Chapter 11

~Alannah's POV~

I'm startled awake as I hear my son's plea for help through the hive mind.

Something wasn't right; he never calls for help, especially not from me specifically.

I focus on the hive mind, and expand my view through my son's senses. The surroundings pass by in a blur as he runs like his life depends on it. "Not my life," he corrects me.

The view switches downwards as my son shows the unconscious figure in his arms.

Shock fills me as I see my dear friend covered in blood; it is then that I hear the conscious of another.

I can't help but hiss sharply in disbelief. It's not possible; how did she become impregnated?

Frantic thoughts swirl in my head, and I struggle to compose myself.

My dear friend was carrying an embryo, and it seems ready to be birthed at any moment. There's only one way to save my friend.

I urge my son to move faster, and I scramble to the birthing chamber.

I quickly secrete a sufficient amount life-sustaining jelly, and place it into a pot. I then prepare a bench for my friend, and sit down on the side.

I'm restless as I wait for my son to arrive with my friend. From what I saw through him, the embryo had already begun to struggle inside her.

The birth will occur at any moment; I can only hope that we're not too late.

~Pete's POV~

I swear loudly as the damn Xeno jumps out of the window with Sharon in its deadly arms.

I run over to the window, and look out of it. I see the Raven land effortlessly onto the ground, and take off towards a small park.

I yell out in frustration, and then whip my head to Parsi who looks at a loss of what to do.

I fast walk to him, and drag him along with me. "We've got to get Sharon back," I state.

Parsi looks at me in horror. "How? We don't know where she's being taken, and there's only the two of us, along with Esme." He says.

I look at him with a fierce glare. "Haven't you realized that we've been stalked by the dominant hive for the past few days? They've got Sharon, and it's only a matter of time before they take the rest of us." I pause to take in a deep breath to calm myself, and then speak again in a softer tone. "With that damn Raven following our every move, we're not going to make it to the lake alive. We've got to find the hive so that we can take them out once and for all."

A hesitant look comes across Parsi's young-looking face. "And if we don't succeed?"

His question unleashes a series of emotions within me, though I push them aside.

I ignore his remark, and instead drag him down the stairs.

Esme is waiting at the bottom, and is looking at us in worry. "What's going on?" She asks. "Where's Sharon?"

Parsi and I reach the bottom.

I let go of him, and latch onto Esme's sleeve. I order Parsi to pack up our belongings, and then guide Esme outside.

The girl struggles to break free from my grip, and I let got.

I turn to face her, and she crosses her arm defiantly. "What's going on? Why are we leaving?" She asks.

At that moment, Parsi comes out with our stuff, and hands each of us our respective belongings.

I secure my sack on my shoulders, and take out my shotgun.

I then look down at the girl who's looking at us in confusion.

Her eyes narrow as she sees Parsi armed with Sharon's AK-47. "Why do you have Sharon's gun; where is she?" She then glares at me. "Answer me!"

I meet her gaze, and attempt to come up with an explanation that wouldn't scare her. That, however, is proving to be difficult.

I cough, and look away. "Sharon was taken by the Xenos. We're going to get her back." I finally say.

Esme's eyes widen like saucers as she takes in the news. "What?!" She screams. "Why did they take her?"

"I don't know," I answer truthfully, "but I intend on getting her back."

A look of determination comes on the girl's face. "I'm coming with you," she says firmly.

At that, I shake my head. "No," I say. "As a matter of fact, I'm going alone."

Both Esme and Parsi stare at me in shock. "What?!" They scream at the same time.

I cringe at the volume of their voices, but calmly reply. "This is too dangerous for me to risk your lives."

Esme's fists curl into tight balls. "We can take care of ourselves!" She states.

I snort humorlessly. "Right kid, you're barely out of your training bra, and you want to hunt the monsters? I don't think so."

Esme's face turns red as she glares at me.

I ignore her reaction, and then face Parsi. "I'm leaving you in charge; protect Esme, and keep on heading for the lake."

"I'm not leaving you behind Pete," Parsi answers.

I give him a stern look. "I'm not asking nicely; this is a direct order."

"What are we, in the military?" Esme comments bitterly.

I glance down at the girl who crosses her arms, and stares into the distance with furrowed eyes.

I sigh, and drop to my knees to come to her eye level. The girl turns to face me.

I place my hands on her shoulder, and rub in comfort. "Esme, do you think Sharon could ever live with herself knowing that you got hurt or died because of her?"

Esme's hard gaze softens slightly.

I continue to crack her defenses. "The great lake is our one hope for survival; you and Parsi need to go on ahead to ensure that a boat stays for us. In the meantime, I'll rescue Sharon and bring her back to us." I lift one hand to Esme' head, and ruffle her hair gently. "I'll bring her back; I promise."

The girl's hard façade shatters completely, and is replaced with a sad girl whose hope has been replenished slightly. "You guys better come back," she says softly.

I nod, and hug her. She wraps her small arms around me, and squeezes.

I let go, and stand up to my full height.

Parsi steps behind Esme, and places his hands on her shoulders as I did. The girl looks up at him, and blushes ever so slightly.

I raise an eyebrow as I observe her reaction.

A distant roar catches our attention, and we snap back to reality.

My grip on my shotgun tightens, and my eyes narrow. "You two need to leave, now!" I say.

Parsi and Esme both look at me once last time, before they hurriedly make their way in the opposite direction.

I press forwards, and make my way towards the source of the noise. It seemed close enough, so hopefully the Raven will come into view.

I walk through the Park, and an opening appears up ahead. I make my way towards it, and step out. I'm now in a pathway of sorts, though there is no sort of life in sight.

I initially doubt my ability to track, but then a low growl comes from below. I walk over to the edge where it reveals a metro line.

I barely see the dark form of the Raven as it rushes inside.

My eyes narrow as I spot the target. "Come on you son of a bitch," I mutter to myself, "lead me to your home." I climb down carefully, and jump down just in front of the opening.

I stand up, and observe the dark abyss momentarily before I cautiously step into the dark tunnel.