Small, uncertain footsteps splashed along the stretch of wet concrete that extended its way through a winded, damp tunnel. Any semblance of light didn’t seem to be a luxury allowed in these parts, Kanata having to solely rely on following the coarse lining of the walls to keep from stumbling forward.
Traversing this condensed hall for what seemed like forever, Kanata had found that, instead of the well-loved soccer ball he was clutching desperately to his chest, that a flashlight had been provided instead. Beggars couldn’t be choosers it seemed...
“What a place they’ve stuck us in! They’re really not being very generous to us this time, huh, Kanata?”
“You can say that again...”
However, not everything was at a complete loss. Fortunately, Kanata had been allowed to keep in contact with his precious Buddy Monster, Quintessence Crystal Dragon, Athora, during these rough times. After all, it was Athora’s voice that was the one thing keeping Kanata in solace and calm in such a dreary place.
“Don’t worry, okay? I won’t let a thing put a finger on my Kanata!”
“Thanks, Athora, I appreciate it.”
Managing to squeeze a smile out from that reassurance alone, Kanata came to a sudden stop at the sound of muffled activity in the near distance.
“Whoa.... do you hear that? I think there’s people down there.”
“Well, there’s no other way to go than forward.... Let’s proceed with caution!”
Nodding to that sentiment, Kanata pressed on, eyes squinting anxiously as a dull, fluorescent object glowed eerily from the next hall. Approaching at a snail’s pace now, the flicker of a shadow on the floor startled him to another halt, crouching down as he attempted to hide from whatever it was waiting for him just around the thin corner...
“Wh-what in the world are those?!”
Kanata could only gulp, quivering cobalt hues almost too afraid to look as he glanced at the lingering, humanoid forms gathered around the light source affixed to the other end of the tunnel.
“It looks like a.. lit tube over there. Maybe that’s our way out? But those strange monsters are surrounding it... What do we do...?”
