The Dark Side of the Moon

Unexpected Arrival

Taking the steps two at a time, Rune reached the harbour gate first and looked around at the others. They had received an alert at the Shiba house that a Nighlok had passed through a gap into their world, but there was nothing but busy civilians here, there, and everywhere.

"So, where's the Nighlok?" Mike asked.

Rune leaned over the gate, checking to make sure no Nighlok was hiding beneath the ridge. She tensed as a cold breeze whipped past her ear, standing the hair on the back of her neck on end, and causing her to pull back, a confused frown on her face.

"What is it?" Mia asked. She was looking at Jayden, and Rune turned to face him, too. He had raised his arms over his face, as if protecting himself from something.

"Thought I felt something," Jayden answered, looking around. He avoided Rune's gaze, and she sighed, looking away. It had been almost two weeks since he had learned the truth about her, and in those two weeks he had avoided her all together.

Mike glanced at Rune. "What's up with you?" he asked.

Rune shook her head as she stooped to pick up the gap sensor from the storm drain. "Something definitely set this off," she said. "It could be linked to what you're feeling, Jayden."

"How do you work that out?" Kevin asked.

"Well, think about it," said Rune, setting the gap sensor back down. "Unless this thing is faulty, or the alarm system at home is broke, what else could set the sensors off?"

"Magic?" Emily suggested.

Rune shook her head. "Defender Patrols wouldn't come this far into town," she said. "They monitor the perimeter. The only time they would venture further in is if there isn't an active Ranger team, or if they're called for assistance."

Emily nodded.

"Plus, Kali would've let us know if there was a problem," Rune added. She glanced at Jayden, but again he avoided her gaze.

"Let's get out of here," said Jayden, walking away.

Rune sighed and cast her gaze out towards the harbour. So far, telling Jayden the truth had caused a rift in their friendship.

~X~

Ji looked up with frown as the team stalked back through the doors a mere ten minutes after they had left. "That was fast," he said, meeting them in the hall.

"It doesn't take long to deal with nothing," Mike said.

"The Gap Sensor was working fine," said Kevin. "But there was no Nighlok."

"No magical connection either," said Rune, holding up her phone. "I checked with Kali, just to be sure, she confirms there's on patrol in this area right now."

Ji nodded.

Thud

"What was that?" Emily asked, startled.

"It came from outside," said Rune. She stepped towards the door, stopping only when Jayden placed a hand on her shoulder and pulled her back; instead, he disappeared outside, reappearing a few seconds later carrying a thin arrow with a note struck through it.

Jayden shrugged. "It just says 'see you soon'," he said.

"See you soon?" Mia echoed. "A Nighlok attack?"

"No," said Ji, quickly. "Not here, at least. The house is protected by defensive symbols."

"And they're doing a good job," said Mike. He took the arrow from Jayden. "There's something fishy about this."