Day 1 - Over our Heads

Pitter, patter. Pitter, patter. A distant calm of rain awoke me. The soil was wet around me, but I was placed on a towel. I pulled myself upright and looked around. To my left was Gabriel, and to my right was James. They were both still asleep, peacefulness on their faces. This was the most vulnerable I've ever seen them. I gently shook Gabriel awake, and his face hardened. He rubbed at his eyes, studying the surrounding as I reached over to wake James, who, to my surprise, was now up. He was on his feet within seconds, getting down to business. He was looking for our base. We were in the jungle, the foliage of leaves covering us from to much rain. Trees were strung with thick vines, overgrowth taking the forest floor. It would be beautiful in any other predicament, but in ours, just terrified me even more.

"Over here," James whispered, motioning to us. I got up, my backpack sagging and soggy. I'd have to let my clothes dry before I could wear them.

When we reached James he was grabbing leaves and vines to cover the entrance of our base. As I walked inside, the rock was smooth, and rough. No sharp edges low enough to cut yourself on though. In one of the corners of the base was a hole in the wall, covered by a fence. I got closer to it, inspecting. Behind the fence were two chickens, walking around aimlessly. On the right was a bag labelled 'animal food' containing seeds. I turned back around, as James and Gabriel had already started setting up. James was done covering the entrance, and now was sticking the map to the wall with mud. Gabriel was running his hands along the anvil in the other corner. Curious, I went to another hole in the wall beside the chickens. There were two backpacks placed there, one containing minerals and ores which I handed to Gabriel, and the other containing one metal shield, with I gave to James.

"Gab, if you start working on some weapons, me and Miykal will go out looking for food, wood and something to dry out our clothes," James offered. Gabriel nodded, and James went to the opening in the rock. I followed him out.

"You go search for twine or something to hang our clothes on," He ordered to me, "I'll go find some food, and wood for fire."

"Okay," I paused, "Are you ever going to open up to me a little?"

"Maybe when we're telling campfire stories," He said with a grin. So, he does have a sense of humor. He wandered off, and I went in the other direction.

Later, I finally found the last piece of twine we needed to craft a clothesline. I turned on my heels, ready to go back to base. It was darker now, the sun hanging lower in the sky. I heard a slight hum in my right ear. I turned to see a small blinking light next to my face. Must be one of the cameras. I ignored it, and continued to the base. Suddenly I heard screaming coming from my left. My feet immediately bolted.

" Do something!" I heard choked screams. The sounds were lessening as I went faster back to base but I still heard the screaming.

"What is that!" Another, different voice said.

"It's not possible." Someone else replied, "That is a wolf."

"It's giant! We need to get away from it." They'll decided, and I heard multiple feet running in the opposite direction of mine. I slowed, out of breath. A slight rustling came from a nearby bush. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw it. It was giant, and hadn't seen me yet. I froze, terror itching my every sense. It's snout was in the air, and it rumbled after the ones I'd heard before, in the opposite direction of me. I didn't waste anytime, and ran back to base.

I entered base with my two teammates staring at me.

"Oh my god, Miykal! We thought you'd died," Gabriel said to me as he came over, taking the twine from my hands. I was still to shocked to talk.

"Let's go to sleep. The next few days will be easy sailing in here until we need more materials," James inquired.

"We are in way over our heads," I let out. My whole body was shaking.

I'd told them all about the wolf. This was a new addition, different than any I'd watched before. Making the nighttime way to dangerous to be lurking again. We had all decided to travel together, and never st night.

It had taken me hours to fall asleep, knowing my father was at home terrified if I had died yet or not. I had no doubt he'd watch whenever he could.

This place doesn't feel like we are even on earth. Doesn't even feel like we're on some television show.

This is life or death.