A few days later…
The expedition treaded through the forest, driving close to the river. Birds chirped, Water crashed against rocks, Fish swam and metal rung as the sun blazed above the trees. In one of the safari transports, Arthur and company were sitting with Matthew and company. The AEOC's special ops first unit was sitting quietly, sneaking small glances at the injuries the other group had gotten.
Matthew and company were somewhat healed after the mission a few days ago. The treatment was the best as the medics didn't have the proper tec to heal and were using tools that were heavily outdated yet they were able to seal up their wounds. Frank was healing with Kay since the chaos mutated raven had struck the tendon in his shoulder. Plus, pulling down the car had done slightly severe damage to him.
In another car, Lancelot looked out of the window, seeing the beauty of nature. Beside him was David and in the passenger's, seat was Nyx. He kept his eyes on the river, his mind drifting off.
'I can't wait to get home…'He thought solemnly.
Just as he reminiscing about home, the car suddenly stopped. Lancelot and David slightly recoiled backwards as Nyx's voice resounded.
"Why did you stop?" She asked the driver.
"There's no space to move." He replied calmly.
Lancelot raised a brow." Not enough space to move. Let me see."
He pushed himself forward and furrowed his brows. The path ahead was blocked by dense trees that seemed to be covered in thick fog. He sighed and fell back.
"Well, what should we do, mam?"
"Hmm…let's consult Sterling and Charles first." Nyx opened the door.
Lancelot followed along as did David. They both exited the car and trailed Nyx to the two lead scientists. Nyx knocked on their window while Lancelot leaned against the door. David stood behind Nyx as the glass rolled down.
"I think I know what you're here for…" Charles greeted them.
"You sure do." Nyx replied. "The hell do we do now?"
Charles looked ahead. "The trees are too dense to move forward. We'll have to go around it."
"Around it?" Sterling popped out from behind. "Without exploring it first, my friend?"
"I was…just about to say that." Charles pinched his nose.
"Then, who do we send?" Nyx asked. "Both the lieutenant general's team are out of commission so…"
"I can go." Lancelot suddenly offered.
All the attention was draw to Lancelot who looked unfazed. David narrowed his and parted his lips.
"May I ask why?"
Lancelot stood straight and placed his hands in his pockets.
"Of course. I'd like to have a go. It's been ages since I've stretched my body in an actual mission."
"Are you sure about this, general Lancelot?" Nyx questioned.
"I'm sure." Lancelot repeated.
"Well, then…" Nyx turned towards him. "You'll go with Arthur."
"As you wish." Lancelot replied with a gentle smile.
"Okay, that's settled." Charles spoke up. "Now, how do we cross the river?"
"I'll make a bridge." Nyx pointed at herself.
"Alright then." Charles nodded. "We'll be waiting."
Nyx winked at the scientists as they rolled up the window. She turned around a headed towards the river while the walked to their car. Once they got inside, Nyx stopped at the edge and closed her eyes. Instantly, the shadows cast by the rising sun dampened and rose like serpents. They approached river at Nyx's command and stretched across it from both sides. After a few moments, the river was connected by a lightless bridge.
Before allowing them to cross, Nyx reached her hand out. At the same time, a portal opened to another place and she rummaged through it like last time. But now, she pulled a majestic scepter with a pear-like glowing orb being held by it. The portal closed as she pointed the scepter at the bridge. She exhaled as the orb grew brighter and brighter until…the light disappeared.
She sighed and tossed it back away. The portal opened once again, letting the scepter in before shutting off. Nyx turned around and waved her hand.
"Get moving!" She shouted.
Hearing her order, the driver's moved towards the bridge. The shadows didn't bend nor break, carrying multiple cars and trucks over the river. After a few minutes, everyone had moved over to the other side. Nyx also strolled over before collapsing the shadows back to their original form.
"Set up camp here." She stated.
After hearing her, the drivers parked the vehicles and exited with the enforcers. As the units began setting up the tents, Nyx approached Arthur.
"Arthur." She called out.
Arthur flinched, turning around. "Yes?"
"You're going on a mission to explore that part of the forest." Nyx pointed.
"But mam…My team's missing a member." Arthur replied.
"Don't worry about it. Lancelot will be going with you."
Arthur paused for a moment, locking eyes with the supreme commander.
"Lancelot?" He tried to confirm.
"Yes, him." Nyx replied.
"As you wish, mam" Arthur said in a cold tone.
"Good, I'll call you over in a few hours."
"Understood."
Nyx smiled and headed away to the generals. Arthur turned back to his team, an annoyed expression on his face.
"Not happy about Lancelot?" Harvey crossed his arms.
"You could tell?" Arthur raised a brow.
"Since forever."
"Don't worry, captain." Maple patted Arthur on the back. "I think it'll go smoothly."
"I hope so too, Maple." Arthur replied.
"At least we'll get to see the guy's skills, haven't seen him properly fight since I joined the special ops." Amelia shrugged.
"I haven't seen him either." Arthur added. "The guy gets on my nerves for some reason but…let's see what he's got."
"That seems like your testing your superior, aren't you?" Amelia smirked. "Isn't that a bit disrespectful, captain?"
"I'm allowed to question a person's skills or decisions. It's called free will."
"You don't say~"
"Anyways, let's get to making our beds. I've got to get some practice in before the mission."
Arthur treaded forward and his team followed suit.