“It's been two days now!” I stressed looking at my email. Just recently, I’ve been getting strange emails from an “anonymous user,” no literally, that's the name. So this anonymous user person has been sending me weird emails saying something like It will happen in your sleep or hope you have sweet dreams because you may never wake up.

And now the most recent one : It will happen tonight Kanna, tonight.

“Who in the world is this creep?” I wonder aloud. 

I stared at the blaring computer screen, hoping an answer would jump out, but I knew that would never happen. I drifted my eyes to my perfectly neat bed with its rainbow polka dot sheet and pillow case with a folded sea blue and white striped thin cotton blanket on top. Tonight I thought. What if something really does happen. I'll be asleep. Helpless. Someone could just climb through my first floor window with the little grey birds curtains in front, they'll walk into my deep purple room, step on my spotless wooden floor, passing my desk with my grey spinning office chair and this ever so annoying computer, my old wooden dresser that takes up about a fifth of my room, and abduct me without a second thought.

Telling my mother would be the most logical choice of action, but I have the feeling it would be a bad idea. She'd probably say Kanna go to bed, it's eleven o’clock at night, you should be sleeping, there's school tomorrow or This has been going on for two days and you haven't said a word or worst of all she could freak out and call the cops. I really don't feel like dealing with the outcome, but it's really my only option. I can't just ignore it. I could set a trap and be like the kid in Home Alone. But that was a movie and this is real life. 

I got up, and dreadfully walked towards the door when I heard a knock.

“Kanna, lights out in ten minutes.” my mom reminded.

I heard footsteps leaving when I forced out, “Mom,” I opened the door. “Can you come in here for a minute?”

My mother practically flew in the room, her long blonde hair momentarily covering her teal blue eyes. Her red and white Nike sneakers barely in the room, and her neon pink t-shirt made my eyes contract. 

I don't really socialize with my family very much. I just go to my ever so torturous school (I mean they want me to learn yet they're only teaching me basic information that I already know) and then I come home, only to lock myself in my room, studying, which makes my mom really worried. She took me to several psychologists but they all say I'm perfectly fine. They say I just have a low “EQ” (emotional intelligence). And I sort of agree.

I don't really feel the way people are supposed to. I think logically, my brain is my “heart.” For example when my dog died : it made me sad, but I was able to move on right away. My brain told me It's dead and won't come back. Everything dies at some point. Don't waste your time complaining or trying to fix the unfixable. So that's what I did. And in a way, the same thing applies for my family. It makes me uncomfortable being around almost anyone. I feel like a foreigner who doesn't know the language everyone speaks. I know what language they're saying but not how to say it. My mind just refuses to learn it.

“So,” my mom asked nervously, “What's up?” 

“I've been getting weird emails the past two days, and I think this one may be serious.” I confessed.

I sat in my chair and opened the first email I received. My mom looked over my shoulder and read out loud, “Kanna, you would be a perfect specimen. Soon I'll put you in a cage you can never escape.” Her voice faltered, “Kanna…”

I cut her off by clicking on the most recent email. 

She scanned the screen and I couldn't read her expression. “I'm calling the police.” She said in a calm voice, but I could detect traces of fear. My mom stormed out the door.

I suddenly felt exhausted. I rested my head on my desk and the last thing I heard was the increasing sound of sirens in the distance.

I was still dreaming, but this place looked so real. I was alone in a room, but not your average stereotypical room. This room was shaped like a cube with no door. All around, making up the floor; walls; and ceiling was bright neon violet rectangles about my height and double my width that looked like it could be made of pixels. In the middle of the room there was only me, but looking at all four corners it looked then like the home of a crazy psycho serial killer. There was several golden throwing knives lined up on the wall. In the next corner a longsword with a thick steel blade was hanging on the wall like it was being displayed, beneath it was a white case with a spiral golden line going down. In another corner there was a bed that looked just like mine (which gave me the creeps); in the last corner was a thick purple curtain that went all the way around the corner -about ten feet by ten feet - with a curtain rod.

“Congratulations Kanna.” Said a female computer like voice, “You are one of the seven who has survived the experiment so far. The other ninety-three however, weren't so lucky.”

“What do you mean?” I asked, my voice echoing in the room. “Where am I? What experiment?”

“Dr. Ployn has decided on one-hundred humans between ages thirteen and twenty across the United States to bring into this experiment. You are in your dreams and unless you complete your Game Goal, you will never wake up.”

“What ‘Game Goal?’ I don’t understand.”

“Your Game Goal is to fall in love. Good luck Kanna, and remember, you never know who you can trust. Goodbye.”

“Wait, I don’t understand!” I called.

No answer. I stood there, dumbfounded, in the radiating silence.

Your Game Goal is to fall in love. I repeated in my head. I’ve been trying to do that for years. Do you know what it’s like to not feel anything towards your family? I mean, I know I care about them, but I really don’t feel anything.

“How do you expect me to fall in love?” I called in annoyance.

Just then one of the violet rectangles disappeared as if trying to answer my question.

“Oh, thanks, now I know everything.” I grumbled, and started walking towards the new hole in the wall. I took each took each step with extreme caution. I didn’t know anything about this experiment but as far as i can tell it’s a problem. I rescanned my surroundings and stopped when I saw the sword. I ran over to it, with a feeling that I may need it later on. 

The sword was displayed slightly above my height so I had to go on my tippy-toes. I grabbed the handle of the sword and instantly, I felt like the sword was mine. I brought the sword and it’s case down from display and sheathed it in its soft yet hard case. The case had a white leather strap that went from one end to the other. With the leather strap I put the sword on my back (almost like the way you put on a purse) and to my surprise, it went perfect with my red and white striped shirt.

I began approaching the hole and it look like, well a hole : dark and deep. I was one step away. Slowly, I moved my right foot in. Nothing. I walked in, and still nothing, all I could see was pitch dark blackness. Then without warning, a loud machine like sound- almost like a vacuum - started. A red, thin, straight line appeared at the top of the room and went horizontally down at the rate of what seemed like an milliliter per second. I stood there, frozen. When the line reached the bottom of the floor, a vertical line came from the far right of the room and did the same thing, going all the way to the left. 

“Scan complete.” said a computer like voice that's similar to the last one, but with more of a British accent. “Kanna Zinte, welcome to the game. Before you begin, please stat the tutorial.” 

The lights dared on so fast, I couldn't see for a moment. And when my vision came back I saw I was in a room about the size of half a football field; the ground was little tiles that looked like they were full of technology and programs; the walls were the the same material; and the ceiling was up so high, all I could make out was its grayish color.

The computer voice continued, “In this game, everyone has magic, either lightninglightning; water; earth; air; light; or dark magic. You Kanna, have water magic. To activate your magic, think about both it and what it is you want it to do. Now for the tutorial. Obstacle one : create a hole through one of the dummies using magic.”

Just then, a dozen straw dummies shaped like people from the waist up, appeared from out of the floor.

“You want me to what?” I asked, completely confused.

As always, no reply.

Think about both it and what it is you want it to do. I remember. So water is it. I closed my eyes and concentrated on water. There is water everywhere, in me, in the air, and  in the ground. I want the water to appear in my hand. I opened my eyes and nothing happened, my hand was the same as before.

“Your directions could use some more instructions!” I shouted. 

Water. Water. Water. Water. Water. I repeated the word about one hundred times in my head before feeling like a total idiot. Without thinking I walked towards the dummy on the far left. I placed my hand on top of its scratchy head and closed my eyes. Water! I commanded. The dummy exploded with water leaking onto the floor.

Okay, now I just have to blow a hole through one of them.  I thought. 

I stepped back a couple paces, feeling like I got the hang of this magic thing. I faced the next dummy and stared directly at it, imagining a hole right through the center. Water. I ordered.

The next thing I knew water shot out of my hands like a large fire hose, hitting the dummy with so much power and force, it blasted a hole right through it. 

Not knowing how to stop, I shook my hands like they were a wet dog. Instantly the water stopped, splashing on the ground. The dummies somehow retreated back into the floor. Out of nowhere, I collapsed. I felt exhausted, like all my energy was drained away. (Isn't sleep supposed to energize you?) Before I was able to catch my breath, the computer began to talk.

“Congratulations on completing obstacle one of three. Now for the next obstacle, defeat this turnpi. And beware, because this may be a dream, but you can still die. And turnpi’s contain deadly poison, that could kill you with one bite.”

Out of one of the tiles from the wall, a buzzing fly like mosquito came from a little hole. 

I scrambled to my feet. I knew I couldn't use any more water magic, I didn't have the stamina. Then I remembered the sword. I unsheathed it, its silver blade gleamed in the light. I didn't have any idea what to do, I ran a couple of scenarios in my head and chose the stupidest one. I charged. I never used a sword before but hey, if I can use magic, sword fight should be a piece of cake. Or so I thought.

I was about ten feet from the bug and did a practice swing. It was terrible. I wanted a clean strike, but mine was more like a sideways J. How was I supposed to slice this tiny insect? Not that I had one, but it was time for plan B.

I ran backwards about one hundred feet, not taking my eyes off the Turnpi. I studied its movements, trying to find any patterns. Nothing. It would move up, right, left, down, zigzag, in no order at all. The Turnpi flew towards me, going up, then zigzag for about ten seconds before going to the right. I ran to the end of the room, knowing that the bug may be fast but, I can be faster. 

I closed my eyes, trying to hear how far away the Turnpi was. It sounded close, about fifteen seconds away. Sword skills were out of the picture, I had to use magic. The bug was so tiny, it would only take a raindrop to completely cover it.

It was now ten seconds away. I held out my index finger and pointed towards the Turnpi. I thought of a drop of a water, as sharp and fast as a dart. Now I just have to aim.

Seven seconds. The bug was right in front of me. I opened my eyes and saw it to my left. If it was going to bite me, it would have to land on me, that's when I would strike. I held out my left hand for it to land on, my right was still pointing. To my surprise, it was heading for my arm. Two seconds. I held my breath and commanded the water drop to shoot out. It hit. 

Before I could celebrate, the computer voice interrupted, “Now for obstacle three. Slay the Dyity.”

I made a mental note that if I ever get out of here to stay far away from computers.

About two dozen tiles flipped over and when I blinked, I blinked again to make sure my eyes weren't playing tricks on me. A catlike snake about my height, 5’4 was only ten yards away on the left. It's skin was a dark scaly green and its bottom half was just like a snake (a really, really large snake) but its face was more like a scaly cat. It had thin pointed ears, the nose of lion, bright green snake eyes, along with a bird like mouth. Its bright pink forked tongue poked out of its mouth.

“This day just gets better and better.” I muttered before getting in a fighting stance. I raised my sword, knowing I didn't have the energy to summon that much water. Along with the fact that I may have a chance at hitting the Dyity. It was large, and I didn't think my sword skills were so bad where I would miss something the size of a piano.

My back was to the wall. The only way I could run was if I ran towards the far right wall and kept running. But I didn't know anything about this creature, the way it moves, its speed, how it attacks, nothing. So far the Dyity hasn't moved an inch. But Its piercing eyes were like ice, trying to freeze me in place. 

I averted my eyes to its large scaly tale, which suddenly began to twitch. Without any second warning, it sprang forward. 

Going at the speed of a what seemed like 15 miles per hour, it was right in front of me in a matter of seconds, its sharp fangs inches from my face. My instincts took over, I did a duck and roll before it the Dyity took off my head. I did a bunch of calculations in my head and decided that my best chance to strike was when its back is towards me. I ran at full speed to the other end of the room. When I looked back, the snake was already turned around and only a couple feet away.

I waited for the last possible second and did the same thing as before to avoid getting decapitated. But when I went to strike, the snake had already caught onto my plan. It slithered just out of reach to avoid a fatal blow. I only scratched it, my blade had traces of this yellow goo that smelled like rotten eggs. I resisted the urge to vomit and sprinted to the right. I had a new plan, really dangerous, but a plan.

As I predicted the Dyity was right behind me. I faced the catlike snake, its mouth open so wide, my head would be gone in one bite. It leaped. I felt like an idiot not jumping out of the way, but I raised my sword and impaled the Dyity through iss mouth. I sheathed my sword and the snake dissolved to nothing. I was out of breath panting, thinking that if I made one wrong move back there, I could of died.

The grim voice of the computer returned, “Congratulations on completing the tutorial. Would you like to complete a bonus round for a prize?”

I was ready to collapse, in no way was I prepared for another round of fighting. But I suspected this prize was important, I mean why offer a bonus round if the prize is a silly lollipop. “I will choose the bonus round.” I answer, my voice shaky with adrenaline. I was exhausted, but if I'm getting out of here, I'll need all the help I can get.

“Protect the fox the fox from the Rageip.” The computer instructed.

From above me, I heard the sound of metal clanging. I looked up and saw two metal cages rocketing down from the ceiling. One looked like it was suited for world's strongest elephant, the other looked like it was for a German Shepherd. The cages hit the ground with a large bang about five yards apart. In the elephant cage there was Rageip : a large, furry, dull grey animal that looked half bear, with its sharp paws and keen nose, and half hippopotamus, with its humongous killer mouth and giant body that could easily turn me into a pancake. In the smaller cage there was a sleeping wounded fox. I studied its bright orange coat where white colored its chest and the tip of  her (I feel like it's a girl) tail and left ear, while traces of a dusty black littered her fur. Her right hind leg was badly hurt and she had a deep gash near her rib cage. 

So my job is to protest the fox from this huge hippopotamus bear. Piece of cake. I sarcastically thought. 

Like the Dyity, the cages randomly disappeared.

The Rageip roared, sounding exactly like a lion.

I knew hippos and bears were generally pretty fast but I had to protect the fox, I ran. I scooped up the hurt fox - she was very light and skinny - and cradled her in my arms thinking that she would be too weak to attack me.

The Rageip let out an angry, powerful roar.

I've heard the best way to prevent an angry hippo attack was to climb a tree and the best way to avoid a bear attack was to either play dead or make noise. But how do you put the three together? There was nothing to climb, so that just leaves playing dead and making noise. And the hippo didn't roar until after it heard the large crash of the cages. So if my prediction is right, my best option is to play dead. I hugged the fox closer and fell on the floor, playing dead, which was easy to do considering how tired I felt.

I heard the Rageip’s slow, yet loud footsteps getting closer and closer. About two minutes passed and the Rageip was right next to me. I remained completely still, keeping my breathing to a minimum. The bear nose was inches from my face. I held my breath. The nose retreated, but I had a feeling that if I didn't do something, I'd be dead in a matter of seconds. 

I quickly reached for my sword and slashed it as I took it out, forcing the Rageip to move back, and giving me enough room to get up. I placed the fox down, knowing I couldn't defeat the hippo bear with one hand. I charged forward, hoping the Rageip would forget the fox was there.

For a moment, as I charged, I felt like I understood why Dr.Ployn was doing this experiment. To see how people react when put into a life or death experience, and making them do something that would be hard for them. Seeing if they would figure out a way to do it, if their life was on the line. I've never used a sword or magic before, but in these life or death situation, I think I did pretty good for a rookie, in fact, I almost felt like I've done it my entire life.

With that in mind, I raised my sword. I dodged the Rageip’s bear claw attack and without thinking, I sliced the Rageip in half, as it dissolved on sight. When I looked my sword, I saw it was wet, not from yellow blood but from water. 

“Congratulations on completing the bonus round.” The computer interrupted, “Your prize will appear when the game begins. When you are ready, please advance to the next room.” Until then goodbye.”

I looked around, the fox was gone and the room was the same as when I first entered. I went back into the purple room and passed out on my bed.

I woke up feeling extremely hungry. I looked around, but there was nothing to eat. I then headed to the curtained corner, curious of what was behind it.

I pushed open the curtains revealing, absolutely nothing. It was just the corner finishing the cube. But Dr.Ployn wouldn't put curtains here, if he didn't want me to inspect the area. I stepped into the corner and the ground disappeared, which left me free falling into the unknown.

After falling for what felt like ten minutes, I landed in a soft, plain white couch chair. I was in a blank white room with a rectangular wooden table, and taking up the other five of the six identical chairs were three boys and two girls, that seemed to be between ages fourteen and twenty. The chair to my left was empty but to my right was boy that looked a year older than me, sixteen, with messy, dark obsidian colored hair; he had dark brown eyes; an old scar above his right eye that gave him a mystery look; a dark, dull, sea blue jacket that was black at the sleeves; and his hands were neatly folded on the table. Across from him was a boy that looked to be about twenty with well groomed, light almond hair; piercing green eyes; a slight mustache; and wearing a white cotton long sleeve shirt. To the left was a husky sized fourteen year old boy with choppy black hair that had gold streaks here and there, cold blue eyes, and a deep red t-shirt. Next to him was a girl, maybe seventeen, with light purple hair, coffee brown eyes, and wearing a Hello Kitty t-shirt. And finally on the far left was a girl who looked about eighteen with long black hair, light brown eyes with thin red glasses in front, wearing a dark gray long sleeve button up shirt.

“Now we're just waiting on one more person.” the girl with purple hair remarked.

“What do you mean?” I asked. I had a million questions at the tip of my tongue, but that was the only question that came out.

“Well you see,” the girl with glasses explained “We…” 

She was cut off by the distant sound of a long scream.

“What is that?” asked the boy in the red shirt.

“I think it's the final person.” the girl with the glasses guessed.

We sat there in silence until the short thirteen year old boy fell into the room, his face had hints of green, he had short curly blonde hair, blue eyes, and wore a light gray hoodie. “Food.” he groaned.

As if fulfilling his desires, four large boxes of pizza appeared on the table. The boy with the mustache grabbed a slice first and calmly ate it, some followed his example while others wolfed down the pizza like they only had five seconds to eat.

While we were eating a male computer voice spoke, “Now that everyone is here I will explain the instructions,When I am finished the room will disappear, and you will all return to the room you first arrived in. But beware, for when you leave the room, you will not be able to return. Outside, there are many obstacles, including the ones you faced in the tutorial along with survival skills.

“If you die here, you die in real life, so it is recommended to complete your Game Goal as soon as possible.” the voice continued, “To better know the people around you, I will announce their name along with their Game Goal. First up Rin Domer,” a picture of the girl in glasses covered the wall, “Game Goal : Find the truth.”

Then a picture of the boy in the red shirt appeared, “Next Tazu Ioke, Game Goal : Sabotage.”

Then my picture appeared, my wavy chestnut hair just below my shoulders, I stared at my dark brown eyes and my blank expression, “Kanna Zinte, Game Goal : Fall in love.”

“Sotos Restin,” the boy with the scar above his eye, “Game Goal : kill someone important to you.”

Next was the boy who just dropped in, “Dave Venchoske, Game Goal : Protect.”

“June Summers,” the girl with purple hair, “Game…”

“Hold it!” June shouted, “Shouldn't figuring out everyone's Game Goal be part of the game. By telling us everyone’s objectives, we will have an advantage.”

“But that is what makes it more interesting, seeing what you do with your advantage.” The computer replied (I thought the computer could only say what it was directed to say. Does that me Dr.Ployn is watching us right now, talking as the computer), “June Summers, Game Goal…”

June interrupted again, “Well I completely disagree.”

“June Summers, if you do not stop delaying the game, you will be terminated.” Dr.Ployn threatened.

“I don't think you can terminate me, you're just a computer.” June teased, “Good luck killing me if…” A hole in the ground appeared below June's chair and she was swallowed under, the hole disappeared and the chair returned empty.

“Now because of our delay,” the computer continued, “Introductions end here, good luck and enjoy the game.”

“Well I'm Pete Misky,” announced the guy with the mustache, “And my Game Goa…”

I was once again back in the purple room. I decided I would head out into the game after taking a nap. I took off my sword, curled in bed, placed the sword beside me, and was asleep in a matter of seconds.

I woke up feeling groggy, but I dragged myself out of bed. This dream could really use a shower or at least a change of clothes. My shirt was stained with blood from when I held the fox and a nice relaxing shower is exactly what I needed (other than getting out this dream game of course.)

I put on my sword and walked into the room where I completed the tutorial. The room was the same, except this time there was a wooden door at the other side of the room. I ran over to open the door, but there was no door knob. Looking at the door, I was able to see that you could just push it open.

I placed my hand on the door but before I could push, another dreadful computer voice began to talk. “Kanna Zinte, do you wish to start the game?”

“Yes.” I replied.

“Here is your prize.” Out of nowhere, a large backpack that looked like it was for a high schooler taking all AP classes appeared next to me. “Enjoy the game.”

“I'm sure I'll have the time of my life.” I sarcastically responded.

I looked through the backpack and saw a few days worth of food and water. I picked up the backpack which was lighter than it appeared. I put it on my back, and still had enough room to unsheath my sword. 

I pushed open the door. The bright blue sky was just like it is in the real world, but everything else, not so much. It looked like someone took a war zone wasteland, then they took a wild jungle, and put the two together in a blender. The place seemed deserted. It looked like there hasn't been civilization here in centuries. There was wrecked houses everywhere, typically having gaping holes in the walls and ceiling; plant life seemed to be trying to slowly swallow this entire place; and worst of all : large jungle means lots of wildlife. Out of one of the hundreds of wrecked buildings, about a football field away, three Rageip jumped out ready to charge.

I regained my senses and didn't know if I should run or attack. If I ran, they would catch up to me in a matter of minutes, but if I attack, they not only outnumber me, but they're also a lot stronger. (Thinking back on it, I really don't know how I ever defeated the Rageip back in the tutorial.) But if I did it once, maybe I could do it again. I felt like an idiot, but I charged. As I charged, I kept thinking that I've been acting different. I mean, yea, I'm trapped in my own dreams but I've been going more on instinct than logic. Maybe I really could fall in love in this world. My thoughts were interrupted by two of the Rageip that suddenly charged on all fours. I thought of how when I defeated the Rageip in the tutorial, my blade was wet. That's it! I thought. I used water magic on my blade, allowing me a cleaner and easier cut. If I could do it again, I may have a chance at survival. I thought of water and commanded it to sharpen my blade. The Rageip were only a couple steps away. I didn't even look at my blade, I wasn't sure if this would really work, but I stared at the dark wild eyes of the Rageip. I sliced my sword into the larger Rageip, it dissolved, but the other one punched me with its bear claw. It hit with so much power I landed back where I started. I wanted to stay on the floor forever, I felt like the Rageip may of broke my ribs. But if I stayed down, I knew I would be dead. I got up, forcing myself to stand. The Rageip that hit me charged while the other one was close behind.

I held my sword, my hands shaking from pain. I had to get rid of these two in one blow. I didn't have the strength to sword fight. I sheathed my sword. I thought of water, a title wave of water. The next thing I knew, a sea of musky water appeared in front of me and shot forward before disappearing to nothing. I collapsed and instantly blacked out.

I woke up feeling dizzy and my vision fuzzy. I tried to get up but was stopped from the feeling of a sharp pain where the Rageip hit me. I force myself to sit up, it took about three tries and a lot of wailing. I look around and saw I was inside one of the wrecked buildings. There was nothing about this place that show anyone lived here in the past, just an old door and a bunch of rubble. I looked down at my injury and saw there was a couple really large leaves going all the way around me, covering the middle of my shirt, tightly tied onto me by a piece of what looked like a vine.

Then I heard footsteps, I knew I couldn't defend myself but I reached for my sword which was no longer there. The girl, Rin, whose Game Goal was to Find the truth entered the room. Her eyes met mine and she nearly jumped.

“What happened?” I asked, my voice scratchy.

“Well, I found you passed out right in the open and figured you'd be dead within a few hours if I didn't help you. So I carried you here, saw you were injured, patched you up, and you've been here asleep for about three days now.” She replied like she was talking to a wild animal.

My voice sounded shrill, “Three days?”

“Yea, between your bruised ribs and that massive title wave, your body needed rest. I saw your battle and thought you were done for after you were hit. It's incredible you survived the fall, but then you summoned enough water to fill an aquarium. I was impressed. In fact I thought you would be out for another two days at least.”

“Why did you rescue me? Isn't it hard enough fending for yourself?” 

She studied me for a moment before replying, “Well it's the right thing to do, and we're the only girls here, we should stick together.”

I was surprised by her answer. My Game Goal is to fall in love and I never really thought about how to complete it. If I'm going to fall in love maybe I should start with something simpler, friendship.

I tried to stand up, only to fall back down on the floor. Rin reached out her hand. The old me would've ignored her help, but if I'm getting out of here, I'm going to have to change. I grabbed her hand and she helped me up.

“Are you sure you want to be up? Someone in your condition should be bedridden for a couple weeks. You were only down for three days.” Rin warned.

“This place doesn't give time for luxury.” I replied. “Can I, ah, have my sword?”

“And now you want to fight? You are really pushing it.” she said walking into the room she came from. I limped behind her, each step I took felt like I was being punched all over again. The room was basically the same as the last one, ripped foundation; rusted screws; rubble everywhere. The main difference was this room had a large hole in the wall that gave it a jungle scenery. Rin handed me my sword and instead of putting it on, I treated it like a cane. She opened my backpack and handed me a wrapped up peanut butter sandwich and a bottle of water. She zipped up the bag and opened a nearly identical backpack. She took the same thing out of her bag. (Dr.Ployn could really use some new meal plans.)

“You must be hungry considering you haven't eaten in three days.” she said. And thinking about, I could probably eat an entire Rageip. 

Rin sat down at the hole, her feet dangling about twenty feet above the ground. She gestured for me to sit next her. I limped over basically fell instead of sitting. I slowly sat up and after about two minutes of embarrassing myself, I was next to Rin, amazed by the outside world. I never got a chance to really explore. I just went out and was suddenly attacked by a couple angry Rageip. 

I scarfed down my sandwich, looking at the vast amount of trees and their thick green leaves, the camouflaged houses, and the every now and then yellow, orange, or red flowers. I finished my sandwich and drank my water. I looked over at Rin who was uncontrollably grinning.

“What?” I asked.

“Nothing, it's just that you're so different and how do I put it… independent.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well you fell to the floor and struggled to get up without asking for any help. Why?” 

“I don't know, I just… I find it to be that I want to solve everything myself.”

“Is that why your Game Goal is to fall in love?”

“Probably, I mean I don't really know what love is.”

“How, I mean, don't you have a family or something you really care about?”

There it is again, that burning question. I've asked myself that maybe a thousand times before. It's the reason I don't socialize, because everyone else knows the answer to this simple question while here I am, clueless.

“Yea, I have a family, and sure I care about them, but does that really mean I love them?” 

“Kanna, you can't be taught how to love, you have to find it. If you don't love your family, maybe it's because you haven't done enough with them…”

She was cut off by the sound of loud buzzing : Turnpi.

She got up and helped me to my feet. I grabbed my backpack and sword, and followed Rin out the door. We ran on the wild jungle floor, passing tree roots, rocks, and other jungle things I didn't know the name of. Between all the ground obstacles and running, I found it extremely hard to keep up with Rin. My injury felt like it was bleeding acid but I kept going. We finally stopped in an open dirt circle - about twenty by twenty feet - where it seemed like all the vegetation was cut away. I was breathing hard while Rin made it look like we any ran a couple yards. We were surrounded by large trees and the buzzing sound was getting louder.

“Where are we?” I asked, still panting.

“I cut this place out when I first found you. Thought it might come in handy if we come across any trouble.”

“How is a dirt field going to come in handy?”

“You'll see.” she said with a grin. “Get back, your in no condition to fight.”

“But there's probably about a hundred Turnpi out there.” I guess based on the loudness of the buzzing.

“Just go.” I wanted to argue, but she was right. I felt winded after just a short run.

Reluctantly, I went behind a bush and waited as Rin faced our enemies.

The buzzing became so loud I thought a Turnpi was inside my ear. In front of Rin about two hundred Turnpi flew just and an arm length away, they looked like a really blurry version of a garbage truck. Then the ground began to rumble. At first I thought there was an earthquake but then I realized it was Rin, she had earth magic. She raised her hands like she was the conductor of an orchestra and brought out about two hundred pebbles floating in the air, so it looked like a crazy bug dance with all the fancy steps she was taking. The pebbles simultaneously flew towards the bugs and they were gone in a matter of seconds.

I came out into the circle. “Rin, that was amazing!”

“Um… have you seen yourself.”

“Yea, I'm wearing a leaf bandage.”

Rin laughed. “Hey. That was hard to put together you know.

I laughed too for a second, which really hurt, but thinking about it, I can't remember the last time I laughed. I decided that if I ever get out of here, to go into a life or death situation with my family, that will definitely bring us closer together.

“So, what does your Game Goal, find the truth mean.” I asked changing the subject.

“I think it means figuring out the truth of this game.” 

“What do you mean?”

“Well, why is your Game Goal to fall in love?”

“So you think it's supposed to be something that is hard for us to complete.”

“Not necessarily, in real life I'm actually pretty good at problem solving and riddles.”

“So something that’s a challenge.”

“Exactly.”

“The other Game Goals are sabotage, protect, and killing someone important to them.” I remembered, “But what about Pete, why wasn't his Game Goal announced.”

“I don't know, they said it was because of the ‘delay.’”

“Yea, and when they said that, don't you think that was weird.”

“Yea, why get rid of someone if they are going to make the game more interesting? I mean that's the excuse they made for saying our Game Goals.”

“No, all we've been hearing is a programs computer voice. If you ask it a question, it won't reply unless it was programmed to do so. How would the computer know exactly what June was going to do?”

“You're right. I haven't even thought about it.”

“I’d say your best chance at getting out of here is to see what everyone else thinks, especially Pete.” I guessed, and with that we started walking.

We passed ran into a couple Dyity and Turnpi but Rin managed to defeat all of them, except for a Dyity that startled me as it attempted to sneak up on me and I accidentally stabbed it.

“So,” Rin said, “How exactly are we supposed to find someone out here?”

“I would say go to higher ground, but between the jungle and buildings, we wouldn't see very much. We should try to put ourselves it the other person's shoes.”

“What do you mean?”

“Are you sure you're good at problem solving?”

“Just answer the question.”

“Well, since I don't understand emotion very well, I looked into a lot of psychology, and just from looking at someone, I have a pretty good idea of how they act.”

“What your observations on me?”

“When I first saw you, I thought you were smart, logical, in college to be a lawyer, and you just broke up with your boyfriend.”

“How did you…?”

I interrupted, “And after meeting you, I can see that you're smart and logical, but too trusting and you don't like to solve problems on your own. Along with the fact that you sometimes jump to conclusions.”

“Okay, you are a human evaluator. How is it that you have trouble with love if you can understand people so well?”

I ignored her question and continued, “Based on what I saw, Dave will be the hardest to find because he will be hiding, but he most likely did not go for the bonus round and is looking for food. Tazu will be the easiest to find, he's over confident. Then there's Pete. I have a bad feeling about him. Like he's trying to play a lie. When he introduced himself, I saw a hidden smirk that shouldn't of been there. And then there's Satos. I found him hardest to understand with a bunch of mixed signals. I think he wanted to socialize, but was scared, probably from his Game Goal. I don't think he wants to socialize with anyone, and he may actually be harder than Dave.”

“That's a lot of information, how did you remember all that?”

“It's easy, people unknowingly give away a lot of useful information.”

“You my friend, are a genius.”

“Are we friends?”

“Well, yea. You don't just protect and help a random stranger. Unless of course you are a very kind person. But you can read me. Am I a very kind person?”

“Well I am basically a stranger. You only knew me four days and the first three, all that really happened was you watched me sleep. So I guess you are a very kind person.”

“Oh yea, you know you talk in your sleep.”

“Wait, you really watched me sleep?”

“It was a joke, silly.”

This was the first time I ever really talked to someone, I never imagined I would have a friend, I guess this really is a dream. But that means eventually I'll wake up, and I'll be alone again.

“So, where are we?” Rin asked

“The middle of nowhere, trapped inside a dream.” There really was no way to tell where we were. Our surroundings didn't change much, it was still trees and more trees.

I tripped and fell on something that felt like a squishy rock.

“Owww.” said a voice that sounded a lot like like Dave’s.

I fell hard on my face because my hands instinctively went to guard my injury.

I resisted the urge to scream in pain and rolled over so I could see what was going on.

“Kanna!” Shouted Rin. “If you don't take it easy, you're going to break your ribs, and then you'll really be bed ridden.” 

“Don't worry, I'm not alright.” I said before blacking out.

When I woke up, we were in the same place as before. The only difference was that I was rested against a tree and I heard the sound of people talking.

“Is this an interrogation?” Dave asked, his quiet voice trying to be loud.

“Rin?” I called.

“Kanna, you're awake, it’s only been a couple minutes?” Rin questioned.

“Yea,” I said using the tree to help me up. “So what's up with him?”

“She is accusing me of trying to sabotage you guys.” Dave announced, his hoodie was covered in grass stains.

“Rin,” I said, “This Dave, not Tazu.”

“What?” Rin asked, obviously disappointed.

“Can I go now?” Dave asked. 

“Afraid not, there are some questions we want you to answer first.” I responded.

“So this really is an interrogation.” Dave announced.

“No, but we can turn it into one.” Rin replied.

Dave began inching away from Rin but I intersected him, “First questions : what type of magic do you have?”

“Why do I have to answer this?” Dave asked.

“Just answer the questions and you can be on your way.” Rin replied.

“Air magic.” Dave moped.

“Next, why do you think you Game Goal is to protect?” I asked.

“Can't you tell. Because I'm weak.” Dave said.

“And you're proud of that?” I queried.

“Who would be proud of that?” Dave asked.

“Then why say it like you were proud?” I interrogated.

Dave looked away, “Look, can I just go now?”

“Wait here.” I ordered and gestured for Rin to come here. When she was right next to me, I whispered, “Dave has a simple Game Goal. If we work up his courage, we could see, if this really works.”

“How do we work up his courage?”

“We’ll tell him he can't leave unless he fights us. If he made it through the tutorial, he can't be that weak, so we'll go easy on him, but don't let your guard down. And make a lot of noise, so we can attract a Turnpi or Rageip.” We turned towards Dave. “You can leave, but only if you defeat both of us in a fight.”

“Just pick on the little guy why don't you?” He asked.

“Be a man and talk with you fists!” Rin shouted a lot louder than necessary as she charged.

I didn't want to tell Rin but I knew Dave could easily defeat her. He was weak, but he was both really smart, and light on his feet.

Dave dodged like he was a bullfighter. Rin did her signature move and raised a bunch of pebbles (it didn't sound like much, but at the speed she moved them, they would leave you sore for weeks.)

Dave jumped high in the air, and to make sure he couldn't leave, I used my water magic to force him down just as the pebbles rocketed underneath.

“Two on one is just wrong.” he shouted, blasting air in my direction. I could of dodged, but I needed to get hurt, I acted too hurt to move, and my mind kept screaming Kanna you idiot move out of the way. 

“Sorry brain, but if I'm getting out of here, I can't always listen to you.” I mumbled quiet enough so no one could heard. The air hit me right at my injury, (Either Dave has incredible aim or my brain is taking revenge and making this dream hate me.) and I once again blacked out. 

I woke up to the sound of Rin screaming. She had scratches all over her face (maybe from Dave’s air) and seemed to be pretty drained. 

About ten feet away, a Rageip was within striking distance of Dave. He looked exhausted. (What happened when I was asleep?) Dave seemed frozen in fear. And Rin looked like she didn't know what to do. I couldn't move. I was too sore, I've over worked my body. Even so, I had to do something. I willed a drop of water to dart into the Rageip's eye. To everyone else, it looked like the Rageip was starting a temper tantrum, but I knew it wouldn't be able to see through that eye for awhile.

Dave seemed to regain his senses and scrambled towards Rin. They found a common enemy and would work together to defeat it.

Rin started an earthquake but after that, she seemed out of it. She'd been protecting me all day, it only made sense she was tired. 

Dave seemed to catch on and took to the offensive, blasting air everywhere. It looked like Rin was ready to collapse. I wanted to help, but I'd probably only get in the way. That's it! I needed to get in the way. I needed Dave to protect me.

I hobbled over to the fight, but I was having a fight of my own, fighting to not collapse.

“Hey ugly!” I shouted, not really knowing what would draw the Rageip's attention.

To my luck, the Rageip turned towards me. I unsheathed my sword and charged although it probably looked more like a limping jog.

I fought the Rageip at full strength, which probably looked like a three year old with a sword (but you try fighting with almost broken ribs.)

The Rageip knocked me back a couple feet and I was back where I started. “A little help?” I demanded.

Rin collapsed and I attempted to set her down near a tree. But only fell on top of her. I struggled to my feet and and limped towards Dave. “Cover me.” I said and hobbled to the Rageip. It was right in front me, and about to attack, I couldn't defend. Before it was able to knock me down a blast of air came from Dave. It blew the Rageip back and the next thing I knew Dave rocketed into it in a jump kick pose at full force, like a cooler Jackie Chan. The next thing I knew, the Rageip dissolved and Dave was glowing a bright yellow.

“What's going on?” he asked.

“Thanks Dave, you did it.” I said. “You've completed your Game Goal, now you can go.”

“Wait, you mean you planned all this?”

I nodded yes.

“What if I didn't come through for you, what if I abandoned you guys?”

“You can't have love without trust. I still don't understand it but we're all trying to overcome some form of a challenge. Congratulations Dave.”

“Thanks Kanna, I know you'll get out of here too, see you in the real world.”

I waved goodbye and fought the urge to fall asleep. Rin had to rest too, it was my turn to keep watch.

I kept my guard up throughout the night, and I only fought three battles. One against an army of Turnpi, I used the same technique as Rin, except with water instead of pebbles. Later I fought a Dyity, and I was so tired I don't really remember how I defeated it. And my hardest battles was against myself, every second, I fought the urge to doze off.

The sun finally rose, and I woke Rin up, which was more dangerous than fighting a Rageip. She thought the battle was still going on and darted up so fast she not only head butted me, but nearly attacked me with her army of pebbles.

“Sorry.” she said after coming to her senses.

“This dream world really has it out for me.” I sighed.

And with that we continued moving. There was still Tazu, Pete, and Satos to find.

As we walked through the unknown jungle, I explained to Rin everything that happened after she collapsed.

“Are you sure, you don't want to stop and rest.” she insisted after I told her what happened during my night shift.

“We need to keep moving. I don't have time for rest.”

“Come on, I'm hungry. Lets at least take a break.”

I completely forgot about food. All my attention was on getting out of here, I completely neglected what my body was saying.

“Okay, but only for five minutes.” I agreed.

We ate exactly where we were, camping out on the ground. I ate a chocolate muffin and a canned white mush that tasted like baby food. While Rin ate the same weird canned food and a piece of bread. We wolfed down the food and left our garbage behind (it was a desert waste land in a dream, how much harm could a couple cans do.)

After about half a day of walking in random directions we spotted Tazu and Pete. They looked like they were discussing some sort of plan. It looked suspicious, so I told Rin to be as quiet as possible. We were about five feet away, our presence should've been obvious but with this thick jungle, it's really easy to hide. We were eavesdropping on the conversation, and I could only hear bits and pieces.

“You want…what?” said one voice.

“Well your goal is sabotage…why not?” I guessed it was Pete’s voice because it sounded vaguely familiar and he was talking about Tazu.

“How do I know…are you sure it will work?”

“Positive.”

I gestured for Rin and I to inch away.

By the time we were a safe distance away, I had an idea. I explained it to Rin and we were on are way.

One of the comments Rin made as I told her my plan really bothered me, You know, you're really limiting your options. If you continue to help everyone move on right away, you're never going to find love. But I really didn't know what else to do. All my life, I've always pushed people away, I didn't really feel the way they felt so I just isolated myself. Rin is the first person who ever really called me a friend. We haven't gotten very close but she was the first person I ever really tried to get to know. And yet, that made me want to get rid of her faster. I wanted to go back home and go back to my normal life. But I can't do that unless I fall in love. 

I continued with the plan : I am going to stall and get as much information as possible while Rin stays hidden as guard, and under no circumstances, unless I give the signal of raising my hand, pointing my index finger up is she to come out. I ran (limped) in the direction we saw them last.

Their plan is some form of sabotage. From Pete’s body language, he seemed slightly nervous, he was good at hiding it, but it was like he didn't want anyone to hear him talking to Tazu. If I knew his Game Goal, I could figure out a lot more about him. That's another thing that bothered me. Why did the computer not announce his Game Goal? Delay or not, it should've announced it. I had a feeling that he could not be trusted.

I passed the usual damaged buildings and thick trees, when I finally spotted them.

“Hey!” I called getting their attention. I made my way over to them and saw that my presence here made them uncomfortable.

“Kanna, right?” asked Pete.

“Yea, so, uhh, what are you guys doing here?” I replied.

“Just, you know, stuff.” Tazu answered.

“Pete, you never got to announce your Game Goal and I'm curious of what it is.” I asked.

“Why would you want to know that?” he questioned.

“Well, you were about to say it before but never really got down to it.”

“Look lady, it's nothing that concerns you, so just go on with your day.” Tazu said.

“I just thought maybe I could help. I mean, I helped Dave complete his goal.”

“Wait,” Pete demanded, “You mean he actually did it.” The way Pete’s voice sounded, I could tell he was trying to act surprised, but he also seemed angry. Why would he be angry that someone succeeded? Pete was acting really suspicious.

I saw this conversation was going nowhere, so I did the signal to summon Rin.

She jumped here from out of nowhere. “Am I needed?”

“Where did she come from?” Tazu asked flabbergasted.

“Magic.” she replied with jazz hands.

“Come on,” I whispered into her ear, “Help me strike up a conversation.”

“On it!” she whispered and then directed her attention to Pete. “What excellent weather we have today.”

“Um, the weather has remained the same.” Pete noted.

“And do you know why that is?” She asked accusingly.

“No, why?” Tazu asked.

“I don't know, you try striking up a conversation.” she replied.

“I can't strike a conversation, but I can strike that tree.” Tazu claimed, he held out his hands which released a tiny electric shock, followed by a blinding lightning strike which hit a nearby tree.

“Anything else?” Rin asked unimpressed.

“Wow, you're right, this is harder than I thought.”

“Enough with this silly game.” Pete commanded.

“That's sort of hard to do, when when we're trapped inside a silly game.” Tazu commented.

Pete seemed to be getting impatient, “Well, we should go now.”

“But…” Tazu tried to complain but Pete dragged him away.

“Well that plan worked.” Rin sarcastically announced.

“Actually, I think I may be onto something.”

“What do you mean?” she asked.

“I think Pete wants us to stay in the game. I think he's trying to use Tazu to sabotage us. Tazu is the most gullible and inexperienced player here. He can easily be maneuvered.”

“So you think Pete has something to do with the game, and that's why he doesn't want us to leave.”

“Well it would explain why his Game Goal wasn't announced.”

“I don't understand.” Rin said.

“I'll explain later, but first we have to find Satos .”

“Um, don't you think that would be a little dangerous. I mean, if he gets close to one us, he may kill us.”

“Don't worry, I don't think he'd do that.”

“Think is not positive.”

“Look, I can't risk anyone else falling into Pete's grasp. And look at us. We are in no condition to be fighting. I can barely walk around. We may end up fighting Pete, and if we do that, we're going to need all the help we can get.”

With that we started walking in silence towards the direction of the tree Tazu hit, the opposite direction Pete dragged Tazu in. 

We were walking for about ten minutes before two Rageip appeared, blocking our path. Rin can take on one no problem, but two was a lot harder.

Rin caused a mini earthquake summoning a tan boulder sized rock. She willed for the boulder to launch at the Rageip, it hit the closer Rageip and the two crumbled away on impact.

“Okay, your turn.” Rin said before collapsing.

I would've argued but she was passed out cold, that boulder must of taken a lot of energy.

I unsheathed my sword but before I could attack it dissolved to nothing. I studied my surroundings and I had a feeling I knew what happened.

“Satos, I called, “I need your help.”

“No,” his voice was deep and sad, “I can't get close anyone.” 

I looked for the direction his voice came from, but he was nowhere to be seen. “Trust me, I know how that feels. But we need your help. We have an idea on how to escape.”

“What do you mean?” his voice sounded closer.

“I'm not explaining until you're down here.”

I heard some rustling in the trees and the next thing I knew, he was on ground. His dark brown eyes were wild, his charcoal hair looked like a bird's nest, and where his jacket once was, he wore a white t-shirt. “So what do you have in mind.” he asked, his voice gentle.

I told him my stupidest plan yet. It was a good idea but if anything went wrong, we were done for.

When Rin woke up she nearly had a heart attack. It seemed like she still didn't like the idea of Satos helping. But either way, we needed his help.

Satos and I explained the plan to Rin and her reaction was Are you crazy? When she said it, the only thing that popped up in my mind was Yes, very much so. 

The plan was to try to get Tazu to sabotage himself. But it's not sabotage unless he is deliberately doing it, and that's the tricky part. I don't like the idea of using Tazu but if my plan works, he will get out of here. And with Tazu gone, Pete will be a single player against us three. We would be able to take him on no problem.

The plan centered around Rin and Satos. I was in no shape to be doing much, and Rin seemed to be good with Tazu while Satos seemed pretty strong.

So here's the plan : Satos picks a fight with Pete and Tazu, and while Pete is distracted, Rin will take Tazu away. Meanwhile, I’ll hide out in a bush, observing Pete’s fighting, to see if I can figure any more information about him.

We moved in with the plan. Satos took the lead since he was in the best shape. His navigational skills were incredible. He almost seemed to be half monkey, easily climbing trees and practically swinging through the jungle.

Satos was jumping from tree to tree like a ninja when he stopped, “I see them!”

“Where?” Rin ask.

“Just up ahead.”

We followed Satos to the left, and when we were about fifteen feet away, Satos jumped in. 

“Satos?” Pete looked startled, “What are you doing here?”

“Well, I saw civilization, I couldn’t help but drop in.” he lied.

“But aren’t you scared you’ll hurt someone.” 

“I do what I want to do. If I live my life in fear, where is that going to get me.”

His words stung. They hit me like a Yellowjacket. All my life, I isolated myself in the fear of being rejected. And then there was Satos, he isolated himself here, to make sure he couldn’t hurt anyone.

“And right now, I’m in the mood for a fight.” Satos challenged.

“What is a fight supposed to solve?” Pete questioned.

“I think it’ll lighten the mood.” Satos raised his hands near his chest and a ray of light blasted out like a clearish yellow rocket.

Pete deflected it with a second to spare using this dark orb like thing covering his hand. “You know, darkness always beats the light.” the orb blasted out creating a ray of darkness that gave me the chills.

“Not if the light out shines the darkness.” Satos made a thin, round, mirror like object about the size of a filing cabinet appear in front of him. The dark ray hit, and the mirror began to crack.

“Rin now!” I whispered.

Rin leaped up and darted over to Tazu who seemed frozen with awe. Satos’s mirror was nearly crumbled and he let out an agonizing scream. Rin tacked Tazu and they rolled over, disappearing, in the thick jungle.

“Light can never outshine the darkness. Darkness will always linger in the shadows.” Pete was slowly stepping towards Satos.

Satos fell to one knee, his mirror now the size of a football. He gritted his teeth, “Yea, but light still shines higher.

“Oh really, I seem to on top right now.”

“Says who?” Satos leaped up so high, I would’ve guessed he had air magic.

Pete’s dark ray dissolved as he let out an evil grin.

Satos, still mid-air, redirected his body and shot towards Pete. He went so fast Pete didn’t even have time to blink before getting punched in the face by something moving at what seemed like one hundred miles an hour.

Pete was knocked to the ground about ten feet back, while Satos crash landed where Pete was previously standing.

I jumped up (or the closed I could do with my injury) and limped to two of them who were lying on the jungle floor, unconscious. 

Pete probably had a concussion while Satos most likely will just be a little sore. 

I kneeled next to Pete, and examined his comatose body. If he was Dr.Ployn, he may of left some hints on himself. I rolled him over and saw something unusual. Behind his right ear, he had this rectangular green mark a little smaller than the size of a pea. Looking closer, I could see it looked like a technology chip with a square black center and tiny yellow dots around the edges.

I touched it and instantly I couldn't move. I felt a sharp pain in my stomach like a thousand needles had suddenly been stabbed in my gut. My injury felt like it was raining acid that burns you with a single drop. I felt like rolling back and forth, screaming in agony, anything to stop this excruciating pain. 

“You fell for it.” Pete said weakly. He went to one knee, and slowly got to his feet. “Now if only you had Rin’s Game Goal, then you would just disappear and I wouldn't be able to hurt you.”

I stayed there frozen, unable to move. He grabbed me by the hair and threw me into a tree, I landed on my stomach, still unable to move. “How did you figure out that I was Dr.Ployn?” he waited a moment as if he thought I could answer. “Oh right, you can't reply.” He touched the back of his ear, and I was unfrozen, still in excruciating pain, but unfrozen.

I didn't want to scream, Rin would come running back and I didn't want to put her in danger. I had a lump in my throat the size of a cat and my stomach felt like it was undergoing some sort of evil science experiment. “What did you do to me?” I forced out nearly bursting into tears.

“I set up this chip as emergency self defense. I can't just let you guys escape now can I. Now back to the question, how did you figure out I was Dr.Ployn?”

“You're too sloppy and full of yourself. It was easy.”

“Well then congratulations on completing the easy part. But now that you've advanced, it's time to move to the hard part.”

“You won't get away with this.” my voice was raspy.

“Oh but I already have. In the real world, everyone thinks you guys are merely in a coma. Little do they know that you may never wake up.”

“Are you sure about that?” I saw Satos quietly getting up and Pete didn't seem to notice.

“What do you m…” Satos nailed him in the gut with his fist using so much power, for a second I thought he may be in more pain than me.

“Someone call for a rescue?” he asked like it was nothing.

“Satos…” I blanked out.

When I came to, all I saw was a bunch of tree leaves. I tried to sit up, but I could no longer ever feel my stomach, my body was probably in so much shock that when it came out, all the anesthetics in the world probably wouldn't be enough to cover my pain. 

I attempted to move around to see more of my surroundings, but that was a bad idea. If I shimmied another inch I would've plummeted to my death. I was about twenty feet above ground in a tree. 

I heard some rustling in the leaves and next thing I knew Satos was standing on the large branch I was laying on. “You must really enjoy getting hurt.” he smiled, “I've never seen anyone in worse condition than you are.”

“Thanks,” I uttered, “Where's Pete?”

“I tied him up, he's at the trunk of the tree.”

“I know how to get us out of here. Can you take me to him.”

“Wow, you're just asking for trouble now.”

“It's the only way to escape. You don't want to kill someone and I don't know how to fall in love.”

“Why don't you? And when you wanted me to help you, what did you mean when you said you knew what it was like not to be able to get close to anyone?”

If I was in a typical situation in the real world I would've just walked away. But for some reason I told him, “I don't really understand feeling. And I especially don't understand love?”

“Well love is hard to understand.” he didn't ask any more questions, he just left it at that. He helped me stand up, which was like a caterpillar who was attempting at building his cocoon too early. When I was finally standing, I saw how high up we were. And not that I'm afraid of heights, but I felt queasy. I put my right arm over his shoulder and when he jumped off the branch, I thought he lost his mind. But he somehow absorbed the impact and when we landed, he let me go. When I tried to take a step, I nearly toppled over.

“Take it easy. You've done enough, just tell me what to do and I'll do it for you.” he said with concern.

“No, you may need to fight him later on, I'll need you to do that, and there is no way you can fight if he has you under his control.”

“What do you mean? I'll be fine.”

“As much as I don't want to experience that pain again, I'm the only one who can do it.”

“This is why you have trouble with feeling, you don't not understand them, you're overflowing with them. And you don't know what to do with them. You need to let someone else take the burden.”

“Is it really the time for a lecture on feelings. I need you to fight, do I look like I'm in any condition for battle?”

“You're the strongest one here. Anyone else bearing as much pain as you are would of collapsed in seconds.”

“And how do you know how I feel.” I yelled in annoyance.

“I can see it with just one glance at you. Have you looked in a mirror?” Using his light magic he made a rectangular full sized mirror.

I started at my reflection in disbelief. I knew I was in bad condition but I looked like the walking dead. My hair was everywhere; I had huge black circles around my eyes that were darker than a raccoons; my face was pale and despite having water magic, I looked dehydrated; my red and white striped shirt was torn here and there, and at my left rib cage, the white stripes disappeared; I looked much skinnier than I remembered; and I was trembling so much I looked like I just ate a gallon of sugar.

I was at a loss of words. I didn't know how to reply. The mirror disappeared and I looked into his worried eyes.

“Kanna, if you don't take it easy, you won't survive another day or two.”

“Well if my plan works, we'll be out of here in a matter of minutes. Just trust me.”

“Man your persistent. Go ahead, nothing I say will be able to stop you.”

I hobbled over to Pete who was neatly tied to a tree. He almost looked innocent, not like an evil scientist trying to keep us in this crazy experiment. His hands and feet were tied together with vines which seemed a little overboard, not that I'm complaining.

I looked behind his right ear and saw the green thing was still there. This time I'm going to pull it off. But I have to do quickly, before it puts me into a paralysis.

I grabbed the chip and pulled it off like a band aid. This time it didn't hurt but I felt lighter. I looked around and saw this dream world was collapsing while all the remaining players were floating now about thirty feet in the air.

“You did it Kanna!” Satos cheered.

After that, I woke up in a light blue hospital bed with respirator on my face. I looked around and saw my mom sitting next to me, her eyes blurry with tears. When she saw me, I thought she was going to have a heart attack.

“Kanna!” she threw her arms around me “You're alright!”

I realized that all the injuries I had in my dream came to me in real life too because I had the same agonizing pain as before.

“Oww.” I expressed weakly. “Back in civilization.”

My mom pulled away, “What do you mean?”

“It's a long story. But how long have I been out?”

“A little over a week.” she wiped her eyes.

“When can I go home?”

“Soon. Really soon.” 

I didn't tell her about my injuries but that will probably make it take longer. 

“I'm going to call out of work for today.” she said, “I love you honey.” and left through the door in my tiny hospital room.

“I love you too.” I whispered.