In Search of the Unknown Chaptered Version

Part 4

He appeared at the end of a terrible storm, like a divine gift sent after the catastrophe, that's at least what we thought soon after. Michail was a kind man, his words would warm us when we lacked a fire. He was intelligent and literate, and a reader of the bible the only possession he owned to himself. His charisma was like a spell on us. He would appear, and he would convince us to stay the night and dine with us.

It felt bizarre at first to see him wandering around, and then suddenly convince a family to stay with him. I never understood why they were so friendly to a mere stranger, that's until I met him. He was lighthearted, making jokes that would make a room roar. Though he did take jabs at him quite seriously, he saw it like criticism, which he took seriously. He also brought in a sense of respectability, he seemed to always know what he was doing and showed to be talented in everything.

Soon his near regal status made him loved by the criminals and downtrodden. They saw him as someone to trust in and rely upon. He would provide everything we asked.

One day he told us that the town's electricity will work again. He left for a few days and came back with electrical repairmen and professionals. Then he did the same with the water. Then he came back with mountains of food for the people.

He seemed to be able to do everything and was never wrong. Anybody who said otherwise was hurt by the people loyal to Michail.

The biggest thing he did for us was set up a large building so all of us could go to Church together. There he gave speeches and informed us of the outside world. He told us of a war that was ravaging the world, that was being led by the devil himself. I would later find out this war never existed, but by that time it was too late, just extra context for what happened next.

After a year and a half of Fil'yery having full dominion over the town, he suddenly became paler. He avoided the shadows, jumped when someone walked up behind him, and he always seemed worried like he was waiting for something to strike.

Then one day at Church, he gave us the news. The war was coming to our town, and that soon beasts from hell were soon to be advancing on us. He told us that he was instructed by God to lead us into the mountains into the caves where old nuclear bunkers are. So, the whole town with our hearts and minds

under his tight grip, traveled into the cave bunkers. Once we all came down there, we waited for hours to hear what came in. Suddenly there were sounds of destruction, of screaming, cackling, waling, and the rumble of chaos.

He was right, and we were now stuck in this small cave. We brought a decent amount of supplies and many more that had seemed to be prepared for our arrival. Whoever brought the greenhouse farm and other supplies I have no idea who, but there was no way Michail did it by himself.

Our prophet suspected that there were more entrances into the caves and that some creatures will try to come in after us. We had a decent number of firearms and a few hammers and other melee weapons. It was required now that any group of women must have at least one man by their side.

It was horrifying walking through those cramped halls, hoping there wasn't some creature hiding in the halls. I was tasked with a few others to watch over the plants and the food. The man protecting us was named Igor. I never met Igor before, so it's unknown where he came from or what his last name is. If Igor is his real name. He was young, around his twenties, his head was shaved, with his blond hair sticking out as nearly clear, small spikes. He was quiet most of the time, having a concentration and intensity to him that I've never seen before. Igor was often skeptical of Michail's orders, yet he never fully voiced it. People who were resistant to our prophet always ended up dead, ambushed by some creature. It almost felt like whoever stayed on Michail's side, was on God's side. This was sensible since not that many of us died. The creatures were dangerous, but they weren't invincible.