The light burned. It had been so long since I had felt the suns warmth. It's golden rays highlighting my pale skin, showing my blue veins more clearly. I clutched the knife tightly in my hand as my vision started to steady. I was in a small... Small.... Square? I think that's what it was called. It had several pathways of concrete that where losing the battle against the greenery around them. Several trees loomed overhead, the grass was overgrown, showing many years of neglect. I took a step forward and look back. The building I had come from was a very large one in fact. The number fifteen was glowing at the top in large neon letters. The strange thing was that the building had no windows. But I could have sworn... No matter. I wanted nothing to do with this building any longer. I turned away and followed one of the paths, not caring where it took me. What did it matter? I was free. Free from confinement, free from the... things. I quickly forgot about the girl and continued onward. It was a bright sunny day and it was mine for the taking. As I walked I noticed the trees started thinning and the path became less overgrown. In the distance I began to see... sky scratchers? Is that what they where called... No no no... Scrapers! Sky Scrapers, that was it. They loomed in the distance beckoning. I quickened my pace, eager to explore this new world of mine. As I reached the end of the path I was confronted with a large wire fence and gate with a sign saying "Quarantine". I think that was a flower... I can't remember... I stopped caring and looked around for a way past. My efforts were rewarded with a retractable spade leaning against the fence further down. I ran to it picking it up and started to dig my way under the fence. Physical labor was new to me as well. I quickly tired barely even digging half a foot down. I sat down leaning against the fence exhausted. How would I ever make it across at this rate? I threw the spade over the fence in frustration. I heard an "Oof" from the other side and I perked up. "Who threw that?" I heard a voice ask. I sat there in shock unable to find my voice. "Well? Don't waste my time now I know you're there. Talons can't throw, and definitely don't use shovels." I manage a meek "I did" as a reply surprised at my own voice. "Well Mr. I, Why did you so rudely disturb my sleep?" the voice said. "I uh... well you see..." I said stammering, fumbling at my words that I have forgotten to speak. "No matter." It said. "Anyway, what the hell are you doing on that side of the fence? Are you crazy!? That place is a talon nest!" The voice said loudly. We then heard a loud screech from further down the path behind me. "Shit... That was too loud." The voice said quietly. "Well come on, I'll throw the spade back over so you can get out of there and avoid being torn to pieces." "I can't...." I said finding my words, anxious now with the now present danger. "Well why ever not?" The voice inquired. "I just can't..." I replied, feeling the sweat freeze down my spine. How would I ever get out now? I heard a sigh from the other side and a "Shnk" as the shovel was plunged into the earth from the other side. "Well I can't just leave you now can I?" The voice said as it dug hurriedly. I flinched as I heard another screech in the distance, this one closer now. The shovel continued to remove the earth under the fence in a mesmerizing beat, the beat of my survival, the beat that held the balance of life and death in its rhythm. I sat down once more staring into the forest behind me. I could hear a new beat now. One that sounded like footfall. And it was coming fast. I heard another bloodcurdling screech, this one I could feel. I saw the bushes up on the path start to rustle. "Fuck! It's almost on us, just a few more..." I heard the voice exclaim as the spade beats quickened. I gasped as the thing that had been approaching burst from the brush, It looked like a nude man, but had no genitalia what so ever, and instead of finger had long razor sharp green tinted claws that scraped the earth as it ran towards me blood lust in its eyes. It leaped at me claws extended as I sat there stunned. "Done!" The voice yelled as a hand reached from under me pulling me forcefully under the fence to the other side as I gasp in surprise from a burning pain in my thigh. I fell backwards knocking over whoever had pulled me back as we both fell with an "Oof". "Well that was fun wasn't it!" I heard the voice say behind me as I turn to get a look at my savior. It was a girl, that much I knew for sure. My age by the looks of it. She had red hair that burned in the sunlight, and almost golden hazel eyes. She had sort of tan with a bit of milky white skin, no where near my white, which was kissed lightly with a few freckles on her cheeks. "What you staring at whitey?" She asked smiling. "I..." Began but was cut off by an angry screech and loud scraping noise from the hole that had been dug. I looked back and saw the green claws scratching under the fencing feeling for it's escaped quarry. It was then I noticed one of the claws was covered in a shining red liquid, I then looked at my leg and saw a large gash in my thigh. It's funny, the sensation of losing consciousness. It's so peaceful yet you are aware of the dangers, but in the moment you no longer care. As I fell back blacking out I heard the girls voice in the back of my head fading. "Ah hell. Now I gotta save you again, you owe me twice whitey" "I'm.... not... Whitey..." I managed, my vision fading. "Well that's what I'll call you until I deem it fit otherwise." I was almost gone now, Barely hanging on. The last words I heard before giving into the darkness where "Well my name is Melody, and welcome to the zone." and then black.
