Symphony of the Abyss [Descendants]

Chapter 10: Jump!

Mal caressed Ade's face, who seemed to have calmed down a bit after vomiting endless blood. He rolled his eyes at her.<You woke up. Are you feeling better?> she said, caressing his jaw in the only spot that was free of blood. Ben approached her <Hey Ade>He looked at him before answering her question <There is no spot that doesn't send stabs of pain> Mal's gaze darkened, it wasn't the answer she wanted but it was the one she expected <but now I don't see blurry> she said, closing her eyes, her lungs unblocked, breathing heavily and continuing to make him feel the closeness by caressing his cheek.<Guys, get ready, the helicopter is coming> the Beast returned from the terraceBelle and the Fairy left the kitchen while Jane and Evie took the suitcases they had finished packing.<Come on everyone grab a suitcase and let's run out of the clearing, if we go through the trees next to the zombies they shouldn't follow us>The noise of the helicopter was getting closer and could be seen in the sky. Mal put Ade on the ground before helping Evie with her backpack putting it on her shoulder and taking the suitcase.Belle took the suitcase and went out onto the terrace <come on guys it's about to land>the Beast ran out <Come on follow me><Wait!> Mal shouted stopping the frantic race<We don't have time Mal> Ben took her wrist<What do we do for Ade?> Ben's gaze moved towards the bloody body that was looking at them impassively.<You don't want to take him with us! Let's go to a military base, it doesn't seem like the right place for a supervillain> the Beast shouted<But we can't leave him here... he can't move... the zombies will eat him> he shouted trying to get his idea to prevail, he couldn't leave him there like that. In Auradon he had learned to help and now he felt a vital need to do so.<Mal is out of the question...> the Beast seemed adamantEvie took her hand <he protected Mal, he protected what is most important to me, I don't want to leave him to be eaten by those beings either. We cured him once, we can't not help him now><Exactly, we helped him once, once and that's it> the Beast shouted as the helicopter got closer and closer.<Hey...> Hades spoke in a slurred voice <move or you'll miss the flight... I'll manage> his eyes shiny with blood looked at them with a smile<See! He agrees too, come on let's go!> said the Beast grabbing the suitcase and walking awayMal took her suitcase and went out onto the terrace, she turned one last time towards that face covered in rivulets of blood. Her heart couldn't take it and she threw the suitcases to the ground <Mal...> Ben and Evie called her, stopping the others as well.She ran back inside <What...> a gasp from the floor.<Shut up> she ordered him as she grabbed his arms and pulled him to a sitting position.<Mal...ah!> she screamed as she moved that disfigured body<Hold on please> she grabbed his arm and he closed his eyes clenching his teeth.<Mal what are you doing!?> Ben shouted at him<If he doesn't come I won't come> said Mal clutching that mass of blood to her chest, remaining still and sitting on the ground. Ben remained watching her for a moment, in his eyes Mal saw images of her passing by as she was surrounded by those gray beings.<Evie, Jane, you take our bags!> he finally shouted, entering the living room<BEN, WHAT ARE YOU DOING!> the Beast was beside himselfBen approached Mal <you owe me a favor> he said with a smile as he lifted Ade onto his back, carrying him out of there. Evie gave the bags to Mal and they ran through the trees.<Ben, you're crazy...> the Beast couldn't finish his sentence because Ade, with his head resting on Ben's shoulder, spat out dark red blood, visibly shaking.<Come on, dear, we can do the boys a favor> Belle told him<But let it be the last one> she said, walking through the trees again.The helicopter was about to land in the clearing, they came out of the woods. The zombies had left them behind for the moment, but as soon as they were out of the trees they charged, the helicopter took off suddenly to avoid them.<Run!> Jane shouted, taking refuge in the trees<They're coming, they're coming, what do we do?> Belle shouted desperately<I don't know> Ben sighed, pantingThey watched the zombies running towards them without knowing where to hide.<Leave me alone and run> Ade's voice reached Ben's ears faintly.<No, you're coming with us now>Ben leaned Ade against a tree to rest his back, leaving him like an abandoned toy on the ground, unable to move and impassive, while the others watched the zombies who were stuck in the bushes, they had managed to lose them a bit.<And now and now?> Jane shouted, the helicopter was in the meadow waiting for their arrival which couldn't happen because of the zombies.<Let's try> said Evie <we'll die here, so we might as well run><We can't risk it like this> said Belle<It's too risky> said the BeastA bang behind them made them turn <Run...I'll take care of them> their backs full of bandages, blood and shreds of skin came between them and the zombies.<Ade don't...> Mal tried to scream, his deep voice stopped her before.<You're deaf! RUN FAST! Go ahead> Ade's face turned slightly showing dull green eyes like she had never seen them before.He immediately turned around jumping over the heads of the zombies <catch me you bastards> he shouted, the zombies immediately followed him.<No Ade!> Ben took her wrist<Let's go>They ran into the meadow and quickly climbed onto the helicopter which immediately took off. As Mal settled in she saw Hades run out of the trees chased by zombies, she saw him fall to the ground, she saw him gasp, she saw him spit blood, she saw him attacked by those beings, she heard him scream, she heard him curse, she saw him writhe in pain and get up, he shook his head and Mal knew his vision was blurring, he kept going, rubbing his hand in front of his eyes. It wasn't going well at all.<Wait!> she shouted to the pilot<Mal what?> Ben approached her, when he saw Hades he knew what he wanted to do.Hades ran towards the house jumping on the roof. As soon as he was at the top he fell to his knees, even from that distance Mal could see his chest rising quickly, throwing out the remnants of his remaining life energy. The zombies were piling up on the ground floor slowly creating a staircase, sooner or later they would reach him and then what would happen? She could already see him there, blocking him in the corner, now exhausted, and reducing him to a memory as he raised his face to the sky that he had admired for so many nights, causing one last liquid shooting star to fall. Salt water filled Mal's eyes.<Let's take it> she said decisively<Mal absolutely...> the Beast began<Yes> Ben finished giving orders to the pilot.They approached Evie's house <Ade!!!> the look of amazement that appeared on his face paid for the risk they were taking <Jump!>He barely looked at them, pulling himself to his feet with the little strength he had left. He took a run-up and jumped, grabbing the landing skid.Mal leaned out to reach out a hand, Ben grabbed her by the waist to hold her still.Ade reached out a hand that immediately moved away along with a scream and a shrill cry. One of the zombies had reached him and planted its claws in his back, giving a powerful bite to one of his arms. The yellow canines slowly sank into the flesh creating a jet of blood that covered the eyes, almost non-existent, of those beings born from the devil. With a grimace Hades clung to the skate with all his remaining strength, he saw his hands loosen their grip more and more while his face wrinkled crystallizing the pain he felt. His teeth clenched more than a vice.<No!>Next to them a shot made Mal jump, the zombie fell to the ground and the Beast threw the rifle over his shoulder <You owe me a lot of favors> he said, reaching out to Hades but he didn't move.<Reach out, come on, I know you still have some energy, you bastard! These two risked their lives for you so go and reach out that fucking hand, asshole> the Beast shouted at him.Hades looked at him with empty eyes before slowly reaching out to him as the other loosened its grip on the helicopter. The outstretched arm was moving away from them <No!> Mal screamed as he watched him slide down.A hand grabbed Hades' wrist before he could fall down into the thrashing, blood-covered zombies. The Beast grabbed him and pulled him up, Ben grabbed the other arm and they pulled him in, closing the door.Mal rushed to him, flipping him onto his back <Hades!>He coughed up blood before looking at her <fools>Mal cried <Yes, yes> her dull eyes closed, and she rested his head on her lap. He looked up and saw the iron floor already covered in red <To the base, now!> the Fairy shouted <you really risk dying this time><Hades...hold on...we'll heal you soon> Mal whispered to him, he answered her with an indistinct murmur.The helicopter was traveling fast, soon the forest was replaced by the snow of the mountains.The red liquid was moving coming out of the crack under the door. Mal's dress, her arms and legs were all covered in blood but he didn't care. He felt her breathing getting heavy as the stage approached. Even the Fairy noticed that labored breathing that seemed to fight to reset the timer that led to death by asphyxiation.The pilot's scratchy voice reached the headphones they were wearing <we are in sight of the base>The helicopter passed the mountains. In a white chalice created by the rocks, the military base appeared as a small metal house with a large landing area with clean runways. The area with the white H drawn on it was festively lit. The helicopter touched down on its skids and the door opened immediately. Men in white uniforms they were signaling them to join them in the iron house. Ben took Ade's hands <give me a hand> he askedMal helped him put him on her shoulder, and they reached the metal house. Ade did not open his eyes despite the blood-curdling cold. They immediately entered the warmth.<Your Majesty> said an officer who was waiting for them inside <I apologize for my indiscretion but it is vital><Ask> the Beast stopped shivering from the cold<Have you been bitten by zombies?>The Beast looked at Ben <We haven't. He has, but he doesn't turn into a zombie><We will keep him safe anyway, forgive the distrust><More than fair> concluded the BeastThe officer said to follow them. They passed through a heavy door that continued into a corridor that ended in a spiral iron staircase that led to another door to an elevator.<It looks like a Russian doll> Evie commentedAs soon as they got out of the elevator they were astonished. A giant military bunker that housed planes, tanks and the helicopter they had used was descending from the ceiling on a metal circle.<Prince, you can take the wounded man with the two lieutenants> the officer told him<I'll go too> Mal said following himThey passed by a lot of soldiers in training, machinery and weapons of all kinds.Ade opened one eye slowly, there was nothing left in those eyes, there was no longer any trace of the flames that licked his pupils. He didn't speak and so did she.They entered a structure with large windows.<What do you need?> a male and female nurse greeted them as they entered.<He needs care> Ben said placing Ade on the chair they had indicated to him.The nurse came closer to look at him and was immediately horrified <prepare the operating room, call the doctors we have a red code> she ordered the nurse<What do I sign?><Collapsed lung, broken ribs, damaged vertebrae, destroyed spleen and liver, ruptured peritoneum and absence of muscles and epidermis on the back>The nurse ran away while the other took a bed and laid Ade on it without any apparent effort. With a syringe she took a little blood <Do you know what blood type he is?>They shook their heads, they had no idea.She took the syringe to a room next door and when she returned she told him <he has all the blood types...I don't want it to be a cause of the zombies> she took some straps and tied his hands and feet and put a muzzle on him <it's to prevent him from transforming and attacking us> she reassured them seeing Mal's gaze staring into Ade's dull eyes.When the nurse returned they took Ade away with a <We'll come get you when he gets out>They left there, the two lieutenants were waiting for them.<We'll take you and the others where you can clean up and eat. You'll have to wait a few hours for your rooms, we apologize for the inconvenience><Don't worry, it's not a problem> Ben repliedThey followed them, they took them to the bathrooms. The others were already there choosing clothes from those they had loaded onto the helicopter.<You've arrived, how is he?> the Fairy looked at them while she handed him the bathrobes.<Not well, he has a collapsed lung, now he's under the knife> Ben said bending down to open the suitcase.<You could hear him breathing badly. These are the women's bathrooms and those over there are the men's. This area was used as a changing room to put our stuff down, but for now we'll stay here until they give us rooms.> Belle said<They'll take us to the mess hall for dinner.> Evie said smiling. <It's the first time we've eaten with soldiers, who knows, maybe I'll find a nice soldier.><Come on, Evie.> Mal laughed.<I don't see anything wrong with that.>Mal grabbed some of her clothes that she had put in her backpack, grabbed her bathrobe, and went into the shower. When she took off her clothes, she realized that she looked a lot like a zombie in a movie. She threw everything on the floor. <Evie!>She immediately looked out the door. <Where do you put these?> she asked, pointing to the clothes.<In the basket over there, they have an automatic washing service.><Thanks.> the door closed, she took everything off, and opened the basket. More than a basket, it was a trap door with a long tube. She threw everything in and watched them slide away.Then he took the soap and put it under the hot water "finally I really needed it" he cleaned himself from all the encrusted blood he had with a generous dose of foam.While the water slipped on his body he thought about Carlos and Jay "I hope you're okay... I wonder what happened to them"When he came out Ben had just finished getting ready.<Why are you wearing a military suit?> he asked seeing him with those strange clothes on that had nothing in common with his elegant and expensive clothes.<There wasn't a whole or clean suit of mine, they lent me this one> he said laughing too <but it's very comfortable>The door of the locker room opened <the rooms are ready. I apologize in advance but there are two rooms, one for women and one for men. I'm sorry but we are a military base ><I don't see what the problem is> the Beast took his baggage and followed the officer.The rooms were dormitories, large rooms full of bunk beds. Luckily they had rooms all to themselves and were able to organize themselves as best they could. Jane, Mal and Evie sat on the top beds keeping their suitcases underneath, the Fairy and Belle did the exact opposite.Shortly after they were able to go to eat, there was no need for anyone to call them simply a voice was heard on the intercom <everyone in the mess for dinner><I deduce that it is time to eat> said Evie<They eat at 6...but it is very early> Jane jumped out of bed<Better I am hungry> commented BelleThey all found themselves in the mess, Ben blended in very well with the other soldiers so much so that they asked him why he did not have his name on his suit. They took the tray and got in line for the food.Everything went down very well until the stomach that had only seen wine in those days.<Finally a meal that is a meal> said the Beast <I wonder when they will have problems with food><We don't have any sire> said a lieutenant turning to their table <in this base there are the equivalent of three large food and animal farms><Really?> Evie's eyes were wide<With technology you can do everything, hydroponic cultivation>Evie squeezed her arm <I would really like to see them><I will accompany you myself sir> replied the boy smiling<You have already made an impression> Mal nudged her friend<I wish> and smiled <but I am really interested. Plants without soil, I really want to see them>When they left the mess hall everyone was satisfied, Evie walked away with the NCO who wanted to show her their cutting edge agriculture.They decided to take a tour of the base that stretched under and inside the mountain. They were looking at a tank when the nurse came up to them <Good evening, I wanted to let you know that your friend's operation is over. He's stable but we'll keep him in a medically induced coma for now.><How did it go?> Mal asked<We did what we could, a man should have been dead for hours so we're confident. You can see him if you want>Mal and Ben nodded <I'll take them> said the Fairy <I'll meet you in the room>The nurse led them to the room in the infirmary.