Chapter 1

In Hershel's Final Days

Prior to Hershi's birth, old Hershel did not suspect a correlation between the curse and the family line. Happy to learn about his younger daughter's second pregnancy, the news brightened his spirit and, despite his deteriorating health, inspired himself to continue on his lifelong search through the mountains. His closest friend and long-time hiking companion, Bernell, cautioned him to be more careful, for he was older and less resilient to the harrowing weather that plagued their home, along with the fact his narcolepsy-esque affliction was worsening. Despite such warning however, Hershel went on with a reignited passion, determined to find even the smallest clue or piece to potentially end his quest.

Bernell, Hershel's most faithful companion, followed wherever he went. A large Plushie Skeith, he cared for Hershel like family, having grown up together and quite closely at that. Bernell had been involved in Hershel's adventures practically since the beginning, from their first journeys across the mountain range, the conspiracies they created along the way, to Hershel's first signs of the curse's touch, and now on what was to be the final stretch of the Chocolate Aisha's life. The Skeith took it upon himself to act as his guardian, understanding that the Aisha's family worried about him, although he did despise Hershel's ignorance to the troubles he made being this way.

Two nights before Hershi's birth, Hershel's health took a hit. He couldn't understand why his legs, which walked throughout the mountains that loomed over his town for many years, ever so slightly gave way as he stepped through his bedroom. His eyes were heavy and his hands shook as he took hold of his coat, tiring as he pulled his boots over each foot. Hershel didn't want to give up just yet. The curse had suddenly become stronger, and he theorized there must be downside to it as all curses do. This idea allowed him to concoct a sort of plan of attack against it, and he set out towards the mountains in which it manifested. The elderly Aisha was deep into the wilderness before anybody realized he had gone.

Desperately, he searched every nook and cranny of the land, the curse sensing his fatigue as the blizzard grew stronger. With all the strength he could muster, the Chocolate Aisha trekked on, taking whatever routes and paths he believed he previously never traversed through- a difficult task since he'd spent nearly all his life in the mountains. It was a dangerous tactic, but hope was in his heart that he would stumble upon the mountain's hidden truth. Unaware to him, the trails he followed were leading him right to his end.

At the news of Hershel's sudden disappearance, Bernell went straight down the path in search of him. It was not like Hershel to leave unannounced, at least not now in his old age, and especially with a concerned wife, an expectant daughter and a young granddaughter at home. Along with that, his health even before was on a slow, steady decline. In such a state, he'd pass from a serious shiver.

Bernell tried to shake these thoughts from his head as he hurriedly flew through the forest. It wasn't long until he noticed a disturbed trail of snow.

Following quickly as he could, the thick sheltered trees of the central woods dispersed and became sparse as it opened to rockier terrain. The snow was coming down harshly and bit into the Skeith's face, but he kept his eyes peeled for the Aisha. The trail led to a jagged space, and along the path he finally spotted Hershel.

His friend was staring out the side of the mountain, a familiar journal in his right paw. Bernell called out to him, "Hershel, where have you been? Disappearing like that, out into this weather..." The Skeith trotted towards Hershel, who then suddenly dropped the book from his hand and teetered forward, his left hand at his head. A sudden rush of cold hair stung Bernell as he barreled towards Hershel, but the quick onslaught had made him too slow to react.

It can be said that Hershel came down with a dizzy spell, and as a result plummeted into the void. Bernell knew better.