12. PLUNDGE
SAND POURED ENDLESSLY FROM UNSEEN HOLES HIGH ABOVE IN THE CAVERNS CEILING.
I avoided walking under the falls of sand by steering carefully around, and sometimes between them. Removing the adhesive powder proved to be very difficult after getting an unwanted shower in the sandstorm. It was coarse and sticky and rough and it just got everywhere: my mouth, inside my ears, in my fur, and unmentionable places where I didn't think possible to get sand. I convinced myself that sand, and all of its irritating properties, was a useless element the world could do with out. I certainly wouldn't miss it.
As if the mountains heard my growing hatred for its old companion, loose sand fell from an unseen hole in the ceiling at the exact moment I stepped undeathe it. A veil of sand spilled over my head.
Son of a . . .
That time, I didn't bother dusting myself off. Honestly, what was the point? So I just stood there, coated in a second layer of insufferable sand. The last grains rolled down the narrow of my nose, and I decided at that moment sand had become my newest enemy.
About ten feet ahead, Hige heard the rush of sand falling and stopped to check over his shoulder. When he caught sight of me, I could tell he was repressing laughter. I shot him a glare that obviously said 'Not. One. Word.' The husky wolf covered his mouth to hide the smile playing on his lips, as if that alone would set me off into a raging mess. Did I really look that upset? With that thought in mind, I relaxed my scowl into a sullen pout.
Instead of making fun of me, Hige dodged the chance and asked a question that caught me completely off guard. "Has your shoulder healed up?" He asked.
I blinked, throughly shocked. "How did you-"
"Know about the wound?" Hige filled in with a self satisfied smirk. Lifting his index finger, he touched the point of his nose. "I happen to have a very strong sense of smell. Nothing can get passed me, not even weeks old dried blood."
My face took on an understanding look. Oh, so that explains his observant nature. He has a great nose! "That's very convenient." I supplied with a small smile of my own. "And to answer your question, my wound scabbed over but it's still slightly tender." When I noticed Hige's face crumble in deep concern, I quickly had to add, "It's nothing serious."
Pushing himself off the stone walls, Hige started to approach me. "Do you mind if I take a look?" He asked, tilting his head to one side.
The wolf's closeness put me on edge - a habit I've developed when anyone entered my personal space - but I made sure not to make it obvious. I reluctantly lowered my guard, and permitted Hige's request with a slight nod. My body instantly tensed when he gently peeled back the dressings. He inspected my injury with keen eyes. After ten seconds, I counted in my head, Hige finally looked up at me.
"It doesn't look too bad." Hands slid back to his side when he leaned away. "But in the meantime, I would lay off using that arm."
Fingers adjusted the bandages on my injured shoulder while I gave Hige a confused look. "How do you expect me to walk then?"
"Simple." Hige's self-assured grin grew wider. He took a short step back and opened his arms to me. "I can carry you."
Displeased with the offer, I took a long step back from his friendly disposition. Unless I'm dying or unconscious. But at the end, I decided to try a less harsher approach. "No thanks, I can manage."
He stared at me for a moment, and then shrugged. "Suit yourself. My offer still stands in case you change your mind Miss I'm-Too-Cool.'"
Hige chuckled when he managed to make me smile. I turned away, and regarded my surroundings. Thankfully, slivers of sunlight slipped through the openings in the ceiling, penetrating the damp darkness where we stood. Rustic tools long forgotten laid on the sandy ground, and several burned out lightbulbs hung in a straight line on the wall, held together by a thick cable. But the deeper we went, the darker it became. The sandstorm's winds produced mighty howls as they whistled through the mountains interior, muffling the low indecipherable voices of our other pack members who ventured into one of the five underground passages ahead. They've been searching for the best way out of the mountains far too long. Growing impatient, I stepped toward the passage I saw the wolves disappear through an hour ago, prepared to take matters into my own hands.
My heart leaped inside my chest when Toboe's body suddenly materialized out of the shadows. He smiled apologetically for startling me. "Hey! I think we found a way out. Follow me." He explained, taking the lead into the dark passage. We left the warmth of the sun behind, and the mountains cold breathe swallowed us whole.
Treading through the shoulder-to-shoulder stone walls, there was a sense of confinement that threatened to fog my thoughts with anxiety. I have never been known to be scared of closed spaces, but I suspected anyone would be if their bodies were squished between boulders. Regularing my breathing, I followed blindly after the pup down the winding, dark passage. My hands stretched outward, feeling the damp, rough walls as I waited for my eyes to adjust in the black void. Concentrating on the inconsistent sound of our feet shuffling through gravel helped block out thoughts of enclosure. For the most part, it relaxed my nerves. The caverns narrow passage went on for about half a mile, and then a faint blue light brighten the cavern. My pace quickened, urging Toboe to move faster. The narrow walls opened up into a huge and impressive elongated chamber. I arched my neck to look up and thousands and thousands of glow slugs clung onto the rocky ceiling, illuminating the cavern in a bright blue glow. Its high ceiling made me feel like I was inside a cathedral.
Just then, I was suddenly reminded of giants in black cloaks, channels filled with blood, and demonic red eyes. I squeezed my eyes shut, willing the horrid images out of my head. That dream, I thought to myself, why did I have that grotesque dream?
As if from inside the depths of my head, I heard a voice beckon out to me from the darkness.
Amber . . . Amber
Said the voice - slowly, deep, filled with joyous malice, and promising pain.
Amber . . . Amber
It said again, sending electrifying chills that crawled up my arms. At first it sounded distant, almost like a whisper. But after each time it called my name, I could tell the voice was growing louder, getting closer and closer.
And then, it was like it came from right behind me.
AMBER!
My eyes shot wide open to find a concerned Hige, Tsume glowering at me suspiciously, and Kiba's inquisitive blue eyes. But it was Toboe who spoke.
"Amber, are you okay?" He took a tentative step toward me. "I've been calling you."
I stared at the pup for a moment, heart beat erratic. "Yeah," I put on a scowl in attempt to hide the fear still coursing through me. "Of course I'm okay."
But Kiba didn't seem convinced. "Are you sure?" He asked, ensuring the validity of my words. "You look pale."
My cold, clammy fingers brushed strands of hair behind my right ear. "It must be the blue glow in here, cause I'm fine." I marched pass Toboe and Kiba, going through the gap between their bodies. What's happening to me? I thought nervously, tucking my hands inside my black jean pockets. It all felt so real.
The wolves dismissed my weirdness as mundane and forgot all about it. Thank goodness for that. As I walked deeper into the huge chamber, my ears perked at the sound of rushing water. Around the tower of boulders was a magnificent underground waterfall. Awestruck from the size of the fall, I held my breathe when I reached the edge of the precipice. The drop was deep, the falls emptying inside a massive pool.
"This is going to slow us down." Groaned Tsume, surveying the large gap wearily.
"Hey! This must be where that tragic accident happened twenty years ago." Recalled Toboe. He looked up at Kiba and continued his story, "Gino told me a minor struck water in these mountains, causing a lot of people to drown."
"Don't mention that name." I blurted without meaning to, and Toboe threw in a quick apology. Crossing arms in front of my chest, I turned to the only person who knew the way out of this place. "How the heck are we crossing this monster?"
The alpha wolf crouched low to peer over the edge with furrowed brows, staring down at the black water 200 feet below. Making a displeased grunt, Kiba then looked up to scan the walls nearest to us. A glint of hope brightened his eyes. "See that hole over there?" He pointed at something looming next to the falls. My eyes squinted and I saw a separate tunnel adjacent to where we stood. "That must be our only way out."
"How do you suppose we get there?" Hige looked pensive. "Fly across?"
Kiba rose, strightening his posture. "We climb the walls."
"But its dangerous," mumbled Toboe. The fear was evident in his voice.
"Yeah, and Amber has an injured shoulder." Reasoned Hige. "I dont think its wise to have her climbing walls."
Toboe turned to me at once. "I thought you said your wound healed."
"It reopened in Junction City when I fell on it." I clarified before narrowing my eyes at Hige for using my injury as a means to escape wall climbing. "Don't handicap me, Hige. I already told you that I can handle my own."
"I'm just saying we should turn around and look for another way across." Hige suggested.
"Do whatever you want." Kiba grumbled in annoyance. He moved forward and heaved himself up onto a narrow horizontal surface projecting from the wall.
Hige made a face. "Can you believe that guy? He's gonna get himself killed."
"Well, I'm not about to stick around for another hour." I argued, carefully placing one foot on the natural ledge. I pressed my back flat against the wall and slowly moved like Kiba.
Tsume sighed and force himself to follow Kiba and I.
"Wait for me, Tsume!" Shouted Toboe, hastily scrambing after the grey mutt.
It didn't take long for reluctant Hige to give in.
I kept my head up, mind focused and body steady as I slid my feet forward on the steep ledge. Breathing evenly, I clung onto the rocky walls and moved along again. Inhale, grab, and slide. Inhale, grab, and slide. Inhale, grab, and slide. I could hear the others, but I dared not look back. My eyes were glued to the passage by the waterfall. It led to open fields, trees, sunlight and Paradise. Almost there. Just a little more . . .
Half way through, something terrifying happened.
Crack!
My stomach literally dropped into my pelvis when the thin ledge shook. I pressed my back against the walls, and desperately clawed on for balance.
"What the hell was that?" Shouted Hige, frantic.
My heartbeat accelarated when realization dawned on me: The ledge can't handle our combined weight. I looked over at Kiba, frightened for what was to become of us, and his wild eyes locked onto mine.
CRACK!
The ledge crumbled underneath our feet and we fell into the dark depths below.
A/N: Another cliffhanger?! Whaaaaaat? I should be ashamed of myself. Let's be clear, I'm not, but I should be :P
I didn't feel like putting a quote, too sleepy. Anyway, I apologize for the extensive wait, and not writing any cute moments with the dashing Kiba. But I assure you there will be plenty of Kiba action in the up coming chapters. I'm trying to develop Amber's character first, so sit tight and enjoy the suspense.
