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The trail brings me to a colossal tree. Its vast trunk disappears into the dense canopy above and I can’t make out what’s on the other side either.
A noise from the treetops catches my attention, and I lookup to see the gleaming eyes of multiple large creatures peering down at me. They’re concealed by shadows and I can’t make out their distinctive features.
Their presence sends a shiver down my spine. This is undoubtedly one of the Malquarans’ traps, a perilous obstacle deliberately placed in my path.
I look around for the cameras that I know are watching my every move. Hoping for me to trip and fall, to meet my end. Some will be making wagers on which contestant will win.
I stand at the foot of the tree, weighing my options. Climbing it is a risk, a deliberate step into danger, but the trail ends here.
The gemstone must be up there, hidden among the branches, guarded by these creatures. It’s a calculated risk, but one I must take.
With a deep breath, I steel myself for the climb. The creatures in the canopy watch me, their eyes unblinking, as I place my hand on the rough bark of the tree.
Every muscle in my body is tense, ready for the imminent confrontation. I have no illusions about the danger I’m about to face, but the necessity of retrieving the gemstone leaves me with no other choice.
I start to ascend, my hands finding holds on the gnarled bark, my feet pushing me upward. The creatures in the branches stir, their movements rustling the leaves, a chorus of whispers in the otherwise silent jungle.
I can feel their eyes on me, tracking every move I make.
As I climb higher, the reality of what I’m doing sinks in. I’m entering the lair of these creatures, challenging them in their own domain.
But the thought of Zoey, alone with that alien brute, drives me forward. I have to find the gemstone, to even the odds, to give us a chance to escape this nightmare.
With determination fueling my ascent, I climb higher intothe tree, closer to the hidden dangers and, hopefully, closer to the gemstone that could turn the tide in our favor.
It’s a risk, but one I’m willing to take. For Zoey, for us, I’ll face whatever lies ahead.
Zoey
Lying on the ground, I’ve managed to recover my breath and strength. My eyes assess the distance between myself and the edge of the maze — it’s not far. If the male, this kidnapper, becomes distracted even for a moment, I’m confident I can make it there.
He stops sharpening his sword and places it aside, then gets up and walks away. I cautiously observe him from the corner of my eye, not wanting to draw his attention or appear too interested in his actions.
He moves to the edge of the maze and begins to relieve himself, taking an uncomfortably long time. A pungent puddle forms and trickles downhill towards me.
The smell is overpowering, reminiscent of durian fruit, causing my eyes to sting. I edge away, disgusted and trying to avoid the stench.
As he finishes and approaches me again, a wave of fear washes over me. He’s a grotesque sight, his alien form far removed from anything resembling a love interest.
He chuckles as he returns to his seat, resuming thesharpening of his blade. I silently chastise myself — perhaps that was the distraction I needed, and I let it slip away.
But then, I notice something curious. Where his urine touches the grass, it withers and dies. In stark contrast, where my skin touches the ground, tiny flowers have sprung up, forming a carpet of pink blossoms.
It’s a surreal sight, one that reminds me of my first encounter with the hedgerow on this platform, how it seemed to reach out to me, just as it did on our journey to the temple ruins.
Keeping one eye on the alien, I cautiously extend my hand behind my back, gently coaxing the flowers from the soil. They seem to respond, reaching up to nuzzle my palm.
A realization dawns on me — I can control it, the plant life on this platform.
I recall the gas that hit me in my pod when I first woke up in this nightmare — it was white, different from the red or green that transformed the males into beasts. My ability isn’t just the power to cure the male beasts of their affliction; I can also manipulate the vegetation here.
It’s a revelation, a small yet significant advantage. Perhaps I can use this newfound ability to my benefit, to create a distraction, an escape, or even a defense against this captor.
It’s not a grand power, not like the destructive capabilities of the males, but it’s something unique, something that belongs only to me.
Where they cause harm, I stimulate growth and healing.
I feel a surge of hope, a flicker of possibility in this grim situation. I have a power of my own, a way to interact with this platform that might just give me the edge I need.
