Everybody was running. They didn't know if the monster was going to catch up to them, but they did know that it would eventually if they didn't hurry up. Sparna fell behind, her limbs both freezing and unreliable because of their constant movement. She wanted to stop, but she knew that she couldn't.

Then, her right hand started catching on to what her legs were doing.

Was she... shaking?

Sparna tried holding her vibrating hand with her left one, but it didn't work whatsoever. In fact, it probably just made it worse. Why was she shaking? It wasn't that cold, and she wasn't scared even to cause it.

Her head was spinning, making her feel a little faint. Visions of what had happened on the beach popped into her head, and no matter how hard she tried to shake them away, they stayed. Suddenly, she was sucked inside of the spiraling mass of her imagination and tripped, falling onto the ground.

It wouldn't leave. I just wouldn't.

A mixture of emotions overcame her, confusion finding its way to peak through and take control. What the hell was going on?

Suddenly, she was both extremely sad and scared, like her brain wanted her to see what she was, even though her heart didn't. It felt like a hundred elephants were pressing down on her shoulders, making it impossible to stand up as she was filled with grief.

"Hey," A male voice said. She didn't notice who it was, still distracted. "Are you alright?"

"Y-yeah," She stuttered, but she knew he knew she was lying.

"Are you sure?" He asked. 

Instead of answering, she decided to change the subject. "You know, we'll fall behind if we don't hurry up." Out of the corner of her eye, she could see his hand held out for her to grab. Sparna finally looked up, noticing that it was Liam Parker that was talking to her. Her shaking hand grabbed his, his strength pulling her up. Sparna was surprised she could even stand, even it was still weak. Liam helped keep her steady, and suddenly, they were running. 

Sparna tried to stay focused, but it was a difficult task. Just keep going, Sparna told herself. You're strong enough. You can do it.

But then it came to her; was she strong enough?

***

The group of teenagers were sitting in a group on the ground, some almost asleep, some wide awake. They had been running for such a long time that they lost hope that anything was going to find them. Plus, they were exhausted.

Eira was in deep thought. Her best friend had just died right in front of her, and it was just a matter of time before the monster got her as well. It was already a miracle that twenty people survived the crash, but seventeen going back home? No way.

And that boy that she helped heal, she didn't see him anywhere. Had he been murdered as well? Was he still back on the shore? She really didn't know.

Sparna rested her head on Talon's shoulder, Nico beside her. Her visions were still active, but she tried to focus on other things, like the people that were right beside her. Her little brother and her best friend; two people that would do anything for her. It didn't stop her from seeing the scene, but at least it made her feel better in the heart.

Lanier stared at his hands, watching them shake as he couldn't control it. Out of everybody there, he felt the most out of place. He had tried, but he hadn't been able to remember anything, not even how old he was or who his friends and family were. Was he really going to have to start over?

It didn't seem very appealing.

Hedi clutched his stomach, feeling its emptiness throughout his body. He was starving, for he hadn't eaten nor drank anything since the plane crashed. They weren't going to survive long without food and water.

"I think we should go," Hedi said, breaking the long silence between the group. "We need something to eat, or we'll all die from dehydration and starvation."

"I'm down," William said, adjusting his position. "You're right; we do need to find something to eat."

"Exactly," Marisa agreed.

While most people seemed fond of the idea, some were skeptical. "What about the monster?" Jayed asked, obviously a little worried. "I mean, Quinn said that he only injured it."

"We have the same chance of dying if we just stayed put," Elliot pointed out. "In fact, it's better to keep moving."

"But we haven't seen any water nor animals while we were looking for Nico," Liam said. "Will we really find anything now?"

"Well," Zeke started. "We've got to try, now, don't we?"

Liam shrugged, finally giving in to the group's idea. Jayed still looked nervous but Quinn comforted him, saying that they would stay together ina big group. If they got off the island, Quinn thought, their story would make a fantastic novel. And he would write it.

If he only had his notebook.

"I'm staying with Talon," Sparna said. "She can't walk, and we shouldn't have to force her." She was only half lying. She did want to help her friend, but she also needed time to rest after everything she was thinking about.

"Are you sure splitting up is the best idea?" Hedi asked.

"Oh, they'll be fine," Dylan assured, however there was nothing caring about it. "If the monster finds them first, then we'll have more time to get away."

"Shut up!" Marisa snapped.

"No, she should stay," Zeke said. "Sparna and a few others can stay while we go and look for food and water."

"Okay then," Sparna said. "Nico, you're staying with me."

Nico stood up from his seat with Ty, walking over to Sparna. "But I don't want to. I want to help hunt."

"Nico, I am not going to let you run through the woods without me."

Nico gaped. Unbelievable. "I already did, and guess what? I'm fine! I'm not some little kid who needs protecting!"

Sparna was shocked at his sudden temper. She wasn't expecting that outburst. "I just want you to be safe!"

"I'm taking risks, Sparna! Why won't you let me do what I want?"

The two were interrupted with Talon grabbing Sparna by the shoulders and whispering for her to let him go. She screamed no at first, alarming a few of the teenagers, then calmed down a little bit. "You already got lost in the woods once, and you almost died. I don't want that to happen again."

Before Nico could continue, Ty stood in front of him and faced Sparna. Their cheeks turned red, fingers clenching into a fist. "Nico's tough enough to handle himself. He's been through so much in the matter of a day, yet he's still here. If he wants to step up and help, you need to let him, because we need as much help as we can get." No one was really expecting that they'd say that, since they barely said anything before when they got back to the shore.

Sparna was speechless. She just wanted her little Neeks to be safe, that's all. Now, he was leaving again and there was no way to ensure his safety.

"Okay, then, so the kid's coming?" Dylan asked.

Sparna opened her mouth to protest, but Nico said yes before she could say anything. He walked over to the group, Ty by his side.

Orion didn't bother signing, instead getting the group's attention and then gesturing to them, mouthing the word more and pointing to Sparna and Talon. People were confused until Talon spoke up from where she was sitting.

"He means we need more people to stay with me and Sparna," She said. Orion smiled at her, giving her a thumbs up.

"If that's the case," Liam started. "then I'll stay."

"Are you sure?" Zeke asked. Liam nodded, walking over to Sparna and Talon and sitting on a rock near Sparna.

"Alright, we got one," Marisa said. "Any other volunteers?"

Eira pushed her way from behind the group, raising her hand. She didn't necessarily want to stay, since she was quite frightened to stay put, but she needed time to just sit and think. Plus, if Talon needed help, she would be there.

People were surprised when Naya refused to stay, since she showed little interest in helping anyone, but she said that she was very thirsty and wanted to be one of the first people to claim water-if they found it. Marisa said that someone should stay behind that didn't last time, so they have a chance to rest, and it wasn't until William volunteered for her that Elliot finally agreed to it.

"Your loss," She muttered, taking a seat on an open rock.

Everybody was ready, and at that moment the group split up, some staying sitting and others wandering off into the dark, mysterious abyss.