A Circuit of Time: Book Two of Spark (A MPHFPC Fanfiction)

Chapter Twelve

"Notice how their footsteps keeps getting closer? They must have people who can hear the voices, too." Olive said.

"How do you know?" Miss Bittern asked.

"They can't see us or follow our sound in this maze, so the only logical explanation is they have someone following the same voice you heard." Olive said.

Suddenly, the sound of wings flapping interrupted them. Emma turned on her flashlight and shone ahead.

A small animal was looking at them curiously.

It was about the size of a pigeon. Its body covered in small fur-like feathers from the back of its head to the tips of its two tails. A pair of bat-like wings folded at its sides.

The creature chirped at them.

"Shoo!" Miss Bittern said, "Don't block our way."

The creature seemed startled and ran back into the darkness. Then they heard more wingbeats above them and a swarm of those creatures descended upon them, tearing their clothe with mouths full of sharp teeth and claws on their wings and legs.

Emma and John made fire with their hands and swung at the creatures. The rest of them slammed their rifles at them, trying to keep those teeth and claws away. Until finally, Blanche shot one of the creature and the rest of them scattered back into the darkness.

The gunshot echoed in the tunnels.

Everyone turned to Blanche as she dropped the weapon in horrible realization.

They just announced themselves to their enemies.

*

The footsteps got louder second by second. They could now vaguely hear a woman's voice shouting something.

"They are getting closer!" Ethan said as they ran, "Even if we reached the soul in time, we can't get it out uncontested."

"We are never going to get it out uncontested anyway." Emma replied, "The wights are already here."

"We need a distraction." Olive said. "Lead them somewhere else."

"We can't leave Miss Bittern." Emma said, "She's our only way out of here."

"I can't guarantee you exit." The ymbryne interrupted, "All I know is the Suul is calling to me."

"I will do it." Blanche said.

"No-" John started.

"If you go, you might never leave this place." Emma said.

"It has to be me," Blanche insisted, "I exposed us. I'll do it."

"I will go with you." John volunteered.

"You don't have—" Blanche started.

"I can't let you go alone, that's just suicide." John didn't let her finish.

"I will go, too." Ethan said, "Three people would be easier to draw their attention, plus you might need my strength."

Olive approved. So it was settled, Ethan, John and Blanche would go back to attack the enemy force and try to lose them in the tunnel system while Miss Bittern, Olive and Emma continue on to find the Suul they were here for.

Despite enemies closing in, they spared a moment to say goodbye.

"If you can't find the way back..." Olive said.

"I will." Ethan assured her.

"We have had too many losses already," Olive said, "Caroline, Edmund, and bird knows what happened to Khione. Promise me you will come back."