In the heart of the Beastfolk Kingdom, within the headquarters of the Southern Command, Mandu the elephant and Lomi the cheetah sat amidst a flurry of activity. The large, spacious room was filled with maps, documents, and the hum of conversation from various beastfolk engaged in their duties. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, casting a warm glow on the wooden floors and stone walls adorned with banners of the beastfolk clans.
Mandu, a towering figure with a gentle yet imposing presence, was poring over a report at a large wooden table. His usually calm demeanor was shattered by the contents of the document in his hands. His trunk curled in agitation as he turned to Lomi, his companion and confidant.
"Lomi, is this true?" Mandu's deep voice was filled with a mixture of disbelief and anger. His large ears flared, and his small, sharp eyes glinted with frustration.
Lomi, lithe and swift, nodded solemnly. Her sleek, spotted fur rippled as she moved with the grace of a born predator. "Yes, Mandu. It seems His Majesty the King is demanding more troops capable of using aura."
Mandu's face darkened with fury. He slammed the report onto the table, causing the papers to scatter. "I already made it clear that our people are not tools for war! They have their own lives, their own choices..." His voice softened with a heavy sigh as he looked out the window at the peaceful landscape beyond. "Their own freedom. These people don't want war; they just want protection."
Lomi placed a reassuring hand on Mandu's massive arm, her eyes soft with empathy. "I understand, Mandu. But we don't have a choice. The King's orders are for the sake of the Beastfolk Kingdom. Our people love our kingdom, and they'll fight for it, even if it means sacrificing their peace."
Mandu's tusks gleamed in the dim light as he clenched his jaw. "If only I had the power to stop this... but a king's power is absolute."
Lomi nodded, her eyes reflecting Mandu's sorrow. "I know, Mandu. But you've done everything you could. And I believe Chalu, if he were here, would understand and feel the same."
Mandu managed a small, sad smile. "You're probably right."
He turned to gaze out of the large window, his eyes distant and filled with longing. The landscape outside was a stark contrast to the turmoil within the headquarters—a serene expanse of green fields and rolling hills, bathed in the soft light of the setting sun. The beauty of the scene only deepened Mandu's sense of helplessness. Birds chirped in the distance, and the gentle rustling of leaves could be heard, providing a stark contrast to the tension inside.
Lomi, sensing Mandu's deep distress, moved closer. "Mandu, we've faced countless challenges together. This is just another one. We must stay strong for our people."
Mandu nodded, drawing strength from Lomi's words. "You're right, Lomi. We will do what we must to protect our people and preserve their freedom."
The two stood side by side, united in their resolve. Despite the heavy burden placed upon them by the King's decree, they knew they had to carry on. For the sake of their kingdom, for the sake of their people, and for the hope that one day, peace would prevail over war.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the kingdom, Mandu and Lomi silently vowed to continue their fight—not just against their external enemies, but against the very notion that their people were mere pawns in a game of power.
......
In the quiet, luxurious halls of the Sapher Mansion, tension was high. The grand mansion, with its tall ceilings and ornate walls, felt like it was closing in on the people standing outside Chalu's room. Inside the dimly lit room, the only sound was the soft rustling of the wind through the open windows.
Colerio Sapher, Ron Sapher, Damian Gothich, Lyro Spera, Raro from the cat tribe, and Gori from the monkey tribe were gathered just outside Chalu's door. Their faces were etched with worry and determination. Colerio, a tall, commanding figure with silver hair and piercing blue eyes, looked particularly troubled. He was deep in thought when Bale Lomius, a young Eldoan with brown hair and a determined expression, suddenly burst through the door, drawing everyone's attention.
Colerio immediately asked, "How is he?"
Bale shook her head, her eyes downcast. "Teacher Colerio, it seems like Chalu won't wake up. What should we do?"
Colerio looked around at his students—Lyro Spera, Raro, Gori, and lastly Bale Lomius. Each of them wore expressions of concern and uncertainty. Drawing a deep breath, he said, "Don't worry. First, Damian and I will go to where my comrades are."
Everyone nodded in agreement, though worry still shadowed their faces.
Raro hesitated for a moment before speaking up. "Um..."
Colerio turned to him. "What is it?"
Raro glanced at Gori and then back at Colerio. "We also have to go to where our comrades are too."
Ron, Colerio's brother, stepped forward, his brow furrowed with concern. "Brother, no offense, but if we let a beastfolk go to their territory, what if something happens and complicates things? Like, you know, their comrades... um, betrayal or something like that?"
Raro met Ron's gaze steadily. "Don't worry, sir. They are all loyal to Chalu, and they don't want war—they want peace."
Colerio nodded thoughtfully, then asked Raro, "Are you the only one going, or will Gori go with you?"
Gori stepped forward, his stance firm. "I'll go too. I also want to meet my tribe and our fellow beastfolk," he said, looking at Raro for support.
Lyro then spoke up eagerly, "Oh, can I go?"
Raro looked at him with a mix of concern and frustration. "It will be dangerous. You are an Eldoan, not a beastfolk. What if someone discovers you? You will be executed or killed in the Beastfolk Kingdom. I suggest you stay here."
Lyro's resolve didn't waver. "No, I'm still going. Besides," he glanced at the room where Chalu is, "You have that disguising technique, right? Just disguise me, and it will be fine."
Raro sighed and shook his head, a reluctant smile tugging at his lips. "You really are stubborn."
Colerio watched the exchange, reassured by Lyro's determination. He then turned to Bale. "What about you?"
Bale fidgeted slightly before answering. "I... I'm going to stay here to watch Chalu in case he wakes up."
Colerio nodded, appreciating her dedication. "Okay then, it's settled."
The group dispersed to prepare for their respective missions. The mansion's vast corridors echoed with the quiet determination of those preparing for a dangerous journey. The sunlight filtering through the ornate windows cast long shadows on the polished floors, hinting at the challenges ahead.
.......
The battlefield, once alive with the sounds of combat, had fallen into an uneasy silence. The ground was scorched, and the air smelled of ozone and blood. Bodies of both Eldoans and Beastfolk lay scattered, a testament to the ferocity of their clash. Amidst the carnage, Athos stood, a dark and monstrous figure exuding an aura of pure malevolence.
Kelly, the determined young mage, and Grizz, the formidable warrior of the bear tribe, found themselves united against this new and greater threat. The remnants of their respective forces lay around them, but for now, Eldoans and Beastfolk had set aside their differences.
Athos's sinister smile widened as he surveyed the battlefield. "You think you can challenge me?" he taunted, his voice a chilling whisper that seemed to echo in the minds of those still standing.
Grizz, his massive frame heaving with barely contained rage, took a step forward. The ground trembled beneath his weight, and his eyes blazed with fury. "Who are you?!" he demanded, his voice a thunderous roar.
Athos merely stood there, his cold gaze unwavering. Kelly, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and anger, stepped forward beside Grizz. "Why... Why did you kill my comrades?!" she cried out, her green robes fluttering in the wind, her staff clenched tightly in her hands.
Athos's smirk widened, his eyes gleaming with dark amusement. "I told you, they were just a snack."
Grizz, unable to contain his fury any longer, roared, "Enough! I've had enough of your blabbering!" With a swift, powerful motion, he swung his massive axe at Athos, the blade cutting through the air with a menacing whoosh.
Athos, unperturbed, raised his right hand, which transformed into a clawed shield. The impact of Grizz's axe against his clawed shield sent shockwaves through the ground, but Athos did not budge. "Come, beastfolk!" he taunted, his voice dripping with dark delight.
Grizz growled, his muscles straining as he pushed against Athos's claw. In response, Athos summoned dark energy. "Shadow Spike!" he commanded. Dark spikes erupted from the ground around Grizz, lunging towards him with deadly precision.
Grizz roared in pain as the spikes pierced his flesh, but he gritted his teeth and used his axe to deflect the next attack. His eyes burned with determination and fury.
Kelly, seeing her moment, chanted a spell. "Water Spear!" she cried, summoning a spear of water that formed in the air and shot towards Athos with incredible speed.
Athos, without missing a beat, summoned a "Shadow Shield." The shield of darkness absorbed the water spear effortlessly. He turned his gaze towards Kelly, his voice mocking. "Monster? Yes, that's what I am."
Grizz, despite his injuries, charged at Athos again. "Hahahahaha," Athos laughed, "Again? Just surrender and let me eat you."
"Bastard!" Grizz shouted, swinging his axe with renewed fury.
Kelly, realizing the necessity of supporting Grizz, murmured, "Lightning Strike." She aimed a bolt of lightning at Athos, her staff crackling with energy as she directed the spell towards him.
Athos saw the attacks coming from both directions. "Dark Wave!" he shouted, releasing a wave of darkness that surged towards them. The force of the wave sent Grizz flying backward, crashing into the ground with a grunt of pain.
Kelly, witnessing the wave of darkness, quickly chanted, "Aquatic Shield!" A shield of water formed in front of her, but the dark wave shattered it with ease, sending Kelly sprawling backward.
"Aaah!" Kelly cried out as she hit the ground, the impact knocking the wind out of her.
The battlefield, now illuminated only by the flickering remnants of magic and the sinister aura of Athos, felt like a place of despair. The once vibrant clash of steel and magic had given way to a desperate struggle for survival against a seemingly insurmountable foe.
Athos laughed maniacally, savoring his dominance. "Hahahaha! So this is what power feels like!" he exclaimed, his voice echoing across the desolate battlefield.
Grizz, struggling to his feet, gritted his teeth. Despite his injuries, he refused to give in. He glanced at Kelly, who was slowly rising to her feet, her face pale but determined. Their eyes met, and in that brief moment, a silent understanding passed between them. They had to fight, not just for themselves, but for everyone who had fallen.
Kelly raised her staff, summoning her remaining strength. "We can't let him win," she whispered, her voice steady despite her fear.
Grizz nodded, tightening his grip on his axe. "Tsk" he growled, his voice a low rumble of determination.
As they prepared to launch another attack, Athos watched them with an amused expression. "Come, show me what you've got," he taunted, his voice dripping with dark anticipation.
The battlefield, a grim and silent witness to the unfolding drama, held its breath. The trees at the edge of the field swayed gently, their leaves rustling in the breeze, as if whispering secrets of the past and hopes for the future. The sky above, a canvas of twilight hues, bore silent witness to the struggle below.
The battle was far from over, and the fate of the Eldoans and Beastfolk hung in the balance.
To be continue
Thank you guys for reading my novel. I'm feeling a little better now after getting some rest over the past few days. I'm currently editing and revising the other chapters of my other novels peace.