Step One

[Albert Wesker]

On they went, through the day and well into the night. One of their more keen-eyed scouts had reported back to them, the huge volcano they'd been concerned about when setting out was now spewing out more smoke and ash than ever, and rumblings in the earth were getting worse. It was liable to blow any time now, and they had many miles to put between it and themselves if they wanted to be out of the immediate danger zone. Luckily, one of their long-distance rollers had gone ahead the day before, and now reported back, crashing over the ridge of a nearby cliff to thud down before them. Their destination was just ahead from this point, a few hours solid march. If they kept on through the night, they would get there well before the morning.

This was well-received news by everyone in the group. The news that the recent earthquake had split open a new entrance beneath the earth, which would let them bypass the territory of the drake they had been concerned about was even more well-received, by everyone but the scientist among their group. Outwardly, he wore a mask of delight and relief, just as much as any of his traveling companions did. But inwardly he seethed and lamented the loss of that opportunity. Something as powerful as one of the drakes of this slice of hell would have made a potent addition to his store of materials and research supplies. He would just have to make do with what he had already acquired, and return later to capture a specimen for that purpose.

In the present he just trudged on ahead, staying with the herd, as it were. With a destination in sight and it being so close, the pace of travel had lifted along with the spirits of the travelers. The stocky, stubby legs of the Gorons weren't exactly suited to swift travel, so even their increased pace was barely more than a swift walk for Wesker and his subordinate. Much talk had broken out, and now even the most surly and distrusting of the Gorons had brightened and cheered up. No longer did they scowl at him, call him 'Outsider', and steer clear of him. They now clapped an arm around his shoulders, called him by name, and laughed boisterously.

He had done only little to be of actual assistance, but he had been earnest in his efforts and what little aid he had provided was still of use. They had let their distrust and hatred of outsiders fade, in regards to the executive and his bodyguard. They were alright, as one Goron stated proudly, and would be welcome among their village any time, wherever they might settle. It was all Wesker could do to keep the self-satisfied smirk from dominating his expression. It had been all too easy, really. He shared a look with HUNK, and received only a short nod in return. Mission successful.

Onward they went, until the sight of their destination was pointed out on the horizon. A deep cleft in the earth, like a massive blade had smashed and carved it open. Jagged cliff walls jutted up from either side, framing it with the look of the fangs of some hellish mouth, opening wide from below the ground. There was a narrow path, between the jagged spires and teeth of upthrown earth, which crawled down the walls of the tear in the earth in a twisting zigzag. Down it went, in places so shallow it was nearly flat and even, in places so steep one had to slide down it without hope to try and simply walk down. But its downward course was ever steady and consistent, and the Gorons were satisfied that it would lead them where they wished to go.

With their assurance, Wesker had little choice but to follow after them, descending into the maw of the earth.