Since childhood, I had an aversion to magic.

I was taught from an early age that it was something dangerous and violent. Something that cannot be controlled, that cannot be wielded by human hands. Something that cannot be explained. And that aversion persisted into my adulthood.

I was taught that yes... But what put the nail in the coffin of my childhood curiosity was that day when my parents were laid to rest.

I remember it much more vividly now. Slowly but steadily, I feel like I am digging something out from the depths of my mind. And the peculiar thing is... It started happening when I met Kye. Sometimes when I look at her I feel a sense of deja vu which I cannot explain. A nostalgic feeling that is almost comforting... Maybe that's one of the reasons I hadn't left in these weeks. I had many chances.

Without much conversation, she helped me dig out some of my memories. By what method or means... I do not know. She awoke something I had hidden inside of me, my essence which I had inherited.

And that same child-like wonder for magic which now pushes me ever forward like a moth to a flame. Dangerous and violent, but endlessly fascinating and useful all the same.

A force of nature.

A force that can be studied through a scientific lens.

And study with scientific vigor I shall.

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„Hold your concentration.“ Kye whispered to me.

We stood in the depths of the forest unmoving, camouflaged in green cloaks. In the distance just beyond the shrubbery stood a deer that was drinking from a small stream.

I held my hand out palm stretched wide open. Centimeters away from it was a medium-sized pebble, it was smooth and oval in shape. It levitated, though its levitation was far from stable. It bobbed like a ship at sea. I had difficulty holding it still in mid-air.

„Shoot before it notices us.“ Kye whispered once more.

I took a deep breath.

I felt the surge of energy concentrate in my palm. I imagine a pressurized tank of air...

Then I let go...

The pebble shook violently for a second then with a whoosh it flew at great speed, missing the target completely. Instead of hitting the water beside it spooking the animal. The deer raised its head abruptly in the direction where the pebble hit. Then subsequently ran off into the forest.

Kye sighed.

„Better than before, but you still can't aim precisely. You need to hold it steady in the air.“ She said standing up with her crossbow.

„Will we follow it?“ I asked.

„No, let it go. We have to check the traps, they ought to have caught something by now.“ She replied. I stood up as well, dusting myself off and picking up the rifle I had from the ground.

Kye says it only weighs me down... But I feel safer with it

Kye started walking back to where she set the traps, maybe a 30-minute trek back.

„We went pretty deep in today.“ I commented.

„Yes, that's why we're going back earlier. We don't want to be caught in the forest after sundown.“ She had a point. And I was pretty tired from walking through the damn forest all day. Hunting is no easy matter.

„Once we get back I'll get one grimoire we have in the library. It might help you with levitating objects steadily.“ She added.

„May I ask in what language is it?“ I inquired. She remained silent for a few moments.

„Kye you know I can't speak or read Elvish. Of all the books in that library you took out two are in a human language. One in Weserian surprisingly enough, which I can read... The other is Turian which I can probably get a few words here and there.“ I explained. I couldn't see Kye's face but I could guess it expressed mild annoyance.

„Alright, I'll read it to you again. But I'll have to teach you Almaganda at some point. You'll need it.“ She said, however much I did not look forward to it. I still needed to learn the language and script to learn on my own. Because it was frankly embarrassing that she needed to read it to me out loud like she would a child... Well, I am still a child in Elven years I guess.

I had to give her props she learned to speak Weserian with native fluency. She has my grandfather to thank for that... And I thank him as well. Because I would've probably had a bolt in my skull if she didn't know Weserian.

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I realized the forest during the day was a tranquil and peaceful place. It held within it an ancient beauty that I was thankful to be able to witness and experience. However, after some time you get used to it and it simply fades into the background.

Kye and I chit-chatted during our walk briefly. Mostly about what were going to eat for dinner. But also she reiterated her points where I had to improve with my magic. Nothing new to my ears.

Finally, we arrived at the first trap, which was unfortunately empty. But we had set a few more of them so we continued. The second and third were also empty, I saw Kye was a bit perplexed at this, but she didn't comment on it. Once you are around her enough you can catch the small expressions she does as subtle as they are.

The fourth trap caught something.

„Finally!“ I said happily. We approached the trap and saw it caught a rabbit. Enough to feed us for the night. But we would need something bigger to sustain us during the week.

„We're going back to the house. We will go hunting first thing tomorrow to catch something bigger.“ Kye said, now this was something that raised a question mark above my head. Every previous time she was insistent we don't go back empty-handed, or with something too small.

„Kye, can you share your thoughts, please? I think you're not telling me something.“ I asked her.

She bit her lip.

„I think there might be something scaring off the animals.“

I felt a pit in my stomach form.

„Mages? Bandits?“ I asked.

„No... I'd know if it were either of those. A monster.“ She picked up the dead rabbit by its ears and put it in a large pouch. „And it is probably close by...“ She added.

I remember that Owen told of that the wildlife tends to be aggressive in these parts. Up until this point, I saw that the fauna was more or less the same as back home.

„What's the difference between a normal animal and a monster exactly?“ I asked Kye. I have heard of monsters before... But I didn't look too much into them. I knew they mostly lived in the east.

„A monster has a large amount of essence usually. They tend to be large and aggressive. However, there are exceptions to the rule. There is a species of large herd animals native to the plains of the east called Mulson. They have essence and are considered monsters, but are quite docile unless provoked. Some tribes even domesticated them and used them as pack animals.“ She explained. She looked deeper into the forest, but her gaze lingered before she continued. „I didn't suspect a monster at first because they usually go in small groups. I would've seen evidence of such a group... That only leaves one option left.“ She paused.

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„A lone monster.“ She looked back at me. „We should get going now.“

She began walking and I followed her once again.

„A lone monster is more dangerous than a pack?“ I asked.

„Yes and no. If one were to attack us we could deal with it, but it is best to avoid it. Most of the time lone monsters are outcasts from their groups. They tend to be a lot more violent and unpredictable. That's what makes them a bigger risk than an entire group.“ She answered. I looked out into the forest as I walked. It didn't seem as tranquil and peaceful anymore. It was scarily quiet and still.

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The same lingering feeling crept up as we continued to walk through the forest. I knew we were nearing the house, shelter. But with each step we took I felt as if we were being watched... The same feeling I had back in the wagon.

I kept my head on a swivel, looking around constantly, the sun was slowly starting to set and visibility became ever so scarce a resource. Kye was silent most of the trek. She was concentrating as well, but not in the same way as I. She told me she could 'sense' if there was an increase of essence in the area. It takes a lot of practice, of course, as she said. But she can do it.

She was a few paces in front of me when I turned my head back to face what was in front. I saw she stopped.

„What is it?“ I asked her in a whisper.

„Can you smell that?“ She asked right back. I made a few steps forward and then it hit me. A foul stench of rot. Before I could locate where it was coming from I felt something wet drop on my head. I instinctively went to touch it with my hand, and when I lowered it to inspect the wet substance, I realized what it was.

It was blood.

Looking up into the thick tree branches that blocked most of the sunlight I couldn't see much, but there were obvious shapes in there that didn't look natural. Kye manifested one of her light orbs and somehow managed to concentrate the light on the tree branches above us.

When she shone the light we finally saw them... Two horses strung up on the tree branches. They were disemboweled and had half their limbs missing.

They were half-eaten.

„How... That's...“ I muttered.

„Not our horses... Whose?“ Kye replied.

„Owen's“ I replied.

„We have to move, quickly.“ Kye said, de-manifesting the orb and beginning to walk at an increased pace. I followed, but that jog soon turned into a full-out sprint.

We ran through the forest with no regard for the sound we made. I could barely keep up, then I heard it. Shuffling behind us, it sounded rhythmic and slow... But it was quick enough to keep up with us. At that moment the only thought in my mind was that it wasn't something small most certainly.

Adrenaline kicked in and I ran as fast as my legs could let me while also trying not to trip.

I then made a foolish decision.

I looked back.

I saw something, but I couldn't quite make it out... But it towered over the both of us. And the thing was as agile as Kye.

When I turned my head back, I didn't see Kye.

Panic set in, but I couldn't stop, I knew if I made a turn I would quickly get lost.

I ran straight for as long as I could, but I heard the thing behind me quickly close the distance. I heard it panting. It sounded... human. But at the same time, it didn't. It sounded too deep to be that of a human or elf for that matter. No, this was something entirely different.

And it was big.

My legs started to give in, I felt them sting. I felt my lungs burn from the exertion. Soon enough I needed to stop, I needed to catch my breath. I heard the thumps behind me get closer and closer, I heard the thing roar... Gods, it was deafening. I heard it knock down trees as it began running even faster toward me.

And just as I thought I was doomed, something grabbed me and yanked me hard into a large hollowed-out tree. I tried to scream, but a hand was firmly placed over my mouth. Then I heard someone speak.

„Don't make a sound“ I heard a demanding whisper. It was Kye.

I stared wide-eyed as the thing passed by running. I saw its feet pass us. The ground shook slightly, and pieces of wood fell on our heads.

„Ju Mo...“ Kye said, I didn't understand what she said.

She released my mouth, and I peeked behind me to see her face.

Even though it was dark and hard to see, I could see her red eyes were wide open.

Terror.

She was afraid.

Shit, I thought to myself, I never saw her show a hint of fear, even when she face three goddamn mages by herself.

„Why is it here...“ She muttered to herself.

She looked at me with a terrified expression.

„You don't have any blood on you? Any scent?“ She whispered.

„No, I...“ Then I remembered. Horse blood. „Shit.“ I muttered as I started to go through my hair, I felt the blood stick to my fingers.

Kye looked at me like she saw a ghost.

Then we heard it come back with a quick pace. We heard it sniff the air.

Kye and I huddled in the hollowed tree, I saw her extend her arm. Her breath was quick and erratic.

Then the monster stepped right in front of the opening, it growled so deep I could feel it in my chest. I saw the monster was standing on two feet, its legs were hairy. And I could smell it, a foul stench of rot and Gods know what else. It was overpowering.

The monster started to crouch, and the moment it showed its face, I felt a strong force pull us to the back with such force we broke through the tree and flew right into the one behind it. Both of us hit the tree at the same time.

My spine felt like it snapped from the impact, but I couldn't grovel in pain just yet. Kye quickly stood up and grabbed my hand and pulled me to my feet.

„Get up!“ She yelled, I could hear the monster release another deafening roar, I looked back and saw it was holding its face. Whatever Kye did hurt it, and us...

We ran again through the forest, each moment the sun set farther and farther down below the horizon. And the forest was getting darker by the minute.

I heard the monster kept at it, it was behind us again. Kye stopped abruptly at a small open patch where trees weren't as densely packed together. She extended both her hands and broke of dozens of thick branches of the trees. In mere moments she managed to straighten all the branches into spears. I could see she was using all her strength to do that. I know how hard it is to hold a single small damn pebble still in the air, let alone dozens of heavy branches.

I saw the creature emerge from between the trees.

Right then Kye jabbed the air with her fist, the branches went flying straight at the monster.

When they hit, I thought for a moment everything was over. But then that thing... This monstrosity raised its damn hand, and with a flick of its wrist, all the spears flew out of it, some of them right back at us. Thankfully all of them missed.

But I could see the thing was now even more pissed than before. But it was staggered, but only for a short while. And it could use magic.

I had to think of something. We could use magic... Fire magic.

„Kye will fire hurt it?“ I asked quickly.

„Probably, but it won't kill it. If we use it then we'll have to deal with it and a forest fire!“ She replied.

Goddamn it - I thought to myself. I looked around, maybe there is something we can use. But it was futile, I couldn't see shit. We had to run.

Kye was already doing the same, I caught up to her. The thing was still tailing us. I saw she tried everything to hamper the monster's advance. She fell smaller trees as we ran, I could hear her grunt under the strain of each action she did.

I was in no better position, I couldn't feel my legs anymore. And I was on the verge of suffocating from exertion.

We managed to make some distance between it and us. Kye stopped, grabbing her knees, and panting heavily. I did the same.

I heard it in the distance charging forward still.

„Any bright ideas, Wyatt?“ She asked between pants.

Then I remembered... I still had the rifle. Though it would probably do jack shit to the thing...

I had to think rationally. The monster, though it possesses essence and magic is still a living being. It needs food, water, and air to survive.

My mind raced... Then I had it.

Air!

„Kye, for how long can you distract the thing?“ I asked her.

„Not long.“ She replied.

„I'll need 10 seconds, tops. Can you get a shield up? The same one as last time?“ I said.

„I can... What are you thinking?!“ She yelled back at me.

Just then we saw the monster emerge from the beyond the trees, charging right at us.

„DO IT!“ I yelled at her. Without missing a beat she turned around and erected the same transparent wall in front of us. A much larger one.

I grabbed the rifle from my shoulder and fiddled with it for a second to check if the round is chambered. It was, I closed it back up and aimed.

I was aiming for the jugular. The thing had thick fur, so any other part of the body was out of the question. Head, the skull is probably too thick. Chest, fur, and bone are in the way. Limbs are out of the question.

I was no marksman, but I had to make it work.

My hands shook, my breath uneven and erratic, I struggled to keep the rifle steady. I took a deep breath in and held it.

My hands calmed ever so slightly. The sights lined up with my eye.

I saw the thing hit the wall, Kye grunted. She felt it.

The monster was confused for a moment but then it started hitting the wall, with each hit I heard Kye was struggling to keep the barrier up. I heard her cough and wheeze.

I lined up my shot.

The monster roared.

My eardrums felt like they would burst at any moment.

„LIFT IT!“ I yelled. That moment the wall disappeared and the creature started running toward us again, I felt the ground shake. The monster roared.

My heart pounded like cannons mid-siege.

I felt sweat pour down my face.

I saw the thing open its mouth and extend its arms, ready to devour us.

Then I pulled the trigger.

BANG

I felt the rifle kick into my shoulder. The recoil was stronger than I'd anticipated.

The sound reverberated through the forest but it was drowned out by the monster's roar.

Then abruptly it stopped.

The monster slowed down to a jog, then to a slow walk. It grabbed its neck, I heard it gurgling.

I stepped back, it was getting closer.

Then mere feet from us it collapsed to its knees. It was in that position there, staring at us for a moment before I saw the flicker in its eyes disappear.

Then it collapsed to the ground with a resounding thump. Two mere steps from where I stood.

I stared at it, panting heavily I kicked its head.

It didn't react.

It was dead.

It was dead!

I turned around to look at Kye, she collapsed to her knees. She looked like she was bleeding from somewhere on her face, trails of blood were coming from her eyes and nose. But she was alive.

She looked at me.

The horrified expression quickly turned into a neutral one. Then, for the first time since I met her.

I saw her smile.

And I couldn't help but smile back. Letting out a small laugh.

Then she collapsed to the ground.