Deadly Seven

Chapter 1: The Siren Call

         Friday the 13th, the sleepy town of Millsbury awoke with a thunderous storm .  The sky opened up with a loud crackle of thunder, followed by a bright flash of lightning. Trees shook violently, nearly breaking in the freezing gust of October wind. The wind was so bitter it could cut through you straight down to the bone. Branches were tapping on windows as if they were trying to get in their quiet little homes. Three rebellious teenagers grew restless, after being stuck in the house all day. So they decided to stir up some mischief and sneak out into the storm.

       Sitting around in the cellar of the home, not knowing where they should go, devised a plan.
"Where the fuck would we even go in a storm like this?" asked Vance, shuffling his hair to one side of his head.
        In dire need of some mischief, the teens sat searching for the perfect place to conjure up havoc. The room fell silent as they pondered of all the local haunts. Then one of the teens face lit up as if an electrical wave coursed through her. You could see she had the perfect place in mind. Her mouth opened up beaming with excitement.

"Let's go to the old insane asylum!" exclaimed Cookie bouncing with the thought of exploring the decrepit remains.
"Are you fucking crazy that place has been condemned for safety regulations." cried Vance.
Both girls looked at him in disgust, unimpressed by his lack of enthusiasm. Riz the youngest of the group sat up to look Vance directly in his eyes.
"Don't be a fucking coward Van, I say we go!" Riz said as she huffed, rolling her eyes.
She folded her into her chest as she plopped back into her seat.

   In an authoritative stance Cookie stood up. She was always the unspoken leader of the teens, constantly looking for the next big thrill.            
     "So it's decided two against one Vance, you're out numbered!" Cookie explained, pounding her hand into her fist.
         Amidst the torrential rain and bitter winds they gathered the necessary supplies needed. Silently they crept up the stairs and toward the front door. Riz's father slept passed out on the couch after another drunken bender. They slipped out unnoticed, slowly shutting the door behind them.

          Trying in vain to shield themselves from the downpour, they darted towards the old asylum. Nearby at the end of the street was a trail through the woods. All the leaves had started to change colors and fall off the trees. Hoping the trees would give a slight sanctuary from the storm, they cut through the woods. This would save them time since the Sacred Heights Sanatorium was just beyond on the other side. As they ran up to the opening of the trail all their eyes glanced up to see these dark ominous trees hanging over them. It felt as if those same trees grew another 25 feet in the dark. They kept on through following the well worn the trail. The intimidation of the loud creaking of the branches was palpable. The rain was unforgiving, completely saturating everything it touched. The teens were no exception. Even with the cover of the trees, the wind still blew the rain from what felt like every angle possible.

     "How much further?! I'm cold, I'm wet and I wanna go home!" complained Vance as he gasped for another breath.
     "Quit your whining! We should be there soon." shouted Cookie as they continued to run through the woods.
     Just then through the break in the trees they saw what looked like the old asylum.

      Riz sighing in relief, "Look I think I see it!" as she pointed in the direction of the hospital.  

       Running ahead of the girls Vance yelled out.. "LAST ONE THERE IS A ROTTEN EGG!"

      Cookie exhaled shaking her head in disbelief, her hair sopping wet from the storm. "Did you really just fucking say that?" as she pulled ahead of the group.

Confused by Cookie's disapproval, Vance whined "What?!... What I say?!" as Cookie shot passed him in a burst of speed.

     Trailing behind Riz rolled her eyes, as she tucked her, midnight blue hair behind her ear. In the next instant she claimed the lead position. Dumbfounded Vance found himself in last place when he had such a strong lead.

      He cried "Hey! Wait up!!" struggling the find the energy to regain his once lead moments earlier.
   Everyone grew silent. All that could be heard was the rustling of leaves, snapping of twigs, and the release of deepened puffs of air. Behind the tall shadowy trees, was the clearing. They finally reached it after what seemed like hours. Riz was the first, shortly followed by Cookie. Both girls stood staring at the opening of those looming trees waiting for Vance to appear. After some time passed  it was as if by magic, as he shuffled his feet forward completely drained of life force. He worked his way over to the girls exhausted by the trek there. Hunched over a huffing in air nearly choked by the force Vance caught tried to catch his breath.

        "I thought.... you said.... it.... was close..." Vance declared struggling to force out the words.

"You're the only one this out of breath dude.." Riz said annoyingly.

      She crossed her arms and leaned against an old dried out tree. She crossed her arms and leaned against an old dried out tree. It was practically withered down to nothing. Barely any life left in its cold, dry bark. The rain was unrelenting never once easing its harsh pelts against their skin. The storms condition only worsened with time, gradually growing more violent and angry. A sharp clap of thunder shook the sky. The tremble could be felt for miles. As the crackle began to dissipate, slowly fading into the distance, the sky lit up once more. A stream of lightening shot across the night sky as if it where charging itself. In a flash, the lightening struck the withering dead tree with such force, the branch off and caught fire.

          Panic-stricken they flew across the open field trying to break in to the old hospital for shelter. Truly understanding the severity of the squall they finally realized the danger. Attacking the brittle doors with purpose, Vance found an old log he used as a battering ram. He charged the double doors at top speed with ram in tow. At the moment of impact the doors swung open with such force, nearly breaking their hinges. At last the would be safe... or so they thought.