The entrance to the tunnels wasn't exactly hidden. It was gigantic. As I entered, the world around me went black.
'Damn it', I thought. I took off my backpack, setting it down and opening it. I reached into the side pocket, pulling out a crystal. I looked for something sharp, then noticed a jagged rock in the ground. I dragged my fingertip harshly across the surface, drawing blood. I let the blood drip on the crystal, activating it's power.
"Light my way," I whispered, and the crystal lit up, functioning as a torch.
As I walked farther in, I prayed I wouldn't meet the demon of the tunnel.
The myths say there was once a woman name Oiwa who caught her husband cheating on her, so in her sorrow and anger she killed her children, and then herself in the tunnels under the mountain. Her vengeful spirit wasn't accepted into heaven, so it wanders the tunnels, destroying everything in it's path.
I'd just entered the cave of crystallization, which meant I was close to the other end, when i heard that crack. At first I shook it off, thinking it was just a crystal breaking. That's when i heard the whispers.
"Dreamy dreamy, sleepy sleepy, what a do we have here? A lost bird? A lost bird who never learned to fly. Rest your head, go to bed. Oh, but don't forget, If you close your eyes, you might never wake again."
"Who's there?!" I asked.
"Ohhh so it is just a girl, what harm can she do."
"Show yourself! I know you're there somewhere!" I said, my voice shaking.
The voice cackled.
"And she has some courage! Tell me, what business do you have on the other side?"
"That's none of your concern. Now show yourself!"
"Close your eyes, girl." Another voice said with a demanding tone.
I did so. I started hearing cracking, clanging, then a wet sound followed by an earsplitting scream. I covered my ears, and doubled over, falling to my knees. Then it ended. I slowly opened my eyes, everything was blurry and my ears were buzzing. I saw someone extend a hand to me, and reluctantly, I took it. They helped me stand up, then said;
"Really, what are you doing here?"
I opened my mouth to say something, but they were quicker.
"Looking for the Holy Trio huh. Interesting. And what do you hope to achieve with that?" The person said.
"How did you....how did you know?" I asked, rather confused.
"Telepathy. It's very useful. Now answer me. Why do you look for the Holy Trio?" They demanded.
"I want to stop the oncoming war from happening. To do that, I must find the ones that stopped it a thousand years ago. If they're even alive..." I replied.
The person laughed deeply.
"You are a fool for thinking they'll even listen. But I wish you luck." They said, and turned away. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'll be on my way. I've already been held back by killing the Oiwa to save you."
"Who are you?" I asked them.
"My identity is irrelevant at the moment, but you'll know when you need to." And then they were gone.
_____________
I made it out of the tunnels alright and I arrived in Woodpine at noon. I went to the town's tavern, the Sleeping Falcon, I'd probably get information there, if not a lot, but just a little bit. After all, The Sleeping Falcon was known all over Araycien for being the only tavern that could rival The White Helm in its time.
"The Holy Trio huh. Of course it might not be true, but I've heard rumors that the fairy resides in the forest of Thatchstone. But that's just a rumor. " the bartender told me. "Might not be there anymore, but It's worth a shot, innit?"
"Thank you, that really helps me. " I replied.
"I hope you find what you're looking for." he said.
I paid for my drink and then went to the guesthouse for the night. As soon as I arrived at the room, I felt myself drowning with fatigue and went to sleep.