Breaking the Slime

A sudden jolt tore through my chest! Grr-kkh! My jaw split wide open into the dry, cool air. I pushed upward with my forearms, tearing free from the slippery hollow beneath me. Right beside my emergence mound stood a motionless, leathery figure with pale hair and clawed hands. With an explosive snap of my muscles, I lurched forward and struck one of the dangling twine cords around its waist. It swayed, dry and lifeless. I froze, chest heaving in silence, clutching the fibrous strand to test its firmness.