Master of the Mountain (Cole x oc)

Dungeon Party

A sickening laugh echoed in my ear. I glanced around frantically, trying to find the source. The Skull Sorcerer appeared inches from my face.

"I finally have you alone again," he smirked.

My voice died in my throat as I tried to call for help. I attempted to run, but I felt like I was being held down by molasses, every movement slow and labored. Vangelis reached for my body. I could do nothing to stop him. I was helpless. Squeezing my eyes shut, I cringed against his hand caressing my face.

"My dear, don't sour the fun," he laughed again, his voice fading in and out.

I sat bolt upright with a scream and in a cold sweat. My eyes darted around, searching for danger. My breathing slowly calmed as I realized where I was. It was only a dream. I sensed footsteps in the dirt. My gaze flicked up, noticing Cole moving towards me.

When he reached me, Cole knelt in front of me, "Are you okay? What happened?"

Catching my breath, I spoke, "It was just a dream. I'm fine."

Cole moved to place a hand on my shoulder, probably trying to console me. I shrunk away from his touch.

"Please don't touch me."

Cole pulled his hand away, "Why? What's wrong?"

I stared at the ground, "It makes my skin crawl."

He looked away dejectedly, "Oh... I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault," I rushed, "I just... it reminds me of it too much."

"I'm sorry," Cole murmured, "Is there anything I can do to help?"

"No, it's fine." I stood shakily, "Where are the others?"

"Well the Lowly have wandered off. They said they were a band of adventurers, but they don't want to help us get out of here and they won't explain why."

I glanced a few yards away to notice the Lowly meandering away.

"Hey!" I hollered, "I told you my story, what about yours?" Cole gave me a questioning look, but shrugged when he spotted the Lowly shuffling back to where Wu and Vania were standing, confused. I led Cole over and sat down, motioning for everyone else to do the same.

"So are you guys' adventurers or what?" I probed.

Fungus sighed, "Yes, but we are not very good ones. We failed at the only quest we ever attempted. Which is why we are down here." he lamented, staring at the ground.

"What happened?" Cole pressed.

"Korgran will tell the tale," Korgran spoke up. He turned to Fungus, "Fungus?"

Fungus reached into a back pocket, grabbed a hunk of moss, and tossed in onto the ground, causing it to burst into a mysterious purple flame.

"Listen to the tale of Korgran. Who strode the earth with furry boots and his talking axe."

Korgran told the story of how he, along with Plundar and Fungus, were hired by King Vangelis to venture deep into the mines of Shintaro to search out the Skull of Hazza D'ur. How Vangelis promised to destroy the skull once it was brought to him. Upon presenting the skull to Vangelis, the Lowly recounted how they had felt it's evil presence and wished to see the skull destroyed. Vangelis, on the other hand, had other plans. Seeing as the Lowly all felt the same about the skull and its evil aura, he banished them to the heart of the mountain, saving the skull so that he could become all powerful.

"That's the story of our quest," Plundar finished, "That's how we ended up here. That's why we're called the Lowly."

"How there is no one lower than us," Fungus elaborated, looking dejected.

"Even the worms are above Korgran," Korgran added.

Wu thought for a moment, "But, how do you know what the king said to the skull after you fell into the pit?"

"Oh I was just guessing," Plundar quipped, "I added that part to give it a little more drama."

"Villainous scoundrel!" Fungus exclaimed.

"Evil King!" Korgran continued.

"Rotten numb-skull!" Seethed Plundar.

Adam let out a disapproved-sounding screech.

"Dad," Vania sighed, her voice tinged with remorse. Everyone turned to look at her, I stared intently at her, waiting to see what she would say next. "B-but you're right!" She began, "he is evil. I-I know that now." Her face contorted to one of sorrow, but I wasn't buying it. Something about it seemed forced.

Cole stood and placed a hand on her shoulder, "I made a promise a long time ago that I wouldn't give up, ever. And I'm not letting you give up. Our friends are out there somewhere, they need us. And King Vangelis is out there, and he needs a butt-kicking! And the someone who's going to do the kicking, is us!" He gestured to everyone in the group, locking eyes with me a moment longer than everyone else. "From now on, we're not the Lowly, we're the Upply! Because that's where we're going, up!" The Lowly shot Cole inquisitive looks, Wu gazed at Cole proudly, and I felt a heat inside me at Cole's rousing words.

"What do ya say?" Cole urged, glancing around at everyone expectantly, "Who's with me?"

"I'm not sure about 'the Upply' thing," Plundar answered, rolling his eyes before tossing his dice across the ground, "But what the heck? I'm in!"

Everyone cheered in agreement. This king didn't know who he messed with!