Madison did not wake up no matter how hard I shook her. She would only grunt and groan but that was it, that was enough to put my rapid-beating heart at ease. If anything were to happen to her I would never be able to forgive myself.
Still weak from the accident we had a little while ago, I got down from the car feeling pain all over my body. It wasn't long before I got down and did a little stretch to make sure I didn't break anything. I look up ahead to see if I can manage carrying Madison on my back to get help. But, from where I was looking there were no houses nearby, at least from where I saw it. And no vehicles or people were moving around.
I noticed some movement in the car and I turned to check. Madison was trying to sit up right. I rushed to her side quickly helping her sit up.
"Are you okay? Where does it hurt?" I bombarded her with questions. But Madison could only squeeze me faintly and managed a smile. I knew what that meant, she was trying to reassure me she was fine.
"I'll go get help okay?" I said to her but, her response was another squeeze. My ear perks up when I hear a vehicle coming from nearby.
"Give me a minute," I tell Madison before rushing out of the car to see if truly there was a vehicle or not. To my delight there was. I started waving with my hands up so they could stop.
The car slowly came to a stop.
"What are you doing? I asked you not to stop!" A lady about my age scolded the man, who was driving. They seemed like they were going to a party or coming from one.
The man ignored her and turned to me to question me;
"What's the problem?"
I stutter as I try to regain myself. I turned and pointed to our vehicles and then to my friend who was sitting in the driver's seat. "We had an accident. I need to get her to a hospital-"
"We need to go," the girl insisted in a demanding tone. "It's just like last time, they are trying to con you and get your car. It's the same trick just… better looking." The girl muttered the last part, glancing my way.
I quickly jump to defense by pointing at my car. "See the scratches and dents on my car? Does that look fake? You think I'd do that myself so I could con people? I have my travel bag and ID if you'd like to see them."
The guy who has been quiet all this time finally spoke.
"Are you from around here?" I noticed a shift in the air. He muttered the last part under his voice but I caught it.
"I'm not sure… I don't think I am, that's what I am here to find out."
"Well," He spoke again. "There's a farm up ahead a few meters from where we are. He's a native physician. He could help tend to your friend's injuries. If you wait here any longer, you won't see anyone. There's a shift in the air and everyone is staying home till they understand what it is."
"Thank you-" I started to say but he started the engine and they drove off.
That was helpful I guess, I mumbled. But at least now know where to start looking.
I rushed back to meet Madison.
"I need to get you to help," I tell her
"Yeah, I heard everything. You can go, I'll stay here. He said it's not too far from here, I think I can manage for that long."
"Don't say scary shit like that. We can go together. I'll carry you on my back."
"Don't be silly, Rora. Go, I can handle myself. I've got a gun, remember?"
I opened my mouth to argue again but I kept it shut when a question popped up in my mind.
"How did you get that gun, Madi?"
"Perks for having a father who is a soldier." she chuckled weakly.
"You stole it?" I raised another question. My apprehensive mind was getting the best of me.
She pushed herself closer as she murmured. "I earned it, Now run along. I really need to rest my back."
With no space to drop an argument any further, I sauntered forward and dropped the seat a little bit so she could lie down if she wanted without feeling strained. I reached out for the bag behind the seat and dropped water and snacks close to where she was seated and I took an extra bottle for myself.
"I'll be back soon," I tell her as I make my way out of the car and gently close the door.
I began my pilgrimage by running as fast as I could. I came to a stop when I noticed a wild farm situated on the east side. I contemplated if I should follow the farm or keep running till I can find civilization. From where I was standing I could see houses scattered around. I could ask every house for help till I find it, but I precisely need one help and that's why I'm going to follow the farm.
After a few steps inside the farm filled with tall grass, I was suddenly uncomfortable. It felt like I was being followed and that alone made me feel unsettled. I turned around a few times to check if I was actually being followed, but there was no one there. I shrugged it off by saying 'Maybe because I was walking alone on the farm.' but I realized I was actually being followed when I started hearing snarls.
I quickened my pace and I heard them do the same. Soon, I broke into a run and they did too. I suddenly lost my balance when I kicked a stone, making me fall. The once invisible voices that have been tailing me were now visible. Surely I have never seen a creature like that, it turned out to be just one creature but his voices echoed like they were more.
He had the eyes of a serpent and was short like a dwarf, with sharp teeth that looked like tiny swords... And it scared me just thinking about what harm they would cause if they came across my skin. His skin was sickening green, he slithered his horrific long tongue around his surprisingly white sharp teeth.
I suck in on my breath as I watch as the creature eyes me slowly, his eyes glowing with mischief and want. He started making his way towards me but a voice stopped him.
"Stand back, Zraski, or be condemned to the eternal lake of fire."