“Please tell us what happened, miss.” The two detectives stood before me taking close note of my words. They had arrived a few minutes arealier and introduced themselves as Detectives April Benz and Edger Halleck. I lay in the hospital bed trying to remember the previous night. It wasn’t easy, my head was throbbing.

“Please don’t stress out my patient too much” The doctor told the detectives as she checked my vitals for what felt like the 100th time.

“As mentioned, we will be quick,” The detective taking notes told her. The doctor nodded and left the room.

“Maybe we should wait,” The detective closer to me said. He looked nervously at his partner.

“Why don’t we ask her how she feels?” The other detective replied, before she stared towards me.

“Yeah, I’m okay,” I managed. Truthfully I was not doing so well, but I rather get this done now, otherwise I was sure these two would not leave me alone. “It was a normal night. I had a late shift at work. I was walking back to my apartment,” I explained. My mind buzzed as I tried to remember all the details.

“I live about 6 blocks from work, so I walk home all the time. It’s normally not a big deal. The area isn’t bad, I carry pepper spray normally,” I explained.

“What do you mean normally? Detective Benz asked me looking up from her notepad.

“I… I must have left it at home?” I said mind raising as details began to return. I never left my house without the pepper spray. It was always in my backpack. I would check every few days, but when I needed it last night it wasn’t there.”

“You seem to not be so sure of that,” Benz asked.

“Well it’s just not something I forget, I guess it must have fallen… or,” I paused.

“Or?”

“Or… there was this man; at my store,when I first came in he… he bumped into me… He apologized but I didn’t see his face. He bumped into the side of my backpack.”

“His size, his outfit; is there anything that reminds you of the man that attacked you?” Asked Detective Benz.

“I...I’m not sure,” I replied, doing my best to remember.

Detective Benz looked like she wanted to push further but Detective Halleck interrupted, “April she’s been through a big trauma, be a little easier on her.”

“I would Edger but any details we can get, will make things much easier in the long run,” Detective Benz snapped. She then turned back to me, “So this man, did you notice him staying at your shop, was there anyone suspicious.

“I was at the register, so I didn’t notice him. We were busy though, it’s fishing season so we get a lot of people. Someone could be watching me and if they didn’t make it too obvious it could be missed. No one said anything though.”

“You left at closing though, so you would have noticed if someone had stayed in the store, right?” Asked Detective Halleck.

“No, I left two hours before close, it was friday. We are open till midnight a few times during the week in summer. This is the first year, the boss’s idea. To be fair we still get more business then you would think at those hours. Enough where he could have followed me from there.

“So he was following you for a while?” asked Detective Benz.

“The streets are pretty busy, but I noticed him behind me about five blocks from home. I like to pick up bagels for the morning on the way home. Instead of just going straight and making a turn or two I end up doing this weird pattern. I had a weird feeling a bit before that so I was keeping an eye behind me, and I noticed him. I only realized he was following me when I stopped at the shop and I saw him standing a ways back outside.” I explained.

“Then what happened,” encouraged Detective Benz

“After that when I left the shop, I got on the phone and called a friend and pretended she was my boyfriend, pretending he was waiting for me at home. Told her I would be home in five minutes, That I had just stopped at the bagel shop. I hoped that would scare him. Figured at the least it would tell her something was up. Which she did figure it out. It didn’t scare him though. He attacked and well, luckily my friend called the cops which did actually scare him off when the sirens got close.” I sighed.

“You didn’t see his face though?” asked Detective Benz.

“He was wearing a big cowboy hat, made sure not to look me in the eye,” I explained. “Right before the cops came he hit me hard in the back of the head, I almost blacked out, his hat fell off,” I said staring ahead of me.

“And that’s the last thing you remember?” asked Detective Halleck.

“No,” I replied,I took a deep breath. “It took me a second but I was able to lift my head up to see if the guy was still there.” A memory had come back his last hit, his hat fell. Right before I hit the ground I caught a glimpse of his face.

I looked at Detective Halleck dead in the eye’s preparing myself, “And when I looked again, you were gone.”

Nixon Grimes blankly stared at the empty seat across from him.

“Would you like more coffee sir?” Asked the overly cheerful waitress.

“No,” He replied not bothering to look at her.

“Sir, I don’t want to bother you… it’s just… you’ve been here for several hours,” The waitress was doing her best to keep her smile but her nervousness was apparent. Nixon experienced this fear often. He was a large man in his mid 20’s; though most would assume older. His hair and eyes were dark. His skin was unnaturally pale, as if he spent most of his life in very dark places. He walked around with a scowl and too much confidence. He spoke with a deep voice and little emotion. It wasn’t a lie to say that Nixon Grimes was an intimidating man, that was how he liked it.

He stuck out his arm holding out his empty cup to the young waitress. He was still staring at the seat in front of him. It was as if he stared hard enough, maybe who he wanted to could appear.

“Toast will be fine,” He told her. She nodded and left to get what he asked for. Nixon wasn’t sure if his comrade would show. It had already been 3 hours. The coffee across from him was already cold, still he held up hope. The waitress appeared with the toast. She had butter and jam on the side but Nixon did not bother to use either. He liked his toast dry.

When he had finished his toast, he finally let his eyes wander. 3 hours and 10 minutes late. He took a sip of his coffee.

Nixon Grimes was a punctual man. His comrade had to be as well. With their line of work they both had to be. That meant there was an emergency or he made the choice not to show. He had a lot of respect for the other man, so he imagined it must be an emergency. No one lied to Nixon Grimes and mosted that did, regretted it. He sipped his coffee; he would wait until the 4th hour. Nothing was worth waiting more than 4 hours for. That was his rule, and it had served him well.

There were very few things in this world that made Nixon nervous. He was often the one to bring out fear in people. This arrangement was different of course. One of those rare things that made him nervous. No one knew this of course. Nixon never showed fear. He had learned that fear made people vulnerable; being vulnerable was not something to be done in public. It left you with a weak spot; a spot he had been trained to find. He would never show it out in public.

Time was running very low. Nixon began to gather his things. He of course knew you should always be prepared to leave. After all, any comrade could be a mole. He could only be so risky. His comrade knew how long he would wait. This could easily be a trap. He should have been ready before, but even the best of the best can make mistakes and let their guard down. Nixon shook his head, he should be smarter.

Nixon Grimes almost always had good luck. This would be an odd time for things to start going wrong. He was not worth messing with. He was not at the top of his job, but he was good enough to be. He was about the worst person to try and go after. This mess up was one in a million, he was safe.

Just in time, his comrade came sprinting in. Two minutes to spare, he was aware he was cutting it close. Nixon did not smile when the man sat down across from him. The other man knew him well enough not to expect him to, he didn’t mind. Cason Beckett was everything Nixon wasn’t. He was a man of average height who radiated kindness with a large smile and bright teeth. Even his dark eyes seemed to smile. Though they had the same boss, they had different roles. Though Nixon knew Cason equally well and knew there was much more to that smile then met the eyes.

“I’m so sorry I’m so late, got a call from the boss this morning, something I can’t share,” Cason explained putting his dark hand over Nixon’s pale hand. This was something most wouldn’t dare do.

“Understood,” Nixon replied. “I got you coffee, it’s cold.” He told the man. “I could get you another,” He added quickly.

“Actually I know a restaurant that opens soon, It's really good, much better place for a date really,” He explained with a smile. Nixon nodded in agreement letting a slight smile show. This was of course a rare sight to see. Nixon Grimes did not like to smile, then again he also did not like most people and he had found himself on this date. They got up and left for the restaurant.

Cason Beckett had always dreamed of falling in love. Nixon Grimes had never believed in love. If there was a person in this world who could change Nixon’s mind it would be Cason. Nixon noticed almost everything; there were exceptions of course. This was one of them, as he hadn’t yet figured out; this was only the start of a beautiful love story.

I can not remember a time that I wasn’t afraid of the dark. The light had always been my friend. Even now in my mid thirties I still vividly remember the night I called my dad in the middle of the night afraid of the dark. That night, a nightlight was placed by my bed. He explained it would keep me safe from the monsters. He was right.

No one said much about my fears as a child. I went about my young life, playing in the sun and no longer fearing the dark, safe with my nightlight. When I was about ten my sister started to laugh at my need for the light, but my parents told her not to and that was the end of it.

It only started becoming an issue in my pre teenage years. When sleepovers were popular and nightlights were an old memory for most children my age. When I asked my parents if I could go, my mom said I would have to go in the dark. She explained that kids my age did not need nightlights. I asked if I could bring a camping lamp, she said no. I did not want to go. My dad explained sleepovers were not safe even with a lamp or nightlight a child or parent could turn it off. I understood, they were just trying to keep me safe.

Before I started college I heard my parents arguing. My mom insisted I should live on campus. She said that I was too old for my childhood fears. How would I ever meet someone to spend the rest of my life with, if I had this silly fear. My dad told her she loved him with his fear. She was quiet after that.

Two years into college I met my love. She was perfect for me in every way. She loved ice cream sundays, fishing, and deep conversations on long walks. She did not care about my need for light.

When we moved in together, one year later; she kept a nightlight on her side of the bed too. She kept flashlights and candles in her nightstand in case of power outages. She never laughed or made fun of me, she never questioned my fear. She didn’t understand; but she still took it seriously.

When our daughter was born she put a nightlight in the room. It was sweet, she kept it in there even when she started to insist she was not afraid of the dark. I told my wife it was fine, if she did not ask for the light she didn’t need it. My wife said it was alright, she knew that more light made me feel safe. She said that as long as our daughter was young we would keep the light in her room.

Our son was born five years ago now. Our second perfect child. My wife put a nightlight in his room too. I breathed a sigh of relief. Last night he called me into his room. He had tears in his eyes and was staring at the corner. I looked where he was looking and as expected I saw glowing eyes and a tall figure watching him hungrily. My stomach dropped at the inevitable truth I already knew, he saw them too.

I sat down next to him and hugged him tight. I told my son not to worry. I explained to him that with a light close by the monster could not get to him. The light would keep him safe, as it had for me.

They act like it’s not life or death, it shouldn’t hurt.

They told me it would be better, my room bigger, nicer paint. They didn’t understand small felt safe.Big felt empty.. The paint was chipping because I had painted long ago. I knew I was an artist.

They told me I would make new friends, old ones could call. They had it backwards.

They honked, having done this enough times to blissfully forget what it felt like. I sat, stared out the window hoping everything would be loved, I would be remembered; I would never forget this place.

“What did you do?” Bess gasped. I had dragged her the clubhouse and pressed her body against the wall my finger on my lips to indicate to her to stay quiet.

I shook my head, we couldn’t make a sound. I flinched at the sound of a twig cracking outside the window, it could just be a dear of course, but I knew deep down it probably wasn’t.

“Oh Phoebe, I didn’t mean t-” But I shook my head before she could finish. Bess knew me better than anyone. We had known each other most of our lives. Even when I didn’t mean for her to know things she did. She knew when I shook my head; she needed to be quiet. She also knew that her words had stung.

I had always been a bit of a rebel with a good cause. I knew my actions weren’t always… well thought threw. I knew they had consequences, some that may be worse than others. I also knew no matter what Bess had always had my back. Sweet, loyal, kind hearted, stubborn, Bess. She had always stood by my side. She was there for every mishap, every mistake and made; also everything that I stumbled into.

Everytime I called her she always asked, “What happened?” She knew most of the time it was my fault; still she never blamed me. She would just show up and help me fix it, we would talk about what happened and how it shouldn’t happen again, then we would act like nothing happened. This time was different. This time she ran in, she was angry, she blamed me. The irony of it all was this one wasn’t my fault.

Still there was no going back. I had a few theories of what it was out there. I could still hear Bess’s voice taunting me from the creatures mouth. I could still feel the ache of it not sounding right. I also felt the unbelievable urge to go out there. A mix of what if it was her and the creature’s persuasion luring me in.

I hadn’t even meant for Bess to come here. It was dumb to bring anyone else here. I just needed to know she was okay. I needed to cross a creature off my list who could only steal the voices of it victoms. Me asking her if she okay though was enough to bring her here. I begged her not to come. I cursed myself for agreeing to download the stupid app that tracked my location, because it told Bess where I was. As always Bess had come, she always did. This time was different though. I was a rebel, I was not afraid to mess with people. It should be added, though I only messed with people when needed. I only did it to protect myself, Bess and my family. I did it to solve things, I did it for the good. That is exactly why I did not mess with the supernatural. Nothing good comes from messing with things beyond your knowledge, and most did not know about the supernatural. In particular Bess did not know about the supernatural, because Bess did not believe in it. Whenever I brought up the possibility, she would always shrug it away and say those things only existed in stories and legends. I knew better though, it was impossible to know everything about the world. Also too many people had too similar of experience that had no proper explanation.

So here Bess and I stood. Together as always in our secret lair. Properly explained as a fort in the woods that we created as a child for make believe. Now this fort had turned into a place to meet and hide from my latest schemes I had come up with. Though this time we weren’t dealing with bullies and schemes; we were dealing with the unknown. A creature I only had theories about at best; for all I know it could be something I had never even heard of.

So I shook my head that time so she knew, this wasn’t what she thought it was. This was not a time to sort out our feelings; that would have to wait. I didn’t really need to tell her though because at that moment her brother called her name.

Bess’s expression changed immediately. Her face was filled with a mix of emotions that I could only begin to pick apart. I knew I had to look pretty shocked as well. It had been 8 years since we had heard that voice. It had been 8 years since we had helplessly watched him drown. In that moment I did the only thing I could think of doing I slammed my body weight against her using all my panicked strength to keep her against that wall, one hand firmly against her mouth. I didn’t have to know what was out their to know it wasn’t her brother. I also knew that it didn’t matter to Bess, even the slightest chance that it was him she would be out there.

Sure enough her freezing instinct wore off and all her strength was against me, she was screaming into my hand and using everything she had to escape my grip. It was in that moment that I was most grateful for karate, self defense, and mma classes my parents had signed me up for. Even though I was smaller than Bess I knew how to hold someone in place; especially someone who wasn’t thinking straight.

The only problem was Bess’s screams. Though muffled by my hand she was still much louder than we should be now. The last thing we wanted was the creature knowing our exact location.

“Bess, it’s not him; you know its not,” I whispered in her ear. This only made her struggle more though. I took a deep breath, my mind racing, searching for any words that could save her.

“Bess please, I know you don’t believe but it's something trying to get you,” She didn’t care, of course she didn’t.

“Bess please, I need you,” this made Bess freeze, but only for a split second. She had heard it, the words I refused to say. The truth that I hadn’t been ready to speak.

“Bess please, I-” I couldn’t say it. There were times to confess your undying love for someone and then there were times like these. Bess knew I loved her, but this wouldn’t mean as much to her as other times. I had to tell her another way.

The voice was getting closer the twigs cracking under the creatures feet. I had to be quick.

“Bess please I can’t lose you, your parents can’t lose you, my parents can’t lose me. That’s what that thing wants and if you don’t hold still and stay quiet for five minutes that thing wins. So you have to make a choice. I am going to let go and you have to choose. You have always believed in me and I can be dumb; like really dumb. I make bad choices and you have my back. No matter what happens though you let me figure it out. Now it is your turn. I trust you Bess. I believe in you. You protect who you love. You have never let anyone down, even if you think you have. You do your very best Bess and I believe in you.” I whispered and then I let go.

I held my breath and put the trust in her that she always gave to me. I stood and watched as Bess stood still. I stared and held my own body still. I listened as the voice of her brother called out. I turned my body slowly and carefully and placed my back against the door next to Bess. I stared at the wall the moonlight shining in through the small window we had carved out of the wood. I held my breath as the voice was just outside our fort. As the moonlight shone a figure that could only be described as a large animal like figure on its back legs. I felt Bess shudder next to me, as it was clear that whatever it was out there it was not a child. I moved slightly and took her hand. She squeezed mine until it hurt. Luckily the creature left after just a minute. We stood there still until the voice was no longer present. We stayed still until the voice had been gone for at least an hour. Then we lowered ourselves on to the floor. To scared to say a word. We stayed like that until the sun rose.

As the first beams of light hit Bess’s face, the fear that the creature was nearby finally left us. Bess sat up quickly, I slowly followed. I watched her face the emotions finally processing and after a shudder she began to sob. I held her tight tears rolling down my face. We stayed there for a long time, holding each other tightly.

Finally I found the strength to pick myself up. I slowly stood up and pulled Bess up with me. We had a lot to talk about but this was not the place to do it. We had to leave before it was sundown again. I didn’t know what was out their or why it had chosen us, all I knew was that I was going to figure it out.

“This is a horrible idea; and you know it,” Riggs mumbled sticking his hands in his pockets and staring at his feet at they crunched through the autumn leaves.

“No, this is a fun idea, and you are just a chicken,” Violet replied skipping a bit faster even though she was already at least a foot ahead of Riggs.

“Remember last week when I said we were going to die because you really wanted to explore the cave that looked like it was going to collapse on us? And oh yeah probably had a bear in it?” He asked. Violet just rolled her eyes and continued joyfully skipping ahead.

“Well this time I’m pretty sure we are ACTUALLY GOING TO DIE,” Riggs added.

“You said that last week and guess what no death we are good,” Violet laughed. She turned around so she could face Riggs who was now giving her a very unhappy look. She skipped to him and put her arm around his shoulder, or as close to his shoulder as she could reach. They had always been an odd pair. Violet, standing, on a good day at 5 foot tall; always ready and searching for the next great (and usually dangerous adventure); and then there was Riggs. He was her dutiful sidekick, standing at 6’ 3” (everyone guessed he was probably taller than that, but that’s what he told people. He was always very reluctantly ready for an adventure.

“You know me Riggs, if it gets Dangerous or we’ll just leave,” Violet assured him. Riggs nodded knowing very well this was not true. It was never worth it though, at the end of the day Violet did what Violet wanted and Riggs was almost certain that if he did not go getting her to agree at the very last second to leave whatever she had come up with that week she would surely be dead.

They kept walking. The leaves crunching beneath their feet, Violet skipping occasionally glancing at the hastily drawn map in her hands. Riggs strolling behind her hands in his pockets staring at his feet; contemplating exactly what this could be.

“This is going to be so fun,’ Violet squealed as Riggs assumed they were getting very close. Unlike Violet who could glance at a poorly drawn map and show you the exact location with no hesitation; Riggs could not find the local grocery store with google maps. He had no sense of direction.

“Oh yeah, what isn’t fun about playing a game…. In the middle of the woods…. Because of a random invite you found in your mailbox.” Riggs exclaimed. Violet laughed, she was sure it would be a good time.

It was only a few more minutes before they reached the center of the woods where a small group of people were standing. Riggs stared at the group. At first glance they all looked harmless. Just an odd group of college age kids gathering in the woods. Riggs new better though, he had learned very quickly that 9 out of 10 people looked very harmless, that didn’t mean that they were.

“Welcome, welcome,” A tall skinny guy broke away from the group to greet them. Welcome the two of them. The rest of the group watched as he approached. “Don’t mind the stares we don’t get new members often, I’m Connor are you ready for the game?”

“Yes!” Violet answered excitedly for both of them. Riggs stood beside her silently.

“So, I assume you both know the rules,” Connor asked.

“Yes!” Violet answered again. This time Riggs shook his head. He had learned very quickly when to just go along with Violet and when to say something.

“Bold move, I like that,” Connor said a smile on his face. Riggs didn’t reply. He had also gained the knowledge that the less information you give the better off you would be.

“So I will tell you how it works; they are simple really,” Conner replied.

“First the goal of the game is to find an item. We work in teams, each team is given their own item. The game ends at midnight. You find your item you win. If you don’t find your item you lose.”

“That it?” Riggs asked.

“Well there are a few rules.” Connor explained. There was always a catch. Riggs nodded.

“Rule 1: If you lose you will not be invited back. If you find the item you win. The team who returns first is the ultimate winner and gets the money prize; but everyone else who returns with their item is the winner and may try again next week.

Rule 2: You must come back to this spot by midnight. Not at midnight; by midnight. Do not be a minute late. If you can’t remember where this spot is come back early. Do not pick up your item after 11:30, you will be late. I run the game. I will always be here. If you don’t see me you are not in the spot. It’s 8pm you have plenty of time. You will get to start as soon as we are done with the rules because its your first time. Returning players start at 9pm. You have plenty of time.

Rule 3: Do not touch anyone else’s items.

Rule 4: Do not interact with anyone but your teammates during the game.

Rule 5: If you lose sight of your teammate for more than a second do not talk to them either. In fact come right back here.

Rule 6: If you hear your name being called do not answer. If you feel someone following you do not look behind you. If you ignore your fears you will be fine.

Rule 7: Once you have your item, come right back here. It may seem further away than it was before. You found your way here, that means you can find your way back. Don’t listen to the voice in your head, you know where you are going.

Rule 8: Don’t ask questions you don’t want the answer for.

Rule 9: Don’t leave the woods. Even if you think you see the item outside of the woods. Even if you don’t find the item in time. Always come back here first. I will tell you when it is time to leave the woods.

10. This is the ultimate scavenger hunt. If you like scavenger hunts this will be a great time. If you do not, I suggest you leave. If these rules make you uneasy leave. If you think the rules are BS leave. If you think this is funny leave. If for any reason at all you want to leave this is your last chance to leave, so I would go. There are plenty of better ways to earn $1000 dollars. You should be here because of the game and the game only. Do you understand?”

Riggs let the words sink in. He had been a part of games like this before. He looked around him processing every word. He surveyed those around him and his surroundings. This was one of two things. Either every word he was saying was true, or it was a trap. After a few key observations he could tell it was true. Riggs stared at Violet who was ready and excited to go. He sighed, then nodded.

“Great,” Connor said. He had a wide grin on his face. He handed them a piece of paper and dragged them over to the crowd. He said some words Riggs did not know. Then he looked up and nodded. The game had begun.

Part 2 coming soon.

“We can’t keep running forever,” Finn gasped, barely keeping up. Naomi rolled her eyes, remembering why she never took him along on these trips.

“We’ve barely been going for five minutes Finn, anyway we are almost there,” Naomi replied. She began to pick up her pace and made a sharp right as the voices behind them began to increase in volume. She tried to calculate in her head the best route to get back to the hideout. The longer way was usually better; especially when she was being followed; but she doubted Finn would not make it that far. She would have to only take a few extra turns she decided, it was risky but better to get back with followers then not at all.

Naomi looked behind her, unsurprisingly Finn had fallen a few feet behind. He had stopped trying to run; instead, leaning against the alley wall breathing heavily. Naomi sighed heavily before sprinting back and grabbing his arm. He resisted, leading him to almost land face first on the pavement.

“I can’t,” He said as Naomi dragged him along. She listened carefully; the voices were growing nearer, but they still had time if they were smart about it.

“You have to,” Naomi hissed, pulling on Finn’s arm a bit harder. They had to keep moving, if they wanted to live. She looked in both directions before tugging Finn to the left. It was a risky path to take; but it was much quicker. She held on tightly to both Finn’s hand and the bag that was slung around her shoulder as she did so.

Suddenly she heard another Voice. This one coming from not far in front of them . Hastily she spun around. Cursing under her breath she pulled a confused Finn around the corner they had just come from.

Finn looked at her about to speak; but before he had the chance she pushed him against the wall and covered his mouth. Finn’s eyes grew wide as Naomi held him tight pressing her body close to the wall as well, doing her best to hide in darkness that wall and the night provided. Just then, two large figures emerged from the darkness talking loudly as they passed by continuing on the straight path; not noticing the voices in the distance or the two teenagers huddled against the wall. The two stood there for an extra minute. Before Naomi pulled herself free of the wall and grabbed Finn's arm once again dragging him on the path they had tried to travel before.

“Who the hell was that?” Finn whispered.

“Not important,” Naomi replied trying to end the conversation even though she knew very well that wasn’t how this was going to work. Naomi and Finn had been best friends for most of their lives. Growing up as next door neighbors and moms that were best friends, it was inevitable. They had been inseparable. The only catch was Naomi’s Job. She didn’t hide it of course, but she also didn’t go out of her way to talk about it. After all, some things are better left unsaid. However one too many video games night missed and Finn insisted on coming along. He knew all too well what he was getting into, and with little time to protest; and despite having better judgement Naomi just shrugged and let him follow along, figuring she could just save them both if they hit any trouble; which rarely happened. Of course trouble had a way of appearing at the worst times. It didn’t help that they were in a high danger area, but Finn was not in any state of going the long safe way; not while they were being pursued. Now as her mind raced with regret she wondered if they would survive.

“Seriously Naomi what is even in that bag?” Finn asked trying to break free of Naomi’s grip and failing. Naomi just shrugged. This was the truth. Naomi had kept her job for the past 3 years. Most people barely kept the position for one. This was due to several things. First, unlike most she was young and fit, able to handle the danger. Second she followed the rules. Pick up the item, bring it to the location. Third, she never asked questions. This was the main reason for failure; curiosity was often a good thing, but not here. Here, the less you know the better. If you thought you knew something it was better to pretend like you didn’t and you never ever questioned what you were picking up. Over the years of working with the same bose Naomi had some hunches, crazy ideas she might add; which was good. The more fiction her assumptions were the easier it was to deny they were probably true.

Caught in her thoughts Naomi hadn’t realized that Finn had gone silent for several minutes. This was not a good sign. She had made a mistake. It was at that moment Naomi saw what had caught Finns eye, what had silenced him. In the corner of the block they were heading towards there was a figure. Standing tall and wide. It was too dark to see the more than its shape, but that didn’t matter. The shape in front of them mimicked the shape animal similar to a bear however it’s body was distorted it’s limbs proportioned in a way that didn’t make sense. It’s stood on its back legs the way it held itself less animalist and more human. With a quick glance someone could easily mistake it for a large animal, but stare at it for longer and it was obvious something was wrong. Naomi’s breath caught in the back of her throat. She knew what this was. She had encountered one once her first year on the job. It was much further away though. She would have been dead if it weren’t for another coming by at just the right time and walking her through the steps needed to survive.

She stared at the beast in front of them, they had already locked eyes. This made things much more complicated. The easiest way out was to go unnoticed. That’s what the stranger had shown her last time. Stick to the shadows. Put distance between you and you would be fine. They were not that lucky today. Even so he had told her the rest of the rules. What to do in this case. She had never been so grateful to anyone in her life.

Slowly not breaking eye contact she searched through the air until her palm hit Finn's arm. She grabbed on and slowly backed him into the shadows holding her breath she watched the beast. It’s eyes stayed locked with hers; it didn’t blink. Step two had failed. Naomi took a deep breath. She knew there was one other option. She also knew not many survived it. She stared down the path opposite the beast. The first door opened just a crack a tiny bit of light seeping through. It was close, she only hoped it was close enough.

She didn’t break eye contact as she ripped Finn away from the wall. Pulling him to quickly for him to process what was happening. She knew this was the only way, he didn't have time to resist. With her eyes still on the beast she raced past him. Full speed, Finn barely keeping his feet in pace. She Turned her head away just second after passing it. This was the risky part. Eyes locked it saw you as something that didn’t have fear, as somewhat of an equal. Turn away and the ruse was up, it would remember what it was; and recognize you for what you were. An unmistakable sound came from behind them, causing Finn to falter and fall to the ground. Naomi didn’t stop dragging him along. She had never been more glad for her strength and the time she spent training then in this moment. The last second she slid through the door, just as Finn let out a yelp she pulled them both through slamming and locking the door behind them.

Naomi and Finn lay on the ground, breathing heavily. The bright lights and the loud cheers of people celebrating engulfed them. Naomi didn’t waste another second. She looked at Finn behind her, his knees and palms were bloodied from being dragged the short distance. On his lower leg was a nasty cut. It would need stitches but he would live. The one good thing about the beast was it was not poisonous, it didn’t need to be. Knowing Finn would be fine, Naomi pulled herself to her feet and pushed her way past the group huddled together, drinking, and laughing. They cheered as she passed, trying to chat, offering her drinks, asking her questions. Naomi ignored them; she wasn’t done.

Making it through the crowd and pushing her past the bartender Naomi opened the door behind the bar. Behind the door lay a small dark office. All but one light was off, not much was in the office aside from a desk, a plant, and a few black and white pictures that hung on the wall. The chair behind the desk was turned away. This always made Naomi want to roll her eyes. Dramatic flair did not impress her.

“Well done,” The Man in the chair said turning toward her a wicked smile on his face. “I see you got it, I hope it didn’t cause you too much trouble.” he smirked.

“You know, nothing I can’t handle.” Naomi replied placing the bag on his desk. He let out a laugh in reply before sliding open the bag and peering at the content. His smile grew wider as he looked back up at Naomi.

“Very well done girl,” He said. Naomi nodded watching him slide the bag out of view as he motioned a nod that told her it was time to go. She nodded back before exiting the office. She Went to join the others and a concerned Finn. she would stay for a drink or two and then bring him home. She knew so much lay ahead. She would have to explain to Finn that she was fine. This was her job, her life. Bigger things lay around the corner and she need to be a part of them. She was ready, and she would never stop running.

The town was buzzing, as it always and only did on the anniversary. The world was filled with games, excitement and laughter, much unlike the day before. This day in particular was beyond the normal excitement. It had been 100 years since the discovery of the planet Valtira. The day we needed it most. October 23rd 2019. A day that was remembered as the best day, in contrast to October 22nd.

Every anniversary was special, filled with festivals, food, and people coming together. Most importantly every year 10 lucky people were selected to leave the wrecked planet of earth to live in Valtira. All that stood between being selected was three tests. This year in celebration 100 people would be selected.

Today Danae felt like she finally may have a chance. She pulled her thick curls back in a ponytail and quickly pulled on the competition uniform. She took a deep breath before slipping on her mask and leaving the safety of the glass room, causing the familiar screech of the alarm to go off. She walked down the hall each echoed footstep met with another alarm as everyone left their rooms. People pushed past Danae racing towards the building door, pushing to get a spot towards the front. The door would be opened in exactly 3 minutes, and would remain open for exactly 5 minutes. Miss this chance and they would close again for the next 3 hours. Miss the door opening and miss the contest.

Danae took a deep breathe glanced at the crowd and made a sharp turn left. As she quickly made her way down towards the restroom she kept an eye over her shoulder. Now was not the time to draw attention to herself. She quietly slipped into the small room. Carefully she checked under each stall, before slipping into the one furthest from the door. One more minute. Another breathe, Danae counted the second in her head, and finally slipped the panel away, and scrambled out. She quickly and carefully replaced the panel. Time was not in her favor, but she had practiced. Within second she made her way into the line of people scrambling out of the building and into the even larger lines waiting to be let into the tent for the contest.

Danae skillfully walked towards the front of the line, making sure to move with confidence. When there was only five people ahead of her she smiled and held a conversation with the one of the guys making sure to stay slightly out of line. Before long he was at the front got checked in and she slipped in behind him. No one seemed to notice that she didn’t belong. She learned early on that people rarely questioned what seemed to belong, even when it didn’t.

At the front of the line Danae passed through the scanner, it lit up green allowing for her to carry on. All that stood between her and tent was one more person. She held up her hand, as the man attentively pulled the scanner over the tattoo on her hand. A picture of her face flew onto the screen along with a bunch of info, including her age, 22. Danae concentrated on keeping her heart rate steady. At this point she was used to seeing a fake age felt normal. This was the 4th year, after all. But it always threw her off for a second. She had her tattoo modified when she was 16. It was stupid and reckless, according to most. Danae didn’t care though, it had been worth the risk, or so it felt like it at the time. By the time she had turned 18 the risk of changing it back was greater than leaving it as was. So 22 she would be.

Danae entered the tent and was was whisked into a room. Everything was done in private, that’s how it was always done. Danae picked up the chip and slipped it into the mask. In front of her a screen popped up, the contest had begun. Danae’s heart raced as she went through each task, this was everything.

The contest was over, in a matter of minutes. It was always faster than one would expect for something so important; but no one asked question. It was safest to mind your own business. The world had become a place to mind your own business, unless you were expected somewhere, like the announcement ceremony.

The announcement ceremony was one of few events, that everyone was expect to attend. There were several locations of course. The world population was low, but not that low; sometimes it felt like it should be. The world had been slowly crumbling. Danae only wondered why everyone couldn’t be moved to Valtira, she hoped once she was there she would find the answers.

The crowds gathered and stared at the countdown, only a few more seconds and Danae would know her fate. When the countdown finally finished the screen was filled by a familiar face. The president went on with the usual speech. Danae didn’t listen, she didn’t need to. Finally the names were called. As always they were announced in alphabetical order, so Danae would not have to wait long. It was only seconds before Danae’s heart skipped a beat as her name was called. HER NAME WAS CALLED. She couldn’t believe it, She tried to stay calm as she made her way towards the waiting car. She knew the process she had been prepared. There were no goodbyes, they should have been done before. Everything should be ready. Packing was done. her room would be given to her parents; as she had left in the instructions. Everyone was to write down what should be done. Of they won. Danae had done so she was ready.

It did not take long to reach the launch site. An excited crowd was waiting outside. To Danae’s surprise no one had on a mask. The air wasn’t safe. Danae’s stomach turned, she shook her head when told to remove her mask. The attendants glanced at each other but did not force.

Everyone entered the ship, Danae entered last, keeping her head down. The flight should not have been long, not at the speed that the ship could travel. Not based on where the planet should be. Danae was smart, smarter then she was supposed to be. Smarter then she had pretended to be on the test. She knew she had done well the years before, so she had tried something new this year. That should have been a sign, it was one; but she couldn’t imagine what was worse than earth. Now she knew, this was it. The ship was not going to a new planet. It wasn’t going anywhere.

Danae frantically looked around. The ship wasn’t stopping anytime soon, or so it seemed. She looked out the window and was greeted by, as expected nothing but space. She knew now that no one had ever gotten thru this alive, but Danae was different. If anyone were to survive she knew it would be her. She took a breath, and prepared herself. It was time to make a plan.