We make slow progress, shuffling along, stretched thinly, with barely room for the troops to march three abreast. They’re sweating, grumbling, twitchy. They didn’t expect it to be this claustrophobic. Apart from a few lights, it’s as dark as a mine. The soldiers have flashlights, but they’ve been told not to light them, since we don’t want to draw attention to ourselves.
Despite our attempts at stealth, everyone knows it’s only a matter of time until we’re attacked, and the assault finally comes when we’re deep into the maze, far from the exit.
I don’t see our assailants–they strike farther back down the line–but I hear the screams as humans are targeted by mutants or babies. Scattered gunfire. More screams.
“What’s happening?” Josh bellows, and one of his soldiers comes pushing through the crowd to report.
“They’re hitting us from smaller side tunnels,” the soldier gasps. “Pulling us away one at a time. Dragging the victims off into the darkness.”
“Tell everyone to bunch up and stand back to back,” Josh snaps. “Open fire if they hear footsteps or see anything. Those with bayonets should hold them close to the ground—the babies come in low.”
There are more screams as we nudge ahead even slower than before. I glance back and see blood spurting into the air, hitting the ceiling, dripping back onto the heads of those still alive.
As I’m watching, a mutant’s head and shoulders appear out of the ceiling. There must be vertical shafts up there, like chimneys. The mutant grabs a soldier by her head and twists, snapping the woman’s neck. Another soldier turns and fires, but the mutant has already withdrawn, laughing hysterically.
Sakarias barks and I look ahead. I spot a line of babies, their eyes glowing red.
“If they attack you–or if anyone else tries to harm you–defend yourself,” Owl Man says commandingly. “Fight to the bitter end.”
“Don’t I always?” I mutter sourly, but Owl Man need not have worried. Though the babies stream towards us seconds later, they dash through my legs, and the legs of those close to me, and target the soldiers and Angels behind us, fangs snapping left and right, spreading fear and pain in a swift, miniature tsunami.