At End's Gate

NEARLY BROKEN

The next day Conner instructed that they had to go to trigger the Eastern escape route traps before they would continue their journey. That was the only way they could reach the gate when Dukilian least expected it. They didn't explain to Erin. They just told him they needed to move. He accepted but he was confused by the direction they were taking. He didn't bother to ask most of the time but eventually curiosity got the best of him." Why are we taking this route? Aren't we supposed to be heading toward the gate?"

"No," Conner said hesitantly," we can't because I think we might be too late. Many people went toward the gate and we're running out of time so we decided to use a secret escape by the Eastern wall."

"Won't that moron have that already planned?"

"Erin," Paige said out softly." It's a better risk than running toward a gate where we might not even have a chance."

Erin just nodded. They continued to rush toward the Eastern wall. Just as they were about to reach their destination Conner stopped them." Be prepared for whatever happens next," he said in a serious tone before he took out his gun and pointed it toward the wall.

"What are you doing?" Paige asked gripping his bicep.

"This is the only way we can be serious if there's a trap. We can't risk climbing the wall. What if it collapses?"

Paige then nodded releasing her hold on him. He took his aim. The sound of the bullet starting to take it's course through the air was heard. The bullet hit the wall. It had no major impact. It just drilled a hole that didn't go far through the wall. A sound was then heard below them. Their bodies started to vibrate.

"Brace yourselves!" Lisa screamed.

"What's going on?" Alexis asked.

No one could make out what was about to happen. Blake looked down for a while then gasped." What is it?" James shouted.

"The ground is collapsing. Dukilian must have placed something in tunnels below us."

"Look out!" James screamed as he pushed Conner who was in front of him.

Paige turned to look at them. Her eyes almost fell out. The ground was starting to split. James had pushed Conner to safety at his expense." James!" Paige screamed out as she looked at her brother who was about to plummet to his death. She then saw Conner bend his body with quick speed. He made a firm grip with James. Paige and the girls breathed heavily as they watched Erin and Blake help out Conner. The three of them managed to pull him out. He had a couple of bruises when he came out. That didn't matter he was fine.

When he was fully out he didn't have time for an emotional reunion. He just shouted," Run!!"

Everyone started sprinting toward safety. Paige noticed a girl in a nearby building banging the window trying to get out." Guys look," she said as she began to make her way toward the house. She tried to open the door. It wouldn't open. Erin and Conner rammed the door down. When it was open they were shocked by what they saw. There was a family tied down and had their mouths wrapped around with cloths. The girl was the one who seemed to be free. She was so little probably three. The girl being so small was standing on a stool. She was banging the window to signal for help. She couldn't help her family yet alone cut through ropes. The boys cut the ropes and freed the adults.

"Thank you so much," the father said his tone full of gratification.

"What happened to you?" Alexis asked.

"Some men came here a couple of weeks ago. They said they wanted to kill us but they tied us up instead. We heard them talking on the phone outside before they left. They were reporting to their boss. I think they called him Dukilian," the mother said.

"They said something was to happen to us if the Eastern escape was triggered, " the father finished.

"When did they come?" Paige asked.

"Paige they don't even know today's date. How is that relevant?" Erin asked in a mocking tone.

Paige just looked at the father. He thought for a while and said out the date. Blake then whispered into his sister's ear." The week of the painting."

"Okay I think it's time we leave. The impact is about to come here," Conner said in an alarming tone.

"No no no! Not yet," the mother screamed.

"Some of our neighbours were locked in our basement by the men," the father said as he started running toward the basement door. He opened it. Lexi stood by the door. Everyone else untied the people. The people started running toward the door.

"Get out of here and don't look back!" Alexis called out as the hostages moved out.

Blake, Lisa and James exited the basement with Lexi still by the door. Erin and Paige then followed. Paige then stood by the door waiting for Conner. He wasn't coming out. Paige started panting holding her chest." Conner," she whispered. He didn't answer." Conner," she shouted.

"Guys the impact is almost here," Lisa pointed out.

"James take Blake and the girls outside!" Paige instructed.

"How about you?"

"We're coming. Go now!!" Paige shouted.

James did as he was told. Paige then started calling out Conner's name. A woman then emerged from the basement. Conner was behind her. The woman was crying." Nadia, Nadia." Paige looked at her. She pointed upstairs." Nadia."
Paige understood that she was trying to say that this Nadia had been locked upstairs. It was probably her daughter. Without saying a word she started running up the stairs. Erin started chasing after her. Conner instructed the woman to go outside and then he started running upstairs too. Paige opened each door calling out the girl's name. She finally reached the bedroom and noticed a beautiful young girl probably a thirteen year old roped by the bed. She untangled her quickly. She held Nadia's hand and they started running out of the room. Conner and Erin saw them run toward them and they started leading the way out of the house. Whilst going down the stairs the house started shaking violently.

"We have to be fast!" Conner shouted as they ran downstairs whilst their bodies shook. Conner and Erin got out. Paige and Nadia were about to get out but due to the vibration some of the furniture made it's way toward the door hindering Paige and Nadia from coming out. Paige could see the horror in Conner and Erin's eyes. Erin held his head with both of his hands. He started screaming out the words NO. Conner couldn't even say anything. He looked petrified. He just had his hand placed on his heart.

Paige then looked at the window." Nadia I need you to trust me." She nodded. Paige then led the girl near the window." When I say jump you jump." The girl looked stunned by the idea. She nodded. Paige then made her arms to look as if she was shielding herself. Nadia did likewise." Jump!" Paige screamed. The two ran and they jumped breaking the window. The glass pieces flew out as two bodies found their way outside. Erin and Conner ran up to them and helped them up. The four began running toward the others. Blake and James were waving them to run faster. Nadia caught gaze of her mother with the others. Despite having cuts from the glass she was smiling. Paige coughed out glass pieces as she ran. They finally reached the others and got out of harm's way. Nadia was reunited with her mother and everyone was safe.