The Rising

[xGrim]

The Rising​

Prologue

Living day by day. Month by month scavenging scraps of food left by the remnants of humanity. Ren found himself running and hiding from creatures every night. Creatures that hunt using the smell of blood. They are hunters that act like sharks but mimic humans to lure them out of hiding. Imagine hearing a voice calling out only to find a mouthful of teeth waiting to devour you.

It was April of 2005 when they rose from the sea and started attacking everything in sight that moved. Once there was blood in the air it turned into a feeding frenzy. Ren was at his mothers when they rose. First seeing it on the tv as the news anchor shakily tried to explain what was happening all over the world. He turned to his mother and asked, "what do we do? "

His mother starts yelling to start boarding up the windows and doors. Ren then asks, "well what if we need food?" His mother Ella, looks at him with tears in her eyes and says "we will have to forage and scavenge. It wont be easy and things are going to get a lot worse. We have to stick together to get through this." With tears in her eyes his mother walks over to the window to continue nailing boards across it. Meanwhile outside you can hear nothing but screaming, explosions and the roaring of creatures. These roars sound like a low guttural bellow that fill the air with terror. Surprisingly the news anchor on the television continues to broadcast on the situation.

Ren and his mother were living in New York when the rising started. Living in such a densely populated area made it easy for these creatures to pick people off. On the television the news Anchor starts talking about a scientist named Dr. Saritoga from Japan who has made some significant discoveries in regards to the Rising. The creatures are coming from a rift that has opened on the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. Someone, or something is sending these creatures to annihilate humanity. The creatures have been named the Rykeros. Using CCTV camera footage and footage submitted by people surviving on their own. Dr. Saritoga has made some observations about the Rykeros, for example their skin is a dark greyish blue with azure stripes down their back. Their heads are shaped like a sharks head but more humanoid, instead of a snout there's a nose with slits instead of nostrils. Shark eyes but located where a humans eyes would be. A mouth filled with razor-sharp teeth curved backwards and serrated. The worst part about the Rykeros is that they're sentient. With intellect rivaling humanities elites. They know what they are doing when they tear you apart and enjoying it. What is their goal? Why did they rise now?

 

[xGrim]

Chapter One

A month has passed since the creatures known as the Rykeros rose. Somehow the news station that Ren and his mother have been watching is still airing news about the creatures and the current situation. Currently the Rykeros are focusing on thinning the population, taking out the weak and the young first. The carnage has spread across globe as the Rykeros rip and tear their way to the top of the food chain. Ren has gone out on runs for food and water many times since the rising began, but now things are getting worse.. The creatures have been using their mimic ability to confuse adults into thinking kids are in danger. Just to lure them to a gruesome death.

It was time for Ren to do another run as their food was getting low. He started by checking apartments that have been broken into and destroyed by the Rykeros. Ren looked in the cabinets in the kitchen first for canned food and other useful stuff to help survive. Things like toothpaste or toilet paper are like gold now. A hot shower seems like a dream at this point for Ren. Opening the cabinets Ren noticed that there was a few cans of peaches and peas along with a few other types of fruit and vegetables. As he started to pack away the cans of food into his backpack he heard a low bang coming from one of the bedrooms. One of the creatures must have climbed in through the broken window. Ren ducks his head down below the edge of the counter and tries to get control of his shaky breathing. These creatures have amazing hearing and one move and it's over for Ren.

Using it's voice it let's out a cry that sounds exactly like a baby in pain. The Rykeros snarls as it walks around the corner on all fours before stopping and standing upright like a human would. Using it's voice it let's out a cry that sounds exactly like a baby in pain. Their legs bent backwards at the knee with arms that have razor sharp bone-like spikes coming out of their elbows. With four inch claws on each finger, all it would take is one swipe from this creatures powerful clawed hand to tear someone in half. Their ears look almost pointed like an elf but in a sinister curve backwards at the tip of each ear. Using it's unique nose that has 3 slits on each side of the bridge the Rykeros lowered it's head back to the ground and sniffs picking up a scent. Suddenly the creature jumps onto the kitchen counter lifting it's head and letting out a loud roar before looking around the kitchen for it's prey. Ren's heart jumps into his throat as he realizes he needs to run as fast he can and try to lose the creature. Ren's mind races as he thinks to himself "Where do I go and how do I get away without being caught?". As he quickly looks around the room he realizes that the way the Rykeros got into the apartment was through the fire escape. With his adrenaline pumping he slowly starts to make his way to the bedroom before the Rykeros can realize what he's doing.

Halfway to the room Ren looks around just as the Rykeros realizes where he is. Using all of his might and adrenaline Ren runs to the fire escape in the bedroom and hurries out the window and down the ladder. As he makes it to the bottom of the stairs he could hear the Rykeros roaring in anger as it runs out the window and slams into the railing of the stairs. The railing being old and rusty enough to break with enough force gives way as the creature slams into it causing it to fall three stories to the ground landing on a pipe sticking up from the concrete. The creature lands hard and with a sudden cry the creature squirms and tries to move. Ren realizes that the creature was impaled through the skull but somehow still alive. Thinking of it as an act of kindness Ren picks up a large piece of concrete and bashes in the head of the Rykeros. Ren then picks up his bag, his clothes now stained with blood and heads home. Todays run is over.

Walking in the door of the small apartment he shares with his mother, Ren looks around for his mother. Ella, his mother walks towards him from the kitchen noticing all the blood covering her sons clothes she looks at him with worry and sadness in her eyes. All Ella ever wanted for her son was for to have a great future doing what he loves, instead he goes out and risks his life to make sure they both survive. How long before he finds a gun and starts fighting these creatures? Is that what it's going to come to? Ella's eyes start to fill with tears as she thinks about these things. Ren walks towards her and says "Mom, it was close today but I'm alright. I may need a weapon for future runs as these creatures are deadly and cunning." Ella turns to him and nods her head, not knowing what to say. Despite the blood all over her son, Ella walks over and take Ren into her arms embracing him. Ella says to Ren "I love you my boy, I just want you to be careful out there. One wrong move and I don't ever get to embrace you again." Thinking to himself Ren turns to his mother and asks, "What if we leave the city and try to move more inland? It might be safer the farther we are from the water. It will also give us time to find weapons and more food on the way after we decide on a place to go. There has to be somewhere that's safe from these monsters."

 

[xGrim]

Chapter Two

Ren is suddenly woken up from a deep sleep filled with dreams of terror. Lightning cracks across the sky outside as thunder booms loud enough to shake the apartment. Storms are when the Rykeros are most active and violent. The rain hitting their skin somehow makes these creatures stronger and faster. Going when it's storming is almost impossible, it's best to hunker down and hide. Outside all that could be heard is roars and voices in the street. The mimic ability of the Rykeros has resulted in the deaths of thousands of people, using the eerie voices to trick people into thinking their loved ones are hurt and require aid.

As he looks around to his mother, Ren looks at her and quietly says "I hope this storm is over soon, once it's over we need to pack our stuff and think of where to go." Ella, look terrified says to her son " what about the colder areas of Canada? We aren't far from the border." Looking at his mother Ren stands up and says "It's decided then, as long as we stick to the middle area of Canada away from the coastlines we should be safe. We just need to wait out this storm"

Loudly the Rykeros outside crashed into apartments and houses through the windows and doors looking for their next prey. All of a sudden a loud scream splits the air, one of the Rykeros has found someone. Ren looked through a crack in their boarded up window to see what was going on. Outside the Rykeros pounced using their powerful back legs to jump at least ten feet to close the distance between it and the prey. Landing on the girls back using the claws on it's right hand to slash into the right shoulder of the girl which had to be no more than twenty one years old. Slicing deeply into the muscle in the shoulder severing tendons and breaking bones as it's slashes downwards. The girl falls forward onto her knees before landing face first on the ground. The creature let's out a triumphant roar as it starts slashing the girls back with each clawed hand over and over again until the girl stopped convulsing and breathing. It was over for her, all she is now is a meal for this monster. The Rykeros leans down towards her back and sticks it's tongue out and slurps up a big gulp of blood. Spewing some of it out of the slits in the nostril on each side. As if to laugh at it's prey before starting to devour the girl. Taking huge bites out of the girls torso, the creature didn't care if it was flesh or bone it was eating as it's deadly teeth crunches through anything.

Ren looked at his mother with a terrified expression as he starts to whisper to her. "Pack your things and food.. Now mom. We have to leave." In a hurry Ella races through the apartment looking for anything they might need and is light enough for them to carry. Outside they have a car but there has been so much creature activity around it that it might be difficult to get to it safely. Ren starts looking for anything that might make a loud noise or bang outside. Something they can use as a distraction, suddenly he remembers. His father gave him a slingshot for his thirteenth birthday. Maybe, just maybe he can use the slingshot to break a window outside to distract the creatures and give them enough time to get in the car.

It was almost morning when Ren and his mother finished packing up their stuff, they fit as much canned food into their bags as they could along with a few medical supplies like the bottle of penicillin, alcohol and gauze. In just an hour or two their plan will be put in to motion. One last time they turned on the television hoping the news station is still on the air. Luckily enough it was and even though the news anchor looked disheveled and thin he was still trying to get information to people. As the news anchor continues to talk suddenly he brings up a place up north in Canada called Alberta. The news anchor announces that "Alberta has safe areas away from water. Survivors should make their way across the border and make the trek to Alberta. The Rykeros have taken over most of New York and the world it's now up to survivors to stick together and fight to get through this. We will win in the end. Our government is still currently running and looking for a resolution to this chaos. There is still one big question on scientists minds though. Where are these creatures coming from? Why did they attack now? Doctor Saritoga has devoted every waking hour to researching these creatures. Doctor Saritoga is already living at the institute that was setup in Alberta. This is an an institute that captures and studies Rykeros. Living or dead these creatures are interesting but terrifying. The institute is located on the outside of the wall that's setup around the safe zone. It would be too risky to have live specimens around civilians.

Ren and his mother are ready to set their plan in motion at noon. As, noon rolls around Ren looks to his mother and says "It's time to go mom, I'm going to miss this place." Ella looks at him and silently nods with tears rolling down her cheeks. Ren opens the door and starts to head down the hallway to the stairs. As they start down the stairs they hear an eerie voice call out saying "Hello? Is anybody there? I need help." Ella and Ren look at each with horror. Is this real? They can't afford to wait as they need to move as far away from this place as they can while they have daylight. Time to go. Heading down the stairs to the bottom floor they open the door to the apartment buildings lobby. They run to the door and as they open it they hear the voice behind them repeating the same eerie words before leaving the building. Outside roars could be heard from down the street. Quietly peeking over a the hood of the car they were hiding behind, Ren sees a Rykeros near their car. Raising his slingshot and aiming it at a first floor apartment building window across the street. As Ren picks up a nice sized stone to use. He pulls back the rubber band on the slingshot until it was fully extended. Ren fires a rock at the window, it doesn't break. Nearby the Rykeros let out a roar of anger, in a hurry Ren fires another shot with a bigger rock and on the second shot the window breaks. Ren and Ella give it a few minutes waiting for the Rykeros to climb the building. As soon as the Rykeros was at the first floor window and started entering, it was time to run. That's what Ren and his mother did, they ran for their lives to their car, quickly they open the doors but try to be quiet at the same time as they get in the car with their stuff.

Ren is in the driver seat and puts the key in the ignition and starts the car, as soon as it's engine turns on he puts his foot on the gas and takes off. Trying to avoid other destroyed cars on the road, Ren and his mother are finally on their way to Alberta. Their first stop is to get supplies and then the border. Ren thinks to himself, "Alberta here we come, I hope the promise of safety is true."

 

[xGrim]

Chapter Three

It was early in the morning when Ren and Ella made it to Chicago, there first stop was for gas. Driving down Main Street, Ren notices a gas station far down the street on the right. The only problem is, there are at least two Rykeros near there. Ren needed to think of a distraction to lure the Rykeros away while he fills the gas can from the trunk of the car. Parking the car far enough away around the block, Ren steps out and stretches extending his arms above his head and arching his back. It was a long drive to Buffalo while trying to avoid the creatures lurking around every corner.

Ren looks in the front seat of the car for his slingshot before finding it and putting the slingshot in the front pocket of his sweater. He turns to his mother once again and says "Wish me luck". Crouching below the rooves of the cars he makes his way around the back of the car to get the gas can. Ren starts to move around the block as silently as he can. Rounding the corner he could hear shuffling and snorting as a nearby Rykeros sniffed the ground. Ren looks for nearest car in the vicinity to use as a distraction. Hoping that the battery still has some juice for the alarm.

Sitting on the left side of the street was a new looking Subaru, aiming his slingshot and pulling back the rubber band. Ren let's loose a large rock hoping it hits the front windshield. As he watches the rock shoot through the air you could hear a loud shattering noise when the windshield cracked. The next rock will surely cause the windshield to break. With a loud cracking sound the windshield gives way as Ren launches another rock at it. Every Rykeros in the area was hunting for what made that sound, as long as they go towards the car it should be safe. As the Rykeros investigate the car Ren starts to make his way towards the gas station, crouching low but still able to move quickly.

At the gas station Ren tries the first pump, as he squeezes the handle all that came out was air. The gas station must be dry. Ren will need to siphon gas from cars until they can reach the next gas station. Looking around for a car that might have gas. Ren chooses one and thankfully he brought some tubing to siphon. The car Ren chose was an old Chevy Cavalier, sitting virtually untouched. Unscrewing the cap for the gas tank Ren puts one end of the hose in the gas tank while putting his lips to the other end of the hose. Now Ren has to do the gross part, sucking the gas out of the tank just enough for it to start pouring into the gas can he brought. As Ren sucks the gas out of the tank to start the siphoning, He chokes a bit on the fumes and taste of the gas. At least there was gas in the tank, "Maybe it's enough to get to the next gas station" Ren wonders.

After filling the gas tank, Ren crouches down and starts to make his way back to the car. With the Rykeros prowling for their prey nearby, Ren must be careful not to make any wrong moves. Moving past each car as quietly as he could it was starting to look like he was in the clear until he heard the voice that made his blood run cold. "Can you help me mister? I'm lost". Ren looks around for whoever said that, only to find a Rykeros just sitting on it's haunches with it's arms stretched forward leaning on it's knuckles. The Rykeros stared at Ren for a moment and then repeated the same chilling words. "Can you help me? Mister I'm lost". It was toying with him, trying to terrify him before pouncing. Ren turns around as fast as he can towards where the car is parked and starts to run. Using all of his might and willpower, Ren turns the corner towards the silver Honda Civic his mother was sitting in. Nearing the car, Ren's adrenaline is going wild and his heart is beating out of chest as he gets to the car and gets into the drivers seat.

Starting the car Ren once again has to have a lead foot and drive away as fast as they can. With no time to say anything to his mother, Ren speeds away. Behind them you could see two Rykeros on all fours chasing the car. They might not catch up but they will surely try. It wasn't until they left Buffalo that the Rykeros finally stopped giving chase. It seems like they are in the clear for now, as their gas will only last for so long. Ren finally turns to his mother and says "Another close call but I managed to fill our gas can." Ella looks out the front window peering up at the sky. Muttering out loud "it looks like rain". Turning to Ren, "I'm proud of you, you did well and got us out of there safely".

On the road through Philadelphia there was carnage strewn across the streets and sidewalks. It looks like there was an encampment here for survivors. The Rykeros have mutilated these corpses as if to send a message to humanity saying you're nothing more than our prey to play with. It just happens that their version of playing is to shred the torsos of their victims spreading their rib cage apart showing what organs were left uneaten. Blood sprays can be seen near each corpse showing how barbaric these attacks were. Before long Humanity needs a way to fight these monsters.

Suddenly there was a large bang on the roof of the car. A Rykeros has jumped on top of the car and is trying to get in by using its four inch long claws to pry the metal off the roof. Ren using his quick instincts immediately starts to swerve left and right as he picks up speed. Without realizing how fast he is now going, Ren keeps swerving to try and make the Rykeros fall off the roof. Ella looks at Ren with terror thinking to herself, "Find a knife for Ren to use". Searching through the console and anywhere else Ren might have stashed a knife. Finally finding one in the bags Ren brought. She needed to let Ren focus on the road, mustering all of her courage she opens her window and sticks her head out enough to see where the Rykeros had it's hand. Letting out a courageous yell Ella up and slashes 4 of the fingers off of the creatures hand. Blood started pouring down the side of the car as the creature tried to hold on. Finally with a tumble down the back of the car the Rykeros fell down and onto the road. Rolling backwards onto it's hind legs the Rykeros starts to skid. Letting out a defeated roar the Rykeros finally gives up and runs away to nurse it's wound.

Ren looks at his mother baffled at how she just saved both of them. "You're amazing mom, you just saved our lives!". Ella looks at Ren clearly upset and says "Thank you, that was terrifying.. we need to find a safe place to park for the night". Ren nods and keeps driving, looking for anywhere that might be safe. After driving for over an hour Ren finally finds a large forest with enough space for the car to fit between the trees. Ren slowly drives the car into the forest being very careful not to get stuck, stopping between some short trees that give good cover. Ren and Ella get out to find some branches to cover the car for more safety. Once the car was covered it was time to eat and sleep. Ren and his mother both need rest after the day they've had. After finishing a can of peaches each, they both lean their seats back. Ren was first watch.

 

[xGrim]

Chapter Four

It was early morning when Ren was woken by rustling outside of the car. They had parked for the night and covered the car up with brush as best as they could before trying to rest their eyes. Ella was on watch when Ren was woken by the commotion outside. She turned to Ren and put a finger to her lips as if to make a shushing motion to him. They both lowered their heads slowly to try and hide from whatever is outside. Suddenly an eerie voice breaks the silence saying "No food, let's go". Ren thought to himself, "Was that a Rykeros and did it just speak in a way that wasn't mimicking? Can they speak to each other like we can? it turns out they are more intelligent than we thought."

Finally Ren could hear footsteps receding outside, it sounded like there was two of them. "That was intense" Ren thought to himself as he turned to his mother to check on her. Ella was clearly shaken up by the ordeal, the fact that the Rykeros can communicate to this level was a terrifying discovery for both of them. Ren and Ella decided to wait another hour before going outside and uncovering the car. The Rykeros have been known to set traps and it's better to play it safe against such mischievous creatures. Ren opens his door and exits the car, he takes the brush off the car and gets it ready for travel as his mother gets their food for the morning ready. This morning they have canned pears to look forward to. Once they arrive at the next town or city they must gather food again.

After hours of driving they need to stop for to fill the gas tank. Ren turns to his mother and says " keep an eye out for a car that isn't destroyed or a gas station. We also need to find some weapons." Once Ren and Ella arrive in Pittsburg one of their goals is focus on arming themselves better if this is the world they now live in. Another thirty minutes passed before Ella excitedly says to Ren "Look, Look! There's a bunch of cars of there that look untouched in that parking lot!" Ren turns to his mother and nods as he takes a right turn into the parking lot to have a look. Parking the the car he looks around checking out the environment to see if there was any creatures around. Ren thinks to himself "I've got this" as he exits the car and walks around the back to get his gas can out of the trunk.

With the gas and hose in hand Ren moves towards the closest car. With his head down, he hesitantly moves as quietly as he can but he can't help but feel like something was wrong. With his gut in a knot he starts to unscrew the cap for the cars gas tank to be able to start siphoning with the hose. Using the hose he starts to suck the gas out before putting the hose in the gas can. There was only enough gas in that car left to fill a quarter of the gas can, so it's on to the next car. As he crouches and moves towards the next car, Ren accidently kicks a rock and it hits the side of one of the nearby cars. Suddenly a roar splits the sky as a Rykeros jumps onto the roof of the blue Kia near Ren. Standing there for a minute just staring at Ren before it jumps down to the ground closer to him. In a hurry Ren looks around for something to use as a weapon as he realizes that he forgot his slingshot in the car. To his right is a pile of rebar from a construction site beside the parking lot, with some of it being broken. With his heart racing so hard it felt like it was going burst from his chest, Ren runs over to the pile of rebar and grabs the first piece he could.

Turning to the Rykeros, Ren musters all his courage to stand his ground. Holding the piece of rebar as a spear, he knows at any second the Rykeros will attack. Still, the creature stood there looking at Ren as if toying with him. It seemed like the creature was trying to gauge what Ren was going to do. With a creepy smile on it's face you could tell the creature was enjoying the game it's made with it's prey. Opening it's mouth it utters the words "It's time to play." The creepy smile now showing it's sharp teeth as it lunged at Ren slashing it's strong claws at him. With all his might Ren used the rebar he found and tried to block the slash. The Rykeros possess physical strength at least ten times that of a humans. With the force of the slash hitting the rebar, Ren was sent flying into the car behind him. His back being slammed into the car door that it broke the window. Stumbling to his feet Ren looks at the Rykeros and screams in defiance at it. When he was slammed against the car Ren dropped the rebar, as he went to pick it up he could hear the Rykeros scoff at him.

This creature wanted to make this game last. It want's to make it hurt before it gets it's prey. With the rebar now in hand, Ren thinks to himself "you won't get me, this isn't how I die." The Rykeros now on all fours starts to act in a more feral way as if it's ready to start attacking more seriously. It lunges again, swiping it's right hand at Ren, somehow managing to dodge. Ren takes the opportunity to lunge at the creature with the rebar, using it as it spear. Using all his might he stabs at the creature managing to stab it in the back under the rib area. The rebar went deep under the ribs as Ren rips it out and goes to stab again. Blood is spraying from the wound in the creatures back as it turns around and backhands Ren sending him flying again. This time Ren recovers his footing and runs at the creature ready to stab again. Jumping on to the creatures back as it was getting sluggish from losing blood, Ren takes the rebar and stabs with all his might into the back of the skull. The creature let's out an otherworldly scream as it falls forward to its knees. Ren is now standing behind the creature as he takes the rebar and drives it straight through the top of its skull. The creature, now with it's head now bloody and barely recognizable falls forward lifeless. Ren falls to his knees, struggling to catch his breath. Thinking to himself "Did I really just survive that.." Slowly he stands up and tries to gather himself before heading back to the car with the gas can. He decides to keep the piece of rebar as proof he survived and for a weapon in the future. Back at the car, his mother looks at him with bewilderment in her eyes. She asks "what happened? I could hear you yelling but I couldn't see it." Ren was too tired to explain as he looks to his mother and says, "What matters is I'm okay, just a bit bruised and sore. I survived." It was time for them to move on, as Ren puts the quarter can of gas in the car. They were ready to head to the next stop. Ren thinks to himself, "we need to find a place I can wash up and clean my wounds. Even if it's a freshwater stream."

 

[xGrim]

Chapter Five

Hours pass as Ren and his mother travel on one of the main highways to Pittsburg. Ren finally decides to pull over at a public park. It looks empty and quiet but as Ren now knows. Looks can be deceiving. As he pulls into the parking lot, he looks around. Analyzing every tree and and bush. Places a creature could possibly be hiding. The park has a stream running through it with a small concrete bridge with steel railings on each side. Ren can finally wash up from his previous encounter with a Rykeros and clean his wounds. Ren looks at his mother and says "Let's check out this stream, if the water is clean enough we can gather some for drinking water. I need to clean up.. the last thing I need is an infection." Ren and Ella decide to wait ten to fifteen minutes before getting out just to be safe. They gather their water jugs and head to the stream quietly and slowly. Concentrating on not making noise, Ren bends down to the stream and scoops up water in his hands. Raising his hands to his mouth he tastes the water. Wanting to test it before his mother does in case it isn't clean enough. The water is refreshing and sends a chill down Ren's spine as he takes a big gulp. Ella starts to gather water in the jugs upstream from where Ren is, so he can clean his wounds without contaminating the water with blood.

Feeling his forehead first, Ren notices there's a deep gash above the left his eyebrow. Remembering that they packed their first aid kit. Ren walks back to the car and looks under the backseat for the kit. Fumbling around under the seat he finds the kit and opens it. Thankfully there's a needle and the thread needed to stitch, Ren takes it out and walks over to the side mirror of the car. Looking at his face, he notices how bruised it really is. His left eye is almost swollen shut, bruised with a dark greenish red color. Taking his pocket knife out, he finds the spot around his eye holding the most blood and carefully makes an incision to release the buildup. This should help with the swelling and make it so Ren can see better. While Ren lets the incision finish releasing the blood pocket he turns his attention to the gas. Carefully starting at the left side of the gash. Ren uses the needle to pierce his skin to start the stitch. Years ago Ren volunteered at a medical center in his home town. Learning how to do proper first aid and to stitch. He starts making a figure eight stitch for the gash working from left to right.

Finally finishing the stitch for the gash. Ren lifts his shirt to look in the mirror of the car. Trying to see if his ribs are okay after being slammed into a car. Taking his shirt off, Ren notices that the right side of his chest is bruised black and blue. Spreading down to his ribs. It hurts to breath and there's three long claw marks down the right side of his ribs. That must be where Ren was hit by the Rykeros. The claw marks aren't deep enough to need stitches, Ren takes the med kit and walks back to the stream. Ella has been washing up after she finished gathering water. They don't get a chance to rest and clean up often. Now at the stream, Ren gets down on his knees next to it to be able to splash some water on his wounds before putting bandages on. Ren let's out a groan as he splashes some of the cold water on his ribs. Intense pain flashes through him like lightning. It was necessary to do this though, there's no hospitals to go to. No one to turn to but each other.

After Ren and Ella were finished at the stream it was time to get back on the road. Ren starts the car as he sits down noticing first the gas gauge was half full. They will need to stop for gas soon. On the road again, it takes a two more hours before reaching Pittsburg. Driving down the main highway, Ren notices on his right there's a sign with a large twelve gauge shotgun on it. The sign reads Dwayne's Hunter Outpost. "Finally!" Ren shouts excitedly. There's a chance to find a real weapon against these monsters.. Ella looks at Ren and with a worried tone in her voice says "I have a bad feeling about this" She's clearly worried and anxious. Slightly trembling she reaches over and puts a hand on Ren's shoulder. Slightly squeezing to reassure him saying "I don't mean to worry you."

Ren parks up the road from the store. Planning to make his way on foot to attract less attention. Looking at his mother he says "I'll be back.. I love you mom." Looking at Ren she tells him to be careful. Ren grabs his slingshot and crouches down low. Starting to walk to the store, looking around for any slight movements and listening for any voices that could a creature mimicking. He's almost at the store when he notices that the front window is busted in, either it was looters or creatures. Still crouching he moves towards the window. Still intently listening to his surroundings for any sound. Heart pounding and sweat starting to drip down his forehead, Ren is getting anxious while he makes his way to the window. Quietly he climbs through and enters the store. It's been deserted for a while, though it looks like there's been a lot looted.

Looking around he notices that the place is barren. All the guns have been taken.. Moving through the store making sure to stop and check everywhere for ammo or a weapon. Ren stumbles upon a machete that has been pushed under a pile of clothes. It must have been dropped in the commotion. "A real weapon! Finally!" Ren thinks to himself as he quickly grabs it. Immediately feeling more confident in being able to protect himself. He returns to looking through the store. As he heads towards the back he hears scuffling in the office. The door is closed and there seems to be a light coming from under the door. Ren isn't sure if there's a creature or a survivor behind the door. Gripping the machete tight, ready to slash whatever comes close. Ren tries the door handle, it doesn't budge. It's locked from the inside. Ren's only option is to knock and see if it's a survivor, or try and shoulder check the door to break it in. If he knocks the survivor could think it's a creature as they often pretend to be human to lure someone to their death.

Using the machete, Ren wedges the tip into where the latch of the door is. Grabbing a piece of broken brick, he starts hitting the end of the machete to try and break the latch. After a couple minutes of hitting the end of the handle the door latch finally gives in. Ren hears more scuffling on the inside and prepares himself with the machete before entering the room. Slowly opening the door, Ren hears nervous breathing. As he enters the room he's hit in the left side by something. Turning to his left he notices it's not a creature. It's a girl, in her late twenties. Noticing a broken brick on the floor. The girl must have thrown it to try and defend herself. Trying not to scare her anymore than she is. Ren lowers the machete and quietly says "Are you okay? I'm sorry for scaring you" The girl must have been hiding in the room for a long time as there's empty noodle packages and fruit cans stacked and piled neatly in one corner of the room. She'd been using a bucket to relieve herself.

He looks at the look and says "My name is Ren, what's yours?" The woman looks at him and with a raspy, dry tone in her voice says to him "I'm Lily.. I'm sorry for hurting you.." Ren doesn't look concerned as he turns to the woman and says "No worries, I would have done the same. Would you like to get out of here and come to Alberta? It would be safer to stick together." Lily doesn't say anything, she only looks at Ren and nods. It's clear she hasn't had any human contact in a while and wants to be with other people. "Have you found any guns or ammo in this place?" Ren asks Lily before they leave the store. Lily shakes her head and says "Not that I've found, the place was looted early on in the Rising." They take one last look around before they leave the store through the front window. Ren makes sure to bring his new machete as they head to the car. Ella is still waiting patiently as Ren tells Lily, "it's okay, that's my mom Elle. You can get in the back and we'll get back on the road. Ren looks at Ella and says "This is Lily, she's going to come with us to Alberta. Let's head out."

 

[xGrim]

Chapter Six

There isn't much to do when you're driving hours on end. Ren decides to take this time to ask Lily a few questions and get to know her. Ella is asleep in the passenger seat with Lily sitting in the seat behind Ren. As low as he can he says to Lily, "What happened to you?" He could hear a long deep sigh from the backseat along with muffled crying. She was clearly upset, "It must have been difficult being on your own for so long." Ren says quietly as he weaves through destroyed cars on the highway. "I was with my parents when those creatures rose from the sea. We were attacked in my parents home. The creatures tore through the house and ripped my parents apart in front of me." There's a long silence in the car before Ren finally says to Lily, "I-I'm so sorry for your loss.. I don't know what I would do if that happened to me. You're incredibly brave for finding a place to lay low and survive." All that Lily says to Ren after that is thank you.. It's clearly hard for her to talk about. "Do you have any family that might still be alive?" Ren asks Lily as they turn a corner.

"I'm not sure.. there wasn't many of us left in my family at this point. I'm the youngest. My grandparents have passed." Lily says with sadness in her voice. Ren decides to stop pushing for answers for the time being and focuses on the road. Up ahead there's a small town coming into view. The town was called Cordenhall and had a population of less than a thousand people. The key word being "had". What has become of this town? Ren drives slowly down the main street looking for a gas station or a grocery store. They need supplies, especially now that there's an extra mouth to feed. On the right side of main street. Ren notices a sign for a grocery store. A place called the FoodMall. Lily excitedly says to Ren, "Let's check out that grocery store!" That was the plan from the start but Ren wasn't about to say that to Lily. It was nice to hear her come alive as she's been keeping quiet for the most part.

The grocery store parking lot was large enough that they could leave distance between themselves and the building. Ren parks the car and turns to Ella and Lily. "I need help with this run incase there's more food than I can carry. It would be wise to stock up on food if we can." Lily speaks up and says, "I'll go with you Ren, it's the least I can do after you saved me." Ren and Lily start to prepare themselves for the run. Grabbing his machete, Ren looks over at Lily realizing she has nothing to defend herself with. "The slingshot!" Ren thinks to himself as he looks for it. Finally finding it under his seat, he looks at Lily and says "take this, hopefully you wont need it but it might come in handy. Let's get this done."
Closing the car door Ren turns to his mother and tells her he loves her as they prepare to enter the store. Ducking down below the cars, Ren and Lily start making their way towards the front door.

The store was looted of course but that doesn't mean that there wasn't food somewhere inside. Entering through the front door, Ren and Lily stay low listening for any movement in the store. As they move through the isles looking for food. Lily accidently steps on broken glass from a jar of beets that's been smashed. The cracking under her foot was loud and could be heard through the silent store. Ren holds his breath and waits to see if there's a creature. Out of nowhere a deep guttural growl breaks the silence and then another. "Fuck.." Ren thinks to himself. There were creatures in the store. All of a sudden a loud scream, followed by a smashing sound. "There's people here too" Ren says out loud as he turns to Lily. "We might have to fight, if we try to leave now. The Rykeros will chase us and rip us apart."

Slowly Ren stands up to try and peer over the top of the Isle. Trying to assess any possible escape routes. To his right, more screaming from a couple isles over, followed by loud footsteps. It sounded like two sets of footsteps. One being much heavier and making more noise. The louder footsteps sounded like a Rykeros, except much heavier and breaking the floor as it ran after it's prey. Out at the end of the isle Ren and Lily are in the creature comes into view. Ren's heart stops as he found himself staring directly into the eyes of the beast. It was much larger than the Rykeros Ren has seen before. It's arms covered in plates as if the skin has become a type of armor. Across it's chest were larger plates that had a hexagon pattern. It's head was twice the size of a normal Rykeros with larger eyes with slit pupils. Instead of having two clawed hands like normal Rykeros. It had a scythe-like claw on the end of each arms where the hand would have been. The blade-like claw was made of the same plated skin. With it curving and coming to a sharp point. This new kind of Rykeros was a killing machine. It was made for carnage and chaos.

"Don't run, little one" It says to it's prey with a human tone to it. It ignores Ren and continues to chase it's prey down the isles. It was a young man in his early twenties. Blonde hair, with a short trimmed beard. He's wearing a pair of glasses that have been cracked and taped together. He's a heavier man and is having trouble keeping his breath as he runs for his life from the creature. The new kind of Rykeros has much stronger back legs, allowing it to run on two legs easier than four. With a long tail to use for balance as it runs. It's drooling and leaving large puddles of saliva as it runs after the man." It's gaining on the man and seems to crouch for a moment before it jumps through the air and slashes down with both of it's claws. It catches the man in the right shoulder, slicing his arm off and leaving a bloody stump. Blood sprays from the wound as the man screams in pain. The Rykeros bends down and picks the arm up in it's mouth as it starts to crush the bones between it's teeth. It was devouring the arm as it continued to chase the man. Slowing from the blood loss the man continues to run through the store looking for somewhere he can escape. "Fuck you!" the man yells at the creature as it continues to devour his arm. It's already eaten half of it with the rest hanging out of it's mouth at the elbow. You could see his hand dangling as the blood drips from the monsters mouth.

Ren is frozen in terror as he could only try and block out the sounds and try not to be found again. Once the creature was done with that poor soul. Was Ren next? Another scream, the man is cornered and cursing at the creature as it stands there and makes a grunting laugh sound. It's prolonging it as much as it can. It's like these creatures feed on fear. Suddenly the Rykeros lunges forward and slashes out with it's right claw at the man, slicing his other arm. His hand flies through the air as more blood sprays the wall beside the man. He cries in pain, utterly defeated. Slashing again, the creature rips open the mans stomach. Intestines spill out from his belly as he gasps in pain falling to his knees. Slowly the creature walks towards the man.. sniffing the pool of blood on the ground and slurping up a big mouthful with it's tongue. It's now next to the man and raises it's head. It opens it's large jaws, wrapping it's sharp teeth around the mans head. It bites down slowly crushing the mans skull before his head is sliced in half by the sheer sharpness and bite force. His suffering has come to an end.

Ren is shaking as he looks to Lily who is still beside him. She's been quiet the whole time but she's clearly shaken up. They move through the isle they are in as the creature continues to feast on it's prey. With it being distracted, they take the opportunity to escape. This was it's hunting ground. Moving towards the front door as quietly as they could. Cautiously moving through the front door. The outside air seemed so fresh compared to the store. Inside the store it smelled like death and decay. Outside they are ducking down as they move towards the car. Ella is looking out the window as she waits for them. Finally at the car, Ren gets in the driver seat and starts the car. "Let's get the hell out of here." Starting the car, Ren speeds off. Leaving that nightmare behind.

 

[xGrim]

Chapter Seven

Two days have gone by on the road. The group is exhausted after being on the road for so long and dealing with Rykeros. Ren decides to pull into the next town to find supplies and gas. Driving down the main highway, he starts to notice signs that have a peace sign on them with the words "Haven" written in something Ren couldn't make out. It almost looked like blood. With a dark red color and drip marks down the sign. "Can we trust this?" Ren asks the others as he continues down the highway. Ella and Lily look at each other and nod. "We could check it out, at the first sign of danger we will get out of there." Ella says to Ren and Lily. Both nod in agreeance with hopeful smiles.

The next sign Ren sees has an arrow pointing right towards a turnoff. Making the turn to get off the highway. Ren continues in the direction of this place that is supposed to be safe. On one of the houses they pass, Ren notices another peace sign and an arrow. "Good, we are heading in the right direction." Ren says out loud. Lily, who's still sitting in the seat behind Ren pipes up and says "I truly hope it's safe there. We could use a break after what happened at the grocery store."

It's been half an hour of driving through the subdivision towards their destination. Exiting the other side of the subdivision they start to notice barricades blocking the street up ahead. It looks like they are in the right spot, "This could be a military operation." Ella says with a nervous tone in her voice. Beyond the barricade is a fence that's made of steel mesh. "It looks safe against Rykeros, but what about the new breed?" Ren thinks to himself, starting to worry. Up ahead there's a large metal gate with two guard towers on each side. Armed soldiers stand guard in the towers as Ren approaches slowly. The gate up ahead opens and five armed soldiers step through towards the car as Ren parks just beyond the barricades. Surrounding the car the men start to yell "Get out and put your hands on your head!" Quickly the three of them exit the car and put their hands on their heads. One of the soldiers speaks up with a commanding tone in his voice. "This is how this is going to work, you three will be sent to our processing center before you can join the rest of the community. We need to assess if you three are a risk to everyone else. My name is Captain Kurt Donahue. I will be in charge of you for the time being."

Following Captain Donahue through the gate, he makes his way towards a large grey building. It's two stories high with large windows. It looks like it was a school that's been converted into a processing center for families and survivors that come through. Walking towards the building Ren turns to the Captain and asks "How many survivors are housed here and have there been attacks?" Shaking his head, the captain looks at Ren and says "In due time kid, you'll learn everything you need to know about this place." That didn't sit right with Ren, something about how the Captain said that made Ren feel uneasy. Continuing into the grey building, The Captain leads them towards a large brown desk off to the left. Behind the desk was a younger woman in her early thirties, she has thick black hair that is tied back into a ponytail. She has blue eyes with sharp features and freckles across her cheeks. Ren thought to himself, "She's so cute! Sadly it's not safe enough to even think about that."

The woman looks up from where she's sitting. She was doing paperwork before the group arrived. "Well now, who is this?" She says with a soft tone, looking at the new group. "Gail, please process this new group of survivors for me and ask them the required questions." Gail nods at the Captain as he stands to the side to listen to the process. Turning to the group, Gail says "I have three questions to ask before we send you to the temporary housing area. The Captain will decide if you will stay based on your answers. This will also help with job assignments in the future." The group looks at each other before turning to Gail, ready to listen and answer. "Okay, first question. Have you killed anyone? Turning to each person in the group waiting for their reply." Almost in unison, the group answers with horror. "No!" Ren then says "We are survivors but we are also human, that goes against who I am." Ella and Lily both give similar answers, agreeing with Ren.

"Okay, great. Next question! Have any of you killed a Rykeros?" Gail asks calmly and politely. Captain Donahue was still standing of the side listening intently to the conversation. Ren speaks up with a shaky voice "I have killed more than one. I don't know how I managed to survive." Ella and Lily both answer with "No". It's been Ren to fight for them, to protect them. "Wow, that must have been horrifying.." Gail says to Ren with concern on her face. "I used what was around me, it was definitely lucky that I managed to survive." Ren says to Gail as Ella looks at him with teary eyes. She was clearly upset and exhausted from the trip and from having to watch her son go through so much danger to protect her.

"One last question and we will get you settled in to the temporary housing area. What was your profession before the Rising?" Ella quickly speaks up and says, "I was a Librarian, if there is need for that. I'd be happy to help." Ren, is quiet for a moment before he says "I was only a Prep Cook for one of the local restaurants where we used to live called Enchino's. On the weekends, I spent my time working as a Blacksmith." Gail looks at Ren and smiles. "That's really cool that you were a blacksmith!" Lily has been standing in the back quietly and suddenly speaks up. "I was a manager at a tech support company with a contract for Apple." She has a look of jealousy on her face as she looks at Gail.

"I think that's enough for the questions, I have all the information I need." Captain Donahue says from the sideline." Ushering the three survivors to the next area, the Captain than says. "This is our debrief area, we want to know what you've seen out there." Ren is eager to tell them about the attack at the grocery store. He asks the Captain "Has there been any reports of a new kind of Rykeros?" The Captain nods and says "Yes, we call them Reapers due to the scythe-like claws they have and the way the kill." Ren then proceeds to tell the Captain about the grocery store attack in detail. It's been an hour of debriefing before the Captain finally escorts the group to their housing area. It seems they have been cleared to stay. "Hopefully this isn't too good to be true." Ren thinks to himself as he follows along behind the captain.

The housing was located in an old apartment building down the street from the processing building. It's slightly rundown as it's an older building. The Captain open's the front door leading them upstairs to the second floor of the building. Leading them to apartment twelve he opens the door and says "All yours folks" Ren then leads the others into the apartment. After looking around he throws his bag down on the couch and plops down. "This is amazing compared to the car.." Ren is thinking to himself. Outside gunshots can be heard as the guards at the front gate fire at Rykeros trying to make their way to the gate or wall. All of a sudden one loud shot could be heard as the Rykeros outside crumbles in a heap. On the side wall a sniper was positioned, with one shot he took down the creature.

 

[xGrim]

Chapter Eight

Haven was controlled by the military. Curfew was 9pm and no one was allowed to leave. Each person must be assigned a job to contribute to the community. The biggest rule was no fighting. The military prosecutes fiercely. Depending on the severity it varies from jail time to lashes. With murder being punishable by death. The military handles that by using a firing squad. Ren has spent all night thinking about these rules. It the idea of breaking a rule terrifies him. It was clear both Ella and Lily were concerned too. Haven seems like a harsh place but it's necessary to stay for the time being and survive.

The next day a patrol was sent out to check out areas that might not be plundered yet and for intel on the movements of the Rykeros. Heading north, the unit was made up of three Jeeps with a soldier in each seat. Twelve soldiers made up the patrol, as it continued to head north. There had been reports of Rykeros activity in the town to the north and part of their mission was to assess the situation with the Rykeros. Captain Donahue want's to know if there are Reapers in the area and any more intel that might be discovered. Armed with rifles and grenades on their utility belts the soldiers prepare for action. Led by a man named Sargant Frank Hallow. He was a weathered man in his forties, brown hair starting to grey and blue eyes. He was a muscular man with scars across his arms. With a commanding tone in his voice he says over the radio "Check your mags, make sure they are full. Get ready!"

The patrol unit has been traveling for forty five minutes before starting to see the signs for the town. It's a small town called Ranyville. It was another five miles to the town. In the Jeeps the soldiers are getting their gear together and preparing for a possible fight. Arriving in the town, the patrol parks their jeeps and slowly the soldiers get out shouldering their rifles. Each soldier crouches and start to move quietly forward towards the first building. Up ahead a roar could be heard splitting the sky. They weren't alone.. The Sargant thinks to himself "We need to check it out. There must be something going on in this town." Making a signal to the other soldiers with his hands, the Sargant gives the order to move out.

Slowly moving towards the noises and ducking behind cars making sure to stop and listen. The soldiers are close to the commotion now and the Sargant notices a bottle on the ground. He picks it up and throws it towards the noise using it to lure out the Rykeros in the area. "We need to know how many." He whispers to his squad. Multiple roars echo through the street as four Reapers burst out of an alley to their right. More roaring and shrieking as more creatures burst out of a building to the left. This time the humanoid Rykeros were charging towards the sound. The creatures look confused as they noticed the broken bottle. Multiple voices start talking all at once. "Can you help me?" It was voices of children crying out for help. The hair on the back of the Sargant's neck raises as a shiver runs down his spine. This isn't like the war the soldiers had face before. These creatures are intelligent and malicious. Suddenly another voice could be heard overtop of the mimics. "Get out of my way!" it was a Rykeros with more defined features than the rest. It had a smaller mouth and it's head was more humanoid than the others. It still retained it's shark-like features. Such as it's sharp teeth and blue eyes with slit's for pupils. it's ears were short and pointed. With large muscular arms and legs. It had the azure stripes well known among the Rykeros that have been seen. The main difference though was it was fiercely intelligent.

It spoke again with a rough, raspy voice it said "Find them and rip them to shreds my brethren!" The Rykeros around it start shrieking in excitement. The soldiers have been hiding and waiting the whole time, listening to what the creature said. The Sargant and his soldiers raise their rifles and get ready for battle. As the soldiers are raising their guns, the creatures are running their way jumping over cars. The Reapers were the first to come close. Pointing his gun at the closest Reaper. The Sargant gives the order to fire! "Fight for your lives!" He yells to his squad. Bullets are flying through the air, ripping into the closest Rykeros. The Reaper keeps coming as it takes shot after shot to the chest and head. It's body armor was strong and it takes multiple shots to pierce it. It launches itself through the air at the nearest soldier. It slashes down with both it's scythe-like claws tearing both the soldiers arms off and smashing him to the ground. Landing hard on his chest the Reaper lets out a shrieking laugh. The rest of the soldiers in the unit keep firing at the Reaper finally getting through the plating on it's head bullets could be seen passing through the massive hole left in it's head. The soldiers then turn their attention to the rest of the Rykeros. There was at least eight left. Focusing on the closest one. Each soldiers aims for the legs or the head. If they took out the legs first it made for an easier kill. Leaving the creature helpless at they blast it's head off.

It's been an hour of fighting, the patrol unit has lost four soldiers so far with their remains spread across the battlefield. Blood was sprayed across the nearby cars, painting them red. Bits of intestine and brain could be seen laying in a pool near one of the cars. The Sargant and the remaining soldiers are fighting with everything they've got against the creatures that are left. There was four Rykeros left, with one of them being the intelligent leader. It's called the other three creatures back seemingly to reassess how to attack the soldiers. The remaining Rykeros was made up of two Reapers and one of the normal Rykeros. The first ones to rise. Suddenly the two Reapers start running on each side of the street at the soldiers, flanking them with the the third creature running straight up the middle of the street at them. They are trying to split the focus of the soldiers, ducking down behind cars while they run up the street to avoid getting shot. The Reapers then pounce at the nearest soldier on each side. Slashing down to pierce their chest and pull them away from the rest of the soldiers with their claws. Grabbing the soldiers they are dragged away by the creatures behind the nearest car on each side. Screaming and crying could be heard as the soldiers are dragged behind the cars. Suddenly a loud gurgling scream splits the sky and then silence. The soldiers that were just killed on each side are thrown back at the remaining soldiers as if the creatures were amused by tormenting them.

Furious, the Sargant turns to the rest of the squad. With six soldiers left including the Sargant, the situation wasn't in their favor at all. The creatures adapt and change their attack patterns. With an intelligent leader guiding the other creatures it's now become a battle of will and intellect. Shouting to the other soldiers "This is it boys! Let's give em hell!" Giving the order for two soldiers to position themselves on each side of the street with the Sargant and the last soldier taking the middle. "Light em up!" He yells to the other soldiers. The Reapers shriek at the soldiers in defiance as they run at the soldiers on each side.

In the middle the Sargant is firing shot after shot at the Rykeros in the middle. The creature isn't as armored as the Reapers and as the bullets hit it's chest plate. It's chest splits open from the barrage of bullet's. It's heart falls to the ground from inside of it's chest cavity. With the rest of it's innards falling to the ground after it. It falls to it's knees before falling face first into the pool of blood and viscera. Three creatures left. The soldiers on each side are fighting hard, trying to take down the Reapers. The creatures are dodging left and right behind the cars to avoid the bullets as they close in on their prey. The Sargant yells to the soldiers on the side "Hold fast, don't let them get close!" The leader in the back lets out a shriek as if commanding the others what to do. Suddenly the Reapers lunge from behind the cars towards the soldiers. Disregarding the bullets and pain. The Reaper on the right slashes at the two solders. Catching one of the soldiers on the neck, The creatures claw tears the soldiers head off his body with bits of spine attached to the base of the head. It picks up the head with it's mouth and crunches down. Crushing the skull before swallowing the head. With a mouthful of blood and brains. It turns its attention to the other soldier and slashes down with it's right claw towards the soldiers legs. The claw slices the leg off at the knee, leaving the soldier to fall on the ground bleeding out. It then continues to slash down with both of it's scythe-like claws into the shoulders of the man. Raising him off the ground the creature then proceeds to bite down on his neck. With a quick jerking motion the Reaper tears the mans head off. Letting the head and body fall to the ground, the creature roars in triumph.

Sargant Hallow screams at the Reaper, "Fuck you!" As he raises his rifle and sprays the creature with bullets. He aims for the legs first. Trying to take it out at the knees. Finally breaking through the armor plating on the Reaper the Sargant blows a hole in it's right knee before it could get to him. Walking closer the Sargant completely disregards his own safety as he picks up one of rifles left by his dead comrades. As he walks closer holding two rifles in his arms he aims at the head of the Reaper and blasts it with everything he's got. Spraying blood on the wall behind the creature with every bullet, the Sargant breaks through it's head plating leaving a massive hole where it's right eye used to be.

Spitting on the corpse of the Reaper. The Sargant then turns and runs to the left side of the street to help his remaining soldiers. One has been torn to shreds by the last Reaper while the other soldier is hiding behind a car cowering in fear. The Reaper is feasting on the dead soldier with it's back turned to the Sargant as he moves closer to get a good shot. As he moves in he raises his guns and rips into the back of the creature. With both guns he was able to get through the back plating much quicker and take out the creature. The back of the creature bursts open as the Sargant continues to shred the creature. The creature crumbles as he blasts through the spine and heart. With one soldier left. The Sargant turns to his soldier and says "Can you fight?" Nodding, the soldier picks up his gun and checks his mag. Remembering they both have grenades. "Let's throw a grenade each in the direction of the leader and try to get out of here" The Sargant says to his soldier. Each of them grab a grenade of their belt. Taking out the pins, they look at each other and count to three before throwing the grenade in the direction of the leader. As soon as the explosions hits, the Sargant and his remaining soldier start moving as quickly as they can back to one of the Jeeps. The explosion seemed to work and the leader has run off. Possibly to bring more creatures back to the area. Finally at the Jeep and getting in. The soldiers quickly get out of there. The Sargant thinks to himself "This needs to be reported. There's more to these creatures than we thought. We need to find out more." The patrol started as twelve strong, showing how easily Rykeros kill humans. There must be something controlling these creatures..