Revelation

A Seed of Doubt

Hey, guys! I hope you enjoy this chapter! Happy reading!

Ian looked back at the group, who had followed him through the eerie terrain of the Invisible Kingdom. Stopping just a few feet away from them, he pointed up ahead. "In order to get to Bade, you'll have to advance through these cliffs."

"Huhhh?! What?" Anna gawked, speechless. "But the-the cliffs are floating?!"

Astrid gave an amused smile, though she too looked a bit pale at what lay before them. "Yeah, it seems they really are. From here...we'll have to cross over using the bridges hanging from the cliffs."

"Um...all these bridges look quite old. As if they might crumble at any moment..." Rapunzel pointed out, looking warily at the multiple cracks in the bridges.

Ian shook his head. "No, these bridges have been through rain and shine, monster and human. What more of us? It won't break...probably."

"...Did you just say probably?" Hannah groaned. She squinted her eyes and looked up ahead. She sighed frustratedly. "And to add to this, on the other side it looks like there are demons roaming around..."

"Well, it can't be helped. If there's no other path, we'll have to use this one," Merida said.

"Um, if you guys are all in agreement with this, I'll take the lead," Ian said, bravely stepping forward. "I won't make you all face anything dangerous!"

"Huh...?! H-hey! It's dangerous to run off like that!" Merida shouted to Ian, who was already sprinting across the bridge. Once he was on the other side, he turned to the others on the opposite end and grinned, waving his hands excitedly.

"Everyone, it's fine! Please come over!"

Galaxy raised an impressed brow. Stepping forward, she placed her foot lightly on the bridge, making it creak. She turned to the others. "Huh...it really does seem to be safer than expected. Let's go."

The others nodded, each of them going in two single-filed lines. They all breathed long sighs of relief when they reached the other side.

"Hey! Come on, Merida and Galaxy!" Jack called out to the two girls, who were still on the bridge, treading more carefully than the others.

Merida looked up. "We'll be right the-"

Crack

"Wait. What was that? The bridge... The bridge is breaking!" Eugene shouted, eyes wide at the two who had equally mortified expressions on their faces.

"Merida, Princess Galaxy! Move, now!!"

With the bridge disappearing at their tails, Merida and Galaxy ran towards the other side. Sharp splinters and debris were right behind them as they reached the others. A big piece of rock that had gotten stuck caught the foot of Merida, who was just about to reach safety. She screamed and fell down, hanging on the edge precariously.

Galaxy, who had made it before her, held out her hand. "Over here!" she said quickly. "Grab on!"

With no hesitation, Merida latched her own hand on to Galaxy's. Galaxy grunted as she pulled her up and away from the edge. Both panted as they tried to stop their shaking bodies, realizing how close of a call they had.

"Thanks," Merida said once she regained her breath, giving Galaxy a genuine smile. "You saved me..."

Before Galaxy could answer, Ian came up to them. They both frowned at him. "T-thank goodness. I guess it really was dangerous."

"What...? Thank goodness? That's all you have to say?" Eugene said. His voice was soft, but his words were sharp. "Ian, answer this-"

"Wait, everyone. ...Enemies are nearby... They came to attack us," Elsa said, and sure enough, there were Invisible soldiers starting to swarm towards them from the other cliffs. "Prepare for a fight now!"