*HELLO, EVERYONE! WELCOME TO ANOTHER CHAPTER. THERE ARE NO ANNOUNCEMENTS THAT I HAVE TO MAKE SO HERE ARE YOUR QUESTIONS!

QUESTIONS!!:
-How would you deal with life knowing you're a proxy? (I'd be pretty freaked out man, like, shit, I don't wanna die.)
-If your life could be an anime, which one would it be? (Free Iwatobi (≖◞౪◟≖). It has muscles and no one dies! Well, except for Rin's dad. •-•)*

Stay Creepy, My Friends!~

Chapter 35

A store came into view and I raced towards the entrance. Despite entering, I did not put my hood down even as the stores scent and the calm people around me signaled no danger whatsoever. I looked at the signs to find the women's clothing area. Once I found the right direction, I made my way through other areas and walkways. The store was quiet but it wasn't unsettling. Occasionally a baby would squeal with delight but otherwise things were okay.

Upon walking to the women's section, I passed by the electronics. Flat screens tempting with high quality, laptops lay sleek and clean, phones awaited to be bought and tablets were streaked from curious usage. As I was passing, I spotted one of the TVs presenting a news program. I smiled at the sight of the TIRACorp logo, along with a team of scientists. My father was in the shot, along with his close colleague Dr. Stephens. I couldn't help myself but to walk up to the TVs and watch the one with my father on it, intently. The volume was low but it talked about the work he's been studying for years and the benefits it will have on the world. One of the greatest projects that the news seemed to be so fond of was the "Blood Steel" program. As I caught a few words of explanation, I remembered what it was. Dr. Stephen's intern, Ian Harris, had talked to me about it while taking me on a tour. It had something to do with a serum modifying the blood to repair wounds and even boost stamina in the user. It's still a work in progress but it seems to be getting a lot of support. Maybe one day we'll have soldiers out on the battlefield with this serum. At the rate the world is going, it seems that wars keep spawning. With the end of a war, a new one begins. If my father and his team are successful, things can get better. They'll be able to make history in the field of genetics along with the history of mankind itself.

"Good job, ChiChi," I whispered happily, while fist pumping the air privately. My celebration was soon interrupted as breaking news scrolled across the screen. To my surprise, all of the TVs bore the same breaking news. It was the local news channel's broadcast. I watched as a news anchor showed up on the screen, looking deadly serious. I wondered what could've happened.

"Excuse this interruption," the news anchor said, "There has just been word of a public disturbance in uptown Gracewood. At approximately three o'clock this afternoon, a patient admitted into the Gracewood Hospital and Psychiatric Center had gone on a rampage. Witnesses at the site reported seeing the patient attack two nurses and three doctors -who fortunately survived the attack- before jumping out of a window on the fourth floor. He was not found outside of the hospital and no signs of death on impact were found. Law enforcement was called to the scene but they could not find the patient anywhere within the vicinity. The police believe that the patient is still within Gracewood. All citizens must take caution as medical reports have stated that the man was recently attacked by a wild animal and a severe sickness was spread to him. Doctors declare it may be a newly mutated strain of rabies or a new virus altogether. Citizens keep within your homes or commute somewhere within a populated and safe area. If anyone spots this man, please contact the police and do not engage him, I repeat, do not engage him."

The news anchor was replaced by a sketch image of this danger-labeled hospital patient. My eyes widened and my blood ran cold at the sight. He looked like something out of an H.P. Lovecraft tale. I don't think I could correctly call him a he, but more like an it. The eyes looked swollen, almost closed. One of the arms looked bumpier than the other and more twisted. The patient hunched over and the stance looked painful. A lot of black ooze dribbled down the mouth like the saliva of a hungry dog. There were a few distorted holes in the patient's other arm which triggered a hidden trypophobia in me. I wanted to turn away and grimace, hoping to forget the image in my head. Usually sketch artist renderings aren't all specific so the thought of this thing being more disturbing than the picture before me sent chills throughout my body. But it isn't a thing, it's a man. A human being.

A sudden memory came to mind, one I would like to forget completely. That trip with Jeff. The road. The unnerving atmosphere. The placid looking trees. A pair of glowing, ferocious eyes. Then the attack. A black, lumbering beast. Distorted, twisted, mangled. Monstrous. Its cry of hunger, which sounded like a thousand dying lions. What was it called?

Corrupted.

Jeff said they're called the Corrupted. Atrocious creatures created from pure vile and darkness. What else had he said? Their poison causes infection to the victim, inevitably turning them into a Corrupted too. I clenched my teeth as a dangerous revelation surfaced. That man wasn't attacked by a wild animal, he was attacked by a Corrupted. He got infected and now he's going through the symptoms of the poison. He escaped around three o'clock, right? That's a few minutes before the final bell for my school rings. I check the time. Four thirty-two. That man has been on the loose for at least an hour, maybe a little more than that. Since when has that mean been hospitalized? Jeff didn't make it clear if the poison is fast acting or it takes time. Does it depend on the Corrupted or the amount of poison? All I can guess is that by now the patient must already be fully, if not near, mutated. Those doctors have no idea what was coursing through his blood stream but it definitely was not a new strain of rabies. Another unsettling thing to worry about is the fact that he got attacked by another Corrupted. This means another is still out there and it won't be leaving. Those things are coming for Elizabeth. I remember Ben saying they would swarm. He was right.

I pulled out my phone and took a quick picture of the sketch image, just in time before it was taken down to show the news anchor again. She talked about the details of the doctors' and nurses' injuries and other witness reports. No one outside of the hospital has seen the patient yet. The doctors and nurses who were attacked only gained scratches and bruises from getting thrown against objects or walls. A thought came to mind and it made me sick. What if the patient could infect other people with poison? Is biting the only way or can scratches do the trick too...? Two nurses and three doctors. Five people. Five potential Corrupted.

A few small memories starting popping up. I couldn't really call them memories though. They were times from when I was temporarily blind. I was sitting in a bed, waiting for my doctor. A loud commotion stirred up. Doctors and nurses talking urgently with each other over a patient in need of help quickly. They came and went. That's when I met Addie. We talked. She said that the man in need of help looked severely injured. Like an animal attack.

I gulped. That was this past Saturday. The poison must've been slow to have lasted through the weekend and take effect only today. I couldn't brush this sinking feeling of fear away. My first encounter with a Corrupted was not a pleasant one. The only way I survived was because Jeff fought it and Sam defended me. I clutched my phone in my hands. If I run into that patient while I'm out here, Jeff won't be able to aid me. Sam is inactive. My only way of defense is a letter opener. The blade isn't even that sharp. What happens if I encounter the patient? I could call on Ben, right? No, he's busy taking care of Jack. Well, I'm sure me getting attacked by a beast of evil is more worrisome than Jack's fever... And what if it's too late? What if I'm ambushed? If I die, I can't call for help. If I'm infected, I'll be far from saving.

I looked down at my phone and opened the picture of the sketch. With a knowing grimace, I sent it to Ben's number and wrote down all the details I could. I checked the time. Just shy of four forty. I should probably get to shopping. As I was walking, my phone received a text. I slowed down to read it. It was from Ben. It said: Thanks for the info. We'll keep a look out.

I smiled, feeling a little better about the situation.

Suddenly another text.

It said: P.S. Jack ran off.

My eye twitched. I pinched the bridge of my nose and grumbled, "Jesus, Ben you had one job...!" Where could Jack have run off to and why?! The man is sick, does he not know that?! Was his hurling not a clear enough reason to stay resting?! I texted for Ben to go look for him.

He said: Okay ◝(⁰▿⁰)◜

I rubbed my temple and took in a deep breath. It's fine, Ao. Everything is just fine. Just get Elizabeth those new clothes and go before it gets too late.

Along the way I found a backpack on sale and picked it up, knowing I need a new one to replace my current school back. It was getting past its prime after two years of usage. Plus, I can probably carry the other items inside of it and trek back to the hideout easier. Double win. And, lucky for me, the backpack was blue. Triple win.

I finally got to the women's section and looked for the right size. I grabbed three pairs of everything I thought Elizabeth needed. Should I get her some shoes? No, her boots look sturdy. It'll take a while before those fall apart. What about womanly things? Every girl pays her monthly dues. Well, except super heroes, apparently. They never deal with cramps and back pains. Friggin' super heroes.

I got everything together and began making my way to the front of the store to pay. On the way, I noticed an auto area. I neat idea came to mind and I raced over. I checked the sections until I came upon some gear. I don't think Jeff has gotten an new helmet yet. If he goes out, he's stuck with the pink one. To save him the trouble, I grabbed a shining black motorcycle helmet and examined it. It looks like the other one, tinted visor and all. I'm sure this will cheer him up some.

I made it to the pay center and placed the items on the counter. As the cashier was scanning the items, I opened up my phone case and pulled out a credit card. The card was allowed and I would be able to pay for everything at a later time. All of the items were put into bags and I took them appreciatively. "Thank you," I told the cashier and began making my way out of the store. When I made it outside onto the curb, I opened the new backpack and stuffed the items inside. Once everything was strategically placed, I slung the bag over my shoulder and appreciated how snug it was.

I started making my way back to the hideout, remembering the way I came and what I passed by. I saw a lot of people closing up shops despite it being so early. I'd understand if it was one or two, but almost a whole plaza was being closed for the day. It must be the news. I gulped and tugged on the collar of my shirt. I put more speed into my pace.

As I walked, I had this itching feeling on my waist. I scratched but it was one of those irritating itches that hurt. I groaned, stopped for a moment and picked up my shirt. A gasp escaped my mouth. It was the proxy symbol. It bore its scarlet hue on my skin, making me wince from the pain it was causing. The itching grew worse and it felt more like a burn. I groaned and put my shirt down. Why does it show up now? For what? I took a step forward but the heat spiked down my leg and I stumbled to a crouch. Why does it have to hurt so much? After taking a few deep breaths, I stood up straight and started walking. I had a bit of a limp but otherwise I could handle the burn.

As I neared the landscape around the hideout, the proxy symbol was burning too hot for me to walk any further. I kneeled beside a dirt road and caught my breath. Ah, geez, why does it burn so much? There must be a reason. I pulled my hood down and let the fresh air reach all of my head. I sat on that road for a few minutes. I checked the time. Five twenty-three. I'm so close to getting to the hideout. I can still make it. I groaned as I stood up and started walking.

The wind made the branches of trees sway and the tall grass dance around. It would've looked beautiful if not for the knowledge that there are Corrupted scouring Gracewood. I sighed. Up ahead I saw a bronco. I smiled and watched it graze the grass for a meal. The hide was a sweet chocolate brown and the mane was a sleek black. I rarely get to see one of them. A few wild animals tend to wander into the more populated areas of Gracewood but I've never gotten to see one out here like this. I had this urge to go up and pet it, but the bronco would probably run away.

There was a strange memory that came to mind. A horse with a lighter colored hide and lighter colored mane. It snorted briefly. I heard a voice say "Come Philip" and the horse was lead by some reins. It trudged through some bumpy terrain but stayed standing strong and tall. It was beautiful.

The memory went away as sudden as it came. I furrowed my brow. Funny, I don't ever remember meeting that horse, let alone getting so close to one. Philip. I wonder when that could've happened.

In the moment, I pulled out my phone and took a picture of the grazing bronco. I looked at the photo and smiled. Can't wait to show Jack. Well, unless Ben doesn't find him then yeah I'll have to wait. I still can't believe he ran off!

"Men," I sighed and started walking. I was careful not to approach the bronco so I wouldn't disturb it. I passed it up and the both of us went on our merry way. I got about eight yards away from the wild animal when there was a loud, frightened whining. I stopped in my tracks, turned around and saw that the beautiful bronco was gone. Confused, I scanned the rest of the environment to see if it had wandered off. Even if it was running, I still would've seen it leave. Where could it have gone?

I had this urge to investigate but the time disagreed with my thoughts. As I walked, I still tried to spot the bronco. Nature was quiet, not even the wind whistled. The trees were still and no birds sang within them. My stomach churned, feeling like bricks were being weighed on it. My lips twitched a little. I kept going despite my anxiety.

Out of the corner of my eye, something big was hurtled at me and, with a loud cry of surprise, I jumped away. I fell on my side and groaned. My senses were completely alert now with adrenaline. I sat up and looked to see what had been thrown. A loud, shrilled scream escaped my lips as I lay my eyes on the bloody corpse of the once living bronco. Now I realize why it whined so loudly and fiercely. It was one of fear and a cry for help. Something killed it. Something killed it...!

I backed away and held back the urge to throw up. I diverted my eyes away from the mutilated bronco and looked to the trees. There. In the trees. There's something in there. In the darkness. Watching me. Calculating. Preparing.

My body began to shiver as I stared at the figure in the woods. I scrambled back, the dirt road scraping my palms, and I fell into the cover of the thin grass. It would offer no protection, though, and I watched the figure prowl closer into sight. Once it came out of the shadows, I stared with wide eyes at the familiar figure. It's the patient, the one people are so worried about. Looking at him now, I was right about the real thing looking more grotesque than the sketch rendering. I wanted to gag but I feared that whatever I do could mean certain death for me. He was more mutated than the sketch and I decided that it was no longer a human being. It's too late to call him that. Sadly, I can only call him an it. How horrible for someone to do.

Despite the swollen eyes it seemed the monster could see perfectly. It limped slightly towards me and I shifted back. What should I do? What can I do? I need to call Ben. That seemed like a poor idea though. If I say or make any sudden movement, this Corrupted could pounce and slaughter me. I have no choice but to figure out a way to escape its presence. I could always run and call for Ben too. Though, judging by how fast the bronco came and went, the Corrupted is probably fast. I'll be under its maw faster than I can register. It was then that I silently pleaded for Sam to do something. Why isn't he doing anything? How can he just stay dormant and idle when here I am, drowning in my panic? Why won't he come back? The idea of him having left me was one I couldn't accept but now, in this situation, I have no choice but to believe he did. He's gone. Now I'm alone, with a hungry beast, far from the aid of people. My heart ached.

I looked around me, trying to find something that could help me somehow. Far ahead to where I could've walked was an old warehouse. It didn't seem far but with the thought of a Corrupted pursuing me the place seemed like a million miles away. I looked at the Corrupted and saw it prowling towards me. Slowly, I began to rise to my feet. It growled fiercely and I stopped my movement, preparing to feel it tackle me. Nothing happened. It stayed staring. Once I stood up straight, I took in a deep breath and eyed the warehouse. There may be something in there that can help me. Or maybe I can trap the beast inside somehow. There's only one way to find out.

I relieved my adrenalized body by breaking into a sprint. I exerted my panicked energy into running the fastest I have ever run, and I set my sights on the warehouse. I never looked back, even as I heard the Corrupted bound after me and screech with hunger. I'm lucky to have bought my new backpack so the bags wouldn't have held me back. I hoped it wouldn't burden me later.

After what felt like ages, I made it to the warehouse and ducked inside the entrance. The inside was a mess and everything was crowded. Crates were strewn about and broken, along with tables, old machinery and papers. The rancid smell of animal waste told me that it has been inhabited before. I scanned the area quickly in search for a way of escape or protection. There was an upstairs floor that must be accessed by stairs or a ladder. I managed to catch sight of a metal ladder that clung to the balcony of the second floor past a pile of crates. I smiled, knowing what to do as a survival plan. I made one more scan of the area before ducking behind a pile of crates and staying quiet. Soon the sounds of stomping and growling reached my ears and I sucked in a breath. My heart pounded in my ears, nearly blocking out the sound of the Corrupted seething and searching the building for me. My body was shaking but I knew I had to stay calm if I wanted to make it out alive.

I pulled out my phone and used the screen as a sort of mirror. Carefully I stuck my hand out, low to the floor, and I angled it to see where the Corrupted was. I could see it prowling and it turned over a rotting table out of anger. I held back a gasp from the loud thud. I watched closely and began to shake harder as the beast started getting closer to my hiding spot. I kept watching my phone screen as the beast's figure drew closer and closer. My other hand started traveling to my pocket, feeling the letter opener through my pants. Carefully, I pulled it out and tried to retract it as quietly as possible. There was still a small pop that made the Corrupted growl and come closer. I berated myself and bit my lip. With the letter opener in my hand, I felt a little more gutsy than I really am. I felt the handle within my palm, getting the perfect grip. I looked at the Corrupted, at its swollen eyes. I calculated when it would come by and peek its head around the corner. I calculated the strength I would drive into the letter opener and how fast I would be. I put my phone back into my pocket. The Corrupted was not even a foot away. I eyed the corner carefully, awaiting its black mass to show up. I prepared my whole body for the action I was about to take. The Corrupted finally came into view. I stared at the eyes. Grit my teeth. Then I lunged.

Black blood sputtered and covered my hands as I drove the blade into one of its eyes. I plunged the makeshift weapon in so far in that half of the handle was lodged into the Corrupted's black flesh. It screeched in pain. I let go of the letter opener, leaving it stuck in the Corrupted's eye, and I made a dash for the ladder I saw earlier. I sprinted around the pile of crates that covered it and reached for the ladder. My heart dropped and I skidded to a stop. The ladder was broken. It hung five feet away from my reach. I looked around. No stairs. There's a lift but it's too crowded with junk to squeeze into and the mechanisms looked completely rusted. There's no way up. I'm trapped down here.

Tears threatened to spill from my eyes and my knees shook. I turned around to glance at the Corrupted. It was struggling with the letter opener in its eye, which was good. Maybe I still have time to figure something out. I had to act fast though. I scanned the large room again, this time being careful to look at things completely. My focus paid off as I spotted a narrow hole in the back wall. Hope filled me and I ran for the hole. As I came closer though, I realized just how narrow it was. I can barely fit, even if I squeezed through it. Only my arm and some of my head could get through. Not enough. I pressed against the wooden beams in the wall and felt their aged state. If I try hard enough I can break away some of the wall and squeeze through. The Corrupted won't be able to make it through a hole accommodated to my size. I went to work.

I pulled at the wood, using all of my strength to get it to break free from its foundation. It creaked and whined in protest of my actions but I ignored it. As I was pulling, I turned back and saw the Corrupted. It was almost getting over my attack. My heart pounded faster against my chest and I pulled harder. I took in big breaths and mustered all of my courage and strength. You can make it, Ao. You'll make it out alive! My hands began to burn from chaffing against the old wood. Splinters stuck to my skin here and there and a droplet of blood spawned from my efforts. Despite this, I persisted on breaking apart the section of wall, my only means of proper escape.

Stealing a glance at the Corrupted, I gasped as it returned from its surprised state. Because of my attack, it was further outraged. It turned its bulbous black head at me and snarled, baring long, sharp teeth. I squeaked and pulled harder. The heels of my feet dug into the dirt patch under me. My arms were growing tired from working at the wall. My body was shaking too much. Another glance at the Corrupted told me it was already on its way for me. I started to hyperventilate and I growled, "Come on!! Break, dammit!!!" I tugged harder on the wood, making it groan once again. The Corrupted pushed aside crates and junk. A growl reverberated from its throat. Tears of frustration swelled in my eyes. "Break, you son of a bitch!!! Come on!!! I won't die!!! Not here and not now!!!" I pressed one foot against the wall and kept at the wooden beam. The Corrupted was getting ready to pounce. Black ooze dribbled from its fangs, splattered onto the uneven floor. I shook my head. "Shit!!!" I wanted to curse the entire world out. I might die all because of one stupid piece of old wood!! "COME ON ALREADY!!!" My throat never ached so much.

My efforts were useless. The Corrupted was too close for me to keep going. My hands clutched at the wooden beam and my body quivered. The Corrupted growled deeply, before reeling its body back and charging forward. I had no time to dodge or run away. My only means of escape was proved to be a false sense of hope. I'm really going to die. The beast's maw widened unnaturally and prepared to have me in its grasp. That's when I closed my eyes and screamed.

The pain of fangs boring into my flesh never came. The sensation of a weight on my body never happened. Something entirely different unfolded. There was a loud cry of action and a distorted screech that followed with it. I opened my eyes to see what had happened. Utter relief and surprise mixed into one and settled on my shoulders. I couldn't believe what I was seeing.

In a strained voice, I said, "Jack..?" The man himself was standing before me, with his body tense and hands raised for combat. I don't understand, how did he even...? I looked to my left to see the Corrupted staggering to its feet from the ground. In that instant, I put the pieces together and watched as the horrendous creature let out a bellowing roar and Jack answered back with an animalistic growl. The Corrupted huffed, intimidated, and tried to strike Jack but the man was too quick and he dodged. He kept his hands up, defending himself. Why would he take on a Corrupted? He doesn't have any weapons like Jeff and Ben did. No, he'll get hurt, or die, or worse, get infected.

Jack dodged another attack from the Corrupted and went in for a quick punch. The monster took the hit and screeched angrily. It swiped its claws at Jack but he would move aside every time. The Corrupted suddenly lunged forward and Jack caught it in time before he was tackled. The two beings pushed against each other, growling ferociously. Jack stifled a hiss and suddenly kneed the Corrupted in the gut. Black ooze sputtered from its mouth and Jack made an uppercut into its throat. He huffed and backed away from the monster. The creature got up quicker than I expected and charged after Jack again. The Corrupted leaped onto Jack's body and opened its mouth to bite into his head. The man was quick and he executed a quick body slam. Jack got on top of it and started punching and punching. Something cracked and for a moment I thought he broke his hand. It was not his hand that broke but the Corrupted's jaw. The beast cried a messy shriek and thrashed under Jack's body. He moved away from it and caught a breath.

I wanted to tell him to stop. To run away and survive. I didn't want him to risk his life to defeat this grotesque monster. But then I thought of the effort he was making, the reason he's fighting it. He's giving me a chance. I can't let his efforts be in vain. I turned back to the wall and repeated the act of breaking the wall again. Since Jack is here, I'll have to work more in order for him to fit through too. I just hope he can when I'm done. I pulled on the wood again and again until something started to crack. A smile came to my lips as I was finally getting somewhere. I'll have to hurry though. Jack may not keep fighting forever. Not only is he sick but he's battling a Corrupted. I have to work faster. After a few moments I was able to pull the beam out of the wall but it was still stuck somehow. This time it required me to push it aside. I groaned and did just that. I shoved my whole weight into it but it would barely budge. I rammed my shoulder against the beam but that only proved to be more harm against me than good.

As I worked at the wall, I took a glance at the fight and saw Jack wrestling with the Corrupted. The beast kept pushing itself onto him as he tried holding his position. I could hear him groan painfully and I feared his strength would give out. He left me wrong as he managed to shove the Corrupted's weight off of him a little more. It growled. The man screeched back in return. Finally, Jack pushed the demented thing off and into a pile of crates. The crates splintered and fell apart under the weight of the monster. Unfortunately the beast got up as fast as it went down and opened its maw. Its lower jaw dangled slightly from having been broken, but everything else still worked, including a long, black, slithering tongue that shot out and whipped Jack's head. The man groaned and stumbled back. Something clattered on the broken floor and I looked to see it was his mask. I gasped, knowing he'll be pissed to have had it knocked off of his face. I could see his shoulders shake and he huffed angrily. When he turned back towards the Corrupted, not only did I see a large scratch across his cheek but something surprising. His eyes were covered by white patches of gauze, along with tape. Things started coming into question, like the big question. How can Jack see with his eyes covered? And also, why?

His movement seemed impossible as his body was swift and aware. He never tripped over anything and never bumped into any stray crates. I couldn't understand how he could fight without seeing what he was fighting. The Corrupted didn't care for this and continued to attack Jack. It whipped its tongue around Jack's arm but he yanked it, pulled the beast in and landed a hard punch to its face. Black blood splattered onto the floor and spotted Jack's fist. The beast raged on despite the hit and swiped a hand full of claws at Jack's torso. He stepped back in time but then stumbled into a stack of crates, causing them to fall, break and release whatever old contents were inside. I yelped as Jack nearly fell onto a metal stake but he balanced himself and sprinted towards the Corrupted.

Jack must be getting tired. I'll have to open up the wall soon. I kept pushing onto the wooden beam and eventually I started cracking it away. Just a bit more force and a little more time and there'll be an escape route for Jack and I to take. Our fates rely on my success to break the wall. I can't let us die and not to something like a Corrupted.

The wood began cracking and splintering and victory was tempting but I can't celebrate just yet. I rammed into the beam again and more of it shifted. My ramming was interrupted by a sudden cry of pain and I turned to see Jack struggling against the Corrupted's tongue wrapped around his neck. The beast lifted him up slightly so his feet barely touched the floor. He kicked and clawed at the tongue but it was slathered with too much ooze for him to get a grip. I screamed for the monster to let him go but it growled in response. I was about to find something to throw at it when it grabbed Jack with its hands, lifted him up and threw him down.

Right onto the metal stake.

Metal impaled his right leg and was painted by his blood which flowed profusely. Jack wailed and his body shook from the pain. I screamed and held back frightened tears again. Panic was close to taking over my entire body but I couldn't allow that. Instead, I used my panic induced adrenaline to finally break off the piece of wood, wield it and charge forward towards the Corrupted. I didn't care that I was running into danger and I didn't care about the consequences. All I knew was that I can't let this ugly, twisted monster kill Jack or anyone else that I love!!

Before I knew it, I had driven the piece of wood into the neck of the Corrupted. I pushed further into it, sending the wood traveling through the chest and jutting out through the side. I winced and growled through my teeth as I shoved the splintered piece of wood more and more into the Corrupted's black, oozing body. It screeched in my ears, blocking out any other noise around me. The volume gave me a headache but I didn't back down. As I was impaling the Corrupted, it reeled a fist back and hit my leg. Something popped and I screamed in pain. My knee buckled but I never fell. My hands gripped the piece of wood and I huffed from the force I was exerting. The Corrupted howled in my face again but I wasn't discouraged. More of its flesh was upturned and pierced the more I stabbed through. I focused on building up one last bit of strength even as my limbs ached from the work. I stared into the swollen eyes of the Corrupted and scowled. This thing was utterly disgusting. Looking at it sends my blood boiling. It can scream into my face all it wants but that won't change the fact that I'll rip this thing apart. "Get down, you piece of shit," I yelled. I used my last bit of strength to shove the piece of wood further through the Corrupted. With one loud cry of anger and pain, I pierced the wood completely through the Corrupted's black body and watched as the end dug into the dirt patch below. I made sure the wood was lodged into the ground before pulling away and backing up. A shot of pain ran up from my leg and I fell over. I seethed and pressed a hand to my injured leg. When I looked up, all I could see was the monster struggling to break free of the wood. Its efforts seemed for not as more of its flesh tore the more it writhed.

I couldn't help but wonder how I could've ever achieved to impale such a beast. I cast my eyes down at my hands and sucked in a breath from the sight of proxy symbols on my scratched up, bleeding palms. They suddenly faded away and I was left staring at nothing.

The pained groaning of Jack snapped me out of my daze and I scrambled to his side. The wound looked worse from a closer distance. He was trying to maintain his breathing but it was hard for him. I placed a hand on his chest and said, "Jack, I'm here. Don't worry, you're going to be fine." I tried so hard not to stutter. I can't have him thinking I'm panicked and unable to aid him. He didn't reply with anything distinct so I took it as a plead for help. I placed my hands on Jack's punctured leg and he growled. Despite this I kept going and got a good grip. His thigh muscles were twitching uncontrollably from the blood loss and pain. There was so much blood pooling the floor and it soaked through my pants. I had to stay focused. "Take a deep breath," I ordered Jack. He did, it was a shaky one but it would do. I took a deep breath as well, tightened my jaw and then pulled. Jack screamed in pain as I slid his leg from the metal stake. Blood dripped down from the device and through my fingers. Even though the feeling of blood on my hands was unsettling I didn't stop for a second. What seemed like forever was probably only two minutes. Finally I freed Jack's leg and threw the metal stake aside. He was breathing hard and I wanted to panic too. I couldn't. I took off my backpack, then I removed my jacket. There was nothing else I could use to block up Jack's wound other than the jacket. I wrapped it around his leg as tight as I could and tied the sleeves around the whole thing. Blood spots were showing through the fabric but I couldn't do anything else. The only other way I can save Jack is by getting us away from here.

I looked to the hole in the wall that I made. Jack may be able to fit through. I'll just have to be wary of his leg. I grabbed onto Jack's hand and said, "Come on, we have to get moving. If we go now we can get a head start from the Corrupted-."

A loud screech interrupted me. I flinched from the deafening volume and winced. Once the screech subsided, I turned my head towards the Corrupted to see it breaking free of the wood that impaled it. I gasped. "Jack we have to go now," I said and helped him sit up. He groaned and when his wounded leg was moved he growled. As I was helping him, I watched the Corrupted with wide eyes. I silently pleaded for Jack to get up but he was too rattled to even speak. Inevitably, the Corrupted broke free from the wood, creating a long gaping hole in its body. The hole was then mended by slithering strings of black ooze. I wanted to retch.

The beast roared and I could see the rage in its swollen eyes and the way it bared its fangs. It hunched down low and started making its way towards us. With every step it took, my anxiety grew and grew until I thought my heart would give out and kill me. "Please Jack," I cried. I nudged him but he said and did nothing. My heart dropped into my stomach. "J-Jack," I called but he didn't even respond with a groan. I looked down at his still face and tears began forming in my eyes. "N-No, no, no," I whimpered and shook his body. He didn't move. I hugged him close to me and begged for him to say something.

The Corrupted roared and crawled forward, faster. Tears fell from my eyes and I trembled out of fear and defeat. I looked to the hole in the wall and I new there was an option for me to just run and escape. That thought sickened me. I might as well die for ever sacrificing another living being. Especially if it's one that I care about. If I die, then I'll make sure I die by someone's side.

The Corrupted was already on us. Its maw opened and a loud, guttural roar sounded from within its throat. I closed my eyes and hugged Jack's body close to me. "I'm sorry," I whispered into his ear, right before I screamed into my shoulder from the sight of the Corrupted striking. I hunched my body over Jack to take the attack first but, no matter what, we'd still have the same outcome. I'm so sorry.

When I expected pain or death, I received nothing. Instead something splattered across my body and I flinched from the icky sensation. I turned my head to glance at the beast and was stricken with awe. Relief and confusion overwhelmed me. Lodged into the Corrupted's head was the metal stake that had wounded Jack. The beast screeched and clawed at the tool. I watched as the stake drilled through its head and shot through the other side, clattering onto the broken floor below. I stared at its black ooze coated figure as my excitement built up.

The Corrupted gave a distorted howl and the hole in its head began to mend. It wasn't given a break. Various tools burst through other crates and pierced through the monster's flesh, making black blood fly. Something over head groaned and creaked and I looked up to see a metal support beam being pried away from the roof. Whilst this was happening, other things within the warehouse were being used as weapons against the Corrupted. Poles, old tools, and even the crates were being smacked or stabbed through the beast's mutated body. I kept my head down as things started flying and I covered Jack from the mayhem. The support beam above kept creaking and groaning, but it's cries couldn't overtake the Corrupted's. It was utterly enraged. I felt hostility boil within my stomach and despite the heat, I felt pleased.

Finally the support beam was ripped off of the roof, making the rest cave in, and it was sent falling down. The mayhem around the room stopped to make way for the beam, which went straight for the Corrupted. The impact sent up a cloud of dust and I turned my head away. Some dust filled my lungs and I coughed up a storm. The dust stayed in the air for a while and I tried to wave some away from Jack and I. When everything cleared up, I cast my eyes to the Corrupted and gaped at the sight before me. The metal support beam had completely impaled the creature and other parts of the roof fell on top of it, inevitably crushing it. It gurgled and groaned and clawed at the ground with weak hands. I stared into its eyes and frowned. Then, to my surprise and utter relief, the vile beast began to rot. The process was grotesque as flesh rotted away, blood poured and bones cracked and withered into tiny particles. Soon a pile of ash was left where the monster used to lay. Everything was quiet. The open roof allowed sunlight to seep in and create a large spot light inside the warehouse. A few birds chirped overhead. The sounds were calming after the panic of the attack. Yes, they were calming...but not as much as what came next.

I'm. So. Sorry.

Three words were enough to send me sobbing with joy. Tears flowed freely and I wiped my face only to smear dust across my skin. A smile came to my lips. Despite the pain I was feeling, and the nerve racking experience I just went through, I felt unbelievably elated. "You're such a dingus," I murmured.

I know...

It felt great to finally get a response. All of the isolation I've been feeling disappeared knowing that my best friend was back. I looked down at Jack and hugged him close. It wasn't until now could I notice Jack's heartbeat and the slight rise and fall of his chest. He's unconscious. If I stay here any longer though, the blood loss will take a permanent effect on him. I squeeze his hand and calmed my sobbing. I reached into my pocket and pulled my phone out. "It's time to leave," I said and called for Ben.

Even as my voice shook from my left over adrenaline, even as Ben spawned from my phone to come to our aid, even as he took Jack and I away from the scene, I felt content. I didn't lose anything or anyone. I'm still alive. My dearest friend, and the dearest part of me, is back. How could I not at least celebrate a little?

I have my Sam again.