Allice in Mysterious Land (ON HOLD)

19: Dumbfounded

Argus and I step back as Lin-Orion advances.

Cries and chaos break loose within the treehouse. The wind blows out Miro's wails. Shattered items clatter against the wood, followed by Xin-Yo's squeaks. The barrier shudders at the head-butting canines.

Why am I not there when they need me the most?

"Run." Argus turns his head as he steps in front of me. Silver handles glint from his belt: guns, blades, knives, even the bluish tip of the taser rod. The Ninja Grenade is in his left hand, while his right draws the sheathed taser rod. "Do as I say"—he lowers his voice—"and try to find out about Mr. Orion's other mission."

"But what about you?" I sneak a glance at Roy's father. His hands are void of weapons, yet his unwavering gaze alone is enough to intimidate. A suspiciously empty holster dangles on his waist.

"Leaving me to deal with this should be how you thank me."

"But my friends are in that treehouse—"

"The barrier will handle them. If it isn't enough, I'll step in. Those dogs are just as insane as OCZ's animals..."

Without further explanations, he aims the taser rod at Roy's father. As the blue beam shoots out, I scramble through the trees, rebuilding my shaky dam of tears.

In the end, why does everyone still sacrifice something for me?

The leaves rustle under my trampling. It's as if the twisted branches are reaching for my face. I duck clumsily, almost tripping on a mossy log. The rumbling storm shakes the trees, irritating the leaves with furious winds. With shambling legs, I advance through the gaps.

Distract some of the dogs from the treehouse—also Roy's lab. Find out about Lin-Orion's hidden agenda. Asking for help from Roy and the Lowlifes...

Thirteen years ago, I sought for help.

I briefly close my eyes, trying to push the recollection away.

Someone came to save me from the tiger. That someone died... his friends are still in prison today.

It's like the trees are alive; are they trying to make me pay for a life and the freedom of several others?

A snapped twig knocks my senses back.

Trampled debris and bustling foliage follow close behind, joined by spirited growls.

I won't have someone sacrifice themselves for me again. I'll save myself this time. The beasts must not get to me or anyone else.

My spirit lifts as my feet find an ascending slope. I climb up on all fours since my strength ebbs away, washed by the rain. My nails are yet to cling to the moist soil when fangs snare around my ankle, sipping blood out of my skin. Their famished howls from below overthrow the rain's heavy splatters.

More teeth spike around my ankle. Like a panicked beast, I quickly lift my other leg to avoid the same fate. Maybe I should try kicking them. It'll stop me from yelping and drawing attention. At least there's only the salty rain to trigger my wounds later on.

Once I plant my nails on the higher ground, I kick my assaulters with vigor. I need to get them off before they can rip a chunk of my trousers—or worse, ankle.

I kick one's jaw, sending it rolling on the ground. A pair of clawed paws embrace my ankle before I load another kick.

But before it can feast on my flesh, something zings past my ears, landing on my recent attacker. A pool of darkness, smelling like iron, spreads across its fur. But a trickle of gray substance is mixed with it too—there must be some Chiroquin in their blood. They are, like Argus said, as infected as OCZ's animals were.