The morning light stretched lazily across the forest as I trudged onward, exhaustion clinging to me like a second skin. My muscles ached, my thoughts muddled. Bonding with the Gallvine had drained me more than I cared to admit. The Dawnhound padded beside me, ever watchful, its gaze darting between the trees. The Phaseling hovered just behind, its light dimmer than usual, as if it, too, felt the strain of the previous day.
Ahead, the forest opened up to reveal a lake shimmering under the sunlight. It was a serene sight, the kind of place that seemed untouched by the chaos of the world. The gentle lapping of water against the shore and the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze were almost enough to ease the tension from my shoulders.
"We're stopping here," I announced, my voice rough from disuse. The Dawnhound barked softly, tail wagging in what I took as agreement. The Phaseling's glow brightened slightly, and the Gallvine, perched on a nearby boulder, let out a low rumble of acknowledgment.
I dropped my pack onto the soft grass and stretched, feeling the pull of every strained muscle. The sun was warm against my skin, and for the first time in what felt like days, I allowed myself to relax. The Dawnhound settled nearby, its ears twitching at every sound, while the Gallvine shifted, its massive wings folding tightly as it crouched on the shore. The Phaseling drifted lazily over the water, its reflection rippling across the surface.
Pulling off my boots, I dipped my feet into the cool water. Relief washed over me as the cold numbed the ache. I leaned back, letting my fingers trail through the grass, and closed my eyes. For a while, there was only the sound of the lake and the steady presence of my companions.
But peace never lasted long.
A sudden splash shattered the stillness. My eyes snapped open, and I was on my feet before I fully registered the movement. The Dawnhound's growl was already rumbling, and the Gallvine's wings flared as it turned toward the disturbance. The Phaseling darted back from the water, its glow intensifying as it hovered protectively near me.
The lake's surface roiled, and something massive rose from the depths. Water cascaded from its sleek, sinuous form, which gleamed in hues of deep blue and silver. Its body was long and serpentine, with fins that fanned out like delicate wings. Its eyes, glowing an eerie aqua, locked onto me with unnerving intensity.
"Great," I muttered, reaching for my blade. "Because this is exactly what I needed today."
The creature let out a high-pitched screech, a sound that resonated in my chest and made the Dawnhound's growl deepen. The Gallvine crouched low, muscles tensing as it prepared to strike. The Phaseling hovered closer to me, its light pulsing in time with the creature's movements.
Before I could react, the water monster lunged, its fins slicing through the air as it surged toward us. The Gallvine met it head-on, talons slashing through the spray as the two collided. The impact sent shockwaves across the lake, drenching me in icy water. The Dawnhound darted forward, teeth snapping as it aimed for the creature's flank.
I moved without thinking, my blade flashing as I aimed for the creature's exposed underside. It twisted with impossible agility, its tail lashing out and striking me square in the chest. I hit the ground hard, the air leaving my lungs in a painful rush. Stars danced in my vision as I struggled to push myself up.
The Phaseling darted around the creature, its glow strobing in bursts that seemed to disorient it. The Dawnhound's jaws found purchase, and the Gallvine's talons raked across the monster's sleek hide, leaving faint trails of blood in their wake. But the creature wasn't going down easily. It twisted and writhed, its movements fluid and unpredictable.
I forced myself to my feet, gripping my blade tightly. The guiding stone in my pocket pulsed, its rhythm steady and insistent. I pulled it out, its light cutting through the chaos. The water monster hesitated, its glowing eyes fixating on the stone. The bond was forming—I could feel it—but it wasn't complete. Not yet.
"Hold it!" I shouted, hoping my companions understood. The Gallvine's wings snapped open, creating a powerful gust that forced the creature back. The Dawnhound lunged again, its glowing teeth sinking into the monster's tail. The Phaseling's light flared brighter, surrounding the creature in a shimmering aura that seemed to still its movements.
Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward, the guiding stone in hand. Its light pulsed faster as I approached, matching the rapid beat of my heart. The creature's gaze shifted to me, its body coiling defensively. Slowly, I extended the stone toward it, my free hand raised in what I hoped was a gesture of peace.
"Easy," I murmured, my voice barely audible over the pounding of my pulse. "I'm not here to hurt you."
The creature's glowing eyes narrowed, and for a moment, I thought it would strike again. But then the stone flared, its light enveloping both me and the monster. The connection snapped into place, a sudden, overwhelming flood of emotion and understanding. I staggered, the intensity of it nearly bringing me to my knees.
When the light faded, the creature had stilled. Its fins drooped, and its body lowered into the water, though its gaze remained locked on me. The bond was there, tenuous but real. I could feel its presence in my mind, a cool, calming weight that countered the fatigue still clinging to me.
The Dawnhound released its grip, tail wagging slightly as it padded back to my side. The Gallvine rumbled softly, folding its wings as it settled on the shore. The Phaseling hovered closer, its glow soft and steady once more.
I took a shaky breath, lowering the guiding stone. The water monster watched me for a moment longer before dipping its head in what felt like acknowledgment. Then it slipped back into the lake, its sleek form vanishing beneath the surface.
"Well," I said, collapsing onto the grass. "That's one way to spend a rest day."
The Dawnhound chuffed softly, and the Gallvine's feathers bristled in amusement. The Phaseling's light brightened briefly as if sharing the sentiment. I let out a breathless laugh, the tension finally leaving my body.