Boisterous Salem

It was darker than any cave. Perhaps to portend his travels ahead, Gray Wolf faced something buried in the darkness. A reflection of blood-red eyes, and then Gray Wolf's head, reflected across a platinum blade. The blade lashed out and headed for his throat in a forward thrust. He turned his neck and so quickly, the blade slid across his mane.

Then, his eyes flew open. That was when Gray smelled maple wood and heard the enraged voice of Basilisk nearby, along with another's. It was difficult to miss.

"You know Basilisk, how about being a benevolent ruler?"

"Bite me, human. Enough of that mushy crap."

"Let me tell you something, you are no match for King Ape."

"Say what!?"

"You say being King of the Forest means a lot to you, but there's more to that King Ape. No, this is no longer about pack living and turf wars. That creature has changed into something pure evil."

"What the Hell are you saying?"

"I didn't think it was possible for Parepare to become more dangerous, and it's all because of that monster Ape. No, he can't be beaten now. Something is going on and the activity of Salem can't be a coincidence. There is a huge gathering of monsters at the harbor; some say that they need to cross the sea to reach the Islands to 'face destiny'. I think you should follow them."

"I am not leaving Parepare!"

"Either go with them or place your fate in the hands of the villagers and the Humon agency. Ape is a problem enough and you're adding to it. Do you think we're just gonna release you back into Parepare and add on to our misery?"

Upon further inspection, taking a moment to ignore the argument and look at the surrounding, Gray Wolf realized that he was in some human domicile or establishment. He and Basilisk were in separate cells, and he wasn't too fond of his situation either. He heard from the man that Basilisk was on the "Wanted List", a term he had picked up eavesdropping on human villages while traveling with his pack, but it made no sense for the gray Tiger to be put in a cell. He beckoned for the man, and Gray Wolf was given a prompt answer as to where he was and how he got here.

"You're in Salem and your red friend brought you here," the human said. Gray Wolf cocked his head at the term 'red friend'; however, Basilisk was fuming-he thought of only one figure who fit that description. It was well understood that he had a friend who wanted to restrain or steer the Zuum in the right direction. Currently, he had the potential of being sentenced to death.

"Gray one, I was told that you wanted to come to Salem so that you could cross the sea. If that is your intention, I'll let you out."

"Why you even throw me in here?" Gray Wolf's guttural voice didn't make the human trustworthy of the caged animal, especially since he came with Basilisk. The two others were treated for their wounds and released to join the Salem gathering. The man explained that Monsters contributing to the fate of the world was a "huge deal"; if they sensed this, it made them more sublime to the human eye. God was a Monster who created others like it, and a Monster to a human was a friend or a child.

"However, since Basilisk is concerned about ruling with an iron fist, he gets to stay, and the Agency will take care of it." The human said; clearly, in Basilisk's earshot, leading to some unfriendly roars and the man bringing out a cattle prod. A couple of jabs, and the Zuum's roars tapered to silence. The sound heard afterward was the thud of Basilisk collapsing in his cage.

"Rank A danger on the bounty board, Basilisk. A provocative Zuum monster with a violent temper who steals and assaults those who enter Parepare. While he doesn't eat people, cases of him attacking and stealing from caravanners and resident exhibitionists were high."

Hearing the human's explanation, Gray Wolf wasn't surprised considering Basilisk's manners; it made him ground his teeth. He was no better than the monsters who served Jesvah. Being a jungle hawk, the Zuum had something to prove, but at the expense of others' safety. Perhaps it was fate that they clashed, and maybe they should've fought to the death hadn't the Jaggernauts interfered. Gray figured that it was best for Basilisk to be left to the humans, but how would Tyrant feel? He told the human guard that he came with Hopper and Mocchi, and that he will join them. In secret, the old Tiger was curious about this so-called mass gathering at the Salem port. When he stepped out of the human establishment, his nose picked up a conflagrant smell; he quickly confirmed the presence of other monsters, a huge pack of them, combined with the salty smell of the sea.

Advancing further into town, Gray Wolf stopped behind a group of monsters. Those monsters led into the long line leading to the port. They swam through a single brick road, thinned down by the homes and businesses of Salem. The humans could see them through their windows; at such a remarkable, one-of-a-kind sight, one can't help but wonder what event was occurring.

"The Port is packed, but no boat will sail." A dreary, low voice spoke out. "Something about the waters being unsafe."

"It was you who brought us to Salem wasn't it?"

"Mm-hm."

"I'm surprised they trusted you, Tyrant." At the back of the line, Gray found the red Golem leaning in an alley. Such size, the dragon-shaped head, and the blazing red rocks made his large body difficult to miss.

"I'm not sure if they do," said Tyrant, crooking his head to acknowledge the gray Tiger. "They just find me 'more reasonable' compared to Basilisk, but I told them I don't want to leave without Basilisk."

"Why are you friends with that ruffian?!"

"I am friend of his father, the former Chieftain. The one who brought me in even though I wasn't of same Zuum kind."

"He's still caged and the humans won't let him go because he still thinks like a ruffian, Tyrant. I don't think he's coming."

"I told them that if the humans kill them, they kill me as well."

"Don't be stupid! You have other options."

"To be honest, I want Basilisk to see the way of Gali and defeat the darkness of the Jungle. The answers lie, I believe, at Islands. Gold one came to us, it must be true. Also, I believe the answer to Diabolos is there as well."

"Diabolos?"

"Evil dragon. The true evil of the Jungle. He must be stopped, but his body sheds fear. The fear touches all."

Another Dragon, Gray thought. He also wondered if every monster that stood in line before him was affected by these recent strange events. By the terrorism of the Dragons; were they also tempted by a so-called "Utopia"? Was it so dire that they had to horde Salem to cross the sea? What kind of answer lie in wait at the Islands? Was there something at the Islands that could help them? Or would it be a world-shaking revelation? Such anxiety filled Gray Wolf's heart.

"Here ye, here ye Monsters of the World!" The voice boomed; it took everyone's attention and snapped Gray out of his brooding, but it was the voice of a boy. Approaching the monster line was a young man with dirty blonde hair. As he slowly approached, he juggled three wooden balls in his hands. A waddling duck-like Monster with an oval-shaped blue, yellow and red body followed him by his knees.

"The Islands flowers filled with specks of ocean dew.

But, evil is rife in the sea of blue.

Endure travel to squeal and excite, but the whale and the mermaids come out to bite.

Winged Dragons image our doom, but with love and justice, our world will bloom."

O Great Gali bathe us in light, save us O Gali with your holy might."

"An entertainer?" Gray mouthed out loud.

"Sorry, I tried. I'm better with juggling and balancing." It was young Julio, the caravaneer in Salem. He was sometimes known as the Peach boy for selling the Silver Peaches.

"Weh?!" The duck's beak parted open, a noise of exclamation popping out. "Don't shame yourself Julio! It is a fine, truthful hymn."

Gray Wolf narrowed his eyes. "You know something, kid?"

"Boats ran ashore here because of evil monsters in the sea. I've been stuck here for days because many boats are under repair."

"Weh, Julio! Don't 'ashore' me that slid in town by accident and can't go back out?" asked the duck monster.

"I mean they are stuck, Caplan." Julio said as he looked down at the monster. Gray Wolf was mesmerized by the duck's beady eyes, round body, and flat wings. The way he clung by Julio and spoke to one another, Gray would determine that the two were partners. He has never seen such a monster before, however.

"It's too dangerous for Julio to risk going on the boat," the duck said, wiggling its wings and skinny legs. When he did, its body wobbled and it almost seem like it was about to fall apart.

"I'd literally fall to pieces if you die! Julio, don't go on the b—!" Even though the duck said 'literally', that is exactly what happened. As he shook and wobbled, the monster's body fell into three pieces: The upper red piece carrying the head, the middle yellow piece carrying the wings and the lowering blue piece with the legs and feet.

"Caplan!" Pocketing his balls, Julio crouched and picked up the pieces that made up Captain. Was that a real monster or a talking toy? The answer was supposedly both.

Julio's beloved Caplan was a monster called a Ducken, said to be made in ancient civilization. A wooden toy divided into three parts given a spirit, but the technique that created it was all a mystery. No wonder he had a home on the Islands, and further verified Julio's origins. Rumor has it that the spirits that made Duckens were from those who died in Torles Mountains. Gray Wolf figured that it was a monster since the boy gave it a name.

"Sorry!" Julio grinned sheepishly. When Caplan was placed back together, its body convulsed.

"I won't fall again. Knock on wood."

"For now. Try not to fall until after the Island Gathering," Julio patted off any dust that was on his friend and looked at Gray and Tyrant. "After my proposal, Salem has planned to send out monsters by boat to combat the sea evils. That is all we can do, but the process is going slowly."

In other words, Gray, Tyrant, and wherever Mocchi and Hopper were in the line, there would be a slowdown. It was even possible that Mocchi and Hopper had set off to sea.

"Are you sending everyone?" Gray Wolf asked.

"As much as we can."

"It's that important? What is there?"

"The place of our ancestors, the people of Pangea, the Shrine of Gali and Monol, the creators of Panpole and the Festival Sky arena. It's also said to be the recruitment site for the next Ancient Great War."

Such words were enough to bring shock to Gray Wolf's face; what Hell was he led into by Ghoulshine?

"Everything started there." The boy mentioned. "I told the Salem mayor that everyone can't go. I think we should monitor FIMBA and IMa as well, but strong monsters must also go to Islands. How can we tell? We can only go by who makes it across."

"If some can't go, some must relay news," said Tyrant.

"We will radio Salem and relay the news. This is an event that'll test the world's Hu-Mon war effort." The boy grinned all his teeth at the two monsters. "That's what I call it anyways."

"Weh, Julio!" Caplan screeched and wiggled. "Don't smile about such a terrible, scary thing."

"Do what you like kid, I just want to go to the Islands." Gray Wolf acted tough and scoffed, but now Julio's explanation was weighing down on him inside.

"Gray, I will stay and wait for Basilisk," said Tyrant.

"I still think it's dumb to trust him. He'll die a ruffian and so will you…just cause!"

"I think within, his heart can be good. He just a doubter. This situation does involve him highly." The Golem's head tilted. "Julio, right?"

"Hm?" The boy and his toy-like partner looked up; even though the Golem was sitting against an alley wall, it was still pretty large and grabbed attention easily.

"Do you know Diabolos?"

"A bounty monster; on the board, he is rated S-rank," Julio explained. "A couple of times I heard that name by my home, but every time it's brought up, the people say not 'to speak its name'."

"Ominous. As expected."

"I know right? It looked like a Dragon on the bounty picture. My homefolk said it's a name attached to generations of fear and slaughter."

"It is a Dragon."

"Wha? Have you seen it, Mister Golem?" Julio's human formalities made Tyrant silent for a moment, but he shook his head.

"No, but Basilisk did. When he described the monster, it fit what I saw one time in a dream."

"We must speak with Basilisk right now! Come on, Caplan!" Just like that, the Caravaneer ran off with the Ducken hobbling behind him.

"I wonder…if that boy can convince him," Tyrant uttered to himself. Gray Wolf wouldn't fret about who or what was left behind; his goal was clear and he pushed himself through the crowd looking for Hopper, young Tiger, and Mocchi. He saw other Tigers, Plants, Dinos, Suezos, the common breeds of both town and wild. He has never seen a port before—by his own eyes, the buildings scattered, and he saw the boats jutting out the coast of the blue sea. Wood planks lined out as piers, crossed over beach sands and granite; the blue sea stretched out in the horizon. Never had Gray Wolf crossed so far to the edges of the continent with his pack to see the sea—for what reason until now? He couldn't help but stare out with his mouth agape.

"There you are, chi!"

The chirpy voice snapped Gray back to reality. He shook his head and turned to the voice, seeing three familiar monsters run towards him.

"I was lookin' for you idiots," the old monster said.

"SO they let you out, chi?" Mocchi greeted with a grin. "The humans said we're gonna form a small convoy to the Islands, but everyone can't go."

"I'm going." Gray Wolf's face crinkled.

"Figures chi, and you fit perfectly. The boat crews said they need monsters with some good ranged skills because there are evil monsters in the water."

"What kind?"

"A huge one in particular: They call it, the 'Sea General Goatrek."

Goatrek – that was the name of a monster called Zilla, a monster that can easily inspire literature enthusiasts of the war against Moby Dick. A humongous blue whale said to be legend, it was the largest monster sighted in modern times. Therefore, it could easily emerge from the water and effortlessly stave various boats. How unfortunate that it took aggressive action; no wonder naval trade and travel were stalled. Even though the boats were equipped with mounted crossbows—one or two having ancient tech cannons from the Islands—the people of Salem said that crossing the sea meant that boats would absolutely sink.

Mocchi also explained that they may need to protect the deck too. So, what was the plan? What would be the miracle?

"Courage and faith in our friends." said a dark-skinned sailor named Ahab. It took hours, but five boats managed to set sail; Mocchi, Tiger, Hopper and Gray Wolf were on the same boat. Salem would work til sunset, sending a night fleet to cover the six o' clock position.

If things went smoothly with fine weather, it would be about a twenty or twenty-five-hour trip. Even if the world's hope demanded it, who would cover the expenses of the monsters' hunger and care? The Salem folk wasn't sure if they kept that in mind; they had to feed the crew and only they were used to uneventful sea fares and fishing on the deck. They weren't too used to the bunk room below deck being crowded. At least, they didn't feel that lonely. In fact, Gray Wolf was "stuck" conversing with a young sailor.

"I hear ya a wild man."

"You do this a lot?"

"D'what?"

"Talk without asking."

"Yeesh, you tough. C'mon now, the sea will getcha if y'don't loosen."

"This Zilla, when and where does he attack?"

"Anytime."

"Lovely."

Ahab and other sailors explained that there was no specific time spot that Goatrek attacked; one time he was found near the port itself and froze the crew with terror. At sea, they could've been five hours in, ten hours, or even near the lip of the Islands. Whichever caused the humans despair; no one knew why Goatrek behaved the way he did. Such devilish luck as Zillas were very rare creatures that hardly reared their heads from below the sea. It's said that they were usually eating to conserve their huge bodies and if they came up for air, it was usually away from mainland. So, everyone concluded that Goatrek became evil by the Dragon movement.

"Mass destruction, great darkness. And the sea is very dark the further down it goes. Rumor has it that Goatrek was touched by Ragnaroks. A Dragon of Legend. Enough to shaken even our Lesione guardians."

Gray Wolf delved into the sailors' words. The names of two other dragons in a such short time—Jesvah, and now Diabolos and Ragnaroks, names of Dragons attached to ruining everything. However, if it was a 'Legend', was the Dragon real? Was it seen? Or was it a metaphor for bad omens? And Lesione again? Little Tiger stuck with Gray Wolf, and the two brothers' curiosity couldn't be sated the longer they stayed with the crew. The travel was long after all, and there was no sign of an attack.

"Who d'think be strong enough to fight?" Mingle from the crew contiuned.

"Why, steel Shiranui o'course."

"Oh! That's right, The Sonic Knife! And Zagref? Raiden?"

"Such strong monsters! I want to see Shiranui cut a wing off."

"Free food, chi. Can't go wrong," said Mocchi. It was difficult to determine time. Salem seemed gone beyond the horizon; on deck, whatever man or mon looked, there was nothing but sea. Everyone tried to ignore these eventless sails by mingling together in the mess hall. However, because the crew increased, each man and mon had to take turns in the mess as groups. Somehow, Hopper and Tiger, despite being wild monsters, easily adjusted to being with those that did not look like them; Mocchi mentioned having adapted with humans in the past. Gray Wolf behaved like he was bored and focused on eating. Near the end of his meal, he asked the humans about nigrum since it was mentioned during conversation.

"I heard it was also called dark mana. Make the beasts wild," one sailor said.

"When we land, maybe we'll meet up with Tobias. I'm sure he'll tell us everything."

"Oh-ho, that guy."

Gray Wolf didn't ask any further questions; he would see other Tigers of different sub-breeds nearby, but refused to interact with them. The Tigers saw the old one t as oblivious or unsocial. At one point of the day, Ahab passed him some words.

"Fight with your heart, Gray Wolf." It seemed like sentimental nonsense.

Hours in, some of the crew and most of the monsters were asleep; late at night, the watch was out on deck. Gray Wolf and Ahab leaned by the gunwale, looking out at sea and above. A waning gibbous illuminated the dark night sky and lapped the calm sea waters. It was almost too good to be true; the humans felt like they left danger behind and the Dragon Movement seemed like a fantasy. A typical day to sail and fish, to grasp their way of life until the end of their lives.

"This Goatrek. Was he ever defeated?" the gray Tiger said.

"Never 'ad to fight 'im before," answered Ahab. "We injured him, but many of our boats sunk cause of 'im. Zillas are usually peaceful and elusive. But this may be our first concentrated offensive."

"What do we do?"

"Using a few monsters, we need to increase distance, so we are given the chance to evade and bombard Goatrek. If he accumulates damage, I'd say that's enough. The Golems should hurt him good. But, we only allow one Golem per boat."

"Weight yeah?"

"Yeh. We are not used to extra encumbrance after all." Ahab would go to explain that Golems, Tigers and Mocchis are also good for wind power. The boats were all masts and rudder power; they will need to trim the sails when it was time to increase speed.

When the morning came, the sound of bells echoed across the sea between the five ships. Distanced, they sailed parallel to each other, so the sound could not be missed.

Then, the energy in the air became cold steel. Every monster and man on deck froze as the sea surface elevated stories into the air. Something over ninety feet emerged; all could see a wide blue body, ventral fur, and silver baleen hairs, which stretched around a jaw of a monster.

This would by far be Gray Wolf's biggest challenge. The whale was larger than any Dragon, any monster he has ever seen; immediately, he was consumed by the thought that he would be destroyed.

In one swoop of the creature's body, an enormous tidal wave lunged at the boats.

"Speed up! Tigers! Mocchis! At the front, now!"

By the order of the captains, a part of the tidal wave that tumbled towards the boats became encased in ice. The crossbows and the tech cannons were mounted.