Chapter 6 part 2

“Cid?!” Anna called “Ciiiiiid!?”

“What are you doing?” Cain asked.

“Trying to get out of here.” Anna replied. “With someone who has some idea of what they’re doing.”

“Not a bad idea…” Cain said. “We’re not gonna figure much out, if we keep getting lost.”

“We’re not lost.” Jared said. “We’ve barely stepped away from our… wagon.”

“At this point, i’m wondering how we even got in.” Cain Replied. “Anyone of have any ideas on which mushrooms are… safe?”

“You really wanna try eating though in a world like this?” Aaron asked.

“You wanna try finding any food in that?” Cain replied, gesturing to the woodpile.

Whatever, this’ll probably still work.” Anna thought aloud while walking back the way the wagon first came from.

“What are you gonna do when it’s time to go home?!” Aaron asked.

“I dunno about her, but I’m starting to see why people left.” Cain replied as Anna vanished. “What were you two gonna do, if this doesn’t work?”

“It will.” Aaron asserted.

“But it hasn’t,” Cain replied. “Half way through this full-proof plan of yours, and there’s been no massive changes.”

“Hospitals are filled to the brim and a few other buildings.” Aaron said.

“Filled with people suffering from something others have easily recovered from. And were supposed to get kicked out, not want to stay more.”

“That’s what’s taking so long.” A black puddle traveled forward towards the groups. Morphing into a three dimensional shadow as trugged it’s way forward. “You guys have been wandering around the same space for so long I was starting to wonder if anyone even showed up.” The mouthless shadow spoke aloud.
“And you are?” Jared asked.

“Kagdas” He answered. “The shadow guardian.”

“Do you know the way out?” Anna asked.

“Oi, fight him and the way out is bound to be easier to find.” Cain said.

“You couldn’t catch me, if you tried.” Kagdas replied. “And I don’t think the magic displacing this forest would change, even if you succeed. I mean, Not much else has.”

“Maybe that will change once we're over half way?” Aaron said.

“That’s… that’s not how it works.” Kagdas replied.

“What makes you so certain?” Jared said.

“How the world is responding.” Kagdas said. “You must have noticed at least some of the adaptations? The lack of concern of the planet around you?”

“We are only concerned about bringing people home.” Jared replied.

“Though the planet being unaffected is a benefit.” Cain said.

Anna sighed. “I’m just gonna go.” She said before walking away.

“Hey!” Kagdas said. Anna turned around. “Who ya looking for?”

“I… I don’t even know anymore.” Anna replied.

“Try to think about finding out.” Kadgas said. Anna nodded before walking away again. Kadgas walked away as well. “Anyways, good luck guys…” Both faded away before his voice echoed throughout the woods. “You’ll need it.”

The rest of the group search high and low, slowly mastering the forest. Anna walked around with Kadgas' words in mind. Lost for a while before she too understood.