Dark Halos

Escaping a Death Wish

The Damn Hybrid was huge in comparison to the textbook concept art that I remember seeing. It's hard to compare to something when most of the wildlife diminished once they came to consume everything in their path. It doesn't have a tail, although it looked like it should. The teeth are covered in a thick mucus of venom that's used to break up any bones. The sharpness of their claws help with the tearing of their proteins. As for reproduction, I thought it was more like a frog where they were in a numerous sac of multiple offspring. By my viewing, they could leave their essence in a host, wait for it to grow, and the host pukes up the eggs whole causing them to die. Until I see a body, that's my theory.

The large eyes of the mother Hybrid scanned the area, knowing something is amiss. The footsteps of the creature made small vibrations that can be felt from the outside. Having no other choice, I pray that it's not venom coating the mud before smearing the scent on my clothing and bag. Holding my breath as it drew near. My vision failed me as the world started to spin, not sure if it was the iron poisoning or whatever the covering of the mud was in. It made the pain go away slowly as the pain momentarily paused. Taking note to myself to take a jar back to have it tested.

The eyes of the mother held affection, a feeling that I thought they lacked. Laying down with a soft thud, she placed her snout to the hatchlings. They glowed brighter as they felt the warmth of their mother. I glanced down to the bag, seeing the same glow. Realizing my watch is still recording this, I had to do the right thing by getting out of there. The bag was unzipped, allowing the removal of the egg to be easy. Placing it back in the spot, I took a jar of the mud instead.

The feeling of my legs gave out as I tried to sit up, landing on my ass. The Damn Hybrid paid no mind as I crawled away. As she was not a monster in this moment, only a mother. It was hard to drag my body when my blood pressure was low. Looking at my skin in the light of the hole, I can see it was starting to turn gray. Gritting my teeth, I managed to lug myself near the hole. 

I couldn't go any further as I laid my head on the cold ground. My chest aching, the tenderness of the wound feeling temporary relief against the ground, moving my jacket so the dirt couldn't irritate it any further. It was hard to keep my eyes open, trying to breathe in any air I could. My legs couldn't stop jerking as a wave of emotions overcame my senses. For a moment, I forgot where I was. I was back home, the place where I ran away from only to come back to no one waiting for me. 

The walls consuming my vision before being blinded by the light. It was hard to see what was on the other side but it didn't stop me from staring. I wanted to lay on my back, to look away from the brightness but something kept me from rolling over. A shadow of a figure peered their head in the entrance of the hole, looking for something. My arm felt numb as it had small muscle muscle spasms. It felt like everything was moving slowly as my vision turned on and off. Almost like those vintage black and white Films Noir where the camera quality flickered. I wanted to sleep, my body not being able to hold on for any longer. An instinct took over as I reached out into the intense void, feeling my hand almost being cut off by the sharp edge. I pulled with whatever strength I had left before the radiant light shut off my vision.

/ / /

The Damn Hybrid started to wake from it's stupor as the tranquilizers wore off. It was an opportunity to see if there were any survivors in the hole that Connor Anderson, 4834 mentioned. A few other witnesses that were within the first two groups gave statements to that Daniella Galvez, 5027 was leaning after receiving an injury by a group leader. When the creatures came, everyone ran for cover.

They waited until the creature was awake to get it away from the contraption to see if there was an entrance of some kind. If there was, then they need to see who was all present. A small grunting sound could be heard, a voice of a survivor. The monster didn't waste any time in getting out of the sunlight that was created by the disappearance of the morning clouds. The light reflecting off of the objects that were made in its wake.

One of the leaders from the other group, John Hale 1956 from group four took a glance in. Confirming that there was a body laying on the floor with an extensive amount of blood. Connor took a few tentative steps towards the entrance when a hand shot out to grab the edge of the metal. He didn't hesitate in pulling out the confirm body of Daniella Galvez. Her foot hooked on the half zipped backpack that felt like something was added to it.

She was a sight to see as the sun made her skin look pale with dark bruises. Her legs were jolting slightly as the rest of her body started to go limp. Her hair and clothing were matted in a strange liquid that resembled a silver ink and mud. Her eyes were glossed over as she tried to comprehend her surroundings before they shut.

"Get her help now!" Connor yelled as he tried to feel for a pulse. Her skin was cold, trying to avoid the metallic fluid to get a reading. It was low, flat enough to make him nervous. Taking off her jacket, he made her that her head was propped before tilting her head to the side. 

He couldn't believe that Anon did this to her out of all people. She could be dead before the Jones siblings are found. Cutting the expedition short, the Winged Convoy was making it's way to pick up the surviving members. The injured or wounded was to be on the first train out of there. The group leaders that were present were instructed to return to the Rising Moonlight immediately to explain what were some findings. Another train was to be sent for those who are in stable condition.

 Placing his hand within hers, Connor waited for the train and medics to arrive. Hoping that she was going to be alright, explaining what happened when she was trapped and why she was covered in mud. He stopped thinking as he stood up when the medical team dressed in black arrived. Situating her on a clear gurney, they made haste to get on the transport. Feeling the cold air coming from the entrance of the contraption once they were away.