You crashed through the undergrowth with all the grace of an elephant, twigs snapping beneath your thundering heels. Birds shrieked overhead, announcing your presence, but you ingonred it, the adrenaline pumping through your veins blinding your senses.

You really didn't want to lose. Losing meant you'd toss any pride you still carried with you under the bus. Especially after making the bet with Ghost that you could out run him for ten minutes.

You skidded to a stop just before a drop-off. A glimpse over the edge revealed a long, steep descent into a boulder-filled ravine -- there was no way around. Doubling back would cost you precious minutes you couldn't spare, so you forged onward onto another path that led to a hill.

At the top, you paused for a second to catch your breath and assess your burning calves when a sharp snap echoed through the trees. You nearly yelped as you turned around, taking in Ghost who stood less than 100 feet behind you, a victorious grin splitting his sharp face.

Like a shot, you were off, as annoyed as you were afraid. His laughter chased you in the forest, gaining on you. Then, you felt him tackle you around the middle, sending you both to the soil-covered ground.

You struggled for the advantage, but he was a step ahead, taking hold of your hands with one of his and enabling your ability to fight. He leaned down, his words brushing the shell of your ear. "You did good," he mused. "But not good enough."