Gersham was back at Shokushu. Monthly he had to check in with Aegir, as annoying as that was. However, there was the silver lining in that he got to have a bit of fun when back. There were a few people that he'd love to chance by but he never went out of his way in his searches. Often it was whomever he chanced upon. This time he was looking for something a bit different. Something far more enticing.

This time he opted to go to the NICE labs more so on a whim. Perusing some of the information on the latest experiments. One interested him. The logistics were all handled by the staff. A student would be selected (though he had the option of looking through a few files Gersham hadn't bothered). He didn't even have to nab the student or administer the drug. Whether the student volunteered, knew what was going on or kept in the dark didn't matter to him. All he needed to do was show up. Honestly he didn't care how they handled the logistics.

When he returned at the designated time Gersham was not disappointed in the least grinning upon the selection made. Now it was time to get to work …


- - - -



Vera would wake up, the jostling of the wagon nearly sending her off the bench. Her wrists restrained by a cord of rope. Her garments a bit tattered but in good quality hinted at some rough handling in her capture. The garments were old fashioned, a blue gown. On a bench opposite her were others about her age. All female, similarly dressed and about her age. There was another girl to her left. To her right had been the end of the covered wagon so she could see the route they traveled. Not that there was much to see save for trees and the narrow road the wagon traveled down.

In all there were four of them and one burly soldier adorned in a leather jerkin. He lacked a weapon outside a black jack as far as she could see. He scrutinized the girls from time to time. Vera would get the sense of unease from him, fear, not of them but something else. Maybe of getting caught or some other danger. On occasion his eyes drifted to her or one of the other women were upon she felt the underpinnings of lust that was buried down.

The wagon was traveling slowly, the dirt road tough to navigate by the horses, mules or whatever was pulling them along.
The wagon jostled about, however had she managed to sleep? She must have been rendered unconscious but woke in a sitting posture. Likely sat up given the lack of space.

The guard made eye contact with her and Vera could feel the mix of lust and revulsion there. “Your the one from that damn academy, aren't you?”

Was this a dream? Many of the visitors to Shokushu possessed powers of the mind. Or was this just a typical dream? It felt both real and unreal at the same time. The wood she sat on, the rope biting into her wrists, the constant jostling of the wagon, the clopping of hooves. From the scents of animals and mud. Yet unreal at not seeming modern at all but rather something primitive.

Vera jolted awake if one could even call this being 'awake'. The rumble and jostling of the wagon along with the sights and smells gave plenty sign that the Head Girl was not in Shokushu anymore. Even with her experience, there was no escaping the shock of the sudden contrast of environments.

The silver haired student was unfortunately familiar with the acts and experiments that occur on the island. Most students were left blissfully unaware of being suddenly abducted by an alien guest or spirited to NICE labs for some sort of test. Vera was uncertain how many times she had gone through it herself but her memory was allowed to retain some of such ordeals.

Vera stared at the man speaking to her as she considered what she knew. Had she fallen asleep only to wake up in this altered reality? Or was she still sleeping in a vivid dreamscape? Was this an act of an alien guest's entertainment or an experiment by NICE labs? Could it be a combination of both?

"No idea what you are talking about," Vera replied, "Where are you taking us?"

The feelings of physical discomfort certainly felt real. It was too risky to assume it was just a dream even if defied all reality. With no guidance from NICE labs or Shokushu staff, Vera could only assume a guest was doing this to her and she should do what she could to resist. Even if futile, the Head Girl was still expected to provide similar resistance as other students if possible. Usually, the island's inhibitors ensured a student could not do lasting harm to a guest regardless.

Vera did not recognize the other women as any students from the school. She could not assume they would be of any help beyond asking questions. Were they part of this 'academy' the man referred to? They were all dressed similar so perhaps that was the case?

One thing was for certain, the Head Girl did not want to go wherever this man was taking them. Escape would only grow more difficult if not impossible once they arrive at their destination. If she was going to get free of this, she would need to deal with this armed person.

Vera tested her bonds, wincing a bit in pain. She was uncertain if her magic was restricted here or not. With wrists bound, her gesturing would be limited but she could still chant and channel otherwise. She just needed a moment to cast a spell. For now, she would wait for the man to look away again before attempting to channel light mana through her body. She needed to test her limitations before deciding her course of action. If unhindered besides her bound wrist, she may be able to muster a spell that can harm, blind, or bind their male abductor.

The guard merely snickered at her response. Apparently not all of their captives came from the academy. Perhaps he heard wrong or assumed she would be more restrained if the rumors were true. Regardless he didn't think to much on it. Denying that she was from the academy wouldn't do much good in his opinion. Nor admitting it he supposed.

The later part of her question caused a smile to creep out over his unpleasant features. The numerous pox marks, the crooked nose, the eyes that were too close together. He wasn't hideous but far from attractive. He glanced between the four of them with his hand subtly moving closer to the black jack strung to his waist as if he may need it.

“To Screech's Point.”

He didn't provide more information than that. Though the other three girls paled. Each glanced around, confused, denying what they heard. Calculating their circumstance and taking in numerous factors. Probably wondering if they could get past him and off the wagon despite being restrained. They'd have to get past him and while he didn't have a traditional weapon no one wanted to be the first one to try. Likely the first to be laid out by that black jack even if most might make it past. They couldn't coordinate with one another without alerting their guard and even if they could they didn't have strong odds on the first of them to make a move. In this case second was better.

When the moment past without anything happening the guard relaxed again. His gaze drifting between them never lingering for too long. Still Vera had plenty of time to test her bonds. No doubt they were tight. Her wrists ached. Her hands felt a little tingly but came to life the more she moved her hands and fingers. Essentially her wrists were locked together but other than separating her arms she had a great deal of movement. Sure she couldn't punch someone but casting a spell was within her wheel house.

In addition her legs were free making her suspect that this was poorly thought out by her captors. That or they were supremely confident that she couldn't get far. They weren't manacled together nor in shackles. Nor their restraints more than rope. Untying it looked difficult even if they could work on each others restraints. Impossible to untie oneself.

Between the guard's observations Vera would feel mana surging through her. It felt as if she was in touch with her magic even more. Not that it was stronger but as if the limitations on it had been removed. No inhibitors? She was either off the island or more likely in a dream where her magic wouldn't have any real affect on whatever was doing this. Then again it could be an ordinary dream but how likely was that?

She had options as she tested her movements. Just short of allowing the magic to flow out of her as she concocted a plan. Just as she was coming to the conclusion of these discoveries the wagon halted. There was some conversation that was too muted to hear. Their guard tensed, his eyes now peering outside the back out he wagon. His head tilted back as if looking towards the sky yet afraid to poke his head outside of the wagon. There wouldn't be much that he could see. Fear. She could feel it dripping off of this man as well as from the other prisoners that were confused as well.

In addition to this guard there had to be at least two others. The wagon driver and perhaps someone else sitting along side him. Neither or which should see her if she dealt with the guard efficiently. Not unless alerted. There were no sounds of anyone or anything moving towards them but everyone was on high alert.

The constant noise of nearby emotions was always an annoyance. Vera had to deal with sensing these emotional auras all through her life. The more people around, the more emotional noise there was. But, it was something she had no choice but to get used to if she was to function while running a company or work in Shokushu. While there were only a handful of people around her, the fear gnawed away at her senses, adding further tension to the situation the Head Girl was in.

Feeling gradually returned to her hands as she worked her bonds and flexed her fingers. It was unlikely her two fists together would do much against the guard. Beyond some defensive martial arts training, physical combat was not exactly her forte. But, the silver haired student felt the surge of energy flooding her body as she attempted to channel her magic. She felt no resistance. There were no inhibitors here whether this place was real or in her mind. Still, she was uncertain if this was just a rather vivid dream she was lucid for or something formed by another source.

The wagon suddenly came to a stop and the guard talked to whoever was driving. More fear flared from the man as he tried to peak out the back of the wagon without sticking his head out. Was something flying above? Vera did not want to know what creatures this place had lurking about.

Dispatching the guards now would mean that she would have to deal with whatever is spooking them outside. Vera needed more information but she also did not want to delay and get closer to Screech's Point, whatever that was. Her legs were free, most likely so she could be easily led without struggling with bonds and shackles. With the guard looking out the back, the Head Girl pulled up both legs and kicked them into the rear of the man as hard as she could. She sought to send him tumbling out the back of the wagon and whatever is stalking outside. Even if nothing was out there, it would at least buy her a few moments to prepare a spell.

The ropes burned against her wrists as she moved and twisted them, making simple gestures as she spoke the spidery words of magic. A flash of light formed in her bound hands as she aimed towards the front of the wagon. She did not know if there were one, two, or more in the driver's seat. But, it would not be easy to climb in and move around the bodies between her and them.

Silver hair rose from her shoulders as the Head Girl chanted her spell. She felt the rush of power flooding her veins. But she did not let the sensation overtake her as she released the pent up pressure in a blast of light energy out the front of the wagon. Whether it harmed, killed, or simply knocked her foes away; it would give the silver haired woman more time to try and free the other prisoners. If the first thug tried to climb back in, Vera would send a kick to try and fend him off while using her magic to burn or cut through the ropes binding each prisoner's wrists.

“WHOA!” The guard went tumbling out of the back of the wagon. His guard being down as his fear peaked at whatever was going on. Falling face first a few feet had to have hurt. Further it brought Vera time as she channeled light into her hands and blindly discharged it towards the front of the wagon.

Several things happened seemingly all at once. She could hear two distinct voices cry out followed by thuds on the ground. Such a brilliant display was noticed by whatever was lurking in the area that screeched out somewhere above. Prisoners scrambled as best as they could unsure where to go and either getting into the way of each other or attempting to press up against the walls of the wagon.

As Vera worked the guard picked himself up off the ground. His lip split, his face smeared with mud. He turned around after pulling free his sap though in his haste and fear he was in such a rush that he accidentally flung the weapon from his grasp.

Stay and deal with the prisoners? Run? Clearly he heard the shriek and in his brief indecision Vera's foot caught him square beneath his chin as he cast his gaze skyward. Falling backwards on his rump he certainly had better days. Having bitten his tongue his curses might have sounded comical if the situation wasn't so dire.

In haste she began burning away the ropes. Still conscious the guard was attempting to get to his feet. His panic greater now he turned and ran towards the trees rather than staying out in the open. Sadly for him he didn't make it too far as something descended upon him. Gathered up by talons Vera didn't get to see much else. To pick up a man with ease it had to be something big.

From the prisoners Vera felt confusion and fear. Clearly they hadn't seen magic before. That and their fear at whatever this thing was had been great. Despite this one of the girls managed to overcome this.

“Thank you.” Moving to the end of the wagon she looked out and up. Their former guard barely recognizable as a person dangling from something. Likely a bird she couldn't see a tail but noted how high and far away this thing was in such a short time.

It was quit at the moment and it didn't seem that there were anymore guards. Just the three. Hard to say if there were any of these bird things save for the one that they could see.

Pointing toward the trees the prisoner spoke once more. “We need to make a break for those tees.” The only other options were going forward towards Screech's Point or back the way they came.

“We can't go out there!”

“What!? Like staying here is any better? They were going to feed us to those things. So a guaranteed death or a possible one.”

“Can't you just blast any of them with that spell?” Another anxious prisoner asked. She barely finished when the first leaped out of the wagon and began running unless presented with a better idea or it made more sense to stick with the others in the event that Vera could invoke that spell again and was confident that it would be effective against these things.

“There are other guards farther along. They'll be coming given the light show.”

There was a lot of uncertainty and of course fear. Only the first prisoner seemed to have enough sense to act though clearly not one to take charge. Either the others would follow or not as far as she was concerned. Her deciding factor to stick with them was based on whether or not Vera could repeat that spell upping her survival odds a bit. Otherwise she would take the chance that there was only one of them out there. Judging from what Vera saw with the guard if there was more of them they couldn't get to the trees if they were as close as the other one.

Another factor that might influence Vera too was that there may be more of them than these bird things and not all of them would be snagged. She could us the others to strengthen her survival odds in much the same way as a herd animal used others to increase it's own survival.

Vera's plan seemed to have worked perfectly. The sudden outburst of magic had caught the men up front completely unaware and attracted the attention of whatever was stalking the wagon from above. The guard the Head Girl kicked out the back struggled between staying and fleeing only for the decision to become irrelevant. Whatever was flying above them had grabbed its prey and took off as quickly as it came. Whatever it was, it must have been huge to be able to easily grab and fly with an adult human male.

The other women were in disagreement about what to do. But their options were few. Staying only meant being recaptured by anyone else coming down the road. It was unknown if more flying creatures were out there. But, fleeing into the nearby woods would at least provide cover from both sight and pursuit from both land and air.

The silver haired woman said nothing to the question about her magic. She did not know if the academy referenced before involved magic but it seemed these people and this world at least knew that magic existed. Vera did not want to find out if she could shoot down giant flying monsters or not. NICE labs had put her through many tests and trials both with the inhibitors and not. She had an idea of her limits but there was no telling if things were different here compared to an controlled lab environment.

Once bonds were undone, Vera rubbed her wrists and hopped out of the back of the wagon. She grabbed the blackjack the dispatched guard left behind and followed the first woman into the forest. The student had no clue where they were. She could only assume the roads could have more of these men and did not wish to be caught again. They would still need to find food, water, and shelter at some point.

Whether this was a dream or reality, Vera would rather be around those she knew were not against her for the time being. "Anyone know where we are and where we should go?" she asked, "I am not familiar with anything around here. I am Vera by the way." If she was to be travelling with these women, introducing herself was the least she could provide.

Wasting little time Vera took up the discarded weapon since the guard didn't need it any longer. Rather than getting embroiled in discussion she ran towards the woods were the first girl had been running after taring the seam of her gown for better movement.

The other two hesitated then sprang into action. One even calling out for them to wait. She could hear the groans of at least one of the men that she hit with the beam of light. Either coming too or still unconscious was hard to say since he had been shielded by the wagon.

Circling above were other raptors. The light grabbed their attention steering them away from what they had been doing. Their attention on the commotion the three smaller avians veered in the direction of the wagon. This had all been chalked up to a stint of bad luck. The guards had no way of knowing that the parent would be out of the nest. Nor that its children had been in flight with it.

Usually this was an easy trip. The men had noted that Screech's hunger had increased as of late. Little had they realized about the others that had invoked making larger sacrifices.

Two of the raptors descended upon the guards. Landing and feasting on the spot. One dealing with the token struggles of the still conscious guard. The third made it's way towards them. While the lead prisoner and Vera got to the woods the other two were still out in the open when the raptor reached them.

It snatched up the rear most prisoner who let out a shrill scream. Talons biting into her shoulders as she ran. The thing managing to lift her a foot or two from the ground before dropping her. It was too small to carry her like the parent. To the prisoner's luck she was dropped and grabbed by the wrist by the other student pulling her away from the thing as it hovered in place. Screeched then came at the pair again breaking away once they hit the woods. Unwilling to follow since that entailed landed and going by foot.

Still the prisoners ran even as it turned off going back to the others in hope of getting some scraps. Well out of sight of the flying things When they stopped to catch their breath Vera introduced herself. One of the students tore away a portion of her gown to dab at the talon marks on the shoulders of the wounded girl. The wounds weren't too bad or deep though they would definitely scar.

“Illiya.”

“Nix.”

With a grimace the wounded girl cast her gaze around the trees. “Sara. I think this is Shadow Wood Forest.”

Illiya nodded. “Assuming they were taking us to Screech's Point it is. That way heads towards the top of the mountain. We can get back to civilization this way by moving adjacent to the road. But they'd probably expect that we wouldn't go deeper into the forest.

“If memory serves they have more guards closer to the Point so the road is out. However we could push through the forest to get to a different settlement.”

“Without sticking to the road that cuts through the forest? Even with that particular road it's dangerous. Lots of goblins not to mention other hazards.”

“Not much of a choice. That road is well away from where we are now. And going back to the settlement they collected us from is out. We'd get nabbed for sure.”

Definitely not on Shokushu unless she was dreaming of course. Continuing East would eventually bring them to Screech's Point. West was back in the direction they were coming from. North was the mountain itself that the road had been winding around leaving South full of this forest which ran to the West as well as South. On the other side of the forest were other settlements that didn't seem entwined with all this academy and/or sacrifice business as far as Vera knew.

The large monster was not the only creature in the skies over the wagon. Staying quickly proved to be a death sentence as three smaller flying creatures came down to attack the remaining guards with one trying to carry one of the girls away. She was lucky the creature was too small for such a feat though the wounds would no doubt solidify their decision to flee into the forest.

Attempting to fight any of the creature's or the guards would only leave them stationary for the large monster's return or for arrival of any other guards of a similar faction. Vera did not want to test how far her abilities would go in such an unknown situation. Overestimating her limits could be the end of her.

They lacked any supplies to properly tend to Sara's wounded shoulder. They had the simple gowns they wore and the blackjack Vera claimed on her way into the woods. The three girls were familiar enough to state some points of interest. The forest was not exactly pleasant sounding much less the supposed goblins that may be about. But the roads were just as dangerous if not more so.

"Seems the forest is our only option," Vera stated, "Pray we do not run into anything else. We should go before it gets too dark."

Vera could easily produce light with her magic. But, being the only light in a dark forest would only attract attention. They also did not really have any food or water so staying the night out here would only wear them down further.

The silver haired student followed the others. Vera was able to sense emotional auras from other humans though it became less reliable when it came to creatures that had different minds that handle emotions differently. She did not know what was out here but she would use whatever senses she had regardless. It was not like she could turn off her empathic senses anyway.

Picking what they believed to be the best direction they departed. The forest gloomy at the moment. Twisted trees provided a thick canopy above allowing less light to all but the tallest trees. Suffice it to say the goblins preferred it dark. The animals and other plants less so.

Vera noted how withered and discolored the other plants were. It was remarkable that they even grew though they didn't look quite right. This was more than their coloration or lack thereof. Similar but not quit identical to plants she had seen before. These were something entirely different. Something that had other requirements or had been unfamiliar. Pale yellows and browns dominated.

She could sense the minds of her companions easily enough. Anxious at what was to come. Every now and then she felt something different. Felt something watching, something curious. It was harder to sense these things. A few times she noted a bird or squirrel frozen in place and watching them pass hoping not to be seen.

After a time she felt something stronger then these stray emotions. Something she couldn't quit decipher. It was more intense then simple survival instincts of animals. Something far stronger but not quite human. While she couldn't make out these stray emotions she felt as if she was being watched. Only this alerted her to something being near grabbing her attention to every little detail she could digest.

Vera discovered that a lone wolf was stalking them. Catching a glimpse of it every so often. It's attention appeared to be on Sara. Either the fact that she was injured or lagging a bit got it's attention. Making sure everyone was closer together got it to back off a bit to reassess. It still followed at a distance awaiting an opportunity.

While she couldn't read it like her fellow humans she could infer that it was more than curious. There was a malice in that intent. A dread that she felt that suddenly dissipated when they crossed a shallow stream. The animal did not follow which told her that things ahead had to be worse. Just as she got this realization there was a was a roar. A white arrow embedded itself in the trunk of a nearby tree. Vera would notice that the arrow was at a downward angle having been shot from above.

Humanoid shapes emerged from behind rocks and trees. Smaller than they were in the gloom it felt as if a hoard of toddlers were charging towards them. As they got closer she could dimly feel something but couldn't distinguish what it was. Arrows hit the trees and the ground around them. These fired from some of the ones on the ground.

Their aim being poor, either concerned about hitting their allies that had been rushing at them or the dim light was hard to say. Her companions scattered. Sarah running back the way they came with Nix freezing out of fear. Illiya ran to her left. Vera felt the fear in her companions. Fear and anxiety. She say that Illiya did not go far. She frantically looked about the ground dipping out of sight. Hiding?

There were perhaps half a dozen beings closing in on her and Nix. There were a few that stayed back launching arrows in their direction but failing to hit anything other than trees and rocks. At least one above them in the trees that hadn't fired at them since the beginning.

The constant emotional noise was bothersome and it only grew as they spotted a wolf stalking them. With one woman wounded, the scent of blood would attract attention. Not much could be done but to keep moving and try and escape these woods before a creature decides to satisfy its hunger.

The plant life was notably different in colors and shape. It was certainly nothing from Vera knew of from Earth or Shokushu. But the wolf was much like anything she had seen before. Odd plantlife but humans and animals also exist along with giant flying monsters... This place was certainly fantastical. Was it just a dream or some sort of vivid simulation? The fact she could sense emotional auras meant the women around her were either part of this simulation either knowingly or not or this was her mind filling in the blanks in some sort of dreamscape. It would be difficult to confirm which is correct and it had not gotten her any closer to getting the Head Girl out of this mess.

Crossing a stream was enough to stop the wolf from stalking the group. Either it was unwilling to go far beyond its territory or there were bigger threats ahead it wished to avoid. They had little choice. Any detour could lead them into further danger while delaying their progress. It was not long before Vera picked up new emotions lurking at the edge of her senses followed by a roar and a sudden arrow striking nearby.

Small humanoid creatures came rushing forth while others continued to fire arrows from afar. The other women scattered in one form or another. Vera's heart raced as they were in yet another dangerous situation. She rather not experience being shot by an arrow nor did she want to be overrun by a bunch of tiny men. Her jaw clenched as she had little choice but to try and fend off these new aggressors.

Again, Vera was uncertain how well her spells and limitations could go here. The vast darkness in the area would work well with various shadow binding spells. But, it would only take missing one or two of them and being struck down to make such and effort fruitless. Whatever she decided, it would need to be effective and intimidating.

Vera clasped her hands together as she spoke the spidery words of magic. She could move her limbs and safely verbalize this time, making it easier to channel the alluring power she had. There was a brief glow through the gaps between her hands and fingers before she released a small sparkle of light into the air. The twinkling star would go up high before suddenly bursting in a brilliant flash of light.

The silver haired beauty could only hope this dark environment meant the creature's were not used to bright lights. Regardless, the sudden change of brightness would be disorienting to many. Vera did not stop, already chanting further incantations as she sent forth bolts of light towards the six that were trying to rush her and Nix. Long silver hair writhed about and her gown rippled as if moving from unseen breezes

Vera knew fleeing could buy some time but if they could not shake off these little monsters, they would renew their attacks knowing that she could cast magic. She needed to make this moment of surprise count and ensure these things are taken down or make it so further pursuit would be seen as not worth the danger.

The stream, Vera later found, was a barrier. Not in the magical sense but marking one area from another. The territory of the goblins she discovered. As all hell broke loose Vera pulled forth more mana unleashing an explosion of light. This explosion was met with hisses of outrage. The light blinding the goblins causing them to freeze in place for a moment.

With the area better illuminated Vera could see that the vegetation and trees were all withering and dying as far as she could tell. There was at least one goblin in the trees while other shapes farther back on the ground had been covering their brethren with crude bows.

The goblins themselves were a motley bunch. Adorned in brown or green leathers they had a wide assortment of arms. They weren't uniform and it looked as if their gear had been scavenged or crudely made. Each had slight differences. Yellow and green skin dominated. Some tall and thin, others stout. One was even missing an ear and numerous ones had scars.

Nix cracked the nearest over the head with a thick branch with enough force that the branch broke but the goblin dropped from the impact. For a moment they had been able to capitalize on their blindness but the effect didn't last long. They screeched out something in panic. Several fleeing only to be rallied as that roar sounded out again.

As Vera was in the midst of her next spell she narrowly avoided an arrow from the one in the trees. It's aim off or it just wasn't a good shot.

Following that roar and arrow shot Vera heard something crash down upon the ground. Dropping from a tree farther back among the archers was something larger. Huge and thin it was just a shadowy shape now among the trees as that brightness faded.

With a swipe of a claw one of the archers had been beheaded. The others scattered as the beast came forth. This caused the goblins that had been fleeing to turn back towards them and charge haphazardly at them.

Bolts of light cut down the six as they turned. It the flashes of light Vera determine that the other archers had already fled. Any other goblins had to be running in fear or after Illiya and Sara as those two could not be seen. She and Nix caught glimpses of that large thing as the goblins met their end.

As large as a one story house the thing had wicked claws. One hand covered in gore. A long hooked moss and a moss-like head of hair capped the thin yellowish creature. It wore a simple fur loin cloth and didn't seem bothered by the lights. Even as bolts hit it.

Damage was visible but negligible. With the brief illumination from the light she could tell that the thing resembled a giant or troll. That wasn't quit accurate but it was close enough. Just like the trees and vegetation around her things were close to something she recognized yet different enough to be something entirely different. In addition the few wounds she generated were healing … at least something was happening as she could see the flicker of movement along those spots as if the skin itself was moving or possibly covering and shielding those spots.

In a short time it closed half the distance between them. While the goblins were no longer a threat this thing certainly was. She had just enough time to draw upon another spell perhaps. Vera could run. She and Nix were the only ones around the immediate area (there were glimpses of fleeing goblins far off and the sounds of vegetation as they hastily moved through the forest).

Nix had been frozen for a few seconds. She drank in her fear. Her eyes scanning for another branch or better yet the crude sword from the fallen goblin as if fighting would do any good. She felt a little better with a weapon in hand. Vera could flee, not that Nix would slow it down for long given how quickly it dispatched it's own ally. There might be a delay f it sought to capture them. Those arrows could have missed deliberately. At least the first one which triggered the others. It was hard to say seeing how they feared her magic and began running straight away despite their numbers only to “rally” with the appearance of the troll thing obviously fearing it more though their indecisiveness cost them in the end.

The Head Girl's distraction provided enough for the girls to fight back some. Every missed arrow shot made Vera's heart skip a beat. She was no soldier and being in the middle of a chaotic melee was not an experience she would ever think of having. But her time on Shokushu was always one of conflict of one form or another. She had to endure the island's guests time and time again. While her resistance on the island tended to be fruitless in the end, it was that experience that allowed her to not completely lose herself to fear and panic against the unnatural foes before her.

Unfortunately, whether due to the conflict or the bright light shining within this dark forest, things only grew worse as a larger monstrosity joined the fray. The giant troll-like creature seemed to have no love for goblins either. But with the goblins fleeing, the troll's attention was now on Vera and Nix.

Leaving behind Nix would not help any of them and it was hard to say if they could outrun the large behemoth. One spell was all Vera would be able to do. Killing the thing was out of the question so all she could hope for was to hinder its pursuit. Dark spidery words of magic sound as the lights soon snuffed out. The very darkness and shadows in the area would darken and pool before the troll's path. Stepping in it would cause the inky blackness to wrap around his large feet and ankles, seeking to tangle the monster and cause him to trip. She was not sure if such bindings would hold the troll but the sudden entanglement would hopefully cause it to trip and stumble the unaware monster.

Vera did not wait to see her handy work. She grabbed Nix by the wrist and ran through what dense foliage she could find. They could at least try to use the density of the trees to further hinder such a large monster. Where ever this place was, the silver haired Head Girl wanted to be just about anywhere else but here right now.

The creature thundered toward them. Cutting the distance in half then half again Vera unleashed her latest incantation with nary a moment to spare. Strong and fast it wasn't too agile. Nor did it fear the shadows that sprang up in front of it. Perhaps it was going to quick to stop.

Engulfed by the shadows they stretched out over it's angles like a rubber band. Slowing it as it raced forth. Vera took off into the gloomy forest after seizing Nix by the wrist. With that thing fading from sight it wasn't long before she heard a snapping sound as it tore itself free from the shadows as if they had substance. This was followed by a large crash. The resistance of the spell and it suddenly breaking threw it off balance enough where it feel.

With a roar it got to it's feet pursuing them. The crashing of small trees and trampled vegetation was loud behind them. While the lighting and trees made it impossible to see the creature they could see the destruction it caused as smaller trees were knocked over.

Illiya and Sara had been lost at the moment but there were other more pressing issues to deal with.

Pushing past some trees they took a tumble down a slope thanks to that gloom. Receiving scraps and bruises in the process. How much noise had they made? Vera could fell fear spiking in her companion. Fear that spiked with a shrill cry that wasn't human. Nor did it sound as deep as that monstrosity.

Stealthy it was not. She heard it halt. Debating it's position in relation to the noise they made and this cry. Her best guess had been that it was determining what was easier to do. Or maybe it was something else …

Not far from the base of the hill was that stream. A boundary of sorts? It made little sense to contemplate. But whatever it was the creature began moving in the direction of that cry now. Even with the foliage it was quick to the point that she no longer heard it after a minute or so.

Nix's heart slammed in her chest. Eyes searching the terrain for another improvised weapon she had been out of luck in finding a sturdy branch in the immediate vicinity so she had to be content with a couple of rocks.

“We're on our own now. The others scattered and I saw some of those goblin things going after them. With that giant or whatever it was in that direction either their dead or soon to be dead. I wouldn't know how to go about finding them in any case.

“There's less vegetation here. But maybe we should stick close to the stream. I think that way goes back to the point we first crossed it. I take it that you don't have any magic that can conceal us.”

Vera was getting a mix of emotions from Nix. Loss was certainly there but a realism too that there was little she could do or think of for the others. Fear of these creatures, fear of the wolf they spotted earlier. Yet there was a determination in her to fight rather than caving into that fear. Not to the point of self destruction but Nix she found was the sort of person that wanted to go down fighting if there were no other choice.

The sound of a hulking form crashing upon the earth joined blood-freezing roars. Loud heavy footsteps could almost be felt beneath Vera's hurried strides. Trees cracked and fell before the unstoppable force charging forth. The silver haired Head Girl did not look back as she charged blindly through the forest. The heavy brush obscured much of her vision only to clear and reveal a sudden downwards slope. Both women went tumbling down, disappearing into more vegetation.

"Ngh..." Vera gritted her teeth. She could not check the scratches and bruises that painted her once unblemished skin. She felt Nix's panic which was not helping with her own flaring emotions. A cry made the Head Girl cover the woman's mouth though it was not coming from either of them. Whatever it was, it was enough of a distraction to throw the troll off or convince it to pursue different prey.

She heard it stomp away, leaving the two women alone in the dark once more. Vera released Nix and shakily rose to her feet. She brushed herself off, getting whatever branches and leaves that were on her. Nix grabbed a heavier branch in hopes of using it as a weapon. The other woman tried to explain the situation though Vera merely shrugged.

"You do not need to justify anything to me," Vera stated cooly, "I do not know how to find the others nor if I could save them."

At best, the other two lost their nerves to fear and fled. At worst, they fled with the intention of leaving her behind. It mattered little in the end. Vera had no intention of staying here for answers or revenge. She just needed to find some sort of safe haven before they run into even more trouble.

"I do not know the way so lead whichever direction you are confident in," Vera stated, "Our priority is getting out of this forest. Can't do that if we die or worse."

It was difficult to answer what she could or could not do. NICE labs had put Vera through many tests, figuring out what could be learned about magic through science. While different fields, the steps for experimentation were still the same and reliable to callback on. Controlling and manipulating light and shadow did present options of obscurement or concealment. Bending light could displace, change, or even hide one's image from vision. Darkness could shroud things through more predictable means. The question was how effective such efforts would be here and for how long? Vera did not have doubts in her proficiency. But, using magic out in the field in unfamiliar lands added variables she could not hope to predict.

"I suppose there is one way of finding out..." the silver haired woman stated. Vera spoke softly as words of magic poured forth. She did not think darkness would work against creatures that seemed comfortable in the dark. So she weaved what light she could to try and hide their visual presence. Of course, such would not stop them from following other senses such as their nose.

"I do not know how well this will work nor how long I can maintain it. So please, lead the way and do not get distracted." Vera took slow breaths as she felt the familiar sensation of energy flowing through her veins and throughout her entire body. Stress and endurance tests were certainly experiments she was familiar with. Only time would tell if this will last or wear her out in the long run.

Vera sensed both relief and guilt from Nix. Relief at not going back for the others. Guilt that she escaped whatever perils that the others found, if any. She doubted it went well for them. Even if they managed to cross the stream, if it were a barrier or boundary indeed.

Orientating herself Nix opted to stay near the stream for the time being. Though still in the goblin section that area was elevated by the hill they just tumbled down. She remembered the wolf that was shadowing them earlier and if that stream marked a boundary she's prefer to be on this side of it. Her thinking being that if they encountered anything on this side they could cross back over if necessary. That and the wolf need not rely on it's eyes.

Setting out Nix kept her eyes roaming about. From watching her footing to glancing up that hill or across the stream to their left. Whether they remained hidden by her magic Vera could not say for certain. Once they spotted a goblin in a tree up atop the hill. He glanced in their direction across the stream and not at them. The slope of the hill aiding them. Moving closer to the base of the hill they no longer could see the goblin nor could it see them.

Moving along the area at a slower pace for a few minutes they began picking up a bit of speed. They had to use a bit of care traversing near the bushes. Roots and rocks had been everywhere. Though the longer they traveled the more at ease Nix was becoming. She was still nervous but it wasn't even half as intense.

No other screams reached their ears. Nor were there any other difficulties with sentries. They saw the wolf again on the other side of the stream shadowing them for a bit. Rarely did they see more then a shadowy shape vanishing behind a tree. That and the occasional rustle of negation. But it had no interest in crossing the river or so it seemed.

After having lost it for a few minutes they came to a bend. Around which was another bridge spanning the shallow stream. Oddly there was a hut on stilts in the middle of that stream near the bridge. Vera could see heads on spikes on this side of the stream. The heads were all goblin, most old and decayed if not skulls. It didn't look as if they were fresh. By which she couldn't see any blood or buzzing insects. It didn't smell bad either though they were still some distance away.

Of more immediate concern there was someone over there. The stilts held up a platform which this simple hut sat upon. A rope ladder let one climb up to it though one would have to make a decent jump from the bridge or be in the stream to access it.

The person they saw looked to be human. Adorned in red rags. The figure was smaller than she was. Sitting cross legged and fishing. From what she gathered the figure was male or a hairless female. He/She looked old. Though not looking in their direction the figure glanced up the hill to where the goblin territory was.

Vera couldn't sense any emotions from the being yet. Either from distance or the fact that Nix was overpowering them. She felt alarm and surprise from Nix that quickly morphed into curiosity. Nix pulling Vera back behind the bend.

“Whoa! What the – who'd be -” her senses catching up to her. Nix then glanced about them. The wolf was gone but it didn't seem to matter in this case. The person was no fan of the goblins but that really wasn't saying much.

“We can try to sneak by or make contact -” Nix was uncertain. “Maybe if we go in the stream we can swim right beneath the hut and bypass him or him. I think it's a him. I didn't see any weapons but something had to cut those heads off. Probably something in that hut.”

They could stay out of the stream and try to sneak by. Chances were good that they'd be spotted but by then they could run and hope to get by before he retrieved a weapon from the hut assuming he wasn't armed. There could be a weapon right beside him on the platform.

Of course chances were that this wasn't something good and they could make a preemptive attack. Whoever this was couldn't be all that stable considering where they were making their home.