Your death, my life

The forest reeks of ancient bygone days. Castles of wood, with trunks reaching high. The sky is hidden. A leafy dome above blocks out the sun, plunging the glade into eternal twilight. Twisted roots creep all over, spreading like veins. Rotten twigs are scattered among them, adorning the damp mossy floor. Thick foliage surround the open area, beckoning, luring.

“Well, at least the guards dropped us off at a grand, almost dead spot in the forest,” cheers Seulgi, clapping her hands.

“My dream is to die in a creepy glade, where people will never find my body. How did they find out?” retorts Joy. Irene hushes them, temporarily ending their bickering.

“We should make a plan to reach the finish line, before the horn blows,” Irene says. Right then, a low haunting tone echoes through the forest, signalling the start of the challenge. She mentally sighs as Seulgi and Joy exchange smug looks.

“We should still plan ahead instead of running blindly into who knows where,” Irene announces. The ground shakes softly, thumping, dispersing her thoughts.

“Stop jumping up and down, Seulgi. Focus,” she says evenly.

“It wasn’t me!” the said girl protests. Thump. Thump. They’re nearing, approaching, the vibrations growing stronger.

“I bet an elephant will burst through in three seconds,” comments Joy. Three. Two. One. Zero. Negative one. A massive gray avatar rips apart the foliage, emerging into the clearing. The boy emitting the glow takes in the sight and his eyes narrow. He opens his mouth.

“Damn, five seconds,” whistles Seulgi.

“Over here!”

“Oh , he’s calling for backup. Move out, team!” shouts Joy, sprinting with ease. She disappears into the foliage, large leaves shaking. Irene’s feet react immediately, taking off after the long-legged girl, ignoring the stinging sensations from the branches, pushing her way through. Joy is nowhere to be seen. Vanished. Glancing behind, she sees Seulgi breathing heavily. The ground shakes once more, the hunt is on.

“Why are we running?!” Seulgi pants out. Irene doesn’t answer, doesn’t look back. She runs, blood pumping, desperate to outrun their pursuers.

“They can’t get away!” shouts Elephant Boy. The stomps rush to her ears, the weight of the animals molding the earth. Louder and louder. The gap is closing.

“Duck!” Instantly, she crouches down. Claws nicking her hair, Seulgi’s scream barely registering. Wind whistles in her ear along with a feline roar.

“He’s a cougar! With bushy brows!” yells Seulgi, skidding to a stop. Cougar Brows had pounced, aiming for the kill, missing by a hair. He lands with a thud, groaning, raven patches above his eyes wiggling.

“Seulgi, avatar now!” Irene yells. Her coyote flashes into being, strength coursing through her thighs. Turning around, she zigzags in the opposite direction. The ground trembles, a sign the chase has resumed. Dense thorny undergrowth pricks her legs, ripping her tunic. Light cuts bloom, red threatening to seep. Shoving aside dangling offshoots, Irene doubles her speed, feet pounding, gaining traction. The stomps pulse into a dull thump. She continues to run, adrenaline fueling her. Without hesitation, she plows through the thicket. A hand darts out. Grabs her wrist, pulling her. Fear darts up and another hand forcefully covers .

“Don’t scream,” mutters Joy. As she says that, a solid 250 kg with arms outstretched collides into Irene’s back, sending the girls to the ground. The unintended victims groan, curses spilling from their lips.  

“Sorry, I’m heavy,” murmurs Seulgi, avatar glowing. The bear helps them to their feet, smiling sheepishly. Jo