CHAPTER ELEVEN: The Mole.

The group ran through the darkness toward the opening that had been opened five years ago: the secret entrance to the hidden subterranean sea world of Atlantis. Kazooie knew they would be safe there until they figured out a way to subvert Kluntilda, and apparently the menacing captain as well.

Unfortunately, the opening at the side of the tavern was plastered over.

"Well, THAT was a nice plan," muttered Bottles.

"Dumb beaked one got group out in the open," said Mumbo. "Not long before ship see us."

Goggles and Speccy clutched each of Mrs. Bottles' legs. "What's happening, Mommy?"

Kazooie looked to the mole. "There must be something we can do..."

But at that moment, the cemented wall busted open. The wall fragments scattered everywhere as every one did their best surprised motion.

They all stared at what arose in the rubble. The dust cleared.

"Is that--?

Bottles spoke. "Squ...Squinty?"

It was Bottles' nephew, covered in dust.

"Unkie!" yelled Squinty as he ran over to a near motionless Bottles.

"Wha...what happened to you?" asked Mrs. Bottles. "We were worried when you were left behind at the stadium."

"I managed to escape the nasty witch," said the nephew. "I'm safe now."

"But... how did you get here?" asked Bottles in a concerned voice.

"Uh, well... I guess it was a coincidence!" said Squinty with a smile.

The mole family huggled briefly.

"All right, all right!" said the bird. "Enough with the rodent reunion, let's get out of here!"

The seven had made it and were breathing heavily inside the shimmering cavern. They rested for a while, and stared at the water reflections. Mumbo in particular would dip his foot into the cool water and make ripples with his zapping stick. One of the mole children would continue playing with their toy plane. It was a marvelous world under the town center.

Well, Kazooie, what do we do now?" asked Bottles.

But Kazooie was in a hypnotic-like stance. "Hey, wait a minute..." She looked to Squinty.

"How did you bust down the wall like that?"

"SILENCE, YOU MANGY BIRD," snapped Squinty, with a piercing stare.

"What did you just say?" said the Breegull.

An evil grin spread across his face. "You heard me!" He then cackled a very familiar cackle.

"Klunty?"

"In a matter of speaking," said Squinty. "You seem to have forgotten that I control everyone that was in the stadium!" The mole laughed. "You and your middling friends are coming with me. You can come out now, Clanker!"

They all looked to the water as the humongous mechanical shark rushed out onto the surface, disturbing the water greatly as it lumbered over them.

"A marvelous beast, isn't he?" continued the mole. "Aptly named too!" He looked as the shark's rusted parts clanked together rhythmically to its low breathing.

"I've done it!" said Squinty in a low voice, "I've finally gotten the bird!!!"