Dungeon of Torment

37. Earth Shaker

Wave was strolling the streets of Dover. He'd left the others, his aim - to nick another newspaper. He wanted to know if there was any further news on Waki and the others. The klaxon's screeched, signalling the opening of the hatches and the start of the days launches. Capricorn had been successful, managing to obtain 3 passports. Wave and Zeus would take one each but who would take the third was up for debate. Wave would rather they bring Capricorn, she seemed fierce and capable, but Zeus was pushing for Pan.

"Him?!" Wave had questioned sceptically. Zeus' friend was a little guy, he didn't look like he'd be much help in a fight.

"He's capable of more than he seems," Zeus had affirmed. Even Pan though, was needing some convincing. The chance of spending more time close with Wave was nudging him – but fear of horrifically dying was hard to overcome.

The worker wagons must have unloaded up ahead and Wave suddenly found the street packed with people, all being herded in his direction. He moved to the side but the barrage of burly workers continued to flow and Wave's arms were being battered by the onslaught. His hat was knocked off and Wave put up a hand to shield to his face. Keen to get away, he leapt up – managing to secure a tight hold on a fixture on the wall. He swung his legs up like a monkey, making it up onto a billboard. Below his feet, the streets trembled from thundering footsteps, marching down to the hellish ports.

It was a good while later that Wave finally managed to make it to the newspaper stand. Lacking his hat, he pulled his collar up self-consciously, tucking his chin in to shield his face as much as possible. His keen eyes scrutinised the newspaper stand. There was a different guy selling there today, he looked quick on his feet. Wave measured his footsteps, trying to time his approach perfectly to coincide with the seller being distracted by a customer.

Wave's shadow spilled over the front page, his hand almost within seizing distance, when something hard knocked into him. Wave staggered, almost overbalancing as a strong hand gripped onto his elbow.

"Steady there, nearly took a tumble." Crooned a soft male voice.

"Now wouldn't that be a tragedy." This was followed by a high pitch giggle.

Waves shoulders stiffened, and he looked up and stared at the beaming faces of Waki and Prathum. They'd secured him on both sides and were now roughly steering him away from the newspaper vendor. Befuddled, Wave allowed them to drag him off the main road.

"Waki... you're not in the city?" Wave questioned, both men's grips were bruising his forearms.

"Had to follow you, didn't I? I was worried." Waki replied, licking his small rosebud lips.

"Our little birds had flown the coop." Prathum concurred, his nails digging painfully into Wave's arm.

"Ungrateful little birds." Wave didn't miss the hard glint in Waki's eyes as he said this. Looking around, Wave realised that they were passing less and less people on the streets now.

"Now wait, Waki." Wave protested urgently, "don't misunderstand. I haven't betrayed you. I had to come here, for Mariam-"

"Ah, Mariam – yes..." Waki interrupted, purring her name with a possessive inflection. "My prettiest little bird."

Wave's brow furrowed, his skin crawling uncomfortably at the expression on Waki's twisted face.