Journey Into Darkness

Roz blinked her eyes open, still half asleep, she pulled herself into a sitting position.  She rubbed her eyes, still heavy with sleep as she peaked out the gap in the tent entrance. There was barely a hint of light on the horizon and her crew was still fast asleep.  She slid her legs off the side of her cot and stood up, wobbling a bit before steadying herself.  Mar had kept them all up late, preparing for today’s treacherous  journey.  She walked outside, spotting Mar on the other side of the camp hungrily shoveling a warm breakfast into his mouth.  Rozelyn calmly approached him.

“We did pack food, y'know.” She said, taking a seat next to Mar.  Mar swallowed and looked up.

“Yes, but not nearly as good as this is.” He replied. “You should go get yourself a bowl, you’ll need the energy.”

Roz couldn't argue with that. She got up and entered the mess tent.  It smelled wonderful…well as wonderful as you could get for military food.  

“You’re up early.” The chef said as she approached the counter. He quickly scooped up what looked to be some sort of breakfast hash into a bowl, and handed it to her.  

“Thank you, and yeah, Mar’s orders.”  She said, taking the bowl.  Roz headed back outside, taking a seat with Mar once again.  She ate quickly, though not nearly as fast as her squadron leader.  Roz gazed around the camp, people were slowly starting to wake up and go about their day, the sky now a beautiful shade of periwinkle with splashes of pink and a soft orange as the sun peaked up above the horizon.  She finished off her breakfast and returned her bowl to the kitchen.

“I should go get everyone up.” She said as she passed by Mar.

“Yes, I will start rounding up our supplies, have them gather back here with their packs.” Mar instructed.

Roz headed back to the tent where her squad was sleeping.  When she entered all but two were awake. 

“Oh good, you guys are awake.” She said to her sleepy squad members. “Wake up the other two, it's time to pack out.” She said, grabbing the pack leaning against her cot.  “Meet me in front of the mess tent, and hurry up, we're leaving soon.” She said, hoisting her rifle and pack over her shoulder.  She heard a groan as she walked out, but it couldn't be helped, they needed to find some answers.

Roz waited outside the mess tent, somewhat impatiently.  Mar joined her shortly after, loaded down with various weapons and supplies.  They watched as their squad shuffled across the camp towards them, gathering around Mar, awaiting further instruction.

“Everyone, go grab your breakfast and gather back here, we have a long journey ahead of us.” Mar instructed.

The squad was fast about it, returning quickly with their bowls.  There was a nervous tension that hung in the air as they ate their food, it was quiet as they imagined what dangers lie ahead of them.

“Now I know everyone is feeling a little…apprehensive this morning.  Truth be told, we don't really know what we’re walking into, but all of you are here today because I believe you are the best people for this mission.  So keep your wits about you, stay sharp, and look out for each other.”  Mar said proudly.  The team had mostly finished their breakfast, and many got up to return their dishes.  Roz let out a sigh.

“That was a big sigh.” Mar commented.

“Yeah, I just hope everything goes well on this mission.” Roz said somewhat solemnly.

Now the squad was gathered, packed up and ready to go. They all walked towards the camp entrance, people cheering them on and shouting their goodbyes and good lucks…they sure were gonna need it.

Roz looked back at the camp as they entered the wilds of Velarune, she prayed that they’d all make it back in one piece.  The sun beat down on them as it rose in the sky, unfortunately the trees were still sparse as they hadn’t reached the woods yet.  It was turning out to be a fairly hot day, which would’ve otherwise been appreciated if not for the given circumstances.  

“Let’s take a break everyone! Drink some water, rest your feet!” Mar called out from the front of the group.  You could hear everyone sigh in unison as they dropped their packs to the ground.  Roz gladly put her pack down and grabbed a drink of water out of her bag.  She looked out in the distance and could faintly see a line of trees poking out beyond the hills. And just maybe…a darkness that lied just beyond. For now she was glad to give her feet a rest.

“Pack it up guys! We’re getting close to the woods!” Mar said as he gathered his things back up.

They trudged on, the trees finally growing thicker, protecting them from the summer heat as they continued on their journey.  Tensions grew as they got closer to the nether, many members of the crew becoming more jumpy an on edge.  It was like an infection as they marched closer, it was something in the air that grew thicker and thicker with every step.

”This better not be a suicide mission.” Roz said to Mar as they led the squad deeper and deeper into the darkening woods.  Mar chuckled a little, possibly to disperse his own nerves. 

“I may be daring Roz, but I would never do something so reckless as to lead my own people to their deaths.” Mar stated.

The trees came to an abrupt end, and gave way the dark and unforgiving landscape that sprawled out front of them.  Not even the trees dared to enter the Nether.  Mar paused for a second, taking a deep breath.  Roz grabbed her weapon from her back, there was no telling what lay ahead of them.

“Guys, we’ve come this far, the nether is a treacherous landscape, it is hard to traverse both physically and mentally.  Keep your heads on straight and be vigilant.” Mar said solemnly. Mar gave a small motion with his hand, signaling to group to keep going.

Though the sun was still shining, it didn’t seem to matter.  It was dark, and once again there was no color from the summer heat, which ironically seemed intensified in the darkness.  Everything about this place screamed danger, there were strange sounds in the distance,  and sharp spires of rock sticking up from the ground.  It was oddly quiet otherwise, you could hear their footsteps bouncing off the towering rocks around them.

”Um…guys.” One of the crew members said in almost a whisper.

”What is it?” Someone else replied.

”I thought i saw something…its probably nothing…” They said.

”Be on the lookout guys.” Mar said.  They kept walking, but not even a few paces later a dark…something…flashed in front of them.  The squad came to a halt, all of them looking around intently, but it was gone.

”I don’t like this…” Roz stated.

”Me neither.” said Mar.

Then there it was again… the dark shadow…or maybe a different one.  Everyone drew their weapons.  Then there was another one….and another one.  They were being surrounded by these shadows.  

“I can’t do this!” One of the crew members cried right before taking off back towards the trees.

”Wait! Don…” Mar called out, but it was too late, and the shadows took off after them.

”Roz, you have to keep going.  We have to know what this is.  I gotta go save them, I promised them nothing bad would happen.” Mar said somewhat frantically.  

Before Roz had a chance to reply, he was gone.  Now it all fell on her shoulders, and they had to make it.  They continued on, taking their opportunity while the shadows were distracted.

”Do you think that they’ll be okay?” Someone asked.

”Don’t worry, Mar is one of the best fighters I know.  If anyone can save them it’s him.” Roz said, trying to reassure what was left of their crew, but honestly she was just as worried as the rest of them.  

“There!” Roz said, pointing at a cluster of spires on the horizon.  “If there’s answers to be found…I bet that’s where they’ll be.” Roz said proudly.

They trekked on, their legs burning, their shoulders heavy.  Every so often a shadowy figure would flash past them, but they didn’t seem interested in engaging.

The spires grew larger, turning into a large castle-like structure.  They weren’t far now. Roz could almost taste victory, but just as soon as she had that thought she heard a yelp from behind and then a pair of strong hands grab her swiftly from behind.

”AMBUSH!” Roz called out. A large hand quickly covered her mouth.

”From where I’m standing…you’re the one leading an ambush.”  A deep voice grumbled in her ear.  “Tell me what you want and I might let you walk out of here…or not.”

”I came seeking answers.” Roz said sternly.

”Answers? To what?”  The large body said.

”There have been tellings of a mysterious dark Equos…My people are worried, I guess you could say we’re seeking peace of mind.” Roz said.  Roz could feel his grip loosen and then he let go, circling around to face Roz. He was a dark, hulking Equos, laiden with scars and dressed in bones.

“Hmm…say I do have the answers you’re seeking…what’s in it for me?” The dark Equos said.

”Your own peace of mind.” Roz replied.

”Ohh, but we thrive in chaos…You’re gonna have to do better than that.”  The Equos said.  “Oh well…That isn’t really my place, I will take you to our King and whatever happens from there…well.” 

Roz didn’t like the sound of that.  The Equos gave a grunt and started walking, signaling the others to stand down.  Roz followed, and so did her crew.

”Ah, Ah…Only one of you goes.” He said.   Roz looked back, fear in her eyes as her crew stopped.  They looked back at her, equally as fearful, hopefully nothing would happen to them while they were left outside with the King’s guards.  She followed the Equos into the looming fortress,  the decor was unsettling at best.  It was massive and cold, her hooved feet clacked on the hard polished floor, echoing off the walls as she walked towards what dealt like her probable doom. They came to a massive set of arched doors.  The dark Equos pushed them open revealing a massive hall, and at the end a large throne on which a large hulking Equos sat.  There was a terrible, dark feeling that hung in the air, some might say would sucking.  The king was clad in a dark set of armor, a grotesque smile peeking out from under his visor. 

“What do we have here?” His voice boomed from the other end of the hall.

”She seeks answers my lord.” Said the Equos that had led Roz here, he bowed deeply in respect.

“Hmm…” The King laughed.  He stepped down from his throne and stalked towards them, the picture frames and ornaments in the throne room rattled with every step he took. He came upon Roz and leaned in close, Roz’s hairs all stood on end.

”Don’t waste my time girl…speak.” He growled.

”W-ho are you?” Roz said, her voice trembling. “Where did you come from?” Roz asked.

”Well…I’m the King…and soon all will bow before me. As far as where I came from…well that’s for me to know and you to find out. I’ve only just begun.” The King stated. “Now leave before I change my mind.”

“That’s it?!” Roz said in protest.

”All in due time…” The King responded, obviously irritated.  “Tik Toc…my mind changes…often.” He stated before storming off back towards his throne.

”You heard him,” The Equos said with a smirk. “It’s time to go…while you still can.”

Roz huffed and stormed away.  How was she gonna break the news to Mar…to everyone…