The Mating Run

Chapter 23

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As | stare

at the holographic map emanating from the robot, | can hear the soft hum of the data processing, blending with the faint whirring of the machine. Luminescent pathways reveal themselves in the forest, guiding me through its mysterious depths.

As the holographic display flickers to life, it meticulously depicts the expansive forest, showcasing its every nook and cranny. With their peaks concealed by mist, the mountains exude an air of mystique, while the waterfalls cascade with a captivating rhythm, each droplet seemingly frozen in the hologram. The flora and lakes, colored in shades of green and blue, dance gracefully in response to the artificial breeze from the map.

Against the natural backdrop, numbers appear, and | can’t help but stare at them with wide eyes. The numbers are alive, shifting and morphing before my eyes, leaving no doubt that they are other contenders.

ones.

As | scan the map, my eyes dart across the page, searching for any familiar

The first thing that catches my eye is Victor’s number. He is near some mountains. The data surrounding his icon suggests an abundance of resources, possibly indicating a strategic advantage for him.

Then, | spot Zeke’s number. He is just wandering around near the rocks by a waterfall.

It frustrates me that I’m unaware of Ettie’s number. | just hope that it is still here on the holographic map, flickering with movement.

With determination, | navigate the holographic map, my eyes fixed on the coordinates leading me towards a small cluster of persimmons. The digital pathways on the map guide my footsteps through the dense follage, the sounds of birds chirping in the distance.

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As | embark on my ascent, the once serene surroundings transform into a daunting array of boulders, testing my dexterity and Judgment. Climbing turns into a total muscle and mind game.

As | trudge through the rocky terrain, | start feeling all sorts of emotions about everything.

| have to be cautious of the lurking Hunters, waiting for the opportune moment. to strike. Navigating through the rocks and follage, | roly on the holographic map,

| which occasionally reveals their numbers. | am grateful for my ability to move silently when the situation demands it.

The moment | set foot on the boulder-strewn path, the persimmon grove. unveils itself, filling the air with the sweet aroma of ripened fruit. As soon as | see them, my mouth starts watering uncontrollably. | don’t bother waiting anymore. Carefully, | fold the map and tuck it securely into my pocket, then eagerly begin. plucking juicy persimmons, greedily stuffing my mouth.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

| settle down against a sturdy boulder, Indulging in the juicy sweetness of persimmons, a pile of them within arm’s reach. Each bite is a burst of sweetness. that twirls and tantalizes my taste buds. | close my eyes and deeply breathe in, allowing the aroma of my surroundings to engulf me.

This is exactly how | imagine the Mating run would be. Just me lounging. around, waiting for a Hunter to be my mate. All | crave is the pure bliss that comes from this, nothing more. But oh well, | made a mistake, and now | have to deal with. the fallout.

As | devour the fruits without a care in the world, the juice continues to dribble down my fingers.

With a quick swipe of my hand on my tracksuit, | retrieve the map from my pocket and give it another thorough look. The map’s surface is a jumble of numbers and coordinates, making me tilt my head in an attempt to decipher them. Tracing the map with my fingertips, | can sense a surge of purpose building within me.

| have to figure out a plan. | can’t stay out here for eternity.

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Surrounded by the vibrant foliage, the holographic map illuminates my face with a soft, ethereal glow.

After careful consideration, | settle on three options.

First, a towering tree, its branches extending upward as if reaching for the heavens, seems like a perfect spot. From high above, | can visualize the forest below, contemplating the possibility of hunters and hiders amidst the lush greenery. On the downside, there is the risk of being seen by curious onlookers and the difficulty of navigating through a tangle of branches. Climbing has never been my strong suit.

“It's a good spot with a good view, but climbing?”

| mutter to myself, my words barely audible over the sound of my fingers scratching my head. I’m starting to wonder when was the last time | treated myself to a refreshing shower.

And then there, nestled in the mountains, is a cave. Nestled against the rugged slopes, it promises both refuge and privacy, making it an excellent choice for a hiding spot. While it offers some concealment, there are still a few downsides to consider. As | consider my next move,

the limited exits and the potential echo of footsteps weigh heavily on my mind.

“It's cozy and safe, but what about the echoes? Could potentially be a giveaway. | need some peace and quiet, but that’s not possible with all the echoes.”

I

| muse, my eyes tracing the intricate patterns of the holographic terrain.

And then, there is this secret spot hidden under some rocks, right by the lake. With its concealed location within the rocky alcove, it is strategically positioned near water, providing a source of food and a possible route for escape. However, the need to navigate the treacherous rocky terrain and the ever-present risk of hypothermia can’t be ignored.

“There’s water close by and those boulders, they’re tricky but maybe worth the

trouble.”

pec

With a hushed voice, my whispered words float on the breeze, gently brushing

gainst my cheek. The forest’s melodic rustling leaves and distant birdcalls provide

soundtrack as | weigh the pros and cons of each hiding spot.

Tree Cave Boulder,

With a final glance at the map, the soft hum of the hologram echoes in my ears. is | make my decision.

First and foremost, the stench of my unwashed body is becoming unbearable.

My clothes have become unpleasantly sticky and grimy after wearing them for so long without washing. Guided by the map, | set off towards a shimmering lake.

As | get closer to the shore, | can hear the soothing murmur of the lake. With al cautious glance around to ensure no prying eyes bear witness, | settle near the water’s edge, feeling the cool breeze brush against my skin. There is no point in trying to confirm the absence of cameras, as they are undoubtedly omnipresent. At this point, | simply ignore their presence, as if they had never been there.

| hesitate for a brief moment before undressing, ensuring my tracksuit, Zeke’s bag, and the holographic map are close by. “Finally, a chance to take a bath. | stink.”

| mutter under my breath as | awkwardly wriggle out of my trackpants.

Gradually, | submerge my toes into the lake, instantly feeling the icy water tingle against my skin. With a deep exhale, | plunge my entire body into the water, feeling the weightlessness surround me.

| begin washing my hair, running my fingers through the strands and feeling the residue of the day’s activities being washed away. | marvel at how the water doesn’t turn black, considering the amount of dirt and blood on my body. Carefully, | run my fingers over the scars and scratches on my body, ensuring I clean each one. thoroughly.

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At first, | intend to take a brief, one-minute bath, but the water is so soothing that | lose track of time and don’t want to leave in my dirty clothes. | think | stay for a few more minutes, relishing the gentle rocking motion of the water beneath me, my gaze fixated on the ethereal beauty of the sky above.

As my thirst builds, | take slow steps away from my bathing spot, remaining submerged in the water. The thought of drinking directly from the same place | just bathed in still seems too strange for me to even contemplate.

With my hands forming a makeshift cup, | scoop up the refreshing water from the lake and bring it to my lips. As | drink the cool liquid, | can feel its refreshing touch as it slides down my throat. With each gulp, | can feel a surge of energy coursing through my veins.

The sun, making patterns on the leaves, shows that time is going by. As | get ready to leave the lake, | quickly glance at the water one more time. | take a deep breath, relishing in the refreshing feeling as | splash water on my face for one last time. Emerging from the refreshing lake, | shiver slightly as the cool breeze kisses my damp skin. My damp skin clings uncomfortably to the wet clothes, causing me to grumble as | reluctantly pull on the tracksuit.

“Seriously, it would be so nice to have someone do our laundry in this forest. This is so disgusting.”

| mutter, my eyes darting down to the muddy stains that now mar the once-pristine fabric. No matter how hard | try, the dirt clings stubbornly to my clothes, leaving behind persistent marks.

With a sigh, | absentmindedly run my fingers over the intricate stitching of the number 9 on my tracksuit.

| cast a longing look at the lake, imagining the refreshing sensation of diving into its cool depths. Unfortunately, the demands of the Mating Run leave no time for a relaxing bath or the luxury of clean clothes.

As | fasten the tracksuit, memories of Zeke’s bag flood my mind, bringing back

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a mix of emotions. | can’t help but smile wryly ’cause there were no clothes when | got it. If only there had been spare clothes, | wouldn't have had to endure the disgust of wearing dirty garments.

Well, Zeke, wherever you are, | hope you don’t get stabbed in the ankle again.

I can’t help but chuckle, the sound bouncing off the trees and filling the quiet forest.

As | take a deep breath, | can feel the dampness of my hair as | squeeze out the water. The bath does little to wake me up; if anything, it makes me even sleepier. The wind, carrying the scent of the approaching sunset, gently rustles through the forest, making me feel drowsy.

As the sun vanishes beneath the h orizon, the sky is illuminated with a stunning palette of orange and pink..

I settle by the lake, feeling the cool breeze brush against my face as | listen to the soft whispers of the water. | force my heavy, exhausted eyes open, despite their protests. As the shadows of the forest deepen, exhaustion tugs at me, urging me to find a place to rest.

“Maybe just a quick power nap, | think | totally deserve it.”

| mumble to the quiet evening, the soothing chirping of crickets blending with my internal struggle between the allure of sleep and the necessity of staying alert. The path towards the nook by the boulders stretches out in the distance, a bit far from where | am. Without any sleep, | doubt I'll have the energy to go very far if | make the journey. Before embarking on such a climb, | need to replenish my energy levels.

With a reluctant sigh, | resign myself to the reality, pushing myself up to a stand and walking towards Zeke’s bag. Reaching into my bag, | retrieve the holographic map, making sure to check for nearby Hunters before settling down for a nap.

But as | reach out, my fingers find nothing but empty air.

| am abruptly jolted awake by a surge of panic, a primal instinct that

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overshadows my tiredness. | frantically pat myself down, desperately searching for the map that seems to have vanished into thin air.

“No, no, no!”

And then, just a few feet away from me, | hear a sharp, piercing whistle.

“Holy s hit, 9, this sponsored gift is something else. Mind sharing it with me?”

TIT