Tori's Misfits

Chapter 17:

Chapter 17:

I ran through the woods, feeling the cool breeze on my feathers and the moonlight on my back. When the river came into view, I could see the water shimmering and the reflections of the stars. I checked before going to the stored supply sack. I bent down and let the strap fall over my head. The sack now hung down my front, but not blocking my legs. I then get a quick drink, and after looking around again, I dash off again.

Arriving at the edge of town, I quickly shift back and sneak into the woodshed. I pull out my potion walking over to the knothole lock, kneeling. I place a drop of the liquid in and wait for the portal to open. I quickly drop down into the tunnel below. The portal closes behind me and I take off down the passage. I am hoping that the girls are in the tunnel and that I do not scare them.

Tori’s POV:

I am feeling much better now that the cuts are clean, and I have rested, we are in the sleeping tunnel again. I am not sure how the girls got me here, but I am grateful. We will need to be more careful when exploring the other fork. Jaccia has declared tomorrow a rest day and stated that she will start cleaning the dirty clothes. After sleeping so long while recovering, I am wide awake.

I hear a loud thumping noise echoing through the passage, sounding much like a giant beast charging towards us. I place my hand over Carli’s mouth and wake her up, then repeat with Jaccia. They respond quickly, and we press ourselves against the wall, holding our breath. Carli takes a deep breath then reaches for the latch that will open the main chambers. Jaccia grabs the knives on the shelf beside her, gripping them tightly. We stare into the darkness, trying to see what is coming. I glance at the girls and see the fear shining in their eyes that mirrors my own, we are trapped here with no escape.

A familiar whistle pierces the air and I relax as I whistle back. The girls breathe a sigh of relief and smile. I lean back and wait for Jace to arrive.

He emerges from the shadows and Jaccia rushes to embrace him. He staggers back against the wall, pretending to be overwhelmed by her affection, and glances at me and Carli with a smirk. Carli approaches him and he hugs her too, while I just grin and shake my head. He produces a sack from behind his back and gives it to Jaccia.

Carli opens the entrance and comes over to help me stand, and we all head to the main chamber with Jaccia trailing behind, holding the lantern to light our way. Jace watches puzzled as he sees Carli assisting me, but says nothing until we are all sitting around the large flat stone.

Once we are settled, Jaccia places the lantern in the center of the stone and opens the sack Jace gave her, revealing the new supplies.

Jace then clears his throat, “what happened to you, Tori?”

“I had a fall when we were exploring the tunnels, it was nothing serious. Jaccia and Carli took care of me. I’m almost fully recovered now. What’s happening at the orphanage, how is that going?” I ask, attempting to steer the conversation away from me.

Jace lowers his head and looks dejected... He is visibly distressed and anxious but begins to talk. “They are going to shut the orphanage down. The littles and Miss. Jayla are being sold to the highest bidder. They will all leave on Friday. I must get them out but am not sure how.”

“Oh no, that sounds terrible. Do you have any more information about what time and how they are leaving on Friday? Is there any way to prevent this from happening?” Jaccia cried out.

“To my understanding, each buyer is responsible for transporting what and who they purchased. They are lying to the littles introducing the visitors as adopters,” Jace explained.

“I must get them out before Friday, but I am not sure how to or where to take them. The littles won’t be able to make the journey to the cave before they are found, and I don’t want to put you girls in more danger.”

Jaccia has tears running down her cheeks, Tori and Carli are speechless, simply taking in everything Jace told them.

Jaccia’s POV:

Jaccia looks up with determination on her face, and states in a firm voice with confidence, "I have an idea, we can take them to the pool chamber. It has enough space for all of us and will be more secure than the main cavern."

Jace looks at her with doubt. “I don't know how to get them here, the littles are too slow, and with such a big group they will leave a trail.”

Jaccia nods and says, “Don’t worry, I got this.” She then disappears.

“Hey, where did she go?” Tori screamed in panic.

“Jaccia!” Carli yells, looking around frantically.

Jace stares at Tori and Carli with a shocked and worried expression. “What is going on, is this a joke? Where is she?” Just then Jaccia reappears, “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you guys, I’m special because I was born with my powers, and the ability to hide them.” she explains. “My mom made me promise not to tell anyone before she died.”

“How does it work?” Jace asks.

“I can only transport to a space I have been in and can picture in my head. I can only do small distances.”

“Are you a witch?” Tori asks.

“No, I am a fairy,” Jaccia replies.

“I made a promise to my mom, I wouldn’t tell anyone unless I had no choice.” Jaccia states sadly.

“Why, now?” Jace asks, pausing his pacing.

“I want to help, I can transport the littles to the pool chamber, then no one can track them here.”

“Are you sure you can handle this? It’s more than just you popping in and out, it's a group of people at once.” Jace sounded doubtful.

“Yes, when I was a little kid, I transported my whole class to the playground.” Jaccia answered.

“This could work, to get them out guys” Tori says with a thoughtful look.

“So how do we get the littles ones together without the carers around, and how will you know that I have them together?” Jace responded.

“Well, meal times might be a good time, everyone is expected to be at the table, and the babies are there too.” Tori inputs.

“What about the carers though? There are always two of them for meals,” Carli says.

“That and others are in and out, I’m not sure if the guest will eat with the littles or not.” Jace reminded us.

As the others continue the discussion on how to get the littles together, I decide to start moving things to the pool chamber. It takes me about three trips for our supplies, then I return to the main chamber, and call a halt to the conversation. I tell them to all join hands and then transport everyone to the pool chambers. When we are all in the chambers, Carli drops to the floor gasping for air in between heaving, and Tori looks like she’s seen a ghost. Jace glares at me in disbelief and kneels down next to Carli trying to comfort her.

“I’m sorry, I know it can be unpleasant for some, it takes time to get used to teleporting, the side effects don’t last long, I promise.”

After the teleportation effects wear off, we sit and discuss the best time to rescue the littles. Carli points out that if we do it at night after they are in bed, there is only one carer for all the rooms.

This means two of us could teleport into the nursery and get the two babies and a small bag of their supplies, then teleport to the other room. I will wake the older children while she grabs supplies for them. Then I will transport us all back to the cave.

The mission should take less than ten minutes. If we are lucky, no one will notice them missing until morning. If the carer were to notice something and come in, Carli can use her magic to subdue her and give us time to escape. Tori will stay at the cave, to help calm the little ones when we get back.

With the plans made, Jace announces he must leave to get back before the morning checks. He quickly turns into a bat and takes off down the tunnel.