Chapter Text
The muddy ground sloshed underneath the footfall of the men. Dark, hefty clouds obscured the sun, as cool rain zipped from the skies. Tree leaves acted as temporary barriers, only giving way once enough water had tipped their small frames over. The only light source is reflected and diminished within the haze of the atmosphere. As the group ventured forth, discouragement was lamented amongst them
“Gah! It’s raining like cats and dogs!” Gricko exclaimed, shielding himself with his arms above his head.
The Tabaxi merely pulled his hood down further, his robe serving as a barrier against the harsh rain. He had no comment, choosing to focus on his footing as he avoided the slippery ground.
“I can’t believe it! It was fine just a second ago!” A southern accent would ring out. The large Genasi trudged through, second to lead. Drenched from head to toe, he stubbornly refused to cover up. Not that he had anything on him to do so. Even with the unrelenting rain, his hair remained warm, smoldering.
On his shoulder, a small brownie would whine. “I told you all we should’ve gone down the other path!” Twig would cry out, holding her hands above her head, shading her glasses from the downpour.
In front, strolled the lizardfolk. He walked with a purpose, like he knew exactly where they were going. If only that were to be true. He’d swing around, huffing with frustration.“Will y’all quit your complainin’? No amount of whining will change just how swamped we are!” He’d let the moment linger, weight carrying on his words, before turning back and continuing his stride. The group fell silent at the sudden scolding.
But the quiet didn’t last long. A crash sounded, almost like a tree falling over. The group whipped their heads around in unison, anticipating a fight, before their eyes landed on the figure lying on the muddy ground. Torbek.
He groaned out, wincing as he propped himself up. “Mr.Kremmmyyy! The ground is so slippery!” For someone so large, it’s surprisingly easy to forget about him.
Kremy sighed, rubbing between his eyebrows. Gricko quickly went to the bugbear's aid, trying to help him up; only, there was so much leverage he had as a goblin. Just as quickly as he was able to brace him, the man came stumbling down. After a minute or so of watching the two do the same song and dance, Gideon had had enough. He sauntered over, nudging Gricko out of the way. “I got this, man.”
He’d grip Torbek’s hand, swiftly moving him back onto his feet. “You alright, bud?” Gideon would tilt his head to the side, grimacing once he’d spot the other’s squalid coat.
“Yeaah, Torbek’s fiine, just slipped.” Torbek groaned out, rubbing his back, before swatting the mud off his clothing.
“Well, try not to do that.” Frost would murmur complacently, glancing back at the two.
Gideon would smile incredulously, “We’ve been trying all this time!” He’d loudly remark, emphasizing his words as a way to taunt the cat back.
Kremy shook his head in annoyance, “Didn’t I just tell ya to stop complainin’?” He’d lecture, drawing silence over the group once again. He’d turn back, examining the setting they were currently stuck in. He’d sigh, shoulders slightly slumping. “Look, let’s just keep moving. We’re bound to find somethin’.”
And with that, the crew followed their leader through the thick brush of the forest. Trees managed to briefly shield them from the pelting rain, as they picked their legs up to avoid getting stuck in the mud. Each minute drew on longer than it needed to, the men growing increasingly agitated. With their feet sore, clothes drenched, and skin beginning to turn cold, they’d almost start to believe they’re walking in circles!
Until the trees gave way to a large cave. It was dark, with jagged rocks protruding from the walls, but it was shelter from a storm like this. So, even with the alarm bells ringing in their heads, they ventured inside. Immediately, the cave offered a warmer atmosphere, heating them with each step they took forward. They’d sigh in relief, looking around for stray wood pieces to start a fire with. Within minutes, they’d come to realize that all the sticks that could possibly be used were outside the cave, submerged in muddy water.
Gideon would sigh, walking back in and sitting down in the middle; the rest hastily gathered around him. Twig, wrapping her small arms around his neck, pressing her face into his warm hair. Kremy, leaning against his side, the warmth quickly spreading through their clothes. Hootsie plopping down in the genasi’s lap, a wet Gricko clinging to her. Frost leaned his back onto the other side of Gideon, resting his head on his shoulder, and subsequently, Twig. And finally, Torbek coming up from behind, wrapping his arms around the group, leaning into Gideon’s back as he’d rest his cheek on the nape of his neck.
They gathered around the being as if he were their walking campfire, offering not only warmth, but protection, and even light as his hair heated up. The radiance cast a soft reflection over the walls as the moon took its place in the sky. The rain never ceased, the downpour ever growing. After a while, the wind began to increase in agitation as it swept through the trees. The crew reluctantly rose and moved deeper into the cave, but what they saw next was rather bizarre.
Unlit torches lined the walls, creating a path through. Hesitantly, Frost stepped forward, examining the illuminants. The iron cups holding them were rusting in specific spots, as if worn down from being touched. This was no regular cave; this was a trail.
“Gideon, can you light this?” He’d hand the torch to the large man. His voice remained monotone, yet tipped off the crew that something was up.
“Yeah, man.” Gideon would snap his fingers, his thumb lighting it aflame. Once handed back, Frost would wordlessly start walking forward.
“Wha-what are you doing? Where are you going? This is obviously some sorta trap!” The lizardfolk would call out, bewildered.
Frost would pause, turning slightly towards him. “Not a trap. A way through.”
And with that, he continued, leaving the group with no choice but to follow him.
As they cautiously made their way through, they’d take note of the details they hadn’t noticed before. Small chests fitted into cracks in the walls, coins found miscellaneously on the ground, chalk markings on stone, and tunnels spanning deeper into the cave.
“Uh, Gideon…this place is..really dark..” The brownie would hold on closer to the man, looking around anxiously at the unsettling environment. Gideon would smile gently, placing a reassuring hand on her side.
“It’s alright! There’s nothing to be scared about, Twigsy!” He’d exclaim, gesturing to the empty cave around them. “It’s just collecting cobwebs! Probably abandoned.”
“Well, I wouldn’t say abandoned,” Frost started, “more like people have already come and gone. This place must’ve been a route for trading..”
Gideon would roll his eyes, turning his attention back to Twig. “Point is, there’s nothing to worry about. If Frost is right-” He’d shoot a pointed look at the tabaxi, “- then we’ll be in and out. Hopefully the other side won’t have as much rain..” He’d mumble out that last sentence, doubtful.
Twig would nod hesitantly as she’d slowly make her way down his arm, onto the ground. She’d walk alongside the crew, deciding she wanted to be included in the trek. The rest would keep their guard up, scanning their surroundings with each step they took. Something was..off about this place. Their adventures have never been easy, so having a simple passage through? Not realistic.
As they kept walking, the air only grew tenser. The torch illuminated their way, but it was as if the shadows were fighting to keep them in the dark. Gideon would take note of the abundance of tunnels, coming up with all sorts of reasons why they’re there. He didn’t bother to ask, though, as he knew Frosty was most likely just as confused as the rest of them, even if he didn’t show it. It felt like time passed more slowly as they progressed. Like maybe they weren’t getting anywhere at all! Paranoia sowed doubt in all their minds, including the most obvious victim of it, Torbek.
His head was on a swivel, watching each shift of the darkness, on alert no matter how hard he tried to relax. The group ahead showed, more or less, no sign of worry, so why should he? He’s been in plenty of dark places before, often being volunteered by the others to do so. He should be used to it by now. So why does everything about this feel so wrong?
As they walked, he spotted a tunnel that looked…different. Even with the small amount of time he had to inspect it, he noticed things that distinguished it from the others. Steady streaks in the dirt, like a wagon had just passed through. Sparse cobwebs compared to the other paths. But the one thing that truly threw him off was that he couldn’t see a door, but felt the presence of one. Like he was momentarily drawn towards something before the light of the torch threatened to abandon him.
He’d speed up his pace, almost knocking into Gideon, had he not side-stepped.
“Hey, watch it, man!” He’d whisper-shout, frustration rising from his already unnerved state.
“Soorryy! Torbek saw a tunnel!” He’d whisper-yell back, gesturing keenly towards the darkened path.
Gideon looked at him with a sardonic raise of his eyebrows.
“Yeah, man..they’re everywhere!” He’d huff, swiftly turning back towards the light.
Just as they thought they somehow went down the wrong path, a dim shine began peaking from the edge of the tunnel. Weary, the crew slowly made their way forward, their footsteps cracking the dry dirt below. But to their surprise, the cave gave way to a starry night. The moon casts a light glow down towards the mine, allowing the travelers to see the path continuing out. Shrubs and bushes surrounded the exit, much like it did in the beginning, but the rain had paused.
Frost smiled, satisfied with his own intellect. “Hmm. See?”
Kremy would take the lead once again, eyebrows upturned in surprise. “Well, I’ll be Frost..you weren’t lyin! Come on, fellas.” He’d gesture avidly with his cane, marching forward, leading the way out.
Anxiety finally lifted off their shoulders as they made their way closer to the exit, excited chatter beginning to pick up about their accomplishment. But just as quickly as the weight was taken, it was plunged back onto them. As if manifesting from the shrouded walls of the cave, two silhouettes slink their way onto their path. They were lean, decently tall, but two would not be a challenge for the group to take on. They halted, guards raised, as the two beings remained still.
“Now, fellas..you don’t want any trouble with us.” Kremy would tilt his head up, looking down his nose at the people blocking their way. He held an air of confidence and an almost pretentious smile, as if he knew this would be a piece of cake.
The air grew thick, tension rising between the groups. Slowly, the beings moved closer towards one another, allowing the shadows on the wall to morph once again. As the new shadows slinked out, they’d pull along the next person. It was almost like a chain reaction, each being causing another’s existence. Before they knew it, it wasn’t just those two silhouettes, but over a dozen. They varied in height, smallest in front, tallest in back.
The group stared in concern, huddling closer together with each figure pulled out. As the beings assembled in a strategic mass, the situation quickly became clear: this was an ambush. The crew shot pointed looks at Frost, who in turn replied with a grimace and a culpable “Oops..”
They’d save the ‘I told you so’s for later, and quickly get ready for battle. Kremy stood tall in front, projecting a confidence larger than himself, his shadow flickering with mischief beside him. Second in the lead was Gideon, the ends of his hair already struck aflame, his fist heating up for a fight. Behind him were their druids, Gricko and Hootsie, the former already pressing the ocarina against his lips, a tune away from gaining strength ten times his size. Standing firmly next to them were Frost and Twig, the brownie fluttering lightly beside him, channeling the most serious expression she could. Frost pulled his hood slightly over his head as he steadied his hands, his psyonic ability lighting up the patterns of his robes. And the furthest in the back stood Torbek. He nearly blended with the shadows himself if not for his bright, alarmed eyes and tall stature illuminated by the soft gloom. The canisters on his back bubbled, as if gearing up for a fight he didn’t quite want.
The mass of silhouettes stood there for a moment, unmoving, unflinching. Seconds passed as the two groups stared, tension filling the air, almost suffocatingly. As soon as the leader crouched down, he was off to the races. Light blinked off him as he unsheathed a small blade. In a hurry, the army followed behind, dividing themselves amongst the cave, two groups to the walls, and a group barreling down the middle.
They charged at once, catching Kremy off guard. He scuffled back, throwing his cane up while catching his hat before it had the chance to fall. Dark shadows shot out of the end of it, creating a haze around the wall’s reflections. Neon strings of light swirled around the beam as it billowed past the leader, successfully hitting one of the fighters following suit. He cried out in pain as he fell to his knees.
The leader batted no eye, immediately attempting to grab the alligator. In an instant, chains were wrapped around his wrists as he was slammed into a wall. Gideon stood tall as the rest of the group attacked, revealing knives out of their coats, as they all bobbed and waded through the fighters’ attacks. Music bounced off the rocky walls as the ground shook, and behind them stood a mystic, 6-foot-tall gorilla. He roared out, jumping into the mix, swatting the men away like they were flies. However, that didn’t stop the second swarm of silhouettes from attempting to take down the two in the back.
Even up close, their faces held no shape, no recognizable traits. They’d almost dance around the two, dragging each person’s gaze in a different direction. Twig attempted to blast the shadows into dust, while Frost discarded his usual reasoning, instead choosing to use his mage hand to shove those closest to him away. Despite their efforts to defend themselves, they didn’t notice the last, third group slipping right past- rapidly approaching Torbek.
He flinched back, unprepared for the fight, only to realize that the men weren't paying attention to him. They held their heads up, staring down the canisters on his back. At that moment, he knew what they were after was not worth the fight. He slipped back, fleeing back into the cave, noises of alarm pouring out of him.
Gideon was the first to notice the large man's hasty movement, his head snapping back to follow it. Worry raced through his veins.
“Kremy!” He’d call out, glancing towards the other man before tilting his head to where Torbek was heading.
The other gave him a firm nod. “Go!”
And like that, Gideon was off. Despite the swift stabs from the cluster of men, he easily pushed them aside. His heart raced as he tailed the rest of the group, keeping his eyes focused on the glowing purple ahead of him as the light from the exit slipped away.
“Torbek!” He called out, voice booming off the walls.
The bugbear slowed down, looking back briefly before suddenly being jumped by the hidden assassins. ‘This is what they wanted,’ Gideon thought. ‘Easy concealment!’ They climbed up the man, wrapping their arms around his canisters. Gideon’s stomach dropped, fury building in him as his hair lit up in flame. As the cave rapidly illuminated, the tunnels lining the walls were revealed. He’d whip his chains around, reeling back and sending one by one flying in each direction. Although things appeared to be going well, Torbek could not stop panicking.
He turned and kept running. It was like his feet knew exactly where to go, exactly where he could be hidden. Gideon turned, confusion washing over him as he watched the bugbear run.
“Torbek! Hey! Get back!” He’d call out, before noticing two of the assassins standing back up, giving chase once again.
“God, you just don’t know when to stop!” He’d yell out in fury before bolting after the men.
Tunnels of all shapes and sizes passed Torbek as he sprinted, none quite standing out as he remembered. But with each step, he could feel that pull getting closer and closer. His heart raced as he struggled to take in breaths, before his legs finally came to a halt. He stood there, staring down the first tunnel he had noticed before. The clean walls, the recent wheel markings, everything.
His concentration was broken when he turned around and saw the three men behind him. He’d shout in fear before running into the underpass. Gideon’s eyes shot open, legs burning as he attempted to catch up. The men in front slid to the opening, diving through the entrance. He’d finally get to where they last stood, looking into the tunnel and seeing..nothing. Nobody. No shoe prints, just the tracks of a tire leading to..nowhere. It stopped there.
He’d catch his breath in hesitation, looking around briefly before reaching a hand through. In the instant his fingers breached the entryway, they vanished. The sight in front of him rippled, as if…it weren’t real?..
“What the..” He’d mumble under his breath.
He’d tread closer, looking around, uncertain, before stepping his whole body through the frame.
It felt like water softly brushing over him, moving through the illusion as if passing through soft gel. He squinted, eyes adjusting to the softly illuminated scene. His feet were planted on top of a grassy hill, a forest shrouded in the night darkness spanning acres in front of him. Buildings beyond the woodland edge, spots of bright light dotting the city’s structures. Even with as large of a land as this was, they were still in a cave; jagged stone walls lined the outskirts of the expanse.
He’d take in the scenery, mind racing with questions. How..when..where..?.. He shook his head with an uneasy grunt- he needs to get the others. He quickly backed up, turning to retrace his steps, before nearly slamming into the wall. He took weary steps back, confusion and alarm washing over him. He quickly pressed his hands against the wall, feeling for where the entrance could have gone. He eagerly paced over it, hope diminishing more and more with each failed attempt.
Eventually, he came to a pause. Realization dawned on him that whatever that door was, it was a one-time use. His shoulders sank, panic threatening to set in, before he steeled himself upright. He can’t lose his cool. Not now. He needs to rescue Torbek before anything. But.. wait-
“Where the hell did he go?”