Chapter 11

      Landing in Polarian City, Denai Heimer and her parents make their way into the Dark Forest. Encountering Matthew and a few other survivors, Denai learns that the monster Quora has made its way to Polaria. Taking the crew back to the wall, they are met by a terrifying surprise.

Polarian City, Polaria

      "We will be landing in just a minute", the pilot said over the PA in Polarish. "Oh goody!", my mother chirped excitedly. "Mom, this isn't exactly a family vacation. This is a serious issue", I spoke pensively. "I'm sorry, it's just, it's been a while since we were all together like this", she sympathized in her innocently compelling Polarish accent.

      We were gathering our things to exit the plane, but my parents were muttering something to each other, I couldn't hear over the chattery crowd. I carefully approached them asking, "What's the matter?". They turned to me with worried expressions. "Your mother forgot her medicine", my dad answered. "Oh it's not a problem, we can buy some more in town. Don't worry about me darling, you have plenty on your plate", my mom failed to reassure me. "What do you need the medicine for? I mean if you don't mind me asking", I felt I had crossed the line. They gave each other short concerned glances before my dad answered, "Your mother, uh… she was badly injured a while ago. But after retiring, neither of us have had the money to pay for treatment. So she's been relying on medicine to relieve the pain and keep her on her feet". I stared blankly at them not sure of how to respond. I thought of offering to pay for her treatment, but knowing my prideful dad, he would never accept it. I decided to just leave it at that for now.

      We were getting into a taxi when an unfamiliar man greeted my dad. I helped my mom load our luggage into the trunk so I couldn't really catch what they were saying through all of the bustle of the airport. I noticed they hugged before the other man left which told me they are well acquainted. But my dad isn't a very affectionate person, let alone a hugger.

      I couldn't help but be curious so I asked, "Who was that?". My dad lifted his eyebrows as if I broke a pensive thought. "Mhm?", he hummed confusedly. "That man, who is he?", I repeated with a finger in his direction. "Oh, an old friend and business partner. We met a few decades ago at an entrepreneurship convention", he elucidated as we hopped in the backseat of the taxi. "I actually started my first business venture with him. You were only a babe at the time, and it only lasted a few years before the business flunked", he continued after buckling up.

      "I ended up partnering with his wife at the time to start a cosmetics line. That didn't go as planned either so we both went to college and I became a psychologist, and your dad studied to be a doctor", my mom added with a little chuckle. I sat for a while with a smile on my face, thinking back of old memories and getting lost in reveries.

      I must have been zoned out for a long time because when I snapped out of it, the driver was coming to a stop at our destination. "Here we are. The Great Wall", the driver said with grandeur. "Impressive!", my mom gleed.

      We got out of the taxi and gathered our things while my dad paid the driver. I looked up at the endless height of the wall, feeling anxious with a tad bit of hopefulness. My dad guided us to the hotel nearby where they would be staying. I didn't have much except a few essential spares my parents had.

      I couldn't shake the looming omniscience off my bones. This place was so dreary it beat my hometown's bleakness. My parents seemed rather content and possibly excited to be here. I couldn't say the same for myself. What I could say is I needed a nap after that long flight. Collapsing on the hotel bed my eyelids fell with ease and I let the sleepiness wash over my body.

16 Hours Later

      After last night I was feeling well-rested and even a little energetic. I felt pumped but nervous at the same time.

We were now driving through the tunnel under the wall. In the distance I could see a faint light. As we approached the end, I realized it was snow. I glowed brightly with a pellucid appearance.

Making our way up the rough dirt path, I focused on the scenery in an attempt to calm my nerves. Pretty chirps echoed throughout the woods, and the trees swayed ever so slightly with the cold winter breeze. I knew we were a ways from my laboratory so I pulled out a book and started reading while my parents enjoyed the scenery and chatted.

      I was about halfway through my book when my mom nudged me and pointed ahead. The laboratory. "It's nice and very secluded", my mom observed. "Thanks", I stretched an awkward smile.

      The driver pulled up to the front entrance and we got off, my dad paying the driver. My mom and I slowly stepped up to the doors. I noticed no lights were on near the front, which would mean no one is here.

      I reached for the handle and it popped open with ease; it was left unlocked. My mom gave me an affirmative look, walking in ahead of me. My dad followed close behind, taking in the high ceiling and spacious foyer. 

      He must have gotten an alert the front door was opened because a minute later Jepp bumped into us as we turned a corner.

      "Denai? I…", he began with a bereaved expression. "Jepp", I answered, a sincerity in my voice. I didn't think he survived. "Where have you been? I thought you…", he couldn't seem to finish. "Died? After you ran away and left me to be devoured", I accused. After all, I was still mad at him for abandoning me like that.

      "I know, I'm sorry. There was so much going on, I…", he tried defending himself. "Wait, you left my daughter to die?", my dad became infuriated. "No, Pa, it's fine", I tried to placate him. "It is not okay. A real man wouldn't leave a woman defenseless", my dad castigated. "Don't reprimand me, you ignored and neglected your daughter her whole life!", Jepp chided. "Please stop, both of you!", I cried as buried trauma started to resurface in me. "I still looked after her and cared for her!", my dad said justifyingly. "A child needs more than food and clothing. You were a coward!", Jepp hissed. I saw the rage light in my dad's eyes like he was ready to pound Jepp into the ground.

      "ENOUGH!", my mom screamed at the top of her lungs, receiving all of our attention. "We are all still here. I don't think anything else matters more than that", my mom mitigated, tears building in her icy blue eyes. "Mom?", I tried to console her with a hand on her shoulder.

      "She's right, what's in the past is in the past. Let's focus on the real issue at hand", I reinforced, Jepp and my dad shrinking sheepishly. "Let's convene in my office", I ordered, an exhausted sigh slipping through my lips. The last thing I was expecting was a full blown argument, but I got that and resurfaced trauma.