Chapter eight- Bridges and Balloons
Shaun fought the urge to walk backwards. To stare at the gate until it disappeared, but fear of what was ahead of her caused her to look straight. The only sound were small pebbles as she kicked them before her, the only feeling was the cold air, the only smell the stale musty scent of a sewer. Her legs felt like sticks that were on the verge of breaking in half. If she were to look into a mirror would she even resemble the last person she was? It was comforting to know Spot had recognized her. At least she hadn't become grotesquely deformed.
She stretched her arms running the tips along the damp brick. The space was small, confining, and at each step it seemed to grow smaller. The ceiling fell to a few inches above her head and continued to dip. Mud crumbled into her hands smearing her already grimy skin. Her breaths became quick, short, pained as the path inclined. Shaun had lost her balance and strength months ago and to her dismay fell forward. The lantern bounced from her grip as she landed on the wet earth. It shattered against the brick and dirt extinguishing the flame. As she felt the hard ground and stared into the darkness and strained her ears against the silence, she began slipping. Was her sanity finally packing up and leaving her stranded? It should have weeks ago, but now, now as she faced the hardest journey of her life it wanted to leave? Damn it.
She clenched her fists and fought the need to give up. Abigail, it's for Abigail! She screamed at her will. Gritting her teeth she used the wall to stand and collided with the ceiling. Gasping she tumbled forward clutching her head. The tunnel had become a crawl space and with nowhere to go but forward she moved on her hands and knees. Thankfully her dress had been torn making it easier to move, but much more painful. The rocks scraped against her already ripped stockings no doubt creating cuts.
It felt like hours that she crawled until the path changed once again. Stretching further underground becoming so small she could barely fit. On her stomach her hands and arms were the only way to move. The lack of oxygen and strength, the horrid stench, all were contenders to her slow pace. Stopping she rested her forehead against the floor. What had Abigail thought as she did this? Did she make it all the way through? Would Shaun come across a dead body? Rotting covered in rats? Grimacing she allowed herself to recover what strength she had left. There were no sounds of life as she lay in the shaft. Where exactly did this tunnel take her?
Using the thought as incentive she slowed her breathing to not use too much air and pulled herself along. Soon enough light burst into the darkness. She narrowed her eyes grinning in relief. The brighter it became the bigger the tunnel was and soon she was standing. The walls were her crutch as she edged along to emerge into a circular room. Shaun scanned the brick area wondering if Manchester had spent his immense wealth building it. It stretched more than a few feet upward to a large opening like the squares on the street for rain water. No longer was silence her only company, instead carriages and voices echoed down to her. Elated she began screaming.
"Help!" she rasped wishing her voice was louder. "Someone help me!" There was no reply. No one was going to hear her. Not down there, not over the New York City noise. Helpless she covered her face with her hands. Fighting against despair she forced them to her side. There were two planks that spread over an opening of water with the same diameter as the ceiling. One was horizontal and the other vertical. Both led to entrances, one light, and the other dark.
She sucked in as much air as possible and stepped onto the horizontal one. The plank wobbled underneath her weight but she kept her arms straight her eyes ahead. Once on the other side she released her breath and moved into the tunnel. The light sources were small drainage openings that filled the path with noises of the streets. It was comforting as she moved along the curving walls. By the time she reached another doorway the light was fading. Now she would have a sense of time as the orange and gold light bathed the ground. The sun was setting. Panic gripped her nerves as darkness replaced the glow. She tensed, stretching her ability of the senses to hear any threats. When her hands could no longer feel walls she realized she was in an open space. Afraid there was a large hole she backed up until she felt the wall and fell against it.
Shaun squeezed her eyes shut as she pushed her legs further. Her lungs hurt, she could barely breathe, and her entire body ached. Running had never been a strength of hers and being malnourished and dehydrated it was ten times harder. If Manchester didn't kill her first she was sure starvation and physical activity would. She had spent hours searching the tunnels, light and dark, and the circular room for a way out but found none. Just dingy water and damp pathways. As the sun began to set once more she had heard him. Manchester calling out her name threatening death. They had been running in circles for twenty minutes now and it would be only a matter of time before he caught up to her.
"Is this really how far you would go Miss Kenneth?" he taunted his voice close behind. "I thought this would be a challenge." As she re entered the circular room she turned to face him. His eyes were filled with cold enjoyment. She gritted her teeth slowly backing away from him and onto the planks. Her eyes searched frantically for something she missed and found none. "Not all hunts go as planned I suppose." Shaun noticed the glint of his sword as he followed her onto the unsteady boards. She wobbled in various directions weighing her options. If she turned back toward the gate he'd kill her, if she went into another tunnel he'd kill her. The water was the only way out. Better to drown than be murdered she thought as she glanced at the sewage.
"I won't die here." She stated watching him.
"Really? Seems so."
"I won't die here." She repeated and taking a large gulp of air she jumped.
Freezing water collapsed around her as she sunk into the dark waves. Forcing her eyes open she used the wall to propel her further down searching for a possible drain. Halfway to the bottom she spotted it. A small opening in the shape of a square. Thrusting herself forward she swum toward it cramming herself through. It was tiny like the crawl space before and her body thrashed as her oxygen dwindled. Opening her mouth against the searing pain of suffocation she continued to swim. Breaking her nails on the brick, scraping her skin as she moved against the flow of water. Finally the waves moved on their own and as she neared unconsciousness she was flung forward and drained into another circular room. Shivering on the floor she gasped for air her lungs rising and falling at a rapid pace.
"Miss Kenneth!" swallowing she attempted to stand her fingers bleeding her body weary.
"I won't die here." She whispered sloshing through the water toward a ledge. Closing her eyes she heaved herself up using the last of her strength to curl onto it. A small entrance greeted her and in relief she crawled inside. The foul smell and the scurrying of rats barely concerned her as she moved through it. It was the thoughts that Manchester knew of the crevice and would find her was disconcerting.
Finally she fell face forward into another room, a room equipped with a burning lantern, broken bed frame, newspapers and other unidentifiable objects. As she heard the heavy fall of footsteps she snatched the lantern and blew the flame out. Shrouded in darkness she listened. Curled into a small ball she heard his heavy breathing, the sword banging against walls.
"Come out! Come out!" he laughed. "I'll end your misery quickly, no need to suffer." Eventually the sounds of him faded and she was left with only the noise of rushing water. Releasing her breath she tumbled to the floor shivering and exhaustion took her.
Shaun groped about the dimly lit room as dawn approached. Her teeth created a rather loud sound as they scraped together. Hypothermia was added to her lists of possible ways she would die as she hesitantly crawled forward. Eventually her fingers slid over a box and pulling it into the light she realized it was matches.
Euphoric she pulled it open shaking as she pulled one out. The first few she broke against the flint but eventually flame bursted from the red tip. She hadn't smiled in a long time and it hurt to do so. Once the lantern had flared to life she tucked the matches into her corset and grabbed the handle. Her hiding place was much better barely visible. Moving toward the tunnel she wondered who had found it and why hadn't Manchester followed her? No doubt he knew every canal, nook, and cranny in this maze.
Deciding it wouldn't be best to linger she reluctantly flung herself through the exit and into the water room. Disregarding the tinted water she cupped her hands and swallowed as much as possible. When her stomach stretched and she felt nauseated she stumbled toward three doors. Picking the one farthest left she hoped she had made the right choice. If she had to swim through another drain or hide in rat infested rooms she might kill herself before Manchester had the chance.
The lamp light was comforting as she trudged forward. Providing company as her thoughts drifted to somewhat happier times and her eventual fate. As the sun rose in the sky the openings on the ceiling created vast illumination and heat. Blowing out the flame she began to hum. The light grew as she reached another archway. It didn't surprise her to find she had returned to the water room. Gulping more water, some pacifying her hunger, she picked the opposite direction and entered the furthest door to the right. This path was trickier, steeper, and curved and dropped. Her weak legs and little strength had her falling about like a rag doll.
When the sunlight diminished and dusk arrived she leaned against a wall gasping for breath. Did Abigail make it this far? She wondered. Would she find a body soon or did Manchester keep them as trophies? The boy who she had seen the first day in captivity entered her mind and she hoped she wouldn't find either of them. Ideas of where the exit could be, how to outrun Manchester, and how to kill herself if she failed her quest took her into restless sleep.
"Shaun!" someone was screaming her name, they were desperate. "Shaun please!" she turned in circles shouting reaching into the blinding light the same desperation they called with was seeping into her bones.
"Hurry!" she screeched glancing behind her at a nameless fear. "Hurry!"
"Shaun, don't!"
"I won't leave you, ever!" she felt strong emotions, emotions she had never experienced, emotions that were haunting her even now. Who was it? Who was calling to her? Who did she want to save? "I love you –"
Jerking awake she listened shuffling closer to the wall. Footsteps, it was footsteps, loud menacing echoing. Supressing her terror she straightened and dashed through the tunnel. Her clumsy footfalls and gasping breath gave her away no doubt, but the follower didn't respond. Instead they followed her silent and steady. Hunting her. She was being hunted again.
Air left her lungs, her eyes searched for an escape another hiding place and found none. There was no way she could out run them not in the endless tunnel. Not if it was Manchester. At the fork she took the canal to the right it led into a box, similar to a room, but reversed to a straight pathway again. Sliding herself behind the entrance she waited. Gripping the lantern she summoned her strength and closed her eyes. When the footsteps were directly behind her she swung hoping that her blow would either kill or maim Manchester.
Manchester had expected an attack. He wrapped his hands around the lantern and threw it across the room. He snatched her wrist and pulled her close fear surging through her veins at the impact of another body. Waiting for Manchester's comments, his cold laughter, the feel of a bullet a sword she discovered there was none. Instead she heard heavy breathing, felt a firm grip, their heart thudding against hers. Grasping her chin they tilted her face upward. Recognition jolted her like electricity when the blue eyes bore into hers once more. Slowly he released her wrists and wrapped his hand about the small of her back. Shaun blushed at their impropriety but made no move to pull away.
"Bridge Girl." His whisper seemed intimate, relieved as he searched her face for something. She wasn't sure what it could have been. There was no hope, no knowledge she possessed he didn't. When he let her go she knew he had seen it. The truth.
"Spot." She responded.
"Didn't think ya were in the practicin' of murdering others beside yourself." He snickered smoothing his clothes. Grimy brown hair fell into his face shadowing his expression as he glanced around. She had never seen him hatless and felt the tug of a smile when he ran his hand through the mess. Vaguely she wondered what it would feel like to run her hands through it. Feeling the heat of a blush she looked away. "Did ya lose your voice?" she raised her eyes peering at him through her lashes. He had his hands linked behind his head, his forearms visible underneath the ragged shirt. It was then she saw the mark, Manchester's mark. Lunging forward she grabbed his arm surprised at the life he sparked inside her. Her fingers traced the burn. "Can't say I'm not used to girls throwin' themselves at me, but it does hurt when you apply pressure to that." Forcefully he pulled his arm away.
"First I thought you were Manchester when you were walking up, and I doubt girls throw themselves at you, and I'm surprised he branded you as well." She paused leaning against the wall for support. "Aren't you down here a little early?" Spot headed toward the lantern. He picked it up and began examining it.
"If you'd like I can leave you to die alone."
"That's not what I meant." He shrugged.
"I wouldn't shut up, think I annoyed the ole' man, anyways he burned me and threw me in here." The nonchalance in which he described his torture amazed her. Was it his life on the streets that had him so accustomed to human cruelty? To the rules of survival. "How long has it been? Ya know before he let me go."
"A week or so." His eyes widened in surprise and swept down her figure and back to her gaze. She blushed once more turning away from him slightly.
"Thought ya would be dead by now." His tone was soft, gentle, expressing it not as an insult but as a sadness. If he had found her dead would he truly be upset?
"Sorry to disappoint you." He smiled his eyes narrowing.
"Isn't this perfect? You can finally die." Shaun ignored him as she snatched the lamp. Moving ahead she hoped her anger was believable. Inside she wanted him to follow her, which he was silently, wanted him to save her again.
"I don't want to die." He grunted behind her.
"We don't always get what we want."
"Thanks for the update Pulitzer." He began laughing and she rolled her eyes unaware at the humor. "Do you think we're going to die?" his mirth ceased and he stepped in front of her.
"I don't know, honestly, but if I'm goin' down I'm takin' that son of a bitch Manchester with me." The sudden laughter that had possessed him over took her and he glared over his shoulder. "Something funny?"
"Nothing."
Shaun closed her eyes as the light faded above them. They must have been walking for a few hours but the silence which shrouded them was companionable. The chill that swept through the tunnel informed her that fall was indeed turning into winter. She thought about the parties her mother and father had been attending, how the Christmas ball was coming up and the New Year's high that was always invited by her. Holidays were the best for Shaun. Hopefully Mattie was receiving good care, love, and everything he wanted and needed. Christmas had been his favorite holiday. Especially the year he received Badger as a present.
"What month is it Spot?" she inquired opening her eyes. He walked ahead of her arms crossed head down. She smiled at the back of his head enjoying his attitude. It gave life to their situation, a vigor they both needed.
"It was the end of November when that bastard got me, so I'm assumin' December now."
"Wow, it's been a long time."
"Yeah it has I saw you at the bridge in July." Her heart fluttered at the mention of her attempted suicide. The conversation with Abigail on fate and lack of coincidence plagued her. What would Spot say if she told him she believed they met for a reason? "What happened to ya…ya know in the basement?"
"Most of the time I slept through the days. I was fed in increments. I spent a lot of the time alone."
"Surprised you haven't gotten more insane since last time." She chuckled.
"I've never been insane Spot, but me too. The silence did get to me occasionally." She paused her tone softened. "I think it was the waiting that was the worst. I was waiting all that time to die. Whether it was in this maze, or if Manchester killed me, or starvation, I just waited." Spot stopped and turned toward her. They stood staring at each other Shaun nervous, Spot confident. He moved closer until she could see the blue of his eyes. Her heart raced as she grew impatient. His gaze steady. Slowly he leaned closer until she could feel his breath on her face. Parting her lips her eyes widened in surprise. Was he going to kiss her?
"Ya look like hell." He whispered and then straightened. She narrowed her eyes.
"You jerk!" he laughed lifting the lantern and staring at the wick.
"Why am I a jerk?"
"You know why!" she blushed.
"I don't, I'm not a mind reader. How am I supposed to know what ya were thinkin'?" she reached into her corset and supplied him matches. He raised an eyebrow before taking them and lighting the lamp. "We can stop here for tonight." She slid down the wall with a sigh of relief. The walk had been tiring and if it wasn't for Spot she would have stopped hours ago.
"Good, I'm so tired." She wrapped her arms around her knees. He situated himself beside her placing the lamp a few inches in front of them. Thankful for the warm glow she closed her eyes. "Has he followed you at all since you've been down here?"
"No but I guess he follows you?"
"He does. He hasn't lately, but he does."
"What a sick bastard."
"You've said that before."
"And I'll say it as many times as I want. He's a sick bastard."
"Such attitude." She smiled.
"Yeah well you have one too."
"I definitely don't."
"Yes, you do."
"Spot when have I argued with you?"
"Like a million times."
"Have not!" she snapped.
"Whatever." Shaun heard him shuffling about but ignored it as she drifted into sleep.
"Wake up." Spot whispered tugging her shoulder. "We have to move." He pulled her upwards shaking her slightly awake. Shaun could barely make out his words as she stumbled after him incoherently. It had been the first time that she had slept soundly in months. He wrapped his hand around her forearm helping with her balance.
"Spot leave me behind. I'm not going to make it." She murmured the past months finally taking their toll.
"Shut up." He hissed. "Ya damn well can make it and we will okay? We're gonna beat his game." Shaun heard his determination, his spirit, she wanted to find the same will, the same energy, she realized she wanted to gain his approval and his respect. But the strength it would require wasn't within her grasp at this moment.
"Where does your energy come from?" she asked shaking herself awake and allowing him to guide her.
"I'm used to going without food for days, the idea of survival." Suddenly he stopped shoving her against the wall. "Be quiet." He urged straining his ears for sound. Pressing himself beside her she listened as well and jerked in fear at the faint footsteps. Manchester she gasped trying to move. Spot clasped her numb fingers and held them against his chest. She felt his even heartbeat his slow breathing. "I'm here." He comforted and she fell back into her previous position feeling herself calm.
It was hard but Shaun put her trust in him as he held her shaking hand. The footsteps drew closer but she didn't panic instead she tightened her grip on Spot's hand. Quickly he pulled them forward quietly stalking through the tunnel. It was inhuman the way he moved but it was contagious. Shaun realized she could mimick him easily as they continued to escape. They entered a room with four doors. She scanned them and instructed Spot to take the one farthest right. He glanced at her holding her gaze before complying. Shaun looked over her shoulder to see the silhouette of Manchester following gaining on them.
"Spot." She whimpered attempting to reestablish trust.
"I know. Don't worry." The pace quickened and this time it was harder for her to follow. Even with his hand still holding hers she could feel herself falling behind, him dragging her. Suddenly she was tripping falling over hundreds of rocks strewn about the path. It was a trap a way to slow them down. Shaun held her breath as they cut her each time she tumbled onto them. Spot would stumble with her as he tried to keep their balance. She released his hand hoping he'd understand she wanted him to go on. If Spot survived she wouldn't feel guilty for abandoning Abby.
"Go Spot. Forget about me! You can make it without me." Shaun gasped tackling a few large ones.
"I can hear you!" Manchester called menacingly he quickened his steps.
"Dammit girl!" Spot growled grabbing her waist.
"Spot just leave! Please!"
"I don't leave anyone behind." He stated holding her close. Shaun looked into his eyes glimpsing a piece of who he was. Spot was a leader a protector determined to save. She could feel tears but swallowed them back. The rocks moved behind them and she bit her lip. "Move." He commanded. Shaun obeyed slipping over the middle of the pile. Spot bent down his back toward her. "Get on." Five months ago she would have protested laid down and allowed death to take her. Now she climbed on wrapping her legs around his waist. He stood up easily and hurried over the rocks using the wall as balance; Cursing every time he stumbled or almost dropped her. Shaun squeezed her eyes shut wishing she had been capable of doing what he wanted her to survive not relying on him for strength.
"I'll get both of you. How wonderful." Manchester cried. They entered another water pit the exit on the other side of the pool. There was no bridge and the water was turbulent and vicious as it lapped at the sides and sprayed them with droplets. Spot bent and Shaun slid off his back wearily eyeing the rats that bathed in the sewage.
"You can swim right?" he asked.
"Yes." He looked at her his eyes stern.
"Swim fast." Then jumped into the waves. Shaun followed kicking her legs with as much energy she could muster. "Keep swimming!" Spot called encouragement as the rats began nipping at her. She cried out pushing them away as she gasped. "Come on!" Spot reached the ledge and pulled himself up. Turning he watched her his lips pressed into a thin line. Shaun struggled settling her gaze on him telling herself she'd make it to him. He extended his hand toward her and she felt a sudden surge of strength. Before she could reach him a bullet whizzed past grinding into the brick.
"Spot!" she shrieked faltering in the waves.
"Keep swimming!" another bullet grazed her arm and she cried out. "You can make it! I won't leave you!" he stood and began searching. Shaun was unsure of his motive but when he picked up rocks she realized. Hurtling them at Manchester he continued offering encouragement.
"Damn boy!" Manchester growled reloading his gun. He bent down outstretching his hand once more pleading with her to swim faster. Shaun reached him and grabbed it. He pulled her arm around his neck and tugged her up. Barely pausing he dragged her into the safety of the tunnel. Shaun pulled back staring at his face. He watched intently through the door a smirk tugging at his lips. She smiled wanting to reach up and run her hands over his cheek. He was beautiful. Suppressing the urge she slid from his arms.
"You keep saving me." She commented following him as he plunged ahead.
"What?" he demanded.
"Nothing." She blushed.
A/N: So this chapter and the one after is everything I wrote before. I'm extremely happy I finished with the old draft. I can't wait to move on with this story. Hope this was good.
Joker: I loved Midnight Rain's stories! I'm not sure if its a good thing that this reminds you of her writing though lol XD Thank you for reading and reviewing it's much appreciated. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Thank you, thank you!
Scree: Yeah, haha, and I know what you mean like I said I can't wait to write something new! I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Thank you for reading and reviewinngg!