The Tragedy Of The Thumbs Down Pin

Chapter 15: Crossroads

Edgar strolled through the forest, his mind occupied with thoughts of his next move. The

plan to deceive Mortis was unfolding perfectly, but there was still much to be done. He hadn'tanticipated running into anyone in the forest tonight, but fate had other ideas.As he neared Mortis' crypt, Edgar heard raised voices and the unmistakable sound of astruggle. Curiosity piqued, he quickened his pace and emerged into a scene of chaos. Mortisstood at the crypt entrance, flanked by an unidentified figure, while Barley and Byron seemedcornered, the X-Spray clutched tightly in Barley's hand.Byron noticed Edgar first. Realizing that the arrival of their unpredictable ally could turnthe tide against them, he quickly made a decision. "Barley, we have to get out of here. Now,"Byron whispered urgently.Barley nodded, understanding the gravity of their situation. Without another word, theyturned and fled into the forest, leaving the X-Spray behind."Get them!" Mortis bellowed, his eyes glowing with fury. He began to chase after Barleyand Byron, but the mysterious figure suddenly bolted in the opposite direction, disappearing intothe shadows.Edgar stood frozen, unsure of what was happening. He hadn't expected this turn of eventsand had no idea why Mortis was so enraged."Edgar!" Mortis' voice thundered as he halted his pursuit, turning his attention to hissupposed ally. "Were you involved in this heist?"Edgar's eyes widened in genuine confusion. "What heist? I have no idea what you'retalking about."Mortis' gaze bore into Edgar, searching for any sign of deceit. "Barley and Byron tried tosteal the X-Spray. They failed, but their actions reek of desperation and a plan. If you're lying tome..."Edgar raised his hands defensively. "I swear, Mortis, I knew nothing about this. I camehere for my own reasons, but I had no part in their scheme."Mortis scrutinized Edgar for a moment longer before turning away with a frustratedgrowl. "This changes things. I can't afford to have traitors in my midst."Meanwhile, Barley and Byron raced through the forest, their breaths coming in raggedgasps. The darkness seemed to close in around them, but they pressed on, determined to escapeMortis' wrath."We need to get far away from here," Barley panted. "Mortis won't stop until he findsus."Byron nodded, his mind racing for a solution. "There's one place we might be able to losehim—Chuck's train station. If we can catch a train, we might just put enough distance betweenus and Mortis.""It's risky, but it's our best shot," Barley agreed. "Let's go."They altered their course, heading towards the train station. The forest seemed to growdenser as they ran, the shadows lengthening with each step. The sound of Mortis' pursuit grewfainter, but they knew they couldn't afford to slow down.As they neared Chuck's train station, a sense of hope began to replace their fear. Thestation's dim lights came into view, a beacon of escape in the oppressive darkness.Back at the crypt, Mortis turned his attention fully to Edgar. "If you're truly innocent,then prove your loyalty. Help me track down Barley and Byron. We can't let them get away."Edgar nodded, determined to maintain Mortis' trust. "I will. But first, tell me everythingyou know about their plan. We can't afford any more surprises."Mortis began to explain the events leading up to the heist, unaware that his decision totrust Edgar would have far-reaching consequences. As they strategized, the night grew darker,the forest around them filled with unseen dangers and hidden truths.