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Description
Staring out the window of their truck as sunset over the land Alex felt a jolt of excitement as they grew closer. The time had finally come for him and Zelkova, who had come so far from when she had been abandoned puppy, to compete in this, the Haunted Toko Ride.

Alex had spent a very long time debating on whether to wear a costume, and if he did what costume could he wear? And if he wore a costume, well Zelkova would be stuck with some frippery or other as well then, so he had to choose carefully for that reason. There was also the small matter of him being an anthropomorphic being, though he was certainly not the only one who had animal or animal like features or for that matter the only one that that could shape-shift, but it was still a problem when it came to things like costumes. He could always ask for help in creatively editing his costume so that his tail did not have to be uncomfortably stuffed down his trousers and if he wore a hat that they would have the proper holes for his pointed fur-covered ears, but that would still mean he needed to decide on a costume.

Finally he had decided, and in the end his idea was one that would barely need any altering to suit him. He would be dressed as a sorcerer, and Zelkova would get to wear wings and some pointy ears as she would be dressed up as a bat. He had temporarily dyed his tail, hair and ears black and brown to hide them better against the black, high collared robes he had chosen for his outfit, with a bit of help he had sewn on some decorations at the hem, and sides of the robe on his sleeves and on the edge of the hood in the style of simple swirls which were a dark golden color with lighter yellows and gold glimmering throughout. He had a black bandana to cover his lower face though for the most part he would not bother with it, and it was only to add effect. His black riding gloves were easily cleaned, his boots polished though if he was standing the robes would cover all but the boot's toes, under the robes he wore a black tee-shirt and black pants for added warm and security. He had bought a black staff that held a tiger's eye gem inside a small curved area between the four pointed sides that made up the top of the staff, he had also added golden swirls of paint to it. A book satchel, made black faux leather, handily enough, held in place with a golden chain going around and under his cape. A necklace with another tiger's eye gem hung around his neck on a black thong, and he had also applied some eye shadow and eyeliner to make his eyes look darker and more mysterious.

For Zelkova's costume, well that taken some clever sewing and a long search for a black saddle that would fit around the wings without getting caught on them,, but better then riding Zelkova bareback and getting fur all over Alex's costume. Zelkova wore pointy black bat ears on a headband that was fitted to her black bridle. Alex was proud of the wings, everyone had worked hard on them, and it had come down to the last minute but now that they were attached to Zelkova he had to say it had been worth it. The wings were attached by straps on the saddle and a strap that went under the tokota's belly, and lay in a limp position unless Alex pulled on the strings that controlled them to make them “flap”. They were even a nice mix of brown and black, and coated in a soft velvet fabric except on the joins which were thin PCP pipes covered with a much silkier fabric, this provided flexibility and support for the whole structure.

The nice thing about both their costumes was despite the time it had taken them to put them together it did not take that long to prep Zelkova for the Haunted Toko Ride. They had been practicing for it for weeks as well, over the last week they had even practiced with the costume, though no one knew for sure what the terrain was like exactly there were rumors of a maze of some sort – probably a corn or mirror maze if Alex had to guess, a forest, but how large of one no one knew, but other elements remained a mystery. And of course there would be the scares, which were a great deal harder to prepare for. For that Alex and Zelkova would have to rely on each other to keep a clear head and keep moving as quickly as they could, for the race was not against other tokotas, at least not in one large race, no that had been decided as possibly too dangerous in this setting. Instead they would be racing each other on the clock, trying to get the best time.

Finally Kendrick pulled up to the starting area and helped him unload and prep Zelkova. “Alright, don't be nervous, I know there's a lot of people here, but just concetnrate on you and Zelkova, no one else matters. I am here if you need me buddy. Good luck” Kendrick patted Alex's shoulder and smiled.

“Thanks Kendrick” Alex smiled back, trying not to let his nerves show.

It was only at the event that Alex finally saw a map of the course, just as suspected there was a forest, that part was first, and that was what he felt most prepared for. The second area did indeed look to be a maze, a corn maze to be exact, which really did make more sense then a mirror maze, if your tokota went off crashing through the corn it was unlikely you or they could get injured, but smashing into or through glass – well that was another matter. Last was what looked like an underground area – a cave system? Alex was not prepared for that, he had a fear of tight spaces and even though he knew the people holding this event would not put the tokotas or riders in any real danger the thought of being in a dark tight cave made his heart race. All in all the course totaled five miles.

He had, fortunately come prepared, though they were also supplying people who might not have thought to bring this or that. Personally he thought that maybe those who had forgotten such simple things as a water bottle, extra batteries, waterproof matches, a headlamp, snacks, a compass, and duct tape deserved a bit of a slow down, but everyone could agree on the fairness of the course this way. There were two things that they gave out though that everyone needed, a map of the area, and an assigned number so he grabbed one of each. He was number 30, not too bad, and the night had just started. Besides they would be running this several nights in a row if need be, which looking at the turnout he suspected they would and he would not mind having another day to study the map and maybe try to prepare mentally if not physically for the caves.

So he sipped on some coffee, sitting against Zelkova's side while he waited, his number was not so high he felt as though heading back home would be worth it, so why not wait and find out others times? He had also been preparing himself for this, staying up late and sleeping during the day, it was an odd schedule to keep, being awake when everyone else was asleep but he hoped it would pay off. The brown tokota was taking this opportunity to take a quick snooze, her brown eyes shutting out the world around them.

It was two am when number twenty-nine was called and another tokota and rider were off in the night. Stretching Alex woke Zelkova, and did several warm ups with the drowsy tokota until her brown eyes gained their alertness once more. He got another drink, rechecked his supplies, went to the bathroom and checked Zelkova's tack while he waited. Finally he mounted her, situating himself comfortably in the odd shaped saddle and carefully pinning her wings to the sides so that they hopefully not get caught on any wayward branches. He also turned his headlamp on so that he would not have to reach up once they started running to try and fumble with the button. Just in case of any emergencies he had a knife at his side, and he had tied his robes up so he could walk easily without fear of tripping.

“Thirty, please come to the starting line, number thirty to the starting line” came the voice over the bullhorn. Zelkova did not need any urging to go over the starting line, she was raring to go now, and she shifted her weight impatiently as Alex waited for the signal. “Ready, Set, Go!” With that they were off, Alex shifting low over Zelkova's neck as she burst into a brown bolt of fur and speed.

The forest proved to be just as easy as Alex hoped, Zelkova whipping her way around trees, under low hanging branches, up over fallen logs or rocks, past the people who jumped out in various costumes to scare them, as well as the tokotas that lunged at them from the dark. The path was theirs for the taking and even a quick splash through a pond did not slow the brown tokota from her goal. It still surprised Alex though just how quickly the made their way to the corn maze and he reminded himself to give Zelkova lots of treats later for her quick footwork.

A clearing in the trees showed the corn maze just up ahead and with determination Zelkova plunged through the entrance. She however did not barrel through the corn maze quite like she had for the forest, while in the forest you could risk doing something like going through some bushes or cutting around a tree to the right when the path went left here there were new rules in play. You had to stick to the path, no trampling the crops if they could help or just cutting through the maze. This part would try Alex's patience as there was nothing to do but go down paths as quickly as possible while sticking to the left side wall so as not to get lost.

While tried and true in a race against the clock this method seemed infuriatingly slow as they had follow some paths around obvious dead ends to keep to the left. There were also more people screaming, yelling and howling, popping out of the maze. Several scarecrows, false skeletons, spiders webs and other creepy decorations hung from every corner. Recordings of owls or other creatures of the night played eerily from the darkest corners. Eyes that glowed peered at them, and once or twice Alex had to re-orient himself as something or someone jumped in front of him or played loudly in his ear, distracting him from path.

Still, it did not take the pair too long to work their way out of the maze and they were in a clearing once more. There was short but winding path before the caves entrance and Alex spent that time letting Zelkova steer while he tried to prepare himself for what lay ahead.

Finally the dark cave entrance loomed in front of him, there was no light inside other then that coming from his headlamp and before he went on he adjusted the strap more snugly around his head, his hood having long been swept from his head by their swift movement, his hair and ears sweaty and his hands shook as he took a deep breath in, and shakily let it out.

“Alright Zelkova, you need to be the brave one here” he told the tokota who cocked her head then took a step forward. Once again Alex drew himself low over her back, this time though he did not do it for speed, but more for the physical closeness this provided him to her comforting presence.
She seemed sensed his fear and did not try to go frighteningly fast through the caves, but at a fast enough pace through the darkness that he always felt like they were never standing still.
He could not even gather the courage to look around, and just kept his head fixed stiffly at the path ahead, though his eyes were closed during some of it.

Water dripped loudly from somewhere nearby, more eyes gleamed from around corners, and soft howls, hoots, screeches and skitters made the hair on the back of his neck stand on end. While somewhere in the back of his mind he knew that most likely all of those sounds were made by some fun loving humans with a penchant for scaring or even recordings he was far more nervous and he felt himself twitching away from certain sounds and he kept feeling certain he had caught a glimpse of a horrible monster coming up behind them, though Zelkova kept steadily onward and when he, rather bravely in his opinion, looked behind them there was nothing there but darkness.

The tunnels seemed to stretch on forever, no light came from anywhere but his lamp and the various props that were set up. Alex was actually starting to get used this, when they came to a fork in the paths. Fumbling with his map Alex tried to turn it every which way, puzzled over this. Had he taken a wrong turn along the way? Where was this split on the map? He tried shining his light down both tunnels, but both continued into the darkness.
After some deliberation Alex chose the left tunnel, piling up some rocks and stray leaves that had gotten caught in Zelkova's mane to mark the place. The unexpected choice rattled him, and he kept around for any sign that this was the right path, but there was nothing but the rock around them, and the ceiling grew lower up ahead. His stomach twisted at the thought of going in there, he would have to dismount Zelkova to go through, but what really made him doubt the validity of this path was the fact the tunnel got thinner, barely wide enough for a tokota to fit through and it looked like it got even more narrow further down.

No, he should at least look down the right tunnel before making any rash decisions. Backtracking he guided Zelkova to the right. There was no sign this was the correct tunnel either though, and it was only the fact that it stayed wider and taller then the left convinced Alex that this had to be the right way.

A glimmer caught his and suddenly a large form rushed out of the darkness, scurrying in the path ahead. He squinted, his heart racing, what was that? Was it a person waiting to scare him? A deer perhaps taking refuge, or something more sinister?

Looking back Alex bit his lip with indecision, but before he could make a choice Zelkova moved forward, seemingly undisturbed by the event. Alex gulped, but he trusted the tokota, he knew she would not walk straight into danger.

Every one of his muscles tensed as they grew nearer to the place he had last scene the shape and his hands gripped the rein tightly. He rose slightly in the saddle to try and peer around a boulder into the hidden shadows behind it. There was something there.

“Its just a person, its just person” he tried to think to himself, but he still felt a desperate urge to run, to turn and flee.

Zelkova seemed to sense his distress and moved faster, her right front foot went past the boulder and then there was a sudden screech as claws swung wildly at them, the shape leaping for them, a blur of motion. Zelkova shied, her eyes rolling, and she ran forward for a few yards before she calmed of her own accord. Alex though wanted her to keep running, to get as far away from that thing as possible. He kicked her side sharply, something he would never do with her and Zelkova snorted, turning her head to look up at her rider.

In their flight Alex had managed to loose his staff, but there was no way he was going back there for it. “Come on Zelkova, lets get out of here” he urged, his voice hoarse. He was not sure how much more of this confining darkness he could take.

Fortunately for him the exit to the cave appeared not long after that, though every spooky noise or glowing eyes in the cave had made him grip the reins more. He breathed a sigh of relief at the open air, staring up at the moon, feeling the fresh breeze on his skin. “Okay girl, time to finish this thing” he urged after checking his map once more to reorient himself and she burst into another run.

As they ran, the fear ebbed away, though his nerves were still frazzled he regained control of his frightened imagination. They had made it out, they were free, and soon they would cross the finish line.

The crowd of people waiting was what Alex spotted first, but they could not slow down, not now, they were so close, and he wanted to make up for the extra time he knew the cave had cost them. He crouched lower against Zelkova's shoulders, urging her on with his voice as she sent dirt flying up with her paws as she stretched out. Nothing stood in their way and he could hear a few tired voices sending up a cheer as they came down the homestretch. Their cheer seemed to encourage Zelkova and she found an extra gear somewhere underneath the exhaustion and endurance it had taken her to get Alex through the cave and she burst past the finish line, tongue lolling, sweat lathered in her fur.

It took the tokota while to slow after the finish line, but Alex was so proud of her, and he whispered praises into her ears. He took time to make sure she cooled down properly. As he did so a costumed figure approached him, one wearing a bear pelt that fit them so well that Alex took a double take before seeing the human face underneath. It was a girl he did not recognize and a mischievous smile played at her lips. “Hey, so did you know you scream like a girl?” she asked tauntingly.
“W.. what?” he stuttered, taking a second look at her.
“I said you scream like a girl.”
“I know w… what you said, but what d..do you mean?” He wished sometimes that he was not so awkwardly shy.
“Well see, I'm the one that scared you in the cave. You might not have realized but when I “attacked” you you kind of screamed. Really high.” So she had been the shape in the cave. Briefly Alex considered lying, but what would that get him, but more teasing? Mustering up some courage he managed to speak without stuttering “Yeah, you know, you really scared me. Too bad you don't have a recording of that, I am sure Kendrick would love to hear that,” he grinned shyly.

The girl smiled at him and outstretched her hand, he stared at it for a moment, his brain not quite putting two and two together. Zelkova saved him once again, and nudged him, snapping him out of his frozen state, and shook her hand. “Good luck dude” she said, turned and waved as she walked off to join some of the other costumed people.

Alex blinked and turned to Zelkova and stared at her, his mind still trying to process what had just happened. Petting Zelkova he noticed his hands were shaking, and his whole body felt like it was buzzing and his exhaustion had left him with this adrenaline rush. Kendrick found him and for a while they stayed and watched as one rider and tokota after another would come in, some looking pale as a ghost, others grinning smugly. No times were announced as they would not find out if their time had been good enough until everyone had run the course, so all that was left for them to do was wait.

Description
Staring out the window of their truck as sunset over the land Alex felt a jolt of excitement as they grew closer. The time had finally come for him and Zelkova, who had come so far from when she had been abandoned puppy, to compete in this, the Haunted Toko Ride.

Alex had spent a very long time debating on whether to wear a costume, and if he did what costume could he wear? And if he wore a costume, well Zelkova would be stuck with some frippery or other as well then, so he had to choose carefully for that reason. There was also the small matter of him being an anthropomorphic being, though he was certainly not the only one who had animal or animal like features or for that matter the only one that that could shape-shift, but it was still a problem when it came to things like costumes. He could always ask for help in creatively editing his costume so that his tail did not have to be uncomfortably stuffed down his trousers and if he wore a hat that they would have the proper holes for his pointed fur-covered ears, but that would still mean he needed to decide on a costume.

Finally he had decided, and in the end his idea was one that would barely need any altering to suit him. He would be dressed as a sorcerer, and Zelkova would get to wear wings and some pointy ears as she would be dressed up as a bat. He had temporarily dyed his tail, hair and ears black and brown to hide them better against the black, high collared robes he had chosen for his outfit, with a bit of help he had sewn on some decorations at the hem, and sides of the robe on his sleeves and on the edge of the hood in the style of simple swirls which were a dark golden color with lighter yellows and gold glimmering throughout. He had a black bandana to cover his lower face though for the most part he would not bother with it, and it was only to add effect. His black riding gloves were easily cleaned, his boots polished though if he was standing the robes would cover all but the boot's toes, under the robes he wore a black tee-shirt and black pants for added warm and security. He had bought a black staff that held a tiger's eye gem inside a small curved area between the four pointed sides that made up the top of the staff, he had also added golden swirls of paint to it. A book satchel, made black faux leather, handily enough, held in place with a golden chain going around and under his cape. A necklace with another tiger's eye gem hung around his neck on a black thong, and he had also applied some eye shadow and eyeliner to make his eyes look darker and more mysterious.

For Zelkova's costume, well that taken some clever sewing and a long search for a black saddle that would fit around the wings without getting caught on them,, but better then riding Zelkova bareback and getting fur all over Alex's costume. Zelkova wore pointy black bat ears on a headband that was fitted to her black bridle. Alex was proud of the wings, everyone had worked hard on them, and it had come down to the last minute but now that they were attached to Zelkova he had to say it had been worth it. The wings were attached by straps on the saddle and a strap that went under the tokota's belly, and lay in a limp position unless Alex pulled on the strings that controlled them to make them “flap”. They were even a nice mix of brown and black, and coated in a soft velvet fabric except on the joins which were thin PCP pipes covered with a much silkier fabric, this provided flexibility and support for the whole structure.

The nice thing about both their costumes was despite the time it had taken them to put them together it did not take that long to prep Zelkova for the Haunted Toko Ride. They had been practicing for it for weeks as well, over the last week they had even practiced with the costume, though no one knew for sure what the terrain was like exactly there were rumors of a maze of some sort – probably a corn or mirror maze if Alex had to guess, a forest, but how large of one no one knew, but other elements remained a mystery. And of course there would be the scares, which were a great deal harder to prepare for. For that Alex and Zelkova would have to rely on each other to keep a clear head and keep moving as quickly as they could, for the race was not against other tokotas, at least not in one large race, no that had been decided as possibly too dangerous in this setting. Instead they would be racing each other on the clock, trying to get the best time.

Finally Kendrick pulled up to the starting area and helped him unload and prep Zelkova. “Alright, don't be nervous, I know there's a lot of people here, but just concetnrate on you and Zelkova, no one else matters. I am here if you need me buddy. Good luck” Kendrick patted Alex's shoulder and smiled.

“Thanks Kendrick” Alex smiled back, trying not to let his nerves show.

It was only at the event that Alex finally saw a map of the course, just as suspected there was a forest, that part was first, and that was what he felt most prepared for. The second area did indeed look to be a maze, a corn maze to be exact, which really did make more sense then a mirror maze, if your tokota went off crashing through the corn it was unlikely you or they could get injured, but smashing into or through glass – well that was another matter. Last was what looked like an underground area – a cave system? Alex was not prepared for that, he had a fear of tight spaces and even though he knew the people holding this event would not put the tokotas or riders in any real danger the thought of being in a dark tight cave made his heart race. All in all the course totaled five miles.

He had, fortunately come prepared, though they were also supplying people who might not have thought to bring this or that. Personally he thought that maybe those who had forgotten such simple things as a water bottle, extra batteries, waterproof matches, a headlamp, snacks, a compass, and duct tape deserved a bit of a slow down, but everyone could agree on the fairness of the course this way. There were two things that they gave out though that everyone needed, a map of the area, and an assigned number so he grabbed one of each. He was number 30, not too bad, and the night had just started. Besides they would be running this several nights in a row if need be, which looking at the turnout he suspected they would and he would not mind having another day to study the map and maybe try to prepare mentally if not physically for the caves.

So he sipped on some coffee, sitting against Zelkova's side while he waited, his number was not so high he felt as though heading back home would be worth it, so why not wait and find out others times? He had also been preparing himself for this, staying up late and sleeping during the day, it was an odd schedule to keep, being awake when everyone else was asleep but he hoped it would pay off. The brown tokota was taking this opportunity to take a quick snooze, her brown eyes shutting out the world around them.

It was two am when number twenty-nine was called and another tokota and rider were off in the night. Stretching Alex woke Zelkova, and did several warm ups with the drowsy tokota until her brown eyes gained their alertness once more. He got another drink, rechecked his supplies, went to the bathroom and checked Zelkova's tack while he waited. Finally he mounted her, situating himself comfortably in the odd shaped saddle and carefully pinning her wings to the sides so that they hopefully not get caught on any wayward branches. He also turned his headlamp on so that he would not have to reach up once they started running to try and fumble with the button. Just in case of any emergencies he had a knife at his side, and he had tied his robes up so he could walk easily without fear of tripping.

“Thirty, please come to the starting line, number thirty to the starting line” came the voice over the bullhorn. Zelkova did not need any urging to go over the starting line, she was raring to go now, and she shifted her weight impatiently as Alex waited for the signal. “Ready, Set, Go!” With that they were off, Alex shifting low over Zelkova's neck as she burst into a brown bolt of fur and speed.

The forest proved to be just as easy as Alex hoped, Zelkova whipping her way around trees, under low hanging branches, up over fallen logs or rocks, past the people who jumped out in various costumes to scare them, as well as the tokotas that lunged at them from the dark. The path was theirs for the taking and even a quick splash through a pond did not slow the brown tokota from her goal. It still surprised Alex though just how quickly the made their way to the corn maze and he reminded himself to give Zelkova lots of treats later for her quick footwork.

A clearing in the trees showed the corn maze just up ahead and with determination Zelkova plunged through the entrance. She however did not barrel through the corn maze quite like she had for the forest, while in the forest you could risk doing something like going through some bushes or cutting around a tree to the right when the path went left here there were new rules in play. You had to stick to the path, no trampling the crops if they could help or just cutting through the maze. This part would try Alex's patience as there was nothing to do but go down paths as quickly as possible while sticking to the left side wall so as not to get lost.

While tried and true in a race against the clock this method seemed infuriatingly slow as they had follow some paths around obvious dead ends to keep to the left. There were also more people screaming, yelling and howling, popping out of the maze. Several scarecrows, false skeletons, spiders webs and other creepy decorations hung from every corner. Recordings of owls or other creatures of the night played eerily from the darkest corners. Eyes that glowed peered at them, and once or twice Alex had to re-orient himself as something or someone jumped in front of him or played loudly in his ear, distracting him from path.

Still, it did not take the pair too long to work their way out of the maze and they were in a clearing once more. There was short but winding path before the caves entrance and Alex spent that time letting Zelkova steer while he tried to prepare himself for what lay ahead.

Finally the dark cave entrance loomed in front of him, there was no light inside other then that coming from his headlamp and before he went on he adjusted the strap more snugly around his head, his hood having long been swept from his head by their swift movement, his hair and ears sweaty and his hands shook as he took a deep breath in, and shakily let it out.

“Alright Zelkova, you need to be the brave one here” he told the tokota who cocked her head then took a step forward. Once again Alex drew himself low over her back, this time though he did not do it for speed, but more for the physical closeness this provided him to her comforting presence.
She seemed sensed his fear and did not try to go frighteningly fast through the caves, but at a fast enough pace through the darkness that he always felt like they were never standing still.
He could not even gather the courage to look around, and just kept his head fixed stiffly at the path ahead, though his eyes were closed during some of it.

Water dripped loudly from somewhere nearby, more eyes gleamed from around corners, and soft howls, hoots, screeches and skitters made the hair on the back of his neck stand on end. While somewhere in the back of his mind he knew that most likely all of those sounds were made by some fun loving humans with a penchant for scaring or even recordings he was far more nervous and he felt himself twitching away from certain sounds and he kept feeling certain he had caught a glimpse of a horrible monster coming up behind them, though Zelkova kept steadily onward and when he, rather bravely in his opinion, looked behind them there was nothing there but darkness.

The tunnels seemed to stretch on forever, no light came from anywhere but his lamp and the various props that were set up. Alex was actually starting to get used this, when they came to a fork in the paths. Fumbling with his map Alex tried to turn it every which way, puzzled over this. Had he taken a wrong turn along the way? Where was this split on the map? He tried shining his light down both tunnels, but both continued into the darkness.
After some deliberation Alex chose the left tunnel, piling up some rocks and stray leaves that had gotten caught in Zelkova's mane to mark the place. The unexpected choice rattled him, and he kept around for any sign that this was the right path, but there was nothing but the rock around them, and the ceiling grew lower up ahead. His stomach twisted at the thought of going in there, he would have to dismount Zelkova to go through, but what really made him doubt the validity of this path was the fact the tunnel got thinner, barely wide enough for a tokota to fit through and it looked like it got even more narrow further down.

No, he should at least look down the right tunnel before making any rash decisions. Backtracking he guided Zelkova to the right. There was no sign this was the correct tunnel either though, and it was only the fact that it stayed wider and taller then the left convinced Alex that this had to be the right way.

A glimmer caught his and suddenly a large form rushed out of the darkness, scurrying in the path ahead. He squinted, his heart racing, what was that? Was it a person waiting to scare him? A deer perhaps taking refuge, or something more sinister?

Looking back Alex bit his lip with indecision, but before he could make a choice Zelkova moved forward, seemingly undisturbed by the event. Alex gulped, but he trusted the tokota, he knew she would not walk straight into danger.

Every one of his muscles tensed as they grew nearer to the place he had last scene the shape and his hands gripped the rein tightly. He rose slightly in the saddle to try and peer around a boulder into the hidden shadows behind it. There was something there.

“Its just a person, its just person” he tried to think to himself, but he still felt a desperate urge to run, to turn and flee.

Zelkova seemed to sense his distress and moved faster, her right front foot went past the boulder and then there was a sudden screech as claws swung wildly at them, the shape leaping for them, a blur of motion. Zelkova shied, her eyes rolling, and she ran forward for a few yards before she calmed of her own accord. Alex though wanted her to keep running, to get as far away from that thing as possible. He kicked her side sharply, something he would never do with her and Zelkova snorted, turning her head to look up at her rider.

In their flight Alex had managed to loose his staff, but there was no way he was going back there for it. “Come on Zelkova, lets get out of here” he urged, his voice hoarse. He was not sure how much more of this confining darkness he could take.

Fortunately for him the exit to the cave appeared not long after that, though every spooky noise or glowing eyes in the cave had made him grip the reins more. He breathed a sigh of relief at the open air, staring up at the moon, feeling the fresh breeze on his skin. “Okay girl, time to finish this thing” he urged after checking his map once more to reorient himself and she burst into another run.

As they ran, the fear ebbed away, though his nerves were still frazzled he regained control of his frightened imagination. They had made it out, they were free, and soon they would cross the finish line.

The crowd of people waiting was what Alex spotted first, but they could not slow down, not now, they were so close, and he wanted to make up for the extra time he knew the cave had cost them. He crouched lower against Zelkova's shoulders, urging her on with his voice as she sent dirt flying up with her paws as she stretched out. Nothing stood in their way and he could hear a few tired voices sending up a cheer as they came down the homestretch. Their cheer seemed to encourage Zelkova and she found an extra gear somewhere underneath the exhaustion and endurance it had taken her to get Alex through the cave and she burst past the finish line, tongue lolling, sweat lathered in her fur.

It took the tokota while to slow after the finish line, but Alex was so proud of her, and he whispered praises into her ears. He took time to make sure she cooled down properly. As he did so a costumed figure approached him, one wearing a bear pelt that fit them so well that Alex took a double take before seeing the human face underneath. It was a girl he did not recognize and a mischievous smile played at her lips. “Hey, so did you know you scream like a girl?” she asked tauntingly.
“W.. what?” he stuttered, taking a second look at her.
“I said you scream like a girl.”
“I know w… what you said, but what d..do you mean?” He wished sometimes that he was not so awkwardly shy.
“Well see, I'm the one that scared you in the cave. You might not have realized but when I “attacked” you you kind of screamed. Really high.” So she had been the shape in the cave. Briefly Alex considered lying, but what would that get him, but more teasing? Mustering up some courage he managed to speak without stuttering “Yeah, you know, you really scared me. Too bad you don't have a recording of that, I am sure Kendrick would love to hear that,” he grinned shyly.

The girl smiled at him and outstretched her hand, he stared at it for a moment, his brain not quite putting two and two together. Zelkova saved him once again, and nudged him, snapping him out of his frozen state, and shook her hand. “Good luck dude” she said, turned and waved as she walked off to join some of the other costumed people.

Alex blinked and turned to Zelkova and stared at her, his mind still trying to process what had just happened. Petting Zelkova he noticed his hands were shaking, and his whole body felt like it was buzzing and his exhaustion had left him with this adrenaline rush. Kendrick found him and for a while they stayed and watched as one rider and tokota after another would come in, some looking pale as a ghost, others grinning smugly. No times were announced as they would not find out if their time had been good enough until everyone had run the course, so all that was left for them to do was wait.