..The Following Morning...
'That portal is what we believe to be our way out', Lynx addressed as he glanced around the others who stood in a circle, awaiting instructions for their next mission.
But first, he continued,..we have to fix in the devices Zara and Valtor found in the tower, they must be the missing pieces the portal needs to work, he paused,..
So I think it's better if we split up, we could divide into two groups, with one group moving to the tower to grab the devices we need while the other group waits in the underground bunker, he glanced at each face while they listened attentively.
That's three people per group, Rowynn joined in, so how're we pairing up?, who's going with who?, she glanced at him
You guys can decide that, Lynx replied as he continued,
Once we meet up, we'll fix the missing pieces in the cannisters and get that portal working so we can all get the hell out of here!
Let's do it!, Rowynn smiled excitedly as she replied while they all began to move out.
After a short deliberation, Valtor, Orea and Zara paired up and walked through the city walls together as they began moving towards the tower while Lynx, Rowynn and Kymani proceeded towards the bunker.
Rowynn observed Lynx as they walked, he seemed more quiet than usual with his eyes fixed on the glass floors while he remained lost in thought as his mind drifted to yesternight's events.
Are you okay?, she gently nudged him, causing his gaze to shift to her.
He stared at her for a while before responding
'I'm good Rowynn', he managed a smile, you have nothing to worry about. 'We're almost there', he glanced at Kymani who nodded as they continued on their way.
.................
As Zara walked into the tower with her friends, she suddenly realized she had been leading the way alone while Valtor and Orea followed slowly behind and they seemed to be chatting cheerfully about something.
She stopped in her tracks, waiting till they caught up to her
Why are we stopping?, Valtor wondered as he glanced at her
Instead of a reply, she narrowed her eyes at him, then Orea, then back at him in curiousity,..What are you guys chatting about?, she asked
Nothing really, Orea replied amid smiles
Then how come I'm the one leading you guys when we're supposed to be on a mission together?...
Wait a minute!, she narrowed her eyes again at both of them, causing them to glance at each other in confusion
'Since you guys made up during our first journey to the hologram, you've been all over each other, and just last night, you disappeared together.
So are you guys a thing now?, she cocked her head at them
We never said that, Orea hurriedly replied while Valtor subtly gazed at her
So you're not a thing then?, Zara inquired further
You know, we're never going to get to the tower on time if we keep chatting, Orea swiftly changed the subject as she began to lead the way this time, followed by a satisfied Zara while Valtor silently walked behind.
Still waiting around in the underground bunker, Lynx silently rested against the wall while Kymani and Rowynn carefully observed the portal, seeing it for the first time.
The amused duo freely moved their hands around the round-shaped metal and it's conjoined empty cannisters as they checked it out.
Cool, Kymani spoke up while Rowynn nodded in agreement.
Lynx moved towards the adjoining staircase, listening closely as he began to hear heavy thud of feet landing into the bunker
'Took you guys long enough', he spoke up on sighting Orea and her group approaching with the missing devices
We'll take that as a 'welcome guys', Orea sarcastically joked, earning nothing but a quick cold glance from Lynx which took her by surprise.
Walking into the inner room to join the others, Zara and Valtor carefully aligned the devices with the cannisters. With a gentle click, the first device slid into place, then the second, which fit with a satisfying thud. Valtor's eyes met Zara's, and they shared a brief, triumphant smile.
The others gathered around, their faces reflecting a mix of excitement and apprehension.
So what's next?, Kymani asked as he glanced expectantly at them
Zara replied, 'now we turn them on', she then tapped the power button on both devices and stepped aside
Almost immediately, a vibrating sound began to ring out, causing them to cheer in excitement as they gathered together in anticipation
Oh my God, it's happening!, Rowynn let out in excitement.
They stood still, waiting and waiting and continued to wait and even after the vibration had stopped, till Zara broke the silence
'I think we can all agree this isn't working', she spoke up while they all murmured in agreement.
Orea sighed, as she glanced at the others, maybe we did something wrong?,.. or maybe it was the gadgets?
You probably grabbed the wrong one, Lynx commented with folded arms
Then explain how they fit so perfectly?, she retorted
Valtor who had been observing the mechanical setup suddenly spoke
'You guys, I think I know what we're doing wrong'.