Tori's Misfits

Chapter 18

Mister Toben POV:

I am careful not to let them know I am recovering faster than they expect. I know that time is running out. I have heard the others talking, and the orphanage is being shut down. I need to get up and figure out how to help the ones left. I still haven't found Tiffany’s child and may never but will not stop looking. I hear the door open and close my eyes, pretending to be asleep. I breathe slowly and evenly, as two of the healer’s aides come in. They talk as they work, unaware of my eavesdropping.

“Did you hear that all the children have been adopted and will be leaving Friday?” the younger one asks.

“Yes, I am happy for them, but what does this mean for the orphanage and our community?” the older woman replies in a raspy voice. She checks the bandage on the warrior in the bed opposite mine.

“Well, Carer Faith told me that the orphanage is closing, since Madam Kim is leaving to take care of an ill family member.” She replies, looking at the young man on the bed opposite of mine, “Open up and hold this under your tongue.” He does as he’s told, grimacing at the bitter taste of the medicine.

I scoff to myself, thinking about Madam Kim’s excuse to leave. The poor family member will probably be dead in a week, or as soon as she can figure out how to get everything they own.

“Oh, Jean, how is the town going to survive without it?” the older woman asked?

“I’m sure we will be fine, Alex, said they’re going to start a warrior school, Miss. Alice, they can use the orphanage to house new students.” Jean answered.

They approach my bed and Alice takes my wrist to check my pulse while Jean begins checking the iv line. “He will wake soon, so I am removing the line.” she informs Alice.

Alice agrees and the IV is removed. When they’re done, they leave the room.

I start thinking about what to do now. I have four hours until the next ward check. If I can get to my phone and send a message to the commander, they can help. I’m just not sure how to accomplish this. After all, the phone is hidden in the orphanage.

I was trying to figure out how to get my phone, when I heard soft sobbing from one of the beds. I turn my head and see one of the warrior trainees. He is the only one in the room that is coherent besides me. “Is something wrong, are you hurting?” I ask quietly.

I watch him jump, turning towards me, having not realized I was awake. “I’m not hurting sir, I am worried. The nurse said all the children have been adopted out, my little brother and sister are still in the orphanage. Madam Kim told me if I worked hard and got my own place she would let me raise them. But it seems I am out of time,” he replied.

I was unaware he had siblings, but I knew he was never going to get them. “I’m sorry, lad, but you have to know that they were never going to come to you.” I told him.

“I know, sir, but I was hoping that I could get them before something happened. They are the only reason I have stayed.” He said while wiping the tears off his cheek.

“When do you get out of here lad,” I asked with the thought of asking him to help me get my phone.

“In a few, if my labs check out, why?”

“Don't tell them I’m awake, but if you help me, I might be able to help you get your siblings out.” I say.

He looks at me with eyes filled with a mix of doubt and hope. “I won’t, sir, but how can you help?”

I meet his eyes and then look down. “I can’t answer that question at this time, but if you get out, I need you to retrieve something for me and bring it to me. I can’t promise, but I will do my best,” I say.

We continue talking, and I explain what I need and where it is located, I am now trusting him with not only my life but others as well. I hear a commotion in the hall and end the conversation, lying back and pretending to sleep again.

He nods his head, then turns as we hear the door open; Nurse Alice comes in and smiles at the young warrior. “Well young man, your labs have been checked, and it seems you're good to go. Now I don’t want to see you back again, at least not as a patient.” She says, handing him a form.

He takes the form and nods, trying to hide his relief. He starts gathering his few belongings and prepares to follow Nurse Alice out of the room. At the door he stops, turning and winking at me. I wink back and hope he remembers our deal.

After they leave, I continue trying to think up a backup plan. I must wait to give the warrior time to get my phone and bring it to me.

Jaccia’s Pov:

The girls and I are now in the pool chamber, far from the opening. I feel safer here, because we can cover the small opening and make the tunnel look like a dead end. The pool provides us with water that is cold and clear, a needed resource for drinking and washing. It gets cold sometimes without a fire, but we can cuddle under blankets. I know we can’t stay here for long, though. I have to get the kids to my brother, who can protect them from Madam Kim and the individuals working with her. They prey on young supernaturals and women, selling them or worse.

I know traveling with so many kids will be difficult. After all, we will be responsible for feeding them and keeping them safe during the long journey.

Tonight, we will execute the Littes’ Rescue Mission. Carli and I will teleport to the orphanage and rescue the littles. I know I should be resting , but my nerves are on edge. What if something goes wrong and we get caught? It’s over if that happens. I left a note for my brother in Tori’s supply bag, telling him about her and the others, just in case I don’t make it. I also gave her some instructions on how to find his territory. I only know the direction, so I can’t help much with the journey.

Carli’s Pov:

I’m just sitting here and staring at the wall, thinking about Jaccia revealing her secret. “I’m a fairy,” she said. How cool is that? Truthfully, I’m still a little angry that she hid this from us. I feel like she didn’t trust us. I get it that she promised her mom, but she knows everything about us. After all, we are supposed to be a team, maybe even family.

I can tell that the girls are restless too, and I wonder what they’re thinking. My thoughts turn to tonight and the littles’ rescue mission. I’m excited to get out of this cave for the first time since we got here. It won’t be for long, and it won’t be fun, but it’s something. I’m also scared of messing up and getting caught, as this would ruin everything. I honestly feel if we fail this time, we won't get another chance.

I still dread the sensation of teleporting. Every time Jaccia zaps me from one spot to another in the caves, I feel a surge of nausea and a jolt of pain. I can control the effects now that I have been teleported a few times, but it still isn’t pleasant. I have no choice, but to agree to teleport in as we will have to move fast to get in and out. Once we are in the room, I must quickly gather supplies and then help Jaccia with the littles, the younger children trapped in this awful place. We have to be quick and silent, while controlling any sounds the littles might make. We must also make sure no one sees us and sounds the alarm. If all goes well, in ten minutes we will be out and the littles will be safe with us in the cavern.