Chapter 8: In the Dark
Now
The darkness seemed more haunting than anything. Silence and darkness. It was a waking nightmare. Silence may be an exaggeration. These was sound. The pounding of water against the siding. All our breathes lingering in the hair. Clicking. What was clicking? There was a loud bang followed by continuous rattling. They were trying to get in the door that Jerome and Mitch had locked.
"Here we go," whispered Sky.
The door blew open, briefly illuminating the room by the storm's light. Darkness settled down again, barely lit by the dock's streetlamps. It was like watching silhouettes battle. Jerome and Mitch moved in first, covered by Seto's long ranged attacks. I felt a hand grab my shoulder, pulling me back. I couldn't see who but they moved pass me, joining Jerome and Mitch in the shadowy battle near the entrance.
"Jane, go!"
I couldn't tell who was talking. I couldn't tell who was anyway. Where was I supposed to go? Nonetheless, I ran along the room's edge. I kept an eye trained on the battle in the center. I couldn't tell who was winning. I wish I could see better. Stumbling over the darkness, I eventually made it to the door. I stepped out of the building, feeling the rain hit my skin hard. I thought I could go get help, but I stopped not knowing how.
A sudden, shattering crash echoed across the dock, followed swiftly by a blast. I was shoved forward by the blast, crashing face first on the pavement. I could feel my skin scrape along the pavement, almost in slow motion. Now, it was silent. The only sound was the ringing in my ears. Everything seemed blurred, smoky. I pushed myself up slowly, trying to focus.
"What happened…?" I whimpered, looking around.
The warehouse's interior was lit now with the fire from the explosion. I could see the hazy images of my friends on their knees, struggling to get up. There were only five of them but they were strong. I saw one grab Jerome by his fur, dragging him away. I couldn't see anyone else moving. Sky was the only one still standing, sword shaking in his hands. His glasses were gone.
"Sky…" I whispered, trying to stand.
My feet felt like rubber, barely able to remain upright. Something was running down my face, I could feel it. I didn't know if it was rain, sweat or blood. Couldn't tell. Didn't want to know, either. I felt broken, moving to leave. I had to call and get help. Get help. Get. Help.
"Jane!"
The voice was loud. It pierced my ears and drew attention. I looked directly in their eyes, waiting for the rest of my vision to clear up. It looked like Quentin. I could feel my lungs take in air and heave it out. It hurt. Quentin grabbed me by the wrist, pulling me closer.
"Quentin…?"
"Close enough."
I felt a sharp pain in my side. I choked on the air in my lungs. My eyes burned, slowly leaking down my cheeks. My vision had finally cleared up enough to see who was truly in front of me. To my own credit, it did look like Quentin. No doubt one of the squid doubles. His fake skin had begun flaking, burned off by the explosion. He smiled, pulling the blade out from my side. I coughed, feeling like something was caught in my throat.
"Q2 has the final enemy present," he spoke, catching me as I fell forward.
"Who…" I sobbed. "How…"
"Oh, don't worry, human. This won't kill you," he scoffed, throwing me over his shoulder. "None of the others are dead…yet."
The smoke…the wound…the noise…ringing in my ear, heavy lungs, going limp, eyes growing tired. Couldn't move. Everything turned black. What just happened?