The Mating Run by Leeka

Regret
Two days.
That's how long I'm walking through this endless forest.
The trees tower over me, their leaves blocking out the sun. It's growing hot, and
sweat beads on my forehead, trickling down my face. My clothes stick to my skin
like a second layer, uncomfortable and damp.
I join the Mating Run, thinking it's an adventure, and I will get a mate.
But now, all I want is for everything to go back to normal, for me to go home. The
regret sits heavy in my chest, a constant companion as I navigate through the
tangled maze of trees.
The forest seems to stretch on forever, the path ahead twisting and turning like a
never—ending puzzle. Each step I take is heavy with exhaustion, my legs ache as
if they carry the weight of the world.
The sun beats down relentlessly, making the air thick and suffocating.
As I trudge forward, a pungent smell assaults my senses.
Crinkling my nose, the stench of death hangs in the air, and my stomach churns
in response. I come across corpses, lifeless forms scattered across the forest
floor. It's a grim sight, and I can't help but wonder what led them to this fate. The
ground beneath me feels different, as if it's soaked with the stories of those who
didn’t
make it.
I try to avoid looking at the lifeless bodies, but their presence lingers in my mind.
It's a stark reminder of the dangers that lurk in this wilderness, a place I foolishly
thought would be a simple challenge. Now, with every step, I can't shake the
feeling that I'm walking on a path marked by the shadows of those who came
before me.
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The smell changes as I continue, and the air becomes heavy with another scent
the lingering aftermath of sex.
I wonder.if it's something that both Hider and Hunter agree on. I wish it is.
My mind makes me remember all those other Hunters that tried to hurt me.
I shudder.
I pass by secluded clearings, the aftermath of frenzied moments etched in the
trampled grass. It's a silent witness to the wild impulses of the Mating Run, a
reality I didn’t fully grasp when I signed up for this journey. The regret grows,
gnawing at me with each step.
I wish I didn’t take for granted the simplicity of my life before, the comfort of
routine and familiarity.
My water supply dwindles, and my throat feels parched. I long for a cool drink, for
the taste of something familiar. The regret gnaws at me, a persistent ache that
refuses to subside. Sure, I sign up for the mating run, but it's to find a mate.
I didn’t sign up for this the fatigue, the stench, the remnants of others’ passion
lingering in the air.
The hours blur into one another, and I find myself stumbling over roots and rocks.
Each step is a struggle, and I yearn for the comfort of my bed, the safety of
home.
And as the sun begins its descent, casting long shadows that stretch like fingers
across the forest floor. The temperature drops slightly, but the air remains thick
with the weight of my surroundings. I wonder how Ettie's doing, if she’s out there
looking for me. Every time I glance at the map, her number remains where her
hut was. She hasn't left it in two days.
I spot a clearing up ahead, a small reprieve from the suffocating embrace of the
trees. As I step into the open space, the air feels slightly cooler, and I welcome
the respite.
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Regret
I sit on a fallen log, staring into the night sky, lost in the solitude of my thoughts.
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Arustling in the bushes nearby startles me, and I tense, my senses on high alert.
I wonder if it's Ettie who's come and kill me. I wonder if it's some other Hunter,
wanting to make me theirs. But it’s just a small rabbit, scurrying away with a quick
dart.
I realize I need to find someplace to rest, but the fear of the unknown keeps me
on edge.
Thankfully, I find a spot beneath a large tree, its branches offering some
semblance of shelter. I lay down, the uneven ground pressing against my weary
body. The forest settles into an eerie quiet, broken only by the nocturnal sounds
that surround me. Sleep doesn’t come easily, each rustle and hoot in the
darkness sends shivers down my spine.
As I lay there, staring up at the canopy above, I can’t escape the realization that
this journey has changed me. The regret, like a heavy burden, weighs me down.
I long for the familiarity of my life before the Mating Run, for the simplicity of
home.
this:
Two days of walking, and I'm no closer to understanding the real purpose of
The regret lingers, a bitter taste in my mouth. I close my eyes, hoping that when I
wake, the forest will have released its grip on me, and I'll find my way back to
where I belong.
I wake up, the throbbing in my head relentless. The sun beats down on me, its
harsh rays stabbing through the trees. I try to sit up, but a wave of dizziness
washes over me, forcing me back down. I feel like I've been hit by a truck, and
the forest around me blurs in and out of focus.
I reach for my bag, fingers fumbling through the contents. My hand closes around
the familiar shape of the water bottle, but when I pull it out, it’s empty. The
realization hits me like a punch to the gut. No water. My stomach rumbles in
protest, a low growl that echoes in the silence of the forest.
I glance around, hoping for a stream or some sign of water nearby, but all I see
are the towering trees and the relentless sun. The sudden weather change has
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turned this once—challenging adventure into a desperate struggle for survival.
Dehydration sets in, a relentless companion that tightens its grip with each
passing.
moment.
I try to stand, my legs shaky beneath me. The forest seems to spin, the trees
becoming a dizzying blur. I stumble forward, clutching at branches for support;
The world tilts, and I feel the heat pressing down on me like a suffocating
blanket.
I trudge forward, each step a laborious effort. My throat feels like sandpaper,
each breath a struggle. The rumbling in my stomach intensifies, a painful
reminder of my empty water bottle. The sun, once a distant companion, now feels
like an unrelenting adversary, draining me of whatever strength I have left.
reach a small clearing, and I sink to my knees. Desperation claws at me as I
rummage through my bag again, hoping to find a hidden stash of water. But all I
get is emptiness. My stomach protests, a sharp pang that reverberates through
my entire body. I clutch my abdomen, willing the hunger and thirst to subside.
I close my eyes, trying to shut out the harsh reality around me. The sun beats
down, its rays scalding my skin. I'm trapped in a relentless cycle of exhaustion
and thirst. A sob escapes my throat, a desperate release of frustration and
despair. didn’t sign up for this. The Mating Run was supposed to be an
adventure, not a struggle for survival.
I let myself cry for a moment, the tears streaming down my cheeks. The forest
watches in silence, the trees standing tall as silent witnesses to my moment of
weakness. I stifle my sobs, covering my mouth with my hand. I can't afford to be
found like this, vulnerable and broken. The other Hunters are out there, and
showing weakness is a dangerous game.
I take a shaky breath, trying to compose myself. The forest is unforgiving, and I
can't afford to let my guard down. I wipe away the tears, smearing dirt on my
cheeks. The ache in my stomach intensifies, a gnawing hunger that demands
attention. I glance around, searching for any sign of water or food.
The sun beats down relentlessly, and I feel a wave of lightheadedness.
Dehydration tightens its grip, a vice around my throat. I try to focus on the path
ahead, but the forest seems to close in around me. The trees become a maze,
and I
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stumble forward, my legs weak and unsteady.
I spot a small stream in the distance, a ribbon of hope cutting through the dense
foliage. My pace quickens, fueled by the desperate need for water. The stream is
a lifeline, a source of relief in this unforgiving landscape.
But as I approach, I realize it's nothing more than a cruel illusion.
The stream is dried up, a mere memory of the water it once held.
I drop to my knees, frustration bubbling within me. The forest mocks me, offering
a glimpse of salvation before snatching it away. I press my palms against
the dry riverbed, as if the touch alone can conjure water.
My stomach rumbles again, a hollow sound that echoes in the silence.
“I should have never left.” I whisper to myself. “I should have stayed with Ettie.”
The sun beats down with unrelenting intensity, and I feel my strength waning. I'm
trapped in a cycle of thirst and exhaustion, each step heavier than the last.
this.
The realization hits me.
I might not make it out of this forest.
I might become just another lifeless figure lying on the forest floor.
I try to stand, my legs trembling beneath me. I can't let the others see me like
I wipe away the dirt on my cheeks, a feeble attempt to mask the evidence of my
moment of weakness.
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I come across a patch of
mushrooms, their vibrant colors
standing out against. the earthy
tones of the forest floor. Hunger
gnaws at me, and I consider plucking
them, but hesitation holds me back. I
f p f P
didn’t come prepared for this. I don't
know which mushrooms are safe,
and the risk of poisoning myself is
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Regret
I stumble upon a fallen log and collapse onto it. The exhaustion weighs on me,
and I close my eyes, hoping to shut out the harsh reality. The sun casts a warm
glow, but there's no comfort in its light. I press my hand against my stomach, the
hunger a persistent ache that refuses to subside.
Wanting to distract myself, I reach into my pocket and pull out my map.
The paper crinkles in my hands as I unfold it, revealing the intricate lines and
markings.
Ettie’s still in her hut. I squint at the numbers, tracing the path to her location.
She's stationary, has been ever since I left. I can’t help but wonder what she’s
doing in there, whether she’s facing her own demons or finding solace in the
confines of
her solitude.
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Zeke is on the move. The numbers
lead me to a spot near the foot of the
3 ) 7 5
mountains. He's moving quickly, a
blur on the map. I try to picture him in
my mind, the determined look on his
face as he navigates through the
. ) s
terrain. I wonder what he's searching
for, what drives him forward in this
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And then, I freeze.
My eyes lock onto a set of numbers that send a jolt of shock through me. A few
feet away from where I am, Victor is.
Anger surges inside me like a wildfire. I clench my fists, frustration boiling within
me.
Why does he have to ruin everything for me?
I make up my mind. I need him to know what he did.
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I fold the map and slip it back into my
Sl) oe
pocket. The air's surprisingly cool
against. my skin as I stand up,
determination pushing me forward. I
tread cautiously, my footsteps
muffled by the thick underbrush. The
darkness is my ally, and I slip through
the shadows, guided by the map in
my pocket. The anger fuels my steps,
each one a purposeful stride. The
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Regret
Everything is Victor's fault — if he hadn't ruined my hiding spot in the first place,
I wouldn't be in this situation.
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