Fire

Show No Mercy

After dropping off hellfire at their requested stops, Eddie jumps out with each one hugging them tightly and talking to them before saying Goodbye. For them, it was just Eddie being dramatic. For Eddie, it could actually be the last time he saw them.

With the last one safely home, you turn to Eddie and ask, "Do you want me to drive you back to yours? To see your Uncle?" You could see that all these potential goodbyes were overwhelming him. He was virtually slumped over the wheel.

Eddie shakes his head, "No, I...um...I left him a letter. I...I...I couldn't..." He struggles to say. You scoop Eddie into your arms and cradle him.

"We're gonna make it home. We will, I promise. We have to. Now move over and let me drive this precious girl of yours," you say, taking the keys from him and switching seats.

"Back to the pit?" You ask. Eddie nods and grips your hand nearest him.

The drive back is pretty quiet. You talk about your time together, the plan of action and general trivial things. Again, trying to keep it light and factual rather than heavy and emotional.

As the sun sets, you and Eddie do some final prep and position the platform over the pit. Its corners overhang the edges. Finally, you grab the colossal bag of bloody meat, your shield, and your weapon and check all your protective gear is secured.

Eddie is doing much the same, except he does one extra thing. He takes his bandana from his back pocket and ties it around his hair, "Ready." He says with a nervous smile.

You grab some of the meat and toss it just past the circles into the long grass and wait for any movement. Placing the rest on the platform.

You and Eddie stand back-to-back on the platform, shield against your leg, so it's ready, gripping tightly to your horrific spears.

Time is ticking away, and the sun has gone down. You'd typically try to think of something to pass the time, but it is just fear and silence.

Eddie clears his throat and is about to say something when you hear a rustling.

The sound of wood knocking against wood as you both brace yourselves for something to happen. You can just about see one in the grass. You take another piece of meat and toss it between the greenery and the circular trough.

Another rustle, this time from a different direction. Eddie reaches into the bag and tosses some meat toward the rustle, but it accidentally hits the creature. It shrieks, sending a chill right through your body, but more terrifying than that, its singular scream is answered all around you.

You close your eyes for a moment and take a deep breath.

"Now, Eddie?" You ask quietly

You feel him shake his head behind you, "No, not yet. They aren't close enough" he grabs more meat, and you follow suit and start throwing it all around.

In the darkness, the creatures don't look so scary, that is, until they start feeding. It is ferocious and without mercy. These things are pure predators.

You are both surrounded. You can barely hear anything except for the sound of your heartbeat and meat tearing as they feast. You can feel Eddie's breathing quicken as his back moves against yours.

"Ready?" He asks quietly.

"As I'll ever be", you nod.

You both start pounding on your shields, yelling and making at the noise as possible.

The creatures turn to you both in unison and screech, opening their heads, their hundreds of teeth still dripping with tissue and blood. Then, they begin to pick up speed towards you.