“All hope abandon ye who enter here.”

“I entered on the deep and savage way.”

The Divine Comedy: Inferno – Dante

= = = = =

First Strike:

Chris Alan exited the *Hind* first and scouted the lay of the land. The ship had touched down in a small clearing, surrounded in all directions by swamp: green water, trees with thick, flexible vines and the smell of ‘green’. Rafael floated in Rest Mode over his shoulder, following orders to keep sharp. The other Lightchildren followed suit with their Guardians in Rest Mode, save Cody only; he had Ezekiel in Alpha Mode full at the ready, with both swords drawn. Chris Alan noticed it and turned to his Guardian.

“Alpha Mode, Rafael – blades drawn, and *quietly*,” he whispered.

“I obey.” Without a sound, Rafael transitioned into his awe-inspiring battle mode. Chris Alan, as always, found great comfort just in looking at Rafael in that mode.

< This pair’s earned their reputation for certain, > Cody thought as he nodded approvingly, noting how Chris Alan’s Guardian interacted with his surroundings. < Rafael emulates living intelligence better than any Guardian I’ve ever seen, even Old Bakbuk’s. >

“It’s quiet.” Faith said as she was boxed in by the others, Cody was on Chris Alan’ right, Joe was on his left and Susan brought up the rear, facing the *Hind* so nothing could jump from behind. Rafael and Ezekiel rose above the group to guard against attacks from above.

“*Too* quiet.” Chris Alan and Cody chimed together. Susan rolled her eyes, and Joe managed a slight chuckle.

Chris Alan drew Shalhevetyah and gently lit the familiar weapon. Cody followed his lead and drew *Ketsef-El / Chesed-El* as well.

“You guys sense something?” Susan whispered.

“It’s all around us; it’s difficult to get a fix on it.” Chris Alan fumed. “But trust me, it’s there.”

Cody heard a vine snap as they walked forward. “Hear that?” he asked before anyone else could react.