Monster Legends - Volume 1: A World Of Monsters

16. Dark Plains

We left Turlley early in the morning, our bellies filled with delicious bacon and eggs from the restaurant. We let our Monsters free again. I even dared to free Komocat. The giant predator growled but did not attempt anything. It walked behind us, head low. His glare pierced my head, but it did not attempt to flee, nor attack.

We stop for a break, drinking water and giving the Monsters some food. Magmie was close to levelling up again. I noticed how much my Monsters grew. Bolt was already tall up to my knees, and blue fur started appearing in stripes on his sides and back. His tail seemed longer, his teeth and claws sharper.

I took the break as an oppurtunity to call mum again. We talked for about ten minutes, me describing the events of the LaCroc tennis game yesterday. I also told her how my Monsters were faring, not bringing up the events of the battle in the lab, or the time I was bitten by a Komocat. I didn't want to worry her. I knew she realized that Monster training was a tough and dangerous job, but her knowing of the dangers we go through, she'd definitely worry. I finger dad's Monster paw necklace absentmindedly while we talk.

We're on our way again, chatting from time to time about unimportant stuff. Stella seems a bit worried that we're not going in the right direction, but the worry is swept away when we stop for a few minutes at a small settlement to ask for directions. The Dark Plains were only about ten more miles the way we were walking. "Any other day, I'd advise you to walk through them during sumlight, but the Dr Hazard that settled there didn't like that. During sunlight, the place is littered with deadly traps. I'd almost say you would have a bigger chance of surviving with the Monsters that come out at night, than those." "Thanks for the advice." I say, and we start walking again. This was getting exhausting!

We finally arrive. There's a large, wooden sign with a writing inscribed into its surface. "Dark Plains. Stay away." I read. "Well that's welcoming." Stella says, rolling her eyes. "Yea. I gues this Jenson dude does not like visits. Hey Lao, ever been to this place?" "Nah. I was new to the pack, remember?" "Worth a try. Alright. Now it's time for decisions. Do we go straight in, not having to worry about the Monsters living here? Or do we wait until dark, not having to worry bout the traps?" Stella shakes her head. "Don't ask me! I have no idea which is the safer option." "Okay. Thundy, can you please fly over the landscape and tell Lao what you see?" The little Thinder Eagle nods in agreement, and she flies up in a spiral, head low scanning the terrain.

Five minutes later, she returns, speaking in Monster to Lao's ear. "She says that there's a large wooden hut a mile that way." He points west from the sign. "It is probably Jenson's workshop, or whatever you wanna call it. There are bear traps hidden under layers of fake grass, and an assortment of other traps laid out through the terrain. Apparently, they have some sort of solar switch. During the day, their activated and deadly, but without the sun's energy, they turn off, making themselves safe. Thundy also saw quite a few lairs here and there. Most of which probably containing night dwelling Monsters. If we go out there at night, we'll have to move fast. Some of the Monsters might not attack, but you never know. They might feel threatened, hungry even. I'd advise you to put all of your Monsters into the device you wear on your belt. It'll keep 'em safe." "Yeah, I know what ya mean. Thanks for checking it out Thundy." The yellow feathered Monster smiles with pride.

After a short discussion, we decide to head out at night. I definitely did not want my foot chopped off by a bear trap. And besides, heading there at night would be a lot more exciting, with all the Monsters and stuff. We make our campsite half a kilometer from the sign, and I cook the dinner.

"Ready?" Stella asks, and I nod. It's dark, the moon high above the horizon. We move, passing by the sign. The only Monster at my side was Bolt, all the others safely in the Monstagram.