The night came with a gentle breeze that caressed anything in its part. The woods seemed quiet as usual, safe for the sounds or insects and distant howling of wolves and cries of other animals. It seemed peaceful enough for anyone to be able to sink into their thoughts. At least for Adan it was. His sad expression was hidden behind his mask. If you stared in his eyes long enough you could see the sadness, loneliness and tiredness it was constantly housing. He leaned against the huge tree, staring up at the crescent moon which was serving as the only source of light for them.
Standing across from Adan, Conan had his back against a tree also, his arms folded and his eyes fixed on Adan. He could tell he had fallen into his usual state. A state of isolation. Himself on the other hand couldn't resonant with how the others were feeling. He felt geared up. After years of waiting and preparing, he was finally close to getting what he wanted.
Silas sat down against a fallen log. He had a blank expression. He was never one to react easily to things or wear his emotions on his sleeve. It was worse wearing a mask, you could never read him or tell what he was thinking. He was focused on their mission and his goal. Always ready to do whatever it takes as long as it got him closer. He believed in fulfilling his duties honorably as that is what makes life fair and easy to him.
Zamir looked around him for the umpteenth time and he was getting irritated with every passing minute. Unlike the others, he stood away from the trees and logs. He wanted nothing to do with the mucky environment. He was getting impatient. Glancing at the others one after the other, though he couldn't see their faces, he could tell they didn't seem disturbed by it. He sighed, grinding his teeth.
Sitting on one of the fallen trees, Freya crossed her legs, staring into the direction he was supposed to come from. She didn't like saying much. All that needed to be said was only thought about in her head unless the circumstances demanded it. As long as she did what was needed, she didn't see a reason to make a speech about it. Getting impatient with waiting, she was thinking of possible reasons why there could be delay and was searching for a suitable one when they heard footsteps.
"Finally" Conan broke the silence. "Zamir is slowly running mad from waiting here" He teased.
"Idiot" Zamir shot him.
They all turned to the direction the footsteps were coming from and saw him approaching. "Sorry for keeping you waiting" Kreed, also known as Devil Eyes said to them. His calm voice seemed to hold something else.
"Welcome back" Freya greeted
"That's the first time you've said a word today" Conan pointed out, shooting her a surprised look.
"Well....how did it go?" Adan asked, standing upright and walking toward him with the others following suit.
"It was just as I expected" Kreed replied, adjusting his mask. "We have what we came for, it's time to move forward with the plan. There's no use in waiting around anymore"
"Just say the word and let's get it done" Conan urged impatiently.
"You are becoming too hasty again, dumb-head" Zamir said to him.
"And what? You're the smart one?" Conan quipped, hitting Zamir with his elbow.
"Well he's not wrong Conan, you act hastily when carrying out orders. That is why Alpha Damon is still breathing" Kreed defined. "From now on we move in pairs to carry out the next phase of our plan. Zamir and Conan, Freya and Silas, Adan and i" He explained
"I guess it's you and I buddy" Conan wrapped his arm around Zamir's neck.
"Get off me, you unclean pup"
"You know what to do. No more mistakes. We stick strictly to the plan from here on out. Its time they know how serious we are" He established and then fixed his eyes on the half-moon above. He felt disappointment and then a sudden surge of anger. Balling his hands into fist, he sighed before speaking up again. "Let's show them pain and suffering"
"All of them?" Conan asked with a taunting look.
"Enough Conan" Silas spoke up for the first time.
"Fine fine" He raised his hands, backing down.
"That is all for now. Let's get right to it" Kreed concluded, turning toward the direction he came from and walking away with Adan following closely behind him.
Silas and Freya turned to the opposite direction and started for their destination also, leaving Conan and Zamir there. "Let's not waste any more time here. We have somewhere to be" Zamir replied and started for their path. "Don't get in my way and stay behind me while I lead" He added
"Yeah right" Conan scoffed.
***
The sun was slowly coming up and the darkness clouding the woods and town was clearing off. All that could be heard were their footsteps. They both seemed to be deep in thoughts, walking side by side in silence. Kreed couldn't shake off his thoughts, it kept bothering him. He could tell something was wrong. Though he couldn't pinpoint it but he knew. And he knew he had to figure it out before the war began.
"Did you confirm?" Adan broke the silence.
"Of course. We were right after all. Now we just have to make sure they are united again. That should be the first priority before the war. Once that is done, then we can go ahead and bring suffering to the others" He proclaimed, staring at his palm before balling it into a fist.
"And you?"
"What about me?" Kreed inquired. He could feel Adan's eyes on him.
"Never mind" He looked away, falling into silence once more. Kreed knew what he wanted to ask. He was glad he didn't let it out of his mouth 'cause he had no answers to his question. He was still finding the answer himself. One thing was certain to him, the answers and truth each one of them were seeking, including their enemies, would be told soon, all buried secrets unearthed.