The Spatial Engine

CHAPTER 4

A short while later, the small group is ready to go. Not much has changed for them, aside from a few various tools and equipment attached to some utility belts.

"I still think we should wear masks," Cartman says.

"Nah, no one really gives a shit what we do around here anyways," Stan tells him.

"That's true," Kyle agrees.

"We can talk about that idea later guys," Kenny says, "for now, let's head out!"

With a gesture, he turns to head off. He guides Craig along as he passes and the small team makes their way outside.

They exchange some more small talk, before heading off in the direction they were given last night. They walk to the edge of town, then come to a stop at a tree line.

"So where to now?" Kyle asks.

"We keep going straight I guess," Kenny replies, crossing his arms.

"You guess?" Cartman repeats back.

"Well if we keep heading straight ahead, we're bound to reach it, right?" Kenny says.

"We're going to get lost if we don't know where we're headed exactly," Cartman says, annoyed.

Craig's gaze scans the tree line, the sinking feeling of something ominous settles in the pit of his stomach.

"You alright Craig?" Kenny asks, noticing his expression.

"I'm fine," Craig replies, "um, we can try and see."

He takes a hesitant step at first, but walks onwards as normal after it.

"Right," Kenny nods slowly, "well, let's keep on going then everyone."

They enter into the woods, no different from any other, but that doesn't ease the knowledge that Craig has about the place. Not when he knew about what lied in wait.

For the first while, all goes well. Although Craig had now transitioned to walking behind the others, as a precaution. They were the only ones that would be able to do anything, should they run into trouble.

The walk through the woods is quiet, unnaturally so.

But something breaks it a few seconds later.

From the shadows of bushes and trees, emerges the terrifying form of a mutated beast.

"It's one of those things again!" Kyle exclaims.

"On guard!" Kenny says.

They prepare to attack, but another one emerges from the shadows, and then another and another...

"Shit, this doesn't look good," Stan says.

"There's a lot of them," Kyle murmurs.

"Don't hold back," Kenny says.

"I wasn't planning on it," Cartman says.

They form a semi-circle, Craig behind them, unsure of what's to come.

One after another, screech after screech erupts from the beasts, their hooves pounding on all fours in a frenzy. Then comes the charge, first one, then the rest.

"Here they come!" Kenny exclaims.

Kyle whirls his hand in a circle motion, creating a big ice shield that forms in front of them. The first impact causes it to crack, the second and third widen the crack more and multiply it, the fourth shatters it. A dark energy quickly forms around Kenny and swiftly he punches the first beast, sending it flying. Kyle follows suit, a fire forms in his palm, then rapidly engulfs the second beast in flames, searing it alive. Stan attacks next, followed by Cartman.