Jarec walked along the rocky trail, at least this part was lit from the dying embers of daylight. The air was heavy with the woodsy smell of nature, and an echoing beckon from further down to a crash presumed to be waterfalls. His limbs still felt the aches of their exertions earlier that day, but he stayed alert, for other threats were out there in more than just darkness.
Velaris looked at Jarec, who trained how to perform Chaos Surge. The chaos wanted to obey the young man more and more, but there was a grim lack of skill. Jarec's light danced and sparkled, struggling to coalesce the surge into some kind of shape. Velaris observed with a mixture of care and praise.
"Slowly but, you are," Velaris answered casually as the air with them grew heavy. Chaos Surge, on the other hand … Well, Chaos Surge is a good way to get yourself killed if you're not very gentle with it. "With intent you use the force that is in and around all things; A lightspride or siths hatred, a simple thought to heal wounds. "
Jarec nodded, though his face belied the irritation. "I'll keep practicing."
Their journey was suddenly interrupted by the tranquility with a low menacing growl. His eyes narrowed as he looked through the spaces of Velaris. A pack of Battle Hounds stalked out from the underbrush, their eyes set on Slithara with cold and feral hate. The creatures were of the lowest form of elemental beasts in Valorium, their essence embodying war and valor. Famous in the region for their combat prowess and tactical collaboration.
The Battle Hounds were intimidating, with lean muscular bodies and dark fur scarred from many battles. They were trained to fight, their claws striking with a tactfulum crescendo of aggression and strategy. Their footprints could sometimes be found along the rugged terrain of Valorium, a known warrior region.
Velaris drew his sword, a shining blade radiating with an aura of defense. "Get ready. Battle Hounds ain't Scrubs. They are a part of combat training and usually serve in groups."
Jarec inhaled, focusing his Chaos Surge into a coherent mass. It was so close he could feel the chaotic energy coiling all around him, waiting to be released. The Hounds approached, their eyes steady on the intruders.
The first Battle Hound flung itself at Jarec, jaws snapping in an alarming display of agility. The swordmaw mad a snap for him Jarec just jiggling out of side, breathging with heat. With a raised arm, verigated power spurted frim his hand sending the Hound flying backwards. It growled as it battered out of the way, and though alive appeared heartily wounded.
Jarec slithered in expertly, steel flashing as he fought against two of the Hounds at once. The blade sliced through the air with swift, precise executions; its protective field glistening brilliantly upon every impact. Another Hound went quiet as Velaris executed another of its merciless strikes.
Jarec turned to what was left of the Hounds, his attention snapping back. He let out another burst of Chaos Surge, this one more temperate as twisted dark energy coiled and tore through Enemy lines. The rest of the Hounds were launched in to the whirlwind, mid leap and otherwise causing their bodies squirm with pain instead of howls without joy.
Velaris seized upon the confusion to kill the disoriented beasts with her precise blows. It was a short, sharp skirmish. And when the last Hound fell, all went quiet in the forest again except for other noises from much further away.
Jarec mopped his brow with a sleeve, heart pounding from the effort. Sheathing his sword, Velaris looked over the battlefield with a judgmental eye.
"Nice try!" Velaris shouted, sounding more like he was teaching than praising. "Getting better, but we want to see more control. Chaos Surge, it can be a power weapon but also an unpredictable one.
Jarec nodded the satisfaction and resolve a bit to his relief. "I'll keep practicing."
On their way they suddenly heard a frantic scream. Velaris and Jarec glanced at each other, concerned. Stomping through thick undergrowth to the point of no return, they traced that echoing trumpet deeper into a verdant jungle until trailing off lead them straight smack dab right into someone else's nightmare.
A girl of perhaps ten, caged behind massive **Stonehide Beast** that rose from the ground like a great cold crystal-covered boulder. It fresh devilish eyes bore down on the girl, backed up into a corner trying to defend herself with spear like stick.
"Help! Somebody, please!" the girl said with fear quaking through her voice
Jarec was already up, ready to move. He speed up his heart and used kingdom surge in rapid series of blast. The primal energy exploded in a blinding flash, striking the Stonehide Beast and knocking it off its feet. The monster screamed in agony, arrows gaping into the creature´s rock hard skin.
"Stay back!" A shiver of fear worked its way through the girl and Jarec shouted. That is, until the Stonehide Beast swung release its uproarious roar upon them and continued in anger when Velaris passed the lightning fast blows from that terror rather masterfully. The creature, angered by the interference thrashed about with its large stony appendages. Velaris fires a Chaos surge on the stonehide's stomach but unfortunately, it is not very effective.
Jarec entered the fray, his sword weaving through arc as he struck every time. He gave his blows to the joints of the creature that were exposed in an attempt to stagger it. Both Jarec and Velaris fought desperately to keep the Beast under control. Jarec's Chaos Surge continued to hammer the creature as Velaris landed his sword strikes in practiced unison.
The battered and left for dead Stonehide Beast managed one valiant final charge. Jarec once more threw himself into its path, calling on his Chaos gift to unleash a Chaos Surge with such force it detonated in bright flare. The beast reeled, buckling under the steady barrage. The furry broke out once more as Velaris leveled his blaster and fired a final, angry cone of energy; this strike was much more powerful than the previous ones most likely because it knew its own death was just seconds away and then fell to that familiar form which rested on the dark forest floor.
Panting Jarec marched to the now horrified girl. "Are you alright?"
The girl nodded, her eyes wide with gratitude and awe. "Thanks… I thought that was it for me…"
Velaris sighed, his bright eyes softening. "Hey, you watch yourself out there. The dangerous part of Valorium."
She got startled when the rat that standing on Jarec's shoulder starts talking.
"Ekk!! The rat talk!" Velaris look at her and snorted.
She perked up and looked at Jarec. "I can take you to my village. It's not far from here. You saved me so, for whatever it was worth I thanked you."
They traipsed behind the girl as she weaved through paths in various places of season when they eventually found themselves emerging out into a quaint, adorable little village. The village stood as a handful of unpretentious wooden houses nestled amid green fields and peaceful river. The villagers took some time to welcome as saviors, became friendly quickly stepped forward after the girl tells them about what happened.
But Jarec felt as uneasy entering this village he had lived in none the less his life. Velaris noticed his unease and surveyed the area around them, a guard for possible threats. They were given a home and welcomed with open arms.
The sun was beginning to set as night approached, and Jarec sat by the fire with reasons in Velaris. Their encounter with the Stonehide Beast had put them through their paces, and brought them closer together for it. Then, facing forward into the unknown journey that lay ahead of them the first steps would be taken on sturdy ground leading to nothing but a monotonous and save destination they envied surrounding villagers as always in peace despite knowing everything wasn't over just yet