The mask that separated us | Chishiya x Reader

Chapter 9 - The Race Against Time: A Thrilling Chase through the Tunnels

As the black pantha sprints towards the group, I feel a surge of panic and adrenaline coursing through my veins. My heart pounds loudly in my chest, each beat matching the heavy footsteps of the approaching predator.
Each breath is labored as I try to keep my pace fast, my body screaming for rest.
I am acutely aware of the sweat beading on my forehead, the strain in my muscles, and the tremble in my legs. I can almost taste the fear in the air.

I race through the tunnel, I can see the cars around me in a chaotic mess. Broken glass and twisted metal make the path treacherous and I must maneuver around them while trying to maintain a fast pace. The pantha's echoing growl behind our group drives me forward. The tunnel feels narrow and dark, with only the occasional flash of light on the sides helping us find the way. All I can focus on is the sound of the shallow breathing and the fast pounding of my feet on the ground.

The group ducks behind a line of cars, desperately trying to conceal ourselves and avoid detection by the pursuing pantha. My body is pressed tight against the vehicles, my breath coming in ragged gasps.

My eyes dart in all directions, scanning the surrounding area for any sign of the predator. The sound of my racing heart fills her ears in the tense silence.

We hear the panther gracefully leaping over the cars, forcing us to scramble up as well,  the urgency in my movements increases. My eyes narrow, my jaw clenching in determination as I lift herself onto the hood of a nearby vehicle.

I can feel the cold metal beneath my fingers as I clamber up, the sound of clanking metal and my shallow breaths filling my ears. The others follow suit, their faces etched with the same determination to escape the relentless danger behind us.

As we continue running down the tunnel, a glimmer of relief washes over me. I think we've left the pantha behind.
I can see Yamane pulling out a knife, his grip on his knife tightens, the cold metal offering some comfort amidst the danger. I also pull out my dagger, the familiar weight of the weapon in my hand bringing a small sense of security.

But just as we begin to ease up a little, the loud echoes of the pantha's growl fill the tunnel again, reminding us that the chase is far from over.

As we continue to run, the tunnel suddenly erupts in chaos. The deafening roar of the panther fills my ears.

My heart sinks as Yamane's scream of surprise rings out beside me. Before I have time to think, the pantha lunges at him, knocking him to the ground.

I watch in horror as it sinks its teeth into Yamane's flesh, the sickening sound of tearing skin and broken bones echoing through the tunnel.
My eyes sting with unshed tears and I struggle to catch my breath. My grip on my dagger tight. Elyan runs forward attempting to help his friend.

"No! Are you crazy?!"

I shout, the word escaping my lips without thought. I lunge forward and yank him back, the force of my tug bringing him stumbling into my arms.

Elyan needs to survive.

For Elentya.

I let him immediately out of my arms as I try to avoid as much physical contact as possible and we start running again. The distance between us and the pantha gradually increases. However, the knowledge that Yamane has fallen behind weighs heavily on my chest. I don't want to know how Elyan feels right now.

We continue in silent desperation, our footsteps echoing in the narrow confines of the tunnel.

Suddenly, Arisu comes to an abrupt halt, his eyes fixed on a motorcycle. A flicker of hope sparks in my chest as I realize the potential advantage it might offer.