Project Ashren

Chapter 8 - Vida

 Heylo guys, gals, and non-binary pals!!! I'm back with another chapter of Project Ashren brought to you by none other than myself! I tried getting it done yesterday but I was kind of busy with some personal stuff (and it was also Christmas for many of you).
 Anyyyyywayyysssss... hope you enjoy Chapter 8 of Project Ashren!

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My back was pressed against the wall, I heard slow footsteps coming around the corner. The person's footsteps slowed further, and that's when I decided to peel myself from the wall and slap their Level 5 crest. I heard a yelp before they disappeared.

That was my sixth... I guess you could say victim.

I was glad I hadn't come across anyone from-

NO!

I will NOT jinx myself!

I shook my head and rolled my neck, satisfied as I heard several cracks and pops. Maybe I should just hide away for the rest of the game, yeah, that could work. Wait, no... it wouldn't. Then I'd be the winner or whatever and I can't have any more attention than I already do.

I guess we got to find my next victim... or my demise, as Lady Alexine says.

I honestly hope it's the latter.

I went along my way and then jumped as I heard a small scream from across the room. I sighed and then slapped my hand over my mouth, and then slapped my other hand-softer-over that hand.

I took a step forward, but my foot didn't meet solid ground, instead, it sunk a few inches. I struggled for a few moments before cursing, as the only thing I accomplished was sinking past my ankle.

Quicksand...

I knew I'd find myself stuck in one of the vast pits scattered across the course at one point or another. It wasn't a problem for me though-Phaser-but I can't imagine how others could escape these pits.

Suddenly I heard a "damn it" and a squish.

I sucked in my breath, not wanting to make a sound. I immediately noticed the crisp accent as a Vacker, and there were only two Vackers in this school. Fitz and Biana.

This was Biana

Suddenly, the movement stopped. And the breathing slowed and quieted.

"Who's there?" Biana whispered and I bit my lip.

Too late now...

"Please don't get me..." I whispered back. "I'm just trying to get through this until the class ends... spare myself any more humiliation."

There was a small, quiet gasp of surprise. "You're Vida, right?" She replied, and I was almost shocked that she knew who I was.

"Maybe... is P.E always like this?"

I heard a small laugh and a small smile formed on my face, "Nah, this is one of Lady Alexine's more brutal days. Usually, it's just practicing talents and then we have our annual Splotching challenge."

I wanted to ask what a Splotching challenge was... but I was honestly kind of afraid of the answer. Whatever Splotching was, I'd know what it was eventually. Hopefully, it wouldn't be completely terrible.

"You're going to tag me out, aren't you...?" I said finally.

"Well... I can't really move... so," there was a pause, "no." I gave a relieved sigh, but then "but I do have a question..."