Peter

Clair had to be okay. Hod wouldn’t allow it to be anything else.

The tunnel led deep into the earth. Hod could tell because the temperature would keep on dropping. Hod could tell when they would walk through lager areas. Their footsteps had a different sound. Also in some of the passageways and caverns Hod could hear the distinct sound of water.

“Hod, do you think this is a trap?” David whispered. “I mean that thing just ran right past us. I don’t think animals lead predators to their home.”

“I'm pretty sure this is a trap as well David. The way that thing moved was premeditation. Almost like a human. We both know it’s a trap but there is nothing we can do about that. Sometime the trap needs to be sprung so that you can spring one of your own. Our you will just sit back and watch as nothing happens and those you love die because of it.”

“Hod...” David began carefully. “I don’t want Clair to be dead. I want to save her. If we can save her we will. Hod we're in this together, I'm not going anywhere.”

“I know David. Neither am I. I won’t leave here without Clair.”

“I know Hod. Neither will I.”

They walked a little further in silence. The only sound that accompanied them was the dank drip of water and the echo of their shoes. Hod could barely believe something like this existed. It had to cover the whole Stanley Park.

Hod could tell the oppressive atmosphere of the caves was getting to them. David’s breaths were too fast. Hod was keeping his muscles too tight. There fear of an attack was getting to both of them. They started to jump at their own echoes.

They turned another corner and Hod could tell that they had walked into a large cavern. Hod could feel David tense next to him. Hod couldn’t tell why. None of his senses told him anyone else was around.

“Do you see something?” Hod whispered at David.

“Hod its its its...” that’s as far as David got. Hod could hear him turn around and start retching.

“David what’s wrong? David, what’s going on?” Hod inquired. David couldn't answer him. He was too busy trying to catch his breath. It seemed he couldn’t keep his stomach still and started to dry heave.

Hod turned to help David and his cane hit flesh. Hod spun around ready for an attack but none came. He still couldn't sense or hear anyone around him. Slowly he inched forward ready for anything. The sensation of skin on skin startled Hod and he jumped. He stretched out his hand again and now he could clearly feel it. A man stood in front of him. He had stitches running the length of his body. He was hard and had no cloths. He was also as cold as the cavern floor.

“Hod don’t.” David crocked from behind him but it was too late.

Hod threw himself away from the body and landed on his hands and knees. He tried to throw up. Nothing came out. He just knelt there heaving. David eventually came over to help him. It felt like he was on the cavern floor for hours.

“Hod? Hod, are you okay?” David asked compassionately. All Hod could do was shake his head. After a moment he was able to speak again.

“I'm all right now David.” Hod said. He didn't want to but he had to ask. “Who is it?”

“It’s...” there was hesitation in David’s voice. “It’s Peter from school. He graduated last year.” David had to swallow and take a couple of deep breaths before going on. “Hod it looks like someone had him stuffed. And Hod, He's not the only one. There's others.”

“Hahahahaha.” A throaty voice laughed in the distance. “Found mothers collection you have. She will takes your heart. Then add your skins to her collection she will.”