Hallor Chronicles [UPDATES ON HOLD]

CHAPTER XXI. - A MIRROR OF MY OWN

 I feel my arm muscles cramping up and I slip. Thinking I will enjoy a dirty bath, I close eyes and hold breath befoe I drop into the water, but someone grabs my wrist and I end up hanging in the air. Looking up, I see Reilly who went back and managed to catch me in time. I hear some students yelling that something is cheating and we are supposed to do this alone. Nima yells back at them that it's not in the rules and they should pay attention to themselves, then runs up on the platform and jumps back into the Lache.

With the help of Reilly and Nima, I get pulled up and finish the obstacle before Cohen can catch up with us. I drop on the platform, trying to not throw up. I should be safe for now, but I can't stay here forever. I look back to see if Cohen is close, but he is hanging on one of the bars and is not moving forward. Instead, he flips on top of the metallic pipe and sits on it, then waves his hand in a motion signaling me to continue with the obstacles.

Me: What a gentleman.

Nima: What a psycho.

Me: Let's ignore him. By the way, why are we being timed today? And those cheating accusations?

Reilly: The Pit today is considered a solo competition. We are supposed to finish it alone, without help of members from the group, but it's not really against the rules. People usually go solo though, because of the time and rewards.

Me: you guys, why did you come back then?

Nima: Meh, screw the rewards.

I felt a bit guilty and it's like Reilly knew that, so she punched my shoulder, telling me to let it go and to seriously not worry about it. I nod when Reilly asks me if I am good to continue. Taking a deep breath, I position myself, but before I can start, I hear Cohen yell at me to run fast. I twist my head to check what he is doing. Somehow he is standing on top of the bar like it's freaking nothing, his hands tucked away inside his pockets and he is smirking. I push Reilly and Nima, telling them to go fast. They notice I am looking at Cohen and start running.

In the middle of the bridges, I sense a presence behind me and I don't have tot turn to know who it is. My legs feel weak, every stip I make is like they are on fire and I am walking on needles, which reduced my speed to the bare minimum. I keep talking to my lefs inside my head, asking them to work for a bit londer, but it's not helping.

Luckily, I somehow pass all the bridges and was going to finish the obstacle with the barrel, but as I step on the wood, I slip and get slammed against it. My arms being weakend from the Lache are not able to hold me for long. I can't even yell at Reilly to come help me again because the impact punched air out of my lungs, and it's hard to speak while being pressed against the barrel.

I keep sliding down, then trying to get up with no luck. Suddenly a hand appears in front of me and I gladly tak it. I only realize who it is when I am pulled up. Cohen has a strong grip on my hand and he uses it to get me closer to him. Trying to wiggle out of his embrace, I also want to summon the electricity, but I am too tired. I manage to yell Reilly's name, but I am quickly silenced by lips pressed against mine. I am too weak to fight him, but the kiss doesn't last long. Cohen separates us and before I can get an answer to what the hell was that supposed to be, I am pushed backwards.

Last thing I saw was Cohen's disgusting smirk and then I am forced to close my eyes because I am blindind and deafened by the strong wind created by the fall. At the same time it feels so nice, the freedom of being in the air. If only I could fly. But I can't and then I am forced back into reality when my body slams against the surface of the water. It pushed all the air out of my lungs and I have to cough. Water starts filling my mouth and there is no air left so I need to get to the surface fast. Any other time I would just swim up, but there is no energy left in me anymore. I can't even kick to show any signs of trying to survive.