The rest of the day was spent scouring the area for any resources we could find. We managed to collect two more of the ant-like creatures and a smaller beetle-like creature, which, unlike the others, lacked the water-storing ability. We set up rocks in the scorching sun to cook the bug meat and took stock of our meager supplies.
Amelia's calculations cast a shadow of concern. "These bugs still don't provide us with everything we need. With the amount of food we have at the moment, it will last us at most a day and a half."
Ethan, who had grown significantly calmer in the past day, leaned forward. "Any chance we'll find more rocky terrain? It seems like a better place to find sustenance."
"I'm not sure, but it does look like we're approaching an area with rockier terrain. I've spotted several more spots in the distance where we can make camp," Amelia offered, her voice resonating hope.
Henry chimed in with optimism, "Each spot will hopefully provide us with enough nutrition to keep moving forward."
We spent the next couple of days hopping from one rocky terrain to the next, searching for food and water. On the third day, our spirits soared as the jagged peaks of a mountain range came into view on the horizon.
"Hell ya! Tell me you see that!," I exclaimed, hardly able to believe my eyes.
"Don't worry, you're not delusional," Henry chimed in with equal excitement. "I see the mountains too."
The sight of those mountains, like an oasis in the desert, invigorated us. We increased our pace, determined to reach the mountains, which were about a day's journey away. We avoided any detours through the desert, focusing on traversing the increasingly rocky terrain.
As we moved, the landscape shifted around us. The distant mountains that had caught our attention, a beacon of hope. The Mountains grew closer with every step, providing a potential source of shelter.
Peering into the distance, I noticed the illusion of moving dunes. In an attempt to shake off the delirium, I took a swig of water. When I looked back, the mirage had transformed into a tangible reality, now much closer. Before I could convey the impending danger, the ground beneath us started to quake, the air itself pulsating with an ominous energy. A low rumble enveloped us, growing louder with each passing moment. The crew came to an abrupt halt, exchanging anxious glances. Vibrations rippled through the ground, sending shockwaves through our bodies.
In the distance, a mound of sand rose up, resembling a dark behemoth emerging from a deep slumber. A collective gasp escaped our lips as we witnessed the colossal form bursting forth from the desert. Before us stood a creature of immense proportions with a snake-like body, draconian features and scales that shimmered in the dual suns' light. Its reptilian eyes locked onto our group, an unsettling intensity emanating from its gaze.
My heart pounded in my chest as I took in the staggering size of the creature. It felt like a mythical being, a living legend materializing before our eyes. The reality, however, was undeniable—it was a creature of flesh and blood, emerging from the very sand beneath our feet.
Ethan, visibly alarmed, couldn't contain his shock. "What in the actual hell is that thing?!"
Fear surged through us as the colossal creature advanced with surprising swiftness. Without a moment's hesitation, I called out, "Run to the mountains! Now!"
I sprinted with all my might, my sole focus on reaching the safety of the mountain range. Just as the creature closed in on us, we reached a rocky outcrop. The ground quaked as the creature slammed into the stone, creating a momentary barrier. Seizing the opportunity, we ran while the creature was momentarily stunned, but it wasted no time recovering and closing the gap, almost sensing our footsteps as it gained ground beneath the surface.
Ethan stumbled, falling behind the others. Desperation etched his features as he struggled to keep up, breath ragged. The creature's shadow loomed over him, and as it surged from the sand, its massive maw snapped shut with horrifying precision.
The group's screams of shock and horror echoed across the desert as the creature's jaws split Ethan in two, his fate sealed in an instant. I barely had time to process the gruesome sight as I continued to run, the mountain range growing closer. Luckily the rocky terrain promised refuge from the pursuing monstrosity. The ground trembled beneath us, but the mountains' craggy surface made it difficult for the creature to pursue.
With hearts pounding and chests heaving, we reached the base of the mountains. As we all collapsed to the ground, breathless and shaken, watching as the creature's massive form prowled at the edge of the rocky terrain. Its roars of frustration reverberated through the air, but the mountainous landscape proved to be a barrier it couldn't overcome.
I took a moment to catch my breath, my mind racing with the events that had transpired. I glanced around at my surviving companions, their faces a mix of relief and grief.
Exhausted and shaken, they sank to the rocky ground, their breathing ragged and their faces etched with fear. Owen had broken down, his body trembling as he tried to make sense of the horrors they had just witnessed.
"What the hell was that thing?" Owen's voice wavered as he spoke. "We almost died out there, alongside Ethan..."
Placing a reassuring hand on Owen's shoulder. "We survived, Owen. That's what matters. We're alive."
We all sat in silence, our minds replaying the gruesome scene that had unfolded before us. Amelia broke the quietude with her firm yet soothing voice. "We're going to be alright. We have to stay strong."
Emily, shivered uncontrollably, tears glistening in her eyes. "He just died right in front of us, just like that," she whispered, her voice trembling with shock and grief.
Ella moved closer to Emily, wrapping her in a comforting hug. "We will be okay, Emily. Come on, you can do this."
Benjamin, who had been staring off into the distance, lost in his thoughts. Refocusing, he rose to his feet, determination etched on his features. "Atlas is right. We're alive, and that's what matters most. If anyone's hurt, if you have any cuts, scrapes, or if anything feels broken, don't hesitate to tell me."
A brief inspection revealed that, fortunately, no one had sustained any serious injuries beyond a few minor scrapes and bruises.
"Okay, let's try to rest," Amelia decided, her practicality returning. "We need to regain our strength and plan our next moves carefully."
Comments (0)
See all