Chapter 7 The Driver and the Corrupted Forest

Steel Driver

Chapter 7 The Driver and the Corrupted Forest

The tower stood five stories tall, its mud brick crumbling beneath the afternoon sun. Its surface was a pale and cracked white paint with faint geometric patterns lining the curved walls. Bubba knocked on a large single wooden door with engravings of constellations.

The sounds of crashing, falling and breaking glass were heard inside. Bubba looked to Wakasi who shrugged. The wind hollowed through their hair as time seemed to stand still. Bubba went to knock again just as the door swung open.

A woman of blue, scaly skin, and a dragon's face swung open the door in a disheveled state. Her dress was a deep purple and black with glowing yellow geometry, stars, animals, plants and symbols. Green and blue shapes and paths span down the material.

“So this is a dragon-kin.” Bubba thought as the smell of old paper hit him from inside.

“Well did you just come to stare?!” The woman shrieked.

“Ah, sorry. I'm Bubba and… new to the area. We've come about the mapping quest?” Bubba answered shyly.

The woman paused, “Bubba? Ha! What kind of name is that? Oh sorry, sorry. Hey, those glasses… you're not from here are you?”

“Um yes, I did say that.” Bubba looked back to Wakasi who shrugged once again.

“I'm metuune! The nation's greatest wizard!” The woman made a dramatic pose, “And this here's my crystal sunflower.”

Metuune turned to show she had a backpack carrying a huge, cat sized crystal of white with a yellow top. Its jagged edges stretched at the leather bag.

“Wow, that's amazing!” Bubba couldn't help but say.

Metuune’s face lit up, “I know right! Sunflower and I have been together since… “Oh another one? And you are?”

“Wakasi.” She said simply.

“A Centaur huh? Here for the mapping job are we?” Metuune asked.

“Well yes we did say that.” Said Bubba with some confusion.

“Just the two of you? Could be dangerous… Ah well! Here's Jr. he'll absorb the mana in the hills and report back.” Metuune handed Bubba a small blue crystal.

“Oh and they say there's a corrupted crystal out there. The outside’s never safe.” Metuune looked around the street nervously from her door. People walked with purpose, paying her no mind.

“Is it fresh?” Wakasi asked.

“So I'm told, though the last group wasn't too happy about it… Had the nerve to raise their voices at me, and the way they treated that poor girl…” Metuune got lost in the memory.

“A fresh corrupted crystal shouldn't prove too much trouble for me, Red Tails. Worry not. Together we'll be fine.” Wakasi gave a rare smile.

“Ah, about the area. Is it on foot or by road?” Asked Bubba.

“Oh I bet you're wondering if it's by the road!” Metuune seemed to realize independently.

Bubba and Wakasi shared a look of puzzlement.

“The road's magic is the secret to my mapping service, see? Let's the maps connect easily. You couldn't do a real time mana map of the whole country side!” Metuune laughed.

“So it's along those smooth road's path? That helps, I can take the RV.” Bubba realized aloud.

“Huh? I did say that, didn't I?” Metuune tilted her head.

Wakasi put her hand to the bridge of her nose and shook her head.

“Could you tell me about the roads?” Bubba asked, realizing this woman might be a historian of sorts as well.

“You're not from around here are you?” Metuune realized yet again.

Bubba’s face fell, “This woman's mind is on a whole nother planet!”

“Tell you what, Bubba,” she chuckled, “I'll treat you to my vast knowledge if you tell me about those glasses after you return. Oh but… not out here.” She checked the street again as though danger lurked around every corner.

Bubba, oblivious, “Wow! Thanks! We’ll hurry back then!”

“Okay! Hurry back then!” Metuune grinned before slamming the door.

“Was it just me or was that woman very disturbed?” Seraph grumbled.

“Now Seraph, we don't know what she's been through. Maybe she's neurodivergent.” Bubba scolded her.

“The wizard was always said to be… strange, and terrified of the outside. Perhaps the maps are her way of connecting with the wider world?” Wakasi wondered aloud.

“Now that's a theory! Should we get going or wait till morning?” Bubba looked to Wakasi to make the call.

“We can leave, nothing wrong with camping near the city with proper protection, which we possess. Lets us travel by first light too. Ready for your first contract Red Tails?” Wakasi began to walk towards the city gate.

“Um. Shouldn't we mention to Hili that we're leaving?” Bubba questioned her as he followed.

Wakasi’s eyes turned downcast. She nodded and held her crystal necklace, whispering something. It glowed blue for a brief flash.

“It's done. Let's make haste before the sun falls.” With that she walked to the city gate with purpose.

“Oh, that was the magic at work?” Bubba asked, keeping her pace.

“Hm? Oh yes you're unaware of how things work aren't you? The city crysta atop the shell tower received our message and transferred it despite the great distance.” Wakasi explained matter of factly.

“Nice! Real magic! And yes I'm ready. I feel like we could face the whole world together.” Bubba beamed.

Wakasi blushed and looked away.

“You mean us three, big guy? That magic's no better than an old flip phone. But keep using it! It lets me tune into the frequency and learn its language so to speak.” Seraph instructed.

They continued down the stone streets to the gate. The sounds of dinosaur and bird calls swam the wind above the bustle of the city streets as they traveled to the corrupted forest.

. . .

Mountain Girl hummed as she bumped over the overgrown road. Weeds and ferns had taken root, unlike the pristine and magical clear roads Bubba had become accustomed to in this new world. Wakasi ran alongside them, unfazed by the changes around them.

The sparse forest turned into a dense, oppressive canopy under the low sun. Shadows danced around them as the RV kept a slow pace through the hills. The small herds of animals they had passed on the way seemed to disappear, not even the birds sang here.

“Maybe we should have waited till morning?” Bubba asked Seraphina.

“Oh, our first night Wakasi let me know she could see in the dark. Well, moonlight at least. Having second thoughts on our dangerous mission, big guy? Better late than never I guess.” Seraph joked with him.

“Wow, that's amazing. I guess I could get my night vision goggles if needed while we hunt the corrupt crystal.” Bubba realized.

“Sure, and I'll equip my game face.” Seraph laughed.

Wakasi put up a hand and Seraph brought the RV to a slow halt. The door of the RV opened as Wakasi approached.

“It's close. Are you ready to hunt Red Tails?” She asked.

Bubba gulped. “Ready as I'll ever be. Let me gear up.”

Bubba walked to his hidden compartments throughout the RV and equipped his goggles, the crossbow, his Deagle, a machete, and his combat knife. He took his standard prepper backpack and stepped out into the dead silent forest, Wakasi studied him.

“So this is your warrior attire. I thought maybe the day we met was a fluke. Very well, follow me Red Tails.” She walked into the undergrowth, Bubba close behind, hacking at plants that Wakasi simply stepped through.

The silence of the forest wasn't lost on either of them. The swaying canopy and the sounds of plants beneath their feet was all that seemed to ground them to this world. Wakasi held out her crystal, it glowing faintly more or less as they changed directions.

The sun dipped below the hills as they walked for hours, the sky blossoming into waves of pinks and oranges. Fluffy clouds caught the colored rays and painted a scene that would normally be tranquil, however, the smell of blood and bile drew their attention.

Wakasi’s crystal glowed sharply now, flashing red. She dawned her spear.

“We’re close. Steal yourself.” She continued to lead them to the smell up a hill into a light fog.

As they reached the summit all became clear above the mist. Across the way was a large bird-like nest, but made of whole trees. Down below laid a twisted heap of spiked vines, a faint red glow emanating from the center beneath a dense fog.

“Huh, wonder why that other team didn't finish the job?” Bubba asked aloud.

“Oh boy…” Seraph lamented.

Suddenly Wakasi swept Bubba backwards into her side. Catching his feet he heard the clash of metal as a large minotaur had appeared out the mists and swung an axe at him. Wakasi caught the swing with her spear and now held back the beast.

Bubba reacted almost instantly. Swinging in his crossbow he took aim but found the beast's head wore a metal helmet. Thinking with the swift speed only training in shooting could provide, he sent a bolt through the monster's knee. It roared in pain as it fell to only its good knee.

Wakasi wasted no time in quickly dispatching it, but now the silence they had grown accustomed to was drowned out in footfalls.

“Stand tall Red Tails!” Wakasi shouted.

Green goblins broke through the mist. They had the build of short, emaciated men wearing tattered cloth hanging loose, as they swung short swords wildly.

Wakasi held out her palm, sending spikes of ice flying into the group of marauders. Bubba took a shot, finding its mark as the beast fell. To their left another swam through the mist and dove at them with a squeal.

Bubba used his crossbow as a shield against the shorter creature's sword swings before Wakasi brought her spear down from above.

Bubba ran around her, taking shots when he could, blocking blows when he had to, dodging stabs and swings of blades as Wakasi pierced the enemy again and again. The goblins fell fast enough, and soon over a dozen bodies littered the ground. A stronger one pressed its luck against his crossbow, the steel grinding on its surface until it hurt his ears. Wakasi simply kicked the goblin across the field.

The few remaining scattered as a low rumble like that of an alligator mixed with a goose echoed through the fog. Massive footfalls cracked the earth as the mist parted, revealing a carnotaurus being ridden by a minotaur. It hissed, claws digging into the soil as it got low. Roaring, it thundered towards them.

“Run Bubba!” Wakasi shouted as she extended her palm and a huge shard of ice began to materialize in the air.

Bubba didn't listen, of course. He took out his Deagle instinctively and fired. The crack broke the air and slammed through the beast's jaw, sending its head thrashing. It spat and licked at the gaping wound.

The rider prodded the beast forward, its charge now full of directed rage. Wakasi’s spike, the size of a man, flew through the air, only to cut through the beast’s hide on its right. It screamed, but continued on the march as the rider prodded it once more.

She cursed and turned to flee, grabbing Bubba, but his feet were planted firmly into the earth.

“Uh, big guy? Now’s when we run!” Seraph yelled in his ear.

Bubba breathed as Wakasi stopped tugging at him. She could only watch on as he steadied his pistol. Between the vibrating footfalls he took the shot. It pierced the air like a thunderstrike and found its mark. The Carno’s head slumped over as the bullet breached it. Its body came crashing down, sliding toward them, plowing the land with meat and scale.

Wakasi readied herself with her spear as the body buried itself with a slide. The rider roared in fury and leapt off the downed beast. Its hot breath bellowed as its hooves dug into the loose soil. The monster let out a war cry and charged.

Wakasi let out her own cry of fury and dug her own hooves into the ground, her spear held true. Another huge crack broke the sound barrier as Bubba fired once more. The minotaur’s helmet dented, sending the minotaur spiraling, but it regained its composure. It reached them in seconds, circling them as it heaved hot air. Its teeth ground audibly as it shifted the grip on its axe. Suddenly it slammed forward and swung its heavy blade.

Wakasi shielded him with her spear as Bubba retreated a few feet. Another swing, sparks flew, the shriek of steel on steel broke the silent hills. Bubba saw a chance and rolled to the side to fire again into the beast's knee. It fell to its good knee and swung to Wakasi’s legs, but her spear was too quick, blocking the blow before she proceeded to stomp on the beast until it was silent.

“Big guy, this isn’t a game!” Seraph broke his adrenaline-fueled haze.

He reached out to Wakasi to steady himself, his head reeling, hands trembling. She turned to check him, her hands pulling him around to check for damage. “Thank goodness. Looks like you’ve come out clean on your first taste of adventure Red Tails. Not something everyone can say. Your mechanical spirit is right, but… you handled yourself rather well.”

Bubba braced his hands on his knees and assumed a trained breathing technique, the ringing in his ears dying down. The ladies were right, this was more intense than paintball or video games. “By just a little.” he gave a broken chuckle, “I’m alright. Is it over?”

“Finished, thanks to you. Nice shot with your… de-agile?” Wakasi pronounced the strange short hand.

“Deagle. What now?” He panted.

“Now we collect the corrupt crystal and inform the guild about these bodies, if they are lucky, they will make it back here with a team to collect them before nightfall. The Carnotaurus will provide us with ample coin… You might even get noticed, Rookie.” Wakasi smirked at her own idea of a joke as she surveyed the battlefield.

Bubba wheezed, “Guess Monster Hunter is more than a game title now. Let’s find that crystal then.”