The Spirit Bond

The Mission

To my surprise, getting out the house wasn't too difficult. I had my bag hung over my shoulder and quietly locked the door. The subtle noise of the lock shifting back into place could be heard. However, my house was full of heavy slumber.

I began a fast-paced walk towards the said location. I had several doubts about this whole scheme — what is this was some sort of prank? A plan to scare me? How could Jaxon be here if he lives in Vancouver? It didn't make any sense whatsoever.

But to my demise, I couldn't pass over the conversation through my texts. Playing it through my head made my mind spin. It was an understatement that I was an over-thinker. Even if this was a whole joke, going would make nerves wrestling in my stomach calm down. I couldn't risk anything either. What if this defined the life of my best friend? I'd just had to see for myself.

The night was dimly lit by street posts and few illuminated windows from houses along the way. The swirling mid-night breeze hit against the surface of my face causing a slight shiver. Luckily, this cabin wasn't too far away.

I checked the opened GPS on my phone, it said I arrived at the location. However looking to my front, all I could see was thousands of barked trees and dead leaves painting the ground. Oh please no.

I am the biggest coward I've ever met.

It was one thing to sneak out of my house and walk this far. But to cross over into an abyss of unknown territory was beyond my abilities. I stood there gazing into the never ending spiral of trees into the dark nothingness. I took a breath trying to steady my racing heart — for Jaxon.

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The leaves underneath me crumpled with my every step. I had to weave myself through the unpredictable branches, trying to be steady as possible. My breath was hitched, my nerves jumbling and eyes alerted. What I had to illuminate my path was the moon's gaze and the current flashlight beaming from my phone. There was endless wrestling of bushes spiraling from the wind and unknown creatures I dared not to settle my gaze upon.

Everything I encountered screamed at me to turn back. But the thought of Jaxon kept me determined beyond my thoughts. After time of blindly navigating myself through the forest, light shun into my vision — it must be the cabin, have they expected me?

Pushing rapidly through obstacles to reach the illuminated residence, I came to a sudden halt. The cabin was in full view — small, rusted, run-down and overwhelmingly creepy. However, the appearance wasn't the factor that made my legs weaken. It was the feeling of a figure rushing towards me. The quickened wrestling rushed behind me, rapid footsteps boomed through my head.

I immediately shut my eyes and spun around. The footsteps came to a sudden stop, like an deer being caught in headlights. Slowly, I peaked open my eyes. The flashlight shun on upon the figure, their breath was rigid from running. My view of them became clear, the latter has crunched over with their hands on their knees, trying to catch their breath. They were covered from the cold night in only skinny jeans and a hoodie — Brandon?

I blinked twice before I opened my mouth to speak.

"What are you doing here?"

My words were barely audible, my mouth had gone dry. He lifted up one finger signaling to give him a moment as he continued to catch his breath. My gaze upon him was mixed with emotions — annoyed, relieved and confused. Had he come to save Jaxon too? How would Brandon even know of him? What if Brandon had planned this to scare me? I waited for an explanation.

Brandon rose from his slouched over position. His chest heaved heavily and his gaze met mine. The run made him seem even more exhausted than usual— he looked ready to pass out if he didn't have determination swelling in his eyes.