Chapter 8 : The Forest of Cutting Shadows

Viper manor, another world, 1020 A.D.

Solt and Peppor were alone on the training grounds of Viper manor. There were many targets that served for archery and element using, wooden dummies for close-quarter weapons and a corral for acacia dragon training.

Peppor had been training hard all morning long. Still furious, he was striking with all his might focusing on one thing: this wasn't a dummy, it was the boy named Serge. Sweat was dripping on his forehead and his brown hair was already damp.

Next to him, his brother Solt was also training, but not with the same intensity. He was striking half-heartedly at another dummy.

"You know Peppor, maybe we should just forget it. These are no ordinary brats. They-they must be protected by the white dragon himself. They got away twice." Solt said, resting his halberd on the ground.

"The white dragon?" Roared Peppor, turning to his brother.

"White dragon or not, I'm not shaking any shit from a kid in diapers. I've studied their moves Solt, I've reorganized my elements and I've trained harder than ever. This time, I'm shaking gonna drill all of them a second asshole with my foot." Peppor yelled, returning to his training.

"But-but-but we had sir Karsh with us and…"

"Sir Karsh? Do you want to know where's your precious sir Karsh right now? I'm shaking gonna tell you. The lover-boy is probably busy winning the shaking tournament and hitting on some of his slutty admirers. That's what your precious Karsh is doing." Peppor yelled, still furious.

Then a massive man came toward them. He was wearing golden loins, a large black leather belt with matching gloves and sandals. His head was protected by a steel full helm. On his left shoulder was a circular piece of steel covered with sharp spikes. To his right arm was attached a steel buckler with equally sharp spikes.

"Hey you two!" yelled the man.

The two dragoon turned around and saluted.

"Sir Zoah." They both said.

"You're coming with me…now!" he said, not lowering his voice.

The two dragoons followed the man named Zoah without a word.

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Back from her trip to Termina, Riddel Viper had decided to take a bath in her private pool on the manor's roof to ease her mind and body. She had now changed and was heading for her room. When she got there, she found it surprising that it was unlocked. She slowly turned the knob and entered. Someone had pulled down the curtains and the room was very dark. She entered slowly, fear growing in her mind.

"Is someone there? Who is there?" she asked, in a slightly trembling voice.

There was no answer and Riddel slowly proceeded inside. Suddenly, the door closed behind her and the candles lit up. Riddel abruptly turned around to see the feline demi-human standing between her and the door, the only possible escape. The young woman gasped at the sight of her unexpected guest.

"Why, good-day, my lady. I was expecting you." The demi-human said, flashing his sharp canines.

"You? What are you doing here? What do you want?" she asked, her voice now filled with dread.

"I desire but a simple conversation with you my lady. Oh, but could it be that you do not want me here? How disappointing. You do not seem to appreciate my presence. I assure you that I wish nothing but a simple discussion with you, and don't worry, I made sure that your little friend will not interfere this time." He said in a very calm voice.

The demi-human was now walking toward Riddel while she was desperately walking backwards, away from her guest. After several steps, her back was now pressed against the cold wall. The demi-human was now at arm's length from her. The demi-human raised his arm to reach her face. Obeying only to her fear, she turned her head to the side, only resulting in exposing her delicate neck.

"I do not wish to talk to you." She said, swallowing nervously.

"You do not? He simply asked.

Riddel didn't answer and felt her breathing accelerating even more.

"Do not worry, I know why you feel uncomfortable around me. So much pure energy flows in your veins, so much dark energy flows through mine. We are like day and night. However, if we could be united, we could form a perfect entity. A complex, but flawless soul would emerge." He said, trailing a claw on her neck.

Riddel tried to scream, but no sound came from her mouth. Her eyes quickly began watering and closed. The demi-human's claw traveled from her neck to her exposed shoulder.

"I sense a desire to live within you… so strong, you do not wish to end this dream, you are still scared of death. It pulses through your body, it echoes like a distant sound." the demi-human said, still very calm.

Just then a knock was heard from the door. The demi-human stopped abruptly, but did not turn around. Riddel's gaze went to the door.

"Miss Riddel, are you there?" came Glenn's voice.

Riddel did not dare answer and the demi-human did not make a sound either.

"Miss Riddel? The door isn't locked, may I enter?"

Glenn slowly opened the door and was taken aback by the sight. He narrowed his eyes, trying to understand what was going on.

"What are you doing here?" Glenn said in a weak voice.

"Seems like we have a visitor." The demi-human said, not turning to face Glenn, looking straight into Riddel's eyes.

"What are you doing here?" he demanded, this time in a much louder voice.

The demi-human turned to face the young dragoon.

"There is no need to take such offence, dragoon. I was only having a conversation with the lady." He said, gesturing to Riddel.

"I don't think she wishes to have this conversation." Glenn replied.

"Such a mystery is human nature. Always sure to possess the only truth. What do you really know about this world. Always sure to peer through other spirits, to know their most intimate secrets. What do you really know about your best friend." The demi-human said, his face inches from Glenn's.

"Now you leave miss Riddel alone, because general's orders or not I'll…"

"The general's orders?" the demi-human mused, slightly amused, his head lolled to one side.

"Maybe you should reconsider this. Who do you really think is giving orders here, dragoon? Power is indeed a very fleeting concept. So hard to obtain, but so easy to see slipping right through your fingers. Maybe the general is simply not the man you think he is." He added, taking a moment to gaze at the floor, hands behind his back.

"I don't care about your nonsense. Leave her alone or I'll make you do." Glenn said, reaching for his sword.

"Weapons hardly solve anything at all. They can spill a lot of blood, but they can't control the mind. If you wish me to leave, I will do so… for now. However, we will finish this conversation, my lady." He said, turning to Riddel.

"I bid you good-day." He added, walking pas Glenn and exiting Riddel's room.

Glenn immediately rushed to Riddel, catching her before she collapsed to the ground and helped her to her bed. He helped her sit against the headrest and took a step back. Tears started to form in the young woman's eyes and she put a hand to her face to prevent them from trickling down her cheeks. Glenn kneeled next to her.

"What's wrong miss Riddel?" he asked softly.

"Oh for the white dragon's sake, Glenn, you know what's wrong." Her tone was now a mix a sorrow and anger.

"It all began when Dario died. These monsters then came here and started to talk dad into this nonsense about flames that grant wishes. They cast a veil of darkness on the manor. Everyone lives in fear now. Dad is completely obsessed about that flame, Karsh is so bitter and angry with everyone and… even you have changed Glenn. You seem distant, calling me miss Riddel or my lady.

"I know miss Riddel, but things have changed. We have all grown up. Now we have to abide by new rules." He said, lowering hid gaze.

"So you too think that it's all happening for the better." She asked, pleadingly.

"I didn't say that." Glenn replied, getting up.

"It was so much simpler when we were still young. Do you remember Glenn, when we were still young, the four of us, playing together. Our faces were not worn by worries. Everyone was so much happier. Dad's concern was the well-being of the land, not some flame that would grant him the glory of the past."

"I know it's hard for everyone, but do not worry, I won't let that Lynx harm you miss Riddel." He said, even if deep down inside he knew that Dario had always been the one to protect the others, especially Riddel.

"Thank you Glenn, but I don't think anybody will be safe as long as these guests are here." Riddel said, looking at Glenn and then at the sheets of her bed.

"Yes, I'm afraid you're right." Glenn said, looking at the floor.

None of them said anything for a while. Starting to feel a bit awkward, Glenn decided that it was probably time for him to leave.

"Well, I'll have to leave now. I have a meeting with that dad of yours." Glenn said, giving her an understanding smile.

"It's okay Glenn, I'll see you later." Riddel said, returning the smile.

Glenn walked away from her and opened the door to leave.

"Goodnight Glenn." Riddel said, still smiling.

"Goodnight…Riddel." Glenn said, hoping no one had heard that.

"Once Glenn had closed the door behind him, Riddel slowly let herself slide on her bed to rest her head against her pillow. She soon felt very tired and closed her eyes. She quickly fell asleep, her mind finally finding a peaceful place to rest.

Shadow forest, another world, 1020 A.D.

It didn't take much time for Serge to figure out why this forest was called shadow forest. Many huge trees created a sort of ceiling that blocked most of the sunlight. On the ground only small plants grew. A small river leading to a lake emitted a peaceful sound. A few tree trunks were lying on the ground. The forest was very calm, only the sound of the river and a few birds were disturbing the silence. In the very center of the forest was a pond were water-lilies grew and frogs croaked. Moss had grown on almost every tree and rock.

The four companions were traveling in silence, paying close attention not to stumble on a tree root.

"It's really not the way I imagined it would be." Leena said, looking around.

"What do you mean?" Serge asked.

"Well, it's so peaceful and calm. Mom always forbade me to wander in the forest, saying it was really dangerous, but there doesn't seem to be anything dangerous here." She replied.

"Don't judge just by the appearances." Guile said, slightly turning his head to look at the rest of the party.

"Oi, yeah, there's surely a bunch of wild heckrans hiding behind that tree and waiting the right moment to brutally slaughter us."

"The type who's not afraid of anything, uh?" Guile said.

"Bloody right!"

Just then, Guile stopped abruptly, raising his chin to look at the top of what seemed to be a huge tree that rested on four trunks. The three teenagers began observing their surroundings, realizing that the tree was blocking their way.

"Oi, what the hell's this?"

"This is the strangest tree I've ever seen." Leena said, placing a head on the odd vegetal.

"Hey, listen to this!" Serge called, pressing his ear against the tree.

"This-this tree's snoring!"

"Oi, the sun must have burned your bloody brain badly mate." Kid said, pressing her own ear against the tree.

"Well, we'll have to do something about it. We have to find a way around." Leena

said.

As for Guile, he was still gazing at the tree, but he was now holding his staff with both hands.

"Oi, mate, I must have the same disease you caught. I hear it too!"

"See, it must be sleeping or something."

"Oi, then I'm gonna wake this thing up and tell it to get the bloody hell out of our way mate." Kid said, reaching for her dagger.

However, Guile's staff denied her access to her weapon. Kid stared at him, frowning.

"Oi, what are you doing mate?" She said, struggling to get the man's staff out of her way.

"I strongly recommend against this. This is no tree. It's a Quaffid. Very dangerous." He said, stressing every syllable.

"Oi, maybe, but it's sleeping in my way, and I'm not taking that."

"It's not sleeping, it's hunting."

The three teenagers turned to Guile with a puzzled look on their faces.

"It's pretending to be asleep while waiting for a prey to get close enough and then…" he stopped still gazing upwards, then made a clapping sound with his teeth, bringing his gaze to his companions' level.

"Oi, so, how are we supposed to get pass through this mouth on stilts.

Guile then produced a small pouch from his pocket and held it in his hand. He slowly opened the pouch and a blue powder began emanating. After a while, a rustling came from a bush. A small yellow creature emerged from the bush and began walking toward the source as if hypnotized by the scent. Guile then gestured for his comrades to follow him away from the Quaffid as he left the pouch on the ground. The party was observing from afar as the small creature was advancing toward the velvet bag. Once it had reached its goal, a loud noise echoed and the Quaffid moved. The small creature quickly fled but was easily caught by its predator a few feet further. Only Guile was unmoved as fragile bones easily gave under the pressure of gigantic jaws.

"The laws of nature are cruel." He simply said.

The monster then lowered its head again, waiting for another prey. Guile left the cover, followed by Serge, Kid and Leena. The three teenagers kept gazing at the titan for as long as they could, but turned their heads once it was hidden by even greater trees.

After a while of walking, the group reached a huge oak, rooted in the middle of a small glade.

"Hold it right there!" bellowed a voice.

The group looked around to see where the voice was coming from. They all spotted a huge man, wearing golden loins, a full helmet and combat sandals perched on a high branch.

"You're not going any further!" the man yelled.

"I'm afraid we'll have to decline the offer." Guile said in a slightly mocking tone.

The man jumped down and landed perfectly. Then from behind the tree came Solt and Peppor. The three looked at Serge's party with a determined look on their faces.

"Ha! So that's the kid in diapers who bested Karsh. Did he fell asleep during the fight, cause that's the only way a gnat like you could have done that!" the man roared.

"Oi, look at the friend lanky and fatso brought. I bet he'll deflate like a bloody balloon with one scratch."

"And here's the rest of the kindergarten. You even brought a nanny. How touching. Looks like you're all going back to your crib now."

"This time you reallyly really are going to eat your words." Solt said.

"What about going back to your gym and doing a few push-ups, I think your arms are starting to lose their pump."

"Oh is that so? I'm sure we can do something about it!" the man said, hurling himself at Serge.

Zoah, spun around and brought his spiked buckler on Serge, who was barely about to deflect the blow, having trouble with the weight of his new swallow. Zoah's massive fist then connected with Serge's middle section. Serge coiled and was forced several steps away from his opponent. Guile then placed himself between Serge and Zoah.

"Looks like the nanny's gonna talk me round. Did the big bad bully beat up baby boy after class?"

While Serge was slowly recovering from the blow, Kid, Leena, Solt and Peppor were now engaged in a two on two fight a couple of feet away from him. Peppor was standing in front of Kid while Solt was facing Leena.

"Oi, party of yellow innates only? I didn't know you could be even dumber than you look. We'll just have to pelt away green elements at you" Kid said, smiling mockingly.

One of the green beads socketed in Kid's dagger lost its glow and Kid directed her gaze toward her opponent, but a disappointed look came across her face.

"Oi, what the…?"

"Ha! You didn't really think we wouldn't have learned from our previous encounters? We used anti-green elements over the area. This time, you're in for some real trouble missy." Peppor said, running his thumb on the blade of his axe.

Leena seemed scared by Peppor's affirmation, but Kid didn't look impressed at all.

"Oi, so you think I'm gonna need elements to beat you up once more?"

"Beat us up once more? This time you are going to get beaten badlyly badly." Solt said, gripping his halberd firmly.

Kid said nothing and just stood there gazing at them, smiling.

"What so funnily funny?" Solt asked.

"Oi nothing…" Kid said, looking down at her dagger.

"Just you!" Kid said, diving in a cartwheel at lightning speed and landing behind Peppor.

The shorter dragoon spun around and saw Kid resting against the great oak with his helm on her head. He quickly touched the top of his head and understood that he wasn't dreaming.

"Soldier, I command you to kiss my arse and say you're a rotten squid." Kid said, grinning.

"Y-Y-you insolent brat ! I'm gonna turn you into a shaking sliced up sausage." Peppor said, his face turning red.

Peppor began swinging his axe fiercely at Kid who was able to dodge the blows, but was surprised by the new speed of her opponent.

Leena was now firing a volley of elements at Solt who kept miraculously dodging them. Leena wasn't doing any real damage at all, but at least it kept her opponent at a distance.

I'd better find a real strategy here. I'm able to keep him away, but soon enough I'll have ran out of elements…

Serge having recovered, he had stepped up to battle again and he was forming a triangle with Guile and Zoah. Serge and Guile kept throwing blows, but the deva was able to dodge them by retreating a little further every time. Serge and Guile were trying to find a way to corner him, but not to avail, they were in a glade and the only obstacle in sight was the big oak, which their opponent was very aware of.

Serge brought his swallow down three times in a row, but not a single attack came even close to landing. The weight of his new weapon was definitely affecting his performance. Serge was getting frustrated to see such a big mammoth being faster than him and decided to use a very dangerous tactic. He spun around and went for a heavy damaging diagonal slice without knowing if there was an opening. His opponent quickly seized the opportunity and grabbed the handle of Serge's weapons between his hands. Zoah then used his other massive fist to land a powerful punch on Serge's jaw. It popping sound was heard and Serge clutched his right cheek only to leave an opening for Zoah to land a clean cut with his spiked buckler on the boy's left arm.

Serge was pushed several feet away by the impact and collapsed to the ground. Zoah laughed loudly, re-positioning himself to fight Guile. Aware of his opponent's greater agility, Guile decided in favour of another tactic. He raised his wand in front of him and muttered something. Zoah then found himself surrounded by wands.

"I hope you like magic tricks." Guile said, staring straight at Zoah.

"What's this? You think you're gonna impress me with a mystery box?"

"Forty rods, one of them is the real one. Pick wisely or you'll be sorry." Guile told his opponent.

Zoah just stood there for a moment, as if he was clueless as to what to do. Then he closed his right fist and whirled around extremely fast, knocking away all of the rods at once, which all turned into a sharp sword except for one. Guile raised his right hand to seize his rod, grimacing.

Meanwhile, Kid and Leena were in trouble. Kid was starting to feel tired, dodging so many powerful blows, but Peppor wasn't showing the slightest hint of fatigue. Sweat was pouring down his face, but his moves were just as fast and solid as the first he used. Leena now had only two elements left and her body was covered in bruises caused by Solt's elements.

Kid had resorted to throwing Peppor's helmet right back at him, but the manoeuvre had only seemed to further irritate him. Even though he was using wild swings, Kid was unable to get an opening to strike. She was now bearing two cuts on each arm and was struggling to maintain her grip on her weapon, which seemed to weaken each time she deflected a blow.

Leena and Solt had both ran out of elements and Leena knew that she would now have to face her opponent's halberd with but a frying pan. Solt was aware of the situation and was advancing threateningly toward her.

Peppor's axe went down in a furious blow and this time Kid's grip gave out. Her dagger flew right out of her hand. Peppor stood there for a moment, savouring his victory. However, Kid hadn't given up yet and was still staring defiantly at her adversary.

"Oi, I didn't want to resort to this, but ya leave me no choice." She said, panting.

Peppor stared at her while she placed her fists behind her back and closed her eyes as she brought them back in front of her face. The dragoon suddenly had the impression that the air was heating up.

An inferno…? No shaking way, that brat can't use that kind of element…

Peppor started to look around, searching for the cause of the phenomenon. Shocking sounds were then heard, sounds of a heavy armour being penetrated by metal objects. He gritted his teeth as hundreds of burning needles entered his flesh. He stood there for several seconds, his body convulsing under the impacts, his eyes wide, grimacing in pain.

Leena was retreating, desperately trying to find a way to take out the tall dragoon. Solt was now within striking distance and had raised his halberd. Leena raised her pan in the air, expecting a fierce blow that would probably knock it out of her hand, but it never came. Solt stopped dead in his tracks, his eyes widening, teeth gritting, letting out sounds of pain as burning needles pierced his armour and then his flesh.

Solt and Peppor fell to their knees, breathing with difficulty, eyes wide, arms hanging down their sides. Unable to stand it anymore, they both collapsed and fell face first in the mud. A thread of smoke was emanating from every tiny hole that had been dug in the steel armour.

Kid's and Leena's gazes turned to the other fighters. Serge was now on one knee, grunting in pain, but unable to speak due to his broken jaw. Guile was standing in front of Zoah.

"I hope you've got a big dragon in that hat, card flipper, 'cause otherwise it's the sabre box for you, and I always miss that trick, so there's no chance you're coming out in one piece." Zoah bellowed.

"Yes, I do have one last trick for you." Guile promptly answered.

The magician placed one hand on top of his rod and one under the handle. He brought them together, the wand vanishing.

"That's all you can do, seems like…" his voice trailed off and Zoah clutched his abdomen.

The deva looked down grunting in pain. The top of Guile's wand came out of his opponent's stomach and the deva fell to his knees, holding the magical weapons with both hands. Guile raised a hand and the wand flew out of his opponent. Blood gushed from the wound and the man collapsed. The mud turned a dark red, almost black, around him.

The battle was over and the survivors were standing around Serge.

"His jaw's broken. I can do something, but we need to bring him away from here. The anti-green field prevents me from doing so." Guile said, looking at Serge's jaw.

Serge was still able to walk and traveled several feet away from the battle field, agonizing all the way there. Guile then raised his wand and a green bead became dark. Guile's hands were bathed in a lasting green light. He raised his wand again and Serge was covered in green light. The pain diminished a lot, but he still had trouble communicating with words.

"He's going to be okay. The injury isn't fully healed, but the recovery will be much faster." Guile added.

Leena put her backpack back on the ground, opened it and produced some bandages. She wrapped some around Kid's arms while she was looking all around her. She noticed the rare sunrays that reached the ground had become more horizontal.

"Oi, what time do you think it is?"

"Oh, do not worry, we're not very far from the manor now, we should even reach it before sunset." Guile answered.

Serge was poking at the ground silently when he heard shrill howls. He frantically turned his head from side to side, still grimacing from the pain, trying to find the source of these strange sounds.

"Cassowaries…" Guile muttered.

"Oi, cassowhat?"

"Demons, they begin hunting when the sun starts lowering. We'd better not stay here. C'mon!" He said, hastily getting up.

They were walking as fast as possible through the thickening forest. Branches were scratching every face, arm and leg that passed through the trees. The group was struggling to keep moving through the forest that was now opposing more resistance.

"So, there are really demons here?" Leena asked

"Well, I thought cassowaries to be extinct, but it appears they aren't. Barbaric creatures that hunt in groups, often wielding weapons. They usually devour their prey alive." The magician answered, tossing branches aside with his wand.

"Gosh, now I understand why mom told me the forest is so dangerous."

"Oi, bloody hell, why do we flee like that? I'd bet I can kick their arses too."

"Because I can't protect three kids like you against a horde of demons." Guile said in a tone that clearly suggested this conversation was over.

Serge and Leena felt a little ashamed of themselves, recognizing their leader was partly right. Kid, on the other hand was pissed off and considered Guile to be lucky she was busy trying to make a way for herself through branches that kept becoming more and more numerous.

Guile then came to a halt and began inspecting the ground.

"Oi, now what?"

Guile didn't answer and kept looking down. Spotting a water trickle, Guile pushed the leaves aside with his rod, revealing the entrance of a cave. He entered, followed by the other travelers.

The trickle had evolved in a small river and was leading the group through a narrow cave. It was totally empty and the only sound was that of the water, water that flowed around their feet and dropped from the stalactites that hung above their heads. The group then came to a dead-end and stopped.

"Oi, great! Now what are we gonna do?

"We wait. We reached our goal, now we just wait here for the sun to disappear under the horizon." Guile said, the tip of his rod producing a spark of light that illuminated a ladder. The three teenagers looked at him, interrogation spread on their faces.

"We now stand on the very bottom of a dried-up well that rests on the Viper manor grounds."

The four companions then sat down and waited for the night to come in silence.