Chapter Fifteen: iAm Attacked

Carly Shay laughed "No, no I did not!" Her boyfriend Brad Hart grinned at her "Trust me, you did!" "No!" she protested "Why would I ever like Freddie as a partner?" "You did go out with him for a week or so." "I know but I was just amazed that he risked his life to save me. I didn't actually have feelings for him it just felt right but once the star-struck feeling wore off, I realized the truth. The passion just didn't exist and a relationship between Freddie and I would never work, we were just meant to be good friends" She explained. "But you still dated him." He stated simply before smirking. She rolled her eyes "Alright you win." He laughed and gave her a quick kiss.

Suddenly his eyes widened as he spotted a shadow rapidly approaching from the skies above. "Hey Carly, look out!" He shouted. She spun around and dropping their groceries, they dropped to the ground and covered their heads with their heads. They heard a terrifying screech and the rush of wind as the shadow passed overhead. Thy opened their eyes and Carlys' widened in horror. She screamed in terror and scrambled to his feet. Brad also got up and his eyes widened with shock as he too caught sight of the monstrosity.

Its streamlined body was covered in scaly skin and huge leathery wings sprouted from its body. Its huge wings ran along two extended finger bones that supported the wings. The creature was clearly no bird but a type of reptile. But there were no flying reptiles. Clearly, someone had forgotten to tell this monster that it shouldn't technically exist. The reptile's wings supported its huge body whilst flying. This creature's wings were not covered in feathers but instead were formed by skin. Its long neck carried a small head sporting a long curved beak that ended in a razor sharp point. It's cold, red eyes stared back at them and its powerful yet stubby legs sported two clawed feet. The creature cawed harshly before berating its powerful wings.

Carly screamed and stepped back but Brad reacted faster. He grabbed a stone off the ground and hurled it at the beast. The creature turned away as the stone struck its face. Screeching in pain, it drew itself to its full height so that the reptile towered over the pair at nearly 7 feet tall. Launching itself off the ground, the monster flew upwards and soared away into the light of the setting sun. Its final eerie cry rang out as it faded from view.

Brad dropped the second rock he held in his fist and staggered backwards. He was breathing heavily and adrenaline was still racing through him as his raw instincts to survive and protect his partner continued to transmit information to his rapidly reacting brain. Behind the adrenaline though, he felt tears forming as his basic instincts gradually wore off to be replaced by human emotion and feeling.

Turning to Carly, he took in her pale face and shaking and asked the question he knew both of them were thinking "What the hell was that thing?" She simply shook her head. She opened her mouth to speak but no words came out. He drew her into a hug and held as the shock of the attack wore off. Once her trembling ceased, she pulled away and gazed up at him "A-Are you okay?" He nodded "Don't worry I'm ok. How are you?" She managed a smile "Ok so far." He nodded

"We have to get back to the apartments and tell everyone. Maybe together we can work out what that creature was." She nodded and took his hand. Nodding, the two sprinted back toward the apartment complex as afternoon began to give away to evening.

Spencer sat in his apartment munching on potato chips as he sat watching 2012 on his flat screen TV. His faithful labrador dog lay by his feet. Titan sat up and growled as a dog appeared on screen. He barked at the virtual dog and Spencer smirked "Don't worry boy. It's not real." He gently pushed Titan down to a laying position and sat back, transfixed by the fast-paced, action-packed film whilst the labrador barked loudly at the screen.

Over in the Benson's apartment, Sam and Freddie sat on the sofa kissing passionately. Their arms were wrapped around one another and they were lost in a steamy haze of passion. Freddie rational mind was lost as his desire took over and he kissed her again. His arms wrapped around her slim waist and she moaned lustfully as her hormones began bubbling within her. Their lips collided again and locked together….

Gibby smirked as he looked at the ground far below. The gentle swaying motion was soothing to him and he punched the air triumphantly. The camel turned its long neck and grunted at him whilst chewing on grasses. It had taken some persuasion and a bit of bribery but his dream of riding a camel through downtown Seattle had finally come true!

Suddenly the camel halted sharply and jolting him forwards. He grabbed onto its thick hair as he was nearly thrown off. "Hey, what was that for? We had a deal!" He reminded the creature. Grunting the camel gazed straight ahead. "What is it?" The camel's throat rippled as it groaned. At last, he gazed in the direction that his mount was looking. What he saw surprised him. Carly and Brad were racing back towards the apartment complex. He slid off his mount and took off after them. The camel turned and spotted the bundle of grass tucked under his arm. Its ears perked up and it grunted before trotting after him with its eyes fixed on the grass bundle.

Sam and Freddie lay on the sofa, lip-locked and kissing passionately. Suddenly the sound of pounding feet broke through their haze of passion. The two pulled apart and quickly sat up before straightening their clothes. Just twenty seconds later, the door burst open and Carly ran in. "Guys come on. There's an urgent meeting in our apartment. Brad and I have serious news!" The pair exchanged puzzled glances.

Rolling her eyes, Carly grabbed each of her friend's wrists with one hand and dragged them up, across the hall and into her apartment. Titan appeared and walked over to her, holding a plastic feeding bowl in his mouth.

The dog gazed up at her hopefully, waving his bushy tail. She grabbed the bowl and quickly dumped it on the floor before grabbing a sachet of dry food from the counter. Filling the bowl, she turned back to her perplexed friends. Behind her, Titan ran over to his bowl and began devouring the dog food. "Carly what's going on?" Freddie asked, frowning, and Sam nodded. She sighed "Listen I'll explain later I promise. Where are Gibby, Spencer and your mom?"

Just then Spencer emerged from his bedroom "Carly what's up?" He asked looking concerned. "I'll explain in a minute I promise. Where is your mom?" Just then a voice sounded from outside "Freddie? Sam? Are you two in there?" The door swung open and Mrs. Benson stepped in "Sit down please, Mrs. Benson. This is an important meeting." Her eyes widened but she nodded and sat. Freddie and Sam also sat, looking puzzled, and Spencer shot her a look." Please Spencer. As soon as Brad finds Gibby I'll explain. Just listen to me please."

At last, he nodded and settled on the sofa. Just then Brad burst in with Gibby and Guppy following "Found him but Gibby somehow got a camel to follow him but I left it tethered in the lobby." Gibby frowned "I demand to be allowed to return to my camel. I have rights!" Carly sighed "Gibby, please sit down. Your camel will be fine for a while. Brad and I have important news." At last, he sat and Guppy joined him. "Happy birthday!" He said cheerfully.

Carly nodded "Hi to you too Guppy." "Do you know what this is about?" Gibby whispered to Sam and Freddie. They both shook their heads." Today Brad and I were heading back from the park when we saw a pack of dogs. We panicked but suddenly, they all ran off. We weren't sure why they had gone but we were glad so we continued. Then, all of a sudden, Brad knocked me to the ground, just as this huge winged creature flew down right in front of us and blocked our way. We got up and it kept screeching and trying to attack us."

"You were attacked?!" Spencer shouted, rising from his seat. He looked shocked. "Are you okay?" Sam demanded and Freddie looked shocked. "What about Brad? Is he ok?" Mrs Benson asked as Gibby and Freddie turned to stare anxiously at their friend. "Guys I'm fine! We both are!" Carly insisted. "No really." She added, gazing at her brother. Then everyone relaxed, though Spencer and Mrs. Benson still looked concerned.

"This creature, what did it look like?" Freddie asked. "Well, it was a flying reptile definitely." Carly and Brad nodded. "It had a huge body covered in scales with huge wings made of skin supported by two longer finger membranes. Its wings had no feathers at all." He added then Carly continued "It had a long neck and a small head with a long, sharp beak and red eyes. Its legs were squat and there were four claws on each foot." Brad finished. Everyone looked startled by their description of the flying monster. "Well, um, what sort of noises could it make?" Sam asked. "The creature could emit loud screams or caws." Carly said and Brad nodded "It could also screech." He added.

"You're saying it was a reptile not a bird?" Freddie asked. They both nodded "We're sure." Brad insisted. Spencer shook his head "That's impossible. "The only flying animals are birds or bats." "It was a reptile." Carly insisted and Brad nodded. Mrs. Benson sighed "Perhaps you too thought it was a reptile but didn't look at it properly." She said sympathetically. "When you're scared and startled, your eyes see things that aren't there and your brain plays tricks on you."

Gibby nodded "It's true. That happens to me all the time." Sam rolled her eyes "No Gibby, you're just a moron." "Hey!" He cried defensively. Freddie placed a hand on her shoulder. "Sam, be nice." She sighed but nodded "Alright I'm sorry." "And happy birthday!" Guppy cried. Gibby rolled his eyes. "Hey guys! Can we get back on track!" Carly exclaimed and Brad nodded. Everyone instantly turned to her.

"Carly are you sure it was a reptile?" Spencer asked seriously. She nodded confidently. "Maybe it was a really big vulture?" Gibby suggested. Brad shook his head "No, no way. This creature was too big to be any bird." "Well how big was it?" Mrs. Benson asked. Brad thought for a moment then spoke "7-8 feet tall." Mrs. Benson sighed "Well then it's obvious. The creature you saw was just an ostrich!" Brad clenched his hands into fists. He was getting angry now. "It was not a bird!" He exclaimed. Everyone started. "Brad. Calm down!" Mrs. Benson told him sharply. "Yeah jeez dude. Take it easy." Sam told him.

"Let's all just calm down and talk this out." Spencer suggested. Mrs. Benson nodded. Brad gazed coldly at them, both then turned and left the apartment, slamming the door shut behind him. Gibby cringed "Yikes! What did I say?" Mrs. Benson sighed "Don't worry Gibby it's not your fault. Brad just can't accept the truth. We'll leave him alone until he decides to behave properly." Freddie looked concerned "Maybe I should go talk to him..." His mother shook her head "No Freddie there's no point. He won't listen to any of us now." Sam nodded "Hate to say it but she's right. Give him some time to cool off."

At last he nodded "Ok." Gibby stood up and stretched "Well I'm gonna go check on my camel. Come on bro." He turned and left and Gibby followed. Once they left, Mrs. Benson stood up "Tell me once Brad is prepared for a logical talk. Sam, Freddie dinner will be ready in 36 minutes. Tell Gibby when you see him. "Okay mom." "Sure thing Mrs. Benson." With that she left. Sam placed a hand on Carly's shoulder "Don't worry Carls. He'll be fine and then we'll figure out what that creature is." She merely nodded sadly and looked down at the floor. Freddie, unsure of what to say, merely cast his friend a sympathetic look and left. Sam glared at his retreating figure before turning her back to her dismayed friend. "Are you gonna be okay?" She nodded "Its ok Sam. Go and have dinner." Reluctantly, the blonde teenager turned and left.

Spencer turned top Carly and opened his mouth but paused. He wasn't sure of what to say and didn't want to further upset her so he simply said "Hey, uh, Carly could you stay here and watch Titan? I have to go buy some stuff for dinner." She nodded and slumped down onto the sofa. The dog walked over and climbed onto the couch beside her. She slowly petted Titan as he stared blankly at the floor. Spencer then left. He walked down the stairs, through the lobby, and out onto the streets. He got into his car, turned the key in the ignition and drove away towards the supermarket.

Back at the apartment, Mrs. Benson busied herself in the kitchen chopping vegetables and grilling fish. SirLicksALot lay asleep on the rug and Frothy wandered past. Sam scooped him and began stroking his fur as she stared at the television. Gibby had left his camel tethered in the complex garage with grass and a bucket of water.

He had claimed it as his new pet but Mrs. Benson had refused to allow a camel to sleep in the apartment. Inside the garage, the camel was safe from wolves and packs of wild dogs. Not even the grizzly bears could get inside.

Freddie couldn't understand why Sam was acting so cold towards him. She was sitting on the opposite sofa stroking her cat and not even looking at him. She hadn't spoken to him since they'd left Carly's apartment and was fixed on the television where a science fiction film called Jurassic Park 3 was blaring. She was never interested in dinosaurs so she clearly wasn't watching the movie but ignoring him. He couldn't understand what he had done to upset her.

At last he spoke up "Sam what's wrong?" She turned to him "You treated our best friend like crud that's what!" He was taken aback. "What do you mean?!" "Back with Carly. She was upset and hurt and you said nothing. You just left." "I-I didn't know what to say." "Well you better go say something!" He thought for a moment then nodded as he realized Sam was right. He had to at least try being sympathetic. He stood up and opened the door when Mrs. Benson called "Freddie! Dinner will be ready in 10 minutes." "Don't worry mom. I'm just going to see Carly." "Oh well ok. But be back in time for dinner!" "I will mom." With that, he exited.

Meanwhile, Spencer sat in the leather seat gripping the steering wheel. He had activated the car's headlights and carefully scanned the road ahead. Evening had darkened and night had descended. The lack of light meant he had to drive particularly carefully to avoid rubbish on the streets or migrating animals. A collision with a bear or a wildebeest could be catastrophic.

Suddenly a loud shriek sounded directly overhead. Next, a huge winged shadow flew over his car. He started. The creature's wingspan measured nearly 40 feet across. It was the length and size of a small aircraft! What kind of bird was this? The winged monster screamed again before its shape faded into the darkness. He relaxed slightly and loosened his grip on the wheel. Suddenly its monstrous face loomed up out of the darkness. Next its powerful body and adjoining wings took shape until the whole creature was in view and flying directly at the car. Screaming in terror, he slammed his feet down on the brakes. Tyres screeching, the vehicle screeched to a halt and jolted him forward in his seat. Just as he sat up, the flying monster swooped in and landed on its taloned feet directly in front of the car. This was not a bird but a reptile, he could tell from the scales covering its body and its featherless wings. But then how could it possibly fly? And how could any reptile grow to such tremendous sizes? This reptile towered over him and the vehicle. He stood nearly 6 feet tall and the vehicle was around 5-6 feet tall. This flying predator stood around 8 feet tall.

Its monstrous body supported two huge wings formed by extended finger membranes and its body rested on clawed feet extending from its hind legs. The creature sported a curved beak growing from a small head atop a long, flexible neck. The creature screeched at him before rising into the air on its huge wings. Then the airborne retile lunged forwards and its clawed feet reached for him. He threw himself flat just as the reptile's huge talons pierced the car windscreen. Broken glass showered all over the front part of the vehicle but he managed to avoid being cut. The vehicle shuddered as the huge creature perched itself on the hood and folded its wings.

The reptile screamed; an awfully harsh cry. Next, the monster turned and hopped back onto the street. Turning back to face the vehicle, the winged thrust its dagger-like beak through the screen opening. He opened his door and scrambled out. Scrambling to his feet, he turned and ran towards a restaurant across the street. Once inside, he bolted the front door shut. Fear and adrenaline surged through him as he suddenly recognized the monster he was running from. This was no ordinary, present-day reptile. This was a either a genetically mutated creature or a prehistoric flying dinosaur!

The monster turned its head and screeched before launching into the air and gliding after him. The monster landed outside the restaurant and hammered on the locked door with its beak. Its beak split the wood open and the broken door fell into the entrance. The creature next smashed the side windows into fragments by swinging its beaked head around twice. Folding its wings, it crawled into the restaurant. Knocking over the tables, it advanced on Spencer as he hid behind the main desk.

Thinking quickly, he grabbed an umbrella from the stand and hurled it at the monster, striking its beak. To his surprise, it screamed in agony before turning and crawling away. Once it waddled out into the streets, it spread its wings and launched up into the air before vanishing into the pitch-black skies. He waited for a few moments but it did not return.

At last, he emerged from his hiding spot and walked out onto the street. He gazed up into the dark skies but there was no sign of the winged creature. Brad and Carly were right! There was a flying reptile in the city! He turned and ran back towards his car. Jumping into the driver seat, he turned the key in the ignition and the engine roared into life. Turning the wheel, he pulled the battered vehicle around and sped back towards the apartment complex as fast as possible.

Behind him, dark clouds covered the skies above the city. Thunder rumbled and dazzling lightning crackled above the city. Rain lashed the city, drenching all the streets and empty buildings. The rainwater would further erode the walls and roofs of the crumbling houses and office towers. Other metallic or concrete inventions, such as railings, postboxes and crashed or abandoned vehicles would also be damaged by the rainwater from the storm. The city's animal population also responded to the storm. Colonies of feral cats hid in the office towers and hunted the thriving mouse population. The packs of wild dogs and wolves continued to hunt on the streets in spite of the downpour. The bears retreated back into the forest and adjoining mountains. The storm finally seemed to drive the lions and other zoo animals out of the city as they began the winter migration south

However the deer chose to stay and roam the streets and so the wild dogs remained. The flying reptile sheltered inside an apartment complex, preening its wings using its beak. Next, it gave a startled shriek as lightning flashed overhead, casting a terrifying shadow of the reptile on the opposite wall. A storm was brewing and not just a physical one…