After jogging for a bit, I slowed to a walk so I could sprint if needed.  My ears were pricked for signs of movement, and my eyes were on watch for brightly colored bandanas.  I stopped for a second to tie mine around my arm, then resumed a pace that wasn't leisurely, but wasn't exactly hurried either.

I decided to enjoy being in the valley while I searched.  No one got to see all the strange things on the planet, but I would be happy later that I had seen Mist Valley.  I waved my hand through the mist, and it danced around it, swirling almost playfully.  The trees stretched upward, their leafless branches like a thousand fingers reaching for an invisible sun.  I looked up into the fog, still amazed by how dark it was in the bright of day.

My foot caught an exposed root and I fell, landing with a thump.  I groaned and began to push myself up, then froze when I realized I couldn't see.  I heard screams around me, presumably other students who were, like me, more than a little concerned by the sudden darkness that had overcome the valley.

I stood slowly to try to walk toward camp, but I stumbled again and landed with my hand painfully on a sharp stick.  I yelped and pulled it up, feeling blood dribble down my palm.

I opened my mouth to call out, but an icy fear prevented me from making any sound.  I started to panick, and was about to scream when the darkness dissipated as someone else screamed, almost as if they had taken my scream for themselves.

I looked about me frantically, but saw no one.  "Tennielle!" I called in a sudden panic.

No one answered, and I looked around wildly.  Fiery fear began to mount, and I felt my panick building.  I was about to scream again when the darkness began to dissipate, leaving only the usual darkness of the valley from its shroud of fog.

"Marco!"

I grinned when I heard the call, then shouted back "Polo!" before jogging in its general direction.

Tennielle was grinning when her form first appeared through the fog.  "That was sure fun!" she told me.

"Terrifying," I said honestly.  "What was that?"

"No idea.  Let's go back to camp."

I nodded shakily and followed her as she began to trudge back to our cabins.  When we got back, the councilors were huddled in a worried circle, with Ms. Caneleaf standing uncertainly to one side.  She looked as if she wanted to give her input, but was obviously nervous about the whole situation.

The students were milling about in a state of half curiosity, half fear, waiting for the adults' verdict on the situation.  None of us had any idea what had happened, but everyone seemed fairly equally concerned with the exception of a few who tried to put on a brave act.

"Well, I thought it was fun," Riko was telling Toran.  "I've always enjoyed the dark myself, and a little in the middle of the day is always nice!"

I snorted loudly, and their heads whipped in my direction.  "Sorry," I told Riko.  "I couldn't help it!  You were just doing such a bad job acting, it was hilarious!"

Riko opened his mouth, a calculated comeback already ready, but was interrupted by Jared.  "Students, you don't need to worry about what happened.  We have decided to explain the -- event -- in the dining hall at three o'clock.  Don't be late."

I turned to Tennielle, and she shrugged.  "I guess we'll find out then."