The Darknest Hour

Part Ten

The only sounds that could be heard were the echoes of footsteps that ricocheted off the stone walls around them as the prisoners continued their way through the dimly lit tunnel. All the while, Zim continued to wonder where they were headed. His thoughts were soon interrupted as he saw everyone come to a halt.

"What's going on?" He heard someone ask as others whispered and murmured amongst themselves.

"We're at the dividing passageways that will lead to the secret caves." Fae told them. "Which means, it will be probably be easier to go in groups of two. This way, we will be able to keep track and we won't get lost in the tunnels."

The prisoners kept their complete attention to the young Alvemian speaking.

"I'll need someone to lead the younger, older, and injured prisoners to safety." Fae said.

"I will." Came a new voice from the crowd of prisoners as they stepped forward.

Zim then got a good look at the one who had volunteered. Though it was dark within the tunnel, Zim could tell it was a female. She had ivory colored skin and looked to be no older than fourteen or fifteen years.

She was dressed in a deep bluish violet long-sleeved shirt and faded blue jeans along with a pair of white shoes; which are stained black from the constant collection of ash and soot. She had coffee brown hair; which reached past her shoulders. Her chocolate brown eyes seemed to glow radiantly within the dimly lit tunnel.

"Okay, the safest way is to take the right tunnel. Me and the others will take the one on left." Fae responded. "We'll meet you there."

The girl nodded and turned to the other prisoners.

"Okay everybody, I'll be taking you guys down this way." She told them. "Stay close so we don't get lost."

And soon, they began their way down the right passage as the others went into the other direction. Zim followed behind the other injured and younger prisoners; due to the fact that he was still in a bit of pain after what had happened for the past few days. He quickly made his way up to the leader of the group; trying his best to keep up with her fast pace.

"I believe I did not catch what your name was." Zim stated.

The young girl turned toward him; slowing her pace so to not trip or collide with a wall of the tunnel.

"Oh, sorry. My name is Elora Skye." She replied. "And you are?"

"Zim." He replied. "I'm from planet Irk." He then said; after turning his attention to where he was going.

Elora soon did the same before turning back and smiling.

"Pleased to meet you." She replied. After many moments of walking, they soon reached the end of the tunnel.

Zim soon stopped in awe at the sight. Many large neon blue and purple crystals protruding from the walls in many places; as well as the ceiling. As he gazed up at the crystals, they seemed to cast a luminous glow of their own; dimly lighting the enormous room.

After a long moment, he began to make his way down a trail; following behind Elora who led the way. Zim could soon see many other prisoners; who had been rescued from their cells. The young Irken continued to gaze around for any sign of someone he might know. As he continued his search, two prisoners in particular soon caught his attention. They were both Irken.

As Zim made his way closer, he could soon make out the distinct appearances. The first was young a male with the same colored eyes as Zim; yet a bit brighter in shade. Though he was a bit more stout and seemed a bit shorter than Zim, he was near the same age.

The second of the two was a young female. She was dressed in a deep purple dress with black boots and gloves and had deep violet eyes and had a somewhat strange device attached to the side of her face. 'Could it be them?' He wondered. The two Irkens soon turned in his direction; staring in awe at what stood before them. All at once their expression changed from complete shock to pure joy.

"Zim!" They cried. "Skooge! Tak!" Zim called back; equally in joy of seeing them again.

Though still in pain, Zim ran to meet with them once more; embracing them in pure joy of seeing them again. Zim could then see how much the two of them had gone through. Skooge had a few bad scratches; but otherwise way alright. Tak had many bruises that decorated her face.

Zim told them everything that had happened as he saw the look of horror on their faces. While doing so, Zim then turned his attention to another part of the room where groups of other prisoners were gathered and happily sharing their joy of being reunited with one another.

"I'm glad you guys are alright." Zim said finally; turning back to his two best friends.

Suddenly, another voice rang out. Zim turned in the direction of his name being said. To his surprise he saw a young boy with ivory colored skin that was no older than twelve or thirteen years.

He was dressed in black with a blue shirt beneath with what seemed to be a grey neutral type of face on the front. He also had black hair; which seemed to be in a scythe type of style along with a large pair of glasses. Zim's eyes grew wide at this.

"Dib!" Zim shouted. The two ran forward; Dib nearly knocking Zim over; but luckily didn't as they embraced each other.

"I was worried, Zim." Dib frowned. "I thought I'd never see you again."

Zim smiled. "Well, I guess you thought wrong." He replied.

Dib smiled.

"Oh, Dib. I have a couple friends I want you to meet." Zim stated; turning toward Tak and Skooge; who were wondering what was going on. "Tak, Skooge; this is Dib. Dib; Tak and Skooge."

Dib gazed at them for a moment; as did Tak and Skooge.

"It's nice to meet you." Skooge smiled; shaking Dib's hand.

Dib smiled and Skooge soon let go of his hand. Dib then turned to Tak; who took a moment.

"Pleasure." She said finally; shaking Dib's hand as well.

"Hey! Zim!" Came a familiar voice from nearby.

Zim and the others turned to see who the voice belonged to. It was a young male seeming to be around his early teens with short cream and honey colored fur. A thin muzzle and long thin ears. He had short black hair; the bangs of which seemed to slightly hang in his face. He wore a sapphire blue T-shirt and black pants. His feet were shoeless; which seemed a bit like paws.

"Xane." Zim grinned.

"Great to see you found your friends finally." Xane smirked.

"Yes. It is."

Just then, another voice came from behind them; not calling to them but to Xane. The young Alvemian and the others turned to see another; yet older Alvemian coming toward them; which Zim new was Fae. Fae ran toward them; pulling Xane into a big hug.

"I missed you, Bro." She smiled.

"I'm glad to see you too, Fae." Xane smiled back. "We're going to need to find a way outta here."

"Don't worry, we've got a plan." Fae replied. "But right now, you guys should rest. We'll be leaving in a few hours."

With that said, Fae soon left to check on the other prisoners.

Zim and the others gazed on in shock.

"I didn't know you had a sister." Zim stated finally; as he and the others looked on at what had happened.

Xane frowned; turning around.

"You never asked me." He replied matter-factly; almost rudely; causing Zim to make a face.

"He shouldn't need to ask." Tak stated; hotly. "Well, sorry for saying what's true." Xane shot back.

"Xane! Tak!" Dib piped up. "Lets not fight right now." Tak and Xane turned away from each other; both not very fond of the other's attitude. "Let's just relax and make the most of it.

"Fine." Xane huffed.

"As you wish." Tak grunted.

Zim and Dib sighed. They knew this was going to be a long night.

This part is kinda short and a bit rushed ^^; But I still kinda like how it turned out :) Sorry for the really long wait, I was super busy and stuff ^^; Anyways, I'll try to get more up soon :) I'll keep going until it's done :D Anways, I hope you're enjoying my story :D And want to know what you all think :D PLEASE R&R! THANKS! :D:D