Dragonfire II: The Twilight Invasion

Chapter 2: Deep Forest Duel

Lucille and Gabriella were already a moderate distance into the deep forest. All light seemed to have faded from the world. The trees had grown so thick that they couldn't even see glimpses of the sky. It was nearly pitch black, save for glowing fauna throughout the woods. The plants were primarily of the same type. They appeared bulbous and blue, with a strange light emitting from within. They were just far enough apart to keep the forest dim, yet they lit the way nonetheless. Or did they? A strange mist enveloped the forest, making it hard to see. It was especially thick near the ground, obscuring the path. They had done their best to follow it, though Gabriella was starting to have doubts. "Are you sure we're still on the path? We've been walking for like...two hours." She said, "It's only been twenty minutes. Just...trust me, okay?" Lucille responded. Gabriella sighed. "Why does it feel like we've been moving for so long?" She asked, "This forest is dark and dreary for a reason. It's home to all manner of monsters, and it doesn't like us being here. I'd wager that if we turned around, it would feel like we found the exit in just a few minutes." Lucille answered, "Huh, so it's making everything feel slow? Is it this mist? Am...am I getting high?" Gabriella asked, "In...a manner of speaking...yes? I can tell the time accurately anywhere, so it doesn't affect me. But it's definitely affecting you." Lucille answered, "What happens if we just keep talking? Wouldn't time pass by normally then?" Gabriella asked, "Maybe? I mean, it is a magical mist. It taps into your subconscious and makes everything feel slow regardless. Talking might help mitigate it, but it will still feel slow since it's in your subconscious." Lucille answered, "Is there a simpler way of saying that?" Gabriella asked.

"Well, think of it like an emotion. You can keep talking or keep yourself busy with something else, but you'll still feel the effects of whatever the emotion is. If you're sad, then talking won't really get rid of it. It might make you feel better, but it will still be there until something makes it go away, right? And this mist is like a clingy ex that just won't go away. No matter how much you talk or keep busy, everything will still feel just as slow." Lucille answered, "Ahh...I think I get it now." Gabriella said. All of the sudden, a monstrous roar filled the air! "Was that also a part of my subconscious?" Gabriella asked, "I sure as hell hope so." Lucille answered, "Is it just me...or is it getting darker?" Gabriella asked, "I don't know. I can still see just fine, but I also see things brighter than you do." Lucille answered, "There's less light around here...are you sure this is the right way?" Gabriella asked. Lucille stopped, turning around to face her. "Don't worry. As long as we stick to the trail, we'll be just fine." She said. Right on cue, a vine suddenly gripped her ankle! "Aha...or maybe not..." She said. Gabriella took a step forward, only for Lucille to halt her. "Stop! These plants are blind. They feel for their prey, then strike all at once the moment they know it's...well...prey." Lucille said, "So if we don't move, they can't notice us? Can they hear or smell us?" Gabriella asked, "Well, it's safe to assume not. I mean, it hasn't attacked me yet. Just gotta be perfectly still..." Lucille answered. She looked down at the vine as another trailed up her leg. "This is really uncomfortable..." She said, "How long are they going to hold onto you?" Gabriella asked, "I...don't really know. Usually, they would have left by now. The only reason to stay would be if they were...waiting...for...something..." Lucille stopped herself, looking over her shoulder. 

The vines were coming from a source, naturally. Only that source had razor-sharp teeth attached to a monstrous mouth! It was some kind of tree monster! It had a humanoid body shape, albeit lacking hands or feet. Instead, it seemed to be made entirely of logs and branches. Moss was growing from it like a beard and hair. The monster's face was in its chest, and curiously lacked eyes or a nose. Simply a giant mouth, with razor-sharp teeth visible. Unlike the rest of its body, the teeth were not made of twigs or plants. They were very much regular teeth. Well...as regular as a monstrous tree's teeth could be. "Wh-What the fuck is that?!" Gabriella asked, "A Tree Golem...d-don't worry! It's just passing by, no doubt." Lucille answered, "The vines are going into its mouth!" Gabriella exclaimed, "You don't say..." Lucille responded. It was as she suggested. The vines were slipping out of its mouth between its teeth. A curious thing indeed. How many vines did it have? They only hoped they wouldn't need to find out. The Golem continued to get closer and closer, coming straight toward Lucille! "Lucille! You have to cut the vines!" Gabriella exclaimed, "And do what?! Get grabbed by thirty more? I've seen that one before! It never ends well for the lady involved!" Lucille responded. The Golem grew closer. It was only ten feet away now! "Lucille! Cut the vines! It's coming right for you!" Gabriella exclaimed, "It's just passing by! It has no reason to think I'm food!" Lucille responded. Uncontent with her response, Gabriella rushed towards her! She readied her blade, preparing to cut the vines herself!