Chapter 9: Night Terrors
The air was thick with tension as Ava and a small group of survivors walked carefully through the darkened streets. Their footsteps reverberated against the walls of empty buildings, the emptiness intensifying each sound. The city became a shadow of itself, with broken windows and gloomy lanes that seemed to stretch indefinitely.
Ava led the way, scrutinizing their surroundings with heightened alertness. This delivery run was supposed to be simple, but she couldn't get the feeling that something was following them, just out of sight. Her anxiety grew as they descended deeper into the metropolis.
Sarah and Elena trailed closely behind, their looks pallid yet resolute. A few other survivors followed them, each carrying something they could use as a weapona antique crowbar, a broken chair leg, and a handmade spear. Lucas had wanted to return, but Ava urged he stay behind to defend the bottom. She could handle it. Or so she instructed herself.
They arrived at a little comfort store, its front glass shattered. Inside, shelves had been overturned, and food items were spilled over the floor. Ava motioned for the others to fan out, and they went cautiously through the aisles.
"Take what you can discover," she said quietly. "Water, canned food, whatever useful."
The organization began by collecting components, such as cans and bottles, and packing them into bags. The silence in the shop became unsettling, and the air was heavy with a sense of abandonment, as if the building itself had forgotten the sound of human voices.
Just as Ava picked up a water bottle from the floor, a faint shuffling sound echoed outside. She iced over, motioning for everyone to be quiet. The sound got louder, accompanied by a strange, guttural growl that sent shivers down her spine.
Elena's eyes widened, horror racing across her features. "Ava…what is that?"
Ava shook her head and pressed a finger against her lips. "I do not realize. "However, stay close."
The roar grew louder and closer, scratching their nerves like claws on glass. Ava approached the smashed glass, staring out into the road, her heart hammering.
She noticed it in the weak lightsomething large moving in jerky, unnatural gestures. Its skin became pale and nearly translucent, and its limbs twisted at unusual angles. The creature's head swayed from side to side, smelling the air, its eyes sickly yellow and dimly glowing in the darkness.
Ava's stomach tightened. She had seen monsters in her nightmares, but nothing had prepared her for thisa living monster, something that should not exist.
The institution remained still in terror as the thing approached, its eyes flickering across the darkness. Ava held her breath, hoping they'd cross left out, but Sarah's hand slipped, sending a can clattering to the floor. The boom echoed through the empty fortress, like a gunshot.
The creature's head snapped out of their way, its yellow eyes narrowing as it let out a cry that made everyone wince. It leaped for the window, smashing through the broken glass, its claws scraping against the tiles as it advanced.
"Run!" Ava yelled, dragging Elena toward the reopened exit. The institution scrambled, panic rising as they dashed through the halls, dodging rubble and smashed cupboards. Ava approached from behind, her gaze fixed on the thing as it barreled ahead, its mouth opening to display rows of sharp, jagged teeth.
They fled out the back door, pouring into the alley, but the thing was quick, bursting through the doorway and breaking wood and metal in its path. Ava's pulse beat as she looked about, trying to locate a way out.
Then, a crisp, definitive gunshot resonated down the alley. The beast staggered as blood spurted from its shoulder. Any other shot boomed out, and the monster shrieked and turned in confusion.
A figure appeared from the shadows, moving with calm, lethal precision. He grew taller, his face partially covered beneath the brim of a hat, but his movements were rehearsed, and each stride was regulated. He shot again, the bullet striking the thing squarely in the chest and sending it flying to the floor.
Ava watched, breathless, as the guy dropped his weapon and stepped forward, his gaze flickering across the gathering. His eyes met hers, dark and calculating.
"Excellent shot," Ava said, her voice steady despite the adrenaline rushing through her veins.
He smirked and gave a slight nod. "Excellent warning," he said, his tone tinted with humor. "almost like you knew it turned into coming."
Ava's gaze widened, her intuition prickling. This guy knew more than he let on.
"Who are you?" she inquired, keeping her tone reserved.
"Jaxon Black," he said simply, holstering his firearm. "You can call me Jax." I've been around long enough to recognize when an issue may ariseand how to deal with it.
Elena moved forward, still shaken. "thanks…for saving us."
Jaxon shrugged, shifting his focus to the fallen monster. "I did not do it out of compassion. I really didn't want this thing to go for walks freely." He seemed to return to Ava, his countenance opaque. "And also you? It appears you're no stranger to danger."
Ava's jaw constricted. "I do what I am supposed to. "We all do."
Jaxon's eyes glowed with interest. "Fairly sufficient. However, you should be aware that this is not the finest option available. They are spreading like a disorder."
The institution exchanged anxious glances as the weight of his words settled in. If there were more of these monsters hiding in the shadows, their fight for survival would become much more difficult.
Ava straightened and concentrated her gaze on Jaxon. "Why are you right here?"
Jaxon lifted an eyebrow, a smirk flickering over his lips. "I'm a survivor, just like you. I heard there was a collection round right here, so I came to check if it was worth joining up. There's strength in numbers and all that.
Ava hesitated and studied him. There was something about himan area of confidence that bordered on arrogance. However, he had saved them, and in this world, allies are sometimes short on delivery.
"We've got a base," she announced sooner or later. "A network middle is no longer remote from here. You are welcome to involve us as long as you do your part.
Jaxon's smile grew. "believe me, I constantly do."
They descend to the ground beneath the cover of night, moving unexpectedly through the vacant streets, attentive for any signs of movement. Ava kept a watchful eye on Jaxon, still wary of his intentions. He moved confidently, as if he was familiar with the peril, perhaps even at ease in it.
When they arrived at the network center, Lucas stood by the door, his expression keen as he assessed Jaxon with a guarded look. Ava knew Lucas did not think easily, especially when it came to strangers.
"Who's this?" Lucas inquired, his tone bland.
"Jaxon Black," Ava replied, looking between them. "He saved us from an element that was available. One of these creatures. I figured he'd be beneficial here.
Jaxon lifted his hand in faux welcome, his smirk never dimming. "It's great to meet you too, Commander. I assume you're the one in rate?"
Lucas' gaze tightened. "I keep people secure. If you're right here to help, then do so. "But if you reason trouble"
"I am getting it," Jaxon stopped him off, covering his hands. "I don't intend to cause issues. Like I said Ava, I'm here to live to tell the tale, just like you."
Lucas nodded slowly, but Ava could see doubt in his eyes. She recognized it: Jaxon had transformed into a wild card, and in a society that had already gone out of control, unpredictability was hazardous.
But for the time being, he was their ally, and they were grateful for any assistance they could receive.
The organization settled up for the night, with each member of their small network finding a spot to slumber. Jaxon leaned against the wall, his gaze remote as he meticulously cleaned his weapon.
Ava observed him from across the room, her interest piqued. He had appeared out of nowhere, controlling a monster with ease, and he did not appear to be phased by anything. There was more to Jaxon Black than he let on.
As she lay down to sleep, the image of the creature ran through her mind: its twisted limbs, putrid eyes, and the raw hunger in its gaze. She knew it wouldn't end the way they expected. The creatures were available, waiting and looking.
And the night is far from over.