Karn's boots crunched against loose gravel as he moved down the long, winding road leading to the place he once called home. The sun hung high, burning bright over the sunburnt country, but the heat did nothing but deepen the unease that hung in the air. Sweat clung to his skin and his muscles ached with every step.
He remembered this path from his childhood, always alive with the chirping of birds, the buzzing of insects, and the distant laughter of children playing by the brook nearby. But now, there was nothing. The only sound accompanying him was the gentle whisper of the wind rustling through the treetops, punctuated by the soft crunch of footprints trailing behind him in the distance.
He glanced back for only a moment to check if his two friends were safe, then fixated his eyes on the road ahead.
At each turn and bend, he paused, scanning for dangers. On a few occasions, they had to divert from the road, navigating through the bush to continue their journey westward through the hills. As he rounded the final bend, relief washed over him. The road ahead was clear and the town in sight.
Glancing back, he spotted the two distant figures. Raising an open hand, he then gave a thumbs-up, signalling it was safe for his them to catch up.
"It's been far too long," he murmured to himself, but even his own voice sounded off in the vast quiet.
Pulling his cap lower to shield his eyes from the sun, he tried to focus on the memories of the place: the familiar brick walls of the houses, the fragrance of freshly baked bread and coffee wafting from the local shop, and the playful barking of dogs as they raced through the park chasing sticks. But those memories were distant, clouded by the stillness that surrounded him.
As he drew closer to what once was the busiest part of the country town, a sense of unease swelled in his chest. The trek had been arduous, but it had been worth it.
The road was dead quiet, littered by abandoned cars left to melt under a burning summer sky. In the past, the town was lively. Now it was yet another casualty in a long line of victims.
He scanned the surrounding derelict buildings. Memories stirred of a small store that once thrived here, though it had been years since his last visit. His mouth watered just thinking of the massive burgers they’d bought every Sunday after a long walk. Spotting the crumbling structure, his eyes were drawn to the words ‘Brookfield shop,' still faintly visible on its faded front wall.
“There,” he said under his breath and waited for his friends to approach. The two looked around nervously as they moved beside him.
Karn grinned at the two then glanced around once more before angling towards the shop. Stepping over a broken sign he quickly found himself standing before the wide double doors. Grasping the handle, he stared at his determined reflection.
Karn was a young man, although he didn’t look it. Barely nineteen years old, his raven hair had grown wild and now hung past his jaw. Grime and dirt clung to his skin, covering every inch of his skin and clothes. His once sparkling blue eyes had lost most of their lustre and had become pale while deep shadows lined his face.
I look like a starving animal. Karn thought, staring at his reflection for only a moment before grasping the door handle. With a firm grip, the door groaned open on its rusted hinges. The harsh sound made him wince, even though the door only moved a few inches.
"Hey. Keep it down," Charles urged in a strained whisper.
Karn turned his gaze towards his friend, noticing a disapproving expression etched across his face. Charles had his arm wrapped protectively around his girlfriend, Ellie, who clung to him for support. An old Winchester rifle was casually slung across Charles' shoulder with a makeshift rope strap. The inseparable couple knelt together, seeking shelter under the eve of the dilapidated building, their eyes fixed on Karn with a mixture of concern and hope.
"Sorry," Karn mouthed.
It was still hot even in the shade. A dry breeze swept over them, catching a stray strand of Ellie's bright red hair. Karn looked away from his two friends and cradled his temples between a finger and thumb. His head throbbed. They lacked water, and they had been travelling on foot for days.
Ignore it, he told himself. Losing focus loses lives.
Karn examined the door. There wasn’t enough space to pass. He strained against the hinges and the door shifted another few inches then jammed. Despite the noise, there was only enough space for one person to enter at a time.
For the three of them, breaking into the store was a gamble, and they were desperate, thirsty, and hungry. Karn examined the shop for another entryway. Curtains and wooden panels covered the windows and walls, leaving the inside secured and cloaked in darkness.
He turned to his friends.
"Ready?"
They nodded.
Karn positioned his body and cautiously stepped into the store, his eyes adjusting to the dim lighting. The once orderly newspaper aisle now lay in disarray, with crumpled pages scattered across the floor. He didn't need to read the headlines to know the horrors that were splashed across every page. Those gruesome images were forever etched in his mind, haunting him even when he closed his eyes.
The invasion of Earth had become a grim reality. Countless videos flooded the internet, capturing the terrifying presence of the grey-skinned creatures that seemed to be everywhere. They started small, preying on innocent animals like dogs and cats. But with each kill, they grew in size and strength, progressing to larger prey, including humans.
Panic and hysteria swept across the globe, and the name ‘Reapers’ was bestowed upon these monstrous beings. Initially, governments mobilised their armed forces in an attempt to contain the threat. The world stood united, joining forces to combat this common enemy.
However, as casualties multiplied and the enemy's numbers swelled, entire armies were forced to retreat, and nations crumbled under the weight of the relentless assault. Within a year, news reports ceased, communication lines went dead, and the world was plunged into darkness as the power grid failed.
The rapid spread of the creatures left everyone confused and scared. It defied scientific understanding. Their invasion seemed almost magical in nature. The way the grey-skinned creatures swept across the world defied any logic or explanation. It was as if they possessed an otherworldly power, effortlessly bypassing defences and obliterating everything in their path.
The world watched in awe and terror as these supernatural invaders effortlessly overwhelmed military forces and decimated entire cities.
Then, something unexpected happened. A deafening silence spread across the globe. In a single night, a vast portion of the population vanished without a trace — not just humans, but all walks of life. Almost every, fish animal and insects disappeared, plunging the world into silence.
"You alright?" asked Charles, as he stepped foot into the shop.
"Yeah, I'm fine," Karn answered with a shrug, tearing him from his morbid thoughts.
"All clear outside," Ellie said as she poked her head through the gap. A reassuring smile passed between the couple.
"I'll go right this time." Charles ducked behind a shelf as he pulled his lighter from his pocket. “What’s that smell?”
“I guess their milks gone off,” Karn said while crinkling his nose.
Ellie held her nose as she said, “Are you sure it’s not you two boys?”
“Hey!” Charles strained voice echoed.
These kinds of searches had become routine. They all knew that a few moments could be the very difference between life and death, so Karn swiftly moved to inspect the left side as Ellie hurried down the middle.
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
Karn quickly felt inside his pocket for the gift his uncle had left him. A rock appeared in his open palm. It was warm and smooth, with a strange crystalline symbol on one side. As he held the stone out, a soft blue light illuminated the surrounding shelves. He wasn’t sure how it worked but it had been a welcome surprise in a world without power.
As he moved among the empty shelves, he ignored the rubbish that had fallen on the floor. Empty food packets laying ripped open and empty. The once vibrant packages now faded, and a thin layer of dust covered everything. But it wasn’t the rubbish that caught Karn’s attention; it was a bulletin board to his left.
There, among the various stapled sheets, an old newspaper clipping seemed to glow in the subdued light. Drawn to it, he approached and instantly recognized the smiling face beaming from the photograph – it was his uncle.
‘Local Writer Wins Award,’ the headline read. Below the title was a brief article detailing his uncle's most recent work. Karn felt a pang of nostalgia. His uncle's stories, filled with magic, wonder, and bravery, were a cornerstone of his childhood. He remembered nights when his uncle would sit him down, and with animated excitement, share his latest story – tales of enchanted forests, mythical creatures, and young heroes embarking on grand adventures.
It wasn’t just Karn who adored these tales; they were popular among children. Schools would often invite his uncle for readings, and it was common to see children clutching one of his books, their faces lit up with imagination.
Feeling a surge of emotion, Karn gently removed the clipping from the board, folding it carefully before tucking it into his pocket. It was a piece of a time that felt long gone, a reminder of simpler, happier days.
"Did you find anything?" Ellie's voice broke through the stillness as she approached from behind.
Karn glanced back briefly and shook his head. "Not yet" he replied, resuming his search through the scattered items.
Ellie wrinkled her nose, surveying the room. "This place gives me the creeps," she murmured as she ventured towards the back of the shop.
Empty containers lay toppled everywhere it was so hard to see anything among the rubbish. The central aisle was completely bare and judging by the stains on the floor had been pushed from its original position. His eyes saw something odd, and he used his spare hand to feel what looked like a broken segment on the shelf. He knelt and grinned. A whole untouched box had fallen in the crack and lay hidden beneath the bottom shelf.
“Any luck?” asked Charles as he knelt beside Karn.
“How's canned corn sound?" Karn asked with a grin as he presented him the tin prizes.
"Fantastic," Charles said with a grumble then helped scoop the cans into Karn's pack.
Ellie's eyes lit up with excitement as she caught sight of the unexpected treasure. Karn and Charles exchanged glances, well aware of Ellie's inclination for devouring anything even slightly edible, no matter how unappetizing.
Suddenly, a rumbling noise pierced the air. Instinctively, Charles retrieved the rifle from his shoulder, smoothly cocking it and flicking off the safety. Meanwhile, Ellie bent down to help gather the last few remaining cans, her hands moving with practiced efficiency.
“Is that a car?” Ellie asked.
“Sound like a Ute,” confirmed Charles as he peered through the gaps of the windows. “Yep, a bloody Hilux.”
With the rifle at the ready, Charles cautiously moved towards the entryway. Karn, burdened with a bulging pack, was right on his heels. They both crouched low, using the broken doorway as cover while scanning their surroundings outside.
Charles leaned in, his voice barely audible, "Who are these guys? What are they doing out here?"
Karn peered out, replying with a hushed tone, "I don't know. It's been weeks since we've seen anyone."
Across the road, a group of six or so men aggressively scavenged through the buildings. Their loud disturbances shattered the eerie silence they had grown accustomed to.
"They seem desperate... and dangerous," Charles observed, watching as the men ruthlessly tore apart the abandoned structures, the sounds of destruction echoing all around.
The atmosphere grew tense as Karn and Charles exchanged concerned glances, silently contemplating the intentions and potential threat posed by these newfound strangers.
Ellie clenched her teeth, murmuring with clear annoyance, "Idiots."
Charles, his voice barely above a whisper, turned to Karn, "Those look like military uniforms."
Squinting through the gap in the door, Karn replied, "But they're not ours. Not Aussies."
Outside, the men's carelessness was evident. Their raucous shouts and aggressive banging on windows showed a distinct lack of worry. Sensing the looming threat, Karn waved at the others, signalling them to step back.
"We've got to find another way out," Ellie hissed, a note of panic edging her voice.
Charles squeezed her shoulder, a silent promise of protection. "We'll find a way."
The thud of boots grew closer, the sound chillingly clear in the stillness. The three of them, hearts pounding, began to crawl silently away from the door, hoping the shadows inside the shop would shield them. A loud crash reverberated as one of the men forcefully tried to breach the boarded windows with the butt of a rifle.
The trio huddled closer to the ground, seeking cover behind the counter.
"What are you idiots doing?" a deep, commanding voice boomed. "Look. The door’s already open!"
A broad shadow loomed near the entrance.
"Rick, go. Check it out!" the authoritative voice commanded.
Moments later, a bald head cautiously peered through the gap, scanning the dimly lit space.
"Anything in there, Rick?" the voice asked.
The bald man didn't answer. Instead, he pulled himself through the gap and surveyed the store in silence. Karn hunched closer to the ground and risked a glance. The bald man had his back to them and was inspecting the floor.
After a few moments of silence, Rick spoke. "Nothing here. A few footprints among the trash. I'd say they've probably gotten everything and left." Rick took several more steps into the shop, circling the aisles. "Yep, nothing."
Keep your cool, Karn thought.
Ellie clutched Charles who had his hands tightly secured on their only rifle.
"I'm going in as well to check," said another voice. "Just in case Rick’s holding out on us."
"Wait. Not yet," Rick replied.
Karn felt Ellie's grip tighten around his arm, her nails digging into his flesh, as the pounding on the windows grew louder. Amidst the noise, a heated argument broke out among the intruders, stopping their assault for a moment.
Suddenly, the desolate streets were filled with the sounds of loud voices and swearing.
The two men nearest to the shop turned and dashed back across the road, their hurried footsteps producing low thuds that mingled with curses. Rick, however, remained near the opening, his gaze fixed on the unsettling scene unfolding before him. He shook his head in disapproval.
“Ah, not again,” he said, muttering.
"Stop fighting ya dumbasses!" shouted the commanding voice.
A sharp cry of agony pierced the air, followed by the deafening boom of a gunshot. Ellie flinched instinctively, her body trembling as she involuntarily nudged a stray empty container with her foot, causing Rick to swiftly slide towards the service counter with caution. Peering over the counter, his eyes locked onto the trio huddled closely together.
Time seemed to freeze as Rick's gaze met theirs. A tense silence enveloped them as they braced themselves for the worst, their hearts pounding in their chests. The barrel of Charles’ rifle held steadily towards the bald man’s face.
Sensing the danger, Rick raised his hands in a gesture of surrender, carefully backing away from the counter.
Relief washed over the trio as they collectively released pent-up breaths, they hadn't realised they were holding. The immediate threat appeared to dissipate, if only momentarily. However, the fleeting calm shattered as a piercing scream tore through the air, followed by a sickening thud that sent shivers down their spines.
"Run!" a voice shouted from across the street.
Gunfire erupted around them, a cacophony of roaring shots that filled the air with a storm of bullets.
“Reaper!” The voice was cut off by a shriek of pain.
Karn's stomach twisted. Beneath his feet, the earth quaked, and he heard the metal scream of cars being flattened outside. The men nearest the chaos sprinted for the refuge of the shop. Then, a heavy thud on the roof caused the doorway to warp and buckle, blocking their passage.
"Rick! Help us! Open the damn door!" They screamed in panic.
The roar of an engine pierced the silence, followed by the screech of spinning wheels. Moments later, a loud crash confirmed there was no way out.
Bloody fingers clawed at the gap. Then a deafening high-pitched scrape pierced the air.
Karn winced.
As the gunshots thundered, the air filled with a cacophony of desperate cries and curses. Karn's gaze locked onto the bald man, who quickly retreated further into the shop. After attempting to turn the handle of a locked door, he grunted and kicked it open, vanishing from view.
The men left helpless at the door screamed as a massive force drove them through the entrance. They writhed on the floor, covered in blood. Before anyone could react, a car-sized claw crashed down and tore the men and the doors from the shop.
The stone in Karn's hand flinched, breaking him from his stunned shock.
"We need to get out of here, now!" Karn shouted, springing to his feet. He grasped both Ellie and Charles by the arm, pulling them upright. "Move!" he urged, as the trio sprinted through the aisles, dodging debris while the shop crumbled around them.
Following Rick, they ran through the back door, finding cover under the shop’s alcove outside. Ahead lay a thick line of trees. The bald man was already there ahead of them, running for the safety of the forest beyond and wasn’t looking back.
Charles moved to follow but Karn snatched his arm and held him back as a gigantic fist appeared from above and plucked the bald man from the ground.
Rick's sudden shriek pierced the air. In a swift motion, he vanished from sight. The fleeting glimpse of his terrified expression and the sound of his cry etched into their minds.
Before they could process the harrowing scene, a sickening, wet ripping sound sliced through the air, abruptly silencing Rick's screams. Karn's heart raced, and muscles tensed. He eyed the gap. It would only take them a few moments to cross.
He peered around the roof and spotted the hulking monstrosity. It was hunched with its back to them preoccupied with its most recent prize. He signalled to the others, and they ran, just in time, as the building crumbled under the monster’s weight.
Each laboured step pounded through Karn’s heart as a shiver ran down his spine. He clenched his fists, feeling eyes on his back.
A final unnerving crack echoed behind them just as they reached the trees. Karn turned back one last time and saw the monster through the gaps. It was still playing with its food.
Gulping down his rising fear, Karn glanced quickly at his friends, relief flooding him to see they were unharmed.
"We can't stop now," he said firmly. "Let's move!"