I just happened to have received a laptop, which means more frequent updates! Now to the story!

*Adam's POV*

It's been a few days since the last Squid encounter. Ray constantly has an arrow notched in her bow, and my sword is always drawn. We were both wondering the same thing, If they know where we are, why haven't they attacked us yet?

"Maybe I was wrong, maybe they don't know where we are." I turned to Ray, but I didn't reply. She was talking to herself more than me. "Maybe that patrol was on the way to the front, but we simply got in the way."

"Doubt it. First, squids travel faster by water, so they were definitely searching for something, or someone. Second, that party was too big for a patrol group, but also to small to be moving to the front, so they weren't supposed to encounter a large resistance force. They know we're here, they just haven't made a move yet." We continued walking for a about two hours* before we Ray stopped me. "What is-" She put a finger to her mouth, I was to shutup. she pointed to nearby bush, and we snuck in behind it.

"-idn't stand a chance, and I thought they were supposed be the best race of fighters in all the kingdoms!"

"Yeah, we showed those baccas whose boss." Squids, and apparently they're fresh from battle. I gripped my sword, but Ray held me back and mouthed something. Listen. I looked back out. There was at least 25 squids, probably more, with most of them knights, like the two that were just talking. They were camped near a pond, but there was no output, meaning no reinforcements. Another squid, this one with some fancy armor, was coming over.

"Alright you two, I just received our new target. Two Northerners, shouldn't be a problem, but we still need to get going as soon as possible, so rest up, then pack up, we move in the morning."

"Yes sir." The two grunt squids saluted their officer, and me and Ray made our exit.

"Well our job just got a bit harder." I looked over to Ray, expecting a snarky response, but saw her face pale, and her eyes dull. "Ray, don't worry, we'll get them."

"Adam, do remember the objectives." I looked at her, wondering where that question came from.

"Well, yeah. First, sneak into Squid territory. Second, meet up with one of ... Jerome's ... crap" I realized what she meant.

"Yeah, Adam, our backup is dead."

*Dom's POV*

3 days ago

"So, you're a good guy." AntVenom had long since dropped his sword, and instead was listening to my story.

"Yes, I'm a good guy, not a traitor, and definitely not a squid clone."

"Well, it happened before, so I just wanted to make sure." We laughed. After giving the rough details, I packed up (he stayed on the move) and we headed north. Ant had told me that "If anyone is still free, it would be Mitch. Frozen water combined with the most highly skilled army in The Great Alliance makes The North a death trap for Squids." Well, it made sense, so we moved out. Ant had asked me to recount my tale about a dozen times before just flat out asking questions.

"And the weird swords?" He said, pointing to one of my sheathed Emerald-edged Gold swords.

"Don't know." I shrugged. "They are just as mysterious as I am, I guess" It was true. As interesting as it was, my story doesn't start until about a year before The fall, when I woke up in the middle of the forest, no memory of even the previous night. I joined the Sky Army, and then it happened.

Present Day

"Dom, wake up" I looked up at Ant. He was holding his sword with his one arm. "We start the trek through The North Forest today, and mobs don't burn there, so be on your guard." I got up, put on my black bag, and drew one of my swords.

"How long should this take?"

"Five, six days max, plus the chance to encounter Squids, or survivors."

"The more the merrier."

"For sure" And with that, we entered the forest.

*?'s POV*

Pain.

Only Pain.

I check to make sure my arm is still there.

There was a saddening lack of fur, but it was still there.

I walked over to the next tree, but fell short, and more mud was mixed with the ink and blood stained in my fur. I couldn't turn over, so I passed out with only one thing on my mind.

Parmesan.

What's Dom's Story?

What will happen to Ray and Adam?

Will our heroes ever meet up? (Yes, they are in the same forest.)

Who is the poor soldier passed out in the woods?

PARMESAN?

Find out some of the answers, but not all, in the next installment of Fallen Kingdoms.

Dart out.