Together, we feel secure, we feel safe. Together, we have power, strength, intelligence – preponderance. Together we can work as a team, become one. Together we are invincible.

***

The beast whined in agony as you stomped on its head, you spat in its eyes, you hacked at its flesh. And the beast howled in distress as the others joined in, as they jabbed at its eyes, as they pummelled its head, as they pierced its flesh. Its cries became weaker as the night became darker and, as the light of the fire flickered and died, the beast became still.

Cold, unfeeling darkness closed in on the trees and you were left fumbling about in the dark, no fire for warmth, for light or for comfort. There were no sounds, no sights, no movements from the forest; it was waiting. The forest was waiting to take its revenge. You were easy prey; every movement you made, clumsy and loud in the silence of the woods.

It happened quickly. A dull thud to your left accompanied with a crunching, snapping, gorging sound. It came on you all at the same time – one had been lost. A yell of pain as the next one fell. His terror was noted as his screams pierced the air, faltering abruptly almost as soon as they’d begun. A third thud sounded as another hit the ground. You didn't stick around.

***

Alone, we have no power, no courage, no sense of security. Alone, we are weak, insecure, fearful. Alone, we have nothing to contribute, nobody to work with. Alone we are nothing.

***

You’re running, running as fast as you can, ignorant and uncaring of the rest, their survival. No time to think, no time to feel, no time to care. All you know is the night and the darkness, all you know is your own fear, all you know is that you must keep running, you must survive. You mustn’t stop running; you must never, ever stop running.

You can hear its footsteps, quicker than your own, getting and closer to you with each passing second. You can taste its breath, foul and overpowering, desperate for a kill. You know it’s right behind you, waiting for the opportune moment to make its move. You pray this can’t be happening, you plead for mercy, you beg to be kept alive.

It happens quickly. A dull thud as you hit the ground accompanied with a crunching, snapping, gorging sound as it feasts upon your skin and bones.

***

To die is to be alone.

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