Chereads / THE GAME: survival of the fittest / Chapter 9 - PROLOGUE IX

Chapter 9 - PROLOGUE IX

Steins and Thompson crept into the hangar, their footsteps echoing off the metal walls like a death knell. The air inside reeked of fuel and grease, heavy with the scent of decay.

"Clear," Thompson whispered, his voice barely audible over the creaking of the hangar's rusty hinges.

Steins nodded, scanning their surroundings with a hawk's gaze. The hangar's shadows seemed to writhe like living darkness, hiding unseen terrors.

The helicopter stood before them, its sleek form a promise of escape.

"Helicopter's our best chance," Steins murmured.

As they approached the aircraft, a sudden movement caught Steins' attention.

the behemoth wolf,

towered over the frozen landscape, its imposing frame radiating an aura of unyielding dominance. Its fur, a mottled mesh of grey and white, shimmered like moonlit ice, each strand etched with an ethereal glow. Eyes blazing with an unnatural intensity, burned bright yellow, piercing the darkness with a ferocity that seemed almost supernatural.

Its physique was a testament to its unyielding resilience, honed from years of surviving in the unforgiving Antarctic wilderness. Muscles rippled beneath its thick coat, like living shadows that seemed to shift and writhe, as if infused with a life of their own. Each movement exuded raw power, a declaration of its unyielding grip on this frozen realm.

This was no ordinary wolf.

The behemoth wolf was born from the very essence of the Antarctic, forged in the crucible of radiation-twisted DNA. Its howl could shatter ice, send tremors through the earth, and curdle blood. The wind itself seemed to tremble at its presence.

Its abilities defied all scientific explanation,

The behemoth wolf could outrun the wind, its paws barely touching the ground as it devoured distance with an insatiable hunger.

And it has so much strength that It could shatter steel, its jaws crushing metal like brittle ice.

And with great endurance that It could withstand temperatures that would freeze any ordinary creature solid, its heart beating with a fierce determination.

Due to the fact that it is mutated , the behemoth wolf's senses are heightened,

his Eyes that saw through darkness, piercing the shadows like lanterns in the night.

Ears that heard the whispers of the wind, detecting secrets hidden beneath the snow.

A nose that sniffed out secrets, unravelling mysteries buried beneath the frozen terrain.

The behemoth wolf was a creature forged from the very fabric of the Antarctic, a monster born from the twisted marriage of radiation and wilderness. Its legend spread fear throughout the research station.

Its gaze locked onto its prey.

Captain Steins and his team, Their fate sealed.

The wolf stood at the hangar's edge, eyes fixed on them like burning coals.

"Thompson," Steins breathed.

Thompson followed Steins' gaze.

Their hearts sank.

The behemoth wolf's ears perked up, its hackles raised like a demon's crest.

"Get to the helicopter," Steins ordered.

Thompson sprinted toward the helicopter, his boots pounding the hangar's concrete floor like a death knell. The sound echoed through the cavernous space, a rhythmic beat that underscored their desperate bid for freedom.

"Rodriguez, get Patel strapped in!" Thompson yelled, his voice carrying above the din.

Rodriguez rushed to Patel's side, helping him toward the aircraft with a gentleness that belied the urgency of their situation. Patel's eyes fluttered open, filled with pain and confusion.

"Easy, Patel," Rodriguez soothed, his voice a calming balm. "We've got you."

He guided Patel into the helicopter, strapping him securely into his seat with practiced efficiency. Patel's gaze drifted to Thompson, his eyes filled with gratitude.

"Thank...you," Patel whispered, his voice barely audible.

Thompson nodded, his face set in determination. "We're getting out of here, Patel. Just hold on."

Captain Steins stood at the hangar door, his rifle at the ready. His eyes locked onto Erebus, the wolf's form a dark silhouette against the stormy night.

"Go!" Steins shouted.

The behemoth wolf charged towards the hangar.

Steins slammed the hangar door shut.

The wolf's snarls echoed through the metal, a feral sound that sent shivers down Thompson's spine.

"Hold on!" Steins shouted.

Thompson leapt into the cockpit.

Rodriguez secured the cargo bay.

Steins' eyes locked onto the hangar door.

Thompson's hands moved with practiced ease as he worked the helicopter's controls. The instrument panel flickered to life, casting an eerie glow over his features. The stormy night outside seemed to press in, urgency etched on every face.

"Come on, baby," Thompson muttered, coaxing the engine to life. The rotors creaked, groaned, and finally roared to life, whipping the air into a frenzy.

Thompson's eyes scanned the instrument panel, his brow furrowing.

Fuel levels critical.

A cold dread crept up his spine.

"Captain, we've got a problem," Thompson called out, his voice tight with concern.

Steins turned from his post at the door, his eyes narrowing.

"What is it?"

"Fuel levels are way lower than I thought," Thompson replied, his voice laced with worry.

Steins' expression darkened, his jaw clenched.

"How low?"

"Enough for maybe 20 miles," Thompson said, his eyes locked on Steins.

Steins' face set in determination.

"We need to put as much distance between us and that thing as possible," Steins said, his voice firm.

Captain Steins' eyes narrowed as he gazed out the hangar door's small window, his gaze locking onto the behemoth wolf's snarling face. The wolf's eyes blazed with fury, its jaws foaming with rabid hunger.

Steins' jaw clenched, his mind racing with the dire reality.

That door won't hold for long.

The metal creaked, groaning under the behemoth wolf's relentless assault.

"Thompson, how's the fuel looking?" Steins called out, his voice low and urgent.

Thompson's reply was laced with concern. "Critical, sir. We've got 20 miles tops."

Steins' eyes widened, his heart sinking.

Not enough.

They needed to put distance between themselves and the research station.

The hangar door shuddered, its hinges straining.

The behemoth wolf's claws scraped against the metal, the sound like fingernails on a chalkboard.

Steins' heart quickened, his breath catching.

"Hold on!" Steins shouted.

"Captain, I've found something!" Rodriguez exclaimed, his voice bursting with excitement.

Steins turned, his eyes locking onto Rodriguez's radiant face.

"What is it?" Steins asked, hope flickering to life.

"There's backup fuel at the end of the cargo!" Rodriguez announced, his words tumbling out in a rush. "Enough to get us to safety!"

Thompson's head whipped around, a grin spreading across his face.

"Thank God!" Thompson breathed.

Steins' face set in determination.

"Let's move!" Steins shouted. "We need to refuel, now!"

The hangar door creaked and groaned under the behemoth wolf's relentless assault, but Steins' team surged forward with renewed purpose.

Rodriguez sprinted toward the cargo bay, his footsteps echoing off the metal walls.

"Two minutes!" Rodriguez called out, already working the fuel pumps.

Steins nodded, his eyes locked on the hangar door.

"Hold on!" Steins shouted.

Steins stood tall, rifle at the ready, as the behemoth wolf's claws scraped and the metal shrieked.

Thompson joined Rodriguez, helping to refuel the helicopter.

Steins' eyes locked onto the hangar door, his mind racing with the dire reality.

"Creaking, Groaning, Buckling.!"

The behemoth wolf's claws scraped.

The metal shrieked.

"How much longer?" Steins asked, his voice low and urgent.

Thompson's reply was laced with tension. "Rotor's still spinning up, Captain. We need another minute."

Rodriguez's voice trembled. "Fuel's not fully pumped, sir."

Steins' gaze never left the door.

The behemoth wolf's snarls intensified....The wolf's hot breath wafted through the gap.

Steins knew they were running out of options.

"What's holding up the start-up?" Steins demanded.

Thompson's fingers flew across the controls. "Systems are slow to respond, Captain."

Steins' jaw clenched.

The behemoth wolf's claws ripped through the metal. The door buckled.

Steins made the call.

"I'll stall the wolf."

Thompson's eyes widened. "Captain, no!"

Steins' face set in determination.

"I'll buy you time."

Rodriguez' voice trembled. "Captain, please."

Steins turned.

"Get it done."

Steins grabbed his rifle. Checked the ammo. Took a deep breath.

Thompson's eyes locked onto Steins, his face etched with gratitude.

"Captain, I won't forget this," Thompson said, his voice trembling.

Steins turned, his expression stern.

"What are you talking about, Thompson?" Steins asked.

Thompson's voice cracked.

"Your sacrifice, sir. You're giving your life for us."

Steins' face softened.

"Stupid sacrifice?" Steins snorted. "I'm not planning on dying, Thompson."

Thompson's brow furrowed.

"But, Captain—"

Steins cut him off.

"Get the rope ready. As soon as you're airborne, lower it down. I'll climb up."

Thompson's eyes widened.

"You're coming with us?"

Steins nodded.

"I've got a score to settle with the wolf . Now go!"

Thompson nodded.

"Roger that, Captain."

Steins turned.

"Rodriguez, get Patel secured!"

Rodriguez called out.

"Already done, Captain!"

Steins nodded.

Steins grasped the hangar door's rusty handle, his heart pounding in his chest like a drum. The metal creaked as he pulled it open, just a sliver, and squeezed through the narrow gap.

Wind howled around him, whipping his hair into a frenzy. Rain lashed down, stinging his face.

Steins blinked away the water, his eyes adjusting to the dim light. The behemoth wolf waited, its eyes blazing with fury.

The wolf's massive form loomed before him, its jaws foaming with rabid hunger. Steins' gaze locked onto the wolf, his mind racing with a mix of fear and determination.

"I've been waiting for you," Steins said, his voice low and deadly, carrying above the storm's din.

The behemoth snarled, its lips curling back, revealing razor-sharp teeth. Steins' finger tightened on the trigger.

The rifle's scope glinted in the dim light, reflecting the storm's flashes of lightning. Steins' breath steadied.

The behemoth wolf charged.

Steins stood firm, his boots rooted to the ground. Aim. Fire.

Steins' rifle cracked, the bullet piercing the wolf's side with a sickening thud. The wolf's paws skidded on the wet asphalt, its body twisting in mid-air.

Steins exhaled, relief washing over him like a wave. "It's over," he whispered, his voice barely audible over the storm.

The behemoth wolf collapsed, its limbs twitching spasmodically. Steins approached cautiously, rifle trained on the wolf's still form.

But the wolf's stillness was deceptive.

At first, it was almost imperceptible. A slight quiver in its flank. A faint ripple beneath its fur.

Then, its body began to shift, contort. Bones reformed, flesh mended. The wolf's eyes blazed, revitalized.

Steins' heart sank, his mind reeling. "No," he muttered, horror creeping into his voice.

The behemoth wolf rose, its strength renewed. Steins stumbled back, rifle shaking in his grasp.

The wolf charged, its massive form barrelling toward Steins like a freight train. Steins fired again and again.

The behemoth wolf absorbed the blows, its body seemingly impervious to pain. Kept coming.

Steins' breath quickened, fear clawing at his mind. His rifle clicked empty.

The wolf's jaws snapped, mere inches from Steins' face. Steins dodged. Barely!

The wolf's claws swiped, slicing through Steins' jacket. Steins leapt.

Landed hard.

The behemoth wolf loomed, its hot breath washing over Steins like a malevolent tide.

Steins scrambled, desperate. Rifle empty. Fists clenched.

The wolf's eyes locked onto Steins, a primal challenge burning within.

Steins braced, For the kill.

But Erebus hesitated, A flicker of uncertainty danced in its eyes.

Steins seized the moment, Punched the wolf's jaw with all his might.

The wolf recoiled, stunned.

Steins sprinted from the wolf, his boots pounding the wet asphalt. The behemoth wolf's snarls echoed through the night, closing in.

Behind him, the helicopter roared to life. Thompson's voice shouted above the din.

"Hold on, Captain!"

Steins risked a glance. Thompson strapped himself in, eyes locked on Steins.

Rodriguez leaned out the open door, rope coiled in his hands.

"Lowering rope now, Captain!" he yelled.

The helicopter lifted off, hovering above the storm-battered hangar. Wind buffeted it, but Thompson held steady.

Steins burst through the hangar door, gasping for breath. The storm's fury still echoed outside, but the wolf's snarls grew louder, closer.

"Rope's ready, Captain!" Thompson yelled from above, his voice carrying through the hangar's cavernous space.

Steins sprinted toward the helicopter, eyes locked on the rope dangling from the open door like a lifeline. Rodriguez leaned out, his face set in determination.

"Hurry, Captain!" he shouted, his voice laced with urgency.

Steins' boots pounded the concrete, echoing off the hangar walls. His heart raced, pounding in his chest.

He stretched out his hand, fingers brushing the rope. Just inches more.

Suddenly, the hangar door exploded inward, metal screaming in protest. The wolf burst through, jaws wide open, revealing razor-sharp teeth.

Steins leapt back, avoiding the wolf's deadly snap by mere inches. His heart skipped a beat.

The rope swayed tantalizingly out of reach, taunting him.

The behemoth wolf recovered, charging again. Steins sprang forward, desperate.

Fingers closed around the rope, a vice-like grip.

The wolf's jaws snapped shut, millimetres from Steins' heel. Rodriguez pulled with all her might.

Steins soared upward, legs dangling, the hangar floor receding.

The wolf's furious roar echoed through the hangar, a deafening blast.

The helicopter banked sharply, Steins' stomach lurching.

Thompson's voice came through the comms, steady and calm.

"Hang on, Captain! We're getting out of here!"

Steins glanced down.

The wolf's enraged face receded into the distance, growing smaller.

Thompson gazed out into the stormy darkness, his eyes locking onto Steins' figure clinging to the rope below. The captain's grip seemed tenuous, his body buffeted by the turbulent air.

"Come on, Captain," Thompson muttered, his voice barely audible over the helicopter's din.

He banked the aircraft sharply, heading into the heart of the tempest. The storm's fury surrounded them, lightning illuminating the blackness in stark, eerie flashes.

"We're clear," Thompson called out, his voice steady despite the chaos.

Rodriguez turned, his eyes wide with concern.

"Captain Steins?"

"Still on the rope," Thompson replied, his gaze never leaving Steins.

Rodriguez's face set in determination.

"Hold on, Captain!" he shouted into the comms.

Thompson's mind raced with the implications. They'd escaped the hangar, but the wolf wouldn't give up easily. The wolf's relentless pursuit still haunted him.

But for now, they were safe.

Patel still needed rescue, their mission far from over. The storm raged on, its fury unabated.

Inside, a spark of hope stirred. They'd faced impossible odds and escaped. Now, they'd rescue Patel. Make it out alive.

Thompson glanced at Rodriguez, his profile illuminated by the instrument panel's soft glow. Determination etched his features.

Steins clung to the rope, hands cramped, legs battered by the wind.

"Almost there," he muttered.

Suddenly, the wolf's snarling face appeared below.

The wolf's eyes locked onto Steins.

A primal roar erupted from its maw. The behemoth wolf leapt.

Steins' scream was lost in the storm.

Thompson's gaze froze on the horror unfolding below.

The wolf's jaws closed around Steins' waist.

The rope jerked violently.

Thompson's heart stopped.

"No!" he screamed.