MELANCHOLY [1]

THIRTEEN

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thirteen
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VIA HAD THE HONOUR of being the first to enter the sewer. She braced herself for the horrible sewer smells, but it actually wasn't so bad. The ladder dropped into a brick work tunnel running north to south. Water trickled onto the floor, and the air was warm and dry, unlike the world above them. She then stretched out her senses, trying to check for any monsters or the sort in the sewer.

"Come on," she called the others. "I don't sense anything bad as far as the water goes."

Piper, Leo and Jason climbed in after her.

"Are all sewers this nice?" Piper wondered.

"No," Leo said. "Trust me."

Jason frowned. "How do you—"

"Hey man, I ran away six times. I've slept in some weird places."

"Which way do we go?" Via interrupted before Leo and Jason could start bickering.

Jason tilted his head, as if he was listening. Then he pointed south. "That way."

"You sure?"

"There's a draft blowing south." Jason said. "Maybe the venti went with the flow."

It wasn't much of a lead, but nobody offered any better ideas.

Unfortunately, as soon as they started walking, Piper stumbled. Jason caught her swiftly.

"Stupid ankle," she cursed.

"Let's rest," Jason decided. "We could all use it. We've been going nonstop for over a day. Leo, can you pull any food from that tool belt besides breath mints?"

"Thought you'd never ask. Chef Leo is on it!"

Via sat down with relief. She was tired and dizzy. Her legs were sore. Next to her, Leo built up a fire and started cooking. He hummed as he pulled supplies out of his pack and tool belt.

In front of her, Jason and Piper were discussing something. Jason looked worried. Piper looked like she was about to cry.

"And, bingo!" Leo announced.

He handed Via a plate and stacked the other two on his arm like a waiter. Pepper and beef tacos with chips and salsa. Via's stomach rumbled.

"Leo, how in Hades...?" Via asked in amazement.

"Chef Leo's Taco Garage is fixing you up!" He said proudly. "And by the way, it's tofu, not beef, beauty queen, so don't freak. Just dig in!" He gestured to Piper.

Via wasn't sure about tofu, but the tacos tasted as good as they looked. Via inhaled them in three bites.

"That good, huh?" Leo grinned.