"I've analyzed the vine. It's unlike anything we've seen." Azura said.

There was a piece of the vine on the table.

"How'd the Nether get their hands on this?" Kane asked.

"This could be some sort of new weapon." Azura said.

"Seeing as it strengthens entire piglins. Yeah, that's a fair assumption." Ciara said.

I stare at the vines. They were darkness. They fill me with dread and hatred. 

"It seems you were right Dragon Tamer. We have indeed found the vines coming from this dark forest." Lord Patrick said.

There was a shadow over the forest. I've been there. I've seen the horrors of the forest. I've seen creatures that will bend the world. I've seen her, a monster that has spilled so much blood. I let out a breath.

"Let me guess, we're going out there." Kane said.

"Not just you." Lord Patrick stood up.

"We're coming too. If the forest is as strong as the vines, you'll need all the help you can get." Azura said.

"A small group of soldiers will accompany us." Lord Patrick said.

The vine started to shake. It wobbled and jumped on the floor. It started to grow bigger and bigger. 

"Uh, what's going on?" Stella asked.

I drew my sword. The vine took on a form. It started to grow legs and claws. A tail of shadow grew. Soon a neck made of shadows and at last a head. It resembled a wolf. It had shadow as fur in long strands. Its eyes were a glowing gold. We drew our weapons.

"Um, this is weird." Ciara said.