Episode 11: Distracted in the Dark!

Upon returning to the room with the computer monitors, Peter and MJ were surprised to see multiple Svartelm leaping from a ceiling vent to the floor and walking towards Eddie. Yet none of them could get close to Eddie as Hornetech used the same energy blasts from earlier to repel the Svartelm. Behind Eddie, the security cameras showed Thor blasting through many Svartelm using Thuderthor while Jane was trying to pry the bulkier Svartelm off Thorina by the stairs to the basement. Meanwhile, the same bulkier Svartelm were emerging from the ceiling vent in the computer monitor room.

"Use the MarGuide on them!" MJ insisted.

"Right," Peter nodded and pointed the MarGuide at the bulkier Svartelm.

"Kurseed, the Cursed Marémon," EDITH responded. "When a Svartelm is exposed to a Kurse Stone, it Matures into Kurseed. Stronger and more durable than the Svartelm, Kurseed are considered one of the most powerful creatures in all the Nine Realms."

"That's…not good," Peter murmured.

"However, a Kurseed's lifespan is relatively shorter compared to a Svartelm and will die within a certain amount of time after a Kurse Stone is used," EDITH added.

"Okay, but that doesn't help us deal with them right now," MJ pointed out.

As the Kurseed advanced, Hornetech tried to blast them away. But unlike the Svartelm, the Kurseed weren't affected by the energy blasts and kept coming closer.

"We have to get their attention, so that they leave Eddie alone," Peter said and looked down at Spidi. "Do you think you could use your Stingers on them?"

In response, Spidi looked annoyed.

"Are you still mad about the web thing?" Peter guessed. "Look, I'm sorry MJ ruined your webs and for swatting you too harshly. Now, could you please help Eddie and Hornetech? They'll get hurt if we don't do something."

Suddenly, all the lights turned out including the monitors.

"The backup generator must have failed," Eddie figured. "But that's not going to stop the Svartelm and Hornetech, since they're nocturnal by nature."

"Luckily, Noirstel is nocturnal too," MJ claimed. "Use Web Shot to stop these Svartelm and Kurseed in their tracks, Noirstel!"

Nodding, Noirstel shot multiple webs at the Svartelm and Kurseed's feet. This got their attention as they quickly got their feet out of the webs and ran toward Noirstel.

"Use Invisible Web on yourself," MJ commanded. "Peter, Spidi, get back!"

Peter and Spidi did as MJ said as she opened the door into the dark hallway behind her. While Noirstel hid itself using Invisible Web, MJ hid behind the door as the Svartelm and Kurseed went through the door which she closed behind them.

"Good thinking," Peter complimented.

"But it probably won't fool them for long," Eddie said, illuminating Peter and MJ's faces with a flashlight he picked up from the desk with his left hand. "We need a plan for getting out of here and fixing the generators, which I'm guessing the Svartelm and Kurseed tampered with."

"Well, if the Svartelm and Kurseed could fit inside the air vents…I don't see why our Marémon can't," Peter suggested.

"I think we should send Hornetech and Spidi," MJ said. "Then I'll have Noirstel cover the vent with webs in case the Svartelm and Kurseed return here."

"Good idea," Peter agreed. "But what if the Svartelm and Kurseed try to break through the door instead of going through the vent?"

"Simple, we'll use Noirstel's Invisible Web to hide ourselves," MJ answered.

"You know, it just occurred to me how well-organized this attack was by the Svartelm and Kurseed," Eddie abruptly said. "I know they're intelligent, but I doubt they understand complicated machinery like generators or the layout of this building by memory."

"Almost like someone was commanding them or something," Peter added. "But what I don't understand is how they snuck into the vents without any of the security cameras spotting them?"

"They must have used their Cloak ability to hide themselves," MJ guessed. "Now let's speculate on who's behind this attack later and concentrate on saving ourselves first."

Peter and Eddie nodded in agreement. They ordered Hornetech and Spidi to crawl into the vent, with the latter being more reluctant. After they were inside the vent, Noirstel spun thick webbing onto the opening. Once Noirstel did this, several pounding noises came from the door. So Peter and MJ huddled close to Eddie as Noirstel used Invisible Web on all of them. Eddie then turned off the flashlight as the door burst open. Several dark shapes moved around, with tiny footsteps growing closer and further. Tearing noises soon followed, along with metallic sounds.

"I think they're going through the vents," MJ whispered to Peter.

"Yeah, let's hope so," Peter whispered back.

Once the noises ceased, Peter and MJ tore off Noirstel's invisible webbing and ran through the open door while pushing Eddie, who was still sitting in his office chair. Eddie also carried the flashlight in his left hand, which he turned on to light the way for them. Noirstel sprinted ahead as Eddie gave him instructions on where to go. Soon, they came to the stairs leading down to the basement where Thunderthor and Thorina were passed out along with Thor and Jane.

"The Kurseed must've knocked them out," Eddie guessed. "You and Noirstel should stay here, MJ, while Peter and I meet up with our Marémon at the generators."

Using his left hand, Eddie pulled himself out of the office chair and struggled to stand. Fortunately, Peter took a hold of him before he fell.

"Are you sure about this?" Peter questioned. "If the Svartelm and Kurseed attack us—

"Our Marémon will keep us safe," Eddie insisted. "Besides, Hornetech only listens to me and Jane. So I have to go."

"I'll try reviving the others and catch up with you two," MJ said as she took her black backpack off and pulled out a pair of syringes filled with Healing Factor Juice. "Just be careful, okay?"

"We will," Peter nodded and helped Eddie down the stairs to the basement.

To be continued…