Disclaimer: I own nothing and no one
A little disappointed with the response from the last chapter, but I suppose it is only to be expected with how long it had been since this story was updated.
Chapter Six
Tony's eyes dilated instantly, adjusting to the darkness. It was a gift from his feline heritage, and one he appreciated. Humans were blind at night. All the brunette's senses went into overdrive. Every instinct the brunette possessed screaming at him to leave; that he should not be here. His more human side told them to shove it. He wasn't going anywhere without his team.
The agent's sensitive ears could hear the faint drips of water echoing through the underground labyrinth. He could smell the decade's worth of dust and grime that coated the walls; the herby tang of the balm the wizard had rubbed around their eyes. The hair on the back of Tony's neck stood on end as he sensed the eyes watching them from the dark. Some harmless, others not so much.
'Danger Will Robinson Danger,' a grim smile crossed the Special Agent's face, one hand reaching down to rest on his weapon. His hazel eyes darted in all directions, trying to look everywhere at once. It wasn't paranoia. Down here, inattention could kill. "Which way?" he breathed, his voice barely loud enough to qualify as a whisper.
Harry jerked his head to indicate the tunnel at the far left. There were many things down here with senses far better than his own, which was why he had cheated with the eye balm. Human sight was not a weakness he could afford right now, not if they wanted to reach DiNozzo's team alive. Stealth, that was the name of the game; there was no time for distractions.
At first, the only beings the pair encountered were small fry, quick to go scurrying back to the dark tunnels when they recognized Tony's companion. Even for a wizard, Dresden had quite the reputation. However, as they moved deeper and deeper into Chicago's Undertown even the air seemed more oppressive.
Harry took a moment to wish Mouse was with him. The temple dog's aid would have been invaluable. Unfortunately a job had taken him over the border not long ago and no amount of talking had been able to get his companion out of quarantine faster. If he had known in advance how this week was going to go, the wizard would have used something other than words.
Even as on edge as the pair was, it wasn't enough to pass through the area without any incidents. Tony didn't really see anything. Just a decayed shape hunched over what had once been a human being before the thing snarled and lunged at their throats. It was fast, really fast.
Fortunately the wizard was faster. Triggering one of his force rings Harry pinned it against the wall. "Pyrofeugo," he hissed, obliterating the creature with a stream of fire so hot it was nearly blue. He didn't let up until it was burned to ashes, not willing to take any chances.
"What the hell?!" Tony yelped, fingers tight around his borrowed blade.
"Black Court," came the curt response as Harry stretched his senses to the maximum. After a moment he sighed, relaxing slightly. It seemed fortune was favoring him tonight. They had been lucky it was only one vamp, and even luckier it hadn't been a Master.
The agent shuddered hard once before getting himself under control. He may have been a fan of classic movies but that was fiction. Tony was way smarter than to get involved with real vampires, not even the White Court. He knew plenty of gorgeous women who wouldn't try to eat him while in the grips of passion.
"Which way?" Tony asked. Any mental breakdowns would have to wait until he was back home, with his team.
Harry didn't even hesitate as he continued straight ahead, ashes crackling under his boots. Tony was right behind him.
HCHCHCHCHCHCHCHCHC
Another shortish chapter but I did it.
Please tell me what you think. I am still contemplating what else Harry and Tony should run into.
