Do you take the hand of the chicoon next to you?
[Yes]
When Jackson next returned to the Pit, it was obvious that he had missed some important things. The vibe was different, and things seemed a lot quieter than usual. For a Pit that was usually screaming, this was incredibly unnerving. Jackson looked around frantically for any kind of hint as to what was going on. He found another Chicoon sitting on a tree stump some distance from the Pit, and decided to approach them.
"What's going on?" he asked, voice wavering with concern.
"Are you here about the Pit?" the other Chicoon asked, and Jackson nodded eagerly in response.
The strange Chicoon sighed, standing up and beckoning Jackson closer.
"Then you need to come with me."
Jackson's fur bristled, but he nodded again and followed this other Chicoon down a staircase that he had never noticed before. It was long, dark, and somehow colder than the wintery world on the surface. He shuddered, following closely until the staircase opened into a large room. It was lighter in there, and when Jackson realized who the people waiting were, he almost dropped to his knees.
He'd only heard of the Chicoon Gods in legends and stories. To see them in person was both awe-inspiring and slightly terrifying. He listened carefully as they spoke, heart sinking as they talked about the Pit. He hadn't realized that the Pit wasn't allowing people to leave. The way Jackson had understood it, people were just sort of hanging out in the Pit as something to do. But learning that they were actually trapped? That was horrifying. The Gods talked more about sealing the Pit. Jackson swallowed hard.
This would be one of the most difficult decisions that he would ever have to make. On the one had, he felt as though he had made a good friend out of the Pit. But on the other, kidnapping people was unforgivable. Jackson fought with himself until Bell beckoned the circle of Chicoons to hold hands and join him.
Closing his eyes, Jackson held his breath as he reached for the hand of the Chicoon standing next to him.