The Dark Messiah

By Mario Walsh

Ten days have passed since we were being held prisoner in the meat chiller of the Undisputed headquarters. If I begin to ponder of what I've discovered about Max, our unconscious hostage, and Mahuika, the Dark Messiah (Or Goddess of Fire) since then, I shudder with a mixture of fear and confusion - the whole thing is all sorts of messed up. I know most people wouldn't learn a lot in ten days, but much like them, I am not most people. I'm known as the Historian, somebody with a meticulous mind for detail, logging it all in my memory for a later date. This has proven to not only be paramount to the future, but it has kept me alive in the darkest of situations. My name is Corban, and this is the start of our quest to find Max's Father, my daughter Puggle, and hopefully get some revenge along the way.

The second entry into the 'Beyond the F. O.G series follows on directly after 'The Chiller,' and I hope it keeps you entertained.

Thank you for reading.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mario Walsh
• Release date: Nov 19, 2022
• ISBN: 9780463169179

Mario Walsh

Firstly, thank you for supporting my Seven novels; Episode III, Episode IV, Episode V, Episode II, I, VI and recently The Chiller. A lot of hard work and time has gone into this story. I've been working on this series since September 2007, and have released Episode III first as I feel it was necessary to tell Syra's story first. The order that I will release the series is Episode III, IV, V, and then Episode II, followed by I and VI: Prologue. Now that all five are available, you can read them in chronological order as well. Episode VI: Epilogue will be released afterwards.A bit about meI'm a 39 year old author from West Auckland, New Zealand. I love action and Science Fiction - especially time travel. This series is my attempt of merging both these loves into one.My father introduced me to the 'Back to the Future' trilogy at age 6, so since then I've always been pretty obsessed with Time travel.If you have any questions about my series, like my facebook page and ask anything you like, i'd be happy to answer.One last thing. My book has a lot of violence in it, which does not mean that I condone it in the real world. You see, I dissect a scene in my head and describe it on paper how I see it. It's just how I have always been; I love vivid detail, and want to reader to be able to see what unfolded in my head as I wrote it.Again, a big thank you from the bottom of my heart. Positive or negitive reviews, thank you for reading my creation. It has taken nearly 15 years to tell this story, and it'll take plenty more.Books by Mario WalshTales of The Arter GemsEpisode III - The Chosen One - FREEEpisode IV - A Twist of Fate - FREEEpisode V - Syra's Paradox - FREEEpisode II - The Pinnacles of Fate - FREEEpisode I - The Prophet and her Legacy - FREEEpisode VI - The Syndicate of Time 'Prologue' - FREEAndBeyond the F.O.G SeriesEpisode I - The Chiller - FREEEpisode II - the Dark Messiah - FREEEpisode III - 2023Episode IV - 2025COMING SOONEpisode VI - The Syndicate of Time Full Edition + 'Epilogue' - 2025

Book preview

The

Dark

Messiah

II

Mario

Walsh

Dedications

Life

‘Katherine Walsh'

You have always been my rock. You’ve believed in every goal I’ve made, and always given me words of encouragement, even if it wasn’t something you were into or completely understood. I’m so lucky to have you in my life, as a friend and as my sister. I love you with every fibre of my body, and I’m so happy you’ve finally found an amazing partner, and have a happy little family together. Much love, sis.

And

‘David Walsh'

Dad, thanks so much for your feedback and opinion of 'The Chiller.' It was a gesture that really touched me, and made me excited for you to read the sequel. You were a great father growing up, but like I told you in person, I always saw you as a friend. You knew me inside out, better than all my actual mates.

By the way, you're a far better writer than I'll ever be. I'm raising my glass in your honour. 'Too Many Cookes.' The funniest show that no one has heard of.

Death

Va'aiga Tuigamala

'Inga the Winger'

When I heard the news of your passing, I was truly heartbroken. I will forever hear your commanding voice in my head. Mario, how are you, my bro? When I managed that Video store, you coming into hire DVDs was one of the highlights of my week. All your advice will never be forgotten, and you were always so supportive when I told you I was going to write a book. Thank you for being you, the amazing human being you were.

And

‘Rodney Jonkers'

In the last book, I wrote a dedication to Chris, so naturally it’s your turn now. Gosh you are so sorely missed. I could sit and chat about rock and metal music all night long. I never used to take ‘Def Leppard’ seriously until you and Chris made me see the light. The ‘High and Dry,’ album is a banger, and will always remind me of you both. Your intelligent insight was always appreciated, and your theories on life and how the world is, was always fascinating to hear and digest. My heart always longs for your friendship, but I’m happy for the moments I did get with you both while you were alive. See you in the next life.

Copyright 2022 Mario Walsh

Original Edition, License Notes

Thank you for purchasing this eBook. This book remains the copyrighted property of the author, and may not be reproduced, copied or distributed for commercial or non-commercial purposes. If you enjoy this book, please encourage your friends to download their own copy to help support the author. Thank you very much for your support.

Chapters

I - The Korero at Lake Taupo

II – The Abandoned Highway

III – Hidden Agenda

IV – The Bus

V – The Creepy Cornfields

VI - Coffee and Cigarettes

VII – The Tear

VIII - Important Revelations

IX – A Thorn in Our Side

X - Leaving My Human Side Behind

XI - Peeling Back Layers of the Onion

XII – Smash Palace

XIII - A Momentary Lapse of Reason

XIV – Understanding Who is Boss

XV – The Cannon

XVI – Unrepentant

XVII – My Little Secret

XVIII – Judge, Jury and Executioner

XIX – The Checkpoint

XX – Blind Leading the Blind

XXI – The Disputed

XXII – The Irresistible Force Meets the Immovable Object

XXIII – Grand Theft Auto

XXIV – Both Sides of The Coin

XXV – Soaring Through the Night Sky

XXVI – Psychedelic Myopia

XXVII – Beneath the Remains

XXVIII – The Scouts

XXIX – Like Shit to Fur

XXX - Keep your Friends Close, and Your Enemies Closer

XXXI – The Messenger

XXXII – The Uncooked Food Mountain

XXXIII – The Stakeout

XXXIV – Clean up in Aisle Four

XXXV - Caught By the Short and Curlies

XXXVI - The Chiller

XXXVII - In Bed With the Enemy

XXXVIII - And the Trail Heads South

XXXIX - The Gentleman's Agreement

XL - The Chaos in Rotovegas

XLI - All in

XLII - The Radio Tower

XLIII - Not What We Expected

XLIV - Deliver Us From Evil

XLV – The Invisible Hand

Preface

Ten days have passed since we were being held prisoner in the meat chiller of the Undisputed headquarters. If I begin to ponder of what I've discovered about Max, our unconscious hostage, and Mahuika, the Dark Messiah (Or Goddess of Fire)  since then, I shudder with a mixture of fear and confusion - the whole thing is all sorts of fucked up. I know most people wouldn't learn a lot in ten days, but much like them, I am not most people. I'm known as the Historian, somebody with a meticulous mind for detail, logging it all in my memory for a later date. This has proven to not only be paramount to the future, but it has kept me alive in the darkest of situations. My name is Corban, and this is the start of our quest to find Max's Father, my daughter Puggle, and hopefully get some revenge along the way.

I - The Korero at Lake Taupo

Day Ten – Dusk

**CORBAN**

The three of us are sitting under a tree, watching the sun set in the distance, behind Tongariro, the hue of the pink sky is making me smile; fuck I am so lucky to be alive and able to enjoy this. I'm sitting around a campfire next to Mahuika, and the thing about all of this that's hardest to get used to, is glancing towards the horizon and seeing a murder of crows gliding gracefully our direction, all of which are her pets. This part of it all is still quite hard to get to grips with.

While making eye contact with her, she decides to lower the hood on her black cloak - she has grey, medium length unkempt hair, and the right side of her face has been badly burnt. She puts on an old pair of aviators she found, licks her lips, then puts a Cuban cigar on the edge of her lower lip. Placing her left index finger underneath the tip, a three inch flame emerges, igniting her cigar. I'm still not really used to the fact of her being so casual about the use of magic. It all just boggles my mind.

After all this time, you still look surprised when I do that? Mahuika jokes.

Yeah, it's not something I even believed was possible ten days ago, but it is starting to kind-of become normal, I reply, still in a state of disbelief.

Glad you're kind of getting used to it. Still, in saying that, there’s a lot more to see before this trip is done.

No doubt. What is Max doing?

She's trying to get used to my crows.

Why? You giving them to her?

That's one way of putting it.

Max is down by the waters edge, running around in circles, signalling the crows to land, but they are reluctant to follow her orders.

Mahuika is grinning at me, which makes me curious as to what she's going to do. She clicks her fingers, and a large tree cracks the sand behind her, emerging from beneath the ground. It's leafless, and the texture of the bark is very similar to that of driftwood that you'd find at the beach. The crows are immediately finding a home on the branches somewhere, while Max turns our direction, hands on her hips with a filthy look on her face.

Just thought I'd give you a hand, Mahuika says, cheekily.

I didn't need your damn help, Max replies, in a salty manner.

Max has changed her attire since the day I met her. She was dressed all in black back then, but since the morning of day eight, she has been wearing blue denim jeans, and a fluorescent yellow singlet, which she pinched off the dead body of a Tradie – I can’t forget the iconic crow feather cape that Mahuika gave her; it’s fucking cool, and has saved us a few times. But, attire aside, it’s the short shaved black hair that Max has that always surprises me, as it’s not your typical female haircut, well, not without an allegiance to the Wahine Warriors clan; I'm happy she's not affiliated with them, as they have given me nothing but trouble since the day we crossed paths.

I had a question, I ask.

Fire away, Max replies, sitting cross-legged opposite us.

So, correct me if I’m wrong, but all that drama with the Tradies which we faced on day seven, was that the result of what happened to Geof with one F?

Sure is. Unfortunately, we paid the price for all the beans he spilled to those two snakes, Virgil and Rexy, Mahuika says, kissing the beak of a crow on her right shoulder.

Bastards, Max chimes in.

Doesn’t seem fair to me, us paying for something Undisputed did. Anyway, so much has happened since that day, so it’s all a bit of a blur to me now, I reply.

I can imagine it would be, heck it even is for me too, and I’ve seen a lot of crazy shit in my time. It was definitely a surprise to see the Undisputed partying in the dispatch warehouse of a meat works factory, as it’s not something I’ve personally seen much these days. One thing was certain, they weren't ready for my arrival, Mahuika says, puffing on her cigar.

Or my attack from the inside. I gave them so many warnings, and only the three leaders took it seriously – and still, even they thought I was lying. Either that or they didn't bother feeding this information any further down the food chain, Max adds.

Day One - Dawn

**CORBAN**

Entering the main room, I discover a lot more weirdness. The entire perimeter of this massive room has fire and smoke, but a strong wind is keeping it all pinned up against the walls - it's not spreading either, which is so strange, almost like it's magic. The floor is covered with bodies; humans and crows. The centre of the room is the strangest part of this all, and by far the main event of this weird phenomena I'm currently experiencing. There is a massive tree, which is leafless; the texture resembling old driftwood that you'd find at the beach - it has smashed through the roof, creating a gaping hole, allowing the rain to enter. The branches are covered in crows, all squawking intermittently, like an out of tune choir. Upon making eye contact, they instantly become silent, and I feel like they're staring straight at me. Seated cross-legged below the tree is a hooded individual, facing the trunk of the tree.

Historian, a pleasure to be graced by your presence, the hooded figure says, calmly.

I'm assuming all this carnage was your handy work? I reply.

You assume correctly.

Are these crows going to attack me?

No. They respond and punish who I tell them to. But in this case, they are just in awe of meeting someone who they respect.

How? They've never met me?

Maybe they've felt your arrival, this eventual meeting. Can you relate?

Sure, kind of like how Max talks about meeting me.

Exactly.

On that note, where is Max?

She'll be here in a moment.

Just as she says that, Max enters the room holding a guy covered in blood, by the left arm - his other has been severed. I'm assuming it's the one in the chiller. The closer they get, I realise its Carl she's dragging towards us.

Stand up, Carl, Max says, dragging him up right.

How much blood has he lost? the hooded figure replies.

He's leaking everywhere.

Turn his arm towards me.

Max turns the severed arm socket towards her, and here goes another sight to behold. While seated, the hooded female is breathing fire out of her mouth - a five foot flame burns his arm socket, spreading across to the right side of his face. Carl is screaming in pain.

That should do the trick, she quips, still sitting down.

Who the fuck are you people?!!! Carl yells.

Max puts her hand around Carl's throat, pushing him against the trunk of the tree. Several crows leave the branches above, landing on Carl's head and shoulders, while the hooded lady stands, facing him.

That's a good question, chum. Behind me is the Historian, and to my left is my close friend...... Max. And me..... If you don't answer my questions, I will become your worst nightmare. You may call me, the Dark Messiah.

Carl is giving her a filthy look, then spits her direction, completely missing.

I wouldn’t push her, Carl. Mahuika’s not someone you want to fuck with, Max says, tightening her grip around his throat, he starts to choke a little.

I don't think I have long to live, so what choice do I have? I’m as good as dead anyway, Carl replies.

Oh... You think I'm going to kill you? Mahuika says, bursting into laughter.

Then... What are you..... Going to do...?

It all really depends how you answer our questions? Max, would you like to start?

Certainly.... So... I don't want to sound like a broken record, but what did they tell you?

No..... Nothing...

The crows disperse as Max grabs Carl's right ear and is repeatedly head-butting him. She isn’t wasting any time. When she stops, the crows land back on his head and shoulders.

Where have they gone! Max yells.

I DON’T FUCKING KNOW?! Carl yells back.

Liar!

Enough! Mahuika yells, slowly standing.

Are..... You going to.... Cut out... My tongue? Carl asks, sounding as scared as he looks.

Again, all of my actions depend on you and how forthcoming you are with information. My crows are hungry, and you can look around the room and see the evidence of what they're capable of when they're hungry. They enjoy eating, so I wouldn’t push them. So, I'll ask again, where are those slimy mother fuckers, Virgil and Rexy?

I honestly didn't hear them say anything about where they are going, or what they were going to do.

I'm not convinced, and it appears as if Mahuika isn’t either. Max tightens her grip around Carl's neck, just as Mahuika clicks her fingers - the crows perched on Carl's shoulders begin pecking at his eyes.

ARRRGGGGHHHHH! he screams, as one of his eyes gets pulled out.

The two crows fly off, trying to yank the eyeball out of the other one's beak. Blood oozes out of his right socket, and his whimpering could be him finally giving up this charade.

Now.... Where were we? Mahuika jokes, standing in front of him, legs apart.

I can't believe you did that! Carl yells.

I can, Max chimes in, chuckling.

So, here's how its going to go. You will start talking, or a lack of sight will firmly be in your future. Does that sound clear? Mahuika threatens.

I wouldn't test her.

Okay... Okay... I have heard your threat, loud and clear. What do you want to know?

Where have they gone.

I was being honest, I’m not really sure of where they went. But I do have some helpful information.

Anything at this point would cheer me up. Please, on with it.

Okay... Well, you know how Undisputed own most of the petrol stations south of Auckland? Carl explains, his words trembling out of his mouth.

Yes... That's common knowledge, even to me, Mahuika replies, stroking a crow that's perched on her forearm.

Sure.... Well the Tradies have secured more than a dozen supermarkets in Hamilton, two of which are in shopping malls....

See Carl, not so hard to make you squeal like a pig, was it? Max quips.

I suppose... I’m still not happy with my situation, as I don’t like to turn on my brothers.

Well you don’t have much of a choice now, and it’s clear you’re having a pretty shit day aren’t you? First you have your arm cut off, and then you lose an eyeball. Sounds like you've had a rough day, Mahuika says, cheekily, as two crows land on each of her shoulders, respectively.

You could say that.

Nothing else needs to happen, you just need to keep squealing like a pig. Is that clear?

Crystal clear... So what else do you want to know?

Did they know where any of the supermarkets were? Max asks.

Yes, of course.

And do you have any idea which one are they headed to?

I don't know the road, as my knowledge of that area is pretty shit. But they’re headed to one of the two supermarkets that are very close to each other, in the central business district of Hamilton.

Got it, I think I know which ones. Historian, can you fetch me that rope in the corner of the warehouse, Max says, pointing in the general direction.

Sure thing, I reply, promptly heading towards the rope.

Leering over my shoulder, I see Carl and the fear plastered all over his face. Mahuika is standing opposite him, a crow perched on each shoulder, and her right forearm. Intimidating is the least I can say about her. I grab the rope, heading back her direction, promptly handing it to Max. She nods at me, tying it fairly tightly around Carl's neck.

Shit, could you loosen it a little? Carl asks, gagging a little.

Fuck no. You remember how to get to the road? Max replies, tugging at the rope.

Cough... Cough.... Yes, I can take you.

Good shit, come on then, before you lose that other eye... Or arm, Max says, tugging his rope in the direction of the exit.

You go ahead, the Historian and I will catch up, Mahuika replies.

See you outside, she replies, heading outside.

I wonder what she has to say. She doesn't seem to want to harm me, which settles my nerves a little, but still; I cautiously approach her, not getting too close - the crows are silent, all staring directly at me. Feels like I'm dinner, rather than an ally.

She sits directly in front of the huge tree, patting the ground to her left, instructing me to sit down.

I really admire you, Historian, she says, kissing the crow that's perched on her forearm.

Why? You and Max continuously treat me like some legend, but I'm just a simple man, there’s nothing special about me.

I really wish you knew, Corban. You need to discover how special you really are.

Well, currently I don't. Look at it this way. If I were as unique as you both rave on about, wouldn't I have been more helpful in this escape?

Not at all. Everything went to plan.

What do you mean?

It’s just as I said, everything went to plan.

That really doesn't make me feel any better.

It's not supposed to. You're important to Max and I, you just don't know it yet.

Fine.. Well then, can I ask you a question?

Sure, go ahead.

How can you both be so certain?

We just are. You save both our lives.

Really?

Yes, really. No matter how powerful we are, even we need help sometimes. And you're very important to the birth and rise of the Crow Dynasty.

So I keep hearing.

All will be revealed soon, Historian. All I ask of you is to just be patient.

Okay fine, I can do that...  So how are we getting to Hamilton?

We're walking.

Seriously? I have a car parked out there somewhere, closer to Huntly, I say, pointing that way.

That's too far in the wrong direction.

Well, are we at least going to pass through the forests we have access to?

No. We're taking the main highway.

Are you nuts? That's suicide. There's bandits, Undisputed as well. Everyone knows highways these days are a death-trap.

Exactly. That's why we should go.

I’m really not understanding your logic?

Those threats are the least of our worries.

Oh is this to do with Chi's crew... Umm.. The Syndicate right?

I mean yeah, they are a problem. But there is a large monetary reward on my head, so I have several bounty hunters after me too. I have to keep my presence hidden. The same rules also apply to Max. This is why, as you know, the highway is obviously the most dangerous route, so I’m fairly certain that’s the last place anyone would look.

Okay, I really hope you’re right about this. I guess, the dangerous route it is. Lead the way.

I'll meet you outside. I’ve got to finish this place off. No need for this shit heap to ever be used again. Before you go, please come here.

Okay, I say, cautiously approaching her.

Max mentioned that the little fucker, Rexy, bit your ear? Is that correct?

Yeah... It’s bleeding pretty badly, and stings a little.

Come closer, let me sort that for you.

Leaning closer to her, I turn my head allowing her to place her hand over my bite wound. Suddenly, a warm feeling is heating up my head, and her hand is trembling.

There you go. Wait for me outside, she says, as I’m walking towards the door.

Reaching for the door handle, I pause to glance over my shoulder, while touching my ear. The gash is still there, but it has been completely healed; but, this isn’t even the most astonishing thing to me right now. All the fire and smoke which had been pinned to the walls by a strong wind, suddenly gains it's ability to rage out of control. Mahuika places her hand on the trunk of the mammoth tree, and the palm of her hand sets it ablaze, all in front of my very eyes. She walks towards me, with a partially sinister grin on her face. I really hope I've got into bed with the right people.

Day Ten - Dusk

Wake him up, Max instructs.

I stand and grab a nearby bottle of water, and tip it on Carl's face, startling him. He has been recently beaten to a pulp, and has no eyes and both his arms have been severed, the ends sealed by fire allowing him to live – on top of all that, it’s hard not to notice the burn across the right side of his face, even under all the cuts and bruising. Let's just say he broke our trust, pissed off the wrong people and had a little bad luck thrown in there to balance shit out. Like my mum used to always say, Karma is a bitch.

For fuck’s sake, who did that! Carl yells.

Hey, don't shoot the messenger, I reply, sympathetically.

Nah, you're okay Historian. Thought it was one of.....

One of who....? Max chimes in.

Nobody..... Nobody, sorry Max.

The ladies are chuckling, and they even make him laugh too. He has very little patience for them as they're literally the reason he lost an arm and half his sight. But if I've learnt anything from merely being around them, they're reasonable people who have been pushed to the edge - unfortunately for Carl, he wouldn't stop nudging them. Hopefully now he has learnt his lesson.

II - The Abandoned Highway

Day Ten - Dusk

As the last of the sun peaks past the horizon, we're currently seated in silence. I'm feeding Carl some baked beans, and the other two are enjoying a Cuban cigar - nice to see them not arguing for a change, but hey, I better give them ten minutes, I’m sure that will change. I haven't felt the need to talk, so I haven't. Carl is making the most noise, reacting to every mouthful of his beans like they were made by a professional chef - the sad part is that they're just plain cold beans straight out of the tin – and not even from a named brand, just a plain white tin with a picture of some beans on toast. It's the best we can have, based on the world we now live in.

Mmmmmmmmmmm, Carl says, groaning in pleasure.

I've never heard anyone so high on beans before, Max jokes.

Damn.... Guess the farts will be potent tonight? Mahuika quips.

No..... Doubt, Carl replies, between chews.

We’re all chuckling, as we can't help but laugh. Carl, regardless of all the shit that has happened to him, has actually loosened up enough to show his comedic side. That's not without him being a dick first. Looking back at it all now from the present, maybe we might have done it all differently. Or, maybe, it all happened exactly as it was destined to; well, that's what Max would say.

That's right, isn't it Max? I say, out of the blue.

What is? She replies, as I'm placing more beans in Carl's mouth.

Our lives, they've all turned out as they were destined to?

Oh you bet.

Even all the shit that happened on the highway?

Even all of that shit too.

Those fucking twins. And let’s not forget the other guy. What was his name again?

Xeotar.

That’s right... How long have they annoyed you?

Oh, the twins? Fucking ages. But Xeotar not so long. She was aligned with the twins at one point.

They are hired hands, Max. I only utilised them before as it was long before the Crow Dynasty even existed.... And I was trying to track down..... Oh it really doesn't matter anyway, Mahuika chimes in, sounding grumpy.

Syra right? I reply - both the females are looking at me, shocked.

How do you... Mahuika asks, sounding as shocked as she looks.

It was Chi that told you, right? Max adds.

Sure was. It seems like everyone is after her; this chick must have beer flavoured nipples, I quip, causing Carl to spill some of his beans while laughing.

Shit we wouldn't know that, Max promptly replies.

Yeah yeah, so you say. So anyway, who hired Xeotar? Cause he was definitely leading those two twins...

I was thinking the same thing, Carl adds, before chewing his last spoonful of beans that I placed in his mouth.

Now that's a good question. Wish I knew too, Max replies.

Same here, Mahuika says, kissing a crow on her left shoulder.

Day One - Noon

We’re walking along a stony road, (which is shrouded by trees and New Zealand native bush) and it has been for many hours - luckily the rain has eased a little, feeling like a light fluff on my cold skin. It’s such a long road to the meat works; I guess they wanted to operate off the grid, whatever floats your boat I suppose. But, talk about off the beaten track. Max has a tight grip of the rope around Carl's neck, and Mahuika has walked a few metres ahead of us. If I have to be honest, I'm still a little fatigued from the events of the meat works. A wash and a sleep are exactly what I need right now; well, a comfortable sleep while laying horizontal anyway.

We arrive at a state highway, and are greeted by the usual mess. Abandoned cars everywhere, going towards the horizon in both directions. There is moss and foliage everywhere, growing through cracks in the highway, and the grass is long enough to hide behind – really makes it feel like we’ve been in this new world forever, and there is no going back now. No one is to be seen anywhere, and there's an abundance of silence, quiet enough to think I’m six feet under the ground. Even the birds are absent, which is a sad state of affairs.

Well well, Carl. I must admit, I didn't think this would give me the Heebee Jeebees as much as being in that chiller, I joke.

This time, Historian, I actually have to agree with you. I've never liked this highway, well, since it became abandoned, Carl replies.

Me too bro. Ladies, what's the plan?

I have an urgent errand to attend to. I'll catch up soon, Mahuika says, walking the opposite way to where we're meant to be going.

Wait what? Max replies, sounding as shocked as I."

I second that! Where could you possibly be going? I chime in.

It is what it is. I have to run this or it will cause an issue later, Mahuika says, continuing to walk away.

When will you be back?

I won't be long. You can handle protecting them, right Max?

Yeah, sure, whatever. You fucking know I can.

Good to hear. I'll leave this for you. Wear it with pride, and when you're in a shit spot, the crows will come, Mahuika says, laying a cape made of crow feathers on the bonnet of a red car.

As Max picks up the feather cape, and places it around her neck, she doesn't seem impressed, and I don’t blame her. She has been given babysitting duties, and it puts us in a tough spot. We still have a live hostage, who is proving to be a pain more than a pleasure, but like Mahuika said, it is what it is. We will have to make do. Max is armed with a bow, a quiver of arrows slung over her back, and a sheathe with a machete attached to her stomach. She arms herself, passes me the rope around Carl's neck, and signals for me to follow her. Approaching a green Ute, she jams the tip of her blade in the keyhole and pops it open. Lifting out a camouflage bag, she passes it to me and I sling it over my shoulders. I nod at Max, following her lead.

There are vehicles everywhere, on both sides of the highway. Utes, jeeps, cars, motorbikes, trucks and in the distance I can make out a bus. A plethora of choice, all of which may have food or supplies.

So, are we going to check these for any helpful goodies? I ask.

Yeah, good call. I was already thinking about it to be honest, Max replies.

I'll check this side, and you jump the median barrier and check the other?

Sounds good. Only nosey through vehicles that seem like no one has bothered checking okay? Remember this highway has been hit pretty bad, but I'm always optimistic.

Hard out. Keep your eyes open too, Carl.

Fuck you, I only have one eye, Carl replies, annoyed.

Oh yeah, sorry about that. Eye forgot, I quip, while Max audibly laughs.

Carl is leering over his shoulder, his facial expression not supporting my humour. Fair enough, I suppose I wouldn't be too impressed either.

Most of the vehicles we're drifting past have smashed windows, or popped boots. Like Max instructed, these seem searched to me. There is a cluster of vehicles up ahead, maybe I'll have a bit of luck. Carl and I step on the bonnet of an older car, and see a blue Holden Commodore in the centre; it only seems to have a smashed front windscreen.

This might be a bit of us, I say, enthusiastically.

I fucking love Holden's, Carl replies, in a similar manner.

You sit on the bonnet, keep a look out.

Oh man, no soft, cushy, leather seats for me?

No, you get a custom made, hot steel bonnet to sit your arse down on.

Oh man.... Fine, whatever you say, Carl replies, as I carefully step through the broken windscreen, sitting in the leather driver's seat.

Gosh, my nostalgia is running wild. There are two red fluffy dice attached to the rear vision mirror, a chain link steering wheel, metallic foot petals, a power clutch, and an eight ball nob on the gear stick; there is even a cassette tape deck for a stereo. This is a trip down memory lane for sure. I don't know what year Commodore this model is, but my educated guess is late eighties to early nineties for sure.

What's it like in there? Carl asks, excitement in his voice.

Absolutely beautiful bro, a thing of sheer beauty, I reply.

Can I please sit in there? I'm a massive fan.

No, you can't. You're our prisoner and you can't bargain this time. Shut the fuck up and stay look out.

Fine... You suck by the way.

I know, you’ve told me many times when you’ve threatened to kill me. Consider yourself lucky that I’m such a dick.

Looking down, I see the lever to pop the boot, which I do without a moment’s hesitation. Carl standing up catches my attention.

What is it? I ask, creaking through the windscreen and joining him on the bonnet.

Ssshhh, listen, he replies.

We both shut up, listening in silence. I can hear what sounds like several engines revving way in the distance. The upside to these times are the silence, as it makes you hear sounds that are much further away much easier.

Okay, I hear it too. Quick, follow me to the boot, I instruct, leading Carl across the roof.

Ah man, you sure I can't sit inside?

NO! Hurry the fuck up!

There's no room to stand behind the car, as a green sedan is pinned up against it, so I’m sitting on the bonnet of that car, while leaning into the boot; Carl is standing on the bonnet of the white car next to us.

Do you see anything? I ask, lifting the rubbish and blankets out of