Trenton

Kylie and I stepped out of the Empire State Building and started heading toward Central Park. We tried to hurry as quickly as we could, but tried not to draw too much attention to ourselves. As we approached the park, I heard a screeching noise coming from overhead. I looked up and saw a massive dark figure high in the sky trailing after us. Kylie and I glanced at each other and broke out into a run. I slung the bag with the notes off of my back and gave it to Kylie. I pushed her forward and turned around to face the beast. No one else around us seemed to notice it. As it swooped down to grab me, I rolled to the side. I kept running for the park as it picked itself up off the ground. I saw my friends around a table and when I got there, Kylie was already explaining.

“…and it came out of nowhere.” They all turned to look at me and I told them to start running. We got up and started running towards the city. We all split off into small groups. I end up running next to Serena and Kylie. I figured it wouldn’t be such a good idea if Serena and I were together, but we weren’t really paying attention. The beast was following us, giving off that otherworldly shriek. I glanced up and saw it again. It had two massive wings, a big muscled torso, four legs, a long tail, and a head. I couldn’t make out many more details because it was flying so high. We were weaving in between people, and I collided with someone and we stumbled to the ground. Not the first time. I quickly jumped up and kept on running, but by then I had fallen behind Serena and Kylie. They saw me struggling to keep up and turned around to help me. I waved them to keep moving forward, when a howl burst out from right behind me. I could see the terror in their eyes and tried ducking. I almost succeeded, but the tail slammed into me, and I lost my balance and sprawled on the ground. The creature landed with a thud and turned on me. Serena and Kylie screamed and grabbed me. The monster leaped forward and grabbed me. I don’t know which was worse- the monster’s howl, or Kylie’s scream of pure, heart-rending terror. The monster had grabbed me by the legs and I had managed to snatch onto a lamppost. Serena and Kylie rushed forward and tried to help me.

“It’s no use,” I said, the strength in my arms failing. “It’s too strong. I don’t think I can hold on much longer. Serena. I think I know our powers.”

“WHAT? WHAT IS IT?”

“Think about it. Think hard. Kylie. Don’t worry about me. I’ll make it. I’ll try to escape. If I do, have everyone meet me in Maryland.” I could see tears streaming down their faces. “Do not mourn me. We are all strong enough to get through this. I’ll see you in Maryland.” I gave them what I thought was a reassuring smile, but it must’ve looked pained because they started screaming. And at that, I let go.