The Last Stand

The Last Stand

Chapter 1: The Warning Signs

Joseph Carter had always trusted in the Word of God. A devoted KJV believer, he recognized the signs of the coming tribulation. Inflation had turned into hyperinflation, riots erupted in the streets, and society teetered on the brink of collapse. At first, he prepared—storing food, fortifying his cabin deep in the countryside—but no amount of preparation could shield him from what came next.

The economy crumbled. Food vanished from stores, and desperate mobs roamed the streets like ravenous beasts. Law enforcement dissolved, leaving chaos in its wake. The strong preyed on the weak. Joseph watched and prayed, knowing this was only the beginning.

Chapter 2: The Descent into Madness

The first rumors of cannibalism came from the cities, then the suburbs—whispered tales of people disappearing overnight, never to be seen again. As food shortages worsened, the line between man and beast blurred. The desperate turned to unspeakable acts.

Joseph rationed his remaining supplies, barricading his home against the horrors outside. He clung to his Bible, drawing strength from its promises. But he knew—sooner or later—they would come.

One night, as he sat reading by candlelight, he heard them. Shapes moving through the trees, low whispers carried on the wind. He gripped his rifle. The hunters had found their prey.

Chapter 3: The Battle for Survival

The first attack came before dawn. Joseph’s traps did their work—screams of agony pierced the air as barbed wire and hidden spikes found their victims. He raised his rifle and fired into the darkness. The remaining shadows scattered, but he knew they would return.

By midday, they struck again—wild-eyed, skeletal men with rusted blades and bloodstained hands. These were not scavengers. They were hunters, searching for meat. His hands were steady, his aim true. The first man fell, then another. Blood soaked the earth outside his cabin.

Still, they kept coming.

Joseph fought with the strength of a man who knew he had nothing left to lose. He fired until his bullets were gone, then met them with a blade. The battle raged until the last of them lay motionless at his feet.

He had won. But the victory was hollow.

Chapter 4: The Long Hunger

The bodies lay in the yard, carrion for the crows. He had defended himself against their depravity, refusing to become like them. But his supplies were gone. His strength was fading. And now, he was truly alone.

Days passed. His limbs grew weak, his vision blurred. His stomach writhed in agony, but he would not give in. He would rather die than partake in the unthinkable.

He clutched his Bible to his chest and whispered a final prayer. The words of Revelation echoed in his mind: "They loved not their lives unto the death."

As the sun dipped below the horizon, his breath slowed. He had fought. He had endured. He had never surrendered to the beast.

Darkness closed in. The Great Tribulation had begun, and the world’s descent into madness was far from over.