Chapter Eighteen: Fallen Warrior

Exodus and the others had managed to scare the others away by the time the blinding flash of light filled the skies, and when they turned, they saw a black figure spinning over the furthest treetops and away from view as the few trees that remained rattled and shook against the next powerful shockwave. Exodus' eyes widened, and before he knew what he was doing, he was sprinting across the sand and plunging into the ruined forest, ignoring the shouts of Rachel and Henry. He raced between the trees that had not been destroyed, tripping over tree roots and smashed wood. Then, he reached the worst of the damage. The grass was gone, as well as a majority of the dirt. Now only rubble, rock and debris remained, scattered across the now-obliterated clearing. And in the centre of all of it lay Nathaniel, lying on his back and staring up.

Exodus raced over, his boots pounding against the firm ground as he came to a skidding stop beside Nathaniel's side. It seemed as though it were already too late. Nathaniel's eyes were wide as he stared up at the starry sky, unblinking as his eyes clouded with death. "Oh God," whispered Exodus as he collapsed to his knees, a hand over his mouth in shock and horror. Thudding footsteps came behind Exodus, and two pairs of feet came to a halt, two different gasps sounding over his shoulder. Exodus felt hot tears stinging at his eyes as he fought to hold himself together. He could not…would not…break now. Very small footsteps approached Exodus' side, and when Rachel gently placed her hand onto his shoulder, that was what broke Exodus' spirit. He bowed over his brother's body, a scream ripping from his mouth as tears ran down his cheeks.

"It's ok," murmured Rachel, sorrow choking her own voice as she fought for control, just to be there for Exodus. Henry came up on Exodus' other side and knelt beside him, a look of despair across his face as he stared down at Nathaniel's unmoving body. "He died to protect us…we cannot put his final act to waste by hunting down Catastrophe," Henry whispered, now looking over at Exodus, who was doing his best not to let anymore tears fall. Exodus slowly nodded but did not look away from his brother's body. "He needs to be buried," Exodus whispered, his voice barely heard, yet Rachel slowly nodded. "Of course. They will all be buried. They tried ending this, and they did pay the price for protecting us. The only way we can honour them is by coming up with a plan!"

Exodus did not have a plan. He did not want to do anything other than lie down and die. Yet he knew, that was no longer an option. He had to keep going, had to keep fighting. But how could they win without the Symbol of Hope?