Into the barrier

Author’s note: I am back from vacation, and after I take a day to recover from jet lag, we can get back to my usual level of writing! Thanks for reading!

As the disorientation fades, you find yourself in a forest clearing, facing a shimmering barrier. The girls step up next to you, looking at the glowing wall of force. You turn to Iris. “Well, here we are, where’s the best place to enter?”

Iris looks around and shakes her head. “I am afraid I don’t really know. I had to flee the area because of the hunters. I do know that the palace is in the center of the dome, however.”

You nod. “So our best bet is to head in and get our bearings once inside. But once you’re inside, can the queen find you again?”

She sighs. “Most likely. We should work quickly once we’re in. I will guide you towards the resistance members I know.”

Maya grins. “Don’t worry, Iris, we can protect you, it’s been too long since I beat someone up anyway!”

Uzume nods. “Yeah, we’ll make them regret being jerks!”

You chuckle. “Let’s not go around starting fights, girls. I’d like to do this as nonviolently as possible.”

Sadie giggles. “I bet we could seduce them instead!”

You roll your eyes. “You probably could, sure. It would be entertaining at least.”

Iris grins. “I know a few of the ladies we’re meeting wouldn’t mind that…”

You laugh. “Again, I’m not here to fuck EVERYONE I find…”

Maya nudges you. “You said that about Iris too. You know you love the attention!”

You chuckle. “Fine, fine. Regardless, let’s get started, shall we?”

Iris pulls out her key, and the five of you approach the barrier. As she holds the key out, a gap opens, revealing more lightly forested areas within, although in the near distance you can see a walled city. After you all pass through the gap, the barrier snaps shut behind you. Iris takes a deep breath. “Well, we’re here. We should go to the city, but be careful, anything we meet on the way is unlikely to be friendly.”

As if on cue, several pairs of red eyes appear in the shadows. As you begin to walk, the eyes follow, though no threat approaches immediately. You all surround Iris as you move, and head towards the city.