The massive room held beforehand was lit from above in mysterious ways as the walls of red jutted with pale limestone beams that arched and squeezed out with their seemingly endless lengths. These beams looked to be the ribcage of some massive gargantuan creature whose innards were eviscerated, leaving nothing but the bones and the flesh that lined them. The lining of which pulsated and oozed involuntarily, taking on the appearance of exposed muscles and tendons. Their colors bled into the atmosphere of this incredibly cavernous room as gazing into the vast distance wielded the horizon that was tinted from the hues.

Diverting attention inwards and deeper into this red ridden room was much like looking into an oversized stadium. The massive span was enough to give few a spill of vertigo or megalophobia, for the length to the farthest wall seemed immeasurable. Interrupting this attempt to gaze at the horizon were towering spires that made contact with both the floor and ceiling. They were as thick as the structures between them on the ground, tapering and wrinkling in appearance like bleeding tree trunks. Bleeding for they appear to be constantly moist on the surface as a lustrous shine could be seen. Throughout this room several of these hulking red spires stood in their positions along the ranks, filling up the void that some would call hell. Lined up perfectly as they stretched about along with the smaller yet sizable octagonal structures. Rows and rows of these eight sided buildings populated this wondrous expanse with their dark crimson appearances. Walking down any of the aisles that they formed, you felt as if these absurd buildings themselves had eyes, watching you as you made your way down to either end. Dark red in color but their surfaces were matte and flat, lined with a glowing orange trim and topped with eight points that tapered as they nearly met in the middle. The middle of which was lit up by a ball of light, fuzzy and spinning it laid there listing up and down. Some were red, others were purple, but most were colored a bright orange. Within the outer edges of these octagons inlaid several bunks, four of them stacked on top of each other within each of the sides. In these beds rested humans, humans that were unconscious and were meant to remain unconscious, never to wake into this reality that was their very lives. Line by line these structures filled this horrific realm neatly along with the spires in a grid like fashion upon the perfectly flat white floor that was contrived of hexagonal tiles.

Off to the sides of this void of a room laid purposely constructed caves, inconspicuous for most of the foreboding creatures of this realm ignored these tucked away hideaways. The size of these caves paled in comparison to the main room but were still impressively spacious. The floor entering one of these alcoves was raised slightly at a slant as the walls that took on an identical appearance of the main room as they curved upwards and met at the middle with an arch. The entrance was lined with another bone like beam as the walls exiting this room immediately vaulted going out into the main floor.

Within this alcove were three mostly fortunate beings (which consisted of two males and one female), fortunate for they were able to escape the frying pan and into this temporary safe haven. None of them knew each other but were thankful to have met others, each were rather embarrassed for everyone in this realm bore no clothing. Embarrassed regardless of the predicament concerning their bodies, for upon their flesh everyone lacked the reproductive bits and nipples that most knew of on the pectorals. Resting their naked bodies up against the wall gave them vision onto the main floor, albeit, obscured from the tight enclosure. Hearts began to sink as they witnessed lines filling up the horizon far off into the distance. Minuscule lines that wiggled about like ants that soon started to grow in size as they came closer to this hole in the wall. Anxiety was starting to boil over from the two men while the woman tried her best to ease their spirits, mentioning that only other humans came to this cubby seeking safety much like themselves. They felt wary of listening to her as they were frightened from her stature, she was intense in size and bore muscles bigger than the both of them. They had slight distrust of her as well, thinking that she wasn’t even human at all. Given the surroundings, that might have not been entirely a far fetched thought.

The approaching group of people ran and ran as they pushed tirelessly onwards. Their sights were set on the opening along these swallowing walls that stuck out like a sore thumb considering they could see it for miles. Fear and a deep hope for survival fueled their dwindling tanks, the sights they had seen and events they had witnessed will forever be burned into their minds. All of these participants had wished to not be a part of this ever so true biting reality. Eyes rapidly scanning their surroundings that were dashed with pools of blood and husks of previous unsuccessful vagabonds. Self preservation was not a guarantee and was in vain for others as they met their demise from certain demons that lived in and surveilled this dimension before them.

As they ran for their destination, they all passed the numerous structures that housed the sleeping people, wishing to be in their position for they were unfortunate enough to have awoken into this horrid abyss. Taking their current status for granted considering the two forerunners that so conveniently happened to pass by them upon their awakening and possibly saving their very lives. These people gave them purpose and shook them free from their engulfing horror as the fear froze most in place. Their words gave life and purpose to them that pushed their feet into motion, all that had to be said was,

“Follow me!” Listening to their words is exactly what they did, dashing away negative thoughts while putting in diligent efforts to avoid a terrible fate like the motionless ones on the ground or others that had been caught by the flying behemoths.

Once the group of involuntary streakers had come to the entrance of this desolate hallway, others from neighboring lanes joined them. It was a surprise that the mass of them made it in one piece and unnoticed. The flock of them entered the cave with utmost urgency as the cacophony of slapping feet and overworked lungs took over the ambience. Once within the hall they slowed their pace down to a crawl, hunched over and panted for air. The two forerunners that led them to this sanctuary took to the front of the herd and mimicked the crowd which roughly consisted of forty people. They peered up towards the hulking gate before them and noticed the three propped up against its neighboring wall. The woman of the two forerunners waved at them with one hand while her other was bracing atop of a knee. One of the men looked away with a grimace while the two others waved back as they were full of uncertainty.

As the remainder of the crowd caught their breath, they started to raise heads and gander at the fierce closing up ahead. The sight was terrifying to look at as a few let out audible gasps and others muttered obscenities. The ‘door’ was composed of massive hefty fangs which made them feel insignificant as the size stared down at them in their puny statures. These colossal teeth were white in color and blushed with yellows along the surfaces. A shade of a shadow painted the edges of these rounded tusks as they formed the seal with their parallel and alternating shapes zigzagging from top to bottom. The faux palace doors before them commanded attention from all eyes, eyes that would not falter from this site of authority for more questions arose at just a glance.

As the group further convalesced, they slowly started to make their way closer towards the chilling fangs. The original three in this corridor kept to themselves but were clearly vexed by the herds advance. Hidden away above them in the ceiling was a massive eye that only woke once the diminutive and sensitive bristles lining its lids were lightly caressed by the air pushed from the crowd below. This meager breeze was enough to awaken and activate its atavistic function as it slowly began to peel away the layer of concealing flesh. The lids were as big as a sedan, thus contributed to the sluggish speed. The iris that had been revealed darted into corners, hiding away from the intruding light that seemed painful for it to take in. This iris of which had a pupil like that of a cat, a streak that peeled across the middle of the glowing orange circle that it nestled in. After being fully revealed the eye shook in confusion, but then shortly went to work scanning the area underneath it. It looked downwards with an infrared sight that when active lit up the pupil with a deep auburn red. The eye moved up and down and from side to side as it scanned all of the bodies in motion. Nothing set off any alarms which prompted the massive eyeball to resume its slumber. It blinked twice which produced a slight clasping sound given the sheer size of it; as it fell back asleep the eye shuddered with lethargy and then rolled to the top.

The male of the two forerunners had heard a tweet of a noise coming from above them, causing him to look up at the ceiling in search of what produced the sonance. As he scanned the surface above he caught a glint of the glowing eye, just a fraction as it was finishing coming to a close. Camouflaged within the recesses of the beams he could vaguely make out its shape within the shadows. He nudged his companion while still staring into the sky, she turned her sight to his face and then followed his vision to see what he couldn’t take his eyes off of.

“There was an eye up there, I only just caught it as it was closing.” He says to her with fear leaking out into his voice. It was imperative for her to believe him given the place that they were all in, alas she couldn’t make out what he had seen as she carefully studied the ceiling.

“Try not to think about it, if it wanted to kill us we would have already been dead.” She tells him, trying to reassure him while she rests her hand on his shoulder. He looks at her while taking in the comforting words and acknowledges them with a nod.

Taking a look at all of the refugees within this corridor you could see that it was a rather mixed bunch of people from various backgrounds. Still all were naked and lacked genitals, interestingly enough, few did have an assortment of tattoos or piercings upon their bodies. None seemed to notice this for the majority of the thronging was deep in the clutches of their emotions that wrought them to the front door of their breaking points. Some were having panic attacks, kneeling to the floor while hyperventilating. Others were getting into rage induced arguments with each other while a few went as far as dashing right back out and into the void. Their departure went unnoticed as chatters of the mass grew into an uproar. The communal conflagration stirred about as it kept minds distracted from the harrowing situation in which they were all participants in. The two forerunners attempted to douse the flames spewing everywhere from these now deplorable hooligans they so dearly wished to save and grant salvation onto. Their efforts were but a paltry one as the intensity grew fierce, the crowd had formed a circle around two irate men who had begun fighting with one another.

As the chanting went on, the two did their best to intervene but were met with an unyielding wall of bodies that kept them out of the ring. Fists flew and blood was starting to drool down their faces, each hit that landed made the audience egg them on even more. Back at the wall next to the door, the stout woman had decided that she should put an end to this senseless violence as she began to walk down towards the show. The man next to her raised his hand and thought of trying to convince her otherwise, but saw little point in it; he was still quite afraid of her and her stature. Meeting the edge of the crowd she had little difficulties peeling away the bodies in her way as she journeyed towards the center. The two forerunners watched in awe at her sheer strength and also felt fear halt their actions, leaving their minds blank. The people she moved felt the same sensations as they too watched and did nothing. As one of the men in the middle threw a hay-maker, he was shocked to see a hand fly in from the side and catch his fist before it could make contact with the other's face. He looked at her as she then shoved him back, her other hand was holding back the other fighter as it stopped him in his tracks.

“Alright folks, shows over!” She said with supremacy, even her voice was powerful as it boomed from her mouth. Staring at the man before her, and then turning around to the other, making sure that he had resigned his rancorous conniptions. The one she faced had grimaced his own, which was puffy and covered in blood, then shortly afterwards he turned around and walked into the crowd with his tail between his legs.

The audience was audibly upset from her actions as they began to call her names and booed her. She watched the man walk away, ignoring the hateful crowd as she then dropped her head slightly with a shake that was full of disappointment. Eyes closed as she rubbed them with irritation, while in this wide open posture she was then rocked in the head from behind causing her to tumble forwards onto the ground. With this impulsive stunt the crowd roused from the unexpected onslaught, for they thought of her to not be of human descent given her muscular size. She pressed a hand to ease the pain on the back of her head while her assailant rushed over. She caught track of his movements as he raised his foot to stomp her skull, as his leg came down with determination she quickly rolled to the side and grabbed the incoming limb. She jerked and threw him to the ground violently with twisting motion, convincing his vessel along the path. The front of his body met the floor with a solid thud, sending him into a world of hurt as he writhed on the ground as the air was knocked out of him. She rose quickly and proceeded to kick him across the face which forced him into a face up position flat on his back.

Animosity and adrenaline was pumping through her veins, rage was burning hot from being sucker punched for trying to keep a sense of justice. She stood over the man who was disabled from pain and knelt down to squeeze his neck. She gripped tight and hard as the veins and muscles in her arms bulged. The two leaders observing from outside the ring could no longer see anything, but they were able to hear all that was happening for the crowd fell silent. The silence itself was loud, but the man squelching for air as his limbs flailed about was louder. The people observing these events no longer had fervor pushing their animal like thoughts, but still they watched as fear and curiosity kept them motionless. Thin lines of blood had started to flow on her face from his scratching hands, he was doing anything he could to free himself from this monsters grasp. The forerunners tried again to intervene but the ones on the outer edge locked them down, thinking that it was safest to keep them from that hulking beast of woman.

As the air sank to a creep, the two forerunners were finally let through since most assumed that the man had perished. They pushed through, clambering past the motionless shoulders seeking the center like the woman before them did. What graced their eyes was that vessel of power, she was atop of the man with her hands screwed to his neck. She readjusted to get closer to his head as she then raised her knee and dropped it into his temple, not once but multiple times. The hard knocks could be heard as they then turned into a squishing sound as she caved in his skull which was graced with splashes of red. The runners had stopped right in their tracks as they did not expect anything of this sort to happen. With the crushes the people in the crowd gasped and some screamed. Ironic for this is what they were wishing for, now terrified for being at their destination as they didn’t think it would actually go this far. The bashings had come to an end as her shoulders rose and fell quickly, labored and madly requesting oxygen. Her back and arms were laced with proud and fierce muscles as her skin was lacquered with sweat.

Standing up, she turned to face the two forerunners, looking them in the eyes that was then followed with a forced smile. She then proceeded to walk towards the open exit, the enclosing circle had broken as everyone moved out of her tromping way, they were terrified of her. The silent group watched her as she left, the still air was broken by one man yelling out,

“Demon!” Soon after others echoed his words as they all started to scream and shout at her as she was leaving. The only ones that were bereft of words were the two leaders, still riddled with shock and awe for all they could do was watch. The discord continued as she resumed her path outwards. Slowly she drifted off out back into the white cleaver from once they came, fading into the consuming shroud. As her silhouette disappeared the shouts went along with it.

The two taking leadership regained their bearings and resumed the task at hand. They walked away from the crowd and posted themselves up just before the gaping door, then turned to face the crowd that was spiced with turmoil. Once the ‘Demon’ had vanished and the rage had died down a bit, they started to come to their senses, diverting attention then to the ones that lead them to this forsaken divot. Almost as if they had the memory of a goldfish, they had soon forgotten the events that had just unfolded in-front of them. As the numerous eyes laid upon them, questions were starting to blurt out as the gathering wished for answers, answers from the two that already seemed to have an understanding of this hell hole. They had trusted them so far, but with their knowledge they felt reluctant to follow their instructions as uncertainty grew within them.

“What the fuck is this place!?”

“Just who are you two anyways?”

“How do we know you aren’t one of them?” Were but the many questions they had to endure from the frantic swarm. The male was beginning to lose confidence as the mob tore into them, but the woman was only starting to get irritated from their bashings of distrust. She scowled and waited for them to fall silent before any utterance was to be released.

“The only reason we led you here was to extend your pitiful lives. If you do not have faith in us or believe us to be spies of those monsters lurking out there then so be it. We aren’t holding you prisoner here, if you think you are better off without our help then leave, no one’s stopping you.” She spoke loud and clear so that everyone could hear her, she turned her head to the two men that were still up on the wall. They said nothing and looked at the ground before them. A couple of people started to walk back out before others stopped and convinced them to stay.

“Me and my colleague here have previously endured what all of you are experiencing for the first time today. We have gone through the same hell and lived to tell the tale. I am Rebbecca, and my friend here is Quinn. We have escaped from one of these holding rooms before and found refuge in a vacant room where a society of survivors live. We have been sent out to lead others that have awoken to that safe haven in hopes of prosperity. Not only in hopes of that, but also in wishes to overcome this damnation. Be lucky that all of you have been chosen for this once in a lifetime opportunity for most that die do not wake like all of you have.” She then points her finger to the lifeless body on the floor just past them. “Any sort of infighting like that is not acceptable, if any of you wish to live, we have to stick together. This room is considerably more dangerous than the halls out past these teeth. If and when these doors open, it will be a long while before we reach our destination, in the meantime you’ll just have to set aside your differences.” She stood out in front of the gathering proudly, her finger was still pointing with power as she sneered at everyone before her, making sure that her message was clear.

“Is it safe out there?” One man in the crowd asked. She closed her eyes and shook her head.

“Given the size of this complex that we are in, the chances of running into threats out there are slim but still possible. But, before any of you even get a chance of entering the great halls you’ll have to survive the waves of crawlers that pool out from these doors. The specters aren’t much of a problem for their instincts are flawed and they only dash into the holding room as fast as possible. The crawlers are what you have to hide your presence from. They have poor eyesight but their hearing is quite superb, which in hand complicates things.”

“And just how exactly do you expect all of us to survive encountering these so-called ‘crawlers’? Just how many of them will come rushing out of that door once it opens up?” The man had walked forwards from the crowd, challenging her words. She looked at him with a smirk for she didn’t believe that he would make it out alive. She then points behind herself towards the two men that were standing up against the wall next to the colossal teeth.

“They have the right idea, I am guessing that that tall woman beforehand had told them to post up there as it is the safest spot.” She then crosses both of her arms and proceeds to talk again. “And as for the number of them it is hard to say, a rough guess would be about a thousand or more. Staying out of sight and out of the way is our best bet in making it out of here in one piece. It won’t be easy considering the painfully loud ringing that is produced beforehand. Not only the sound but the fluctuating air pressure is unbearable to endure. If you are able to stay silent and motionless while those pain in the ass crawlers stampede through here, then you can consider yourself in a safer predicament. Cause if they even hear you fart, you are dead meat.” She fell silent as she then scanned the crowd before her, seeing that a couple of them had been marked by observer drones. She pointed to one of them that was amongst the crowd and then started to talk again.

“And any of you who have been marked, you may as well consider yourself as good as dead. Once those crawlers come running out of this doorway they will be able to see you clear as day. Their purpose is to reposition any marked bodies such as yourselves back into the bunks, or devour them if they are presumed to be dead. They will do the latter to you if they discover that you are conscious. If you want a better chance at survival, then I suggest that you get a move on and pray to your gods.” The two of the people knew what she was talking about as they both became hysterical. The man turned around and sprinted back out into the holding room with great haste, scrambling across the floor as he slipped a few times. The other fell to her knees in disbelief; she started to beg everyone around her to save her as they all stepped away. Latching onto one person as they walked by with tears streaming down her cheeks, the one she clutched ripped their hand away and left her to her demise.

“Please, please I don’t want to die. You gotta help me!”

“If you don’t want to die, then do as that man just did. The way I see it, that is your only option.” Rebbecca said to her as the rest of the people began to take place along both sides of the door and resting on the walls. The mark on her forehead was engraved into her skin like a red tattoo, its markings were but of a many edged spiral while the center had a small hole in which her flesh peeked through. The man that fled had his mark on his left pectoral that bore an identical appearance. Rebbecca took a few steps forwards and knelt down as she then looked deep into her eyes that were full of sorrow.

“I’m telling you, if you stay here, you are going to die. Not only that but you are going to jeopardize several other lives by being selfish. If you are going to stay, then don’t move from that spot. Otherwise me and my college will have to take care of this problem before it gets worse.” The woman stared back as her cheeks were wet from the trails produced from her sockets. She was defeated and did not know what to do. Rebbecca then stood up and walked towards the wall, Quinn looked at her for a few moments more as he then followed. She was too scared to move, glued to the floor like a fly in a trap. Her crying had stopped as an empty look took over her face, she completely shut down atop of the floor.

Time went on and hours ticked by which felt like days. A few of the waiting beings had lost patience or stopped believing in the words the woman had said to them and left this pocket. Little conversation was had for none felt it was appropriate, or they were drowned in emotions to muster up any words. Closest to the doors on both sides were the forerunners, they seemed entirely too relaxed to comfort the others. This forefront they put on made others question their allegiance further, but contradictory to their beliefs as it also made them feel safe for they basked in their confidence. The distraught woman from before laid on the ground in a fetal position remaining in her spot as whimpers could be heard from her every so often. Muffled screams could be heard as well off in the distance, emitting every now and then from the massive holding room they came from which sent chills down many spines. Then shortly afterwards the silence became overbearing as the hallway was filled with a thick dense presence of dread. The people within grew wary and uncomfortable as the blanket of doom wafted over them. They heard a bubbling sound approaching the entrance to this den as it grew in intensity. At the eye of the exit a massive floating beast emerged filling in the view as it hovered in place and stared at them with its bulbous black eye. Its body was that of an insect’s with its grotesque spindly limbs, being edged with dangerous points that quivered at the sight of worthless prey. Most of the people began to scream and shout in fear as they rushed themselves into the farthest corner away from the hulking beast as it gawked at them. Quinn was bracing himself to move while Rebbecca stayed put, she felt no fear from this monster cause she knew it couldn’t enter this alcove. Soon the beast shook with rage after a few long moments of contemplating, and then darted off back into the abyss to resume its duty. There they sat, struck with fright, panicked as they recuperated in their huddled piles that soon peeled off and went back to their positions amongst the wall. The man next to Rebbecca looked at her with astonishment as she still had yet to show any signs of fear.

“Did you know that it wasn’t going to enter?” He asked her. She jabbed towards the ceiling with her thumb, motioning towards what Quinn had seen earlier.

“My partner told me about an eye in the ceiling earlier. Nothing happened when that freak of nature saw us enter. If that eye isn’t for us, then surely it has to be keeping those things in check.” Following her words the man then looked up and saw the monstrous bulging eye in the sky, it was shaking violently about as it was glowing a hot red. He lurched backwards with a yelp upon seeing the abhorrent pupil gazing down upon them as others repeated his actions. It then shortly ceased its warranting stare as it fell back asleep, easing the minds of those who witnessed it.

Once everyone's heart rate slowed down to a regular pace, they sat and thought about everything in their lives. Sat and thought about why they were doing this instead of giving up and accepting the cruel fate that the floating barges so willingly brought. They wished to live more so than before, even if they lived shitty lives. These walls before them and constant peril being dangled in front of their eyes made them count their blessings. Maybe on the other side of these walls was a chance to go back to what they so wished to see. The blue skies that were dashed with plucks of white cotton shying their way with a slack pace. The warm bright yellow fervency that was pleasant upon their skin. The emotions that influenced their very being, be it of negative or positive ones, regardless of the outcomes they longingly sought to return to their futile day to day lives. Some still wanted this even if they knew that their previous lives had come to a gruesome end, hope was crucial to push them further along. The stark belief of living once more is what fueled their blind ceaseless motivation.

Time felt stagnant within this crack of space, a few more had vacated the hall disregarding the behemoths of the void with great cognitive dissonance. How long they waited none could tell. All they could do was have faith. The air was quiet while still consistently permeated in intervals by shrill shouts produced from the grounds outside. The time that they gambled away had finally paid off as their senses were shaken violently awake from intense reverberations. The ear-shattering alarm had been set off without warning as it beat within all of their eardrums and chests. Everyone motioned their hands over their ears attempting to deafen the screaming intrusive noise entering them as it rocked their entire body. A few had caught on to the actions of the two forerunners who laid limp and motionless, enduring the painful sensations while playing dead. The ones who were able to, mirrored them as the woman's words were beginning to come to fruition. The lady who refused to flee this hall was squirming about and writhing in pain as the jagged doors began to open. With their movement the surroundings shook, the vibrations could be felt within the floor beneath them and the walls they rested on. A few like the lady were also unable to stifle the extreme discomfort as they began to walk around aimlessly wishing for it to end as covering their ears was not enough. As the doors continued to open, the woman in front of them could feel the sensation being added onto the pounding and felt it through her body from the floor. She peered up and saw the fangs Slowly retracting as they began to reveal the other side. In the cracks of the jarring teeth came limbs of strange creatures she had never seen the likes of before as they violently flailed about. She saw the specters pop through the slits and zip off into the holding room as they hovered by. They wielded a single eye at the top of their small frame that was held up by a tentacle. Their body was a short and stout cylinder that had a claw protruding out from the bottom. They were white and fleshy in appearance, it was a wonder how they flew as she could not see what gave them lift. As the gates further opened up, enough space was given for the crawlers to pour out. The disgusting pale beings looked rather human but were burly in size. Hands lined with three lengthy fingers tipped with talons; their feet were of similar fashion for none of them stood on their hind legs. Their skin was much like that of the specters matching their tone. All they had on their heads were two pits on the sides for ears and a gaping mouth that was lined with savage fangs. Their resting expression made them look mischievous as the stretched mouth seemed to grin.

As the horde emerged from the teeth, all the woman could do was scream in horror; she was the first of which they preyed on. Tackling her to the ground as they lunged at her body, opening their chasmal mouths which they then sunk their long grooves into her skin and tearing away at her flesh. Her shouts of peril froze some as the sound sank and tightened their chests. The ones that couldn’t endure the overbearing sounds were soon taken down as well from their coerced wanderings. A few grew curious and couldn’t keep themselves from witnessing the ones getting mauled as they looked up from their ruse. The flow of crawlers was like a river as the bodies ran by with great haste. Their claws and stamps could be heard well for the ringing had stopped moments ago, but were shadowed by the ones losing their lives. In the midst of the stream, there they feasted upon the woman, halted, sticking out like a rock that fought the currents. As the numbers began to thin out with the dissipated tail end of the horde, a command was shouted out for all to hear.

“Run!” And that they did as the giant teeth began to slowly close, vibrating the surroundings once more. There was a formidable amount of stragglers amongst the crawlers that were still ripping away at the bodies. A few had heard the motion happening behind them and did their best to take sight of what was producing them. Four of them had started nimbly galloping to snuff out the survivors as this was their purpose. Those that were too frightened to move still held their positions along the walls, witnessing the terrifying creatures consume and eradicate the corpses as others pedaled away on all fours. On the other side of the door was another spacious corridor, except on the walls were the remainders of stark white cocoons. Thousands of them in shreds as they appeared to have burst open, covering the floor in scraps accompanied by splatters of translucent goo. In their full sprint, a couple of the fleeing refugees had slipped on the wet remains, causing them to tumble to the ground. The four crawlers that ran after them met with the unfortunate beings that had made the last mistakes of their lives. Biting down with their jaws that were lined with razors made any efforts of fighting back futile. As the remainder of the squad ran with every strand of effort in their bodies, their ears were filled once more with the dreadful and traumatic screeches of death.

At the very front of the group was Rebbecca, she came to the edge of the room first and made a sliding stop at the hulking doorway. Looking in at the gap  between the walls laid a hand that had a maroon surface, it was sticking out as if it was waiting for a hand shake. She grasped it and pulled with great force which partially yanked out a man from the fleshy wall while strands still gripped his body. The dark red color was apparent on both of his arms as it faded just before his elbows. He seemed to be waking from a deep slumber as his movements were sluggish. On his other hand rested what looked to be a severed limb which was still partially concealed within the foundation. Impatiently Rebbecca snatched the limb out of his hand, pulling the rest of it out and revealing its entirety. The tip of this severed limb was edged with a dangerously sharp talon, with rapid movements she turned towards Quinn who was still making his way over and tossed it to him. Carefully catching the dull end of the appendage, he turned around swiftly and made haste unto the omens within the room. One had heard his approach and ditched the body before it. Running with purposeful fleetness as it wished him death and once at a reasonable distance had lunged at him with its claws flying forwards. Quinn reacted by leaning back and gripping the limb tightly as he jabbed it into the crawler's mouth, dodging the daggers from the monster's hands. The talon from the makeshift weapon had sliced deep and down just past its torso, quickly ending its life. Blood poured out onto Quinn as its body fell limply on top of him. He shoved it off to the side while pulling out the appendage and then made way to the rest of the creatures. Attention couldn’t be strained from them as they were deeply absorbed in consuming their catch. One body was hosting two of them while the other only held one. Quinn ran up on the solo and sliced its head clean off with one solid swing. One of the other crawlers heeded the thumps of a body hitting the floor and broke off to slay the sounds. He slashed it’s hands away as it jumped in his direction, causing the beast to flail about in pain. Finishing it off with a thrust to its chest the wails fall silent. The last of them had sprung towards him through the air as well while he turned. Catching Quinn off guard, it slammed into him bringing him to the ground, but he was lucky enough to block the knives from entering his skin with the raised limb. Its feet curled around his waist as the points it wielded on its toes reached just enough to scathe his skin, drawing blood from the tips. The crawler snapped at his face with its gaping mouth, inches away from making contact as he pressed with all his might, keeping the monster at bay on top of him.

As the monster was ceaseless in its attempts, he began to feel the power in his arms wilt away. Closer and closer the chomps grew to his nose as strings of saliva lashed out of its mouth and onto his face. Screaming his arms were as soon he was as well, diligently striving to remain alive. The crawler could feel the strength leaving the man as it reeled back to swoop forwards with one final strike when suddenly its head was impaled by a flying appendage. Rebbecca was able to lance it through the air like a spear at the last moment, saving her colleagues life. The essence drained out of the creature leisurely as it stumbled around and off of Quinn’s body, and then finally collapsing with a thump just a few yards away. Quinn, who was nearly out of breath, let his strained arms down and let out a deep sigh that was followed by a hearty laugh and closed eyes.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

Rebbecca stood over him holding a hand out, he took it with delight as she helped him off of the floor. At this point the doors at the threshold had now come to a complete shut, leaving them with no other option than to proceed forwards. As she walked over to the body containing her spear, she looked at the two cadavers that had been feasted upon. The sight tore at her on the inside as their bodies laid motionless in pools of red. Upon meeting her kill, she rested a foot on the foul creature as she then pried away her weapon with an audible shuck. Then whipping it through the air a couple of times at her side to rid it of the accumulation. As she walked back towards the group of panicked beings she shot a look at Quinn who acknowledged her with a nod. The crowd watched them return with awe painted over their faces, none thought they would witness anyone capable of laying waste to any of the monsters within this void. They then took to the front of the pack again which was now a measly nine including themselves. One of the other seven was falling to pieces and huddled up next to the exit, making contact with both the wall and the floor as he rocked back and forth. Quinn took it upon himself to try and ease the man while Rebbecca went to touch base with the being resting within the paneling just on the other side.

“I am impressed that you guys managed to get this many out.” Said he, still being hoisted up by the fleshy surface.

“That makes two of us, not too long ago they were ready to rip each other's heads off. Thanks for the armaments.” She then reached forwards with her right hand and firmly shook his.

“Of course, that’s what I’m here for.”

“Are you able to do scouting for us?” She asked him with a stoic face, beads of sweat were populating the surface as well. He severed eye contact and looked down to the right while scratching his chin uncomfortably.

“Yeah, about that…” There were a few moments of silence that were soon interrupted by the manic man on the other side. He had got up and ran off down the hallway to the left, shouting in bouts of terror. They both turned to watch him make his way as he was hard to ignore. Rebbecca turned to Quinn who was watching as well, making eye contact with her, all he did was shrug with confusion. She then turned back to the man before her, forgetting about the lost cause in just a few moments. He licked his lips and then began to speak again. “Usually I would be able to, but as our numbers continue to plummet I am needed more frequently to provide means of self defense onto others such as yourself. There are only a few more of us that are able to flesh walk. I hope that you understand.” She sighed as she let her head down, closing and pinching her eyes hoping to rub the fatigue out of them.

“Yeah I get it, it’s just that our position is the furthest from base. I knew it was a mistake taking this room out here.” He looks at her with empathy lined in his frown as he then steps out of the wall and pats her on the shoulder, his feet are also marked on the surface with the shaded crimson color that faded past his calves. Feeling his touch she looked back up at him.

“It is rather unfortunate, but they should have briefed you on that before we all set out. It is getting pretty rough, but we all knew the risks of taking on these requests.”

“Yeah, not like we have much other choice. Thanks again, hope to see you back at base.” She tells him with fear growing behind her voice. The man then walks to the other side and slips into the surface, the wall seemed to warp around his body as it swallowed him. The people watching let out gasps of air witnessing this strange occurrence happen before their very eyes. Rebbecca then turned around to the untalented troupe to speak. “Alright everyone, let's take five.”

As the group rested in this dilapidated crevice, they felt somewhat at ease, but what stirred them in the back of their minds was the eerie quietness of this outside portion. They had grown accustomed to the shrieks that penetrated the air with their volatile occurrences. Some gazed at the busted pods that spewed out the nascent crawlers, curious for they began to molt as they recessed back into the walls. Before they could discover any further findings on these eggs to satiate their inquisitive minds, the two forerunners had stood up off of the ground and began stretching. A few had gotten up and mimicked their moves as they thought limbering up was indeed a sound idea. Only two sat on the ground and watched with judgmental stares as one shot a short puff from his mouth.

“You, what’s your name?” Quinn asked the one who threw contempt with his light gesture. The man looked up at him and stared for a stint before answering as his irked mind held him in suspicion.

“Ray.” The man told him.

“Well Ray, I would highly suggest that you loosen up that body of yours, we have a long road ahead of us. Any siestas will likely be the end of us.” Quinn stated to him as he continued his routine. The man glared at him as fatigue had started to alter his attitude. Standing up, he walked up to the exit and stared out to the other side.

“How come that hall over there looks exactly the same as this side?” Ray said aloud, wishing to ignore his irritation.

“This massive complex holds numerous rooms just like the one we came from.” Rebbecca answered. “We are to believe that earth's population is divided up into all of the rooms within this superstructure. If you thought that that holding room was big, just wait until we start moving.” She said to him as she was stretching her calves. The man turned his head to lay eyes on her in disbelief, for he didn’t want to believe her words.

“And just how is it that you guys know all of this?” He asked back, still finding it hard to trust them.

“Like I said before, this isn’t our first rodeo. The mainstay in which our destination is, holds many more that have also survived this endurance. They have entrusted much knowledge to us about this realm. The crawlers, the specters, I would have hoped getting you out of that room might have made a believer out of you.” She is now stretching her shoulders out. The man responded by only looking down as he pondered what she had said. His ambivalence had begun to falter.

“If you don’t want to stretch then I suppose that’s your problem.” Quinn said. “But just to let you know, it’s going to take us about a day and a half of jogging to get to where we are going.” he was twisting his torso as he stated the words. The defiant man let out a sigh as he then started to loosen himself up along with the others.

Prior to setting out on the long road ahead of them, Rebbecca cleared her throat before uttering out words of importance. The crowd along with Quinn looked at her and awaited her speech.

“I know that it has already been a long day and that many of you including myself are worn out. But this is the final stretch before nirvana. On our path there, we will stick to the edge till we meet with the Crimson Highway. The Crimson highway is ever so conveniently located within the center of this superstructure. From there we can follow the road ahead till we come across the marked halls, those markings will lead us to everlasting safety. 

“As I have mentioned before, there still are threats present within these deep halls. The chances of encountering said threats are slim but not zero. In these halls are the beasts that patrol them, everyone seems to refer to them as Carts. They are massive in size just like the collectors in the holding rooms, the only caveat with these beasts is if one spots us, we won’t have much options in terms of escape given the long strenuous roads. Thus gives reason for our path along the outer edge where construction is usually taking place. Along the walls that meet with the edges of this superstructure are typically chambers that are built to withstand the immense density of the engulfing space outside.” With the mention of space, the previously defiant man’s ears had pricked up as his heart rate jolted. He did his best to keep his nerves under control as he tried to focus on listening.

‘Ray,’ he could hear inside of his head as the thought of the outside void provoked his mind, startled at first, but was then beguiled by the intruding whispers. His interest had peaked but he couldn’t figure out why, as if he was conscious and unconscious of the voice that had just muttered his name. Quinn’s deep tone quickly faded into his ears, he was picking up where she left off, further explaining the layout like a teacher's aid.

“Within these chambers are worker drones, they are smaller than the crawlers and are incredibly docile. These limbs that both of us carry are from those creatures. If by chance we need to take refuge within one of these recesses, encountering the little ones is to be expected. So don’t feel frightened by them, but as we move forwards I truly hope that we don’t ever cross a decision that leads us into one of those rooms.” The talking switched back over to Rebbecca.

“So, once we leave, someone is going to have to take the rear and keep a look out behind us for any incoming Carts. They move along the ceiling like a tram thus giving them their name, we think they do this to preserve their energy. Me and my associate here have never seen the likes of these monsters and I hope that none of you have to as well.” She gazed upon their faces with a somber look, feeling the dread of their journey drowning out their already sparse morale. “Now, before we head out, any more questions?” The party before them was quiet, their hearts were full of remorse from anticipating the unknown as they only sought safety and wished to be there as soon as possible. Any questions they had wouldn’t rise from their mouths, for they felt more knowledge would pin them to the ground with terror. Rebbecca then took in a slow breath and exhaled it slowly with a sigh. “Alright, let's get a move on!”

Tenacity had begun to taper off as the distance proved to be that of an arduous one. They were able to pass up roughly three holding rooms in about three or four hours; judging by the number of intersecting hallways they had passed made it easy to count. Compared to how their bodies were in the world they had awoken from, this task was much easier considering their bodies were in a sublime condition. A few wished they could glance into a mirror and gaze upon their seemingly perfect bodies that this realm had offered them, but those thoughts were quickly shot down by the horrors presented behind every inch of this treacherous abyss. Alas, the many hours they have endured leading up to now was still ailing away at their strength. Exhaustion was settling in amongst the posse and taking its toll harshly on the two forerunners who were pressing past their limits. Rebbecca’s fortitude gave way under the accumulative weight that she had been shoving off to the side for far too long, thus striking her consciousness down with sudden impedance. She slowed down her sprint immediately with a few staggering steps, eyes then rolled to the back of her head as she fell to her knees followed by her torso and a knock to her head.

“Oh shit!” Quinn uttered out with panic in his worried tone. Rushing to her side followed by the others as their morale dived from witnessing this occurrence. Quinn gently rolled her onto her back, her eyes were squeezed shut and her breathing was labored. He then gave a few shoves to her shoulder, nothing. After administering some light slaps to her face his heart sank for she still laid there unconscious. The man at the back of the group still kept watch of the hall behind them, taking quick peeks with growing impatience at their leader that had collapsed. Quinn sat at her side for a few moments in silence as stress was festering, clouding his thoughts and judgments.

“Is she alright?” One of the women asked hesitantly, she felt as if all of their hope was starting to fall apart. Quinn sighed as he let down his head.

“Not exactly, but she is still alive. Rest is what she desperately needs, it seems.” He then stood up and looked over the heads they had whilst picking up the other limb that Rebbecca had unknowingly relinquished.

“I am going to take point of our caravan since I’ve got prior experience with this labyrinth, the strongest of the men will carry her for now while the second will be entrusted with this.” He walked over to Ray and handed him the pointed appendage.

“What? I can’t do anything with this, I’m not like you guys. I’ll just freeze.” He tried to tell Quinn with great reluctance.

“We don’t have much choice, we have nothing to lose but our lives. Are you really willing to give that up?” He asked him with a solid face, staring into his eyes to ensure his seriousness. Ray looked to the side as he rested a free hand on his neck. Then giving a silent shake of his head with a grimace for a response. “Great. We have all come this far to just give up now.” He walked over to the tallest man in their party and inquired his name.

“Uh, Seth.” He told him, confidence low for fear and uncertainty was snuffing it out of him, wringing him like a rag.

“Seth, can I trust you to carry my friend?” Quinn asked him as he placed a hand on his shoulder.

“I will do the best I can.” Listening to his answer, he gave a light smirk and a reassuring nod. They then went over to her still body and hoisted her up onto Seth’s back, then resumed their wearisome trek at a diminished pace.

Continuing onwards towards the unforeseen beacon of hope, faith was but a diminutive precept. The choir of panting and trodding feet became white noise to them as they looked towards the horizon, hoping that the Crimson Highway would reveal itself to them. The overbearing visuals of this endless expanse was debilitating to the mind. The longer they stayed within this void, the farther it chipped away at their sanity. They were tired of blanching their eyes with the whites of the hexagons at their feet and the bone-like beams lining the walls of flesh. Every now and then they would stare at the porcelain railing above, thinking of the horror described to them before in the name of the ‘Cart’. Ominous as ambiguity veiled this creature that none wished to encounter, the long distances on either side fed their anxiety as the tunnel vanished into a tiny dot. They could see forever into the hall, but so could anything else residing within this world. Quinn turned his head to peer upon his compatriot's face, witnessing her turmoil as she gritted her teeth accompanied by a furrow. Sweat thronged about from her pores as she murmured sweet nothings in her spill of fatigue. This empowered him and gave a light to his endeavors, he could no longer feel his weariness as he soon put more life into his steps.

“I’m going to run ahead and see if I can scout out the road.” He called out to those behind him with a turned head, the others signaled with just a nod that lacked energy. As he darted forwards away from them, they felt less safe for he was their senior and they were just merely freshmen. As they watched him shrink into the distance, the sides on the left caught their eye as several openings could be observed. They were garage sized doorways in which Rebbecca had mentioned beforehand, but several of them were just indentations as they had been sealed up, being nothing more than a faux. The doorways were spaced out in roughly twenty yard intervals. As the group passed them they couldn’t help but to glance into their dents, soon coming across one’s who’s emptiness was still present with vastness in its depth. Looking down the distance that it bore, its length was lined with several identical doorways of the various spacious rooms it inlaid. Spacious, yet they were smaller than the hallway in which they traveled. Passing the third doorway that leaked from the great hall had caught Ray in an inescapable grasp as a twinkle of obsidian entered his vision. This sight brought him to a stop as he then turned and gazed into the swallowing corridor of numerous shrinking frames. The others took notice and stopped as well, confused, they called out to him and beckoned for him to rejoin them.

“Ray! Come on! What are you doing!?” The man who volunteered to watch their flanks had shouted out to him. Ray then turned back to the group, breaking eye contact with the hall seemed to set him free from the strange trance. He rubbed his eyes with a free hand and then rejoined the party.

Still jogging along the tracks, they watched Quinn in his now small stature for he was a measurable distance away from them. Ray wasn’t paying attention as all he could think about was the doorway that had entranced him effortlessly. He didn’t care about this world anymore or the people, not even what horrors that might snuff out their flames, most importantly his own. The sight of what he couldn’t make out down that corridor was dangerously comforting like heroin, and the further they strayed from its languor, the more he felt uneasy within.

‘Ray’ he had heard again within the confines of his skull, but this time it willed his body as he felt his limbs slacken. Still unaware of this voice and the effects it had over his body, he thought back to the start of their expedition. He remembered his fear slowly decaying as the caravan closed distance with the hideaway that he now wished had stayed within its soothing aura. Suddenly, a shout coming off from the distance full of rejoice tore him and the others from whatever thoughts that were entertaining them. Quinn was overloaded with excitement as they could witness his pace bolster resolutely. In the slightest shimmer given their distance, a declaration of red dashed the horizon of this tunnel, gracing all who laid eyes upon it. Quinn halted his excitement till he was positive that this road was indeed the one they were seeking. Rushing over to engulf his presence unto the cardinal foyer, he felt his spirits rise as this was a detrimental checkpoint in their journey. Unable to control himself, he tripped over his own feet due to speed and the continued ignorance of his fatigue. Tumbling into the great hall with grunts which were soon followed by exclamations as he picked himself up off of the ground.

Time stood still within these halls, their hearts had stopped in their tracks as their ears were greeted with death itself. Ripping away at eardrums who most had covered up while others became stagnant ice. Busts vibrated as the airwaves pulsed from the thunderous beast clashing with its tormenting shriek. Quinn became arrested in his actions and dared not even to turn his head up. He bore his teeth tightly as his face stammered, one fist resting knuckles on the ground while the other gripped his makeshift weapon tightly, draining the blood from his hand. Slowly, he decided that turning his gaze onto the maker of this condemned howl would be best in further deciding his next course of action. As his vision was able to travel more so down the crimson road, he pushed his reluctant eyes until they could unveil the ceiling. There he saw, the detestable beast in which he wished was only a myth, rotating at an even slack pace as the head slowly revealed itself. Hanging from the top seemed to be unimaginable given the sheer size of this aberration. Being slightly bigger than an elephant, it continued to turn with its legless, bulbous ant-like body which was tan and reinforced by white streaks throughout that looked much like bones. Its abdomen quivered as the head twitched about, mandibles were listing outwards and inwards while salvation started to dribble and fall to the floor with shimmering streaks. It turned its head with authority, glaring down at him with its single menacing spherical eye that was nothing but a pool of darkness. Fanning out from the top of its head was a crown of hardened carapace, three points spanned out as the tips were honed with thorns and the in-betweens were of but a stretched layer of flesh, the light pierced it and revealed dark veins as they squirmed in random directions. Laying eyes on the interloper, it let out a guttural hiss that rumbled through the air, hatred fueling this monster prompted its limbs to dart out from within its chassis, several points emerged as there were too many to accurately count. Piecing harshly through its own skin the legs shot out as blood flung from them and covered the surfaces. As the liquid peeled away from the sporadic limbs that were running in the air, the bone white color started to shine through the dripping film.

At the sight of this Quinn was able to shake free from the paralyzing sight and had taken to a full on sprint back towards the group as his heart commanded more blood into his own limbs. Muscles were on overdrive in hopes of self preservation, the group taking in sight of his motions had soon followed for they could only assume what was deep within the passage around the corner. It was either a convenience or a curse that they just so happened to inlay the burrow on their voyage to safety with their vision. Blessing or a curse, one thought this way while the other thought that. Nonetheless the party self inflicted it upon themselves to scurry into the confines of this hole they saw prior. Rushing about, Seth, who was still carrying Rebbecca upon his back, had started to lag greatly behind the others as the ground abruptly shook beneath their feet. The thought occurring within all of their minds was that the gargantuan beast had made landfall, impacting the ground with its immense size. Noticing this vibration, none sought to turn round to witness what caused the sensation, none for they all desired to enter the possible safety cubby of this expanse that was a stretch away. The multiple stamps of the beast’s countless legs could be heard echoing down the hallway as it roared at them, closer and closer the sounds encroached as they made their way. Sudden shouts of horror and grunts could be heard from Quinn, one had turned his head to observe the sounds that entered his ears, fearful for the life of their remaining lucid leader. Quinn was holding his own for just a few moments, but the creature towered over him and the horde of limbs was too much for one person to handle. As he fell to the ground backwards, the monster knew to avoid the pointed limb and struck from the sides with terrifying speed. It skewered him and lifted him into the air as it then resumed its lightning fast gallop towards the rest of them. He had then stopped his request for visual knowledge and put forth all effort into his legs and arms as he passed everyone in the herd.

Quinn’s yelps and the sound of the various limbs stomping on the ground caused the crowd to strain themselves in great efforts to remain alive. His shouts had soon died off within seconds, seconds in which they propelled themselves to the one opening they all had previously observed. The frightful man had darted into the hole first as the others soon caught up to him, Seth however was still behind them with a reasonable distance. A few had stooped up in the frame of the opening as they turned and then soon laid eyes upon their pursuer, the sight of this hulking beast destroyed their hopes and sanity. Its size was indiscernible from the distance as it still seemed to grow the closer it got. As its limbs scurried about, the movements somewhat blurred, the speed and size of them were terrifying to look at and reminded most of fever like trances. Seth still pushed on, not once did he consider dropping the person he carried on his back for he had respect for her. She showed them the way, she wished prosperity upon their group, she was brave and pushed herself until she could not. The least he could do for her was to try his best. As the behemoth closed its distance with impeccable agility, the party cheered him on and begged that he made it to them in time. Futile their shouts were, with a powerful leap the beast flew through the air towards its prey. It had opened its vile and revolting mouth, and out of said mouth came a threading needle. In the air, it knelt the entirety of its body into this pin, lurching forwards as the point then impaled both Rebbecca and Seth through their chests spattering their surroundings with splotches of iron rich fluid. It then came to a sliding halt on the ground, and within its spewed barb was the both of them. It had forced Seth to his knees from the impact as the massive spine became glossed with blood. He could not scream or shout for his lungs had collapsed from the shattering impalement. Out from his mouth came a cascade of crimson, spilling onwards along with the sudden gape from his chest and accumulating on the floor. This instant and unwanted veil of pain awoke Rebbecca from her deep slumber as she choked on her own liquid. Lids peeled far apart, her pupils focused on nothing as they stared forwards and onto the ceiling as her vision saw just that and was quickly enveloped by a thick vignette. Mouth agape as red fluid started to pour out from it as well and down her trembling chin. Being bathed in their own essence, they could do nothing as pain and peril shut their systems down. Being raised from the ground, their limbs slacked and let gravity grasp them as they could feel their consciousness slip away. Down the pillar of doom that sprouted from the beast, they started to slide as the monster tilted the point upwards. Within the already open mouth, the sides of it split along six points with a crack and seeps of blood. The orifice separated and stretched out further more with spindles of spit and red strings that drooped to the floor. In the center of this gaping void grew an orange swirling sphere, taking on the glow much like that of melted glass. As the needle recessed back into its mouth, the molten liquid reached out as if it had a mind of its own, growing nubby tentacles that latched onto their submitted bodies. The few that stood about in the doorway witnessed these actions with traumatic horror, eyes grew red and dry that soon were moistened from tears along with their motionless and captivated stances. The ones within the room already had yanked them in, pulling them away from the sight of tremendous distress.

Falling into the vacant room and landing on their rears which shook them slightly from the haunting ingrains they took in. The man who stood by the doorway slammed a fist into the protruding circle that rested next to the opening, not knowing what it did but was satisfied with the results as an orange transparent shield snapped into existence along the frame they just passed. This did nothing to shut out the sounds coming from the great hall as they could still inquire what the beast on the other side was indulging in. One of the men who was flung to the floor curdled into a fetal position with his irises surrounded by white as the en-closings shuddered fervently. He gripped the hair at the sides of his head unknowingly between his stammering fingers, so tightly as they were almost pulled from their pores. His jaw and lips were volatile in their positions as he panted violently; it was surprising that he was able to remain conscious. The woman next to him was able to keep her bearings for it was in her nature to care for others first. She reached out and rested a hand on his shoulder asking out,

“Are you okay?” Only to be greeted by a slap to her hand and a scream of terror.

“Get the fuck off of me!” He yelled out as he quickly picked himself up from the ground, all of them stared at him as the loud gulps from outside filled the air. His eyes swiftly ran across the various faces and eyes gouging his being, the sight of this only pressed his panicked mind deeper into the fray. His labored breathing was almost louder than the beast at the doorstep as he turned and vanished into an inconspicuous corner of this unworthy hideaway. The man at the door only heard all of his desperate cries as he diligently watched what he could see past the scouring frame that led out into the hall. His sight was tinted by the orange screen, its surface was speckled by horizontal lines and thin ovals of lurid overlays that scratched the surfaces of the shield. They shimmered about as well as shining and fading within the glow. Just past it a pool of darkness started to seep across the white hexagons who’s colors were dusted and altered with the fervency of the screen. Its deep hues were easy to discern as the pool crawled across the floor in a grotesque manner.

He watched and was so absorbed by the steady pace of its overture that he lost all thought in his mind. What shook him violently back into reality was a strident tendril being forced into the plane of the shield wall before him. The wall cracked at this impact with clear white definition. His body reacted by flinging itself backwards as he then landed on his rump with palms supporting him at his sides. Still peering out into the great hall he could see the Cart move the rest of its body surgically into view as it tried to get better sight past this doorway. Its slow but continuous movement accompanied by a snarling grin and absorbing black hole of an eye rocked him to his core as he picked himself up and darted farther back into the recesses of this alcove. The three women left the man in the corner and fled the room as well, following the one who retreated in a sudden panic. As they entered the second room, the previous man had done the same with this doorway and slammed the button, thus closing off the passage.

As the women gathered their breath, they looked around and saw that this enclosure was exactly like the one they were just in, but what caught one's attention was that Ray was nowhere to be found. As she scoured the room she got up and peered further down the hall behind them in hopes of finding their missing comrade. Before she could make any further discoveries, the first wall had crumbled as the Cart rammed into it, surpassing the gate in which all of them had thought would keep them safe. The man at the door faltered with a few steps back as he took in a deep breath of air from shock. All that could be seen past the screen was a cloud of dust that swallowed the other room. As another slam took place it shook the foundation and walls about, forcing everyone to buckle on their feet.

‘Move!’ Is all that his body told him, running back to the next doorway as the others were already down that path. Running back and into this frame was easy, for they were already near, but the man jumped into the threshold as the beast violently broke through the wall behind them. Face shrieking and two limbs seeking out a bust to impale, barely missing contact with the man as his jump was his last saving grace. Upon landing on the floor, one of the women followed his past actions and mashed the button by the frame, sealing them off from death itself. How long, none knew. They were only delaying the inevitable. The one who shut the door was looking out past the shimmering light and at the one that so desperately wished to end them. It had gotten too greedy and was buried underneath rubble from the collapsing wall. They were safe for the time being, but their fate laid in the hands of this facade before them. The man had got up and rested his palm on the screen, he stood there and watched the trapped beast with the woman right beside him. As the other two collected themselves, one continued to wonder where Ray had gone. She noticed that the doorway behind them was already veiled by the same screen that was on the other side. She walked up to it and perched by its front, resting a hand on the flat as well. Little was to be seen on the other side but a bubbling wall with faded specks of darkness peeking through them. Taking a look at the floor, the corpse of a creature could be seen, one that she has never seen before. It had six legs which were identical in appearance to the limbs she has seen the others carry before who wielded them like weapons. Only they had another portion and a joint that connected them to the main body. They were similar to the monster on the other side but smaller than the likes of themselves, if she were to guess it would stand about four to five feet tall. Four legs sprouted from the abdomen while the mid section turned at a right angle wielding the other two as it also held the head up. Its head was insect-like with four mandibles but they lacked the massive eye and only held a flat surface. At the top was a flat swished back veil with two points, one was angled more than the other so she guessed that they were able to move freely. Just like anything else in this place the colors of its body were the same, pale white and fleshy lined with bone-like tones along the sections. This one was on the floor and leaked all of its blood as it still twitched about in slight intervals.

She gazed forwards, now resting both of her hands on the shield screen, her palms on the other side created a luminous overlay onto the surface. As she further pressed her head onto the sealing surface, she could make out more of the room that was under construction. Just resting at the edge of her vision could she make out two more corpses of the worker drones. They were slashed apart in different portions of their bodies, in which they laid stagnant upon the floor. Then Ray walked into frame very close to the screen from which she was spectating from, the sudden appearance of his silhouette gave her fright from which she let out a shrill scream. She threw herself back from the screen as the others darted their vision onto what startled her. What they saw struck fear into their hearts much like the behemoth on the other side did, his face was hard to recognize. Deformed and twisted from what it previously was, he was hard to look at as the creases and shadows populated his expressions. The poundings hitting the wall past him soon soaked his eyesight, the beast had freed itself and resumed its conquest. He then turned and made haste towards the wall that was just a few yards away, raising the tipped appendage with anticipation to strike. The closer woman darted towards the screen to witness him accompanying the other, both now at the shield they knew what he was attempting to achieve, as they soon started to bang on the screen and yelled about telling him to stop. He swung with great force unto the wall before him, ripping away at the foundation that peeled back in strands like sinew. He continued in his cuts as the wall straddled back from the slices. As more and more sections were revealed, the further it got into the outside nothingness. As the wall thinned out, it began to bulge inwards from the invading force that rested beyond them. Stretching with a bubble and a hint of darkness swallowing its hues.

“Ray! Ray!” Was all to be heard beyond the muffled closings behind him, worthless productions of airwaves, for they did not affect his already corrupted mind.

“Ray!” This final attempt to stop him had made his head turn, deep within his mind that was being soaked in the comforts of darkness was he able to make one final stand. He looked at them with a turned head and saw the fearful look painted across their faces. They stared back unto his face which let out a relentless look of pain and suffering as he smiled, the smile shut his eyes unto which tears spilled over and down his cheeks.

“I’m sorry.” Those were the only words that ran from his mouth, too quiet to hear for they could only interpret what he said from the motion of his lips. The rest of his body seemed to be under control of someone else as his movements didn’t match up with his head. His arms swung forwards with purpose from their reeled back position, upon striking the bubbling layer of flesh, the room had collapsed in an instant. The screen the woman had observed from, wobbled as the outside force let its presence be known. This sudden and instant visual sent them back unto their flanks as they looked forwards in disbelief. The screen before them bore visuals that were of nothing but gore, as the flat displayed the fleshy walls along with bits and pieces of blood and what they could only assume were chunks of those who previously resided within, smeared into a piece of abstract art. Now they knew the purpose of these various rooms and their screens, but it was all in vain since the very screen behind them was starting to crack. Too enveloped with the man who wielded the weapon that had a fraction of a chance in killing, its target was rapidly closing in. The women then turned their tearful heads and eyes unto the faltering wall, the cracks were many, and then they had shattered.