Surviving Armageddon

3. Search For Supplies

The phenomenon of demonization is far from ordinary. Amidst the countless attempts to mutate and transform, millions end in failure. These failures are remnants of shattered dreams and fragmented desires. The creatures that result are known as Nephilims. They are human forms, twisted and turned into a horrifying patchwork of flesh. Limbs elongate into appendages to form a fusion of grotesque features.

Their behavior is hauntingly tragic, driven by a fractured sense of purpose. Aimlessly, they roam, seeking the remnants of their unfulfilled desires. Their movements are erratic, staggering towards the places they once longed for, drawn by an instinctual need to guard what they can no longer possess.

Yet, despite their twisted appearances, a sense of humanity lingers. Haunting cries echo from their throats, remnants of the desires they once held dear. Their actions are fueled by a twisted understanding, attempting to protect their shattered desires, often resorting to pitiful attempts at communication or forming crude, symbolic displays to guard their perceived treasures.

To end their haunting existence, one must pierce through the layers of twisted flesh to destroy the last part of their humanity, ending their futile quest to protect what was irreparably lost. That being their heart. Nevertheless, they will defend themselves by any means necessary.

Outside of Meredale, Norah glanced around with a look of disappointment. "Wait, so you're saying we're right at the door of that hellhole?" she asked.

"Unfortunately for us, we are," responded Noah.

Norah sighed. "Well, that sucks. Johannesburg is huge. There's a high chance there are at least two or more demons. We know guns are ineffective against them, so fighting has never been an option for us. That being said, running, being the best option, doesn't seem viable anymore because this piece of junk burnt all our fuel. We're also low on 'Amo' and food. I'm not gonna lie; I don't like our odds against this apocalypse anymore," she said as she started walking down the road towards Meredale.

"Don't worry too much about it, Sis. I'll figure something out," Noah assured her as he followed.

"Yeah, right. With that muscle brain of yours, you might as well say I'm thinking for both of us with mine," Norah replied sarcastically.

Noah chuckled. "You know very well I gave you some of my smarts while we were still in mom's womb. You should be thankful, not rude. I sacrificed my smarts so you'd have a chance at this apocalypse. Remember, I always told you the world would end. See, I planned everything since the womb."

"Yeah, keep telling yourself that nonsense. Where does this road take us if we follow it?" Norah asked.

"The GPS says we'll reach Meredale in a few miles. After that, we should check if there are places we can loot for supplies," Noah explained.

"Our best bet would be a mall, but I'm a hundred percent sure it'll be crowded with Nephilims. Places like malls aren't looted as much because people prefer to avoid Nephilims. Those bastards aren't immortal like demons, but they're hard as hell to kill," Norah remarked.

"Oh yeah, I forgot there's those guys to worry about. Since Meredale is a township, I was gonna suggest breaking into abandoned houses for materials. The problem is that Nephilims guarding houses are the hardest to kill," Noah admitted.

"That brilliant idea of yours nearly got us killed yesterday, remember?" Norah reminded him.

"Hey, hey, don't be like that. I got us a car, didn't I?" Noah defended himself.

"And almost killed us both in the process," Norah added.

"Forget about that. We're here now. Alive and still kicking. Trust me; it'll work out just fine," Noah reassured her.

"Noah, trusting you is the equivalent of willingly putting my head under the gallows. I'm not doing that again. We do things my way now," Norah asserted.

"Okay, listen, I have an idea. How about we play the fairest game of all? In my opinion, it's the greatest game ever invented. Since ancient times or even the dawn of time or something, it has always settled domestic disputes," Noah proposed.

"You mean some violence?" Norah asked as they both continued walking.

"No, no, that's dumb. Violence doesn't solve anything except cause pain," Noah clarified.

"It's that pain that ends the dispute," Norah countered.

"Sometimes I forget you're insane. Anyway, I'm talking about 'Rock Paper Scissors'," Noah said with excitement.

"I can see why you'd choose that game, given the number of your brain cells," Norah remarked as she walked faster.

"Wait, you're not chickening out, are you?" Noah teased.

"I won't engage in this idiocy with you," Norah declared.

"It's okay if you're scared. I too would be if I was you. But I'm not you, so I'm not scared. You know you'll lose," Noah taunted.

"Tsk. You're annoying sometimes," Norah said as she stopped walking and faced him.

"I knew you had it in you, little sister," Noah grinned.

They played a best-of-three, and Norah lost three to zero. She was frustrated because she despised losing at anything.

"Obviously, you cheated," Norah accused as she continued walking.

"I knew you'd be a sore loser. As the glorious winner of this sacred game, I get to choose where we resupply. As per my initial suggestion, we should check out the township's houses. If we're lucky, we could find another ride," Noah decided.

"I still think we should go to the nearest mall. The risk is high, but so is the reward," Norah countered.

"The opinion of the loser has been heard and ignored successfully by the winner of the sacred game. That's me, by the way," Noah said with a smug expression.

"Okay, fine," Norah relented as she walked faster.

"Come on, don't be sad. Maybe you'll win next time, that's if I go easy on you," Noah said as he hurried to catch up to her.

"Seems you haven't learnt your lesson on fighting nephilims in a closed environment. It's your funeral, dude," Norah warned.

"Don't worry; I'm a pretty strong guy. Plus, I went to the army," Noah boasted.

"My bad. I forgot that's supposed to even the playing field against supernatural disgusting creatures that care only about protecting their desires and tearing apart any human that tries to take it away from them," Norah retorted sarcastically.

"You worry too much, sis. We just take what we want and run. No need for mathematical equations, you see," Noah dismissed her concerns.

"I can't ever get through to you, can I?" Norah sighed.

"Got any snacks on you? I'm really hungry," Noah changed the subject.

"I do have snacks on me - just enough only for me though," Norah replied.

"Come on, spare me one. Pretty please," Noah pleaded.

"Let's see. Lemme think about this carefully. Ummmm - No," Norah denied.

"You're still mad I beat you at rock-paper-scissors. Come on, it's just a game," Noah chuckled.

"Not really. I just don't wanna share my stuff, that's all," Norah explained.

"Keep your snacks then. This transgression will not go unpunished," Noah joked.

"I'd be worrying more about whether or not Meredale is a demon's territory or if some faction has it under its control. Since looting there is your brilliant idea, then I hope you have a brilliant plan, should the town be someone's territory," Norah reminded him.

"Don't worry; it's a quick operation. We'll be in and out before trouble finds us. Oh look, there's a board ahead," Noah pointed out.

[Welcome to Meredale]