A Hero, A Team, and a Story [BOOK ONE]

Chapter 3: Into Darkness

Pen and Cloud arrived at the fabled caverns. Pen switched on the lamp and the two headed in.

"You know, you're the first one to not freak out here and become one of the Darkened!" Cloud gleamed, and they bounced around Pen. "I'm really proud of you!"

"Heh, thanks. First time I've ever gotten praise since I was 12." Pen sheepishly laughed. 'Maybe it was because... no, that can't be. They didn't ignore me because of that, right...?' he thought. "Anyways, this place is very weird..."

Pen looked over at the wall. There was a strange carving sequence.

TURN BACK NOW

NO WAY HOME

YOUR SOUL BELONGS TO THEM

"Ignore them, it's probably just some of those teens trying to scare you." Cloud floated along, carelessly. "We should keep goi-"

"CLOUD LOOK OUT!" Pen grabbed Cloud and pulled them out of the way of a flame coming towards them. "Phew, are you okay, Cloud?"

"Y-yeah, I'm okay!" they bared a sheepish smile. "Let's just push forward! I can see the end!" Cloud grabbed onto Pen and pointed forward. The two kept walking, until they tripped over something, no, someone.

"HOLY-" The figure dropped a book and dropped to the ground and felt around. "Darn it, watch where you're going!"

"Sorry! Umm, I have a lamp...!" Pen held out the lamp to see a figure with grape-like hair and thick green glasses.

"No need, I found my book! My name is Alchemist Cookie, pleased to make your acquaintance." She stuck her nub-like hand out.

"My name is Pen, and this is Cloud. I'm the Hero, well, that's what I've been told." Pen shook Alchemist's hand, and her face lit up.

"Like... the Hero? I've only heard of you in myths, though they did tell of a team as well... may I join you on your journey?" Alchemist adjusted her glasses, in disbelief.

"The more the merrier I guess. Do you have any info on the... uh... " Pen lowered his voice. "...the soul stones?"

"Yes, I believe I do. Come with me, this cave isn't safe," Alchemist turned towards the exit and grabbed Pen's arm, "To the library!"

"Hey, wait for me!" Cloud floated as fast as they could behind Alchemist Cookie and Pen.

The trio headed out of the cave and they gazed upon a long, winding path of terracotta and dirt.

"Now, the library should be just around the corner, or next 3, or 5, I forget, eheh." Alchemist held a map and compass, but it was no ordinary compass, it was a crystal compass! "Aha! We have 2 more turns, and then a straight path!" Alchemist signaled for the others to follow.

"So... how long do you suppose this path is...?" Cloud floated around Alchemist Cookie's map.

"If you mean in length, 2 miles, or 3 km, but timewise, 30-40 minutes, depending on walk speed, so let's not delay! We're almost there!"