Chapter 29: I'm Done!

Something furry hits me hard, causing me to fall back on my ass as I reach up and grab the thing! I try to rip it off my face but it's holding on for dear life while pulling my hair!! I want to scream but with all the fur, I'm terrified to open my mouth!

I struggle to stand again, only to fall over on my back! I start rolling back and forth as I try to rip the furry little demon off my face but it's strong, really strong! I can't breathe!! Its fur is going up my nose!! I struggle to stand back up, hoping that if I start flailing my arms around, the others may look over and see.

Thane and the others continue to talk as Titus continues speaking with headquarters. Valerie practically starts running in circles, arms flailing around in the air as she struggles to get their attention but none of them look. If anything, they keep looking back to the base, thinking about that room.

I can't see! I can't breathe! I'm going to die by fur!! I grab what I think is an arm and pull with everything I have, suddenly being able to see again... kinda, I see a large tree!! I'm going to kill this thing! I take off running as fast as I can, head first towards the tree but right before I hit it, the thing jumps away.

It's too late... I can't stop! I run headfirst into the tree and fall back!

Thane and the others stop talking when they all hear a loud 'thump'. When they turn back and look over, they see Valen groaning on the ground. Conner leans over to see better as he asks "Did he... did he run into the tree?"

They all look on in confusion as I roll myself over. Good lord that hurt... I actually saw stars... Or maybe I saw the light everyone talks about seeing when they die. Using what little brain function I have left, I slowly come to my hands and knees and start crawling over to the others.

I would stand but I currently can't work my legs. Whether that was from fear or brain damage... only time would tell. No one says a word as I crawl over and sit next to Thane's leg. I plop myself down and loop my arm around Thane's leg without an ounce of shame.

Thane frowns down at me, clearly concerned with my crazy hair and traumatized look but he doesn't try and shake me off. For that, I'm grateful. "Where's your sucker?" Thane asks with a deeper frown causing me to suddenly realize that it's gone.

Did I swallow it whole again!? No, I would have felt that or I would have choked on it. That thing... that thing must have taken it! I slowly point behind me but I can't bring myself to say anything. I almost just died! But I can't even tell you what it was!!

Thane's frown takes on a new look of concern when he turns back to look at the woods but because he can't see anything, he decides to drop it. Cruz walks over to me on my other side and offers his leg.

I frown and push his leg away as he continues to try to get me to hold it. Thane glares at Cruz as Titus turns around and says "Okay, we're going..." He comes to a stop when he sees me and frowns in confusion.

I struggle to find my voice as I say "Why, in the hell, am I here. I have no training, I don't know how to work a gun, I don't even know the different alarms! Hell, I'm pretty sure a stick could kill my ass out here!!"

Titus looks unphased as he says "Get up off your ass and act like a man. You're here because I needed a strong team. Yes, you're lacking training but that's why Thane is your partner. You'll learn, we all do. Straighten up or I'll tie your ass to a tree and leave you for the night."

I quickly stand on shaky legs and try not to lose my shit as he continues "Now that Valen is done acting like a girl, we need to set up a fire for the night. We'll take turns on the nightshift. We'll pair up and before anyone asks, Valen will be with Thane. No one else. In the morning, we'll suit up and head back in to clear the scene."

Everyone says "Yes sir!" before breaking up to set up camp. When Thane starts walking over to the bushes to gather sticks, I find myself unable to follow. Thane comes to a stop and turns back to me with a look of confusion before saying "I don't know what your problem is but you need to toughen up. Titus will tie you to a tree all night, it wouldn't be the first time he's done that."

I grit my teeth and clench my fists. He's right. If I want to survive, I need to toughen up. Furry demon or not... the next time I see it, I'll kill it! I square my shoulders and nod before walking over and collecting sticks.

I replay images of me hitting the white furry thing like a baseball over and over in my head as I pick up the sticks and by the end of it, we finally have enough. When we come back, we all drop our sticks as Conner starts building the pile.

When he reaches for my sticks, he pauses a little before saying "Dang Valen! Your sticks are thick and solid! These things will burn for hours." It's only then, do I realize that I was picking up sticks with killing in mind.

I awkwardly smile as we all start making ourselves comfortable around the pile. Once Conner had the pile set up, he steps back as Cruz uses his power to light it. Just in time too... the sun completely disappears leaving us in total darkness.

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