The Mutation by K. A. Applegate

Author:K. A. Applegate [Applegate, K. A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 0439106753
Publisher: Scholastic Paperbacks
Published: 1999-11-01T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

We flew away from the city toward an open expanse empty of buildings - and, hopefully, of the blue, gilled creatures.

The light grew dimmer away from the heart of the city. I could more clearly see the dome of the vast cavern. Pinpoints of what had to be artificial light dotted the "sky" but became duller the further we flew. Wide streaks of charcoal-colored cloud obscured many of these "stars."

We flew away from the busy streets of the city until we reached miles of fields. Rubbery tangled vines of green, yellow, and aquamarine covered the ground like a thick, dense blanket of writhing snakes.

<What is that crap? Rubber snakes?> Marco commented nervously.

<It does look kind of - alive, doesn't it?> Cassie said.

We landed several feet apart. All except Tobias, who remained airborne as our lookout.

My talons gripped the slimy stems and my wings remained slightly flared for balance. The stems bobbed with the weight of the owl's body but held.

<I believe these plants are growing in water,> Ax said.

<Kind of like water lilies? Their pads can hold the weight of big fat frogs,> Cassie said.

<See?> Rachel said. <Nothing to be afraid of. Just plants. Bizarre plants, but . . .>

<Just demorph everyone.>

Within minutes we were four kids and an Andalite. Balanced precariously - especially Ax - on the shifting floor of seaweed. About to morph again to owls and join Tobias above. About to fly out of this place, this hidden nightmare.

<Jake! Watch out!>

"What the . . . !"

A heavy weight like a prickly blanket was thrown on my head and shoulders and back. I fell to my knees. My body rocked and bobbed as if I'd been tossed on a waterbed.

"Jake!" Cassie cried. "What's happening?"

We'd been captured! Netted! The five of us, a tangled mass of arms, legs, hooves, and tail.

"Not good, Jake, my man," Marco mumbled. "Just got a mouthful of seaweed over here."

"Everyone. Stay calm," I ordered.

"Calm?" Rachel hissed. "Battle morphs and we're outta here!"

"No!"

Then I saw our captors. Three, six - ten of the large-eyed, blue, gilled creatures. They pulled the net tight around us, shoving limbs back through the net's open weave. Finally looping the ends of the net together. They worked silently and swiftly.

<Jake!> It was Tobias. <They came up out of the seaweed. I didn't . . . they were so fast . . . I'll follow them and find a way to break you out.>

Stupid of me. I had Tobias watching the skies. But this was a world of water.

Now they began hauling us across the vines, bouncing, sinking into the water, then back up again. I was shoved into Ax, practically in his belly, my arms tangled with his legs.

"Ax, answer Tobias," I ordered in a whisper. "Tell him it's okay. Tell him to stay out of sight. And to be careful."

Ax transmitted my message via thought-speak.

WHUUUMMPPF!

Tossed almost upside down!

"Ow," Cassie muttered. "Ow, ow, ow."

"Jake, this is insane!" Marco said. "Rachel's right. Let's bust out of here. Now! No way

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