Splashing across dark streets in a clatter of rushing footsteps, the figures chased each other through the suburban maze. In and out of yards, driveways, and the humble patches of forest that managed to squeeze in between. Neither would give up now, as it was clear- if the two groups met, at this point- there would be violence.
No one could believe what was happening. No one had time. One minute they had been going for a walk at night, to talk, and just be outside in the pleasant night air. The next, one of them had been taken– by who? Or…what? Now, they had to give chase. There was no one that could help them. If they failed, their friend was gone.
At one point a car had nearly caught up to them while they were crossing a road; but it was too far away, and by the time it got to them they had long since vanished into a backyard, and a somewhat thicker patch of brush and wilderness. Almost a forest, really.
Further and further they ventured, the pace slowing at times as the path wound down rocky slopes or leaned under low hanging brambles.
They were starting to get a better view of their friend, and her kidnappers, and it did nothing to help their nerves. First of all there were several of them. The exact number couldn’t be counted. They were small, a bit stocky, but unnaturally fast. Like film played at the wrong speed. And they must be unnaturally strong as well, as they carried a helpless Asphaella away into the night.
As they wound their way long into the long hours, they came eventually to a place in the wood where none had been before. They had somehow gone beyond the limits of their town, and were now in the true wilds beyond. The differences were subtle, but woven together created an atmosphere that made them feel suddenly small, the world around them suddenly very large.
They saw the mysterious captors slip like weasels out of sight, right into the base of a particularly large and ancient tree. This gave them pause. None had a flashlight. All had cellphones, but no one had a full charge. One by one, they turned to look into each other’s eyes in the moonlight. One by one, they turned away, hopeless, giving up.
Just three remained. Two boys and a girl. Silently, one by one, they walked slowly into the tree and entered the tunnel beyond.
