That Story I'm Writing: Chapter II

Chapter Two: On the Move

Gabe's plan was good, but it didn't last. They'd made a stronghold out of Keith's house. They bolted the doors, windows, and any weak spots were reinforced. They had plenty of food, as Keith had always been prepared for a nuclear fallout (which he someone figured he'd survive), and had plenty of dry food. Luckily, their water hadn't been shut off yet, and they weren't really short on anything. Using Keith's dad's old rifles and other guns, the guys took shifts going onto the roof, via the house's back deck and a ladder, and looking for things. What things? They hunted the creatures, which they were calling Raptors, due to the fact that the hunted in pacts and the way they ran. While on the roof, they also looked for other survivors, using some binoculars. Keith had an old radio, and through some local broadcasts, he'd learned some frightening news.

The Attack was worldwide. The Raptors obviously knew where to attack, as all major cities had it the worst. In a town like Morristown, Tennessee, where the group was holding up, there weren't as many. In their area, there was an estimated five hundred Raptors. That may seem like a lot, but compared to New York City or Chicago, that was a small family of the beasts. No news on exactly what they were or why they were here, as everyone was focused on survival.

There'd been talk of the group moving. They knew that they'd run out of food and ammo eventually, and they had no idea how long the water would continue to flow to Keith's house. Audry had suggested moving to the mall, as it held the most promise. Gabe and Keith were on her side, while Justin, Arielle, and Adam thought otherwise. "We should just wait this out here, while we're safe. I'm sure they'll be sending rescue choppers soon enough!" Justin had made his point. "Who said we're safe here? How many Raptors have been through this area so far? What, three? More could come at any second. Besides, who knows how long we'll last here with our current supply of food and water! And don't even mention a rescue! The rest of the world is fighting a war with these things! I don't think they're worrying about anyone in Morristown, Tennessee, on a roof right now! If we go to the mall, we'd have plenty of food, water, and anything else we'll need!" Audry had a counter for every point made so far. "Who said the mall's safe? You know how many people were there when the attack happened? Raptors are probably living in there by now, and besides, it's too open to hold up in any one place!" Adam had spoken. Now it was Gabe's turn. "Well, there are two levels in the mall, and only a few elevators to get to the second level. If we could get up there, and it was Raptor-free, all we'd have to do is turn off the elevators and they couldn't reach us!" Justin threw his hands in the air, "Well, let's just go talk to Keith about it, I mean, this is his house and all!"

The five of them made their way to the back deck, as Keith had roof-duty. They stated the dilemma to Keith, and he thought for a minute. "Alright, why don't we just wait it out here a little longer, and if we run out of water, or run into any trouble, we make a break for the mall?" The group considered this, and one by one agreed. They were about to re-enter the house when they heard someone. "Hey! HEY!!! Over here, HELP!!!" The all looked in the field behind the house. Over a hill, they saw someone running. Keith looked through his binoculars. "It's a kid, our age," he explained. The boy reached the deck and raced up the stairs, then collapsed from exhaustion. "Who are you?" Arielle asked defensively. "My name…Is Connor. I live a few houses back. I've been hiding out there with my sister….one of them got in our house and got her… I made a break for it." Suddenly the group was alarmed. "Did it follow you here?" Justin asked quickly. "Not sure….didn't look back…just….kept running."

Before anyone could say anything else, Keith let out a nice, long, dramatic, "CRAP!!!" They all looked at him. His gaze went from the binoculars, to them, and he pointed in the direction from which Connor had come. The group followed his finger, and saw multiple Raptors coming. "Uhhhh….." Justin wasn't sure what to say. "Five of them, coming fast. And they look hungry." Keith wasn't wasting any time. "Ladies, inside, guys, everyone grab a gun. We'll see if we can hold them off." Keith was taking charge. Justin handed rifles to Adam and Gabe, but was hesitant to give one to Connor. "Do you know how to use one of these?" Connor didn't have time to learn. "I'll figure it out," he said while taking it out of Justin's hand. Justin got his own firearm, and took place next to the others. "Good luck," Audry said as she closed the door. "We'll need it," Adam whispered under his breathe. "When they reach that tree nearest us, open fire. When one goes down, don't give the others time to react. If they get to close, we'll go inside and see what happens." None of the guys said anything, only nodded and took aim. A very long, intense moment went by, and then they opened fire. At first, the Raptors didn't take notice. Then, one of them was hit multiple times in the chest, and fell to the ground, sliding to a halt. One of the others stopped and looked back, confused, but then continued. They were able to kill two more before time ran out. The last two Raptors charged towards them, gaining too much ground, too fast. They raced in the house, but Connor hesitated. "Hey, let's go!" Justin yelled to get him moving. But he was too late. As Connor reached the door, they were upon him. Justin closed the door, and they watched as Connor was eaten. Audry and Arielle entered, but Keith and Gabe held them back from looking outside. "OK, so what now?" Adam asked. "Well, when they've finished their meal, it won't take them long to figure out how to get through a wooden door," a blunt answer from Keith. "We need to move, now, before they have time to think," Gabe knew how it had to go. Justin nodded, "I'll drive."

They bolted out the front door and loaded into Justin's car. Within seconds, Justin was flying down the road, nearing the highway. It was a twenty minute drive to the mall. Assuming they made it.

What they past was Hell on Earth. Buildings they all knew where over run with Raptors or on fire. Justin only sped up, wanting to get through as fast as possible. They didn't see any other cars, besides the ones littered on the side of the road, abandoned mid-attack. They reached the mall sooner than expected, due to Justin's extreme driving skill. They pulled in beside the side entrance. "OK, how are we gonna do this?" Audry asked the question on everyone's tongue. "Alright, I'll go in and check it out. If it's all clear, I'll come out and wave you guys in. If not, I'll come out screaming, jump in the car, and then we run." Silence filled the car. "What if…." Justin didn't need to finish his question. "I don't come back? Give me five minutes. It shouldn't take long." They nodded, and Gabe opened the door. "Well guys, wish me luck, I'll be back in five minutes or not at all."

"Good luck." The group collectively said their goodbyes, and without hesitation, Gabe entered the mall.

No one said anything for the next four minutes. At the four minute mark, Justin chimed in. "One minute left." Arielle answered him. "Are we really gonna leave him after five minutes?"

"Well, I suppose we could go in after him…" The conversation dropped there. Five minutes passed. No one said anything. After another minute and a half, Gabe exited the mall, drinking a Coke. "Sorry I'm late guys, but I was real thirsty, and water just wasn't doing it for me." The group smiled, but no one laughed. Justin turned off the car, and they entered the mall. They were in.

So there's chapter 2. Tell me what you think. I'm still totally open to suggestions and critisism. Let me know.

-keith