45 Into the Void (1/2)

Darkness, it was all Tarou could sense when he opened his eyes. He didn't feel any pain which was a good sign. It was another narrow escape from the vicious rat.

He closed his eyes and opened them again.

”Move to the back!” a loud voice echoed.

”Hey, no pushing!”

”I was here first!”

Tarou was startled when he opened his eyes and heard the cacophony of voices. He landed on his back and he could feel a damp and slippery surface. Feeling the ground with his paws, he felt the moisture. Paying closer attention to his surroundings, Tarou could hear something dripping. There were indications of small movements inside. He could also detect running water from outside and the overpowering scent of wet soil arrested his sense of smell.

Examining his surroundings, Tarou had no idea where he was. He could tell that the sun would never reach this place which appears to be underground. Insects crawled close to where he was and something knocked him off his paws. He tried to stand up to see what was happening. He could see nothing which was not unusual but he could hear several impatient voices fighting about who deserves to be first in line.

”What is this place?” he wondered. The squeak was so loud, it echoed across the space and came back as a booming noise that surprised even him. Placing a paw on his mouth, Tarou couldn't help but slap himself with his free paw.

The voices stopped momentarily but one shrill voice which from a creature who sounded to be scarier that Boss filled the space.

” Argh!Another newcomer! What are those humans doing!!!”

The chorus of voices resumed but Tarou had no idea what everyone was talking about.

”I was here first! I deserve a spot!”

Exasperated and clearly annoyed, the same vicious voice snapped at everyone.

”Silence or I'll eat up all your souls!” The threat stopped the noise inside. Everything was so still and only dripping water can be heard from inside. Tarou was still confused about what was happening.

'What is this place?'

'Why am I here?'

”We have no vacancy here newcomer! Go back where you came from.”

Tarou knew he was the newcomer this voice referred to but he still had no idea what to do. It didn't take a minute before the silence was replaced with complaints and mumbling. He could hear tiny voices whispering close to him.

”Serket is feisty today.”