Project Holiday

Chapter Nine

We woke up early in the morning to the cold air and the windows frosted over. The world was covered in a thick layer of snow, making everything look like a painting. We opened the chest in corner. It had a lantern, matches, a rope, and some jerked meat. We ate in silence, the weight of the night's revelation still heavy on our minds. I gave most of my jerky to Kiba, not wanting to eat it myself.

Once we finished, we put on our coats and boots and headed outside. Jack and Leo saddled the horses and we were off into the snow covered toxic wasteland.

The sky was a deep shade of blue, almost too vivid against the white landscape. The air was crisp and cold, burning my lungs as I breathed it in. Kiba trotted along beside me, his breath forming little clouds in front of him. "We should reach the Scorpion den in two days."

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. I couldn't shake the feeling that Leo was right, that I wasn't human. It was a strange, hollow sensation, like I was floating just above the ground. Kiba stopped and bit his feet, freezing from the cold. "Shadow, hold on." The horse stoped and i slid off her back. grabbing Kiba and lifting him on the horse with me.

I wrapped the blanket around him, trying to keep him warm. He whined softly and leaned into my touch. "It's okay, boy. We'll keep you safe."

The hours blurred together as we rode through the desolate landscape. The snow crunched underfoot, and the horses' hooves left behind a trail of frosted breath. "The air is less toxic up here, at least." Leo said, his voice barely audible over the wind. "It's still poisonous enough to kill you if you don't have a gas mask."

Days past like this, the world around us a white, silent void. The horses were strong, and we made good time despite the treacherous terrain. At night, we would find shelter in abandoned buildings or under overhangs, huddled together for warmth. I would tell stories to pass the time, spinning tales of heroes and monsters, of love and loss. Sometimes, when the fire was low and the shadows danced on the walls, I would catch a glimpse of something in their eyes. A spark of recognition, perhaps. Like they saw me as more than just a creature. After the fourth day Leo pulled out his map and smiled. The Scopion Den should be around here somewere." The snowing moutains had now replaced itself with the hot desert. We were close. The wind had died down, replaced with a hot dry air. "This way." Leo said, leading the horses through a narrow path between two rock formations. We followed him, the sun beating down on our backs.

As we rounded a bend, and two large Iron door came into veiw. These doors had gold plating and the sign above them read "Scorpion Den" We had finally found it. Leo dismounted his horse and walked over to the doors. "This is it." He said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Leo punched in a code to the large gate and a loud clicking sound rang out. Then the doors opened inward, revealing a large, dimly lit chamber. The air was thick with the stench of smoke and sweat. A network of catwalks and platforms hung from the celling. We pulled out our weapons and lit a torch, preparing for whatever lay ahead. "Remember, this place is full of Criminals, Thieves, and worse. Stay close and watch each other's backs." Leo warned.

Finialy we reached a settlement that was smaller and less advanced then Darkthorn's. We road through the streets, the horses hooves making a soft thudding sound against the dirt. The buildings were made of stone and wood, with children crying and dogs barking. Jack pointed to a large, well-maintained building in the center of the village. "That must be the mayor's residence." He said.

We dismounted our horses and tied them to a post outside the mayor's house. A servant opened the door and ushered us in. The interior was decorated with finely woven tapestries and polished wooden furniture. The mayor, a woman with a hourglass figure and long blonde hair, sat behind a large desk, poring over papers. She looked up as we entered, her blue eyes meeting ours. She placed a hand on her gun, her eyes like bullets. "State your business."