Apocalypse (Rapture Trilogy) Read online

  Apocalypse

  Rapture #3

  © Phillip W. Simpson 2013

  Published by Arete Publishing

  Copyright 2013 Phillip W. Simpson

  Amazon Edition

  "I have held my peace a long time, I have been still and restrained myself. Now I will cry like a woman in labor . . . I will lay waste to the mountains and hills" (Isaiah 42:14-15)

  For my parents, Michael and Elaine.

  Reviews of Rapture

  Rapture is a YA novel - the first in the Rapture trilogy by Phillip W. Simpson.

  “…Sam’s character develops as his past unfolds over chapters that cleverly alternate between past and present. It’s hard not to feel for Sam and his unfortunate fate…[Teens] will find this over-the-top story a fun, quirky read…”

  https://www.kirkusreviews.com

  "A fast pace combine with compelling characters to make Rapture a great addition to the post-apocalyptic genre."

  http://www.burnbright.com.au/

  "Enthralling and everything you ever want it to be. I never had an issue trying to keep up with what was going on or getting bored and skimming pages. Perfect for readers 14 and up."

  http://ttynwhite.wix.com/honeybadgeronblog

  "This is an amazing book! And don't let the religious premise of the book lead you into thinking this is a heavy-handed-preaching-religious-platform kind of book--it's not. Secular audiences will enjoy this book just as much as the Christian audience will."

  http://dalesplace-dale.blogspot.co.nz/

  "The action and the dialogue are crisp and fun. It has everything you need in an adventure book. If you are not a Christian or know nothing about the Rapture, don’t worry. You do not need to be a believer to enjoy this book."

  http://councilofpeacocks.blogspot.co.nz/

  "What would you do if the world ended, all your friends and loved ones were gone, and demons plagued the skies? Personally, I would find the one guy wielding katana swords and demons horns, and stick to him like glue! Don’t know one? Well luckily, Phillip W. Simpson’s Rapture provides the perfect traveling companion: Sam. Only problem is, Sam is not much of a people person, but who needs conversation skills when your soul and all of humanity is on the line?"

  http://ohfudgewithmuffinsya.blogspot.co.nz/

  “This book really surprised me as to how good it was. As a dystopian junkie this one is high on my recommendation list. I will be watching out for the next installment of this series because now I'm hooked.”

  www.abook-loversreview.com

  "You want action, a good plot and some surprising elements to help you read until you fall asleep? [If] you're a fan of Paranormal YA reads, angels, demons and biblical subjects, you will fall in love with The Rapture. I think you should buy if it's your kind of read!"

  http://proserpinecravedfor.blogspot.co.nz/

  “Rapture is written in a beautiful, hauntingly way full of descriptive style that leaves your mind tingling. Phillip W. Simpson expertly braids together an action-packed, coming-of-age story that both females and males of all age will enjoy.”

  http://readingbythebeach.blogspot.co.nz

  “Would I recommend Rapture? Definitely, if you love demons, battle scenes aplenty and a great ending, you’ll love this!”

  http://talltalesandshortstories.blogspot.co.nz

  “One thing that made the book so enjoyable was the pacing, which I thought was perfect. There would be some moments of downtime, but an action scene would quickly follow so the story never got dull. And what's even better is that Simpson really knows how to write action.”

  http://midnight-reader.blogspot.co.nz

  “Not a single scene felt like a drag or filler. WOW, the fighting scenes felt fresh and not repetitive at all.”

  http://roroisreading.blogspot.co.nz

  “I have to say that the author is a master at describing Sam’s fight moves with his swords. It is easy to get into monotonous repetitions, but I never felt that happening anywhere in the book. The fight sequences have been terrifically choreographed and I just loved getting immersed in them.”

  http://riteshkala.wordpress.com

  “…this book is one of the most unique post-apocalyptic YA books I've seen yet. Fast-paced and engrossing, it kicks off … - and doesn't slow down.”

  http://ricochetreviews.blogspot.co.nz/

  “Rapture is a beautifully told story in an ugly setting. The writing is descriptive but straight-forward, the settings are familiar yet new and the characters are engaging, evil or otherwise. I am so happy that I gave this book a chance – Mr. Simpson is an incredibly talented writer and I will be eagerly awaiting the next installment of this series, which has serious potential to be the next big thing in YA reading.”

  http://theaussiezombie.blogspot.co.nz

  “This is a pretty epic story that deals with a lot of hefty issues. Overall this is a really good book that has action and adventure, love and heartbreak, and above all hope.”

  http://evesfangarden.com

  Reviews of Tribulation

  Tribulation (Rapture Trilogy #2)

  "The second book in the Rapture series is filled with more action, more drama and more intrigue than the first book. The stakes have really been raised...which is kind of hard to do considering the first book starts with the end of the world...Tribulation is a fun read and even stronger than Rapture. If you liked the first in the series, you will love this one."

  http://councilofpeacocks.blogspot.ca

  "Overall, I find this book a good read. The plot was consistent and there were no holes or missing pieces in the story. This book has got some cliff hanger. What happens to Sam now that his powers are stripped? Does he get Aimi back? I am definitely awaiting the next installment in the series!"

  http://reviewbuzzz.blogspot.in/

  "Phillip W. Simpson had me hooked with the first book and book 2 was even better. Most series I notice slack off and are not as good as the first. However, I was on a cliffs edges from beginning to end. The writing improved and I loved all the characters even the ones I didn't...BUT MOST OF ALL... OMG... the epic climax at the end... I wasn't sure if I wanted to breakdown and cry, throw my kindle or hold my breath. It is one ending that will have your heart pounding and your mind going stir crazy until the next book."

  http://www.novellasses.blogspot.co.nz/

  "As I've mentioned earlier, the actual plot is derived from the Christian eschatology which includes the Rapture and the Tribulation, and both books use this is a device to move through the story, which adds an interesting element that, although I am not religious, is commonly known enough to be familiar, with a whole bunch of extras that steer the story away from Christian preaching and to a fantastic young adult read that also holds appeal to adult audiences, particularly fans of post-apocalyptic and dystopian fiction."

  http://theaussiezombie.blogspot.co.nz/

  Prologue

  Days until the Apocalypse: 1215

  And the Lord said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. Job 2:1-3

  Clay pots. Six of them. Such insignificant things. Who would’ve thought they’d be the source of such frustration?

  He weighed them thoughtfully in his hands like a baker considering measurements for a particularly problematic cake, calculating wind speed and trajectories; factors up to now he’d considered irrelevant. Factors he’d been forced to consider after repeated failures.

  He focused and breathed deeply like he’d been taught, channeling his energy. He would not fail this time. Dropping his hands ever so slightly, he launched them into the air with a quick flick of his wrist. Six smal
l clay pots tumbled through the air like brown doves scattering before an eagle, barely visible in the light of early evening. He inhaled sharply and then his hands moved so quickly they were a blur, darting down to his waist and over behind his back. Glints of metal, dull sounds of impacts and then the swords were back in their sheathes where they started. Almost like they had never moved.

  Twelve pieces of pottery clattered onto the ground, their edges sliced with surgical precision. He continued to look straight ahead, knowing with absolute certainty that he had succeeded. Pride and satisfaction surged inside his chest.

  “Well done, Sam,” said a gentle voice behind him.

  Sam turned smoothly and bowed his head ever so slightly. He turned only out of respect, not in surprise. He’d known Hikari was there. His sensei was incapable of sneaking up on him now, despite his best efforts. Sam sensed that it was a game – a test – one that he’d only just passed. It was only a few months earlier that Hikari had managed to surprise him on more than one occasion. No longer.

  “Thank you, sensei.”

  Hikari indicated a nearby mat. “Sit with me, my son.”

  Sam complied, taking up a cross-legged position opposite his master. They made an odd couple; a young man in his prime, tall and athletic wearing a casual hoodie and track pants, and a much older diminutive Japanese man, dressed in a traditional keikogi training robe.

  “What have you learned from this exercise?” asked Hikari. The tone was light, conversational, but Sam wasn’t fooled. This was a serious question, to be answered in the same manner.

  Sam considered carefully, not willing to disappoint. “Diligence. Hard work,” he replied eventually. “Practice, repetition. Perseverance.”

  Hikari nodded but Sam couldn’t help but think his answer had somehow failed to impress. “True. All fine traits but there was another lesson I intended you to learn as well this evening.” He smiled slightly, almost embarrassed. “I confess that I intentionally set you up for failure, Sam. I never intended for you to succeed. In fact, despite your supernatural strength and speed and your exceptional swordsmanship, I would’ve thought this task I set you impossible. It seems I have almost taught you too well.” He smiled again, trying to take the slight sting out of the remark.

  “I don’t understand,” said Sam. It was true – he had no idea what the older man was on about.

  “Tell me Sam, what happens after the Rapture?”

  Sam glanced downwards and pretended to adjust his tabi boots, giving him time to gather his thoughts. He thought back on the lessons that Hikari had drilled into him. The countless hours poring over the Bible and discussing dogma. The debates that lasted until the sun rose.

  “The Tribulation, of course.”

  “And how long does it last for?”

  “Seven years,” he answered without hesitation. He looked up into the calm face of his master. “What are you getting at, sensei?”

  Hikari held up one calming hand. “Patience. And what happens at the end of the Tribulation?”

  “The final judgment. The last battle. The Apocalypse. The return of Christ at the head of an angelic army,” he recited dutifully.

  Hikari nodded. “Very good, my son. You have learned your lessons well.” He paused thoughtfully. Sam resisted the impulse to fidget. He knew Hikari must be going somewhere with this.

  “Countless millions of those left behind will die during the Tribulation. Only the tenacious, lucky or those in league with the demons will survive. I have no doubts whatsoever that you will be among them. If anyone can survive, it is you. You have the skills and abilities to stay alive when others will fall.”

  “Thanks to you, sensei.”

  Hikari waved the compliment aside. “No. The skills you have mastered are largely due to your strength of character – and your natural abilities of course. You have the will to succeed. The will to survive and overcome all odds, even when they seem insurmountable. But sometimes, sometimes, even that isn’t enough. Sometimes, you lose even when you appear to win.”

  “I still don’t understand.”

  “What happens when Christ returns? What happens to you?” he asked pointing one small finger at Sam’s chest.

  Sam frowned. The thought had occurred to him, of course, but seven years was after all, seven years. That was a long time to an eighteen year old. He hadn’t really contemplated that far into the future. First he had to get through the Rapture and the Tribulation. He’d deal with the return of Christ when the time came.

  “I…I don’t know,” he confessed finally.

  “The Bible tells us that Christ will triumph over the Antichrist although I believe that there is still some doubt in the matter. If we take the Bible literally, do you think you’ll be welcome in the thousand year kingdom of Christ on Earth? Paradise on Earth. You know you can’t go to Heaven. What makes you think they’d want you here?”

  Sam felt the beginnings of anger stirring within him. He couldn’t believe he was hearing this from Hikari. Why was he doing this to him? Hadn’t he suffered enough torment without this? He suppressed his anger quickly, unwilling to vent his fury on the only man he loved. Channeling the anger into action, he stood, fists barred, looking down at his master.

  “Well, they wouldn’t, obviously. I’m going to Hell, of course. I know that.” His voice was rising but he didn’t care. They were out in the barren landscape of Utah, miles from their town of Jacob’s Ladder. There was no-one around to hear.

  Hikari sighed and looked up at him, askance. He patted the mat. “Come. Sit down again.”

  With every sign of reluctance, Sam finally sat. Hikari watched him in silence.

  “The purpose of the exercise today was to teach you to fail. As I mentioned earlier, I had underestimated your abilities. Foolish of me but there you have it.”

  “Great,” said Sam sarcastically. “You want me to fail.”

  Hikari shook his head sadly. “Fail, is a subjective term. Perhaps a better term is not always win. I wanted you to realize that despite your abilities, even you may not always win. There are certain things that cannot be changed.”

  “So why bother?” Sam knew he sounded sulky but he couldn’t help it.

  “Because,” said Hikari firmly, “you have a job to do. Kill the Antichrist, protect the innocent. Surely that’s enough for you? All I want to do is prepare you for the future. I don’t want to get your hopes up. I know in my heart you will be there at the final battle. You will be there when Christ returns again. After that,” he shrugged, “who knows? There is still much in the Bible open to interpretation or debate. The future, regardless of what others believe, is never set. You can be the master of your own destiny but that destiny has limits. I want you to survive.”

  Sam lowered his head. “I will do my best, master,” said Sam, all anger drained from him now. “For you and Aimi.” He felt a finger gently rest under his chin. A slight pressure lifted his head up so the two men could make eye contact.

  “Know this, Sam. I am proud of you. So proud. Just watching you makes my heart burst with joy. I love you like my own son. I will always love you, no matter what.”

  Sam awoke, covered in sweat. He sat upright. Too quickly. His head swam and he lay down again with a groan. He felt sick with regret and loss. Hikari was gone from him now and he’d never told the man that he’d loved him. That scene, four years earlier, had been the perfect opportunity and he’d blown it, sitting in front of his master but unable to say those simple words. ‘I love you.’

  He’d managed to see Hikari one more time in Heaven but he knew that path was forever closed to him. The Watcher, Samyaza, may have been able to sneak him in once, but never again.

  “I thought you didn’t allow yourself to fall asleep,” said a smooth voice from the shadows.

  Sam sat bolt upright again, this time ignoring the sickening feeling as his vision swam before him. A figure stepped out from patch of darkness, a figure that filled Sam with mixed feelings of revulsion and fear. And some
thing else that Sam wasn’t prepared to acknowledge.

  “He’s not your father, you know. I don’t know why you’ve invested so much in the man. He is just a man after all.”

  “Stay out of my dreams,” snapped Sam, his voice harsh with disuse.

  The figure crossed the distance between them. He indicated the dirty mattress that served as Sam’s bed. “Mind if I sit?”

  Sam glared at him. The figure took his silence as permission and made himself comfortable, adjusting the trousers of his immaculate pin-striped suit. He looked around with every sign of good-natured curiosity. “I like what you’ve done with the place. Looks very…homely.” As usual, his father’s sarcastic remarks irritated him. Sam knew full-well that his surroundings were hardly salubrious. What did he expect from a disused service room in the subway? The brick walls were crumbling, filthy mattresses and other human detritus littered the floor and the room reeked of unwashed bodies and sickness. But it was better than nothing.

  “You’ve got no right,” Sam said through gritted teeth.

  “What?” said Satan, his eyes wide with innocence.

  “You know what I mean. Those are my private memories. Stay the hell out of them.”

  Satan smiled at the reference to his home. “Well, do something about it then, my little horn.”

  Sam knew exactly what his father meant. If he wanted Satan to stay out of his mind, he’d have to sleep in a protective pentacle. That was the only way to ensure that his dreams remained secure. But that meant that he’d have to reveal his true nature to everyone which was essentially suicide. It was bad enough that a few of them knew what he was; he couldn’t allow the others to know – especially in his condition. Satan knew that as well as he.