Ren struggled through the dead bushes. The mesa weather made it extremely hard to grow most plants and X must have forgotten to water them. Again.

Eventually him, Python and Mumbo made it through the dead undergrowth and up to the back door.

"When this is all over, I'm going to do Xisuma's gardening," Python muttered, looking down at the orchids in his hand and then to the dead flowers.

Mumbo mumbled in agreement.

Ren grabbed the doorknob. "Are you dudes ready?"

They nodded and he quietly opened the door. The well-oiled hinges made no sound.

"This way," Mumbo whispered and headed down a hallway. He followed, Python closely behind.

Mumbo walked over to a door and mouthed, 'This one.'

Ren pulled out Logolass. He had to be prepared for whatever would greet them on the other side. Python scurried behind him and Mumbo slowly opened the door.

The hallway was dimly lit, cells lining the walls. Torchlight flickered in the darkness, casting shadows around the room. A cold draft of air flowed out of the door.

They crept into the hallway. Ren took the lead and looked at the cells. Almost all of the doors were open, but one was shut.

"How much do you reckon that Xisuma is in that cell?" Ren pointed at the closed door.

"Open it and let's see," Python said, scooting behind him.

The doorknob felt icy in Ren's grasp and for a moment he froze. He had no idea what was behind that door. He quickly got over his hesitation and forced the door open. He let out a small gasp.

A shirtless Joe was sitting next to an unconscious Xisuma, who had definitely seen better days. His shoulder was bandaged with what appeared to be the scraps of Joe's missing shirt, crimson red bleeding into the blue. Relief flooded onto Joe's face. "Thank goodness! I don't think X has much time left." 

~~~~~~~~~

You know what's fun? Writing fanfiction in your Digital Business Apps class instead of doing the assignment. I can't wait to write the next few chapters!

See y'all soon!

-J