Apocalypse: Building And Hoarding My Way Through.
Chapter 14: Transformation Edge.

Chapter 14: Transformation Edge.

With trembling hands, Scarlett reached toward the crib, her mind clouded, instincts overriding reason. Her gaze was fixed solely on the innocent child, her mouth watering, her fangs aching to sink into tender flesh.

Just as her fangs were about to descend, a voice shattered the silence.

"Are you okay?"

Scarlett’s head snapped around, and she exposing her razor-like teeth and the scaly, shadowed skin creeping along her cheekbones. The horror in Garvin’s eyes was immediate the moment Scarlett turned to him.

"Holy...!" he gasped, stumbling back, his expression a mix of shock and fear.

With a low growl, Scarlett lunged towards him, her feral instincts momentarily overpowering her reason. But Garvin’s reflexes were quick. He reached out, grabbing her wrist in a firm grip, holding her back just inches from his neck.

"You were bitten," he said urgently, keeping his gaze steady as he restrained her. "But you’re not a monster. You’re human."

Scarlett’s bloodshot gaze flickered, and for a moment, the primal hunger dissapeared.

A loud crash of thunder echoed, followed by the rhythmic beat of heavy rain against the windows. Outside, the growls of other monsters grew louder, joining the storm’s fury. Scarlett’s ears rang, the piercing noise amplifying her distress. She screamed, the agony tearing through her mind like claws.

The other survivors jolted awake at the sound of her scream and growls of monsters.

"What’s going on?"

"Are we under attack?"

Garvin held Scarlett tightly, pulling her close to shield her before the other survivors could see her current state as she struggled for control. Her scales were still visible, her fangs hadn’t retracted, and her eyes was still blood red. He wrapped his arms around her, letting her back face the others to keep her current form hidden.

Scarlett’s voice was barely a whisper. "What... what’s happening to me?" Horror etched across her face, her head resting against his shoulder as tears slipped down her cheeks.

Garvin’s expression softened, though his gaze remained somber. "You were bitten by a monster miss Jerkins. You could have killed the baby and hurt others if I hadn’t stopped you."

Her eyes widened in shock, her body tensing. "What?! I almost... hurt the baby?" She felt an ache in her chest, at the realization. The fangs began to retract, the scales slowly receding, and her vision blurred as she returned to herself, her human side reclaiming control. "Oh my goodness," she whispered. "I almost... I almost..."

"It’s alright now. The baby is safe," Garvin assured her with a gentle, reassuring smile.

Scarlett’s gaze drifted to the crib, where the baby lay, still peacefully asleep, unaware of the nightmare that had almost come to pass. Scarlett took a small step forward, longing to hold the child, to feel the warmth of that tiny life against her heart. But the fear of losing control again, of the darkness within her rising held her back.

The baby cooed softly in her sleep, the tender sound filling the silence, bringing a strange comfort amid the storm. The other survivors looked on in stunned silence, their eyes fixed on Scarlett and Garvin, waiting for an explanation.

Finally, Rose stepped forward, gently lifting the baby from the crib. She approached Scarlett and Garvin, her gaze flickering between them with a mix of confusion and concern.

"Scarlett... what happened?" Rose asked softly, her eyes full of worry.

Scarlett remained silent, still clutching onto Garvin as if he were her last lifeline. Fresh tears slipped down her face, the shame and guilt unbearable.

Seeing Scarlett’s distress, Rose turned to Garvin, her voice barely above a whisper. "What’s wrong with her? Why did she scream like that?"

Garvin let out a deep sigh, his gaze hardening as he faced the others. "Nothing. Just stay alert. The monsters outside are restless tonight due to the heavy rainfall, and we’re not safe yet. Just be prepared. Anything could happen."

After his words sank in, Garvin gently guided Scarlett toward the bathroom, his arm protectively around her shoulders. The murmur of the survivors’ voices followed them as he led her away, confusion and worry etched on their faces.

Inside the bathroom, Garvin closed the door firmly behind them. He released Scarlett and stood before her, arms crossed and a look of frustration darkening his face as he studied her. Scarlett slumped down onto the edge of the bathtub, her hands trembling, her gaze fixed on the floor.

What’s happening to me? I know I was bitten but I thought I was immune. Why am i losing control then? I almost killed an innocent child...

Ding!

The holographic screen appeared before her.

{You must learn to control the urges yourself, Host. You are immune, which is why you did not turn to a monster immediately from the bite. But controlling the transformation lies within you.}

{With practice, you will be able to identify the type of monster you’re becoming. Gaining this understanding will grant you control, not only over yourself but potentially over other monsters. But the question is that can you conquer the monster within you, or will it consume you?}

Scarlett’s shoulders shook as fresh tears fell, the weight of the message settling heavily on her.

Garvin leaned closer to her, his face close to hers, his expression a mixture of curiosity and concern. "You were bitten. I’ve seen how fast you heal, how your wounds healed. Those red eyes... it wasn’t my imagination afterall."

She swallowed hard, her voice trembling as she admitted, "Yes... it wasn’t."

Garvin then took a deep breath "You know what happens to those bitten by monsters, don’t you? They turn immediately. They lose themselves. They become momsters."

Scarlett nodded, her voice barely audible. "I know. I...i would turn too."

"The others can’t know about this. If they find out... they’ll tell you to leave. They won’t understand. I’ve seen other survivors who monsters bite and they turn immediately but you didn’t turn immediately which means probably yours is a special case."

Scarlett shakes her head in disapproval "Maybe... maybe I should leave. If I go, I can’t hurt anyone. And the baby... she’ll be safe."

"No no! That’s impossible. I can’t allow you to go out there. You didn’t turn like other survivors do once they’re bitten, which means yours is a different case."

A loud cry echoed from outside the bathroom, the baby’s wails piercing through the loud sound of rain and the distant growls of monsters.

"See?" Garvin whispered, giving her a small smile. "She needs you. That baby... she’s your family now. You can’t just abandon her. Not when she’s already lost so much. She needs you more than ever."

Scarlett’s head bowed, her tears renewed, her voice breaking. "You don’t understand anything... if I lose control..."

Garvin rose to his feet, and said. "The only thing I understand is that I’m not letting you walk into the arms of death. I couldn’t save you when you had an accident on earth but here.. I’m going to save you. There just have to be a way, there’s definitely a reason why you didn’t turn to a monster immediately hence i believe there’s a way to save you."

What the heck is he saying and how can he be so foolish? I only need to learn how to control myself. Only then can I be at peace. And save me? I’m the one who’s going to save you. I hope you stop this superhero and don’t die. Scarlett thought inwardly as she watched Garvin walked towards the bathroom door, opening it, only to see the other survivors crumbled to the ground the moment the door was opened.

They’ve been eavesdropping.