Chapter 517 Pursued (1/2)

We make good time as we flee once more, this time with the hulking form of Tiny stomping along behind us. It's nice to have the big guy's powerful presence with the group once more. Sometimes a problem just needs to be hit really hard, and while Tiny might have his faults, that is certainly something that he brings to the table. In spades.

In terms of speed, he still can't keep up with me, but at least he's faster than before. What's surprising is that he uses his wings when he gets the s.p.a.ce. They flare out from his back and stretch much wider than I'd thought was possible before they push down with tremendous force, giving the giant ape a bit of lift, leading to a burst of speed. It's quite impressive when it happens, which isn't often in these more narrow tunnels.

[So what happened to Corun?]

[Harrr?]

[Wasn't he supposed to be with you?]

My understanding was that Corun would take Tiny out hunting in the tunnels; it's not as if he could just let Tiny loose in the Dungeon without supervising him.

[Arrr. Bek.]

[He went back?]

[Hnn.] A nod.

Strange…

[Did he say why?]

Shake of the head. Huh. Perhaps he got a message from Granin letting him know that I'd be making my great escape? Or maybe he'd just known all along? I suppose it doesn't matter now since we've managed to meet up and escape. What happened before isn't especially relevant. Better to focus on getting ahead of the Golgari and getting back to the embrace of the family. I'm coming Colony! Just wait for me!

I can still feel them out there, pouring energy into me through the Vestibule, providing the fuel to push me further. There are so many ants in range, I'm still not tired, despite all the running I've had to do. Looking at Jim, he's struggling. He just isn't made for long-distance travel.

[You alright there, Jim?]

[… fine…. I think… how much further?]

[Not long. Another ten minutes, I think!]

[Oh boy…]

[Come on, you overfed worm! You've had it too soft for too long. Time to toughen up!]

He doesn't bother to reply, instead focusing on wriggling a little faster as he slithers forward. It doesn't take long to make it back to the junction, and this time we branch away from the outpost and head towards the ever-increasing signal coming from the Colony members nearby. Our progress immediately slows as we have to deal with the monsters who've taken up residence in the tunnel, but it doesn't have much of an impact. With Tiny along with us, we burn through these lower-tier creatures with ease, smas.h.i.+ng them aside and moving on without breaking a sweat. The only hold up is when I have to convince Tiny not to stop and eat.

[Let's go!]

[Harrr?!?!] He communicates his confusion and outrage at the mere suggestion we leave food behind with just a grunt.

[We're being chased by the Golgari! You know, those stone people! Do you want to be caught again? I sure don't!]

[Hrraaaa…] He sighs dejectedly and grabs a quick chunk of Bioma.s.s to stuff into his mouth as he runs.