Chapter 12

Chapter 12 BATS, PART THREE: THEY DON'T HAVE TO GO HOME, BUT THEY CAN'T STAY HERE. "Harper, you're a genius," Ash said as soon as they were back in the real world. "I'm so glad that worked!" Harper smiled bashfully. "I'm glad, too." The plan had been a perfect success. Though they waited near the library's window throughout the night, not a single mob came into view. The zombies had definitely been out there. Their groans had been audible in the distance. But the zombies steered clear of the village. The crops and houses remained untouched. "I hope our next plan works just as well as the last one," said Po.

Morgan pointed to the clock. "It's almost dusk. The bats will be leaving the school soon." "And Ash's Wildling Scout troop is meeting in the gym in half an hour," said Jodi. "Ash, are you sure we're allowed to come with you?" "I'll explain everything to my troop leader," said Ash. "I'm sure I can convince him to hear us out. But we'll need all the scouts to agree to help us. Otherwise, I don't think we'll get this done in time." "We'll call our parents and let them know what we're up to," said Morgan. "We should get a teacher's permission, too." Po pointed to where Ms. Minerva was visible through the window as the teacher stood and stretched. "I know who to ask," he said. Half an hour later, Ash stood at the head of a crowded table. She rubbed her Awesome Orator badge for luck.

"Hey, everybody," she said. "I'm sorry to take over our meeting like this. Especially because I'm new here. But I could really use some help." She gestured toward Morgan, Jodi, Harper, and Po, who were lined up just behind her. "We could use your help," she amended. "How many of you are students here at Woodsword?" A few of the scouts raised their hands. "All right," said Ash. "Well, for those of you who don't go here, let me tell you: It's been an unusual week. Our school has been totally overrun by bats. They've been sleeping in the gymnasium's rafters."

Everyone looked up at the ceiling. "Don't worry. They're not here now. The sun has set, so they're all out hunting. They eat mosquitoes and gnats. They're actually quite helpful!" She rubbed her badge again. "Despite that, they're not exactly welcome in a school. So while they're away, I'm hoping you all can find the little cracks and holes they're using to come and go. If you can fill those holes tonight, they won't be able to get back into the school at dawn."

One of the scouts raised her hand. "But where will the bats go then?" said the girl. "Doesn't that just make them someone else's problem?" "Good questions," said Ash. She nodded at her friends. "Just leave that part to us."