We've been down here for at-least 2 days i think. It was getting progressively hard to tell the time.
I didn't need to navigate ,for the path led only one way, no corners, no other tunnels. In those two days absolutely nothing happened. No traps , no more cave collapsing, no canons or new encounters. Absolutely nothing to threaten the group physically, apart from the rocky terrain.
And yet you can already see the change in it. What do you get when 9 people are stuck in a closed cave environment , all with different characters and beliefs, knowing they are each other competition and this group is formed on necessity , not trust? Add the running out food and increasing darkness.
You get a recipe for sure disaster occurring at some point. I didn't knew when yet but i could see it occurring undoubtedly.
The urge to shift my eyes has grown into a perpetual knock in the back of my head. But the last thing i needed was their attention to me and that would cause quite the reaction, for nobody knew apart from Matheo. Not even Butch and Tap.
In a way they realised i saw better at night when we were back in Kaizer , they just never questioned it and i never showed it.
The once big group began splitting the further we went. It made them all cranky , fighting amongst eachother the lack of food didn't help with the mood either. I began thinking of splitting away. Me and Matheo.
But it gnawed on me leaving some of them behind.
I didn't care for Longbottom or his auror buddies . Them i would have ditched days ago. But the new girl i liked. She moved away from them , and now mostly stayed with Hermione . Who took it upon herself to secure her leg, using some charm of brilliant mind to create an entraption around it. Keep the weight off. It worked , cause Cez was moving a lot better after only 2 days. Cez was quiet, but observative. And out of all of them she seemed to most well collected mentally wise.
Mercy and Tap kept close to the girls . I believe Mercy had developed a crush on Hermione . Can't say i blamed him , she was brilliant.
However they started arguing more with the aurors. To a point where i literaaly had to peel off Mercy from Jack , before he bashed his head in the rocks.
On a different circumstances I wouldn't have. The guy was ministry through and through. Talking about the glory of this whole tournament, while we were neck deep in freezing water , struggling to get to shore.
But safety of numbers held true for the time being. 9 of us . 7 Kayn's. Worst case scenario the aurors can be canon fodder. I reasoned at the time.
The one i most worried about however was Matheo.
Something was eating away at him and I couldn't for the life of me figure out what. He put a good front of being fine , but i had a feeling it was more for himself than me and I didn't want to push him . He never left my side if he could help it and i found immense comfort in that, but i wish he would talk to me..
Surveying the only exit out of our current chamber filled me with unease .
A hole in the ground. Literally a dark circular hole in the damn floor.
It was a long way down and we would finally have to use the climbing gear. The darkness down there was different, thicker and no fading light like the one we had here.
Ironically usually i would run into the darkness without a second glance. Dark is safe. But this darkness down there made my shadows recoil back.
They were still discussing the tunnel . Some of them reluctant to go , as if we had any other choice. I didn't understand how talking about it would change things.
Tap and Matheo slowly approached me , making me huff out a breath. They have been stressing over me for days now . Constantly asking if i am okay. I was fine.
- You okay ? Matheo asked again that damn question and put a hand on my shoulder, his warmth seeping even through the uniform
- We need to talk. I said not peeling my eyes off the new tunnel. Something is off. It kept repeating in my head like an alarm. Just on and on.Matheo took a seat beside me and Tap looked inside the hole.
- These caves have been digressing since the start.
- What do you mean ? I don't understand Boss . Mercy questioned .
- The further we go the lower we go. You don't find that concerning? Think about it . We started at the highest point the cave- the jungle and we've been moving down ever since. Why? Something is off.
- Caves move downwards before they break ground all the time . It's normal plus we haven't seen anyone or heard a canon in days. We are fine boss. Mercy reasoned , but I wasn't so sure.
- And the bags with supplies? How do you explain them? Or do you think the tournament makers suddenly woke up in a peachy mood and decided to make our lives easier? Something off Tap.
- Hey lover are you sure you are okay? Matheo asked his eyes scanning my face. I knew that look well by now. He didn't believe me.
- I told you already I am fine You ARE NOT LISTENING YO ME! I yelled out my anger snapping and they both stilled. Matheo reached for my hand without hesitation and pulled it in between his. A silent gesture of comfort and it made me take a deep breath.
Right focus. This is just a drill and they are all soldiers. Treat it that way. Breathe. I spoke in my head and stood up letting go off Matheo.
- That's enough discussions. I bit out and moved towards the camp. They all turned to me with mixed expressions I didn't care to read.
- How many of you have climbed before? I asked and watch them all give me disconcerting looks.
- I have some. My father worked in mines . I know the basics and the terrain ahead. Cez said surprising me. Strange occupation for someone as gracefull as she is , i would have betted she is highborn. I nodded at her in a acknowledgement and scanned the other ones that turned dead silent.
- Well i guess ya'all are learning today , because we are going. I said and grabbed my back from the ground.
- I am not going down there . We can't even see what's bellow. Will protested.
- I agree . I think we should look for another way out . You got us this far Carnage , but i think it's about time we change leadership. Longbottom said and a growl left Butch stepping beside me. I placed a hand on his chest stopping him in place.
- This is exactly what i am talking about. Barbarians . Just like the rest of them. How are we to trust you won't kill us the minute we get down there? Longbottom questioned. He was starting to gett on my nerves.
As a matter of fact why do you trust them Riddle? You are a wizard you should stick with your own or are you that pussy wiped you can't tell the difference. Jack spit out with venom and stood up glaring at Matheo.
Then there was absolute silence and i turned to Matheo to see him smiling.
- If they wanted to kill us we would be dead by now , only a first class morron would not see that, but then again the auror division is not known for its intelligence. Do not include me in your bloody pathetic attempts at taking descions. Ever again. Matheo bit the last part out , but the tone of his voice was absolute ice. I am half surprised he didn't jinx the fucker on the spot.
- I'll go with you. Hermione said making me nod at her.
- Of course you would Hermione , you always did have a thing for Slytherins. Longbottom said and glared at Matheo.
That made me curious. Did they? Cause that'd be awkward . Not that i cared he was mine alone.
It seemed to get to her though cause she turned silent.
- I would like to come too. You got us this far. Cez said and pulled Hermione up slowly making their way to us.
The aurrors previous confidence evaporated quickly and Jack threw me a nasty glare that made me smile.
- Come. Stay . I don't much care. Choice is yours. I spoke and walked back to the entrance.
They argued some more behind me , but i tuned it out and scanned what i could see.
I could see the floor then it turned right , but not much else.
Setting my supplies aside i tied the rope into a harness and put it through my legs. I felt him behind me. Like the air pulling towards him and took a deep breath.
- Do not ask me if i am okay .
- You've been distant. He murmured and sneaked his hand around my waist.
- So have you. I know something is wrong.
- You in my head again demon? He asked arching one perfect eyebrow up.
- Keep your voice down and no i am not. It doesn't work like that. I defended . I had no issues of getting into people's heads. In fact i enjoyed it . Somehow though when it came to him, i felt like i'd be stepping over a line.
- How does it work? He questioned as i reached for more rope , trying to keep myself busy.
- I.. I don't know. When you were in Kandahar is the first time it happened.
That's how I found you.
I can't read your mind , but sometimes i see what you see . Images like flashes.
I can feel your emotions. I whispered out in a desperate attempt to explain, without sounding crazy. He narrowed his eyes at me a smirk drawing on his lips.
- Really? What do i feel now demon? He questioned and pulled me back by my waist. His touch sparked fire in it's wake and i shook him off quickly fearing i might just burn. I needed to focus.
- It doesn't work like that either. I can feel when you are in danger of some kind. Strong emotions like panic or anger. I can't feel the rest. I admitted and he frowned at me looking into my eyes.
- I don't like tight closed off spaces. Matheo blurred out his eyes straying around us. It confused me.
- What? I questioned and he frowned , his hands tightening and loosing around me.
- When i was younger my mother she... i got locked a lot for my behaviour. I don't like closed spaces. He rushed out and i could see the struggle in his face. Fear... flashing through those eyes and I thought that's the worst thing i ever saw on him. It fuelled me with anger instantly , but i bit it down for his sake and placed my hand on his face. He leaned into my touch his eyes closing.
Beautiful beautiful this man.
- You are claustrophobic? Is that way you been off? I questioned and his beautiful brown eyes opened looking at me.
- I know it sounds stupid, but i just.. feel trapped and then I can't breathe. He mumbled out his throat bobbing.
- It's not stupid. Don't diminish your fears.
- It makes me feel stupid , especially considering where we are. I am supposed to guide you. Protect you . Yet here i am . Matheo mumbled out and it looked away from me. I grabbed the aides of his face and pulled his focus back to me.
- My knight in shining armour. I mused and smiled at him , but he frowned.
- I am serious demon. He forced out his hands gripping my waist.
- I know you are, but you don't have to protect me.
- I don't have to , i want to. He blurred out and his words hit a non existent part of my heart.
- How are you so calm? This whole place is just... How are you so calm? Teach me! He whispered the last part out and pressed his forehead to mine.
- I am not, but i know the terrain. I grew up in one of the biggest cave systems . So this . I said and pointed me.
- This ain't nothing new. Suppose i just got lucky. I replied and he threw me the most confused look.
- You grew up in a cave? He questioned and it made me laugh.
- It's not like that. My father build Abrasax mannor in a cave system, more of a fortress really. It's not as weird as it sounds. I promise. Maybe you and Tom could uhm.. come visit me sometime after this is all done.
I found myself nervously rushing out. The idea of them coming to visit made me feel all nervous and exited. I'm i blushing? For gods sake.
- After this is done . Neither one of us is gonna let you go . You have realised that by now i imagine? Matheo questioned making scour through his words. Some emotion i didn't recognise passed those eyes.
- Boss we ready. Butch interrupted and walked to us. Hermione and Cez behind him. Matheo growed out , but took a step back.
One by one they all gathered around us . Even the aurors , who now had sombre faces. I couldn't care less and i will ditch them the first chance i get.
- 4 to 5 Boss . That's not bad. Double tugs ? Tap questioned securing the rope around a rock , before throwing it down the hatch.
I began tying harnesses while Tap explained some basics. He was always better at talking to people, recruits especially. I wasn't. So i just focused on Matheo .
- I gotta tell you , this is not how i imagined you tying me up. Matheo blurred out and it made me look up to his playful smirk.
- You are insufferable have i told you that?
- Mhm , i love the way you say it. He replied and smirked even more. It made me snort a laugh. Ever the flirt.
- You attach this to the rope and slide down. Keep your hands off the rope. You hold this and this alone, if you need balance. I said and pointed to the carabiner on his waist now. He scrunched up his face , but nodded at me.
- Any advices Carnage? Hermione asked pulling my attention to the group.
- No but i do have some rules for you.
Rule number one - once we get down there find a partner. Nobody goes anywhere alone .
Rule number two remember that your light is your life. Keep it up at all times if you can. You think it's dark when you turn off the lumos in this chamber? Well down there is pitch black.
Any questions? I asked and was met with silence.i looked at Tap and Butch who both saluted me with smiles.
- Hey boss what if this is hell? Tap asked in amarun making me and Butch laugh.
- Well in that case. Down the pitts we go boys. I replied and hurled myself down. The carabiner sizzled with the movement as my body barreled down, nothing but black walls greeting me.
I reached the bottom fast and unhooked myself letting my eyes shift. I was right perpendicular tunnel going right. No split ends again, just a perpetually long dark hallway.
- All good . I am on the ground. Send the next one. I yelled looking up to their confused faces. Tap let Matheo go next , much to my relief. He was a natural , his body movements minimal as he slid down.
- Your eyes . He mumbled and his whole expression changed to curiosity, as he reached for me and missed. I realised he can't see me, just my eyes so i extended my hand forward unhooking him. He placed his hand under my jaw lightly staring down at me.
- Mesmerising and you can see me? He questioned with a hushed tone, his eyes squinting down to me.
- Yes. I can see better down here than up there.
- Were you born like this ? He questioned and it caught me off guard.
- I uh.. I don't know. They didn't used to be like this when i was young. But eh.. something happened to me when i was 16 and after that a lot changed in me. I rushed out quickly and pulled away sending the rope loose. I didn't wanna talk about this.
- Tap all good. Send the next one. I yelled wishing for any distraction now. Matheo didn't say anything , but i could feel his burning gaze on my face.
Hermione was next, followed by Cez . The aurrors were the worst . Panicking hallway through , but they made it. One by one they came down Tap going last.
- I can't see shit. Lumos. Jack said and they all casted the charm one by one. I had no time to shift my eyes back and The sudden light exploded in my pupils.
- Bloody fucking hell. Stay back you freak. Jack yelled as my vision blurred and i lost my balance when somebody pushed me back.
- Your eyes Carnage. I heard Hermione yell , before i felt a strong grip steading
Me and he pulled me behind his back. I felt warmth on my face and saw a blurry orange light, that flew though the air ,before disappearing into the darkness.
- Back the bloody hell off . Or i will torch you where you stand . He yelled out and two blurry figures moved beside me.
- Look at her bloody eyes Matheo. What the hell are you? Longbottom yelled and slowly my vision adjusted , but I didn't shift them back. Fucking cowards.
- What she is is non of your business. Longbottom. Matheo bit out and tightened his grip.
- Boss you alright? Butch asked and i realised he was one of the blurry figures. Tap on the other side. It made me feel relieved , that they decided to stand by my side regardless.
- Peachy. I said and pushed beside Matheo squaring Jack up and looking into his eyes. Fear immediately flooded him and he took a step back.
I looked around all of them.
- Keep the fucking light off my eyes and on my back , time to move.
- I am not going anywhere with you freak . We are not ! Jack protested and it made me smile.
- Oh no, imagine my disappointment. Is arcasmed and shrugged my shoulders , before grabbing Matheo's hand and rushing forward.
We walked for literral hours through the dark, the group were discussing me at first , which i was used to , but they've been quiet for a while now.
- You think Tom is watching? Matheo asked beside me.
- Are you kidding ? He is probably glued to the screen since the start. Cursing at out stupid mistakes i can vividly imagine it.
- You ignorant fools both of you. You should have seen that coming. Naive. Matheo imitated Tom and scowled . It made me laugh despite our situation.
A sudden draft hit me and it made me return my focus ahead . Finally i thought.
- We need a break. How much longer? Will protested from the back. Jack was blissfully silent since we left , i had a feeling Matheo has something to do with it.
- Even the women are holding better than u lot. How did your authorities made you soldiers? Butch question his gruff voice booming all around.
- Hey Carnage . We need a break. Cez spoke and i turned to look at them.
- Wait boss you feel that? Butch asked making me smile. Nothing escapes loup garou senses.
- Yep i do . How far you figure? I questioned and he sped up coming next to me and Matheo. He sniffed the air which made Matheo look at him , like had grown an extra set of limbs.
- 300 -400 m tops . Butch replied.
- You think you can hold out Cez? I questioned and she nodded at me , all of them speeding up their steps.
