Holy shit. I rush through the halls, my new found talents letting me run faster than ever before. I skid right past Crystal's door icon, careening out of control I grip at the walls and scramble back. I go through in a hurry, barely giving any thought to how there might be hostiles inside. I yell out.
"CRYSTAL! CRYSTAL ARE YOU HERE? IT'S ME, EMBERLYN!" I hear something fall over and suddenly feel someone hug me from behind. I turn, and it's Crystal. She's crying hysterically.
"Oh my god what is happening Emmy? Why is there so much screaming? Why are you glowing? Are you okay? Are you hurt?" She continues on, but the rest is lost to me as her hands sign faster and faster. Finally I grab them and look her in the eyes, seriousness radiating off of me.
"Breathe." I command. I adjust my voice a bit to be less demanding. More calming. I can't have her freaking out any more than she already is in this kind of situation. It could get her killed. It could get me killed. In short, it could get us both a nice little ticket on the fast track to the other side. I gather myself. I have to be strong, but not violent. That will only freak her out more. "It's okay, Crys. Everything's okay. I'm going to get us to safety. Just hold on to me, can you do that?" She nods, closing her eyes. We take deep breaths together and I grit my teeth, hoping this works. "Okay. Are you good now?" She nods, eyes still closed almost agressively. Lines scrunch up her face and suddenly there are added years that shouldn't be there. I sigh, turning around. I pick her up piggy back style and she grips her arms around my neck. It takes me a second to adjust before I finally feel good enough to walk. I cautiously peek my head out of the door. As soon as I see it's clear, I hurry down the hall.
"Hey, you two okay? Hey! Be cool it's me, Goliath. Charlie's friend? Mercy's with me. Kaden said he'd meet us at the drop point with Nia and m- Mercy's parents. Come on. Follow me. Is she okay?" Goliath points at Crystal questioningly and I grunt, glaring . He gives me a look and starts off towards where I guess the drop point is. "Just make sure she doesn't slow us down." I nod even though I know he can't see me. We trudge through the halls, pressing our selves against walls and in corners when we see hostile units pass by. Occasionally when one gives us a look Goliath flashes a Portable Holo at them and they nod, continuing on.
"Hey, what is that thing?" I ask after a while. Mercy shushes me and I take the hint, making a mental note to ask later. After roughly half an hour and a shit ton of halls, we finally make it to an unmarked tunnel. Goliath gives everyone a once over before giving us directions.
"Anything you don't absolutely need, drop. Now. Any weapons, keep those if you happen to have them, but make sure they're secure. It's a long drop, and trust me, if someone ends up with a stab wound, it's gonna be a shitty ride for everyone. Kaden appears, breathing heavily. "You catch that?" Kaden nods, and I set down Crystal, going over to him.
"Are you okay, asshole?" I ask half heartedly insulting him. He chuckles and gives me a reasuring smile.
"I'm fine, love. Now come on. It's good 50 minute drop or so." I start.
"Really? It can't be that far down..." He grins, shaking his head.
"Oh it can be and it is." He makes a ball of light in his hands and I stare at it, confused.
"Why'd you do that? How did you do that?" I ask, and Kaden chuckles.
"Just watch." He opens up the tunnel and tosses the ball of light in. We watch as it falls and falls and falls. After a good 30 seconds or more, Kaden glances up at me for a verdict. I can only think of one thing to say.
"Well shit."
ns 15.158.61.20da2
