As the sun set slowly over the small community, the flood lights came on. The buildings and cracked pavement were illuminate in a flash, the unneeded light a simple precaution. The shadow creatures had not been seen the night before, and there had been no sign of them so far, but they always came back. The children told stories about them, that they took the spirits of the dead into the dark, feasting on the ghosts of humanity. Even the adults were frightened, as the unknown always had that effect on the human race. The community sat in comfort for a few more hours as the sun finished setting, allowing their guard to lower. Why should they worry? People stood watch, the creatures were gone, and the lights were on. Nothing could disturb their contentment. Light always believes it has the upper hand when battling the darkness. It taunts the dark, as it knows it cannot enter. But light cannot come to be without the dark, interior darkness lays in wait. After the taunting continues for long enough the darkness strikes from within, like a virus, snuffing out all light. Darkness fell over the community, the peace gone, screams taking its place.
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"Shit!" Louie cursed loudly as he sprinted towards the fence. He withdrew the revolver as an alarm sounded. "Turn that damn thing off!" He tried to yell over the panicking masses, people who were trying to get their families to safety. Louie knew that the only thing the alarm would do is draw the monsters back. He shoved past a young woman with a medic symbol on her shoulder, knocking her off balance. In normal circumstances, he would have stopped and helped... but these were not normal circumstances. Louie saw the guards actually taking positions on the fence, all armed with automatic weapons. The alarm ceased its obnoxious ringing and a voice boomed out instead, [b]"EVERYONE GATHER IN THE CENTER OF THE COMMUNITY. REMAIN CALM. DO NOT PANIC. WE ARE WORKING ON RESTORING THE LIGHTS SOON."[/b] Louie knew that was a load of horseshit. They had no idea how to turn them back on if they lost power, it had never happened. Louie kept his revolver drawn, listening to the cries of children and the panicked voices of the adults. He gritted his teeth as he gulped in fear. This was not going to end well.
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Derek bolted upright as an alarm sounded. It felt like it was in the room with him. He rushed over to the stairs, climbing them quietly. What was happening out there? Were they under attack? Storms maybe? Derek pressed his ear to the door as he listened to a group of people, the community leaders it sounded like, gather inside and begin to talk. He could only make out a few words, "...lights....power...Maze...teers," it sounded like gibberish but he knew he wasn't getting the whole story. Maybe in the chaos he could escape.
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Calli twisted the bandage around Jake's arm. Jake was an 11 year old, and a feisty one at that. He thought he was tough and could take on any kid. She got annoyed by him quickly, but he reminded her of her sister. Where was she? She shook her head, focusing on her work. "There you go, Jake! Now, stop getting into fights." She sighed as he ignored her and took off to play, which would most likely result in a fight. She stepped outside into the cold air of the night. Suddenly, darkness... Calli gasped, it had been a while since she had been in the darkness of night. No matter how exhilarating it was, she knew it was not good. Those interesting creatures in the distance disliked the lights, and no one else seemed found of the idea of them getting closer. As she followed the masses, heading towards the center of town, a man knocked her off her balance, sending her down to her hands and knees. She struggled to regain her stance before following the crowd.