《Pathogen: Chrysalis of Monsters》


 Prelude

    Everyone looked at him in disgust as he scavenges empty tin cans from trash bins. A 40 year old man, perhaps even younger than his appearance, looking scrawny and thin. Behind him is a young boy; kids at his age should be in primary school at broad daylight. These two diligently searches as they try not to disrupt the surroundings, stopping for a few seconds at a time just to catch their breath. They are used to being glared by the other people who felt superior than them.


    ¡°Papa, I managed to loot quite a lot of cans today¡±. Cheerfully the boy said to the man. ¡°I hope this is enough for you to eat more food, I don¡¯t like it when you give me all the meats and veggies while you only eat rice and soup, papa. That¡¯s not fair!¡±


    ¡°Oh my dear Mikky... You¡¯re still growing up you need more nutrients than I do. I¡¯m already all grown up so I don¡¯t need all those fancy stuff, as long as I¡¯m full and I can see you¡¯re eating well I¡¯m already happy my dear son.¡± The old man replied, as he pats the boy¡¯s head. Anyone who see this scene would be able to know how deeply he cherished and loved the boy. Even though the man was scrawny and thin, the boy looks fit and healthy even though he¡¯s dirty.


    The father and son walks towards the back door of a restaurant, while wearing tattered clothes. A worker can be seen washing dishes from the backdoor of the restaurant. She noticed the homeless old man and looked at him in the eyes.


    ¡°Good day to you ma¡¯am.. Is it possible if we purchase some food? But I only have RM3 could you put the portions for us? Even if it¡¯s just rice and soup with a glass of water...¡±The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    The worker ignored the old man at first, but then she noticed the boy, with glittering, hopeful eyes. The worker sighed, and she went towards her boss for permission. After a while, she came back with two plates of rice, having greenish-yellow gravy on top of them, with a few small pieces of chickens cooked in the same gravy and some vegetables. The worker invited them to the restaurant but the old man refused.


    ¡°Thank you so much for the offer but the others might not be comfortable when they see a homeless man eating in your restaurant. We do not wish to burden anyone.¡± The old man tries to hand over the money at the worker but she refused to take them.


    The worker shrugged as she brought water to them and said ¡°The first meal has been paid by the boss. Also, since you¡¯re considered as a customer, you should know that plain waters are free here, just tell me if you want more.¡± she hurriedly went to continue her errand after putting the water on the road, just beside where the two homeless are eating.


    ¡°Listen son, no matter what you do in this world, always be polite to others, and don¡¯t cause any disturbance. It¡¯s fine if they hate us but we should not reply with hatred. We might not have any wealth but we¡¯re not animals. I am unable to provide comfortable living conditions to you but I hope that you understand.¡±


    Mikky understood completely all of his father¡¯s teachings and he considered each of his words to be a gift. His father never neglect to show him the way of scavenging from dumpsters and foraging from the nearby forest. His father has been through a lot of hardship but he never chose to abandon his son. Unlike his mother who abandoned them for another man and yet, his father always reminded him to never hate anyone else no matter how they treat you. He smiled and nodded. ¡°Yes Papa!¡±

 It that Shrieks

    A group of eight proceeds into a run-down mall scavenging for some supplies. Everyone was equipped with at least two torchlights as malls were known to be pitch black after the huge blackout. Most of the small markets have been looted already and scavengers would usually avoid large malls such as this one - if they did not wish to encounter anything lurking in the darkness. The group decided to loot one of the shops on the second floor which might have held some food. Arz volunteers to be the vanguard since he is familiar with the mall¡¯s layout as he occasionally spent most of his time around here before everything turned to hell. Slowly and silently, the group moves toward the escalator and into the corridor where the shop was located.


    There, IT stands tall. An amalgam of flesh and horror twisted from which was once in the form of a human being. The eye sockets as vast and empty like darkness of the night itself, with blood seeping out, dripping onto the floor. All of a sudden, IT¡¯s maws gape wide open, seemingly trying to swallow them whole. And with it, a deafening shriek; A sound so cold, stunning, and piercing. As they try to cover their ears, they could still hear the shriek under their trembling hands, except for Maiev who was born deaf. She could feel the vibrations through the cold air, sending shivers down her spine. Her eyes begin to widen.


    The creature is blind, but It is not oblivious to the surroundings. It listens to the footsteps and heartbeat of those whom It considers to be the prey. Living creatures have fight or flight response embedded in their body. The ear-shattering shriek is designed to trigger said responses which in turn causes the prey¡¯s heart to race uncontrollably faster. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Maiev readies her rifle, with a singular purpose: taking the creature down without a moment wasted. As a sniper, one must always keep their breathing and heart rate in check. She steadies her stance, and draws her breath with calmness and precision. Understanding that if her aim were to shamble, it would put everyone¡¯s lives at risk.


    It lunges towards the group, sprinting closer to Arz, the vanguard closest to the creature. Still trying to recover from the unbearable fear, Arz stumbles as he tries to ready his short spear. The hastened, pulsating heartbeat is sensed by the creature, which is barely three meters in front of Arz as It hurls towards him. Just a moment before the sharpened claw reaches ITs victim, the creature senses something is wrong. Amidst the confusion, one heartbeat is still. This is the first time one of IT¡¯s victim behaved that way.


    The sound of gunshot - resolute. Aimed towards the head of the creature that is merely two meters away from Arz, and eight meters away from Maiev. No living being would have the reaction speed fast enough to dodge a projectile that would reach in less than a tenth of a second. However, the creature is nowhere in sight as It disappears into the darkness, never to be seen again.

 It that Burns

    ¡°Commander in the zone! Attention!¡±


    ¡°Ok men, we have received an intel about a migrating aberration, most likely a Gen-3 from one of our drone scouts patrolling a mall at sixty kilometres away,¡± says the commander, with a stern voice.


    The projector shows a dark corridor over a low angle, in night vision mode. The video shifts forward for a few seconds until suddenly, a high-pitched screeching sound is heard following nothing but static.


    ¡°This is not the first time an attack on a drone was recorded, but usually the zombies would just leave them alone,¡± the commander continues. He sounds pissed about losing such a valuable equipment.


    Graphs containing multiple sound frequencies is displayed, comparing several voice structures from previous encounters. ¡°The screeching sound does not match any other creatures in our database, and thus, we might be facing a new Gen-3. We have to be wary about other shadowprowlers in the vicinity though, they are commonly attracted to screeching noises.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure everyone knows this, but most of the Gen-3 are territorial, and are usually left alone to avoid the risk of engaging them. However, an aberration would behave unpredictably, often moving from one location to another and poses a much bigger risk if left unchecked.¡±


    The screen shifts to weapons, showing an M16 with a tactical flashlight mount and red laser sight. ¡°The assault team will be using our standard weapon and provided with two types of magazine. The hollow-point rounds are to be used for maximum tissue damage. You shall change to the full metal jacket bullets if It had managed to adapt armour platings.¡±


    The screen flickers again, this time with bigger guns - a large calibre sniper rifle. The commander smirks and says, ¡°The assault team will be backed up by the sniper team. One shot from this baby and It would definitely regret stepping Its dirty feet into our territory.¡±


    The meeting proceeds with various plans and building layouts: ¡°The assault teams will be broken into six squads of four people since this will be an indoor skirmish. We¡¯ll have a sniper on four different locations and the primary task of the assault team is to lure It towards the sniping point.¡±


    ¡°So we¡¯re just bait?¡± Everyone¡¯s focus shifts to the crackled voice - presumably from the scrawny teenager.


    ¡°Boy, would you rather suck on your momma¡¯s tits and let the real men handle this?¡± A voice is heard from the back, followed by a loud laughter from the group.


    #####


    Five black vans drive through the highway in a steady fashion and came to a halt in front of a huge, gaping hole in the glass gate of the mall. The light could not penetrate all the way through inside the building, even though the operation is being done during high noon - giving them less visual that they would have liked. The inside is pitch-black, and no movement can be seen from the outside - but this is no assurance.


    Six men come out from the back of the van and move into the position of six by four. They¡¯re equipped with a customized tactical vest that protects even the arms. Layers of dark-coloured metal alloys can be seen to further improve the integrity of the vest. The faces of the brave men can hardly be seen. They are covered with different coloured full helmets, much like that of motorbikers but night goggles are attached instead of the visor. Each of these men is armed to the teeth. Various shapes of grenades and at least six magazines are seen protruding from the pockets.


    ¡°Snipers in position, no hordes in sight. The operation is a go.¡±


    All six teams rushed into the mall, covering each others¡¯ blind spots. Their eyes roam wildly while inside, the threat could approach from all direction, and a moment of ignorance could mean the end of their life.


    During an indoor skirmish, at least one person on each team would be designated as the recon. His job is to determine where the threat is coming from, and most of the time he would have to look upwards while walking.


    Rogue Gen-2 zombies pose minimal threat to trained men. Most of the casualties are from the shadowprowlers, a form of Gen-2.5 that has mutated and obtained the trait to attach themselves to the walls, similar to that of a lizard. They are known to lay in ambush and only attack in the dark.


    The first squad proceeds to the centre of the mall. The mall has a large open space, with a huge gap in the middle, much like a colosseum. The recon from the first squad takes a peek at the empty space in the middle of the mall. The walls are made out of glass, perhaps to promote the view of the galleries. They¡¯re currently on the ground floor, but the space leads to two floors below them, the lower ground, and the basement with a huge parking. Above them, two more floors come into the recon¡¯s sight. The floors are all connected to a non-functional escalator on the west and east of the mall.


    With the help of the night vision goggles, the recon notices a few shadowprowlers on the top floor, trying to hide from plain sight. The recon speculates that the creatures probably heard them coming into the mall. They report to the squad leader, and the leader gives his orders to everyone using radio comms. ¡°Following the plan, we shall sweep the higher floor first and remove all other threats before we engage It.¡±


    The team breaks into two and moves in synchronization. Three squads to the left, and the others to the right, each reaching the west and east escalator respectively. Two squads proceed to the middle of the escalator while the others provide cover. This significantly extends the duration of the skirmish but they have no choice but to be careful, as you only live once.


    After reaching the first floor, three of the squads are ordered to stand guard. Afterall, getting flanked is a great way to die. The other squads move together towards the west escalator, when suddenly-


    ¡°Contact. Below the escalator!¡± One of the recons guarding the first floor shouts, his voice echoing throughout the empty halls of the mall.


    The sudden shout startles the prowler, as it leaps sideways from the bottom of the escalator towards the squads who are trying to make their way upwards. Unfortunately for it, one of the squad members on the escalator is known for his trigger-happy personality. A burst fire of five rounds is made, and one of the shot lands right between the prowler¡¯s eyes, blowing its brain away.


    The loud gunshot causes the other prowlers to go into a frenzied rage, six of the prowlers rushes from the west side of the mall. They move towards the centre of the mall, scurrying upside down on the ceiling with dexterity as though it was walking upright. Another three is seen trying to circle its way through to the east escalator.


    The four-men-squad quickly position on the south of the first floor opens fire at the three prowlers. The shots land on the glass wall, breaking it into pieces.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    ¡°Fire only controlled burst. You only need to land one shot at its head.¡± Everyone followed the order of the squad leader and braved the threat.


    The three prowlers leap through the broken wall, aiming towards the shooters at the south. However, the creatures notice there were two other squads on the floor- too late. A flanking fire, short bursts of three bullets each. Everything is happening so quickly, so easily for there is no way to change direction during a jump in mid-air. Two of the prowlers are limp during the flight, falling to the bottom floor. One of it manages to survive with a few scratches, and crash-lands on the glass wall, shattering it to pieces. Bloodied, it tries to continue its assault, and skitters sideways, attempting to dodge the approaching rain of bullets.


    As the first-floor squad¡¯s attention is focused on the surviving member of the prowler, the five who are attached at the ceiling begin to plunge towards the twelve men stuck at the elevator. The squad leader shouts to grab the other member¡¯s attention. ¡°East escalator, focus fire!¡±


    The lone prowler receives less resistance than it had expected as it encroaches the southern group, too close for comfort. However, these men are no stranger to the battlefield. They have been exterminating pests like these for over five years, and currently, they are wielding the best equipment for such a situation. Two of the men get on their knees, their knee pads prevent them from touching the floor. Both of them flicker the firing selector with their thumbs, from burst fire to full-auto. Supported by their knees and lower centre of gravity, they brace for the recoil impact and squeezes the trigger. Each of them fires fifteen bullets in less than a second, the prowler¡¯s face disintegrates due to the number of holes which outnumbers the flesh.


    They immediately shift their attention to the east escalator. Only one of the prowlers are dead and on a free fall. Three of them are on the escalator, proceeding swiftly to attack. The escalator is cramped. There is no escaping- not for the prowlers. Shooting in a straight line is surprisingly easier to achieve in such a tight location. No matter how fast the creature is, if they can¡¯t dodge, they¡¯re no better than a stationary target. Two of the prowlers are reduced to rubbles immediately, they have no chance if they can''t utilize their best trait; agility and dexterity. The other prowler tries to hide below the escalator, but the squad from the west shoots the creature down, killing it.


    ¡°Careful - there¡¯s one more!¡± The recon tries to warn the group while providing cover fire, but the prowler swoops down and manages to grab one of the squad members. The others try to grab him, but the prowler¡¯s strength is no match from theirs. It pulls the man from their grasp as both the creature and he fall together to the bottom of the mall.


    Everyone waits for the squad leader¡¯s orders. ¡°Squad five and six remain on the first floor and provide cover. The others, with me to the bottom. Proceed cautiously.¡±


    The mall is silent, except for the orderly footsteps of the squads. Their journey to the bottom of the mall is uneventful. It seems that no other shadowprowlers are in the proximity. ¡°Squad 3, check your fallen member, the others keep your eye out for any movement,¡± orders the leader.


    ¡°Sir, it seems that the prowler broke his fall. He has a few broken ribs and bruises but he¡¯ll live,¡± one of the men reassures their leader.


    The squad leader presses his walkie-talkie and said, ¡°Requesting medevac for a single person, over.¡± Then, he gives a new order to the squads. ¡°Squad 5 and 6, finish sweeping the top floor. Squad 1 and 2, sweep the floor above us. The others will stay here until medevac comes.¡±


    ¡°Sir, are we aborting the mission?¡± one of the men asks.


    ¡°The mission will continue as soon as we get him out of here,¡± answers the squad leader.


    ¡°Roger!¡± Everyone replies in unison, with a renewed conviction.


    #####


    The medevac safely transports the injured squad member, and the squads regroup at the bottom of the mall.


    The leader looks at his wristwatch, both of the hands pointing at the number three. ¡°We shall continue the mission. The snipers have been repositioned to provide better cover. We lost the signal when the drone was patrolling the basement parking so we suspect It¡¯s still there. Everyone, get into position!¡± he instructs.


    The first squad opens the door to the parking lot, and the stench of petrol fills the air. Some of the cars are wrecked on their sides, and there are even those which are upside down. ¡°No sight of the crea- wait, I think I hear something,¡± the recon pauses, listening.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s coming from downstairs,¡± the recon reaffirms. ¡°Your orders, Sir?¡±


    As the recon had requested, waves of orders flood from the leader. ¡°Squad 2, proceed stealthily and survey the source of the sound. Do not engage unless you¡¯re spotted. Squad 3 and 4, remain on the hallway, while the others prepare to ambush it in this parking lot.¡±


    Those on the second squad gulp as they slowly approach the slope to the second basement. Avoiding any sudden movement, the recon squad spot something moving, as if It is humping a lorry with Its head. It looks like an overgrown python, bloated with Its prey. The head is that of an earthworm and slender legs, like that of a lizard¡¯s. Some sort of tentacles protruding out of Its head, presumably Its tongue slithering its way into the oil tank.


    ¡°Sir, It hasn¡¯t noticed me yet,¡± the recon informs. ¡°Definitely, a Gen-3. It does not have a humanoid form, more like that of a large lizard. The floor is flooded with petrol, I think It¡¯s eating them.¡±


    ¡°Good job. Retreat here quickly. We can¡¯t risk having a shootout in there as the spark might cause the fume to ignite and take us together with It.¡± The squad leader ponders for a moment, coming up with a decision. ¡°Squad 4, bring a C4. We¡¯re gonna show It the best barbecue with explosions.¡±


    The C4 is silently set up on the second basement while all the squads are evacuated from the parking lot. The squad leader presses the detonation button, and a loud explosion is heard. It makes a deafening cry, but the noise didn''t stop, even after everything is burning. Some of the floor in the parking lot collapse and a loud, slimy, gushing sound is heard, heading to the ramp that connects the floor together.


    A ball of fire is seen, red and black, burnt flesh, and yet, It is still slimy. It wails in anger and pain, seeking for vengeance. It pushes itself towards the aggressors, propelled by the hind legs and the long tails as they are supported by the slithering body. The movement is clumsy, as It gets closer. And the source of that clumsiness finally displays itself. Sticking out like a sore thumb, a skeletal arm, dangling lifelessly comes into view. The flame managed to obliterate the flesh on its left arm, as It struggles to support itself.


    ¡°Concentrate fire on Its head! Give it everything you¡¯ve got!¡± The leader orders the men.


    Twenty four rifles are commanded to fire at charging behemoth. However, It doesn¡¯t stop, nor does It slows down. Each bullet shot is just adding fuel to the raging fire. They are using hollow points that are designed not to penetrate, but to expand on impact and destroy the tissues. The intense flames are actually cauterizing the wounds, stopping the bleeding and forces carbonization on Its skin, making it thicker and harder.


    ¡°The flames are supposed to slow It down,. WHY IS IT GOING FASTER?!¡± Yells one of the men who start to panic.


    ¡°Aim for the legs! Slow it down!¡± Commands the leader.


    Suddenly, Its head expands. It regurgitates the fluid that It has been feeding on all these time: Petrol. The plan backfires. Flames catch on, and instead of liquid, it was as if a dragon is breathing fire onto mere mortals.


    Humans are not made to resist high temperature, and the stream of fire burns right through the formation. Those who are positioned in front are shouting, begging and crying for help. There is no worse way to die other than being burned to death as it can be considered to be a form of torture.


    ¡°Retreat! Back to the sniping point!¡± The leader yells an order. Good leaders might come out with a victory, but great leaders come out with the most of his team. Any hesitation can easily turn the tables around.


    They retreat steadily while shooting, never turning their back on It. Some of them could not make it as the crimson flames peel away their skins, burning them into a crisp. It does not stop there and rushes through the hallways, crushing those who are too slow to escape.


    The hallway is clear of any human, and with that, a loud bang is quickly followed. A large portion of Its body disappears, taking the left hind leg with it. Another wail, and this time, it is accompanied by a spray of black liquid from Its mouth. The substance immediately catches fire and burns the blood vessels on the gaping wound, preventing the blood from spilling out.


    It still tries to attack, becoming more violent and restless each minute. Just as soon as It comes out of the hallway, It is suddenly bombarded by three shots from multiple directions, all centred on the forehead. The earth-shattering impact is enough to know that nothing can get back up from that. It is now limp, lying motionless on the ground. The flames that were intensely burning has now died out from the shockwave of the impact, just like the life of It.

 It that Betrays

    Our team is composed of three people, ranging from 14 to 18 years old. Each of us wields close combat weapons such as axes and crowbars that we managed to find from the fire department a few months ago. These types of weapon are more durable compared to machete and spears. We had cleared most of the zombies in our small town, it was a slow and painful process which took us almost two years but the fruit of the labour is so sweet. We haven¡¯t encountered any zombie herds except for a few slow, rogues which could easily be handled by us.


    Food supplies are running low so we decided to do a scavenger hunt on a shopping lot, which is just around forty-five minutes walk from our home. As we are scavenging, something grabbed our attention- a funky signboard with the word ¡®canned deals¡¯. The best supplies to scavenge in abandoned stores has always been canned food. They usually last forever and you can even eat those that are way past the expiry date.


    ###


    Prim, being the eldest of the three entered the store cautiously. The first thing that she notices is the faint smell, nice and sweet as vanilla. She sees a figure, sitting down on the store while eating something from a tin can.


    She maintains her guard up while she maintains a safe distance, trying to focus on the figure. A petite girl, with a slender body, and the only thing that covers her pale skin is her smooth long hair that reaches down her waist. She seems to be in a daze, chewing slowly on something that she took from the tin can. Kayle and Kyle reach behind Prim as she grips her axe, preparing to defend herself if worse comes to worst.


    Cautiously, Prim said. ¡°Hello?¡±


    The pale girl turns her head around without moving her body ¡°Hel-¡± A slight pause, as she tilts her head. ¡°-lo¡±


    ¡°Are you sure she¡¯s not a zombie?¡± Kyle is worried, seeing such an unnatural state from a naked girl, alone in the store.


    ¡°Have you heard about a zombie that spoke before?¡± His sister responded, trying to dismiss his thoughts.


    ¡°No, but-¡±


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t even have any visible bite mark. Remember our neighbours? They only turn when they got bitten.¡±


    Prim snapped the red curtains from the shop¡¯s window and approached her, draping her subtle, bare body. The sweet vanilla fragrance grew stronger as she approached the girl. ¡°She smells so nice, or is there a perfume nearby?¡±


    Prim tries to initiate a conversation as she faces the girl. ¡°My name is Prim. This is Kayle, and that little kid is Kyle.¡± He points to each of them respectively.


    The girl took another handful from the can that writes ¡®baked beans¡¯ in her hands, and kept chewing, appearing uninterested.


    ¡°She seems to be traumatized. Should we bring her back with us?¡± Prim said as she is worried about the attitude of the girl.


    ¡°Are you alone? Don¡¯t you have any friends?¡± Asked Kayle with concern in her voice while she makes a fist with both of her hands and brings it together.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    ¡°Friends?¡± The word seems to catches her interest. She stops chewing and looked at the conjoined fist.


    ¡°Friends help each other in need. Do you want to be my friend?¡± Kayle continued.


    ¡°What are you eating?¡± Kyle, being the nosy kid as he is, inquires the girl.


    ¡°Eat. My.¡± She responded, as she paused and gaze towards the can.


    ¡°Stop teasing her! It¡¯s okay, nobody will take your baked beans away from you.¡± Kayle defended her while taking a peek at the can, it is almost empty.


    Without warning, a zombie came out from a room beside the cashier and grabs her. The momentum carried her towards the rear entrance of the shop.


    Startled, Kayle shouted, ¡°We have to help her!¡±


    The thin wooden door broke, and multiple hands appeared from the darkness, dragging her further into the abyss


    ¡°A horde!?¡± Without hesitation. Prim takes a huge swing of her axe and chops one of the hands that tried to grab the pale girl.


    The girl flails around, scratching the hands that try hold her down. Splashes of fresh blood are spilt on the floor.


    Tears running down her cheeks, Kayle tries to grab the girl¡¯s hands but it was cut short by her brother.


    ¡°We can''t help her anymore! Look at all the zombies! You¡¯re the one who keeps on repeating about our neighbour!¡± Kyle shouts, trying to regain her sister¡¯s composure.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m so so sorry¡± Kayle plea, as Kyle yanks her away.


    Prim glances at her while he backs up slowly. ¡°Please forgive us.¡±


    ¡°HELP? FRIENDS!¡± her voice became coarser as she gets dragged away. The flowery smell is now gone, instead, it has been replaced by a lingering pungent stench.


    The trio escapes the lot. A unanimous decision was made to move out of the area, as the three of them are no match against a horde of zombies. It is unknown to them where the zombie came from as there has been no zombie activity for the past few months.


    ###


    A few months have passed


    A lone man is seen on the street, his eye roams wildly towards the surrounding shop and locks onto a signboard that says ¡®canned deals¡¯. The sound of stomach rumbling can be heard on the empty street. He has been starving for the past two days, ever since his group was ambushed by bandits.


    Stepping slowly inside the shop, hoping to find some food. He noticed a few tin cans on top of the cashier counter. As he gets closer to the tin cans, rotten smell stung his nose. He grabbed one of the tin cans and gasped, accidentally spilling the contents.


    ¡°Brains?¡±


    Fear seeps into his heart. His pupils dilate as he saw two of the zombies behind the counter. The zombies¡¯ condition is bad as if something had pried their skulls open. All of a sudden, pleasant odour gushes into his nasal cavity.


    ¡°Caramel and honey?¡± The man sniffles, as he searches for the source of the scent.


    ¡°Friends?¡± A voice reaches out abruptly to him.


    The man turned, he saw a well-endowed beauty with flawless skin. Transparent scarf made of silk sways from her neck, little purpose does it serve, other than to further enhances her allure. Suddenly he felt like everything was upside down. His vision focused at a monstrous claw, dripping with blood. The sharp talons seemingly change into an elegant, slender hand.


    ¡°Illusion?¡±


    Her ephemeral charm becomes corrupted. Tentacles jut out from her mouth, scurrying to the man¡¯s head. The feelers wriggle it makes its way through the orifices of the crippled man, with his eyes rolled up and foam forming up at his mouth.


    As she slurps- she presents the most sinister of a smile. A rough voice came out of her as if sandpaper is being ground against a rough surface. ¡°DELicIOuS. FriENDsHiP.¡±


    Then, there was a faint whisper, sounded like two different voices, ¡°Sorry, not sorry.¡±


    What was It that betrays?

 It that Decrees

    I don¡¯t know how many days it had been - I¡¯ve stopped counting. Everyone around me had lost the glimmer of hope in their eyes. I was held to be a plaything to a group of thugs. They made me do so many disgusting things and threatened my sister if I don¡¯t obey. I¡¯ve thought about putting an end to my life every single night but then who would take care of my sister? She¡¯s only ten. Oh sweet, sweet Tia. You¡¯re so young and yet how could fate be so cruel to you?


    I''m so tired. Someone, please put an end to everything soon. God, if you really do exist, I don''t care what happens to me but please, just save my sister from this hell. The fatigue takes my consciousness away, as I fall into a deep slumber.


    ###


    My consciousness gathers.


    A sound of laughter could be heard from the distance but what really woke me up is the aroma of caramelized apple and the sweet smell of cinnamon- crusted pie, just like how mom usually bakes it.


    My eyes focus at a crackling sound: flickering flames can be seen inside an open fireplace. A wooden dining table is positioned just slightly in front of it, and on top of it are multiple glistening foods, as if there is a celebration going on. I can''t believe my eyes as I rubbed it and refocused on the figures sitting by the table.


    ¡°Mom? Dad?¡± I hesitated to utter those words, knowing that both of them has passed away when we were raided by bandits.


    Both of them look at me and smile, each holding out their hands to me. ¡°Am I in heaven now?¡± I broke down after saying those words and tears flow down my eyes.


    I felt that something grabbed me from behind and almost made me lose my balance. It was Tia, she took my hands and slowly drags me towards the festive dining table. ¡°Oh no, Tia. Not you too¡­¡±


    A splash of cold water was splattered on my face and I gasped, trying to recover from shock as if I was drowning. My dream was cut short and I woke up to the hellish nightmare that is my reality...


    ¡°Wakey wakey pig, hurry up and get up, It¡¯s time for your reward.¡± A short, fat man snorts as he threw a bowl of leftovers at my face and spits at me.


    Feeling bitter and frustrated, I clean up the pieces of food on my face, and whisper to myself ¡°You look more like a pig than me...¡± I immediately regret my decision as the pig actually have a sharp hearing.


    ¡°What the fuck did you say to me, you little bitch?¡± The pig-like man is angry, he opens up the jail door that separates us apart.


    The sudden realization made my eyes open wide as I look everywhere to search for anything that could help me. The feeling of fear and regret overwhelms me as I pray that he didn''t actually hear the things that I uttered. My heart jumps as the feeling of something hard hits me on the top of my head- the sole of his boot forces my head down to the bowl of rice and some sort of bitter gravy. Luckily for me, the food absorbed most of the impact, so it didn''t hurt as much as I expected. However, the sentiment didn''t last long as I realized he''s not lifting up his filthy feet anytime soon. It was hard to breathe- rice filled up my nose and mouth as I struggle to lift his feet with my hands.


    The pig laughs and snorts, ¡°You¡¯ll have to finish eating immediately if you want to survive.¡±


    Crying, I choke down the food in resentment, with my hands still trying to lift the weight off his legs. He kicked my head as soon as I finished the food and said. "That will teach you manners."


    He grabs a thick lock of my hair and drags me out from my jailroom. On the way through, I saw Tia in one of the jails with three children around her age. My pain vanished for a moment as I felt a sense of relief since these pigs had actually kept their promise. The children remain untouched - for now. I have to work harder so that Tia does not have to suffer like this. The pig stops for a while and hangs the key on a holder near the jail entrance. He continues to drag me even faster across the cold cement when I flail my hand as if he enjoys watching it.


    The dragging stops and my hands, tired from holding my hair, falls to the dirt ground. I stared at a few men and women, with hands tied behind them and collars dangling from their neck. The pig ties my hand behind me and left me with the group. He covers the head of a man with a sack and drags him towards a wall.


    "The rules for today is simple. You''re going to try and dodge the projectiles which we will throw at you. If you try to escape-" A loud gunshot breaks the silence, everyone starts to murmur and one of the women starts to cry.


    "Don''t worry we''ll put you back to your comfy rooms as soon as we finish the projectile. Then the next person can take your shift. Simple, isn''t it?" The man gave me a sadistic grin, as he laughed.


    We were being forced to watch the ¡®game''. They say that it adds to the flavour. A whistle is blown, indicating that the game has started.


    Five men and two women, the core members of the thugs rise up and picks up the projectiles. The first shot is claimed by the pig-like man. Perhaps stepping on me has triggered his sadistic urge and he could not hold it anymore. He enters a stance and jokingly twitches around as he throws a baseball directly at the prisoner''s groin. The pain causes the prisoner to immediately fell down to his knees. Tears and saliva flow down the orifices of the prisoner even though he''s a muscular, grown-up man.


    "OOOH, that''s gotta hurt!" Yelled the pig, as he holds onto his own groin.


    ¡°You¡¯re supposed to dodge them! Isn¡¯t it obvious that we¡¯re going to aim there?¡± he continued, mocking the blindfolded prisoner.


    "Okay, my turn! Hey, are you going to stay like that? I''m about to throw, you know." A blonde woman with tied-up ponytail said as he walks up in front of the prisoner. She draws a knife and slides the blunt end on the prisoner''s neck.


    ¡°Guess what I¡¯m going to throw? You better get ready to dodge this.¡± She taunts him, as she licked her lips.


    The blonde walks back to the line on the ground, her high heels clatter with each step. Suddenly, she stops before the line, and lifts her right leg, using it to kick the ground. She looks like a spinning top, being the only thing that touches the ground during her spin is the tip of her left high heel. She twists her body while holding the knife''s edge with her left hand and throws it. The momentum of her spin is carried over by the knife and the force was more than enough to pin the prisoner''s head to the wall. A bullseye, right between the eyes.


    She laughs maniacally,¡°That¡¯s why I told you to move idiot, a sitting duck is an easy target for me!¡±


    "Christina, that''s unfair. You haven''t even reached the line yet¡­ That guy was my type too." The brunette responded. She seems pissed that the target died before she manages to get a shot at throwing.


    ¡°Yes, yes, big sis! And it¡¯s very painful for a man to get hit in the balls, y¡¯know? Huh? He got balled in the balls¡± said the negro, muscular man as he laughs hysterically.


    As they were chatting around, a dark-haired teenager goes to the corpse and pulls the knife out. He drags the corpse and throws it away into a pit. "Who shall be the next one?" He said while he searches over our group and gazes at a tan-skinned woman beside me.


    The woman noticed his gaze and freaks out, she shouted "No please! I don''t wanna die!" as she tries to get up and make a run for it. None of us is bound to anything except the rope that ties our hands together. The woman who is scared out of her wits barely reached five meters before she stumbles, head-first to the ground.


    The blonde thug called Christina laughs at the pathetic attempt of escape and said; ¡°The next stage is a moving target! This is gonna be fun!¡±


    The tan-skinned woman wets herself after hearing such merciless words and tries to get up. While her back is turned away from the thugs, a metallic ball in the size of a fist darts across the field and hits her right at her thigh. The poor woman yelped in pain as she grabs her thigh and begs for mercy. ¡°Please stop I don¡¯t wanna die. Mommy.¡±


    We watch as Christina happily skips towards the down woman while she hums a tune. None of us dares to do anything even though she was begging so much. Christina steps on the woman''s hand with her high heels. "Shall we give you a second chance? What d''ya say eh? HahaHAHahAHa." she said, ignoring the woman''s painful cries.


    Suddenly, a roar is heard from the distance. A zombie horde can be seen forcing its way through the fence.


    "Tch. There go our playthings. Men, take everything you can and let''s move!" ordered Christina as she stomps and grinds her heels on the woman''s bloodied hands.


    "Wait, please! At least let us go!" plea the teenage boy beside me.


    The brunette looks at us without any pity in her eyes and said, ¡°What¡¯s the point of gathering baits then?¡±


    Without warning, she grabs the metal bat behind her and swings it directly at the boy¡¯s ankle. He cries so hard that it manages to draw the horde¡¯s attention towards us.


    "Hurry up and move your ass Katalina," the negro said, as he presses the car honk.


    The brunette blows a kiss and runs towards the car, leaving us to defend for ourselves. The harsh reality sinks towards me. I immediately get up and run towards the prison without looking at my back. I open the prison door and grab the keys holder, bringing all the keys with me towards my sister''s holding cell. A few people noticed what has been going on and begs for me to open up their cells too. My mind is incapable of any thoughts other than to get my sister to safety, sacrificing my moral beliefs for the sake of her.


    ¡°Sis? What¡¯s going on? Did they let us go?¡± said Tia, as she sobs and brings herself closer to the door, trying to hug me.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, we¡¯re going to get out of here, okay?¡± I reassured Tia as I attempt to open the door with one of the keys.


    The first three keys were not the right fit for the door and I start to panic as I hear the shrieks are getting louder. Having a tied up hand does not help the situation at all. I turn in the fourth key and a clicking sound echoes throughout the prison. "It''s opened! We can make it!"


    I open the door and grabs Tia¡¯s hand before I throw the combination of keys toward the other inmates. Wishing for their best, we ran out of the prison and the blinding sunlight causes our movement to a halt.


    Our eyes adjusted to the contrast and the sight of terror causes each strand of hair on our body to stand. A dozen of zombies is merely a few meters away from the prison and following behind them, a horde of hundreds.


    The tan-skinned crippled girl is the first of the many to fall. She was trying to crawl her way out when a zombie grabs her ankle and takes a huge bite out of it. The crying and spraying blood triggers a frenzy as they rip the poor girl to shreds.


    Everyone else was busy scampering away from the horde and that action painted a target on each of their backs. The horde splits up and chases after the men and women with their hands still tied behind their back. The zombies'' attention is distracted and I decided that it is the best time to run towards the forest.


    Watching such a dreadful slaughter pumps our body full of adrenaline. The rush allows us to run nonstop while barefoot through the rough ground. Not a second wasted, we did not stop even though fatigue overwhelms our body. After what felt like an eternity, Tia¡¯s feet is the first to give up. She trips over an uneven ground and luckily a growing thicket breaks her fall.


    ¡°Owwie¡± she sobs.


    The effect of the adrenaline has dispersed and now, our limbs are weak as we are gasping for oxygen. My wobbly feet guides me toward Tia and I fell down on my thighs when I tried to get her up. I try to hug her with the energy left in my body and said. "It''s okay Tia, we have run far enough from the horde now."


    She nods and put her arms around me, squeezing as if to ascertain that it is not a dream. After a few minutes, we got up and walk slowly with our feet. The sun is high above our heads but the forest provides enough shade that we could walk comfortably below them. There is no certain destination in my mind, merely trying to move forward. The sun starts to set and I couldn''t believe my eyes. I blinked a few times and asked Tia. "Is that a patch of road?"


    ¡°It¡¯s too dark to tell, but I think so?¡± Tia answered.


    After reaching the road, I took a look around us. The road stretches as far as my eyes can see to the left while on the right side- ¡°A mansion?¡± I said, trying to reaffirm the image with Tia.


    "Wow sis, it''s so far away but it is huge enough that we can see it from here," Tia said with a tone of astonishment.


    Distracted at the mansion, I didn¡¯t notice there was something creeping behind us from the bush.


    ¡°Sis, look out!¡± Tia yelled at me and pushed me away.If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    The zombie leapt and tries to take a bite at my neck. Luckily, Tia managed to push me away just in the nick of time. I fell on my butt while Tia tries to balance herself with one of her legs but the shock couldn¡¯t be fully absorbed by that little body. She fell and shouted ¡°Oww!¡±. It seems that the fall has sprained her ankle.


    What should I do? Even if I carry her we won¡¯t be able to run away in time. Should I just run away? I feel disgusted at myself for having such thoughts. As if trying to shake off that terrible thought, I grab a piece of rock on the ground and lunges at the zombie. After a few minutes of struggle, I finally manage to bash open the skull of the zombie.


    ¡°Sis, you¡¯re bleeding. Are you OK?¡± Tia sniffles, on the verge of tears.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright Tia. These are just- ¡± A sharp pain is felt on my wrist- A bite mark.


    Hiding it away, I continued, "just zombies blood! Haha, your sis really did good huh?"


    ¡°You¡¯re the best, sis!¡± she said, with a smile of relief on her face.


    I move over to Tia and give her a piggyback ride, taking care that she does not notice the bite mark on my wrist.


    ¡°It¡¯s going to be alright Tia, your sis will protect you.¡± Mixed feelings flow in my head, some of them curse my fate and the other felt relief that Tia is safe. I carry Tia over to the mansion, stopping at the colossal gate.


    I press the intercom and a female voice replied, with elegance. ¡°Yes, may I help you?¡±


    "I''m sorry but I and my sister had just escaped from a bandit camp-"I tried to explain but I was cut short.


    ¡°Is it only you two?¡± She reaffirms, trying to access the situation.


    ¡°At the gate, yeah. But at the camp there¡¯s-¡± I replied, as I got cut short the second time, the gate suddenly opened.


    A tall woman in a maid outfit, with dyed dark blue hair tied to make a bun walk out of the mansion. She approaches us, her pose is upright, and each step she takes are brimming with diligence. Her voice sounds full of confidence as she says. "I''ll take over from here, you''re injured."


    She gets down on one knee and offers her back to Tia. Tia hesitates and looks at me, waiting for me to let her down, probably worrying about my injury. Having no other choice but to trust the maid, I put her down and the maid carries her up as if she¡¯s weightless. She said. ¡°Let''s talk inside, there might be other creatures lurking nearby.¡±


    The maid takes a few steps towards the mansion as I''m spiralling down into deep thoughts. Tia is in safe hands. There is no need for me to risk her safety by being with her. I bite down my lips, trying to hold my tears. I don''t want to die yet. I promised mom and dad to take care of Tia. I want to watch her grow up. There are so many things I haven''t done yet-.


    Noticing that I haven''t stepped into the gate, the maid said. "Miss, is this about the bite?"


    ¡°Sis? What bite?¡± Tia¡¯s voice breaks up, it seems that she is really concerned about what the maid had just said.


    I grip tightly at the bite mark and said, "I''m sorry for hiding this Tia but you''re safe now. Please, take care of my sister." "Sis? What are you talking about? You promised that we''re going to be together. No! I hate this! Let me go!" Tia throws a fit, but the maid remains unflinching.


    "We have a cure. How long has it been since you were bitten?" The maid''s words echoed in my mind and make me wonder if everything is real or perhaps I''m already dead from fighting the zombie.


    "That''s impossible, I''ve met a few groups of survivor for these past 4 years and nobody was even close to reaching for a cure," I said, trying to reconfirm the facts.


    ¡°We do. Come with me if you want to live.¡± The maid said.


    Burdened with the desire to live, I step towards the mansion hoping that the maid speaks the truth. The door to the mansion opened, we are greeted by four maids. One of the maid, with a crimson coloured short hair, opens both of her arms towards Tia and said with spunk, "I''ll bring her to the infirmary, headmaid!".


    She carries Tia over her chest, just like a princess and makes a weird remark, "Wow you''re light, you really should eat more gyahaha!"


    Without further delay, she carries Tia over to the corridor, leaving me with the other maids. One of the maid, a blonde with curly hair reaching her shoulders breaks the silence, ¡°I¡¯m Esmeralda and I apologize for Ruby. She always speaks up her mind even though I told her it would be rude to do so.¡±


    ¡°Well then, I¡¯ll leave the matter to you three. Introduce her to the mistress.¡± the headmaid said as she walks up to the stairs.


    ¡°Shall we go, miss¡­?¡± said Esmeralda, trying to inquire my name.


    "Ah I''m Stephanie, you can call me Steph," I responded, as I walk over to her.


    Escorted by the four maids, I walk over a huge hallway decorated by life-sized statues made from marble and gold. Three maids are cleaning the statues dedicatedly. Their focus is centred solely on the statues, not minding us. The sculptures are made so that it captures even the finest details.


    We moved to pass a statue of a long-haired angel, posing like a shy girl begging for a kiss. Although both of her hands are folded neatly behind her wings, the demonic gauntlets on her wrists are on display and as well as the talons peeked from her fingers. The angel¡¯s body is provocative, with only her hair covering the private parts of her voluptuous body. A blonde maid uses an adorned handkerchief and her hand slowly creeps up the statue¡¯s long legs, as if she¡¯s wiping her lover in the bath. At first glance, nobody would notice the drool that was dripping from her lips, nor the crazed look in her crimson eyes.


    I gulped after witnessing the disturbing vibe and try to shake the thoughts by initiating a conversation with Esmeralda, ¡°There are so many maids here, are there butlers too?¡±


    Esmeralda, who is walking slightly in front of me turns her head slowly, revealing her sharp, cold eyes and said, ¡°We have no need for males here.¡±


    The shocking answer prevents me from prying into further details as I shift my focus to the large door at the hand of the hallway. A statue of a knight, gallantly sitting on top of a six-legged horse stood on its hind legs, with four front legs froze in mid-air.


    The sculptor really went all out on creating this fine piece of art. Even a blind man will know that the knight is a she, considering that he is allowed to grope the statue. The full plate armour wrapping the slender limbs is adorned with beautiful golden patterns, contrasting the dark shade of green.


    The helmet is a two-piece, in the shape of a dragon¡¯s head. The first part is the cranium, with a voluminous ponytail bearing down beneath two large horns. The mandible part is slightly open, revealing a rather attractive face with conviction in her eyes.


    She wields a brilliant flamberge rapier, with an elegant protective hilt on her right hand. On the opposite hand a kite shield, covering almost half of her body. Her right arm is raised, with the tip of the sword pointing at a demonic statue across the door, which is almost twice her size. A closer inspection reveals that all of the equipment, even the horse¡¯s armour are real.


    The sound of a door opening breaks my mesmerised state, and beyond the door are rows of seats. The inside of the room reminds me of a basketball stadium that I frequently visit during my elementary years. As we move through the flight of stairs, somehow my attention could not shift away from a decorated seat, almost like a throne on the opposite side of the court.


    A silhouette of a little girl can be seen sitting on the seat, just like a Roman emperor watching over his colosseum.


    Just like a life-sized doll, brought out to life directly from a renaissance French art.


    Wearing a black gown, as dark as the night itself. Ample layers of frills fluttering on the slightest movement of her hands or feet. Embroidery made out of gold linings on a white silk adorn the edges of the gown.


    Above the gown, there is a matching shawl covering her chest and shoulder with a dozen contrasting silver grommets at the centre. Connecting the shawl together is a series of ribbons laced through the grommets, each strand is precise of the same length. The ribbons are so perfect as if there is a series of mechanisation designed just to neatly tie them together.


    On top of her beautiful platinum coloured hair, there is an elegant bonnet adorned with grey flowers. My initial opinion regarding bonnets is that they are designed as an accessory for children but the aura radiated by the silhouette extinguishes such thoughts.


    ¡°She¡¯s gorgeous, who is she?¡± I asked.


    ¡°The mistress,¡± said Esmeralda.


    ¡°An empress.¡± said the maid on my left.


    ¡°My saviour,¡± said the maid on my right.


    Even though each one of them has different opinions regarding her, their devotion is equally matched.


    There¡¯s a noise of opening gate just beneath us. I look down and see a tied up blonde woman struggling, as she is being escorted to the middle of the court. I recognize the woman just by looking at her back, blonde ponytail and wearing a skimpy leather outfit. The woman¡¯s name is Christina, the sadistic leader of the thugs. She¡¯s the one who enjoys torturing us the most and just by looking at her makes my blood boil.


    The escorting maid ties her rope to a pole, leaving enough space for her to move around, just like how one would tie their horse during medieval times. The maid stands beside her prisoner, looking up to the little girl. The angle allows me to catch a glimpse of her face, she seems very happy and proud, just like a dog waiting to be praised by her owner.


    Suddenly, the headmaid appeared from behind the large throne and dismisses the escorting maid, ¡°You may leave now.¡±.


    The maid immediately turned around walks toward the gaping gate below me, with a look of disappointment on her face.


    ¡°Who the hell are you guys? I¡¯m going to kill you guys slowly! Release me you worms!¡± said Christina, still trying to break the rope with brute force.


    ¡°You¡¯re the leader of the bandits stationed at the base near the mountains, correct?¡± said the headmaid, her voice sounds cold.


    ¡°What the fuck do you want? Why do you care?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t. But the mistress has taken an interest you.¡±


    ¡°What does that mean?¡±


    ¡°Tell me, are you good with knives?¡± said the headmaid, as she draws a dagger with a ruby on the hilt.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you give it to me and I¡¯ll show you?¡±


    ¡°You might reconsider trying to throw it this way. We won¡¯t give you a second knife.¡± just as soon as the headmaid finishes the sentence, three rotten zombies appear on the gate below me, tumbling their way towards the tied-up victim on the centre of the court. Looking at the zombie causes the bite mark on my wrist to throb.


    ¡°What? No way! Stop!¡± begs Christina, as she struggles harder trying to break the binds.


    The headmaid throws the dagger right between Christina¡¯s legs, and said, ¡°You shall be granted freedom if you finish three trials.¡±


    Christina immediately gets down on one knee and cuts the rope loose. One of the zombies is faster and manage to pin her down. She uses her left arm and pushes the zombie¡¯s throat, preventing it from biting her. Her right hand frantic wildly, trying to reach the knife lodged deep in the ground.


    A second zombie reaches her right feet and grabs her heels. She pulls her legs but the zombie¡¯s grip is too strong and the momentum draws the zombie closer to her.


    Her quadriceps muscle suddenly contracts and she launches a lightning-speed spear kick directly at the zombie¡¯s head. Her high heel causes the force to be concentrated in a single spot which is more than enough to pierce a rotting zombie skull.


    With one imminent threat resolved, her attention shifts to the zombie mounting on top of her. Supported with her right leg, she flips the zombie over while making sure that her arm protects her from the zombie¡¯s rattling bites. With one swift motion, she picks the embedded knife and stabs it right between the sphenoid and the temporal bones.


    After confirming that the zombie has stopped moving. Christina immediately gets up and throws the knife at the zombie¡¯s skull. As the zombie goes limp, she laughs like a lunatic and said, ¡°These three zombies are the trials? That¡¯s pathetic! Bitch, I¡¯m gonna enjoy watching you suffer!¡±


    The headmaid remains unflinching even after hearing taunting words and responded. ¡°That was the first trial.¡±


    ¡°First¡­? ¡±As soon as she finished uttering those words, she turns around and gasped as she sees the creature moving out from the gate. It¡¯s a morbidly obese zombie unlike any other I¡¯ve seen before. Patches of blisters with green fluids are all over its body, with a bloated stomach as if the slightest poke would cause it to explode. The zombie charges to the centre of the court, with speed unbefitting of its size.


    ¡°FUCK, FUCK, FUCK, FUCK!¡± shouted Christina, as she runs towards the fallen zombie, trying to pick up the knife that she threw away earlier.


    She reaches the zombie and tries to pull the knife but it is stuck. She gathers her strength and pulls it for the second time, releasing the knife along with the brain contents. The fat zombie is right in front of her and she immediately slashes its stomach with lightning reflexes. A gush of bile explodes out from the grotesque stomach and spill all over her body. I could smell the putrid scent even from this distance.


    Christina vomits and cries, ¡°What have you done? Now I¡¯m infected too!¡±


    She sprints to the wall below the headmaid, slamming both of her hands to it while she shouts, ¡°Get down here so I can strangle you to death, you little bitch!¡±


    A slight chuckle can be heard echoing across the room. The little girl stands up from her seat and moves toward Christina. As she walks out of the shade, revealing the beautiful platinum colour of her hair and eyes. Her eyes gaze directly at Christina¡¯s, as she took a heavy breath. She suddenly spats at Christina¡¯s mouth ¡°.


    ¡°What the? How much more do you need to insult me!¡± she yelled.


    As her sanity is challenged her assault on the wall became faster, with each strike further damaging her bare hands. She stops abruptly, making a choking sound as grabs her throat with enough force as if she¡¯s trying to strangle herself.


    ¡°What did you do to me?¡± she asked, her voice gasping for air.


    She fell down on her butt, still strangling herself and she shouts as if in deep pain. Her veins popping out from her skin, displaying a dark purple or green colour contrasting her pale skin. Her beautiful blonde ponytail gradually loses its tone, becoming white as if she became an elderly woman in just a few seconds. The screeching stops and her body that was convulsing profusely a few seconds ago become still.


    All of a sudden, a cackle echoes throughout the court. Christina stood up, her eyes turned to crimson and it looks crazier than before. She lifts up both of her arms, as if trying to embrace a lover and said, ¡°My Goddess!¡±


    The little girl opens her mouth and lets out a beautiful voice and in a commanding tone. ¡°This is my first decree. Hunt down what remains in the camp.¡±


    All of the maids had an erotic face and some of them went down to their knees just from hearing their mistress¡¯ voice. However, none of them displays the amount of joy as much as Christina. Her face is flushed red as if in the verge of orgasm. Her voice sounds high-pitched as she says, ¡°Yes, My Goddess!¡±


    Christina darts over the court with lightning speed, as if the weight of her body didn¡¯t exist. She jumps over to my side and kept running towards the exit directly behind me while laughing like a witch.


    The pain pulsates as I feel it rising up to my arm. I try to prevent the sensation from escalating by making a tight grip on my wrist. The absurd situation left me with so many questions. What causes Christina¡¯s aggression to suddenly stop? Why are all the maids acting like that? Did she just jump over a 5-meter wall like it was nothing? As more questions bombard my mind, I notice that the little girl is gazing at me as if she can see my soul. The unbearable pain that I¡¯ve been feeling suddenly dispersed.


    Our eyes met, the first thing that I notice about those beautiful eyes is that the pupils are vertical-slits, just like a predator watching its prey. My body trembles as I feel a sharp pain, a rushing sensation of an electric shock from my brain to my private parts. I feel like the temperature of the room is heating up, drops of sweat begin to form around me. Strangely, I enjoy the feeling of being gazed at by those wondrous, piercing eyes.


    Months of being kept as a plaything have caused my mind to wrap and moulded me into a masochist. Being able to convert the pain into pleasure has managed to protect me against those gruesome tortures. The thugs said that they loved my buns so much that they play with it every day. The continuous biting and clamping have deformed the tips, permanently causing it to be swollen and more sensitive than ever.


    However, no amount of the being toyed with have managed to make me feel this euphoric before. My chest hurts as the erect tips grind against my clothes. My breathing grew heavier, the mistress did not break her gaze even for a second. I don¡¯t even need to touch anything. Just a little more, and I can, I¡¯m almost -


    The mistress grins and says, ¡°Do you want a decree?¡±


    Hearing her voice causes each muscle in my body to tense up. The feeling of heat swells inside of me. A burst - just like a waterfall gushes out and stains the carpet.


    I smile from ear to ear, unable to think about anything else. I need to hear more of her voice. I need her to notice me. I need her eyes to focus on me. As the whirlpool of emotions cloud over my mind, I do my best to respond to her call.


    ¡°Yes, my Queen."

 Chapter 1. Ephemeral Awakening

    I open my eyes as I erratically search around, looking for clues as I gather my thoughts.


    Where am I...? Who am I...? So hungry... So cold... So... Alone...


    Suddenly, a faint whisper echo in my head. ¡°Never alone¡±. The words shake my very core, holding a cold grasp over my mind. It was uneven, rising and falling with every syllable as if a wild beast made its first attempt pronouncing.


    I try to respond with my own words, but my vocal cords are struggling against my will. I have thought of so many words to say but managed to utter none of it. The room is so dark and silent that I could hear ringing in my ears. There¡¯s nobody around me, I could somehow sense it but I can¡¯t shake the feeling that there''s someone... Some... Thing... A presence other than me, trying to claw its way through.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    I begin to flail my arm around slowly, moving forward an inch at a time. The pitch blackness didn¡¯t help one bit, and on my sixth step, I feel a slippery sensation beneath my feet. That alone is enough to throw my balance away and my struggle is all for nought, as I begin to fall and land on my butt.


    Withholding the pain, I crawl forward using all of my limbs and I could feel something on my right hand. It was cold and hard - a metal bar that is lodged into the ground vertically.


    I immediately realize that I¡¯m imprisoned behind bars, and begin to shake the bars one by one. A compartment of the metal bars rattles from the applied force, indicating that the part could move.


    Further inspection of the moving part shows that it is designed so that someone could fit through when it is opened but unfortunately, there''s a locking mechanism. I try to muster my strength and pull it hard enough that I feel nothing else other than numbness in my right hand. My stomach rumbles, as I place my other hand onto it.


    Must have been a while since I last ate, it feels as if there¡¯s a hole inside my stomach.


    My consciousness begins to wade as the numbness from my right side beings to take over my sense of touch, I began to fade away into the darkness.

 Chapter 2. Prim and co.

    The chit chatter from a group of birds wakes me up from my sleep. Some people might consider it as a sweet melody of a song, but I dread everything that steals the comfort of my personal dreamland. I dawdle towards the balcony to chase the culprits away. As I slowly undo the lock of the sliding glass window and slide it away, a gentle breeze washes away all my anger. The flock of birds that was sitting on a branch nearby immediately flies away, perhaps startled by my presence.


    I hear a voice from the bed behind me. ¡°Sis?¡± I turned around to look at Miranda, my little sister. Her arm-length dark hair was in a mess, as she rubs her eyes and tucks her hair behind her ears.


    ¡°Sorry, did I wake you up?¡± I chuckle, as I watch over her walking dazedly towards me. She grabs my arm and buries her face in it.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I think I¡¯ve had enough sleep.¡± She lets out a sweet smile as if there¡¯s not a care in the world. How I wish I could protect this smile of hers forever. ¡°Are you sure? You had another nightmare yesterday.¡± I slide my fingers into her hair as I caress her cheek. She was eleven years old when the outbreak started and since then, nightmares haunt her every night making it impossible for her to sleep alone.


    She nods and responds, ¡°It¡¯s all right, sis. I know you¡¯re with me. I¡¯m not scared since you¡¯re always here.¡±


    Silly girl, I truly wish that is true but nobody knows the future holds for us. I gave her a tight hug and reassure her. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Miranda. Your sis will do whatever she could to keep you safe.¡±


    Suddenly, loud footsteps echo throughout the corridor. The footstep stops and there is a huge knock on the bedroom door. ¡°Hey! Are you guys up yet? We should go soon!¡±


    I click my tongue. What a great morning to spoil.


    Miranda makes a weird face as I muffle her ears with my hands. I begin to glare at the persistent knocking, or more precisely, the perpetrator who is ruining the serene morning.


    ¡°Shut up, Val! Why are you here so early?¡± I shout.


    ¡°H-huh? What do you mean why? We¡¯re supposed to scavenge today, remember?¡± He sighs loudly and continues to talk with a sarcastic tone. ¡°I guess your brain isn¡¯t awake yet.¡±


    Argh! this idiot keeps getting on my nerves.


    My blood is just about to boil over as I yell on top of my lungs. ¡°Just go take a jog or something! We¡¯ll be out once we¡¯re ready!¡±This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    ¡°Wow, you¡¯re so grumpy in the morning.¡± The sound of footstep steadily fades away from the door.


    Another unnecessary remark from the rude monkey. I wish I could just avoid from dealing with him for one day.


    I pick up an ornate brush from the cupboard and brush Miranda¡¯s hair with the utmost care. The adorned brush must have been expensive. I guess that the previous owner of this house adores fancy stuff.


    ¡°Sis, I think you would look great with long hair. I could brush it for you, too!¡± Miranda¡¯s cheerful voice warms my heart.


    ¡°It¡¯s easier for me to fight with short hair so I don¡¯t even need to tie it up.¡± Hearing my response, she seems to be in a slump from my rejection, but I believe this is for the best. I need not to look pretty or anything. It¡¯s already the end of the world. There¡¯s nobody around to judge me for what I am.


    After a few minutes of preparation, I head downstairs. A spiky-haired young man comes into view, sitting at the corner of the room, holding a cup.


    He notices me almost immediately. He slowly sips his drink and puts the cup down. ¡°Oh, you¡¯re finally here. Don¡¯t mind me. I¡¯m simply enjoying my half an hour well spent.¡±


    I roll my eyes as I respond to his remarks. ¡°Girls need time to prepare, you know.¡±


    ¡°Ah, great! Why don¡¯t you roll your eyes harder? It would be a great discovery if you can find your brain back there.¡± He grins like an idiot.


    I snap immediately after hearing such an unbelievable shit. I lose my ability to process information and yelp, ¡°HEEEEEE--¡± I cut my anger short after hearing a familiar voice behind me.


    ¡°S-sis? What was that sound?¡±


    I turn around to see a small figure, carrying an oversized backpack, as she puts her finger on her chin and tilts her head, innocently confused.


    Val stands up and says, ¡°G-good morning, Miranda! You look great today, too.¡±


    I snicker and whisper to him, ¡°Oh, I thought you said it was a waste of time for girls to prepare themselves?¡±


    ¡°I-it¡¯s fine if Miranda does it. She¡¯s not like you!¡± He says.


    ¡°What does that even mean?!¡±


    Miranda approaches us and picks up a biscuit on the table. ¡°Um¡­ where are we going this time?¡±


    Val opens a map from his backpack and presents it to us. There are many crossed out sections of stores that have been looted by us and the Society. He points to a building complex, located on top of a hill a few kilometres away from our base. ¡°Do you guys know about the prison? I¡¯ve asked around, and the Society said that there were militaries posted there. But they left in a hurry a few days ago.¡±


    ¡°I did hear something about a zombie horde on the northern front when Zack was tinkering with the radio station. Could it be related?¡± I question.


    ¡°Are you sure it¡¯s safe to go there?¡±


    I hug Miranda and pat her hair. ¡°There¡¯s no such thing as safe around here anymore, Miranda. But we¡¯ve survived this long, haven¡¯t we?¡°


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. If anything happens, I¡¯ll protect you!¡± Val flexes to show off his muscles.


    I grimace in disgust as I try to ignore Val¡¯s retarded flexing and proceed to the exit. I grab my axe by the door and lift it up to my shoulder. ¡°Shall we leave?¡±