Logan
The park was buzzing with excitement from many students as they danced. The night was cold and young and by the looks of it, many teens were only getting started. It was the weekend before school starts up again, so naturally the students decided to throw a bonfire party. Just like they do every year. But unlike the others, I sat near the fire. I quietly sat watching the fire flicker in front me as people giggle and yell around me. Getting fed up with the noise, I silently get and head towards the dancing crowd. As I gently push though the smell of sweat, smoke and alcohol surround me. I wrinkled my face. I never understood the appeal to drinking or parting and yet here I am. Sighing in relief I finally exited the group of teens. Stretching I glanced around, once I found the pat into the forest I didn't waste any time before following it.
Soon the sound of the party faded into silence, except for the rustling of nearby trees. I closed my eyes as a cool chill blew through their air. It was now quite quiet, apart from the occasional sound of a stray animal. Many would call it eerie, but not me. There was something about the mixture between the quiet and cool that I found comforting in comparison to the ever changing noise of the party. Feeling that breeze again I opened my eyes and pulled my jacket tighter around myself. Coming across a small pebble I aimlessly kicked it down the dirt track of the forest. I wonder how the party's going. Has anyone noticed me gone yet? Nah, nobody noticed me at school, so would they at some party. Reaching the stone again, I kicked it before taking a glance at the sky. The moon was fully formed and shone brightly against its pitch black back drop. The stars added vastness to the image. At least the stars are a constant in this always changing world.
The sound of my stone hitting metal caught my attention. In front of me stood an old, rustic gate. Rustic and tall. Walking up to it I noticed the chain and padlock keeping it shut. I smiled to myself before taking a few steps back. Taking a deep breath I ran at the gate, jumping at it. Good thing I'm wearing gloves… or else tetanus would be my best friend. Chuckling I dropped down, now on the opposite side of the gate. I glanced around noticing that this part of the park was empty under the moon light. I rolled my eyes. Obviously it's empty, do you really think anyone at that party was sober enough to get over this locked gate? Dusting myself I continued on my way.
After a short stroll, I came up to my destination. Smiling, I sat down on one of the empty swings. Kicking off the gravel, I swung a little back and forth. Nothing too fast, just fast enough to get into a rhythm. I closed my eyes and focused on the feeling of the wind on my face. I got lost in the feeling of how cool it felt going through my hair, almost like the wind had delicate fingers. I smiled, picking up a bit more speed. I ignored how my glasses bounced a little when I changed direction and more on how with every swing I could feel my stress blow away and-
Heya kid!" I snapped open my eyes in surprise. The sudden voice caught me so off guard that I ended up throwing myself off the set and onto the gravel harshly. Wincing at my now stinging hands I glanced around my blurry surroundings. Turns out my glasses had come off with my unexpected flying lesson. "Oh I'm so sorry! They're to the left!" The unexpected voice sounded young but helpful. Restraining from asking questions for now I guided my hand towards my left. "No, my left!" I redirected my search, patting carefully until my hand skimmed over a familiar metal. Once my glasses were back where they were meant to be, I looked towards the stranger. I couldn't help but rub my eyes in confusion. I must have hit my head harder than I thought….. Because there is no way a person is doing that… I frowned as I stared up at the person standing perfectly balanced on the top of the swing frame. I was even more confused as I took in their clothes. They looked really old. At least I think they were old, the limited moon light made it hard to tell. But the orange beanie kind of stuck out. I shook my head, now wasn't the time to worry about that.
"Uh…." The stranger quickly jumped down effortlessly from on the top bar and frowned in concern. They offered me a hand. Not one to be rude, I took it and stood up. After dusting myself off and fixing my glasses again, I looked at the stranger.
"Thanks umm…. But who are you and ho-"
"How did I get up here?" The person chuckled and gestured towards themselves and the swings structure. I nodded, not sure on what else to say. They shrugged and crossed their arms. "I jumped up there, it's not as hard as it looks" I raised an eyebrow in disbelief.
"If you say so…" They chuckled at me. "And who are you…." I prompted hoping to get at least an answer when it came to that. The unfamiliar person smiled at me offering their hand.
"Sorry, where are my manners, I'm Joan" I smiled back as I shook their hand.
"Logic" He nodded before throwing their hand behind their head
"So what ya doing all the way out here fish? Isn't there a party going on down at bonfire square?"
"Fish?" Joan shrugged again but offered no other explanation. I decided to let it go. "Well, I'm not really one for crowds" They nodded
"Yeah, I get that, but why down here so late?" Confused I glanced down at my watch. It read 11:54pm. I glanced back up at the stranger, they had a strange look on their face.
"Hu, you right…Well…. It was nice to meet you Joan" I smile politely as I turned around. "But since it is so late, I should get back to the party" I gave him a nod, then headed towards the gate from earlier. Unfortunately I didn't get very far as I felt the air change around me. I let out a quiet gasp of shock as I took a few steps back. How the hell did Joan appear in front of me so quickly!?
"Oh come on, don't leave yet, we have barely gotten to know each other!" I stared at the Joan annoyed before quickly releasing that something was seriously wrong. Joan's face was hidden under a shadow as they stood there stiffly. Their child like demeanor completely gone. I swallowed anxiously only now noticing how thick the air had gotten.
"I really should go, someone is going to…. Notice….." I trailed into silence. Not even the trees dared to move as Joan leaned in close to my face, while still somehow hidden from view. I wanted to move, but that I was as frozen as the air around us. The only thing I could do was hold my breath as I felt their chilled one on my face.
"Haven't I told you not to play with your food?" Joan and I quickly faced the direction of the new stranger. I tried to take their appearance in, only to discover that they were hidden under the cover of the tree. The only thing I could possibly make out was that they were tall. Wait… what did they mean by food?! My attention was brought back to the current problem at hand when Joan groaned. Ok, you need to leave while you still can. Not sure if I could just yet I tried to close my hand. I could! Nice! Now that I could move again I took a breath and went to leave in the opposite direction, but before I could even take a step I was yanked towards Joan and into an awkward, backwards, one armed hug. They looked down at me and winked. Holding in a squeak I tried to step out of it but regrettably they were a lot stronger than they looked. I guess I'll just hang then… I thought annoyed as I was pressed against their cold chest. Joan placed their head on my shoulder smiling.
"Geez Leo chill. Fish and I…. we were just getting to know each other! No need to get wound up about it" I stayed silent as I tried to find an escape route. Not finding one yet I decide to watch carefully as 'Leo' scoffed. He sounded annoyed. Bot Joan and I stood there as he casually walking out from under the trees shadow. His open blue shirt blowing in the breeze. I waited as he walked up to us. He ignored me and stared intensely down at Joan; who just stared just as intensely back up at Leo. While they seemed to be having a silent conversation I couldn't help but realize that it was now two against one. My chances of getting out of here was dwindling. I looked around for anything that could help me in any way shape or form. Grass…. Grass…. Gravel….. Dirt…. I cursed in my head. Nothing can help me! Ok, breathe Logic…. Use your head…. I suppressed a groan. I should have done this sooner! Taking a calming breath I glance up between Leo and Joan. Good, they weren't even paying me any attention. Just staring at each other. I didn't even think twice before pulling forward and swinging my head back giving my captor my strongest head butt.
"OW! YOU MOTHERFUCKER!" The moment I felt Joan's arm slip from around me I bolted. I wasn't sure of which direction I was going, but to be frank I didn't care. I ran, trying to ignore the cold wind biting at my face.
"AHHHH" I yelled as slid to a stop in front of a pissed off looking Leo. How the hell do these guys keep doing that! I didn't bother to ask. I kicked against the dirt skidding away. Unfortunately that meant I was heading for Joan. Who was running just as fast towards me. Crap, I don't have any time to move out the way! I didn't think, I just let instinct take over as I slid under them. Once on the other side I scrambled back up into a run. Frantically I sprinted towards the next thing in my view. The jungle gym. Hearing yelling behind me I risked a glance over my shoulder and instantly regretted it. Both Leo and Joan had got together and were now gaining on me! With renewed energy and adrenalin I sprinted harder towards the old playground.
As soon as I my foot touched the playground I scrambled up the netting on the side. I gasped and had to hold on tightly when I felt a hand yank on my foot. I looked down in horror to see Joan. They smiled pulling me closer. Desperate to get away I kicked at them.
"Ahhhh!" I finally got a hit. Not waiting to see if they hit the ground I continued my frantic climbing. Once at the top I quickly ran onto the wooden bridge. Only to be stopped by Leo on the other side. Yelling in surprise, I grabbed the railing and forced myself back the way I came. Except that Joan had made their way up and was now at the other end of the bridge. I was caught in the middle. Joan chuckled again.
"What are you gonna do now fish?" I franticly looked between the two as they came closer. I guess running isn't an option right now. I faced Joan and did something I will now call stupid. I ran at them and hit them square in the face.
"Ow, shit" I winced and grabbed my throbbing hand. I shook it. Still wincing I glanced up at Joan and saw that they had hung their head. Were they shaking? Taking a step back, I nervously watched as Joan began to laugh.
"You really shouldn't have done that" They turned their eye on me.
"What the fuck!" Their eyes were glowing red in anger. I also couldn't miss the fact that their teeth had grown sharper than humanly possible. I nervously laughed before running at them and diving under their legs, barely dodging the swipe of their arms. What I didn't account for was that the children's slide was behind them. Screaming, I fell head first down the plastic tube. Once at the bottom of the short ride I scrambled to my feet and ran as fast as I possibly could away from the old jungle gym. I had to get away. Away from those lunatics! But where could I go? I can't run forever. I scanned the park. There! With my legs shaking I changed my direction and ran into the trees. The moons light was immediately snuffed out after entering the small forest. I continued to run, using the few patches of light through the canopy as my guide. Eventually I slowed to a stop behind a tree. I desperately hope it would be enough to keep me hidden. At least long enough for me to catch my breath. I tried to quiet my breath as my lungs burned. Man, I really shouldn't of skipped gym.
"Come out Fish, We won't hurt you…. We only want to talk!" I froze and slapped my hand over my mouth in an attempt to keep quiet. Joan chuckled. I held my breath. Listening. Not a sound could be heard bar the sound of fallen leaves being stepped on. I continued to hold my breath as the wind blew around me. I don't know how long I stood there just listening but eventually the sound of footsteps dissipated into silence once more. I waited another moment before letting out a quiet sigh.
"GOTCH YA!" I screamed loudly as I was grabbed from my right. Without hesitation I started to kick and struggle as I was dragged out by Leo. Out onto the parks field. He huffed in almost boredom before shoving me back into Joan's arms. Adrenalin pumped through me as I struggled. This couldn't be happening! I just wasted my time getting away! Only to get caught again! NO!
"Don't lose him again" I felt my heart racing as Joan chuckled
"I told you… you really shouldn't have done that. Guess I gotta return the favor now" Joan smiled before gripping my hair and pulling it to the side. My neck felt exposed in the cold. I shook my head desperately, not caring about the tears that were starting to form.
"No, please, whatever you want I don't have it! I swear! Just let me go! I PROMISE not to tell anybody about this!" Leo raised an eyebrow but that was it before he started to make his way towards me agonizingly slow. Maybe he was going to let me go? My hope was immediately crushed when all he did was nod at Joan. I felt my breath pick up in fear. I gathered that I wasn't getting out of this, this time. I ignored my flowing tears as I closed my eyes. All I could hope for was that this was quick as I felt Leo's and Joan's cold breath on my neck.
"FOR NARNIA!" Suddenly the world spun and I hit the ground harshly. What the HECK IS GOING ON NOW!? Coughing from the sudden release I shuffled onto my hands and knees, hoping that will help the soreness building. No necks should ever bend that way for that long.
"Do you always have to yell that?" I tried to open my eyes but had to quickly close them due the dirt. Sitting up I rapidly rubbed as much dirty tears out of my eyes as I could. Once I'm able to somewhat see, I fixed my glasses and rolled over to see what in the world was going on.
"Of course! What hero doesn't announce their presence with a battle cry?" I rubbed my eyes again to make sure that I wasn't seeing things. There standing in front of me like a shield was a teenager. He looked to be around my age and he wore mainly black. Most noticeably a large hoody.
"Oh shut it sir sing a lot and check the kid, I'm going after the Biters." His voice was calm and collected as he glanced at me. I stared back up at him. We stayed like that for a moment before he ran off towards Joan and Leo. Before I could say anything another teenager invaded my line of sight. He was also around my age. Though, he seemed to be wearing a prince costume? I decided not to question it since the guy did just save my life. He snapped his fingers with a concerned look on his face.
"You ok? Not hurt of bitten are you?" I shook my head slowly. Still confused on what happened, I rubbed the back of my neck. In obvious relief, the boy hung his head. After a moment he looked back at me with a comforting smile. He stood back up and offered a hand. I nodded gratefully once I was standing. I didn't have time to thank him before he ran off towards a nearby tree, dragging me along behind him. While he was pulling me along I risked a glance behind me. The other teen was somehow holding his own against Joan and Leo, dodging them with ease. I didn't get to see much as I continued to stumble behind the one I have now dubbed 'The Prince'. Once we had reached the tree the Prince was aiming for he gently sat me behind it.
"If you're done saving the damsel, I could really use a hand!" The raspy voice of the other teen called out. I winced at what sounded like a grunt. The Prince smiled apologetically at me making. He made a shushing gesture with a shrug before running off to help his friend. I let out a huge sigh as I leaned against the tree. I rubbed my temple hoping to relieve the oncoming headache. Ok. Recap. You were at the part, ditched said party, broke into the park, some stranger appears, their friend appears, both chase you, you nearly die and then saved by two teenagers. I nervously laughed to myself. Just a regular Tuesday night! I take a deep breath to calm myself. Speaking of the two teenagers…. I peeked around the large trunk of the tree to see how they were doing.
From what I could see the four figures where giving it their all to gain any advantage over the other. The teen in the hoodie glared at Leo driving him away from his friend. Leaning forward in a threatening but guarded stance, he pulled out a knife! The teen sneered before lunging. Aiming his attack carefully. Unfortunately, Leo ducked swiftly. Not getting hit by a hair on his head. Once Leo was fully squatted he placed a hand on the ground and swung his leg in a circular motion in hopes of nocking the other down. Almost instantly the teen jumped backwards. I held my breath as he narrowly avoided Leo's leg. I watched in anticipation as Leo stood back up and rushed at the teenager. The teen just rushed back, a determined look in his eye.
Once the two were in arm's length of each other, the teen threw a left hook at Leo only to be blocked and jabbed in the stomach by the other. I winced as the hooded boy stumbled back. That looked like it hurt. The boy growled before jumping back into the fighter more determined than before. He didn't even hesitate as he threw punches and dodging hits until he swung a leg at Leo, striking him in the ribs. Causing Leo to stumble back. I couldn't help but smile at the smirk on the teenagers face as he ran back at Leo, continuing the fight.
"That the best you got?" My attention was dragged to the other two of the group. They seemed to be jumping around each other. That was until Joan took a swing at the Prince. The teen leaned back to avoid getting hit. Standing straight again, he smiled in a cocky way, almost like he was daring Joan to try again. The creep snarled threateningly. I just hope the Prince kid knows what he is doing.
"I only getting started darling" Joan then lunged at him, but instead of throwing another punch like I expected, they lunged over the teen. And by the look of confusion on his face, he didn't expect the move either. Joan landed behind the costume wearing kid. Suddenly they grabbed him from behind in a tightening hug. I bit my lip as the teen gritted his teeth in pain. He struggled against the hold, trying to shake him off. I watched as he leaned his head forward and pulled back, coping my actions from earlier as he head-butted Joan.
"OW, NOT AGAIN!" I suppressed a chuckle as Joan staggered back, holding their nose. The Prince backed away a bit before crouching into a belligerent stance, ready for another attack. Joan shook their head violently before snarling. If looks could kill, the Prince would be dead 10 times over. Deciding that they had had enough of just standing around, Joan let out a yell and ran at the costume wearing kid. All he did though was take a step to the side and grab their out stretched wrist and heaved his opponent over his shoulder with a grunt of effort. I started in amazement as Joan went crashing into the ground so fast the air around them whistled. The Prince boy laughed as Joan struggled to stand back up. "Hey! I… I wasn't ready! I'm going to make you sorry for that!" The boy just smiled in obvious amusement as he got ready for the next round.
"Let's dance" I observed quietly as the two let out a yell. They just went back to fighting with a new vigor. I stared in amazement as I watched them deliver blows to each other with such a speed that my eyes couldn't keep up. They were literally a blur. I slapped my face. What was I doing? I shouldn't just sit here! I should get out of here while I still can! Taking a deep breath, I got up and head towards the gate from before. I ran as quickly and quietly as possible. Soon I was on the dirt path. Figuring I was far enough, I turned my run into a sprint. I kept running until I came up to the large metal gate. Now that I've stopped, I had to hold onto the gate for support. Man, I REALLY shouldn't of skipped gym class! Gasping, I took a moment to gather some air for my dying lungs. Once I was satisfied, I grabbed the fence. I just had to climb this then I was home free!
AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!
I froze and turned towards the sound of the scream. It sounded like one of them was really hurt… I shook my head. They are probably fine. I mean, by the looks of it they knew how to look after themselves… I groaned. Come now logic, you're not actually gonna do this are you? You should leave! Get out of here! The sound of Joan's laugh cut through the previous silence, causing me to frown. You could leave. I glance in the direction of the party. Faint giggling came from it. But…. those kids saved your life. The least you could do if help save theirs. I rubbed a hand down my face in quiet frustration. I do owe them…. ARG! Me and my darn moral compass. I looked up at the gate then down at my hands, accepting my fate.
"I better not regret this…." I looked around for something to help me. God knows I'm not strong enough by myself. Thinking I looked up. "Yeah that'll work!" Taking a few steps back, I ran at the closest tree and reached as high as I could. Feeling that my hands had caught it, I pulled with all my might. I landed and smiled to myself. Now armed with a tree branch I made my way back towards the fight. It wasn't pretty.
The Prince was back to back with his hoodie wearing friend. Both of their chests rose and fell rapidly. Their brows covered in glistening sweat. The shorter of the two had his knife, while the Prince had a sword!? Why did he have a sword!? I had to find out later unfortunately. Both the teens held up their weapons in defense. I studied them quietly from behind the trash bins. The hoodie teen was favoring his right side. I could see that his arm was bleeding. If I had to guess, he was the one who yelled earlier. I frowned. His friend wasn't much better. He was glaring, despite the huge gash above his left brow. I raised an eyebrow. They were whispering to each other, too quiet for me to hear. I also couldn't help but notice that they both wore worried looks. Oh no, they must be too exhausted to continue for too much longer. I frowned as the two creeps stalked closer, neither seem exhausted or even slightly put out. Not good.
"-At least I have a charming personality! Unlike some…. Creatures" The Prince teen taunted with crossed arms, almost pouting as he seemed to be arguing with Joan. His hooded friend said nothing as he continued what looked like a glaring contest with Leo. They must be staling.
"As if! I'm extremely likeable in fact I-"
"Enough!" I jumped, along with everyone else at Leo's sudden yell. He glared at his partner. Joan just shrugged, not looking sorry at all as they went to stand beside him. The two teens moved to stand closer to each other as well. Looking ready for anything but still clearly tired. Knowing that if I didn't do something soon, the two teenagers would soon be goners. Calling on all the courage I could muster I silently snuck up behind the freaks. If the other teens saw me, they made no indication. Biting my lips, I prepared to do something stupid. "You two have stalled for too long" Leo gave Joan a smile "Let's finish this"
"Not tonight!" The two in front of me spun around in surprise. Without hesitation I swung my tree branch at them. I ended up hitting both in the face with as much force as I could call upon. The branch broke into thousands of splinters. I threw the rest away from me and looked up. Unfortunately, I somehow forgot about the last time I hit one of them in the face. Slowly, Joan and Leo looked down at me. Rage in their red eyes. I swallowed and chuckled nervously. I took a step back. I regret this, I defiantly regret this! Leo smiled
"Oh…. If we knew you were one of them, we would have killed you sooner" I could feel my heart racing as he stepped closer. Joan nodded.
"Yeah, defiantly fooled me there fish! And here I thought we were friends" Before I could say anything they lunged. Leo picked me up without problem. I started to struggle and kick, but it was pointless as he threw me into the same tree I was hiding behind before. I landed against it with a harsh thud. I gasped as all the oxygen in my lungs rushed right out of me. I fell to the ground and into a heap. Groaning at the spikes of pain, I groggily look up. The world spun as two Leo's and Joan's walked towards me. Both smiling in triumph. Welp… this is it I guess….. Fortunately before either one could say anything the teen in the black hood jumped in. Yelling fuzzy taunts. At least I think it was taunts? I couldn't help but look up in confusion as three of the Prince costume wearing kids invaded my vision again. He was asking something. I shook my head trying to lose this sudden urge to sleep. Oh, the black blotch was back, what was he saying? Almost sounded like statically yelling... Hmm…. My thought trailed off as I felt myself loose the battle to stay awake. I barely felt my head hit the ground as the darkness fell over me.