DeathZone: The Marathon Arena: DeathZone

By Alex Bouvier

Alex's friends were playing a prank on him. But what started out as a prank, quickly turned into the kidnapping of Dave- one of the friends. Though something about the kidnapper wasn't human... he bore horns!

Alex and the rest of the gang learned that Dave has been taken to a world called the Great Lands. After following him through, they discovered that the chances of them ever returning home was slim, maybe impossible.

The only way they could buy their ticket back home, was if they passed a deadly game… The DeathZone. Alex is flooded with danger as he travels through a foreign world, tries to save his kidnapped friend, pass the DeathZone, and maybe if he was lucky- make it back home.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AlexBouvier
• Release date: May 26, 2018
• ISBN: 9781642546149

Book preview

Dedicated to my sister, Rina.

For being my first reader and reading it more times than I have!

Chapter 1

THE PHONE CALL

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Ring! Ring! Ring!

I woke up in the middle of the night. Who would call me at a time like this? I was loathed to pick up the phone. I had played in a big basketball game that day against the BBW (B-Ball Warriors) and we were crushed. You're probably wondering, what kind of team name is that? But you should have seen them, they played around with us like we weren’t even there!

I may not have known this at the time, but that phone call would change my life. From your typical seventh grade Alex who lives in Columbus Ohio, to ah- well, I won’t spoil the whole story this early.

I forced myself to sit up and swiped the green button. Hello? I answered, my voice was gravely.

Alex? Listen, this is very important. The female voice responded, breathing heavily.

Who is this?

It’s Zoey, you idiot!

I wondered what could be more important at midnight besides sleep. What is it?

Come meet us at the park tomorrow, ten o’clock sharp. I'll explain later. Zoey said and hung up.

Whoa! Just like that? Without any explanation. Who is us? What was so important? And why call right now? I needed more answers so I called her back. No one answered.

I felt that something was wrong. What was happening? I knew that whatever was happening, wasn’t good.

And then it hit me. It’s a prank! It was something Zoey enjoyed doing. Pranking people. Zoey is part of my main gang of friends. I’ve known her since birth. She has a unique character that makes everyone feel happy around her, but also beware, she can be fierce sometimes (In a cute way). Basically, she's everyone's friend, but she always hung out with us.

Just last week she pranked our friend Bella on her birthday. She made a fake cake made of a balloon that was disguised by whipped cream and insisted that Bella should cut the cake. Of course, as soon as Bella inserted the knife the balloon popped and Bella was covered in whipped cream. Bella is another member of our team. She’s the wise one if you will. Always avoiding drama and making sure we stayed out of trouble.

I tried calling Zoey again but still got no response. I tried to think whether to meet her tomorrow or not. Not that I was scared of being pranked, it’s just, I already made plans to play video games with Dave. And yes, Dave is the fourth member of our close circle of friends.

We do have one more member, Joe. But Joe has been acting a little 'weird' after he came back from a trip to Cincinnati last week. He hadn't left us completely but he was keeping a secret from us. Well, we weren’t sure it was a secret but every time we asked him why he was acting so differently, he said that there was nothing wrong. Likely story.

I put my phone away and laid down. Tomorrow was the weekend, and I really didn't want to waste my time being pranked, but if that was going to make Zoey happy then that's what I'll do. I'll just try to be careful not to get myself too embarrassed and humiliated.

Wait, maybe this isn't a prank at all. Zoey did sound kind of concerned. Unless she upped her voice-acting game, I didn’t feel good about the way she said it. But I will go anyway so whatever it was I'll do it, for a friend. I set my alarm on eight o’clock, then sank back to sleep.

The next day, I got on my bike and made my way to the park. I already called Dave and told him that I’d be late for video games. He said that it was okay because he also had some chores that his mom told him to do before inviting me over. So I guess everything was in place.

At the park, I found Zoey and Bella on the benches, both with upset expressions on their faces. What could have happened? I walked up to them and sat next to Zoey.

What’s up? I said.

Hey, Zoey greeted.

Hi, Bella waved.

What's wrong? I asked. You know, last night.

Look, everything I'm about to say is real, Zoey said.

Okay? I said, extending the word.

Alright, this is what happened. While I was on my way home from Bella's place last night, I decided to pass by this park to take a shortcut. But to get from Bella's house to the park we had to pass by the woods. You know Sharon woods, right?

I nodded. Everybody knows the woods, that’s where we all went when we joined with the scouts. But that was forever ago. Nowadays, we play sports like all the other seventh graders.

But there was something weird that I couldn't explain. Zoey continued. First I found a deer at the edge of the woods with one broken horn. I stopped and watched it go back in the woods, which was normal, so I just continued my way. But about twenty paces later I found the same deer back at the edge of the woods. The exact same one-horned deer, but this time it was dead! Zoey paused for a second, her face turned into a cringe as if disgusted by the memory. I walked up to it and saw that it was missing a big chunk of meat from one side of its stomach. It was really gross and... frightening. Then, a few paces past the dead deer, there was a figure of a man with shiny yellow eyes that reflected from the street lights, and blood dripping from his mouth. I ran for my life and went straight back home. And that's when I called you, Bella, and Dave. Zoey stared at me, her face filled with fear and dread. She was always so brave, and it hurt to see that kind of look on her.

And Joe? I asked.

She shook her head. I wasn't sure whether this was a prank anymore. But the last time I checked, man-eating deer didn't exist in my dictionary. But I'm pretty sure there is an explanation for what Zoey was saying. I didn’t really think she was exactly lying, I'd feel sorry if she had no one to trust. But still, this could be a prank. I didn’t want to look like a dumb immature boy that gets pranked by his friends. So I decided to ask her politely if she had any intentions to play jokes on me.

Is this some kind of prank that you’re planning to play on me? I said, slightly harsher than intended.

Zoey narrowed her eyes and studied my face as if to see if I was serious. She decided I was because she stood up and smacked me so hard that my eyes started to water. After that, she sat back down. I touched my red-hot cheeks. Man, she's strong.

I didn't know what to say or do, I mean yeah, I listened to the whole story but why was she telling me this? Oh my god! I think I know what she is planning to do. She had to be planning to go there again and find out more!

Look we need to go there as a team to find out whatever really happened. Zoey said. Bella and I are in, are you?

When?

Tonight.

I studied the ground and nodded faintly. I’ll join.

Alright then. Let’s go tell Dave.

It seemed that Dave was also having a hard time believing what Zoey had to say, but he did what all good friends do, wait and listen to what others have to say. He agreed to join us tonight, without adding any unnecessary comments like I did. We were still at his place, and we were still debating whether to ask Joe to join us or not.

Let’s just give him a chance. Zoey said.

I agree. I said

Yeah, since when didn't you agree with Zoey? Dave teased.

I gave him an uncomfortable glance. He grinned. Yes, Dave is one of the only two people in the world that knows about my feelings towards Zoey and the love that I have for her. The other person was Joe, both I could trust. Zoey is just irresistible. With her long black hair, beautiful gray eyes, and awesome personality. Always wearing jeans and tees, she was never the ‘dress up and makeup’ type of girl. Basically, she had it all.

And I will still keep my promise about not telling anyone that Dave likes Bella. Me and him are pretty good at hiding our feelings in front of them. And I'm pretty sure that Zoey and Bella don't even have a clue about it.

Besides, if the situation is this serious another helping hand would do us good. Bella reasoned.

Bella has always been the most reasonable one, and she is probably the smartest one in the group. She will answer any questions we have. She said that's because she reads a lot and she doesn't talk much like most people do. That might be why Dave was attracted to her!

Let’s go. I said

You go alone, Dave said. We're gonna wait for you here.

Why don't we all go? I asked.

I don't think we all need to go just to call Joe right? Bella said.

We all came for Dave. I protested.

Seriously? Zoey said, indignant.

Alright, fine. I'll go.

I took my bike and left. A part of me felt that they were all pranking me. Nobody seemed to be scared about the whole man-eating deer situation. But that was okay with me. I mean, I wouldn't want to be chased by a vampire anytime soon. But still, I'd help friends when they need it.

I parked my bike in front of Joe's house and rang his doorbell. I then heard the sound of fast pounding footsteps inside the house. Was Joe expecting somebody? The running sound suddenly stopped, obviously not to open the door. It stopped somewhere else deeper inside the house. Then the sound appeared again. This time the person running stopped on the other side of the door.

The door cracked ajar, showing Joe, a kitchen knife in his hand. He raised it up in defense. I backed away, and so did he. We both stared at each other for a couple of heartbeats.

Um...Uh...w-what’s up? I stuttered.

Ah...h-hey, Joe said. What brings you by? he slowly lowered the knife, as if embarrassed.

Um... Just passing through. I replied. Wondered if I could stop in.

Joe nodded thoughtfully but said nothing.

Or, if you’re busy I could come back again later. I said pointing at the knife.

Oh, this? He looked at the knife, now held loosely. Nah, I was just helping to wash some dishes.

I nodded. We both stared at each other, me suspicious, and him thoughtful. Suddenly, Joe realized that he had to open the door for me. He drew it wide open and I entered. Both of us made it up the stairs and to Joe's room. I plopped onto his bed. He sat next to me, and casually discarded his weapon on the bedside table.

So, what’s up? I started. We haven't heard a lot from you lately.

Oh, you know, just doing my things.

What sort of things?

Joe hesitated, he studied me for a moment as if it was the first time he'd trust me.

Come on you can tell me. I insisted.

He faced the floor, his expression turning to one of depression. It's nothing. Joe finally said. It's just nothing.

Seriously? I asked. Do you know how pathetic you sound? Don’t be so dramatic. I mean, how bad could it be?

Joe glared at me. I was pretty sure he felt offended by my words. You’re the one who sounds pathetic. I never invited you to come here in the first place, you’re the one that came here and started interfering. You know what? Get out of my house!

Joe, I’m- I started.

Now! He ordered.

Startled, I obediently got up and walked out of the room, making my way downstairs. I could tell that Joe was surprised by my quick reaction. In fact, I was also surprised by how fast I obeyed. Just as I was exiting, Joe ran downstairs.

Wait. He said.

I turned and faced him.

Look, I'm gonna tell you a secret. But you can't tell anyone. He said, sounding much calmer but still a little hesitant.

I nodded. He put forward his hand and I shook it. It was a way to make a promise to each other. It was the first time in a long time that Joe actually acted like the real Joe.

Alright, meet me here tonight at-

I can't, I quickly interrupted That's why I came here, to ask you to join us tonight.

What are you planning to do?

We're going to the woods, all of us, as a team, and we thought that it might be better that you join us.

Alright, what time?

Just come with me to Dave’s house. I said. They’re all waiting for us there.

Joe and I both got on my bike with him steering and me riding in the backseat. There is something I must admit, well it's more like a bad side but I'm trying to work on it. The thing is, I talk without thinking if what I'll say could hurt someone’s feelings. Like what I said to Joe that made him feel bad. And what I said to Zoey to earn a smack.

But Joe is a good, forgiving person and I know he probably forgave me for being such a jerk.

Anyways, back to business. I needed to know what time we're going so I would know how to escape the house without my parents freaking out when they don't find me. If we're going early, then I would say that I'm going to sleep over at Dave’s. No, no, no, sleepovers are totally for girls. But still, I could jump out from the window of my room. Though that might be too dangerous.

We reached Dave’s and found that Zoey and Bella already left. I knew they sent me to get Joe so that they can leave to prepare my trap. But a part of me wanted to enjoy it while I still could.

After Dave told us to go home and meet them again at ten o’clock at night I decided to play board games with Joe. And I know video games would have been filled with much more fun and action. But still, I'd rather use my time doing something fun because the next day I had some homework to finish or else I'd get detention. I already had about seventy-six detentions this year, I couldn’t afford to get another.

Night time had come faster than I had planned, but I prepared myself to be the goose of the prank.

Still in my room, I contemplated whether to jump or not. Still not sure how to do it. I don't remember any time in my life that I had snuck out of my house at night. And most importantly, how will I get back inside if I jumped out the window?

I knew that the only way was the front door. Which was pretty hard because my parents are still downstairs watching a scary movie called Say Cheese, I wasn't allowed to watch that because my parents thought it was too scary for me. I still remember the first and only time I watched a scary movie. I don't really remember the name of it but I am pretty sure I wet myself that day.

I went downstairs and saw my mom clinging to my dad, probably because the movie was that scary. I didn't even bother to sneak a peek at the TV. I headed straight to the kitchen and pretended to drink water. No way was I going to exit the front door without my parents finding out. And even the back door, it made too much noise.

Stuck, I went back upstairs and called David.

Hey, where are you, man? David asked.

I'm stuck. And I need your help.

What happened?

I don't know how to get out of the house.

Seriously? Zoey and Bella are already here.

Do you have a ladder? I asked.

No.

Then how exactly am I going to get back inside when I jump out my window?

You don't.

Oh please, give me a break.

I think Joe has one, David said.

Are you sure?

Nah, I just said that to waste your time.

Dude!

Whatever your plan is, just make it quick, okay? David said hurriedly and hung up. I quickly stuffed the phone in my pocket and locked my door. Opening my window, I took a deep breath, set my jaw, and jumped.

Chapter 2

INTO THE WOODS

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I landed crouched on my feet. My ankles pressed so hard on the grass, I thought it broke. Without thinking of the pain, I started to limp my way to Dave’s house. What will happen if I couldn't get back to my bedroom? What if my parents find out? I'm sure I'll be grounded for life!

Every step I took made the pain even worse, and when I finally reached Dave's front yard, I found Dave, Bella, and Zoey looking at me walking awkwardly.

Where is Joe? I asked

He isn't coming. Dave replied

Why?

They shrugged. I felt bad for Joe. Why would he not want to come?

Did you bring anything with you? Bella asked.

Just the phone.

No weapons?

I shook my head in confusion. Nobody told me to bring anything.

Bella nodded.

What happened to your foot? Zoey asked.

I got hurt trying to jump out the window.

Are you okay? she asked

Yeah, I'm fine. I assured her.

I was a bit happy to see that Zoey was concerned about me.

Let’s go, I'll lead the way. Dave said.

We started walking. The sidewalks were dimly lit by the front porch lights of the houses, though something about tonight felt darker than most nights. Bella and Zoey took the middle and I was alone in the back.

What if someone asks what four kids are doing out at night? I asked as I walked up between Bella and Zoey.

Nobody will think that we are wrongdoing. Zoey said.

And besides, even if they do, what can they do about it? Bella added.

Yeah, but people around here know Dave. I grumbled.

It’s not like they'll tell my parents. Dave chimed in.

And if they do? I asked.

Why is it always you who thinks negatively. Dave asked.

I just like to be careful. I clarified.

We all like to be careful. Bella informed. "It's just that you fear things that can rarely