Well, this took a little while but here it is. From now on the chapters should be giving me less of a problem...because the part I've been waiting for is coming up next chapter! WHOOP!
Tom woke up with a start, a cold sweat coating his brow. His breath came in wild spurts, eyes wide open as he ran a hand through his hair. He looked around his room to assure himself that, yes, he was in the waking world. Computer...posters...pile of clothes on the floor...no moving shadows or voices calling his name. Yep, this was the real world.
Letting out a rough sigh, he fell back onto his bed and throwing an arm over his eyes. The nightmares had abated over the last two weeks, not as vivid as they were before. They still scared the hell out of him, though. And lately he swore he heard a familiar voice calling to him...
A wet nose pressed against his cheek, followed by a low whine and the swish of a wagging tail. Tom smiled, peeking out from under his arm at the ever so hopeful collie mix currently peeking over his bed.
"I'm okay, Tasha." He chuckled, patting the dog's head and moving over so she could jump up and cuddle. His Scanner went off as the dog snuggled in, making it that much harder for Tom to reach the little machine. But, he managed.
"Hello? Oh, hey Kaz. What's up?" Tom flopped back down, holding the Scanner up above him.
Kaz shrugged, "Just wanted to see if you got enough beauty sleep. You were supposed to be online an hour ago!"
"Cut me some slack, Kaz, I was up forever helping mom clean the house." Tom yawned, "I had one hell of a weird dream, too."
"Yeah, so did I." Kaz looked down, sounding forlorn. Needless to say, Tom shot right up out of bed.
"Wait, you did? What happened?" He asked just a touch urgently, concern showing on his face.
"Takinom stole my cat. And she wouldn't give her back! Then she set my pants on fire."
Silence.
"...I'm hanging up now Kaz."
"Hey, come on! It was a really sucky dream!"
"Goodbye, Kaz!"
Chaor stood atop a high outcrop, thick tail swinging back and forth slowly; a sure sign that he was in deep, brooding thought. A menacing frown showed on his face, bright blue eyes darkened with something akin to hatred. The focus of his attention? Gothos Tower.
Chaor did not move as Rarran flew down and landed behind him, sidling up beside the Underworld leader.
"Activity at Gothos Tower has increased exponentially." The bat-like creature informed, attention focused on the tower ahead of them. "Still no signs of Von Bloot...but I have no doubt he is there. M'arrillian sightings have been confirmed." He glanced up at the bigger creature, "What should we do, Lord Chaor?"
Chaor only answered with a light growl, eyes narrowing at the far-off tower. What he wouldn't give to destroy it this very instant...but no. Agitos had several plans he wanted to go over first. And fearsome as he was, Chaor had learned as a not to rouse the old Underworlder's wrath.
He growled once more, tail slapping light against the rock. "Keep your ears open. And don't report to me unless you have something good."
Rarran nodded curtly, taking to the air again and disappearing into the shadows. Chaor turned and left at the same time, not even bothering to see the spy off. Rarran could take care of himself; if he couldn't, he would have been dead by now.
He stalked through the corridors of the Underworld in silence, footsteps echoing throughout the cavernous area. He never liked being left alone with his thoughts. Really, he preferred action over planning...but recent events had proven that that was not always the best idea. His impatient nature always made him prefer the punch first and think later approach. But he would not risk losing the Underworld again.
He'd die before that happened.
Yes, Chaor didn't like being left alone with his thoughts. But he preferred them to his current company. With a warning snarl, the Underworld leader whipped around and sent a Flame Orb hurtling into a particularly shadowy area. To an onlooker, it would seem like an act of rage; at least until a shadow darted out of the way of the blow, coming up out of the ground in front of Chaor.
"Still a force to be reckoned with, I see. You best stay in top shape, especially now." Drakness' facade of a face showed a sickly grin, an expression Chaor wanted very much to remove from the shadow's face. Violently.
"What do you want, Drakness?" Chaor growled out, "I didn't call for you."
"No, you did not...and what a shame." The ethereal pretended to be sad, "I always get so bored flitting about the Ethereal tunnels."
"Leave. Now." Chaor ordered, tone breaching no argument. He turned away with a mind to continue his trek back to Underworld City. Unfortunately, Drakness had different ideas.
"The fiery one is your human pet, is he not? What was his name...Kaz?" The Underword leader stopped in his tracks, Drakness smirking at his minor victory.
Slowly, Chaor turned to face Drakness again. "Stay away from him."
"Ohh, hit a sore spot have I? You might want to keep an eye on your pet. You won't be the only one doing so."
Chaor roared, violently lunging for the Ethereal – and missing completely. An unnatural laughter echoed throughout the tunnels, Drakness flitting away along the walls before disappearing altogether. Chaor's hands balled up into tight fists, his sharp fangs showing in a feral snarl. Later...he would deal with Drakness later. Right now, he needed to get to Underworld City and find H'earring. He had a job for the spy...
"Oh. My. God. H'EARRING. GO AWAY." Kaz's voiced cracked loudly over the Scanner's speakers, causing to Tom bite his tongue to keep from laughing. He had to bite really, really hard.
"Nuh-uh!" H'earring's scratchy voice sounded from off screen, his ears showing up momentarily when he shook his head. "No can do. You're stuck with me!"
"Why?"
"That's top secret!"
"Don't you have something better to do?" Kaz argued with the creature, seemingly forgetting that Tom and the others were all tuned in to the conversation.
"Maybe Chaor's trying to make sure you don't attempt to 'fly' again." Sarah retorted sarcastically, turning her attention back to Peyton, "Our Lady Peace?"
"Bingo, Sarbear! Now, next song..." Peyton snapped his fingers, "Voodoo?"
Sarah rolled her eyes, "That one is way too easy. Spiral Beach, you linked me to them yourself."
"Ahh, true enough!" Peyton leaned back in his chair, "Kazzy boy still goin' at it with H'earring?"
Tom grinned and nodded, "Yep."
"We aren't going at it – or whatever. He's just being annoying." Kaz frowned, picking up his Scanner and glaring at the small creature. "He's been tailing me for a month now, non-stop! I'm getting kind of sick of it."
"Aww, Kaz, he likes you." Sarah mocked in a sweet tone, "You should keep him."
"Yeahhhh Kazzz," H'earring could be heard snickering through the Scanner, "Then we can go everywhere together~"
"Shut up Sarah." Kaz grumbled, "We practically already do..."
"Alright, alright. What's the big news, Kaz?" Tom set his Scanner against a bag of popcorn, letting Kaz see all three of them. Sarah and Peyton stopped their game of 'guess-the-band' and sat back to listen.
"Well...I don't really know." Kaz scratched his head sheepishly, "H'earring won't tell me. But, he says it's big. He's even sneaking me into the Underworld Citadel to see...whatever it is. Anyone wanna come with?"
"Sorry, Kaz. I have a drome match in fifteen minutes." Tom replied apologetically, glancing to the other two.
"And I'm scoping out the Danian territory with Peyton – like we were SUPPOSED to do last week." Sarah glared at Peyton out of the corner of her eye, the big guy having the decency to flinch.
"Haha, sorry Kazzerino. Looks like you're on your own this time." Peyton shrugged apologetically, "Hope you score a sweet scan, bro!"
"So do I." Kaz grumbled, "Well...see you guys later I guess. Tell me how the drome match went, Tom."
"Will do. Good luck Kaz." Tom waved, giving an encouraging smile to his best friend. It seemed to cheer Kaz up a little bit, anyway.
"Yeah, you too!" Kaz waved back and then hung up, pocketing his scanner. He swung his pack over his shoulder and gave H'earring an impatient look, "Okay, you've been teasing all day. Can we get this over with?"
"Heh heh, and here I thought you'd be soooo happy to have me all to yourself!"
"I've had you all to myself for about twenty days too long..." Kaz mumbled, reluctantly following behind H'earring as the creature pulled him forward.
H'earring just snickered in response, "Grumpy today, aren't we Kaaaaz?"
Honestly, he had to fight back the urge to hit the creature over the head with his bag. But... H'earring wasn't that bad, really. He just had way too much fun being obnoxious. And recently, strangely overprotective. The mix of both had been grating on Kaz's nerves more than usual.
Kaz was abruptly shaken from his thoughts with a sharp poke to the leg. "Ow! Wha-What's the big deal H'earring?"
"Don't need you running into someone like Hammerdoom again, do we?" The imp snickered as Kaz paled. Really, he was so fun to screw with! "Pay attention. We gotta slip in unnoticed! Come on, this way!"
"Yeah, so don't want that..." Kaz mumbled nervously, following close behind H'earring just in case. He SO did not want to have another run-in at the coliseum. "Uh -Hey, H'earring...isn't the entrance back over there?"
"We're not taking the front door this time Kaz!" H'earring glanced over his shoulder, "Now stay quiet and follow me. We don't wanna get caught!"
"Uh...c-caught?"
"Shh!" H'earring effectively shut his human companion up, carefully pushing a hidden door open and peering inside, listening intently. No movement down this hallway...but he heard some scuttling about fifteen feet to the left, down two winding corridors. Spyder, probably; he always roamed the back halls of the Citadel, just in case there was an intruder.
But Kaz didn't need to know that~
H'earring closed his eyes and focused, large ears swivelling this way and that in search of...Ah! There! Heavy footfalls, the tapping sound of talons and faint swish of rustling wings. H'earring stepped in and motioned for Kaz to follow, carefully closing the door behind them. It left them in almost complete darkness, a fact that H'earring completely forgot to account for. Kaz wouldn't be able to see or hear as good as he could.
H'earring tapped Kaz's leg lightly then took his hand, carefully leading the human down the hall. Kaz followed along pretty well, stopping when H'earring did and letting the smaller creature guide him through the dark. Finally they reached a better lit area, and Kaz let out a sigh of relief that he didn't even know he was holding.
Honestly, H'earring was impressed...Kaz had managed to keep his mouth shut for over ten minutes! Snickering to himself, H'earring released Kaz's hand and hurried ahead to take another listen. They were close – even Kaz could hear their voices now, judging by the curious look on the human's face. He grinned, pointing down the corridor just ahead of them and ushering Kaz along.
The voices got louder, and by now Kaz recognized both Chaor and Takinom. They were talking pretty urgently about something...did they need his help? No, that didn't make sense. Chaor would have found Kaz himself if that were the case. And, it couldn't be a new battlegear or anything like that. And Takinom SO wouldn't let him scan anything still top secret. What was H'earring up to?
The answer was clear as H'earring slowly led him onto a balcony, far above the throne room. Kaz choked back a gasp as H'earring forced him into a crouch, making him crawl the rest of the way up to the balcony railing. Chaor was pacing on the floor below them, a scowl on his face and tail thumping the ground irritably. Takinom stood near the throne, following her leader's every move with her eyes. Kaz gave H'earring a sidelong glance. Did the imp bring him here to spy on them?
Kaz's thoughts were cut off as Chaor growled, sending a shiver up the human's spine. "Anything from Tasqa yet?"
Takinom shook her head, "None. We haven't heard from Torrna or Tasqa. And Rarran is still healing from that broken wing they gave him. They're getting bolder...and if what Rarran said is true, then they have something new on their side. Possibly a Battlegear or some kind of Mugic."
Chaor snarled, stopping dead in his tracks. "I know." The air was still, deadly quiet for a few long moments. Then, with an angered roar, Chaor turned on his heel and let a Power Pulse loose on the wall to his right. Kaz squeaked, feeling the balcony shudder beneath him and H'earring. Thankfully, Chaor hadn't heard it. "We should have obliterated them by now!"
"I know, Chaor, I'm as frustrated as you are." Takinom retorted, "But we have to wait for Agitos. He should be back from his surveying soon." She crossed her arms, a scowl showing on her face, "We can't go head-on with the M'arrillians without a plan. Especially with Von Bloot on their side."
"M'arrillians?" Kaz whispered urgently, giving H'earring a frantic look. The creature hastily shh'd him, pointing down toward the other two and shaking his head. Takinom was looking in their direction, a suspicious look on her face. Thankfully, after a few tense seconds she looked away.
"Well, that was close wasn't it?"
With a yelp, Kaz whipped around and scurried backward until he hit the railing of the balcony. Fear turned into surprise as soon as he realized who it was on the balcony with them, "Wha...Agitos?"
The old Underworlder merely arched a brow, tilting his head at Kaz and H'earring. "Doing some spying are we?"
"S-spying? Uh, I, we, I mean-" Kaz glanced at H'earring as a shadow fell over the three of them. Kaz gulped, H'earring gave a nervous chuckle and attempted to hide under him, Agitos motioning for the human to look up. Unable to do anything else, he did just that. "Haa...Hi, Takinom."
The winged Underworlder was perched on the railing behind them, a scowl on her face and eyes narrowed suspiciously. In one swift movement Takinom grabbed the collar of his shirt and hoisted him into the air, Kaz's feet dangling off the ground. Kaz spotted Chaor over her shoulder, staring up at the scene silently, nothing showing on his face save for a slight narrowing of his eyes.
Suddenly Kaz didn't feel so good.
Tom ported into Kiru City and took a deep breath, taking in the familiar smell of stone walls, lush greenery and exotic food, a slight hint of metalwork woven through it all. He opened his eyes and looked around, completely relaxed. The drome match had gone really well, though it came real close at the very last battle. He'd have to thank Peyton for those tips about countering Warbeasts.
Speaking of Peyton, it had been him and Sarah that had called him in the middle of his match telling him to meet them in Kiru City, but as he glanced around again he couldn't see them anywhere. Faint music drifted from further toward the city center. Knowing Sarah and Peyton, they would probably be there.
Turns out his instincts were right on the money. Though he hadn't expected to see Tiaane of all creatures sitting in the middle of a big crowd playing some strange looking instrument.
"Yo, over here bro!" Peyton waved Tom over, guiding him through the crowd over to Sarah. Tiaane gave them a smile and a nod as he played. And then it became apparent what everyone was watching.
Tom laughed a little, a big grin showing on his face. A female Mipedian, which Sarah identified as a Muge called Wistanne, was performing a rather intricate dance with Intress.
"It's a Mipedian ceremonial dance, bro." Peyton whispered, "Seen it a few times now. Only for the ladies though! Guys aren't allowed to do this jig."
"Probably because no one wants to see a man move his hips like that." Sarah quipped, earning a snort of laughter from Tom. Tiaane gave the three a look, thankfully one of amusement rather than disapproval.
The song came to an end with a few lingering chords, the two dancers stopped just as the music did and the crowd around them let out some cheers. Intress and Wistanne gave a bow, and for a moment Tom made eye contact with the female Overworlder. Tom smiled and waved before turning to Tiaane, who was taking apart his instrument.
"Tiaane, what are you doing here? I mean, I've never seen you visit Kiru before. Or, any Mipedian really." Tom added on quickly, not wanting to offend the Muge.
"I was going to ask that myself." Sarah chimed in, "I know things have been a bit smoother since the whole M'arrillian fiasco, but you still don't see the Tribes mixing together at cocktail parties."
Tiaane tilted his head curiously at the comment, but answered nonetheless. "Wistanne and I are here on Najarin's request. He is meeting with Maxxor now. Intress here was kind enough to show us around." The Muge stood up, stretching his legs out, "Ah, I've been sitting for too long..."
"Though the M'arrillians are gone, the Tribal Alliance is still fondly remembered." Intress spoke up, approaching the small group and laying a hand on Tom's shoulder.
"By most, in any case." Wistanne crossed her arms loosely, "And even then, some more than others."
"Hmm. But, let us not talk of that now." Tiaane looked over the three of them, "Tom, Peyton. It has been a long time. And this is Sarah, I take it?" Tiaane smiled as Sarah nodded, "Peyton talks of you often."
"ANYWAY," Peyton interrupted, clearing his throat as Sarah gave him an amused look, "We gonna get a clue in on why Najarin called you guys here?"
"No." Intress answered immediately, "But, you can come with us to the Castle. I'm sure Maxxor would be happy to see you again, Tom."
"You think so?" Tom smiled widely, earning snickers from his two friends.
"I know so." Intress petted his hair lightly, fixing any stray or messy looking parts. Peyton and Sarah only half attempted to hold in their snickers and Tom blushed lightly, embarrassed.
"So, uh...um..." Tom rubbed his neck sheepishly, jumping in surprise when Sarah elbowed him.
"Calm down, blue eyes. You and your second family have been mushy for a while, stupid to get embarrassed about it now." She crossed her arms and smirked as Tom pushed her lightly, sticking her tongue out at him.
Intress chuckled lightly, motioning for everyone to follow her. "Come. Maxxor and Najarin should be seeking us soon. Tom, you and your friends may accompany us." She turned and headed toward the Overworld castle, talking quietly with Tiaane and Wistanne. The three humans followed close behind.
"So, Tommeh. How'd the match go bro?" Peyton asked, hands folded behind his head as they walked along.
Tom smiled widely, "It was great! It got tough by the end, but Maxxor and I managed to get a win. I thought for sure that last Lavalanche was gonna get me! That reminds me. Thanks for those pointers about Warbeasts, Peyton. Blazvatan took out Heptadd and Tartarek before I could take him down."
"No problem bro!" Peyton waved it off, "Just sharin' strategy with my buddy."
"You heard anything from Kaz yet?" Sarah pulled out her Scanner, checking it for any missed calls. There were none.
"No. He's probably still with H'earring or something." Tom frowned, "Why?"
"Nothing, just a weird feeling..." She put her Scanner away, "And H'earring's ALWAYS with Kaz nowadays. It's like he's got some creepy crush on him or something."
Peyton scratched his chin, "Maybe the little dude's just lonely."
Sarah chuckled and arched a brow, "Maybe, but the crush thing makes Kaz more uncomfortable."
"You are a cruel, cruel person." Tom announced, patting Sarah's back.
"Yeah, and you love every minute of it." Sarah gave him a smirk, flipping her hair as if she was showing off.
Peyton snickered, "Hey, Danians and Underworlders fight all the time. Kazzy and Sarah are just keepin' the rivalry alive!"
Peyton entertained Sarah and Tom with stories of his home the rest of the way to the castle, even getting the attention of the three creatures they were with. Tiaane in particular seemed interest in Peyton's home country of Israel, particularly when Peyton described both the desert and the lush places near waterways.
"We are here." Intress said softly, gaining everyone's attention despite. She pulled the castle door open and held it as everyone went in, giving Tom a warm smile. The door wasn't even fully closed when the room filled with a bright blue light, Najarin materializing in front of them.
"Perfect timing as always, Intress. We have important things to discuss with Tiaane and his companion." Najarin fixed the three humans with a sharp, studying look and held it for a long moment, none of them daring to move. Finally he relaxed, "Ah. MajorTom and his friends."
Intress stood close by Tom, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Peyton and Sarah are friends to Tiaane. Tom is here to see Maxxor." She squeezed his shoulder lightly, "Maxxor will be down soon-"
Intress was cut off as Tom's Scanner started to ring, all eyes fixing on his pocket momentarily. Sarah put a hand on her hip, "Let me guess, Kaz?"
"Who else?" Tom answered his Scanner, "Hey, Kaz I-"
"Tom you need to come down here NOW!" Kaz blurted out frantically, eyes wide and looking a mix of scared and worried, "And by now I mean NOW, NOW!"
"Whoa, Kaz, slow down! What's up?" Tom asked worriedly, half expecting Kaz to be under attack at any moment. All eyes were on him; particularly Najarin's. "Wait, I thought you were in-"
"I was in the Citadel and I'm not now and Tom just come to the Caverns, NOW!"
"Alright, alright! I'll be right there." Tom frowned as Kaz hung up, staring down at the blank screen for a few seconds.
"Hey, Tom? Earth to Tom?" Sarah snapped her fingers over his Scanner, getting his attention. "What was that all about?"
"I don't know...but I'm gonna find out." Tom answered seriously. Kaz did get freaked out easily...but Tom knew him well enough to know that something big was up this time.
"Want us to come with you, bro?" Peyton asked with a hint of worry, standing just behind Sarah. The two already had their Scanners out.
Tom shook his head, "No. You guys stay here...I'll call you if anything comes up." Tom looked them both in the eyes, the unspoken 'and you tell me if you find anything out' passing between them. Peyton and Sarah nodded, pocketing their Scanners again.
"Tom." Intress' ears flicked uneasily, a serious look on her face. Tom brought up his Scanner before she could continue.
"It'll be fine. Tell Maxxor I said hi." He said quickly, clicking the button to port out of the City. The last thing he saw was Intress' worried expression.
Kaz launched himself at Tom as soon as his dark-haired friend ported in, grabbing Tom's shoulders with a frantic look on his face. "They aren't gone! They're still here and they have some new stuff or something and Von Bloot is back in the Underworld and Chaor-"
"Whoa, jeeze, Kaz get off!" Tom pushed the other boy away, giving him time to orient himself and pocket his Scanner. "What are you talking about?"
"They aren't gone! I mean, they're still-!" Kaz started again, only for Tom to cut him off.
"Okay, I get that but who-" Tom sighed. Kaz was really worked up, and it had him worried. He sat down, motioning for Kaz to do the same. "Start from the beginning, Kaz."
Kaz slumped down beside Tom, "H'earring snuck me into the Citadel through a back entrance. He's still there now..." And probably getting a good verbal lashing. ...Hopefully getting only a verbal lashing. "He brought be to the throne room to eavesdrop on Chaor and Takinom."
Tom jumped, giving Kaz a disbelieving look, "Whoa, what? And...why? I thought you were allowed to skulk around the Citadel all you wanted."
Kaz gave his friend a weak glare, "First of all, I don't skulk. And I am allowed in there, in certain places anyway. But...Look, that doesn't matter! The M'arrillians are still here!"
"What?" If Tom didn't believe him before, he certainly didn't now. And really, he didn't want to believe Kaz. Not about this. "You can't be serious!"
"I'm not kidding, Tom." Kaz said sombrely, fixing Tom with a pleading look. Tom sobered up immediately, and Kaz continued. "Chaor and Takinom were talking about them in the throne room. And Chaor was really worked up about it."
"But...where are they? I mean, they were all gone, ever since Maxxor and Chaor took out Aa'une!" Tom ran a hand through his hair, his mind going at a mile a minute as he stood and paced. Either way you sliced it, if what Kaz was saying really was true, it was not good.
"That's what I thought too. That's what everyone thought! But Chaor wouldn't get so worked up if it wasn't true. And that's not even the worst part..." Kaz trailed off, burying his head in his hands momentarily.
"How can THAT not be the worst part?" Tom exclaimed as he stopped in his tracks, pivoting around to face Kaz.
"Something Takinom said. They're stronger than before; they have some kind of new battlegear or something. I didn't really get all the details."
"Well, do you at least know where they are? Does Maxxor know?" Tom ran a hand through his hair again, unconsciously pulling his Scanner from his pocket.
"Of course he doesn't! This is the Underworld, remember?" Kaz rolled his eyes before looking away sheepishly, "And uh...I kinda got caught before I could find out where they're hiding."
Tom sighed, scrubbing a hand over his face as Kaz stood. "Of course you did."
"Hey! It was a big bombshell okay?" The redhead pouted, crossing his arms indignantly. It made Tom smile, at the very least. But...
"You know I have to tell Maxxor." Tom spoke quietly, fixing Kaz with an apologetic look.
"No, no you can't." Kaz glared, "Look, Chaor let me have my freedom as long as I kept what I heard to myself. But, I had to tell someone and you...you're my best friend. If things get really bad we can find a way to tip Maxxor off or something but..." The redhead deflated, "Tom, you have to understand. As far as Chaor's concerned this is an Underworld problem. Even if Maxxor tried to send a brigade to help or contact Chaor...he'd probably attack them.
"I'm sorry, Tom..." Kaz continued, wishing his friend would look at him, "I guess I...It's a pride thing. In the Underworld, you take care of yourself or you die."
"Yeah? Well maybe the Underworld needs a wake up call." Tom grumbled, looking down at the lava far below them.
Kaz groaned, "Look, maybe it's not the best approach but that's how it is here. Chaor won't accept any help from the other Tribes and I can guarantee he'll be even less open to the idea if Maxxor finds out about...any of this." Tom still wasn't looking at him...Kaz sagged, looking away, "I shouldn't have told you."
"No, Kaz - it's fine." Tom looked up at last, walking over to his friend and putting an arm around his shoulders with a small smile, "I'm glad you told me. I know how you get when you worry by yourself." Tom grinned, "The squeaky voice, the hyper attitude, talking so quick even your mom can't figure out what you're saying..."
Kaz laughed and pushed Tom off of him, "At least I don't get depressed and mopey!"
"Oh!" Tom acted like he was stung right over the heart, "Touche!"
"Still...I wasn't supposed to tell anyone. So-" A shadow fell over the two boys, "Huh?"
Takinom came barrelling down at the two, landing between them and knocking Kaz off balance. She grabbed the collar of Tom's shirt and dangled him in the air, earning a distressed yelp from the black haired teen. She snarled at Kaz, "No, you weren't!"
"Tom!" Kaz squeaked, "T-Takinom, I was-"
"You WERE just sharing Underworld secrets with an Overworlder!" Takinom interrupted him, giving the Overworld player a shake for good measure, "I know who your little friend allies himself with."
"Let him go, please!" Kaz begged, "We weren't going to tell anyone!"
"Yeah, I already promised not to!" Tom struggled against her hold, kicking and attempting to pry her claw-like hand from his shirt.
Takinom let out a harsh laugh, "Like I would believe an Overworlder. I heard you mention Maxxor. I knew it was a bad idea to let you go." She glared at Kaz, who gulped and internally cursed himself for ever even thinking of calling Tom..
Tom's fists balled up, "I should tell Maxxor! If there are still M'arrillians wandering around every Tribe should know, even if it is in the Underworld!"
"We will do things the way WE please in our territory." Takinom said with an air of finality, her wings snapping out fast enough to make both humans flinch. She continued her glaring contest with Tom for a while longer before looking at Kaz. "You are lucky Chaor trusts you. Do not betray that trust. Or I will kill you."
With that she dropped Tom back onto his feet, watching as the human stumbled in an attempt to regain balance. Kaz instantly ran to Tom's side to help him up – that would not do. With a hiss and one swift movement Takinom lunged at Kaz, not physically touching him but scaring him into stumbling backwards.
Unfortunately for Kaz, a tremor ran through the caves at that exact moment. The ground shook, Tom fell over, and Kaz would have too...had the ground beneath him not crumbled under his feet and sent him plummeting down toward the lava.
"KAZ!" Tom lurched forward, scrambling over to the jagged edge of the new chasm and falling on all fours, "KAZ?"
The caves when silent, and for a long, agonizing moment, all Tom could hear was bubbling lava. Time seemed to slow and stop. And then...
"I'm okay! I think..."
Tom's world came crashing back down as soon as he heard those words, a heavy sigh of relief escaping him. He peered over the edge, spotting Kaz standing precariously on a crumbling ledge. He looked up as Takinom came to stand beside him, a disinterested look on her face.
Tom stood, looking from her to Kaz, "Well, what are you waiting for? You can fly, help him!"
The winged Underworlder shot him a cold glare, looking down at Kaz once more. Her wings flapped once and fanned out as she announced loudly, "If he truly is an Underworlder, he will help himself."
"Are you crazy?" Tom groaned, shaking his head and looking back down at Kaz. "Just port out, Kaz. I'll meet you in the Port Court."
"...No."
Tom stopped right in his tracks, "What! Kaz, that thing you're standing on is gonna fall at any second!"
Kaz didn't answer, holding Takinom's gaze for a few seconds longer. He looked down at the lava below and, with a determined nod, started to climb up the jagged chasm. Tom tensed up, wishing his friend would just port to safety. It was times like this that he wished Kaz was an Overworld player instead...or at least didn't have the insane need to prove himself to the Underworlders.
Tom glanced over at Takinom. She was just standing there, a neutral look on her face, watching Kaz struggle up the side of the chasm. Kaz slipped and Tom moved to help him, only to get stopped at pushed back by Takinom. He couldn't do anything...and it burned him up inside.
Fixing a quick glare on Takinom, Tom leaned back over the chasm. "Come on, Kaz..." he whipered to himself, "You're almost there."
Kaz slipped again, barely managing to catch himself on his last foothold. He looked up, groaning and not daring to move for a moment. Just a few more feet to safety...wouldn't it just be a hoot if he died now? Pushing away his own morbid thoughts Kaz continued to climb until, mercifully, he was able to pull himself up onto solid ground.
Tom was at his side in an instant, pulling Kaz away from the precarious edge and kneeling on the ground with him. Kaz panted, glancing over at the chasm quickly, "Man I'm sore..."
Tom glared up at Takinom, "Happy now?"
The Underworlder only answered with a huff as she crossed her arms, watching the two humans with a critical eye.
"Tom..." Kaz put a hand on his arm before looking to Takinom, voice subdued but serious "I am loyal to the Underworld. I'm loyal to Chaor. And I'd never betray him. Ever" Again, Takinom only answered with a huff.
Tom's glare intensified as he took out his Scanner, instructing Kaz to do the same. In an instant they were both gone, leaving Takinom alone. She stayed for a moment longer before spreading her wings and taking off.
"Whoa...intense dude." Peyton said at last, breaking the silence after Tom finished telling him and Sarah what happened.
"That's an understatement..." Sarah frowned lightly and placed her hand over Kaz's to get his attention, "Are you okay, Kaz?"
"Yeah, dude. You're lookin' pre-tty pale."
"Huh?" Kaz looked down at their hands then back to Sarah with a weak smile, glancing briefly at Peyton, "Yeah, I'm fine. Just...a little shaken is all." He pulled his hand away, folding his arms on the table and looking down again. Sarah shared a glance with Tom, who was sitting close by Kaz's side.
Tom shook his head, "I still say 'that's how they do things in the Underworld' isn't an excuse. Anyway...we still don't know what the M'arrillians are up to, if they are up to something."
"It's pretty much a guarantee that they are." Sarah frowned, sitting back in her seat and crossing her arms, "Why hasn't Chaor attacked them yet?"
"Yeah, bro. Sittin' around and waitin' kind of isn't the big dude's style, ya know what I mean?" Peyton looked between his three friends, gaze fixing on Kaz as the Underworld player shrugged.
"I know...Takinom said something about waiting for Agitos. I think he was scoping out...wherever it is they're hiding." Kaz's entire body seemed to sag suddenly, "I hope H'earring is okay... Maybe I should port-"
"No you're not." Tom cut in, "We're gonna port back home after this and see a movie or something."
"Don't freak, Kazzer." Peyton wagged a finger, grinning, "H'earring's waaaayyy too valuable to put outta commission. Chaor probably just scared the little dude somethin' bad! He'll be fine."
Sarah smirked, "Yeah, and Chaor already knows H'earring is loyal. And you're like, Chaor's pet or something. I don't think he considers you a threat to security."
"I am not his pet!" Kaz glared, pouting indignantly. Sarah only arched a brow, smirk ever-present on her face. Even Tom smiled.
"Did you guys get anything from Najarin?" Tom asked, already knowing the answer from the way Sarah and Peyton's expressions changed.
"Negatory, bro. Dude kicked us out as soon things got serious." Peyton leaned forward, "But I can guarantee he was there tellin' Maxxor about what happened at the ruins. Just a feeling dude, but I know it's right!"
Tom nodded, "Speaking of which...Any luck with that riddle yet, Peyton?"
"The light, the light, what drives it away! Fight, fight, you are only the prey; never enter the chamber, oh travellers ye!" Peyton recited the riddle perfectly, resting his chin in his palm, "None yet bro."
Tom sighed, "Well...keep trying. It's gotta mean something."
"Unless Drakness was just screwing with you and Kaz." Sarah added, "Not saying it's true, just saying it's possible."
"Then let's hope he wasn't...Kaz and I are gonna port out and do something not Chaotic related for a while." Tom pulled out his Scanner, placing it on the table as Kaz retrieved his.
"I'm gonna go scope out the Hive. I want to see if Wamma knows anything about the M'arrillians." Sarah informed, "Maybe I can get H'earring to tell me something...eugh, if I can stomach getting him those Dractyl Scales."
"I'm gonna go scope out the Mipedim Oasis, bros. Siado's on guard duty today and I don't wanna miss a chance to get some more info." Peyton drummed his fingers on the table, "Gonna see if I get some intel from the inside."
Tom nodded, "Alright. We'll see you guys tomorrow. Keep us updated."
"Good luck." Kaz ported out, Tom following suit and leaving the two alone at their table. And immediately after the two left, the entire Port Court was hit with a tremor, the lights and screens blacking out completely. It was over in an instant, but still left the entire court in shock.
"Well that was disconcerting." Sarah mumbled, looking around at the other players. Everyone was just as confused as she was. A few had their Scanners out, and for some reason everyone was getting more and more alarmed...
"Uh...Sarbear? Does your Scanner work?"