The Haven

Chapter 3

I'm running so fast. Faster than I ever dreamed I could run. I can feel the mud, dirt, and stones under my feet even though everything is virtual. The trees fly past me as I sprint towards the shining silver stone in the center of the arena. Everything feels so familiar. Running through the trees at full speed. Why do I feel like I've done this before? I shake the thoughts and curiosity out of my head while focusing on the bright stone ahead.

It almost looks like a star. It definitely seems like one when surrounded by the darkness of this virtual forest. I can see other teams approaching the stone at high speeds, and push myself harder. All I have to do is get the stone. I'm barely ahead of the rest and my amazing speed astonishes me. The stone is practically in my hands, then...it's gone.

Those teasing blue eyes only meet mine for a second, then he turns and starts running in the other direction. I dart after him, jumping over logs and rocks as he does the same. We are nearing his gate, and I know I have to do something fast. Before I get time to think, a rock comes whirling by me and hits Raven square on the back of the head and he tumbles to the ground.

"Raven!" I call out once I crash beside him. My heart is pounding rapidly within my chest and worries thoughts race through my mind.

"Dove, he's fine, grab the stone!" I want to stay by his side and make sure he is ok, but I trust Rose and do as she says.

The stone is actually quite heavy and makes it harder to run with. Rose is just a ways in front of me, and starts to drift to the right. I see another competitor running straight for me with a determind glare plastered on his face. Without thinking, I toss the stone to Rose and she catches it while running. The boy turns after her, but I land a hard kick on the back of his knee. Instantly he whips around and tries to kick me back, but I duck the blow. Before I know it, I'm in a one on one fight with this boy. He looks to be about seventeen, my age, and is very muscular. No way I'm going to win this battle. He lands a couple hard punches to my stomach and sides, and I land some on him. I see Rose a ways away with three competitors on her tail, and know I need to help her. Before the boy can swing another painful punch, I slam me foot as hard as I can right in the male no no zone. He collapses to the ground, wailing as he holds his wounded jewels. Ya, sorry buddy.

Quickly I jump over him and run towards Rose. She sees me coming and tosses the stone to me, but before I can catch it, Raven appears and intercepts the catch. That asshole! I chase after him, but the pain I feel from the fight is keeping me from running my fastest. My gaze wanders to the side, looking for a Rose. Abruptly, Raven stops and I run straight into his hard back.

"What the hell Raven?!" I exclaim, but before I can take advantage of his sudden stop and steal the stone, I see the reason he stopped. Only ten feet in front of us his a freaking saber tooth tiger.

"Don't.move.a.muscle." Raven says through gritted teeth. The tiger is virtual, but still looks abnormally real. I then remember what Rose said before the Gate opened. "You can't get hurt, but the pain is still there." If this tiger attacks, I may not be injured but I will still feel the pain.

Ravens hand reaches back and grabs a hold of mine. The tiger's eyes are completely focused on us as he licks his giant and long fang like teeth. My eyes flick to the left and I see Rose hiding on a large pine tree. She voluntarily whistles and the tiger instantly turns to look towards the sound. Raven swings around and starts running away from the tiger with his hand still holding onto mine. The tiger heard us run and is chasing after us, but at least we are a little ahead. I see my gate in the clearing on the right, but Raven's is on the left. I glance at the stone he has still in his arms. Rose has caught up with us and shoots me an approving nod.

God I'm going to feel terrible for this later.

Before he can turn to head towards his gate, I grab the stone from his hand in one quick movement. Startled he stops. Before I turn to my gate, I plant my lips on his for an instant second. Let's call that asking for his forgiveness. I turn on my heels and sprint towards our gate with Rose at my side. Simultaneously we dive through the gate and roll on the floor.

"YES!!!! Ohhhh yaaaa Uhuh wee did it!" Rose starts chanting and singing while sillily dancing around. I let out a loud laugh and clutch my aching stomach. We high five and give each other an awarding hug. I can't believe we won! That was actually really fun.

"Geez Dove, you never said you could run that freaking fast!" I only laugh in response.

The competition took two whole hours, so it was ten o'clock. Rose and I happily head up to our rooms to shower and change, then agree to meet in the lower level to celebrate. I let the warm shower water drown me in its warmth as I comb my fingers through my golden wet hair.

After putting on a new white suit, I hurry down to meet Rose in the lower level. The elevator doors open, but I don't see her anywhere. While humming some songs, I walk aimlessly around the lower level, waiting for Rose.

"Can't sleep?" I turn around to see Raven leaning one a white pillar with an adorable smile on his face.

"I was actually waiting for Rose, she wanted to celebrate our win." He chuckles.

"Oh yes, your notorious win." He says sarcastically and I bring my hands up to cover my face, feeling the guilt.

"I know, that was so mean. I'm sorry." I honestly say through my hands. I feel his arms wrap around my waist as he pulls me into his chest.

"I think what I got was far better than the accomplishment of winning." I feel my cheeks heat up as he mentions my quick kiss.

His hands let go of my waist, only to pull my hands away from my face. I look up into Ravens blue irises and immediately melt. He's so perfect. So beautiful. His hands go back to my waist and I can't ignore the sparks I feel beneath the thin white fabric. My arms reach up around his neck and his head starts coming closer. Just before our lips touch he stops, and I can feel his hot breath fanning my eager lips.

"I like you Dove." A smile forms on my face, and my heart begins thumping hard within my chest.

"I like you too." And with that his lips come gently down on mine.

Sparks, fireworks, lightning bolts, everything sizzles within me as our lips move in sinc, and I can't help but want him closer. My fingers tangle in his black hair as he slowly bring his hands up into my hair. I never want this to end. I can feel my oxygen level running low, and as if he sensed it, Raven breaks away and starts leaving trails of kisses down my neck. We slowly break apart and I lean in to give him one last peck on his red, swollen lips before turning to leave. I think I just tasted heaven.