The Skylar Experiment : The "X" in Apex

Chapter Fourteen - Light Show

In a last glimmer of lucidity, my hand crawled over the grass, groping a cluster of roots until I found a fallen branch.

I drove the branch into its right eye, no questions asked.

It let go of my throat, releasing a pained howl. I brought in my other hand, pushed and twisted the branch deeper. Blood gushed from the wound, dripping and nearly missing my mouth.

The howl intensified, and I scattered from underneath. I gulped for sweet air, struggling to rise on vacillating legs. I nearly reached the cover of the trees when several others sprung out and snarled.

I receded, looking over at the crumpled creature behind trying to pull the stick from its eye, then at its peers.

Bony fingers clasped around my forearm.

Next thing I knew, an extraordinary white-hot pain burst along my shoulder. A crack rattled me from the inside. And it radiated to the point I saw swirls.

Something small and jagged sunk into my forearm, feeling like a million miniature needles puncturing inside. I screamed and doubled over. It tore through skin and muscle, rushing tears to my eyes. I was flung on my back again.

The creature did not move. It watched me, held me down.

I understood soon why. The one from earlier neared, right eye missing and replaced with a hollow, bleeding socket. The other backed away, almost bowing. It opened its jaw inches away from my face, drool exuding from its vengeful lips. I felt its will to kill me slowly and painfully in every cell in my body.

I tried to fight, but I was weaker than before. My hands and legs were slug, and despair kicked in.

I can't die like this...

Leaves rustled as if the forest came alive and angry.

It was obvious, but it took all its meaning. Impossible. My family... My face will not end up on those cursed doors at school.

And yet, before I could try anything, a powerful wave pushed us apart, propelling my own body into brutal rolls until I landed on my stomach. Blistering heat blew over, wrapping me in a cocoon.

The sky blurred into colorful smears and lights. The overpowering weight of the creature was gone... I was alone.

Shadows fused lightning-fast through my closed lids. Suddenly, the piercing shrieks amplified, laced with distress. I came to, straining to find the source of the turmoil.

There was... something moving insanely fast at the far end of the clearing, a bright smudge or rather a giant glow stick. It was blinding, illuminating the whole meadow and visible from afar like the northern star.

From the rustling leaves emerged more creatures. They hurtled toward the light source, forgetting all about me. For a moment, I watched as the light fought them all off, switching places in a flash, and burning them in its raging path.

The ground spasmed under my body. Static filled my hair.

Two 'arms' rose from the light. The beasts were driven apart like a ghost hand swept them off their feet. They smashed into trees, whining in agony.

As fast as I could, I crawled along the treeline, praying there would be no more predators concealed. Running was impossible. I'd fall face-first before covering any distance. Waiting it out, hidden, until I found a better solution was the only affordable option.

My gaze slid upward. Could I climb without hurting myself?

Behind me, the creatures were drowning in cries, sounding like their bones were being torn apart. Their unearthly crescendo was gut-wrenching. I hunched over, thinking I would puke.