The Demise of Humanity

by Miller, Jayme L.

  “They need water, now!” I demanded.

  I watched Olyvia collapse the remaining distance to the floor and pass out.

  Quinn, followed by a few others crowded in and lifted Gabe then Olyvia and took them out of the room.

  “Silas come with us,” Quinn demanded, for the first time serious. No humor in his tone.

  Silas and I followed behind the men carrying Gabe and Olyvia. We entered into a part of the warehouse we hadn’t been. The men placed Gabe and Olyvia in a tank filled with water. The tank was enormous and appeared to have been moved into this room. I guessed it had been a fish tank at one time. It was centered in the middle of the room and sat directly on the floor. I watched Gabe and Olyvia float in the tank unconscious.

  “Silas, I understand you were upset back there but we do not use physical contact on anyone here.This being one of the many reasons why,” He pointed to the tank and then continued, “We talk our problems out here. I understand Gabe can be a bit much and forceful. He can even be cocky but you have to learn to control yourself. Don’t let him or anyone else get to you.”

  “I’m sorry. I thought I had my ability under control. I didn’t mean to hurt him. Well, not like that,” Silas replied sounding defeated.

  “Thankfully we have Olyvia here,” he glanced in her direction, “She is a healer and has proven to have an extraordinary gift. Doctor Nickels and I have been discussing how we can help you improve, understand and control your gifts in a safe manner. He believes you are all newborns right now. You know you have a gift but do not fully understand how to control it, this has proven to be dangerous. On another note Greg believes there are more people out in the world. He believes he can sense them, he thinks some of the people out there have abilities and some do not. The question is how do we find them?” Quinn explained.

  Gabe and Olyvia started to move around in the water. Water overflowed from the tank. Olyvia was the first to surface and Gabe followed moments later.

  “They were underwater for ten plus minutes before emerging,” Silas stated.

  “Yes, it appears anyone with a gift needs water to recover. When you use your gift you exert a huge amount of energy and soon after you need to hydrate. Emerged in water works the fastest, but drinking it works as well,” Quinn informed us.

  I watched Gabe exit the tank with help from a couple of the guys that carried him in. Gabe then helped Olyvia out of the tank. Gabe glared at Silas for a long and awkward moment before exiting the room without saying anything. Silas stepped forward to follow after Gabe but I put a hand out to stop him. Olyvia joined our small group.

  “That was fun! Thanks Silas, I’ve been wondering what my healing abilities detailed. I can add burnt victims to my ever growing list. I will say Quinn, it was quite painful towards the end. When I was submerged into the water I felt better,” Olyvia exclaimed.

  “Thank you Olyvia for helping Gabe. I know the two of you aren't the best of friends. You truly have an amazing gift,” Quinn said.

  Quinn and Olyvia said their goodbyes and exited the room leaving Silas and me standing in silence. I started towards the exit too but Silas stopped me.

  “I’m sorry, you know I didn’t mean to do that right?”

  “Yes, I know you were upset and that contributed to what happened. We know our emotions play a big part in how our ability betrays itself,” I said.

  “When I figure out how to fully control my gift, I’m going to leave and find my dad. I’m beginning to think my nightmares may have some kind of meaning behind them,” I revealed.

  “When the time comes I will go with you,” Silas stepped closer to me putting his hand to my face.

  The temperature in the room raised, I found myself stepping closer to him.

  “I was lost when I couldn’t find you. I couldn’t imagine living in this world without you,” Silas whispered.

  He stopped inches from my face, I wanted to kiss him. I stared into his eyes for a long moment before pressing my lips against his. He kissed me back, slowly at first and then with a desperate need. I felt a surge of energy flow through his body. I quickly withdrew taking a few steps back. I felt winded and warm all at once.

  “We shouldn’t do this,” I stated scared.

  I darted out leaving Silas standing there alone.

  Day 63-70:

  The days passed quickly. All the gifted teens practiced their abilities. We worked hard learning how to control our emotions and we focused on centering our energy. Small groups of people would head into the city and collect supplies. They set up an above ground pool in one of the parking lots where we practiced our abilities. We discovered we needed lots of water and the pool came in handy. Doctor Nickels and Mabel were often in the background watching and taking notes. Many of the ordinary people also watched us. Each day we learned to control and improve our gifts. We discovered Silas’ light when activated didn’t hurt any of the teens eyes but it was blinding and could burn anyone in the line of fire. We also discovered Olyvia’s healing gifts were able to heal any of the teens, but have minimal effect on anyone else.

  Greg tuned in on his gift and was able feel and see the location of the screamers if he was close enough. During the day the screamers were underground, in the subways, dark basements, underground garages, and anywhere light didn’t leak in. Greg didn’t give an exact number of the screamers that lurked under the city but the expression on his face said enough.

  I had secretly been practicing my ability too. I had a hard time being with the group during their training sessions. The energy from twelve teenagers was intoxicating. I found myself using all my will power to hold back and not consume every last gift. I stayed a good distance away from the large groups. I was able to interact with a small group of two or three. I found I could easily drain them. I waited until everyone was asleep and then would take their gifts one at a time. I was able to take up to three gifts before I felt I would explode from the electricity coursing through my body.

  Gabe stood next to Hannah watching amused as I hovered over Wes. Wes was laying on his side snoring a thin layer of drool had formed on the corner of his mouth. I startled when I turned and saw I had been caught.

  “Enjoying yourself,” Gabe questioned.

  “I. I…was checking on everyone we’ve been practicing a lot lately,” I responded weakly.

  “You are taking their gifts while they sleep, you do realize that is so creepy right?” Gabe sneered.

  “Gabe, don’t jump to conclusions maybe Layla was checking on everyone,” Hannah remarked but sounded doubtful.

  I walked past Gabe and Hannah stopping when I was sure unwelcome ears weren't listening. Gabe and Hannah followed me and stopped walking when I did. Hannah glanced around nervously and Gabe shuffled impatiently.

  “Gabe is right, I have been practicing my ability while everyone sleeps. It is difficult for me to get a grip on the energy and then control it with everyone is around. When everyone is sleeping I can take the energy and not hurt anyone in the process,” I carefully explained.

  “Why didn’t you tell us? We wouldn’t judge you, we are all in this together,” Hannah acknowledged.

  “I’m not sure everyone is going to be happy when they find out. I mean, come on I take others gifts,” I blurted out.

  It felt good saying it out loud although the way Hannah glared at me made me second guess my decision to tell them.

  “Let me make sure I am understanding you correctly, your gift is to take our gifts?” She reviewed.

  Gabe smirked at me with his annoyingly cocky smile. Hannah failed to understand how my gift could possibly be useful. I could hear far away screams make their way through the warehouse. The screams had become sounds we had grown accustomed too.

  “It is late and I am tired. I’m going to hit the sack. We can discuss this some other time,” I said yawning and stretching. I wanted to add effect in case they aren’t convinced. I soundlessly made my way to my bed. I avoided sleep like a plague. It was always the same.
Dreams turned into unwanted nightmares. The same faces each night calling out to me. They would beg and plead for me to find them and help them. I was always scared in the dreams. I would run away each time. I laid in bed awake contemplating my options. I knew how the nightmare would play out. I decided I would not allow myself to run away. I would stay when the people came towards me. I closed my eyes and prayed like hell this wouldn’t end like all those, “Nightmare on Elm Street” movies I used to watch with my best friend.

  The air is warm against my skin. The sun is shining in the sky and there isn’t a cloud in sight. I am warm and the sun feels incredible today. That’s it, I’ve decided I will never leave this glorious place. I open my eyes and see a brown haired girl of maybe seventeen years old standing a few feet in front of me. She is wearing a torn white dress with dull red stripes running down the front. At closer inspection I realize her hair is tangled into wild knots and she is missing one of her diamond stud earrings. She is a beautiful girl with piercing brown eyes. She opens her mouth to speak but nothing comes out. She appears to be a bit frantic. She speaks but is unable to communicate. She takes a step closer to me. My eyes leave her and take in my surroundings.

  I am standing in the field again, only the sun isn’t unbearable this time. My eyes do a quick scan of the ground and I sign in relief knowing I’m not being consumed in fire. I also notice there are others here too. There are people standing and sitting around the perimeter of the field.

  “Layla, we need to leave.” The girl speaks directly to me. Her voice deep for a girl.

  She takes another step closer to me. I gaze at her and see the red stripes aren’t part of the design on her dress. At closer inspection I see that it is red blood streaks. She takes another step forward and this time I take a step back. Her eyes aren’t a brilliant brown like I thought, they are a dull gray and her skin is a familiar white. Her lips are still moving but they are predatorial movements. She snaps her teeth together and her jaw cracks loudly. I turn away from her and start to run but it is pointless, I am surrounded.

  I move away from the girl and remember that I have been here many times, in fact every night in my dreams I enter this same field. I stop and turn back to face the girl, I am shaking with fear but remind myself this isn’t real. The girl tilts her head and takes another step towards me. God, she looks real! She opens her mouth and lets out a horrific scream. I cover my ears, blood starts to make its way out of my eyes, ears, mouth and nose. I wipe my nose and stare in disbelief, how can this be a dream when it feels so real? The girl takes a predatory stance and then lunges at me. The contact sends excruciating pain throughout my whole body.

  “Oh God! Oh God! Oh God!” I scream out.

  The girl's face inches from my own, her jaw cracks and chomps in failed attempts to bite my face. She smells putrid, I use every muscle in my arms, neck and back to keep her from sinking her teeth into me. Who am I kidding, I use every muscle in my entire body to hold her back. She is unbelievably strong and I know I cannot fight her off much longer. My muscles weaken and all too soon they abandon me. I stare unblinking at her withered face. I know this face! I have seen it many times. It is my face. Only it cannot be my face. I watch the girl’s mouth open as she comes at me, I close my eyes and wait for the pain.

  A warmth spreads across my face and the girl falls off of me, I open my eyes but the sun is radiating and blinding. I can’t see anything for what feels like ages but is only moments while my eyes adjust.

  “Layla,” a voice calls.

  I focus on two figures approaching. I get to my feet and am astonished to see Silas and Gabe in the field.

  “Jesus Layla, what the hell were you thinking?” Silas yells.

  “Why are you angry Silas. This is only a dream,” I state cooly, although I don’t know that I believe it.

  “If it’s a dream then how are we here? Are we dreaming too?” Gabe snides in.

  The sun hides behind a big fluffy cloud and then like in a dream the sky shifts becoming dark and mean looking.

  “Crud,” Gabe gulps, “We need to get the hell out of here.”

  Screamers close in once more, the dream starting over. The same girl less than fifteen feet away stare’s in our direction. The screamers open their mouths and let out screams that make the three of us drop to our knees.

  “I’m not waiting around to find out if this is real or a dream,” Gabe commands.

  He grabs Silas’ and my arm, we fade away before the screamers attack.

  Day 71:

  I leapt out of bed and inspected myself. No cuts, wounds or evidence that my nightmare was real. Thank god I thought, walking to Silas’s bed. He wasn’t in it. I felt a sudden panic but I remembered he often woke early. He would go to the cafeteria to hydrate. I headed to the cafeteria but was disappointed when he wasn’t there. I continued to search for him. I checked the locker room but was not well greeted when I entered without knocking. My mind was preoccupied and I wasn’t thinking when I burst in. I found three adult men naked. One was shaving and the other two were standing and conversing. I mean how many people stand around talking naked, that is disgusting. I knew I would be forever scarred. I continued my search and ran to the doctors quarters. My pulse quickening with each passing minute. I self noted Gabe was also MIA.

  “Layla, how are this morning?” Quinn asked.

  He was sitting at a table with the doctor and Mabel. They appeared to be in deep conversation when I entered. I did a quick scan of the room, the lights were dimmed, the dead male screamer was replaced with a female that appeared to be breathing. I cautiously approached the table where she lay. At further inspection I saw she was indeed breathing. There were chains at her wrists and ankles, also across her throat and chest. They obviously weren't taking any chances of her escaping. She was wearing a dirty ripped white dress, red blood stained streaks ran down the front. Her hair once a beautiful curly brown now lay tangled and knotted into rats nests. Dried cracked blood ran out her ears, eyes, nose and mouth. It was a sight I always pictured when I thought of the screamers. I held my breath and examined her. I knew this girl laying on the table. I knew her not from before the world changed but from every night when I closed my eyes. She was in all my nightmares and here she was in front of me. I reached out and was inches from touching her when my hand was yanked back roughly.

  “You don’t want to touch her without gloves. We don’t know enough about these things yet,” Dr. Nickels informed.

  He was standing at my side. Quinn and Mabel were across the table facing us.

  “I know her,” I blurted out.

  “I’m sorry Layla, it isn’t fair seeing people we loved and cared about this way,” he cried.

  “No, not from before I mean, I’ve been dreaming about her every night. It started shortly after I woke up from the illness,” I stammered.

  “There is an uncanny resemblance between the two of you,” Dr. Nickels stated, glancing from the girl on the table and back to me.

  “Don’t you remember anything from last night? Quinn asked you, Silas and Gabe captured her and brought her here.”

  “What? Have you seen them?” I asked, “I have been looking all over for them.”

  “They are in the pool,” Quinn stated.

  Quinn assisted me to a chair and I willingly sat down. I replayed the events from the previous night. I remembered the girl on the table had almost eaten my face off but after we teleported I had no memory. Did that mean I wasn’t dreaming? I shivered at the thought, all those times I was there how did I escape? I was confused and my brain was on overload. The sun was shining in my dream. I thought to myself. I pushed the questions aside and wanted to see Silas and Gabe.

  “Hey,” Quinn said shaking my arm lightly, “Are you ok?” Lines of worry edged his eyes.

  “You have to get rid of her. She is different then the others, I can feel it,” I quaked.

  “We are running test on her blood as we speak. We need her here, the doctor thinks he may be able t
o find a cure for the screamers,” Quinn explained.

  “We all have loved ones out there and if there is a way, anyway we can bring them back we have to try; you understand?” Doctor Nickels stated.

  I didn’t reply I stood up and walked out, leaving my nightmare behind. I needed to speak with Silas and Gabe. I ran outside to the pool, my timing was perfect. The two were exiting the pool when I approached. Silas smiled shyly at me and Gabe smerked in his usual manner.

  “What happened last night,” I asked.

  “Why don’t you tell us Layla?” Gabe commanded rudely.

  “I don’t know, that’s why I’m asking. I remember going to bed and entering the nightmare. Next thing I know the two of you are there then, I wake up in my bed,” I recalled quickly.

  “We were there too but I don’t think it was a dream. I believe you pulled us to you somehow,” Silas responded.

  I watched men move cars out of the parking lot, clearing the area for us to have more room to practice. They drove the vehicles around the building and out of sight. Another group exited the gate in three big trucks.