Shadows

Chapter 2

They all crowded around the large ditch. They leaned over and glanced down into it. For sure there was something down there. It scurried fast, it made a noise like a dogs paws clicking against hard flooring as it ran.

"What do you think it is?" Rosemeri questioned.

The three boys shrugged, "I don't know." Josh answered.

"It's probably just a-" Colin began before they heard a loud screech fill the air, echoing up from down in the ditch. The all jumped back in fear.

"What was that!?" Rose stuttered as she fearfully stepped backwards.

"I don't want to find out..." David responded as he began to run in the opposite direction of the ditch.

Suddenly they heard rocks and dirt turn and move down below and suddenly two long, dark grey, leathery sharp, blood covered, arms appear from below, seemingly trying to claw it's way up out of the ditch quickly. The creature was moving quickly up out of the hole, screeching and calling as it climbed.

"Oh my gosh! That is not from this planet!" Josh screeched as he started to run away.

Rosemeri was paralyzed with fear with only stepping back a few feet, Colin at her side as the watched as the alien monster emerged from down below. It pulled itself all the way up. The monster was a dark grey, it's thick skin was leathery, almost like an elephants, it stood on four sharp legs, with no feet or claws, it's legs dug deep into the dirt. Blood covered the front two legs and a large scar went across its neck. The most peculiar thing about the monster was that it had no eyes, it was blind. It also had a large mouth with razor sharp teeth and a snake like tongue. The beast was tall, taller than Colin, it stood at six and a half feet tall.

The monster stood, lurking down at Rosemeri and Colin, it's snake like tongue hanging from its mouth. It breathed heavily.

Rosemeri held her breath and clenched her fists. Colin didn't know if he should run or stay, the thing was obviously going to be swift.

Then the two heard a whimper from behind them and the whimper turned into a loud sob. They both glanced around to see Josh was still there watching from afar, tears streaming down his face. He was hiding behind one of the Caterpillar trucks, his head peaking out.

The beasts mouth closed and it's head turned towards Josh's direction. It then screamed once again and ran straight past Rose and Colin, knocking them to the dirt, covering their ears.

The monster bolted straight for Josh. It's mouth hanging open and it's four legs carried it quickly. Josh screamed, his fearfully screams could be heard from miles away as he feared for his life. It was absolutely terrifying. He ran from behind the truck and tried to out run the beast but it of course no use. He was dead, no matter what. The monster quickly caught him, it leaped and tackled him to the dirt, it's tongue hanging over him, saliva dripping out onto Josh's face before it took one of his long sharp, front legs and stabbed it straight through Josh's throat before it then took its large mouth and ripped Josh's head clean off his body.

The scene was so bloody it was like it was straight out of a horror film. Rosemeri covered her mouth, trying not to scream. Tears filled her brown eyes. She had never witnessed anything so vile.

Colin slowly covered his mouth also. His best friend was just brutality murdered right in front of him. He didn't know what to think. It was terrible. His stomach churned, he felt sick. He wanted to cry but he wouldn't let himself.

The beast sniffed the corpse and nudged it once before straightening itself and slowly turning it's head to Colin and Rosemeri. A low hissing noise rose from its throat and it's bloody tongue hissed.

"C-colin!" Rose grabbed his arm.

"It have an idea." Colin said turning and looking at Rosemeri.

"What?" She asked, her voice trembling with fear.

Colin was about to respond before the beast again started running, this time straight for them. Colin grabbed Rosemeri by the hand and they bolted. Colin led them through the construction sight, he ducked under a caution sign and turned and saw one of the old abandoned cranes.

"This way!" He cried, pointing to it.

They could hear the monster running behind them, getting closer with every step.

As they reached the crane he hopped up the small step up to door and swung it open before climbing inside and shoving Rosemeri next to him. He slammed the door behind them. They both crammed inside the small little area. It was meant for only one operator.

Rosemeri suddenly broke down in tears from all the adrenaline. She took off her glasses and rubbed her eyes.

"Oh we are so dead." She cried.

The beast crashed into the side of the door and clawed and scratched at the wind of the crane. Smearing blood all over the window.

Rosemeri and Colin squished together watching in dear as the beast tried to break in but couldn't. It took it forver to finally give up and it slowly stalked the crane, circling it around and around quietly.

"What are we going to do! We can't just stay in here forever, Colin." Rose pointed out putting her glasses back on.

Colin didn't answer, he was scanning the sight for any possible way to escape without dying but he could see nothing.

"I-I'm not sure..." He said wiping the sweat from his forehead and moving his long hair from his face, he then paused and looked over at Rose, "Wait. I have an idea."

Rosemeri gave him a suspicious look, "What...?"

"We're going to have to jump into the hole..." He told her.

Rosemeri's jaw dropped, "What! No! Who knows what is down there!"

"It's our only chance Rose!" Colin raised his voice at her, wiping his forehead again.

Rose didn't respond. She swallowed and frowned. She looked out the window at the ditch, it was about fifteen feet away from them, but it was the only way she could see.

"It's crazy... but okay..." she replied finally, looking over at Colin.

He nodded, "Okay. Be ready." He had his hand on the door handle.

"3...2..." Colin slowly counted, he glanced around and spotted the monster lying on the dirt behind them, "1!"

Colin swung open the do as quickly as he could and jumped out of the crowded crane. Rosemeri hesitantly jumped after him and they both sprinted as fast as their legs could carry them towards the hole.

The monster immediately heard them and stood up swiftly and sprinted after the two teens.

As they came closer to the hole Colin ran faster and so did Rose, at least she tried. Her skinny legs were already shaking and were sore.

"Ready!?" Colin cried as they were at least five feet from the hole, "And jump!!"