A huge explosion with strong wind gushing over me was heard as the shockwave arrived, pushing me further.

I was rolling on the ground, which resulted in me having many scratches all over my body and even my face, blood dripping down my injured cheek. Then I realized just how helpless my situation is, and it dawned on me.

"He missed? And just how strong is he?"

He caused that huge explosion with just one move of his hand. How can I survive this? After the dust settled and the smoke cleared, I looked around and found out that there was something strange.

Behind me was only a patch of burned grass twice my size, but it was unlike the big crater I anticipated seeing. Looking forward, I found the sight I was looking for. It was right behind where those two stood a moment ago. It looks like it was opened from underground. Burning debris was scattered all around as hot steam escaped from the large hole.

My executioner is lying on the ground, groaning in pain, his leg pierced by something. It looked like a spike made of earth while his companion was on his knees, his left arms limply hanging by his side.

Looking closely, I could see a piece of wood embedded in it, and then he started coughing out blood while looking for something in his pockets. His cracked mask showed eyes glowing a pale red color. Luckily he had temporarily forgotten about me for the moment and seemed to focus on recuperating. I focused my attention to the side at the large, now half-opened and a bit scorched wooden gate.

“Escape? What will await me there, in the darkness? More suffering?

I told myself all that yet, my body felt drawn towards it; not only Asters but also Poppy images in my mind made me stop.

“I want to spend my remaining time with my family!”

I felt ashamed for hesitating, but I had no time to think about it right now as more noises were heard all around us.

*Boom boom boom*

A series of explosions and screams started to go off all over the place. Thankfully, they were not close enough to endanger me.

Then a realization fully dawned upon me:

I need to find them now!

I ignored the incapacitated duo that was still on the ground and started running around the craters edge. My heart raced fast from excitement and fright, while my eyes frantically searched for the entrance to the underground facility. Only to find it half crumbled down with only a small opening to enter.

I crawled inside as I started looking around while the explosions and noises of people fighting came closer and closer.

I went down a staircase and then through the corridor I was led to, and after a few turns, I froze.

The reason was that I came across two foxian guards or what was left of them. Blood was everywhere, and their bodies stood still with no sign of life as thick spikes that were connected to the ground impaled them in place. I slowly went around them, and I found a large room. It was messy, with various half-broken tools and glass vials containing body parts scattered everywhere.

I took a step, and my toe hit something. I looked down and saw a large dagger, similar to the ones I used during combat, so I picked it up. There was nothing more for me here, and just as I was going to continue my search, a faint light caught my attention. It came from one of the tear-shaped necklaces hanging on a wall next to me. There were a few of them scattered around the room, but this one felt a bit special. While its exact purpose is unknown. I don't know why they make me wear it during combat, but its presence helped me calm down and focus on the fight, so I swiftly put it around my neck.

The only thing I knew for sure was to get out of here immediately and continue my search.

Soon a familiar passage led to our cells, but I could only find them empty. Only one person was inside this cell block, and it was someone I did not want to see. My body started shaking with just one look.

My second-most hated captor was there, but he looked quite different from before. Only half of his reddish fur was there now, with half of his body scorched black. The smell of burned fur and flesh was pungent. Even one of his eyes was hollow with blood dripping out of it, probably gouged out. He was supporting himself on the wall and looked like he would collapse any moment. The thing that allowed one to survive here was the fact that no matter what, the guards have absolute authority and need to be obeyed!

"Youuu 58, how come you are here? No matter, help me to get out of here; you were always obedient. I will reward you greatly; just help me get to the surface.“

My body started moving towards him; his order was reflexively followed.

“Yes, take me; soon nobody will remain alive here. The attackers don’t show mercy; please hurry! Cough Cough”

He started coughing; some blood came out of his mouth, dying some of his broken teeth, including his fangs.

I paused, my fists clenched.

“Please?” I repeated quietly.

I now see the truth. I have worn those shackles in my mind for so long... Yet it was me that had the keys to them.

Why was I here? To help him? Never!

Aster, Poppy, they need me!

For the first time, I felt defiant, almost animalistic; my teeth and fangs itched to be used. I was the monster in front of me for what it was—prey!

My pupils dilated as he slowly made his way towards me alongside the wall.

"Come on, help me walk 58!”

He outstretched his right hand towards me.

The many times I was abused by him, the helplessness and sorrow all transformed into uncontrollable rage inside of me.

What followed was a blur of me pulling him towards me as I embedded my dagger into his heart.

“Youuuu blehh.”

He fell lifelessly on the floor with the dagger still in his chest, having an expression of unwillingness on his half-exposed face. I also collapsed, shaking and breathing frantically. The stench of blood that I was too familiar with brought back all the bad memories; it seems I am not that numb to it as I thought.

“Huff huff, Your kind is not invincible after all; I just needed to be reminded again; this time I won't forget!”

It took me a few moments and a nearby explosion for me to somehow regain my composure.

I washed my shaking, bloody hands in a nearby puddle and left without looking back, only thinking about one thing:

“Aster, Poppy, you must be around here!”

I started to frantically search for her while being as quiet and careful as possible, while exploring various corridors in the underground facility.

As the noises of battle increased in frequency considerably, suddenly I heard footsteps heading this way.

Hiding in a dark corner and waiting for whoever is coming, praying that it is not a guard or worse.

“Was it a mistake to return here? What if they escaped and got out some other way?”

My tense face lit up as I saw two familiar figures running my way.

“Aster there you are.”

“Leo, thank Goddess!”

She was visibly relieved to see me. On the other hand, I saw that Aster's eye, while closed, was not covered with cloth like usual but had blood dripping from it; other than that, she had a dark, scorched wound on her left side that she pressed a cloth on with her right hand.

Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

“What happened? Are you badly hurt?”

“There is no time, Leo; I can manage for now, so do not worry about it.”

I then looked at Poppy, who was right behind Aster, with an absent look in her eyes.

Just like Aster's eye, Poppis arm was also exposed. It had small greenish scales covering its entire surface, including her fingers. But those things did not matter right now.

What mattered was that we are together again, yet an old regret prompted me to ask...

“Have you seen anyone else? Is there no one besides us that can be saved?”

Eline just shook her head; her pain-filled expression told a short, sad story of the events that transpired before we reunited.

Noisy steps were once again getting closer along with screams and small explosions. We had no choice but to flee in the other direction, back to the yard.

“They will be here any moment; we must go now, Leo!”

"That, but outside...”

It was scary; somehow I felt better down here than on the surface.

“Leo, you grew up in darkness, and that is all you know... I will show you the real beauty of this world, so trust me this once.”

I could no longer hesitate and did as she asked of me; with her, I felt safe.

“I trust you; let us go this way!”

After crossing a few corridors without meeting anyone, which could be pure luck since various noises of shouting and running could be faintly heard all around us.

We eventually reached our destination, and as we carefully crawled through the entrance, we arrived at the surface.

It was still night, but the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere was long gone.

There was no sign of the two guards; only some bloodstains were left on the ground.

"We did it; we made it outside together.”

"Indeed, we did, but we have no time to celebrate just yet; let us go through the gate nearby.”

When we were about to approach the now-opened wooden gate on our left, an explosion was heard.

It came from the partially collapsed entrance, and ten figures with shining silver light plate armor emerged from it.

By the sheer imaginary aura that my honed instincts picked up, my gut was warning me, those were not opponents we could defeat.

They had the same ears and tails as our captors, but those distinct features were covered in fur with a different lighter shade of red.

A figure that had his armor decorated with a reddish foxhead over his heart looked at us and ordered.

“Do it according to our orders, but be careful; there are other unknown factions here!!!”

His subordinates with swords in hands dashed towards us. We ran towards the gate in the darkness, but they were behind us and closing the distance fast.

“Let us go this way!”

We crossed the wooden gate and closed it behind us. Poppy used a nearby stick to temporarily barricade it, taking us a little time, as the small wooden gate already started to succumb to the assault they directed at it.

We ran towards the trees and entered a dark forest, then a loud bang could be heard, signaling the defeat of our wooden guardian. Shortly after, we could hear them going after us. Their speed was far greater than I was capable of achieving, and in just a few moments, it became clear that outrunning them was not an option. Suddenly Aster stopped and spoke, while her eyes were shining in a reddish hue.

“I will hold them off; go on without me!”

”No never!"

Despite my shaking legs, I decisively refused to leave her behind. I wanted to grab her hand and pull her with me, but she only put her hand on my cheek gently and whispered in a calming tone.

"Sorry, my boy, this is a mother's duty; I will not fail this time! Just remember our promise and that I will always love you.

Shaking from pure anger, I questioned myself, Why was I so weak? What sense does it make if she is not with me?

If I only had strength, without it you will lose the people you love. I need it, I want it! I started to feel scorching warmth coming from deep inside me but could not focus on it. Aster looked surprised when facing me for a moment and then showed me a beautiful yet sad smile.

"I see... you will become someone great, Leo; I am so proud."

Then she looked at Poppy and spoke in a different, more cold tone.

“Make sure Leo escapes no matter what cost! And Leo, follow her; go as far as you can!”

I looked at Aster only to find her previously always closed left eye open. It was pale green with a slit pupil resembling some of the beasts I fought. It also shined with a reddish hue.

She looked at Poppy and then me, while telling us her absolute order to escape, no matter what, one I would never agree to; I would rather stay with her and...

Suddenly something strange happened to me.

I felt like I was unable to think properly after making eye contact and hearing Aster's words. A strong compulsion to do as she told me took over my whole mind. Poppy took my hand and started to drag me away while my mind could not fully focus.

Aster's voice echoed behind us and entered my cloudy mind for the last time.

“Thank you, and I am sorry. Survive and live to the fullest!”

Unable to refuse the command, I started to run alongside Poppy into the forest again.

With the last bit of will, I turned my head towards Aster only to see facing our pursuers, some of whom started to fight amongst themselves while she was dodging arrows fired at her.

We ran further until I could no longer see them, but moments later there was a big noise of explosion and then silence. Even in my unfocused state, I knew what it meant, and tears started to drip from my eyes. I started to slow down, but then I felt Poppy pulling my hand, never wavering.

The forest at night had big, intimidating-looking trees shrouded in a thick veil of darkness.

Even the light from the orange and blue moons had a hard time piercing through it.

We were fleeing desperately with pain in my heart, but right now I had to focus on fulfilling my promise...

Sadness and a burning desire to fulfill my promise filled my heart as my body moved seemingly on its own, with my hand being pulled. Stumbled time and again, we struggled to maintain the haste pace but always got back up running further. There was no road or path, just a seemingly never-ending forest. We moved as fast as their malnourished bodies allowed us to, hastened by the yells of their pursuers from behind. Confirming that they are catching up fast.

I was on the brink of collapsing with something hot coursing through his body. He felt pain all over, but he pushed forward, fueled by the hopes and dreams he was entrusted with. Arrows rained down on us, barely missing embedding themselves in the nearby trees.

My heart pounded like it would burst; legs were burning with every step as the cold air pierced my lungs with every breath, sharp and unforgiving, as if the world itself conspired against me.

The noise impacts echoing all around, together with shouts of someone ordering that no one should escape alive. The sound of numerous steps was getting closer and closer. What's even worse, we arrived at a cliffside, seeing the glistering water stemming from a large river quite the distance underneath. That goddess Aster was always mentioning; I am now certain she is a cruel one!

"Poppy, this... There must be another way; if we jump, we will certainly die!”

“We must risk it, Leo; there is no other choice left; hurry up; our time is running out!”

She said it with determination while stepping closer to the cliff.

But I hesitated for a brief moment. She was about to pull my hand, but our pursuers caught up.

Just when Poppy pulled me back towards the cliff with a slight tremor, the earth lost its firmness underneath us. She saved me from sinking into the loose ground but paid the price as she sank into it up to her knees. Poppy struggled to free herself, out of the clutches of the now solid ground, but to no avail. Numerous shadowy figures surrounded us while she started attacking the ground with long claw-like fingernails, desperately trying to set herself free. But she only managed to leave shallow scratches on it, while her fingers started to bleed. Shadowy figures stepped closer from the surrounding forest. The most visible thing was a faint purple flow of a gem one had around his neck. His voice sounded.

“It is no use, Kakaka; I made the ground as solid as stone; both of you will pay for making us chase you all the way here while all those damn plants were in the way.

We will play with you for causing us so much trouble before disposing of you two abominations.”

Seeing that she could not flee, Poppy outstretched her scale-covered arm, holding a piece of cloth in it with a strange, almost uncoordinated motion, rubbing it between her fingers.

What followed was a spark that quickly grew into a stream of bright red fire that erupted from her palm towards our pursuers.

A wall of earth then appeared, shielding most of them, but she was not done.

Guiding the fire into a half cycle, leaving a firewall behind, separating us and our pursuers temporally.

She looked at me with orange-shining eyes and a sad smile; her previously cloudy, unfocused gaze showed sudden clarity just like mine did. I saw her now for who she truly was; deep inside, I always knew, and I acted.

“There must be a way; let me help you; I will pull on your leg and...”

Poppy pulled me closer, with her other arm embracing me in a warm hug.

“Thank you, but it is no use.”

She then pushed me off the cliff right after with more strength than I thought she could ever muster.

“You must live, Leo, for me...”

Those were the last words I heard from her before an arrow pierced her chest from the side. I felt the same dreadful feeling of loss once again.

"Poppy nooo!”

After a moment of falling through the cold air, my heart was beating faster than ever. The world around me seemingly stood seemingly still, leaving me suspended in the air. Then a stinging pain in my head made me flinch just before the time decided to flow again. Strong impact followed only for me to be greeted with the chilling embrace of the river's water. It was a wake-up call, not letting me process the shock of losing my only family, making me focus on the dire situation. Now two voices echoed in my mind.

“Live!”

“You must endure!”

Strangely, I felt warmth coursing through my body, somewhat alleviating the cold sensation that surrounded me.

“I truly can't disappoint them after all this; it is just some water; I will survive!”

Knowing that I probably won't last for long as I could feel my limbs slowly but surely getting numb, in a desperate attempt to survive, my body mustered strength I myself was not aware it possessed, and guided by instinct, I managed to keep my head above water.

The current was strong, and despite my best efforts, even after a few dozen breaths, I wasn't able to reach the shore quickly, and I was exhausted. When my last strength was leaving me for good, my prayers were answered as something shinclosed in towards his position; my savior was driftwood.

Calling it simple driftwood would not do it justice, since it was a small tree that, for unknown reason, fell in the river.

I promptly grabbed its branches and was met with the softness of its green, yellow, dark, and even some white leaves that were still attached to it; they looked divine in the reflection of moonshine from the water surface.

I held onto my newfound lifeline with all my might, not sure how much time passed I held on. While my consciousness was slowly slipping away, my last thoughts were full of hope and anticipation, that I would survive and see the sun for the first time while being finally free, treating it as just another fight I have to win to survive...

Aster, Poppy, and even you, my friend, could I have done better?

Then, with my last bit of strength, I kicked with my legs and arrived at the shore. On all fours, I scraped out of the water and collapsed, still holding onto something firm and cold, yet something kept me warm from deep inside me.

In between the realms of life and death, my life flashed before my eyes, and my eyelids slowly closed, hopefully not for the last time.