Prologue - Into the Dark Zone
The world… is no longer what it once was. Few years ago, a malevolent force called the Nightmare Wave struck our world, leaving ruin in its wake.
While the world managed to rebuild itself, many “Dark Zones” were left in the aftermath of the Nightmare Wave. Within these Dark Zones, four types of horrible creatures began to manifest.
Vampires. Once innocent people until their souls were possessed by sinful, bloodthirsty creatures of the night.
Werewolves. Bestial spirits who have entered the body of normal humans and became something both man and beast.
Demons. Malevolent spirits who can possess everyday objects and can take humanoid forms.
Slashers. Ordinary humans who went mad from the Nightmare Wave and started killing anything on sight.
On top of that, long lost magic has returned to the world. As a result, many Mages wield its power for whatever purpose suits them. Some wish to use magic to help others but most want to dominate “the lesser people”.
However, all is not lost. Some humans have suddenly gained extraordinary power to combat these threats. These humans have been called Awakened. They are the first and last line of defense for humanity.
However, nothing is ever certain… in a world of darkness.
Somewhere Near Minneapolis, Now Known as Dark Zone Lilith
It was evening and several armed trucks drove through an open road. Inside one the trucks, a big, buffed man was about to debrief his troops of the situation.
In appearance, he looked to be somewhere in his late thirties to early forties with yellow eyes and dark cobalt blue hair in the style of a buzz cut. This was Iron Will, the commander of this mission.
“Alright people listen up!” Iron Will barked, “As you may already know, we’re about to enter Dark Zone Lilith, so let me break it down to you all as to why.”
“A few months ago, a group of scientists entered the Dark Zone to study it and the god forsaken freaks inside it.”
“Why in the world did they do that?” One of the soldiers asked.
“Probably to find better ways to combat it and maybe help the poor unfortunate bastards who got turned.” Iron Will replied, “Just recently, we lost all contact with them. What happened to them? We don’t know. That’s why we’re going in there to find out. Our objective is to retrieve the scientists, or what's left of them, and get them out of there. But if they’re all already dead, then we retrieve any form of research they might have made. Now then, are there any other questions?”
“How far is this research base?” One of the soldiers asked.
“Not too far in the Dark Zone if that’s what you’re afraid of. It’s just on the edge of it.”
“Didn’t the researchers have anyone looking after them?” Asked another.
“They had over a dozen armed guards with them. The higher ups wanted to give them a couple of Awakened as well. But those know-it-alls thought it would be “unnecessary”.” Iron Will then snorted, “Guess that goes to show ya that just because you’re smart doesn’t mean you have common sense.”
“Is that why she’s coming with us sir?” One soldier asked, pointing at a young woman who was sitting at the very end of the vehicle and reading a book who looked up when she was mentioned.
In appearance, her hair was a mixture of brilliant amaranth, moderate purple, and grayish violet and her eyes were dark purple. Instead of a military uniform, her attire was a dark purple robe with a matching wizard's hat. She also wore thick glasses, and a long staff was next to her.
“Miss Moondancer personally volunteered for this mission. Her sister was one of the scientists researching the Dark Zone.” Iron Will answered.
One soldier turned to another and whispered, “To be honest, I prefer an Awakened with us than a witch…”
“I prefer the term Mage asshat.” Moondancer called out to them while shooting them a glare which startled them both.
“Though that begs the question sir, how come we don’t have more Mages and/or Awakened with us on this mission?”
“This is a search and rescue mission, soldier, not a freak hunt.” Iron Will answered. “We’re just going in, get the scientists, and get the fuck out. I think one Mage is more than enough for that.”
Just then, Iron Will heard something in his earpiece, “Uh huh. Yeah? Ok.” He then turned to his men, “Alright people look alive! In a few minutes, we’re about to enter the Dark Zone!” After he finished, Iron Will then went to the end of the truck and sat right next to Moondancer. “You ok?” He asked.
The Mage just shrugged, “I’m alright. It’ll take more than a few whispers to keep me down.”
“I do apologize on behalf of my men. They’re not very comfortable around Mages.” Iron Will said solemnly.
Moondancer just sighed, “No, I sorta get where they’re coming from. We Mages don’t exactly have the best reputation.”
“Hey, I don’t want to sound like a Debbie Downer, but I hope that you realize that we might not be able to find your sister alive right?” Iron Will pointed out.
Moondancer glared at him, “I’m well aware of that sir but if there's even the slimmest chance that my sister is alive then you know damn well I’m going to find her.” Her glare then softened, “But at the same time, I’m not exactly holding my breath either.”
Iron Will then place his hand on her shoulder, “I just don't want you to get your hopes up to high is all. I’ve been in a Dark Zone before and let me tell ya, it ain’t very pretty in there. So be prepared for the worst once we’re in there. That said though, if any of the scientists, especially your sister, are still alive there, I’m going to do everything I can to make sure they’re safe and sound.”
Moondancer smiled, if only a little.
Little did any of them know, however, that they have some stowaways.
Underneath the trucks, several small, cloaked figures were holding onto the bottom of the vehicles for dear life.
‘I really hope we know what we're doing…’ One of them thought inwardly.
The armed trucks began entering what appeared to be a very large blanket of black fog. If one could hear carefully, even outside the fog, they could hear the eerie sound of whispers, chants, cries, and screams emanating from it…