Daily Adventure: 3

 8/2/2010  3:30 PM

"Laura! Laura! God damn it. Laura!" Michael cursed, tripping over another stick. It was cold, dark, and late to be wandering around the forest. But Laura was still missing. He raised his head again.

"Laura!" He fell silent. It was no use. His throat was raw from yelling and he still hadn't found her. He rubbed his arms feverishly, gazing at the tall oaks surrounding him. The smell of the forest usually calmed him down, but the forest fire had masked the sweet scent. Now the forest smelled like smoke and burnt trees.

Michael coughed roughly, wincing as his throat pained again. The smoke hadn't been good for it either. He felt a flash of anger hit him again. The fire had been Ryan fault after all! Why did Laura have to be the one missing after it was put out? And why did Ryan refuse to help?

Crack!

Michael's head shot up, and he crouched down near the base of a tree, slowing his breathing, listening intently. But the forest was quiet.

"Laura?" He whispered tentatively, coming out of his hiding space. No one was there. He sighed shaking his fear, preparing himself to continue searching.

"Help!" Suddenly a girl crashed into him, knocking him flat to the ground.

"I am so sorry!" Michael turned, seeing Laura's face.

"Laura? What are you doing here? What happened during the fire?" Laura's eyes looked glazed over, but she was smiling, with no burns noticeable. Michael was ecstatic. Laura was okay. Hugging her tightly, he laughed out loud, picking himself, and her, off the forest floor.

"You're alright! I was so worried!" He exclaimed, still holding her hand. Laura smiled too, but it seemed vacant, dazed. 

"Yes. I am fine. Come with me!" She said suddenly, tugging him forward. Following blindly, a hint of doubt entered Michael's mind.

They ran through the forest, Laura leaping like a deer between the trees. many times Michael almost fell down, tripping and slipping on the sticks and leaves.

"Where are we going?" His heart started beating faster. She turned and shushed him, winking coyly. Michael was confused. The forest started to look more menacing as it became darker and darker. Shadows were elongated and noises started up again, as the night animals came out, confidant the fire was gone. They began leaping down a hill, Michael running faster than he ever had before, but unable to stop. He spotted a silver pool of water in the distance, and Laura was heading right for it.

"Laura, uh where are we going? We should get home, your parents are looking for you..." His voice trailed off. It was hard to talk and try to suck air into his lungs. But Laura ignored him, still barreling straight toward the water. Suddenly, Michael's instincts screamed at him to stop. He dug his heels in, wrenching Laura back. He turned her to face him and gasped.

It wasn't Laura's face. The thing had her red curly hair, but had huge eyes, with black cat pupils. The teeth were serrated, and pointed. It grinned at me, unblinking.

"Come one Michael. Let'sss go ssswimming." She hissed, her voice coming out liek a snake's.

"Laura? What did you do to Laura?" Michael asked. He was scared, but he felt his heart slow looking into the beast's eyes. Her image shifted, turning into Laura again. Laura frowned.

"What are you talking about? Let's go swimming Michael." His vision swam, his head felt fuzzy, like everything was muffled. He nodded slowly, stumbling after her as she pulled him along. Her face kept shifting, but Michael couldn't remember which was real. he followed her into the silver pool. It seemed thick, like syrup, but it was cool. Laura smiled, pulling him deeper into the pool, gesturing him towards her. Soon, they were approaching the middle of lake.

"Just a few more feet Michael. Then we can swim together." She whispered, pulling him under the water. Michael smiled sleepily, as the strange silver liquid crept up to his chest. It reached his neck. Michael frowned. Something was tickling the back of his mind, something that warned him Laura was dangerous.

"Let's swim Michael." Laura said more forcefully, gripping his arms tightly. Michael shook his head slowly. The silver water was starting to burn.

"I...don't want to...swim." He whispered pitifully. Laura smiled sadly at him.

"But, I thought you liked me." She whispered. She swam closer to him, and kissed him, drawing him closer to her. He gave up, kissing back, feeling himself fall. The burning sensation traveled up his leg, like acid. Suddenly he opened his eyes.

Laura was gone, replaced by a reptilian monster, completely naked, that was drawing him deeper into the burning silver. he let a shout, the water rushing into his mouth. It was bitter, heavy.

He flipped around, fighting the beast desperately to return to the surface. And then he saw Ryan, smiling down at him.

"Have fun Michael. It'll be a real shame when you and Laura go missing."