The following day, Axel and Spliff woke up simultaneously, noticing the sound of rain. They both instantly recognized the implications, which made them especially excited for the day ahead.

  “The rain is so loud,” said Axel as the rain sounded like thuds hitting the ground.

  “We might actually have a chance of completing the challenge today!” Said Spliff.

  After breakfast, the boys went to the training grounds and found Brace.

  “Looks like you boys got lucky today with the rain,” Brace said loudly enough to overtake the rain.

  “Let’s see how much it helps.” Replied Spliff.

  “Alright,” Brace said, “Begin.”

  Axel and Spliff waited a while before Axel eventually started approaching Brace. His heart raced as he passed the farthest he’d been. And then he passed the halfway point. Moving slowly and cautiously. He made sure to contain his breathing and conceal his presence. Moving forward again and again. Until Brace was sitting ten feet in front of him. What should I do? Thought Axel. Should I run and hope I reach the finish line before Brace can say anything? Or should I move further and clear a spot in the leaves to jump to the finish zone? Or perhaps I should just continue as I’ve been.

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  “Got you, Axel,” said Brace.

  “Dang it!” Said Axel loudly.

  “Why didn’t you just jump for it?” Asked Spliff in disappointment.

  “I couldn’t jump that far,” Axel protested.

  “Back to the start, Axel,” said Brace.

  The rest of the day was more of the same. Axel and Spliff occasionally got within ten feet but could never reach the finish zone. As the day went by, the boys both gained more anxiety. They wanted badly to finish this challenge and see what other challenges awaited them on the other side, but they were helpless against Brace's sharp ears. The morning turned to afternoon, and the dark of sundown approached — until it was time to end training.