War Games - Chapter 26

No one dared make a sound. Ghouls did not relent on pounding the door, but, thankfully, they couldn’t breach it.

“What are we supposed to do?” Asked Ellegaard.

“Well, Going out to fight them would be a bad idea… half of us don’t even have armor.” Said Maya

“Will they go away at dawn?” Asked Soren

“They don’t like the light, but it doesn’t kill them.” Said Rou

“They ARE much weaker in the daylight, but i don't think that will help. We’re in a building. The sun can’t reach in here.” Nicolai added

“We best look for another way out.” Gabriel said. “But if that was the only door… does anyone have a pickaxe?”

“I got one. Should I dig out the ceiling?” Asked Lukas

“Don’t let it cave in and crush us.” Said Kye.

“But how are you gonna get up there?” Asked Sanya

“Try this.” Keyen said, handing him a rope

“... You sleep with your armor and items…?” Asked Magnus

“I come prepared. Always.” Said Keyen

“See if we can hook it on the light fixture.” Said Petra

“Maybe you could tie the rope to a bow and shoot the hook to get a grip.” Kate suggested.

“That’s actually a good idea.” Alexsi said

“Don’t look at me. I suck at archery.” Kate said

“I can shoot it.” Said Soren.

Lukas tied Keyen’s hook to an arrow, and Soren got out his bow. He loaded it with the arrow, and aimed upward. He shot it right at the light fixture so it had a  good grip.

Soren pulled on it to make sure it was secure.

“Alright. Make sure someone catches me if I fall off.” Said Lukas as he began to climb upward.

It was still dark, but Lukas could still see from the light Nicolai had provided. He began to chip away at the ceiling.

Jesse Turned to the door. The Ghouls did not relent.

“What are we supposed to do about those things…?” Asked Jesse

“Not sure, sis. We may have to fight them if we can reach our items.” Said (Male) Jesse

“Wait, both of your names are ‘Jesse’?” Asked Sanya

“Well, Yeah. they’re twins.” Said Olivia

“That seems like it would get really tedious trying to put ‘Male’ or ‘Female’ in front of your names. Can we just call Female Jesse something like ‘Jess’?” Asked Stark.

“Now That I think about it, Stark has a point.” Ivor said.

“I guess you can call me ‘Jess’ if it’s easier for you.” said (Female) Jesse

“Well, about those Ghouls, I did have some Noxious Grenades with me. I could through one and poison them while someone else quickly opens and closes the door.” Said Alexsi.

“Will it Kill them?” Asked Gill

“Not Sure.” Said Alexsi

“Okay, I can help Alex with the timing. How’s the ceiling going Lukas?” Asked Maya

“I’ve almost got a hole big enough for us to climb through. Now I just need to get to the ground floor.” Lukas said, still digging.

“I’ll watch him to make sure he doesn’t fall.” Said Gill

“Okay, Maya, you need to be fast. Close the door as soon as I’ve thrown.” Said Alexsi.

“Got it.” Maya said.

They paused for a moment, and Maya quickly opened the door. A Ghoul was about to jump in, but it got hit in the face by Alexsi throwing a Blighted grenade. Maya quickly slammed the door, with both the ghoul and the grenade outside.

“Okay. that worked.” Said Kate

“That poison’s not gonna hurt us, is it…?” Asked Jesse worriedly.

“Relax. That poison can’t harm an Eldritch person like me, and I’ve given you all protective shots in your sleep.” Said Alexsi.

Everyone seemed surprised, and looked at Alexsi.

“Would you rather I let you choke on Noxious Gas?” Asked Alexsi.

“Well, You Were thinking of our safety, but at the same time you did something kinda creepy by giving us shots in our sleep, Alex. I’m not sure if I should hug you or slap you, so i’m gonna do both.” Said Kate.

Kate quickly gave Alexsi a slap across the face, and then put her arms around him and gave him a hug.

“... Okay then.” Said Stark.

“Lukas, What’s the progress with the ceiling?” Asked Gabriel.

“Almost got it, lemme just take a look.” Lukas said from above.

A Long Pause.

‘WOAH! Okay! Okay! That’s not happening!” Yelled Lukas.

:Lukas! Yo uokay? What happened?” Asked Petra

“A Ghoul Almost Took my head off! No way we’re getting outta here this way!” Lukas shouted back

“Blast it all…” Muttered Nicolai

‘What now?” Said Ivor

“Could we try digging beneath us?” Asked Sanya

“Guys, No matter what angle we dig from, we’ll run into the Ghouls when we get back to the surface.” Jesse Pointed out.

“Damn it… How are we supposed to get out of here…?” Asked Kye

Everyone thought for a moment. Lukas slid down Keyen’s rope, pulled out the hook, and returned it to him.

…

Soren Snapped his fingers.

“Who has obsidian?” He asked.

“Huh?” Said Vulcan

“We could build a Nether Portal.” Soren Suggested.

“Good Idea!” Said Emerald.

“Where will it take us?” Asked Kye

“We’ll have to find out, but it’ll help us escape from the Ghouls.” Said Soren. “How much Obsidian do we have?”

“I got 3!” Said Harper.

“One Block.” Said Ivor.

“Same here. One.” Said Ellegaard.

“Two.” Said Emerald.

“I thought it may be useful under some circumstance. I have one with me.” Said Nicolai

“I also have 2.” Said Jess

“That makes… Ten. Will that suffice?” Asked Rou.

“If you use another block for the corners of the frame, then yes. Now all we need is a normal flint and steel, not a portal key.” Said Harper.

“Flint and Steel? Would any kind of fire work?” Asked Sanya

“I Think so, Why?” Asked Ivor.

“I’ve got matches.” Said Sanya as she pulled out a box from one of the pockets of her vest.

“Handy.” Said Magnus.

Lukas used some of the Stone he mined from the floor to use in the portal frame. Harper, Ivor, Ellegaard, Emerald, Jess, And Nicolai built the obsidian to make a nether portal. Sanya struck a match, and the entrance to the Infernal Nether Realm was open.

One by one, the Order of the Stone and the Stashan Alliance Stepped inside.

The Group found themselves Within the rocky plains and chasms of Netherrack.

Kate, Rou, Nicolai, Alexsi, And Vulcan  were not from this world, so they had never seen this fiery aspect. They were all a little spooked.

Sanya, Keyen, and Stark on the other hand found it to be somewhat fascinating. They were still a little nervous, but the environment wasn’t too daunting for them. They thought it was almost a little cool.

“Woah, This looks kinda scary.” Said Kate.

“Daunting indeed.” Added Rou.

“This Happened to your World? Oh, Great googily moogily, it’s all gone to s***.” Said Vulcan.

“Oxidai didn’t do this. It another part of our world for as long as we remember.” Said Gabriel.

“So where do we go?”Asked Olivia

“Maybe if we can find the minecart tracks, it could lead to our old temple.” Said Magnus.

“Do you know where they are from here?” Asked Axel

“Allow me to lead the way. I may be familiar with some of these paths.” Said Gabriel

The Diamond armored warrior cautiously walked along the red hot caverns of the nether.

Gabriel felt his movement slow down as he stepped in something with his left foot.

“Soul Sand…” Said Ivor

“Sounds Grotesque.” Said Nicolai

“Is it harmful?” Asked Kate

“Just sticky and tough to walk through, but it can’t actually hurt anyone.” Said Petra

They all slowly trudged through the section of Soul Sand. One by one they made it across, and found themselves on a cliffside of Netherrack.

“Okay, What now?” Asked Kate

They heard a loud, ominous moaning noise. A ghast was approaching.

But Keyen, Vulcan, Alexsi, Nicolai, Sanya, Kate, Rou, and Stark had never heard that demonic sounding moan, nor had they seen a ghast. It was really big, and spooked all 8 of them.

Olivia drew back an arrow and shot it in the side of the face. It let out a creepy shriek of pain, and spit a large ball of flame out of it’s mouth.

It was heading straight for Maya and Petra, but they both dove to either side and did not got get hurt.

Sanya aimed her crossbow for the ghast’s forehead. She shot the arrow, and the monster fell to the ground and died.

“Two hits? That’s all it took?” asked Kate

“They aren’t as tough as they look.” Said Soren

“Yeah, they might be huge, but they’re actually pretty weak.” Magnus Added

“Does anyone have any idea where we are in this furnace of a cavern?” Asked Stark.

“Ellegaard, Magnus, Ivor, Soren and Gabriel looked around. They built tracks within these infernal chasms, and there was bound to be some rail somewhere.

“Ellegaard, Does this cave look familiar at all?” Asked Soren.

“No… I… I wasn’t really paying attention to where were where was i was wiring the track.” Ellegaard told them.

“Hmmm.” Well, I guess all we can do is look around.” Said Harper.

They all spread out and searched in various directions, but nobody went more than 15 feet away from each other.

“There’s a ledge down here.” Said Kye

Gill came over to where Kye was. Suddenly, the Ledge of Netherrack they were standing on gave way, and they both fell

“Oh Crap! Kye! Gill!” T.T. shouted, seeing them fall

Maya and Kate also ran over. Lucky for Gill and Kye, it wasn’t a very big drop. The Two of them fell about 6 feet and landed on their backs. They groaned a little, but we’re hurt.

“Oh boy, that could’ve been worse.”Said Maya

“You guys okay?” Asked Kate

“For the most part.” Groaned Kye as he got to his feet. Gill did the same.

Olivia and the Jesse twins jumped down.

“What’s going on down there?” Asked Soren

“You guys see anything?” Asked Axel

“Wait, there’s something made of Netherrack in the distance! I can barely see it,but it’s there.” Said Gill.

“A Nether Fortress?” Asked Ellegaard

“Let me take a look. Gabriel said as he jumped down. “Does anyone have, like, binoculars or a telescope, or… something I can use to get a good look?” He Asked.

“Right here. Catch.” Said Vulcan, as he tossed a pair of binoculars down to Gabriel.

“You guys keep this stuff on hand 24-7 or what?” Asked Aiden

“Pretty Much.” Said Keyen

“Are all these Eldritch guys from your world like this?” Asked Kate

“You mean Badass? Yes.” Said Keyen

Kate facepalmed “Uh, No… I meant, like, Fighters. Warriors.”

“What’s the difference?” Asked Keyen. Kate facepalmed again. Gill, Magnus, Maya, Aiden, Vulcan, and Axel did a poor job of trying to suppress laughter.

“Ivor! Soren! I’m fairly certain that that’s the portal we built to our old fortress.” Said Gabriel.

“Alright. We can head here from there. Jump down, but not all at once.” Said Kye

One by One they jumped off the ledge. “Yeah, that looks familiar. When we were fighting the Witherstorm, and we fled from Gabriel’s fortress.” Said Jess

“Then let’s take a look.” Sanya Advised

They walked along the path, and found themselves at the Nether Brick Pedestal, housing a Nether portal.

“If memory serves correctly, we should end up just outside the Old Fortress.” Said Lukas

“We just head straight in?” Asked Vulcan

“Yeah. Just go for it. There’s a small pond on the other end.” Axel Added

Aiden and T.T. went in first, and the rest of their friends.

When T.T. emerged back to the normal world on the other end of the portal, she was a little distorted. It was still nighttime, and she sighed.

That’s when she heard Aiden gasp and stumble backwards. He landed on his back

“T-The Water!” He said in a panicked tone.

T.T. looked down to find the water had a dark purple tint to it.

“Oh Crap, Corrupted water…” Said T.T. She and Aiden rushed to the edge of the pond.

“Are you hurt, T.T.?” Asked Aiden

“No. You?” Asked T.T.

“No. I mean, It felt like something had eaten my foot the first time I stepped in corruption. Maybe it’s not harmful yet?” Asked Aiden, looking at the pond.

“I wouldn’t wanna drink it, but it’s safe to walk in, I think.” Said T.T.

Soren stepped into the portal. He was shocked to find Water Poisoned with the corruption taint, but he was told by T.T. and Aiden that it wouldn’t hurt him, so long as he didn’t try to drink it.

“So, where do we need to go?” Asked Rou

“Follow me.” Said Olivia. She began to lead the way along a hillside

Making their way upward, they found a large temple, with a wall and Iron Door Lukas had used as a fortification.

“Ah. Nostalgia.” Said Lukas

“Wow… you guys never shown me this place. Looks like a nice place to hide out until we can come up with a plan.” Said Kate

“Very Astute, Katelyn. But looks can be deceiving. There may be a few demons roaming the forgotten halls within.” Said Nicolai

“He’s got a good point. Most of us don’t have armor.” Olivia Pointed out

“We still have our material on hand. Let us take the lead.” Said Keyen

They all jumped off the ledge in front of the entrance and slowly opened the Iron door.

“See anything?” Asked Emerald.

“Clear.” Said Sanya

They all stepped inside. A long, narrow hallway was in front of them. Thankfully, the arrow traps were disarmed the first time The Order had come here.

They all walked along the path with no danger insight, until…

“Oh Boy…” Said Petra

The path gave way to a gaping lake of glowing, bubbling corruption.

“Ummm, No Thank you, I’m not swimming in that.” Said Emerald

“I don’t think you can.” Added Petra

“Aiden and Petra say it’s agonizingly painful, but I’ll take their word for it. I’m not interesting in finding out for myself.” Said Soren

“The Stairs to the upper level are gone too…” Said Ellegaard

They heard some demonic sounding growls from behind them. Some Skeletons and Cultist Brawlers were approaching.

“Oh no…” Said Lukas

“We’re cornered!” Said Soren

“You guys get to building that bridge! We’ll take them on.” Said Rou

“They have their armor with them, and we have all the building material.” Said Jess

Vulcan, Keyen, Alexsi, Sanya, Rou, Stark and Nicolai got in a defensive line formation as their human friends began to repair the path to the upper level

“Are you sure you guys can handle this?” Asked Kye

“We’ll hold the line. Rebuild the way to the upper level. You don’t have armor.” Said Rou

“We’ve got this. Get to building.” Said Sanya

Sanya, Stark and Vulcan each had a crossbow on hand, and aimed straight for the Cultists. Nicolai drew his massive Eldritch blade, in a position to cut down any approaching Corruptor. Alexsi held a plague grenade in one hand, and his large surgical knife in the other. Keyen drew his massive Axe and got ready to split a Demon Skull in half. Rou held two large daggers in front of her and got ready to move.

“... They look just as determined as I am…” Kate thought to herself.

“We’ll get the path built as fast as we can.” Said Petra

“It’s the same amount of work, no matter how fast you go. Basic physics.” Vulcan pointed out

Everyone ignored him and got to work.

A Cultist Brawler tried to swipe at Nicolai with it’s bladed claws, but he dodged to the left, and cut the beast in half with a powerful vertical hew.

More and more cultists were swarming in. Sanya had shot some more of them with her crossbow, but seeing the crowd of Unholy monsters, she reached into one of the pockets on her vest

She pulled out a Beer Bottle with a fuse and struck a match. Lighting it, she threw it hard as she could into the crowd, lighting several Demons on fire.

“A Molotov, Huh? Resourceful.” Said Rou

After she said that, Rou Dodged an arrow fired her way. She jumped out of the way of another attack and rolled over to the right. She slashed at a Cultist Brawler, making a large cut at it’s chest.

Vulcan got hit by an arrow on the shoulder. He stumbled, but quickly regained his balance. He broke the arrow’s shaft and kept shooting his crossbow.

Stark did the same, but when a skeleton tried to smack him with a mace, he ducked underneath, stabbed the skeleton in the knee, and kicked him to the ground. The skeleton, unable to get back up, was fatally shot by Stark.

Alexsi was sure to stay away from danger, but that didn't mean he wasn’t willing to fight. He threw several hand crafted grenades to stun and poison several of the Demonic Enemies his friends were fending off.

Nicolai and Keyen were the strong melee warriors with close ranged weapons. Every Skeleton that came within Nicolai’s reach was sliced in half. Keyen Occasionally threw flashbangs into the crowd to try and stop them from being swarmed. Other than that, Cultist after Cultist was chopped in half by Keyen’s powerful arm, and even more powerful.

A ghoul was approaching the group. Vulcan was the first to notice as he shot an arrow, landing the crossbow bolt right in the Ghoul’s bloody left arm.

It growled in pain, and was quick to retaliate. It threw a Skull as hard as it could directly at Alexsi. He tried to duck underneath it, but it wasn't enough. Lukcy for the young doctor, Stark tackled him out of harm’s way.

“Phew. Thanks Stark.” Said Alexsi.

The Assassin nodded, and they both rose to their feet.

A lot of Cultists and Skeletons were killed. There was still one cultist with a spear, 3 zombies, 4 skeletons, and the ghoul remaining.

Stark dodged every attack coming for him, and didn’t bother with anyone else. He targeted the Cultist with a spear and stabbed it in the back of the knee. It let out a hiss of pain and fell to the ground, and the assassin delivered the ending blow to the neck with his large knife.

Rou Confronted the Zombies. Her armor may have been weak, but the young nomad girl was very good at dodging. She easily dodged two swipes from the claws of the walking, putrid corpse. She slashed the Zombie across the neck, but it did not die.

Lucky for Rou, She had covering fire from Stark, Sanya and Vulcan. Two of the zombies were gunned down by the marksmen. She was easily able to slay the third.

4 Skeletons were approaching. Vulcan shot at one, knocking it back, and the second shot from Stark was fatal.

Sanya switched to offense. She pulled out a machete she had with her and charged down a skeleton. She cut off the arm of the skeleton with one swipe, and used a horizontal slash to remove it’s head.

Alexsi’s poisonous grenade caused the final skeleton to collapse.

All that remained was the Ghoul, And Keyen along with Nicolai had been fighting with the beast.

Keyen sucker punched the fiend, making it stumble backward. The Ghoul was able to slash at Both Keyen and Nicolai, inflicting wounds and causing their eldritch blood to ooze out of their veins.

But with only the ghoul left, the unholy beast was outnumbered 7 to 1. Rou and Sanya begun their own assault, and Alexsi, Vulcan, and Stark pounded on it with their ranged weapons.

The Ghouls stood no chance against all 7 of them. And he was the final beast to fall.

With every last Unholy Creature driven into the ground, The Group put away their weapons.

“Let’s give the humans the good news.” Said Rou

Back with the order and their friends, they have rebuilt the path out of cobblestone, and were nearly complete.

“Guys?” Asked Axel, when he saw his seven eldritch friends.

“You killed them all?” Asked Soren

“Hell yeah we did!” Said Sanya

“Is the path done?” Asked Nicolai

“We just finished.” Said Kate. everyone headed upstairs, not wanting to fight any more monsters.

Lukas, Soren, Petra and Kate sealed off the stairs, securing their safety.

“Everyone’s here, right?” Asked Jesse

Gabriel did a headcount. “Yes, everyone’s safe up here.

“Quite the room.” Said Nicolai

“Nice and Big too.” Added Rou

“Well ,what now? The Ghouls have still swarmed our fortress back home…” Said Petra

“First you need Weapons. In the end, every plan relies on a strong body and sturdy sword.” Said Alexsi.

“Well, Can we wait like, 2 hours? I’m tired as crap.” Said Vulcan

“Ditto.” Said Keyen

“Same.” Added Sanya

“You must be tired from fighting all those cultists. Why don’t you seven get some shut-eye until dawn, and we can come up with something? You deserve a rest.” Said Magnus

“Alright. We’ll get a bonfire going. You guys try to think of plan to take the fortress back.” Said Sanya

The Eldritch group walked over to one side of the room. Sanya good some wood and began to make a fire.

Kate, Jesse and Emerald were pleased with Their actions. The three of them walked towards them

“That was cool, what you did back there, Guys.” Kate said to her Eldritch friends.

“It seems there are miracles, but I am no saint.” Said Nicolai

“That’s an… interesting way of putting it.” Said Jesse

“Well, I’m usually as determined as you are when i fight to defend my friends. Very well done, all of you.” Said Kate

“No sweat, Kate. We’ll ride to hell is need be!” Said Sanya confidently.

“Kind in mind you three: sometimes the best option in a fight is to not fight at all. The sin is not in being outmatched, but in failing to recognize it.” said Alexsi.

“But there are some situations where you will find it impossible to flee from a fight.” Rou added.

“Well, you guys work so well together as a team.” Said Emerald.

‘We live in a post apocalypse world. What choice did we have?” Asked Keyen

His 6 eldritch comrades laughed a little.

“You’re all doing great. Stay Determined.” Said Kate.

“I live for the sole purpose to fight for the Eldritch way of life. And I promise you, I will redeem my debt.” Said Nicolai

Aiden walked up “You’re still guilty about it?” He asked Nicolai

“To be frank, yes. But I’ve heard about you too, Aiden. What was done at Sky City cannot be truly erased, but you have made Amends. The Path ahead will take you to hell, but in that gaping abyss, we will find our redemption.” Said Nicolai.

“And Kate, if you’re still upset with Nethra, don’t be. She died a horrible death for a worthy cause, but she wouldn't have it any other way. You can’t bring her back.” Said Alexsi

“I was there, Kate. She wants you to keep fighting. And she didn’t mean just Oxidai. I’m sure there are evil beings in your world, yes? Keep Fighting. It’s the best way you can honor Nethra. Fulfill the promise Kate. Honor the Woman’s Wish she made to you with her dying breath.”

Kate recalled how Nethra died. She was horrible wounded and bleeding out, but…

She remembered that soft smile as she drew her final breath.

Even when she’s got holes the size of spears punctured in her torso, she never lost hope.

Kate had been mentally broken about her loss,

But that’s the last thing she would want.

Kate’s frown slowly shifted to a small smile.

“You feel better about it?” Asked Emerald

“I still feel pretty horrible about it, but… She Never lost hope, even when she lost her life.” Said Kate.

“Tea, Anyone?” Asked Rou. She had brewed a kettle over Sanya’s bonfire.

The Group ate, talked, Vulcan was as moronic as ever, and they all went to sleep.

Kate was the last to fall asleep, other than Ellegaard, who was keeping watch in case of an ambush.

Kate’s eyes were glued to the stars.

“Nethra… look… There’s no way i can really bring you back, and.. I’m sorry but… you don’t want me moping over it, do you?” She asked herself.

Kate remembered her promise to Mara, to never take a life after she had slain the Dark King, Hell bent on ruling her world.

Kate removed her glasses and got in a sleeping position.

She had no idea if Nethra could here her or not, but…

Half of her human friends would be dead if it wasn’t for what her Eldritch friends had done. Nethra gave her life to allow Kate to press on.

Kate closed her eyes, and she would just have to give it her all in the morning.

Remembering what Nicolai said, she said it again. The phrase fit the Dreamer of Peace Perfectly.

“It seems there are miracles, but I am no saint.”