Chapter 9: The Power Grows
Greg spent the next few days wandering the outskirts of the forest, trying to avoid the kingdom's scouts, who seemed to be constantly lurking around the area. He had made his decision: he wouldn't join their cause. He would find a way to keep his beasts hidden and live out the rest of his days in peace.
But, no matter how far he ventured, the creatures wouldn't leave him. They followed him everywhere—Grizzle, the massive bear that had become almost too affectionate; the griffin hatchling, now grown to an impressive size, always hovering close by, its sharp eyes scanning for threats; and the mischievous fox, who had an uncanny ability to find food no matter how remote their location.
It was hard to ignore them. Greg found that, slowly but surely, the beasts began to feel less like burdens and more like… companions.
The griffin, for instance, was surprisingly gentle for such a fierce-looking creature. It had a strange way of looking at Greg, as if it were trying to understand him—perhaps even sympathize with his reluctance. It would nudge him whenever he sat still for too long, always demanding attention, as if reminding him that it wasn't going anywhere.
Then there was Grizzle. The bear was massive and intimidating, but it had an endearing quality about it that softened Greg's heart. Grizzle had begun to develop a habit of sitting beside Greg whenever he stopped to rest, like a giant, fuzzy guard dog. Greg could feel the creature's warmth, and though he tried to stay distant, a part of him couldn't help but appreciate its protective nature.
And the fox—small, swift, and endlessly curious—had taken to darting around Greg's feet as if it were a constant whirlwind. It would occasionally bring him random items it found on its travels—flowers, shiny rocks, even small trinkets left behind by travelers. It was as if it were trying to tell him, Don't worry, we're in this together.
Despite his initial resistance, Greg couldn't deny that, over time, he had grown fond of them. The beasts had a strange way of making him feel less alone. They didn't judge him or demand anything beyond what he was willing to give. In return, he fed them, protected them, and started to understand their individual quirks.
It was no longer just about taming them. It was about companionship—about forging bonds in a world that seemed so overwhelmingly vast and hostile. These creatures weren't his tools or his enemies. They were his allies. They trusted him. And, though he hated to admit it, a small part of Greg started to trust them too.
He was beginning to see them not as burdens or problems to solve, but as something deeper. Each one had its own personality. Grizzle was slow to trust but fiercely loyal. The griffin, with its stoic pride, seemed to harbor its own quiet wisdom. And the fox? It was unpredictable, but in a way that kept life interesting, reminding Greg that there was always something new to discover.
The realization hit him one evening, as he sat by a campfire, the creatures gathered around him.
"You guys… you're not so bad," Greg muttered, almost to himself. It felt strange to say it out loud, but it was true. They weren't just tools of his overpowered abilities; they were part of his life now.
Suddenly, the ground shook beneath him.
Accidental Heroism
The ground trembled again, more violently this time, and the trees shook as something large moved through the forest. The beasts immediately sprang to attention—Grizzle's massive form tensed, the griffin flapped its wings, and the fox's sharp eyes darted back and forth, scanning the area.
Greg didn't need to ask. The creatures knew something was wrong, and they were ready.
He stood up, heart pounding in his chest. Whatever it was, it was getting closer. He tried to gather his bearings, but his thoughts were a whirlwind. Should he run? He couldn't escape. There was no way out. He wasn't the kind of person who could stand up against monsters. All he had ever wanted was peace, and now—
A loud crash shattered the air as a massive form barreled through the trees. Greg's eyes widened as a grotesque creature—a massive, reptilian beast with claws like daggers and scales as black as night—emerged from the forest. Its eyes glowed with malice as it snarled, its mouth dripping with saliva. Behind it, a smaller pack of monstrous creatures—half-human, half-beast—followed closely, their eyes filled with hunger.
Greg's stomach churned with fear. He didn't want to fight. He didn't want to be a hero. But as the creatures drew closer, he knew he didn't have a choice. He had to protect himself—and them.
The griffin squawked and took flight, diving straight at the reptilian beast's face, distracting it just long enough for Greg to shout at the others. "Grizzle! Fox! Help me!"
To his surprise, the creatures didn't hesitate. Grizzle, the massive bear, charged forward with a roar, slamming into the monstrous creatures with earth-shattering force. His claws swiped at the smaller beasts, sending them flying with terrifying strength. The griffin soared in and out of the fray, its talons slashing at the reptilian beast's eyes, keeping it disoriented and off balance.
The fox darted around Greg's feet, its fur glowing faintly as it unleashed a burst of magical energy, striking one of the smaller beasts square in the chest. It screeched and collapsed, its body twitching with the fox's magic.
Greg stood frozen, watching in awe as his companions fought fiercely to protect him. He couldn't believe it. These creatures—his creatures—were fighting for him, risking their lives to protect him.
It wasn't just that they were powerful—it was the way they worked together. Grizzle kept the monstrous creatures distracted, while the griffin used its agility to wear down the larger beast. The fox worked quickly, picking off the smaller ones with precision. Greg felt something stir inside him, something he hadn't felt in a long time: a sense of responsibility.
Without thinking, he stepped forward, his hand instinctively raised. "Stay back, I'll help!"
As if they had been waiting for the command, the creatures stopped their assault for a brief moment. They turned toward Greg, their eyes locking with his, and for the first time, Greg truly understood what it meant to be their leader.
With a deep breath, he spoke the words, his voice calm but firm. "Let's finish this."
The creatures immediately resumed their assault, working as one. The griffin dove for the reptilian beast's throat, while Grizzle pinned down the smaller creatures with earth-shaking blows. The fox, quick and agile, wove through the chaos, striking where it counted. And Greg? He finally stepped into the battle, drawing on the power he had reluctantly gained. He didn't need to be a fighter, but with his beasts by his side, he found the courage to stand tall.
It was over in moments.
The creatures lay defeated, and the forest fell silent once again. Greg stood amidst the wreckage, his heart still pounding in his chest. His hands trembled, not just from fear, but from the weight of what had just happened.
His beasts surrounded him, their eyes filled with pride, as if they had just completed a task together—something they'd done many times before. But this time, it was different. Greg wasn't just their tamer anymore. He was their partner.
And as he looked around at the carnage, he couldn't deny the truth anymore: this world was dangerous, and he wasn't just a lazy guy trying to find a quiet place to nap. He was a part of something much bigger—whether he wanted to be or not.
Aftermath
The immediate aftermath of the battle left Greg standing in stunned silence, surrounded by the broken remains of the monstrous creatures. His heart still pounded in his chest, the adrenaline making it difficult to fully process what had just happened. He couldn't believe what he'd done, what his beasts had done, together. It was nothing short of a victory, but it felt strange, as though it wasn't really his doing.
The griffin landed next to him, its wings folding with grace despite the chaos of the fight. It gave a soft chirp, like a low purr, as it nuzzled Greg's shoulder—almost like it was checking in on him. The warmth of its feathers was oddly comforting, and for a moment, Greg allowed himself to lean into it. Despite everything, he could feel an undeniable connection with this creature, one that went beyond the strange and powerful ability to tame. It was a partnership, whether he liked it or not.
Grizzle, the massive bear, lumbered over to him, its fur still damp from the battle. It huffed softly, as if proud of its own actions. Greg shot it a reluctant smile, the affection in the bear's eyes mirrored by his own unspoken recognition.
Then, the fox—his smallest companion, the one he often took for granted—bounded over with an excited little hop. Its fur gleamed under the sunlight, the magical aura around it pulsating faintly as it looked up at Greg with a mischievous gleam in its eyes.
Greg couldn't help but chuckle. "You sure know how to fight for your dinner, huh?"
It darted around his feet, almost as if answering with a cheeky, Well, of course I do. Greg couldn't help but laugh at how the little fox had played such a big role in their victory. It was fast, unpredictable, and clever—an absolute menace when it came to magical combat.
But as the adrenaline faded, the enormity of what had just happened began to settle in.
The creatures stood around him like loyal soldiers, each one eager for his approval. They had saved him, and by extension, the village that had been under attack. Greg glanced over the battlefield, noting the wreckage of the monstrous creatures and the destruction that had taken place. It hadn't been a clean victory, but it had been a victory nonetheless.
The villagers—who had been hiding in fear during the chaos—began to emerge from their homes and from behind trees. At first, they stared at the creatures with trepidation, but as they took in the scene—no more monstrous threats, no more danger—they began to approach, cautiously at first, and then with growing curiosity.
Greg didn't want to deal with it. He was tired, and for the first time in days, he just wanted a nap. He didn't want to be a hero. He didn't want any part of the praise or the new attention that came with defeating the beasts.
"Hey!" one of the villagers called out, a tall man in his mid-thirties, wearing simple yet weathered clothing. "You did it! You fought them off!"
Greg felt his stomach twist. He wasn't the hero they thought he was, and he didn't want to be. All he wanted was peace. He started to turn away, but then, Grizzle moved forward and sat down in front of him, as if to block his path. The bear looked up at him with those warm, knowing eyes. It wasn't just a protective gesture. It was a demand.
Greg sighed, a resigned groan escaping his lips. "I didn't ask for this," he muttered, but the bear's gaze remained unyielding.
The villagers were approaching now, offering thanks and praise, their voices swelling with admiration. Greg couldn't ignore them anymore. They were here, and his beasts had saved their homes.
One of the villagers—a woman with dark hair and a strong, determined posture—stepped forward, holding her hands up in a gesture of respect. "You have our thanks, tamer. We've heard rumors of a beast tamer in the area, but we never thought we'd see one in person. We owe you our lives."
Greg's heart sank. "I'm not a tamer," he said flatly, even though he knew the words were meaningless now. His creatures had chosen him, whether he liked it or not. "I just want to be left alone."
The woman gave him a sympathetic smile. "We understand," she said kindly. "But sometimes, even the most reluctant hero is the one who's needed most."
Greg wanted to argue. He wanted to scream that he wasn't interested in saving anyone. But the truth was, his bond with the creatures had already changed him. They weren't just beasts to be controlled—they were his responsibility now. And as much as he wanted to run away, as much as he yearned for the quiet life, he couldn't ignore the call that tugged at him. He couldn't ignore the way his heart ached when his beasts looked at him like that, like he was more than just a reluctant tamer. They looked at him like he was their leader.
He glanced at the creatures around him. The griffin was perched on a nearby rock, its wings still partially extended as it scanned the village, ever vigilant. Grizzle was sitting by his side, its massive bulk almost calming in its stillness. The fox, of course, was darting around in circles, bringing small offerings to Greg—twigs, shiny stones, whatever it could find. It was playful, but there was a determination in its eyes too.
The villagers continued to speak, but Greg found it hard to focus on their words. All he could think about was the weight of what had just happened, of the fact that these creatures—these beasts—were no longer just something he had accidentally tamed. They were his family, whether he wanted it or not.
And as he looked at them, he realized something. This was his life now.