Two hours after burning all the surrounding cities, the dragon finally calmed down… and vanished.
The contrast between the flames and the endless darkness that had swallowed everything around me made me realize the size of the problem that had descended from the skies and turned everything I could see into a sea of fire and chaos.
And there I was again, powerless, in tears, in a state where everything around me felt useless, completely empty and meaningless. I had already forgotten the reason that had brought me there.
Lost in thought, I heard voices—murmurs—from people who were running away from the chaos that was now spreading among the humans.
I began to shout, trying to be heard: "Hey… hey… I'm here, on the beach. Hey!"
Damn it, can't they hear me?
Following the sound, I stood up and started walking through the darkness, guided only by the light from the flames still burning the city.
I entered the forest near the beach and followed the voices, until I stopped.
— Do you think he's armed? — one whispered.
— Relax, in this darkness, even if he is, I can shoot first. We just need to know if he has food or maybe a car, something to get us away from that thing.
— You think he's stil—
— Found him! — one of them shouted as he spotted me behind a palm tree.
— Wait, wait… I don't have anything! I was just walking on the beach, look—just my clothes!
— Babe, hold him.
From behind a tree, a tall woman appeared. She held a kitchen knife in her hand and wore a backpack slung over one shoulder.
She was about 1.73 meters tall—tall enough that, when she pinned me to the ground, I couldn't move at all.
— Hold him. He might not be alone.
— Alright, I'll go check.
While the other went toward the beach, I looked around, searching for any possible way to escape. It didn't seem likely… but I had to try.
— What did you see back there? What's happening in the city?
— You didn't see them? They didn't get here yet?
— Who?
— The green monsters. They're huge. There must be two or three of them, each the size of a house.
— Green monst—
— Hey! Enough talk. No need to explain. He'll be their food soon enough.
— I didn't find anything. Let's go. And you… if you follow us or move, I'll fill you with bullets — he said, pulling a gun from his waistband.
— At least tell me where the nearest city is.
— Keep walking, you'll get there. I really hope you do… it'll be hilarious — he said, disappearing into the dark trees, laughing.
Trying to stand, I noticed the ring hanging from my chain had begun to heat up.
Looking down and reaching for it, something approached me—so slowly I didn't even notice.
— Hey, have you seen my mom? — The voice was a mix of child and adult—an eerie, chilling tone.
My heart froze. I couldn't lift my head.
— Hey… have you seen my mo@#$—the sound distorted, incomprehensible.
When I finally looked up, a child with a deformed face and an empty expression touched my shoulder.
Its face leaned close to mine at an impossible angle, the body twisted in ways no human should bend.
— You're not my mom… right? — it whispered with a twisted grin.
— No, maybe—
— Then let me play with you.
The thing contorted and began to change: a muscular male arm grew from its side, a different face formed, new eyes and mouth emerging.
I rolled to the side and ran.
The terrain I had once crossed carefully no longer mattered—fear had taken complete control.
Damn it… what the hell is this!?
I was back at the beach, my eyes darting in all directions, desperate.
Where did I leave my backpack?
Behind me, the creature was running—getting faster, more agile.
— Hey! Don't run! Let's play, little frieeend! — its voice shifted constantly, a chorus of personalities.
Then it stepped out of the forest and stood before me.
— Why are you running? Do I scare you?
— What… what are you?
— Me? I'm Jas—Antônio? Oh… I'm you.
Right before my eyes, the monster transformed into a perfect copy of me.
That overwhelming fear began to fade, replaced by a single, powerful instinct: survive.
— What do you want? To play? — my voice trembled.
— Yes! I want to! Will you play with me? — it said, grinning monstrously.
— Fine. You think you can win?
— I've already won.
Mom—Friend? the creature muttered, its smile twisting its skin so grotesquely it looked like it might rip its face open.
Its eyes pierced through me like knives, paralyzing me.
I don't know if I can kill this thing. I'm scared… of myself. This is insane.
— Hey… aren't you going to play? If you won't… then I'll play with youuuu.
In a flash, it was in front of me—
A knife stabbed deep into my abdomen.
That smile. That damn smile. It made my entire body freeze.
The pain surged from my belly to my throat, choking me with blood, drowning me in it.
I gasped for air, but none came.
And as I weakened, collapsing in the sand, I felt cold hands—so cold—embracing me.
Like a deathly touch, guiding me toward the end.