Bailey and I continued our conversation about the creatures we’d encountered. We agreed they were likely feeding on the adamantine, which explained their strange coloration. It seemed they’d also learned to utilize the material, much like the Mesoselenians.
“Well, as long as that machine keeps running, they’ll have a steady supply. It’ll just take a while,” I said with a smile. “So, which way now?” I asked, turning to Bailey.
“Seems that way, alright,” Bailey replied, pointing towards a tunnel branching off to the side.
We got up and started towards it. I stopped Bailey again. “This place is awfully quiet… again.” I cautioned him to keep his mask handy and to keep an eye on his device. We proceeded cautiously into the tunnel, thankfully free of the blue fog.
However, a familiar eerie blue glow emanated from the tunnel’s end. What wasn’t familiar was the cacophony of heavy breathing, gnawing, and a disturbingly wet, nipping sound.
Another nest… this time occupied by half a dozen rodent-like creatures.
"What in the world is goin' on with the size of everything here?" Bailey exclaimed, eyes wide.
“So, what are these now?” I asked with a sigh. When could we just get back to safety? This adventure was seriously overstaying its welcome.
"Looks like the work of Umbrynus. They must've dug these tunnels. And looks like they're havin' a snack. That blue goo...well, that's what's left over after they're done eatin'." Bailey said after a closer look.
I touched and smelled it…..
A closer inspection revealed a network of tunnels branching off from the main nest.
“Any idea which way we should go?” I asked Bailey as he swept his device around.
"Sorry, can't tell ya this time. Too many tunnels, and I can't figure out which one's got the fresh air. Too much air movin' around." Bailey said, shaking his head.
As we considered our options, the glowing blue goo scattered around the nest abruptly began to evaporate. Simultaneously, a deafening alarm blared from Bailey’s device. He frantically fumbled for his mask.
“Turn it off!” I yelled, but it was too late. By the time Bailey finally silenced the alarm, we were completely enveloped by the blue fog, and the Umbrynus had surrounded us.
I yanked the laser gun from my bag and fired at the largest rodent, hoping for a disabling shot, or at least a good scare. The oversized rat twitched to the side, and while its armor-like fur scorched, the blast didn’t penetrate. Figures.
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I tossed the gun to Bailey. “Don’t worry about me, just shoot anything that gets too close!”
I punted a smaller rat away as Bailey scrambled to escape the encircling horde.
The massive rat I’d shot earlier swiped at me with its claws. I didn’t bother moving, taking the hit full-on. Sparks flew, and the rat’s claws shattered against me.
Of course they did. What was I expecting?
The other rats tried to body-slam and pile on, but I dodged nimbly, narrowly avoiding each clumsy attack. I retaliated with a flurry of punches and kicks, connecting squarely with several rodent snouts.
Bailey was having a rough time of it. The laser gun was keeping the rats at bay, but the fog was still messing with his breathing and vision.
Suddenly, the rats changed direction, charging Bailey en masse. He panicked and held down the trigger, a searing red beam lancing out. The rats scattered in every direction, several sporting fresh burns on their faces. The continuous blast was too much for the weapon, though, and it promptly sputtered and died.
Seizing the opportunity, I slid under a larger rat, bracing myself with my arms and one leg before launching a powerful upward kick with the other. My foot connected with the rodent’s abdomen, and it shrieked in pain. A geyser of crimson liquid erupted, thoroughly drenching me. Lovely.
My hair flared with that familiar iridescent light, piercing the rodent’s skull as my consciousness shifted to the upper dimension.
Familiar territory. It’s starting to feel like coming home.
I was fully encased within the small, tree-like structure. Its branches seemed even thicker than before, though it was still dwarfed by the golden sphere illuminating everything.
Purity?
A distinct green speck of light rose from the roots this time, and a fresh wave of memories flooded my mind.
******
Darkness. Utter darkness. Not a single glimmer of light. But right next to my ears, I hear the distinct sounds of a much larger creature. I instinctively crawl closer, seeking its warmth. The comforting scent of safety fills my nostrils. Ah, bliss.
Day after day, I eat, crawl, and dig. Not a care in the world. We happily rummage through the earth like furry little excavators.
One perfectly ordinary day, as we’re enjoying a peaceful nap, a completely new scent drifts in. It’s quickly followed by the pungent stench of danger. The earth rumbles ominously, and the ground beneath us splits open. Many of my companions scream beside me, before abruptly falling silent.
Yikes.
I scramble, digging and moving as fast as my little claws can carry me. Digging and moving. I don’t stop until the awful scent finally fades.
This cycle continues for what feels like forever: eating, crawling, sleeping, digging, escaping. The familiar sounds and scents around me constantly shift and change. Some return, some vanish forever, never to be heard or smelled again. It’s like a bizarre, subterranean revolving door of sensory input.
The rumbles seem to be following me. They keep happening every so often. I manage to escape each time, thank goodness. But many others… well, they aren't so lucky.
Resting once more, a sharp, piercing sound assaults my ears. We all instinctively surround the source. Heat! I whirl around, but it’s too late. The intense heat still scorches my fur. Everyone else manages to stay safe…
Furious, I lash out with my claw toward where the heat came from, but all I get for my trouble is more pain.
I sense more heat from the side, so I change direction and charge. The burning heat hits me again. I try to hide, but suddenly, something gets under me. Pain explodes through my insides. And then… nothing. All my senses vanish.
******