ZZZZzzzzzz…..hm….wha…where am I…again?
Benjamin, a quiet voice dug into his slumber, wake up! Quick! Someone's coming!
Oh, Hushh, Benjamin yawned and sat up, how long was I sleeping?
It's tomorrow. I mean, you've been asleep for a long while now.
Oh, is that all? I thought I had-WAIT, WHAT?!
The weather outside was much clearer, a chill ripe in the air and the tree branch leaves swaying gently. His back was sore from leaning against the wall for so long, and dust had settled on his pants.
Why didn't you wake me up?!
We tried, but you were out cold!
Why?
The orb hummed and flickered like a candle as the four beings' lights meshed and danced around one another against its tangerine surface, until Mello spoke up. If I had to guess, it was a mixture of stress, confusion, and the fact that we were telling you tales of heroism until the evening.
Benjamin sighed and stood, bringing back feeling into his legs. He held the orb and looked around. No one had come yet. Putting the orb on the cardboard box he faced it, only then noticing the backpack beside.
Benjamin, we heard something, Cheep informed him as he picked the bag up, a thin blue, barely held together piece of cloth, I think someone's coming.
Great, he signed as he slung the bag over his shoulder to test its durability, it'll be nice to finally get out of here and get back home. My grandparents must be worried sick! Not to mention the fact that I missed a hangout with Victor.
But, Benny, listen!
Benny?
A loud CRASH erupted from outside the room, down below, followed by heavy breathing and an inhuman growl. Wood creaked and stairs were ascended, but from the great groaning of the house Benjamin knew it had to be something big making its way towards the office.
"QUANTIC!" A booming voice thundered through the mansion. "I KNOW YOU ARE HERE, I CAN SMELL IT!"
Guys, who was that?!
An enemy, here to take us away! Whipp's blue haze spun around the inside of the orb at a frantic pace. We've gotta go, and I mean NOW!
Enemy?
"I HUFF, AND I PUFF," The voice bellowed, "AND I BLOW YOUR DOOR DOWN!" With a great shredding sound Benjamin gawked as he heard the office door ripped form its hinges, something coming towards the bookshelves. "I, BEAST BOSS, AM CLOSE!"
Ben, run, LIKE, AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!
As the frightening stranger felt its way around the office, Benjamin slid the orb into the backpack and hopped onto the tree branch. He carefully made his way along it until he was outside. The roots were torn from the ground, dangling at the bottom of the large tree as it clung to the mansion's side. He balanced himself as best he could, holding his arms out as he took one step after another.
I've just gotta slide down the tree and make a run for it, before Beast Boss or whatever finds me-
BANG!
The bookshelves were thrown down with such force it shook the tree, and Benjamin had to cling to it to keep from falling. Cautiously he looked behind him, and had the utmost regret of doing so.
"LITTLE MAN IN BLUE!" A ravenous, beastly mutant creature ripped apart the walls of the secret room and stomped on the tree branch. "YOU HOLD THE QUANTIC, DO YOU NOT? HAND THEM OVER!" The man-thing edged closer. "GIVE ME THE QUANTIC!"
Don't listen to him, Ben! Mello panicked through the bag. RUN!
Quantic? Isn't that some weird physics term thingy-ma-jiggy?!
"COME HERE, BOY WHO DOES NOT SCREAM OR TALK!" Beast Boss leapt to the ground underneath the branch and glared at him. "I SHALL CRUSH YOU!"
Oh, nice to know, cuz I was already SO looking forward to our little exchange.
Benjamin began to run across the branch, anxious to get down from the height and as far away from Beast Boss as possible. What he hadn't counted on was the villain charging to the bottom of the trunk, grabbing hold of it, and flipping it down towards the hard ground. "I SHALL HAVE THE QUANTIC!"
Unprepared for the sudden flip, Benjamin nearly gained air time before grabbing onto one of the higher branches. As the tree hit the ground he felt the bounce vibrate through the branch, shaking him off onto the dead grass in a mass of leaves and twigs that dug into his sides.
He's a straight up lunatic! I could've died!
"BOY ON BLUE, HAND ME THE QUANTIC!" Beast Boss tore at each branch, closing in on him. "LISTEN TO ME!"
Benjamin frantically weaved through the branches, occasionally tripping himself and having to tug the bag free. At last he made his way out of the tree's mess and ducked behind the trunk, hoping to lose Beast Boss.
I doubt I can outrun the thug. I should just sneak away, before it sees me.
He began to crawl along the trunk towards the mansion. It became unnaturally calm in the backyard. Too calm.
He didn't leave, did he?
"SILENT CHILD!"
The tree moaned, and Benjamin crumpled back as it was lifted off the ground by Beast Boss, who held it above his head. "THE QUANTIC IS MINE!"
Benjamin raced out of the backyard, just missing the fate of being squashed by the dropped trunk as Beast Boss bounded behind him. "DO NOT RUN!"
This is madness, pure madness!
His heart was about to jump from his chest. He looked around for weapons and, without thinking, grabbed an old can of paint and threw it at Beast Boss' face. The can smacked him on the nose, causing the beast to stumble and crash into the mansion wall. Cement plaster from the foundation became swept up in the burst and covered his clothing.
While he's distracted, Benjamin!
Benjamin booked it onto the road and began his sprint back into the city. Now what? Where do I go?
Ben, we have to find your friends, the ones you've chosen to be the heroes, Cheep chirped to him, only you four can defeat Beast Boss!
Benjamin pulled the orb out and, taking a quick breather, rested it on the ground, crouching behind a bush. Right, but I don't know where they are!
What exactly did you do to Beast Boss back there?
Threw a paint can in his face. He sort of…bumped into the mansion.
Mello giggled. Well done, Benjamin, well done! Now, let's find you friends, before Beast Boss catches up.
"BLUE SILENT CHILD!"
Too late!
Benjamin threw the orb back into the bag and glanced back to catch sight of Beast Boss charging towards him like a wild ape.
This is insane, Benjamin thought as he passed by the road down to his grandparents' house, if I don't find Victor, Lyra and Felix, the whole city is in trouble – starting with me and the Quantic!