"Major Jefferson?"

"Yes, Captain Newman?"

"It's an emergency. One of my squads sent out into the forest has not returned yet."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive, I just did rollcall for all of Foxtrot Company. Unity is missing."

"Did you ask the checkpoint guards?"

"Affirmative. Nothing."

"…Goddammit," Jefferson said as he reclined into his seat. Newman walked further into his office, passing a spreadsheet from her hands to his.

"I am asking that we send a UAV flight over their assigned region, I have to find out where they are."

"Granted Newman, but I fear they might be far gone already."

Newman sighed, "I realize. There is a lot of wildlife out there… dangerous wildlife, that we weren't ready for. I'm surprised that Unity is the only squad to go missing, but all of the other squads have sustained major injuries."

"Right, the creatures out here are nothing like what we expected," Jefferson said, "I don't know how to put this to my superiors, but they have to know that we are going up against a natural world that doesn't exist as we know it…" He stood up, taking a radio and holding it up to his face.

"When did you say their last radio log was again?" Jefferson asked her.

"Yesterday, 1700 hours. They reported entrance into the forest. One of the nearby squads also reported seeing something like a flare burn in the sky at this location" Newman pointed to a fuzzy spot on the computer screen's map, "In that general area."

Jefferson nodded slowly as he called it in:

[Eagle 6] "This is Eagle Six, to Actual. I am requesting a recon flight ASAP, over these coordinates…"

Jefferson relayed to coordinate grids to the operations officer.

[Command] "Copy that, Zulu-Niner is the callsign for your flight officer. We're scrambling a drone. Standby."

Jefferson put the radio down and observed the computer monitors in his office. They were drawn out maps of the region, though in many areas, especially up north, a lot of detail was missing, "Unfortunate that Unity of all squads went missing. They had the largest ground to survey around the river valley. We'll make an effort to get them back but… I fear for the worst."

"Me too, sir. Me too."

"If we can't get them back to Ithaca soon, I'm afraid I'll have to call it."

"Ithaca?" Newman asked, "What's an Ithaca?"

"It's the designation they gave our Forward Base. High Command has plans to upgrade it in the future, I've already filed a request to upgrade our signal towers. They want to make a fortress out of here."

"I see."

"Walls, buildings, pavement, the whole deal. If that's all the questions you have. I'll see you later, Captain."

"Yes sir. Thank you…"

----------------------------------------

----------------------------------------

In the sky, a metallic grey reconnaissance drone flew through the air. Under the cloud cover, its wings extended to either side. The cameras onboard scanned the surface of the frozen river valley below for any sign of life.

And then it caught something. Something big.

[Zulu 9] "This is Zulu Niner to Actual. Are you seeing this? Over!"

[Command] "Actual here, what are you looking at?"

[Yankee 9] "My sensors are picking up at least five hundred heat signatures. Maybe a thousand. Marching down south along the river valley. They are grouped into square formations, keeping within one another. It's an army."

[Command] "Do you know their intentions?"

[Zulu 9] "Negative, but they are headed towards Ithaca."

[Command] "Understood, your mission has just changed. Get the drone into a circular pattern and keep watch over them. Give us a sitrep in thirty."

[Zulu 9] "Wilco, moving. Zulu Niner, out."

----------------------------------------

----------------------------------------

Hezekiah and his squad were seated along the edge of a large lake. He was sitting by himself. Away from the rest of Unity. Secluded behind tall grass that let him rest in peace.

Around the edges of it were green Pine trees that stood the test of winter and kept their prickly needles. The bare bark of other trees stood next to them, filling the mountains and hills that swaddled the lake with a mixture of green and brown coloring. White snow was prevalent everywhere…

It was tranquil here. The water was moving slowly, lapping against the dirt shores that the pine trees guarded, allowing small creatures to swim on top of its surface without much of a care. Fish swam along the bottom, like little darts moving to and fro. Catching morsels of food that were within and lying on the surface. Reeds covered the edges of the water, with cattails reaching higher than a human's head. Birds stood on the tree branches closer to the water's edge, sometimes on fallen logs. Picking off insects and fish under the water at times. Other times, standing there and chirping along in a great natural choir. The familiar song of birds chirping in the trees completed the scene. With the rich afternoon sun, and a deep blue sky.

The Warrior Elves traveled to the surface to wash their clothes, which were hung out to dry not too far away. The water was cold, chunks of ice floated on the surface, and snow-frosted the algae. Yet, the water was warm enough to prevent it from totally freezing over. The Elves fished in the water, drawing great scores of colorful fish into a bucket, and hauling them away. Somewhere nearby was the sound of wood being cut… and the laughter of children playing in the snow.

It was all so peaceful. Such a perfect place to relax after days of utter chaos. Hezekiah's mind rested for the first time in a long while. And it felt so good, so perfect. Even though the icy wind nipped at his nose, he didn't care. The Raritan's gave him a warm mug of tea, that billowed into steam when a cold breeze came in. It warmed his hands and his stomach. For once Hezekiah could say he felt at peace… purely unbothered by anything. It was like the lake itself was draining the negative emotions from him. Maybe it was actually doing that? Hezekiah came to accept that anything was possible a while ago. Maybe the lake was a living being? Maybe it would grow legs and walk? It wouldn't matter to him if it did. He wouldn't be surprised at all.

"I see you are enjoying our lake," said the voice of the mother. Walking up behind him. The sudden voice took him by surprise, but when he realized who was speaking, he grew a smile.

"Yeah, it's really peaceful here. I can get my thoughts in a line, you know?" Hezekiah told her, "There's nothing like a good cup of tea... and scenery to take your thoughts."

The old woman slowly nodded with a smile on her own face, as she slowly took a seat on a log across from Hezekiah, "We call this lake, 'Tear of the Clouds'."

"Fitting name."

"Indeed. Our legends state that the sky god, Kianako, shed a tear here. Creating this lake in the valley of darkness. A place of peace for anyone, when she herself couldn't afford it."

"Why not?" Hezekiah asked.

"She's busy always, holding the great shield up in the sky. Protecting her children from whatever it is that lies beyond the great barrier," said the Mother, "Her rest only comes at night, when her brother, Naqua, holds his shield up over the people. The two always either hold the shield or are asleep. Endless work, for no pay."

"And yet, we get to relax here. Near this lake," Hezekiah said.

"Well, our work isn't done," She smiled, poking him with a cane, "I've come to ask you questions about yourself. And your people."

Hezekiah nodded, "Lay it on me."

She looked out to the lake, across the shores, to the other side of the great range, "You said that you've come from a place called The United States. Is this on the other side?"

"It's in my world. Yes. We're Americans."

"And you are a warrior?"

"Correct."

"I see. Your weapons had to be confiscated for… obvious reasons. When you depart, we promise to return everything to you."

Hezekiah nodded, suddenly realizing that all of his equipment was missing, "You guys haven't pulled on anything did you-"

"Oh please, we aren't foolish. I advised my children to exercise great caution when handling all of that metal. The Falklands have similar equipment, though it is much less advanced than your own."

"The Falklands?" Hezekiah asked, "I've heard that name before. Who are they here?"

"We initially confused you for Commonwealth soldiers. They use guns, you use guns."

"So you know what those are?"

"Yes. The Falklands developed guns of war to fight. The Falkland Commonwealth is a nation of Humans, reptilians, insects, and Eastern Elves. Their nemesis, the Iscariots, use magical understanding over technological advancement. The two empires couldn't be less alike, and yet, they are so similar." She explained.

"That's politics for you," Hezekiah chuckled. Hearing the names of the two empires made him remember the countries back at home.

"Do you deal with struggle in your world?"

This novel's true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.

"Oh man… like you wouldn't believe," Hezekiah straightened himself before he spoke, "War… rumors of war. People starve. The planet's warming…"

"That sounds like torment."

"Almost. For some. But there are great sides to it too. We went to the moon, we have crazy technology, we've built cities… there hasn't been a major war for almost a century now."

"So there is a silver lining."

"Yeah… say, what was that thing you said about my mission," Hezekiah turned to look her in the eyes, "You know who Mirrorface is? Do you know what my mission is?"

The Mother closed her eyes as she sighed, "I do. The creature you call 'Mirrorface' is a messenger. I don't know everything about it, I only know of its existence."

"Is he a good guy? Bad guy?"

"That… I cannot tell. I don't know if it is human or elf, or some other creature. But what I do know is that he has chosen you, and your people, for their task," The woman frowned. Hezekiah knew she was going to tell him something bad.

"Well, is this some kind of chosen-one thing where I become a hero?"

"Of sorts. Though… I would consider this mission, not as a blessing. But a curse," Hezekiah's heart sank after those words registered, "If you were to ask me, it is a fate worst than death."

"What happens? Can you see the future? Can you tell me?" Hezekiah pleaded, looking into her eyes for any answer. He was scared now. What of his future could warrant such cruel sentencing of his fate? What was going to happen?

"That I cannot. I don't know. What I do know, is that you will face a lot of pain. A lot of suffering. But if you are truly the one, you will be a hero for it," she said, "I do not know what the future brings. But the prophecy was that a group of heroes would come from another world to save us."

"Save you? From what?" Hezekiah asked, "You guys seem to be living a pretty good life over here!"

"It would seem that way. Our world is ruled by tyrants. Even beyond the wretchedness of the Iscariot throne. The guardians who act as the sword, have failed to do their task. While Kianako and Naqua hold up the shield, those who carry the sword have used it for their own pleasures. Our world is corrupt, but long ago it used to be peaceful," she told him.

"Can you tell me anything more? Anything, like a roadmap or… or,"

"No. I don't know what will happen. But those touched by the natural force of magic in this world have a general idea of what is to come. What I can tell you, is that the road ahead will be long and arduous," Hezekiah looked completely disheartened as he looked back out into the lake. Trying to forget about this. He had been cursed, as she said.

"It won't be all bad," she told him, in an attempt to raise his spirit, "You won't share this burden alone. There will be others who will help you. And if the messenger was right in his selection, you'll become close friends. You won't be alone, and you'll have the full support of the people here."

"Who do I have with me?" Hezekiah asked her.

"Again, I do not know…"

"Well, I have to know something! I can't do this alone. I'm not like… Gordon Freeman!"

"Gordon…who?" She asked.

"It's a pop-culture… thing- look, the point is, I don't have the strength to be your hero," He exclaimed.

"You don't have the strength now. The future will hold a path most unexpected for you and the others chosen to lead. There is a silver lining, in that you will be loved by those you've liberated. Only after you've faced the heat of battle and combat. You should have already seen some yourself, right Marine?"

"I don't want to be a hero," Hezekiah grumbled, now kicking at the rocks on the shore, "I just want to be a soldier. Another cog in the machine."

"You have already accepted. Once you do, there is no going back! Your fate was decided when you planted the seed!" The mother argued.

"How do you know so much about a dream of mine and so little about everything else that matters?"

The mother thought about it, "They, decide what we know… and what we cannot know. It is not my place to understand why they decide these things, only that they do. If you cannot complete the task that you have accepted, then we are all doomed," she warned, "Things have been set in motion that cannot be undone. And the ones that the messenger chooses, are the ones who must stop them."

Hezekiah nodded slowly, he hated the fact that he signed on to this. He hated the fact that he was here. He hated the elves here, he hated the Marines for sending him here, he hated the trees around him, he hated the water next to him. He hated the bird that nearly killed Quinn and the giant crab that terrorized his squad. He hated the truck that Lafayette drove, and he hated all of his commanding officers.

But most of all. He hated himself. For being so… stupid. So foolish, to trust "The Messenger". His fate was ultimately because of his doing. And now, he had given himself a death sentence.

"Way to go, smart guy. You just ruined your own life," Hezekiah thought to himself.

"I know you are feeling many emotions. Ultimately, the outcome of your destiny is still in your hands. You are in complete control. Your mission can either be a fantastic journey filled with struggle and conflict, but also emotion and reward. Where you can leave behind your old life, and start anew. Or, your mission can be grim… cold, and dark. Where you die alone, failing to complete anything."

"Then why did you say it was a curse?"

"Because I'm no longer a warrior. I'm a mother. To all of my people," she gestured behind her, and Hezekiah looked on. He saw the village. Circular wooden homes, more of the long structures. People walking about, playing, working, creating, "My role is to take care of them all. I do not fight anymore. Your mission is full of it, and it would be a living hell to a person like me." She said. But she then gestured to Hezekiah.

"But to a warrior like you. This might be the best thing to happen to you since you were born. It's up to you to decide. Your attitude will decide your fate as you traverse your personal Odyssey."

Hezekiah nodded in understanding. Now it made sense. Maybe this wasn't going to be so bad after all? But still knowing that his destiny was ultimately a giant question mark struck a ton of fear into his heart. Where would he begin? What would he do? And most importantly… who the hell was Mirrorface?

The sound of rushed footsteps came from behind them, and the two broke from their conversation. Another warrior elf came up to the mother, wearing a helmet that shielded the face, cheeks, and cranium. A wide visor allowed the elf to see the outside world. The warrior instantly went into a bow, without even taking a moment to breathe, "Mother! Our warriors have defeated an Iscariot scouting party just outside of our borders!" He said.

The elderly woman stood to attention, "Really? Where were they from?"

"They appear to have been sent out from the main army that is marching down the Peninsula. The party was composed of Servile Huntsmen," The elf held up the detached skull of what appeared to be a giant ant.

"How could you tell that the Huntsmen were Iscariot?"

"They had Iscariot identification collars around their thorax."

"I see. What have you done with the party."

"We have slaughtered them all."

"Good, my child. Tell our Ximac kin to be on the lookout for activity in the north, and have our own defenses prepared!"

"As you wish!" The warrior ran off into the village, disappearing into the Justice Building.

"The Ximac?" Hezekiah asked.

The mother sat back down, "They are our sister nation. We are a collection of Five nations grouped into one, the Kiote Confederacy."

"Five nations? What are they?"

"The Raritans, Ximac, Tappa, Manatappa, and Hannawa," She explained listing the five, "The Raritans are the leaders and healers of the Kiote, our magical skill in healing keeps the tribes together. The Ximac are the guardians of the Kiote, our shield and sword, their soldiers keep our tribes safe from attack. The Tappa are the farmers, their magic speeds the growth of plant life, and when the other tribes are out, they always save a surplus."

She paused for a minute and looked out across the lake, pointing a bony finger to the shore across, "Over there, are the Manatappa. They are master crafters, they forge our armor, equipment, and our weapons. Everything they touch is almost indestructible. The Hannawa are the watchers, our ears and eyes. They alerted us of your presence, and the guard who came to me is from there as well."

"Hmm…" Hezekiah thought back to what the guard said. An army moving south?

He knew that there was something wrong with that, something… larger. And then it clicked in his brain. The army was headed south. As far as he knew, there was nothing of importance there except for the base. Hezekiah immediately stood on his feet upon that realization, "We need to leave! Now!" Hezekiah said.

The woman looked up at him, mystified, "Why? You've only just arrived! We were preparing a feast for our guests!"

Hezekiah looked down at her, "I came from the very place that those soldiers are marching to. The rest of my army is in danger, we have to stop them!"

Her face changed in realization and she nodded. She shakily stood up, "We'll help you fight. We know the Iscariot weaknesses. I'll recruit a party from the Ximac, immediately."

"Thank you," Hezekiah told her. Hezekiah began thinking about his plan and instantly came into a major roadblock.

How the hell were they going to get there? The truck was stuck, though functioning. He looked to the Tribal Mother who was getting ready to call her village to attention. Maybe, their magic held the power to move it?

He reached a hand and called to her, "Excuse me, ma'am!"

The woman turned around with a look of query, "Yes?"

"Our transport is stuck in the mud! We can't move out of here until we can get it on its wheels! Do you think that maybe…"

"We can help? Of course," She completed his sentence, "How heavy is it?"

"Multiple tons, it has to weigh an insane amount with all of the gear."

She nodded slowly, thinking, "I think we have the ability to lift it. Natural magic is weak in that regard, there is only so much one spellcaster can do if they aren't trained. But I'll give you a team," she told him. She then pointed to Unity not too far away, "You gather yours. I'll be ready with them, to lead you back to where you were taken from."

Hezekiah grew a smile, "Thank you a ton! We owe you!"

"Nonsense, we're friends now," she smiled warmly. The old woman turned on her heels and hobbled off. Hezekiah meanwhile, trotted to his squad to warn them.

----------------------------------------

Flint, Quinn, Brian, and Lafayette were gathered around talking amongst each other. Recollecting the previous days' events, and most importantly, bonding as a squad.

"You know, I could rap right?" Flint said aloud.

"What? No way!" Brian brushed him off as a liar. Flint cracked a smile.

"If you make a beat I'll rap over it."

"Bet?" Quinn asked.

"Bet! I'm telling you, man, I got this!"

"Alright," Quinn clapped his hands together in a rhythmic fashion. Forming the basis of a beat.

Flint bobbed his head, "Aight, look. Riding in a coupe. Then I brought a monkey."

"Okay."

"I wanna girl with an ass that's chunky!"

"Ooh."

"Goddamn, what imma do with this monkey? I don't even have money for a monkey!"

"Ok."

"Goddamn, I still got a monkey. From Madagascar-"

"What the hell is going on here?" Hezekiah walked in at just the wrong time.

Quinn stopped clapping his hands, and Flint instantly shut his mouth, "Uh… nothing sir! Just rapping."

"Rapping, eh? You wanna rap something, wrap up whatever the hell this is. We gotta move! Now!" Hezekiah told them.

"Jee, such a Killjoy. I thought we were gonna stick around for dinner?" Lafayette asked.

Hezekiah shrugged, "Yeah, well, things changed. There's a potentially hostile unit moving down south, towards the base. We have to get there and warn them. Or eradicate the threat ourselves."

"How? Our truck is stuck in the mud!" Brian pointed out, fixing his glasses as he looked up at Hezekiah.

"The people in charge here say that they've got it covered. I can only hope," Hezekiah said. With that, Unity got on their feet and assembled.

They met the elves again in the center of the village, with the villagers out. Watching them depart. The leader had gathered a duo of elves. Both of whom Hezekiah already knew. Temetet and Otaes.

"Dammit," He thought. Hezekiah didn't really like those two, for obvious reasons. But he concealed his disappointment. Besides, he was observing what they had in tow behind them. Standing over them were two, large, mammalian creatures. They resembled Moose, though slightly smaller in size. Even still, they were still several times larger than an ordinary horse. Everything else was identical, from their shape to the fur coat, and the large horns on their head.

"I think that elf cutie is giving me flirty eyes," Flint whispered to Brian, taking a look at Otaes. She had only glanced at the two, before quickly looking away.

"Nah dude, she was totally looking at me," Brian grew a haughty smile, "She's got taste."

"You wish…"

The sound of footsteps signaled the return of the Tribal Mother, "These two will aid you in recovering your transportation. They will follow behind on the Neheyna!" The Tribe Mother said, gesturing towards the Moose, "They can carry three people at a time, so you'll all be able to make the journey at once."

One of them whinnied, shaking its head slightly, "You know… I'm not a huge fan of animals," Lafayette said aloud, "Especially ones that can trample me to death."

"Don't worry. They don't bite," Otaes told him, patting the muzzle on one of the Neheyna.

"Sure they don’t," Lafayette whispered, unimpressed.

"Before you leave, you must take your equipment as promised," Said the Mother. A few other elves walked into view, carrying large wicker baskets. Hezekiah could see all of their stuff. Their guns, ammo, flashlight, even the helmet that Hezekiah hadn't realized he lost until just now. It was all in perfect order. Unity immediately swarmed it, grabbing their lost artifacts.

Otaes and Temetet saddled on their Neheyna and gestured for Unity to get on behind them. Hezekiah cautiously took Temetet's hand, as he was pulled up onto the back of the beast.

Lafayette was last to get on one, as he warily approached one, "Come on man, get up!" Quinn ushered him.

"I'm trying!"

"No, you aren't! You're just standing there!"

Lafayette sighed, "This thing better not kill me," he hurled himself up and over the back of the moose that Otaes was riding.

"Alright let's get a move on!" Otaes stated after Lafayette got on. She whipped the reins and the Neheyna dashed forward, nearly knocking Lafayette off.

"JESUS-" He shouted out. Temetet too ushered his own Neheyna forward. The speed of the large creatures surprised Hezekiah, despite their size, they were incredibly fast. They rode through the snow, down the trail the led back into the forest where Unity was first taken from…

----------------------------------------

----------------------------------------

After only five minutes of riding through the forest, they arrived at the destination. The very same spot Unity crashed in. It felt different now, with the white snow frosting over everything baking in the noon sun. But the rock face and treeline were all familiar. A faint echo of comfort in a sea of nothing but new faces, places, and imagery.

Hezekiah felt his soul nearly jump for joy when he saw the JLTV, though it was still in its old predicament. With the sun supplying plenty of light now, he could fully see the problem. Again, the truck was raised off of its wheels, suspended in the air by the rock formation it landed on.

Unity disembarked from the Neheyna, Lafayette practically kissing the dirt in thanks that he hadn't been killed. They all walked to the truck and assessed the situation.

"This is your transport?" Asked Otaes, "How do you get that hunk of metal to move without anything pulling it?"

"It's called an engine," Lafayette boasted, patting the hood of the truck, "She's got Three-Hundred-and-Forty hp inside, the operational range of Three-hundred Miles. She can go from zero to thirty in ten seconds," He said in admiration of the truck.

"I'll pretend like I understood what you've just said," Oates told him.

"I take it that you've managed to create a vehicle that can power itself?" Asked Temetet, impressed.

"Yeah, now we just have to get it back on its wheels," Hezekiah affirmed.

Temetet and Oates looked at each other, sending a silent message to the other through look only, and then they looked back at the truck, "We can lift it," they said in unison.

"Perfect! Let's get the hell out of here!" Flint stated.

"Stand out of the way," Otaes instructed, as both she and Temetet disembarked from their Neheyna rides. They both stood at the side of the truck, observing its features, visualizing it in their minds... They looked at each other again, nodding together, closing their eyes, and turning back to the JLTV. They held their arms up, and blue energy surrounded it.

Unity watched closely, knowing that they could do it.

The pebbles around the truck began to shake. Hezekiah could see the truck being moved on its suspension. But it was a heavyweight. They would need to try harder!

A great expression of concentration came on their faces, as they focused on moving this hunk of metal. Again Hezekiah watched... the chassis increased in height, as the weight was lifted off of the suspension. And then, the wheels began to hang. The truck lifted only a few centimeters off the rock trap it was in, though it was enough to get the wheels out of the ensnarement.

"I--I can't hold much longer, brother!" Otaes said, her eyes still shut.

"Hold it steady! Focus! We're nearly there, I can feel it!"

The truck moved completely over a grassy incline, but it began to wobble in the air... soon the wobbling became more violent as the truck slipped out of their control.

"I can't anymore! We have to let it... Go!" Otaes called out.

The truck fell out of its suspended state mid-air and bounced on the ground. Otaes fell to her knees with Temetet instantly rushing over to help her. Unity looked on, concerned for Otaes.

"...Too much, it was too heavy for us," She panted, trying to regain her breath. Temetet nodded in agreement.

Hezekiah was about to offer if he could help, and even give his thanks when he heard a high-pitched squeaking sound come from the truck. He looked and saw the wheels begin to move. The truck was about to slip downhill. Far enough, just ten meters down was another rock ledge, which seemed to be much deeper.

"GUYS! THE TRUCK!" Hezekiah yelled out, at once running to it. Unity instantly bolted into action, with Lafayette being the first to get there. The truck had begun to pick up speed, and Lafayette could only just hang on as he managed to open the door.

"The emergency brake, Laf! Use it!" Quinn told him.

Lafayette seemed to search around inside, frantically. Until the truck immediately froze on the incline. Lafayette found it just before it was too late. The wheels were only a few feet from the ledge. Any closer, both Lafayette and the Truck would be toast.

"Holy shit," Lafayette sighed as he moved behind the wheel.

"Great save! That's why you're our driver!" Brian called out to him. It put a faint, but well deserved, smile on Lafayette's face.

"Thank you!"

"Alright Unity, let's get the hell out of here. And to you guys..." Hezekiah turned to the two Elves, who were still catching their breath, "Thank you for this. I don't know how to return the favor."

"It's fine, we both have our jobs to do. We're just doing ours," Temetet said, still out of breath. Hezekiah nodded in respect. He had learned to appreciate their magic now. It had gotten them out of so much trouble.

First, it saved Brian. Next, it saved the truck. Twice. That's three times it has shown its mettle. Now, Hezekiah wished for the chance to prove their own worth. They were Marines after all, pure-bred warriors. He remembered the new objective: get to the garrison before the 'Iscariots', to warn them of the incoming assault.

He smelled blood around the corner. And he smelled an opportunity to prove himself, "Alright Unity. Let's get mobile! To the Garrison, Laf!" He called out.