“Wake up! Wake up!”

Her eyes jolted open, being greeted with Liam’s dirty – blonde hair, and teak brown eyes. Stretching her arms, she yawned.

“What time is it?” Sadly, all she got was a flick to the forehead in return.

“Time for you to get up,” He replied.

Sighing, she lifted herself, everything seemed clearer now considering the bright light that shined through the window, and from what she could make out, the state of the room wouldn’t be considered the best.

They made their way up, with high intentions of continuing their journey. Giving their thanks to the woman who provided them sanctuary, they went on their way.

“I’m assuming we’re gonna get supplies this time,” Amber said.

“Well yes, unless Nadim has another idea?” Liam responded, smiling at him.

“We should really get supplies, their essential.” He informed, walking ahead of them.

Walking around, many stores surrounded them, only distinguishable because of the signs that hung above them. Finding a particular one for their needs, they entered. A wooden desk lay in the front of the store, with shelves bordering it consisting of jars and cutlery. Various interesting artifacts surrounded them, from weapons to vases but they had to keep on track and obtain what they truly needed.

“Ah! Welcome newcomers, are you here to seek only the greatest of items?” A soft voice spoke eagerly from behind the desk, an Italian accent coating his tongue.

“We just need some supplies for our journey, is there any you could provide us with?” Alejandro asked.

“Of course! We provide everything here! What is it you need my friend? He asked, a beaming smile on his face.

“Just basic essentials, food, and water.”

“Where is it you are going?”

“Astilia.”

His eyes went so wide it seemed they would pop out of their sockets.

“You are going to need much more than food and water if you’re heading there.”

“Like what?”

“Do you not know of the beasts?”

“Beasts? We’re only new here. What beasts?”

“Ah yes, you are the outsiders, I’ve heard about you.”

“You have? We just got here.”

“News travels fast here, especially when it’s something this…” He glanced at all of them, “unusual.”

Sighing, he repeated his query, “What beasts?”

“We call them Kirents, they live deep within the forest, which you will come across while on your journey.”

“Is there no way to go around, avoid them perhaps?”

“I’m afraid not, the only way to Astilia is through them, they used to be protectors of our land but that all changed.”

“What happened?” Nadim asked.

“Decades ago, a powerful force came upon us, she claimed to give us power, paradise, and we were foolish enough to listen.” His eyes shifted to the ground, clear how much the topic upset him.

“Go on,” Liam urged.

“She never had good intentions, she was pure evil, she took control of everything and cursed the land, some of us were lucky and managed to escape Astilia, create refuge here, but those who didn’t live under her power.”

They were speechless. All these people lived miserable lives; they were just trying to survive. They couldn’t help but feel slightly guilty for wanting to leave instantly, not a single intent to help, but then again, they never knew of their foul conditions.

“We’re sorry,” Alejandro breathed, giving him a sympathetic look.

“It’s alright, we manage,” He said, smiling at him.

“Right, about these Kirents, how do we stop them?”

“Ah yes! You use this,” He beamed, pulling out an empty jar with unusual inscriptions all over it.

“That’s a jar?” He questioned.

“Indeed, but it is capable of much more than you know, if you open it near the Kirents, it’ll suck them all in.”

“So that jar, will suck every Kirent inside?”

“Exactly!”

“Okay, but uh, we don’t have any money.”

“I’m sure something can be arranged, what do you have to offer?”

“Actually, there is this,” He said, pulling something out of his pocket catching the man’s interest.

He gasped, “What Is it.”

“It’s erm, a good luck charm! If you keep it with you, danger won’t come your way.” He explained, a nervous chuckle leaving his lips.

“Really?” He asked, excitement piling up inside him.

“Of course! Is it a deal then?”

“By all means, here you are,” He handed them the jar, a joyful smile evident on his lips.

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“You! You are a terrible person, how dare you!” She screamed, highly disappointed with his actions.

“Would you calm down? I did what had to be done, and I’d say it was a fair bargain.”

“You gave him your sock!” She hollered, narrowing her eyes at him.

“Quite surprised it worked as well, considering this place isn’t much different from Earth,” He replied, a satisfied grin on his face.

“That poor man, wait till he actually ends up in a dangerous position!” She sighed, shaking her head in disapproval.

“Let’s just hope he doesn’t.”

“Why did you even have a sock in your pocket,” Liam asked.

“Don’t ask.”

They had everything they needed; their only objective now was to make it to Astilia. Walking forward they were presented with hurdles of trees, this was it. The wind blew with force, leaving a few leaves to be ripped of their branches. The forest looked endless. It towered over with great intimidation, not a single chirp erupting from within it. Veins, hundreds of them tangled together surrounding it, growing on the trees, corrupting everything that stood in their way. It was not a place of paradise, just staring at made their stomachs churn. Only silence was heard from inside.

They exchanged looks.

Liam gulped, “Well, who’s going first?”

Next Chapter: CHAPTER SEVEN - LITTLE MEETS