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Chapter 4
Deep Down
Pitch. Black. Darkness, save for the remains of Free’s wings scattered across the pit. Their rushed formation couldn’t withstand the fall. However, Free himself was still functional, rising from the cold floor to see Frost next to him. Their pupils faint and flickering, seemingly unconscious.
“What were you—whatever, doesn’t matter,” Free sighed and checked Frost for injuries.
Frost’s wounds looked minor, a few notable bruises on their arms and legs—then Free saw coal-black coolant dripping down from the base of their horns, covering their skull and tinting whatever it touched red.
“W-we gotta get to the Camper, fast,” Free’s eye pinned, he ruffled around in his pockets, looking for anything that could stop the bleeding.
“Where is the child?” Frost suddenly stood up.
“What kid? And lay back down, you’re bleeding!”
Frost looked around then walked towards a pile of junk, and although faint, a honey-colored light shone from within it, fading in and out in the rhythm of slow breaths.
“Get back here!”
Frost ignored Free.
“Argg,” Free followed Frost. “I swear I’m gonna—"
“Shush, I am fine. Lower your voice, please,” Frost approached the junkpile and gently moved some of it aside.
Within was the creature—no, child. Their tail was raised in front, hiding behind it, and their ears pointed back. Clearly in distress, yet their expression was blank, neutral. They were backed into the wall, eyes darting back and forth from Free to Frost but never making direct eye contact.
“Who are you?” Free’s tone was unintentionally harsh. “The faster you answer, the faster we get out, alright?”
The child receded further back, fur spiking up.
“Free,” Frost pushed him back. “Please look for a way out.”
“You know, we’d already be in orbit if you didn’t get us into this mess,” Free stared daggers at Frost… then quietly walked away.
Frost couched down and put their hand where their heart was, “Greetings, I am Frost.”
Upon closer look, the child had shallow scratches and bruise marks all over them, especially on their tail.
“May I have your name?” Frost said.
The child struggled to speak, distorted whispers and drones escaping their mouth instead of words. After a few attempts, they said in a weak, staticky voice, “…Foxx.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Foxx. Can you stand? Are you severely hurt?”
…Foxx nodded then shook his head.
“Good, now, I need you to listen carefully.”
Foxx lowered his tail and tilted his head sideways.
“We are in quite the predicament, and we must work together escape. Would you please, if you are willing, come out of there,” Frost gave Foxx space. “I know it is hard to trust someone you have just met, but I promise we have no intent to harm, nor an intention to leave you behind.”
“…Ok,” Foxx slowly emerged out of the pile. Frost noticed that he didn’t step but instead hovered, floating slightly above the ground.
Free returned with rebar and pipes in his arms, “Looks like we’re only two floors down, and since there’s no utility exit or somethin’—we’re gonna have to climb our way up.” He laid the pipes and rebar down, “The walls are smooth but pretty weak, should be able to poke these things into it.”
“Understood.” Frost said. “Foxx, I can carry you if that is necessary.”
“Please, you can barely carry yourself, if… Foxx?”
Foxx nodded.
“Oh, so that’s your name. As I was sayin’—If Foxx parried that Eight guy, then he can probably climb just fine.” Free looked at Foxx, “How’d you do that anyway? You came out of nowhere.”
Foxx tilted his head and stopped hovering, his paws making click-clacking when they hit the ground. Then he lifted himself back up and floated to a cardboard sheet on the floor.
Angled upwards, his head pointed at the sky, and he positioned the back of his tail below him like a spring. Sparks of electricity arced from his head to his tail to the carboard.
Whoosh—
Foxx launched himself up, nearly to the pit’s edge, then gently float back down like a feather. His cloak flowing in the air alongside tiny streams of lightning. When he landed, he gave a bow.
“…See, told you he got it covered,” Free gave Frost a halfhearted thumbs up. He began scaling the wall, but before he got too far, Free looked back and extended his hand to Frost, “Don’t even think I’m lettin’ you climb up on your own.”
“I suppose that would be wise,” Frost said. “Foxx, even with your abilities, please follow our lead.”
“…Ok.”
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