After the End is a sequel to my flash fiction The Endbringer, which you can read here: https://authorzacharyholbrook.weebly.com/awesome-things-to-read/the-endbringer
After the End The world ended, and yet, life went on. Gerard set his shoulder against the fallen doorpost, straining to push the wooden beam back into place. Throughout the rest of the desecrated cathedral, the workers who now relied upon his guidance swept away broken glass and scrubbed at the black ooze that stained every corner of the city. Three weeks. Three weeks since the shadowspawn rampaged across Hynuil. Three weeks since Gerard fought them off with a brand of fire, earning a host of titles he could never deserve. Like savior. “Nen!” Gerard called to one of his workers. “This place needs new doors. Can you get them up within two weeks?” “Aye, Shadow-slayer!” Nen beamed and saluted. Gerard smiled despite the regret haunting his heart. How would these men react if they knew their venerated new leader was a fraud? His decision to release the shadowspawn had left thousands dead, and he didn’t even deserve credit for discovering their weakness. That belonged to Hayiene. Hayiene. The last he’d seen of her face, trembling yet strong, stabbed through his mind. She’d avoided him since the battle. Understandable, considering what his rebellion had cost her, but that didn’t make his yearning for her go away. “Leader!” Varel, Gerard’s lieutenant, sprinted down the street. “We have a problem. Some nobles escaped, and the people aren’t happy about it.” Gerard cursed. He’d led the rebellion in order to allow the people to govern themselves through democracy. Now that they had their freedom, they acted as if he was king—except when it came to one issue. The deposed aristocrats. Gerard raced to the prison. A few of his soldiers manned the wall, nervously pointing spears at the growing crowd of malcontents. Bloodthirsty chants rose like steam in a pressure bomb about to explode. “Death to nobles!” “We want vengeance!” Gerard climbed the ramparts and extended his hands. “People of Hynuil! Return to your homes!” “We don’t have homes!” Blast. Bad word choice. “My men will find you shelter!” Gerard gestured to the city beyond. “Work, too, with good pay! And we will bring justice to those who have oppressed us— justice, not vengeance. Join the rebuilding efforts. Create new life for your children. I, your leader—” A fierce murmur washed over the crowd. Tyrant. Governor. Noble lover. Gerard changed tactics. “I, your savior, have spoken.” The reminder of their near-annihilation at the claws of the shadowspawn cut back the rising tide, and they began to disperse. Gerard sighed in relief and turned to his lieutenant. “Now, what about this escape?” “A family of three.” Varel hesitated. “They escaped through one of our tunnels.” “I thought those were blocked.” “They were. Someone opened one from outside.” Great. Just what he needed: a member of his rebellion aiding the enemy. “Double-check all cells,” Gerard ordered. “If word of another escape gets out, we’ll have a riot. I’ll search the passages leading out of the city.” *** Gerard hopped into the abandoned sewage drain. This passage brings back memories. Smuggling supplies for the rebellion. His final flight as shadowspawn overran Hynuil. Hayiene. I was really was an idiot, wasn’t I? A cry sounded from deeper inside the passage. Gerard crept forward, sword at the ready. A light flickered around the next bend. A flash of movement. Someone darted from the tunnel and pinned Gerard’s sword arm to the wall, then kicked him in the groin. Gerard groaned in pain, but wrenched his arm free and prepared to strike down his attacker. “Gerard?” The voice shattered his strength like a wave against the shore. Gerard took in the half-shadowed features of his opponent. Smooth skin, frenzied hair, and those eyes— deep brown wells of kindness and fortitude. Gerard’s blade clattered to the floor. “Hayiene?” She retreated back into the tunnel. “I should’ve known you’d find us.” Gerard followed, discovering two wide-eyed children. An older woman in a once-fine dress stood over them, wielding a broom as an improvised weapon. Gerard swallowed, then turned to Hayiene. “You helped them escape? Why?” Hayiene folded her arms. “They’re children, Gerard. And Lady Treina is a devoted mother, not some murdering tyrant. Has the light of your rebellion grown so bright that you see all else as shadows?” Gerard shook his head. “Hayiene, I—” She met his eyes, and all his excuses crumbled to dust. He swallowed. “I need you, Hayiene. I know I’ve hurt you. I know can’t bring back your father. But I am sorry. Please forgive me.” Hayiene glanced at Treina and the children. “You need to tell them the truth.” “Why?” “Because it’s the truth, Gerard.” “What truth?” Lady Treina leveled her broom at Gerard. “I…” Gerard took a deep breath. “I summoned the shadowspawn. I thought the rebellion could control them after they killed the governor, but— I’ve seen the consequences of my actions. I’ll set you free, and protect your children from the mobs, if it’s any consolation.” Treina gave a grim nod and stepped back. Gerard glanced at Hayiene. “Don’t bother keeping my secret. I’ll have to make it known if I want to be a better leader than the governor. I’m not ready to fill that role, but—” Hayiene let out a shuddering breath. “I’ll help you.” A weight rolled off Gerard’s shoulders. He reached to take her hand, slowly, as if she might be a mere spirit. But she was real, solid, an anchor amid the storms rocking his life. Gerard knelt. “Hayiene, I need you to help bridge the gap between nobles and commoners. More than that, I simply need you. You are my heart. I yearn to join in the soul of your story, through gutters and glories. Will you marry me?” Silence. And then embarrassment. He had overstepped. He was a fool… Hayiene dropped down to face him, tears adorning her cheeks— along with a jubilant smile. “Yes, Gerard Nashen, yes!” She kissed him, and all shadows fled. Let the world end. With Hayiene, he could take it.
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