Fifteen feet down the path, transfixed in the beam of Noah's flashlight, Alex saw a twisted creature made of bones. Its skeletal form sent shivers down everyone's spine.
The creature let out a low growl, its eerie sound echoing through the night. Noah exclaimed, "What the hell is that thing?"
Andy, clearly unnerved, muttered, "That's a walking skeleton? I didn't sign up for this."
As the skeleton advanced, a gob of sticky, yellow saliva dripped from its teeth, adding to the grotesque sight. Dwayne, looking to Alex for guidance, said, "Alex, it's your call."
The skeleton creature let out a guttural roar, lunging forward with menacing intent.
Alex's voice trembled as he shouted, "Guys, run!"
Panic consumed them and they swiftly turned, bolting into the dense forest. They crashed through branches and undergrowth, desperate to escape the clutches of the bone creature. But just as they thought they had evaded danger, another hulking figure emerged, blocking our path.
This Skeleton was different, yet eerily similar to the one they had encountered earlier. Fear coursed through their veins as they made a sharp right turn, the skeletons howls echoing behind them. It fell in line beside the first skeleton, and they began to fight, their monstrous forms clashing in a gruesome display.
They continued running towards the ruins, thier hearts pounding in their chests. After what felt like an eternity, they found themselves in a quiet, moonlit clearing. They paused for a few seconds, catching their breath.
Dwayne, still gasping for air, managed to say, "We have to keep moving. Those freaky skeletons are right behind us. Even though they're fighting, one of them might come after us."
Noah nodded in agreement, his eyes scanning the surroundings. "Okay, but what about Dan?"
Suddenly, Ava pointed towards a body lying a few feet away, near a tree. Her voice trembled as she said, "Is that Dan? Hey, look, it's Dan!"
As they turned our attention to the fallen comrade, growls and creepy sounds filled the air. The woods seemed to come alive with burning amber eyes and glinting teeth, surrounding them from all directions.
Dwayne tightened his grip on baseball bat, ready to swing at any moment. Andy cracked his knuckles, preparing himself for the impending battle. Ava stooped down, pulling a long knife from her boot, her determination shining through.
Dwayne eyes got widened, " Woah! Hey, are you a murderer?"
Ava's voice was filled with resolve as she replied, "Yeah, and I'm going to murder these creepy skeletons tonight."
Alex said, "Okay, let's do this."
Just then, two skeletons, exactly like those monsters, sprung up and started moving in a circle around them. They closed in from all sides, their grotesque forms casting eerie shadows in the dim moonlight.
One of the skeleton charged at Alex, its howling cries and discolored fangs sending chills down his spine. But before it could reach him, Dwayne stepped up, his muscles tensed with determination, and swung his bat with all his might. The impact echoed through the air as the creature's head was smashed with a sickening crunch. It was blown away, stumbling back a few steps.
Dwayne stood tall, a triumphant smile on his face. "If you want to get through him, you have to get through me first, baby," he declared, his voice filled with unwavering confidence.
Meanwhile, the second skeleton reared up in front of Ava, its jaws stretched open wide, ready to sink its teeth into her. With lightning-fast reflexes, Dwayne swiftly closed the distance and swung his bat, connecting with the creature's maw. The force of the blow caused chunks of bone and vine to explode in all directions, showering the area with debris.
However, as the battle raged on, another skeleton lunged at Alex, slamming him to the ground. Alex struggled to push it away, feeling the weight of the creature bearing down on him. Just as panic threatened to consume him, Andy's voice cut through the chaos. "Hello, Freak. Here comes the pain train," he taunted.
The skeleton turned towards Andy's voice, too slow to stop him from grabbing it by the spine. With a surge of strength, Andy hoisted the creature overhead and mercilessly slammed it against a nearby tree. The dry bones shattered upon impact, and the skeleton fell to the ground, twitching in a lifeless heap.
Taking advantage of the distraction, Alex quickly regained his footing, his heart pounding with adrenaline. He looked at Andy, gratitude shining in his eyes.
"Thanks, Andy," he said, his voice filled with relief.
Andy smirked, his confidence unwavering. "You good?" he asked, his gaze scanning the area for any other threats. Alex nodded, determination etched on his face.
Dwayne said "Alex keep moving. We've got the monsters covered. See if you can get to Dan!"
Nodding in agreement, Alex sprinted towards where Dan lay unconscious. A single Skeleton advanced towards him, its bony fingers reaching out to grab him. Alex's leafy hackles rose as he moved between the creature and its prey.
Just then, Dwayne appeared at the back of the skeleton and said, "Hey." The skeleton turned and looked at Dwayne, who was already ready to swing his bat. "Surprise!" he yelled as he swung the bat hard, the hit connecting with the creature's skull and shattering it into a thousand pieces.
Andy then punched another creature, slamming it to the ground and breaking its skull with his bare hands. "Phew! Easy peasy. We shouldn't have been afraid of these things. They're weak."
Dwayne asked, "Is everyone alright?" Everyone nodded, still terrified by the skeletons but relieved that they were okay.
Noah asked, "Is Dan okay?"
Alex kneeled down next to Dan, gently brushing leaves and dirt from his face. "He's breathing, but jeez, he looks terrible," he said.
Everyone gasped as Dan suddenly started to wake up, and everyone sighed in relief. "Hey, Danny, are you okay?" Dwayne asked.
Dan's eyes turned red, and he said, "Great, now he can leave."
Alex stepped back, confused. "What the hell was that?" he asked.
Dan's eyes fluttered closed, and with a final sigh, he went still once more. Ava checked on him and said, "Okay, he's still breathing. Let's get him out of here, we are not safe here, Let's go before some more creatures atrack us."
Dwayne, still holding his bat in his left hand, said to Alex, "Let's go. I don't want to stay here in this creepy place."
Andy added, "Yeah, we should leave now. We found what we came for. Let's go."
Alex nodded as Dwayne handed his bat to Andy. Andy gripped the bat tightly, ready to defend themselves if necessary. Meanwhile, Dwayne gently scooped Dan up into his arms, giving him a piggyback ride. Ava, seeing Dwayne struggling, offered her assistance, supporting Dan's weight as they made their way back to the streets.
After a half-hour walk, they finally reached the streets without encountering any trouble. Noah quickly dialed the emergency services, calling for both the police and an ambulance. The paramedics arrived swiftly, examining Dan's face and discovering several bruises. Andy, Ava, and Noah, aware of the late hour and fearing their parents' wrath, reluctantly decided to leave, but Dwayne remained steadfastly by Dan's side. He knew he would face consequences for his actions, but his loyalty to his friend outweighed any personal concerns.
Soon, the police arrived and began asking Alex and Dwayne a series of questions to gather information about the incident. However, they were met with a stern response from the officers who were angry that the two boys were out wandering at night, especially near the woods, when people had been disappearing. The police officers scolded Alex and Dwayne for not staying home and even tried to contact their parents, but none of them answered.
Despite their frustration, the police ensured the safety of the boys and called for an ambulance to take Dan to the hospital for further medical attention. Once the ambulance arrived, Dan was carefully loaded onto a stretcher and rushed to the hospital.After the incident, the police escorted Alex and Dwayne to their respective homes, reminding them of the dangers of wandering at night and urging them to stay safe.
Exhausted and emotionally drained, Alex entered his house, retrieving his keys from his bag and unlocking the front door. He made sure to lock it securely behind him before ascending the stairs to his room. The weight of the night's events weighed heavily on his mind as he lay on his bed on his room, staring up at the ceiling.
Suddenly memories of past conversations with Dan flooded his thoughts.
---Flashback---
---Alex's POV---
I remember sitting on the bench with Dan, the warmth of the sun gently kissing our faces as it began its descent in the sky. The picturesque Riverwood Park provided the perfect backdrop for our conversation. I recall discussing Dylan, the name that seemed to carry weight in our hearts."Dan, do you remember Dylan?"
Dan's face contorted, his expression far from normal. He hesitated before responding, "Yeah, kind of. I mean, I think about it sometimes. It was horrible. Why do you bring it up?"
Concern etched across my face as I observed his reaction. "Um, is everything okay?"
Dan replied, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness. "I know what you mean, but it's hard to forget sometimes, you know? It's like a cloud that always follows you around."
"I remember Dylan too," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.
Surprised, Dan turned to face me. "You do?"
I nodded, the weight of the memories flooding back. "Yeah, and I know what he has done to June."
Understanding passed between us, the unspoken acknowledgment of the pain inflicted on someone we cared about. Just as the weight of the conversation settled upon us, Dan abruptly stood up, breaking the silence."See you later, Alex. Let's talk later. I'm gonna go now," Dan said, his voice filled with a mix of emotions.
"Okay," I replied, watching him walk away, his figure gradually disappearing into the distance.
---Back to the present---
After remembering those memories, I decided to get some rest, hoping that a good night's sleep would bring clarity to my thoughts.
---The Next Morning---
The next morning, my alarm rang, jolting me awake. I stretched my limbs, feeling a sense of rejuvenation and determination wash over me. With a swift motion, I turned off the alarm and made my way downstairs to the inviting aroma of breakfast. The kitchen welcomed me with its familiar warmth, and I set about preparing my morning meal with meticulous care.
As I moved around the kitchen, the tantalizing scent of sizzling bacon filled the air, mingling harmoniously with the invigorating aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Sunlight poured through the window, casting a radiant glow upon the pristine countertop. The tranquility of the morning enveloped me, offering a respite from the chaos of the outside world.
Taking a moment to appreciate the serene scene, I marveled at the mesmerizing dance of steam rising from the coffee mug. The delicate wisps intertwined with the sun's rays, creating an ethereal display that captivated my senses. The gentle clinking of utensils against plates provided a soothing melody, orchestrating a symphony of calmness within the kitchen's walls.
With utmost care, I arranged the breakfast items on a plate, ensuring each element was positioned perfectly. The vibrant hues of the freshly sliced fruits, like a painter's palette, contrasted beautifully with the golden, velvety texture of the scrambled eggs. The plate became a work of art, a masterpiece of colors and textures that enticed both the eyes and the taste buds.
Taking a seat at the table, I relished the anticipation of savoring the flavors that awaited me. As I took my first bite, a burst of taste exploded on my tongue, sending waves of pleasure throughout my being. The bacon offered a satisfying crunch, its smoky flavor intermingling with the rich creaminess of the eggs. Each morsel was a moment of pure bliss, a respite from the complexities of life.
While the memories of the previous day lingered in my mind, I allowed myself to find solace in the simplicity of this morning ritual. The act of preparing and enjoying a well-cooked breakfast became a sanctuary, a brief respite from the demands of the world. In this moment, I found solace and contentment, relishing the small pleasures that brought joy to my everyday life. The thoughts of previous night still haunted me, but I was okay now.
After finishing my breakfast, I looked at the calendar it was 2 September 2024.
I made my way upstairs to my room, grabbed my bag, and slipped my phone into my pocket. Descending the stairs once again, I locked the front door behind me and began my walk towards school. As I approached the school gates, I spotted my friends Kimmy, Noah, and Lucy standing together.
---Third POV---
Eagerly, Alex approached them and greeted them with a warm, Alex chimed in "Hi, what's up?"
Noah replied, "Nothing much. I was just telling them about the terrifying skeleton encounter we had last night."
Alex shuddered, "It was absolutely terrifying. I can barely remember how I even made it back home."
Noah asked, "Sorry that we went early, What did you guys tell the police?"
Alex sighed, " It's fine and I didn't say much. Dwayne took charge and explained that we were just playing some ghost games when we stumbled upon Dan lying there. But the police scolded us, you know, because people have been mysteriously disappearing lately, and there we were, fooling around."
Noah added, "I could hardly sleep after I got home. Nightmares plagued me all night. I can't shake off the fear from what happened out there. It was frickin' scary."
Reflecting on the events, Noah continued, "I'm so grateful that Dwayne was there with us last night. He really saved our asses."
Alex nodded in agreement, "Absolutely. Without him, we might not have made it out alive."
Lucy, who had just been filled in on the details, commented, "Those events sound absolutely horrifying. I can't even imagine."
Alex looked at Nova, "So, what about Leo? Does he know?"
Noah grinned, "Your best buddy, Dwayne? texted him earlier."
Kimmy exclaimed, "I still can't believe that you guys were actually right, but I am glad you found Dan. Everything is over now, right?"
Noah responded skeptically, "I doubt it."
Alex chimed in, "Those monsters, I think they worked for Dylan like puppets."
Noah nodded in agreement, "Alex, what do you think about Dan? How is he still alive?"
Alex pondered for a moment before replying, "Well, if I think about it, Dylan didn't want to kill Dan. If he wanted to, he could've easily done so. I mean, he had the opportunity, but he didn't take it. Even me, he could've killed me back then, but he didn't"
Kimmy asked, "For what purpose, though?"
Alex admitted, "I still don't know about that, but I guess we will find out soon enough."
Noah interjected, concern etched on his face, "But we have to be prepared because I think Dylan will come back for us soon."
With a sigh, Noah added, "I guess so."
Alex suddenly remembered something and shared, "By the way, I talked with Dan last year, and he said he remembered Dylan. I think we should go and ask him. Let's go to the hospital later."
Everyone nodded in agreement, acknowledging the importance of seeking answers from Dan.
___________________^_^___________________