EPISODE 10: Beast in the Night
-Edryan Queendom Year 7288. Season: New Beginning.
Two roads diverged in a wood and I…? I took the one less traveled by and that has made all the difference.
-Robert Frost
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I laughed as Simra tagged me. The young girl stuck her tongue out and rushed off through the garden of Imper Clock Tower. Grinning I count down from five aloud. Nice and slow allowing her the opportunity to get a head start.
“…Five.
…Four.
…Three.
…Two.
…One.
Ready or not here I come!”
We were playing a mix of tag and hide and seek. The moment I hit one I bolted, racing through the gardens as I searched for Simra. My bare legs slapped against the flowers and well-manicured bushes as I rushed off. Simra had three favorite hiding places. One was a small hidden clearing within a few tall bushes that blocked the outside from seeing within. They were large fruit-producing bushes called Calus. They produced a fruit of the same name and were one of my favorite snacks. They were like mangos but grown from a bush. The next was the center tree. A magical tree with calming and healing properties its effects similar to (Madris’s Touch). Simra absolutely loved to hide in the high and dense foliage. The last and the first I headed for was the fountain. A curled-up dragon shot water from its mouth. Behind the fall and within the dragon's curled body was a space large enough to fit two Liana-sized people. Plenty large enough for small children like us.
Simra loved to hide there because she knew I hated getting myself wet. It wasn’t that I disliked my favorite drink on my body. I just didn’t want to ruin my clothes. As I arrived at the dragon's mouth, I scoped the area out. Looking for any clues or signs that Simra entered. Usually, she would take her sandals off before jumping and swimming in. This time I didn’t see any sandals laying around, so I knew she was serious about this game. If she was in there she most likely swam with her sandals in her hands or something. Sighing I removed my outer shirt and unstrapped my sandals. Thankful that I had worn shorts today as I dove in and swam beneath the dragon's mouth.
I emerged from the cool water into the opening. Reaching the ledge and climbing up and out of the water. Pausing mid-climb and frowning in exasperation. Simra was nowhere here. Rolling my eyes, I drove back in before swiftly climbing out and chanting a quick spell while targeting myself.
“(Absorb Water)”
I watched fascinated as the water pulled from my clothes, necklace, and all. Drying me out faster than an open flame would. Clothes and all. Redonning my attire I rushed to the next spot in the garden. Pausing as I noticed the eerie quietness. The Imper Clock Tower Garden was never quiet. As birds and small animals were always present. My hands moved to my sides. My left hand is slightly back by my waist. My right is closer to my chest. This was the Edryan (Royal Knight Art: Hand Combat). A martial art for unarmed combat. Both my hands are ready to attack and defend at any angle. My hands were tense and in a claw-like shape as I swiftly moved through the garden. I reached the center tree, Madris’s Poke, and whispered gently.
“Simra…Simra if you’re there this is serious.”
With no reply after several moments, I moved on. Pausing once again as I called out. “Guardsmen report.”
“…”
I waited yet nothing happens. No guard jumped out to take my orders or to speak. I called out once again this time louder and stronger. “Guardsmen report!”
Something is wrong. No longer waiting I rushed to the final hiding area Simra could be located at. Not caring as I pushed my way through the Calus bushes and into the center. Branches and leaves scratched at my body as I forced my way inside. In the center was a girl squatting down. Her hands wrapped around her knees. Her head down.
“Simra…” I called in a questioning tone.
Slowly I approached her my posture more relaxed as a hand reached out to touch her shoulder. “Simra… it's me Law.”
Celina looked into my eyes. “Hi, Lawrence.”
I stumbled back, eyes wide as I fell onto my ass. Celina watched me with a smile on her face. They had always looked alike, which is what began my initial friendship with Simra.
“It's been a while. You left without saying goodbye Lawrence.”
“I… wha… how… dead…?” I stuttered out.
My body became hot, and my stomach flopped. My hands churned the dirt underneath me. Celina can’t be here. This can’t be real. I saved her. I saved her.
I SAVED HER!
Celina stood. The young girl approached me, but I only scooted back in horror. “I saved you! I. SAVED. YOU! You can’t be here. I died to save you!”
Celina paused. Before letting out the laugh I fell in love with all those years ago. Before giving me the smile that paused my heart. A strand of curly hair covered her face before she pushed it behind her ear. Exactly how I remembered. I took fast hurried breaths. The teachings of Eliana on my breathing were gone as the panic rooted itself firmly within me. The air brought Celina’s scent into my nostrils, and I shuddered. She even smelled the same.
“You saved me? Ah, you saved me! But you never said your goodbyes, Lawrence!
I never even got to say goodbye…, so I came after you.”
This can’t be. She watched me die. Wasn’t that goodbye enough? Thirteen years. It’s been thirteen years into my new life. Why would Celina show up now? “Where is Simra?”
Since our faithful encounter in the garden, I’ve met Simra several times throughout the years. She was the first girl I considered somewhat of a friend. Although she had no clue of my identity. Only believing I was some rich noble kid with too much time on his hands. We usually met twice a week. On the 2nd day and the 8th day of the week. The clock tower was her favorite hangout spot. Where she always practiced being a knight. It’s how we originally started playing. I even taught her the actual moves the royal guards did.
“This isn’t about Simra. This is about us Lawrence. You left without saying goodbye.”
“This has to be some sort of dream,” I suddenly said calming down as my teachings kicked in.
“Illusion magic is a wonderful thing, but you can no longer fool me.”
Strength returned to my body, and I slowly rose to my feet. The crazed look in my eyes faded. “You can’t be real. I died. I died saving you.” Did I say this to her… or myself?
“This has to be a dream. This has too!”
“That’s right buddy. This is a dream. You should wake up now before it's too late. Hope to see you soon.”
“Brock?”
“Wake up. WAKE UP LAWURTHIAN!”
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Gasping I awoke from the nightmare in a cold sweat. My body was drenched, and the hunter clothes were thoroughly soaked. DANGER. MOVE OUT OF THE-.
My body moved before my thoughts could finish forming. Rolling out the way as something impacted my previous position. Again, I moved as if in a trance dodging my unknown attacker. While fumbling toward the cave entrance. The fading moonlight and rising dawn guided my way out. The embers of my fire were long since dead.
As I again stumble-dodged and an incoming attack the rising dawn reflected enough light for me to make out the sheathed sword. I never had it too far from me regardless. As the next strike attempted to connect, I dove for it. Pulling the weapon out in a fluid motion and swinging in a baseball-style arc toward my assailant. Sparks flashed and I received the first look at my opponent. Red rabbit eyes gazed into my own as my blade forced the [Jackalope – ★] back. Fuck.
I slid several feet back from the force and stumbled outside of the cave. The creature emerged shortly after. The silver-furred beast was the size of a husky back on Earth. Its slick laid-back fur reflected the light that touched it in a dazzling display of colors. It narrowed its eyes at me as I readied to defend myself. Drawing upon my magic to enhance myself. If I kept my magic focused on my muscles, I could potentially double my strength and speed. This is how I’ve managed to survive all this time. Seldom casting spells as even a quick chant was too long. Boosting our bodies with magic was almost an innate ability for Magi-Humans.
Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
My ability to chant less cast was lacking. Not because I hadn’t practiced the skill but because the ability to chant less cast was an entirely different level. My magic repertoire included all Nature categories or the base four elements: Fire, Water, Wind, and Earth. Together I learned that these four were under the nature type of magic. Not to be included with actual Nature Affinity magic. Excluding the ability to use mana to boost my natural physical attributes. I could only cast those elements.
As the [Jackalope – ★] tensed my perception increased from the magic actively boosting me. I reacted first. Body dropping low and shooting forward. In a blink, I was in front of the tensing creature. Sword posed forward ready to pierce through the monster's defenses. The options I had available all pointed to attacking as my route of survival.
Jackalopes were known for one thing and one thing only.
My eyes widen in slight surprise as the creature was in front of me one moment. Yet in the next, it was gone. Like a trick of the light, the Jackalope disappeared from my attack. I didn’t see its next attack only crying out in pain as my midsection was struck. The blow sent me flying. The air knocked out my lungs as I rolled to a stop by the cave’s entrance. Shit.
[Jackalopes – ★] were known for their insane speed and were supposed to be a monster you only faced with a few levels underneath your belt. These monsters were known to kill hundreds of young, classed people who had dreams of being adventurers. The also weren’t supposed to be awake… not yet at least.
I will not end up on that list.
A second passed enough for me to draw a breath and hastily pull myself out of the way of another incoming attack. My body moved into the position for the second move in the (Royal Knight Arts). My arms drew back, my back to the entrance of the cave, the monster a few dozen feet away. Staring at me curiously. To it, I was just a creature in its territory. To me, this would be life or death. The spent charges on my dagger had yet to complete its charging cycle and thus it couldn’t be activated. It would take time for it to absorb earth-aligned mana into it. My heart accelerates, the adrenaline rushing into me. The thousands of hours of training drilled into my body all tensed to deliver a devastating blow.
This time as the monster made its move, I got to see exactly how it did it. The creature's horns glowed for a brief moment before it was directly in front of me. Legs ready to lash out in a vicious kick aimed at my face. Men of Edryani do not retreat. Instead of blocking my body moved as if in molasses. My sword swung in a horizontal arc as I performed the second move (Royal Knight Arts: Soaring Burst.)
My perception of time seemed to slow as my magic responded to my body. Faster. I need to be faster! The jackalope would hit me but not without taking damage itself. A hit to its legs that I deemed worth it. Its blow connected to my completely exposed midsection as mine did to its right leg. The beast's attack was redirected in order to not get pierced through. Before the force of the attack sent me flying back into the cave.
No screams escaped from my lips. Only choking coughs as I sobbed. Blood and tears flowed from my face. Trying to pull in whatever air I could toward my burning lungs and screaming body. Several of my ribs were broken and blood tumbled from my mouth as I removed myself from the hard dirt I impacted. My ears rang as sound escaped me. No noise reached me except that of tinnitus as I knelt there coughing up blood.
‘I can’t. I can’t do this. I’m going to die! Not again… NOT AGAIN!’
My sword never left my hands even as I flew and began to pull myself to my feet. Bright red eyes glowing in anger appeared at the cave entrance. A Jackalope's biggest weakness was its legs. These creatures were reputable for their absurd level of air affinity. This allowed them high-speed movement that seemed like teleportation. Its single bright horn glowed. I can’t… but I must survive. I’d been tossed back by my bow yet had no time to grab the weapon as the rabbit monster appeared in front of me once more. This time eyes alit with fury as its singular horn pointed for my head. I had little time as I brought my left palm in front of my face. My reaction was in time as the horn pierced through it. The force of the blow brought us down. My left hand gripped down the beast's skull holding it in place. My blood blinded it and created a slick surface that made it hard to hold on. The horn was paused centimeters from piercing my skull.
My sword plunged into its chest in that singular moment. Yet I was forced to let go of the blade as the rabbit kicked at my body. My arm reached around and found my dagger always kept on my waist. My next action was simple.
I began stabbing.
Blow after blow struck me while my stabs were precise and perfect. Liana’s training in the use of various weapons hone my mind and body so that it became second nature. While the beast's silver fur grew bloodied. I didn’t know if I stopped struggling first or if the creature did as darkness took me.
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“I have no doubt His Highness will survive, Titiana. You must stop worrying. It is causing you great stress. You’ve eaten all the coco sweets His Highness brought for your birthday already!”
Liana said as she gazed at the pacing mother. The Queen only waved her off before going back to her platter and pulling more food into her mouth.
“Not all my decisions are good. I don’t know if this one counts as either good or bad.”
Margret approached Titiana and gently rubbed the woman's back. Before the shorter woman rested her head on Titiana’s arm. “You have to give the Holy Son the greatest opportunities. If Lawruthian is to match no other of this world, then he must face such hardships. You were no different.”
“True, but I left home after the death of my father and my siblings began to fight for the throne. I left with the system activated for me and an easier understanding and path to gaining strength was unlocked. I had a class and several years of training with my skills when I began. Lawruthian has next to nothing. His strengths lay in his ability to come up with ideas and implement them. Not his sword…, even if he is a talented fighter, his mind will always far outclass his sword.”
Liana approached both women and gave them a tight motherly hug. The taller woman easily wrapped her arms around them. “Lawruthian is a strong child. I won’t hesitate to say I see him as a son of myself. I know Margret feels the same. I believe we’ve all done our best to instill the proper techniques to survive two weeks with no one watching over him. You must have faith Titiana. Have faith in the Mother of Magi. Goddess Madris has never abandoned Edryan.”
The three removed themselves from the hug and Titiana’s expression grew resolved. More confident and regal as was her usual demeanor.
Her son had three days before his return, yet the Queen could not help but worry since his departure. The Iron-Blooded Queen could be cold and callous to those underneath her yet her son… her son was a light Titiana Koltius Verilo Edryani didn’t know she needed. Even with her duties as High Queen of Edryan, the woman had taken to motherhood with gusto. Her red-gold eyes twinkled with mirth as she recalled the memories throughout the years.
Titiana recalled how devastated Lawruthian first got when a nursemaid attempted to feed him. “Do you remember when a nursemaid attempted to feed Law? That was the first time he threw a tantrum!”
Margret perked up at the memory. “You were so beside yourself with worry! It wasn’t until you fed him that he calmed down. Even then whenever he awoke without you nearby, he would cry out.”
The women’s eyes turned up into crescents as they recalled the memories.
“How about when he first asked to leave the castle and enter the capital? Remember when…” Their discussion continued long into the night. Titiana only paused to pray to Goddess Madris as she did thrice a day. As all followers of the Mother of Magi did.
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I awoke several hours later. The setting sun alerted me of the time as I pushed the dead jackalope off my body. Pain shot through my mind, yet I did not cry out. I had experienced such pain before in the days I was Lawrence Brown. Sick in hospital bed after hospital bed. It took another twenty minutes to recover enough of myself to begin the process of recovery. The smell in the air was horrendous. Shit and the coppery scent of blood mixed in the air. The [Jackalope – ★]lost control of itself in its death throws. I stared at the hand still pierced by the beast's horn. My dry throat struggling to pull in moisture.
“Cut off the blood circulation first. Then remove it.” The minor first aid knowledge I had from Earth drifted through my thoughts. I took a deep breath to calm myself. Looking around I spotted my bow just a foot away. Slowly I reached for it to not agitate the wound. In the hours since I was knocked out the bleeding slowed and by now mostly stopped. Removing my hand would bring out a fountain I wasn’t sure how to deal with.
“Fire. I have to seal the wound shut. Fuck I wish I knew healing magic.” I calmed my rising nerves and looked towards the pile of shattered firewood. I unstring my bow before using the wood to pull whatever wood I could closer and into a pile.
“Fire is the origin of man. I call upon you to guide my way. To shed light unto this lost lamb. Light my path forward, (First Flame).”
A small red flame lit above my palm before growing to the size of a baseball. I stared at it in wonderment before enacting upon further. It grew larger as I sent more mana into the |First Flame|. Gently I reached over to the wood pile and set the flame there. Cutting its connection to my mana off as the fire started. A few stones laid nearby and were tossed into the pile.
Taking the string from my bow, I wrapped it around my forearm. Tying it tightly closed using my mouth and my good arm. Checking over the blazing fire. I grabbed one of the burning sticks and shuffled out one of the larger stones. Just large enough to fit into my palm. The steam wafted from the stone as it slid into the wet ground. The scent of drying pissed joined the foul concoction in the air. The final gift from the [Jackalope – ★]. My dagger found its way into my mouth. The pain of what I was about to do preregistering before it even happened. 3… 2… 1… ready or not here I come!
In one swift moment, I yanked my left hand out. The next moment before I could hesitate and reconsider, I grabbed the hot stone. The smell of cooking flesh entered my nostrils. My red-gold eyes stared into the dull lifeless eyes of the jackalope. Not once as my flesh burned did my eyes turn away. As my body wracked itself in pain. My breathing was labored and difficult. Not once would my eyes drift away. Unleveled humans were not supposed to be a match for a Copper-level beast or starred beast ★. Their perception, speed, and abilities were supposed to be at a level beyond humans. Our battle only lasted less than a minute yet it almost took me out of the game just like that.
“Magic is truly amazing.”
I cut off a long strip of cloth from my pants and began to wrap my hand. Dragging my waterskin over and guzzling down the cool liquid. The rest I dumped over my head. Just two more days.
A face I thought I’d forgotten by now flashed through my thoughts as I took my blade to the monster. I hope this tastes good. What was that dream? Was it my unfaced trauma finally rearing its head? Was it the fact that I attempted to move one without grieving properly? The moment I was able to I threw myself into project after project. My thoughts of Earth had faded to an all-time low, yet I was doing everything in my ability to turn a piece of Edryan into those very thoughts. My right hand tightens into a fist. I needed to face my fears. I needed to accept myself as Lawruthian Imperius Koltius Edryani. Lawrence Brown and his connections died. How do I tell myself that it's okay?
“It's ok to cry…,” I said to the setting sun. Yet no tears came that night.
System Unlock:
1,018 Days
4 Hours
58 Minutes
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