•E/C: Eye Color

•H/L: Hair Length

An ear-piercing scream escapes my lips as I flee from the horde of rats racing towards me with ill intent. The tears in my E/C eyes blur my vision, making it even more difficult to find my way around the dark path in front of me. Every now and again, I'd find myself running up or down hill and around corners, accidentally hitting walls along the way. I try to wipe them away as best as I can, but more soon come to replace them. I know that in situations like this you shouldn't look behind you, but I couldn't help myself from peering over my shoulder. It was only a quick glance, but it was enough to see that the millions of rats now have white eyes that glow in the darkness. These aren't just rats; they're him, every last one of them. I face forward again with a pale face and force my legs to move faster.

'I won't let him catch me! I have to get out of here!'

The rats must've realized that I now know their true identity, for they release a chorus of distorted chuckles that strike fear into my heart. The sound echoes in my head, so I instinctively cover my ears, but it does little to help block out the noise.

"Hickory dickory dock."

'Not again!' A small light up ahead catches my attention. The closer I get to it, the more I can see that it's a small hole. It may be a bit difficult to fit through, but it's better than continuing to run in the walls with the monster so close behind me. I take my chances and make my way towards it.

"The mouse is ready to fall."

'What does he mean by that?' I shake my head to wipe the thought from my mind. I can't let him detour me. I jump through, but my waist gets snagged. Frantically, I push myself all the way through, unaware of the large drop below me.

A loud scream escapes me as I start my descent to the tiled floor, and I shut my eyes tightly so that I wouldn't have to watch the ground coming closer and closer. My wrist is suddenly grasped by a wet, clawed hand. Hesitantly, I look up at the creature that caught me, while my body dangles. The monster's head sticks out from the hole along with the hand that grabbed me tightly to keep me from slipping. The sight of that unmistakable grin and white eyes make me whimper in fear. He pulls me up so that we can meet eye to eye, and I gulp while trembling in his grasp. Honestly, I think I'd rather take my chances with plummeting to the ground than being this close to my tormentor's face.

"What's wrong, little mouse? Cat got your tongue?" The creature laughs in amusement at my vulnerable form while escaping through the hole as his body grows to its full size. The monster continues to hold my tiny hand between his thumb and index finger as he walks towards a brown, leather armchair in the room that has maroon walls and a black and white checkered floor. In front of the chair is a large, square table made of dark wood while behind it is a stone fireplace with a flame lit behind the metal screen.

Hanging above is a large, silver chandelier, whose lights are currently off, leaving the fire as the only source of light in the otherwise dark room. There are no doors or windows, which leaves little to no room for escape, unless I can somehow get back to the hole we just came out of, which is really close to the high ceiling. Chances of that happening, though, are slim to none. I whimper in pain due to the sensation of the muscles in my arm being pulled like this.

The position doesn't last long, however, for I'm soon tossed into the air, which makes me scream. When gravity works its magic, bringing me back down, I land in the monster's gooey palm. His other hand cages me in, trapping me in the darkness of his claws and soaking my body in black liquid. The substance is slick, cold, and very thick, which means it's heavy. My clothes cling to my body in a way that's uncomfortable thanks to the fluid.

"My, my. It seems I'm all out of rhymes for tonight. Such a shame. I quite love it when you flee from me, my mouse." The creature shifts his thumb some, allowing an opening for him to peek at me from within his hands. My heart pounds loudly when I see his horrendous face as he takes a seat on the comfy chair. "Perhaps we should start a different game, then? Something much more fun. Ah, I know!" His white eyes seem to light up upon coming up with an idea while dread fills me.

'What is he going to do now?' I fall onto my back when he moves me into his right hand before his left fingers pinch the back of my shirt and lift me. Though I'm completely doused in his black liquid, I find myself more concerned with keeping the hem of my shirt below my chest. The creature tilts his head some, the tar-like substance covering his thin teeth to make it look like he closed his mouth.

"Little mice run in mazes, don't they? How about this, then?" Removing his right hand from under me, he makes a gesture towards the table. Wooden walls lift from the surface, creating a complex maze as he leans over to set me down in the middle. "If you can escape before I catch you, I'll give you a prize, one I know you'll like."

"W-What s-sort of prize?" I narrow my eyes at the beast in suspicion, for he's never given out "prizes" before. Something about this won't sit right with me. A grin returns to his ugly face upon seeing the look I gave him.

"I'll stop my fun for two whole nights. You won't see or hear from me," he proposes while holding up two of his thin fingers for me to see. I stare up at him in shock.

'Is he serious? Will he actually leave me alone?' The look wears off quick, though, for I know better than to trust him. He has a trick up his sleeve, he must. What can he possibly gain from this arrangement, though? Before I can ask what happens if I lose, the monster shrinks down, appearing at the entrance of the maze. Then comes his echoing voice.

"I'll give you a ten second head start. Ready? Begin. One," the moment he begins the countdown, I break out into a sprint down the nearest path. Before I was put down, I managed to catch a glimpse of the structure's many twists and turns. Maybe, just maybe, I can use that to my advantage. Hopefully, my memory won't fail me. The maze might not be big, but it's surely difficult.

"Two,"

I mentally curse the monster for covering me in his mysterious goop, for it leaves behind tracks that will inevitably lead the way to me. Plus, it has nearly caused me to slip a few times at the start. I do my best to ignore the black substance as I run, for I'm desperate to get out of here before something really bad happens.

"Three,"

I take a right, then a left.

"Four,"

"Five,"

I can hear my heart pounding in my chest as I push my legs to move faster. The limbs feel very sore from the chase earlier, but I can't give up. I nearly let out a groan of frustration when I run into a dead end.

"Six,"

"Seven,"

I turn around and go back to the place where I took a wrong turn. This time, I go left instead of right.

"Eight,"

"Nine,"

I can hear the anticipation growing in his tone with every number that gets closer to ten. He's only one away now before he begins his chase, but I'm almost not worried. I'm positive I can beat this thing. I can feel that I'm getting closer to the end. His prize is my motivation to keep going, regardless of the pain in my legs and the lack of oxygen entering my lungs. It might only be for two nights, but that's still a break from him. I'll take what I can get.

"Ten."

The moment the last number was called, a thick layer of fog forms beneath my feet and rises. My eyes widen in disbelief.

'No! He's cheating!' Though, I probably should've expected this from that damn creature. Why would he bother playing fairly when he can bend my dreams in any way he pleases, striping the ability to control my own imagination away from me? Eventually, the fog becomes so thick that I'm unable to see my hand in front of my face, which slows me down some. I hope that he'll also be at a disadvantage in the mist, but I highly doubt that. A loud yelp escapes my lips when I run into a corner on a turn, which makes my eyes widen. I slap a hand over my mouth and stand still once I realize the maze had become completely silent. Only the sound of my thumping heart can be heard. This feeling of dread can only mean one thing:

He knows where I am.

Tired and out of breath, I stumble through the fog as quickly as I can while I hear his laugh echoing in my head.

"I'm coming for you, little mouse~"

I bite my bottom lip to prevent a whimper as I run faster. I nearly laugh victoriously when I see the exit in the distance.

'I'm almost there!' A rush of adrenaline fills my veins as I race towards it. Turns out, I moved out of the way in time, for the creature charged at me and ended up slamming into one of the walls head first. I didn't even know he was that close to me. With an irritated growl, the monster shakes his head and glares at me when I peer over my shoulder to see what had happened.

His curled horns had left a large dent in the wooden wall, but I didn't look long enough to see just how bad the damage was, for I ran for my life. I'm so close; I can't let him catch me now! The beast doesn't take long to catch up with me; in fact, he was nearly able to grab the back of my shirt with his thin fingers by the time I finally stepped over the white line and leave the maze. I collapse forward and pant heavily to catch my breath as the fog gradually disappears. I shakily push myself up and turn onto my back to gaze at the puzzle's exit. I find the creature standing behind the line in disbelief, but the expression soon fades as a hardened look replaces it. I gulp as he leans against the wall with his left with his arm. His sharp nails lightly tap against the wood, while his gaze never leaves my form.

"What a clever, little thing you are, mouse." The monster steps towards me, so instinctively, I attempt to crawl away. My limbs cry in protest to the movement, desperately in need of rest, causing me to wince. I have to stop regardless, though, for I soon reach the end of the table. Below no longer stands a floor, but a black abyss that I have no interest in falling into. Gulping in fear, I gaze up at the creature as he towers over my trembling form. I can't tell his intentions, for his expression is blank, no grin, no glare, nothing. All I can do is stare up at his dripping form while paralyzed with fear.

"P-p-please, don't hurt me," I squeak out as tears well in my eyes. I'm so very scared right now. I can tell he wants to bring harm to me due to the threatening aura surrounding the monster. After all, I won, and he lost. I have a feeling that wasn't a part of whatever he had planned. He was likely just trying to give me false hope so that he could tear it away. Things didn't go that way, though, so I wonder if he'll stay true to his word and allow me two nights of peace? I really doubt that, though. A grin suddenly appears on his face as he crouches down to get closer to my seated form, confusing, yet intimidating me.

"Now, now. When have I ever directly inflicted pain on you? I may have left mental scars here and there, but remember where your true body lies. It's tucked away in your little bed, where you're left completely vulnerable. I can do whatever I please with it whilst I play games in here with you."

My eyes widen as my face drains of color. I...I never thought about what he could do outside of my head while he kept me occupied here. The possibilities are terrifying to think about. The monster grips my chin with his right hand, and I close my eyes tightly while forcing down a whimper. I really hate it when he gets this close; his face is hideous. A shiver runs down my spine upon feeling his cold breath against my ear.

"I've never done a thing to you, not physically at least. Be glad I allow you that much, mouse. All this time, I could've done much worse."

I whimper softly when I feel his thumb trace my bottom lip, coating it with his black fluid.

"Right now you lie beneath me, while I twirl your pretty locks between my fingers."

I feel a strand of my H/L hair move as tears flood down my cheeks like waterfalls. I just want him to stop. I hear the monster chuckle softly as he cups both my cheeks with his hands before wiping away the tears with his thumbs. His touch is light and gentle, though, I know better than to open my eyes right now. I know I'll be greeted with that dreadful grin full of evil intention.

"Your eyes and hair are my most favorite of your physical traits, you know? You grew up to be such a pretty, little thing."

"St-st-st-stop this," I plead, having heard enough of this nonsense. He's only doing this to rial me up because he's upset that I won. He probably can't really do anything outside of my body...right? The creature ignores me and continues to make me uncomfortable with his words.

"Your eyes display your fear so well, like a deer in headlights, and you always keep your hair so soft, even when it's tangled."

"I-I said s-st-stop," I demand in a slightly louder tone. I can practically see his grin widening.

"Don't even get me started on your mind. It's been unraveling for years, and yet you haven't even completely lost it! You still cling to that bit of sanity so tightly that it drives me mad!"

The skin above and below my eyelids are tugged to force me to open my eyes. I reluctantly comply to his wish, since I have a strong distaste for this feeling, opening my E/C eyes so that he can see them. He smiles upon seeing his favorite expression in the orbs, fear.

"All of it's worth it, though, my mouse, because I know," he leans in close to my ear to whisper the words that will continue to haunt me until the end of time,

"You belong to me, body, mind, and soul."