Canis
I stepped out of my orange evolution barrier, finally reaching layer five. I had been waiting to evolve for weeks now. I should have done it early in hindsight, but I didn't know what to choose. If I decided to become a mythical creature, I would be closer to my goal of becoming a hellhound. A true hell hound must be a Mythical creature. I had chosen to go a different route and decided to become a demon beast instead. I didn't make the decision lightly; however, she would probably disown me if my mother could see me. Jackals wouldn't usually become demon beasts. In fact, most beasts think that by becoming human. Was akin to throwing away our beast hood.
(Sister, I have done it! I've evolved.) I thought as I dropped to my newly acquired knees. I looked done at the pond I was in front of and examined my face. I had dark brown skin and short curly black hair. Unfortunately for me, I didn't regrow my lost eye. After losing my eye to the pack of wolves months ago, I thought I would be a goner. When I was a pup, I witnessed my mother kill one of my brothers for being deaf. This was the fate that befell many of my kin. Only the stronger are allowed to survive. I figured my master would get rid of me when I lost my eye, but it didn't happen. The princess did not throw me away but allowed me to stay in her service. She didn't even treat me differently.
(Sister, you were right. We got lucky when we got Gora as our master.) I thought as I touched my new face. A tear rolled down my face as I thought about my lost sibling. As a twin, I felt like I lost my heart when Canem died. I was also angry. Angry towards the gorilla that killed her. I was angry at Gora for not protecting her, but I was more furious at myself for being so weak. I had taken my rage out on my master, and she still didn't get rid of me. Even after I attack her, I've watched my mothers master beat her for far less. Yet princess Gora never raised her hand to me. I was shocked at her response, but I was still angry so, I left.
I abandoned Gora because I doubted she could help me achieve my twin's goal. We had the same goal as ever, Jackal, to become a hell hound to a powerful master. I felt like Gora wasn't the right master, and for months I debated on whether I should serve her or not. Although I doubted anyone would want a crippled beast as a guard dog. I had resolved myself to live out the rest of my days as in the forest alone. Still, I couldn't just leave the princess by herself. At least not while she's trapped in this forest.
So, I made sure to stay close to my master until she left the forest. It was the least I could do for all she had done for me. I simple observed her at first, watching her train and hunt day in and day out. I was amazed at her effort. The princess never missed a day. A piece of me felt proud that she was working so hard to kill Log, the gorilla responsible for killing my sister. Another part of me knew it was all for nothing. The princess opponent was a layer six, so she was only a three. Even if she managed to survive, she still had to deal with a layer six tiger. It was safe to say Gora was just preparing to die. It wasn't until she fully evolved that I realized my mistake.
I still remember when the princess first stepped out of her evolution barrier. The forest froze in awe of the woman. Her yellow eyes glowed like the sun itself and something in me sturred upon gazing at the princess. It was a mixture of fear and admiration. My instincts told me she was far stronger than just some simple layer three. I was right to trust my instincts because only seconds after evolving. The princess proceeded to crush the monkey tribe. Multiple layer four monkeys were dealt with in no time at all. Gora even killed a layer five like it was nothing. Watching her sparked hope in me. Hope that she was the master my sister thought she was.
I decided I would give the princess a chance to prove herself. I need to know I could rely on her strength. I was still a Jackal; I couldn't just follow anyone. I still have my pride, well, what's left of it anyways. I also couldn't follow Gora if she allowed the beast that slew my sister to draw breath for even one more day. To my surprise, Gora not only agreed to the deal but fulfilled her promise and then some. The princess killed a layer six beast and forced another to submit. In one day, Gora had defeated three alphas. Instead of feeling glad for her victory, all I felt was a shame. Shame that I had even doubted my master for a second.
"Why are you moping, little one?" I heard a soft voice announce behind me. I spun around quickly, surprised that someone was able to sneak up on me in my new evolved form. I was greeted by a figure in a black robe covering their face. Whoever this person was, they were far stronger than anything in the forest. I prepared for a possible fight, but my instinct screamed to run. I could only guess the newcomer's layer, but it was somewhere around layer seven or eight. I wasn't even confident that Gora could fight the person before me.
"You can relax. I am a friend of princess Gora." The figure announced, holding their hands up. I relaxed once she said the name of my master, but I remained on guard. If this person knew Gora, then they were most likely a demon. The robe made it impossible for me to tell, however. Judging by the voice, I figured the person was a woman. Whoever it was didn't seem like much of a friend.
"Who are you, and what do you want with Gora!? I asked the mysterious person, using my new teletherapy to speak. I scanned the forest for more people but was relieved to see the woman was the only one there.
"I can't tell you that! I'm only here to deliver a gift."The woman said as she held her hand out towards me. In her open palm was a small silver ring. I hesitated to take the ring, but after thinking it over for a minute, I decided to take the item. The woman before me could kill me without batting an eye. So, why would she bother trying to trick me? After taking the ring, the woman began to walk away from me. (That's it?) While investigating the ring in my hand, I thought it looked ordinary, but I could feel Ki radiating from it. I guess it was a storage ring.
"Wait, don't you want to see Gora?" I asked in surprise. The woman said she was a friend, so I figured she'd at least want to see the princess. The figure paused for a moment before turning back to me. She seems to be scrutinizing my naked form.
"To be honest, I wasn't even supposed to meet her in the first place. I planned to drop it off as she slept, but then I saw you. The woman said, pausing, her head scanned me from head to toe. I felt strange under this woman's gaze and found myself looking away from her.
"I heard Gora would be travelling with a dog. Image my surprise when I come to this remote forest and find a treasure like you. A Jackal." The woman said her voice seemed to wrap around my ear and demand to be heard. ( So that's why she is interested in me.) I thought as I starred at the figure curiously.
"You would fetch quite the penny back home. I thought about scooping you up and taking you back with me." The woman exclaim. Her word put me back on edge, but she again raised her arms.
"I said I thought about it, especially when I saw you evolve. I thought I had for sure hit the jackpot. A layer five Jackal would set me up for life. But again, I was surprised that you chose this form." The figure said, pointing at me, referring to me becoming a demon beast. I couldn't blame her. A jackal hasn't become a demon beast in centuries, at least.
"I could sell you any more, so I decided to leave you be. Although I'd be lying if I said I wasn't still Interested... I wonder... Say, dog? How would you like to join me?" She asked, holding out her hand. I was stunned, silent. ( She wants to be my master?) I thought in shock. I had no hope that anyone besides Gora would wish me at their side. Now this mysterious person showed up an offer to be my master. The woman in front of me was pretty powerful. Her core layer was above layer seven.
"Why hesitate? I was told your master is only 12. I'm sure she is nowhere near as powerful as me...A Jackal needs a strong master, right?" The woman said, giggling a little to herself. Rage filled me, and I started to leak out my killer intent.
"Ha... The last people that underestimated my master ended up dead. I suggest you meet her before you judge." I said. I had to bite my lip to keep my rage contained. I was angry that this person was laughing at Gora. The woman before me was basically spitting on my master with her offer. True be told if the two went up against each other. The mystery woman may come out on top. But to say my master wouldn't stand a chance was an insult. Hell, I now fully believed that no one was a match for princess Gora. (My master will one day shake the world with her power.) I thought as I glared at the woman.
"Interesting, Maybe I will meet her someday, but not today. My job here is done, so ill be going. Oh, if you are ever in human territory, look me up. My name is Jeny, Jeny Red. Oops, I wasn't supposed to tell you that. Goodbye pup. I hope we meet again." Jeny said before vanishing from sight. I didn't even see the woman move, one minute she was there, the next, she was just gone. I let out a sigh of relief when I was sure she was gone. I was happy my master wouldn't have to face someone like that. The thought brought my attention back to the ring in my hand. ( Can I trust this, Jeny Red?) I asked myself as I looked out into the forest. I didn't think she was trying to trick me, but I couldn't be too sure.
(I'll just give it to Gora and let her decide what to do with the ring.) I thought as I took one last look at my reflection. Then I headed out into the woods. I started at an awkward walk as I got used to my new legs, but it quickly became a run. I was surprised at how easy it was to use my new body as I raced through the trees. I tripped and fell every now and again, but my new body only received a few scrapes as a result. I continued my journey back to princess Gora.
( I hope she is doing well.) I thought as I pushed my body even harder. I was also a little nervous for her to see me in my new form. I hoped she would accept me back, although I understood if she didn't. I had abandoned her once, but I promised that I would never do it again. I didn't even care about becoming a hell hound anymore. My only goal now was to follow my master where ever she goes.
Demon Beast: Beast that has chosen to take human form.
Jackals: Canine like beasts that are bread with only one purpose. To serve a powerful master. Jackals are trained from an early age to be guard dogs. They are taught to live and die by their master's whim if that master is strong enough. They do this to become one of the great hell hounds that serve the Goddess of chaos.
Jeny Red: iwejdjhs dssjd s dpo eeoefjkej...ERROR! To be continued.