The chill in the air was so unbearable that it was quite suffocating. The dense, tropical underbrush caught on and entangled our backpacks and ankles and seemed intent upon not letting us pass through without an awkward struggle with a branch or shrub. After battling our way through the exhausting wall of forest for what seemed like hours, we paused in a small clearing to catch our breath, feeling rather put out and beaten despite our artificial improvements. The others collapsed to the ground or braced themselves on trees while Sasha eyed the surrounding forest suspiciously.
"We are being followed." She stated frankly, eyes glaring and voice heavily accented with a Russian twist.
"Listen..."
We froze and listened intently, looking around anxiously from one person to the other as if hoping for some form of confirmation that we were safe and full well knowing that wasn't true. Through the gentle rustle of leaves and hiss of night winds through the branches, a faint robotic clicking sound could be heard. It sounded most unusual and eerie amidst the natural forest noises...as if it shouldn't have been there.
"Oh no..." Connor whispered, eyes widening in fear and pure terror ringing in his voice.
"It's Them."
For a moment, none of us moved, petrified with horror. We had trained so intently for this moment; now it was here and no one could even breath. My heart was nearly pounding out of my chest. I desperately tried to remember the coach's instructions. What had Justice told us to do in a surprise encounter with a hostile force? Get out. Fast.
The robotic clicking grew louder and we scrambled to our feet. Tic tic tic. I glimpsed a faint flicker of red light glare at us through the trees. Tic tic tic. A dark, looming shadow seemed to be approaching quickly.
"Holy...what is that thing?!" Annabeth gasped in utter horror.
"We can't fight now, it has the advantage. Everyone pair up like Coach told us and run!" Cameron shouted urgently, snapping us into a panic of motion. He grabbed Sasha's slender arm and they darted off through the trees and into the black night. Following Cameron, the others began to break off in pairs and disappear into forest.
However, I remained frozen where I was, feet glued to the ground. I was petrified. My body refused to move, numb to every living instinct within me telling me to run. This strange creature fascinated me. I wanted to see it, to be a part of it. Red lights shot through the trees and illuminated my skin. They wanted me.
The shadows drew closer. I found myself walking towards them when suddenly some one grabbed my shoulders and thrust me backwards.
"What is wrong with you?!" It was Logan, his bright blue eyes wide with alarm. I became vaguely aware that he was shouting at me. The world seemed blurry and unfocused...
"Liz, can you hear me?! We need to run! Let's go!" Suddenly, he slapped me rather brutally across the face and my world snapped back into focus. I became aware of the great danger that was nearing not ten yards away from us. Aliens. Danger. Run.
"Let's get out of here..." I grabbed his hand and we sped off through the forest at lightning speed.
(Please let me know what you think, I really appreciate it <3 ) - Elf_girl
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