The Hollow Dream

Chapter 4 ''Journey into the Abyss''

Azura strolled through the bustling streets of Wuorinia, her brown hair tousled by the wind and her white fur glinting in the afternoon sun. Her vibrant blue eyes met the curious gazes of passing strangers, but she paid them no mind. Today marked the beginning of a perilous mission into the eerie depths of Avira Forest, and Azura's heart brimmed with anticipation. She had always relished these dangerous undertakings, the very missions that kept the government on edge and fueled her determination to undermine their oppressive rule.

With her heart pumping excitement, Azura found herself standing before the worn wooden door of Zrey's apartment. She raised her white paw and rapped gently on the door, which bore the scars of countless knocks.

-Who's there? - a masculine voice echoed from within the apartment.

-It's me, you idiot. Azura - she retorted impatiently, crossing her arms as she waited for Zrey to open the door.

It didn't take long for the sounds of keys unlocking the door to reach Azura's ears, and soon enough, Zrey's smirking face greeted her.

-Heya, isn't it a bit early? - he teased, raising an eyebrow in sarcastic tone.

Azura sighed in annoyance. 

-Zrey, I know I'm running a bit late. I had some things to take care of. But can we not drag this out? The sun is already setting, and we need to reach Avira Forest before darkness falls completely. At least then we'll be able to see the entrance. Is the rest of the group here yet? - she inquired, tilting her head.

-They're all here. Come on in - Zrey replied, stepping aside to let her enter.

As Azura crossed the threshold into Zrey's upscale apartment, Temry's cheerful voice rang out.

-Hey, Azura! - he called, waving enthusiastically. The others turned their attention to Azura, greeting her with warm smiles.

Alexa rested her head on Wendy's shoulder, looking somewhat unenthusiastic. 

-So, remind me again why we're doing this? - she asked in a bored tone.

- In the old village within Avira Forest, there was a man who possessed blueprints of Wuorinia's jail. It could prove invaluable in rescuing Martin - Wendy explained, her voice tinged with determination.

Upon hearing the name "Martin," Azura couldn't help but cast her gaze downward. Martin was not only the prominent leader of the protests but also an experienced and highly respected soldier. He was, most importantly, her father. Felicity, sitting beside Azura, reached out to comfortingly caress her back.

"Alright! Enough talking; I don't want to miss the opportunity for a nice urbex trip around the old abandoned village a—" Zrey began, but Alexa cut him off.

"But, Zrey, it isn't abandoned; people say there are monsters..."

"And you believe what a bunch of idiots say? C'mon, I know you're just a kid, Alexa, but why would there even be monsters?" Zrey chuckled, wine glass in his paw.

Alexa groaned in frustration. "Whatever."

*

- Okay, Azura, your turn. Go cut off the electricity. Just be quick and return; it'll cut off the electricity in the whole city - Zrey instructed.

Azura nodded and hurried off, disappearing into the shadows as the others readied their flashlights.

-It better work - Wendy grumbled, clearly not thrilled with the idea of following her brother's instructions.

- It will work, silly - Zrey laughed, turning on his flashlight.

Soon, complete darkness enveloped them. Their only sources of light were their flashlights and the faint glow of the moon. After a minute or two, Azura returned, clutching a powerful flashlight.