Kai's Journey; Box Set

By Charles Siefken and Wendy Siefken

"Kai's Journey" is a story about a young man, set ten years in the future. Kai has spent those years fighting for survival and trying to find a way rid the world of the disease his father created. His father was a military scientist charged with the task of perfecting a formula that would create a superior breed of soldiers. Like a virus, it soon spreads to the entire world, unleashing a period of unsurpassed chaos and conflict. 
In the midst of this turmoil, Kai comes across a young woman named Clover, who is part of a clan traveling across the United States to try to find what is left of humanity. 
Along the way they come across stragglers who join with the group as they journey across the upper part of what used to be known as North America. 
One night while Kai and Clover were watching a meteor shower they meet a group totally out of this world. Kai and Clover begin a heroic journey, fueled by the increasingly dim hope that somehow, the human race will have a chance to start over.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Siefken Publications
• Release date: Nov 11, 2015
• ISBN: 9781516374922

Charles Siefken

Charles Siefken (1992-present) is a recent graduate of high school. This is his first book of many to be published. He currently resides in rural central Iowa where he enjoys reading sci/fi books and playing video games among other things. He is currently enrolled in a local college and learning to be an auto mechanic. Christopher Paolini was his inspiration to become a writer. 

Book preview

Kai - Chapter 1

Dirty and exhausted from his day’s travels of following a road north with a low mountain on his right side and open fields on the left, Kai shaded his eyes as the setting sun cast eerie shadows across the sky above making it look like the ribs of a dead man. Kai crested a hill that was barren of much of anything. This year’s drought had taken its toll on any weeds as well as the scrub brush that usually grew so tall. There were a few trees scattered here and there with bare limbs of stretching towards the sky. Fall had come early to this area. Kai could see a cluster of buildings up ahead of a once named town. He could see a few people moving among the buildings.

Time and experience told him they were the living dead. This town was just like every other place Kai had come across since the accident seven years ago. The landscape around him was dulled to muted hues of brown of an early fall. Kai spotted the bodies scattered in the field on the left side of the road and the right. With a sigh, he walked over to investigate their manner of death. Kai knew from experience that there were worse things in this new world besides the living dead.

Checking to see how they were put down could tell you about who or what else might be in the area around you. As Kai walked closer he could hear the fly’s buzzing in the afternoon air. The sound intensified as he walked closer to the bodies. The acrid, metallic smell of death reached him on the next breeze. Pulling a rag over his nose and mouth Kai walked up to the nearest one, using his boot to turn it over and knelt down. Kai could see it had once been human but had died as a zombie. There were bullet holes in the main part of the body as well as the arms and legs.

Kai had seen these kinds of wounds on these creatures before. Some, who called themselves the military, used them as target practice as if they were no more than animals. At one time though every one of these beings had been a human; someone’s mother, father, brother, sister or friend. Now they were dead for good. Some call them zombies. Kai call them a burden he alone felt responsible for.

Kai didn’t need to see any more. He headed back to the road in disgust to continue on to the town in hopes of finding a place of shelter for the night, maybe even a few supplies. From the town up ahead there was a sound Kai hadn’t heard in a long time. A single howl that reached down into his soul and stirred something he thought had long since disappeared. Momentarily forgetting his exhaustion Kai ran toward the town and the sound. Again the howl filled the air as Kai ran past dilapidated buildings with broken windows and sagging porches and front steps. The few of the creatures he had seen earlier going from building to building were nowhere in sight. Kai heard the howl again, coming from around the corner of an old store front building. Noiselessly he crept along the wall to the corner and peered down the alley to see a crowd of zombies surrounding a beautiful white wolf trapped at the dead end its hackles raised. A growl rumbled from its throat as it bared its sharp fangs. His stomach tightened in fear as Kai watched as the living dead moved in for the kill. It had been so long since Kai had seen any dogs or pets from the old world that he knew he had to do something.

Hey! Kai yelled.

They turned as one towards him as Kai charged around the corner with his sword raised. Deftly Kai severed the head of the nearest of the walking dead. Quickly Kai moved from one to the next thrusting my sword or slashing to keep them at arm’s length. Soon he stood next to the wolf. The wolf’s eyes never left the dead as she bared her fangs at them.

I won’t hurt you, I just want to help, Kai said to the wolf as if it could understand him

With their backs to the wall, Kai and the wolf kept the dead at bay as they fought them until soon the zombies lay unmoving scattered in the alley. Kai’s energy drained, he sank to his knees in exhaustion. Kai raised his head to look over at the wolf. Now that Kai was up close he could see her white fur was well groomed and cared for. Kai slowly eased into a sitting position so as not to frighten her away. The wolf’s blue eyes looked at him with a steady gaze. Kai made to raise his hand towards her and the wolf gave a low warning growl. She didn’t run from him but she didn’t let him touch her either.

Well, I guess we won this round huh girl? Kai said to her as if she could understand Him. Suddenly her ears perked up and she looked back up the alley as if she heard something coming. Kai looked but at first didn’t see or hear anything. Kai felt his stomach drop to his feet as more of the dead came stumbling around the corner. That's when something hard hit him in the head and Kai lost consciousness.

A throbbing headache woke Kai from his forced slumber. Kai gently felt his head until he found the goose egg sized lump on the back side of his head. Kai slowly opened his eyes and found himself in a barren, cave like room. He could see marks in the wall as if this room had been carved out by tools. It was dry and the only light came from a lantern on a rock shelf carved in the wall.

There was no furniture, just a clean swept floor. Kai craned his neck up towards the rock shelf where he could see light glinting off something metal. My sword! Kai thought excitedly to himself. Kai sat up only to have his head spin for his efforts. When his head settled Kai got to His feet to claim his sword. Kai heard a sound at the doorway and turned. That’s when he saw it: the pure white wolf from town, walking gracefully into the room. She stopped just in front of the doorway and watched as Kai lowered his sword so as to show he meant her no harm. Seeing that Kai was awake and on his feet, she appeared to be satisfied and turned to leave.

Wait! Don’t go! Kai called to the wolf.

She looked back as if she understood what he said. Then turned and walked out of the room. Kai belted his sword and followed her.

Kai and the wolf walked down a long, curving corridor and into another short hallway. Kai could see where parts of the tunnel had been carved out in more recent years but a lot of it was old and had lichen on the wall that gave off a soft glow. Kai followed the wolf through a catacomb of tunnels and hollowed out rooms. There were doors here and there along the way. The walls were smooth so Kai knew this wasn’t one of those mining tunnels he had seen as a child on some of the trips they had gone for family vacations. Kai’s dad loved caves. In this region of the country many of the caves were damp or had streams in them. This one was curiously dry and comfortable. Lichen that was scattered on the walls gave a soft glow, making it easier to see. The wolf paused in front of a heavy wooden door and Kai watched as she slipped through a small covered opening. Kai grabbed the handle of the door but found that it was locked. Kai knocked and waited for an answer. When no reply came he considered crawling through the small door. When Kai leaned closer to listen for any hint of sound, he heard a crash coming from inside.

I am coming in! Kai yelled and slipped through the door the same way the wolf had gone.

The room was sparsely furnished with a bed, a table and a couple of chairs. The cave walls were smooth for the most part and Kai could see tool marks here and there where they had widened out a portion of the room. There were a few shelves chiseled into the walls and there was an empty fireplace with a small stack of logs nearby. Kai could see that an end table had been knocked over. Kai caught a glimpse of movement out of the corner of his eye. A door shut as he stood up.

Curious, Kai said to himself.

Softly, Kai knocked on the door.

Who are you and why have you come into my room? said a female voice.

I'm sorry! It's just that I was knocked out and then I woke up here, Kai explained. After I came to, I saw the wolf in the doorway and I followed her to this room. Is she in there with you?

There was a pause.

No, she replied. There’s no wolf in here.

Kai looked around to try and find where the wolf could have possibly gone. Other than the door he came through and now this one that Kai was talking to someone through. He didn’t see any other way out.

I need my robe. Would you get it for me, please? It’s in there, on the bed. said the female voice from the other side of the door.

Kai found the robe, placed it next to the door and then stepped across the room so she could retrieve it in peace. Kai again looked at the small fireplace with wood stacked next to it.

Would you mind if I started a fire? Kai asked.

Thank you, that would be fine, she said.

Kai heard her step into the room behind him as he built the fire.

Kai turned to see the most beautiful young woman standing before him; she looked pretty close to his age, about eighteen or nineteen years old and had beautiful white hair that flowed down her back. Her blue eyes glowed with a soft sapphire light. The life he saw in her face took his breath away. For so long now people all had a dead look on their face. They had lost all hope and seemed to be just trying to survive one more day. This girl radiated life and had a spark in her eyes. On her feet Kai saw what looked to be slippers.

She noticed him looking at her feet and said, We wear these slippers here so we make our way softly. There are over fifty people living here. If we wore boots then our heavy footfalls would be felt and heard on the outside. We don't want to attract too much attention from zombies or military people to our home. We shall get you a pair of them too. She said with a smile on her face.

I can explain what happened to you and why you are here. Boris found you in an alley and he brought you here. He had been in a store when he heard you fighting those dead things, she said with a shudder. Anyway, when he burst through the door in the back unfortunately it hit you and knocked you out. He pulled you inside just as the other dead ones were coming down the alleyway, She sat on a chair near the fireplace.

Kai shook his head trying to remember if he had seen a door in that alleyway. Kai couldn’t remember a doorway, but then he had been a little busy trying to save the wolf.

I’m sorry, I have forgotten my manners. Boris would be disappointed with me. My name is Clover, and you are? Clover asked.

My name is Kai, he said, feeling a bit awkward.

I apologize for the abruptness of your arrival here but we felt it wouldn’t be safe to leave you there in town, Clover said.

Kai shook his head. The motion made him wince in pain. I would rather be here then dinner for the dead. Kai said in what he hoped might pass for levity. And it would explain the knot on my head as well.

Kai gazed at her more closely; her skin glowed in the firelight. Though her skin was pale like her hair she still gave off the air of someone who spent a lot of time outside. Kai liked that in a person. There was always danger out there but you couldn’t let that keep you locked inside somewhere.

Why is your hair the same color as the wolf I saw a moment ago? Kai asked her curiously.

She gave a shy smile that seemed to light the room and replied, It’s merely a coincidence. She stood and walked toward the door.

Now, I think it’s time for you to go back to your room. Please don't leave your room again until you‘re sent for. Again she smiled that shy smile. We left you with your sword because these are dangerous times. You never know when you will need it." She said as she opened the door and led the way back down the hallway to the room Kai woke up in.

I will leave you here for now, but you should know what will happen tomorrow. Our leader will come to speak with you and ask you some questions. The elders feel you are too young to be out on your own and it’s too dangerous to travel alone. But first he will have some tests for you. That is, if you would like to stay with us and travel with our group. She said from the doorway of his room.

After Clover left, Kai looked for a place to rest. There was a shallow bowl shaped crevice near the far wall filled with dirt, which would have to do. Kai placed his sword next to him as he lay down. As Kai lay down to sleep he thought about what she had asked.

‘Do I want to stay with these people and travel with them?’ Kai thought to himself. He had traveled for so long alone, Kai wasn’t sure if he knew how to be around a lot of other people.

Well, I have been led here; I might as well see what becomes of it. Kai mumbled as he drifted off to sleep.

The roar of the beast he had seen in his dream still reverberated in his head as Kai awoke with a start. He could sense someone in the room.  Kai frantically looked around the darkened cave.

A man with salt and pepper hair was standing against the wall.

He stood well over six feet tall, his arms crossed over his chest, muscles bulging. He looked as if he carried the weight of his people on his shoulders. He carried it well. It took a moment to see others in the room standing in shadow of their leader.

He spoke, Are you ready?

Still dazed and confused Kai looked around trying to get his bearings. Again the man spoke, Are you ready for the test?

Kai stood up, fully awake now, Yes.

Clover – Chapter 2

Clover had gone with Boris and Steve to town to help gather supplies. It was such a lovely fall day outside and Clover was glad for the fresh air. Clover liked it when Boris came along on their searches, he always would tell the best stories about life before.

I used to cook for the richest people on the west coast! They all loved my cooking! But the best people I loved to cook for the most, is all of you. Boris said in a deep voice.

Even if it’s with my mystery meat, Steve said with a laugh.

Boris looked at Steve a moment and said, Yes even with your skunk meat! Soon they were all laughing.

Boris, Steve and Clover had gone into a building to search out any places that might have something useful or food stores. Clover had been here before and thought she knew every room. Pushing aside some empty crates Clover could see some shelves behind and thought there might be something hidden there. When the crates were moved she saw that the shelves were empty but one looked kind of odd. It looked almost like it was a shelf built onto a door. Clover pushed on it and it opened.  She looked back to see where Boris was and he was across the room looking behind some crates on that side of the room.

I won’t be gone long, Clover thought to herself. Clover stepped out the concealed door letting it shut behind her. She stepped out into an alleyway and noticed some zombies in it as well. Clover stood absolutely still so as not to bring attention to herself and felt for a door handle to let her back in. Clover couldn’t find one and looked down only to see a flat sheet of steel where the door was. No handle to get back in with. Clover’s heart started to pick up the pace as she started to panic.

O.K. keep calm Clover, You have handled situations like this before. What’s a couple of zombies? Clover said to herself.

Quickly looking back up the alley way the two zombies had started to notice her. Clover also saw four more zombies come stumbling around the corner as well. Quickly she changed shape in hopes of throwing off the human scent. They were still walking towards her with a dead hungry look in their eyes. Baring her fangs Clover rumbled a low growl warning in hopes of keeping them away. They didn’t even slow down. Clover howled a warning to Boris or Steve to come find her before she was attacked. Clover looked around for something to jump up on or get under to stay out of their reach. There was nothing. Clover crouched down in readiness to try and jump over them and fight if necessary, dull whited though they were, a group of them could be quite deadly.  Again Clover howled in hopes of warning Steve and Boris. From the end of the alley a young appeared as if out of thin air. He raised his sword and charged up the alleyway yelling at the zombies. He ran towards the side wall and seemed to run up along the wall over their heads and landed next to Clover.

Soon there were dead zombies lying all around them. He had fought with precision and skill that could have even rivaled our leader Mitchell Luck.

Suddenly he sat down in front of her looking completely exhausted. Clover sat there watching him to see what he would do next. He raised his head and looked at her with the warmest brown eyes that she had ever seen.  He reached out as if to touch Clover and she flinched. Suddenly Boris came charging through the back door that Clover had found. The door hit the young man, knocking him into the alley and unconscious.

Clover! What are you doing out here? You know the rules, no leaving the group when we are out searching! Boris said as he turned his back while Clover changed back into her normal form and dressed. Who is this young man? What happened here? Boris asked looking at the young man he had just knocked out.

He came to help me. I don’t know who he is but he is the best fighter I have seen in a long time. Clover said to Boris just as Steve finally came through the door. Quickly they pulled the young man into the building with us as more of the zombies came around the corner and into the alleyway.

Once inside the building Boris looked the young man over to be sure he was alright.

Only a bump on the head, he will be fine. Boris said straightening.

We should take him with us. He fought for me when I was a wolf and he is as good as Mitchell I’ll wager, Clover said to Boris. The young man’s hair was covering a part of his face. Her fingers itched to brush it away.

Well, we can’t leave him here or he will be nothing more than a zombie meal. Steve said looking around. Steve walked over and picked up a door that was leaning against the wall. This should work; we can carry him on this back to the caves. They aren’t that far. Steve said laying the door next to the unconscious young man.

They made the trip back to the caves very quickly without him waking. Clover was starting to get worried because he slept so long.

Boris what if he is hurt worse than we thought? Clover asked Boris as they lay him in the room just on the inside of the caverns.

Well, stay and keep an eye on him and when he wakes we will see then. Put his sword up on the mantle. We don’t know what he will do when he awakes. Boris said handing Clover the sword.

I need to get to the kitchens and make supper. Steve come give me a hand will ya? Boris said as they walked out of the room.

Clover chose to sit near the doorway and watch him until he awoke. He looked so peaceful when he slept. His dark hair fell down to his shoulders in a wild and unkempt manor. His strong jaw and face showed a shadow of a beard that had started to grow. He wore camouflage colored pants and a non-descript colored shirt. The way he had leapt up that wall and had used that sword had been amazing. Suddenly he stirred and started to wake. Quickly Clover turned back to the form he had seen her as in town. Clover’s heart fluttered when he woke and looked at her. There was such a kind and caring look on his face.

Kai -Chapter 3

The leader’s intense gaze made Kai feel as if he were a child once more. He told Kai to meet them in front of the caves in an hours’ time.

Bring your sword, you’ll need it. The leader said just before leaving the room. The rest of the men turned and followed him as one and once again he was alone. He leaned against the rock wall and gazed at the ceiling, letting out a long slow breath. For so long Kai had been alone since the accident. Kai had been with groups of people before, but never for very long. He always felt like an outsider. But here, with these people, maybe this time, this time it could be different.

The white haired girl named Clover appeared at the entryway. She smiled in greeting and led Kai back through the catacombs of passage ways to a small room where he could clean up. The soap and cold water refreshed him, it had been a long time since the last time he had seen a bar of soap. Finally when Kai was sufficiently cleansed and dry he felt ready to face the leaders.

He met Clover in the passageway and made their way to exit the caves where a heavy wooden door stood built into the wall. When she opened the door bright light splashed against the walls and Kai blinked his eyes. The area in front of the caves was cleared away for a better field of vision. Beyond the clearing there was a dense forest. Kai’s hands began to shake with nerves. With butterflies in his stomach he walked over to where the others stood.

The council leaders were there awaiting our arrival. The man with the salt and pepper hair stepped forward to speak.

You are here today because we would like to offer you a place among us. My name is Mitchell Luck, you may call me Mitchell. I’m the leader of our group. This is Gabe Hernandez, my second in command.

He observed the stocky man who stood next to Mitchell. His copper skin glistened with sweat in the morning sunlight.  He looked hard and stern, but could see creases around his eyes as if there might have been a time in the past when he had smiled. Behind the two of them stood eight more men, all with the same stern look and hard edge. Kai also noticed that like Clover they all seemed to have a fire in their eyes.

Let us begin, what is your name? Mitchell asked in a matter of fact tone.

Kai Allen Drake, Kai said. Out of the corner of his eye he noticed a small man with pinched features to the left of Mitchell Luck jotting notes on a small tablet.

Alright Kai, why don't we start with something easy, where are you from? Mitchell asked.

Kai thought for a minute before replying. How could he answer a question when Kai really didn’t know the answer?

Do you mean before or after the dead? Kai asked Mitchell.

Before, Mitchell said with a slight nod of his head.

I was born in Kentown, Iowa.  My parents thought it was a perfect place for a kid to grow up,   Kai sighed. It had been a long time since he had thought about his childhood when they were still safe. The memories were bitter sweet. Had it only been seven years ago? It felt more like a hundred and seven. He felt like an old man in a teenage body and that wasn’t feeling all that young today either.

Kentown, isn’t that where this nightmare started? At least that’s what I’ve heard, Gabe said looking over at Mitchell.

Cold sweat trickled down Kai’s spine. He could feel the fear clawing at his belly. This was where he had made his mistakes in the past. Where he had been just a little too honest, told a little too much. He had almost paid with his life a couple of times for those mistakes, so although he hated to lie he knew how to bend the truth. Kai forced himself to look him in the eyes.

From my understanding, yes that’s where it started. But I was only twelve or so at the time. I don’t remember much. Kai said uneasily.

Mitchell and his man eyed Kai suspiciously or was it just his fears making it feel like it?. The air crackled with tension as Kai stood still, waiting.

And then he spoke. And after?

Kai slowly let out the breath he didn’t realize he had been holding.

After the Zombies I’ve been everywhere; moving from town to town - place to place, never stopped more than a week in any one place. I’ve helped people when I could and sometimes traveled with various groups of people, but mostly I’ve been alone. Kai replied to his question.

Mitchell took a breath as if to speak, but then he paused. Suddenly he turned his head as if listening to a sound that only he was able to hear. Clover and the rest of the men also seemed to catch the sound. Kai heard nothing.

What— Kai began, until finally his ears heard the unmistakable zombie's song. That is what Kai called it, at least. The eerie resonance of them moaning and shuffling of their feet never changed.  It was never a sharp or piercing cry. Just a low rumble of voices mixed together until that song was made.  It was a sound that followed him wherever he went. The sound was almost beautiful if not for the dead, flesh craving monsters that made it.

As the sound drew closer, everyone moved at once into a circle. Quickly Kai drew his sword and prepared to fight by joining the others. Mitchell Luck was in the center of the circle where he could best be protected.

Their eyes scanned the woods to catch the first glimpse of the undead. Suddenly it happened. They poured out of the woods coming straight for them. The undead were coming faster towards us now that they were in the open. In a flash, everyone was fighting.

Slowly, Kai noticed that all the zombies were coming towards him, showing very little interest in any of the people around him. They began to converge on his position, trying to break through our circle. In a panic, the back half of the circle broke off to try and take the leader inside the caves. As the formation dissolved, the zombies stumbled forward and surrounded Mitchell, pushing the last members of the circle away. Mitchell pulled out a dagger and short sword, fighting furiously to keep the zombies at bay.

Without thinking Kai ran towards the wall where they had Mitchell pinned and using the zombies vaulted himself up and over to land next to Mitchell and fight with him. Kai knew all too well the awful things that could happen once contaminated with a zombie bite. Kai swung his sword quickly slicing his way as he flew over the dead. Kai finally made it to Mitchell’s side and moved to stand side by side. Working together, Mitchell and Kai slew as many as they could. Around them, the others regrouped in a wedge shape to drive an opening to the center of the circle of zombies to where Mitchell and Kai fought. As Kai fought, he tried to spy Clover, to make sure she was safe, But he couldn’t locate the telltale flowing white hair. It seemed as if they were fighting for hours when it was only for a few minutes. Everyone stirred the soft loose dirt in front of the caves and soon everything was coated with flying dust. Everyone who was fighting had rivulets of sweat, mixed with the blood, running down their faces making tracks in the dust.

As his eyes swept the hoard of monsters, suddenly he spotted her.

She carried a blazing torch in each hand and was furiously swinging them back and forth to drive the zombies away. The one thing that zombies truly fear is fire and several of the undead shrieked and recoiled from the fire Clover swung at them.  The fire gave the rest of the group a chance to push the zombies back and away from their leader.

With the new presence of fire, the zombies began to fall back. Clover had managed to set ablaze the tattered clothes of several monsters and their painful cries echoed off of the rock face walls where the cave entrance was. Finally, with the help of others from the cave, all the zombies had been killed.

Tired and exhausted, they cleaned up the area so more zombies wouldn’t be able to find their way back to the caves, making sure they left no trace of the smell of the dead and rotting bodies. Once that was complete, everyone went back inside the caves.

Mitchell shut the heavy wooden door that had been fitted to the opening of the cave. Mitchell turned to Kai and said, Thank you for your help. It shows much about you. But we still need to learn more. Right now we will eat and rest.

Thank you, Kai said.

Clover indicated for Kai to follow and she led him to the baths. Kai had never seen a place like this before. When he had gone exploring caves with his dad they always seemed to be wet, dark and uninviting. These caves were different. They felt like a home. Kai followed Clover to a giant open room full of hot spring pools.  The aroma was heady with the smell of minerals and earth.  The crystalline ceiling gave off a pale light from the lichen that gave a soft glow to everything.

Clover said, While you bathe I will go get some things for you to change into. You will find what you need over there on that rock shelf.

Kai stepped behind a partition carved into the rock so he could take his clothes off in privacy. Leaving them at the edge of the stone wall Kai quickly stepped into the nearest pool.

Kai couldn’t remember the last time he had been submerged in clean warm water! After squatting down to dip his hand to test the temperature Kai slid gratefully into the warm healing mineral water and leaned his head against the rock wall. At that moment Kai was at