3... 2... 1...
GO!
The hologram timer went off and the boys sped through the arid land. Both of them were in serious athletic shape. Gyrus worked out everyday since he was 14 to become an astronaut. Kodya had lived in the wilderness his whole life. Sprinting for game and chopping wood were less than easy for him.
Neck to neck, neither wanted to lose. However, Kodya had more on the line than just dying. If he lost, it would make his and Gyrus's relationship even less formal. He couldn't risk becoming familiar with him. He had to bring him to Don as untouched as possible.
So, Kodya ran faster than he had in his entire life. Faster than when he was starving during the arctic winter in Russia and he found a rabbit. Harder than when he was running away from monsters trying to take his life. With each step he ran he felt his heart pound trying to fill his body with warmth. His cold breaths panted louder and louder.
Just a stride ahead, Kodya won.
Kodya and Gyrus sprinted so fast that nether could stop themselves and they both ran straight into rock.
"OOf"
Landing on their backs, painting, Kodya looked at the timer again. Not much time left. He made a half smile in victory when he felt a cold shiver run down his spin, knocking the wind out of him.
Quickly sitting up, he could see a shadow creature staring at them from a not so far distance.
After a pause of silence, Kodya rolled his head over to look at the boy. With a red face, he looked even more like a strawberry than ever. The thought almost made Kodya exhale a chuckle. Saving his face he nudged Gyrus. "Gyrus, you lost. You know what to do."
Gyrus stood up. He silently sliced the boss sword into his stomach, making a muffled grunt while Kodya watched with a quiet composure as icy as the Arctic seas he grew up with.