The Darknest Hour

Part Thirteen

Zim groaned and coughed as the dust around him began to die down. After a few moments, he staggered to his hands and knees. He shook his head to rid himself of the dizziness before looking up to check his surroundings. It wasn't long that he could soon make out the sight of figures within the dim tunnel; which was lit by a few of the lava flows within it.

"Is everyone okay?" He heard someone ask; causing him to turn toward the voice.

Zim could see the others were supporting themselves against the wall of the tunnel as they answered back to Skooge who had asked the question. Many of them having many cuts and several awful bruises; but were otherwise okay. The young Irken felt relieved to see the others were alright.

Just then, an uneasy feeling rose within him as he realized something. Dib hadn't answered and wasn't anywhere to be seen. It was then that he heard a faint cough from behind him. Turning in surprise, he soon pinpointed where it came from.

"Dib?" He called; looking toward where they had come in.

What he saw, caused him to look on in shock. Dib was on the ground; not moving once.

"Dib!" Zim shouted and quickly got to his feet; causing the dizziness to slightly return.

Zim staggered back for a moment but soon rushed to his friend's side. Stopping beside him, Zim stared in awe at the sight before him. Dib laid where he was; nearly buried beneath the rubble. Zim fell to his knees as he continued to panic on how this could've happened.

It was then that Zim remembered that he had felt a shove from behind him before the ceiling had given way. It was then that Zim noticed Dib's arms outstretched and his head resting to the side as the rocks covered him at the waist down. That was when Zim realized Dib was the one who had shoved him clear of the cave in.

Not wanting to waste anymore time, Zim got to work digging through the rubble; desperate to free his friend. It wasn't long that everyone else did the same and began to dig through the debris. After a few moments, Dib was pulled free from the crumbled wall of rocks and rested him gently on the ground.

Everyone soon stood back as they took in the damage that had been done. Dib's clothes were tattered and he had many bruises. Dib's slightly cracked glasses were miraculously still in place. Zim soon sat beside him; a look of sadness on his face. The others watched this as well; sorrow and regret in their eyes.

"Dib?" Zim said finally; not getting a reply.

Zim gazed at him solemnly.

"Dib... I'm so sorry." He said; finally.

Still not getting a response, Zim then hung his head; closing his eyes. A groaned soon caused Zim to turn sharply to his friend. Dib began to stir. Soon, his eyes fluttered open.

"Zim?" He groan finally.

"Dib! You're alright!" Zim said; feeling a flash of relief wash over him.

"What happened?" Dib asked; feeling a bit dizzy as he slowly propped himself up on his elbows.

"You were unconscious," Zim replied; still a bit worried about what had happened. "You were nearly buried under the rubble from the cave in."

It was then that Dib remembered happened; his eyes growing wide.

"Oh." He said finally.

"And... Thanks for saving me." Zim grinned.

"You're welcome." Dib smiled back.

"Ahem!" Someone said; causing them to turn see Xane and the others staring back at them.

"Well, if you two are done having a moment, you think we could get back to what we were doing?" Xane smirked crossing his arms.

Zim and Dib scowled at Xane but soon looked around to where they had ended up.

"So where are we?" Dib asked finally; glancing around as he got to his hands and knees.

"I'm not sure," Skooge answered as everyone else looked around; wondering the same. "This tunnel doesn't look like it's been used that much.

"Well, wherever we are, there has to be a way out somewhere." Elora replied as Dib began stand up.

"GAH!" Dib yelped painfully as his legs buckled beneath his weight.

"Dib! Are you alright?" Zim asked. Dib winced as he held his leg in agony.

"My leg... It hurts when I put any weight on it." He replied; reeling in agony.

Zim soon gazed at everyone else; who also had a many scrapes and bruises from what happened. He soon hung his head.

"I'm sorry everyone," Zim said with a pang of guilt. "This is my fault. Now might be stuck here with no clue of where we are."

"Hey, don't worry about it," Xane replied; wincing as he rubbed at the pain in his head; but soon placed a hand on Zim's shoulder. "Those jerks would've caught us if you hadn't caused the cave in. So we're thankful for that."

"Speak for yourself." Dib murmured; massaging the soreness in his leg.

"Here let me help you." Elora said; stooping down and slinging Dib's arm over her shoulder. "I think we should follow this tunnel," Elora said as she steadied Dib into the standing position; which caused Dib to wince slightly. "There might be a way out if we do."

"Well, I doubt we'd find a way if we went the way we came, so obviously we'll go down the other way." Xane replied sarcastically; crossing his arms.

Elora ignored him; turning to where the tunnel continued on.

"C'mon, the Voltarians could be finding a way here any minute." Elora said.

And so everyone began their way down the passage. They all followed Elora; who supported Dib as the five of them traveled down the dark tunnel.

Sorry for the wait ^^; I had to figure out what should happen next :) Also, this part is a little bit short ^^; I hope you're not upset about not getting more up to read :( But I hope you're still enjoying my story :) Anyways, this part might've also been a bit rushed ^^; I'm hoping to get more up soon :) So please stay tuned :) PLEASE MAKE SURE TO R&R! :D THANKS! :D:D