The Forest

Chapter 5

>!< Some strong language >!<
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I couldn't believe it. I was going to be a Runner. Excitement grew in my chest, and I had to contain it. Mihpo opened up the two basement-like doors, he walked down the stairs, wherever it led to. I was reluctant, but I followed him. It smelled fresh and it had a damp feeling to it, but I didn't mind. He flicked a switch and two dim lights turned on, the room had chests with labels and a closet in the corner. There was a small rug in front of the steps, and a few old paintings on the walls. I kinda like it down here, I thought to myself. "Welcome to the cellar, only Explorers and Runners are allowed down here." Mihpo said, walking towards the closet in the corner. "This place is kind of cool." I said. Mihpo did a tsk sound. "You mean the coolest place ever. Who knows how old these paintings are." He opened up the closet. "At least someone shares my fascination of strange things." I said with a slight laugh. "Yeah yeah, what's your shoe size?" He asked. I was confused, and looked on the bottom of my shoes I came in. 7, "7?" I said with a bit of hesitation. "You have small feet." He tossed me a pair of sneakers, they were gray and had a weird check symbol on it. "What are these for?" I looked at them closely, they looked new. "Hiking and exploring. They're tough and comfy. You'll like 'em." He looked through the closet. "Where do you get this stuff?" I asked again, hoping I wasn't too annoying. "They send stuff every two months or so with new supplies. They send food and other stuff once a month." He said, he sounded a bit annoyed, so I stopped asking questions and caught a pair of black shorts and a gray t-shirt he threw at me.

After I got all changed and ready to start my training, we headed toward the west door. I prefer pants and my hoodie. I kind of grumbled to myself in my mind, and pulled down my shorts a little, nervous that someone might try to take them off. I had put my hair in a ponytail, so that it didn't get in the way, but my bangs did. "Mihpo, how old do you think I am?" I asked. He turned around and gave a long look at me, then turned back around. "I'd say about 16 or 17. Like the rest of us, but a bit younger. You really can't tell with a girl, you look young all the time." He said. I kind of giggled, at least he's honest. We then entered the Forest, it was quiet but nice and cool. It was pretty, there were ferns everywhere and small blue flowers, with gorgeous trees and a nice dirt path that had been made from many people that have walked this way. Sun rays peeked through the leaves. Why is the sky only dull back at the Glade? I wondered to myself.

We had walked around for a while, I still had energy though. Mihpo was explaining things along the way, I was barely paying attention though, but I could ask him later. I didn't care if I would sound annoying. I heard a rustle in the bushes, and I stopped and looked toward the bushes, a shiny black thing walked away from them, and crawled up the tree. ''What was that?" I looked up the tree curious. "We call 'em black lizzies. Don't know what they really are, they look like small lizards though if you see one up close. 'Lil critters are annoying though if you get one on you." He said, crunching a stick with his foot. I want to touch one now. I continued to follow him, looking at my surrondings. We soon sat down for a quick drink and a bite to eat. I drank most of my water, and ate my apple quickly. Mihpo looked at me surprised. "Hungry weren't ya?" He crunched into his apple. "Not really, I'm just looking forward to explore more." I said, waiting patiently. "Well, I'll show you the ravine, then we'll head back," He looked at the watch on his arm. "almost sundown." I nodded and he finished his apple. I followed him off the trail. Ouch, prickly. I scowled and kicked branches away, Mihpo laughed at me and I steamed with frustration.

We got to the ravine, it was huge and led to blackness. I didn't dare go near the edge. "It's been getting bigger and bigger each month." Mihpo said, looking down the ravine. I shivered at the thought. What if it takes over everything and makes us plunge into nothing. I walked away from the edge, terrified. Mihpo laughed, "Not a fan of heights eh?" He said. "Not at all." I said with a snort. "Can we head back now?" I was anxious to get back. "Sure, when morning comes I'll start your serious training, or starting now." He sped off. "What?!!" I ran, trying my best to keep up with him.

We got back, and I was a sweating panting mess. I practically dragged myself back. Mihpo was breathing heavy from running but he seemed used to it. "H....how can y...ou run so fast?" I said, searching for air. "I guess your body gets used to running so much that you don't feel as tired." He said with a laugh. I snorted and walked to the cellar, I grabbed my clothes and my regular shoes. I got changed before he could come in, and I folded my training clothes and set them in my own chest.

The rest of the day was a blur, and I soon found myself curled up in my sleeping bag, and fell asleep. Then came the dream.

I awoke in a strange white room, I was tied to a hospital bed and there were vials in my arm. I couldn't move whatsoever, I was in pain but felt numb at the same time. The worst part of my body that hurt was the back of my neck. I heard voices nearby, but could barely turn my head. I felt like I was deep underwater, my hearing was blurry. Two people with white lab coats on with shots came over. I felt a sting in my side and the back of my neck. I screamed but nothing came out. "It's okay. Just relax and go back to sleep." The strange person said. This was fucking hell at its finest, I thought. I felt everything spin around me and next thing I knew I was falling into the ravine, whispering voices all around me. "Es ist Zeit, das Ende zu beginnen." They said, chanting it. I screamed and it echoed and a sound like glass broke. The dream ended and I awoke my heart racing and sweat all over me.
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Chapter 6 coming soon! :)