Escape

I was aimlessly watching the scar from the treetop. The shelter I’d shaped by bending the tree’s crown had become a trusted home, but the gloomy sky and the purple mist radiating from the ground made me miss the Garden’s lush scenery.

"Do you think we’re doomed to stay here, Bibi?"

The Volpa nibbled on fruits and leaves I had found earlier. I wasn’t expecting an answer, but talking to her calmed me. My eyes drifted back toward the scar. A barren wasteland teeming with monsters, the only life it allowed. No trees. No animals. What did monsters even eat to survive here? Twisting a twig between my fingers, I failed to find an answer.

Annoyed, I dropped it and plopped onto the soft bedding I had made. The knife I’d scavenged was no better distraction. The humans had broken through the scar here, I was sure of it. Bones and gear littered the ground. This spot had the most of them. But knowing it seemed pointless. There were too many monsters and my magic useless. The rocky ground was too heavy, the air motionless, and without trees there were no roots to command either.

But if humans managed it in the past, then Lucian should have already…

I kicked the air in frustration. Bibi scampered over, as if to comfort me. She always knew when I needed it.

"I know Bibi. I’ll try again tomorrow…"

~✦~

It was the same as every time when I walked into the scar. A feeling of dread, followed by hissing screams and growls. It was like setting off a tripwire. Monsters gathered instantly. The dry air and the absence of all ambient sound made it feel like the edge of the world.

I was pushed back quickly. It was impossible to get close because of their numbers and soon my waterskins were empty. The holes I poked into their formation with the few water bolts, closed as fast as I created them.

A few skretts followed me out of the scar, only to be impaled by roots and thorny vines. The others were smart enough to respect this boundary. I hated those rats. They reeked of decay and didn’t even score on the cute scale.

Recoiling at the wall of gore I had created, I retracted the wooden lances. My fist shook in anger as I retreated home. It was futile. I couldn’t do this on my own. So I stopped trying, instead begrudgingly biding my time. Hoping for a miracle.

~✦~

The miracle came in the form of a blood-curdling howl that jolted me out of my sleep. Even in the dim moonlight I could see their silhouettes. Hordes of monsters marching. Not in an orderly line, but all drawn toward a shared destination.

Bibi was shaking like a shrub in a storm. I gathered my belongings and as the last shadow merged with the night, I picked her up as well.

"It's now or never, Bibi!"

I took a deep breath and stepped onto the craggy rock… Nothing. I bided my time, not wanting to charge into a delayed response. But still, nothing. My body was anxious, scared. It had learned to fear this place from the many failures I’d suffered here.

Bibi’s heart was pounding like crazy, and so was mine. What if this is just a trap? Inviting me deeper to get rid of me once and for all?

I gave Bibi a light squeeze to calm us both down. It didn’t matter. It’s been so long. I was done waiting.

I charged into the silent unknown, drowning out every direction that wasn’t in front of me. I ran into a few stragglers on the way, but this much was manageable. A rush of excitement filled me. I was finally getting out of here!

I collapsed at the edge of a forest as the first light began reclaiming the skies. I was drenched in sweat, and my legs were numb. I vomited, my bitter gall and last meal leaving a revolting taste in my mouth. This must be what the brink of death feels like. Yet lying there in the wet morning dew, gasping for air.
I had never felt more alive.

~✦~

There was a low mist enveloping the forest. My body was still screaming even after a decent break, but I had to put some distance between myself and the scar before I could truly rest.
It was a frightening experience walking through the thick haze. I could hear skretts scurrying all around, even if I couldn’t see them. But with my runner’s high simmering in the background, I couldn’t help but smile at the terror.
Something could jump me at any moment. But I felt unstoppable.
Let them come!

A few darted into me, just as surprised to see me as I was to see them. I cut them down with lethal efficiency. Then, a different sound broke through the mist. Shrill squeals and enraged grunts. Fighting.

With renewed energy I hurried toward the noise, with curious excitement. Perched on a branch, I saw them through the fog. A massive white-haired man in leather armor too small for his size and a pale boy who looked as if he’d just risen from the grave. They were drowning in skretts, more than a dozen bodies already piled around them, and yet more closing in.
They stood their ground, as more bodies joined the heap. But the mischief seemed endless, and their strength fading.
I could see it clearly. They were on the verge of getting overwhlemed.