Chapter 5
I hit the radio a few times with my hands. Nothing. Oh well. At least it gave me a few helpful snippets of information. There is a cabin outside the mansion? Who designed this place!? The rest of the message was unclear however. Was everyone supposed to stay away from the cabin? Or stay away from something else. And why would the person specifically mention Barry?
The only way to find out was to go there, I thought. I had no problems with leaving the mansion, but what if something worse was waiting outside? I mean, that's where that snake came from, right? I sighed. I need to stop thinking so much. Besides, how will I know how to get there?
Dejected, I shoved my hands in my pockets and sat down. Inside, I felt something papery. I took it out, and realized I still had the map Richard gave me! I looked it over, and the back was also a map of the outside of the mansion. I smiled. Richard helps me again.
I studied the map. Let's see, I can get outside from the main hall. I looked around, and at the center of the steps was a mural. In the mural, which I hadn't noticed before, was a door that someone painted over. I went over to it and opened it. I stuck my head outside. The air was cool, and it was extremely dark. Even the lights outside barely cut through the darkness.
Cautiously, I stepped outside. I held my shotgun ready, just in case. Gulping, I started to explore the area a bit. The ground was mossy, and there were large weeds poking through the cracks in the pavement. Near the gates were large stones. A closer look revealed them to be. tombstones! I looked at the names: B. Ware, Runn A. Way, Watt R. Uwaitingfor, and M. Getoutnowyoustupidmoron. Hmm. That last one must be Italian.
Moving on, I saw a large gate that led back into the mansion. I was about to enter, when something caught my eye. There was a large crypt near the edge of the woods surrounding the manor. An eerie glow came from the tomb, and the curiosity getting the best of me, I decided to check it out. Maybe the glow is a sign of life. Huh. A sign of life coming from a tomb? That's like an oxymoron. Or an allegory. Maybe even a paradox.
Anyway, the mausoleum was underground, and there were steps leading down into it. Maybe this isn't such a great idea, I thought. Suddenly, I heard a slight rustling sound behind me. I whirled around, and looked everywhere. Due to the darkness however, I couldn't make anything out. I gripped my shotgun tightly.
"Who's there?" I called out. At once, a dog came partly out of the shadows. "Awww! Here doggy doggy!" I said. I loved dogs! And it would be nice to have some form of company with me. "Here doggy! Here dog-" I stopped, my mouth still open. The dog came all the way out into the light. It was covered in sores, and parts of its flesh were missing, showing the animal's bones and organs. The dog growled, and foam collected at its mouth. Then he started to run towards me.
Shocked, I tried to move backwards, but forgetting the steps as well. I tumbled down the stairs, and as soon as I landed, a large gate came down, separating me and the hound just before it pounced. The dog barked and snarled at me through the gate, but it couldn't get in. Still dazed from the fall, I remained on the ground until the hound gave up and slinked away.
Slowly, I got up and brushed myself off. Looking around, the crypt was dark and the air was awfully musty. I couldn't get out the way I came in, obviously, so I had no choice but to go through the rest of the tomb. There was odd machinery and gears turning at the sides of the walls. I reached the end there was no door or any way out. How was I going to get out of here?
I looked up at the ceiling and gasped. Being held in the air by four chains was a coffin. Having no desire to see what type of creature deserved this 'special' treatment, I backed away immediately. However, it was too late. One of the chains broke off, causing blood to spurt everywhere. I started to run, not wanting to know where that blood was coming from. I heard another chain snap and a spattering of blood. I reached the gate and started shaking it as hard as I could. Another chain broke along with some more blood spill.
"Help!" I yelled at the top of my lungs. Only one more chain left.
The final snap occurred and the coffin landed on the floor with a loud thunk. Hesitantly, I turned around. The coffin was still closed. I waited for what seemed like an eternity, just listening to the sound of my own breathing and the whirr of the machinery. Then, the coffin started to move. Whatever was inside it was certainly awake. Then the movement got more violent. Whatever was inside was also pissed. The creature banged on the lid, and it didn't look like the lid was going to hold out much longer. Finally, it broke through the top and sat up.
It was a zombie, except it looked slightly different. The zombies so far had been blank and emotionless thus far, but this one looked positively livid. It let out a screech of anger and got up. Also, this one looked smarter and its movements were fluid, instead of jerky, like the other zombies. And as I came to find out, it was much, MUCH, faster.
It sprinted towards me, and I barely had any time to react. I fired the shotgun, and even though the shot was at close range, it only managed to stop the zombie instead of killing it. Shocked, I froze, and the zombie took this opportunity to swing at me. I jumped back, but not before it sliced my shirt. I looked over and realized that the creature also had some very sharp claws. Knowing that I couldn't stay this close, I pumped the shotgun and took another shot. This time, I could tell it hurt him. He fell to the floor.
I have to put some distance between us, I thought. I ran to the back of the crypt, near the coffin. Looking back, I saw that the uber zombie was still down. Glancing at my shotgun, I wondered how many more shots it would take. I stood my ground, waiting for it to strike again. The zombie got to its feet, a look of pure hatred on its face. I gulped. It ran toward me at lightning speed again. This time, I was ready. I fired again, catching him in the chest. Apparently, this was too much for the zombie, and he collapsed. But, not before giving one last death 'gurgle.'
Immediately, the gate lifted from the front of the crypt. I was about to run out, when something caught my eye. Inside the coffin was a little disk with the design of a lion on it. It was a little odd; the object was made of metal, with a stone ring around it. I pocketed it, and decided to leave this forsaken place. I ran up the steps, not caring why the gate opened it at the precise time I killed the monster. Checking carefully for the dog, I went out into the open air. It felt much better to be out of that tomb.
I have to go through there, I thought, looking at the gate that led back into the mansion. I went through it, and found myself in an odd looking room. There were different stained glass windows of various colors. Now honestly, what is this room used for? Why would someone build such a thing? I'd like to meet the architect who created this monstrosity. Venting the anger helped, and I left the room and entered a more normal-looking hallway. It seemed safe enough, so I decided to take a break.
Looking down at my tattered shirt, I noticed the zombie cut it through it, but missed my skin. I shuddered at how close I came to being disemboweled. Let's see, that is the. fifth time I nearly died tonight. Where do I get my card stamped?
I was about to move on when I realized something. This was the exact same hallway I lost Barry in. I ran to the end to make sure. The double doors were still broken down, and the door I had escaped through was missing its knob. There was no blood on the floor or walls, and there were no zombies either. How'd Barry get himself out of this one? Or had he?
I got to get out of here, I thought. I checked the map, and went through the door at the end of the hallway. I was outside again. There was a narrow pathway, dimly lit. Cautiously, I walked onward. At the end was a door, but it was locked. I banged and kicked it, but was too strong to break down. Now what?
I looked around, and saw a small indentation in the wall. There was a circle that read "To the defiler of the accursed coffin." Coffin? I grabbed the disk out of my pocket and stuck it in the hole. I heard a small click, and I knew the door was unlocked. At least going into the tomb wasn't a complete waste of time. I opened the door.
The door led to some type of shed. There were double doors, and some steps leading down to another door. It was pretty dim, but an object on the ground was shining brightly. I looked, and there was some type of medallion on the floor. I picked it up, and there was a picture depicting wind. Well, why not? I put it in my pocket. Checking the map again, I figured that I needed to go down the steps.
I did so, and to my disappointment, it led to an extremely woodsy area. It seemed like I was going out into the middle of nowhere. Well, more out into the middle of nowhere. A hill went down, and it was too dark to see what was at the bottom. Guess I'll just have to see for myself. As I was walking, I kept my grip on my shotgun, as the place was unfathomably eerie. Hmm. Loud thunder with lightning? Check. Secluded forest? Creepy sounds coming from unidentifiable source? Check. Evil looking statues? Oh, there's one. At the bottom of the hill was a statue of three dogs similar to the one that attacked me. Check and mate.
I finally reached a gate, and happy to see some sign of civilization, I went through them. Past the gates was a courtyard area. The grass was long and unkempt, and the pavement was rough and cracked. Walking along, I spotted two large statue type stones that had odd designs on them. I went over to them, and at the bottom of one of the stones was a small circular groove that had an inscription. It read "When the wind sweeps across the earth, stars will shine in the heavens."
Remembering the shiny medallion I found in the shed, I pulled it out and put it in the hole. The bottom part of the statue rotated around and revealed three more medallions. I went over to the second statues, and there were three more circular indentations. Putting the medallions in the corresponding holes, the bottom rotated and revealed a gun.
Well. That was certainly elaborate. I picked up the gun. It was silver and not unlike Barry's gun, except much smaller, of course. I put the gun in my pocket. Jeez, it's like I'm starting a collection. I better get moving, I thought. I've had too many distractions. It's been at least an hour since I heard the radio message.
Moving on, I reached another gate. It led to another hill, this time leading up, and I could barely make out a house. That must be the cabin. I began my descent up the hill. There was no clear path, and the weeds and rocks made climbing difficult. Gee, another design genius. Get away from your creepy mansion, and spend a weekend in the middle of a spooky forest in an isolated cabin today!
I finally reached the top after what seemed like hours. The cabin was small, and looked to be in extreme disrepair. I tried looking through the windows, but I couldn't see anything. After pacing back and forth a bit, I mustered the courage to go inside.
This is it I thought. I pushed the door open with a little more force than I intended, resulting in it slamming loudly. So much for the element of surprise. I rushed in quickly, but kept close to the entrance, just in case.
"Hello?" I called out. Nothing. I looked around. There was a lit fireplace in the middle of the room, and there were some steps leading up and back that I couldn't see. I inspected the fireplace. It looked like it had just been started. Maybe whoever lit it just stepped out for a moment. Too nervous to just stand around, I decided to check out the rest of the cabin. I went up the steps. It was incredibly dusty and there was junk all over the place.
I went into the back room, and there was nothing there except some weird handle or crank on the ground. I normally wouldn't have bothered with it, but it was so. shiny. I picked it up and put it in my pocket. Woah. These pants are really roomy.
All of a sudden, I heard the cabin door open and close. Startled, I warily walked towards the front.
"Hello?" No answer. Why doesn't anyone ever answer me?
I walked through the doorway and everything went black.
********************************************
I woke up in front of the fireplace. There was broken wood all around me. Everything was blurry, but I could make out that I broke the railing up the steps and landed on the ground. My head was pounding, and I couldn't think straight. Did I fall?
I tried to get up, but it hurt too much to move. I heard something dragging across the floor. I looked around but couldn't see anything. Then there was a rattling sound. like chains. I looked up, toward the steps. There was a shadow coming toward me. Trying desperately to get up, all I could manage was to crawl. I have to get away.
The shadow was coming closer. I couldn't get up. I began to panic. Where's my shotgun? It must still be upstairs. Fuck! Even closer now. The door seemed like a million miles away. I couldn't speak. The shadow moaned. I looked up, and immediately wished I hadn't. The shadow was finally visible.
The creature was indescribable. It was like a lump of flesh, all its distinguishing features melted into one solid mass. It was wearing rags, and its skinny arms were tied together at the hands with what appeared to be metal stocks. Upon further notice, it looked like it had human faces attached to its body. I tried to scream, tried to move, but I couldn't do anything.
The monster screamed and jumped onto the floor in front of me. I finally snapped out of it and reached into my pockets. I grabbed the first gun I felt and fired. It was the handgun, and the bullets were having no effect. The monster swung its arms down at me, and I rolled out of the way, towards the fireplace. I felt the heat on my face, and nearly choked on the smoke.
I managed to back away a few feet, coughing and sputtering. The creature left a giant hole in the floor. My head hurt worse than ever, and I couldn't see clearly. I fired away, and I knew I was missing terribly. I fired until I heard the click that meant there were no more bullets. I shoved the gun back in my pocket, and retrieved the other one. I tried to steady my hands, and aimed. I fired and was surprised at the amount of kickback I received. I nearly dropped the gun.
It was still no use, the creature was no angrier than ever, and was shuffling towards me. I struggled to get up, and managed to get on my knees. I couldn't run however, and was on the verge of giving up. The room was spinning, and I felt myself slipping.
Loud shots brought me out of my daze, and I looked up. The creature was on the ground, writhing. Someone put my arm over their shoulder and lifted me up and practically dragged me out of the cabin. My head was throbbing and the trees and ground looked like a blur. I couldn't even see who was helping me.
"Are you ok?" said a familiar voice.
"Barry? Is that you?" I said, shocked.
"Yeah. Looks like we got a little separated." He said, calmly.
I hope I'm not hallucinating this. I wanted to ask him a million questions, but the only think I could do was concentrate on trying to walk. He was virtually carrying me, as the only think I could do was drag my feet. I felt like I was going to vomit. How hard had that. thing hit me?
Before I knew it we were back at the shed. He set me on the ground, but I felt like I was still moving.
"What happened?" He asked.
I couldn't speak, so I just pointed to my head. He nodded.
"There is a place where you can rest, but I can't get there until I get some sort of crank." He said.
Crank. I checked my pocket. I pulled it out and gave it to him. He seemed surprised.
"Where did you get this?" He asked.
"Cabin." I croaked. Picking up shiny things is really working out for me.
"Let's go, you need to rest." He picked me up, and I leaned on him for support. We went out the double doors, and walked outside. I was getting steadily worse, and I couldn't make out any details of the area. I heard Barry open a gate, and we walked for a little while until he sat me down on the ground. The land was wet, but I didn't care. I looked around, and all I could see was a big body of water.
Barry inserted the crank into a hole in the wall, and started turning. The water started to drain, and I looked down into the pool, and saw some ladders leading to the other side. Barry picked me up and led me over to the ladder.
"Be careful. I'll go down first, and catch you if you fall, ok?" He said, and went down the ladder. I gripped the sides tightly, and put my foot on the rung. I was hit by a wave of dizziness, but somehow hung on. I lowered myself down, with Barry's help. The same routine went for the second ladder, and miraculously, I got to the top without any incident.
"It's only a little bit further. Hang on." He said, but I could barely hear him. I stared at the ground, since I barely had any energy to lift my head. The blurriness was making me sick. I closed my eyes. I want to go home. I want all of this to go away. I want to murder my brother with my bare hands.
"We're here." Barry said. I opened my eyes quickly. I hadn't even realized how much time passed. We were in a bedroom, and Barry helped me over to the bed.
"Stay here, I'll come back for you later." He said. I didn't even nod, for I passed out as soon as he finished the sentence.
I hit the radio a few times with my hands. Nothing. Oh well. At least it gave me a few helpful snippets of information. There is a cabin outside the mansion? Who designed this place!? The rest of the message was unclear however. Was everyone supposed to stay away from the cabin? Or stay away from something else. And why would the person specifically mention Barry?
The only way to find out was to go there, I thought. I had no problems with leaving the mansion, but what if something worse was waiting outside? I mean, that's where that snake came from, right? I sighed. I need to stop thinking so much. Besides, how will I know how to get there?
Dejected, I shoved my hands in my pockets and sat down. Inside, I felt something papery. I took it out, and realized I still had the map Richard gave me! I looked it over, and the back was also a map of the outside of the mansion. I smiled. Richard helps me again.
I studied the map. Let's see, I can get outside from the main hall. I looked around, and at the center of the steps was a mural. In the mural, which I hadn't noticed before, was a door that someone painted over. I went over to it and opened it. I stuck my head outside. The air was cool, and it was extremely dark. Even the lights outside barely cut through the darkness.
Cautiously, I stepped outside. I held my shotgun ready, just in case. Gulping, I started to explore the area a bit. The ground was mossy, and there were large weeds poking through the cracks in the pavement. Near the gates were large stones. A closer look revealed them to be. tombstones! I looked at the names: B. Ware, Runn A. Way, Watt R. Uwaitingfor, and M. Getoutnowyoustupidmoron. Hmm. That last one must be Italian.
Moving on, I saw a large gate that led back into the mansion. I was about to enter, when something caught my eye. There was a large crypt near the edge of the woods surrounding the manor. An eerie glow came from the tomb, and the curiosity getting the best of me, I decided to check it out. Maybe the glow is a sign of life. Huh. A sign of life coming from a tomb? That's like an oxymoron. Or an allegory. Maybe even a paradox.
Anyway, the mausoleum was underground, and there were steps leading down into it. Maybe this isn't such a great idea, I thought. Suddenly, I heard a slight rustling sound behind me. I whirled around, and looked everywhere. Due to the darkness however, I couldn't make anything out. I gripped my shotgun tightly.
"Who's there?" I called out. At once, a dog came partly out of the shadows. "Awww! Here doggy doggy!" I said. I loved dogs! And it would be nice to have some form of company with me. "Here doggy! Here dog-" I stopped, my mouth still open. The dog came all the way out into the light. It was covered in sores, and parts of its flesh were missing, showing the animal's bones and organs. The dog growled, and foam collected at its mouth. Then he started to run towards me.
Shocked, I tried to move backwards, but forgetting the steps as well. I tumbled down the stairs, and as soon as I landed, a large gate came down, separating me and the hound just before it pounced. The dog barked and snarled at me through the gate, but it couldn't get in. Still dazed from the fall, I remained on the ground until the hound gave up and slinked away.
Slowly, I got up and brushed myself off. Looking around, the crypt was dark and the air was awfully musty. I couldn't get out the way I came in, obviously, so I had no choice but to go through the rest of the tomb. There was odd machinery and gears turning at the sides of the walls. I reached the end there was no door or any way out. How was I going to get out of here?
I looked up at the ceiling and gasped. Being held in the air by four chains was a coffin. Having no desire to see what type of creature deserved this 'special' treatment, I backed away immediately. However, it was too late. One of the chains broke off, causing blood to spurt everywhere. I started to run, not wanting to know where that blood was coming from. I heard another chain snap and a spattering of blood. I reached the gate and started shaking it as hard as I could. Another chain broke along with some more blood spill.
"Help!" I yelled at the top of my lungs. Only one more chain left.
The final snap occurred and the coffin landed on the floor with a loud thunk. Hesitantly, I turned around. The coffin was still closed. I waited for what seemed like an eternity, just listening to the sound of my own breathing and the whirr of the machinery. Then, the coffin started to move. Whatever was inside it was certainly awake. Then the movement got more violent. Whatever was inside was also pissed. The creature banged on the lid, and it didn't look like the lid was going to hold out much longer. Finally, it broke through the top and sat up.
It was a zombie, except it looked slightly different. The zombies so far had been blank and emotionless thus far, but this one looked positively livid. It let out a screech of anger and got up. Also, this one looked smarter and its movements were fluid, instead of jerky, like the other zombies. And as I came to find out, it was much, MUCH, faster.
It sprinted towards me, and I barely had any time to react. I fired the shotgun, and even though the shot was at close range, it only managed to stop the zombie instead of killing it. Shocked, I froze, and the zombie took this opportunity to swing at me. I jumped back, but not before it sliced my shirt. I looked over and realized that the creature also had some very sharp claws. Knowing that I couldn't stay this close, I pumped the shotgun and took another shot. This time, I could tell it hurt him. He fell to the floor.
I have to put some distance between us, I thought. I ran to the back of the crypt, near the coffin. Looking back, I saw that the uber zombie was still down. Glancing at my shotgun, I wondered how many more shots it would take. I stood my ground, waiting for it to strike again. The zombie got to its feet, a look of pure hatred on its face. I gulped. It ran toward me at lightning speed again. This time, I was ready. I fired again, catching him in the chest. Apparently, this was too much for the zombie, and he collapsed. But, not before giving one last death 'gurgle.'
Immediately, the gate lifted from the front of the crypt. I was about to run out, when something caught my eye. Inside the coffin was a little disk with the design of a lion on it. It was a little odd; the object was made of metal, with a stone ring around it. I pocketed it, and decided to leave this forsaken place. I ran up the steps, not caring why the gate opened it at the precise time I killed the monster. Checking carefully for the dog, I went out into the open air. It felt much better to be out of that tomb.
I have to go through there, I thought, looking at the gate that led back into the mansion. I went through it, and found myself in an odd looking room. There were different stained glass windows of various colors. Now honestly, what is this room used for? Why would someone build such a thing? I'd like to meet the architect who created this monstrosity. Venting the anger helped, and I left the room and entered a more normal-looking hallway. It seemed safe enough, so I decided to take a break.
Looking down at my tattered shirt, I noticed the zombie cut it through it, but missed my skin. I shuddered at how close I came to being disemboweled. Let's see, that is the. fifth time I nearly died tonight. Where do I get my card stamped?
I was about to move on when I realized something. This was the exact same hallway I lost Barry in. I ran to the end to make sure. The double doors were still broken down, and the door I had escaped through was missing its knob. There was no blood on the floor or walls, and there were no zombies either. How'd Barry get himself out of this one? Or had he?
I got to get out of here, I thought. I checked the map, and went through the door at the end of the hallway. I was outside again. There was a narrow pathway, dimly lit. Cautiously, I walked onward. At the end was a door, but it was locked. I banged and kicked it, but was too strong to break down. Now what?
I looked around, and saw a small indentation in the wall. There was a circle that read "To the defiler of the accursed coffin." Coffin? I grabbed the disk out of my pocket and stuck it in the hole. I heard a small click, and I knew the door was unlocked. At least going into the tomb wasn't a complete waste of time. I opened the door.
The door led to some type of shed. There were double doors, and some steps leading down to another door. It was pretty dim, but an object on the ground was shining brightly. I looked, and there was some type of medallion on the floor. I picked it up, and there was a picture depicting wind. Well, why not? I put it in my pocket. Checking the map again, I figured that I needed to go down the steps.
I did so, and to my disappointment, it led to an extremely woodsy area. It seemed like I was going out into the middle of nowhere. Well, more out into the middle of nowhere. A hill went down, and it was too dark to see what was at the bottom. Guess I'll just have to see for myself. As I was walking, I kept my grip on my shotgun, as the place was unfathomably eerie. Hmm. Loud thunder with lightning? Check. Secluded forest? Creepy sounds coming from unidentifiable source? Check. Evil looking statues? Oh, there's one. At the bottom of the hill was a statue of three dogs similar to the one that attacked me. Check and mate.
I finally reached a gate, and happy to see some sign of civilization, I went through them. Past the gates was a courtyard area. The grass was long and unkempt, and the pavement was rough and cracked. Walking along, I spotted two large statue type stones that had odd designs on them. I went over to them, and at the bottom of one of the stones was a small circular groove that had an inscription. It read "When the wind sweeps across the earth, stars will shine in the heavens."
Remembering the shiny medallion I found in the shed, I pulled it out and put it in the hole. The bottom part of the statue rotated around and revealed three more medallions. I went over to the second statues, and there were three more circular indentations. Putting the medallions in the corresponding holes, the bottom rotated and revealed a gun.
Well. That was certainly elaborate. I picked up the gun. It was silver and not unlike Barry's gun, except much smaller, of course. I put the gun in my pocket. Jeez, it's like I'm starting a collection. I better get moving, I thought. I've had too many distractions. It's been at least an hour since I heard the radio message.
Moving on, I reached another gate. It led to another hill, this time leading up, and I could barely make out a house. That must be the cabin. I began my descent up the hill. There was no clear path, and the weeds and rocks made climbing difficult. Gee, another design genius. Get away from your creepy mansion, and spend a weekend in the middle of a spooky forest in an isolated cabin today!
I finally reached the top after what seemed like hours. The cabin was small, and looked to be in extreme disrepair. I tried looking through the windows, but I couldn't see anything. After pacing back and forth a bit, I mustered the courage to go inside.
This is it I thought. I pushed the door open with a little more force than I intended, resulting in it slamming loudly. So much for the element of surprise. I rushed in quickly, but kept close to the entrance, just in case.
"Hello?" I called out. Nothing. I looked around. There was a lit fireplace in the middle of the room, and there were some steps leading up and back that I couldn't see. I inspected the fireplace. It looked like it had just been started. Maybe whoever lit it just stepped out for a moment. Too nervous to just stand around, I decided to check out the rest of the cabin. I went up the steps. It was incredibly dusty and there was junk all over the place.
I went into the back room, and there was nothing there except some weird handle or crank on the ground. I normally wouldn't have bothered with it, but it was so. shiny. I picked it up and put it in my pocket. Woah. These pants are really roomy.
All of a sudden, I heard the cabin door open and close. Startled, I warily walked towards the front.
"Hello?" No answer. Why doesn't anyone ever answer me?
I walked through the doorway and everything went black.
********************************************
I woke up in front of the fireplace. There was broken wood all around me. Everything was blurry, but I could make out that I broke the railing up the steps and landed on the ground. My head was pounding, and I couldn't think straight. Did I fall?
I tried to get up, but it hurt too much to move. I heard something dragging across the floor. I looked around but couldn't see anything. Then there was a rattling sound. like chains. I looked up, toward the steps. There was a shadow coming toward me. Trying desperately to get up, all I could manage was to crawl. I have to get away.
The shadow was coming closer. I couldn't get up. I began to panic. Where's my shotgun? It must still be upstairs. Fuck! Even closer now. The door seemed like a million miles away. I couldn't speak. The shadow moaned. I looked up, and immediately wished I hadn't. The shadow was finally visible.
The creature was indescribable. It was like a lump of flesh, all its distinguishing features melted into one solid mass. It was wearing rags, and its skinny arms were tied together at the hands with what appeared to be metal stocks. Upon further notice, it looked like it had human faces attached to its body. I tried to scream, tried to move, but I couldn't do anything.
The monster screamed and jumped onto the floor in front of me. I finally snapped out of it and reached into my pockets. I grabbed the first gun I felt and fired. It was the handgun, and the bullets were having no effect. The monster swung its arms down at me, and I rolled out of the way, towards the fireplace. I felt the heat on my face, and nearly choked on the smoke.
I managed to back away a few feet, coughing and sputtering. The creature left a giant hole in the floor. My head hurt worse than ever, and I couldn't see clearly. I fired away, and I knew I was missing terribly. I fired until I heard the click that meant there were no more bullets. I shoved the gun back in my pocket, and retrieved the other one. I tried to steady my hands, and aimed. I fired and was surprised at the amount of kickback I received. I nearly dropped the gun.
It was still no use, the creature was no angrier than ever, and was shuffling towards me. I struggled to get up, and managed to get on my knees. I couldn't run however, and was on the verge of giving up. The room was spinning, and I felt myself slipping.
Loud shots brought me out of my daze, and I looked up. The creature was on the ground, writhing. Someone put my arm over their shoulder and lifted me up and practically dragged me out of the cabin. My head was throbbing and the trees and ground looked like a blur. I couldn't even see who was helping me.
"Are you ok?" said a familiar voice.
"Barry? Is that you?" I said, shocked.
"Yeah. Looks like we got a little separated." He said, calmly.
I hope I'm not hallucinating this. I wanted to ask him a million questions, but the only think I could do was concentrate on trying to walk. He was virtually carrying me, as the only think I could do was drag my feet. I felt like I was going to vomit. How hard had that. thing hit me?
Before I knew it we were back at the shed. He set me on the ground, but I felt like I was still moving.
"What happened?" He asked.
I couldn't speak, so I just pointed to my head. He nodded.
"There is a place where you can rest, but I can't get there until I get some sort of crank." He said.
Crank. I checked my pocket. I pulled it out and gave it to him. He seemed surprised.
"Where did you get this?" He asked.
"Cabin." I croaked. Picking up shiny things is really working out for me.
"Let's go, you need to rest." He picked me up, and I leaned on him for support. We went out the double doors, and walked outside. I was getting steadily worse, and I couldn't make out any details of the area. I heard Barry open a gate, and we walked for a little while until he sat me down on the ground. The land was wet, but I didn't care. I looked around, and all I could see was a big body of water.
Barry inserted the crank into a hole in the wall, and started turning. The water started to drain, and I looked down into the pool, and saw some ladders leading to the other side. Barry picked me up and led me over to the ladder.
"Be careful. I'll go down first, and catch you if you fall, ok?" He said, and went down the ladder. I gripped the sides tightly, and put my foot on the rung. I was hit by a wave of dizziness, but somehow hung on. I lowered myself down, with Barry's help. The same routine went for the second ladder, and miraculously, I got to the top without any incident.
"It's only a little bit further. Hang on." He said, but I could barely hear him. I stared at the ground, since I barely had any energy to lift my head. The blurriness was making me sick. I closed my eyes. I want to go home. I want all of this to go away. I want to murder my brother with my bare hands.
"We're here." Barry said. I opened my eyes quickly. I hadn't even realized how much time passed. We were in a bedroom, and Barry helped me over to the bed.
"Stay here, I'll come back for you later." He said. I didn't even nod, for I passed out as soon as he finished the sentence.