Rev's Odyssey by R. R. Kaufman (the reading list .txt) 📕

behind some trees and discovered her secret hideaway bridge. She lifted a bush to reveal a small hole that she could fit through. Within a few seconds a narrow bridge came out from both sides of the cliffs and joined in the middle of the canyon. For months I planned to cross over to examine the Lux. When Cyna showed up and Razor had planned to capture her, we decided to take the leap.

 

The professor examined a tree on the path and put his hand over his marking.

 

Mars

This way.

 

They picked up their pace and a few minutes later they veered off the main trail and climbed to the top of a stone slab. Standing at the top Rev peered over the long overhanging tongue of the cliff. She threw a loose stone over the edge. About twenty seconds later she heard it smacking against some boulders in the canyon below.

Mars found his bearings and crouched closer to a grassy spot beside the large rock slab. He lifted a round piece of tall grass and dirt that clung together. Metal bars of a ladder led to a dimly lit cave below. Rev and Cyna followed him down. Daylight from the hole above helped guide them around a large metal structure inside the underground cavity.

Mars went to the far side and made an opening between some thick vines that covered the outside opening. Rev and Cyna followed him to the large outside ledge. Above them the massive overhanging rock that Rev had just stood on cast a shadow over them.

 

Cyna

Be careful you don’t trip over those vines.

 

Cyna pointed to some thick crawling vines covering the ledge. An old leaning tree from above was claiming its territory.

Mars found what he was looking for. He pulled down on a lever hidden behind a small bush beside the opening.

Loud clanking and rattling could be heard from inside the cave. Huge metal bars slowly extended their arms through the cave opening.

Mars pulled the lever up to the middle position and the metal bridge came to rest. A metal floor with railings was attached to the outer arms of the bridge.

 

Rev

Look over there. Another bridge.

 

Rev pointed across the deep divide between the two cliffs to the opposite side. Another bridge protruded out from an opening, ready to join their bridge.

But then, something captivated their attention. Like a bolt from the blue, two brilliant lights shot out from the top of the Lux.

 

Rev

No way! How did Razor and Vice get through the Lux so fast?

 

Mars

Quick Rev. Get aboard. It only holds one person at a time. Razor will be here any minute.

 

Rev

Mom you go!

 

Mars

Somebody! … Please!

 

Cyna ran forward and stepped on the small metal floor of the bridge. Mars pulled down on the lever. Once more the bridge moved its giant arms forward extending high over the canyon. It glided quickly to meet its other half midpoint over the canyon. When she was safely aboard the other bridge Mars slammed the lever to its highest position and the bridge returned to the ledge. At the same time the bridge that Cyna was on retreated towards the ledge on the other side. She was safe.

 

Mars

Not it’s your turn Rev.

 

Rev was ready and jumped on the metal platform. She hung onto the railings as the bridge moved across the high canyon. She could see her mother anxiously awaiting her arrival. From her mother’s side the other bridge was rapidly approaching hers.

Almost there, Rev thought.

But suddenly both bridges reversed courses and Rev was heading back to Lux Crag. High up Rev immediately turned around and saw Razor approaching Mars from behind.

Rev tried to yell.

She tried to warn Mars but nothing came out of her mouth.

A sense of terror filled her body. She couldn’t speak.

She was paralyzed. Helpless.

Then she witnessed a terrible sight.

Razor whacked Mars over the head with a dead branch. He fell to the ground unconscious.

And without any effort the scream that was frozen in Rev’s voice box finally erupted.

It echoed throughout the whole canyon. Even the birds went silent.

 

Rev

You witch.

 

Razor

Well little girl we meet again. Come back and get your reward of punishment.

 

Cyna was screaming something from across the canyon that nobody could hear.

The professor was lying on the ground motionless.

And Rev was heading back to face her worst enemy.

 

Chapter 81

 

 

Vice moved slowly towards the lever. He watched his mother closely. Her back was turned to him. He put his hand on the lever. He was about to pull down on the lever and send Rev to safety on the other side.

Razor sensed something. She turned around. Freaking out she lashed out at Vice before he could pull down on the lever.

Vice tripped over the vines and grabbed his mother. In a split second they rolled towards the edge of the cliff and toppled over.

Terrified Vice continued to hold on to his mother’s coat as Razor grabbed hold of a dangling vine.

Sliding down a ways Razor let out a screech of pain as the vine scorched her hands. She secured a foothold on a small jutting rock as Vice hung on.

Razor looked down at Vice and shouted.

 

Razor

Grab hold of something. Take hold of that other vine and rest your feet on a solid foothold.

 

Vice

I can’t mother. The gold bars are weighing me down. I’m about to lose my grip. I have to toss the gold bars.

 

Razor

If you do you’ll be diving after them.

 

Mars slowly staggered to his feet. He rubbed the back of his head as Rev jumped off the bridge and raced over to him.

She helped him to the bridge platform and waved to her mother to show her that Mars was okay. She pulled down on the lever, sending him across to the other side.

When Razor looked up she saw Rev smiling down at her. Rev took out her knife and held it across Razor’s vine.

 

Rev

Just one question. How did you get through the Lux so fast?

 

Razor

I took the easy way. You see, Rev, if you join my side you would learn all the secrets of the Lux. Power and world domination would be in your hands.

 

Rev

It is now. I’m the one in control while you are hanging on for your life.

 

Rev’s knife started to slash Razor’s vine.

 

Vice

Don’t mess this up, mom! Please don’t mess this up.

 

Razor

Shut up Vice. I heard you the first time. You always complained that we never hang out.

 

Razor looked up at Rev.

 

Razor

You cut that vine and you not only kill me but Vice as well. Do you want that on your conscience?

 

Rev

It might be a comforting thought knowing that Vice won’t be breeding.

 

Razor couldn’t control her laughter. She looked down at Vice.

 

Razor

Did you hear that Vice. Letting you die means no little Vices running around.

 

Vice

Thanks Rev. I tried to save you.

 

Rev

I’m just joking. Listen up Vice. Grab hold of that long vine to your right. Stretch and wrap your leg around it. Then get a good foothold.

 

Rev glanced up for a second and watched as Mars reached the other bridge’s platform. He pressed a button on his bridge and both bridges returned to their entry point.

When Vice did as instructed Rev’s eyes narrowed and her mouth scowled as she stared down at Razor.

 

Rev

Now listen to me very carefully, Razor. You’re right. I don’t have what it takes to kill you. Some people on Tailbone Island and here in Brix might scold me for not finishing you off. But instead I promise you that I will destroy your army of drokes. Without them you are nothing. You will be imprisoned for the rest of your life.

 

Razor

I love you Rev.

 

Rev shook her head in disgust. She picked up some pebbles with dirt and threw it down at Razor. She pulled the lever down and quickly returned to the bridge platform.

Turning around she saw Razor climbing back over the ledge just as she reached the adjoining bridge. She pushed the button and returned into the arms of her mother and the professor.

 

Chapter 82

 

 

Rev, Cyna and Mars stood on a hill overlooking Brix. They spotted a figure in the distance coming towards them. Mars ran down the trail towards the person. Mars reached him in no time and lifted him in the air.

It was Stike.

Rev broke into a sprint and grabbed Stike’s arm and twirled him around.

Stike couldn’t hide his joy as tears ran down his face.

 

Rev

Are those tears I see in your eyes?

 

Stike

It’s from the pain I still feel in my ankle from the fall.

 

Rev

You big phony. Well at least we have a doctor present. I’ll have mom examine it to see if you’re faking it.

 

Stike laughed as Cyna caught up with them and hugged Stike.

 

Mars

We can’t waste any time. Razor and Vice are right behind us. We must find a safe place to hide. Things are about to erupt in Brix once she returns.

 

They headed for the underground passage that would lead them to Mars secret workshop. The sun set as they entered the passage leading to the professor’s hidden laboratory. They moved quietly about as they entered his downstairs

Stike peeked through a peephole to the upstairs to see if any drokes were waiting. It was safe. Upstairs, his friend Slane hid in the shadows ready to give them a signal if danger loomed.

They had a bite to eat and crashed for the night. Tomorrow they would meet with the others and discuss plans to bring Razor and her drokes down.

 

Chapter 83

 

 

Rev woke early the next morning. Everything depended on the four of them not being seen. The drokes would scan and recognize them instantly. Rev had no idea how long they must remain hidden.

The meeting this morning may well determine their fate. Every idea would be on the table. Any feasible plan to defeat Razor will be considered. Rev believed that as a group working in unison that anything was possible.

It felt good to be home. Safe and protected. But it still wasn’t their world. An evil force occupied them. Prisoners. The ultimate victory for their freedom required a well thought out plan. Putting their lives at risk was the only option.

The others woke up. They ate and made their way to the safe room for the big meeting.

Upon entering Rev spotted Wolfie and ran over to greet him.

 

Rev

I met Stango. He’s beautiful. I sent him your love and whispered in his ear that we would come back for him.

 

Wolfie

Thank you so much. I’m so grateful but happier to see you made it back alive.

 

Faze came over to join them. She stretched out both arms to Rev and gently twirled her around.

Then the door opened. A large figure was silhouetted in the entrance. He moved slowly with a slight limp.

Rev just about knocked him down as she leapt into his arms. Cyna joined them. They talked quietly among themselves for a few minutes.

Mars recognized his brother, Kosni, and walked over to greet