Dang Convergence Vol. 1

CHAPTER FORTY-TWO MISSION UNDERWAY

CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

MISSION UNDERWAY

They got to an abandoned construction site, removed from the rest of the city. It was deserted, save for a few rodents that scurried across the ground when they sensed the group's presence. The sun hadn't begun its ascent above the horizon yet and their only source of light was an outstretched Wombat hand.

"I don't think I'm okay with being relegated to the role of 'torch boy'" he complained.

They navigated through the musty air of what remained of a medical facility, now a stark reminder of government negligence. Turning corner after corner, they passed hollow rooms and hollow walls, avoiding cobwebs and getting caught in them – mostly Wombat.

After a few minutes, they came across a door that seemed to lead further downwards into the earth but was guarded by a couple of murderbots.

They hid around a corner, staying out of the sight of the robots, who stood guard like sentries.

Daedalus peered around, "Alright, we need to take them out instantly, or else they'll notify the others, and then we lose our advantage. Dante and I will take out the murderbots while you guys head down."

Dang, Wombat, and Tiger nodded as Dante and Daedalus dashed off on either side of them, disappearing into the shadows. A second later, both murderbots had been crushed completely.

Dang, Daniel, and Megan caught up with them.

"Nice. Now let's get going." Dang said and started down the passageway but stopped when he noticed Daedalus and Dante weren't following. "What's wrong?"

Daedalus locked eyes with him while Dante looked around furtively, dreading the upcoming conversation.

"Dang..." was all he managed to say before he was cut off.

Dang raised a hand "Hey, I get it. Any time now, your one chance of getting home is going to appear soon. I'd hate to be the person that kept you from it."

Tiger and Wombat had gotten a bit further down the stairwell but they paused, turning back with confused expressions. They'd heard conversations and turned to figure out what was happening. It didn't take them long to figure it out.

"Now?" Tiger asked, "In the middle of the mission?"

"I know it's not ideal, but those portals are going to open soon, and if we're not there, that's it. It's game over. We're not getting home for God knows how long" Daedalus argued.

"But...we need you guys here." Tiger pouted.

Dante chimed in, "Trust me, I wish it were under better circumstances. I know it's not fair to you guys, but this is it...we might not get another chance. Obviously, there's a part of me that wants to stay here and help you fight, and forget about home for now..." Anthea's face flashed in his mind, "but there's people back home that need me. Need us."

Wombat spoke then. He didn't particularly like the fact that two of their strongest fighters were leaving at the moment they were needed most, but he also fully understood where they were coming from. "I guess that means no more Flame Bros..."

Dante gave him a sad smile, "Not for this one, no. You're going to have to carry the legacy on from your end."

Wombat nodded and flashed him a thumbs up. "Good luck on your end too. I hope this isn't the last time we see each other."

"Oh, don't worry about that. You're not getting rid of me that easily," Dante laughed, and with that, Wombat turned and began walking deeper, towards the enemy's hideout.