The cold, dark hallways of the Good Fortune stretched before Elijah, an eerie, shimmering red taint hanging in the air. His right hand gripped a Lindleton revolver, four precious bullets remaining. In his left, a long kitchen knife, its blade stained with dried blood. He moved with quiet determination, his breath forming misty plumes in the frigid air.

A tattered, thick coat - stripped from a less fortunate passenger - hung from his frame as he fought to retain what little warmth he could. His eyes darted fearfully at every corner, every shadow a potential threat as he ventured deeper into what had come to be known as "The Dead Zone."

The halls were unnaturally still, the silence broken only by his cautious footsteps.

Streaks of blood marred the walls, and lifeless bodies littered the floor, grim reminders of the horror that had engulfed the ship. Through a tear in the hull, Elijah glimpsed the sea outside - blood red and cracked, with writhing tendrils sprouting from the fissures. He didn't know what they were searching for, nor did he care to find out. His only concern was the last hope of escape from this godless hell.

As he passed the hull breach, an unnatural sound reached his ears - like glass being ground in a bucket of water. His blood ran cold. Quickly and quietly, he slid through a partially open door, squeezing into the darkness beyond. He held his breath, his heart pounding so loudly he feared it might betray him to whatever was beyond.

Seconds stretched into agonizing minutes as the sound grew louder. The screeching and tearing of metal assaulted his ears, a shrieking misery that threatened to drive him mad. Elijah prayed desperately that the thing in the hallway couldn't hear his thundering heartbeat.

As the sound of death slowly faded into the distance, Elijah felt his heart begin to slow. But then he realized - a pair of eyes, two dots of red, were staring at him from the darkness. His blood turned to ice as he wondered how long he had been watched without knowing. "Hello...?" he croaked softly.

The figure observed him eerily for a few moments before slowly rising. Thin, long limbs lifted the creature up, so tall it had to bend to fit in the room - easily 15 feet at full height. Before it could fully stand, Elijah rushed forward, slashing at its throat in a desperate attempt to silence it.

But the creature's body twisted unnaturally, avoiding the blade. Its mouth gaped wide, aiming to engulf Elijah's skull. Instead, it tasted iron as a click echoed in the room, followed by an explosion of brain matter painting the wall.

"Fuck." Elijah gasped, listening intently for any sound from the hall. For a few agonizing moments, everything was still. He dared to hope he might be safe. Then he heard it - the sound of glass crashing like a stampede of beasts, hungry for blood.

The nightmare was far from over.

***

43 Days prior.

The morning breeze was crisp with the salty air pleasantly rough against the skin in the morning hours, the sun still lazily drifted just under the horizon as Elijah sat and read a book that had caught his fancy for the last few days while steam danced in the air beside him atop a fresh cup of coffee still almost full.

The deck of the mega cruise ship ‘Good Fortune’ was surprisingly scarce of company at this early hour, creating an atmosphere of tranquility that felt like a secret oasis. The soft sounds of the ship gently bobbing with the waves provided a soothing backdrop, making it the perfect place for Elijah to ease into the rhythm of the day.

Occasionally, a few other souls appeared, each one seemingly drawn to the allure of the sunrise. These fellow early risers mirrored his own leisurely pace, embracing the beauty of the morning in their own ways. Some were wrapped in the warmth of loved ones, their laughter and soft conversations blending harmoniously with the whispering winds, while others clutched steaming cups of coffee, their eyes fixed on the horizon as they too waited for the sun to break free from its slumber.

As Elijah watched the colors in the sky slowly shift, he felt a sense of unity among the handful of people surrounding him. They were all participants in this quiet, shared ritual—an unspoken appreciation for the beauty of a new day, the promise it held, and the adventures that awaited. In this serene setting, with the ocean stretching endlessly before him and the sun poised to rise, Elijah felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude wash over him, a reminder of the simple joys life had to offer.

Yet, beneath this serene veneer, Elijah felt a strange lump building in his throat, a sensation he couldn't quite articulate. It was a nagging feeling, a reminder of something elusive that he had seemingly forgotten, something important that lingered just out of reach in the recesses of his mind.

The juxtaposition of his gratitude with this inexplicable sense of loss filled him with intrigue and unease, creating an emotional complexity that he couldn't resolve. And out there on the horizon he couldn't help but feel was the source of it all, an invisible mirage that taunted him on the back of his mind.

Suddenly, the spell of introspection was broken by a lighthearted voice that called out to him, pulling him from his reverie.

"What'cha readin' Mr. Author?"

Elijah looked behind him as a beautiful young woman came up and wrapped her arms around him, gave him a peck on the cheek and then sidled up next to him on the not quite big enough lounge chair as he did his best to squeeze out enough room to let her in.

"'Aspiring' author mind you. We wouldn't want to get ahead of ourselves." He said with a smile and a right cheek almost in midair.

"Oh, please! I've read plenty of what you've written and it's only a matter of time until you're the next big hit!" She chirped, nudging a strand of dark hair off Elijah's forehead.

"Well, i give thanks to my biggest and only fan, but be careful, if you keep touting me up i might just get a big head one of these days."

"Oh, you've got plenty of fans, some of them cute, too. Just don't ever smile at them or they might get ideas!" She poked his nose while scrunching her face up as she said it, trying her best to play pretend at being jealous and failing horribly at it, causing him to chuckle. "And don't worry, if you get a big head I'll pop it for you, I always keep a spare sharp object with me, just in case, y'know?

"That's...mildly terrifying, were it coming from anyone other than you. I would prefer you take me to see a doctor to check if i have Cerebral Edema and get proper treatment rather than having you poke...whatever sharp object you might use into my head."

"Cereb...you're supposed to become an author not a doctor, how do you even know these terms!?"

"Research." He shrugged. "Every author worth their weight does at least some research." He said as he poked her nose in return.

"So I guess i should add scholar on top of doctor and author then? I'll keep my sharp thingies ready for when you get Cer-Cerbra-Cerber-...a big head." A tinge of red dusted her cheeks at not being able to remember the term in which she initially only jokingly couldn't grasp whilst Elijah continued lightly poking her nose, moving it this way and that.

"So? What's the book?" She said half trying to get over the still lingering embarrassment.

"Hmm? Oh, right, it's a book called 'The Flowers', it's about two lovers who get split up when war breaks out and their individual struggles in trying to reunite, it's very touching and painful at the same time and it's still hard to say whether or not they will be able to reunite and have a happy ending. I particularly like the subtle inclusion of vague supernatural elements hinting at a deeper layer to the war beyond simple territorial and political dispute and- why are you smiling like that?"

"Because i love the way you're eyes light up when you talk about the things you're passionate about."

"Well you better not get me talking about you then because you might go blind."

"HnGk!!" Hayley snorted and started chortling in her quirky little way that sounded like a mix between a piglet and a lazy woodpecker "T-that's such a lame line! Hahaha!" Elijah loved that little laugh of hers so much.

Almost as much as he loved her. Almost.

"I love you, Hayley."

Still trying and failing to stop chortling like a deranged beaver Hayley tried to hide her red face behind her long hair "...I love you too, Eli." She finally managed to squeeze out after getting herself in order.

After that they just sat there for awhile enjoying each others company, saying little or perhaps nothing at all for quite a while. Between the two of them words were an option, not a necessity, and regardless of whichever they chose they were always content in each others company.

***

The Good Fortune was an awe-inspiring vessel, a colossal ship that towered over the waves with astonishing grace and power. It had been meticulously designed to accommodate over six thousand passengers, providing them with an unforgettable seafaring experience. Scheduled for a week-long journey, the ship was currently two days into its voyage across the sparkling blue expanse of the ocean, and excitement permeated the air like the salty breeze.

Onboard, the Good Fortune was a veritable wonderland of entertainment and delight. Each corner revealed an array of absurd attractions, reminiscent of a bustling county fair, all carefully curated to bring joy and laughter to guests of all ages. The ship featured multiple floors filled with sprawling shopping malls, where vibrant boutiques and specialty shops beckoned passengers to indulge in retail therapy.

Cinemas played the latest blockbusters, providing a cinematic escape from reality, while a smorgasbord of restaurants offered culinary delights from around the world, tantalizing the senses with every conceivable dish. From thrilling amusement rides to serene lounges overlooking the ocean, the ship was a labyrinth of joy and discovery, and there was no telling what hidden gems they had yet to stumble upon.

Elijah had not originally intended for Hayley to accompany him on this spontaneous adventure. However, when the opportunity to win an all-expenses-paid trip materialized at a college event, he couldn’t resist the urge to try his luck. To his astonishment he actually emerged victorious from the raffle, almost as if something wanted him to win. Overwhelmed with excitement and a touch of disbelief, he quickly realized that this was a chance to treat Hayley to something truly extraordinary.

Hayley had always harbored a deep love for the ocean, relishing the way the rhythmic waves lapped against the shore and how the salty air could invigorate her spirit. She always said that if she hadn't decided to become a therapist she would probably have become a marine biologist instead. Seeing the gleam of enthusiasm in her eyes as they boarded the ship filled Elijah with immense joy.

He felt a sense of pride, knowing that he was able to gift her such a splendid experience before they dived headfirst into the hard world of applications and job hunting. This trip was more than just a vacation; it was a precious escape from the pressures of academia.

Elijah and Hayley wandered hand in hand, exploring the vast ship as they sought out a restaurant for lunch. The 'Good Fortune' was indeed a city upon the sea, with endless wonders to uncover. They strolled past bustling fair attractions, the lively atmosphere a stark contrast to the serene morning they had enjoyed. The ship was a melting pot of excitement and relaxation, catering to all tastes. As they navigated the crowds, they stumbled upon a quaint bookshop, tucked away in a corner of the ship.

Intrigued, they stepped inside, immediately enveloped by the familiar comfort of books. The shop was a haven for readers, with a cozy atmosphere and a delightful selection of titles.

"Oh, look at this place, Eli! It's adorable!" Hayley said as they stepped through the glass doors "It's almost like they built it just for you!"

Elijah smiled, sharing her enthusiasm. "It's a nice surprise. I didn't expect to find a bookstore on a cruise ship."

They browsed the shelves, their fingers trailing over the spines of books as they chatted about their favorite authors and recommended titles to each other, which was mainly just Elijah getting passionate whilst Hayley listened with a smile and the occasional laugh.

As they meandered deeper into the shop, their exploration became even more engaging. Hayley’s keen eye caught sight of a book whose cover had a unique design that drew her in. However, as they browsed the shelves, she noticed a man nearby who she assumed was a librarian due to his glasses and the way he was shelving books meticulously. Without hesitation, she called out to him, her voice bright and cheerful.

"Excuse me, sir! We’re looking for some recommendations," she said, her smile wide as she approached him. "Do you have any favorite books you could suggest?" Her eyes sparkled with curiosity, eager to find out what hidden gems this little bookstore might hold.

Her enthusiasm was infectious, and her sunny disposition filled the bookstore with a warm glow. The man turned with a gentle smile, his deep-set eyes crinkling kindly. "Well now, that depends on what you enjoy reading. This bookstore has a wonderful selection, and I'm sure there's bound to be something to capture your interest."

His voice, graceful and eloquent, immediately set him apart. Elijah, feeling a strange sense of connection to this stranger felt prompted to join in the conversation. "I'm a fan of classic literature myself, but I'm open to any suggestions. We're on vacation, after all, and I'd love to explore something new."

The man raised an eyebrow, his smile widening. “Classic literature, you say? A fine choice indeed! You might find joy in 'The Twisting Tree' by Theodore Stacy. It’s a delightful exploration of love and society, and I promise you’ll be charmed by his wit.”

Elijah nodded, “I’ve read it before! Stacy has a way of capturing the nuances of humanity that is just brilliant.”

Hayley chimed in, her eyes sparkling. “What about something more contemporary? I’m a sucker for a good mystery—do you have any favorites in that genre?”

"Well in that case..."

As they engaged in their conversation, Elijah's attention was unexpectedly drawn to a group of staff members who hurriedly walked past the store window. Their expressions were marked by concern, eyebrows furrowed, mouths tight, and their hurried steps suggested urgency. Although he couldn’t decipher the exact words being exchanged, the palpable sense of worry etched on their faces rang alarm bells in his mind.

Even long after they had passed, the scene of their distress lingered in his mind. It bared down on him and filled him with a sense of unease that he just couldn't seem to dispel.

‘What am I freaking out about?’ he mused silently, I mean, on a vessel this vast and bustling, it's only natural for there to be no shortage of things that could cause stress. Crew members are bound to face any number of daily challenges, from operational mishaps to personal issues. It’s part and parcel of life on board a ship like this.

Yet, as he deliberated over this inner turmoil, a nagging voice deep within him whispered that it wasn’t merely the sight of the rush of employees that had triggered his anxiety. Indeed, there had been an odd sense of unease swirling in the depths of his gut for quite some time now, an unsettling intuition that he couldn’t quite pin down. He recalled moments in the past day where a chill had skittered down his spine for reasons he couldn’t understand, and a lingering feeling that something was off—something just beyond his grasp.

"Elijah? Ya' good bro?" Hayley asked, talking like a frat boy for no particular reason.

"...Yeah, I'm fine" he said, not wanting to needlessly worry them.

Hayley gave him a questioning look for a second before continuing on with the conversation that Elijah had missed.

"Y'know, for someone who's been a sailor for a large part of their life you don't really come off as sailory." Hayley said innocently "Most sailors I've met are all loud stories and rough laughter. You know, like, "Aye, matey!" and whatnot." Hayley said as she waved her arms dramatically.

"That's actually not the first time I've heard that, I might have missed the sailor's handbook on how to act." He chuckled with a slightly awkward smile. "Perhaps it has to do with my love for poetry but ever since i could remember i always made a point of choosing my words carefully, correcting any speaking habits whenever i noticed a strange dialect creeping in. Many of my friends have never even been on a boat, but speak with all the flavor one would expect of a sailor of the sea, but me? It's almost like i grew up in the city, the irony of which is not lost on me." He paused for a moment, with a slightly distant look in his eye. "...It probably has to do with my upbringing." He said, a hint of frailty cracking through.

After talking for some time they finally introduced themselves and learned that the man's name was Brian Dranjier, a retired lighthouse keeper and sailor. His granddaughter having payed for his trip as a present for his sixty fifth birthday. He felt like they had made a good friend on the trip now and Elijah felt a kinship with Brian not simply because they both enjoyed books, he felt that they had similar souls, best he could think to put it.

Promising to keep in touch, they exchanged a few more words before parting ways after purchasing a couple of books that had caught their eye in the quaint little bookstore. The enticing covers and intriguing titles had captivated their shared interest, providing a perfect excuse for their camaraderie. After a few playful comments about their selections, they bid each other farewell, each carrying their newfound treasures, a small token of their day together.

As the day progressed, time had crept up on them more swiftly than they could have anticipated. Deciding to indulge in a late lunch Elijah and Hayley found a cozy spot on deck, where they could take their time and bask in the warmth of the sun while gazing out over the vast, glittering expanse of water. Moments seemed to slip away like grains of sand through their fingers, and before they knew it, the sun was starting to dip towards the horizon, casting a golden hue across the sky. They were drawn by an eagerness to savor the flavors of the season while surrounded by the serene beauty of nature.

The weather was absolutely perfect—clear skies that seemed to stretch endlessly, bright sunshine bathing the world in a golden glow, and a gentle breeze that whispered sweet nothings through the swaying palm fronds. The backdrop was nothing short of idyllic, a picturesque scene that felt like it had been plucked straight from a postcard.

Hayley stood out against this stunning panorama, looking utterly radiant. Her hair was tousled by the breeze, and her eyes sparkled with an infectious joy that illuminated her entire being as she reveled in the beauty of the moment.

The laughter that erupted from her lips was like music, a sweet symphony perfectly in tune with the rhythmic waves lapping against the shore. The way she smiled, wide and genuine, only served to highlight her enjoyment of the day, as if every moment was a precious gift she cherished deeply.

Elijah stood beside her, doing his best to share in that same moment of bliss. Yet, despite the picturesque setting and Hayley’s evident joy, he found it challenging to shake off the unsettling image of the staff he had seen earlier. Their worried expressions had stuck with him, a stark contrast to the carefree atmosphere around them. The unease had been subtly encroaching upon him throughout the day, nagging at the back of his mind like an unwelcome guest.

“Hey, you all good? You looked worried about something earlier too,” Hayley said, leaning her shoulder gently against his, searching his face for any signs of trouble.

“Ah...sorry, was I looking kinda down?” he replied, forcing a light-hearted tone to mask the worry gnawing at him.

“Just a bit,” she said, pinching her fingers together to illustrate her point.

“It’s nothing much—it’s just... while we were talking to Brian, I saw some of the crew passing by, and they looked pretty distressed. It’s got me a little worried is all, I guess.” Elijah admitted, hesitating for a moment before voicing his concerns.

“Really? But that could be about anything, right?” Hayley countered, trying to rationalize his unease.

“Yeah, but... I don’t know. I’m probably just being paranoid, but I’ve had this bad feeling hanging over me all day...” he confessed, the weight of his thoughts now slipping into the space between them.

Hayley’s brow furrowed slightly, concern creeping into her expression. She shifted to face him fully, her vibrant energy dimming just a little as she contemplated his words. “You know, sometimes our instincts pick up on things we might not consciously see. If something feels off, it’s worth paying attention to.”

"To what exactly? Even if something is going wrong it's not like i have any power to stop it." Elijah said with a wry smile as he shook his head slightly.

"Hmm..." Hayley pondered for a moment as she pressed a finger to her chin. "That's true! Let's hope you're just being paranoid then cuz' otherwise we might just be screwed!" A bright smile illuminated her face in the midst of her nihilistic response.

"Oh God, don't say that..." Eli groaned as his palm met his face.

Hayley beamed at him with a face devoid of concern. "Of course, even if that turns out to be the case I'll be right there with you until the end."

"No, lets not meet our end. I would rather fight to live thank you very much." He said with a sigh.

"You know what? I agree! Which means that until something happens all we can do is stay positive and prepared!" Hayley declared smugly and full of confidence.

Then, after a moment she looked him in the eyes and softly spoke with a tender smile. "And if the need arises we'll deal with it together."

Eli met her gaze and after a moment returned her smile. "Yea...we will."

Hayley smiled at him for a few moments before a mischievous glint ignited in her eyes. "That being said, there is something that i believe must be done first..."

"Hm?" Eli responded, not quite quick enough on the uptake.

Suddenly Hayley burst into motion, digging her fingers into Elijah's armpits and wriggling them with all the intensity one would expect of such a deranged madwoman.

"Wai-Sto-PFH!" Elijah's weakness being cruelly taken advantage of, he was left powerless to the tyrannical fiend upon him, scattered laughter and wheezing escaping from his lungs.

"I have the high ground, Elijah! I know all you're weaknesses!" She triumphantly declared with a smile of pure evil plastered on her deceptively innocent face.

And so the battle that would decide the fate of the Jedi commenced.

***

Elijah woke before the sunrise, thoughts drifting to the talk he had had with Hayley. He lay in his bed, the gentle rocking of the ship lulling him into a serene state of half-sleep. The memories of their conversation replayed in his mind, a chuckle escaping at the thought of Hayley's usual theatrics. With her effervescent laughter and contagious spirit, she always had a way of breaking through the heavy fog of his worries.

With a deep breath, Elijah climbed out of bed and tiptoed up to the deck with his usual coffee and book to start the day right. The world outside was still cloaked in darkness, but the first hints of dawn were beginning to brush the sky with soft pastels. He stepped out onto the massive deck, the salt air filling his lungs, and relaxed in a comfortable chair that gave him the best view of the horizon.

The gentle creak of the ship echoed around him, a soothing reminder of their floating home on the endless waters. Elijah nestled into the chair, the fabric warm beneath him from the sun’s early touch. He took a sip of his coffee, letting the rich aroma swirl around him as he felt that sense of calm tranquility return to him once again.

"I really need to let Hayley know how much i appreciate her, she always calms me down when i need it most." He mused aloud as a peaceful smile settled on his face.

Lost in these contemplative thoughts, he was just about to open his book and lose himself in the tantalizing fiction when something on the horizon captured his attention.

“...Hmm?” he mused softly, brow furrowing with curiosity. Out in the distance what had at first seemed like the sunrise looked to be different.

He squinted, trying to discern what it was, perhaps it was a mirage but it looked a little too strange to be that.

He glanced around to see if anyone had noticed the strange sight and saw that staff were overlooking the phenomenon from the top of the ship, a good fifteen to twenty of them all sharing a couple sets of binoculars with some others seemingly flittering about in the back. They were too far for him to make out any sort of facial expressions but they were clearly disturbed.

Slowly he turned his head back out towards the phenomenon in the distance, a sense of calm numbness proliferating his mind. As seconds turned into minutes they got closer to the anomaly and when he could see it more clearly he couldn't quite believe his eyes.

Out in the distance it looked as though the sky and the sea were bleeding into one another, trying to swap places. Strange mixtures of light, golden and violet, blue and yellow and many more, some of which Elijah felt like he had never even seen before, blended together in a strange watercolor wall that stretched far out beyond the horizon.

He felt a powerful and indescribable notion that no matter what they had to do, they should never cross that threshold and the moment he became aware of that he snapped awake and rushed over to the staff.

"Hey! Why aren't you guys turning the ship around!? I don't know what that is but it sure as hell doesn't look normal!" Elijah shouted up at the staff unsure whether they could hear him or not.

The staff members muttered to themselves for a minute before a younger man leaned over the railing and shouted "They've been trying since yesterday! For some reason no matter what we do the ship is constantly being pulled towards it!"

As one of the older staff members came up and smacked the younger man on the back of the head Elijah thought back to when he was at the book store with Hayley and Brian and the distressed crew members that had passed by while they were talking.

"You mean to say...so even since back then we were already caught up in it?" He muttered to himself, that familiar sense of unease finally starting to crack through his numb calmness.

As he looked around the deck, he noticed that more and more people were waking up and gathering near the railing, drawn to the mesmerizing wall of color that pulsated in the distance. It was now painting the skies with brilliant hues—vivid oranges, deep blues, and blinding whites swirling together in a chaotic display.

Yet amidst the beauty, there was an unmistakable tension in the air. Some onlookers wore expressions of fear, their eyes wide with concern as they peered into the unknown. Others, however, seemed unfazed, too preoccupied with their phones to even realize the potential danger of the strange and unsettling spectacle unraveling before them. They snapped pictures and took selfies, capturing their seemingly carefree moments against a backdrop of surreal chaos naively ignorant to the possible danger.

Gradually, a sound began to emanate from the bizarre phenomenon, a blend of static noise and a muffled groan that seemed to resonate deep within Elijah's chest. It was jarring, unsettling—each vibration felt like a warning, sending shivers down his spine. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong, that this was not just a random spectacle, but something far more significant and potentially dangerous.

"I need to go find Hayley." he whispered to himself, shaking off the icy grip of apprehension that threatened to paralyze him, his mind raced as he recalled the last time he had seen her. The urgency in his chest ignited as he recalled her laughter, the warmth of her spirit that contrasted sharply with the chill of the atmosphere around him.

Elijah didn’t waste any time at all; he immediately set off in the direction of their bedrooms, determined to find safety and clarity amidst the escalating chaos. People were starting to become more active on the ship, some were natural early birds, others were woken up by friends that had become aware of what was going on.

The passengers were becoming remarkably more rowdy, their curiosity morphing into excitement at the bizarre spectacle before them. The once-placid atmosphere was now charged with an electric tension. Elijah had to wade through increasingly dense crowds of people who had all flocked to the scene, drawn by the strange lights that danced erratically in the sky. The unexpected spectacle seemed to mesmerize those around him; they were captivated, pointing excitedly and murmuring among themselves.

With every step, he pushed against the tide of bodies that threatened to pull him off course. He maneuvered carefully, elbowing past bewildered faces and shouting questions that blended into the cacophony of voices. Despite the noise, his focus never wavered as he steered himself towards their rooms—safety was his priority. Then, a familiar voice broke through the clamor.

“Elijah! Eli!” Hayley shouted from the side, her voice cutting through the din like a beacon in the dark. “Over here!”

Relief flooded through him at the sound of her voice; he hadn’t lost her in the madness after all.

“Hayley!” he shouted back, weaving through one last group of onlookers to reach her. The sight of her familiar face calmed him momentarily, grounding him amidst the uncertainty that surrounded them.

“What’s going on?” she asked as her eyes were naturally drawn to the spectacle above.

“Something strange is happening,” Elijah replied, his voice tinged with urgency. “Apparently, some bizarre phenomenon is drawing the ship-”

Before he could finish his sentence, the wall of light suddenly lost all color, turning into a pitch black void that consumed the entire sky and the ship along with it.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.