The morning light filtered through the broken windows of the crumbling building, casting a dim glow over the group. The remnants of sleep hung in the air as the first to stir were Soap and Ghost. They quietly moved to check their gear, ensuring everything was in place for the journey ahead. But the situation wasn’t promising. Their ammunition was running dangerously low—barely enough to handle a small skirmish, let alone the deadly challenges that lay ahead.
Across the room, Vesper and Necroclaw stood by a shattered window, their eyes scanning the desolate streets below. In the early morning light, they could see the slumbering hordes of creatures that had once terrorized the night, now lying dormant. It was an eerie calm, a deceptive silence that masked the lethal potential of the monsters outside.
Skyler slid his cosmic katana back into its sheath with a practiced motion, while Fernando and Jake engaged in quiet conversation, their voices low as they discussed strategy for the coming trek into the city. They were unaware that they were being watched.
On the far wall, barely visible, clung the Nanomorph, its sleek, shifting form perfectly camouflaged with the broken concrete and metal. Its scanners were trained on the group, silently tracking their every move. Jack had noticed it first, the subtle shimmer of its form catching his eye. But he said nothing. He wasn’t sure why the Nanomorph hadn't attacked. With all the tech at its disposal, it could easily have wiped them out in mere seconds. Yet, it remained still, watching, as if it had other intentions.
Jack’s mind raced as he weighed the options—should he alert the others or keep this knowledge to himself? For now, he chose the latter. He was curious about the Nanomorph’s behavior. Why was it waiting? Did it want their mission to succeed? Whatever its reasoning, Jack decided to monitor it closely.
Soon, the time came for the group to move out. Vesper, the sharp-eyed wolf cub, took the lead, guiding them down the crumbling stairwell and out into the streets. The air was thick with tension as they stepped into the open. The creatures were still hibernating, but they knew one wrong move could wake them.
The only sound that filled the air was the occasional low crackle of a bone-hound’s tail. The creature’s tail was as sharp as a blade, and from the looks of it, it could fire bone matter at any unsuspecting target with just a flick. Unlike the Bone Splitters, the bone-hounds were far more intelligent, cautious, and deadly. They never acted hastily, always waiting for their prey to make the first mistake.
As the group moved through the narrow streets, the tension was palpable. Every step was measured, careful, and silent. Rogue Wolf and The Host whispered in low tones, discussing their next move. Their sharp eyes constantly scanned their surroundings, searching for any sign of danger.
“We’re running out of time,” Rogue Wolf muttered under his breath, glancing at The Host. “The longer we stay out here, the more likely one of those things wakes up.”
The Host nodded, his face set in grim determination. “We have to make it to the next safe zone. We can’t afford to lose anyone out here.”
They continued through the city, weaving their way between the hulking forms of hibernating creatures. Occasionally, Vesper or Necroclaw would pause, ears twitching as they detected a subtle change in the air—a sign of movement from one of the monsters. But each time, the group managed to avoid detection.
As they neared the edge of the district, Soap and Ghost took up the rear, their eyes scanning for any signs of pursuit. The creatures were still asleep, but they knew that could change in an instant.
Just as they were about to reach a safer area, Vesper froze, his keen ears picking up something—a low growl, barely audible, but distinct. It was coming from one of the alleyways up ahead.
The bone-hound.
The creature was crouched in the shadows, its sharp tail flicking ever so slightly as it watched them with calculating eyes. It hadn’t attacked yet, but the tension was clear. The bone-hound was waiting for them to make the first move.
The group halted, staring down the alleyway at the creature. For a moment, no one moved, the silent standoff sending a ripple of unease through the air. Rogue Wolf’s hand hovered near his weapon, but he didn’t draw it. Not yet.
“We can’t fight it here,” whispered The Host. “Too many sleeping creatures. One gunshot, and we’ll wake the entire horde.”
Necroclaw’s eyes flicked between the bone-hound and the buildings ahead. “We need a distraction.”
Without a word, Vesper stepped forward, a glint of determination in his eyes. He nodded at Necroclaw, who understood immediately. Vesper would draw the creature’s attention, leading it away while the others made a break for the next block.
“I’ll lead it into the tunnels,” Vesper said, his voice low. “Once it’s inside, I’ll seal it in.”
Rogue Wolf frowned, not liking the idea of splitting up. “You sure about this?”
Vesper gave a small, confident grin. “I’ve faced worse.”
Before anyone could protest further, Vesper darted forward, his movements swift and deliberate. The bone-hound’s eyes narrowed, and with a low, guttural growl, it lunged after him, its deadly tail flicking as it pursued him into the darkness of the nearby tunnels.
“Go!” The Host hissed, signaling the group to move.
As Vesper led the bone-hound away, the group quickly made their way through the streets, keeping to the shadows, their steps silent as they continued their perilous journey deeper into the city.
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Idk what to say lol
See you guys in the next one (even tho I'm not entirely sure if anyone is actually reading this or most the views are just AI's, unless Wattpad isn't like YouTube and other apps)
