The Undead City Ouroboros

By Daryn Bullock

Welcome to Ouroboros City, the city named after the pharmaceutical enterprise known as Ouroboros. It was full of people at one point in time; then, it is being filled with monsters. One day, something had happened in that city. No one knows if it was because something got out of Ouroboros's labs or if hell was full.

Reports of a large bull, zombies, and other monsters roamed the streets. The validity of the claims of monsters, zombies, and a new virus is under speculation. The report of the military being called into the city after WASP's failed investigation into Ouroboros labs is only confirmed by satellite imaging. Although the absurdity of zombies is a thing of fiction, sources of what happened in the city can't be overlooked.

With the accounts of WASP, scientists from Ouroboros, the military, and as well as other survivors, a clear understanding of the Ouroboros City accident can be made. With the sources of the many survivors of the accident, we were able to document what had happened there in those few days. What had happened in that city can finally be told, even though some stories could be lost to the darkness.

Hopefully, any survivor could find closure within these pages while others can learn what may've happened in that city. May the city and those who had lost their lives there rest in peace.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Newman Springs Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Aug 30, 2022
• ISBN: 9781684984817

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The Undead City Ouroboros

Daryn Bullock

Copyright © 2022 Daryn Bullock

All rights reserved

First Edition

NEWMAN SPRINGS PUBLISHING

320 Broad Street

Red Bank, NJ 07701

First originally published by Newman Springs Publishing 2022

ISBN 978-1-68498-480-0 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-68498-481-7 (Digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Prologue

Day of Rising Death

Chapter 1

On This Day

Chapter 2

Before the Storm

Chapter 3

Raid

Chapter 4

Dangers on the Surface

Chapter 5

Dangers Below

Chapter 6

Road to Safety

Chapter 7

Getting to a Safe Place

Chapter 8

Securing the Safe Place

Chapter 9

Item Run

Days of Fortress Creation

Chapter 10

Medicine and Discovery

Chapter 11

An All Right Arrival

Chapter 12

Old Habits

Chapter 13

Sour Sewer

Chapter 14

The Filming Duo

Chapter 15

Securing for Children

Chapter 16

Zoo Cool

Chapter 17

From Bad to Terrible

Chapter 18

New Plans

Chapter 19

Securing Another Safe Place

The Castle and a Leader

Chapter 20

Discovering Rooms

Chapter 21

Secret Rooms of a Castle

Chapter 22

Catching New Problems

Chapter 23

Unforeseen Circumstance

Chapter 24

Night Unlife

Chapter 25

Danger's Cage

Day of the Living

Chapter 26

Dawn of a New Day

Chapter 27

On the Outside

Chapter 28

Night of Rust

Chapter 29

Loss to Many

Chapter 30

Dawn of the Last Day

The Lab of Destruction

Chapter 31

Lab of Decay

Chapter 32

Train to a Future

Epilogue

Prologue

Ouroboros City, homeplace of one of the largest pharmaceutical enterprises on Earth: Ouroboros. This city was known for its landmarks: the old insane asylum-turned police station, the old castle on the hill that was the home of the old castellans up until their mysterious deaths, town square, its hall, and the Ouroboros pharmacy building. Ouroboros City has made more money through medicine than any other form of business, tourism being the relative second.

The entire city is now damned. It was hard to believe that anything bad would happen to this city. We believed that something like this would happen, not in a million years. Could we have prevented this entire hell from happening? That was hard to tell.

As I looked over the city, my heart sank as I saw the burning buildings. We needed to get out of here before they arrive with the nuke. I don't know where to go, there's nowhere to get to. The last of us are finally cornered.

Before I could figure out a plan, the wall behind us was demolished. Turning around, a cold sweat ran down my spine.

Seriously? I asked, getting my gun. You again?

Part 1

Day of Rising Death

Chapter 1

On This Day

It was a nice day out today: the mid-October smell was in the air, the birds were chirping, and it was getting slightly cold out. If it wasn't for the job calling me out of the blue, I would've enjoyed days like this at the park or watch a movie with Helga. While I love being a part of WASP, but with the amount of calls that started popping up recently, I have to say that it is odd, especially in a city as quiet as Ouroboros.

I was recently hospitalized for an accident on the job, but the moment I get out, I get called back into the job. Even though the doctors told me to keep it easy for a couple of days, but Ash told me that I need to come to the department. Even though that blond bastard told me that he'd put me on easy work, I know that he's just going to work me like a fucking horse again.

Ever since the investigation in the forest a few weeks ago, the strange murders stopped almost immediately. Even when the murderers are gone, and there haven't been any signs of anything else in the forest, no one is allowed to go into the mountains for a while. Seeing that the co-chiefs just want people to be safe, it isn't too unreasonable to keep the mountains and forest off-limits until we make sure that there isn't any murderous cannibal preying on anyone.

The entire OCPD was full of running officers, voices were overlapping each other, and I think the holding cells have seen more activity than all the major sporting events combined. It was like we were in Boston or Chicago. Hopefully, we don't get as active as Detroit. At least it would have made sense if we were in Detroit because at least that would have explained everyone pushing past each other with a serious look on everyone's face.

Hey, someone yelled as they rushed toward me. Creature, thank God you're here. Ash has been yelling for you for the past hour.

It took a moment for me to realize that it was Jern, one of the latest cops, he was breathing heavily and had sweat running down his head. From the tone of his voice, it sounded like Ash must have given Jern a yelling fit for an hour or so.

Jern, I told him as I shrugged. "I just got here, and Ash is wanting to see me? If I knew that Ash was going to use ESP to tell if I'm here or not, I would have stayed in today."

I made it through the huge lobby, pushing past other officers, and saw that Jern was following me toward the door that lead to the hallway to WASP's room. Even though it was only about a few feet away from the OCPD's entrance, people pushing themselves between the doors made it hard just to get to just one door.

"Creature, Ash was extremely angry when I saw him. I don't think that it would be a good idea to see him right away. If I was you, I'd do literally anything else before having to deal with him."

Don't worry, Jern. That sunglasses-wearing asshole doesn't worry me in the slightest. If he wants to be an asshole, let him.

I opened the door to the hallway and saw that there were less people here than in the lobby. I stayed to the right as people quickly walked through the hallway, always having places to go. If I hadn't known any better, I would have thought that they were going home and didn't want to be caught up in work. As I walked through the hallway, walking past many rooms that lead to briefing rooms, and the occasional bathroom.

I turned the corner and saw the sign WASP that hung from the wall, just a few rooms down. It didn't take a scientist to know that there was yet another investigation going underway within that room. Even over the overlapping voices of cops, I could hear Co-chief Leo T. Amander, yelling from here. It was hard to tell what put him into a yelling fit, but by the sound of his voice, he was pissed.

And I can't believe that you're pushing for a warrant to investigate Ouroboros's main building! I heard. "I don't care what a kid says, even if they're part of the investigation. Dannie wouldn't allow it, and you know how stubborn she is."

Opening the door to the room, I saw that only a quarter of WASP was in it. Most of them were putting things together, typing something on the computers, or taking statements from a couple of scientists. Looking around, I saw that Ash was at his desk, his hands slowly going through his hair in annoyance. I didn't want to get involved at the moment, but Leo saw me halfway through the doorway and motioned for me.

Creature, thank God, he spat, veins showing on his face. "You're one of the only people that'll get him to listen."

I looked the chief up and down, and for a split second, I wanted to say, This isn't the right room, Chief, and walk away. Just as I opened my mouth, all I could spit out was Excuse me, Leo? I wasn't even thinking when I started to walk toward the co-chief and Ash.

Don't be so cheeky, Creature, the chief said, leaning on the desk. Ash wants a warrant to investigate Ouroboros's main building. He knows how bad it'll look if it turns out his theory turns out to be nothing.

I looked the chief up and down. He was sweating, can't tell if it was the heat or some form of pressure. As the sweat started to go down his pear-shaped face, I glanced over to Ash. The look on his face said it all, whatever that was on his mind was bothering him. Looking at the others, I knew that I had to start asking questions.

Ash, I finally began. What the hell is going on here? I mean, all of this shit that you've been doing. I've been out of the hospital for a couple weeks, and I'm put back into the line of work. Now you're going to search Ouroboros for, what exactly? Illegal scientific experiments? Can you at least level with me or the chief here?

"We all know what happened in that forest, Creature! Ash yelled, slamming both his hands on the desk. I don't know what's so hard to believe here. You've seen the testimony the scientists and the child Diana had given. Use your brains, both of you."

This was pointless, so I grabbed Leo by the shoulder and brought him out of the room. There was something that I didn't exactly want to discuss in front of Ash. The moment we were out of the large room, I rubbed my eyes. Something was strange about what Ash was trying to do, I just can't put my finger on it.

Sorry about that, Creature, Leo said, putting a hand on my shoulder. Come talk to me whenever you get the time, okay? I need to speak with you about something. It's kind of important. I just can't talk about it right now.

I nodded my head, wondering what I should do next. As the chief walked off, no longer being seen in the sea of people walking back and forth. Sighing, I walked back into the room, trying to wonder what was going to happen. Looking over at the small child in the room, I couldn't help but remind her from somewhere, even though I know I haven't seen her before.

Hey, Creature, can you come here for a sec? a voice rang out. Looking around, I saw that it was Sophia, motioning me over. Walking over, I noticed she had something in her hands.

What is it, Sophia? I asked, putting a hand on her desk. Need me to take some papers to Bile again?

She shook her head, a frown creeping across her face. If only. She sighed, putting the papers down. It looks like we're on car duty today, and we will be going through the Floral District this time.

Wait, Andy was supposed to be with you on car duty, I tried, scratching my head. What happened to him?

He's going with Ash and some of the others on the investigation. Sophia looked at the rest of the people in the room and leaned in. That and I just want to have some company tonight.

I looked at her, wondering what I should do. Taking a deep breath, I nodded. Okay, I told her. I'll stick with you tonight. Hopefully, we'll find something interesting. Sophia gave me a small smile as she walked toward the double doors.

I'll see you later, she said as she walked out. For a few minutes, I was glad to see some sort of positivity in the department.

Creature, get back here, Ash commanded, slight anger in his voice. Turning around, I saw that he was sitting down and had his head in one of his hands. Walking up, he took a deep breath. Listen, sorry that we called you right after being released from the hospital, but we need more hands since we've recently had a lack of available hands. We only have so few men helping the police.

So you want me to play stand-in while you get everything back to normal? I asked, crossing my hands. I mean, I'll do it, but where the fuck is everyone else?

Ash rubbed his forehead with a small sigh. "I've got almost half of us doing things, he told me, a hint of distaste when he said things. I couldn't tell what was wrong, but I know never to question it, at least not now. Now, I need you to take these files to Reads down in the evidence room, then take this briefcase to Midi up in the west chemical room. Be careful with the briefcase, the contents in it is very fragile." He grabbed a small box of files and a large briefcase, then set them on the desk.

I grabbed the items begrudgingly, not wanting to complain in Ash's face. As I walked through the double doors, I immediately saw that the hallway was less full than a few seconds ago. Seeing that the west chemical room was closer, I decided to take a right. It may be on the second floor, but that the evidence room was on the other side of the building. The closest staircase was on the other end of the hall anyway, so it wouldn't be too much of a hassle to get to the chemical room.

As I walked through the building, I started to wonder: why couldn't Ash just grab any of the other people in the building to do such a menial task? Wouldn't it be easier for him to take a few minutes to bring these things to wherever they needed to be? When and where did I pick up the word menial? But more importantly, what is up with this investigation that involves a fucking look into Ouroboros labs? This sounds highly strange.

***

After taking the files to the evidence room, I quickly became an errand boy to everyone in the department. Someone wanted me to bring something to a room in the building: a letter to forensics, a message to the front desk, a small cupcake to someone in a holding cell, amongst other shit. It took me forever to get everything done that I lost track of time. I didn't exactly have a problem in helping everyone, but it was somewhat annoying that I got turned into an errand boy.

Thanks for the drinks, Creature, Commissioner Tanten said as she rubbed the bridge of her nose. I should stay awake with them. Tanten looked over at a holding cell before sighing heavily.

Do you want me to get something else? I asked, sitting down next to her. Cause I've got to talk to Co-chief Leo.

Tanten grabbed my shoulder and handed me an envelope. It's a good thing I got you then, she said as I grabbed the piece of paper. I was supposed to give this to the Co-chief Dannie, but I end up being put on cell watching duty. If you can hand this to Leo, I'm sure he'll hand this to Dannie.

I looked over at Tanten, her rough smile had stretched itself over her tanned face. Seeing that she had her hands tied at the moment, I got up and made for the entrance of the holding area. The co-chief's room was a couple of floors above the holding area, where the head of the asylum used to be before it became a police station. It overlooked the entire entrance of the station, and the quickest route was toward the staircase on the other end of the building.

As I made my way to the co-chief's room, I started to think about things again. If the investigation in the forest is done, why are we investigating Ouroboros labs? I mean, why would they have anything to do with those strange murders some time ago? What would one of the largest medical companies gain from literally killing people? Especially in the city they have roots in. It makes just as enough sense as turning an asylum into a police station.

It was strange that an asylum was turned into a police station, I always wonder what the cause of it was, but there's never been any time to check it out. As strange as the asylum being changed, it was even stranger that it shared the same town as a castle. If I ever get a day off, I should probably check the library for that book Helga was talking about. It shouldn't be too much to ask when I get back to the WASP room.

The moment I got onto the staircase, I looked up the long room. It seemed to go on forever, but the room went up a few floors. The co-chief's room was just a few fleets up; whatever was on the highest floor was a mystery to me. I never went to the fourth floor, never really had a reason to go up there. As I went up, I tried to feel what was in the envelope.

From the weight of the small thing, and how thin whatever was in the envelope was, I think it could be a letter, and some money. Even though it's an asshole thing to guess what someone's mail is, I can't help but wonder who'd want to send anything to dear old Manly Dannie. A possible drinking buddy from the bar? A birthday gift from some distant family member? If she does have some family, how come none of us ever heard of, or from, them?

The moment I got to the third floor, I saw the door to the hallway on the right. Opening the door, I noticed that the hall was partially void of life. There were very few people walking around as I made my way through. Just as I got to the co-chief's room, I heard yelling. It wouldn't take a genius to know it was Dannie going off again.

"I don't care about what your thoughts are about Leo! If I say that they should leave for Ouroboros labs, then I say give them that fucking warrant. What happened in that forest is something we cannot allow to happen in the city! If you don't give them that order, I'll send you to the next serial murdering investigation."

Dannie, I tell you, someone's being set up here, Leo had shakily protested. "There's no way Ouroboros lab would just sit still with any illegal experiments, assuming they have any until WASP gets there. Seriously, do you really think that they'd even find anything?"

Are you questioning me, Leo?

Just then, I heard someone stumbling around and footsteps quickening toward the door. I got away from the door before it slammed open, and Leo came barging out. He would've run right into me if I hadn't stepped out of the way.

Something wrong? I asked as he walked past. He turned around and noticed it was me.

Creature, thank God it's just you, he said, almost gasping for air. I take it you have some free time. I've got nothing to do right now anyway.

I showed Leo the envelope, not wanting to know what was going on in the other room. He took the envelope and sighed. Something was up. He took me by the shoulder, and we walked over to the staircase. Part of me didn't want to know what was going to happen, but I trust that the chiefs wouldn't have any bad intentions. Leo opened the envelope and took out a note, a forlorn expression creeping over his face as he read it.

Is everything okay? I asked again, putting a hand on his shoulder. Family problems?

Leo shook his head after putting the note in a pocket. No, I've just remembered something, he softly said, looking over at me. But I'm glad you gave me this. I have to go bring this warrant to you guys at WASP. I convinced Manly Dannie to allow you guys to check out Ouroboros labs.

I wanted to ask about everything in the co-chief's room but decided to hold my breath. Just as Leo started to move, I noticed that his lips started to quiver as his face was completely obscured. Part of me was yelling that Leo was hiding something. There was something that told me to confront Leo about his sketchy behavior, that I should at least talk to him.

Didn't you say that you had nothing to do? I asked as I followed Leo. He looked back at me with a dead-eyed expression. Another question: I overheard Dannie yelling. What was that all about?

Dannie grabbed me by the shirt and pushed me to the railing. How much did you hear Creature? Surprised, I put my hands up.

Not much, I replied, shaking my head. Only something about you being worried about a setup.

Leo looked at me, anger pasted over his face. Something told me that I crossed a line I shouldn't've. For a few seconds, Leo just stared at me, a hint of something in his eyes. I thought I was going to die, but when a door opened downstairs, Leo let go of me.

What happened in our office doesn't concern you, Creature, he said, turning to the landing. It's best that you forget about it.

All right was all that I replied with. As the co-chief made his descent, I followed behind him.

I wanted to confront Leo, but I didn't have anyone to back me up on the matter. If whoever just came in was on this fleet of stairs, I'd start questioning the balding captain. Even with the minigun I'm genetically born with, I don't think it would be enough to get him talking.

Also, Sophia will be waiting for you in the parking lot, Leo softly said as he turned the corner. After I bring this warrant to your group, you might want to go down there and accompany her. You don't want to keep a lady waiting. You also might want to enjoy the rest of the day.

There was something about that last sentence that felt wrong. He always tells people to have fun or to try and catch something interesting when people would have to go out on patrols. I wouldn't need Ash's level of intelligence to know that something was up.

Chapter 2

Before the Storm

I told him, I said to Sophia, after drinking soda. I fucking told him. ‘Don't be shoving things where they don't belong.' And what does that asshole do?

He tries to throw the spear at the manager, we both said in unison. A few hours into the night, the only thing we've seen was a jaywalking kid about half an hour ago. With such a silent night, we eventually started joking around and laughing about past events.

Yeah, I remember that, Sophia said, checking the radio. "Hey, Creature, are you sure that you're feeling well? I mean, since the hospitalization and the migraines?"

Yes, I replied, after a moment of thought. I mean, I can't seem to recall a month or two, but I feel all right. Every time I try to recall what had happened a few weeks ago, I feel somewhat fearful. I can't really explain it, but part of me just doesn't want to remember.

Sophia looked worried, like something was entirely wrong. As much as I'd want to find out what had happened in the timeframe I can't recall, there's just some things that can't be helped. I mean, I know that there was an investigation in the woods some time ago, but I was stationed in town when it happened.

Well, hopefully, we could go down to Dr. Macron over the weekend, Sophia chipperly said, sounding optimistic. That is, if you know who doesn't call us in.

Both of us laughed, relieving any uneasiness in the air. I was glad to be with Sophia on patrol duty. She tends to be livelier than someone like Ash or Joseph. Whenever I get put into the same car with Ash for any period of time, it feels like trying to talk to the parents of someone you're dating: uneasy, creepily silent, and uncomfortable to all hell.

Hey, what do you think Ash is trying to do with that investigation in Ouroboros labs? I asked, trying to switch conversation. I haven't seen him so determined onto something for a long time.

Do you recall the murders in the woods that went on for almost a month, she asked, turning back to me. I shook my head, which caused Sophia to frown. Well, there were these murders, you see, but they weren't normal murders, but instead, they were reanimated corpses. Zombies brought to life by a virus. We were investigating what was going on in the woods, and we eventually found out that the people responsible for the zombies were, huh?

Before Sophia could finish her sentence, we saw an explosion in the distance. The entire ground shook, and I almost thought that it was going to split apart. Sophia quickly put the car in gear and switched the siren on as I ate the rest of the cheeseburger I had. As Sophia drove, I called in the explosion but noticed that there was nothing but dead air.

I tried switching through the channels, hoping that we didn't have terrible luck. Every few channels, I'd hear nothing but screeching coming from the radio. Other times it'll be strange moaning. I was about to ask Sophia what could be wrong with the radio, but I stopped when I noticed a difference in lighting. Looking up, I saw that we were near where the explosion was.

From the looks of it, it might have been the Lunar gas station or what was left of it anyway. The building was crumbling apart, charred, and almost unrecognizable. Cars were either toppled over, on fire, and/or so destroyed that it would've been hard to tell what they were previously. As we stepped out of the car, I looked around, only to find that a few people were starting to show up.

What happened here? a passerby asked, passing a corner.

I shook my head, not knowing what to say. It's a mystery how the entire station would blow like a Roman candle. As I tried to assess the situation, a loud scream rang out, making me jump out of my skin. Looking over at a distressed middle-aged woman, her frightened glare was fixed on a certain fire next to an overturned truck. It took me a few seconds to realize that whatever was on fire was moving.

The figure got up and started moving toward us. For a few brief seconds, it hit me that this burning figure was a human. The burning person started to raise its hands as it got closer to us, moaning as it got close. Sophia started to walk toward the figure while hovering a hand over her gun. I looked around, trying to find something to put out the fire. Before I could do anything, someone came into view with a fire extinguisher and tried to help the person on fire.

Ma'am, you shouldn't get too close to an active scene, I said as I ran over to the person with the fire extinguisher. You'd need to step back.

Sophia grabbed the fire extinguisher from the civilian. As she started to put the fire out, the burning person started to walk toward her. She sprayed the person with the extinguisher, keeping a certain distance from them. When the fire was out, the person was still walking toward Sophia. The moment the person got close to Sophia, she hit them with the fire extinguisher.

The person started to groan after hitting the pavement. They started to get up, albeit slowly, and started to limp toward Sophia. The slowly increasing crowd of people started to scream as the scene played out. As a few people tried to phone for an ambulance and more police, I started to walk over to Sophia.

Stop her before she kills that man! someone frantically yelled.

The burnt man lunged at Sophia with a gurgled yell. The second the figure got his hands on her; a shot rang out, and the man fell on the ground once again. Everyone in the crowd started to panic and scattered from the area. I couldn't tell what to do. Everything was starting to go by fast.

Sophia! I yelled, turning her around. What the hell is wrong…with…

Before I could finish my sentence, I heard more moaning. Looking past Sophia, I saw a handful of other people stumbling out of the gas station. These people looked like they came straight out of a horror movie—some of them were missing body parts, things were sticking out of them, limbs were bent at odd angles, and it looked like some of them had huge dents in some places. I couldn't tell what was going on with them, but something told me that something bad was happening.

These people were on fire, yet they were unphased by the fire burning their skin away. I couldn't tell what was stranger, the people on fire, or their unsettling moaning. As I reached for my gun, my hands started to tremble. Part of me knew that they weren't human, that they were something else. If these things weren't human, what were they?

An outbreak in the city? Sophia asked, shooting at a few of the burning monsters. The lab is gone. How could there be a few carriers here?

I looked at her, having a hard time trying to speak. Were these zombies? These things shouldn't exist, the chance of zombies would be low, no matter how much those preppers would like to argue. If these were zombies, then where's the source? Patient zero? In a matter of fact, how far are they spreading?

And here I was, thinking you were just pulling my leg, I joked, trying to not sound afraid. But if these are zombies, how come they're only coming out of a destroyed gas station? I mean, there should have been entire hordes roaming around for a few hours. I mean, how come we hadn't heard of anything?

Doesn't matter right now, she said, looking over at me. Just get the minigun out and fucking help me. Looking over at the burning zombies, I started to hesitate.

"Sophia, you know that I don't use that in a populated—" I tried.

But Sophia interrupted with, "That doesn't matter, Creature!"

Sophia looked over at me in anger. She doesn't get angry that easily but seeing a flame in her eyes is what told me not to cross her. Quickly looking around, I'd felt my left forearm bend and morph into metal. As I lifted my arm, it fully turned into a minigun. For years, I only had to use this thing on occasion, even though some of those times it was just to intimidate someone. Although I am glad that no one was around, it's just the thought of someone being at the wrong place is what bothers me.

The barrels started to rotate, and as they did so, I stepped in front of Sophia. My gun may not be completely accurate, but I could always change its damage output on demand. As the zombies started to come closer, the barrels were rotating at full speed. The moment the zombies were halfway through across the parking lot, I started to shoot them down. Even though each bullet that hit a zombie blew a huge hole out of them, the zombies continued to make their way to us.

Aim for their heads, Sophia said as she shot a few zombies down. That seems to kill them, as anything else other than removing the head altogether seems to do nothing besides slowing them down.

With that advice, I tried to aim for their heads. As some of the bullets were able to cut a clean hole into their skulls, others just missed. Whenever a bullet hit a zombie's skull, the zombie would go completely limp. I felt pity over the zombies; they were once humans a while ago. How they got infected and how long they were zombies was disheartening.

Just as the last zombie died, a thought ran past my mind: how long were they zombies? That's when a series of questions hit me: if these guys turned into zombies before the gas station blew, what caused the explosion? But if they turned after the explosion, what caused them to turn into zombies? What exactly turned them into zombies, and how can anyone get infected?

"Somebody help me! someone yelled in the distance. Looking over, I saw that a woman in sports paint running down the street. She saw us and she immediately ran toward us. Oh, thank God. You guys got to help me, my friends at the stadium. They're still trapped there with those things. I couldn't do anything with that thing chasing me."

What thing? Sophia asked, wrapping her jacket around the scared girl. There wasn't anything following you.

As Sophia tried to comfort the frantic woman, I looked around. There weren't any signs of life, but I felt like something was off. I felt eyes on me; there was something about it that felt hateful, like whoever was staring at me was filled with so much hate that it was tearing them apart. That's when I heard faint, animal-like breathing, coming from somewhere in the distance.

Whatever was breathing must be either very heavy or incredibly out of breath. It sounded like whoever was breathing heavily was coming closer. That's when it felt like the ground was shacking slightly. At first, I would've thought it was a mini earthquake, but the shacking was too infrequent, like someone was walking. I groaned as I looked in the direction of where the woman ran from and saw something huge.

For a moment, I thought that I was seeing things. What was coming down the street was an incredibly large bull. It must've been twelve feet tall, and that wasn't even counting its large horns. By the look of the horns, they must have been five to six feet. This bull looked like it just got out of hell. Both of its horns had cracks in some locations, and there was a noticeable hole in one of them.

The bull had enough wounds that I thought it was fighting a triceratops or something. If it wasn't for the adrenaline, I would've thought this was just a nightmare. I started to back up as the bull got closer, trying to not die from immediate shock.

You serious have got to be kidding me, I said, feeling my breath slip away.

Sophia heard me and looked over, seeing the huge bull making its way toward us. She pulled the frantic woman behind her and ran toward me. Even with Sophia beside me, I felt like my heart was going to pop out of my chest and make a run for it. This huge bull was something I wasn't expecting to deal with at any part of my life.

Seeing Sophia determined to stand her ground, I shook my head quickly. How is it that she isn't freaking out? Is she not scared? Seeing the flame in her eye made me lose my fear for a moment.

Stand in the face of fear proudly, as Johnny's motto always went.

The bull started to throw up dirt, showing that it was going to charge. It jerked its head up and roared loud enough to break a few windows from some nearby buildings. The bull then barreled toward us. We started shooting at it, but the bullets didn't seem to faze the monster. Before the monster could gouge us, I shoved Sophia out of the way and was immediately sent flying into a nearby building.

I felt my strength leaving me after I landed, like death was coming for me. Before my world grew dark, I saw Sophia fighting the large bull, and some military-like people coming out of large vehicles to help her. Before I lost consciousness, I wished Sophia luck. If this was where I died, I only hoped that everyone else got out okay.

Chapter 3

Raid

Okay, you all know your posts, Ash said, looking at everyone. It was only an hour after Co-chief Leo gave WASP the go-ahead to proceed with the investigation into the Ouroboros labs. Let's make this quick, and thorough. Now, fuck ups, we don't want a repeat of the mountain.

Johnny opened the doors to Ouroboros's pharmaceutical. Inside the lobby stood a trio of female receptionists at the front counter, which was stationed between a couple of elevators. One would've thought that the pure white in the lobby was a testament to the lab staff's dedication to cleanliness, but WASP knew better. Ash was the first to enter the