Claws in the Dark | ✔

IX

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Landon was covered in blood, the nauseating stench making him want to vomit. It wasn't his blood, although some of his were spilt. He groaned and his eyes fluttered open. He winced as the light bulb, which hung from the ceiling in the kitchen, shone brightly and made his eyes hurt.

Lifting his left arm was extremely painful. He used it to cover his eyes until they adjusted to the brightness. When they did, he took a look around the kitchen. It was messy, blood splattered across the floor and the cupboards lining the counter. His eyes drifted further to the right and stopped at a black figure slumped on the floor. He stared in shock at the beast that was lying there - dead. He'd fought the beast with only his knife at first but was struck down numerous times. The gun had fallen on the floor next to him, and when the creature was about to tear him limb from limb, he took the opportunity and grabbed the gun, shooting it numerous times before it finally collapsed on the floor. The pain he felt in his arms and legs caused him to pass out afterwards.

He held his head as he stood up and backed into a chair separating his living room from his kitchen. He gulped, the metallic taste of blood sliding down his throat. He observed his body at that moment. The once-white robe he wore was now covered in a crimson red, parts of it torn away, and his arms were covered in the same colour. Four, bloody holes occupied the top of his left hand and claw marks on his left leg surrounded by dried blood.

A few knocks came from his apartment door, startling him. He ran to it, ripped it open and made eye contact with the man standing in front of him.

"Dolph!" he exclaimed and hugged him.

"Oh my God, Landon, are you okay?" Dolph asked, pushing off and examining his blood-covered friend. "What happened?" He ran into the apartment and looked around, ready to defend his partner.

"I was attacked by one of those...things. But I'm fine now," he answered. "How are you still alive? Is this a dream? Am I dead?" He narrowed his eyes at Dolph while closing the door.

"I'm alive and you're alive." Dolph laughed. Was Landon really being funny right now? "I managed to fight off the beast and get away," he said. "Where's the one that attacked you?"

Landon pointed to the kitchen and Dolph took in the horrific sight.

"We'll have to take this in. Antonio told Miles if he could get his hands on one of the creatures, he'd be able to determine what we're up against."

"But...why are there so many of them, whatever they are? Why are they killing?" Landon hugged himself and tears settled in his eyes. This wouldn't be the last encounter he'd have with one of the Clawdens.

"You're scared," Dolph said, just like before, in a sing-song voice. His partner glowered at him and he returned the glower with a charm in his eyes while chuckling. He walked over and put his arms around Landon. "Everything's gonna be okay. I'm here, now."

For a few moments, Landon sunk into the tall man's embrace, smiling as his head rested against his chest. But that feeling went away and he frowned, a worried expression on his face. What if the same thing that happened to Dolph at the parking lot happened again? What if he doesn't return after that? This first time must have been pure luck but then...Dolph's a strong man. He can take care of himself. He sighed and enjoyed Dolph's embrace a bit longer.

"Now, come on. We have to go to work. Go and get yourself cleaned up," Dolph's voice broke the serene moment.

"You coming?" Landon purred, smirking and pulling away.

Dolph pondered. "You're still gross," he answered and laughed with him. "Just this once." He smirked as Landon pulled him towards the bathroom.

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◀ MARDAIS ▶