I'm dead is on repeat in my head. No matter how far or fast I run I can hear its talons behind me. A rainfall of knives on stone rings out behind me. If even one step is out of place I'm dead. A stitch rips my side and I can feel the pulse of my heart fighting back the screeching sound. If I could just make it outside maybe I can find a place to hide, but at this rate im doomed.

Pain flares in my hip as I bounce off the rapidly narrowing corridor. Scrambling for purchase and tearing my skin on the granite i know ive messed up. I'm pinned to the wall in seconds by tiny spear like legs locking each joint against the wall. Wretched humid breath pounds my neck. I can hear rapid pincers clack and flick my ear. Ive never sat so still in my life. Any moment I expect to meet my end, in a cave ive spent my entire life playing in without the smallest worry of danger. I pray Cent does not come looking for me. He's probably still reading that lame book we found, but better than dying. More time passes than I realize and I can't help but hear something change.

My body is still pinned against the wall but the smell and heat is gone. There is a puff of air noise like pressure slowly being let out. My neck muscles clench as I force myself to face whatever is holding me. My heart thunders in my head with each micro inch I turn. Bile rises in my chest, but I lock eyes as I finally turn.

Cent spits in my face, unable to hold back his laugh and I crumple from exhaustion. Fortunately, the spikes hold me as I stare blankly at my best friend crying from uncontrolled laughter. Dots invade my eyesight as my brain tries to comprehend. The spikes gently remove themselves and lower me to the ground as I try to catch my breath. The cold stone is a welcomed relief till my scraped hands snap me back to reality.

"Well there brother you shouldn't be running around like that" Cent squeaks out as the spears retract around him. Long smooth appendages seem to suck behind his back one joint at a time. His body seems to grow in the middle and his shredded shirt is filled back by pink flesh.

"What in the blazes was that Cent? Was that you or something behind you?" I manage to breath out.

"I told you reading unlocks the world" he cackles throwing his arms up having finally reverted to normal. "that book showed me things we have only seen in our dreams." Sitting down next to me I can see the many holes out of the side of his shirt.

Looking back and thinking about the sounds I shiver and slowly say "are you a spider?" a heaviness worms through my body as he renews his laughter.

“well I thought what would be the best way to get back at you for making fun of me for reading and it hits me. Your biggest fear is spiders." His fingers wave like spider legs. I scramble away from him to laughter.

"you are such a dick" and I shiver at the thought of a giant spider. " You have now brought to life my worst nightmare’ and I will be setting traps when we get home"

"Don't be like that Melan it will come in handy, but you are missing the point" I help him up and we begin to walk back.

'you haven't asked if I can share this ability" bumping me with his shoulder.

I cant help but grin at him in thought of what I could be. A powerful lion maybe or silent wolf. Adventure wells up as I think of us flying through the countryside in our forms, taking on all measure of beasts. Our time has come and I clap him on the shoulder as I pull him to me. "well brother I think its time you enlighten me"