After getting briefed by Charles, the group stepped outside the tent. Frank glanced sideways and saw a box of equipment lying on the ground.
"Looks like these are our tools…" He said while approaching.
The others turned toward it as well and began rummaging through the box.
"So…we've got a net gun, bird food, tranquilizer darts and…a 7th century rifle." Major dug through the pile.
"Everything looks mechanical so, it'll be fine." Josh commented.
"Why? Don't machines not work here?" Matthew asked.
"Yes, they don't but only highly advanced tech. It's the reason these cars are still running – they use petroleum engines." Josh replied.
"Yes, it's just as Josh said." Major stood up. "Something in the forest is disturbing our remote control of drones and power source similar to an EMF. So, mechanical tools are better."
"Alright, then." Nolan picked up the box. "Let's get moving, shall we?"
"Yeah, and before that. Pack that stuff into a bag." Frank ordered.
***
After Nolan packed most of their equipment into his backpack, they found an unused car and hopped in. Josh and Matthew sat in the driver and passenger seats respectively while the rest crammed into the back. Josh gripped the wheel and pressed the accelerator but…the car didn't move forward. He pressed again – harder this time yet it still didn't budge.
"Why the hell is this not going forward?" Josh complained.
"It's not even on, dumbass!" Major exclaimed.
"What?" Josh blurted.
"It works with buttons." Major explained.
"Oh…So, where's the on switch?"
"I presume it would be the big ass red button in front of the gear." Matthew pointed at a big ass red button that was in fact ahead of the gear shift.
Josh nodded awkwardly and pressed on the button. The engine roared to life. Josh gripped the wheel once again and stomped on the gas. This time to car rushed forward and escaped the veil that Nyx had set up previously. The team's excitement grew as they weaved between the trees, moving farther away from the camp.
"Hope we can finish this quickly…" Matthew muttered under his breath.
***
A few hours later…
"I'll tell you something, the only living thing I've see till now ARE THE DAMN TREES." Nolan shouted in annoyance.
"I feel you, bro. It's like the birds avoiding us for some reason." Frank slumped. "I also feel kinda hungry."
"Quit whining! We just got bad luck because of Nolan." Josh retorted.
"Hey, what do I have to do with this?!" Nolan replied.
"Bro, you're the only guy that complains this much." Matthew leaned back.
"…While that may be true, I complain for good reason's." Nolan argued.
"You remember the last time we went to a coffee shop; you complained that the waiter wasn't 'hot' enough." Major added.
"H-Hey! That's not true!" Nolan hissed.
"Yeah – yeah, sure, buddy, sure~" Major chuckled slightly.
As the group continued to Banter, Josh slammed on the brakes. Matthew and the others leaned forward due to the force and then, promptly crashed back in their seats.
"What is it?" Frank inquired.
"Get out." Josh pushed the door open.
The team – confused, did as Josh said and exited their car.
"I don't see any birds around here…" Frank glanced around.
"Look up." Matthew, Josh and Major stated at the same time.
Frank blinked and lifted his head. Then, his eyes widened as he a small bird's nest sitting alone on the branch of a nearby tree.
"Finally…" Nolan celebrated quietly.
"It doesn't look like the mother is there so…" Matthew analyzed the nest and turned around. "Nolan."
The two locked eyes. Nolan immediately knew what his captain wanted him to do. He threw his bag in Josh's hand, sighing as he activated his attribute without delay. He rushed forward and leapt onto the tree. As he landed on the trunk, his hands stuck to it like gum, not letting him fall. With this, he started climbing the tree frantically. Eventually, he reached the nest but it was…big – unusually big. He groaned and pulled himself up some more.
From his view, he could see the nest was around the size of a human. In the center, four small eggs not even a quarter of the size of the nest, lay dormant.
'Captain.' Nolan called out.
'Yeah.' Matthew replied.
'It's a massive nest but the eggs are…normal.'
'Could you investigate some more?'
'Sure.' Nolan replied, hopping into the nest.
He neared the eggs and crouched down. Sliding his fingers against their shell, he felt nothing off.
'Seems like their normal eggs…but why is the nest so large?'
Right in that instant, he felt a chill down his spine as a shadow covered him. He froze, his instincts screaming at him to run but it was already too late.
'Shit.'
In a flash, the unknown creature attacked Nolan and sent him off its nest. Blood splattered from Nolan's back as he rolled off the nest and began falling down. Below, Matthew, Josh, Frank and Major were met with the unexpected surprise of Nolan falling. Their pupils dilated as their teammate fell with a trail of blood behind him. Frank activated his attribute and leapt forward. His veins popped as he caught his teammate. He turned around and used his back to shield Nolan from crashing against the tree.
He slid down, covered in blood. As he was panting, he lifted his head, seeing that his teammates were still staring at the sky.
'Hey! What the hell are you staring at?! Nolan's injured!" Frank shouted.
But they didn't respond and continued to look upward. Then, they stepped back as a scream tore through the forest. Leaves fell, ears burst and crows flocked away as Josh unzipped the backpack. The others pulled out their katanas, seemingly waiting for something. Frank gritted his teeth once more.
'Did you not hear me?! Nolan's injured, what the hell are you guys doing?'
But what he was met with was not an answer nor an apology – it was order.
'Look up, Frank.' Major whispered, fear drilled into his mind.
Frank – perplexed, raised his head…and in the next moment, his pupils dilated and jaw dropped as he witnessed what was above them. A massive four-winged beast similar to a raven, being eclipsed by the sun flew above, chirping with an eerie tone.
"What…in god's name…is that…?" Frank uttered.