The Lost Gems

Chapter 24

March 11 1,034
11:00

Aquas's POV

After everyone was up and informed of the plan and map we headed on our way. We continued to walk for what seemed like hours, dread grew in my stomach. Clay and Rod led the way while Diamond stayed back with Tanz so the scent wouldn't effect the boys. The air grew cold and ominous. We were careful to avoid main paths. Luckily Rod and Clay knew the paths the other mutants would take to patrol and what times they went out.

"We are getting close." Rod yelled back.

They explained that in just half a mile we would start to see the base. They explained it as a dark metal building that was designed as a maze in hopes to intimidate those who would enter. Nobody dared to mess with the building in fear of being destroyed. Everyday people knew the consequences of the Onyx and how they wouldn't stop at anything. We knew this first hand, the Onyx didn't hesitate to burn down our town and all those we loved. Clay and Rod also informed us that the base had not been attacked in over five years. Hopefully we would be able to use this to our advantage if they didn't expect it.

"This is as far as we can go." Clay assured. He then explained on the map where the entrance would be located. As well as the tunnel Clay and Rod had used to escape. He pointed in the direction of the drain entrance, if we continued strait we would walk right to it. We were able to use trees to hide ourselves and stay undetected.

We said our goodbyes as we departed from the boys Tanz and Diamond also made sure to give Rod and Clay simple pecks on the cheeks before we left. With a quick assurance of luck from the boys we had left them behind and started for the base.

As we approached the building we all ducked behind a gathering of trees. Diamond passed out the flowers we decided to rub the scent all over ourselves for good measures. The odor was potent.

We looked each other in the eyes, and knew how much we cared about each other , for the past few years we were the only thing each other had. We didn't have to say "I love you" out loud but knew each other was thinking it . I nodded my head which was returned with nods from the girls and we walked strait.

In front of us was a large drain pipe with bars covering the entrance around 4 feet tall. We would be able to crawl and crouch through the tunnel but not stand up. The pipe was leaking brownish water but nothing that would hinder our movement. The pipe was dark, but as Rod explained it was a direct shot inside the base no turns or holes. We removed the bars that were covering the pipe. They had just been set there and served no functional purpose . One by one we crawled into the pipe and then gently covered the entrance with the bars again to not create suspicion.

Tanz began leading the way, she was always brave and being the oldest she always felt obligated to protect us. We crawled until we hit the ladder that lead strait upwards. I then took the lead with the flowers in hand and began to climb. Tanz and Diamond stayed below until it was clear i had reached the top of the ladder and felt above for a cover. Rod informed me that i had roughly 45 min. The mutants would be in training and away from the entrance in the supply room. I pushed above me very gently and listened. I heard nothing , I peaked around with the sliver of view I had and saw grey tiles with grey walls. Nobody was in the room. I slowly pushed the tile to the side fully exposing the tunnel. I jumped out of the hole. And headed for the door. I peaked into the hallway no sign of anyone. I quickly rubbed some petals on the floor and the door handle to the supply room before returning to the room and locking myself in. I signaled for the girls to climb up. While i quickly looked around the room.

There was extra uniforms that we slipped on for good measure. I pulled out the map and confirmed where we were and the location of the utility room which led into the HVAC system, this was marked on the map with a purple circle. I slowly unlocked the door and peered around the corner, the girls right behind me. No sign of anyone. We slowly crept towards the room and to our luck we weren't disturbed. We successfully threw a majority of the flowers in front of the main blower. We waited silently, all of a sudden we were treated with a rush of relief once we smelled the pungent odor.