"so, anyone know how to get out of here?"

I ask hesitantly, running my hand through my dirty blonde bangs.

we look to one another trying to figure it out. each of us thinking in our own ways only wanting to be able to see our families and friends once more, to save all of them from the world's vile corruption. The unpowered.

"Hey, Shard. its there any chance you could break any of the maze walls?" Jayne says pondering.

The stenith thinks for a minute before backing up and ramming her body into the steel. a large dent where she hit but no hole.

Shard roles her shoulder back before turning back to us unharmed.

"It was worth a shot."

we all nod in disappointment. I might go insane if I'm stuck in this confined metal room any longer, and by the looks of it the others would too. except jayne, her confinement was full of air and space. She was around her family and friends inside her fenced off containment, she could run as long as she wanted. No one would have reason to tell her not to. she would go crazy trying to keep the rest of us sane. no matter how concealed i may be, others can't help but be visible.

i can understand and read facial expression like writing on paper. seeing the despair over every friend i had, seeing family just give into the unpowereds will so easily, with blackened hearts. The broken. then the few still wielding hope. determination, willpower, and faith. only minutes away from succumbing to the darkness. Snapping, like a twig.

I looked up to see the metal ceiling. but i see something hopeful. a 4 inch space between it and the top of the maze walls.

"Nikki! Is there anything you could morph into that would fit in there?" i say suddenly as i point to the gap. He looks at it before his body melts to the ground in a dark tar, reforming as a hummingbird and jittering his wings to finally sit on the top wall. he then jumps off, reforming mid-air.

"Good eye Sam! I could see the exit from up there. C'mon!" I smile as he leads us around the woven iron. finally we reach the door, Jayne running around eagerly, hope shimmering in her eyes. Eris steps forward only to be thrown backwards by an unknown force.

she grabs her arm while Jayne and I help her up. the hope from before deflated from the speedsters gaze.

"What the hell?" Shard exclaims, going to look at something beside the door. A golden slate with words carved in is embedded into the wall.

"Only the one who's free like wind, shall pass as the next questions lead. one of agility, grace, and energy. They shall be tested next as a spark of hope. choose your champion for the oncoming assessment."

"what is does that even mean?" Nikki voices, puzzlement laced on her features.

Eris's eyes widen, happiness in her eyes as she steadily moves towards the plate re-reading it.

"It's a riddle! my village had a lot of them around on boards. just to solve for fun.-"

"oh yes, being thrown into a wall in just wonderful!" Nikki cuts her off, rolling her eyes.

"It's a question that is used to test intelligence." Eris finishes.

"so, do you have any idea what it means?" i ask hopefully.

i could see her ponder for a moment, her thoughts almost visible. that's how hard she was thinking. she opens her eyes and steps towards the golden plate. closing her eyes once again as she runs her fingers over the smooth carvings.

"Jayne, open the door."

Eris's sudden speech startles us. but we obey. Jayne taking small strides , resting her hand on the cold door handle. Shard, nikki and i behind her, ready to break her fall if she is doomed to the same fate as Eris had been.

she takes a deep breath and pushes the door open smoothly. jayne, along with the rest of us except Eris stared shocked at the open area in front of us.The teliken however smirks knowingly.

"knew it!"

Shard grumbles something indistinguishable. through it sounded like she was saying 'smartass' through her clenched teeth.

Level one complete. are we ready for the next one?