Broken Wings

~3~

MCA stared, eyes open wide at Haze, trying to make sense of it all.

"Haze, how are you bleeding? This is just a dream--"

"No I don't think it is MCA." Big-B said, and Star squeaked quietly once more. "This is real. This is a real murder mystery."

"W-we wouldn't actually kill each other... Right? I-I hope?" Star stuttered, twice as terrified as usual.

MCA read his book, and strapped on his quiver and sheath. The enderman then turned to face the others, who were already finished gathering their equipment. "So, what no--"

His question was cut off as a flood of water cascaded from above, the dome in the center of the circle opening and causing all eight to fall in. Landing safely in water once more, they each climbed out.

Phoenix flapped his wings, spraying water everywhere and causing Star to momentarily panick. Haze sighed, realizing that his fur was now soaked and sticking to him flat.

Glancing up to take in his surroundings, Phoe saw that each of the four maps were open. Turning to the others, he gave them all questioning looks. Mini noticed this, and turned to the rest of the group.

"I think we should explore for answers. Maybe we can find a way out of here, or a way to turn back into ourselves."

"I agree. We still don't know how we ended up here, or why." Big-B replied, then turned to face the exits. "We should go in groups of two to cover more ground. If there's an answer out there, going in groups we're bound to find an exit or something."

"I'll go with Phoenix." Mini said, stepping up beside the bird. Phoe turned to face him, and grinned. "I trust you bro."

Haze stood beside MCA, while Keke stepped over to Jake. Big-B didn't even have to move, as Star instantly grabbed onto his arm.

Looking up at their assigned map, Phoe read the sign above.

"Flash Flood" it read, the huge expanse of water spreading out in front of them.

"So, we'll meet back here in a bit?" Big-B asked, and sounds of agreement could be heard from everyone. Mini grabbed Phoe's wing, pulling him into the map.

~~~

Swimming was more of a challenge now that he had wings, and Phoenix fell a few times with his claws for feet. Mini laughed, helping his friend to keep his footing.

"Where first?"

"Maybe the edges of the map? We'll probably find an exit there if any."

"Got it!"

He started to swim towards one wall, pulling Phoe along. He struggled to keep up, flailing around when the water reached his head. Reaching the wall, he grabbed on to the stone just below the leaf curtain.

Mini would never kill his friends, that I know. He's one of my closest friends as well. I should be safe...

Spotting a boat behind one of the houses, Mini helped the bird to swim towards it, and then hoisted him up and in.

"You search the areas up here. I can look through the tunnels and deep water areas. I can't imagine trying to swim like that."

"Thanks Mini, let me know if you find anything."

"I will!"

The fox swam away, leaving Phoenix to start rowing. At least he could grip things with his wings, regardless of how unnatural it looked. Paddling around as fast as the boat would let him, Phoe began to search all corners of the area.

The walls were no longer short, but a huge towering dome of leaves that opened at the top, and filled the place with minimal light. There were some breaks in the leaves as well, but when he tried to grip them to climb them the leaves broke off and fell, revealing a tightly woven wall of some sort of plant.

Phoenix hopped out of his boat, climbing up atop a roof. He was looking into the distance, trying to find a possible hole in the dome. There wasn't anything he could see from here, the walls seeming impenetrable.

When he heard the scream, he froze.

Mini!

The blood curdling scream was definitely his, and Phoenix raced off the house, leaping into the water. He started shouting, calling out to his fox friend for what was wrong. Where he was.

Nothing was coming back.

Swimming into the closest house, he raced down the first ladder he found into the tunnels. Nothing was going to stop him from reaching his friend. Nothing was going to slow him down. He pulled out his sword, preparing for a fight. Each corner was a blur as he ran.

When he saw it, he dropped his weapon.

There was no mistaking the orange.

There was no mistaking the red..