Trapped

Chapter 2 Predators

Being transported to the new level, Rosalie analysed this new area as more waste than the other. However, it had the same aura; yes, it was crystal clear that this world was as outrageous.

A group of ghouls was nearby; she needed to hide immediately before having any chance to explore what seemed to be a demolished town. At first sight, it resembled Tokyo or what it remained. 

"Good luck," said the AI. "Remember to fulfil your daily quests, accessible through your watch. I will be here whenever you need me."

She did not have time to respond, and the AI disappeared as fast as she came.

Rosalie could feel her heart racing anxiously; she was terrorised at the idea of being completely alone. Nevertheless, staying here made her an easy target. As she made her way, little did she know that was just the beginning of her journey.

Looking back and forth every second, Rosalie took a deep breath as she entered a building. Coming straight from a despicable horror movie, she walked beside the wall. A chewing sound was heard from her right.

Rosalie looked discreetly and was utterly disgusted by the scenery. Three ghouls were eating a corpse; she desperately attempted to remain calm.

The woman backed up, horrified, when she stepped on a can.

As the world suddenly stopped, she froze, fearing being caught. An inaudible scream from one of the ghouls alerted her, and within a second, the ghoul, followed by the others, appeared in front of Rosalie. 

"Shit, shit, SHIT !" she screamed, panicked.

Not knowing where to go, Rosalie attained the first floor and continued running for her life. Her only weapon was a vulgar knife, which she could barely utilise. It is not like she had a choice; she had to defend herself.

The second floor was inaccessible; Rosalie was stuck facing the predators as she stepped back, holding the knife deeply.

"Please!" she shouted, crying. "AI, help me! I do not want to die, please! I will do everything, I promise!"

Rosalie closed her eyes, admitting her sentence. One of the ghouls was about to attack her, and as a way to protect herself, she covered her head with her arms. Shaking as she waited for her death. Suddenly, a gunshot fired.  

It took her a few seconds before realising it; the ghoul was on the floor, shot in the head. Hence, two predators were remaining as they rushed to her.

"You!" the shooter cried, placing himself in front of her as a shield, "run now!" 

Hesitating, Rosalie finally ran away as fast as she could. A minute ago, she was about to be killed and was now being saved by someone; her heart was on the verge of having an attack. Suddenly, three gunshots were heard, followed by a long silence. 

Hidden behind the stairs, distant steps approached. A silhouette started to appear, and it was the man who had saved her. Despite his heroic act, Rosalie was still traumatised by what just happened and, therefore, paralysed.

"Hey! You are safe now." The man stated.

Unable to move, her saver came beside Rosalie, reaching his hand to invite her to stand. Accompanied by his gentle features, she was reassured by his compassionate smile.

"Thank you for saving me," she said shyly. "I thought it was the end of me." 

"We have to help each other. You must be overwhelmed; I assume that is your first time." 

"Kind of. If it were not for your help, I would not have survived." 

Lowering her head as a sign of shame, the man patted her to encourage her. A sign that startled Rosalie. An affectionate gesture she mostly needed in this aggressive world, but she did not know his name or anything from him. Should she be prudent?