Howling 17
The sun rose on a cool summer morning. The small campfires around the top of the walls of a fort had extinguished, and smoke rose from them. The guards on the night shift were changing. They chatted with the next group of guards before leaving. It was looking like another uneventful day. The sun rose, and the fort's soldiers began their daily routines—the construction of buildings and the fort wall.
The soldiers not on duty were leaving their rooms and heading to eat breakfast. In another building, four children were getting ready. They wore brown training clothes. Fillan, the wolf beastman boy, spaced out. He was thinking about his dream.
Shia snaps Fillan back to reality. With his calm and lazy tone, he tells Fillan they will be late for breakfast. Fillan nods and follows him out. Barret, the tall, burly bear beastman boy, also follows. Finley is already annoyed; he stares at them leaving. "Useless bunch." He finishes getting ready and leaves.
The group and another group of children make their way to the mess hall. They walk past older soldiers already training. They were all part of the demon race. The demon boy who fought Fillan sees him and frowns. His group is also visibly angry. Fillan pays no mind and walks past them. "Did you hear that nobody thought he could fight…"
One of the boys with the demon boy from yesterday said this out loud. Some older soldiers heard this and looked at them, while others ignored them. Fillan continued walking, which annoyed the boy and made him angry. Before he could say anything else, a large shadow loomed over him. Barret looked down on him.
Frightened, the boy let it go and remained silent. Barret then followed Fillan, and they took their food. They sat together, and Shia was with them. He ate with gusto, and he had a lot on his plate. Fillan and Barret stare in amazement. Finley arrived after and sat. He started complaining about the boys from yesterday.
"Can you believe it? They think just because they beast our worst in the group, they think they are great." Finley looked at Fillan. "I am not saying you are the worst; they said it, but I think you should have let Barret hand them," Fillan said nothing and continued eating. Finley showed signs of frustration. "Aren't you mad?" Finley asked Fillan.
Fillan stopped and stared at Finley. His expression was blank, but somehow, he made Finley scared. "I…" Before he could say anything else, a soldier called out his name. Everyone turned to look at the soldier. Fillan stood up. "I am Fillan." The soldier greeted him and told him General Musashi wanted to speak with him.
Fillan excuses himself from this group and heads out. He walks to a large two-story building; guards stand nearby. Fillan enters the building; the first floor is spacious, with several counters. Captains and anyone with a high ranking would come here to report and fill out paperwork. Fillan approached one of the counters.
A demon soldier sees him and gives him a cold look. Fillan knows many demon soldiers look down on the other races. He doesn't care and goes about his business. "Go upstairs and the furthest door on the right," he said. Fillan thanked him and left, many eyes staring at him. A few whispers about him circle the room.
Fillan headed upstairs and walked over to the room mentioned. He knocked, and a powerful voice answered. Fillan opened the door and walked in. Sitting behind a desk sat General Musashi. General Musashi's strong aura made him stop. "Fillan, come, sit," he said. Fillan greeted him and sat down. General Musashi was drinking tea.
He was silent for a while. Fillan didn't know what to say and remained quiet. General Musashi placed his cup, "Last night's sparing match was wonderful; it shows you have talent." Fillan remained silent. General Musashi's stare intensified. "Fillan, when I found you, I knew you were special. I took you in because you could be useful to the demon race."
Fillan looked at General Musashi, wanting to say something. General Musashi stopped him. "Your swordsmanship skills are far greater than the others, but in this life, you are missing the most important aspect: Magic." There was a slight twitch in his facial expression. General Musashi noticed but said nothing. "Fillan, show me you can use magic."
Fillan tensed up and lowered his head. "I can't," he replied. "If you want to survive in this world, you must be able to use magic. We have entered a time where the powerful will thrive, and the weak must bow down." "I will survive, even without magic," Fillan replied. General Musashi turned his chair and looked outside the window. "Are you willing to throw your life away?" "No, I…" Fillan then felt strange; he paused.
General Musashi turns to him again and notices something. "Fillan, have you remembered anything about your past?" Fillan shakes his head. "No, but I did have a strange dream." General Musashi was lost in thought; he stroked his beard. "I have something that might help you. I will call you when I have it." Fillan was confused but agreed.
General Musashi told him to continue training. "I will ask you again if you want to continue on this path. Think about it carefully." Fillan stood up and bowed; he left General Musashi's office. General Musashi then leaned back on his chair and remembered something. "What happened?" The image of a shadowy beast popped up.
Fillan returned to his room and met his group. Barret approached and began to wave his hands. Fillan didn't want to discuss it, so he reassured him he was fine. Sometime later, they were called for practice. They all headed to the training grounds. They lined up and received a weapon. After that, they split into other groups and began training.
The children were taught how to use the weapons they were given. Another group was taught defending, and there was the group that was taught formation. Fillan, feeling frustrated, trained harder. Many in the fort, old or young, knew Fillan couldn't use magic. They would talk behind his back. Fillan ignored them and focused on his training.
After a long morning of physical training, they took a break and headed to the mess hall. They were fed and had time to relax before their next lesson. Fillan was back in his room meditating. He was trying to harness Mana but failed. He stopped and lay on his bed, thinking. "Why can't I do this? Am I that much different from the others? If only I could remember, why is this happening to me?"
General Musashi was reading a letter he had just received in his office. His expression was calm. "So, you are ready to act again. With the completion of this fort, we will restart the chaos." General Musashi's aura increased before his body suddenly began to glow, and he calmed down. He shook his head and continued looking out the window; he could see the training grounds.
Their next lesson began, and it was magic training. Fillan fell behind everyone else. The other children learned body and weapon enhancement, along with fireball training. They were also taught about using their affiliated magic. This was the magic they were more compatible with.
Fillan eventually sat out of the training. After the training, they all showered and went to dinner. They ate, filling their bellies. Shia again was with some older guards, laughing and making a scene. Fillan and Barret finished eating and headed back. Laying on his bed, Fillan again thought about his problem.
Shia finally returned and looked under his bed. He pulled out a box and put something inside. He then jumped on his bed. "I ate so much; my stomach is about to explode." Finley sneered and read a book. General Musashi was waiting for them as they met up the following day. Everyone lined up and greeted him.
General Musashi said nothing and waited for everyone to arrive. Fillan noticed that the atmosphere was different. The trainers had a distinct aura around them. Once everyone arrived, General Musashi started. "I have gone through many reports. You all are improving fast." He looked around at the children. "The great Demon Lord is ready to continue his attack. We will increase your training."
The children began to whisper. "Silence!" General Musashi unleashed a powerful aura, and the children quieted down. "When I took you in, I promised you a place in this world. As such, I will teach you how to survive and ensure you make it. By the end of summer, we will have gone into battle. Show me you have what it takes to carve a path."
The children all shouted. General Musashi ordered the trainers to continue. He was about to leave, but before he did, he called Fillan. Fillan followed and walked to a small shack next to a well. "Fillan, as I said, we are about to return to war. It looks like we have until late summer. They told me this fort would be done by then. You have until then to prove to me you can…"
General Musashi looked at Fillan, who had a determined expression. General Musashi nodded, turned to the small shack, and opened the door. Inside, there were candles and a small fire pit. "Your training is here; the answer you seek is inside your past." Fillan, though, and had doubts. General Musashi explains how the candles worked. "These candles have certain fragrances I spent years researching. When paired, they can help you tap into your mind, and memories you once thought lost can resurface. Fillan, are you ready?"
Fillan looked inside the room, thought about it, and stepped inside. General Musashi told him he would come to this place once a week. "There is one more candle I am missing and have called for. Bare this for now." Fillan nods. General Musashi snaps his fingers, and the candles light up.
Fillan sat and closed his eyes. The door closed, and there was silence. General Musashi turned and left. "Fillan, you will face traumatic events from your past. I believe they are suppressing you, and you need to break free. I hope they don't break you." Fillan inside the room thought to himself. He asked questions, his mind wondering.
Meanwhile, King John was in a meeting in the Umbridge Kingdom, looking at some documents in his office. Sitting opposite him was a man wearing an open, long-sleeve fancy shirt. He wore loose pants and boots, and around his waist was a sword. The man's face was handsome and of Spanish descent, with black hair, brown eyes, and a small groom mustache and goatee.
This was General Phellipe Cortez of Hispania, a city in the Umbridge kingdom. With a Spanish accent, he began speaking to King John. "Our spies all say they are preparing. Many ships have brought many more soldiers." King John looked at more documents. The door opened, and Haddison walked in. "I got more reports; they are sending troops to the other forts.
Erica Haddison, an Amazonian General, protects Queen Annabeth and Princess Annalise. Haddison wore simple gray Greek armor. King John sat back on his chair. "They stopped advancing and focused on establishing a foothold. We are struggling with refugees, and there have been many problems." King John sighs and thinks about it.
King John was thinking about the problem of the Beast Kingdom being on the brink of civil war. Since their new king took over, those loyal to the previous king resisted and wanted to return him to the throne. In the Dwarf Kingdom, King Sloan has gone dark. He hardly managed his kingdom, and now there was little news. "How about calling everyone," Cortez said. "If only it were that simple." "Por que, no?" King John explained the situation they were in. He mentions that the sea's pirate activity has risen. "Ekon is busy dealing with them. Since he lost a whole fleet, he has not forgiven himself and is working hard to keep the nobles happy."
"What about Yoshi?" Cortez asks. "Isamu is currently back home; he sent word the Emperor is dealing with something." Cortez shakes his head. King John said the rest of them were also busy dealing with matters involving the kingdom. Cortez became frustrated; he looked at the map on the wall and asked King John about the marked areas.
King John looked up and saw the map. "Oh, that, I marked where the forts have been built. I should mark the last one." King John stood up and walked over to the map. He looked at a document and then marked the area on the map. He stared at the map for a while before wanting to return to his seat. King John then realized something.
"The enemy stopped advancing and wanted a foothold on the continent. The navy is busy with pirates, which leaves the seas open. The enemy quickly brings more troops from the sea. The Beast and Dwarf kingdoms are dealing with their problems, which means they cannot assist. Finally, looking closely at where the forts are built, they can cut all ties and leave the Umbridge kingdom surrounded."
"Cortez, Haddison, this is bad. The demons have been plotting to take us down first." Cortz and Haddison look at King John, confused because he just said something out of the blue. "Calmado, what are you talking about?" Cortez asks. King John sits on his chair, looks for some documents, and gives them to Cortez to read.
As Cortez reads, King John explains his thoughts. He explains that everything that is happening is no coincidence. He believes the demons are involved in disrupting the world. "The Kingdoms would be focusing on themselves to offer any help. Think about it." Cortez read about the situations in each kingdom and came to almost the same conclusion. "What do we do?"
"We need to contact King Sloan," Haddison said. I've tried, but there has been no response. I've sent Arthur to handle it." Haddison stared angrily at the map. "So, they have been planning all along," suddenly she remembered something. It was when Queen Annabeth was attacked. She released a powerful aura. King John and Cortez were surprised. "What, Haddison." King John shouts. Haddison turns to King John and reminds him of that incident.
King John's expression turned serious. "There is only one thing to do." Cortez and Haddison look at him. "We will go to war," King John said authoritatively. Cortez stood up. "I am willing always follow you, my friend." Haddison smirked, "All right, let's do it. I've wanted to release some of my frustration for a while."
King John then began preparing. First, he needed the approval of the Old Guard and the High Nobles. Second, he needed to raise an army. Since it was very peaceful, the alliance agreed to minimize their armies. King John's forces were scattered all over their territories. Finally, they needed to mobilize before the enemy could attack.
King John ordered Cortez to get records of their forces; he needed to know where and how many he could prepare. "I will call on forces over; they should all be happy to be in real combat finally," Haddison said. King John nodded, and they left to prepare. King John stared at a painting of himself with Queen Annabeth and Princess Annalise. "I will keep a peaceful future for you."
Back to Fillan, it was late, and he returned to his room. The rest were there relaxing. When they saw him, they questioned him. "Wow, man, where did they take you?" Shia asked. Barret had a panicked expression. "I am doing meditation training," Fillan replied. Fillan dropped to his bed, exhausted. He recalled what had happened.
Fillan was inside the small shack. He was sitting with closed eyes and breathing slowly. He inhaled the aromas of the candles but felt nothing. After a few minutes, he thought it wasn't working. He then saw something in the distance—a creature emitting a powerful aura looking at him. The beast unleashed a powerful electrical wave, knocking Fillan over.
"Fillan, are you still asleep?" the voice of a young girl asked. "Leave him, he knows how to go back." Said another young girl's voice. Fillan tried to open his eyes but couldn't. Static began playing in his mind, and then an explosion rang out. "Alpha two…right side, right side… tango down… Lieutenant!"
When Fillan opened his eyes, the candles had extinguished. His head began hurting, so he got up and left the room. He stumbled to the ground, his body feeling exhausted. "What happened?" Fillan asked as he lay on the ground, having trouble remembering what he saw.
After some rest, he got up and returned to the room. It had already become late. He didn't know he was in there almost the whole day. After some more rest, Fillan went to dinner with his group. They sat together and talked, trying to help Fillan remember. "Oh, people, you know," Shia said. Fillan thought about it. Barret pointed at himself. Fillan shook his head.
After getting nowhere, Fillan said he would try harder tomorrow. They all returned to their room to sleep. Finley ignored them and pretended to sleep. He thought Fillan had been kicked out because he didn't see him all day. "Why didn't you do your job? He is just taking space."
The following day, Fillan ate breakfast and joined the physical training. When they were doing magic training, Fillan sat out. He instead went to the shack for meditation. The candles were lit, and he stepped in and sat. Fillan closed his eyes and focused. He inhaled the aromas again. Fillan thought about what Shia and Barret said.
Fillan began having memories of them, the time they spent together, and the training they went through. In this dream, Fillan could express his feelings. Suddenly, he saw that beast, a menacing aura emitting from his bright red eyes. Fillan wanted to question it when he suddenly heard a voice. "When you do, will you introduce your sister and brother to them?" Fillan shed tears but didn't know why.
"Fillan, are you still asleep?" "Leave him; he knows how to get back." Fillan opened his eyes. He was lying on a tree, a fishing pole by his feet. Fillan looked up and saw a four or five-year-old young girl. Fillan looked at himself. He was also young, about the same age as the girl. They both wore worn-out clothes that had stitching.
"Let's go," Fillan said. "Wait, aren't you forgetting something." The girl points at the fishing pole. Fillan goes and gets it. "Thank you, Chloe." The girl smiled, and they took each other's hand and walked. They were next to a great lake and a mountain in the distance. The field was bright green with flowers in some areas. The girl with him was light-skinned with a Blonde ponytail, green eyes, and a cute face. "Father William will be mad because you are still out here. Misaki has already left," she said.
Fillan told her he had accidentally fallen asleep. He smiled, and they began to run home. The girl, Chloe, also smiled and happily followed behind him. It took a few minutes to return to a small town. As they entered, some townsfolk greeted them. The older woman teased Chloe. Chloe blushed and stayed quiet. They reached an old church with an attached house.
When Fillan opened his eyes, he was inside the small shack. He got up and felt dizzy, so he left the room and steadied himself. He approached the water well and took some water to drink. "Father William," Fillan whispered, his mouth twitching. Then, his head throbbed. Fillan grabbed his head from the pain.
Not too far from the shack, General Musashi stared at Fillan. He could see some irregularities coming from him. "Memories can either be good or bad. They can cause changes in people. Some good memories can help someone move forward but also keep someone trapped. As for bad memories, they can cause fear or motivation." General Musashi then turns and leaves.
Fillan returned to his group and again felt tired. Shia questioned him about his past. Fillan then said he remembered a little. This stuns them, and they want to hear more. Fillan shakes his head and says he only remembered a little. Shai encourages him to keep at it. Barrett nods. Finley scuffs and says nothing.
Fillan continues with his training. During combat practice, he quickly takes out his opponents. The older children question why they can't beat him, but he is easily defeated during magic practice. This makes them change their attitudes and mock him. Fillan says nothing and heads to the shack. He sits and begins to meditate.
When Fillan opened his eyes, he was in a small room with bunk beds. Fillan is an orphan beastman with messy grey-black hair, brown eyes, wolf ears, and a tail. Fillan wore loose, worn-out clothes that had been stitched multiple times. He got out of bed and headed out.
Fillan walks through a hallway and ends up in the kitchen. A woman with tan skin, long brown hair, and brown eyes greets him. She wears a nun outfit; this is Sister Angie. Fillan greets her. Sister Angie greets him and asks him to wake the others. With her are Chloe, a human child his age, and another. The other is a beastman girl with light skin, messy orange hair, and black highlights. She also has animal ears and a tail that match her hair color. She was Misaki, a fox beastman with a tomboyish personality.
Misaki saw Fillan and began scolding him. Chloe tried to defend him. Chloe had a shy personality and would stick close to Fillan. Misaki would tell Chloe not to pamper him. Fillan lived a carefree life because Father William pampered him when he was younger. He taught Fillan to fish and some bad habits. Fillan did have a mature and responsible nature dose.
Fillan returned to the room and began waking up the other children. Fillan lived in an orphanage. At first, it was only him, Father William, and Sister Angie. The demon army began moving north, taking more territory, which led to new refugees. Father William took in more orphan children. "Come on, Rick, wake up," Fillan said.
A light-skinned boy with messy red hair lazily covered himself with the blanket. Fillan grabbed the blanket and removed it. The boy shivered before opening his eyes, revealing they were light brown. "Fillan, do you always have to do this?" "I don't want Misaki scolding me again," he replied.
Hearing the noise, two other children woke up. Then, the cries of babies were heard. After a while, Chloe entered the room and picked up one of the two babies. The first was Conner, a human baby about two years old with blonde hair and blue eyes. Misaki then entered and glazed at them before picking up the other.
"Don't cry, Rudy. Big sister will take you." Misaki and Chloe left the room. The baby Misaki took was Rudy, another human child with black hair and brown eyes. Fillan left the room after seeing they woke up. Sister Angie set plates so they could eat breakfast. Fillan helped her while Chloe and Misaki fed the babies. Rick, the red-haired boy, walks in, holding a wooden sword.
Sister Angie got mad and began scolding him. Rick apologized before putting it away. "I meant no harm; a knight should be ready to protect the people." There was laughter coming from the hallway. "A knight will protect the weak, but this is where we eat." Father William slowly walked in and greeted them.
Behind him were two older boys. One was Blake, a human with light skin, black hair, and brown eyes. The other Max was a cat beastman boy with yellow eyes and black and white hair. His ears and tails were of a cat. They wore worn-out farmer clothes. They entered the kitchen and went to the dining room to eat.
Sister Angie set the plate, and everyone sat down and ate breakfast. Fillan enjoyed this warm and peaceful atmosphere. He talked and listened to the others, his face showing expressions. As he finished, he got up and heard a knock at the door. Fillan went to open it.
Fillan opened the and saw chaos. The world seemed to be burning, and the cries of women and children rang out. Fillan then turned, and he was alone, surrounded by fire. "I found you!" Fillan turned around, only to be lifted by his neck. He panicked and could not break free. "Be free…" A bright light engulfs the fire.
Fillan woke up and stumbled outside. He felt fear and walked over to the well. Fillan splashed water on his face and looked at his reflection. His face was deprived of emotion. Fillan took the buck and tossed it. He clenched his fist, and tears ran down his face. After calming down, Fillan stood up and left. In a corner, a shadow also moves.