(9)-Dunking In The Mountains-(Part 2).
Back below the surface, Aiden managed to get the net un-hooked and was able to free himself from it and began swimming up towards the surface. When he surfaced, he sucked in a mouthful of air. The boy looked at his surroundings and saw that he was in another part of the cave that had stalactites hanging from the ceiling. The 10-year old turned to the left and saw his mother, Sharon, standing on dry land.
"Mom. What are you doing here?" Aiden said before swimming towards his mother.
"Aiden, come over here, we have to go now." Sharon said.
Aiden stopped. He realized it wasn't really his mother. Just an illusion of her. "I can't. Not without the silver slippers. I've got to go back and get them." He said before proceeding to turn and go back underwater.
"Aiden!" Sharon said, making her son stop and turn to face her. "Whatever happens, i'll always love you. I'll always be here."
With that said, Aiden turned and went back underwater.
"Watch out for monsters." Sharon warned.
/
Back above the surface, the children were still watching the foaming pool, waiting for Aiden to surface.
"He's been down a long time." A 6-year old girl said.
Beneath the surface, Aiden swam to the surface, emerging from the foaming pool.
12 And 11 ran over to a long stick leaned up against the wall and grabbed it.
"Help me." Aiden said.
12 And 11 stuck the stick out to the pool and Aiden swam towards it and grabbed it, followed by the two boys dragging him out of the pool and onto dry land.
A soaking wet Aiden got to his feet and he and 12 faced each other and stared at one another for a moment.
"Wow. You're the bravest boy i've ever met." 12 Said.
"Thanks." Aiden said. "Now can i please have my mother's shoes back?"
"Sure thing." 12 Said. "Alright, nome, give him the shoes." But there was no reply. "Any time, nome." No response. "Nome?" He said. "Nome?" The boy repeated as he turned to face the nome, only to discover that he was nowhere to be seen.
"He's gone. Vanished." A 5-year old boy said.
"He must've disappeared while we were staring at the pool." A 4-year old girl said.
"I can't believe this. That means he probably took the shoes with him too." Aiden said.
"It sure looks that way, 'cause they're not here either." 11 Said.
"I've gotta find him...and get those shoes back. Where's the way out of here?" Aiden asked.
12, 11 And the other children pointed at the only entrance/exit to this part of the cave.
"Thanks. Bye." Aiden said before running off and exiting through the only entrance/exit.
OZ
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