Rapid Z

2. The Revenants?

Jalen snatched the baton from the guard's hand and sprinted, smashing it against the prisoner's head.

'Thwack!'

Instantly, a spray of red splattered across the prisoner's face as he collapsed, lifeless. His body lay crumpled not far from the injured guard.

"s**t!!" shouted all the witnesses, terror-stricken.

The flashlight illuminated the fallen guard. Other guards rushed to assist him, their steps hurried. The injured guard gurgled, his mouth gaping for air.

The guards carried their wounded comrade, who was now convulsing violently. Meanwhile, the prisoners stood bewildered, witnessing the horrifying scene unfold before their eyes.

One of the guards seized the baton from Jalen's hand. "To the dining hall, now!"

"Wait..."

Jalen couldn't believe what he saw as the previously injured prisoner suddenly rose. The prisoner emitted a louder growl and attacked an unsuspecting guard.

The other prisoners began to retreat slowly, uncertain where to go in the darkness surrounding them.

The convulsing guard unexpectedly lunged at his fellow guard, catching him off guard, and sank his teeth into his neck.

Shouts resonated throughout the corridor. Guards fell, groaning in pain as they were attacked. Blood splattered everywhere.

It became a scene of inexplicable c*****e!

A flashlight rolled and touched Jalen's shoes. Without a second thought, he grabbed the flashlight.

"Run!" yelled Jalen.

Jalen sprinted, followed by the other prisoners. They navigated the corridors, checking closed doors. In the end, there was a fork in the path; Jalen had no idea where to go.

"Where's the dining hall?" he asked.

Others answered in unison, "Left!"

In the distance, they saw another flashlight approaching. A young guard came to the prisoners, looking utterly shocked.

"Where are the others?!" the guard barked.

"Behind!" Jalen pointed.

'Blam! Blam!'

Gunshots echoed, a warning that danger was imminent. Shouts came from behind Jalen and the other prisoners, leaving the guards bewildered.

"What is going on?" the guard said.

More guards came running, stumbling. Their bodies were covered in blood, and they collapsed in the middle of the corridor. Figures behind them approached, emitting low growls.

"Hey, guys! Are you alright?"

The young guard directed the flashlight toward his colleagues. The fallen guards were immediately pounced on by the growling figures.

Jalen pulled the guard's arm. "Run!"

The prisoners ran, including the guard. Trembling, the guard unlocked the dining hall door, and everyone rushed inside.

'Click'

The door was locked from the inside.

The room fell into darkness, with murmurs filling the air. Only two flashlights illuminated the space: the one Jalen held and the guard's flashlight.

Inside the dining hall, various groups of prisoners huddled, their curious eyes scanning the room. The guard slumped against a corner, visibly shaken.

"They... they're devouring each other. My colleagues... dear God," he sobbed, his voice trembling.

'Blam!'

A noise attempted to break down the door, causing those nearby to hastily retreat.

Jalen signalled with the flashlight. "Chairs, tables, block the door," he whispered urgently.

Chip and the other prisoners hurriedly lifted chairs and tables, passing them hand to hand. They placed the furniture in front of the door, which was still being pounded from the outside.

Growls echoed for ten more minutes before falling silent.

Jalen's vigilance eased, and he sat, leaning against the wall. His hands felt sore from the weight of the handcuffs, and he sighed softly.

Footsteps approached, and someone sat next to him.

"Chip?" Jalen called softly.

"Yeah."

Jalen turned off the flashlight and closed his eyes. There was no point in keeping the flashlight on; they were still trapped in the dining hall. At least everyone inside the room seemed unharmed.

After thirty minutes, the occupants of the dining hall heard distant howls and faint gunshots. Though unclear, it was evident that chaos was unfolding outside the prison Bankcrook.

*

Jalen opened his eyes when murmurs reached his ears. He, lying on the floor, realized the atmosphere was brighter; it seemed like morning.

The prisoners gathered around someone, and Jalen squinted, taken aback. The young guard was now in a pitiful state.

Jalen broke through the crowd, checking the condition of the nearly unconscious guard. The man stared vacantly at all the prisoners.

"What's all this about?" Jalen inquired.

"Step aside, Newbie! It's none of your business!" a prisoner growled, grabbing Jalen's shirt collar roughly.

Jalen immediately grabbed the prisoner's arm, rolling forward. With a swift movement, the prisoner fell to the floor.

Everyone took a few steps back, astonished. They hadn't expected a new prisoner, his hands in cuffs, to take down a more prominent figure so easily.

"Hey, Man. Chill," Chip intervened between Jalen and the burly figure.

"Don't be a coward, beating a guard when there are no other guards around," Jalen admonished.

Some prisoners escorted the guard to a corner, propping him up there. His weapon had been taken away, leaving him unarmed and defenceless. He was just a young man in a uniform, without any other distinguishing marks.

Jalen stood up and sat in a chair, watching the prisoners disperse. The burly figure only groaned and sat on the floor, his eyes glaring at Jalen.

"All of this is because of the guards," the burly man stated.

Jalen met his gaze. "Where's that assumption coming from?"

"The guards brought us out. Gathered us here. Then everything happened."

"And you blame him?" Jalen pointed at the guard.

The guard couldn't be older than 23. He had probably just graduated from some academy and was now placed in a prison for hardened criminals. How could he possibly know anything?

He had even wet his pants.

"This is a punishment from God. For human errors and never repenting! God sent His army to wipe us all out!" a cry came from another corner of the room.

All eyes turned toward the source of the sound. They looked at a shabby-looking man with a grey beanie.

"Shut up, Rat!" warned other prisoners.

Rat laughed mockingly. "So, do you know what's happening then?"

"You're God's servant; you should know," came sarcastic laughter.

"Outside, God sent an army we can't defeat. The Revenants!"