In Bloom (Twisted Wonderland x OC)

69: One Way

Panic began to settle into Azul and Riddle. I did not want to stick around in a stationary elevator to discover any additional traps Ortho planned for us.

Naturally, the two dorm leaders could not come to an agreement on the best course of action towards our escape.

You want something done, you gotta do it yourself.

Traditionally, elevators were connected by large cables through a pulley system. Since there was no emergency exit, I considered dissolving part of the ceiling by using my acid producing flowers and then climbing up. Problem was, I had to idea where the cables connected to the elevator's roof. Not to mention, I would be compromising our safety if I dissolved the incorrect portion.

"I need you both to stand back," I was surprised they followed my instructions without question.

After I dissolved a segment of the floor big enough for me to fit through, I made myself a bungee cord and safety belt using vines and wrapped one end of it around one of the handles in the elevator.

I extended the length of the makeshift cord and carefully lowered myself down. In my palm, I formed a small flame to allow better visibility.

I saw it. I saw our way out a little further below me.

I lowered myself further until I faced the set of closed metallic doors on the side of the walls.

After my acid producing flowers worked their magic along the doors, I swung myself to knock them down, shedding light into the dark elevator shaft. I modified the vines to create a ladder for Riddle and Azul to climb down and out of the elevator shaft.

"Well done, Cassie," Azul complimented, "As expected from a witch and lady of the Valley of Thorns."

I focused on our mission, "Thank you, but let's just keep moving. The sooner we get to the Underworld the better."

Just like before, Riddle walked miles ahead of Azul and I once we returned on our intended route.

"Riddle, how many times do I need to say it? You can't head off on your own," Azul said after he and I caught up to the Heartslabyul Dorm Leader.

Confusion was plastered on Riddle's face, "I'm the leader of this team. Shouldn't I be ahead?"

"As a leader, you should be in front, but not so far away from us," I stepped in, "As a team, we all need to work carefully and efficiently. This isn't a drill, so we can't afford to make any mistakes."

From what I observed so far, Tartarus was a one way road. The lower we went, the stronger the pulsating negative energy and the harsher the cold became. Moreover, the absence of incoming phantoms only made me more tense.

Riddle scoffed, "Do you honestly believe I'd fall for a surprise attack?"

"While it's great to see you have confidence, none of us are trained in combatting phantoms.," Azul reminded him.

Even though I trained with Diasomnia, fighting against a human opponent was a completely different case than facing the incarnate of negative energy and emotions.

"Carefulness and timidity are two sides of the same coin, Azul," Riddle said before he began walking ahead of us once more.

Azul annoyingly grumbled, "So are bravery and recklessness, Riddle."

"Honestly, the both of you are two sides of the same coin," I muttered under my breath.

Riddle looked over his shoulder, "Did you say something Cassie?"

"Nope," I flashed a fake smile.

We only got several steps further when the hairs on the back of my neck stood on end. My breath hitched and I stopped dead in my tracks.