U.A High - Gymnasium: Monolith of Strength (1/4/2017 9:45 AM.)
The lively chatter that filled the gym vanished as soon as she went through the white door. Ruby eyes stare in awe as luscious vegetation suddenly comes into view, replacing the concrete jungle she was located in. Although stunned by the shift in locale, she quickly becomes accustomed to the change and proceeds to navigate throughout the moonlit environment.
She takes a gander at her immediate surroundings and notices three major geological features. The door she came from was resting at the summit of a jagged cliff, making it nearly impossible to travel south. Further north, the forest of oak trees was vast and sporadic giving the girl no clear path to follow. She did have a clue, however, as she caught sight of a steep spiral mountain at the edge of the forest.
Aiko weighs her options and decides to scout the area for any alternative routes. As she begins her search, something akin to dread began to surmount inside her. It was weak at first but was rapidly growing once she felt prying eyes gaze on her. She stops a few meters away from the door and turns to face the wilderness.
She could've sworn there was something in the vegetation watching her. Something desperate and hungry skulking in the shadows, waiting patiently for her to make a wrong move. The annoying itch turned into angst as she began to see things from the corner of her eye. First there was one, then two, then suddenly a whole pack of them showed up. Dark creatures that took the form of wolves had emerged from all parts of the forest. They begin to surround the girl forcing her to stop on her tracks.
She stays motionless for what seems to be an eternity, observing the wolves, watching as they keep their hungry gaze on her. Emotionless ruby eyes narrow on the creatures closest to her. She saw as they began to display ferocious behavior. Loud snapping jaws and wicked hyena-like laughter echo throughout the dense woods as they slowly inch their way towards her. She braces herself for the incoming attack and shouts at the myriad of approaching jaws.
The first creature that lunged at her received a blow to the mouth causing a loud snap to echo throughout the area. It shook its head: shrugging off the punch before snarling at her and quickly getting back on its feet. The second beast snuck its way close to a meter away from her before being spotted. A devilish smile accompanied by a toothy grin greets the girl as the wolf lashes out. It springs onto her, digging its sharp claws against her left thigh and extending its maw towards her throat.
She knew she could not dodge the attack the moment the wolf revealed itself. Aiko quickly brings her left arm up to stop its assault and clenches her teeth as its sharp fangs were easily cutting into her flesh. Razor-sharp fangs stopped once the bone got in their way. She instinctively shed tears, not wanting to let out a shriek of pain for it would reveal her frailty to the wolves. The pain was excruciating, to say the least, but she did not concede so easily.
Anger and desperation began to brew inside her once she noticed the first wolf assume a pouncing stance. She had to act quick or else she would not make it to live another day. Her right hand began to glow a purple hue, confusing the first wolf, allowing her more time to act. She clenches her fist and calculates its trajectory towards the second beast's belly.
She has a clear shot but hesitates to deliver the punch, 'Maybe...using my quirk is not the best alternative here... Remember what happened in M.A.H1? These are still living things we can't just-' Her train of thought is suddenly interrupted once the beast's maw unhinges and quickly snaps back on her arm. The pain is impossible to ignore now and forces her to scream in agony as blood gushes from her wounds. She could feel its teeth grind against her bone, forcing her on her knees as anger and spite continues to fester inside.
Laughter and triumphant howls blare against her ears. Though her vision was blurry she could've sworn she'd seen devilish smiles on their hideous faces. She finally gave up on reason and allowed the anger to overwhelm her. She adjusts her fist once again and angrily snaps a wicked blow against the beast's vulnerable stomach.
It was satisfying to feel freedom again but she feared the cost was too great.
The beast released its death grip and allowed the initial pain to seize. She retracted her arm and began to stand, desperately looking for a way to get out of there. She catches sight of the portal and agrees she would return back home despite being unable to complete this trial. Before she could bolt towards the white door, however, she notices she's unable to move.
Aiko desperately tries to make her way towards the exit but is still rooted to the ground. She turns to face the wolves and a pained expression forms on her face. 'No...not again…' She pleads and presses both hands against her ears, desperately trying to block out the creature's dying howls.
A bellowing cry resonates from the creature as purple light glows from its belly. It continues to yowl and writhe in pain as it frantically presses its head against the ground, trying to ignore the burning sensation of the purple ick. The beast's struggle begins to weaken, as do its cries. The yellow glow where its eyes were fades away leaving nothing but darkness in its place.
'I...I was only defending myself! How could I have known it would've died in one blow?.. It did attack first...so...I'm justified in defending myself...right?...' She desperately questions as rage fades and guilt begins to gnaw at her. Hopeless ruby eyes dart from the ground to the wolf's carcass then finally to the rest of the pack. The yellow dots that illuminated the forest were gone only to be replaced by a cluster of red eyes.
The paralysis she felt earlier was gone, finally allowing her complete free-will. She knew she'd be overrun in a matter of seconds so she made a choice. In desperation, she attempted a mad dash towards the portal and soon heard their menacing snarls as they follow closely. She was only a few feet away from the door when she was forced to come to a jarring stop.
A great grey wolf leapt from the woods creating a blockade between the girl and her escape. Caught off guard, she braced herself expecting to be mauled the moment it landed in front of her. When nothing came, she opened her eyes and noticed the wolf's vigilant glare. Its sights were set towards the woods where the feral pack hastily retreated. Although wary of the great beast, she couldn't help but let out a shaky sigh of relief. Ruby eyes turn to meet the wolf and she proceeds to carefully inch her way towards the door.
It noticed her sly movements, however, and quickly repositioned itself to stop her. The wolf kept its vigilant gaze locked onto Aiko while the girl becomes desperate. She was about to lash out in anger but the pain in her arm was too much to bear. The tattered sleeve that hid her wounds was now drenched in blood. For a moment, she completely ignores the wolf's presence and focuses on herself.
Two sets of puncture wounds are dotted throughout her injured arm, blood continues to ooze from them. She quickly gets to work and proceeds to remove her gym blazer, ripping off a piece of cloth from it and shakily tying a knot right below her elbow. The plain white sleeveless shirt worn underneath was still intact. She lets out a quiet sigh and tries to remain calm while the warm heat of crimson drools down to her hand. The girl knew she would bleed out if she wasn't properly attended to, but with the wolf blocking her path there was nothing she could do. She was ready to embrace what was to come.
Amber eyes narrow onto the girl. They watch as she hopelessly tries to tend to her wounds. The giant wolf perks its head towards the sky letting out a solemn howl before returning its attention to Aiko. It proceeds to tower over her and dips its head towards her arm. The wolf licks the grevious wounds washing away the blood and immediately sealing the flesh.
Aiko watches in awe as her wounds instantly heal. No longer afraid of the mighty creature she turns to face it eye-to-eye and whispers, "What are you?" It stays silent and simply responds by rubbing its head against her in an adorable manner. The child doesn't know how to react and simply lets out a few hearty chuckles as the creature shows affection and kindness to her. The wolf's soft fur comforts the child reminding her of something she once had.
Though she wishes to remain like this a little longer, she understands that she has to move on now. The girl turns to the wolf and calmly runs a hand against its massive snout, "I need to get back home...coming here was a mistake…" She looks down at where the wound used to be and quietly sighs, "Those things...they weren't too fond of me anyways. I'm sure if I go deeper into the forest I'll encounter worse creatures..." She looks up at the wolf and watches as its eyes focus on hers.
Aiko slowly pulls away from the wolf's embrace and tries to make her way towards the door only to be stopped again. She becomes slightly irritated and desperately cries out, "Why do you want me here?!" The distress in her eyes is noticed by the wolf. It winces at seeing such a hurt child but continues to stand its ground. "Don't you see?...I'm not wanted here...It's best if I just go back home." She sighs in defeat hoping the creature would allow her to go through.
The wolf does not respond and continues to block the exit. She runs a hand through her messy hair and sighs, "What will it take for you to let me through?" Though no response is given she proceeds to lay down and watches the landscape before her. Something finally clicks once her eyes catch sight of the spiral mountain right at the edge of the forest. She quickly turns to the wolf and asks, "Is that what you want me to do? Continue forward and finish this trial?" To her surprise, the creature bows its head in accordance to her question. Aiko lets out a sigh of defeat before giving the wolf a witty smile, "Alright, I'll continue the trial...only if you accompany me."
The wolf seemingly agrees as it immediately lowers its rump so she can mount it. The girl lets out a few jittery chuckles before finally admitting, "Well...if you insist…" She proceeds to mount the great creature and latches onto it as they commence their journey.
Monolith of Strength - Forest of Broken Paths
Her light-auburn hair frolics against the cool wind as they both make their way through the forest. She keeps a tight grip on the wolf's thick hide and allows herself to get comfortable on its soft fur. She takes this moment of respite to listen to the soothing sounds of rustling leaves and memorises the rhythmic pitter-patter of the wolf's steps. Aiko turns to face upward watching as the moon hangs in the sky. She ponders, 'This is all too weird for me. One moment I'm with my new class then the next I'm attacked by a bunch of wolves?' She lets out an unsure sigh and continues to contemplate, 'What the hell is this place supposed to be anyways? And why would the school allow students to attend something so...dangerous?...'
She was about to let out a soft curse when she noticed the wolf's pace was slowing down. They made it to the edge of the forest and were sitting at the mouth of the mountain's narrow incline. The path upwards was too small for the creature to climb so that meant she would have to make the ascension by herself.
It turned around to meet eyes with the girl and let out a soft howl. The troubled look on her face instantly vanished once both pair of eyes locked. She smiled and greeted it with her own playful howl before dismounting. "Well, a deal's a deal. I'll keep my promise just like you kept yours." She gave the wolf a few rubs against its snout and beamed another smile at it, "Thank you for your help. You can go home now."
It yawned once Aiko was done patting its slender snout and simply responded by licking her face. The girl let out a few miffed complaints whilst the wolf wagged its tail. "Ptooey! Gross!" She whined as she struggled to get rid of the slobber on her cheek.
Aiko lets out a sigh before straightening herself, "It's best if I get going then. Thank you, wolf." She comes down for a bow and makes her way towards the narrow passage, leaving the beast waiting at the bottom of the mountain.
It took her some time but she finally arrived at the summit. Visibly frustrated from the exhausting climb, she rests her hands on her knees and catches her breath. The girl shoddily reassures herself, 'This'll be worth it...you just gotta find the Avatar and pass the test.' She looks up only to catch sight of the beauty right in front of her. The circular summit she was standing on was approximately the length of a school bus. Tall pine trees decorated its edges while a slight opening was available for her to enter through. She gathers her strength and quickly maneuvers through the collection bushes only to enter a quiet grove.
Amidst this newfound silence, the girl passionately listens as life began to play its chaotic melody. Insects fluttered and buzzed throughout the area while the gentle wind caused the trees to strum their rustling tune. Beyond the thicket of trees, faint splashing could be heard drumming against hard rock.
Aiko turns to her left and notices a few smooth stones that look comfortable enough to sit on. She ponders for a moment and shrugs, 'Well...I guess a little rest wouldn't hurt.' She takes a seat on the oval shaped stone and watches as life gleefully dances in front of her.
'It's been a while since I've seen something like this…' The girl contemplates as she begins to fiddle with her clothes. She rolls up her pants to reveal slim olive-skinned legs. A sigh of relief escapes from pink lips as the cool wind blew against the aching muscles. She presses her fingers against her right leg and kneads those twitching nerves before quietly whispering, "The silence here is so peaceful. It's almost as if everything that's been bugging me has just...vanished. Heh…" She let out an unsure chuckle before her serious demeanor returns. "But...no...this isn't for me…" A defeated sigh resonates from the girl as her fingers rub against the fresh wounds on her left leg. She winces as a thought crosses her mind and tries to lose herself in the beauty before her.
The serene silence was disrupted once a bird began to tweet a delightful song. Slightly irritated by the noise, she ignores the bird's alluring tune and readjusts her clothing.
A determined Aiko looks down at her feet as Aizawa's words echo in her mind, 'Remember, these deities will only show up to those they deem worthy of their presence. So try luring them out by proving yourself based on what they embody.'
She reflects on those words and thinks to herself, 'If this deity is supposed to represent strength then I supposed showing off my power should do.' She ponders for a moment and turns to her right only to catch sight of a giant boulder resting at the center of the grove. Without hesitation, the girl quickly runs up to the boulder quirk drawn and both hands glowing a hue of purple. She was about to press her palm against the rock when something struck the back of her head.
"Ow!" She cries out and watches as a pinecone casually bounces on the ground beneath her. Confused yet somewhat worried, she turns around and surveys the area for anything abnormal. There are no other souls in sight other than the whistling bird and the lively insects. She blames the wind and lets out a soft-spoken curse before turning her attention back to the boulder. Purple light begins to brighten as her palm gently presses against the stone. The transmutation was about to be complete but the same soft thud struck against her once again.
She lets out an annoyed groan and quickly turns around only to find nothing. The frustrated teen sighs while pressing her hand back on the boulder. A luster of purple light emanates from her hand as the boulder begins to crumble. Cracks start to appear on the weakened stone and just when it was about to burst a stinging pain forces the girl to stop. She brings a hand against the back of her neck and sees a hefty pebble fall right next her feet.
"Whoever that is, knock it off!" She shouts as her impatience begins to escalate..
"Why?" A soft-spoken voice calls out to her in a defiant tone. The bird's chirping has stopped leaving the girl waiting in silence.
Ruby eyes light up once she hears the response. She quickly turns around, quirk still active, and assumes a defensive stance. "Who's there!? Show yourself!" An emotionless Aiko stands her ground and firmly demands for the stranger to reveal themselves. A moment passes as nothing but silence continues to greet the girl. She was about to lower her guard when a few leaves began to rustle from the trees.
Once the rustling comes to a halt, a shadow emerges from the trees quickly diving towards the girl. She lunges out of its way and turns around only to catch sight of the marvelous beast. An eagle two times its normal size stands proud atop the fractured stone. Its wings are splayed out showcasing the creature's massive size. It lets out a majestic caw and keeps its yellow eyes trained on the girl. "You stand before Viribus2. Explain yourself, Desecrator."
Author's Notes:
Hi! Sorry for the month long wait but I'm happy to announce that I'm back on track with writing new chapters of Aiko's journey. Last month has been somewhat hectic. Finals were right around the corner, my job was taking up a lot of my time, and my sleep schedule has been all over the place.
Despite the time constraints, I did struggle writing this chapter mostly because I didn't really know what I wanted this to be. I mean, by the middle of June I wrote 2 drafts that were completely different to the final outcome. But, not to worry! I've finally figured out the path I want this story to take. I've decided to mix the 'Monolith Mythos' with the 'My Hero Academia' universe in order to tell a new story. Hopefully y'all enjoy this as much as I do and in time I will explain more on what the 'Monolith Mythos' is.
For now, however, I've got to get to planning out how I'll take this series forward. All comments are valued by the by, so feel free to leave an interesting comment! Well, I'm outtie for now. Have a good day/night and y'all stay safe!
-L.M
1 M.A.H - Ministry of Aspiring Heroes. (Aiko's Middle School.)
2 Language used here is Latin.