Rustling sounds could be heard; the leaves around the trees went with the wind, almost running—escaping their respective vessels aware of the chaos that's happening. Two figures could be seen; one human-like, with an uncanny feature; gray cat ears and white tail, running in all fours like a four legged animal—on which he is. He could feel his breathing get ragged as he tried his very best to avoid the huge thing that had been chasing him—a freaking golem! His once unkempt long ashen hair is now braided, his bangs held by a pink hair band he asked Anthony to buy for him; allowing him to see his surroundings and finish his dangerous dash.
He even has a comfortable set of clothes fit for athletic movement: skin tight sleeveless gray vest showing his belly button and comfortable gray cargo pants. He opted for white at first but they said it'll only get dirty. When they said they would go to the forest, he was excited for the animals but not a dirty looking monster!
The golem was massive, 6 feet tall with a huge body made of rocks and muddy earth. It has a round face with red eyes and a huge snarling mouth. Its blows are no joke! Creating a pool of mess in the forest and huge craters on the ground.
"Shit! The hell!" Aegir couldn't help but to curse; following what Anthony usually utters when his mood is in tatters. His master is a bad influence.
Aegir was not happy, in fact, he doesn't mind having a roasted bunny with lots of gravy for lunch. How dare he make him run like this! Everything has escalated too quickly. One moment his eyes sparkled in excitement and a second later he just forgot about what he said and felt like he was cheated on! Not even his master could save him because he's also a poor victim just like him.
He wanted to cry but his survival instincts kicked in. And his irritation to the jackass overpowers his tears.
"Just you wait, Vin! " he muttered under his breath; evading a punch from the massive brute, squatting, swiftly making a climb atop a tree. He quickly jumped from tree to tree; his gaze was never forward, keeping occasional glances to his back.
He's aware of the fact that being on a high ground won't guarantee his safety, especially that golem can wreck a tree in half. Aegir felt pity for the trees which fell on the ground with a loud thud nor the disturbed birds and squirrels who could only scram and escape to ensure their safety.
"Just how can I use my powers if I couldn't even be near that thing? " he scoffed; quickly dodging the golem's huge arm by jumping. The golem soon used its other arms to launch a punch. With his quick cat reflexes; before the punch hit him he was able to push its knuckles downward, holding it firmly, he pushed his right leg; propelling himself forward.
The golem's arm was huge enough for him to use it as a made shift plank; enabling him to sprint to have the opportunity to get near the golem's face. Hoping he could cast a quick spell and get over with all of these. PLEASE.
Why is he even here? The answer is simple... For so called 'combat experience' , combat his ass! That damn bunny is a horrible teacher!
Numerous trees welcomed them; each were tall in height, approximately twelve feet or so, there were pines and those trees with big curvy branches and roots protruding from the ground. It was a cloudy yet breezy afternoon that day. The sun was having a nap, hidden on the array of fluff. The blue skies could only watch the warm breeze mischievous prank; making the leaves sway as if it's dancing a slow hymn.
The birds were not singing that day; perhaps they're having a conversation upon themselves. Especially with the presence of five people making their camp at the heart of the forest; surrounded by big and old trees and blessed by the clear river.
The man beside a cat-man whose overly excited for the 'trip', couldn't help but to blink his eyes repeatedly in awe. It was their first time camping outside a forest which is just outside their city. He brought his trusted notepad with him; scribbling the details of how a forest would look for future purposes.
He also need to write some chapters because his deadline is waving at him and he received lots of insults from Mr. So when he opened his phone yesterday.
Anthony already knew that this was not a trip; they were tagged along for investigation and 'combat training'. It was just yesterday that he exhausted his mana but rest was not in their vocabulary especially Vin, the bunny, is an exceptional healer.
The bunny in question; stretched his arms and yawn, his brown hair in a mess making it look like a bird's nest. One of his long bunny ears was folded. It looks like he doesn't even want to be here. "Go take those mats from the item box so we can get started. " He pointed at the swirling violet hole beside Artemisia, who was also instructing her familiar Alucard to scout the whole area.
Aegir, the cat-man, who's obviously planning to stroll the place; aware but nonchalant about the true reason why they were there stared at his master who just followed Vin's orders, for sure dumbfounded by the idea of an item box but didn't dare to speak because he'll only die of heart attack due to this magic stricken reality he's in.
'Don't mind it, just use it as a reference for your novel, ' he reminded himself.
Artemisia stepped forward when all of the mats were already placed. Clearing her throat, she spoke, "Alucard will scout the whole area for djinbes sighting. Whereas Vin and I will teach you both combat training. Aegir will go first, instructed by Vin. " Upon hearing what Artemisia had said, Aegir stood there, rigid, pointing his index to himself; face in shock.
Vin, Aegir's former boss, placed his hands on his hips; laughing on his mind because of the cat's expression. "What now? You expect it's only Anthony who will fight? No. You too. What will you do when you're in danger? Cry and call Anthony for help? " Vin mockingly said; pushing a button or two for the one he's talking with.
The once excitement possessed by the cat was replaced with an ugly frown; upset at the idea he'll not be able to enjoy and how Vin sounded to him. Stomping his feet, the cat pouted. "Fine, then! " Aegir walked to Anthony's direction; eyes watering as if asking for his pity. He knows he doesn't have the choice but he wants his master to scold Vin.
The master on the other hand; doesn't know what to do but to smile awkwardly. Vin was right. Although he knew Aegir could fight when he was left with no choice; the two of them crying first without doing anything will only result in their demise. And he couldn't say Vin was right because Aegir will definitely have his head.
Sighing heavily; he placed his hand on the cat's head; patting it. "Do your best. I'll cook your favorite tuna dish. " Anthony resorted to bribery on which he knew works most of the time. Probably it'll work now... probably.
Upon hearing it; Aegir's beaming expression returned. His green eyes sparkled. "I'll do my best, master! " He quickly hugged Anthony and stormed off to Vin's direction; even blowing raspberries to his former boss.
The bunny could just roll his eyes and Anthony was winced by the situation. Artemisia on the other hand didn't break her smile; as if seeing them as a bunch of kids. "Now, now. That's enough, I'll cast a physical and mana buff on you two so you can throw a decent punch regardless of your true strengths and of course to amplify your mana capacity. '' Artemisia raised her index finger, still smiling sweetly. She pointed it to Anthony and Aegir's direction; soon the two men's bodies started to glow a warm orange hue.
The two can feel that there's something up on Artemisia's smile. Especially that smile reached her eye; and they saw hee genuine smile before and it's not what the current smile is.
Artemisia clapped her hands, seemingly satisfied. "Alright. Aegir, you may go with Vin. And Anthony, you'll stay here. You can continue writing but while doing that you need to imbue yourself with your mana for quite some time. " Artemisia pointed her finger to the mat next to a tree; smiling nervously, Anthony sat slowly and closed his eyes to summon his mana.
'This wasn't as bad? Was it? Will he still be able to write? ' A question popped into Anthony's mind. And if it's gonna exhaust him... well, he already survived both sleepless nights and mana exhaustion. He'll trust his luck on this one.
Whereas for Aegir, he was not given an opportunity to speak by Vin; instead, the bunny sat on a mat near Aegir. Fishing his air pods from his pocket, he placed one on his ear. "I'll teach you in simplest terms. For you to be able to master your power, you also need intention on par with imagination. What do you want your power to do for you? Simply control people? Or you can use it so much more? You can use your fist, your claws, etc. You can coat your energy with that. Your call. " His tone was dismissive; his hand rubbing his eyes while the other hand was waving to Aegir to go scram.
Aegir on the other hand was bewildered and... pissed. Almost like a vein popped on his head and he wanted to skewer the bunny. He glared at the bunny, controlling himself not to use his nails to scratch Vin's pathetic face.
"Oh! I almost forget your playmate for today, my bad. " Vin motioned his hand forward to the ground below.
A yellow light came out from his hand; there's unusual musical notes that danced in the air; displaced and chaotic without a pleasing tune. A stick made of light came out of nowhere, as if a baton used by maestro in a musical show. Vin took it and raised it. The once disorganized notes lined themselves into a staff; trying to convey a composed tune.
"Composition: Amadeus Requiem. " He waved the baton once more. The composition made its way to the ground; dancing gracefully until a lump from the ground emerged. The lump increased in size then it turned ginormous.
Aegir could only gape on what he saw. Hands shaking in fear as the once lump of soil, faced him with its red eyes and huge gaping mouth. Vin on the other hand; face not fazed with the cat's expression, placed the remaining air pod to his ear.
Aegir stepped backwards, Vin grinned.
"Rules are simple: Run and don't let it beat you to pulp. You can do whatever to stop this golem from attacking you. Control it or destroy it. I don't care. If it did beat you, we'll repeat everything from the very start. " Vin enthusiastically said; hands clasped together as he beamed, almost like there's a bright light emanate from his back and he is an angel.
Aegir scoffed, having the urge to prepare that damn bunny as his lunch. He didn't let Aegir to protest because the golem started chasing Aegir who had no choice but to comply with his demands...to run.
Vin could hear Aegir's cursing as he dashed. The cat even called him names such as "asshole" and "jackass" but that doesn't matter. He wants to sleep. Healing Mr. Cat's lover boy exhausted him plus the mana it took for him to restore dead bodies and purify an entire place was totally horrendous!
It felt like he didn't sleep even a wink for three days!
Yawning; Vin played his favorite music. He relaxed his back on the tree trunk; sipping the fresh air from the place, he sighed and said, "Peace at last. " He closed his eyes and took his well deserved nap; oblivious of the screams of a certain cat-man.
Aegir coated his fist with a pink colored aura just like the stupid bunny had instructed when he was inches away from the golem's face. It was new for him to use his mana in this term because he only knew to use transformation and manipulation all his life.
"Please work, " he recited a short prayer before raising his power-coated fist. Hopefully it'll not hurt because of the buff Artemisia had placed.
And he's so sure he'll not die here so he feels a little courageous.
"Taste this! Consecutive cat punches! " Multiple continuous punches were fired into the golem's head. Each blow created a gust of wind enough to send leaves flying with the wind and dust to cover the surroundings.
After delivering the blows, Aegir launched himself backward. His hands covering his nose from inhaling the dust. Coughing, he tried to look for any signs of the golem from the fog the dust had created. "I need to be careful. I might have not succeeded. '' Aegir knows not to be so full of himself because just like the anime he and his master loves to watch, there's always an attack coming for complacent people.
Looking from left and right; he raised his fist in a fighting position, legs ready to run if deemed necessary. He tried to feel the golem's presence and hear any noise that it may create. But he was left with no clues on where the golem was situated; he could only hear his own breathing, tired from all the running and his own heart hammering crazily on his chest.
"I don't have time to wait for the fog to be lifted and give it a chance to attack me. " With his eyes still scanning the place, he reached down and picked some stones on the ground.
He placed the stones on his palm and enclosed it with his fingers; channeling his pink-colored mana, he imagined his mana being transferred to it. He envisioned the stones to act like ammunition or perhaps metal balls he could use to throw. The stones started to shake rather slowly in his hand. He released his grip from it; revealing just how he wanted it to be. The once imperfect shaped stones turned into a fine round shaped; enveloped in a pink glow.
"Tuna catcher: Spear ammunition! " He fired the stones from his hand in different directions; each traveled fast to the direction he went. Perhaps due to his mana or even the raw strength the cat placed when hurling the stones, could be both.
It wasn't long when he heard a deep roar coming from his right side. Aegir immediately faced the same direction. The golem was faster to cast its fist blindly; swatting Aegir's body away like he's a sort of fly. Aegir's body flew few inches from where the monster hit him; his back being smashed in a tree. A loud crack could be heard as the tree broke from the impact of the collision.
Aegir coughed blood, his nose was also bleeding; dripping incessantly. He could feel a searing pain from his abdomen; almost like he's being crushed. A guttural cry escaped from his lips as he placed his hand on his bleeding wound. Using his other hand as support; he tried to stand up, flinching on the pain it caused him.
"I wasn't cautious enough, " he berated himself. Feeling cornered on the situation; with him injured and the monster walking its way towards him.
The will to cry wasn't present to Aegir that time, instead he was faced with a familiar feeling he had felt before when he was still living on the streets all by himself.
Being pushed to the ground, hitting his back on hard things, or bleeding wasn't new to him. It's a natural occurrence and it doesn't scare him at all. He was bitten by cats and dogs before and hit by humans with countless things, he survived it all.
His experience with the djinbe before was more scary. And as long as his body can still function and he still wasn't in the enemy's grasp; he can still escape.
As long as he's still breathing, he can live to tell the tale; although not all tale are sweet.
"Not bad, " Aegir couldn't help but to chuckle a little. Perhaps he'd been too domesticated by his master for months that somehow this level of pain bothered him for a bit.
He needs to go home to him so he couldn't afford to lose here. He has a will to live. To be home where he can be as spoiled and childish as he could be.
Smiling to himself, Aegir stood up; even his legs was obviously shaking and his vision started to double. He stick his palms forward; ready to take a gamble.
Whatever it takes, may it be escaping from here will lead him to tatters as long as he can still breathe—he's still existing.
"If its intention is what it takes for me to have a power to survive then I command you... " there's a hint of laughter and seriousness in his voice as his hand begins to glow. He shifted his focused on the monster before him, locking his gaze to its empty crimson eyes.
The same eyes he had seen all his life; cold and uncaring as they take what's his and beating him to pulp.
'There's nothing new. As long as you're alive... a loser is still a winner. '
"I command you to obey me and follow my will! " His voice became louder, a deafening cry escaped his throat. Seconds later; a pink ribbon-like thing came out from his hand, in a spiral movement like what gymnast' uses. Although it's quite unusual for a normal ribbon because at the end of that ribbon; the one which is charging forward to his enemy has a head that of a snake. Its fangs wide open; snarling at its target.
Like a snake, it started to slithered its way to the golem. It started crawling to its huge legs; fast, and no matter how hard the golem trashed and tried to rip the one that tries to make it as captive; it always find its way to reconstruct itself. The more the monster try to tear it; the more it tightens its hold to the golem.
'Almost like it's a python. ' Aegir couldn't believe that he's capable of doing it.
Aegir could only watch as his ability unfold; letting his leg give away as he sat on the ground. The snake-ribbon soon covered the golem's entire body and when it already succeeded its conquest; it dissolved itself in the monster; overwriting Vin's control and its whole existence.
A throaty roar came from the golem's mouth one last time until its once red eyes shifted to the color of Aegir's aura. Words started to form on Aegir's mind until he could confirm that he now learned a new magic.
[Magic] Python: Overwrite
"The serpent of greed; no one escapes to its clutches. "
[Affinity] Light, Earth, Water
[Intrinsic skill] Overwrite magic & Absolute Control
[Spells] Unfathomable Will
"The cry of the weak bears unbelievable strength that no one can break"
The golem made its way to Aegir's direction. Using its huge hands; it gently picked up its new master, carefully placing him on his arms. "Can I really ask you to do anything? " Aegir weakly asked the golem on which in turn nodded its head as a confirmation.
Closing his eyes and thinking, Aegir replied, "I'll call you Earthy from now on and for your first task... Carry me to where my master is and punch that stupid bunny! " The last one he said indicated vindication.
He won't certainly forget what that damn bunny had done! He'll be sure to be surprised that he did it and Aegir hopes he'll choke on his saliva right now.
Without question, the golem complied with his new master's request. It's also seemingly happy to earn a name; humming a tune as it walked as if it won't be resorting to violence later on.
Indeed, somewhere along the forest; the bunny who's the target of the cat's plans choked on his own saliva as he slept; immediately waking himself up and resort to ceaseless coughing.
He certainly has the idea who might've mentioned him but he was oblivious to what may come for him once his student confirmed the task he assigned was already completed.
He palpably didn't expect that sooner he'll be chased by the own golem he had created.
-
Giggles and laughter could be heard coming from a tent built in the forest. The sound came from a female; tone rather flirty as if she's trying to seduce someone by using her charms. Moments later, a male voice could be heard chuckling; his hand reaching the entrance of the tent.
A man wearing naught but his jeans came out of the tent; body glistening in sweat. He has a well toned body and well chiseled abs—a product of his extensive commitment to the gym and to preserve his public image. A notable amount of kiss marks are also evident on his neck, shoulders and abdomen.
"I'll be back later, babe. Promise! I'll just walk around for a while. " A hand reached the man's cheek accompanied by a female whining voice. The man couldn't help but smile at the woman's antics. Not because he found it cute but he found how desperate she looks.
The woman cupped the man's face; eyes flaring in desire. She moved her face closer; her arms snaked around his neck. She soon kissed the man's lips; eagerly and hungrily as she intentionally grind her breasts to his chests.
Much to her disappointment, the man never returned her advances; he gently pushed her aside, his lips still plastered with a smile. "I'll be back, okay? " he didn't let her say something again; he placed his thumb on her lips, smirking; he turned his back on her, hand on his pockets.
The woman, though dejected; sigh dreamingly to herself. She really wants a taste of him again. She blew a kiss in his direction. "I'll wait, daddy, okay? " she giggled and went to enter the tent once again.
The man, whose name was Saint; upon confirming that the woman was not in sight anymore turned to wipe his lips with his arms where the woman had kissed a while ago. He could feel his stomach turned upside down as if he had seen or tasted a food that doesn't fit to his liking.
Well, he was delighted with her taste and presence a while ago when she was screaming his name; shaking in pleasure under him.
But just like any escapades he had done...he always felt disgusted after the first time. He only liked what she initially made him feel; a fleeting spark, dashing but short-lived like fireworks during a festive night. And she's a great help for him to visualize a love scene for his new romance novel.
The smile he had on his lips disappeared just like how his excitement vanished. He looked at his palm; fisted it and shook his head. His crimson eyes empty as his legs started to walk to what direction it wanted to take him.
"Excitement, feelings, love, huh? Where can I get a permanent one that will not easily bore me? " he asked himself. He wished for something that will hook him; something he can pursue endlessly without discarding it afterwards.
He somehow found a new playmate in guise with friendship; keeping him entertained. But it's been days since he last heard from Anthony, one of his dirt-bag father's writers. Although it annoys him to the core because his father tries to inquire about Anthony through him.
Fishing his phone from his pocket; he dialed his number only to be left with no answer.
Whistling to himself; he combed his messy obsidian locks. "I wonder if he's okay? Maybe he's on a date with his little boyfriend? Lucky him. " He put his phone back in his pocket; still walking, now thinking to chill by the river and wash himself. The woman's scent was all over him.
It's really quite an amusement to him when he teases Anthony with his little boyfriend with the unusual hobby to cosplay. Or is it really cosplay? He wonders. When it comes to the male kitty cat, Anthony's usually bored eyes; light up and it's not difficult to catch how talking about his so-called roommate makes Anthony's mood better. It's really a joy to witness absent-minded people struggle with matters concerning cupid.
He bets the moron doesn't even know that things between him and his dear roommate weren't normal. "Maybe I'll write a romance plot modeled from them? I'll use the forest ideas a while ago to add to my plot. '' Saint's eyes twinkled; his excitement refueled, grinning from ear to ear.
Maybe he'll just stick his nose to them to be able to feel. Although he know he still couldn't give up tasting temporary sweets along the way; because everything isn't enough.
Sighing; he kicked a pebble on his way. "Now, I really need to see—" his monologue suddenly got interrupted when he heard a loud bang from somewhere; flocks of birds started to fly from the distance in panic of what had transpired.
He stopped walking; eyes trying to find where the noise came from. A side of him is telling him not to try and venture but his thirst of finding out the truth is also there to try and influence him.
And ofcourse, the latter won him over. For someone whose life was dull—he always craved adventure.
But what he saw felt like he was seeing something unreal; especially the scene before him incorporates the two people he's been thinking about a while ago.
From the bushes he decided to hide himself in; he could see a lot of people including Anthony and Aegir. Three people were standing beside three bloodied and unconscious creatures—yes, creatures. Because they look exactly like those that were on the news; with animal ears and tails and the other one has elongated ears just like elves and dryads he sees in comics.
Gasping; he sat on the grass. He could feel his hand shake; wet in perspiration. "T-They're real... That's not a hoax! " Although shaken by what he's seeing; he couldn't help but to feel kinda excited inside. He's right! Fiction is real!
But what felt more like being thrown by cold water is the presence of Anthony; whose standing back to back with his housemate; although wounded has the looks of someone who'll not back down from a fight—especially that there's indeed a fight. They were fighting the same type of creature he saw sprawled on the ground.
"Damn! I thought he doesn't believe in fiction? " he muttered to himself as his eyes glued to Anthony's movements.
Anthony raised Aegir's body by carrying him by the waist; the latter on the other hand used the momentum to use his legs to continuously deliver kicks to their enemy, two violent kicks to the head and three to the face. The enemy staggered and screamed, face swollen and bloodied; a sword magically appeared from its palms. They throw the sword in Anthony and Aegir's direction but as if Anthony already anticipated the move, he spoke something; as if calling something in. Purple light started to appear from Anthony's hand and two huge shears appeared, just in time to divert the sword away. A clang could be heard from where the sword fell.
Saint's eyes couldn't believe what he is seeing; as if it's already bulging from all the things he's been presented with at the moment. His heart hammered from his chest and he could feel something inside of him burn.
He gripped the grass tightly; trying to stop himself from screaming, not on fear but on amusement. "It's real! Oh my God! I cannot believe it! "
And for him, he already can prove that indeed associating with Anthony was beneficial for him. "So, you're playing hero, huh? "
He'll keep this as a secret if Anthony wishes it to be but he wants to be part of it.
Impulsivity courts danger and untamed feelings see no rationality...stopping it is as near as trying to put time to an end.