And so, tomorrow finally arrived.
Dennis woke up first, although not very enthusiastically. The loud wind coming from outside the cave woke him up against his will. He woke up slowly and grumpily, then got up with a frustrated sigh. 'Looks like tomorrow's finally here'. He looked to the side and saw that Maya was still sleeping peacefully.
'Lucky'
Dennis was a very light sleeper and it was very easy for him to be woken up by even the slightest noise. He was also the type to be fully awake the second he did wake up, so going back to sleep was virtually impossible for him unless he was willing to wait a couple of hours.
With a small hatred in his heart towards the world for ruining his sleep, he made his way out of the cave. The weather was colder than the days before. The sun was gone and instead, the sky was filled with dark clouds that looked like they were about to spill a rainstorm. The once light and warm breeze was replaced by a cold and heavy wind that sent his hair and clothes flowing along with it.
'What lovely weather we're having' Dennis thought as he tried to force a smile on his face. Cold and rainy weather had always been Dennis's favourite. He found it to be much more peaceful, enjoyable, and bearable than sunny weather, so much so that he would always sit out in the rain whenever it appeared, no matter how many times people called him weird for it. But right now, he just couldn't enjoy it like he used to.
'Man,I miss my videogames. This weather would've been perfect for a stream' He thought, trying to distract himself
(Sigh) 'Anyway, I hope it rains soon'
After taking in the weather, Dennis sat down and started brooding once again.
'.... I really hope Maya doesn't wake up. Maybe I can convince Lyra to do the hunt tomorrow or maybe next week... but, I'm sure she won't allow it'
His mind went blank for a second as he thought about what was to come. Then, Dennis quickly looked up, trying to stop the tears in his eyes from falling out
'Why did it have to be me? Why did I buy that stupid book? Why did I try that stupid ritual?'
'How do I get out of this mess?'
"How am I supposed to fight those things?.... How?"
The tears eventually started falling down Dennis's face as he thought of the dreadful day he was about to have, while he grabbed his hair in frustration.
"Morning" Maya said with an exhausted yawn as she exited the cave. "Wow, it looks like it's gonna rain soon" She predicted while looking up at the sky. Then, she looked towards Dennis, who still hadn't returned her greeting.
"Morning!" She repeated even louder. But still, no reply from Dennis.
She walked closer towards him then sat down next to him. "What are you brooding about?" Dennis ignored her once again.
With a sigh, she finally asked, "Okay dude, what's wrong?"
Still, no reply. She moved closer to him, moving her face towards his, but he just turned away.
"Are you... crying?" Maya asked, as she remembered the exact same situation happening when their roles were reversed.
Dennis still didn't reply. Maya paused for a moment, thinking of what she should say next.
"We can beat them"
There was a moment of silence before,
"How?" Dennis said softly, his voice cracking
"I don't know... but... there surely is a way"
"What way? Didn't you hear what Lyra said? We're so weak that we shouldn't even be able to speak... if that's how things work here, then... how?"
"Remember the contract? We have Lyra's powers"
"Yeah but they're basically useless right now! We can't even use the actual magic! All we have are some small boosts, which is still nothing compared to the monsters in here!
We're weak. Possibly the weakest things in this entire world. We have no magic, no weapons and no other way to fight them... so how?" Two tears fell down his face.
Maya stayed silent for a moment, not sure of what to do. So she gently held his hand and said, "All we can do now is trust Lyra. She promised to help us find a way back home. There's no way she would try to kill us immediately after that." Dennis turned his face toward her.
"How do you know? I saw one of them face to face. I almost died you know! And even after I managed to get away... I almost died again. I don't want to go back there. I don't want to see it again"
"I know. I also don't wanna see it or any of the others but... we have no choice remember?."
"I know. But..."
"Don't worry. Lyra promised to help us so there is no reason not to trust her on this. She also knows how... weak we are, so there's no reason or gain for her to give us an overly dangerous job to do. So, cheer up and just trust her" Maya said gently with a light smile on her face.
"...Fine" Dennis replied after another moment of silence.
To try and lighten the mood while also preparing for later, Maya started planning cheerfully,"So, which one are we hunting first?"
Dennis paused for a while, "I say... we go for the giant centipede first"
"Good idea. It sounds like the easiest and least scary option since it's basically just a giant bug. But... are you sure you want to go for it first?" Maya asked full worry for Dennis.
"Well, as you said, it's the easiest one out of the three. Plus, I've seen it before, so I know how to escape in case we fail. Unfortunately, I have no idea how to fight against it." Dennis replied, sorrowfully.
"So, I guess it's settled then. By the way, do you know where to find it?"
"Not exactly. But... I kinda remember where I last saw it so maybe it's around there"
"Alright, then I guess you'll lead the way" Maya said before asking, "Wait, but what if it rains?"
Dennis took a deep breath before forcing out the words, "What? Are you scared of rain?"
Maya didn't respond for a second before understanding what he was trying to do. Then, she retorted, "I'm not scared of rain i just don't wanna get sick"
A tiny smile formed on Dennis's face "So, in other words, you are"
Maya looked at him and smiled
'at least he seems to be doing better'
***
(Dennis)
We were just about to leave the cave. I went back in to fetch my stick then came back out. Maya was still tying her shoes. She put up her hoodie and started walking ahead of me. I stayed back trying to stall as much as I could, because... I still wasn't ready to go yet. I just stood there, facing the ground while gritting my teeth, trying to force myself to start moving. But I couldn't.
After a few seconds, I felt something grabbing my hand. I looked back and it was Maya.
"What are you doing?" I asked
She closed her eyes,opened them, and said playfully, "You do remember what I said right? If you're too scared to go out, then I'll hold your hand"
Hearing that I quickly pulled my hand back in frustration and embarrassment. Then I went ahead and finally started walking.
It may not have been for long, but when Maya held my hand... it was cold and I could feel it shivering lightly like it was before.
Only then did I realize how much of a coward I am. This girl for the second time now, was able to face danger and potential death with resolve and optimism, while I just sat there and cowered in fear. And to make matters worse, she's just as scared as I am!
But... I've always been this way. That's why I always wore that mask. That's why I locked myself up in my house. Because I was scared... because I am scared.
But this girl... she's amazing. I may not know much about her but... she really is amazing.
But me? I've really got to get myself together.
***
The two kept walking at a slightly faster pace than usual. Maya had caught up to Dennis and the two were now walking side by side. They walked for a bit up until they reached the hill, and once they did, they started climbing. The steep hill was a bit difficult to climb but they made it to the top in less than a minute.
"Okay, it's around here somewhere, although last time I saw it, it was farther back. There's no telling if that's still the case, so stay alert."
"Okay" Maya responded, tensing up a little bit.
They paused for a moment then continued on their way to collect the head of the Chitinous Reaper.