-The Spencer Incident-
-Dimension 1-
Welcome Home-
Houston Outskirts, 2005-
Rosaline drives silently in her car, the road stretching ahead. She sighs, looking over at the radio. The silence of the car drives her mad and she flips it on. Fleetwood Mac’s ‘The Chain’ comes on through the static, and Rosaline hums along as she traverses the lonesome highway. After a few hours of listening to the radio, Rosaline finally arrives at the large house she’s been heading for. She pulls into the driveway and shuts the car off. She gently closes the car door, and fumbles in the darkness for her old house key. After a few minutes, she quietly creeps up the rickety old stairs to the front door. She silently inserts the key and turns the knob, entering her old childhood home. She notices the light on in the kitchen. She sighs. “Mom? Dad? I’m… I’m home.” She whispers loudly. Nothing. “Hello?” She asks, slowly venturing towards the kitchen. She peeks around the corner to find an older woman sitting alone at the table, crying softly. An older man approaches her and gives her a warm cup of tea. “There you go, Elizabeth. It’s okay.” He says softly. Rosaline fully enters the kitchen. “I’m home.” She declares. Elizabeth jumps up from her chair and rushes towards her, embracing her in a tight hug. “Oh my God… I heard about Dallas… I thought you… you…” She says, gripping the back of Rosaline’s head tightly. The old man comes up and hugs her, too. “Hey baby, I’m so glad you’re okay… I didn’t know what to think when the news lady said they dropped an atomic bomb on your city…” He says, wiping a tear from his eye. Rosaline shakes her head. “No, I got away. I’m safe… it’s going to be okay.” She says, calming down her parents. She looks over at the older man with tears in her eyes. “Dad, can I take a shower? I’ve had a tough day and would LOVE nothing more than to fall asleep clean.” She asks. Her father nods. “Yep, you know where the bathroom is, dear.” He says softly. Rosaline smiles. “Thanks, Dad.” She says, heading upstairs. A bedroom door quickly slams shut as she emerges over the top of the stairs, and she decides to make a pitstop on her way. She slowly opens the door to the dark room and a small figure skitters towards the bed. The eleven-year-old child jumps into bed, covering itself to hide from Rosaline. “Ron? Is that you?” She asks. The mass under the covers stirs, and slowly, a pale ginger boy peeks over the covers. His brown eyes gaze at Rosaline, watching her every move. “It’s me, buddy. It’s Rose. I’m home.” She says softly. Ron shakes his head. “Nuh-uh, you’re a ghost.” He argues. Rosaline giggles. “Nope, I’m okay. I made it out before they… I’m safe.” She says. Ron gets up and slowly approaches, a hand outstretched. As soon as he makes contact with her, he lunges at her, hugging her tightly. “ROSE! Russell said you died!” He exclaims. Rosaline sighs. “I know, and he’s your Dad, not Russell. It’s rude to call your parents by their first names, Ron.” She scolds him. Ron nods. “I know. I’m sorry.” He says. Rosaline rubs his head, messing up his hair. “Listen, buddy, I’ll see you tomorrow. I’m gonna shower and head to bed. I can’t wait to see how much little Emma has grown up since I left for college.” She says, leaving Ron’s room. She gently closes the door and presses her head up against it. “I love you, Rose.” Ron’s muffled voice says from behind the wooden door. Rosaline sheds a tear and decides to take her shower.
The Betrayal-
Houston Outskirts, 2013-
David Dragon sits in his office down in Houston, watching a screen intently. “Here, sir. Footage of Saint Louis, dated July 8th, 1971. Watch it, please.” Samm says. Dragon watches as Lucy meets with another Demon, this one male. He wears a large overcoat, and his tail resembles a sword or upside-down cross. “I believe this entity to be Lucy’s brother, Alastor, whom she set out to contact Vincent Price about finding.” He says. Dragon nods. “Okay, good. Thank you.” He says, standing up. Samm watches as he heads for the door, his magenta eyes following the politician. “Where are you going, Sir?” He asks. Dragon smiles. “I have an idea of how to use Lucy for my benefit. Just watch me.” He says, leaving. “Any particular place you’re heading?” Samm asks. Dragon nods. “Down to Miss Spencer’s place, I believe her to be in contact with our Hellborn friend. I’ll investigate on my own.” He says. Samm nods, sitting down in front of the screen. “Very well. I will remain here to monitor the other facilities.” He says.
The Demon stands atop a large hill overlooking the Spencer House. She watches Rosaline through the kitchen window, making her family lunch. A noise from the bush behind her makes her jump. She grabs her shotgun and aims at the large amount of foliage behind her. Lucy squints, holding the shotgun steady. Dragon laughs. “Listen, I’m here to make you an offer.” He says. Lucy growls at him, lowering her gun. “The fuck could you offer me?” She asks. The politician approaches slowly, his hands raised to indicate peacefulness. “I learned something recently, something I think you’ll want to help me do.” He says. Lucy just watches him. “Spit it out already.” She demands. Dragon shrugs. “I think the United States Military might have found… what’s his name… Damn! I forgot!” Dragon says, sarcastically hitting his hand against his head. Lucy’s eyes glow red as a pit forms in her stomach. “Who the fuck did they find?” She says, a sense of nervousness flowing through her veins. “Adam? No, not that… Alex? Not quite… I know it started with an ‘A’... Oh!” He says, a sinister grin spreading across his face. “Alastor. They found Alastor.” Dragon says. Lucy’s heart sinks. “No. They couldn’t have, he was taken by-” “An Angel named Seriph. The one you killed, I remember the story.” Dragon interrupts her. Feeling despair wash over her, She falls to her knees. She ends up dropping her shotgun. “I… What do you want me to do?” She asks. Dragon grins. “I want you to work for me. Fuck Division 18. Fuck Humanity. Work for me and Omega, we can get you Alastor. I promise.” He says, extending a hand. Lucy gazes up at him, her world spinning around her. “O-Okay…” She says, shaking his hand. Dragon’s smile fades, and he points toward Houston. “There’s a plane taking off, owned by Division 18. It’s carrying a piece of cargo I don’t want them owning. Take the plane down, and bring me the cargo. Simple job for someone of your… skillset.” He orders. Lucy nods. “Yes… Sir.” She says, heading off towards the city. Dragon faces towards The Spencer House. “Rosaline… my little appretince… You’ll soon learn why you don’t cross me.” He says, turning away and leaving.
First Contact-
Houston Outskirts, 2013-
“Dad! What’s for dinner?” Emma calls out from the living room. Ron and Rosaline sit next to her on the couch, watching the TV. “I’m thinking maybe some binner?” He calls back. Rosaline makes a disgusted face and jumps off of the couch. “I’m sorry, some WHAT?” She asks in disbelief. Elizabeth rests a hand on her shoulder. “Breakfast for dinner, sweetheart.” She answers. Rosaline nods. “Oh, I was about to ask what the Hell ‘binner’ was…” She says, heading into the kitchen. Ron joins her in the kitchen, and Russell leaves. “You shouldn’t wear something so revealing, Sis…” Ron says. Rosaline sighs. “Two things, Ron. Firstly, this isn’t ‘revealing’ or ‘skimpy’ or whatever words you wanna use. It’s just a tank top and short shorts. Loungewear. And second off, I’m your sister, you shouldn’t be thinking about me like that. It’s fucking weird.” She says. Ron glares at her and scoffs. “I wouldn’t be thinking about you like that if you covered up once in a while…” He mumbles. Rosaline glares back at him. “You grew up into a little pervert, you know that?” She asks. Emma walks in, noticing the tension between the two siblings. “Look, if you guys want me to leave, I get it. I just wanted a cup of water-” She’s cut off by the ground around them shaking. “Holy fuck…” Ron whispers, looking out of the window. Rosaline and Emma join him and watch as a massive cargo plane spirals out of the sky, its descent documented by the smoke and embers protruding from the plane’s engines. It crashes in the woods nearby, and the siblings can hear Russell shout at Elizabeth. “GRAB THE SHOTGUN! I NEED TO LOOK FOR SURVIVORS!” He calls out. Elizabeth runs upstairs, and Ron looks at Rosaline. “I’m going with Dad. Stay here and keep Mom and Em safe, okay?” He asks. Rosaline nods, grabbing her silver Omega-branded revolver. Russell and Ron rush out towards the woods, and Rosaline locks the door behind them.
Infection-
Houston Outskirts, 2013-
“Dad, where is it?” Ron asks. Russell looks around, his Veteran’s hat shielding him from the moon’s bright reflection. “I think this way…” He says, leading Ron towards a small clearing. As they emerge from the woods, they notice smoke rising nearby. They approach to find a large airplane torn apart on the ground, and a strange emblem on the wing lying nearby. An eighteen rests in the middle of the ornate emblem, and they notice a woman lying on the ground near the wreckage. “HEY! Ma’am?” Russell calls out, rushing over to her. She groans, her red hair messy and dirty as a result of the impact. “Hang on, let me flip you over… I gotcha…” Russell says, rolling the woman on her back. Her eyes jolt open, the red glow lighting up his face. “What the…” He says, jumping up. She stands, her eyes glowing in the darkness. “Are you scared of me?” She asks, cocking her head to the side. Russell raises the shotgun, and steps between her and Ron. “Stay the fuck away from me and my Son, you crazy lady…” He says, pumping the shotgun. Lucy smiles. “You should be.” She says, vanishing. Ron looks around frantically, scanning for the woman. She suddenly appears holding a vial of black liquid, right behind Russell. She grabs him by the neck and pours the liquid down his throat. She laughs and vanishes. Ron runs up to his father, now twitching as he stands still. His veins run black, and a dim white glow emits from his all-black pupils. “Hey, boyo. I always had high expectations for the next man of the house… you want some superpowers?” He asks, turning his eyes down on the boy. Ron, now frightened, grabs his Dad’s shotgun off of the ground and aims it at him. “Dad? Please… stay back…” He whines, his hands shaking. He trips on a stick and falls. His hand slips and he fires the shotgun at Russell, hitting him in the chest. He stands there, unfazed. “Come now, son. That’s no way to treat the man who’s gonna give you superpowers!” Russell says, grabbing Ron by the leg. He forces some of the black liquid down Ron’s throat, and shortly after Ron looks just like Russell. “Hey, Dad? Can we give the rest of the family some powers?” Ron asks, a twisted grin spreading across his face. Russell smiles back at him. “Of course, Ron. Of course, we can.” He says, twitching his head as he turns towards the house.
Rosaline peers out of the window next to the front door, scanning the treeline for any signs of movement. “I don’t see them…” She says, Emma standing next to her. “You think they’re dead?” Emma asks. Elizabeth puts a hand on Emma’s head. “Don’t think like that, sweetie.” She says reassuringly. Rosaline’s eyes perk up when she spots the two men approaching the porch. “Dad! Is anyone hurt?” She asks, opening the door for them. Russell laughs, his veins pulsing black. “Sure, sweetheart! We are!” He says, pushing Rosaline to the ground. She looks up at him, meeting his pitch-black eyes. “No…” She murmurs. Emma slowly approaches. “Dad…? You okay?” She asks. Russell turns to look at her. “We’re just peachy, dear. Getting superpowers makes you feel wonderful!” He says. Ron grabs her arms from behind, forcing her to her knees. “Got her, Dad. Give her something to drink…” He says, and Russell reaches in his pocket for the vial of black liquid. “Dad… NO!” She screams as Russell forces her mouth open. He pours the liquid into her mouth, and Elizabeth slaps Russell. “What the hell is wrong with you!?” She screams. Russell, now ensuring Emma swallows the liquid, turns to confront Elizabeth. “So help me God, if you hit me again, I’ll knock you out, woman. You understand me?” He says, his black eyes glowing dimly in the light. “Your turn.” He says, Emma and Ron standing behind him. Elizabeth shakes her head no. “No. I don’t want this. Please bring my husband back… please…” She begs. Ron and Emma turn their attention towards Rosaline. “Dad? Rose hasn’t gotten her powers yet, either!” Emma says. Russell hands them a smaller vial of the liquid. “Here, kiddos. I’ll deal with Mommy here, you take care of Sissy.” He says. Rosaline grabs her gun and aims at Ron and Emma. “Don’t make me do this!” She pleas, the two younger adults approaching. “Those don’t work on us, silly!” Russell says, grabbing Elizabeth by the neck. He lifts her, forcing some of the liquid down her throat. She smacks him, and with a grunt, Russell throws Elizabeth across the room. She slams down onto the couch and throws up from the pain. With Emma and Ron distracted Rosaline jumps up and runs for the door. Russell catches wind of this and follows her, grabbing a nearby kitchen knife on the way. She falls down the porch stairs, looking back at her family home. Russell chases her outside, and Ron, Emma, and a now-infected Elizabeth watch from the open doorway. “Come here, Rosaline. Daddy wants to give you a chance at evolution!” Russell says as Rosaline runs towards the treeline. She watches as he shakes his head, slamming his fist into his temple. “Rose… RUN!” He screams, shaking the pain away and continuing the chase. Rosaline cries as she runs into the treeline, Russell finally giving up on the poor girl. She runs for minutes until she comes across a road. She starts running towards Houston, constantly checking over her shoulder. A set of headlights rapidly approaches, and the sound of squealing tires pierces the midnight silence. She raises her hands to stop the car, and she rushes to the passenger side. The driver notices she’s crying, and covered in mud. “Please… I need a ride to Houston… The Omega Corporation’s HQ… Please….” She begs. The man sighs, unlocking his car. She quickly jumps inside, closing the door loudly. The driver takes off, Rosaline taking deep breaths from exhaustion. She feels the gun in her pocket press against her, and she decides to rest a moment. With Rosaline asleep, the man grabs his phone from his pocket. He dials a number and the line rings. Eventually, someone picks up. “I got Doctor Spencer here, where should I take her?” He asks. “Bring her here, tell her we sent someone to deal with The Spencers. I want to keep an eye on them, see how my Bioweapon does in action…” Dragon says. The man nods. “Yes, Sir. If I might ask, what do you plan on doing with her?” He asks. Dragon sighs. “I want to see if she’s infected. And if not, I want to use her DNA as a control factor, watching how the virus mutates the rest.” He says. The man nods and hangs up. He drives towards Houston, as Rosaline snores in the passenger seat.
Dark Shadows-
Houston Outskirts, 2015-
“So, what’s up Ghost Tracker Nation! It’s me, Jake! I’m here with Richard, Max, Sarah, and our trusty cameraman Eli! We’re investigating the now abandoned Spencer House, where the family of five was killed by an insane madman!” Jake says, speaking into a microphone. Richard jumps in the frame. “We’re gonna try and speak to this unfortunate family about the way they died! Shed some light from the other side. Wooooo!” He says, waving his fingers around. Eli puts the camera down and rubs the back of his head. “I don’t know if we should do this…” He says. Jake grabs the camera from him. “Okay, pussy. Wait here with our car. The real men will deal with this.” He says angrily. Eli shoves him. “Listen here, asshole. I’m still getting used to this whole ‘Man’ thing, and you saying shit like that doesn’t help.” Eli says. Jake shrugs. “Whatever, ‘Eleanor.” He says with a smug grin. Sarah walks up to Eli, who appears to be on the brink of tears. “It’s okay, Eli. You’re a real man for just showing up with us. Don’t mind him. He’s an asshole.” She says reassuringly. Eli smiles. “Thanks, Sarah.” He replies. Max looks up from the phone and taps Richard on the shoulder. “It’s time.” He says. Jake nods and tosses the camera to Richard. “Make sure you film better than our ‘He-She’ friend.” He says. Eli flips him off, and Jack heads up the hill towards the Spencer house. Max dismisses Eli, and Sarah pats him on the back, heading up after Jake. Richard approaches and holds his hand out for Eli to hold. “Look, I liked you before you changed, and I still like you now. Screw Jake, the arrogant asshole’s just jealous you’re more handsome.” Richard says. Eli smiles. “Whatever you say, bro.” He replies. The two hug. “I’ll be back soon, hopefully with the footage to change our lives forever,” Richard says, waving back at Eli as he follows Sarah. Eli nods. “Yep, see ya later.” He says sadly.
“We’re here at the front door of the Spencer House! Our cameraman Eli… got cold feet. So Richard is our cameraman now!” Jake says, slowly opening the door behind him as he speaks. Sarah and Max turn on their flashlights, and Richard aims his camera down into the dark hallway. He notices a pair of red dots looking back at him from the other end, and as he shines his flashlight at them, they scurry away. “This place is huge…” Max says, shining his light around the room. Jake nods. “Make sure you get some good B-roll footage, Richie Boy.” He says. Richard scoffs, moving the camera around the room. “I’ll check out the upstairs with Max, Sarah, you stick with Richard,” Jake says. Max grabs his phone from his pocket. “I can film with this, don’t worry.” He says, reassuring Richard. Richard shakes his head. “Whatever, man.” He says. Sarah heads into the dining room with Richard while Max and Jake creep up the stairs. Sarah opens the refrigerator, a cool draft of wind cooling them down. “Weird… for an abandoned house, the power seems to run just fine…” She says, closing the door. Richard looks around, his camera following his gaze. “Who knows? Maybe some squatters are living here and paying the rent?” He asks with a chuckle. Sarah smirks. “Squatters don’t have jobs, goofball. Hence the whole squatting thing they do.” She laughs. They venture into the kitchen, the smell of rotting meat flooding their nostrils. “Jesus fuck…” Richard says. Sarah vomits in her mouth, turning away from the pantry. Richard reluctantly peers inside, and he almost drops the camera. “Holy fucking fuck… Are those…?” He asks, backing away from the pantry. “They sure are kiddo. The squatters you mentioned before…” A man’s voice replies, and both Sarah and Richard look towards the back of the kitchen. A tall man, around his fifties, wearing a veteran hat, stands in the darkness. His veins pulse black, and his eyes match. “You’re trespassing, is whatcha doing…” He says, a disgusting smile spreading across his mouth. Sarah approaches slowly, her hands raised. “Sir, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know this place was still occupied, we’ll leave.” She says. The man approaches her, his footsteps booming compared to hers. “Nah, you ain’t.” He says. He grabs a kitchen knife off of the counter and looks towards Richard. “Keep filming be, boy. Yer about to see why you don’t fuck with Russell J. Spencer.” He says. Sarah, sensing the danger, turns and runs away. Russell reaches forward, grabbing her hair and yanking her back. He swiftly raises the knife, plunging it straight through Sarah’s neck. Her eyes shoot wide, and she gurgles while making direct eye contact with Richard. Russell laughs. “I think she said: ‘RUN!’” He says, laughing. Richard runs towards the door, and the two glowing red eyes from before stopping him. The woman closes the front door, locking it. “Sorry, pal. Boss wants to observe.” She says, her glowing red eyes illuminating her face as she speaks. Russell approaches, and Richard runs into the living room.
Max and Jake creep around the upstairs hallway when they hear the door slam shut downstairs. Max turns, the camera and flashlight aiming away from the nearest room. A figure emerges from the darkness, a taller one behind her. “MAX!” Jake cries out, and the smaller figure laughs. The woman taunts them. “You afraid of the dark, boys?” Emma asks. Jake shines the light on her. “What?” He asks. Emma looks up, straight up at the ceiling. “Go on, boy. Eat the one with the camera. Leave the other to turn.” She orders, pressing a button on a small remote in her hand. Jake shines the light up, and a body with seven arms holding itself up looks down towards him. It snarls its teeth and lunges on Max. He cries out as the beast rips his throat out. Emma claps happily as the monster rips off one of Max’s legs. Jake scrambles to his feet and runs down the hallway, down the stairs. “I love this thing!” Emma says as the monster grafts the leg onto itself. Jake runs straight into Richard, who almost drops the camera. “THIS WAY!” Jake cries out, heading down into the basement. Richard slams the door shut behind them as they rush down the stairs, and Jake manages to find the lightbulb hanging from the floorboards. He turns it on, and they’re surrounded by technology crafted from the remains of cars, microwaves, and other household appliances. In the middle of the room rests a chair hooked up to these machines, with some form of computer resting next to it. “What… the… fuck…” Jake says, looking around. Richard scans the room with the camera and fixates on a window on the other side of the room. “Here, help me up,” Richard says, and Jake cups his hands together. He lifts Richard to the window, where he breaks the glass. He climbs halfway out when the sound of the wooden door being bashed in makes him stop. “Keep going!” Jake shouts, lifting Richard. He can’t quite grab onto anything, and as the door atop the stairs breaks, Richard closes his eyes to brace for his demise. Until a pair of warm, sweaty hands clasps down on his. He looks up to find Eli pulling him out of the basement. Jake looks out the window, and quickly over his shoulder. “QUICK! NOW ME!” He shouts, and Eli just stands there. “Apologize.” He demands. Jake looks him in the eye. “What?” He asks. Another Spencer grabs him by the back of the head, the young man laughing at him. “Heya, guys! My name’s Ron, and I doubt you’ll ever see this guy again! Now RUN! HAHAHAHAHA!” He cackles, dragging Jake back upstairs. Eli and Richard run towards the car, but Russell intercepts them. “This way!” Eli says, running towards a nearby RV rusted in the backyard. An older woman catches them but doesn’t attack. “My name’s Elizabeth. I’m not one of them, but I am infected. I’ve been trying to stop people from entering this damn place, but they never listen! This way, I can take you to a good hiding spot!” She says, leading the two boys. Richard shrugs and both he and Eli follow her. They come across an old, rusted RV hidden in the nearby woods. Eli stops and opens the door. “In!” He says, closing it after Richard enters. “Stay here, I’ll go get help!” Eli says, running into the woods. Russell follows him, and both of them vanish from view. Richard slides down the door, sobbing. “P-Please… God, if you’re listening… please save me…” He prays, closing his eyes as night falls.
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The Spencer Incident-
Spencer Estate, 2017-
“And you’re one hundred percent positive this is the right road, Miles?” A woman asks the driver, both of them driving down the dark and wet road. The rain patters against the windshield, the headlights of the car the only light source within a few miles. “Yes, Alexis. It is. Believe it or not, I CAN read a map.” Miles responds. Alexis shrugs, the rain increasing in intensity. “I hate the rain.” She says. Miles sighs. “Don’t worry, honey. I’ll be sure to pass that along to the big guy when I finally meet him.” He responds. Alexis chuckles and looks down at her phone. “I still don’t have a signal. How far from Houston are we?” She asks. Miles looks down at the map resting on his lap. “I’d say a few… eighteen miles?” He responds his gaze following the road they’re driving on the map. Suddenly, Alexis grabs the steering wheel with a scream. Miles looks up and watches as they veer off of the road, and down into a muddy ditch. The car jumps over a log and slams right into a tree. Before blacking out, Miles could have sworn he saw a woman with glowing red eyes standing in the road as they flew into the ditch.
He wakes up as the cold rain pours over him. Miles looks around, finding the car he crashed in is now empty. “A-Alexis…?” He asks aloud, the rain falling the only noise in response. He looks around frantically and spots the car door ripped clean off from the side. “What the fuck?” He asks, slowly climbing out of the wrecked car. He approaches the passenger side door, the emptiness of the car suddenly hitting him. Alexis is gone. Something killed her. Someone took her. Something happened. It’s his fault. Miles quickly opens the glove box and grabs his .38 revolver. He looks around, the lighting the only light source he has besides the flickering headlights. His eyes fall on a set of footprints heading up the hill, and the lightning illuminates the outline of a massive house, derelict and decaying. “Fuck it.” He says to himself as he marches up the muddy hill. He approaches the front porch, the steps destroyed and moldy. He groans, climbing up the porch to find the front door agape. Muddy footprints lead into the main hall, a dim yellow light glowing from the basement. He ventures down the basement stairs, a small stream of water pouring in through the broken window across the room. Rusty and broken machinery line the room, an electric chair in the center. He sighs, turning around. He slowly climbs up the stairs up into the main hall. “If I woke up from a car crash and found a house…. Where would I go…?” He asks himself as his eyes wander upstairs, towards the bedrooms. “Probably somewhere to find warm or clean towels.” He concludes, heading upstairs. He slowly opens the bathroom door, venturing inside. He peers inside the shower, to no avail. He leans back and sighs. “Where the fuck are you, Lex?” He asks aloud. A snicker scares him, turning to face the doorway. A tall man waits for him, blocking the whole frame. His battered and torn veteran’s hat covered the bloody scar across his forehead. He has a white beard, and his veins pulse black. His eyes match, a faint white glow around them. “If ya wanted to look for someone, you shoulda just asked, boy.” He says, grabbing Miles by the neck.
The House-
Spencer Estate, 2017-
Being dragged along the wooden floor, Miles attempts to latch his foot onto anything he can reach. Doorways. Chairs. Tables. Nothing works as Russell drags him closer to his demise. Thinking quickly, Miles grabs his .38 revolver and aims at his own neck. He pulls the trigger and shoots Russell’s hand. The old man drops him, and Miles scrambles to his feet. Russell glares at him, his black eyes glowing white in the darkness. Miles aims his pistol at him and narrows his vision. “Why’d you attack me? Where is my wife?” He demands. Russell laughs, licking the blood off of his hand. “Silly questions, boy. You’re worried about some bitch, but not your safety?” He asks. Miles frowns, courage welling up inside his throat. “Because I love her. That’s why. Now, where is my wife?” He asks again. Russell laughs, and throws a lamp from a nearby table, hitting the wall beside Miles. Miles jumps around a corner and runs down the long hallway. An older woman appears and grabs him by the shirt. She yanks him into a nearby room. Miles aims the revolver at her, but she shakes her head. “No, I’m not like him!” She whispers. She covers Miles’ mouth as Russell passes, and she peeks her head around the corner to check if he’s gone. “Okay, follow me.” She says. Miles stares at her. “Why the fuck would I follow you?” He asks. The woman turns around. “Because I’m Elizabeth Spencer, wife of Russell and mother of Rosaline, Ronald, and Emma. I know this house well, I know where Russell keeps his guns, and I know how to… release my family.” She says. Miles looks her up and down and nods. “Fine. Lead the way.” He says. He follows Elizabeth up to the attic, where Miles discovers a horrifying truth. The Spencers were simply victims too. Photos of them visiting a zoo, family photos at Christmas, and Rosaline’s graduation from MIT are all framed in ornate frames. Dust covers them, and the cardboard box containing them is dilapidated. “This was my family…” Elizabeth says sadly. Miles looks over at her. “Ma’am, please. I’m sorry for your family, but I need your help to find my own. Then I can help you. We can help each other.” Miles says. Elizabeth nods and sighs. “No. We’re beyond saving. Even if you could fix them, I doubt they’d be able to live with what they’ve… No. What we’ve done.” She says sadly. Miles looks down sadly. “But I know where they’ve taken Alexis. She’s with Emma, in our barn. You’ll have to get through Russell and Ron first, though.” She says. Miles nods sadly. “I’m sorry I can’t help them.” He says. Elizabeth reaches up to a higher cabinet, opening it and revealing a hunting rifle. She sighs, handing it to Miles. “No, I’m sorry you have to fight them. They’re powered by some liquid… some Demon girl showed up and is making them attack people… They don’t see her, but I do. Red eyes, red hair, and a black hoodie. I see her watching us. Watching them…” She says, starting to sound manic. Miles backs away slowly. “Thanks for the rifle, Ma’am… I’m going to find my wife now, stay safe-” He’s cut off as Elizabeth’s head splits in two. Her eyes focus on Miles before glossing over, and Russell screams in rage at him. “LOOK AT WHAT YOU MADE ME DO!” He shouts, lumbering towards Miles. Miles lunges out of the way as Russell’s fire axe slams into the ground. “DAMN YOU, BOY!” He shouts, slamming the axe down on Miles. A fierce pain splits Miles in two, and he looks down at his chest. The fire axe protrudes from his chest, blood spilling out over the floor. Russell laughs and removes the axe. Blood spouts up, splattering the attic’s roof. Miles blacks out, but can feel someone different dragging him by his feet.
“Heya, Dad? Can I keep him? I have some things I wanna do to him…” A disembodied voice asks. Russell’s voice faintly responds in approval. Miles slowly comes to, surrounded by decrepit old computers, washing machines, toasters, car batteries, and other random technology. He sits in a chair, a metal strap connected to his head. A human body sits across from him, slumped against the wall. “Don’t mind him… That’s my friend Jake. He’s helping me with a different experiment. Now, what I wanna do to you…” A young man no older than 20 with fiery red hair maneuvers in front of Miles. “I wanna make you into a cyborg! Isn’t that cool? Like Teen Titans, except you’ll be real!” He exclaims. Miles opens his dry mouth. “Ron, I assume?” He asks. Ron nods, smiling. “Yessir, indeed! Now, hold still. If you move, you’ll die!” He says, flipping a massive switch next to Miles. Electricity flows through the poor man, and he feels his heart, spine, and right arm get struck with energy. He looks down to find his arm, chest, and back have been altered. Metal and screws cover parts of his skin. He gasps, and Ron rushes over. “Look, I need you to stay calm. If you panic, you’ll set your heart into overdrive, and you’ll fucking explode. Think about it like hypertension. Keep the blood pressure and heart rate low, and you’ll live to see twenty-five.” Ron explains, unlocking Miles. He looks down at his robotic arm, and Ron laughs. “Ah, yes! My cool-as-shit-arm! Casa, as I call it. Casa can receive audio transmissions, like a radio. It can also send them, but as long as they’re within a hundred-foot radius. Stupid, I know. But I needed to make room for the battery. This bar, slowly filling up, is actually the battery meter. It installed backward for some fucking reason. Now, when it reaches maximum capacity, or rather negative capacity, it’ll simply not allow you to use your flashlight.” Ron rambles on, and Miles stands up. “You’re… letting me go?” He asks. Ron smiles wryly. “Perhaps. Now, I need you to do something for me. The barn needs to burn. I want to get the fuck outta here, and my ride needs some proof I’m still alive.” He says, his black eyes showing a clear sign of deception. Miles rolls his eyes. “Fine. Consider it done.” He says, heading for the stairs. Ron calls out behind him. “OH! One more thing!” He says. Miles looks over his shoulder. “Watch out for Max.” He says with a laugh. Miles nods and heads upstairs, grabbing his hunting rifle that Ron placed up against the wooden door.
The Barn-
Spencer Estate, 2017-
Sneaking past Russell, Miles makes it outside. His arm starts to vibrate, and he looks down at the screen. A phone call is coming in. “Hello?” He asks aloud, his arm raised to his mouth. “Hello!? Are you real?” The man on the other side asks. Miles laughs. “I mean, I answered, didn’t I?” He asks. His arm is silent. “Come to the old RV, it’s on the way to the barn.” He says, ending the call. Miles shrugs, loading his hunting rifle and heading toward the treeline. He finds the RV tucked away behind some tall trees. He knocks on the door, and it slowly opens. A man with long brown hair and green eyes greets him, a shotgun aimed at Miles’ face. “Are you the man I spoke to on the phone?” He asks. Miles nods. “Yep. Can I ask what the gun is for? They won’t hurt the Spencers.” He asks in return. The man sighs, lowering the gun. “My name’s Richard, I came here with some friends a few years ago. I watched them all… anyway, why are you here?” Richard asks. Miles looks around the RV. “I’m here to find my wife, Alexis.” He responds. Richard’s eyes light up in joy. “Is this her?” He asks, pulling back the partition covering the bed in the back of the camper. Alexis jolts awake, her hand reaching for a gun tucked away under the pillow. Miles feels tears well up in his eyes, and he jumps at her. “LEX!” He shouts with joy, embracing her in a tight hug. Alexis shares the hug, and the two kiss passionately. “Thank God you’re okay…” Miles says, his voice muffled by Alexis’ shoulder. Alexis pats him on the back and smiles. “Thank Richard. He managed to wound that psychopathic chick with some kind of liquid or whatever. He brought me here and was trying to contact someone driving on the highway for help…” She explains. Miles looks over at Richard, who’s fiddling with the radio once more. Miles pats her on the head and climbs out of bed. “Where is Emma?” He asks with vengeance in his eyes. Richard sighs. “She’s in the barn. With her project.” He says. Miles smirks, checking to see if a round is loaded into his rifle. “I’ll take care of each of these fuckers, one by one. Then we can leave.” He says, heading for the door. Richard grabs his shoulder, handing him a pistol. Miles looks down at the revolver, noticing only four bullets in the gun. “I don’t know how, but this damn magnum can put down a Spencer. At least, put down whatever they’re infected with.” Richard explains. Miles looks down at the gun, noticing a strange symbol printed on the side. He holds it at an angle, reflecting the silver off of the light. ‘Omega-Alpha-1’ is engraved on the barrel, and the gun seemingly only holds four shots. One of which is empty. “Three shots?” He asks. Richard nods. “Make ‘em count, buddy. They need to be headshots, or they won’t work.” He says with a cocky grin. Miles sighs and tucks the revolver away in his belt. “Wish me luck.” He says to Alexis, who smiles and waves at him. He turns to Richard and tosses him the shotgun he left by the door. “Keep her safe. No matter what.” He orders. Richard nods. “Yes, Sir.” He says, sitting across from the door. Miles nods and heads off to find Emma.
The dark barn looms before Miles, the unholy sounds coming from within a warning sign to leave. Miles steeles himself and kicks open the door. A young woman with long, golden hair jumps at the loud noise. “HEY!” She shouts, her black veins pulsing with adrenaline. Miles aims his hunting rifle at her and fires. The bullet flies into her head, and she falls back. After a short couple of seconds, Emma climbs back up. “Okay… you little FUCKER.” She says coldly. Miles watches as she climbs up into the hayloft, which has been converted into a control room of sorts. She grins menacingly, slamming her hand down on a button. “Take this!” She shouts as a door falls underneath her. A large metal rod blocks the barn’s main doors and several Zombies lunge at Miles from a hidden compartment. “SHIT!” he shouts, falling back. He fires his hunting rifle at them and manages to get one in the head. Another Zombie falls towards him and grabs his arm, biting the metal hand. “GET OFF!” Miles shouts, pushing it back. He loads another round in his rifle and kills the Zombie. He manages to kill off the last few, and Emma laughs. Miles looks up at her, a grin spread across his face. “Is that all?” He asks smugly. Emma grins, cocking her head to the side. “No, I was warming you up for our pet. Max.” She says, slamming her hand down on another button. A door behind Miles opens, and a mass of flesh emerges from the darkness, crawling on the ceiling. The beast growls loudly, the glowing eyes illuminating the ceiling around it. “What… the fuck…?” Miles asks aloud, backing away. Emma laughs loudly, and the monster lunges at Miles. The seven-armed beast opens its mouth wide, showing razor-sharp teeth. It attempts to bite Miles, the two tongues inside the mouth attempting to penetrate his eyes and mouth. Miles shoves the Exquisite Corpse off of him, and he scrambles to his feet. He raises the rifle and fires, the bullet piercing through the monster’s head. It flies back into the wall, slumping down. Miles sighs in relief and turns to face Emma. Her face hasn’t changed, though, and Miles hears shuffling behind him. He turns and the Exquisite Corpse is right behind him. It grabs him with its many arms and lifts him. Miles struggles, and grabs his pocket knife. He plunges it deep into the Exquisite Corpse’s head and shoves it down the monster’s throat. It finally goes limp, and it drops Miles. Emma shouts in horror, and Miles grabs the Omega Revolver and fires at her, hitting her square in the forehead. Miles stands up, and in a final act of bloodlust, Emma sets the barn on fire. Miles escapes through the hayloft as Emma cackles. “You’ll burn with the rest of us!” She screams as the flames consume her.
The Escape-
Houston Outskirts, 2017-
Miles heads back towards the RV, and Richard radios in. He answers the call, expecting Richard to be there. “Heya, bud!” Ron says happily through the radio. Miles starts running towards the RV. “What the fuck do you want?” Miles asks. Ron pauses for a moment. “I gave your little girlfriend to my Dad, he’s waiting in the main house. I’m down here, too. Richard… he’s occupied.” Ron says. Miles growls, finding the RV’s door ripped clean off. “I’ll fucking kill you,” Miles says coldly, hanging up the call. He approaches the old house once more, with dawn breaking through the trees. The rain finally cleared up while he fought Emma, it seems. He enters the house expecting a fight. Nothing comes his way, however. He slowly opens the door to the basement, finding Ron sitting in the metal contraption. “Howdy, Miles,” Ron says. Miles silently walks up while drawing his Omega Revolver. “Ah. So, Richie Boy gave you Rose’s gun, huh?” He asks. Miles aims at Ron’s head and grins. “Seeya, fuckass.” He says, firing the gun. Ron falls limp, and the machine electrocutes him. Miles climbs up the stairs, listening for any sign of life within the house. He hears muffled screams coming from the garage, and he kicks down the door. He checks to make sure the one bullet left in the Omega Revolver is loaded, and he enters the garage. He finds Russell, holding Alexis captive. “Howdy, boyo. I see you took care of my whole damn family, huh?” He asks, tightening his grip on Alexis. “Let her go.” Miles orders, cocking the gun. Russell smiles and throws Alexis out of the garage. He approaches Miles, his fire axe sparking along the concrete floor. Miles jumps out of the way of the axe as it slams down on a truck. Miles grins, and the sound of helicopters above him makes him laugh. “It’s over, Russ. Pack it up!” he says, jumping up. Russell growls as soldiers rappel down around the house. They scan Alexis and round her up to take her back to the chopper. Miles grins, but the soldiers leave before they notice Russell and Miles inside still. Russell grins as Miles’ face falls flat. “Now who’s packing what up, kid?” He asks, approaching Miles slowly. Miles fires the revolver at him, and Russell flies back. He cackles as blood pours from the wound in his stomach. Miles looks down at him as he opens the truck’s driver-side door. “Goodbye, Russ. God rest your soul. I know you’re just a victim too.” He says, starting the truck. He climbs inside and drives through the garage door. The sun outside blinds him as he barrels toward the highway. He watches the helicopters fly above him and sees the Spencer House get firebombed by jets in the rearview mirror. He sighs, the nightmare finally coming to a close.
His arm starts ringing, and the caller ID is unknown. He answers, expecting a telemarketer. “Miles Summers, you have been drafted into the Omega Corporation’s Alpha-1 Task Force due to your exposure and survival at the hands of Bioweapons. Rendezvous at the Fill-Em Up Gast Station down the road. A helicopter will be there to pick you up.” A robotic voice says. “Who the fuck are you?” Miles asks in response. The voice sighs. “I am the System Administrator Monitoring Mechanism. Samm, for short.” Samm says. Miles shrugs. “Sounds good to me, I can’t exactly go back to a normal life after this awful night. Is Alexis safe?” He asks. Samm sits for a moment. “Yes. She is being tested to ensure she’s safe and healthy. You will be as well, upon being evacuated.” Samm says. The sound of rubber on metal distracts Miles as he drives. “Shit.” He says, checking the mirrors. Russell smiles at him, his black veins visible in the daylight. “I’ll have to call you back,” Miles says to Samm, hanging up on him. Russell jumps through the back windshield, grabbing the steering wheel. “Goin’ somewhere, boy?” He asks, jerking the wheel around. Miles silently fights him, spotting the gas station closing in. He accelerates and unlocks the door. “Whatcha got planned for me, shithead?” Russell asks. He floors it towards the gas pumps and dives out of the car at the last second. The truck and Russell collide with the pumps, exploding on contact. Smoke rises from the gas station, and Miles stands up. He dusts himself off as he looks at the flames. Russell, now no more than melted flesh and bone, steps out. His eyes glowing a bright white. Miles notices another figure within the gas station, her eyes glowing red too. He narrows his eyes at her, noticing horns and fiery red hair. Miles turns his attention back to Russell, as he closes in. “Last dance, huh?” Miles says cockily, drawing his .38 revolver. Russell laughs, his broken throat whistling as flesh melts around his windpipe. Miles focuses, firing all remaining five shots at him. Russell grabs Miles by the neck and holds him up. “Goodbye, Miles. See you in Hell.” Russell says as Miles’ vision grows dark. “Hey, Dad!” A woman’s voice calls out. Russell perks up, his eyes fizzling out. “Rosaline?” He asks, dropping Miles on the pavement. A woman with blonde hair stands behind Russell, a silver Omega Revolver in her hands. “Sweet Rosaline… you want some superpowers now?” Russell asks. Rosaline shakes her head. “I’m sorry I couldn’t help you, Dad. I’m sorry I couldn’t help you or Mom. Or Emma and Ron. I’m so sorry.” She says, firing the revolver several times at Russell’s head. The large man falls to the ground, finally dead. Miles passes out as Rosaline rushes towards him. “MEDIC!” She calls out as the helicopter lands nearby.
Miles opens his eyes to find a sterile white room. “Thank God you’re okay…” A woman’s voice says next to him. Alexis. She hugs him tightly, and he sits up. He looks around, noticing Rosaline entering the room as Alexis lets go of him. “Glad you’re awake. I’m Doctor Rosaline Spencer. I’ve been taking care of you and Alexis here. Welcome to The Omega Corporation.” She says. Miles looks around, taking in his surroundings. Rosaline sets a piece of paper down in front of him and hands him a pen. “Now, did you see a pair of glowing red eyes while you were dealing with my family?” She asks. Miles nods. “Okay, good. Tell me what you know of Lucy Daemon.” She demands with an eerie smile.