Life After Death

Chapter 38

Margot and Lila's words descended upon panicked ears, but their theatrics didn't end there. Only adding to the never-ending sounds of commotion as they lit and threw firecrackers out of the car window, before the line of three vehicles drove forward and quickly out of site.

What they had done, or rather were in the process of doing, was now unmistakable. They were being not just attacked, but invaded. Any second now. 

And those present became a member of one of three groups. The stunned and silent. The panicked, running off in another direction to either flee or attempt to help. And those who bombarded the silent with questions - not that they had time or ability to answer them.

"Where were the lookouts!?"

"What do we do!?"

"Did the traps not work?"

At the mention of the Lurker traps, Vivian took off in a sprint. Hauling out of her shocked trance-like state. Speedily enough that Jace and Jade had to do a double take as to her direction, before following after here. Only hearing the muttering of Nathaniel's name beforehand.

It was as the twins rushed to follow after her in their own confusion and panic, that the clouds above decided to open up. As if they had awaited this moment with anticipation, watching from above and laughing. Descending upon them heavy rain, only adding to the chaotic environment. And around them, and before them, they saw the true extent of what was happening. Margot and Lila's words had been no idle threat, and their actions were severe. Fences before them collapsing with an ominous thud on the ground. Obviously, what the clanging they had heard minutes ago was.

But instead of Reapers marching in as they had expected, bracing themselves for what they had assumed would be an onslaught of bullets, it was the sight of Lurker, after Lurker, that greeted them. Combinations of all kinds, the average Lurker, Crawlers, and Hunters, whose piercing cry greeted them moments later.

And the first thing they noted as the first wave entered, was a huddle around something on the floor. Unaware as to what, or who, it was they were gnawing at until they spotted that of a black, furry tail wagging up and down before it went still mere seconds later.

Vivian left them no time for them to feel anything as her strides did not falter. Not until she made it to the steps of the watchtower she was aiming for. One which resided closest to the fence Nathaniel and Jackson should have been working by. But all they could see was darkness, the rain hindering their view even more as droplets fell from their hair to their face and eyes. And moreover, all they could hear was the dragging, shuffling footsteps of what they could now be certain was swarms of the dead.

Except for a glow of light in the other direction, to their very right, where the shine of headlights could be seen coming from trucks. Reapers seemingly unloading what must've been their very own supply of Lurkers, somehow not being attacked themselves - for whatever reason it was they didn't stop to ponder it.

"Nathaniel!" Vivians voice shrieked into the darkness, drenched with desperation, the seconds feeling like centuries as she waited for a response, uncaring of who or what was also hearing her, "Nathaniel!"

"Vivian!" A voice, his voice, echoed back. Not too far away, but not sounding close enough to them as they would have wanted either.

"Nathaniel! Where are you?"

"Vivian!" Was all they heard back again, before nothing.

"Nathaniel!"

Nothing.

"Nathaniel!"

Again, there was no response. Only a new noise, of Lurkers, now closer than before, below them battering their hands against the still standing fence. Clearly attracted to the noise she created.