The Journey (3rd part in the Mystery of the Temple in the Forest Series)

If you have not read the second part in the series here is the link:

https://vocal.media/fiction/the-mystery-of-the-temple-in-the-forest-part-2

Onward with the story:

Aghat took all the supplies needed for such a journey to the Dark Empire. He also took a phone to keep himself updated on the moves of the Dark Empire. He hailed a taxi to the airport. From there, he took an airplane to Oasis City.

The first half seemed to go pretty well. It was just a normal flight until something exploded. Fire consumed the cabin, and the fuselage split in two. The airplanes two parts slammed into the sand of the Great Desert, some 20 kilometers from Oasis City. The plane had ejected everyone and had deployed their parachutes, so by the time the paramedics had arrived, everyone was on the desert sand, dazed and confused.

Most people had minor injuries, but Aghat was mostly unharmed as he was in the front of the plane. He then took a taxi to Oasis City. Somehow, the sword was hidden from plain sight. He was booking his next flight to Vulcan Isle, the closest town to the Dark Empire, when a building next to him exploded. He ran for cover, putting hands over his head, as the debris fell on him. Other buildings near him also exploded, causing citizens to freak out. Jets descended from the sky, slamming into buildings and dropping bombs. A large piece of concrete flew toward Aghat. Instinctively, he pointed the sword at the piece of concrete. As soon as it touched the sword, the concrete vaporized. "That's cool," Aghat thought.

A giant airship touched down in the middle of the rubble. "The Dark Empire is speaking. We have rigged many other buildings, so if you don't give into the Dark Empire's rule, we shall explode all the buildings rigged with the explosives. Our jets will also wreak havoc until there is nothing left except for a neat pile of dust!" the giant airship's speaker blared out.

The mayor of Oasis City came running toward the airship. "Don't destroy any more buildings, we will give you Oasis City. Just no more harm to my people!" the mayor exclaimed, voice filled with worry.

"The Dark Empire sends thanks for this kind gesture. As the king of the city, no one will be able to leave Oasis City!" the speaker rasped.

"No one can leave? This is not good! I have to go now!" Aghat thought. Hastily, he hopped into an half-broken car and sped off into the distance.

-----

The Broiling Volcanoes actively shot out lava. Ash fell from the sky. But, nothing disturbed Aghat as he sped down the road. The border of the Dark Empire laid just 10 kilometers away. Soon, the constant barrage of falling ash stopped showing the beautiful landscape of the Dark Empire. Forest, mountains, and many other land features blended in, creating a perfect scenery.

The checkpoint to the Dark Empire laid right ahead. A gate made of metal, ending at two mountains. Aghat drove the car up the mountains and past the metal gate, successfully avoiding attention from the guards.

But there was a small bump on the mountains and Aghat lost control. The car went flying and landed on a sandbar. Luckily, the air bags popped out, cushioning him from the hard impact. The car started filling up with water and Aghat opened the window and swam out of the car. He dragged himself up onto the shore and laid there for a while. He picked up the sword and examined it. The sword seemed to glow brighter and brighter until it was almost blinding to look at it. He heard footsteps crunching toward him, but he was too weak to get up.

"So it's true," a voice said. "You have one of the relics."

Aghat sat up. "So what?" he asked.

"I have one too. So I guess we team up and seal the darkness, then. Also, whenever your relic glows brighter, it means that it senses another relic. So keep an eye out for anyone else who has a relic," the boy standing in front of him stated. "I'm Paramesh, who are you?"

"Aghat."

"Okay, Aghat, time to dethrone darkness!"