Wings Below

Prologue

It all started when I got lost. The date was March 7, 2024, I was in the subway waiting for the next train to roll in. It was noisy, crowded and smelly, but I couldn't do anything about a late train. I had to get to school! There was an announcement, but I didn't listen. When a beep sounded to end it, people started to panic. There was panic as humans started to scramble for the exit. They tripped over each other, screaming in multiple languages that I didn't understand. Just another normal day here.

I looked at the holo-screen which stated that the train would not be arriving, I sighed and looked behind me. Where was everyone? I cursed myself for being so absent-minded and I tried to find the exit. Well that was a waste of two dollars.

The area was littered with trash of all sorts, wrappers, paper, old newspapers. The murals on the wall were ruined and some were even on the ground. What a waste, those paintings were really nice. I walked down a tunnel full of shops and all were either abandoned or broken. I entered a shop called 'Kiki' where I purchase cakes every week."Trix?" I shouted.

Silence.  I swear if she's taking another nap behind the counter I'm gonna flip. I look over the counter and found Trix laying in a corner with her body all contorted, blood splattered all over her uniform. The blood was still fresh meaning the killer wasn't that far away. I didn't even have time to scream her name when suddenly I heard scratching noises that sounded like nails running down a chalkboard.  

I freeze, my instincts telling me to run for my life.  I couldn't move frozen in fear as a creature slowly walks in purposely scratching his curved super long blood red claws.  The warning my mother always said before I went to bed suddenly flashed into my mind.  

"Mom what is the Sedrixius virus and how does it change us?"  I ask looking at my mom innocently. She looks visibly shaken and shocked I would ask about that. "Well when a human is infected by the virus it infects our bloodstream which slowly leads it up to our hearts. When It envelops our hearts. It changes how that human thinks and acts it also changes their appearance. It slowly eats away at their humanity until there is nothing left but a mindless monster left with nothing but the obsession of devouring other humans."

"How will I know what they look like?"  She looks to be deep in thought for a minute then slowly replies. "They look like us the only differences being their extremely long curved blood red claws,  their burning red eyes and their magnificent wings. Pray you never meet one because no one has ever survived".  

The creature looked horrifyingly human. Of course the one day I end up being late to school I run into one of the Sedrixius.  Thank god I managed to hide quickly behind the counter.  I could hear it walking around muttering wings below over and over.  "What the hell is wings below?".  Instantly its head snaps over to where I am.  I instantly put my hands over my mouth. At this time I'm shaking violently, tears rolling down my face.  The sounds go away and I can no longer here it.  

I cautiously lift my head to peak over the counter and the creature is nowhere to be seen.  I quickly sigh in relief believing that its over.  I slowly climb over the counter and looks back at Trix. I want to mourn her but I don't have time as I have to get out of here before that monster comes back.  As soon as I take one step It comes out from the shadows its claws elongated aim straight at my neck. I could only scream as it slices right through me screeching Wings Below.

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My eyes shoot open and all I could hear was a blood curling scream.  I quickly realize that's me and stop screaming as I look around confused.  I noticed the familiar bed frame and window I wake up to every day.  Thank god it was only just a dream and that it wasn't real.  I was once again on my comfy bed with a silver insulation keeping my body warm.  I pull off the covers and quickly get up out of bed.  

It was just a nightmare, nothing to worry about, for nightmares are just fears haunting you in your sleep.  I snapped my fingers and the magnet under the bed pushed the insulation sheet back into place. I yawned and walked over to the bathroom. It had a toilet in the corner, a sink in front of the door, a holocabinet and an old fashioned shower located at the corner.  

For a reason I cannot remember, I fear mirrors therefor my parents decided to remove it from my bathroom.  My classmates tease me because of it but I don't mind them. They're just a bunch of children who can't find anything better to do. I grabbed my toothbrush and squirted a bit of toothpaste onto it.  At that moment my eyes widen as I remembered,

'FUCK! I forgot to do my homework!.