Into the Unknown

Dark grey fog surrounded me, obstructing

my view of my surroundings. I ran as hard and as fast as I could in one

direction before halting and turning to run in a different route. I was

completely lost, engulfed in this thick smog. I looked desperately around,

panting hard and on the break of hyperventilating. Where am I?! I thought to

myself, alone in the mist. It was quiet and the air felt humid, I couldn't

breathe. I crouched down and tucked my knees into my chest, hugging my legs.

"I'm lost, I'm going to die here if I

don't find my way out of this place…" I said to myself.

A sudden honk in the short distance

caught my attention, I could now hear the sound of an engine running on a

vehicle near by. Headlights shined through the fog, I squinted my eyes to try

and make out what it was. Another long honk. It sounded familiar, like the

trucks they use to transport goods in and out of New Haven.

"Wha.." I was caught off by Cassandra running up to me through the haze.

"Come on Melody! Let's go! Now's our

chance!" She yelled as She took ahold of my hand and led be back through the

veil.

I jolted awake, now sitting up in my

bed, drenched in cold sweat still trying to catch my breath. "My Gods! That's

it!"

I got out of bed and poked my head

out into the hallway to meet Cassandra's eyes staring back at me from her room

down the hallway.

"You saw it too?" She whispered to

me. I nodded back at her and in unison we softly spoke. "The Transporters!"

The transporters were these big

trucks that imported and exported goods, like livestock, canned goods, and if

you know a person, magical flowers. It seemed like the perfect plan to get out

of New Haven without causing any attention and getting past The Guardians undetected.

"Tomorrow morning at first light, we

tell Head Lady." I whispered down the hall to Casper. She nodded back to me in

agreement. "Until then, try to get some sleep." She told me, knowing good and

damn well that task would be almost impossible for me to accomplish now.

Daylight started to peek through the

window in my room, I rolled over in bed and watched as the rays got brighter.

Remembering my dream from last night I hopped out of bed, threw on my black

hoodie, and ran out my room heading for Casper's door. I softly knocked and

when I heard no movement from inside, creaked the door slightly ajar. Her room

was dark inside, but what I could make out was a bed that had already been

made.

"Casper!" I said in a volume a little

over a whisper. "You in here?" I got no answer back. What the hell? Where is

she? I took a step into the room and gave it a glance over. Nothing. I huffed

and went to turn back into the hallway but was met with full white eyes staring

back at me. I jumped back in surprise, both of my arms coming up to protect

myself until I realized who was in front of me. I grabbed the part of my hoodie

that covered over my heart, trying to even back out my breathing.

"It's about time you woke up." She said

in a low voice.

"Bright eyed and bushy tailed as

always…did you have to startle me like that though?" I replied.

"Oh? You didn't hear me? I wasn't

being that quiet." She giggled and I rolled my eyes. "You sure about this?" She

asked me.

I nodded. "I've thought about it all

night, I think it's the best choice we have to get past The Guardians

unnoticed." I replied.

"So, you didn't sleep then?" She shot

a glare at me and slowly shook her head. "Alright let's go talk to Head Lady

then." And with that we headed for her office.

Head Lady was watering one of her

indoor plants when we both knocked on the door, she turned and greeted us with

a soft smile.

"Ah, good morning, ladies! And may I

say Happy Birthday to you both! Ahh I remember when I was seventeen, it was

just like it was yesterday." I snickered and she gave me a glare, I swallowed

and cleared my throat. "Annny whom… what can I do you ladies for?" She placed

the watering can down on the floor, then turned her body to face us.  

"So, we both had this same dream last

night…and well, we both believe it's our best bet to get through the walls

unnoticed." I replied.

"Oh really? Close the door and you

both come have a seat and tell me all about it." She palmed the back of her

desk chair, and we settled down into our seats. We spent the next few moments

getting her caught up to speed with our plans of escape.

She placed both of her hands together.

"Interesting, well then let me get some things in order for your departure. The

next shipment isn't scheduled until noon, so get your affairs in order and I

will make the connections. Meet me at the loading docks before then." She

explained and set us on our way.

We did our normal routine, hopefully

for the last time. Made the children breakfast and got them all ready for the

day. We hugged each and everyone of them, since it was our birthdays, they

didn't think too much about it. We did our morning count, which went smoothly

like always. And ran to the market to pick up some snacks for our journey. Casper

grabbed some apples and fruits from the farmers while I grabbed some fresh

baked breads from the local bakery. Noon was coming along, and we finished the

last bits of our packing, placing our armor in our bags and strapped up our

weapons to the latches and headed out to the loading docks to meet Head Lady.

The time had finally come for me and Casper to bid farewell to New Haven

and embark on our Journey to Little Ivy Wood, our first destination on our tour

of ENIX, it was a splendid town nestled in the embrace of the majestic royal

high elves of the forest. This little town is where we'd hope to find the first

member of The Collective, Ember. She had bright red hair with orange accents

that forever flowed around her like a flickering blazing flame in the wind.

 Little Ivy Wood was located on the

north side of New Haven, which meant we had to make our way through the front

main gates to reach it the fastest. However, sneaking past The Guardians and

evading their keen sense of smell would prove to be quite a challenge. Our best

bet was to remain calm and hitch a ride on a transporter to mask our scents. Head

Lady had connections not only with the armory folk but also with the drivers

coming in and out of New Haven. It was a foolproof plan! I couldn't help but

wonder about the Head Lady's true power though and the extent of her

connections. The fact that she could make such suspicious requests and receive

unwavering support was mind-boggling. These people were willing to defy the

church's orders and face potential consequences just to help us. Their

unwavering loyalty and willingness to help without hesitation left me in awe.

We reached the busy loading docks, there were At least four trucks being

unloaded and reloaded with different items. We met Head Lady to the rear of one

of the trucks, where she briefed us one last time on the plan. She emphasized

the importance of staying covered up in the back of the truck and staying as

calm as we could throughout the journey. If everything went smoothly, we were

supposed to reach Little Ivy Wood just before nightfall.

The head lady then extended her arms, holding two coin bags. One was

black, and the other was brown. "These bags are for you both, it should be

enough to cover of the cost along the way." She explained. Without wasting

any time, I quickly tucked the black bag into a side pocket of my waist pouch,

while Casper did the same with the brown bag. After we secured our bags, the

head lady gave us both a long, heartfelt hug. We could see the tears welling up

in her eyes. It was clear that this was a difficult moment for all of us, more

so for her, considering she had raised us.

"Thank you, Head Lady." I whispered sincerely, while Casper

added, "For everything."

"May your travels be safe and filled with serenity, guided by the

whispers of the wind and the warmth of the sun. Blessings upon your journey,

may you find peace and wonder along the way. Your time has come to start this

adventure together, know that the Gods are always watching over you both. Be

safe young ones." She prayed. We heard the first honk which meant the loading

process was done. "Quickly now before anyone sees you." She urged us, and we

threw our bags into the the bed of the truck. This specific vehicle was

transporting livestock. Cows, pigs, and chickens were placed in crates. We

settled down behind a few stacks of hay bales that were stacked high in the

back.

"Remember to stay calm and be mindful of your breathing, until you get to

Little Ivy Wood's boarders. You'll be out of range of The Guardians but there

are still monsters on the road." Head Lady said as she stepped away nodding a

go ahead towards one of the drivers while she placed both of her tired hands

into her light purple dress pockets. They lifted the tailgate and fashioned the

latches, with one final CLICK of the hatches the truck engine started, the

drivers honked one long horn which meant they were leaving out and with that we

were now on our way to the front gates.

The truck moved along steadily, and we stayed hidden in the shadows of

the transporter truck. Both of us took a deep breath in, calming our minds as

we entered a meditative state. In our lessons underground we practiced breath

work and hours of meditation; we were ready for this moment. With each bump in

the road, we drew closer and closer to the main gate, we remained silent. The

transporter came to a brief halt and sweat began to drip down the sides of my

face. I reminded myself to stay calm and to breathe slow.

 I went to my happy place... the

treehouse. I envisioned the fireflies dancing in the fields, their bright

yellow lights flickering. I could almost smell the heavenly scent of the

wildflowers in bloom. As I continued to recall the memories of the old

treehouse, my body relaxed even more.

The transporter started moving again, exiting New Haven and was well

along the path to our first destination. Hours had gone by but I hadn't seemed

to have noticed. I was lost in a trance, delving deeper into my memories. I

looked up at the stars, felt the gentle breeze on my bare skin, and heard the

sound of a bird cawing followed by soft sounds from a guitar. My eyes twitched,

still closed, as my brain tried to remember something from that place... a new

feeling that I had recently experienced. Why did I feel that way? My mind

yearned for answers, like an itch I couldn't scratch. I squinted my eyes even

tighter, trying to focus on what I had forgotten. My heart skipped a beat as an

image flashed in my mind.

My heart was pounding as I slowly opened my eyes and whispered the

name... "Crow."

Out of nowhere, the transporter got smacked hard from the side, causing

the drivers to slam on the breaks and skid to a sudden stop on the side of the

road, sending us both flying into the pile of hay bales. We were now far away

from the guardians' protection, and it was clear that we were on our own with

this situation, facing whatever danger was coming our way on our own.

Casper wasted no time getting up and grabbing her weapon as she motioned

for me to follow her.

"Let's go see what that was!" Casper yelled over to me. We both

bursted out of the back doors, ready to take on whatever awaited us.

What we saw next took our breaths away. Four fierce dire wolves were

circling the front side of the truck reeving up for another attack. While two

slithery snake demons, just like the ones Alexander saved me from earlier in

the week, stepped out of the woods, we could here their nasty hisses from the

back.

"We got to save the drivers!" Casper yelled out. With determination in

our eyes, we gripped our weapons tight and charged into battle, adrenaline

pumping through our veins.

Casper hopped up on top of the back of the truck and swiftly plunged her

spear into one of the dire wolves who had managed to climb on top, it yelped

loudly in pain and tumbled off harshly off the side, disappearing in a golden

dust right before it hit the ground.

 Meanwhile, I pulled back the

bowstring on my longbow, taking aim at the older-looking snake demon. With the

demons distracted on the drivers, I released the string, sending my arrow

hurtling towards the demon's temple. Just as the arrow was about to make

contact, the demon effortlessly caught it, his eerie glowing green eyes now

fixed on me.

"Hisss, You're gonna regret that."

he growled in a deep bone-chilling voice that sent shivers down my spine. It

felt like there were multiple voices speaking at once from him, making it even

creepier.

In a flash, he closed the distance between us, too quick for me to grab

my dagger. I tried to defend myself with a punch, but he easily deflected it. He

grabbed hold of my neck and hoisted me up off the ground causing me to gasp

desperately for air as I kicked my legs trying to free myself. He was

incredibly strong, and the hours spent underground did not train me for this.

Casper leaped down off the back of the transporter, grabbed her spear off the

ground, and with one swift movement struck the demon's back with her spear,

creating a sharp cracking sound from the snake demon's spine. It recoiled in

pain, releasing his hold on me, and I collapsed to my knees, gasping for air,

and gently clutching my throat.

The demon quickly recovered and turned his attention to Casper, he hissed

showing his sharp fangs and lounged at her, Casper side stepped and struck him

again in the same area she had before, making him scream in pain once more with

another crack. He rushed her again with great speed and together they engaged

in an intense showdown, both displaying unnatural speed. He'd jab and she'd

block it with such grace. she swung her spear and contacted his arm as he tried

to deflect her blow, snapping his forearm with a clean break. He hissed and

bellowed in pain.

"My arm!" He yelled out clearly in pain, but Casper's melee skills were

unmatched, as if she had been secretly training for years. Her spear connected

with the underside of demon's ankles as she swiped them from underneath him,

sending him flying backwards on the hard ground.

"Mel! Get up!" She yelled over at me as I was still trying to

catch a breath from my bruised windpipes that were almost crushed under the

demons sheer power.

I managed to get back on my feet just in time to see that one of the dire

wolves was sneaking up on Casper! Thinking quick on my feet I grabbed my

longbow and quickly reloaded another arrow. Just as the wolf was about to

pounce, I released my shot and nailed it right in it's opened mouth, the arrow

came out the other side and landed in a near by tree. The wolf disappeared in a

poof of golden glittery dust, just like the other one had. The snake demon got

even more angry, its eyes glowing brighter than ever before at the site of its

fallen pet.

"You will DIE for that." He said with a hiss. He quickly got

back up to his feet and struck Casper hard in the ribs, making her cough up

blood as she bent over. I grabbed the sharp dagger from my hip strap as he went

to try and grab me but the wounds that Casper inflicted on him made him slower,

I dodged its fist and sliced off his arm, leaving him defenseless with the

other one broken by his side.  I picked

up my dagger and with a slash, cut his throat from ear-to-ear. Steam rose from

the wound and he vanished into thin air.

I pulled Casper back up, and although the drivers managed to take down

one of the wolves, they were still in trouble with the other one circling them.

But why weren't they attacking with their weapons? My eyes widen at the

realization that, their ammo must had run out.

 "Pathetic Mortals!" The

last snake demon laughed, toying with the drivers. Right as I went to aim

another arrow, the wolf grabbed at one of the driver's ankles, dragging him

down as the last snake demon dashed towards the other driver taking him by his

hair, the demon took his long blade and trailed it down the driver's throat.

The driver tried desperately to hit at the snake demon but was greeted with a

hard punch to the face, blood gushed out of his nose as he wrenched in pain,

while the screams from the other driver's mouth fell silent as he was being

torn to pieces by the wolf, body parts being thrown every which way, and blood

being sprayed everywhere. I loaded an arrow and sent it flying through the side

of the wolf's head. Casper wiped the blood from her mouth and ran up to the snake

demon with her spear in hand and before she could swing, he swatted her away

sending her flying into a nearby tree. She collapsed from the impact, now

laying motionless on the ground.

"No! Casper!" I yelled out for her, rushing to her aid; I

turned her over to find she was still breathing.

"No, Mel… not me… Save the driver… I"ll be… fine." She cut

me off.

Swallowing my fear I quickly grabbed her spear and charged towards the

demon and the helpless unconscious driver. The demon stabbed through the last

drivers throat and pulled sideways, cutting open his artery, blood sprayed

everywhere from his nearly decapitated head.

"No…" I stopped in my tracks as I was now to late to save him, but just

when it seemed like all hope was lost, a flash of all black appeared in front

of me. I took a step backwards and immediately recognized those giant all black

wings... it was Crow!

"Stay back, Songbird," Crow said, looking over his shoulder at

me. "I'll take care of this one." With incredible speed, Crow tackled

the demon and they both disappeared into the sky.

I rushed to the driver who was lying on the ground, bleeding profusely.

Tears streamed down his puffy face. I rolled him over and he screamed in pain.

I tried to stop the bleeding, but it just kept rushing out soaking me in it.

Casper joined me, placing a hand on the driver's shoulder. He struggled to

breathe, choking on his own blood.

"I'm so sorry we didn't make it in time." Casper said, her

voice trembling from the traumatic events.

The driver coughed up blood and managed to place his now cold hand on

Casper's. He whispered, "It's quite…alright... it was... my destiny."

Confused, I furrowed my brows and asked, "What do you mean it was

your destiny?"

The driver gasped for air and replied, "My…orders…were to protect…

you both… at all cost….even if..it meant… sudden death." He fought to

breathe.

"Wait! What orders? Who gave you orders? Was it Head Lady?" Casper shouted

now feeling heavy guilt from the man's words.

With one final big breath, the driver said, "No matter... what

secrets... come to... the light." He coughed violently and swallowed hard.

"Stay true... to yourself...follow your intuitions…" His words faded

as the life left his eyes and he fell limp under my arms.

We sat there in silence for a moment before we respectfully moved the

bodies off the road and buried them in a shallow grave with leaves as best as

we could.

"They'll find them in a week." I said to Casper.

We both said a small prayer over the drivers and thanked them both for

their sacrifice they had made for us. The wind blew our hair softly as the sun

was starting to go down, the rays peeked through the trees like golden beams of

light shining down on their graves. The sound of sudden crunching twigs was

heard behind us.

"You both ok?" Crow said as he slowly walked up to us, tucking

his wings back into his sides and out of sight while he pushed his dreads up

and out of his eyes. We both nodded, each heavy with overwhelming sadness.

"We should get going. It's gonna be dark real soon, and we need to

be off these roads by then," Crow said, understanding the importance of

staying safe.

"I know this is hitting you both pretty hard. Their sacrifice will

be remembered, but we have a greater mission at hand and your safety is top

priority." His words resonated deeply. He turned and locked his eyes with

mine, leaving me speechless. He stepped over toward me and grabbed my hand in

his, pulling me up and close to him, examining the bruises on my neck with

gentle care. His touch sent a wave of both comfort and excitement down my

spine, making me catch my breath.

Curiosity got the best of me. "How did you manage to find us?"

I asked, allowing him to finish his inspection as his thumb traced the handprint

around my neck, his hyper fixation breaking at my question.

A warm smile played on his lips. "You called for me, song bird. I

came as quickly as I could." he answered, releasing his hold on

me."You have mild bruising, which will heal naturally in a few days.

Little Ivy Wood specializes in advanced healing medicines that can help speed

up the healing process. We need to get moving soon."  he suggested, emphasizing the urgency of our

journey.

Casper blinked, frowning from confusion. "Uh, WHO are you

again?"

I blushed, feeling embarrassed for forgetting that Casper was right

beside me the whole time. "Oh right! Casper, this is Crow," I said, and

her face lit up with excitement and recognition.

"OHHH! So, THIS is the guy, huh? You're right! He IS cute!" she

exclaimed, causing Crow to raise an eyebrow before relaxing his face into that

beautiful smirk of his, showing off his fangs. I felt a mix of annoyance and

exhaustion from the battle, making the situation even more awkward. I wanted to

strangle Casper, but I was too tired.

"You think I'm cute?" He grinned.

"Uhhhh!" I managed to utter, shocked by her comment and his response.

What was she thinking?

Casper giggled and introduced herself. "Oh, im just kidding! I'm

Casper."

 "The one of the moon."

Crow bowed to her. "You have quite the sense of humor." He grinned

and taking her hand in his, he brought it up and pushed it gently against his

forehead, his way of greeting new people. "The pleasure is mine." He

replaced her hand back at her side and turned back to me.

"I'll be escorting you two from now on, if that's okay with both of

you," Crow said, his gaze locked with mine. Of course, I couldn't refuse.

Since the first time I met him, I felt an indescribable sense of safety and

comfort. It was like we had already known each other for a while.

"Yeah, alright. But don't get any funny ideas, mister! I trust Mel's

judgment, but I'll still mess you up." Casper playfully warned, winking at

me.

I rolled my eyes and chuckled. "Be nice, Casp."

We jumped back into the back of the truck to retrieve our belongings and to

open all the gates of the farm animals, freeing them and watched as they all ran

off into the wilderness. With our bags in hand, we set off down the road

towards Little Ivy Wood, ready for the next part of our long journey.