ROOOAAARRR!!!!
The sound jerked me awake, ground shaking beneath me as the air seemed to hum with power. It was distant but loud enough to rattle the trees around me. My heart rate quickened for a moment but I quickly calmed myself.
I wiped the sleep from my eyes and took a slow, deep breath. The cool morning air hit my lungs like a welcome relief. Falco let out a low screech from a nearby branch, annoyed at being disturbed from his perch, but there was no sense of immediate danger. Falco took off to God knows where, probably off finding breakfast for himself.
Scoffing at the thought I stood and stretched, the stiffness in my joints reminding me of the hard ground I'd slept on. The sun hadn't yet fully broken through the trees, casting the forest in a muted golden light. My nose was filled with the smell of damp earth and pine-filled air, and for a moment, I simply took it all in.
The forest had a quiet way of settling into your bones, a peace that was hard to find anywhere else. The towering pines whispered with the wind, their needles shifting like soft rain. A few birds rustled in the branches, and the distant hum of insects buzzing added a natural ryrhm to the morning.
I let my gaze wander over the landscape. Moss-covered rocks lined the forest floor, the creek rippling nearby, and the canopy above filtered the sunlight into dappled pools in the ground. There was something comforting about this place. The kind of comfort that made it hard to believe anything dangerous could exist here.
But that roar shattered the illusion.
I shook my head as I finished packing, my sword on my side and spear attached to my back. I started walking, deciding to keep moving toward the village. The sooner I made it there, the better. The roar wasn't close not yet, and I don't want to take any chances. The village wasn't far— less than half a day's walk—assuming no interruptions appear.
I saw Falco flying above, keeping pace with Me. He flew low over the treetops, his sharp eyes darting back and forth. He's always on the lookout, letting me know when he spots danger or anything of interest.
The walk was slow and steady, my mind drifting in and out of the peaceful rhythm of the forest. It wasn't until I reached a break in the trees that I caught myself starting to relax. Maybe I was too cautious, the beast could be miles off.
Snap
I jumped slightly as a stick cracked beneath my boot, the sound unnaturally sharp in the hush of the woods. My pulse quickened before I forced a slow breath out.
I huffed a quiet laugh at myself. Jumping at sticks now?
Shaking my head, I pressed forward, brushing off the moment of unease. It was stupid. Just my own nerves playing tricks on me—nothing more.
Caw!!
Falco let out a piercing cryfrom above.
I stopped.
He doesn't cry out like that for no reason.
The forest felt different now. The stillness wasn't peaceful anymore—it was suffocating.
A low, almost imperceptible shift in the air made my skin prickle. Then I heard it.
A slow rhythmic thud. Heavy footfalls pressing into the earth. Something big was moving through the trees, deliberate and patient.
I turned my head carefully—without any sudden movement.
And there it was.
Over twelve feet of muscle and armor, its hulking form covered in a thick carapace-like shell. Not a bear. Something worse. It's black eyes were locked ahead, unblinking, focused.
Not on me.
But two figures standing in it's path, frozen.
The first—a young beastman, maybe in his teens, stood his ground with two daggers in his grip. His stance was wide, firm, but his perked ears gave him away. He was bracing for something he knew he had no chance of stopping. Behind him a human girl—no older than 16—held an old staff in trembling hands. She was a few meters behind him, her grip too tight, her stance unsure.
The beast exhaled a deep, guttural rumble, its massive frame shifting as it took another step closer.
I stayed where I was , letting my hand settle on the hilt of my blade. The village could wait.
This was about to get messy.
I put down my pack and spear. I breath a long sigh as I grip my sword.
Breathe in.
Breathe out.
Everything around me began to slow as raw, crackling energy surged through my body. My mana pulsed charging every fibre of my being.
The bear-like beast roared, it's body towering before the two. I tightened my grip on my blade, feeling the static crackle in my fingertips. Then in a single instant—
I slashed
A burst of energy propelled me towards the beast like a lightning bolt. My blade screamed as it tore through the air, slashing across the beast's rocky carapace. Sparks flying on impact. The strike sending vibrations up my arm. The beast staggered, reeling in pain. Yet there was no visible damage or cut. That attack only served to anger the beast. I glance down at my sword, cracks spidering across the blade. I click my tongue in frustration.
"STAND BACK!" I shout, my voice sharp.
Falco swoops in, weaving through the air with precision, evading the beast's steel-like claws. As he distracts it, he drops metal stakes in a tight formation, creating a square that traps the creature.
I take a steady breath and raise my sword to my chest, left hand gripping the hilt as I chant under my breath. My focus sharpens as Falco keeps the beast occupied within the square.
"FULMINKITTE!" I shout, my voice echoing through the clearing. Lightning crackles from my sword, arcing outward and wrapping around the beast in chains of raw energy. The metal stakes catch the lightning, holding it in place.
Drawing every drop of mana into my blade, I hurl it toward the beast with all my strength. The moment it strikes, an explosion of lightning tears through the air, blinding in its intensity.
The world is consumed by light for a moment, then, as it fades, I see the beast motionless on the ground. It's still, unmoving... but I don't sense victory.
Before I can react, the creature's claws lash out, catching me across the chest with a vicious swipe launching me. I bounce and skid on the ground stopping at edge of the clearing. Pain erupts as I try to stand, the blood from the gash staining my clothes. I gasp, barely able to keep my footing. I look at the beast. Heavily damaged from my attack and barely able to stand.
Falco swooped in, his eyes wide with concern. "I'm— I'm fine," I rasped, forcing a smirk. "I just... need a weapon."
Falco cocked his head, still eyeing me, before cawing softly. He flew a few meters behind me, landing near my pack and spear. With a swift movement, he grabbed the spear and passed it to me. I looked at it, a bittersweet smile tugging at my lips.
"Never thought I'd be using you so soon," I muttered with a dry smile. "But no time for sentiment. We've got a beast to kill."
Shaking off my fatigue, I rose to my feet. The creature was on its last legs. One more solid strike should finish it. My mana was running low, but I had enough for one final blow. I focused, drawing what little I had left, channeling it into my legs and arms. The familiar crackling energy enveloped my limbs, more controlled this time.
The beast, snapping out of its confusion, locked onto me furious and charged. I waited for the perfect moment, then lunged—my spear plunging deep into its chest, piercing its heart.
I staggered back, breath ragged, knees buckling as exhaustion set in. I dropped to one knee, trying to steady myself.
The boy and girl rushed to my side, their steps quick but hesitant.
"You two alright?" I asked, voice strained as I caught my breath.
The girl nodded quickly, but the boy just gave a stiff, silent nod. They seemed fine, but something about the way they looked at me made it clear they were worried.
"Are you…?" The girl's voice trailed off, hesitation in her eyes.
"I'm fine," I rasped, struggling to push myself upright. "But I could really use my pack. It's behind me— I have some healing potions in there."
Without a word, the girl turned and rushed toward my pack. She grabbed it with ease, but when she looked back at me, her brow furrowed slightly.
"I-I can heal you, if you'd like," she stammered. "I know curative magick."
I blinked, too winded to react immediately. Instead, I studied her for a moment, eyes narrowing with curiosity. "Curative magick, huh?" I asked, trying to steady my breath. "That's a rare skill. Not many can use it, especially with the… precision it takes to actually heal someone."
Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she nodded, a shy but determined look crossing her face. "I'm still learning, but I can do basic healing. Just… it won't be as strong as someone with more experience."
I gave a short, appreciative chuckle, wincing at the soreness in my chest. "Well, it's better than nothing. If you can help, I'd appreciate it."
She knelt beside me, her hands glowing faintly with soft, green light. "Here goes," she whispered, and I felt a warm pulse of energy flow into me.
As she healed me, the boy stood nearby, his stance alert, like he was ready for anything. As he shifted slightly, I noticed the subtle yet striking details of his appearance— his sharp canines, visible beneath his lips, and the pair of lion ears perched atop his head, twitching at every small sound. He had the unmistakable look of a beastman, a mix of human and animal traits that spoke to an ancestry bound by more than just blood.
When the girl finished her spell, the boy turned his gaze toward me, his golden eyes intense and calculating. "Thank you," he said, voice steady but laced with quiet gratitude. "For saving us. We wouldn't have made it without you."
I nodded, acknowledging his thanks. "It's nothing. Just part of my job," I said, trying to catch my breath. "But you're welcome."
The boy's lion ears twitched again, and his gaze drifted toward the horizon for a brief moment before he focused back on me. "If you're heading to the village, we can guide you there. It's only an hour away, and it's a good place to rest. If you're planning on traveling further, it's the perfect spot to stock up and gather information. And the roads beyond can get dangerous if you're not careful."
I'd been planning on heading to the village for days. It was my goal all along— a pitstop on my journey to something bigger. But now, hearing the boy's offer, it felt almost like fate. "An hour, you say?" I asked, rising to my feet with their help. "I've been heading there anyway. The village could be just what I need."
The boy's ears perked up at that, a hint of pride in his expression. "You won't regret it. The village may be small, but it's always been a safe haven for those who wander these wilds. Many travelers stop by, some of them with stories that could curl your hair." His sharp canines flashed in a grin that was equal parts wild and welcoming.
I studied him for a moment, noticing how his features seemed to fit perfectly with the rugged wilderness around us— as if he belonged here, part of the land itself. Beastmen like him weren't exactly rare, but they weren't common outside of their kingdom.
I took in a deep breath, my body still sore but the promise of rest and supplies ahead urging me forward. "Lead the way, then. I could use the break."
The boy's ears twitched again as he straightened, eyes scanning the area for any lingering threats. "Stay close. The woods aren't as safe as they seem. There's always something lurking, even if it doesn't make a sound."
I gave a quick nod and then, as we began walking, I looked over at the two of them.
"I realize we haven't properly introduced ourselves. I'm—"
"Sky," the boy interjected, his voice a little softer now but still carrying a certain quiet authority. He gave a short, almost respectful nod. "Sky Steelclaw of the southern Clan. And this is—" He gestured to the girl beside him.
"I'm Amber Steelclaw, his sister" she said with a smile, though it seemed more reserved than the boy's. "It's nice to meet you."
I nodded in return, feeling the weight of our shared journey. "Sky, Amber. I'm Luce Forrest. Good to meet you both." I gave a slight, genuine grin, though the fatigue in my bones made it more of a tight smile than anything.
Caawww!!!
Falco cried, swooping down to my shoulder.
"Oh yeah, this here is Falco," I pet his head.
"My trusted partner, he's a falcon I saved."
They both nod and greet him.
"Falco huh?" The boy grinned. "Pretty original name."
I laugh, "it's hard to come up with names." I scratch my neck. "Anyways, Let's get moving. The sooner we're at the village, the better."
With that, we set off, their steps confident. I followed, keeping my senses sharp. The village wasn't just a place to rest; it was the next chapter of my journey, and something told me I'd find more than just respite there.