Afterschoolers: Glory

Chapter 5: Secrets Unearthed

"Maya," Natalia groaned. "We need to... get back to the others."

The air was calm and still, but the girls were desperate to catch their breaths. As Maya tried to relax her body, she could see an unknown aura glow not too far from where she and her friend lay. Natalia's aura was warm and fuzzy, but the one far off was cold and solid.

"I see something," Maya whispered.

"What? What are you talking about?"

"It's back at the clearing. Underground."

"In the old base? Rebecca said it hasn't been used in years. Nothing is left there," Natalia said sternly.

"No. There is something down there. We need to go there."

"Obsidian might still be around. Or worse. We need to get back to Rebecca."

"You can go back," Maya said. "Bring back help. I'm going to go look for it."

"Are you crazy?!" Natalia yelled. "You're gonna get lost down there!"

"I'll find my way out. Go back and get help." Through the ashes and rubble, Maya escaped the parking garage with energy to spare.

"The crystal is not too far underground," Onyx shared. "Do you have a plan to get down there? Oh, who am I kidding? Of course you don't."

After making strides into the woods, Maya finally came across the small metal structure she stood by earlier before. Onyx ripped open the rusted doors, revealing a dark hole leading underground.

"Take me down." As commanded, Onyx picked up his small master and floated her down to the bottom of the underground lair.

Metal beams and stones were strewn all around, showing obvious signs of destruction. Maya crept through the cramped spaces, leaving dusty footprints in her wake.

"I've got a bad feeling about this," Onyx said.

"Me too."

"I'm actually just saying this because we're connected and share the same feelings. You're kinda just talking to yourself right now," Onyx explained.

"Not helping. Just stay close and be ready for anything," Maya snapped.

"We are here, Maya."

Maya stopped in front of a metal door that had a pile of rocks blocking it. Onyx pushed away the rocks with minimal effort, causing the door to slowly slide open. Maya peeked inside to find a giant test tube sitting in the center of the room, surrounded by computers and tables. It took more of Onyx's strength to force the door open so that Maya could walk in.

The room was cold and the air felt thick with all the dust around. The lights at the base of the tank were what drew Maya closer to it. Upon placing her hand on the glass, she could see the shape of someone standing on the other side.

"Break it." Maya could not help but stare into the glass, mesmerized by the colors and shapes.

Onyx drew his sword and slashed near the top of the tank, breaking the glass. Maya didn't even flinch as shards of glass and drops of chemicals flew past her face. What ended up standing among the ruins was a metal figure comprised of steel and wires. Sitting in the chest of the robotic skeleton was a white Aura Crystal wrapped in wiring.

"What should we do?" Onyx asked.

"I thought you knew what I was thinking," Maya said.

"I know. Just wanted to say something. All this silence is weird." Onyx slung the metal body over his shoulder and followed Maya out of the room.