Disclaimer: I own absolutely nothing pertaining to the Addams Family, beyond this personalized work of fiction. Thank you. :)
A/N: This will be the first time admist our little tale we shall gain perspective from that of the Addamses themselves. I do hope on some level this makes up for their noticeable absence in the story thus far. Thank you for reading, and as always enjoy! :)
Gomez's POV:
My my, I thought for certain that room would have spelled their ends! It seems fortune favors these boys more than anyone could have predicted.
I had just taken a full gulp of the caffeine enriched coffee I'd been drinking since the challenge began. I'm not normally much of a caffeine man myself, but considering I have several rooms to keep survelliance on throughout the night, it certainly helps to maintain one's singular focus. It was prepared in my finest and personal favorite mug. The one with the medieval varnish and large, matching bat-wings sitting on opposite ends on the top of the mug itself. It also has a saying I personally find most amusing..."Dad From Hell", on the center.
Surely you've guessed by now, but we Addamses are nothing if not unique...wouldn't you agree? ;)
I sat in a small chair that one would normally use when operating a computer. I'd decided at least 5 years ago to set up this personal survelliance system within my private study. With it being so close to me and my beloved Morticia's bedroom, it gives me the ideal vantage point in order to scope out any potential break-ins or attempted burglaries. In addition, I also utilize it to keep tabs on all of our willing participants, just to ensure they uphold the rules and no fights break loose as they travel. Of course, as one might have already suspected, that's where my 2 precious children Wednesday and Pugsley come into play.
My most perfect wife...the moonlit blessing of my days, Morticia was to my side watching somewhat saddened as the events unfolded before us. While she understands the importance of our family's sacred tradition, as well as it's true meaning, she has always been worried that the participants will not catch on until it's too late. Her fears certainly weren't lost on me, considering the amount of youth that have come to us and fallen short, but I have confidence at least one of these groups will realize the truth soon enough.
My divine angel of darkness beckoned my attention from the security cameras for a moment. I turned my head to the left in order to directly face the masterpiece that was her physical form. As always, I greedily drank in every last precious detail. Her pale, slender, hour-glass figure. Her precisely applicated mascara and lip-stick. Her gorgeous waterfall of flawlessly conditioned hair, blacker than all the deadest of nights combined. It was as if some omnipotent force hand-crafted for me the perfect soul-mate! What more could anyone, be they man, woman, or otherwise possibly ask for?!?
My sweet wife's voice ensnared my ears with it's soul-wrenching, docile, tone, completely earning the full extent of my attention as it always had.
"This group seems to stand apart from the others that have gathered here tonight."
I smiled warmly at her passing judgement on this rather...unique group of children. Though as of now I'm not fully convinced they will last much longer, they've certainly proven far more resilient than I could have even begun to imagine. I recognized the boy at the front as the young man whom we visited weeks ago as a family, I believe his name was Stewart? Looking back, I realize I did allow my emotions to cloud my perception of him. The boy had no way of knowing our family's traditions, so there stood little point in losing my temper. Regardless, making amends and setting things right could not interfere with the challenge. I shall approach him after the festivities of tonight are over, whether he and his group are victorious or not.
"Indeed, Cara mia! However, the question remains how long can they keep it up for?"
My cherished bubeleh let out a gentle chuckle at my sincere question, but soon her angelic features misaligned into an unpleasant frown. While we Addamses delight in fear and all that which cause it, I could never bear the unhappiness of one I treasured far beyond that of my own life. Her undying compassion even for total strangers never once ceased to amaze me. She began to voice her concerns to me about the night's proceedings in her usual, serene way.
"Ohh darling...I know as well as you how much this night means to us all. I just worry if the dangers these children must experience are perhaps just a bit too harsh? I also must wonder aloud...are we really doing the right thing with all this?"
I swiftly arose from my seated position in order to face my beloved in the eyes. I understood her fears, her concerns, even sympathized with them to an extent. However, as a man near fanatically devoted to his family's traditions and customs, I fully intend to see the night's festivities down to the very last group if need be.
"Ohh Cara Mia, of course we are! While these methods are no doubt severe, they are essential for testing the fortitudes of our guests. You know better than I people react upon being threatened. Once your safety is endangered, most scatter desperately in an attempt to defend themselves, or that which is dear to them, no matter the cost."
My murose delight's troubled expression seemed to soften at my brief summary. She still seemed far from convinced sadly, and came to me for a deep embrace. Never one to reject her permission to indulge in her physical graces, I warmly returned her advances as passionately as ever. I could feel her pouring onto me her emotions and worries as her body shivered slightly.
Truthfully, I know I can never fully persuade her on this matter. Regardless, I understand that she knows that what is being done here tonight, is what needs to be done. She lifted her head to meet my gaze as we stood together closer than ever. Our bodies entwined with one another as our combined warmth dulled the chill of the cool night air.
"If you trust in our family's way as I know you do, will you extend that trust to me as well?"
I stared into the bewitching, black pools of fire that were her eyes. Her returned stare was all that I'd come to expect after decades of faithful and loving marriage. They carried such pain and sorrow, and yet admist the turmoil I could also see the sheer might that was my beloved's resolve. She adamantly nodded her head before responding to my question in kind.
"...Always, mon cher."
Pugsley's POV:
I shook my head in pure disbelief at the fact me and Wednesday had just missed the same group again! Were these kids made out of miracles or something?!?
Don't get me wrong, we both knew what our actual roles are in this challenge since the beginning. Our purpose is to threaten each group into moving along and to prevent them from starting fights amongst one another for keys. So far, me and my sister (who's older than me by 2 years), have caught 5 different groups all caught into brawls over keys they hadn't already found yet. This was expected on the part of father, whom placed us as something resembling security guards to ensure no one actually got hurt, besides what dangers lie in the rooms themselves naturally.
That said, if I'm being brutally honest, I couldn't care less what becomes of any of these kids tonight. The only reason why so many even showed up is because our family has some of the most obscure candy on the planet. The kind of sweets you can't just hope to find around the corner, the supermarket, or even any of the wealthiest families in the city! Just going off of the 5 groups we found earlier, that's all any of them gave a single damn about! Each one was no different than the last. They're all friends and sickeningly sweet one second, and then the next they turn into a horde of self-serving piranhas!
The way all those groups teared into each other without any remorse or mercy...and people have the nerve to look at us like we're freaks! What a joke!
I turned my head to the left to see my sister staring blankly into the smog just below us. She's had this weird fixation on that "Stewart" kid for a while now. I can't even begin to wrap my head around why he's caught her attention, but then again Wednesday's not someone who's easy to get a read on. She's been like this for as long as I can remember. Her emotions are locked away so tightly, an autopsy couldn't be enough to tell you what she's either thinking or feeling.
All I know is my sister came back home one day, and she was more sad than I've ever seen her before. She wouldn't play with Marie Antoinette. Her pet spider collection. Join mother for knitting lessons, or even play a game of "Hide and Shriek" with me! She just locked herself in her room all day, until mom and dad begged her to come out, so we could meet the family of the boy who caused her so much distress.
I've calmed down a little bit since that day, but seeing Stewart again brought up the memory of just how depressed she was. I get that he couldn't have known any better, but that didn't make me resent his presence any less. I gotta hand it to him though, he's definitely persistent if nothing else.
I tried to speak to Wednesday again as we haven't talked once since that day. She's never been big on conversation, but now we don't even greet each other. That just plain hurts, and my family knows a thing or two about hurting.
"Could you just tell me why that kid's so fascinating to you? You haven't spoken a word to me since that day he upset you!"
She looked at me for a second with a complete emptiness in her eyes. As usual, she said nothing, and then looked down at the floor for a moment. I let out a small groan in frustration as I realized I'd just wasted my breath for no reason yet again! Suddenly, the loud speaker on the wall facing our backs screeched with distortion. It was father once again leaving us a message regarding which room we were needed in this time.
"Children! You are required in the freezer tundra for the moment. Please remember to carry out your duties with grace, and with no bias! Creep well, and scare better!"
No sense wasting further time here then. Wednesday looked at me once again, the same emotionless apathy remain on her face as she gestured with her neck to the door before us. This would lead us into the next room before the next group even knew we were there.
Might as well see who the new victims are. We might get lucky this time! Heh heh heh...
Stewart's POV:
I frantically shut the door behind me with my back as I let out a desperate sigh of relief. I haven't felt this wiped since my first skate-board tournament when I was 10, and to think we'd only been through 2 rooms thusly!
My friends all stared at me as I wheezed unrelentingly as my body practically convulsed due to a lack of air. I could see in their eyes a mixture of panic and worry, but I managed a slight wave of my left hand to reassure them I just needed a few moments to catch my breath. With the amount of pent-up anger I had towards Paul at the moment, I wouldn't be surprised if I ended up blacking out before long!
I only briefly maintained an awareness of my immediate surroundings. Bearing in mind my friends were all watching me at the moment, I made sure to request with whatever semblance of reason I had left for them to give us a moment of sibling privacy.
"I know this is probably the worst possible time, but could you guys just give us a moment to ourselves? It won't take long, I promise!"
The guys didn't even bother giving me a verbal reply. They instead just shrugged, and did an about-face as I prepared to give Paul the most stern talking-to he'd ever experienced before!
I cleared my throat for a second, before firmly gripping both of Paul's shoulders and making him face me. I pit his back against the wall as I prepared to let out whole hours worth of aggression, anxiety, and general disgust onto him. No matter how much he annoyed me on a regular basis, I can never recall a single moment in time I was this infuriated by him! At this point, I just couldn't hold it back any longer!! How could I?!? He'd almost thrown himself into the acidic maw of a flesh-eating plant, and for what? Just to prove how "grown up" he is?!?
"Do tell me something Paul, cuz at this point I'm literally dying to know!!! Is all of THIS enough fun and games for you?!? The 6 of us aimlessly running for our lives, while a bunch of monsters are trying to tear us apart? Then ontop of the fact we're all most likely history, you think it's a good idea to run off on your own to feed a flesh-eating plant that none of us know a damn thing about?!? What do you think could have happened if I hadn't reached you there in time? Did you want to become plant chow?!?"
Paul squirmed a bit in my grasp, but his expression at least told me my rant was getting to him. I could tell he was trying to hold back tears, but that wasn't going to stop me this time! He needed to know just how badly we were all screwed here, and by extension himself! I already knew I was going regardless if Paul wanted to or not. It might be suicide, but I'm not letting my friends get hurt if there's something I could do about it. That said, Paul had a choice in the matter. If he'd not acted like a brat like he always has when not getting what he wants, and just stayed at home for once, at least I'd be the one laying his own life down for his friends, and not the both of us!
I paused for a moment to regain my breath, before redoubling my efforts into showing Paul just how hopeless our situation was right now. His face was beginning to redden up a bit, which I wasn't sure to interpret as anger or guilt, but it did nothing to stop the 2nd wave of my little speech.
"I can't put into words just how badly screwed we all are Paul. What makes me so damn mad though is the fact that you couldn't just stay at home! How much longer do you really think Jason, Tommy, or even I can protect you for? The only reason I'm even here right now is because of them, but throwing you into the mix puts way too much pressure on me. I'm only one person! It's one thing to lose a friend, or even a couple, but losing a brother isn't something I could live with...do you understand what I'm saying to you now?"
Paul hung his head low, seemingly in shame at everything I'd told him. It wasn't my intention to make him feel bad about himself, but rather the fact he could have saved himself if he'd just chosen wiser. His eyes were closed like he was pondering our situation for the first time since this challenge began. He soon opens them up again as he finally spoke up for the first time since I'd begun unloading my collective frustration upon him.
" I'm...sorry bro. I just didn't think things would be this crazy! I thought it was gonna be one of those cheese-ball, haunted house attractions or something, like we see at the amusement park once a year. I had no idea we'd be entering Rip Taylor's vacation home out of the middle of nowhere!"
Well, at least he understood this wasn't a game anymore. It still didn't change the fact that win, lose, or draw, this mansion was taking a massive toll on me in every conceivable way. Even though we'd just got done running out of the green-house from hell, we still had even more rooms to go through! I gently let Paul out of my hands as I'd said all I needed, or even wanted to say. I then called out to the guys to let them know the coast was clear.
"Alright guys! You can all turn around again. I managed to steal a blue key from that group we fought before! Let's hurry and find the door it unlocks!"
With that, my friends all turned to face me as we prepared to run off once again. I had no idea where to turn to as we haven't past by any doors with a blue image on them, but it was definitely better than doing nothing at all. I led the group as we ran our way down the hall. As soon as we reached the far end of the hall, I got the idea to check the book-cases we past by for a secret passage-way. This mansion had several rooms with God knows what horrors from hell just waiting on the other side of the door. Who's to say there wasn't some kind of secret path-way hidden somewhere? I called out to my friends about my suggestion.
"I've got an idea. Everyone, check these book-cases until you find a switch or something! With all we've seen so far, there has to be some hidden hall-ways or whatever around here."
With that, my friends and me split up as we investigated each book-case we could reach. Bobby went with Marcus as they both shook down the book-case to the left, whereas me, Paul, Jason, and Tommy all worked on the one we had in front of us. We all grabbed book after book to see if one had a switch of some kind to open up a new path-way, but none so far made any progress.
Paul took whatever books I couldn't hold for himself as he checked each one for a switch. I held back the urge to sneeze as each were quite aged and dusty, and the dust and lint were beginning to wear down the tolerance of my eyes and sinuses. I pushed onward as I returned the books from where I grabbed them after realizing they had no switch or secret to them.
Just when I went to grab a couple more books, my left ear caught the full brunt of a large crash that scared the day-lights out of us all!
"Yo Stew! Think we found that secret path-way you mentioned before!"
I immediately recognized the surly, slightly deep voice as Bobby's. At first I thought it was more of those statues or suits of knight armor from the beginning, but when I turned my head to the left to inspect the cause of the commotion, I realized it was just Bobby and Marcus staring blankly at the book-case.
They both had every last book that was positioned on it sitting next to their feet as they both shared an embarassed look at each other. I facepalmed while letting out a low groan from sheer annoyance. In the event we somehow manage to squeak out of here with our lives, I'm not being held responsible for any damages that we'd have no hope in hell of paying off! I walked my way over to the both of them in order to see if they actually broke anything.
"Uhh guys? I said we should check to see if the book-cases had a hidden switch, not massacre them!"
Suddenly, Jason perked up from behind me as he brought to my attention something I'd overlooked.
"Stew, look at the book-case!"
Confused, I took a better glance at the now missing book-case. I was astonished to see it was now completely gone, and in it's place there was a stair-way leading upward! My hands held both sides of my head as my disbelief was stretched to the point of tearing. I couldn't believe I'm even thinking this, but I guess there are perks to Bobby being a meat-headed, gorilla!
"On second thought...forget I said anything. Let's get moving guys!"
Not wasting anytime, we all ran for the new path-way that had opened itself for us. Paul pulled up to my right as I led the pack as always. The first detail I took in as we hurled ourselves up the stair-case was how limited the air felt compared to all this time. The fact I was running up the stairs and not down them caused me to gasp for oxygen more than normal. The walls were made of old brownish wood in poor, aging, condition, and they also contained a good amount of dust which was beginning to make my nose run. I forced myself to take my mind off it as we finally reached the top of the stair-way, making me and Paul the first ones to take in the details of our new location.
The hall-way was relatively simple, albeit with a few noticeable changes compared to the ones before. The lighting was far more subdued here, further impacted by the walls midnight blue coloring which made it hard to make out what was up ahead. The main source of light came from the odd windows on the ceiling. They almost reminded me of the windows you see in churches depicting angels and saints. Aside from that, the other details it had weren't anything we hadn't seen before. A couple of tables with black, antique, vases. Some basic carpets with weird gothic style imagery on them. Lastly, the walls also had a few old, cracked, musty looking mirrors, and some old looking paintings.
I can't say I was full-on unnerved by this place, but I had no time to continue sight seeing. We still had a challenge to win, or at the very least...survive.
I ran on ahead with Paul at my side. The thunderous footsteps of my friends reminded me they were right on my tail. We proceeded north through the new hall-way, using what little light I had to make sure we didn't run head long into a wall or furniture. Finally, we all approached our first dead-end. There was a large portrait of Morticia staring over all of us. She was caught in a slightly seductive pose, with her left hand gripping her chin in a thinking posture. In spite of the ongoing nightmare that has been my visit here, I have to admit this woman has an enchanting presence!
I turned my head to the left and right to realize this wall was a fork in the road. I could see a couple new doors at the end of the hall to the left, whereas the right had another stair-case leading to a new floor most likely. That'll be our new destination after we've cleaned house with the rest of these floors. It was definitely refreshing finally having any sense of direction considering I'd been moving on instinct since the challenge began.
I led the group down the hall to the left in the hopes that we'd reach a door for our blue key. It took us about 5 minutes to reach the doors as I carefully inspected the front of each to see if the key was a match. The door straight-ahead had a violet colored image of a witch riding off into the night sky on a broom-stick. The door to the right had an orange image of a jack o lantern, crudely carved into with a wickedly malicious smile beaming across it's face. It also looked as though it was on fire, further adding to it's general creepiness and omnious appearance.
Finally, the door to the left had a dark blue image of a snowman surrounded by people whom looked frozen in large blocks of ice. Each of which had terrified, wide-mouthed, bug-eyed expressions on their faces which didn't especially lift my spirits up as to what this room was about to put us through.
"I'll wager this is the door for the blue key. Not that it doesn't go without saying already, but be prepared for anything guys!"
I could hear the group let out one, loud, collective, gulp. We'd been through a narrow, pitch-black, cavern, and a garden ripped straight out of the bowels of Hades. I could already feel a frigid chill coming from the other end of the door, causing me to tremble a bit as I slipped the key into the hole. Even the door-knob felt cold and solid like grabbing a small block of ice. My mind was beginning to race once again in a panic induced stupor as I've never been crazy about the cold. If this next room had anything to do with blizzards or ice, we'd be going in with a huge disadvantage as none of us are properly equipped. I can only pray the chill I felt was simply my own anxiety fueled mind playing a cruel joke on me.
I opened the door after a moment of fumbling with the key due to the chill crawling up my spine. When I opened the door, I was greeted with the sight of white powder completely submerging the floor. The room itself had extremely little detail compared to the last 2, but this is only because it seems enormous in size! It was like staring out into an endless void of nothing but arctic cold and pure white snow. The cold chill from before returned with a menace as the wind from the room began to blow like a gust from a hurricane in all our faces. I silently cursed my fate as Paul could easily get sick from going into this room without winter gear. Obviously I can't just leave him out here by himself though, so what other option was there?
Speaking of the devil himself, he was now putting my own thoughts into speech form at the moment.
"Don't suppose we could just turn around and find another key?"
"That would take too much time Paul, and besides which we have to go through as many rooms as possible if we want to win. Of course if you listened to me an hour ago, you wouldn't have to go through this room at all!"
Paul shot me the dirtiest glare I'd received all day at being told off again, but made no attempt to resist as he began to walk through the door-way.
"Remind me never to give you leverage on me again."
I held back a goofy chuckle as I grabbed his right hand to pull him closer to me. The others soon followed in after us, but let out a loud shiver as the freezing cold caught their attention. I managed to get a better look at the room itself now having entered it. It began to feel like some kind of massive freezer room, although what any family would need a room this large for completely escapes me.
The walls were made out of white tiles, giving the room a much better visibility than the others we traveled through. I could see some small lights scattered amongst the left and right walls, addition to air vents that seemed to be constantly running. That explained where this winter-wonder land was coming from at least. I walked a few steps forward to see what looked beyond the horizon, Paul by my side as I did so. We both nearly jumped back a few feet to find there was a long stair-case leading down somewhere. It looked like we were on some snowy mountain peak overlooking a large canyon or something!
The group began to approach us from where we were standing. Upon reaching us, they too gasped in shock at what lied beneath us. Before any of us could could comment on our current situation, I could hear a familiar distortion coming from a loud speaker. I sighed in relief as we'd at least have some basic understanding of what to do here.
"Ahh, welcome again dear guests! I see my beloved wife's plant collection wasn't enough to satiate your appetite for fear and panic. Well rest assured! If dry, humid, temperatures aren't to your likeness, this next room will seem like a healthy slice of heaven!
As you've no doubt noticed by now, the room you are currently in resembles a kind of freezer. It is in fact our oldest freezer that we decided to convert into a frozen tundra for this most special of occasions! From below that stair-case at your feet, you will find a sled big enough to transport your entire group.
This sled's engine is designed to be powered on once it detects the presence of humans or cargo being loaded. From there, one of you must play the leading man, and take control of the steering cables located from inside the crawl-space for your legs.
This sled is capable of traveling at a maximum of 180 miles per hour! Therefore, it is imperative that you steer with absolute precision, as there are a number of obstacles put in place of the path ahead.
I'm afraid playing it slow and steady won't win you this race however, as within 10 minutes of the sled taking off, a large avalanche will be triggered. The snow that will barrel down the tundra walls will crush you alive if it reaches you. Your goal therefore is simple, yet highly crucial! You must reach the other end of this room before the tundra's mighty snow consumes you all whole.
If you are worried about improper equipment for this task, have no fear! The sled has been properly stacked with essential items you will all need to avoid catching a cold, or becoming blinded by the elements. These items include a winter coats, snow goggles, a few hats, and the sled itself has been installed with a heating system to keep it from freezing over.
As before, we look forward to seeing how you perform when pushed to the very brinks of your sanity! Good luck, and though it certainly won't be easy, do try and stay alive would you? Ho Ho Ho Ho Ho!!!"
Assuming he wasn't being tounge-in-cheek with that last request, I now had pressure on me that even rivaled the green-house room.
The glacial atmosphere was beginning to take it's toll on the rest of the group. Jason spoke up for the first time since we'd entered, with Bobby right behind him as the cold was already making him lose his temper.
"How long do you guys think this stair-case is?"
"Who cares?!? Anything that gets us out of this ice-box faster is good enough for me!"
As annoying as Bobby is most of the time, I can't say I didn't feel the same about this room myself. We've been here less than 5 minutes, and already I can feel myself turning into an ice sculpture. Paul was fiercely clinging to my right side for any sort of warmth he could scavenge. The poor little dude was younger than all of us, and he's always been a bit short for his age. If I know anything by this point though, it's that standing around and complaining isn't going to accomplish anything!
"I agree with Bobby on this one. We've gotta get to that sled before we all freeze solid here! That guy mentioned something about the sled having a heating system installed. The sooner we reach it, the sooner we won't have to worry about frost-bite setting in!"
With that me, Paul, and the boys all cautiously made our way down the stair-case. I immediately noticed it had some small patches of ice admist the snow that blanketed each step. This made walking down it far slippier than I was comfortable with. I was tempted to warn the others to watch how they walked going down, but I didn't want to distract them from actually walking down the steps. I could begin to see the sled forming in the distance anyway, giving me further incentive to keep my mouth shut until we got to the bottom.
We were nearing the final step when I could finally make out the sled itself in full detail. It had a black paint job with a disembodied hand like the one that helped us back in the first room. It was in the middle of a snapping pose while being in the center of a circle like the ones cartoon characters pop out of. It had 2 large bat-wings toward the back, which went pretty well with this family's gothic sense of style and fashion. There were 3 seats that could house at least 2 people at a time, which was perfect for the group as there were 6 of us in total. Overall, it was hard to argue this sled didn't look like something this family would ride during the winter. As long as it can get us out of this room safely, I couldn't care less what it looks like to be blunt.
We all finally reached the bottom of the stair-case before running toward the sled. The group divided into pairs as we approached each seat meant for 2 people at a time. I immediately noticed the snow goggles, hats, and coats were waiting neatly on the seats themselves. We all slipped on our share of the gear without hesitation, before leaping into the sled itself.
I could feel an instant sense of relief as a comfortable warmth blanketed itself around my body, easing the bitter cold in mere seconds. Paul was at my right as he watched me look for the steering cables of the sled desperately. I can say with confidence I've never driven one of these things before at any point in my life. I prefer my skate-boarding over shredding if I'm being honest. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a good snowball war as much as any kid my age, but otherwise me and the cold don't really mix all that well.
Anyways, I gripped the steering cables from within the sled as tightly as I could. I wasn't sure when this thing was supposed to take off, but I made sure to warn the others to prepare for when it did.
"Be on your guard guys! I dunno when this thing's supposed to go, but when it does we need to be readAAAAAAY!-"
With that last sentence, my heart practically jumped out of my chest!
The sled rocketed off at what felt like at least half of it's max top speed. My entire body began to vibrate as the sheer speed of the sled easily out-did even the most gnarly of roller-coasters I'd been on! Additionally, the speed the sled was going at made the blistering, ice-cold, snowy winds slam into my face like a hundred tiny sledge-hammers! If it weren't for these goggles, I'd be driving this sled completely blind right now!
The sled maintained it's absurd momentum as we began to come into contact with pine trees and rocks. The cables still in my now trembling and rough hands, I desperately pulled to the left and right at every obstacle I could make out in the distance. Having to pull the cables in 2 directions at the speed we were all traveling was like rope climbing during gym class, only at 50 times the speed! My palms were being raked across the tough, dry, surface of the cables with every pull. It felt like someone was rubbing salt in fresh wounds, even though I knew my hands weren't actually cut or bleeding (that I knew of anyway).
As much as I wanted to, I couldn't turn around to check on how my friends were holding up given what I was doing at the moment. I could feel Paul's arms securely wrapped around my waist as he shivered in fear at the speed we were going at. The fact I hadn't already crashed us yet, or succumbed to my own rapidly growing fear and hysteria was all the proof I needed that miracles do indeed exist. I should have been shrilly wailing out in absolute horror at what I was experiencing, but I couldn't as I held all our lives in the balance, which in turn gave me the resolve I needed to stay focused.
The winds seemingly doubled in speed and ferocity as my goggles were nearly blown off my face. I could feel my hat being abducted by the wind as I pulled the sled away from oncoming danger. The pine trees and rocks were soon accompanied by small pot-holes in the ground that caused the entire sled to rumble whenever I couldn't avoid one. There's just no end to the amount of things aiming to destroy me tonight! Mom and Dad would hate to hear me talk like this, but I'm getting to the point of just letting them annihilate me. I've still got a little brother and friends to keep safe however, so sadly that option's off the table here.
I began to wonder admist the turbulent race within this icy tomb when we'd reach the door on the other end of the room. We were riding at break-neck speeds, and yet the only things I've been running into (some with my face) have been rocks, pine trees, pot holes, and gusts of pure snowy powder. Not to mention, when was this avalance supposed to go down? I'm in no hurry for it to happen naturally, but the last thing I need is for it to take me by surprise.
Suddenly, I decided to look upwards to see if I could spot any snow tumbling down. To my purest terror, I could see a massive boulder falling down to the right after my last swerve avoiding a tree. With all the might I had left in me for the moment, I made the sharpest turn left I could muster to avoid it, painfully skidding my own palms with the steering cables as I did so. Though I managed to avoid crashing into it head-on, the boulder still swiped the rear of the sled itself. This caused it to spiral out of control as we all screamed bloody murder at the very real possibility we'd all be crashing and burning any moment now.
If there was any solace to be had with such a fate, at least we wouldn't be freezing our asses off any longer.
I let out an ear-shattering wail as I realized we were about to crash head-long into a wall on the left. Out of sheer instinct, I used my own body to shield Paul from harm as we all braced for the impact that awaited us. I have no idea whether or not this sled even comes with brakes, but all that matters to me right now is keeping my little brother safe. Even if I can't save him, at least he won't be going alone!
The sled's front slammed hard into the rock wall that stood to our left. The sheer impact from the collision caused the sled to pinball in the opposite direction, leading to it's rear smacking into the right wall. The force of the crash wasn't as hard on Paul and me as I used my body to protect him from the impact. I can only pray my friends can say the same thing right now.
Once I was sure we stopped moving, I rose my head up to see where we were. The fact we were no longer in motion had dulled the intensity of the winds by a fair margin, but there was little to make out in the distance beyond more pine trees and rocks. I began to wonder how to turn the sled back on as it started to dawn on me we were no longer moving. I decided to focus on more important matters, like the condition my entire group was in right now.
"You okay little bro?"
Paul was currently whimpering in fear at what we'd just been through, but managed a thumbs up to signify he was at least hanging in there. I then turned my head back to check up on my friends.
"Is everyone alright?!?"
The guys all slowly lifted their heads up one after another. Though they were visibly shaken up, with Bobby and Jason holding their heads in slight pain, they were at least still breathing. I held my left hand on my heart as my entire group survived a literal collision with life and death. As relieved as I was to know there was still a chance we could all make it out of this alive, I understood I couldn't waste time celebrating right now. That avalanche could strike at any minute, and we currently weren't moving! I have to somehow get this thing back on track, and hit the gas before this room becomes our grave!
Before I could think of what to do next, Bobby uncharacteristically asked me how Paul was doing for the moment.
"How's the Tazmanian troll holding up?"
I opened my mouth for a reply, but Paul beat to it by shakily holding up his left hand. He then extends his middle finger which reminded me of past times we'd been in a jam as siblings. Paul has flipped me the bird in nearly every situation imaginable, both casual and serious. I can only hope Bobby shrugs it off and focuses on us getting out of here. I don't have the time or patience, let alone energy to even start a fight right now, much less break it up!
"It's a miracle, what luck...anyhow, you know how to turn this crap-box back on?"
I wanted to answer that question, but truth be told I had no idea how to work this thing. It just turned on by itself and I was in charge of steering it. I was just happy to have made it this far, even though the crash will no doubt leave us strapped for time.
I finally thought of the best way to answer the question, when Jason conveniently brought up something most...concerning.
"I hate to be cynical here guys, but does anyone hear a rumbling noise?"
I couldn't make it out at first, but shortly after Jason mentioned it, I could start to feel the sled shaking. It was a subtle, albeit growing vibration that started to sound almost like a large waterfall. The rumbling was quickly beginning to sound like thunder as I could now clearly make out where it was coming from. It felt like the snow was coming down from both sides of us, which nearly caused my heart to combust! I have to find the reverse mode on this thing if we're to have any chance of us squeaking out of here in one piece.
Out of pure instinct, I tugged backwards on the steering cables with all my might. Much to my surprise, the sled's engine turned back on with a mighty roar as we took off straight-ahead. The previous trees and rocks remained in our way as I desperately turned and cornered left and right to avoid them. Now with the avalanche finally starting, we aren't just racing against time. We're now racing against death itself in the form of an ocean of snow!
The tumbling snow thundered down the rock walls that stood over us from the left and right. I could hear it crushing and devouring everything in it's path as we blasted onward to the exit. The raw speed and power of the engine allowed us to stay ahead of the large out-pouring of powdered death. That said, it was only by a few measly feet. If we hadn't been going as fast as we've been, we'd probably already be submerged by this point. This gave me all the reason I needed to steer as carefully as possible, with one wrong move they'd be digging up our frozen carcasses for at least a month or so.
The intense, blistering, winds from before made a comeback as they exploded square in my face. I could even feel bits of hail in the gusts this time as my goggles nearly went flying. I did what I could to readjust them before pulling the cables as I had the entire time we'd been riding. Even with as fast as we'd been riding, it felt like the snow was just playing with us. It was allowing us to believe we could escape it's grasp, when in reality it could have easily consumed us this whole time in mere seconds. I started to feel chips of icicles ramming my right shoulder as we rode forward, further impacting my steering skills as death seemed to be surrounding us at every pass here!
Just when I thought we'd never see the exit to this winter waste-land, I could begin to make out a door in the distance. I praised whatever divine intervention that could be at work here as our salvation was just a short distance at hand. The only dilemma I could make out was the door was on the other end of a sizable gap. Was this some kind of cruel joke?!? Did I really just rocket past a massive pale blanket of frozen destruction, just to plummet to my death ANYWAY?!?
We'd just past by a few more trees and rocks before I realized why the door was across a gap. There was a ramp on the other end of the gap that I couldn't see before due to the rocks and trees in the way! I then noticed we were about to go down a slope, which should give us the momentum needed to ride the ramp to the other side with the door! I remembered to warn everyone else what we were about to do.
"EVERYONE, HANG ONTO SOMETHING!!!"
The sled careened down the slope at what felt like warp speed. Before I even knew what was happening, we were all flying through the air as the sled rode the ramp, carrying all of it's prior momentum with it. Time almost slowed to a halt entirely as I could barely make out what was happening right now, apart from the obvious fact we were now soaring through the frigid air that surrounded us. I could only grab the steering cables out of pure instinct as I prayed with all the reason or sense left in me we would survive the following landing.
The sled harshly slammed onto the ground of the other side. It then continued to slide until it rammed into the wall to the left, right next to the door itself. I mentally gave out the most sincere thank you I could to whatever benevolent force that was at work here, for saving the lives of my brother, friends, and myself. I don't really believe there's such a thing as leading a "charmed life", but I can say with gusto my luck could always be worse.
I decided to turn my head to the right, just to see what became of the snow. I then saw the avalanche slide downward into the dark abyss that awaited us had that ramp not been there. I let out a gentle sigh of relief as I noticed the glove compartment of the sled was now open. I didn't have enough time to fully look it over at first, but from inside I noticed there was an orange key laying in the center. I snatched it almost immediately as this whole trip of death hadn't been for nothing after all.
From behind me, I could hear Jason start to ask me what I was looking for.
"You find something Stewart?"
With a growing smile, I playfully shook the key in my right hand to show the rest of the group what I'd found. They all began to grin widely in excitement as our trip of arctic death wasn't in vain. We all then got out of the sled as quickly as possible, happy that we'd all be one step closer to home. We took off our winter gear and placed it down neatly on the seats of the sled, before I opened the door for us all.
We then promptly left this "ice-box" as Bobby put it from before, with not a second to spare.