Requiem Run

Chapter 26

I hadn't realized how much adrenaline was going through my body until everything had calmed down, and it was just Rhys, Felice, and myself walking through the woods. My legs would've given out on me if it weren't for Felice picking up the slack and keeping me going. My entire lower body was numb, but I was still walking like nothing happened.

"Riley, are you okay?" Rhys asked, "You're looking a little pale."

"The sooner we get to the arena and I finish the Run, the sooner I'll give in and get some sleep."

My mind was dead-set, I wanted out of this crazy train, and by the time I saw the familiar-looking wall of the arena, hope set in my heart and I pushed forward, moving even faster than Felice had been pushing me.

"I'm gonna hide and get ready to get through that portal when it's made," said Rhys, "Get ready Riley, the emperor's not gonna be happy with everything that's gone down."

"I kinda figured," I said, "Stay safe, Rhys."

Rhys nodded to me and ducked off into the woods as I looped around to the entrance of the arena, through the gates that would take me into the woods where all the madness started.

The arena was completely empty, unlike the last time I saw it. The sun was close to setting, but I could still see it over the wall of the arena. I was so tired, thirsty, hungry. I could feel my legs wobbling underneath me.

"What do I do now?" I asked.

"I guess you just - look out!"

I turned just as Felice yelled, only for a familiar green cloud to be blown in my face. I dropped to my knees, and passed out almost immediately.

The darkness of my mind was a swirling vortex of pain, anguish, and sorrow. Even though I knew it was pointless, every time I opened my eyes I hoped everything that happened to me was just a horrible dream.

Those hopes were dashed when I opened my eyes and found myself immediately tackle-hugged by Tarja and Rhys, who then started talking over each other in pure excitement.

"You did it!"

"We saved them!"

"You ended the Run!"

"We pissed off the Emperor!"

"You two did it!"

"Hold on, hold on!" I said, pushing the two of them off me, "What the hell is going on?"

"You did it!" said Tarja as she and Rhys helped me out of bed, "The Run is over, and you saved all the Runners! You're a hero, Riley!"

"I am?" I asked, "Wait, so I didn't die and just think I won?"

"Nope!" said Rhys, "We did it all!"

"But... Katie..." I said, trying to fight back the tears that were starting when I realized she wasn't with us. Rhys and Tarja's happy expressions immediately dropped at that. Rhys hugged me again.

"I'm sorry she didn't make it," said Rhys, "I'm so sorry."

"Even the strongest people have their limitations." said Tarja.

I still couldn't wrap my head around it. Katie had been our support, even though she pretended she was useless with only one arm, she pushed through and we had survived so much hardship. We had vowed to escape together, and she had promised she would get back to her brother.

But she was dead. She was never going to see her brother again.

I was openly crying. Rhys hugged me closer, crying too. Even when I glanced over at Tarja, her eyes were watering as well. We cried for Katie Menton, who deserved so much better than what happened to her.