The Hole

knock knock

"Wait a minute," said Aria. She hurriedly opened the door, and as she did, a gust of wind swept into her house, darkening the sky outside. Standing before her was Remus.

"Ah... Remus, what brings you here?" Aria asked, curiosity evident in her voice.

"I have a favor to deliver on behalf of my friend, Nelson,”

“What is it?”

“He wants to meet you tomorrow at noon in the café where we met before," explained Remus, somewhat hesitant.

Aria's curiosity piqued further. "What does he want to talk about?"

Remus shrugged.

"I'm not sure. It might be something personal, but he didn't provide any further details. He just asked me to relay the message to you."

"I see... Well, I am busy tomorrow, but I can make time for lunch. Let him know that I'll be there," Aria replied, contemplating the mysterious meeting.

Remus nodded, giving her a thumbs up. "However, you look pretty in your casual dress, Aria,"

Aria blushed slightly, feeling both flattered and a little self-conscious.

"Oh, stop it. I was just cooking dinner. Anyway, would you like to eat with me?"

Remus's face lit up with a smile, but he knew he couldn't accept the invitation. He though about Aria's closeness with his vice captain and he also has to go the special guards’s base.

"I'm sorry, I have to go. Thank you for the invitation," he said, turning to leave.

As he walked away, he noticed Theon standing by the road, seemingly waiting for him. Remus approached him, ready to report.

"What were you doing?" Theon asked.

"Nothing major, sir. I just had small business with Aria," replied Remus.

"I thought you were at the base, sir"

"I was,”

“Shall we go together sir?” Remus inquired.

Theon shook his head.

"No, go ahead. I have some business to take care of here as well,"

"A-alright, understood, sir," Remus acknowledged, before making his way back to the base.

knock knock.

The sound of footsteps approached, and Aria opened the door, expecting to see Remus.

"Do you have something else to say, Remus?" Aria asked, surprised.

"I'm sorry, I'm not Remus," Theon replied, a hint of amusement in his voice.

"No no no.. Forgive me, Theon. I mistook you for Remus," Aria said, feeling a bit embarrassed.

"No problem. I saw him too. Anyway, I need you to come with me,"

"Just give me a moment. I'm still eating, and I haven't dressed up either,"

"You didn't ask where I'll be taking you," Theon pointed out.

"I am curious, but as long as it's with you, I have no problem going anywhere," Aria admitted, her cheeks turning slightly red.

"I see," Theon mumbled, his own face flushing.

"Is it something very important? Should I go right away?"

"It's okay. You can finish your food first,"

"Alright then. Would you like some? I still have food," Aria offered, gesturing towards her plate. Theon pondered for a moment, realizing that he would be waiting for her anyway. So, he decided to join her.

"I’ll accept your offer," he replied, stepping inside. Aria served him some curry, and they sat together, eating and chatting for a while. The aroma of spices filled the room, creating a cozy atmosphere. Once they finished, they made their way to the special guard base together.

At the Hazelbury special guards base, all the members were already gathered in the meeting room when Theon and Aria arrived.

"Sorry, we're late," Theon apologized.

"No problem. Shall we begin?" Adrian asked.

"Yes, sir," everyone responded in unison.

"For the next mission, we will scout the hole that has appeared in the dark forest. Since it will be challenging, we will go with full force and request assistance from the priests. Theon, I need you to reach out to them," Adrian instructed.

"I've heard that the place is teeming with monsters, sir," Remus mentioned.

"That's correct. The dark forest is already known for its monster population, but the depths beneath are even more dangerous. We need to be well-prepared and venture deeper to gather information about the boss monster residing there," explained Adrian.

"When will the mission be executed, sir?" Lucas inquired.

"In two days. Tomorrow night, we will have a strategic meeting here, so make sure to prepare yourselves," declared Adrian.

"Yes, sir!" the team replied in unison.

After the meeting, some members headed home, leaving Theon, Aria, and Adrian in the meeting room.

"It seems very dangerous," Aria voiced her concerns.

"But you requested to go, so you have to be there," Theon responded with a playful smile.

"Hmph, I didn't say I wouldn't go," Aria retorted, a slight frown on her face.

"Aria, could you ask two more priests to join the mission?" Adrian asked.

"I'm sorry, sir, but I can't. I believe I am capable enough on my own, and adding more people would only increase the risk. We have limited numbers at the church," Aria explained firmly.

Adrian appeared surprised, glancing at Aria before looking at Theon. Theon nodded, silently signaling that everything would be fine.

"Alright then, see you all tomorrow," Adrian said before leaving.

Theon greet him back and stared at Aria.

"I'll walk you home," Theon offered.

"Yeah," Aria replied, her voice filled with weariness.

They walked home together, the night enveloping them with a chilly breeze and rustling leaves. A sense of silence hung in the air, with no words exchanged between them until they reached the front of Aria's house.

"Get some rest and don't stay up late," Theon reminded her.

"I won't! You take care on your way home," Aria replied, waving her hand in farewell.

Theon waved back, Aria watches him carefully as if ensuring his safety. Once he was out of sight, Aria entered her house, closing the door behind her.

In the next day, Aria and Nelson met at the café. They sat facing each other, and the table only had drinks, no food in sight.

“Wanna eat or drink?” ask Nelson.

“No need, please make it short, I’ve something to do after this,” said Aria.

“Alright alright, then Aria, I have some information about the hole and the monsters. Could you please ask Theon to let me join the mission?" Nelson requested.

Aria was taken aback.

"How did you find out about that? And how do you know about the mission?"

"As I mentioned before, I have my sources. I've been gathering information because there's something I need to discover inside that hole," Nelson explained, a tinge of sadness in his expression.

"Hmm... Give me a moment to think," Aria replied, feeling confused. After contemplating for a while, she continued,

"I’ll try to ask Theon. Although, it might be easier if you ask him or Remus directly,"

"But you're the closest to Theon," Nelson pointed out.

"Yeah.... anyway don’t put hope too much, I just deliver your request to him, I won’t beg him or anything," Feeling a mix of flustered and pleased.

“That’s enough, thank you for that,” said Nelson.

“It’s alright no problem, then, see ya,” After their conversation, she excused herself from the café and headed to the church, leaving Nelson alone to ponder his next steps.

In the afternoon at the Hazelbury Special Guard's base, Adrian and Theon stood facing each other, their expressions reflecting the weight of the conversation they were engrossed in. Their serious demeanor emphasized the significance of their upcoming mission as the fading sunlight cast long shadows, adding an air of gravity to the scene.

"Actually, I have something to say about going all out for the scouting mission, I think that’s not a good plan sir," Theon voiced his concern.

"I understand your worries, but not bringing all members might leave us vulnerable due to manpower shortage," said Adrian looked at him solemnly.

"But going in with full force could also lead to unnecessary casualties," Theon countered.

"Don't let negative thoughts cloud your judgment. Trust in our preparation and strategy. The more people we have, the higher our chances of success," Adrian urged.

With a sigh, Theon relented. "You're right. I trust your judgment, sir,"

"By the way, there's something I want to ask you," Adrian continued.

"What is it, sir?" Theon inquired.

"Is it wise to rely on just one priest to cover the entire unit?" Adrian questioned.

"It's not just any priest. Aria is special among the Priests," Theon explained.

"What is it?" Adrian's curiosity was piqued.

"Didn't you know, sir? She's a high priest," Theon revealed.

"High priest? This is the first I'm hearing of it. I once encountered a high priest whose sanctuary skill was invaluable on the battlefield," Adrian mused.

"That's right, sir. Sanctuary is the highest of priest skills. Those who master it are considered high priests," Theon clarified.

"Interesting. So that's why you were in agreement about not bringing additional priests," Adrian remarked.

"Indeed, and there are two more skills Aria possesses besides sanctuary: holy sword and another secret skill which, with all due respect, I can't tell you sir," Theon informed.

Adrian nodded knowingly. "No problem at all. So, she can defend her self,"

"Yes, sir. Although, it's unfortunate that Aria is quite inexperienced with swords. I once tried to teach her, but she fled," Theon chuckled.

Adrian grinned. "I can imagine. You are a monster when teaching someone,"

Theon gave a wry smile. "I have nothing to say to that, sir."

"Anyway, let's hope for the best on this mission," Adrian said.

"Indeed, sir," Theon replied.

Before long, the rest of the Hazelbury Special Guard members arrived, led by Remus and Lucas. Despite the meeting being scheduled to begin in a couple of hours, some members had gathered early at the base.

"Why have you both arrived so early?" Adrian asked.

"I've completed my preparations, sir. It seemed prudent to come ahead of time," Lucas replied.

"Same here, sir," Remus added.

"You may not have much to do here either, but at least you guys won’t be late," Adrian nodded.

The meeting started as planned after the two-hour wait, and all members, including Aria, were present. Adrian and Theon led the meeting smoothly.

"Any questions?" Theon inquired.

"I do, actually," Aria spoke up.

"Go ahead," Theon encouraged.

"I have a friend who possesses valuable information about the hole. He wishes to contribute to the missi-," her words were cut off.

"No, he can't join the mission. Although he can provide us with information and be compensated accordingly, allowing him to participate is out of the question," Theon stated firmly.

"Indeed, Aria. I apologize, but we never permit anyone apart from priests to accompany us on missions," Adrian explained.

“We do actually,” Theon whispered to himself thinking about Chloe.

"I understand. I'm sorry," Aria replied.

"If I may interject, the friend Aria mentioned is also my acquaintance. While I know we have strict policies, he's genuinely capable," Remus intervened.

"Even so, our answer remains unchanged. The information we've gathered, coupled with our expertise, is sufficient. While more knowledge enhances our odds, introducing an untrusted person is a risk," Theon emphasized.

"I understand, sir. You're right," Remus acknowledged.

"Any other questions?" Theon asked.

"No, sir," came the unified response.

"Good, oh yeah, and last thing, Lucas! Don’t let your sister come,” said Theon.

“I will sir,” said Lucas.

“Head home immediately and rest. We depart in the morning," Theon concluded.

After the intense meeting concluded, everyone dispersed, making their way home. Both Theon and Aria left separately. Aria couldn't shake off a sense of disappointment from her rejected offer, even though she didn't necessarily expect it to be accepted. The way Theon had denied her proposal had left an uneasy feeling lingering within her.

As today become yesterday and tomorrow into today, the atmosphere at the Hazelbury Special Guard's base was tense, and everyone was gearing up for the upcoming mission. Adrian and Theon stood at the forefront, their expressions serious and determined, while Aria stood behind them. With unity and focus, they ventured into the ominous hole that had appeared in the heart of the dark forest. The monsters on the forest surface were swiftly dealt with, and they cautiously entered the hole, aware of the danger that lay ahead.

However, the sight that met them inside the hole was astonishing. Firstly, the depth of the hole was overwhelming, plunging into darkness and the scream. Secondly, they encountered bizarre and formidable unknown creatures. A group of peculiar birds attacked them with fiery breath and razor-sharp wings. Moving on, they encountered colossal two-headed, three-eyed snakes that left destruction in their way. Finally, they faced off against a massive spider and its offspring, the mother spider reigning over a web of death.

“Remus, James, Edmund, Anthony take care the birds. Lucas, Nic, and Tiam stay by Aria side, and the rest will head to the snake, and keep alert to the spider,” said Theon.

“Yes sir!” everyone shouted.

Theon quickly took charge, assigning tasks to his team members. Remus, James, Edmund, and Anthony were responsible for the birds, while Lucas, Nic, and Tiam remained by Aria's side. The rest of the team engaged the snakes, all the while keeping a wary eye on the spiders. The battle unfolded with rapid intensity.

Remus, with his sword with expert precision, slashed through the bizarre birds, joined by James' ranged attacks and Edmund and Anthony's teamwork. At the same time, Theon utilized his ice manipulation to immobilize the snakes. However, their bodies oozed a corrosive acid that rendered conventional weapons ineffective. Recognizing the danger, Theon directed his teammates to keep their distance from the acid-covered snakes.

“Sir, get back, the acid is really bad if you try to touch them,” said Theon.

“It is hard, Theon! Try to make them fall into the second hole,” said Adrian.

“Alright sir,” said Theon.

Theon manipulated his ice to create a slope, causing the snakes to tumble into the abyss. But this action inadvertently led the snakes to crash into the spider web, enraging the arachnids.

As the spiders swarmed toward them, Theon ordered his team to focus on the new threat. The battle against the spiders was fierce, with the team working together to cut down the arachnids. However, the number of spiders is too much.

“We are overwhelmed, sir!” Ryan exclaimed.

“We must endure and keep fighting. If we can thin their numbers, we'll have a chance,” Theon urged.

Amid the chaos, a sudden cry of pain pierced the air as Wright and Red were bitten by the spiders.

“Aria!” Theon shouted.

“Sanctuary!” Aria's voice rang out.

Aria's sanctuary enveloped the area in a brilliant dome of light. The healing energy within the dome mended wounds and neutralized poison, providing vital relief to the team. Yet, the spiders persisted, and the situation grew direr. The poison that they got are disappear and the wounds that others member got are healed. The birds seem got scared after the spider mother move. The spiders are actually a bad idea, they are not regular spider, but they are the kind of spider that never known in Arindale, they have red color with 8 eyes and 6 legs, people who got bite would be temporarily paralyzed and their mana flow would stop, if this happened to a mage, it would be fatal.

Recognizing the urgency, Theon ordered his comrades to escape the hole. “Faster!” said Theon, he shouted because the spider mother comes to them and the spiders now even more appeared.

The spiders' aggressiveness seemed weaker as the mother spider moved, allowing them a moment of respite. However, as they neared the exit, the mother spider blocked their path, sealing the hole with her web. Captain Adrian, Theon, Red, and Wright found themselves trapped.

“We need to remove the web, and it's confusing why those outside seem doing nothing, I thought they were trying to get rid off the web as well and also the tiny spiders are annoying,” Theon mused.

“That’s indeed weird, but don’t think too much, maybe they are facing something there, we have to do it by ourself,” said Adrian.

“Sir we will try to distract their attention, since we couldn’t do much either,” said Red.

“Right sir,” said Wright.

“Keep safe,” said Theon.

“I’ll go with them,” said Adrian.

“Yes sir,” said Theon.

After that, red and wright try to distract the spiders, and red trying to poison the spiders they are now paralyzed. Wright and red are trying their best to distract the spider, they doing it while chatting each other.

"Haha, isn't it ironic? A poison master getting poisoned," Red chuckled.

"Stay focused," Wright replied.

“I know, but I think you know, right?” said Red.

“Yeah, we are likely dead here,” said Wright.

"The situation's bad, and Captain Adrian is struggling against the spider mother. Our priority is keeping the vice-captain safe," Red said, sharing his thoughts.

"Of course, let's make sure Vice Captain Wright gets out of here," Wright agreed.

As their diversion continued, Red couldn't help but voice his thoughts. "I can't help but wonder what's happening outside,"

"Who knows? Maybe they're abandoning us," Wright speculated.

Red responded sternly, "Shut your mouth!! they won’t do something like leaving their friend, you know this after years become comrades,"

Wright sighed, "Apologies, I can't seem to think straight,"

Meanwhile, Theon struggling with the spider mother's web. The web is thick and sticky, his ice couldn’t pierce the web. Suddenly, a thunderous noise echoed from the second hole, startling all four of them. A snake's corpses were flying into view, smashing into the web. The corrosive acid dissolved a portion of the web, setting them free. Yet, the snake's remnants struck Wright and Red. In an unfortunate twist, the other parts of the snake's body collided with Adrian, catching him off guard and because of that Adrian was bitten by the spider mother, the venomous fangs piercing him. Shocked and motionless, he met an abrupt death.

“Aria!!! Sanctuary!!! Please, Aria!!!” Theon's plea echoed through the cavern.

Silence was his only answer. Tears streamed down Theon's face as he muttered, “You're all dead now,” indicating the monsters.

Theon's hands moved with a deliberate purpose. “Cryogenesis!” he shouted. An icy torrent surged forth, enveloping him. Gradually, the cold spread. The air grew frigid, anyone who got hit or touch by the ice will froze to death, even though they can manage to avoid it, the air is freezing, it’s hard to breath.

“I could,’t use this skill earlier, but now... hahahaha ha ha,” Theon's voice quivered, laughter intermingling with tears.

All of the enemies inside the hole are dead, Theon couldn’t use this skill earlier because it will affect his comrades as well. Eventually, he emerged from the icy hole and discovered his comrades on the outside struggling with something. Theon's shock, he feels like he is trapped, surround him is invisible wall, and everyone are trying to get rid off it but they couldn’t do much.

"What's happening?" Theon muttered to himself, his voice barely audible amidst the chaos outside the invisible wall.

“Everyone seems shouting about something but I can’t hear it,” said Theon.

Theon attempted to strike the invisible barrier, his efforts yielding no results. He sits down, his face showing full of sadness. His fellow comrades stood outside the barrier, observing him with lowered heads. They seemed to grasp the gravity of what had happened within the hole after their escape. Confusion and tears painted the expressions of some, while others cast their eyes downward in solemn understanding. Amid this emotional landscape, Aria's starring on Theon, a blend of sadness and relief in her eyes. She had feared losing her closest friend.

As time passed, the barrier unexpectedly dissolved, reuniting Theon with the rest of the group. Yet, his lips remained sealed, his face shows nothing but sorrow. Abruptly, a figure approached—a familiar face. It was Nelson.

Nelson's voice cut through the tense atmosphere. "Hello everyone," he greeted.

"What are you doing here?" Aria's voice held a mix of surprise and suspicion.

"You know him?" Theon inquired.

Aria confirmed with a nod. "Yeah, he's the friend I mentioned earlier,"

"What do you want?" ask Theon.

"Hey hey, don't be mad. It's actually quite impressive that you managed to kill those monsters on your own," he remarked.

"What are you trying to say?" ask Theon.

"I know all about the monsters here, their abilities, and how tough they can be. So, let's cut to the chase. I want to offer my help. My goal is to seal all the holes that have been appearing around the world. One of them is here. How about we team up, Sir Theon?" said Nelson got straight to the point.

Theon's response was tinged with a sigh. "Give me some time to think,"

"No problem. I'll be waiting at the café tomorrow noon. Aria knows the place, so just ask her. Bye for now!" With that, he departed.

"How the fuck did u say? Why didn't you just accept the offer? The captain and two of our friends are dead because of you!" Remus couldn't contain his frustration.

"Shut up!"

"I'm leaving," Remus declared before making his exit.

"Everyone, disband!" said Theon. Silently, the group dispersed. Though their bodies were unharmed, the weight of the recent events bore heavily on their hearts and minds.

"Theon, should we go too?" Aria's voice was filled with concern.

"Go ahead,"

"What are you waiting for?" ask Aria.

"I'm waiting for the ice to melt. I want to bring my comrades' bodies out and give them a proper funeral,"

"Then, I'll wait here with you."

They remained seated together, Aria's attempts to console Theon even though Theon still remain silent. Hours slipped by as they sat in silence. Eventually, Aria stood up, breaking the quietude. "Theon, I'm going to step away for a while, but I'll be back. Please wait for me,"

No reply

Aria left for her home, venturing into the dangerous dark forest but the monsters seem nowhere to be found, since they already take care of it. Time passed, and she returned with food. "Here, eat some food or you'll get sick," she gently urged.

Although Theon remained silent, he accepted the food and began to eat. Aria feels and she begin to eat as well. Conversation remained silent until night. Sleep from exhaustion she drifted into slumber.

Upon awakening in the middle of the night, Aria noticed she had used Theon's coat as a makeshift blanket. This small act of care brought her a sense of solace, and she resumed her rest. Morning sunlight filtered through the trees, rousing Aria from her sleep. However, Theon was nowhere to be found. She looked her surroundings anxiously, her search interrupted by noises emanating from the hole. It was Theon, trying to shatter the Cryogenesis ice with his magic. Next to him lay two bodies, covered in ice.

Sensing Aria's approach, Theon spoke urgently, "Don't come here! The air is thin, it's dangerous."

"But you haven't rested yet,"

"Don't worry, it'll be over soon,"

Aria returned, and from afar Lucas, Chloe, and maids from Ashenmark residence emerged. Chloe's worry was evident as she inquired, "Where's Theon?"

"He's inside the hole, but don't come in. The Cryogenesis effect is still active," said Aria.

"It's been six years since he last cast that spell," Lucas added.

"What's Cryogenesis?" ask Chloe.

"It's a dangerous skill that can freeze people to death," replied Lucas

"Let's halt the chatter. Maids, please prepare food and clothes for Theon," said Aria.

After they finished preparing food and clothes, Theon emerged from the hole carrying three lifeless bodies. Everyone remains silent. Theon then motioned for Lucas to gather more members to assist in moving the deceased. With a heavy heart, Theon consumed his meal and change his clothes for fresh clothing. It wasn't long before Lucas returned, accompanied by Tiam and Nic, to transport the bodies back to the base.

"Aria, come with me," Theon requested.

"Okay," Aria responded.

"The rest of you, return to the residence," Theon directed.

Theon and Aria made their way to the base as well. Inside, only a handful of individuals remained. Theon wasted no time in delegating the task of handling the bodies once the cryogenesis ice had fully melted, assuring them that it posed no harm. With their responsibilities addressed, Theon and Aria headed to the café to meet Nelson.

"You showed up," Nelson greeted.

"I was already familiar with this place," Theon admitted.

"Great, then we can consider this our future hangout spot," Nelson suggested playfully.

"In your dreams," Theon retorted.

"Ah, well, what about your decision?" Nelson inquired.

"You already know the answer, yet you still ask?" Theon replied.

"Of course, if you were going to reject it, you wouldn't have come here in the first place," Nelson remarked.

"It's settled then, right? Let's head home, Theon," Aria interjected.

"You're right," Theon agreed.

"You seem exhausted, my friend. Just let me know the date of our next mission, alright?" Nelson requested.

"I know,"

As Theon and Aria departed, Nelson remained seated. The rest of the day, Theon used it for resting, and Aria came back home, they remain silent with what happened inside the hole, Aria was afraid to ask Theon, and Theon didn’t want to talk about that, and the rest of the members are wondering as well since Theon didn’t say anything.

After a long rest of 14 hours, Theon awake. He made his way to the base, all the members had assembled, standing solemnly around the bodies, ready for a proper burial. Theon took a lead, making a dignified funeral for their fallen comrades. The ceremony was attended by a multitude, their grief is obvious through tearful eyes and heavy hearts. Amidst the sorrow, Theon stood strong, guiding the proceedings. Flowers were placed, tributes paid, and with the final farewell, the fallen were laid to rest.

Following the poignant ceremony, the members of the Hazelbury Special Guard gathered. Theon address them, his words carrying weight and purpose. He recounted the horrific events that had unfolded within the treacherous hole and shared his vision for the future of the special guards. Amidst his speech, he revealed a surprising decision – he appeared disinclined to assume the role of captain, yet equally unwilling to pass the position to another. Thus, the position remained vacant, a testament to the gravity of their loss.

After the gathering, Theon sought an audience with the prince. He recounted the recent events, painting a detailed picture of the trials they had faced within the depths of the hole. The discussion culminated in the formulation of a plan for their next mission. As the conversation concluded, both parties departed, resolute in their determination to face the challenges that lay ahead.