Mathias

It isn't something they do every week, but Mathias has come to really look forward to the mornings when he and Neil get to take off for a little while. They often end up surfing, which he's not quite as terrible at anymore, given all the practice he's gotten, but some days they don't do much of anything at all, which in itself is quite nice. He loves Sam, but it's important to have a break every so often, some time to recharge.

That morning he has his scuba gear with him, an extra mask, respirator and flippers for Neil and he's nearing their designated meeting place on the beach when a man steps out of the jungle in front of him. In the distance, he can see Neil, but for just a moment it's as if everything shimmers and there's suddenly green everywhere. Green leaves shaped like hands are dragging themselves across the beach toward Neil, slipping and sliding over the sand. Blood red flowers bloom as the vine grows, tumbling over itself, getting bigger and bigger. And closer and closer to Neil.

Mathias takes a few steps forward, but the man who's come out of the jungle raises a rifle and points it at his chest. Another man joins him, then a third, and this last points his arrow at Neil.

They don't say anything, but Mathias knows what happens next.

"No!" he shouts as the arrow is loosed from the bow. It sails through the air and Mathias knows it's a perfect shot, that it will find its mark. "Neil! Look out!"

When he steps forward this time, it all disappears. No vines, no men, no arrows.