Chapter 1:
It was a dark and stormy night like no other. No, really, no two nights are
alike so it was. Seriously. Anyway:
Running down a dark, wet alley with a brown wrapped object in hand, being
chased by "him", I slip a little in a puddle but manage to not fall completely
down. I don't look back because that would only increase my frustration. I
know "he's" only playing with me. It's "his" game.
I turn into another dead end and find it. Safe Haven. A red piece of fabric
sticking out at the end of the trash bin. I duck behind it and hold my breath.
You learn to become a Zen Master in "his" game. Otherwise, you die.
My brown tattered overcoat covers the object in my hands in between it
and my even more torn up black shirt. You can barely see the silver dragon on
the front curling around to my back. My black, cargo shorts are in better
condition, so I won't need to trade those in at the next game-pause and I might
keep the shirt because I rather like the design.
*laughs*
"He" gives those of us who survive and make it past the challenge a
"break" to buy needed supplies and/or turn in our "treasures" if we so choose.
I'm one of the lucky ones whose mastered the "art of Zen" so I've managed to
receive those breaks every time. I go through to the next stage again if I live
past this attack.
I hold very still. The ominous shadow lurks just around the corner, past me.
A growl emanates as my pursuer leaves in frustration. I don't sigh in relief,
though I want to. Another "player" did that and they got eaten alive by the
demon that was chasing them.
In this "game", you are constantly under pressure and attacked by your
worst fears imaginable. I like to think I have a pretty good imagination or I
wouldn't be the only one to have a different enemy every time.
The bugle sounds and I allow myself a breath. I made it through; to the
next round.
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