Jax, Leo and Kai left Swallow's Nest at dawn. As Kai instructed, his trusted men Chu and Yu would continue on the city trading the best they could, leaving Turk, Keith, and Buck as their escorts. Unlike the travel to Swallow's Nest, this time they wouldn't go on foot: Kai had rent an axel rhino to carry his party until their destiny. This creature has similarities to rhinoceros' family, but its evolution made it even more bulkier and colossal, reaching a maximum length size of an amazing 10 meters. It has a natural armor that covered its all body, making his snout more straight in a shape of an axe. Due to its features and its peaceful nature it was designated Axel Rhino, becoming one of the most popular traveling choices. The rent travel companies invest on their breed, complementing it with different types of palanquins and transport packs, depending on the type of service expected.
Kai takes the reins of the huge yet calm beast along the road, while Jax focus on his Darkmore's notebook reading. On the other hand, Leo was visibly sick, not being able to even stand up.
-Augh. All this travel is making me sick. -whines Leo.
-Sure, it is this trip and not the drinking contest of yesterday's party on Swallows' Nest. -responds Jax sarcastically, recalling Leo and other men drinking as much as they could on Sullivan's dinner.
-But it was free… and they called me out, so I didn't have a choice. And I win, didn't I? – says Leo while putting his head off the palanquin and puking. He then looks to a disgusted Jax and smiles – totally worth it.
-Don't you dare to puke on the rhino! – yells Kai, looking to Leo -I pay too much to not get back the initial fee back.
-Augh… I feel like dying. I don't feel good- mumbles Leo while getting close to Kai -Are we there yet?
-Are you an idiot? It will take at least a week at this rate to get to the next road inn, and a month to get to Hollow Bay. Why do you think we are traveling with this rhino carrying supplies for a month's worth? Hey, stop clinging on me. What are you doin-
-Bleurgh – Leo vomits on Kai's lap.
-Nooooooooo! My clothes! – yells Kai.
-I'm a little better now. – says Leo while cleaning up his mouth, and returning to the back of the palankeen next to Jax – I'm going to sleep now.
*****
The little demon reappears with his arms crossed and shaking his head in disapproval.
-It's really sad when you can't handle it, isn't it? You should only party hard if you can, am I right? Huh? Me, the other day? Well you got a point there… it's like they say: those who can't, teach. Hihihihi
-But let's get serious and down to business: what the hell are axel rhinos? -says the demon while putting on a safari hat and getting some binoculars with a photo on his hands– it's easy: it's rhino with an axe like face, duh. It's usually docile, it is very sturdy and has a very large size to carry out provisions and transport people. Ideal to travel if you have the money for it. 10 out of 10 traders recommend it. There are other mount choices, but it would get boring describe something that you'll not see for a while, like Sand stallions. Oh the Sand Stallions, that's a noble mount right there…what is a Sand Stallion? You never see one how could I explain that to you, are you dumb? It is exhausting talking to you. See ya next time, it's getting dark.
*****
The sunset is upon the horizon, inviting the moon to a warm night. The travelers are getting tired of all the traveling and is time to think about to setup their camp. Leo is still unwell due to his past night's drinking and Jax is getting sleepy from reading.
-How are you Leo. You are strangely quiet – asks Jax while closing the notebook.
-That bastard better be quiet. He ruined my new clothes! – says a crying Kai.
-Jax come here- mutters Leo waving with effort his right arm. His brother gets close to him.
-Jax, I want to eat a steak. I think that's the only way to heal my state.
-Are you kidding me? Where do you think you can get a steak? We are traveling right now, and in this place, there isn't any wildlife so forget about getting any meat. – Jax gets from the provisions three packages -we are eating these premade meals.
-I'm getting sick again…
-If you don't want to eat, don't eat! Without eating you don't get to throw up again! – screams Kai while turning his head to Leo -And for your information, in this route it doesn't exist any restaurant, hotel, diner or inn until we arrive to Marbolo Town. So suck it up.
-There's nothing on this route?
-Nothing.
-Really?
-Really.
-Are you sure?
-Look blondie, I traveled almost 2 decades now, and I know this route as the palm of my hands. So if we can find a place to get a steak for you here, I will pay up the biggest steak they have.
-That's a really nice thing to say, Kai -says Leo instantly getting up, turning Kai's head to the front again -I guess that Inn can get us one something like that.
-Wha?
Right around the corner, it was just as Leo said: An Inn on the middle of the road. This Inn looked a little old, but it was a place that attracted, like a cozy grandma house. As Leo ran to the entrance, Kai was still dumbfounded, as he didn't remember any place like that from his travels. And no friend of him in Swallow's Nest said anything about a new inn, so he was confused about it.
-You must be tired Kai. You didn't even remember something this big.
-I really can't remember this place, and I remember every place that I visited. It's really odd.
-What's odd about it? Are you trying to get back on our deal?
-Of course not, from the moment I was born, my word is my honor. Let's go.
«I really don't recall this place…»
The lodgings were made entirely of oak wood, and decorated with green banners and carpet. The entrance stall was empty and had no one to attend them, even if they buzzed the desktop bell endlessly. So they decided to advance to the restaurant. As expected of an inn, there is a huge counter across the room and several tables and chairs. The place was also empty, no other presence whatsoever.
-Hello? Is anyone here?
From below the counter, a short and middle-aged man appears. He has a greasy black hair and the thinness moustache, and he's dressed in a host outfit: white button shirt, creased trousers, and a vest. His smiley face was a little creepy and he rubbing his hands didn't help either.
-Greetings, travelers. Welcome to the Ash Tree Inn. How may I assist you? Some warm bed, some warm food?
-You know it mister. – says Leo already thinking of a nice meal -Are there some steaks we can bare our teeth's in?
-Of course. Table for 3?
-Yeah, Kai's buying it.
The three travelers sat down for their meal, roasted wild boar steak with mash potatoes. The host brings another round of drinks. Leo seems feeling better already, however Kai still is suspicious of that inn and didn't resist to have his doubts dissipated.
-Hey, Mr. …?
-You can call me Jacob if you please.
-Oh I appreciate it Jacob. -says Kai while gulping down his drink -So tell me: when did this fine establishment was made? I don't recall it from any of my journeys.
-Humm, let me think… no more than 6 months or so?
-But this inn seems a little old. – Jax notices -the inn looks like some years old, not really new.
-Well I'm not really the first host of this inn, but I can ensure you that this inn has not been here for a long time. -Jacob starts cleaning up the table and changes the subject - maybe we can talk later if you want. I already made your beds with fresh sheets, and you look like you need some comfy sleep.
Kai and the brothers got upstairs to their respective rooms and beds. Every single one of them didn't take much time to fall asleep, the trip fatigue helped. The inn got as dark as it should at this hour, except for the restaurant, where Jacob finishes cleaning the room and diabolically smiles.
-Not a single sound rips this silent night… I think it's time to wrap this up. Miss Samara will be here anytime now, and I will be praised like I deserve. Shuahahaha.
-Who's Samara?
-What?
As Jacob turns around a sleepy Leo appears, rubbing his eyes.
– Is she cute? I hope she has a nice body though with soft boobs… being cute and have a twiggy body is like an ice cream without a flavor…just sad if you think about it. -says Leo while crossing his arms.
Jacob gets an angry expression and starts emanating Essentia from his body, completely changing his affable personality.
-How dare you utter her name and be so fouled mouth? Who the hell are you to talk like that about Miss SAMARA?! I must punish for your filthy mouth!
-What is going on Jacob? Why are you so mad-
Before Leo could even finish his sentence, Jacob throwed essentia blasts toward him, and made Leo evade it. Leo yawns as his belly grumbles.
-Jacob, come on. Someone can get hurt. Serve me another meal and we can get this behind us. What do you say?
-Keep talking like that, punk. I will dig your grave. Let's see if you will still be a smartass when you are six feet under after Miss Samara arrives.
Jacob concentrates even more Essentia on him, making the all inn tremble as it resonated with him. From other rooms and from the ceiling several ropes condensed with Essentia aim for Leo, who dodges it. Leo stops joking and gathers essentia too.
-I guess I went too far, but it seems you're not some run of the mill thug.
«Ice burst: Beartrap»
As Leo announce it, two iced beartraps grab Jacob's feet and entrapped him.
-Why did you get up, it could it be so much easy…fuck, fuck, fuck -says an annoyed Jacob while aggressively slapping his head- why, why, WHY?!
-Damn, you are really screw up of that head…you should look for some help Jay-Jay.
-I'm done with your lack of respect brat…death is too good for you. I'll plead to Miss Samara to take my time with you, slowly gushing out your insides on my hands.
As soon as Jacob answers, the whole inn start collapsing and the restaurant walls fall down and reshape. A scared Kai and unconscious Jax are trapped in their beds. The beds disappear and they are tangled on some strange ropes. The same ropes quickly extended to Jacob and break out the ice traps on his feet, and swirling his arms levitate Jacob. Several more ropes appear and point out to Leo. Kai and Jax start to get weaker as the ropes seem to absorb Essentia.
-My Essentia ability allows me to absorb Essentia from anything I touch, however my body is a little weak, you see. However Miss Samara gave me this Inn for my loyalty, which is now an extension of my body. What do you think, Mr. Leo? Are you finally scared?
-I guess I'm impressed, I never saw this coming. Neat trick.
-You bastard, it's not a trick! This is the gift Miss Samara left me, someone unworthy of even to be mentioned by her. I will use this to arrest all of you and render you powerless until she comes to get you. She will kill you all. Shuahahaha -Jacob makes the ropes attack Leo and caught him, absorbing his Essentia.
-You know, I would never say no to meet a nice lady and for how you speak of her, she may be a beauty like no other I have ever seen. – says Leo as he gets wrapped by the ropes - but the thing is – a blue light emanates from the ropes and quickly freezes it, before breaking it -no one dares to threaten my brother!
"Ice Burst: Devil's Claw"
An icy demonic arm instantly appears extends from Leo's back and grabs the ropes that wrap his brother and Kai, severing it. Kai looks exhausted and is close to collapse, as Jax shows no sign of being conscious. Other arm comes out from Leo's back and strikes the ropes sustaining Jacob and cuts it out, just like a sword slash. Jacob lands on the floor enraged, bleeding from his side due to Leo's strike.
-You think you are a hot-shot huh? I don't care about my life anymore – Jacob takes a green pill from his jacket and cracks it with his teeth – Let's see what you can do in face of despair. Miss Samara will be welcomed with your blood.
Jacob's body start shivering, and the ropes start to wrap around his arms and legs. Jacob looks tired and suddenly a group of ropes unite and pierces right through Jacobs chest. The bloodied ropes cover Jacob's whole body except his face, which turned to a sickening purple color where a sadistic smile appears, vomiting blood. The essentia surrounding his body gets violent, which creates incredible air pressure.
-Look at this! A nobody like me receives the powerful blessing from Miss Samara. I can feel all the power accumulating in my body.
-Blessing? Your body can't handle that power and you will die after releasing that power!
-Did it seem that I care about that? You brat don't understand my love for Miss Samara! -with a look, Jacob unleashes some ropes against Leo again, but with a new level of speed that Leo couldn't completely avoid, brushing his left shoulder. Leo gets in one knee in pain and collapses on the floor -My ability is now elevated to a new level, just a little touch and I feel like I could absorb at least 20 times more Essentia than before. I will suck up all you Essentia pool and then I will tear off your limbs. Miss Samara said just to keep you alive, didn't said that you need to be whole. The other two will become my little bloody puppets, bleeding bit by bit as I can. I'll leave your bodies in an indescribable scene just a few moments before your life fades away as my last act of love Shuahahaha
As Jacob's ropes were to wrap Leo, his body emanate more Essentia than before, freezing the most near ropes, freezing it. Leo breaks the brittle ropes and calmly walks up to Jacob.
«Ice Burst: North Stream»
Leo makes a up to down gesture with his index and middle finger of his right hand. Almost instantaneously Jacob's left arm is tear off, gushing blood from it.
-What? How can ya--
Leo gestures once again and tears off Jacob's other arm, who looks more scared than ever. Leo makes a dark expression. He seemed like he was almost in a trance state
-I told you nobody is allowed to threaten my brother.
-I'm sorry, I'm sorry…
-There is no future for you, no matter how much you apologize.
«Ice Slumber: Frozen Coffin»
Leo waved his right hand and the gathered Essentia turn into snow and started to flock around Jacob's body. When Leo closed tightly his fist the snow formed different forms of rigid ice and trespass all Jacob's body, and freeze the blood and area around the wounds.
-I-I c-c-c-can't feel… -Jacob couldn't do anything other than to try mumble his last words – Miss Samar…
Leo was exhausted, but still focused and dazed. A noise behind Leo put him on warning, and as he turned around ready to attack again, he saw a tremble Kai terrified, trying to instinctively cover an unconscious Jax. Leo got back to his senses and smiled, before passing out. The only trace of what he had done was on his burned out right arm from the cold.
«This boy is dangerous! What if he turns on me, he will do the same thing as he did to that guy. I should leave these guys right now and get away as far as possible. »- Kai thought while looking at the two passed out brothers, and getting out of the room.
Kai got his backpack and as he got to the door, he looked one more time to that oblivious scene and took from his coat a pocket watch. He grabbed it tightly and suspire.
*****
Jacob was still breathing but not for long. As his heart stopped, the inn started to collapse and a Essentia field was created and explode it. At a safe distance, Kai looked at it while on his axel rhino. At the back of it, Leo and Jax slept soundly without worries.
«I hope I didn't make the wrong choice»
A familiar wagon arrives to where the inn collapsed and stops. A pink hair girl pouts as she jumps off the wagon, with her teddy rabbit.
-That good for nothing idiot couldn't get one simple job done.
Samara starts looking around the wrecks for something and found Jacob's head. She steps on his face and kicks it several times
- You trash! I gave you the chance you wanted, and this is what I get? You scum, you don't deserve that tattoo on your neck. – with her hand embedded on Essentia she cut through his neck, where the golden frog mark was, and cut it into pieces.
-You even broke my playhouse…
-Samara, is it done?
-Yes, but he broke my playhouse – says a crying Samara.
On the shadows inside the cart, a red eye glows and a voice is heard again.
-Don't worry, you have lots of toys left, and you can always make more.
Samara stops sobbing and innocently smiles, like a switch was flipped.
- You are right, I really can. In our next town I will get new toys! I only need the right supplies. – a devilish expression reappears on the pink hair girl's face, as she pats her teddy.