HROT: Spawn of War

Chapter 2: The Treacherous Climb

"Really? We're getting him first?" asked Tony in disbelief. The journey to unite an army against Pore had begun. "What's he going to do, bore Pore with Halo lore?"

Scott chuckled and said, "Have you forgotten? He can practically manipulate time whenever he wants. My only concern is whether he'll even be willing to help us." Scott looked to the skies and wondered how his father was holding up.

The journey to Leon's homestead was long and treacherous, for he lived at the top of a great mountain known as Arbiter's Summit. He meditated at the peak of the mountain to not only strengthen his time-mending abilities, but also to become one with the Arbiter.  The path was filled with harsh winds, rough terrain, and spiders—Scott's biggest fear. Tony and Scott began their long hike up the mountain.

"This is totally how I wanted to spend my fucking day," grunted Tony with exhaustion. "Staying home and relaxing? Nah, that's too boring; let's climb up a freezing fucking mountain to get Leon."

Scott's patience with Tony's complaints was dwindling. "Oh, so you'd rather just sit at home while Pore keeps Kyle to herself? Plus, we're almost to the top, so you have no reason to complain."

"Fuck off, prick with ears," Tony barked. He began to get numb from the harsh, frigid winds of Arbiter's Summit. "Why the hell didn't we think to bring wood to start a fire up here?"

"You do realize that even if we had the materials to make a little campfire, there's no way we could actually start it, right? The winds up here are just way too damn strong," Scott explained.

"I guess you're right.  Hey, let's stop up here for a minute," announced Tony, pointing at a large rock along the mountain's trail. "As much as I want to get away from the lovely weather here, I'd also rather not collapse from exhaustion."

Both Scott and Tony hopped on the rough rock and tried to make themselves comfortable enough to rest. Neither of the boys had noticed how high they had climbed until they saw how far away the woods below were. Tony then looked to the sky and began to think.  Tears started to slowly stream down his eyes and his hands began to tremble.

Scott looked over to Tony and noticed the tears. "What's wrong, boy?" he asked thoughtfully.

Tony turned to Scott, anger coursing through his veins. "I need to ask you something. When all of this is over, when we've won this war and taken Kyle back, I plan on taking out the Warnger if Blazing A hasn't already taken care of him. When that time comes, will you stand with me to save the universe once more and avenge my father?" he asked with a most serious, determined tone. "I'll do it alone if I have to. All I know is that the Warnger's crimes can't and won't go unanswered."

"You won't have to fight alone," Scott answered. "I want this universe to stand strong as much as you do, and I'll be damned if I let some fat titan from another dimension destroy it."

Tony was pleased with his friend's answer. "Thanks man, I truly do appreciate it. When the time comes, the Warnger will realize that he invaded the wrong dimension. Shall we continue the hike to get Leon?"

"Lead the way," Scott replied.

The two boys resumed the treacherous climb up Arbiter's Summit to greet their old friend.

Suddenly, a massive spider crawled out of a hole in front of them. Its large red eyes glared at them as it used its skinny legs to swiftly approach them. If it were one of Leon's pets, it would have recognized them and left them alone.

Scott began shaking in fear as the spider got closer. Tears of terror began streaming out of his eyes. "Get that creepy thing away from me, Tony!" he screamed in horror. Scott was terrified of spiders because of a childhood accident.