The group lurched from the shed, the first aid kit and bandages gripped it tightly because their lives depended on it,
their lungs burning as the shadow beast's roar echoed into the ruins.
The shadow galloped across the ruin after sensing their presence, with a thunderous shriek, hits Tera off her feet.
Caleb's legs shook, the charm in his pocket shined fiercely, cancelling out the monster's cloak of darkness, revealing a horrid ,faceless, elongated body..." its not even recognizable....is that thing even possible to revert back to human?".
Caleb couldn't help but have such thoughts in his mind as he saw the monstrosity underneath the cloak of darkness.
They'd barely scraped by or so they thought as the former "human" had its elongated fingers drawn out in its final attempt against them —Ethan shoved Caleb from a claw swipe,
Tara stumbling over debris, Jenny shrieking as Lila dragged her clear,
Caleb break free from Ethan's grip, reached out into his pocket brought out the gem which is shining brightly as if it knows his master's life is in danger.
The creature attacked while Caleb was bathed in its light, it attacked but it's claws never touched him....
instead it was its claws that was crumbling to dust ....its hands completely consumed by the time Caleb was out of his stupor of surprise....the cracks kept spreading....its body started emitting lights from the cracks,
the creature cry out a pained shriek, the light became blinding, they covered their eyes not to be exposed to its blinding rays . by the time the rays die down....it was gone, nothing left except some of its charred remaining.
We're alive, but how long? That thing was too close, he thought, his mind racing with adrenaline, glancing at Ethan, his strength fleeting,
Jenny sagged against Lila, her wrapped shoulder still seeping, her face pale with shock. "That beast almost got me—thanks, Lila," she rasped, her voice trembling, a faint nod of thanks breaking through.
Lila steadied her, plank in hand, her red hair plastered with sweat, her breath uneven.
"Too damn close—don't thank me yet," she grunted, her tone gruff but laced with relief, scanning the lightening sky.
Ethan limped beside Caleb, his leg scraped raw, a wild grin splitting his face. "Ha, I knew you were gonna do something crazier than me —But i always react faster!" he taunted, clapping Caleb's shoulder,
"what was that anyways?" . He asked clearly curious, Caleb just lightly shook his head " i don't know either....stop looking at me like i had some power up!"
Ethan chuckled " alright alright we will find out later....right now we need to leave this damn place", he said the last part like he just remembered their out in the open.
Tara picking her self up from the ground while groaning, her bag already in shambles, slipping, her body still in pain since the collision. "Mornings are safe—monsters only hit at night," she panted, her voice quivering, hugging the supplies.
Caleb's jaw clenched, his distrust in her flared again.....Lila turned their way " she's right, they cant move around in daytime....its like they enter a dormant phase or something"
She blurt out in the heat of the moment. He turned to Lila, voice low. "How do you know that? About daytime?" he pressed, a flicker of curiosity cutting through his exhaustion.
Lila stiffened, glancing away. "Picked it up along the way—i will explain later, okay?" she muttered, she evaded the question , hinting at secrets.
The sun crept up, the ruins softening under its glow, broken houses casting shrinking shadows.
Jenny winced, shifting her weight. "it seems my loss of blood is finally catching up to me—need water fast," she growled, her toughness clawing back. Ethan chuckled, nudging Caleb. "Water would really hit the spot right about, ehh little brother—beat you to it?" he teased, his voice light despite the his current battered look.
Caleb smirked, pushing him back. "You're literally still limping, u dumbass —save it for a fight," he shot, they banter to lighten the mood .
They hobbled toward a crumbled fountain, the morning still, no growls stirring. Tara pointed, breathless. "That fountain—might have a drip," she offered, her hope tentative.
Jenny shot her a look. "I really hope....how do you even know all this?!" she snapped, her distrust showing openly. Tara looked at her with a deadpan look "its literally there!" she snapped too while point in the the distance, there stood a slightly damaged fountain.
Ethan grinned, ruffling Tara's hair. "Don't push her—she has probably gone through her fair share too, to be able to tell us this things" he quipped, his taunt sharp but playful.
Caleb led, the charm quiet, his thoughts churning. Ethan saved me again—how do I keep us alive now?, I don't know if I will be able to do what I did back then again.
The fountain loomed, a faint trickle echoing doesn't seem to be enough for all of them to drink from, luckily there was a tap near the fountain. Lila knelt, testing it. "It's clean—drink up," she called, her voice steadying.
Jenny sighed, sipping. "Barely escaped for this…i appreciate it," she murmured, her guard easing. Ethan gulped, then taunted the air. "Choke on that, night scum—day's ours!" he crowed, celebrating his survival in his own way.
As they rested, the sun rose higher, the ruins peaceful.
Caleb watched Ethan, a knot tightening. He's the only one I actually know here—can't lose him, he thought, his leadership stirring.
"Stay alert—night's when it hits," he said, his voice firm.
Lila nodded. "We'll bunk here—rest while it's quiet," she planned, dodging his question. Tara sat apart, then murmured, "I know a dusk hideout." Caleb eyed her. "How many things do you know exactly?," he said, stern.