Human Error

More Than Meets the Eye

The night was dreadfully long for all of them, cold and cruel. Never ending, it seemed. Dawn finally came and now the three failed subjects were asleep, with the other group wide awake. They, with the help of Vines, detached themselves and climbed down from the tree. Historia took to the skies again, looking for any signs of guards or soldiers, then reported back that it was clear.

The group began moving towards Paradise once again, sticking close to the forest as a way to hide. Fox brought up that they should pass through the forest, that it'd be safer even if it took longer.

"Look, I know we don't have a lot of time, but we have a greater chance at living."

The others seemed to weigh their options, then agreed. They set up a formation so that they would be ready, so they couldn't be flanked. Vines and Historia took the front, slightly angled, and Guardian picked up the rear while Fox bounced around. She was climbing trees and scouting ahead, looking for pathways and showing them where to step without casualties.

She ran off a little far this time and stopped to look around. Something was shimmering above her. She stepped closer and then realized the shimmering thing was some sort of half-dome shape. She put a jelly textured hand out slowly, and pressed it to the invisible wall. Nothing happened. She moved closer and looked into it, finding a drop off of sorts, as if they were on top of a cliff. Beyond that wall, she saw nothing but grey mist. It was cloudy and nearly impossible to see anything below but the tips of charred trees.

Then there was a dark shadow that seemed to almost swim through the mist. Frozen in fear, the slime girl watched as the thing moved. Its jaws opened and it bellowed lowly, a mix of a deep screech, a growl, and a lion's roar.

The other kids dropped to the ground and huddled close. "What was that?" Historia questioned in pure fear.

"I don't know," Vines replied while Guardian shrugged and moved to stand over them. Fox came scrambling back through the trees, cuts on her arms and legs from branches and bramble bushes. Lighter colored slime had dripped from the cuts.

"Fox, what's wrong?"

"We have to hurry," she said quickly, eyes wide and her breath heavy and fast. "We have to go. Now."

They got to their feet and didn't ask any questions, just ran as one towards Paradise, ran as fast as they could. There was another bellow from the creature and they pushed themselves harder.

They weren't far now, they could see the stone structure through the trees ahead. They skidded to a halt and collapsed to the forest floor. Nothing was said for awhile.

"What was that noise, Fox?"

"I don't know . "