“Tink!” I shout in disbelief. “I thought I was just having a weird dream!”
“Well, you got the weird part right,” Tink remarks with a laugh.
“Well, why didn’t you just come with us and teach me more about shadow nature?” I question.
“That is because Tink needed to inform us of your arrival... Homathreas,” one of the figures explains.
“So, I’d assume that you know why I’m here?” I cut in.
“Oh, of course. I had assumed that you came to us to learn about the prophecy,” the figure continues. “Homathreas is the title given to those in the prophecy.”
“Ok... so what’s the exact prophecy?” I ask.
“When the world of Sarrus is due to change, a being will appear from another world. This being will wield a weapon from their world so powerful it roars with the intent to kill. This being is considered a warrior in their world. They have the scars to prove it. To the peoples of Sarrus, this being is neither evil, nor holy. This is the Homathreas. This is what you are, Ron.”
“Ok, look. I’m not against this whole Homathreas thing or whatever it’s called, but I just want to get my friend back,” I explain.
“The path to your friend overflows with great evils, evils even a Homathreas may not imagine,” a cloaked Wise One argues.
“You don’t know me. You probably can’t imagine what I’ve gone through!” I remark with a glare.
“W-well, regardless of that, you will need training before you will even be able to even get close to him,” Tink cuts in. “This time I’ll help you, since you can now use shadow nature,” he assures me as he leads me into a different room.
“An interesting man to be sure.”
“So, why did we not tell him that we are also human?” a Wise One asks.
“Let him be,” a deep voice commands. Upon a chair high above the floor sits a shadowy figure. It seems the
darkness of the room is due to this man’s presence. “We must focus only on fulfilling the prophecy. We cannot fail
again.”
“As you wish, Headmaster,” the other three Wise Men state as they bow before him.
“Um Tink, I’ll be blunt. You are a weird Wise One,” I blurt out. Tink bursts into laughter.
“Sorry again for deceiving you. I needed to make sure you were a part of the prophecy, a Homathreas,” Tink explains.
“Well, I guess I don’t really mind. At least you can now continue my training,” I reply.
“Yes, to start I will teach you how to manipulate shadows,” Tink remarks. “In the forest, when you fought that demon stalker, you didn’t realize it, but you infused your rifle with shadow nature.”
“Really? I di- wait a minute, you were there!?” I suddenly realize. “Why didn’t you help me?”
Tink responds with a burst of laughter. His skinny frame looks as though it could break with the amount of laughter he has.
“It’s not really that funny...” I express with annoyance.
“Sorry, sorry. I was going to jump in, but I believe King Terashi saved you in time. So, it worked out right,” Tink states, shrugging as if everything was fine.
“A little close, don’t you think?” I retort.
“Eh, whatever. I know you aren’t that weak,” Tink jokes. “Anyways, I will teach you how to control the shadows purposefully. Sure, you did it in that fight, but that was completely by accident, and a lucky accident it was,” Tink states.
“I agree with that, and even that shot didn’t kill it,” I realize.
“Exactly! Tink declares. “But if you learn this power you can make an attack far more powerful than that accident you did in the forest.” Tink suddenly walks to a cube in the middle of the room. He lights a candle, then places it on one side of the cube. “Tell me, which side is the light coming from?”
Tink is expressing a look of seriousness. I can’t help but get a little nervous, since Tink is usually the opposite of serious. “Well, it’s coming from the side with the candle,” I answer.
“So then, what is on the other side of the cube?”
“Well, the shadow of the cube...” I answer.
“Ok, I now know that you aren’t completely dumb,” Tink snorts before bursting into laughter. The seriousness he had for a split second now gone.
“W-what?!” I shout.
“Sorry, sorry, I couldn’t resist,” Tink admits, wiping a tear from his eye. “Anyways, watch closely,” he commands, walking into the shadow of the cube. Tink takes a stance. Suddenly he is enveloped in shadow, like what my hand looks like when I use shadow nature. Then, Tink starts to move his hands, and the shadow of the cube under him... starts to move? It moves around the cube, until the shadow completely consumes the light.
“What? How did you do that?” I ask in disbelief.
“This is how you will practice shadow control, the third step in shadow nature Exdrift,” Tink explains. “This step is very hard, since I cannot help you discover how to do it. All I can say is to remember how you felt in the forest when you shot that shadow covered attack.”
“If it will help save David, I’ll try,” I respond as I walk into the shadows.
Chapter Fourteen
Nikud’s Battle with a Cadon
“Oh man, the felion is in trouble!” the announcer shouts as Nikud struggles to block the cadon’s quick blows.
“That fox like creature--his fighting style is similar to Nikud’s!” David exclaims. Hamon and Adoa say nothing, worried looks covering their faces. “What’s wrong?!” David asks them.
“Well, it’s just that Nikud’s very strong, so for her to be struggling like this...” Hamon comments.
“What’s wrong, feline?” the cadon taunts as he lunges for another blow. Nikud remains on the defensive, her claws raised to block the cadon’s fierce strikes. The cadon isn’t as strong as Nikud, but he is very nimble. His superior speed forces Nikud to focus on blocking attacks. Whenever Nikud tries to counterattack the cadon simply dodges the blow, throwing his own at Nikud. Nikud leaps back, managing to prevent any serious injuries. “Well, one thing’s for sure--you aren’t the weakest felion I’ve come across!” the cadon taunts.
“Same goes to you. A shame we couldn’t fight under the Blood Moon,” Nikud mutters.
“Ah yes, I will still respect that ancient ritual,” the cadon promises. The two warriors stop fighting for a moment to bow toward each other. Both chant a few words in a tongue unknown to David, yet David can tell the two warriors are paying each other some form of respect. Suddenly the two look up. Their eyes flash wild looks of determination.
“For Warjo,” the cadon chants.
“For Lector,” Nikud chants.
The two resume the fight. Nikud pounces for the cadon. He dodges, but Nikud still manages to faintly scratch him. The cadon also manages to scratch Nikud as she pounces. But Nikud doesn’t stop there. She suddenly flips back toward the cadon, kicking him in the head as she goes.
“Oh, what a blow by the felion!” the announcer shouts.
“Oh, nice one, Nikud!” David cheers.
“It’s not over yet,” Adoa mumbles. The cadon lands blows of his own, scratching Nikud in multiple areas. Some of his strikes even manage to cause slight bleeding. The cadon in turn suffers attacks by Nikud. She manages to give the cadon a few more wounds with her longer, sharper claws.
After some time, the two combatants stop fighting. Both back away from each other to take breathers, panting so hard they can be heard by everyone in the room.
“If we keep going like this, my superior speed will outlast you,” the cadon jeers.
“Hmm, so confident in your own aura that you didn’t notice mine?” Nikud replies.
“What?” the cadon mutters to himself as he notices that he feels heavier. “So, the Beast of the Forest granted me speed. While for yo
u it was the ability to weaken Exdrift auras? That’s no good now, is it?!”
“This fight is more even than you think,” Nikud states.
“Well then, I believe the best option for both of us would be to finish the fight as quickly as possible. So, what do you say, felion? Want to end this fight now?” the cadon calls out as he takes a stance.
“Very well,” Nikud mumbles as she also takes a stance. Both Nikud and the cadon get on all fours. Energy radiates from both of them as their auras fill the room. Growls and hisses echo throughout the arena.
“Looks like this next bout will finish it!” the announcer shouts. The watchers of the arena are completely silent for once. They are too focused on this final stage of the fight to speak.
“What’s going on? They both look like wild animals right now!” David whispers hoarsely.
“Both have called upon their inner beast,” Hamon answers.
“I’ve heard rumors about how powerful felions and cadons become when doing this, but those rumors don’t do justice to the real power!” Adoa exclaims. “When a felion and a cadon perform this ritual, one always dies,” Adoa adds.
“Nikud!” David exclaims with a worried look.
Suddenly, the combatants charge toward each other, shouting loud war cries. The cadon connects his attack first. His claws tear at Nikud’s arm as Nikud moves to dodge his blow. He misses Nikud’s heart, but still manages to severely wound her arm. Through a cry of pain Nikud lands her blow on her target, stabbing right through the cadon’s heart. The crowd erupts in cheers.
“All right, folks, that concludes today’s fights!” the announcer exclaims with his tongue in the air.
“Looks like the felions take this fight,” the cadon gasps through coughs of blood.
“It was an honor,” Nikud states.
“This is pitiful, dying while weakened. Your aura sure is something, felion.”
Nikud knees over the dying cadon. She places her hand on his head. Her aura passing through the cadon’s body.
“Do not worry. I would not let such a powerful warrior be denied entry into the great battlefield,” Nikud assures the cadon.
“You actually lifted your aura off of your enemy? You truly are an honorable warrior of the Blood Moon. May we fight again on the plains of Acarus,” the cadon mumbles as he passes on. Before David and the others can rush to help Nikud, all four are pinned down. The guards drag the group back to their cell, not even caring for Nikud’s wound.
“She’ll bleed out at this rate!” Hamon shouts.
“Do not worry. I am used to wounds like this. I’ll live,” Nikud reassures him.
“Here, this will help,” David offers as he removes his shirt.
“W-What are you doing?” Nikud protests.
David answers by tying his shirt around the wound. “This should help you keep the blood in, though it’s not much.”
“Y-you didn’t need to do that. I would have been fine without it,” Nikud mumbles with a bashful face.
“Of course I did,” David argues, “I care about you too much to do nothing!” Silence creeps into the room. Hamon’s and Adoa’s jaws drop in shock.
“W-Why did you say that?!” Nikud expresses, unable to hide her blushing.
“What do you mean? You’ve helped me before. How could I do nothing?” David asks.
“W-Well that doesn’t really answer my-”
“Woah, easy, Nikud. Just get some rest,” David suggests.
“J-Jerk,” Nikud mutters under her breath.
“Did you say something?” David asks.
“N-Nothing, I’ll just go to sleep,” Nikud blurts out, rolling over in her bed.
“Um, David? Could you come over here for a sec?” Adoa asks.
“Sure,” David responds, walking to Adoa and Hamon.
“So, big guy, you got a thing for a felion or something?” Hamon whispers in an attempt to tease David.
“Well, I mean, I would be lying if I said no,” David answers with a look of innocence.
“Aw, you’re no fun, David! I wanted you to get all embarrassed!” Hamon teases.
“Forgive my brother. That is your personal *cough* business. Nothing wrong with it,” Adoa whispers to David.
“Well, it’s kinda hard to get privacy in this room, isn’t it?” David jokes. Both let out a quiet chuckle.
“I guess you’re right about that,” Adoa admits. “Look, the reason I wanted to talk to you was so I could officially apologize,” Adoa states.
“For what?” David asks.
“I am a proud warrior of King Terashi, yet I assumed you were nothing but trouble when we first met. That was dishonorable of me. I was just too focused on protecting Hamon. Though he has a talent for fighting, as you have seen, in my opinion he is much too young for war. Of course, I couldn’t just stop him from joining--I had to respect his decision. But now look at our situation. We are both stuck in a demon prison. Honestly, I put on this tough act, but in reality, I’m scared for both Hamon and myself. You are way stronger than me, David--I admit it.” Adoa bows toward David.
“Now don’t dishonor yourself anymore!” David protests.
“What? What do you mean?” Adoa asks.
“I mean you said it yourself. You are a warrior! Now I don’t know about who’s stronger, but even if I am, that doesn’t mean you aren’t a strong warrior! You have the strength to protect Hamon. I believe it!” David exclaims.
“I-I don’t know what to say. Thank you, David. You are the strongest human I’ve ever met,” Adoa compliments, shaking David’s hand.
“I’m the only human you’ve ever met, aren’t I?” David questions with a smile.
“Well, that’s not a lie. It still counts as a compliment, right?” Adoa asks before they both burst into laughter.
“Now, who’s too young for battle?” Hamon suddenly asks, poking his head between David and Adoa.
“You are, Hamon!” Adoa declares, reverting back to his stern self.
“What are you talking about? I bet I’m stronger than you when it comes to fighting,” Hamon teases as he blows a raspberry.
“Why, you little...” Adoa mutters as he tackles Hamon.
“Aw, come on, Cacu! It was a joke! Honest!” Hamon yells as he squirms in Adoa’s grip.
“You only use formal terms when it suits you!” Adoa retorts.
“All right, guys, settle down. We should be quiet for Nikud,” David suggests as he goes to separate the two elf brothers. In Hamon’s squirming fit he accidentally hits David directly in the face with his elbow.
“Oh, David, I didn’t mean to-”
“Haha, you sure have a strong elbow, Hamon,” David exclaims with a laugh.
“Hamon! Apologize to David,” Adoa orders.
“Oh, don’t worry. It was my fault. In fact, I was the same way when I was a kid,” David assures Adoa with a big grin.
“You really are dumb, aren’t you, David?” Nikud thinks to herself, still awake. “Why did a warrior such as myself have to fall for such a strong, caring, and stupid human,” Nikud thinks, unable to prevent the warm smile that’s found its way to her face.
Chapter Fifteen
Ron’s Training
It’s been a few days since I began training with Tink. He has actually been a great help. If he wasn’t helping me I would lose control over the shadow nature. “This is harder than I thought. How am I supposed to move shadows that are not my own?” I think to myself.
“Look, Ron, you’re thinking too much--you have to let it come naturally. Haha, get it? Nature-ally?” Tink jokes.
“Ha, ha, very funny, Tink,” I declare sarcastically as I go back to training. In terms of logic, this shouldn’t even be possible. Then again, a lot of stuff in this world doesn’t make sense. “How did you learn this technique?” I ask Tink.
“Well, how am I supposed to learn it then?” I ask.
“Mmm, well, maybe you just have to make this technique your own,” Tink suggests.
“My own? How am I supposed to make it my-” I cut of my sentence there. “Of course, why didn’t I think of that earlier?” I exclaim as I take a stance.
“What? Did you figure something out?” Tink asks, smiling.
I don’t answer. Instead, I focus my own shadow nature into my feet.
“Ah, I get it. Adding some of your own shadow to the mix of the already present shadow--good idea, Ron,” Tink compliments.
The shadows start to move. They don’t move as fast or precisely as Tink moved them, but they do eventually make their way to the other side of the cube.
“Good work, Ron! You have now taken your first step into real shadow manipulation,” Tink declares with that big smile of his. “Of course, you should continue to practice this exercise, but from this point on, you are the only other human I know that can manipulate natural shadows!”
“Awesome! So, when can I turn my body into shadows?” I ask.
“What?” Tink asks with a puzzled expression.
“You know, that technique you do that makes you disappear and reappear. During our training sessions I noticed that you turn your body into shadows to mix with the natural shadows.”
After my explanation Tink suddenly appears right in front of my face. I fall back in surprise.
“Wow! You’re really something special, Ron. Though you are correct about how I preform my technique, you’ll probably never learn it yourself,” Tink explains.
“What do you mean? Shouldn’t I be able to learn it as long as you teach me how?” I ask.
“It’s not that simple, Ron. For example, by using basic Exdrift techniques we can both surround our hands with shadow nature, correct?” Tink asks as his hand is suddenly enveloped in his shadow nature.
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