Redwood trees. Large, bulky and dense. The ultimate unmoving fortress. They are the guardians of the forests. They rise so tall it's like eyes staring down at you. Their presence and strength along with their unmovable bodies make them the pinnacle of having a Fortress.
Within the deepest known part of a forest known to man was a placed called, "The blood Valley." Redwood ranging from small to down right massive trees in a wall-like formation covering miles after miles. It was told to have been there for thousands of years. Half of the country was covered in them. California, a place where not a lot of trees grow and mostly barren, was covered in massively overgrown Redwood trees. The roots taking out city's and overlapping houses. The place become a desolate waste land of roots and Trees. How did this go unnoticed by the government? It's simple. Someone killed him and had someone else take his place. Nobody knows why these trees have all the sudden started frowning in vast numbers, scientists tried to explore and figure it out. But they failed after many tests later. It was found that the trees were just growing faster then normal by 1,000x and spreading rapidly.
After three years went by the whole Country was fully covered in Redwood trees. However the USA was able to work around the problem, using the trees to their advantage. Power grids and electric plantations now on top of trees and skyscrapers tall as mointains were born. Everyone soon called it, "The sea of Green and fire." However certain places never got the attention it deserved. California, Nevada, Utah, Idaho, Georgia, Washington, Oregon, Arizona, Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming. These group of States were renamed "Hidden Valley." Many traveled there in hopes of seeing the past buildings now broken or still standing from the Redwood assult. However many have still yet to return. Some have, but were too scared to talk or even speak. They would just go on with their daily lives like nothing happened.
Soon the government had to place a Stone wall due to mass disappearances. Nobody wanted to take watch over it. Children and Adults had gone missing within. About 90,000 thousand people had gone missing within that three year period and almost none came back, either traveling inside or were expert explorers. Everyone had tried to search for them, but failed miserably. Family's tone apart either within state or cross-country. But then for some reason on first week of each month, one or two people would come back. Either completely fine or half dead and barely standing. Nobody would talk about what happened, so many people called it the "RedWood Curse." With many thinking a demon lived within the forest and took people. Today people still believe that a demon lives within the forest. Nobody explores it. The tree's roots have even pierced through the thick stone wall. Nobody takes watch over it.
Abandoned and buried will they watch us. Living and breathing they carry us.
Pulsing and moving they protect us.
Saving and waiting they lead us.
Holding our hand as we carry on to the end.
Never look back what was lost, just carry on.
May thy odds be in YOUR favor.
Cause the world is theirs now.
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"Oi! Get that rope on the there or I'll put you on there myself!" A man shouted as a large boat started to slide into one of the many docks along the shore. When the boat was held in place a long door slide open and slowly lowered itself down onto the stone dock. People who were waiting streamed out like roaches and headed for the Massive walls of the Redwood trees. Lots of people were amazed by the site. A long row of trees stretched for miles along the edge of the beach. "They were somehow surviving here despite the fact that trees are never able to grow near beaches. Great notes to make!" A small girl with long brown hair and small glasses said. "Olivia you say that about everything, but I think this time it's valid. What the hell happened here. I went away for five years and this is what happened?" A tall woman said standing beside Olivia. "Oh give me a break, Docter Iris! I'm amazed by everything because they so beautiful!" Olivia said with a frown but couldn't hide that smile of hers. Iris sighed and smirk at her. Both Iris and Olivia were wearing scientist jackets, blue shirts and dark blue jeans. Iris had blond hair so she stood out. They both were young women with such bodily curves it'd make a man cry with joy. Iris noticed a man waving his hands, trying to get their attention. "Oh, that must be our host of the today." Iris smiled as she and Olivia made their way towards the man. When the women reached the male he was sweating and panting from moving through the never ending crowds. "Hello! I am Hashibara Reach! But you can call me Richy!" The man panted out as he slowly stretched out his hand in greeting. Iris took his hand and shook it firmly. "Pleasure to meet you, Richy. I am Iris Hohara. I was told that I was needed for a job?" She asked calmly with a soft grin. Olivia also shook Richy's hand, he face plastered with a unmistakable smile. "My name is Olivia Pelli! Pleasure to work with you!" She exclaimed excitedly. Richy nodded and gestured for them to follow. "Yes, you were specifically call for this mission. However let's go somewhere more… relaxing." Richy said pointing to a car with men guarding it. Iris nodded in agreement, it was kinda hot out here. Olivia could have cared for less but gave into it.
When the group reached the shaded blue car and entered inside, Richy was the first to start the conversation. "The reason we call for you was because we needed someone of expertise for the job. Today is the first time in four years since anyone has gone into the Hiddin Valley. We'll protect you and your friend, however we need for you to extract samples from pinpointed trees on this map." Richy said pulling out a IPad and handing it to Iris. Iris gladly took the IPad and scanned the map data. "Wow. These are pretty far. First we go to Colorado then we branch out?" Iris asked pointing at the data log of people. Richy nodded firmly as he took out his phone. "Yes. We called scientists from around the world to help us discover what lies beyond that cursed land." Rich answered coldly with angry eyes. Iris gulped and she clutched her necklace which showed the cross. Olivia took the IPad from Iris's hand softly and scrolls through the database. Her eyes suddenly widen when she recognized someone. "Iris! Look! It's Greg Wimster!" Olivia pointed as Iris leaned over her shoulder. "Your right. It is him. Wasn't he supposed to be out in Aisa though?" Iris asked glancing at Richy. "Hmm. Yes but it seemed whatever project he was working on with them seem to backfire so they sent him back to us saying he was of great help." Richy said with a suspicious frown as he tried to take back the IPad, but failed as Olivia moved her body to dodge. Iris sighed and yanked it out of the girls hand. Handing it back to Richy who nodded kindly. "Hmm. Yes I did hear recently that Aisa was working on a nuclear plant again, but they were unable to make it work so it had to be shut down." Iris said with a sour expression. She definitely didn't like nuclear plants that's for sure Rich wondered. After a long drive the car finally stopped at a station, secluded from the rest of the train stations. "This is our stop, miss Iris. This train was made specifically for going towards Colorado. At least the entrance of it." Richy said as he opened the side door and exited out of the car. Iris and Olivia did the same and exited the car. They walked over to the entrance of the small train. It opened with a hiss and you could hear the engine running under your feet. Iris looked around the station with curiosity. "Strange. I don't see any other cars here?" Iris asked looking towards Richy. "Ah yes. I forget to mention we'll be meeting them all there two days from now. You won't feel it, but this train goes extremely fast." Richy said as he stepped onto the train. Iris and Olivia followed suit. But Iris suddenly felt a chill down her spine and whipped around instantly. Nothing. Just a small parking lot surrounded by roads and Redwood houses. "Huh. Odd." Iris said turning around and stepping onto the train.
The train had about three cabs. Each one with different uses. Bedroom, kitchen and living room. Iris and Olivia was the first to head to the bedroom for they were pretty tired from the boat trip. Richy stayed up to finish some paper work and computer work. "Sleep tight." Richy said waving a hand at the two women. Iris turned to look at Richy with a soft smile. "Don't work too hard now. You'll need that energy for the next two days." Iris said as she walked into the bedroom and closed the door. Richy chuckled to himself as he started tapping on the tablet.
When the next day passed and about 6:00 o'clock Iris was up. She checked her phone which was under her pillow. No messages. She sighed, adding her feet onto the ladder and climbing down. When her feet touched the floor she shifted over to the bathroom. After about fifteen minutes she came back out fully dressed. A red shirt with pants and socks. She tied up her long blonde hair. Walking over to the door that led into the bedroom and opening it, she found herself looking at a dark circled half awake Richy with a stack of papers. Richy eyes slowly pulled themselves to look at Iris. "Good morning? Or is it night?" Richy slurred out. He reached for his cup of coffee and lifted it towards his mouth. He took a long sip then set the cup down. Iris smiled at Richy and sat next to him on the couch. "So. Sleep well?" She asked softly closing the Tablet. Richy yawned and leaned back into the couch. He raised his hand up and cupped his mouth. "I got two hours of sleep about three hours ago. Does that count?" Richy jokingly asked. Iris laughed and shook her head. "Go sleep. You earned it." Iris said patting Richy on the back. Olivia entered the room, wearing a green shirt and shorts. "Morning~" she groaned out tiredly, rubbing her eyes. "Morning Olivia. Coffee with half&half is ready in the kitchen along with Eggs and ham." Richy said slowly glancing her way. Olivia's eyes turn instantly greedy to statement and rushed over to the kitchen to go eat. Iris shook her at the girl and turned back to Richy. "Thanks a lot. How'd you know she liked Eggs and ham?" Iris asked standing up from the couch. Ricky chuckled at the question, not rudely but knowingly. "I make them for myself on a daily basis, along with hashbrowns." Richy replied as he too began to push himself off the couch. Iris nodded in agreement as she also makes the exact same thing. "We'll go get some sleep Richy. We don't want you sleeping while hiking." Iris said grinning with sarcasm. Richy laughed and nodded, making his way into the bedroom and closing the door.
Olivia was already devouring the food when Iris entered. Olivia's head perked up and waved at her. "Oh! Iris! Come eat! It's fresh for us like it was just cooked! Isn't that amazing! A train that knows your own food and likes! Incredible!" Olivia said with fascination. Iris rolled her eyes at Olivia. "You do know that Richy made it right?" Iris asked curiously. Olivia nodded, signifying that she was playing around. Iris once again rolled her eyes and sat down at the circular table. Iris ate with manners while Olivia….well let's just say she had some work to do. The both are peaceful and talked about the scenery. However once again, that watchful feeling crawled up Iris. Something was weird about those woods that made Iris tense. "You feel it too?" Olivia asked calmly, looking outside. "That ever watchful feeling. Like something bad will happen?" She added. Iris looked outside and nodded. "Yes. I do. But where is it coming from?" Iris asked herself out loud as her eyes then widened. "What the hell?" She voices in surpise standing up and walking over to the window. Olivia seemed to have noticed but by her reaction it proved she had not. As the train rode along the risen track, passing trees like a bullet. One tree the stood out among the rest. It stood taller then the rest and was massive in size. "It seems you've noticed it too?" Ricky asked coming inside the room. Iris turned to him and gestured frantically at the tree. Richy sighed as he sat down at the table. "That is the Mother tree. At least that's what we call. Others call it the Sky Branch. It was the first tree ever to grow that size. It is the heart of the Redwood Forest. Its branches extend out antenna's. We called those 'The Antennas to heaven.' Mostly because people have been seen swan diving off of them. That tree it what is most likely feeding the other ones. We think it's a mutation in the system." Rich said pointing at the Mother Tree with a scornful finger of pure malice. Anyone could tell that Richy hated the tree more than anything. Iris gulped and calmed herself. She walked over and sat down. Thinking hard and trying not to look at the tree. "This is crazy but luxuriant. I'm all for it." Iris said looking at Richy with determination. Richy nodded and looked at Olivia who also nodded. She had completely ignored the conversation and focused on eating. "The operation will have guards to protect us and guide us through. However, there are rules. One: don't move off the trail. Second: stick to the group. And thirdly: obey orders. That's it. We retract the samples and leave." Richy said calmly as he looked outside. He wanted revenge for lives lost to the forest. For the children and families broken. He will definitely ease their pain.
The next day the train reached the station at Colorado. The doors opened once more with a hiss and the three stepped out. They were greeted with a crowd of people. Each having a group of ten people. About ten different groups were present. One hundred people present including Iris, Olivia and Richy. A man wearing military gear stepped forward towards the three in a authoritative fashion, which ment he was the big O. "Good morning, Docter Iris and Olivia. As well too you, Hashibara." The man said in a excited voice like this was some child's playroom. Richy nodded in agreement and shook the strong man's hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Commander Toro. I hope things are going well?" Richy asked with a smile. Toro laughed as he nodded his head. "Things couldn't have gone better! Today will be a great day!" Toro huffed with honor. Toro took out a small IPad from his pocket and scrolled along the lists and data shown. He frowned when he realized the numbers were off. "Oh? That's weird. Why are all the groups taken already? You guys are the last ones here and should be with the last group. Guess we'll have to improvise." Toro groaned out. Richy, upon hearing this information, was also slightly taken aback by this sudden information. "What?! How is that possible! We arrived just on time and on schedule!" Richy shouted in anger. Toro raised a hand to calm Rich down. "Now now. Like I said. We'll have to improvise. You be with me and my team." Toro stated turning to Iris and studying her with a keen gaze. "Does that seem with you? Miss Iris? I'm asking cause you have this authority like feeling." Toro asked. Iris smiled at the compliment, but gave thought to the question. "Well. That should be fine. As long as we get the job done and live. Then I see no problem." Iris said calmly. Olivia glanced around the place then looked back and chirped in her thoughts. "Oh! And if we have food and drinks!" Toro almost laughed at her but held it in by pounding his chest. "Anyway. Come along and let the operation begin." Toro stated putting back the iPad into the pocket and zipping it up. The group followed Toro down a wooden ramp that lead onto a dirt road that was covered with military equipment. "It seems the other have already set out for their respective positions." Toro muttered as they stroded toward the stone wall entrance where six armed men were waiting. "Commander! All things are up and ready. We are all ready leave when you are." One of the soldiers stated in salute. Toro Saluted back in respect and they relaxed. "Alright then. Do we have food?" Toro asked in a question.
"Yes sir!"
"Water?"
"Yes!"
"Ammo and explosives?"
"Up and running, sir!"
"Good. Then let's roll!" Toro ordered waving his hand in a signal. They all then started moving. It was when they got close to the entrance that one of the soldiers, a young man with blue eyes, turned around and gave two pistols to Iris and Olivia. "Just take them for now. Commander would be fumming if he saw this." The soldier said scratching his head as he turned back around and continued walking. Iris smiled and so did Olivia. "Thank you." Olivia whispered softly to the solider who gave a small thumbs up. Richy could only smile at the short interaction. Sometimes being kind can lighten the mood. Iris noticed that large stone walls, about 300 feet in height with so many tree roots growing out that you can see branches growing out from them. "Amazing! Such extraordinary growth!" Olivia squealed out as she jotted down notes. Totoro chuckled at the excitement. As the group walked under the stone entrance and pasted it, Toro's foot was the first to land onto the soil of the Hidden valley. Then within that moment.
FEAR.
DREAD.
THE FEELING OF BEING WATCH.
Toro's head whipped in all directions which alerted the rest and the other soldiers readied themselves. Everyone looked around frantically in fear and in alarm. Iris was calm and compose while Olivia was shivering in fear. Richy was- huh? "Where's Richy!" Iris screamed out in surpise. Everyone turned around. Where was he? He was standing with them a second ago? Iris turned to Olivia and grabbed her calmly by the shoulders. "Did you see where he went?" She asked. Olivia nodded and pointed in the direction. "He whispered something about dead daughter then ran off. I didn't see anything but it's like he disappeared." Olivia said trembling. Iris looked in the direction as did the rest. Toro cursed and signaled for everyone to start moving. "We'll go search for him. He couldn't have gotten far." Toro ordered as they all started to jog through the dense and almost endless forest.
It took the whole day just trying to find Richy before the group finally gave up. So they decided to camp for the night. "It'll almost be impossible to find him in this place. It's basically a maze." Toro said sitting on a patch of leaves. Iris and Olivia were taking samples from some of the trees around the area near the camp site. "Agree. He might even be dead already." Rich said. While she hated to admit it, it was the truth. Predators and wild life can kill a man. Especially the wild life now. However it was odd. The birds, which should normally be chirping, were silent as the moon. Animals that should be wondering about for prey were not heard. Not even snap of leaves. However that ever feeling of someone staring at you was there. The soldiers were spread out, not far but enough to see them. "Three will take first watch then switch while you two sleep." Toro said to Iris, glancing at the sound asleep Olivia. "We'll appreciate that, Commander. Just try not to get lost too." Iris said with a smile as she walked over to her sleeping bag and crawled in. The next day started with the sound of someone dragging something. Iris woke up to Toro dragging her body behind a bush. "What are you-" Iris was about to ask but her voice was cut off by Toro's hand. He raised his finger to his mouth in a *shh* motion. "Be quiet!" Totoro whispered in a hiss as he peeked through around a small corner. "You need to be quick. Run in the opposite direction and escape. We won't be able to find for long." Toro said helping Iris out of the bag. "But what's going on?" She quietly asked, confused by what's happening. Toro shook his vigorously but wincing as he clenched his arm. "No time to explain. Just run!" Toro yelled drawing out his pistol and firing it. Immediately Iris ran in the opposite direction away from Toro. Six shots and six counter shots. Screams were heard and so were shouts. Then roars and animal like growls were heard. Wild life? How? Iris couldn't stop and think however she had to keep moving. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a flash light. She turned it on and shined it she just ran. Hopping over roots and climbing over the larger ones or crawling.
As she was crawling under one of the fallen trees she started to hear footsteps. She immediately turned off the flashlight and continued crawling hoping whoever was out there didn't see the sudden flash. When she made it out of the crawl space she found herself starring at a large pile of concrete rubble surrounding a large metal door. Upon opening the metal door and closing it behind her a wave of smells hit her. First was rot, second was dust and third was rust. She turned the flashlight and looking around. It looked like an old air raid shelter or maybe just a shelter. A old one at that. As she walked around the winding passages she found many different rooms. One was a generator room. Another was a kitchen. The last was a room filled with beds. She wondered how far this place went, but before she could think about anything a long, echoing bang was heard and she jerked in surpise. Iris whipped around to shine her flashlight behind her.
Nothing.
"What the." Iris muttered as she turned around and continued walking. However when she started walking and stopped to looking into a room, she swore she heard foot's stop a second too late. She instantly turned around and shine the light into the dark hallway. A face. Wait a face? No it wasn't a face. It was a mask. "Very funny! Come out and show yourself!" Iris shouted with irritation. However the figure didn't respond. Just stayed there. Then they turned and disappeared. "Hey! Come back!" Iris called running after the them, but she stopped herself short when she saw two glowing pairs of eyes staring at her. A low growl came out as the eyes rose up towards the ceiling. "Oh no." Iris's lips trembled as she saw what was before her. A brown bear.
The light inside the shelter which was seen far, suddenly went out.