Burning Shadows (Chapter 1)

He was never a big fan of rules.

“Notek look out!” More debris fell from the roof, and Notek began to reconsider the wisdom of his hasty investigation of the facility. “Come on man, we’ve gotta’ get out of here!”

“Right, follow me.” With one pre-emptive glance over the wall of mortar he leapt recklessly into the darkness that followed. A few shallow breaths later and a bioluminescent biped jogged past him.

“You’re an idiot! I can’t believe I listened to you for even the smallest fraction of a second!” Notek cast a dark glare into the depths of shadowy sharpness.

“We don’t need to discuss this right now.”

“No kidding! What we need to do is get to the surface, but thanks to you these three tiers are collapsing in on themselves!” The note of panic that had been in his voice had begun to harmonize with itself in a grim concerto of fear. Unsteadily Notek felt his way along the passage.

“Don’t worry, there should be vents here . . . and here.” He ran his hand along the rough wall until it caught. Deftly his fingers sought the comfort of the smooth, rounded depression. “It’s jammed.” Notek’s partner hovered anxiously over his shoulder.

“Now what are we gonna’ do?”

“Relax, I’m sure I can dissipate the rock here.” The soft glow dimmed for a second and returned, brighter than before, lighting Notek’s pale fingers as they rested.

“Notek . . . be careful . . .” The warning soared on the wings of caution, but its target was too focused to take notice, and Notek’s hands sunk quickly into the crevice before withdrawing with a pained gasp.

“Augh . . .” His companion quickly stepped closer, but Notek withdrew into the shadows, where his feet were grabbed by a small outcropping and immobilized whilst his body tumbled ever onward. Hearing his cry, his friend called out.

“Notek, are you alright?”

“I’m fine, I tripped.” A massive shockwave shook through the cavern, and Notek mused and cursed simultaneously. “There must be another way out . . .”