Riding on the horse, I was not sure where I was going, but I knew away from these men was going to get me to be safer. I just hoped that the horse knew where it was going. Looking off to the side I could see Lost’s fight getting furious.

I watched as Lost struggled with the monster, her serpent attacks were effective against that thing, but it seemed like it was also hurting her. I noticed something odd. I don't think anyone who hasn't known her for a long time would notice, but for me who has lived with her, I noticed that her eyes were different. They were darker. It didn't seem like she was there. That is Lost, but she is not in control of herself. There is nothing behind those listless unfocused eyes.

A shiver racked its way down my spine. I had not seen Lost show anything but rampant curiosity, and joy in exploring and trying new things. Like a big kitten. This is not her. I don't know if I can help her, but maybe letting her know I am safe can help.

I tried steering the horse closer to the fight. The powers from the beast, and cold from Lost was overwhelming. I am mostly intune with fire, but these amounts of mana both are manipulating at any time is more than what I would ever be able to. Like going to step into a pond, just to realize it's the sea. I am way over my head, but I don't know if she will win this if she isn't there.

Getting a good grip on the horse I try my best to turn the horse when needed, as collateral strikes fall all around from these two imposing creatures. Lost’s water and ice fragments raining down like a storm, and the earth shaking power from the monstrosity is unbearable. Somehow I make it close enough that I gather fire in my hand, willing up as much mana as I can muster, trying so hard makes my core feel hot in my chest. I can feel the strain on my body.

Aiming with the best I could, I hurled the fire ball in my hand at the beast. Compared to those two it was a small streak of light slowly carving its way through the air, till it hit the shade and exploded. I managed to land a hit. Though bigger of an explosion than I thought, it seemed to do little more than distract the thing. My goal was achieved however, when I watched as Lost blinked a few times, surprised by the fire mana used, before she looked in my direction.

***

It was so cold and dark. I was alone. Nothing around me. I was in the abyss again. I did not ever want to return here, but I had no motivation to leave either. I don't have anything to return to, left alone on this planet all by myself. I have no one. No one is looking for me.

A sigh escapes me, as I curl up. I really feel like I should just give up. There is nothing stopping me. Maybe I should sleep. Sleep sounds really good. Just close my eyes and get some rest. My eyelids do feel heavy. That's when a loud noise pierces my ear, like a shrieking scream.

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

I blinked my eyes a few times and shook my head, I was suddenly in my body, and the shade was on fire. Startled, I looked around and below me I saw Hickory! That human was on some weird creature waving his arms and smiling up at me.

“Lost! Go get 'em!” Hickory yelled up at me before riding the creature away.

I felt a warmness and relief spread through my body. I took a deep breath and smiled. When my reunion with Hickory ended shortly, by the shade attacking my back. Upset at the interruption, in a quick turn of my body and a flash of claws I tore the shades face apart. Grabbing a good hold of its neck I took a deep breath and readied a breath attack before blasting it point blank.

I then slammed myself into it and threw us both at the ground roaring. Finishing this fight, I can get Hickory back home! I won't waste more time on the shade or kingdom. With a loud crash, I slammed the shade into the ground hard. Before it could recover, I started whaling and clawing away to the shade. Hacking and slashing relentlessly and furiously. Coating the ground in a little bit of shade all around us. It was all the shade could do to try to project its vital points, before I tore its limbs off.

With nothing left to protect itself I swiftly finished off the shade. I lifted my head up in the air and roared in victory. I had won. Now that leaves one more thing. I glanced over at the Kingdom which tried to take my Hickory from me.

I started creating the largest serpent I had yet to create, and froze it, turning it all to ice, before hurtling it at the kingdom before using its body to smash through all the human buildings and walls. Destroying everything, anything that was standing very quickly became rubble. I then turned the ice back into water and flooded the entire human area. Washing away everything that the humans had touched here. Never again will they come for my Hickory.

I slowly stood up, my body, soul, and mind tired from all the recent events. I really do just want some rest. I looked over and saw Hickory running in my direction. I smiled, happy to finally see him again. I couldn't help my smile, as tears filled my eyes. Getting up, when my body finally decided to respond to what I was trying to do. I walked over to Hickory and scooped him up, and held him close.

“It's so good to see you're safe.” I mumbled, not sure if I was laughing or crying.

Sally, I did what I promised. Your son is still safe. All my hard work had not been for nothing. I do have things to live for. Cataegis, Hickory. If nothing else I have what I need here. Maybe being here is not so bad. I just wish I could talk to mom. Let her know that I am okay.