by S. E. Smith
Dust paused on the sidewalk outside the small convenience store where he had taken refuge. His disheveled brown hair stuck out in all directions. Glancing around, his dark brown eyes paused on a moving shadow between two abandoned cars halfway down the street. The sense of danger rose in his gut. His gaze narrowed on the three shadowy forms that slowly stepped out from between them.
Devil dogs.
He didn't know if that was what they were really called, but that was the name he had given them. They were like him... different.
Turning, he slipped the straps over his shoulders so he could run faster. It was time to move on. Where there were three of the creatures, there could be more. Dust felt the adrenaline surge through him as he took off at a steady pace, glancing back and forth as he ran through the center of the small town he had arrived in late the night before. He had hoped to find food. The changes to his body demanded that he eat more often.
Food wasn't always the easiest thing to find. The lack of it was what had finally forced him to leave the small town where he had lived with his family during the time Before. As the sole survivor, he had foraged for every piece of food he could find during the past year until he could find no more.
Dust didn't bother turning to see where the creatures were. He knew they would follow him. They were hungry. He knew, because he felt the same hunger. There would be a fight, of that he had no doubt. Up ahead was the shell of a two-story building. With a wave of his hand, the door was ripped off its hinges and it flew out behind him. He heard a snarl and a thud. They were closer than he'd realized.
Sprinting across the sidewalk, he disappeared into the shadows and allowed his body to dissolve. It would be difficult to keep his shadow form for long. He desperately needed food if he was going to continue using the amount of energy that he needed to maintain this form. Scooping up a metal pipe as he flew by, he turned just as the first shape came through the door behind him. The end of the pipe caught the creature in the chest, impaling it and driving him back against the wall. His body solidified at the force and the wind was knocked from him as he slammed into the wall.
The creature's glowing red eyes flashed and its jaws snapped, but he could already see the light fading. He immediately recognized that the creatures must be starving to attack him so boldly. Not only that, they couldn't hold their shadow form any longer than he could. He pressed the metal rod down to the floor and forced the metal tip further through the beast and twisted it. The creature's loud snarls turned to a scream before silence engulfed the room. Dust didn't wait. There were at least two left, possibly more.
Ripping the pipe out of the creature, he turned toward the open stairwell. The faint sound of glass crunching under heavy feet pulled his gaze to the ceiling. He could hear one of them. It must have gone through an upper level window. Dust's jaw tightened. He would have to kill all of them or the creatures would follow him and he would never find food or rest. His fingers wrapped around the cool metal and he started up the steps, taking them in a slow, steady climb. He was almost to the top when the huge black creature appeared at the top of the stairs.
Dust glanced over his shoulder when he heard a second snarl behind him. He was stuck between the two beasts. Glancing back and forth, he realized that they had set up a trap for him. A shiver ran through him. He started when the one above him suddenly jumped. Focusing, he used more of his precious energy. The creature flashed through his body, sending a wave of nausea through him. His body once more solidified and he thrust upward, pushing the rod through its soft underbelly while it was still in the air. He allowed the weight of the creature to twist him around. The force of the movement and his gradually weakening strength tore the metal pipe from his hands as it crashed into the beast moving up the stairs at the same time.
Stumbling back against the wall, he watched as the dying creature struck its companion. He gripped the stairwell and pulled himself up. He needed to find another weapon before the last beast regained its footing. His legs shook as he half crawled, half climbed the stairs. He barely had time to roll to the side before the third creature came up through the narrow opening and turned. Dust rolled to his stomach, his gaze froze on the heaving chest and foaming jaws. His arms trembled and he knew he didn't have the strength to dissolve.
He pushed upward in a slow, steady movement, never taking his eyes off the beast. He was almost to his feet when it sprang. Jumping, he twisted to the side and rolled. Almost immediately he was back on his feet and twisting around. The beast had slid into a large wooden desk. The force of its body hitting the desk shattered one of the legs and the heavy piece of furniture collapsed on top of it. He took advantage of the reprieve, darting down the staircase. He jumped over the dead creature at the bottom, tearing out the metal pipe protruding from its chest. Running, he burst back outside.
A loud crash resounded behind him. Dust didn't pause. Spying an abandoned SUV with its door partially open across the street, he pushed every ounce of energy he had left inside him to his quivering legs. He reached out and grabbed the door handle, pulling it open far enough to squeeze through. He barely had time to pull it closed before the beast hit the door with enough force to knock the SUV onto two wheels. The force of the blow knocked Dust across the console and into the passenger seat. He quickly pulled his legs up when the glass on the driver's door shattered.
Dust fumbled for the handle behind him as the beast thrust its long black head inside, its jaws snapping viciously at his legs. Blood dripped on the fine leather interior from where the ragged glass cut into the beast's neck. That didn't stop it. If anything, the creature became more enraged, clawing at the glass and pulling it away so it could try to wiggle into the vehicle. Dust kicked out, striking the canine-like snout. It jerked its head back, giving him just enough room to grab the door handle. He fell out the other side, landing heavily on his back. Kicking his foot out again, he slammed the door just as the creature jumped into the driver's seat.
Rolling stiffly onto his hands and knees, he gripped the metal rod in his hand and rose to his feet. Glancing back at the snarling beast, he took off running. It was only a matter of seconds before he heard the sound of breaking glass again. Ducking under a torn awning, he darted through the open door of another building. It didn't take long for him to realize his mistake. The back section of the building was blocked by fallen debris. The only thing separating him from death was a tall refrigerated display case and the metal pipe in his hand. Turning, he backed up as the dark shadow paused in the entrance.
"Don't move until I tell you," a soft voice said behind him.
Chapter 2
Someone Else Lives
* * *
Dust froze, his eyes locked on the blazing red eyes of the devil dog even as he wanted to turn to the sound of the voice. It was the first voice other than his own that he'd heard in over a year. Afraid he was dreaming, he stood ready, holding the bloody pipe in front of him.
The beast took another step and snarled. White foam dripped from its mouth and its yellow teeth snapped as it moved through the doorway. Dust knew it was about to attack. The sound of the voice yelling for him to move echoed through the air at the same time as a thin shaft flew past his right shoulder.
He jumped to the side, sliding under a table that was bolted to the floor. His back hit the wall and he jerked his legs out of the way as the beast’s thick, black body slid across the few feet of cleared space on the dirty tile. He stared in shock at the two thick shafts of wood sticking out of its throat and upper chest. The beast's red eyes were blank and its jaw hung open as it pulled in its last breath of air.
Dust slowly scooted out from under the table, keeping his eyes on the creature just in case. He was rising to his feet when a movement behind the counter caught his attention. Turning, he held the dark gray pipe out in front of him. Two figures, one slightly taller than the other rose from behind an old display. Swallowing, Dust stared at the two dirty faces looking back at him with a combination of curiosity an
d fear. It took a moment for him to realize that the tall person was pointing one of the long arrows at him.
Dust waited, staring at the girl. He saw her swallow, but she didn't lower the bow in her hands. The small boy next to her scooted slightly behind her when Dust glanced at him. His gaze returned to the girl's face. He curled his fingers into a tight fist as a wave of dizziness washed through him. The hunger was beginning to become unbearable. He needed something to eat.
"Who are you?" Dust asked in a rusty voice, his eyes locked on the face of the young girl who seemed to be close to his own age.
Dust swayed as he waited for the girl to respond. He saw her swallow again and nervously bite her bottom lip. She still didn't lower the bow in her hands, even though he had dropped the pipe to his side. The small boy next to her stared back at Dust with a wide-eyed, curious expression. Dust kept his gaze fixed on the girl's face.
"Who are you?" The girl suddenly demanded, staring at him through narrow eyes.
Dust flexed the fingers of his right hand, trying to stay focused. "Dust," he said in a low, hoarse voice.
"Sammy, he don't look so good," the boy whispered, tugging on her shirt.
"What's wrong with you?" Sammy asked in a tight voice.
"Food," Dust whispered, uncurling the fingers of his left hand and letting the pipe drop to the floor with a loud thump. He felt his legs begin to shake so much that he couldn't hold himself up. "I need food."
The girl lowered the bow when his knees gave out on him and he sank to the floor. His head fell forward and he drew in a deep breath before gagging when the stench of the dead devil dog poured through his nose. Shaking his head, he closed his eyes and shakily lifted his arm to cover his nose.
"We need to get out of here," the girl said in a soft voice, stepping around the edge of the display case. "Todd, get me one of the bars."
"But, Sammy," Todd protested. "We don't have but three left."
Sammy frowned at the small boy that appeared to be around seven years old. "Now we have two," she stated, holding out her hand. "Get me one of them."
Dust didn't bother opening his eyes. He was afraid if he did that the two of them would disappear. Instead, he rested his cheek against his bent arm.
"Here," Sammy said. "Eat this, but do it slow so you don't get sick."
Dust lifted his head and opened his eyes. Sammy was holding out a small fruit bar. His mouth watered and he reached shakily for it. Their fingers touched for a brief moment and he almost jerked back. He could tell she was just as surprised as he was at the contact. Taking the small bar of food from her hand, he nodded his thanks before lifting it to his mouth and taking a bite.
All too soon, it was gone. His eyes closed again for a moment as he felt a surge of energy. It wouldn't last long, but it was enough to keep him going. His eyes popped open when he felt the tentative touch on his arm again.
"We really need to get going," Sammy said, rising to her feet and holding her hand out. "I don't know how many more of those creatures there are. I counted four earlier."
Dust nodded, reaching up and gripping her hand. He rose clumsily to his feet before bending down and picking up the bloody metal pipe. Testing it, he glanced at Sammy and Todd.
"I killed two of them. That makes three," he muttered, staring out the doorway. "I need more food."
"There's a small grocery store at the end of the street," Sammy said, uneasily. "That's where we were headed when we saw those things and hid in here. It's just a few doors down."
Dust lifted his arm, stopping Sammy when she started to walk around him. His gaze flickered from her to Todd and back again. If there was still another one of those creatures out there, he would go first.
"I'll go first, you follow," he said in a rough voice. "Keep the kid between us."
"I know how to take care of us," Sammy muttered, glancing at Todd. "Hand me the backpack, Todd."
"I've got it, Sammy," Todd mumbled. "You need your hands free."
Dust felt a tug of emotion when Sammy smiled tenderly down at the boy. For a moment, he felt a wave of envy. There were times in the past year that he would have given anything to have someone to talk to. He drew in a deep breath. Now wasn't the time to think of the past. He needed to find more food before the little bit of strength he had deserted him.
Grabbing a hold of the door frame, he glanced outside. His gaze carefully moved down along the street in both directions before pausing on the building across the street. If there were only four of the devil dogs, then they should be okay. He could kill the other one. He glanced over his shoulder and jerked his head to Sammy and Todd. Stepping outside, he walked slowly down the sidewalk along the buildings, pausing every once in a while to search the shadows.
A sigh of relief poured through Dust when he saw the sign for the small grocery store hanging at an odd angle. He really hoped there was still some food inside. His steps increased as they drew nearer. He was passing a small barber shop when a movement inside caught his attention. The shadowy form exploded through the plate glass window just as he turned.
The devil dog's snapping jaws barely missed his throat as it hit him in the chest. The only thing that saved him was the metal pipe he had raised and gripped between both of his hands. A grunt of pain escaped him when the creature's sharp claws sliced through his thin shirt and across his chest. Twisting, he tripped on the edge of the curb and landed heavily on his back in the road.
Dust jerked his head back when the beast lunged again for his neck. His arms strained to keep it back, but its front and back legs were cutting through his clothing. A hoarse yell escaped him when the beast suddenly yelped and rolled away from him. He turned onto his side, staring at it as it wobbled for a moment before it turned and half ran, half limped away, the shaft of one of Sammy's arrows sticking out of its front shoulder.
"You're bleeding," Sammy said, kneeling down beside him. "Did it bite you?"
Dust shook his head and grimaced as the pain from the numerous cuts flashed through him. "No, just scratches," he muttered, leaning on the pipe as Sammy slid her arm around his waist.
"I'll lead," she said, turning to Todd. "You help him."
Todd just nodded. His eyes were wide with fear. He stepped forward and stood next to Dust.
"What if there's more?" Todd whispered, glancing back at where the devil dog had disappeared between two buildings.
"Then we'll deal with them," Sammy said, fitting her last arrow into the bow. "I need to either get the arrows I shot or find more."
"I need food first," Dust muttered, beginning to droop again. "Food, then we'll look."
"Hopefully there are some medical supplies there as well," Sammy said with a worried glance at the blood coating the front of Dust's shredded shirt. "Let's go."
Dust just nodded. Once he had food in his system, it wouldn't take long for his skin to heal. It was one of the things he had learned after he had awoken from the change. Gritting his teeth against the pain, he leaned against Todd so he wouldn't fall flat on his face again. They stepped back up onto the sidewalk and continued the few feet to the entrance of the store.
The large front window and the glass in the front doors were shattered. Sammy lowered her bow and peered through the opening before reaching over and tugging the door open. The loud screeching sound of metal hitting the glass as it pushed against the concrete drew a wince from all of them. Sammy glanced back at Todd and Dust before squaring her shoulders and stepping through into the dark interior.
Chapter 3
The Search For Food
* * *
She and Todd hadn't known what was going on that day almost a year ago. Her dad had been at work and her mom had driven into town for a doctor's appointment. She had been watching Todd when the weather alert went off. At first, she thought it was a mistake because the skies had been a crystal clear blue, but the alert said that it wasn't and that emergency precautions needed to be made. She had dragged Todd down into the storm cellar buried out behind t
he house.
They were almost there when they saw the huge, dark cloud rolling toward them. Sammy had never seen anything like it. Frightened, she had ordered Todd to get down behind the boxes in the back as she slammed the door shut and locked it. Seconds later, the light on the inside had gone out and the entire shelter had shaken so hard that Sammy had been thrown to the floor.
The aftershocks continued for days and the sound of dirt and rocks hitting the door had lasted even longer. For a while, Sammy had actually feared that they might get buried under the onslaught. When it finally stopped, they had waited... and waited... and waited for either their mom or dad to come tell them that it was safe to come out. Sammy had used the flashlights stored in the shelter sparingly. Fortunately, the growing season had just ended and the huge collection of canned goods she and her mom had processed and stored for selling remained protected from the fallout.
A week had gone by before Sammy finally worked at forcing the door to the shelter open. The land around the house was barren, stripped clear by the blast. Only the shell of their house and the barn remained. She and Todd had searched the area, but they seemed to be the only ones left alive. Remembering her father's warning that if there was ever an emergency to stay put until someone came for them, Sammy salvaged what she could from the ruins of the house and returned to the storm shelter.
They had waited for someone to come, but no one ever did. When the food started to get low, she and Todd began venturing to neighboring farms in the hope they would find someone. They discovered the occasional can of food, but never another living human soul.
The first strange creature they discovered had been small. She and Todd were on their way back to the shelter from a neighboring farm. They had stopped at a narrow bridge over a dried creek to rest. The thing had come up from under the bridge and grabbed Todd's pant leg. She used a long walking stick that she had found and beat the thing to death. They had run back to the shelter and hidden for two days.
