mindcracklove | Matka; Chapter 1

Okay. Chapter 1 here we go!
Hope you guys enjoy this!
Feedback is appreciated <3
(and if you work out what the name means, well done!)

The night was dark. So very dark. The dense, ominous forest was even darker, the trees preventing the small amount of light the moon offered getting in. The wind rustled the leaves, but other than that, all was silent. Almost too silent.

In the heart of the forest, it was quietest. The only noise was the occasional leaf falling from a tree, landing delicately on the ground. That’s why it’s so shocking that the single figure who stole through those woods was never discovered.

He made his way stealthily, moving at an intense pace, yet never making a sound. He was a man on a mission, and as far as he was concerned, this was the most important thing on earth at that very moment.

After an almost full night of travelling, he reached his destination, a single cabin on the edge of the forest, very much secluded from the rest of society. A lone man lived there, and his life had been pretty normal. After this moment though, nothing would ever be the same.

The shadowy figure made this towards the front of the cabin, pulling a rather tattered envelope from seemingly nowhere. He slid it under the door and disappeared. As far as he was concerned, his part was finished. Little did he know, it was only just beginning…

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When Blame woke up that morning, he knew straight away something unusual had happened. Firstly, the envelope on the floor was a pretty big give away. He knew that had definitely not been there the previous night, he would’ve noticed it. Secondly, a sleek black cat was sat on the end of his bed, looking at him expectantly. He wasn’t sure which one was the bigger shock. The fact someone had actually contacted him, or the fact a cat seemed to have invite its self to live with him.

“What are you doing, kitty?” he asked, reaching out a hand to stroke it, finding the fur to be soft to the touch. The cat just meowed at him, looking up with sparkling emerald eyes. Blame decided to keep the cat, judging her to be female based on her build.

“I think I’ll call you Bella” he said. She obviously approved of the name, as she purred deeply and rubbed herself against Blame’s legs. Blame smiled, glad to have some company, at least for a while. As much as he enjoyed his own company, it got a little lonely at times.

A quiet noise brought him away from his thoughts as Bella jumped off the bed, and started to explore the cabin. Watching her, laughing as she jumped at different things, swatting with her paws, his eyes fell back on to the envelope. He sat there, just staring at it. It looked very battered, as if the person who delivered it had had it for a long time. Curiosity finally getting the better of him, Blame stood up, and retrieved the envelope, cautious about opening it. Bella sprung up and curled up on Blame’s lap, and he absentmindedly stroked her ears as he pulled a piece of paper from the envelope.

Blame scanned the letter, reading it carefully, mouth falling open in disbelief.

Dear BlameTC,

Firstly, let me introduce myself. I am Rob The Leader. I am the leader of our clan (hence the name), and your oldest ancestor. Let me state this now; by the time it is necessary that you receive this, I shall be long dead- as will most of the clan. However, there is no time to dwindle on the past- not when your future is in danger.

Three months after the date you receive this, the entirety of humanity will be in grave danger, and only you can prevent the biggest catastrophe this planet will ever see.

You must first travel south to find the one person who can help yo-

And that’s where it ended.

Blame read the letter again. And again, and again. Yet he could not make any sense from it. How did he know this person was trust worthy? He would never know, if he was to believe what the letter said.

Blame sighed. His mind was made up before he had really thought about it. He was going to follow the instruction on the letter, and head south. Maybe that way he’ll find the other half of the letter, as well as the person he’s meant to save humanity with.

“Maybe it’s all just a huge wind up” he muttered to himself. That seemed more likely than the actual reality of what was happening.

Still, he gathered up supplies; food, weaponry, medical supplies, a tent, and the few potion supplies he had. Blame looked around the cabin, wondering if there was anything else he needed to take with him. Bella was sat in the middle of his bed, waiting expectantly.

“Are coming with me?” he asked her, subconsciously already knowing the answer. He couldn’t help but feel that Bella was going to be an important part of this journey. Bella just stood and stretched, jumping off the bed and circling round Blame.

After five more minutes of double and triple checking his supplies, Blame was ready to go. He exited his cabin, Bella following closely behind. He checked his compass, an item that he crafted last minute that would be extremely useful, and made sure he was heading south. He then started his journey, not knowing to expect.

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Blame spent the entire day walking, Bella close by his side. It was only when the sun had fully set did he consider it was time to set up camp. That and the fact Bella had climbed onto his shoulders and had fallen asleep, breathing softly in his ear.

Blame set up the tent, and climbed inside. He settled, but didn’t plan on sleeping, though he must’ve passed out at some point because the next thing he knew, the sun was streaking through the partially open tent. He sat up, snapping into action quickly. He packed up all his supplies without hesitation, only leaving out some food and water for both him and Bella.

He fed and drank, Bella alongside him, then set off again. He was getting closer to the middle of the forest now, where the sun couldn’t quite shine through the dense leaves of the trees. Here, Blame felt more cautious. He made sure he had his sword and bow at the ready, checking Bella was sticking close to him.

Crunch.

The sound of a twig breaking quietly made Blame draw his sword. He looked around for the source of the noise. Suddenly, Bella started hissing at a certain tree, back arching. Blame inspected the tree, keeping his sword out. He couldn’t notice anything odd about it, other than the large letters carved into it. Just as he lent closer to inspect them, he sensed someone creeping up behind him.

He whirled round, slamming the figure against a nearby tree, sword held against his throat. Just as he opened his mouth to ask who the guy was and why he was in the middle forest, there was a hard thump on the back of his skull.

The last thought that ran through his mind was that he didn’t notice the second person.

Then everything went black.