Aswang: Carnival of Corpses

B for Bloody

 Chapter 5:

The dark and cluttered room became Serana’s room in the last three days. Leaving the luxury of the hotel room her mother got her, she decided to help in the research about the current incident. The Research Team was pleased with her help and cooperation, telling her that she will be rewarded when this chaos is all over. On one of her desk was a folder; attached to it were files of people who became victims to the unknown disease.

A few books about occult and paranormal activities lay scattered on the floor and a picture of her dad was clipped on the corkboard. It was her only inspiration, her father. She was getting less sleep each night and is busy doing detailed research on the profiles of other aswangs the research office labeled. They already called victims aswangs because they resemble the typical Filipino representation of a zombie.

“It’s a good thing Andrei kept on sending me letters.” She thought to herself, brushing her hair as she opens the envelope. “Out on a mission?”

Hurriedly she stormed out of her room and into the discussion area on the third level. The place was packed with busy people, doing research and conduction studies. The building also was partly converted into an evacuation center for the residents of Sector C who managed to survive and passed the quarantine. The Head Researcher, Dr. Felix Manuel was busy discussing with a colleague about a possible vaccine for the A-virus.

“Excuse me sir.” She excused, trying to capture the old man’s attention.

“Miss Valdez, what can I do for you?” The man replied, shifting his attention towards Serana.

“I would like to leave for some time. I need to meet a friend from Sector A, it is urgent and as much as possible I need to leave immediately.” She explained, hoping that the head will allow.

“You’ve been working really hard. It’s only been three days since you moved here but you have already contributed big for the Research Community. Of course you can leave.” The man replied, and both exchanged smiles.

Thoughts of Andrei filled her mind. She was worried about her friend and she thought that she needs to be there and help out. She was aware that she knew nothing about guns but there must be something she can do, and yes there is. Again she took the letter sent to her from her lab coat pockets and began reading.

“We will conduct and investigation on the area at Sector C, anything that will be found here will be mailed to Sector B for further analysis.” The letter reads.

Finding her way back her room, she took her bag and put on her jacket.

“I need to find him.” She thought to herself and stormed out of the room.

The cold breeze sent shivers to anyone who would venture off alone the empty streets of Crove Avenue. The used to be busy street has become empty and abandoned - - - only a few people were passing by and only a short number of vehicles are seen. Serana shrugged the uneasiness off. Sector A is just twenty five minutes away by bus but they no longer offer service. You either way you way there or find someone to drive for you.

“Oh man, this is hard.” she said, fixing her hair.

The skyscrapers that once shadowed the busy streets are now empty, no one works or lives at the luxurious hotels of the Crove Avenue, most parts of the once busy street are now deserted. Two guys were trailing her as she pass by one building after another. Searching through her bag she felt relief to grab on her pepper spray. “At least I managed to bring this.”