EQAO

Chapter 25 - Trust Nothing

I got lost. I turned left every time, and found myself in the exact same place. Instead of always turning left, I decided to try turning right sometimes as well. But I still felt like I was going in circles. Finally, I realized I had been walking in the same direction for longer than I had before. Eventually, I started to hear lots of chittering and squeaking.

Oh no...

There were going to be animals that attacked me, I just knew it. I didn't want to have to kill animals. I turned the corner, and saw the cause of all the noises. Blocking the path, was a huge, metal door, with a single keyhole. It was as high as the hedges, and there was no getting around it. There were twelve cages (three rows of four), lined up against the hedge, each with some creature inside of it. The creatures each had a nameplate on its cage.

The one at the very top left was called 'Ripper', and was running around, growling, and baring its teeth. The one next to it was similar to a beaver. It had a flat tail, and cute little ears. It was called 'Nickel'. Next to Nickel, was a creature named 'Skipper'. Its bushy tail reminded me of a squirrel. Skipper's buck teeth shone in the light.

Underneath Skipper, this creature hung upside down, seemingly asleep. It had no arms, but merely long legs, which clung onto the its nameplate, 'Wuffy'. To the left of Wuffy, there was a small creature with a huge splotch over one eye. It was suspending itself with its arms, so that its feet did not touch the ground. This one was named 'Spot'. And the cage next to that, seemed to hold the biggest ball of hair I'd ever seen. Two black eyes peaked out from underneath the golden mess. This nameplate read, 'Fluffy'.

Below Fluffy, was a creature with very straight and robotic limbs, and looked more machine. Its eyes were red, and seemed to search me. This interesting thing was called 'Bot'. To the right of Bot, there was a snake-like creature with warts all over its skin. Its name was 'Pickle'. The creature beside it, had long, straight hair, that covered up its entire face, so that you could only see bare feet peaking out underneath. Ironically, it was named 'Snipper'.

What silly names. Surely, Ms. Gerdalli didn't name these creatures.

The last row of creatures seemed the most normal. The one on the left looked like someone had taken a soccer ball, and put a very confused face on it. To match its curvy mouth, its limbs were wavy as can be. Above it, it said, 'Fickle'. Next to Fickle, was a creature who looked like it had a mohawk. It had a bunch of hair that shot straight up from the top of its head, and was busy grooming it with its overlarge hands. This guy was called 'Tuffy'. The last creature was the cutest thing I've ever seen. It looked like a tiny potato with tiny arms and legs, but huge eyes, that stared at me. Its name was 'Tot'.

After surveying the cages and creatures, I took a step forward. My shoes clicked against the ground, and I looked down. A plaque had been put into the earth right where I was standing. It read,

"Underneath one of these creatures is a key to unlock the door. Choose wisely, for if you pick wrong, it will be the last mistake you make. So, here are your clues:

Not among the mess of tangles, or with the bat-like creature. Aggressiveness is not always the answer, but neither is mock innocence. Seek no more in Tuffy's attic, or in Nickel's basement. You'll need arms to figure this one out! And if I were you, I'd stay away from that barber... Neither animal nor machine, you're down to earth. The final hint is: the key is underneath the one that is NOT CORRECT. There you go, you've found your key!"

What the heck does all that mean?!

I sighed, and set to work figuring it out. I used my dagger to write in the dirt, until finally, I exclaimed,

"Tuffy! The key is under Tuffy!"

I ran forward, and opened Tuffy's cage. Tuffy grinned at me, and leapt onto my face. I shrieked, and fell backwards as claws scratched my face and neck. My eyes were shut, and my mouth was sealed. While my hands frantically searched for my dagger. My fingers closed around the hilt, and I stabbed my attacker with all my might. The claws stopped, and retracted into Tuffy's paws. I pushed the limp figure off of me, and felt my face. Hot, sticky blood was on my fingers.

So, they're not so friendly after all...

I sat on the ground, and took another crack at the riddle.

"Okay," I said to myself, going over to the cages again, "it's got to be Fickle."

I opened the cage, and held my dagger in front of me. But Fickle just leaped out of its cage, and scurried away. A silver key was left. I grabbed it excitedly, and quickly unlocked the huge door. It took all my strength to push it open, and I found myself face-to-face with Mia.