Short Stories

Falling in Vain - Arabella

The sky grows dark. Not due to the passage of time but rather from a plague sweeping across the land. The effects caused terror and disaster among other things bringing people to mutation and violent tendencies. Will Vernal, Charity Summers, Karma Grendel, Vanity Mistral, and Arabella Wilder, 5 very renowned travelers find themselves at the base of Mount Rais. A mountain renowned for its height, dangers, and beautiful terrain. Otherwise known as Beast Creek due to the number and nature of the animals which form habitation on it's surface. With them, a young man by the name of Domingo hoping to become a explorer himself. This mountain would be his test. He wasn't at his best and this was clear.

[Mount Rais]

Vanity: Domingo during our trip here I expect three things from you.

Domingo: Yes?

Vanity: The first is the claw of a Saber cat. The second is a Lillian root from the peak of the mountain and the third is the eye of the Grizzly that guards it.

Arabella: That's quite a bit for his first day wouldn't you say?

Vanity: We don't slack Wrath. Each of us are capable of this so why not ask it? If you haven't noticed the world's gotten a bit dark.

Arabella: Yet neither of us have ever done it and please call me by my name.

Vanity: So serious Ara. Loosen up, let's have some fun with the boy.

Charity: Hey be nice. What if it were you?

Vanity: Then I'd conquer the task and laugh in the face of those attempting to break me. You know that.

Domingo: I'm not one hundred percent. I've been feeling a bit Ill lately.

Karma: Then turn back and go home little boy.

Will: What's with you two today? We shouldn't write him off just because he's sick. We'll find a place to rest. Pick up in the morning.

Vanity stops, quickly turning to Will with fire in her eyes.

Vanity: Who made you the lead of this little group!

Arabella: I'm with him on this.

Charity: Sorry sweetie but so am I.

She says nervously clenching her teeth.

Karma: What do we do?

Vanity: [Sighs] Fine. If you're going to make a big deal out of it then we can rest. But I want to get further up the mountain first. There's something here and I want to know what it is so midway at least. Deal?

The group exchange looks before each nod in agreement. Vanity immediately continues forward.

Arabella: Do you think you will be able to make it?

Domingo: I'll have to try. I'm not too bad.

Arabella: Just don't over exert yourself. If things get overwhelming don't hesitate to inform me.

Charity: [Big smile] Or me we'll help you out.

Domingo: [Nods] Sure, thanks.

The group then follow after their eager friend now climbing the mountain. Vanity scaled the mountain as if this was not her first time. She did not once stumble, hesitate, or falter at any point. However the further they got along the worst Domingo seemed to get. He'd developed a violent cough and his skin grew darker in a bluish tint.

Arabella: You don't look so good. I think we should stop Vanity.

Vanity: [Grunts] I guess the votes against me again huh?