After some contemplation, we made up our minds and decided to take the risk and go save our friends. Rushane stayed behind, but we were accompanied by two skilled fighters from the village: Rob and Mob, who were known for their hunting abilities.
With calculated caution, we drew near the riverbank, our presence almost imperceptible amidst the dense woods that enveloped us. In our covert approach, Rob and I had formed a seamless partnership, while Mob remained closely tethered to Kero and Celestia. The dynamic duo of John and Sarah moved in tandem as well, like an unstoppable force of nature.
As I peered ahead, my senses sharpened, yet my gaze yielded nothing but the tranquil expanse of the river. A subtle hand signal relayed my intention to the rest – that I'd venture closer to investigate. The stillness of the forest enveloped us, and anticipation hung heavy in the air.
Suddenly, an invisible force seemed to halt me in my tracks, urging me to signal for the others to cease their advance. An eerie sensation sent shivers racing down my spine, like the prelude to a sinister revelation. Despite the overwhelming feeling that something lurked nearby, an unsettling silence prevailed, leaving me straining my senses for any sign or sound that might betray our unseen adversary.
As I gingerly explored the enigmatic force that halted me, I sought to discern its nature. In the span of a few breaths, a sudden gust of air assaulted me, propelling me backward in alarm. Rob, mirroring my reaction, retreated in astonishment. It was then that the creature began to reveal itself, its colossal form materializing like an ethereal apparition. This creature possessed the uncanny ability to shroud itself in invisibility, an artful camouflage that had enabled it to approach us undetected. I had been teetering on the precipice of imminent danger.
This awe-inspiring behemoth unfurled its tail, followed by its massive limbs, before reaching the apex of its colossal head. It loomed over us with an intimidating presence, snorting and leisurely prowling the perimeter before unleashing a deafening, menacing roar. Without delay, it lunged at us, perhaps misinterpreting our recoil as a challenge. Both Rob and I strained to evade its relentless assault, but the creature's wrath was solely focused on us, oblivious to the presence of the others.
"I've never witnessed such fury in it before," Rob exclaimed as we sprinted from the clutches of the gargantuan reptile. Its green hide glowed a luminous green color with each attack that hit its body from Kero's onslaught but it seemed impervious to the attacks, his efforts futile against the creature's formidable yet mysteriousdefenses.
"Less chatter, more sprinting!" I retorted, urging myself to reach greater speeds. Surprisingly, both Rob and the monstrous El Rio Croc remained hot on my heels, a revelation that exposed my grievous underestimation of the creature's swiftness, considering its colossal size
As I glanced over at my other friends, they were using this opportunity to search for Robert and the others, I realized that I had been chosen as the distraction by the universe. However, as I turned to face the supposed monster behind me, I saw nothing. This strange turn of events left me feeling perplexed and confused.
Suddenly, an earth-shattering thud shook the ground beneath our feet, sending shock waves through the air. In an awe-inspiring display of sheer might, the creature catapulted itself over us, crashing down with seismic force just ahead. It wasted no time in unleashing its fury upon us, descending upon us like an avenging deity.
My instincts kicked in just in time to push Rob clear of impending danger, but alas, I couldn't evade the impending onslaught myself. With ruthless precision, the monstrous creature swung its colossal tail, transforming me into a hapless projectile hurtling through the air at breakneck speed.
Amidst the whirlwind of my involuntary flight, I caught fragmented glimpses of the forest's chaos – dust and splintered trees whizzing past in a frenzied blur. Time seemed to elongate as I soared through the surreal landscape, my senses overwhelmed.
When consciousness gingerly returned to me, I found myself sprawled on the ground, my battered body a canvas of agony. The relentless monster bore down on me once more, its malevolent intent unmistakable.
Though every fiber of my being screamed for me to rise and defend myself, my strength had deserted me. Blood flowed freely from my mouth and nose, and searing pain engulfed me like a relentless wildfire.In that dire moment, it struck me – I had failed in my mission to rescue Robert and the others. The harsh reality sank in; I was no hero. As the pain intensified, unbearable pressure mounting in my eyes, it was more unbearable than anywhere else I was feeling pain, and the world dimmed around me, I reluctantly accepted the inexorable approach of my fate
Analu
The mission to retrieve Atwaine unfolded with unexpected brevity. My unique abilities allowed me to tap into the thoughts of others from a distance, and the longer I spent in their presence, the more their inner musings revealed themselves to me.
Yet, among those I encountered, one enigma stood out like a beacon from the very first time I crossed paths with him: Rome. His thoughts remained an impenetrable fortress, defying my innate talents. This peculiarity piqued my curiosity, and I instinctively knew that there was something truly remarkable about him.
In truth, Rome's entire family exuded an aura of distinction. His little nephew, a whirlwind of energy and charm, effortlessly won the hearts of those around him. His sister, an enigmatic figure who contributed quietly to our group's wellbeing, now radiated an unsettling intensity, driven by Atwaine's abduction.
And then there was Rome's mother, a blessing to have amidst our trials. Her kindness and love were a balm to our souls. A devout believer in Jesus Christ, she offered prayers that provided a comforting tether to faith amid the chaos of our existence. It was a reminder that even in the darkest of times, a touch of divinity could find its place in our lives.
Our pursuit of Atwaine began hastily, with both Janessa and myself responding to the powerful resonance of Eugene's thoughts. He was close, and we needed to close the distance swiftly.
"He's close by; let's hurry," I urged.
"Good," Janessa replied, her eyes ablaze with determination.
"Also, mask your energy," I advised.
Janessa quickened her pace, surprising me with her speed. It felt as though I were on a morning run with Rome.
"Turn left up ahead and slow down," I directed, guiding her cautiously. "I can sense the presence of others. You can mask your energy, but you can't sense it. I need to have a conversation with Rome when we return."
Soon enough, Eugene came into view, accompanied by two figures cloaked in black jeans and gray hoods, their faces hidden behind masks. Judging from their voices, one was a woman, the other a man engaged in a heated exchange.
Atwaine, bound and unconscious, rested in a donkey cart. His face bore the evidence of mistreatment, marked with slight bruises. Janessa saw this, and her energy flared in response.
"You were followed, Eugene!" the male in the group exclaimed.
"Oh, bother. Don't worry, these aren't the ones we should fear," Eugene reassured him.
"You go on; I'll deal with them," the man instructed, and the female vanished into the distance.
I attempted to connect with her but was forced to evade a barrage of rocks from Eugene. I agilely dodged his assault, catching one rock midair before springing onto a tree branch. Glancing back, the female had vanished into the darkness.
"You'll regret this. You've trespassed into our community, harmed my son, and taken him from us," Janessa seethed as she advanced on Eugene.
The man landed before her, his arrogance evident. "I'm your opponent, little lady," he smirked, reaching out to caress her face. "I'll be sure not to mar that pretty face of yours."
In response, Janessa's hand glowed a brilliant yellow, and she unleashed a ferocious punch, sending the man hurtling into a tree, which shattered like fragile glass. Eugene and I watched in stunned disbelief.
Eugene began to retreat, mumbling, "Wait, let me explain... I wasn't going to harm him; it was more of an insur..."
But Janessa wouldn't entertain his explanations. "Scum like you deserves no mercy!" she shouted, charging towards him.
Eugene found himself unable to counter Janessa's relentless assault. As she closed in on him, he instinctively ducked, narrowly evading the full brunt of her devastating strike. The sheer force of her power tore through the tree behind him, a horrifying display of the raw energy she commanded.
The towering oak, which had stood in the forest since the world changed, splintered and shattered as if caught in the wrath of an enraged mother. Wooden fragments exploded into the night, their splinters dancing like malevolent spirits in the air. The once-mighty tree creaked and groaned, its massive form irreparably scarred.
Eugene, dazed and disoriented, found himself sprawled on the ground, staring at the wreckage that had narrowly escaped becoming his own demise. Janessa's prowess had uprooted not only the tree but also his sense of security, leaving him trembling with a newfound respect for the power she possessed.
As I made my way toward the combatants, I knew that ending Eugene's life would be too easy and would deprive us of critical information. Something more significant was at play. "Don't end his life," I urged. "We need answers. There is a bigger game in motion here."
At my words, the radiant energy around Janessa's hand receded. She was not a killer, but rather a reflection of her family's inherent goodness.
Eugene, sensing his reprieve, muttered, "Thank you, I know you're not a killer, my dearest."
Janessa, upon hearing his words, promptly slapped him, a sharp rebuke for his actions.
As the echoes of destruction settled around them, Atwaine began to stir. His eyes fluttered open, disoriented, and slowly focused on the concerned faces that surrounded him. The realization that he was safe now washed over him like a soothing wave. His mother, her eyes brimming with tears, reached out and scooped him into her arms, holding him close in a fierce, tearful embrace.
The relief of their reunion was palpable, and mother and son clung to one another, their tears mingling in a bittersweet mixture of joy, fear, and gratitude. The horrors of the night had threatened to tear them apart, but now, they were together, and that was all that mattered.
Janessa, with her resolute expression, approached the defeated figures of Eugene and the other man. They lay on the ground, dazed and humbled by the fierce battle they had just endured. With a mix of caution and compassion, she and the others carefully secured the two adversaries, their intentions now shifted from violence to understanding.
Nearby, a horse, startled by the ferocity of the battle and the thundering destruction, had fled into the forest. The once-proud steed was now spotted in the distance, nervously grazing. A plan was quickly devised, and a cart was arranged to carry both Eugene and the other man back to the village.
With ropes tied securely to the cart, they coaxed the horse into a controlled and purposeful run. The horse, though skittish, understood the urgency of the situation, and its powerful strides pulled the cart with determination. They made their way back through the dense forest, each bump in the road a testament to the tumultuous events that had unfolded that night.
As they reached the village, the community gathered, their faces a mixture of relief and concern. The horse came to a gradual stop, and the two defeated adversaries were carefully removed from the cart. The villagers eyed them with a combination of curiosity and suspicion, unsure of what to make of the strangers in their midst.
"Janessa quickly, come!" shouted Ted as soon as he saw her enter through the community gate. Janeesa followed Ted due to his urgency and entered into the medical center.
"Whats wrong Ted?' I asked.
"It's Josh, he's been going in and out of shock and mumbling something. I'm not sure but e seems to be talking about what happened back at the river." said Ted.
"if thats the case then I have to leave as soon as possible then" I replied.
"Alright we'll inform you when you get back" said Ted.
Screams pierced the air, reverberating through the medical center just as I was on the cusp of departure. An urgency gripped me, compelling me to hasten back inside, my heart heavy with concern for Rome and the others. Among the distraught voices, it was Josh's cry that beckoned me forth.
"No, we can't do this alone! That monstrosity is beyond us! We need the entire village to stand a chance! Someone, please, save Robert and Ariel!" Josh's voice wavered with desperation, the tremors of fear palpable.
We allowed Josh a moment to regain his composure before he began to elucidate further. His words bore the weight of somber truth. "That thing embodies sheer power and malevolence. We stand no chance against such a force.
"Analu, resolute and unyielding, challenged his stance. "So, what? We're just supposed to give up?"
The fervor in the room was electric, emotions running high. Sherone, her anguish tangible, pleaded with tear-filled eyes, her voice trembling. "For the love of God, someone must go and rescue my son and his friends. This is a time for unity, for us all to rally together and aid them."
Upon hearing Josh's desperate plea, there was no room for hesitation in my actions. Our initial plan had centered around dispatching the group's swiftest members for a rapid, low-risk search and rescue operation. Which would be Rome and myself.
We were no strangers to combat, having confronted countless adversaries in the past, which instilled a glimmer of confidence in me. I understood Josh's reticence to everything but we had to go save them.
It wasn't a matter of underestimating an unknown foe; it was about meticulous execution and adaptability. There was a way to achieve this, even with an adversary of unknown abilities and strength. My priority was swift action. I had gleaned essential information from Josh during our conversation. I had no time to regain any strength from my earlier rescue mission with Janessa.
The creature lurking out there was colossal and harbored fearsome abilities, making it imperative for me to join the rescue effort.
As I headed outside, my focus unwavering, I spotted Ted orchestrating a team to aid in the rescue. Yet, I couldn't afford to delay based on the urgency conveyed in Josh's plea and the haunting images in his memories. This was an unprecedented challenge, unlike any we had encountered before.
I sprinted through the dense forest, my heart pounding like a drumbeat in my chest. Never before had I moved with such swiftness, the adrenaline coursing through my veins driving me onward. My every step was guided by the fragments of Josh's memories that I clung to, propelling me further along the path.
As I raced through the woods, I couldn't help but marvel at the distance I had already covered. It felt like I was halfway there, but the relentless pace was sapping my energy. Doubt gnawed at my resolve, questioning whether I'd have enough strength left for the impending confrontation.
The minutes stretched on, each one a torment of anticipation. Then, a faint hum reached my ears, and I knew I was drawing closer to my destination. A small settlement came into view, its humble structures a stark contrast to the impending clash I was hurtling toward.
Suddenly, an earth-shattering roar reverberated through the air, rattling the leaves on the trees. My pulse quickened, knowing that I was nearing the epicenter of the impending battle. My breaths came in rapid bursts as I pushed myself even harder.And then, as if emerging from the very fabric of my darkest nightmares, I saw it – the colossal monster, an immense behemoth that rivaled the size of a freight truck. Its titanic tail swung with terrible force, smashing into Rome and propelling him through the air like a ragdoll.
My eyes widened in horror as Rome hurtled uncontrollably, a destructive force in his own right. He plowed through the forest, trees splintering and shattering like glass in his wake. The once serene woods were reduced to chaos, a symphony of destruction conducted by this unstoppable force.I stood there, my body paralyzed by a potent cocktail of shock and fear. Was Rome even alive after such an impact? I couldn't allow myself to entertain the thought that he might be dead. Not yet.
In the midst of my frantic search for a solution, Kero's response was nothing short of explosive. He surged forward with a furious battle cry that reverberated through the air, his rage fueling the tempestuous assault he unleashed. It was as if he'd harnessed the very essence of his anger and channeled it into this devastating strike.
With unparalleled determination, he hurled an attack of immense proportions towards the looming monster. The sheer magnitude of his power was awe-inspiring, and it resonated with the intensity of his emotions. As Kero's attack hurtled forth, it left an indelible mark on the battleground.
The monster's attention was immediately captured, its malevolent eyes fixated on this tempestuous force of nature that dared to challenge it. Kero's assault was not just a mere strike; it was an embodiment of his undying loyalty to his friend, now wounded or dead.
The sheer might of the attack was staggering, dwarfing any destructive force I had ever witnessed. It possessed the potential to obliterate half of my house in the blink of an eye, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. The earth trembled beneath its impact, and the very air crackled with its overwhelming power
No wonder the monster had noticed Kero's presence. The situation had taken a dire turn. The colossal beast, standing with imposing menace, unleashed an earsplitting roar that reverberated through the air. It took a few steps away from Rome with it's focus solely on Kero. It opened its ominous gateway to doom, its mouth, and from within, an eerie blue liquid began to coalesce like a sinister omen.
My eyes darted around the chaotic scene, catching sight of John, Sarah, and an unfamiliar man alongside Robert and Ariel. It seemed that they weren't dead and I'm glad we found them but this situation is serious.
Confusion clouded the air as I pondered whether this was yet another move in the monster's relentless assault. I could only watch as the blue liquid got darker and larger. But I had something more important to do.
With an unwavering resolve to rescue Rome, I seized the fleeting opportunity. Ignoring the risk of worsening his injuries, I scooped him up with urgency, tearing him away from the monstrousity. I knew that leaving him behind would be an unthinkable fate, even if it meant the potential for further harm.
The devastation that ensued was heart-wrenching. The monster's cataclysmic attack cleaved through the air, laying waste to the once lush forest with an unforgiving force. Trees, once pillars of natural beauty, were obliterated like obstacles in the path of a relentless farmer tilling the land. In the space where Kero had stood mere moments before, there remained nothing but a haunting void of destruction.
An entire acre of land was transformed into a barren wasteland in the blink of an eye, and the world was forever altered. The breathtaking tapestry of nature had been erased, leaving only the stark reminder of the monster's power.
As the dust settled, my fear grew, knowing that Josh's earlier apprehension had been justified. This monster was nothing like we've ever encountered. I turned my attention back to Rome, whose coughing brought me back to the grim reality of our situation. Blood stained his lips, a dire testament to the severity of his injuries. Without hesitation and tears in my eyes, I reached into my bag, retrieving
the precious potion we had made, and administered it to him. I began a desperate bout of healing, channeling all the energy and skill I possessed to mend his wounded body.
I prayed to myself asking God to please heal him as I did the best I could.
Then I remembered, "Where is Kero??" Kero! Kero! I Shouted out as I healed Rome. "Was this the end of all of us??" I asked myself. We couldn't do anything in this situation. I had thought the scales were even in this world now. Were monsters really that more powerful than us?
As I panicked and tried to find a solution, I something.
"What a predicament you've stumbled into," a voice echoed from behind me. "Fortunately, fate led us here today."
I turned, my gaze meeting that of a tall, dark-haired man sporting an eye patch, exuding an air of unwavering confidence. He was dressed entirely in black. Beside him, I spotted Kero sprawled on the ground, tangled up with another man—a medium-built figure, not as towering as the first, with long blonde hair. To their side stood a striking woman with a fierce intensity in her eyes.
Truth be told, they all emanated a sense of gravitas, fearlessness etched into their expressions. But what truly piqued my interest was their weaponry—clearly the craftsmanship of professionals, unlike the shoddy scraps we had. Rome began to stir as I tended to him, and he let out a piercing scream, clutching his eyes in pain.
"Wait...hm...intriguing," remarked the handsome man as he inspected Rome. "It seems we've stumbled upon something quite rare, my friends." He signaled to his companions, then turned his attention to the bewildered monster.
"My other comrades...they're..." I struggled to form a coherent sentence.
"You mean those comrades," he replied, gesturing toward the left, where a group of our friends stood about 200 meters away—John, Sarah, Ariel, Robert, Celestia, and three unfamiliar faces
"Now lets deal with this thing here." Said the guy as he walked towards it slowly with his three friends following close behind him. The lady looked back and said. "You might wanna cover your ears." I glanced over and saw John and the others with their ears covered and I just did the same.
She unleashed a sound so powerful that it sent shock waves reverberating through the air, each wave directed towards the monstrous entity. I could feel my own energy draining, uncertain whether it was due to my excessive exertion or the lady's attack. The beast struggled, its movements sluggish as it roared in agony before collapsing to its knees. I couldn't fathom what was transpiring, but I couldn't help but revel in the spectacle.
The imposing man with the eye patch removed it, his intense gaze locked onto the writhing monster.
The creature's scales began to shift, and its entire form emitted an eerie green glow. With a deafening roar, it surged with energy, unleashing a rippling shock wave that forced me to brace myself, still clutching the unconscious Rome.
As the dust settled from the beast's eruption, the blonde-haired man let out a battle cry, summoning a crackling blue energy around his hands. Like a raging bull, he charged at the monster, striking it repeatedly while deftly dodging its massive, crushing blows.
The formidable woman, who had earlier unleashed the life-draining sound, brandished a long spear and joined the fray. For thirty intense seconds, none of them received a single blow from the ferocious beast. It grew increasingly frustrated, its scales shifting once more, as if preparing for another devastating shock wave. However, just before it could release its destructive force, the man with the eye patch materialized in front of the beast, locking eyes with it. A faint blue radiance emanated from his face, seemingly from his eyes alone. The monster howled in agony as it attempted to strike him, but he effortlessly halted the attack with his bare hands, never averting his gaze.
It was a breathtaking sight; these individuals possessed overwhelming power compared to my friends and me.
"Do it now!" the handsome man shouted. The blonde-haired man's hand ignited with a dark blue hue once more as he leaped high into the air. "Hey, catch," the female in their group called out, tossing her spear to him. He caught it, and the spear blazed with the same dark color. As the man with the eye patch jumped away, the blonde-haired man descended, driving the spear between the monster's eyes with an explosive shock wave
Who were these enigmatic individuals? Their combined strength eclipsed our own by an unimaginable margin. As the dust gradually settled, the one i the eye patch began to approach us, his stride almost appearing to defy time itself. It felt as if this moment was unfolding in slow motion before my eyes.
The once-terrifying monster, which had left us all weakened and trembling, had met its end at the hands of just three people, all within a mere two minutes. The astonishment in the air was palpable, leaving us all utterly dumbfounded. I finally managed to find my voice and asked, "Who are you guys?" The response from the handsome man came with a cryptic smile as he slightly fell to his feet but he was caught by the fearsome female. "We are the answer to everything."