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Riverside Station
After a few moments, our own group silently glanced at each other. Breaking the silence, I smiled and shattered the tension, "I don't know about you guys, but I'm sure grateful to still be alive." in response, our small group laughed, and a small moment was shared between the lot of us. After today's events, and the short time that has passed. Our bond had noticeably strengthened. In a way, it was clear that even Jackson was a welcome member of our group now.
"Let's get heading to Riverside Station!" I announced, as we all began making our way forward, following the departing group, and the two Stryker's and M1 Abrams Tank escorting them.
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The journey to Riverside Station was largely uneventful. Besides picking up several other groups of evacuating civilians, which swelled our numbers to a few hundred more, we never encountered anymore demons or monsters on the way.
The only event of note was when our agglomeration of people came across a rather large military convoy heading down the Turnpike. They were in the process of pushing aside all of the abandoned vehicles that had progressively stalled the entire freeway during the initial hours of the evacuation. Now they were only obstacles to the military trying to create a quick transportation network to what must be the expanding frontlines. Traveling with the company-sized group were 3 M1 Abrams, as well as 8 Stryker's. The Captain of the Company had stopped and spoken with the Staff Sergeant who had been escorting us for a brief few minutes.
After receiving an update, it appeared that the Captain requisitioned the usage of the M1 Abrams, as it detached from our own escort and joined up with the advancing Company. The Staff Sergeant did not appear too happy about the situation, but what was left of the platoon was only a husk of its former self, and the M1 Abrams would clearly be useful in the front lines rather than tagging along with the escort group.
After that encounter, the Company continued its way down the Turnpike and clearing the roads. After passing the Military Convoy, our journey towards Riverside Station became much easier, and we managed to get there just as the Sun was setting.
As we all slowly meandered down the road, the swelling crowd of hundreds of refugees were relieved as the lead Stryker began peeling off the highway down an exit in front of us. Ironically enough they lead us adjacent to another bridge, also ironically named 'Washington Bridge'. It appeared that the same street that the massive battle had been fought on just a few hours ago eventually led to where we were planning to go anyways. As we entered the suburbs, it became rather clear that the area was largely unaffected by the happenings in Boston. There were still people in their homes and a number of others who came out and watched as our rather large mass of refugees walked through their neighborhood. The atmosphere was not pleasant. The onlookers looked towards everyone with pity.
Unfortunately, I thought, it's likely that they'd do be counted among the refugees. Until some true semblance of safety was secured, it was hard to believe that anywhere in the world would continue operating like normal over the next few days.
Eventually, after another half-hour, our escorts led us onto the Yankee Division Highway, and the group came to a stop at a heavily fortified checkpoint leading into what looked like a literal makeshift military base rather than an evacuation center. However, I wouldn't complain about the added security. At the very least it would grant us some peace of mind as we attempted to catch some rest tonight.
What was perhaps most surprising was how much the military managed to set up in such as short period of time. Barbed fences encircled the compound, or at least, the areas that I could see. It also appeared that sandbags, as well as wooden crates, had been stacked in varying intervals in front of the entrance, likely to be used as cover in the event of an attack. Otherwise, two M1 Abrams flanked the entrance along with several Stryker's. The soldiers gazed over our group, only sadness in their eyes. In a surprising amount of them, however, instead of sadness, I saw something altogether different. Eyes that burned with anger. It was a feeling that I too was beginning to feel, one that came in full force as we walked into the evacuation shelter and I saw the thousands upon thousands of displaced people milling around.
It was likely that the interior of the station had already been completely filled, and as a result, it looked like FEMA had set up hundreds of makeshift tents in the parking lot, where, as far as I can see, were throngs of people. Our small group made our way past the end of the checkpoint, where soldiers were scanning through people's bags, likely to ensure nobody would take advantage of the situation. I ended up glancing to my right, and what I saw only served to incite my anger at the impact of the events of today. It was an endless array of pictures and flyers displaying words such as 'have you seen me?'. There were countless children, and from the looks of it, there were thousands of pictures and flyers already hanging up. The sight made my heart drop and looking at my companions, it was easy to see that they were feeling the same way.
Frankly, it pissed me off. I was tempted to blame Astia for everything going on, but from what he had said, it was actually thanks to him and the other members of the Round Table that the invasion of Earth hadn't happened any sooner. As soon as they had been forced to lift their protection of Earth, the rifts had opened, and the invasion had begun. The entire situation still was difficult to grasp. This morning I had thought Kevin and I were just enjoying ourselves, playing a game that we both felt some sense of fulfillment in as we overcame obstacle after obstacle. Now, however, my perspective had changed. No longer did I think of Holy Arc Online as some sort of simple game. No... It had been meant to prepare mankind... Or at the very least discover somebody with the characteristics necessary to inherit the title of [Genesis]? That's what I now assumed.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
That somebody was now me. While risking my life was absolutely terrifying, in a way, there was a strange thrill to it. I had discovered that several hours ago during the fight with the [Imp]'s, and now, seeing the effect that those Demon's have had on everybody, on all the lives they have ruined, killing those Demon's filled me with a much-needed sense of satisfaction.
I swear to God, if we get to Shrewsbury and my family is harmed in any way, I will tear the city asunder in destroying any Demon that crosses my path. I promised myself.
As long as I don't get myself killed while I was at it.
It was an untenable situation, one that was difficult to adapt to. Looking at Kevin, I noticed the anger that too had filled his eyes. It seemed that he felt the same way also.
As we made our way to the front of the line, a FEMA volunteer called us over, checking us into the camp. Our group of 4 made our way over to her.
"Names?" she asked.
We all responded with our names, and as she jotted them down, she then asked, "and place of residence?"
Jackson and I both gave the same address, while Kevin gave an address in California, and Rachel gave one from Vegas.
"Anybody that you may be looking for in the camp?" the woman asked.
On behalf of everyone, I just silently shook my head. "No."
"Alright then, you're welcome to head into the camp and find any empty cots to use for the night. Directions for evacuation procedures will be provided in the morning, and..." she paused as she looked towards the sword I had tied to my waist, "Don't go poking anybody with that thing." she gestured.
"Yes ma'am," I responded.
After our interaction with her, our group made our way further into the camp. It was shocking to see the number of people who had been displaced in such a short time. We passed countless individuals, some had vacant looks in their eyes, others were in the process of grieving, likely for lost family members or friends. The atmosphere was not pleasant, but after nearly half an hour we finally managed to find a cluster of cots still unoccupied towards the edge of the camp.
The journey gave us ample time to explore the camp, and I was surprised to see the extent of the military presence that was growing here. Even now I saw dozens of squads patrolling around the perimeter, and further into the camp, I saw what was clearly, a makeshift command area for what appeared to be the upper echelons of an entire Brigade worth of men within the camp. That meant there were already upwards of 3,000 soldiers in the area, and likely Riverside Station was being turned into some sort of forward command for the military. Near the makeshift command area was also a cleared zone that was being used to house, as well as land what appeared to be Apache and Blackhawk attack helicopters.
Throughout the perimeter of the entire station were well over a hundred military vehicles, ranging from Stryker's, M1 Abrams, Bradley's, as well as lighter vehicles such as Humvee's, military trucks, and some self-propelled artillery.
Settling down into the camp, it was clear that we were all immensely exhausted. Our day had been long, filled with innumerable surprises, and with our goal finally reached, all four of us collapsed onto the dark green cots we had selected. At this point, the sun had finally dipped just below the atmosphere, and it was with relief that the ambient temperature began to drop.
Wiping the last bits of remaining sweat from my brow, I slowly sat up, and draped my legs over the edge of the cot. I glanced around at my three companions. Rachel, Kevin, and Jackson were in a similar array of exhaustion, all laying down in the evening air, trying to recuperate from the energies expelled throughout the day.
"Guys," I said, and subsequently paused. They all glanced over at me, and once I knew I had their attention, I went ahead and voiced a concern that had been bothering me for the past few minutes. "Look, after the events of today, I understand if any of you would like to stay here at the evacuation shelter and head South instead of continuing out West. For all we know there may be nothing left of Worcester and the surrounding areas." I hesitated, particularly as I looked at both Rachel and Kevin, I wanted them to stick with me, and I couldn't bear losing either of them at this point. Jackson on the other hand I would understand if he felt less attached towards our group.
Kevin simply smiled. "Thomas, you know I have your back no matter what; and by the same logic you just used, for all we know there isn't anything better down South anyway."
Rachel also jumped in, "Thomas, wherever you go, I'll go, even on the off chance that it's safer, you are practically the only family I have out here." she paused, and then continued, "And especially after today, somebody has to at least attempt to keep you from getting yourself killed." she smiled.
Jackson, however, was the last one to respond. "Honestly, I don't really know all of ya'll too well... While I'd like to think it may be safer down South, I'm not actually sure if the military would be able to feasibly protect us if worse comes to worst, ya know? Like, after what happened today... I just don't know anymore. Let me sleep on it though, and I'll let you guys know."
It was actually strange. I didn't have any real expectations that Jackson would choose to stay, but even if he was my neighbor, I had never been all that close with him before. After today though, our relationship has changed. It was thanks to him that Rachel didn't risk her life as well for mine and Kevin's reckless decisions.
I smiled at Jackson. "Jackson, just know that you are welcome to join us. Even if you might not know us all that well, I can promise you that we would treat you just like we would each other. After what we have been through today, I would gladly consider you a member of the group."
Kevin and Rachel both nodded in confirmation, and Jackson's face grew a bit brighter at my words. "Thank you, Thomas, it means more than you think" he finished as he laid back down and closed his eyes.
At this point, it was already completely dark, and the ambient noise of the evacuation camp was beginning to die down.
As all of my companions drifted off to sleep, I continued to lay there for nearly an hour, contemplating the events of the day.
I shivered. Not because of the dropping temperatures, but because of the memories of the corpse in the graveyard, as well as the demon horde that had very nearly ended our lives.
I frowned, We were so close to dying there. I don't know what I would have done had my actions led to somebody dying. Luckily things had turned out okay, but despite that, I still felt nauseous as I remembered the screams of the demons that had been attacking Kevin and I.
I knew they weren't human, so it was altogether different, but the screams of pain and agony still had their own effect on me.
As I felt my anxiety begin to build up, I slowly controlled my breathing.
In...
Out...
In...
Out...
As my heart rate decreased, I began to calm down. Realizing that dwelling on the event would not do me any good, I instead focused on the ambient noise around me, and surprisingly enough I could pick up the chatter going on at the evacuation shelter headquarters, where the military had set themselves up. My senses must have drastically increased if I could hear that far away. At this point, it would seem that if I focused, my hearing had nearly doubled.
It was almost calming in a way to listen to the chatter, and I found myself drifting off to sleep.
One of the last things I heard as I fell asleep however puzzled my wandering mind.
"Washington D.C. has gone dark, I repeat, the Capitol has gone dark!"