United States, 2023
"Recent attacks on several people by wild animals have left thousands dead all over the country," said a news reporter, her voice trembling slightly as she delivered the grim news. The screen flashed images of devastated families and emergency responders in chaos.
In a modest suburban home in Washington state, William's mother clutched the remote tightly, her knuckles white. She turned to her son, her eyes wide with worry. "William, please be safe when going to school. There have been attacks all over the country."
William, trying to hide his own unease, gave her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Mom. If I see any wild animals, I'll run away."
Despite his brave words, a knot of fear tightened in William's stomach as he walked to the bus stop. The sky was an eerie gray, casting a somber shadow over the neighborhood. As he passed a group of people holding signs demanding government action, their voices filled with frustration and desperation, his fear grew.
When the bus arrived, William climbed on board and spotted his best friend, Harry, saving him a seat. Harry's face lit up as he saw William, but there was a nervous edge to his usual grin.
"Have you seen the news lately?" Harry asked, trying to sound casual. "I think they might cancel school soon. Maybe we'll get a week-long break or longer."
William rolled his eyes, but there was a hint of anxiety in his voice. "The news is blowing this out of proportion. Have you even seen any wild animals around here? You sound just like my mom."
Harry frowned, his usual optimism dimmed. "No, but most of the attacks have been in rural towns, not big cities."
"Exactly. Rural towns are close to forests, so of course, there are going to be animals," William retorted, trying to convince himself as much as Harry.
"Yeah, but what if animals start attacking people in big cities?" Harry's voice was barely a whisper now, the fear evident.
"That's a big what-if. Anyway, I'm gonna get some extra sleep before we get to school. Wake me up when we get there," William said, closing his eyes and hoping the darkness would block out his fear.
Washington state was home to many cities, but none as big as Seattle,Yet, the city they lived in was large enough to feel somewhat safe from the wild. As the bus rattled towards school, William drifted into an uneasy sleep.
Upon arriving at school, the boys headed to the cafeteria for a quick breakfast. The atmosphere was unusually tense. Students huddled in groups, whispering nervously. After eating, the bell rang, and William and Harry parted ways to their separate classes.
In his classroom, William found it hard to focus. His thoughts kept drifting back to the news and the ominous clouds gathering outside. He stared out the window, watching as dark, massive clouds rolled in, blotting out the sun and casting an eerie gloom over the city.
A loud clap of thunder made him jump. The sky seemed to grow darker by the second. Suddenly, a blood-curdling shriek echoed through the school, making every hair on William's body stand on end. He looked around, meeting the wide-eyed gazes of his classmates. They had all heard it.
"Everyone, keep calm," the teacher said, trying to steady her voice. "I'm sure security will handle whatever it is. They'll inform us through the intercom."
As if on cue, lightning struck, and the lights went out. Panic swept through the room as screams filled the hallway.
"We should go help them," one of William's classmates said, moving towards the door.
"We don't know what's out there," another student argued, fear etched on their face.
"They may need our help," the first student insisted.
"What if something attacked them and then attacks us too?" the second student replied, their voice trembling.
"I'll go see what's going on," the teacher decided, his resolve firm. "Everyone stay in the classroom and stay quiet."
As the teacher left, the screams grew louder and more frantic. Suddenly, a student burst into the room, terror in his eyes. Behind him was a small, green goblin, about four foot eight and weighing around 80 pounds. It leaped onto the student's back, stabbing him with a viciously sharp knife.
The classroom erupted in chaos. William watched in horror as the goblin repeatedly stabbed the student. Blood sprayed across the room, and the goblin's green skin turned a sickening red.
A classmate fell to their knees, sobbing uncontrollably. Others screamed, trying to back away as far as possible. But with only one exit, they were trapped, huddling together in the corner.
In a burst of desperate courage, William and another student, Mark Newman, grabbed a desk and hurled it at the goblin. The creature was knocked to the ground, dropping its knife. Seizing the moment, William grabbed the knife and stabbed the goblin in the eye. The goblin screeched, but the wound wasn't deep enough.
Mark threw a textbook at the goblin, and William stabbed it in the other eye, blinding it. The goblin flailed, its long nails scratching at the air. William quickly circled behind it, grabbing another textbook and smashing it over the goblin's head. He didn't stop until the creature's skull was a pulpy mess.
Breathing heavily, William noticed something glowing in the goblin's chest, emitting a soft blue light. He reached for it, and as his hand touched the light, it melted into his skin, sending a warm, tingling sensation through his body.
The classroom fell silent, everyone staring at William in shock and awe. He looked down at his glowing hand, a mix of fear and wonder in his eyes. What had he just done? And what was this strange power now coursing through him?