A yell of fury echoed down from the balcony. “GET HER!!” It was Ethan’s voice. Emily’s time clock was now shortening. Several citizens approached her. Their movements were almost zombie-like in nature. They all slowly reached toward her, seemingly without a will of their own. It was in this moment, for the first time, Emily noticed something very odd about every person here. None of them, not one single person, was smiling. They all appeared to have the world in their hands, yet blank stares of pain and misery crossed their expressions.
Oh God, what have I gotten myself into? Terror filled Emily, but her feet did not stop, her determination would not fail. She managed to make it to the mall’s doors. She could hear the clamoring running of Ethan behind her. His movements were swift, as though unaffected by the liquid poison.
Reaching for the door, Emily felt a tinge of hope. She pulled it open, prepared for ultimate freedom. Neveah….their rival town….perhaps they can help me…..wait, Neveah….that sounds so familiar...
As she opened the mall door, her hopes of freedom were crushed. There, surrounding the entrance was a half circle of men, if one could call them that. Every single one was beastly in nature and many of them looked like giants, even compared to Ethan. Standing in the center of the half moon was Lucy. “Well hello, Emily.” A chivying, evil smile crossed her face.
Shit. I knew it…Emily wished she trusted her gut about these people long ago. One would have thought the initial greeting in a cage would have ensured that. How had she been so easily persuaded to let down her walls? I have been a fool…
Without letting another second pass, Emily spun around and returned within the walls of the mall. She rushed forward, grabbing a ball cap off a passerby. Then she slowed momentarily. She identified a sunglasses shop up ahead. Perhaps if I can just slow down and blend in…but then what? Emily could not answer her own question, but at this point, it was her only available option. She continued forward at a half walk, half jog pace. She kept her head down, using the ball cap to shield the top of her face. She attempted to shuffle along as quickly as possible without drawing attention. Ethan rushed past her on the other side of the corridor towards the door. He was clearly unaware she already re-entered the mall.
Outside, beyond the distance of Emily’s hearing, Ethan was disappointedly met by Lucy and her gathering. There was no sign of Emily though. “Where did she go?!” Ethan was outraged. He did not understand how she could have gotten past them, past him.
“Calm down, my dear. She has re-entered the mall. It is only a matter of time now.” Lucy smiled at the words. This was obviously a victory in her book. Just at that moment, an alarm began sounding loudly. “See?” Again Lucy smiled.
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24. THE Time Has come
With her morning coffee completely devoured, Ms. Morrison prepared herself for what would come next. It was time to greet the children in the classroom before their procession to the school bus. She wanted to disappear. Nothing about this field trip seemed like a good idea to her. However, she knew her students would likely be extremely excited for an escape from the classroom. She would have to put on a good show, for their sakes, if nothing else.
Before she knew it, Ms. Morrison was standing in front of her classroom door. The journey from the break room often seemed like a long one, on days when she rushed to arrive in the classroom an appropriate fifteen minutes early. Today, it went by in the blink of an eye. The inevitable was approaching. She would have to finally again face the place that haunted her dreams for years. Some nights she would sleep like a baby, others she was plagued by memories of the events that took place so many years prior. The nightmares that filled her world consumed her, driving her to never compromise in life.
“Good morning Ms. Morrison.” The sound of another voice startled Ms. Morrison and she nearly jumped out of her skin. “Oh I’m so sorry. I did not mean to frighten you.” It was the voice of her docile assistant, Ms. Wilkins.
“You are fine. I simply have the morning jitters, probably had too much coffee.” Ms. Morrison managed a smile that almost felt genuine. Well done…..now just replay that ten thousand times and you’ll make it through the day…The thought was certainly not a reassuring one. Slowly, one by one, her students arrived.
Before she knew it, it was on the hour, time for roll call and Danny Whitfield was the only child not present. The day was flying by thus far. Ms. Morrison proceeded with the roll call, placing an “X” by Danny’s name. Upon finishing, she gathered up her nerve and addressed the class. “Now, class, we will review the specific rules of the field trip while on the bus ride. In the mean time, I expect you all to behave respectfully. If any of you dishonor me, Ms. Wilkins, or any of the adult volunteers, you will be forced to wait with a volunteer on the bus while the rest of us conduct the field trip. Am I understood?”
A multitude of voices chimed. “Yes, Ms. Morrison.” They had this part down. Ms. Morrison could not help but feel proud and a genuine smile crossed her face. It faded quickly as she realized the time to approach the bus was upon them. Soon, too soon, she would be back in the terrible forest she avoided for so many years.
“Line up.” As the words crossed her lips, the children rushed toward the door. Just at that moment, Danny arrived, rushing into the classroom and attempting to sneak into line. “Danny? What do you think you are doing?” Ms. Morrison was not happy about this at all. Of all the days, her annoyance with Danny’s shenanigans could not be tolerated today. She would not allow him to put her class in danger.
“I have a note.” Danny stretched out the piece of paper desperately, clearly eager to join them on the field trip. Ms. Morrison reached for the note. Then she proceeded to read it silently to herself.
Ms. Morrison,
I apologize that my son will likely be late to class today. I have received an emergency call from the police department. Despite my previous request, I must go in and will be unable to go along on the school field trip. I do apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Sincerely,
Officer Whitfield
The thoughts running through her head were suddenly unpleasant ones. The concept of having an officer along on the trip was one of the only reassuring factors. Now, he would not even be present. Instead, she would have to handle Danny alone. Of course she had the volunteers, but none of them held the proper sternness to handle such a rebellious child. Ms. Morrison felt sick. Compose yourself….you’re a professional…The thought was easier said than done. For several seconds, she simply stood there rereading the note, thoroughly absorbing the daunting news. At last, she spoke. “Very well then, line up.” The words were certainly not those she wanted to speak, but they were the appropriate response in this situation.
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25. MAUL TIME
Inside the mall, Emily reached for the pair of shades she hoped would ensure her freedom. A buzzing alarm immediately went off and every citizen rushed into various stores immediately. Those surrounding her in the sunglasses store quickly formed a line from the back, every one interlocking their arms with the next person. They appeared much like a human broom. Unfortunately, in this case, Emily was the speckle of dust to be swept out. They essentially forced her movement out of the shop. Then, as though on cue, bars slowly came down across every store front. The corridors leading down the center of the mall were now empty. Silence filled them as the alarm ceased. Every eye was turned toward her. Emily felt much like a fish in a bowl.
Oh God….what now?....Her pounding heart screamed that she should run; yet her feet remained motionless in place, waiting. Then, she heard it. First, there was a loud electronic motor kicking on, followed by what Emily could only assume was a massive door lifting. She desperately wanted to believe it was a possible route of escape, but her instinct told her otherwise.
The next sound was daunting. It was a screeching roar, echoing with the sound of a million hollow screams. The noise created a mental image in Emily’s mind. She pic
tured a pit of still living bodies all crying out at once in agony and pain. It was the most horrific noise to ever cross her ears. As it did, a shock of terror rushed from her mind, through her spine, down to her feet. Looking behind her to the source, she needed no more reason to run. In that moment, Emily knew what she caught in a glimpse would remain with her the rest of her life, however short of a time span that may be.
It was a massive creature that stood at least ten feet tall on all fours. Its skin was composed of an almost leathery rotting flesh. The color of its hide varied wildly. Within the spilt second of her viewing, Emily identified why. Stitches covered its entire form. The monster did not have one solid layer of skin. Instead it was composed of patches…what appeared to be sown together sections…of human flesh. With her heart pounding faster still, Emily’s eyes dared to venture toward the creature’s head. In its hideous skull rested five blank, blackened pits with a set of nostril slits placed in between. Stringy, long black tentacles flowed from the back of it like hair. Despite all its other horrors, the being’s mouth was the most dominant feature by far. It was crowded with hundreds of razor sharp, ridged teeth that filled every section. Drool flowed from the top to the bottom of the creature’s mouth as it released its roar.
“The ramp!” The voice was not that of Emily’s own, nor could it possibly be one of the horrible bystanders, watching as though prepared to enjoy the show. Instead this voice was soft, familiar somehow, as though from a distant memory.
The ramp narrows at the top…Emily knew by her glance the creature could not possibly cross the ramp at its peak. It was her only hope. Seemingly growing impatient, the creature ran toward her at an incredible pace. Emily did not pause. Her feet took off before her mind could even fully process the plan. She moved at a pace beyond comprehension, and before she knew it she was passing the third floor. The creature was gaining on her, snarls leaving its mouth intermittently. It breathed loudly inward as though seeking every scent. Continuing to rush onward, Emily dared to look back for an instant. The creature was moving hastily but its movements were clumsy, as it plopped from one side of the ramp to the other in a zigzag pattern. It was as though the creature was the one influenced by alcohol. Emily had almost forgotten the substance was still coursing through her veins. The adrenaline far surpassed it.
It’s blind!...The thought occurred at the perfect moment. Emily reached the sixth floor and the creature was less than five feet behind her. Remembering a perfume store on this level, she took the turn and rushed toward it.
As she approached the shop, Emily immediately leaned against the gate, trying to subdue her heavy breathing. The two participants in the store watched eagerly from their barred safety. It was the first look of anything other than a blank expression Emily saw on any of the citizens’ faces. Their eyes sparkled as they watched her, seemingly waiting for the beast to approach. They were excited. The thought made Emily sick to her stomach.
Why had Ethan and Lucy consistently shown expression though…The thought hardly seemed relevant at this moment. The creature slowed. Evidently her plan was working to some degree. It stopped in place completely and sniffed hard. Its massive toothy mouth swung in the air as its nostrils absorbed all they could. Emily remained motionless, her last bit of hope fading fast. The thing moved slowly toward her till it was less than five feet in front of her.
I’m not ready to die…Emily was filled with terror, her heart with hopelessness. She prayed for a miracle, lost as to any other action to take. The creature let out another massive roar. This time Emily was face to face with its toothy growl. Her instincts betrayed her, as her mouth let out a small eek. The small sound was all that the creature needed. Emily jumped out of the way just as its jaws rammed into the gate. She rushed toward the end of the corridor. She quickly realized she was trapped in a corner.
The creature seemed to know she was pinned. It took its time with the approach, dragging out every second. There was no escape now. This was it.
“God help me.” Emily could barely even whisper the words. The thing was less than three feet from her, breathing heavily. It seemed to be absorbing power from her fear and now stood on two legs, even more massive than before.
“God?” The question was followed by a series of laughter. It was the voice of Lucy. She had apparently been making her way up the ramp some time now. The creature reared back, as though ready to make his final move. Emily cowered in fear and braced for the end. “Cease!” Lucy’s word was clearly a command the creature must obey. It hesitantly reared down with a light growl, resting its toothy head all the way onto the mall’s floor. Was that a bow? Holy shit….how powerful is this woman? “God will not help you here, my dear, only I can do that.” She smiled brilliantly but something about her was different. Her eyes…Where lovely blue eyes once rested, a now brown red glow filled them. Ethan and the two other men approaching behind Lucy seemed to have the same condition. “Now, I am going to give you a choice. Renounce this so called god of yours and bow down to me or….well, you do not want to see that option.” Lucy smiled, obviously thrilled by the predicament she trapped Emily in.
A million thoughts rushed through Emily’s head. Words of her overly religious father echoed in her mind. She always hated his blind dedication and adoration of strict guidelines. Somehow, though, she maintained her own version of beliefs. She saw God in a different way than her father; as a loving, kind being. She viewed Him as one who accepted all and who could be seen in many different lights and known by many differing names, not tied by one specific set of religious rules. If this were true though, why would He have not shown Himself now to save her? On the other hand, all she knew of Lucy thus far was cruelty and evil. Her eyes were drawn to the citizens standing behind those bars. The imagery was a perfect representation of what would await her if she pledged allegiance to Lucy, a prison.
“Well? I’m waiting…” Lucy was apparently not the patient type.
Emily lifted herself from the crouched position, stood up straight, and gathered every bit of might remaining within her. “No.” She knew the end was probably about to come. The realization utterly horrified her; but she would rather die than live as those behind the bars.
The creature lifted its head slightly as though it comprehended the entire conversation. It seemed eager for a command to pounce. Lucy’s smile faded. “Very well then…” The beast stood on all fours, ready for its instructions. Emily bowed her head and closed her eyes, ready for the pain. “Cease! I did not command you to move!” This was directed toward the creature. It followed her orders appropriately and resumed its humbled position. “I have something different in mind for you….perhaps I can change your mind after all…” Lucy smiled once again and waved her arm towards the men behind her.
As she did so, they approached Emily, each grabbing an arm. Lucy led the way out of the mall, as the men followed. Ethan walked directly behind Emily and she could sense his hatred reeking like a foul stench.
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26. More Bad News
Miria silently led the way to a nearby hut. Renee followed with knots in her stomach. The irritating pants now seemed completely irrelevant. They were almost comfortable even. Renee considered voicing this twisted fact in an attempt to get the latest update sooner. However, something about the expression on Miria’s face caused her to pause. The woman’s eyes stared blankly ahead as they walked. Vibes of intense thought and concern seemed to be circulating around her in nearly visible waves.
“Here we are.” Miria sounded much like a robot making the statement. Her mind was not here; it was clearly somewhere else. As she pushed away the large leaves blocking the hut’s entrance, a light airy voice rang out from inside.
“Oh Miria, how nice to….” The woman cut her words short as she caught the look on Miria’s face. Renee followed into the hut, finally seeing the form that matched the mysterious voice. “Oh, well hello there, what is your name? Mine is April.” The woman was older, clearly in her mid fif
ties or so. Her curly white hair and gentle features shined through the gloomy tension. She smiled brightly at Renee.
“I’m Renee…..Miria brought me here to…um…get some girl’s pants.” The words felt awkward as she said them, but Renee was here for a purpose. She knew the faster she got this over with, the sooner she could find out what was going on. Renee grabbed the edges of her currently oversized pants and fanned them out to demonstrate the issue.
Miria was standing beside Renee the entire time but seemed a world away. When the young girl spoke, Miria finally seemed to draw herself back to the current moment, looking April directly in the eyes. “Oh yes, I am so sorry April. Would you mind helping the girl find an appropriate size?”
“Why, of course, it would be my pleasure. Why don’t you take the chance to get some fresh air yourself?” April smiled gently. She could clearly tell Miria’s mind was overwhelmed.
“Yes, that is a wonderful idea.” Miria turned toward Renee with a weak smile of her own. “April will help get you some fresh clothes and I’ll be waiting for you just outside, okay?” Renee nodded her acknowledgement and, with that, Miria slipped out through the giant leaves.
R.E.M.: The Hidden World Page 14
