Water filled my lungs as I fought tirelessly to stay afloat. The fast moving water and poor visibility made it almost impossible to see, but somehow I spotted a group of rocks up ahead which was only adding to my panic.
I tried to swim faster against the water, but it only seemed to make me more tired yet I still didn’t give up. At this speed, if I was going it hit any of the rocks it was going to hurt if not kill me outright. The river was too wide for me to make it over to land in time, my best bet was to use the rocks stop me. “Fuck” this was going to hurt.
The first rock approached faster than I anticipated which caused my timing to be off. I was rewarded with a cracking sound and a visit from cousin pain.
“Ahhh! Fuck!”
You Have Suffered A Serious Injury
Cracked Rib
Health:86%
Energy:54%
A transparent message floated across my vision. That was new, but it was also a new momentary distraction that caused me to miss the timing for the next rock as well. However this time I was able to brace myself and let my shoulder take the force of the blow.
You Have Suffered A Minor Injury
Bruised Shoulder
Health:77%
Energy:39%
The force of the impact was lessened due to my first collision but it still hurt because it jostled my ribs. I was beginning to regret my pinball strategy to get to safety but I didn't have much of a choice. I could now see what was waiting for me ahead.
I calmed myself so I could get my timing right this go around. “Wait for it. Wait for it.” I pushed off the rock with my open hands with just enough force to negate the damage to my chest when I hugged it.
I let a breath of relief escape my lips, in appreciation to the fate I just mostly avoided. At the other side of the rock that I was holding on to like a naked supermodel, was a beautiful red moon. In between the rock and the moon was an abrupt end to the raging waters. A waterfall, bigger than anything I ever saw on the internet, but the fact that I might fall off of it, might have of made me a little bias. Besides, it was hard to tell how big it was from this angle.
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I took the time to slow my breathing and calm down. I couldn't afford to mess this up. There were only three rocks left before the fall. Why does that sound like the name of a rockstar’s documentary? No, focus Ammon. Everyone in my squad hated how I told jokes in situations like this. I had to be perfect, especially since only the first two rocks will help me… only the first two handholds will help me get back on land.
I pushed of off the rock with my rock with my right hand. The water quickly took hold of my body and started to propel me forward. I couldn't afford to miss this rock so I embraced it with open arms and now protection.
You Have Suffered A Minor Injury
Bruised chest
Health:69%
Energy:16%
A little heartache wasn't going to kill me. I counted my cousin pain presence as a blessing. However, my exhaustion was visible but I only had to do this one more time to be home free. The energy meter had me worried. I never got a chance to ask Nia what happens when my energy hits zero, but whatever it was I knew I couldn't afford for it to happen to me right now.
I readied myself for this last manoeuvre. I had to do this fast, I could feel the strength in my body fading. With my lungs burning I reached for that final rock… I ignored my own nervous quirk and reach for that rock with all I had and hope that nobody will ever be able to hear the thoughts that go through my mind so that the horrible drug references dies with me.
I reached with all my might for that rock only to find bittersweet relief when I only managed to barely get on hand on it. Luckily my fingers found purchase, but with only one hand holding on and the river constantly assaulting me, I didn't know how long I could hold on. I really didn’t want to die like this after everything I just survived. My fingers were gradually losing ground on the rock.
Health:69%
Energy:5%
Fuck. Well, I hope that the kids are having better luck. Hell, I hope that the lizards are having better luck. As soon as I said that, I noticed a black puppy-like creature splashing in the water. I might as well try to save one more animal before I die.
As the odd puppy past me by I reached out with my free hand to grab him. At the same time my, other had slipped so I hurriedly pulled the puppy into my chest with both hands to shield him from the drop, but I forgot about that last rock. The sudden stop caused my head to jerk back. I heard the cracking noise as my head hit the rock behind me.
You Have Suffered A Serious Injury
Cracked Skull
Health:43%
Energy:2%
You Have Suffered A Serious Injury
Bruised Brain
Health:21%
Energy:1%
I close my eyes as the feeling of weightlessness took me and the sounds of rushing water faded. No more jokes about rocks. Although I wondered how high I was before the fall?
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