning on his heel to march back inside, silently wishing his friend a good night and brushing past his young daughter; Esmeralda.
"Father," she greeted cooly. "What was that about?"
General Salazar straightened and sighed heavily. "Just trying to help a friend mend some broken bonds. Where's Carlito?"
"He's asleep," Esmeralda replied, quietly moving towards her father as he lit a cigarette and placed it between his teeth. He drew in a sharp breath and released the smoke in a steady stream of air. "You're stressed?"
"Stressed isn't the word I would have chosen," General Salazar replied gruffly. "Something tells me Mal Fallon knows his father is still alive."
The rustle of paper trailed throughout the evening air as Esmeralda produced a news clipping. "This was in the paper today." General Salazar took the object from his daughter and read carefully. He grumbled lightly under his breath. "A world-wide search is going on for Jacob."
"The pros of having an ex Fed as your wife," the general growled.
"It's only a matter of time before someone here recognizes his face and brings us more publicity than we need," Esmeralda said, dropping her voice.
He nodded slowly and removed the cigarette from his mouth and pressed the end on the picture of Jacob's photo in the paper, smoke curling into the air. "Then we must make sure our friend is never seen again in San Trobida."
"Does this mean..."
"We're sending our guest home, whether by choice or force."
Esmeralda nodded calmly, as if abducting and dropping off individuals was nothing more than a family outing. "Shall we proceed tonight, then?"
General Salazar straightened and turned to his daughter. "Go wake Carlito. We've got a package to deliver."
~Fin~
