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chayacat · 7 months

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Road96: Shandara’s Land (15)

Fandom: Road96

Rated M for Language and Violence.

***

Everything was silent at the hideout. Mitch was with Sonya, comforting her as best he could. And trying to recover from his emotions with a good hot chocolate. Jarod smoked peacefully outside, observing the starry sky. Fanny and John cared for Alex as the most precious of their treasure. Maybe a little too much for the taste of the young boy. Stan was on the small terrace at the top of the building, he was sitting on the floor, also observing the starry sky under his hood. Suddenly he heard footsteps coming to him. When he looks around, he saw Anna, a blanket around her, two cups of hot chocolate on each hand.

“Do you want some?” She asks holding one of the cups to him.

“...thanks.” He said smiling under his hood, taking the cup in his gloved hand. “How do you feel?”

“Like someone who almost became a human ice cream.” She replied chuckling. “And you?”

“Like someone who almost became a human pancake.” Stan said chuckling too making Anna laughing again. “...I feel bad for Sonya...and for everyone else...”

“It’s not your fault you know. And you save us. If you weren’t there...We will be no longer there.”

Stan looks at her while she looks at the starry sky. How beautiful she was under the night sky...her light blue eyes sparkling with stars, strands of her red hair delicately kissing her face, the rest being linked in that high ponytail of hers. She was truly amazing...a star herself.

“You know...i...i was wondered...” starts Stan.

“Hum?” said Anna looking at him.

“You and Merlina... How long have you been... rivals together?”

“Well...since always, to be honest. Merlina Yung is not the kind to like having competition you know. Then... When I started making a name for myself as an explorer... She didn't really enjoy it. Before... I was a journalist. I was writing articles about discoveries that were being made all over the world. I loved it. Seeing all these people talk about their historical finds... of those mystical places or objects that were hidden from the eyes of the world... It rekindled in me a passion that I had since I was a little girl. So, I stopped everything and started exploring the world on my own! and I discovered amazing things! in a short time... I was almost called equal to Merlina.”

“Wow...i wish I could have learned about this sooner...I'm sure you would have convinced me to become an explorer too.” replied Stan.

“Hahaha thank you...If you knew how wonderful it was to stumble upon ancient temples, hidden in the most dangerous tropical forests... or pirate treasures engulfed in the abyss of the oceans... and to discover all these stories hidden from the eyes of the world... But it is especially that of the Shandarians that has always fascinated me the most. I was only looking forward to one thing... to finally be able to come here to Petria and finally allow this country to discover its true history...” said Anna with stars in her eyes.

“You seem really passionate by it. It’s cute.”

Anna couldn't help but blush and look at him. She was lovely. So adorable that Stan had only one desire: to hug her and keep her against him forever. But it was too early. He couldn't afford it. Not now. Slowly but surely.

“And... You then? I would like to know more about... the dreams of little Stan Sanchez. Because I doubt that becoming a criminal was a childhood dream.” said Anna with a little laugh.

“Haha...no. Being a thief was from afar, seeing very far, my dream. In fact, Mitch and I wanted to be mechanics. Or cops. Which is quite ironic today.” said Stan.

“Cops? Really?”

“Yeah. It’s hard to believe huh? But It’s true. Mitch and I were dreaming about being both cops. It's funny to think about it knowing that we're on the other side of the fence now.”

“I find it cute.”

Anna rested her head against Stan's arm, making Stan blush even more. The two looked at the stars without saying a word more. The slightly cool wind caressing their bodies despite being covered by the blanket. But then Anna realized something. She took out her notebook and looked at the various inscriptions she had carefully noted. Her eyes widened in surprise when she realized the significance of her research.

“That’s it!” she said happy. Stan looks at her confused and surprised. She then talks again. “Look at this. This is the notes I take from the Shandarian’s Library.”

Stan glanced quickly. For him, it was a foreign language of which he knew no letter. He could hardly read a single word on the young woman's notebook.

“In each of their writings, the Shandarians worshipped what they called the Great Goddess. At first, I thought it was a translation error on my part. But in reality, this is not the case! The great goddess mentioned is a constellation!” said Anna.

“A constellation?” said Stan.

“Yes! That of Cassiopeia. She is always depicted in books as sitting, holding a feather or a mirror in her hand. She was a queen during her lifetime. Who was punished by the nymphs for claiming that her daughter Andromeda was more beautiful than them. The Shandarians worshipped this Queen!”

“That why they thought that their Queen was maybe the daughter of a goddess.”

“Exactly. Now look. The gardens were...here, under a mine in Iron Reef.” replied Anna.

“The library was under the Mount National.” Said Stan.

“The text I found in the library said that they’ll construct something near the stars, where sea and earth lean against each under the goddess blessing.”

“In other words, our next trip takes us to the coast. But which one?”

“I have no idea. I'll have to look a little more.”

On Merlina Yung's side, the leader of the Purple Lynx was getting annoyed. If every trap she set was foiled by this small group of junk, she would quickly become disillusioned. She must find the perfect trap to make Anna disappear as soon as possible. But for now, she had something else to sort out. Flores had tried to escape again, despite Tyrak's increased security. So, she was at the Iron Pit, walking nonchalantly and quietly towards Flores' cell, paying no attention to the other prisoners who were screaming at her.

She stopped in front of Flores' cell, which was bound hand and foot by chains. She had a few scratches, as a result of the "punishment" inflicted on her. When she heard Merlina's footsteps stop from her cell, Flores raised her head, coldly, with some pride.

“Well, I must admit that, for a woman of your age, you are tenacious. An astonishing quality, for a president stripped of her post.” said Merlina.

“As long as my country needs me, I will stand up, Yung.” said Flores.

“How cute. It’s...disgusting me. When will you realize that this country is no longer yours? Tyrak took over governance. As for you, you will rot here.”

“And you? When will you realize that you will not win against them? They are giving you a hard time, if I heard correctly.”

“Hmpf. Weatherlaw is just a small setback. A little plague that I will eradicate once and for all.”

“For a little setback, it gives you a lot of trouble. Yet she has nothing while you have everything you need to kill her. Like what, technology is not everything, Yung.” replied Flores with a grin.

Merlina frowned and without saying another word, she pulled out a gun and fired. The bullet hit the wall inches from Flores' head. The latter looked out of the corner of her eye at the hole in the wall, telling herself that if she had moved a few centimetres, the bullet would have ended up between her two eyes.

“I strongly advise you to hold your tongue, Lupe Flores. It would be a shame to be six feet underground, wouldn't it?” said Merlina.

“You’re twisted.” responds Flores.

“And you speak too much. If I were you, I would stop placing my futile hopes on a small group of fugitives. But after all... You were too, weren't you? Keep in mind that if you go out of here one day, it will be in a coffin.”

Flores glared at Merlina Yung, who without flinching put her gun in her holster. The two women exuded a murderous aura towards each other. Like two lionesses ready to kill each other for a territory.

“You won't take it to heaven, you can be sure of that.” said Flores.

“That's good. I don't expect to go to heaven anyway. Goodbye Flores.” responds Merlina.

With these last words, Merlina departed, followed closely by her close guard. If someone tries anything on her, he or she will end up with a bullet on each part of the body. Might as well avoid tempting the devil in this case. The other prisoners looked at her as coldly as ever. And among them, Adam. Merlina stopped for a few seconds to observe him, before smirking at him and leaving. Adam gritted his teeth, praying that Sonya would make it out alive. If anything were to happen to her, he would never forgive himself.

“Increase security. Especially on Flores. And if she tries anything, don't skimp on punishment. Got it?” said Merlina.

“Yes Madam.” said the soldiers.

Henry, the former prime minister and Flores' friend, was in the cell next to Flores'. He wasn't in better condition than her, but he was still alive, that's the main thing. He pressed himself against the walls that separated his cell from Flores'.

“Lupe? Are you still alive?” he asks.

“Yeah...but for how long?” responds Flores.

“That woman is twisted. And in addition to Tyrak, if we managed to get out of here, it we will be a miracle.”

“Oh, but we will Henry. We will.”

“How?”

“Don’t worry about it. Stay focus on staying alive.”

“Heh, I’ll try my best.” replied Henry, chuckling. “I can't believe that our only salvation is a group composed mainly of criminals, a journalist, A kid, Campbell and a little explorer who gives Yung a hard time. It's not really the team of heroes that everyone expects. Especially since they are all wanted too.”

“Exactly, Henry. It is where you least expect it, in the most unlikely place, that you find the real heroes of a country. It’s not enough to have a good life and what it takes to allow a country to live in peace. You must have heart. Wealth and good health are worthless if we have no heart” said Flores looking at the ceiling of her cell.

“And sometimes, my dear Henry...yes sometimes...Those who are poorest are those who are most inclined to do anything to help. It is those who have known everything who are willing to donate every fiber of their body to help others. But the most important thing Henry is...That it is not the holiest among us who are human. No Henry...”

It is those who have experienced the worst torment, see things beyond cruelty, survived to all the trials life gives them, but who found the strength to fight and give all the love they have...

who are the most human.

***

(Baldur’s Gate 3 is amazing. It's one of those many games that I don't want to finish just so I can play it indefinitely. Yes, I know, I can do it as many times as I want, like Hogwarts Legacy, but this feeling is always stronger. And then we don't feel the same intensity when we already finish the game a first time, don't you think? I hope you’ll like it like the other ones! Feel free to tell me what you think about it! Have a great weekend to you all! See ya!)

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chayacat · 11 months

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Road96: Shandara’s Land (9)

Fandom: Road96

Rated M for Language and Violence.

***

Ah, the Repentie... One of the symbols of Petria. This river, crossing the whole country in its own way, finds its starting point at Mont National. During Flores' election, the latter had completely cleaned it, to make the place more beautiful than it was before. No one really knows who gave it that name, or why. But one thing is certain, the sight of these places still takes your breath away. Anna can't help but look with admiration at the beauty of these places. It's as if time has stopped. And yet he continues his race. She could spend hours contemplating the view before her. But unfortunately, she has a mission to accomplish.

“Wow...what a view. Petria is truly a beautiful country, when you know where to look.” said Anna in awe.

“Yeah...if you say so.” said Sonya. “So, what are we looking for exactly?”

“An entrance. A passage, something that can help us to find the next Shandarian place.”

“Okay. Then let’s get to work. Girls.” replied Sonya, looking at Anna and Fanny.

*Mom? Do you receive me? * Asks Alex through the talkie.

“Yes baby, I got you 5 on 5.” responds Fanny.

*Moooom! I'm not a baby anymore! ...forget it. For now, you’re all alone. No enemies around. But be careful, those guys can be pretty sneaky. *

“Don’t worry about it, Alex. We’ll be careful.”

*I should have come with you. Please stay safe, okay? * Said Stan worried.

“Don’t worry Stan. I know how to defend myself.”

*That is what worries me the most. *

“Hey! I heard that!”

*Fair and square Sis* said Mitch.

“Pfft...yeah...fair and square.”

The three women advanced along the lake that had formed at the foot of the mountain. They looked everywhere for a clue, a symbol that could help them on the way forward. But for the moment, nothing very conclusive. It was almost disappointing.

“I may have been wrong... I must have made a miscalculation...” said Anna sadly.

“Hey. Don’t start. We haven't searched everything yet. There is a cave under the waterfall. Maybe we will find something?” said Sonya.

“A cave? Under the waterfall?”

“Yes. Teenage runaways hid here before attempting to cross the border when Tyrak was in power. Well, teenagers... There were families even...” said Fanny.

“Tyrak was really a monster.” replied Anna.

“Oh, you don’t say. He could have been capable of the worst... although he was capable of the worst just to keep control over his people. And we just had to... shut up and obey.” said Sonya, sadly.

“Yeah, you right...” said Fanny. “Come on, let’s get moving.”

The three women went to the cave under the waterfall. It was covered with graffiti which represented the remnants of the rebellion against Tyrak. Others appealed to the voice of the people. And still others claimed their freedom of thought.

“All these people... Did they manage to cross the border?” asks Anna

“I don’t know. Maybe some...but maybe some didn’t. Maybe some of them died at trying to. All I hope, is that they’re fine, wherever they are.” Said Fanny.

“I remember that one day, I met a young girl who wanted to try to cross the border... She wanted to do it so she could help her family live better. I hope... that she succeeded.” said Sonya.

“I hope so.” said Anna. She then sees something strange between the graffities “wait...”

She walked to the wall and touch the strange symbol delicately with her hand. She had never seen this kind of symbol before. She took out her notebook and began to study it. As she began to look closer, a strange bluish light escaped from the wall, heading towards the next room. The three girls looked at each other before following the ray that touched the wall at the back of the other room.

“I really feel like I'm in an adventure movie... or science fiction.” said Sonya.

“And yet it is very real. It looks like there are other symbols on the other facades of the room. I think that if the light ray touches these symbols... The passage will open to us.” said Anna.

“And how do we do it?”

“...do you have a mirror with you?” replied Anna.

“Well no. But I have my necklace.” said Sonya.

“That should do the work! Can I borrow it?”

Sonya took off her necklace and handed it to Anna. The latter placed it against the wall and directed the light ray against one of the walls. Then with her other hand she took out a pocket mirror. She handed it to Fanny, who once in hand, used the mirror to direct the beam to the other wall opposite. A rumble was heard, and suddenly the ground under their feet trembled, creating an opening, stairs appeared, descending deeper underground.

“Wow...It’s so cool.” said Sonya.

“Do you think we'll be safe underneath?” asks Fanny.

“There’s only one way to know.” said Anna beofre going down the stairs.

Fanny and Sonya exchanged glances before following Anna. The torches embedded in the wall lit up little by little, as the descent progressed. Then, once downstairs, they faced a huge door, as for the garden gate. It was larger, more imposing, gilded engravings running through its surface, and made of a stone that was foreign to the rock that surrounded it.

“How are we going to open it?” said Fanny.

“The real question is HOW did YOU manage to open the garden gate?” said Sonya looking at Anna.

“I don’t know...I just...touch the door and then...” she said putting her hand on the door.

And like the first time, the door lit up before slowly opening. The three women stepped back, watching the door open in front of them in surprise. Sonya looked at Anna in surprise.

“Are you a witch or something?? Because this is going to scare me a lot if you do things like that every time!” she said.

“I don’t know! I don’t...” Anna starts before looking at her necklace. The blue stone on it glows a little, before fading away. “What in the name of...”

“Are you okay Peachfuzz? Is there something wrong?” asks Fanny, worried.

“I... I am. Let's go.”

“All...All right.”

All three entered the room. The door closed behind them. In front of them, huge libraries, filled with parchments so old, that they would be almost frightening to touch them, for fear of damaging them. They were all in awe, not even one of them dared to say a word. Then after a while, Sonya broke the silence.

“Daggnabit...This place... It is the historian's paradise. Can you imagine all the stories that must be here?” She spoke.

“Not just the stories, Sonya. Research, tales, legends, traditions, technologies... Everything was recorded here... it is much bigger than the Library of Alexandria... It's... It is wonderful to see such a place as intact as it was in its time. Look at this. It seems that, as with the gardens, time has stopped here.” said Anna.

“How...how did they managed to do all that?” asks Fanny.

“I don’t know...Shandarians were quite...something. And no one knows anything about them. Apart from Merlina Yung... And me. And so do you. This is what we must protect from Yung and her group from the Purple Lynx. It is these centuries of hidden stories that could allow Petria to discover a facet of its past previously hidden from everyone.”

“This is easier said than done, unfortunately. They will eventually find this place, as they must have found the gardens. Let's try to find clues about the next place, before we have unwanted visits.” Said Sonya.

Anna nodded before stepping forward to look around. She absolutely had to find a clue about their next destination. But easier said than done. How do you find something in such a big place? You might as well look for a needle in a haystack. Fanny and Sonya did their best on their side but they were no luckier than Anna. And after a while...

“Anna! Fanny! I think I found something!” said Sonya.

The two women joined Sonya and looked at the wall in front of them. Anna smiled heartily. She took out her notebook and began to write down the inscriptions on the wall meticulously, not forgetting any symbols. Then she closed her notebook.

“Good job Sonya. I hope that with this we will have information about our next destination.” said Anna happily.

Suddenly the talkie turned on. And Alex spoke. But given his voice, it wasn't a good sign.

*Mom! Do...*BZZZZ* copy Me ??* He said.

“I’m here baby! What's going on?” said Fanny.

*BZZZ* *Yung.... *BZZZ* -diers, are com*BZZZ* to you! You must *BZZZZ* of here! *

“Alex? Alex??” Alex, do you hear me?? Alex !!” replied Fanny. “Damnit! We must get out of here! Right now!”

“But how?? Apart from the door through which we entered, there is no other exit! We're stuck! And if they see us, we're screwed!” said Sonya.

“There must be another exit! We just must find it! Let's go!” Said Anna.

Suddenly, knocks were heard at the door. They are already there. And they will do anything to get inside. If they want to make it out alive, they will have to find a solution. and fast. Either they find another way out. Either they must fight. But faced with the troop waiting for them behind these doors, do they even have a chance? Probably. But it is very thin.

Flee or fight? That is the question.

But a more important question comes to mind. No matter what they choose...

Will they survive? Or will they die?

If they do not act quickly, the answer will be clear. And they won’t like it.

***

(Summer is coming and it's starting to make itself felt. And in 2 days I take another year. Enough to finish me with the XD work. But hey you must hang on! And staying hydrated is also important! I hope you’ll like it like the other ones! Feel free to tell me what you think about it! Have a great weekend to you all! See ya!)

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