The Crystal Chronicles: Book 2

Out of Wack

"What is it, Alex?" Matt asked me, his voice full of concern. He gently touched my arm but pushed no farther. Momentarily ignoring his question, I urge my powers to surface. Grinding my dear teeth at the burning my world slowly turns blue. I watch as the ghosted's glowing forms enter the museum. I quickly searched for an exit. However, to my dismay, they have every hole, door, and window covered. The building is practically surrounded. My face pales further and I begin to feel sick.

This was their plan. They waited until we were in the most enclosed part of the building before, they struck. I walked us into the best trap Ravenna's army has ever made. Not only that but I lead the others in here as well. I knew something was wrong this morning. Why didn't I trust my gut? Spinning around the room I search the structure for weaknesses, but the room is solid stone.

Pushing my vision through the walls. All of them are connected to other rooms in the museum. However, if I can break through two walls on the south side of the room, we can make it to the back alley outside. But the explosion will give our escape plan away. Knowing what must happen, I quickly dump my quiver on the ground and find my explosive arrowheads. Good thing I restocked these at my safe house. Grabbing six of them I stand and take aim at the ceiling,

"What are you doing?!" Ashley gasped at my sudden movements. Matt grabs my arm and looks me in the eye,

"Matt, there isn't much time to explain. The ghosted have the building surrounded. I need you to follow my instructions or we won't get out of this alive." I quickly explained. Matt's face grows serious as he nods his head, "I'm going to blow the doorway so it will be harder for them to get to us. Then I'm going to blow the south side wall... twice. It's the fastest and safest way to escape." Matt nods his head again and leads the group away from the door.

The others hide behind ancient ruins as far away from the doorway and south side wall as possible. Taking aim, I see the new Artemis round the corner as I release. Giving her a cocky smile I jump behind a stone slab as the arrow connects with the ceiling. The explosion rings through my ears before the ceiling and doorway come crashing down in a puff of dust.

Before the cloud has even settled, I take aim at the south wall. Releasing the next explosive arrow a crater opens in the first wall. My hand shakes. They will know exactly what's going on after I release the last arrow. Without question, I let the next arrow fly: it's our only chance. The building shakes when the arrow explodes. I watch as the group darts toward the exit I just made. They slowly begin to filter through, but I pause and look back into the room. I can't help wondering if Ravenna has really seen these... If she already knows the secrets written on the ancient slabs.

I straighten my shoulders and load one more explosive arrow. It's better to be safe than sorry. Besides, if Ravenna doesn't have this information, it's better she never sees it. The arrow zings through the air as I exhale and watch as history explodes before my very eyes. Cringing at the history the world lost, I hardened my expression. I must believe it was for the greater good. Shaking off my pained feeling I quickly climb through the creator and join the others. Once we were outside, I instantly noticed the ghosted moving to our position. Just as I suspected. They are onto us. We need to leave. Now! Pulling the map out of my back pocket, I hand it to Matt before I point to a riverbank two miles away.

"We need to split up. You guys take this path. We will meet at the riverbank. I will take the ghosted on a longer route until I can lose them." Handing Ty my backpack, "Here I will be faster without it and no matter what the information inside cannot fall into the hands of Ravenna. We will meet at dusk-" However, before I can continue Matt explodes,

"Why are you always suggesting we split up? We are here to help! We can stand with you!" Matt strongly insisted.

"No, you can't!" I hissed. "You wanted to come along fine, but right now you follow my rules. You have no idea what's about to come around that corner. They won't try to capture you anymore. They will shoot to kill. You have aligned yourselves with me and Ravenna won't pass up an opportunity to end this rebellion before it has even started. You aren't nearly as fast or strong as the ghosted. You will be dead before you even raise your weapon. I will draw them away. After all, the real reason they are here is for me. I promise I will find you, but you have to trust me on this." Matt looks like he wants to argue with me more, but out of nowhere he curtly nods his head and looks at the ground. Finally, some progress, "Be as careful as you possibly can. Stay off the streets, go through buildings if you have to. Stay out of sight, but most importantly you guys must move as fast as you can. There's a small army in this city." I quickly instructed before I gave them a small smile and ran directly toward the ghosted.