A Hero In The Dark

Chapter 49: A Deal, Is It?

I've been flying over buildings and fields for a few hours, the entire time staring out the window and wondering where it is we are going or when we will get there or if the others are following.

I am in a helicopter with three other Mogadorians, all of which hold their mog weaponry on their laps. Swords, cannons, daggers.

I try not to look at them. The weapons or the mogs.

I am restless in the chopper, refusing to take a seat on the metal bench across from one of them. The only thought going through my mind is whether or not my family is safe or how I will ensure their freedom.

"Where are we going?" I ask. It's the first time I turn to face them since I was thrown into the helicopter.

One of the mogs grunt, clutching tight to his cannon. While the others pay me no attention. "We are almost there," he says coldly.

As a matter of fact, he was right.

Within the next hour or so, the helicopter lands in a field of grass. A forest of trees and bush are visible from afar and a large mountain lies ahead.

The doors open and the mogs jump out. I stand rooted in place.

Upon noticing that I have not moved, one of the mogs grab my wrist and pull me out by force. I nearly fall to the rough gravel below but catch myself.

It's then that I find my surroundings familiar.

The mountainous cave of West Virginia. The source of so much pain.

It's quiet. A soft wind blows through my hair. Crickets chirp and the night comes alive when the helicopter rotors cease.

The mogs begin heading to the cave's entrance, talking in their foreign language and wandering the grounds. All but one, whom flanks me and shoves me forward. "Onward," he states boldly.

And so, I walk ahead of the Mogadorian to the eerie and foreboding cave.

I sense Pixie squirm, feeling cramped in my pocket. So, with telekinesis, I open the pocket wide and whisper to her, "Time to go."

Seeming to understand, a moth flies out of my shirt pocket. None of the Mogadorians think anything of it. Frankly, I don't think any of them even noticed.

I am pushed by the enemy trailing behind. I must've been walking too slow.

Just before I enter the cave's darkness, I find the courage to ask, "Where are they?"

The mog does not answer. I freeze in my tracks.

Ahead of me, marching in my direction with a Golden Cane in hand, is the One that caused my pain not so long ago. Setrákus Ra.

He marches alone, with only a few Mogadorians some distance behind. It isn't him that sends shockwaves through my heart this time. It is the three following his lead.

My Father. My Mother. My Brother.

They hobble a few paces after. It appears my Father has a limp. Though my Mother and Brother seem to be fine aside from a few bruises. Still, my heart aches at the thought that they've been hurt.

As soon as we meet eyes, I know they are desperate to run to me; to wrap their arms around me with love.

And they try to. But Setrákus Ra holds out his Golden Cane at his side, blocking their attempt. My Father's arms reach around my Mother and Brother in an attempt to protect them. Even from a distance away, I can see a fear in his eyes that I have never seen before.