Check Point Zero

“There’s one behind you.” Dorian cleared his throat. “That’s just a mockingbird.” “Well, I’ll be mocking you when that mutant ‘mockingbird’ kills you!” Talon shot back, leaping from branch to branch with ease. Dorian followed. One flip. Two. Then—snap! The branch broke. He screamed as the ground seemed to open wide beneath him. “I’ve got you!” Talon grunted, catching him by the arm. Pain shot through his shoulder as if it might rip free, but he held on. “Talon! The level is closing! We’re gonna die!” Dorian cried, his fake sobs only making things worse. “Shut up, twig! I’m thinking!” “Twigs don’t talk!” “You’re not helping!” “I’m not even skinny!” “I swear I’ll drop you—” The branch groaned, seconds from breaking. Talon’s eyes scanned the collapsing world. He had to move. “Reach for that vine!” “What?” “The vine, you loudmouth!” Talon swung him, trying to build momentum. “It’s covered in thorns! It won’t hold me!” “Just grab it!” Talon shouted and flung him toward it. The branch gave way as Talon leapt clear. The ground shook. Trees sank into the earth as if being swallowed whole. Dorian managed to climb onto a branch, his palms bleeding. “Talon! What do we do?!” Talon scanned the sinking forest. There was only one way out. “The flag. Run for it.” “What?!” “Run for the flag!” Talon bolted forward. Dorian stumbled after him, slower and clumsier. The ground crashed away right behind him. Talon spun back, scooped Dorian onto his shoulder, and kept running. His body screamed in pain. Blood filled his mouth, his nose poured, but he refused to stop. “Leave me!” Dorian begged. “Not… happening,” Talon growled. The flag was ahead, glowing faintly through the chaos. The ground was crumbling to sand under their feet. Talon pushed harder, every step tearing his body apart. “Reach!” he gasped. Dorian stretched his arm forward. Closer. Closer. The world around them collapsed with a deafening roar. Then—splash. They fell into the void. At the last moment, Dorian touched the flag. Light exploded. The world reset. Dorian hit the ground, sobbing with relief. He kissed the earth and cried with a mixture of laughter. “We made it, Talon!” He turned to hug him. “Talon?” Nothing, abrupt silence, accompanied by birds chirping around. Fear tightened his chest. “Talon!” His voice broke into a scream as he turned, searching the surrounding fiercely. “TALON!”