𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐬 [martha and naib]

prologue

It was the middle of the night and the rain poured ever so gently. At this time, I should be at home, laying on my soft and comfy bed as I sleep the night away. But those were the least of my problems as I have one current goal, and that is to fly.

During this time of war, I've grown to love planes. It has always been my dream to fly one. Unfortunately, I was a girl - and they say we weren't allowed to fly planes. I became the captain of the cavalry and was even told I was incredibly skilled in riding and shooting, and they tell me I can't commandeer planes? I didn't believe a single word.

I got stuck in the coordinator position instead. It was like a nightmare. My job was to perform signal guide work on the ground for the planes that were ready for take-off. It was like the universe's way of mocking me.

"There's a way for you to fly a plane, Martha. You need a reliable sponsor."

Those words kept echoing in my head. It seemed simple enough. I trusted in my abilities to locate a sponsor. Then, that letter appeared on my bedside table, offering me a good amount of money in exchange for participating in some sort of game. The money was enough to be my sponsor. I had my heart set on winning whatever game that letter was talking about, despite whatever dangers were waiting for me. I just wanted to fly.

So, here I am. Onboard a train that's making its way to the place where I was told to go. I watched as the train slowly descended into darkness. The whole atmosphere changed like a snap. The rain poured harder and the light was nowhere to be seen. Where exactly am I?

I instinctively had my hand rest on the flare gun that stayed hidden on my belt. I got closer to the foggy glass window and squinted my eyes. From what I could make out, we were in a forest. But it looked dead somehow, lifeless. Most of the plants were wilted and there was no sign of any living creatures.

The train suddenly came to a halt and caused me to nearly plant my face against the cold glass pane. Did the train lose power? No, it wouldn't be possible. The lights on the train were still on. Then, what the hell happened?

"Excuse me, ma'am. This is your stop." The train conductor's voice spoke up. He looked nervous and was uncontrollably fidgeting with his hands. I can't blame him. Who wouldn't be nervous when you're in the middle of a spooky forest?

I stood up from my seat and gave him a confused look, "What do you mean? I barely see any buildings here." He picked up a clipping board and briefly looked over it and shook his head, "I'm sorry ma'am, but this is the exact location. My information is never wrong. You have to walk on your own from here."

"Well, what if it is wrong?" I crossed my arms, hoping this was some kind of cruel joke. The letter specifically told me that I'll be arriving at an old mansion, not in an abandoned forest. The man scratched the back of his neck, "Please ma'am, I have other work to tend to." He pleaded, beads of sweat rolling down his face.

I heaved a sigh as I took my belongings and made my way to the door. My free hand was already on the flare gun's handle, ready to shoot. As soon as I left the platform of the train, it didn't hesitate to drive away. I clicked my tongue in distaste as the train slowly disappeared into the horizon.

Now I'm stuck in the middle of a dark forest, the cold rain crashing against my skin, with absolutely nowhere to go. My hopes were low. What if that letter was just a ruse? I mean it did appear out of nowhere - it could've been a prank. A cruel prank at that. Maybe I'd just be better off being a coordinator...

'What? No! Martha, what are you thinking? This isn't like you.' I smacked my head and let out a shaky breath, "You've come all this way, there's no stopping now." I assured myself and kept on walking.

After several minutes, I could feel myself slowing down. My legs felt heavy and I was nearly out of breath. I've walked for so long, yet the surroundings looked the same. All I kept seeing were the same trees that were dressed with large, green vines. They never seemed to end. The more I walked, the more the forest extended.

It was at this point, I wanted to stop walking. I sat on the dirt path and laid down with the feeling of never wanting to stand up ever again. I slowly closed my eyes, and let the darkness consume me.

• • •

"Emily! How is she?"

"Lower your voice, Emma. She's waking up."

My head was pounding, my entire body was freezing. I also felt numb, the feeling of control over my fingers was completely gone. I slowly opened my eyes and was greeted with a blinding light, along with two figures towering over me. They were very close to me as if they were examining my body.

I tried to move my fingers and felt relieved at the slightest twitch. Looks like I wasn't dead, after all. A dry chuckle escaped my lips which caused the figures to retreat back from their position.

"Oh thank god," The woman dressed in a nurse's uniform sighed in relief as her shoulders relaxed. Then, the second woman rewardingly patted her shoulders. "She's alive! You did great, Emily." She congratulated me before taking a closer look at my face once again.

I wanted to ask who they were, or where I was, but I felt too tired to let out any words. The nurse, who I assumed was called Emily, have read my thoughts before placing down a tray full of biscuits and a glass of water. "Don't force yourself. Here, these should give back some of your strength."

I complied and sat up from my position, taking a couple of biscuits and took small bites. As soon as I finished gulping down the glass of water, I didn't hesitate to ask questions. My voice still felt hoarse, but it was enough for me to speak.

"Where.. am I?" I coughed out. Emily grabbed a wooden chair and sat on it, "You're in the manor, the Oletus Manor."

Hold on, manor?

"I know you're terribly confused right now. We found you passed out in the forest and as expected, your memories might be a little fuzzy." Emma explained. She picked up the bag that was laying on the floor and took out an envelope with a red seal stamped on it. Upon seeing the envelope, memories came rushing through my head.

How can I be so stupid? What gave the impression that lying down in the middle of the forest, especially when it was raining hard, a good idea? I mentally slapped myself on the face. "I'm sorry you had to go through all this trouble," I whispered as I averted my gaze.

Emily only smiled as a response and somehow that made me feel relaxed. Her friendly aura made me feel comfortable around her, I felt like I could tell her anything. She reached her hand out and placed it on mine. Her warm hand cooling my cold one. "I'd say it was a lucky encounter."

I cocked my head to the side, "What do you mean?" Emily gestured Emma to hand me the letter, "You're here in the manor, just as the letter promised." My eyes widened, "Th-this is the place?!" I exclaimed, too loud for my liking, and went into a coughing fit.

She nodded whilst pouring me another glass of water. "We all received the same letter as you did and ended up here in the manor." Emma continued. "We are all here for that prize, the very prize that'll help us reach our dreams."

"It seems that you guys have been here for a while." I leaned back onto my pillow and snuggled up with the warm blanket draped over me. Emily let out a pained laugh, "Months, actually. But, I'll explain how things work around here once you're better."

"Is the game that complicated?" I inquired.

Her face morphed into a pained expression and a light shadow cast over her face, "It isn't what you'd expect." A few seconds of silence soon followed. I was about to speak but Emma cut me to it, her cheerful aura soon replacing the tension in the room. She grabbed Emily by the shoulders and laughed nervously, "You should get some rest now! We'll be checking from time to time."

I watched them hurriedly walk out the infirmary. I sunk onto my bed and stared at the ceiling, "Sure.."