Enemies Within

The faint smell of antiseptic and the quiet murmur of worried voices filled the medical ward. Avi Eques sat on the edge of a narrow cot, his fingers drumming against the thin blanket. His brow was furrowed as he pulled out his communicator, hoping for a reply from Lucas. The screen flickered to life, but no new messages appeared. He let out a sigh, staring at the empty inbox as if willing it to change.

"Stupid, Lucas is probably being watch so he can't reply.," he muttered under his breath, the edge of frustration lacing his voice.

Ken, standing nearby with his arms folded and eyes cast toward the floor, looked up and met Avi's gaze. The weight of the situation pressed down on both of them; the silence that followed felt heavy and suffocating.

"Ken," Avi said, voice steady but strained, "let's head to Tharlon's office. Maybe we can find out more."

Ken hesitated for a moment, eyes flicking toward the other beds where the injured rested, then nodded. His jaw was set, the tightness in his expression showing he was determined to support Avi, no matter what. "Let's go."

As they made their way through the winding corridors of the guild's medical ward, the scent of fresh bandages and the muffled cries of the injured seemed to follow them. The guild hall, usually bustling with energy, felt subdued and somber. There was an almost tangible sense of urgency in the air.

Tharlon's office was at the far end, a room lined with shelves of old tomes and weapons, the faint glow of enchanted lanterns casting long, wavering shadows. The older man, with his bald head and deep-set eyes that spoke of years spent fighting for survival, looked up as Avi and Ken entered.

"Back so soon?" Tharlon's voice was sharp, but there was an undercurrent of concern.

"We need information, Tharlon," Avi said, voice edged with determination. "Is there any bandit or rogue group out in the forest?"

Tharlon's brow rose with suspicion, and he leaned back in his chair, the creak of the wood mingling with the distant hum of the guild outside. "The forest? It's wild—filled with monsters and creatures beyond your imagination. and If what you younglings telling me is true, there are now guardian beings out there, two of them, no less. No human in their right mind would choose to live there when there's a peaceful town just a few miles away."

Avi's eyes narrowed, the muscles in his jaw tightening. Basing on what Tharlon just said, the suggestion that someone among their own was responsible sent a flicker of suspicion coursing through him. 

"It's also suspicious how a little girl managed to survive that long in a forest alone" Tharlon continued, eyes sharp and unwavering.

Avi's blood ran cold. The mention of Eleanor, the girl who had trusted them with her life, made him clench his fists until his knuckles turned white. "Are you implying that Ellie is—"

"Not what I'm saying," Tharlon said, raising a hand. "But the fact she's even here, alive, points to something strange."

Ken shifted, his jaw tightening in response to the implication. He met Avi's eyes, a silent promise passing between them. No matter what suspicions arose, they wouldn't let anything happen to her.

"Can the guild lend us any help?" Ken asked, his voice low but resolute.

Tharlon's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "I can spare adventurers, but it won't be cheap. Ten silver will get you five skilled escorts. You're not the only ones with needs; our resources are stretched thin."

Avi felt a flicker of pride surge, pushing back his stubbornness. "I don't need any help. I can manage—"

"No," Ken said sharply, cutting him off. His hand rested on Avi's shoulder, firm but with a softness that only Ken could show. "Not this time. Not when we're dealing with this. You're not going alone."

The tension in the room was palpable as Tharlon's eyes flicked between them. Ken's voice, strong and unwavering, felt like a reminder that they were stronger together, no matter what the odds were.

Tharlon leaned forward, his expression unreadable. "If you're serious about this, the price is ten silver. I'll put up the request."

Ken looked at Avi, his eyes firm with resolve. After a moment, Avi's stubbornness faltered, and he gave a reluctant nod. Ken counted out the silver pieces from his pouch and handed them to Tharlon, who accepted them with a sharp nod and moved to post the quest.

They returned to the medical ward, Ken's hand still on Avi's shoulder. The tension inside was nearly palpable as Tyler's voice rang out, brimming with frustration.

"What's happening back in the base? What are we doing here waiting, nerd?! Let's head back and save Alex!" Tyler's voice boomed, and Ryan, along with a couple of others, struggled to hold him back, their expressions a mix of worry and exasperation.

Avi's eyes narrowed, a flicker of determination sparking in their depths as the pieces began to align in his mind. The room buzzed with tension, but Tyler's presence brought a chaotic energy that sharpened his thoughts. Tyler, with his wild hair and fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles were pale, paced back and forth like a caged beast. The fire in his eyes reflected a mix of fury and impatience, and Avi knew that this was their moment.

"Tyler, come here," Avi called out, voice steady despite the storm within him. Tyler's scowl deepened as he whipped around, eyes narrowing on Avi with a mixture of frustration and confusion. The movement froze the room, the others holding their breath, half expecting Tyler to lash out or refuse.

Tyler's eyes flicked past Ryan's restraining hands and the worried expressions of the others before settling back on Avi. For a heartbeat, his body tensed, the tension in his jaw and shoulders radiating challenge. But then, something shifted. The smoldering anger in his eyes dimmed, replaced by a sharp, calculating edge. With a final, restless shift of his weight, he broke free from Ryan's grasp and strode forward, his heavy boots pounding against the wooden floor.

He stopped in front of Avi, standing a little too close, but there was no more fire, no more wildness—just the taut, barely restrained readiness of a fighter waiting for the next command. His eyes locked onto Avi's, challenging but curious, as if daring Avi to prove him right or wrong.

"What is it?" Tyler's voice was lower now, edged with anticipation, and even the faintest flicker of urgency. The chaotic energy still hummed from him, but it was grounded, focused—waiting.

Avi took a deep breath, lowering his voice so only the people closest to him could hear. "Let's head back to the castle. If my suspicions are right, the chaos back in our base must be an inside job. Tharlon said that there are no bandit or rogue groups in the forest as he knows it. Considering he's a guildmaster, all information about the region would reach him."

Tyler's brow furrowed as the implications settled in, but Avi continued, his voice dropping even lower. "Also, with your Berserker's Might, you can heal on the move, and I'm not in bad shape. We can make it there faster than anyone else."

A flash of worry crossed Ken's face as he stepped forward, his eyes shadowed with doubt. His shoulders were tense, and his jaw was tight, giving him an air of barely contained apprehension. "Avi, I don't like this—"

Ryan's voice cut through the rising tension, strong and unwavering. He moved to stand beside Ken, his eyes fierce with resolve and his arms crossed tightly over his chest. His gaze met Avi's, understanding flickering in them. "It's a good idea. We can get there quickly and quietly. If Avi's right and it's someone from school, we'll have the advantage."

Avi's eyes shifted from Ryan's determined expression to Ken's troubled one, reading the silent back-and-forth between them. Ken's protective instincts flared, his hands clenching into fists as if he could physically ward off the fear gnawing at him. But Ryan's voice had a grounded quality, one that made Ken pause and reconsider. The room seemed to hold its breath, waiting for Ken's response.

Ken's lips pressed into a thin line, and he nodded, albeit reluctantly. His eyes still flickered with doubt, but there was a flicker of understanding behind them. He turned to Tyler, who stood with his fists still balled, muscles taut, ready for a fight.

"Tyler, you're with Avi," Ken said, voice rough but final. "Don't let him do anything reckless. We'll catch up as soon as we can."

Tyler scoffed but couldn't mask the glint of understanding behind his defiant grin. "Alright, you nerds, if we're going, we're going. But if this turns out to be some wild goose chase, don't blame me for making a mess of it."

Avi shot him a look that said he was one step away from snapping, but he nodded. "Just focus, Tyler. We need to be faster than ever."

"Always," Tyler said, flexing his fists and shooting a cocky grin to Ken and Ryan. "And don't worry, I'll keep the show interesting."

Avi's gaze softened as he looked at Emily, still unconscious in the ward. He made a silent promise, pressing his lips together. Once they had secured the castle, they'd come back for her.

Avi knelt down beside Ellie's bed, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Stay with Ken for now, okay?" He winked at her. "Big bro Ken will take care of you. While I got the whole 'hero duty' thing down, after all." His voice carried a lightness, but Ellie's eyes filled with concern as she reached for his hand.

"Ellie wants to go with you," she whispered.

Avi's heart ached, but he shook his head. "Ken will keep you safe. I promise. I'll be back before you know it."

Ellie nodded reluctantly, tears shimmering in her wide eyes. Ken, standing nearby, met Avi's gaze, his expression unreadable but resolved.

"I'll keep her safe," Ken said quietly.

Avi stood, shoulders squared and gaze fierce. The next day, they'd move forward. And no matter what lay ahead, he'll face it with his all.