The Nightmare - chapter 14

CHAPTER 14 – behind the blood-red eyes

   Silence fell upon them, although the sky was restless. The harsh pat of the rain and thunder cracking roared across the sky. The grass swayed in the ghostly cold breeze which carried the stench of Pashas blood. It stung Zero's nose. Even though the smell had been diluted by the moist mist created by the rain. Pasha's body was starting to cool, Zero grit his teeth as more tears fell and rolled down his wet fur and sinking into his fur before they even reached her jet black coat. He tightened his eye as he pulled her closer in denial of her death.
   A mile south, the rest of the pack began to stir. Zero's mournful howl hadn't gone unnoticed. All their heads turn toward it. Their ears prick up as they heard the sound. Slowly they begin to edge themselves towards it.
   Tamaska breaks away from the back of the pack as they change direction and walks to the front and just stares out worryingly. His eyes grow wide as his mind begins to change. At that moment Kumai races past, breaking away from the pack toward the sound. Tamaska lowers his head and growls as he leads the pack in the direction of the sound. The wind and the rain fight against them, the wet ground under their paws hinders them as they run. Tension spreads as the wind carries an all to familiar stench. Death.
   The pack is close, zero can't hear them because of the rain, he can't smell them because of the blood. They get closer breaking through the trees. Tamaska emerges first and is stunned at what he sees in front of him. Kumai emerges shortly after him. His eye shocked, but slowly turns into rage. Ultimate fear spreads throughout the pack as they set their eyes on what's been lurking among them. They see the blood, the blood that stains his fur, the blood that seeps into the grass, the blood that was once hers, Pasha's. And now, they see more blood that will remain in their memories forever, haunting them. Being a constant reminder of their beloved friend that surrounds them everywhere, that is round every corner. Their beloved friend that is, death.
    He begins to creep forward at a steady pace. Tamska watches him closely. Kumai set his paw on the ground with the next step he took, and at that moment, Zero eyes burst open. The entire pack steps back with fear and shock at what they can see. His blood red eyes glow furiously at them. He snarls viciously allowing his long canine teeth to gleam at them, showing the blood and power they hold. As he begins to stand and move toward them, walking over Pasha's body. But he doesn't pursue them, he stays there stood over Pasha, protecting her. He doesn't know what, but something is propelling him to do this, to protect her. His head lowered as he snarls, his eyes slow in the glow. All the pack can see is glowing red, no emotion is revealed from those eyes, but it's clear to see, he's in great pain. Kumai snaps out of the shock.
   "So the truth comes out..." he evilly announces as he lowers his head and snarls
ferociously, "Three...Two...One...Zero, time's up."
   He smiles wickedly as he lunges at Zero wanting to take revenge. Zero growls loudly and his hackles begins to rise along his spine and he lowers his head further. Suddenly Tamaska jumps out in front of Kumai, bringing him to a stop.
   He's glared at by Kumai who snarls as he says, "Get out of my way..."
   Tamaska refuses to move, "Kumai, things are different than before. Think about it. I've known your farther for a very long time and never have I ever seen him loose in a fight, let alone be murdered in one. If Zero can do that to your farther then, you'll be a easy fight to win"
   Kumai growls hard, "We can't let him get away with what he's done."
   "And we wont," he turns to Zero, "but we can't do anything when he's in this state." He turns back around and leads the pack back into the trees, "We'll come back at dawn."   
   Zero watches the pack turn and walk away. As they move away he slowly move back to how he was before. Kumai was last the leave, he begin to walk into the trees then stops and looks at Zero with just his eyes, lowers his head more.
   "This is not over"
   Zero growls louder and starts to stand up again. Kumai ignores him and head into the trees. Leaving the murderer with murdered victim.