I’ll be honest, our plan was kinda stupid. Pushing a gurney like a battering ram (while we rode it) towards enemies unknown was not the best idea. Especially when all we had to defend ourselves was a few makeshift weapons and the crazy breeze from the operation gowns we had on. However, two things made it more successful than we thought.

  The first was that Mr. Henderson had a few things on him when we passed his body. I searched for him as quickly as I could with one arm, taking a lighter (which Zahra had been very happy about) as well as a few tissue packets, and a half-full carton of Marlborough Light smokes. I had only smoked a few times before, which Zahra had poked fun at me.

  What are you? Some ironic John Green character? Her words flashed in my mind as I pushed the gurney forward, leading to the second unexpected benefit to our plan. As we started moving down the hallway, I realized pretty quickly that the floor had become uneven, slanting at a sharper incline the further we progressed, to the point that I ended up jumping on the gurney about halfway down the hall. We kept gaining speed as the weird geckomen got closer and closer. Zahra had two bottles in her hands, the rag fuses lit and slowly creeping up to the lip. As she prepared to throw, I raised the gas canister in hand.

  “Holy shit! Godamnit!” I yelled as we catapulted towards the three creatures, who had stopped… good god. They had been eating the bodies of people. Blood littered the floor, and red liquid dripped from the tips of their spears. Before I had a chance to react, a new message appeared in the blue text box in front of me. Instead of reading it, my eyes flicked downwards for a second, and it was like I understood the entire text instantly. I was definitely not a speed reader, so this must have been the work of the “System”, or whatever weird alien attack was going on. Either way, it was like the information was forced into my brain, taking up all my focus for a millisecond.

  Name: Salamander Footsoldiers

  Level: 0

  These grunts of the Greater Reptile Conspiracy (GRC) were promised cushy lives, taking over the social elite of a planet and enjoying the lavish lifestyle it provides. They study a planet’s culture for years in order to best integrate themselves in their roles. When they arrived here however, they realized there was no Hollywood to infiltrate. In fact, they were forced into the service of a revolting, tyrannical bear thing. One that can crush them with a single swipe. To compensate, they’ve begun to make advancements in poisonous weapons. Ones that can paralyze prey to be brought back to their nest. However, these ones really just want to stab you, and really anyone else they meet for ruining their chance at riches and fame. Good luck!

  The creatures had just begun to turn towards us when Zahra threw her first molotov cocktail. It bounced off the Gecko on the right, hitting it square in the eye before bouncing towards the middle one and exploding on its shoulder. The creature screamed out as fire exploded around its body, flames licking the ceiling as the other two dodged away, to opposite sides of the hallway. I realized then that we were moving too quickly for Zahra to fire off another molotov, but she still threw it as we nearly ran over the one with the squinty eye. The Gecko dodged, causing the bottle to bounce off the wall and fall under the gurney as we continued, running it over and other debris in the hallway.

  At the same time, the Gecko on the left lunged towards us as we raced by, spear tip zipping through the air towards my chest. I tried to use my canister to deflect the strike in a big swing. I felt a light sting in my side as the spear flew out of the creature’s grip and the canister’s arc continued, hitting the gecko square in the forehead and causing it to crumple. I felt the wet stinging sensation of blood staining my gown.

  Shit, it got me.

  The still on-fire gecko tried to roll on the ground to extinguish itself, but it ended up knocking into the last standing monster, causing them to fall on the burning floor. The Molotov we ran over had caused the hallway to alight with small fires and smoke, and the pile of creatures' screams got quieter as we got farther away, and to the end of the hallway, still speeding atop our makeshift cart.

  “We have to stop!” Zahra yelled, moving her weight towards the back. I shifted to compensate, leaning my legs off the back to try and quickly reduce our speed. I was barely successful, slowly down until a piece of broken ceiling interrupted our path. I tried to steer away but it was nearly impossible, causing the cart to come to an abrupt stop and sending us flying head over heel through the air. We both hit the ground hard, rolling and sliding until we came to a stop about 10-15 feet away from the staircase. Zahra got to her knees first, taking in the scene behind us before staring amazed at me. I groaned as my ribs screamed in pain.

  “I can’t believe that worked! And I only broke like one rib, which is better than what we did to those Salamander guys. It smells so bad here! Did you get that weird description from the textbox too?” I nodded as she tried to shift towards me. We survived so far, but we were both much worse for wear.

  “I have no idea what a greater reptile conspiracy is, but it sounds like we ended it, or at least ended this… chapter? Group? I don’t know.” I said as I helped her, propping her weight up as we slowly got to our feet.

  “I’m pretty sure that makes us like war heroes or something. Either way I want a plaque and a bench and they should probably have fireworks.” I laughed as we hobbled towards the staircase. Her joke had lifted my spirits slightly, although my body was ringing with pain. I was about to look at the map when I felt my arm freeze. It quickly grew completely stiff, growing to more parts of my body as I saw a notification flash across my view.

  Warning: You have received the paralyzed condition. Time: 1 Hour.

  “Shit, that stupid lizard paralyzed me! It's going to keep spreading!” I stumbled but Zahra helped me this time, her strong arms helping me maintain my balance and keep us upright.

  “Well, good thing we’re in a hospital. Let's try and move downstairs, there's probably people defending the children's wing. We can probably find you help there!” It wasn’t a bad idea. But I had no idea if this paralysis was even something that could be treated, nevermind if anyone had survived down there. I let Zahra guide me as the numbness began to creep up through my arm. This was the worst time to be immobile.

  I was only partly right. It was the worst time so far.

  The ceiling above us shook as something moved above us, that animalistic roar getting louder and louder as it got closer towards the staircase on the third floor. Whatever was coming had reached the staircase before us, and was coming down. Each step caused the ground to shake, making it even harder to keep my balance with our combined three legs.

  The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

  “Shit. Shit! It's coming. We can’t make it down the stairs! What do we do now?” I felt the numbness creeping towards my neck, and through my chest. It wouldn't be long before it reached my legs too. Everything hurt, and it was only getting worse. My vision looked like a snowstorm, covering everything I saw with small flashes of black and white spots.

  Zahra lifted an arm towards the operation room beside us. “We take a risk on whatever that gold light was on the map. It's a better option than meeting that thing head on, anyway.” Her eyes darted back to the staircase, where that thing was getting closer, it's snarling and growling growing louder and louder. Together, we moved as fast as we could towards the room. Zahra grabbed the key card from around my neck and tried to scan it. It felt like forever as we stood there, bleeding, sweating, waiting for the door to beep us in. But it finally happened, and we collapsed into the room just as the creature’s feet in the stairwell became visible. I saw massive, furry hooves and the shine of some kind of weapon in its gigantic hand before we closed the door.

  We were both panting, trying to keep ourselves upright as the paralysis spread slowly down my torso. We both scanned the room quickly, seeing the golden light appearing further in the back. This room was full of operating tables and carts full of medical equipment. Through a glass window at the back, we saw another room with an MRI machine. Inside, the golden light flashed like a lighthouse.

  The creature behind us grew louder and louder, and I could have sworn I heard some sort of evil bear on the other side of the door. Zahra saw it happen before I did. The door, no, the entire wall crumbling as this creature pushed against it. Until finally, the door gave way and flew through the air.

  “Shit! Down!” She yelled as she pushed us forward onto the floor, just dodging the door flying overhead. The glass window at the back wasn’t as lucky, as the door crashed through and landed in the MRI room. The massive red dot that ran through the upper floors of the hospital was here, and we were so fucked. I peeked through the cart we were hiding behind as the creature, and its description, were revealed to us.

  Name: Hellish Ursiflay

  Level: 0

  Warning: This creature is a Graxis S.A.I (Symbiotic Artificial Intelligence).

  How could Graxis improve on the Grizzly bear, the modern apex predator? By fusing it with an intelligent symbiote and pumping it full of advanced drugs to boost strength and aggression, of course! Well, that and giving it access to demonic fire from transplantation of demonic limbs. And an axe.

  These guys love throwing anything at a board to see what sticks. I don’t know if this is the one, but anyway.

  The Hellish Urisflay has the intelligence of a pitbull, and is motivated solely by the destruction of all buildings and people in its territory. On top of its latent fire abilities, the creature carries a Greataxe forged in Dark Star metal. Incredibly heavy, but unmatched in cleaving and durability. You wouldn’t be able to guess it though, from how easily the Urisflay swings it around. Trust us, it loves swinging it around.

  The creature was probably 8-10ft tall, a large bear body with huge hooved legs like a goat. It had two mouths gnashing and growling as it stalked the room. It carried a greataxe which shone with an onyx metal in a single massive paw, its steps cracking the ground as it began to aggressively sniff the air. I could smell something gross beginning to fill the room, as a slow chimney of smoke arose from the bear’s back. I cursed our luck for running into Winnie the Pooh from hell, but I felt myself move and looked to see Zahra grabbing my shoulder, dragging us towards the MRI room.

  My lips had completely frozen but I could still crawl somewhat. We moved slowly, stopping whenever we felt the creature breathe. It was slow however, and we were right by the door. Luckily, the previous crash through the room had caused some damage and it was easier to enter. The door had come ajar, and we kept crawling forward. Zahra was still leading, gently wiping away glass in our path when she could.

  I was almost through the doorway behind her when we heard it roar.

  “No!” Zahra screamed. I looked over.

  SMASH

  The sound came just before a massive cart came flying in our direction. I pushed with my ankles as best I could, but it wasn’t enough. The paralysis had spread, I couldn't move. It was about to land on me and crush my skull. But then, by some miracle, I was flung into the room.

  It was Zahra. She grabbed me and threw me towards the MRI, putting herself in the way of the cart, which crushed her against the wall. My stomach dropped from the sound of bones breaking and the splatter of blood against the wall and floor. I couldn’t see her, the cart was still up against the wall, stuck there. I tried to scream her name, but my lips wouldn’t move.

  No. No. Please not her.

  It was no use. I was completely paralyzed on my side, the golden light flashing from inside the MRI not even 5ft from me. Suddenly, the red lights flashing inside went dark, as if blotched out by a storm cloud. A shadow covered me, and my eyes flicked up towards the creature, who was standing on the other side of the glass panel, attempting to bring its axe down on me.

  We were so close. All of that effort, for nothing.

  It swung down, and I closed my eyes and made peace. I felt myself moving through the air, the axe resting inches from my head, pushing up a slab of floor and sending me flying. The MRI machine was cut in two, the golden light flying through the air, landing right beside me on the floor on the far side of the room. The swing had opened up the room and busted down the wall, and the Ursiflay was attempting to move inside, its two mouths licking their chops repeatedly. The smell of ash filled the room and coated my head, but I couldn't care less. My focus was entirely on the small, flashing item beside me. A small golden chest, cartoonishly shaking like it was begging me to open it.

  Item: Ardolon Symbiote

  Rarity: Legendary

  This Symbiote came from a planet in the Ardolon Galaxy. While its effects vary, it is known to be a strong item for those in the outer universe. The symbiote pairs with its host, adapting to their weaknesses and potentially transforming the creature. Not all symbiotes are the same, however. Use with caution.

  This reward can be shared with party members. Would you like to accept rewards and distribute? Yes/No

  I mentally clicked the yes button, waiting for a half second as the next menu generated. I didn’t know what it meant, but if I was dead, maybe someone else would gain something.

  You are not currently in a party. Would you like to create one?

  I wasn’t sure how, but as the menu appeared it was like time slowed down. The bear thing was still raising its axe, preparing to cleave right through me. I clicked yes.

  System applicants you share experience with:

  Zahra Mansour

  Create a party with this applicant?

  Was she still alive? I had to hope so. I clicked yes and watched as the golden light shone throughout the room, the chest opening and a small, skittle-sized red glob with cartoonish googly eyes appeared, hovering in the air. Before I could react, it landed on my chest.

  So you are my host? It is a pleasure to find a compatible creature after so many cycles. But we will have to discuss it later. This is a shitstorm of universal proportions, and I’m going to bail you out.

  The small thing didn’t talk, but it's voice appeared in my head like through a phone with shitty service. The little ooze rolled like playdough towards my open mouth, before bouncing on my tongue and sliding down my throat. I gurgled and choked, tears rushing up to my eyes, but it didn’t help.

  Especially as the bear’s axe slashed through the air, faster than I could blink. There was no pain as the bear’s attack bisected me through the abdomen. My top half went flying above the creature from the force of the swing, like I was about to land on him. My consciousness was drifting, but I had to hit this stupid thing as my final, dying wish. I barely saw the text flash across my screen as my fist gently caressed one of its snarling mouths.

  Activation of Unique Skill: Force Resonance

  And then everything went black.