Iāve been working on this for a whileā¦ I need some test subjectsā¦ if you could read itā¦ and let me know
There is nothing more terrifying than someone who has nothing to lose, but everything to gain.
This world keeps many secrets, as it has been around for longer than most of us know or care to know. There are few who know how truly old this world is, those terrifying beings whom have witnessed and done unspeakable acts, by and for both the ones above and the ones below. Beings so old that have been almost forgotten, weathered by time and folklore. These beings are the ones we refer to as legends, myths, fairy tales and sometimes mere rumors. These old beings constantly locked in battle between what we can only understand and label as good and evil. Sides and alliances forged and often broken by the acts of these beings. Often led by emotions or cold calculated moves today further their agenda so they may gain a foothold on this realm whose inhabitants have little knowledge of this constant struggle; mankind. Few know of it and even fewer battle along the side of these beings. These few warriors known as knights who possess great abilities to aid these beings. From the line of these warriors greater beings were forged to protect this middle realm and those connected to it, beings whose abilities were passed on throughout time, beings that are foretold and prophesied beings known as Guardians.
As she ran for her life she could feel them at her heels, growls and snarls filling the alleyways, only the moonlight guiding her way. She could feel her heart almost beating out of her chest, her legs starting to cramp and her arm gashed open by their claws; throbbing with immense pain every time she took a step, every time she took a breath her lungs screamed in pain as if someone had set the air a blaze. She had no clue how long she could run for, all she knew was that she had to keep that bundle safe, even if it meant giving her life to defend it.
She looked back again, she could see them close at her heels, hell hounds coming at her full charge. She could see their fangs and their misshapen faces dripping what she could only describe as mixture of puss and drool, she could smell their putrid scent, sulfur and rooting flesh, made it hard for her to take gulps of fresh air, she had to constantly control her gag reflex. She could feel the heat radiating from their snarls and growls. She had no choice she could not beat them on foot and she could not fight all of them at once, she had found out when they came crashing through her bedroom window. She had to make it to the river, the river would sweep her out to sea, the moon and the tide would protect her and her little bundle, problem was that she didnāt know if she would make it to the river. A sharp pain shot up her leg, followed by a burning sensation, she dropped to her side shielding her little bundle, as she looked down and inspected her leg she realized she had been slashed on the side of her leg. She knew that surely they would die but not before sending a couple of them back to where they came from. With the little dexterity she had left she quickly scooted herself back and found the wall, she drew her short sword and with a few quick words the blade began to glow a pale blue light and water ran at the edge of it. As she looked up a hound was pouncing down on her, she slashed it across the face. It let out a horrid screech, as it tumbled to her side. She quickly dug her blade deep on its jugular and as she pulled out her glowing blade the hell hound began to melt away leaving a rancid scent and goop like substance behind. That quick event caused a hesitation from the rest of the pack, all barking and snarling at her they began to circle her, awaiting for her to drop her guard, to simply look away. She sat there with her back against the wall with her blade firmly held on her left hand, the little bundle tightly held with her right arm severely injured, she held the little bundle close to her chest, her left leg quickly drenching her pant leg in blood. She didnāt break her gaze, intensely looking into all of their glowing eyes, waiting for them to attack her. She knew there was no chance of beating them. They would take and kill her child on the off chance it would produce a Guardian. She had witnessed her fellow knights lose their children to these monstrosities, she had watched as they ripped the children and her fellow Knights apart. They had slaughtered every single member of her clan, her husband away in a mission, she was glad he was safe from these creatures, he surely would have perished defending them until his last breath but perhaps together with her magic and his strength they could have defended their only child and some of her peers, her family, herselfā¦ for the first time in a long time she felt helpless and hopeless.
Her eyes quickly filled with tears and began running down her cheeks, she could feel a sea of emotions bubbling up, she tightened the grip on her blade but at that moment a childās cry interrupted her train of thought. The hounds began to impatiently hop around and howl in excitement. She took her eyes off of them and looked down at her little bundle, she knew it she had made a big mistake, a reflex without thought, she checked on her little bundle, this was the end, as she looked up she saw their fangs barreling towards her, inches away from her face. She raised her blade full knowing the futility of it but she would not surrender, she would not give them the satisfaction, she began chanting a spell. At that instance something bigger than the hounds, quickly closed that gap, slamming a few to the opposite wall with one ferocious move. In front of her stood a massive bear, towering over all of it surroundings, standing tall on its hind legs. She was paralyzed with fear and confusion, she didnāt understand where this massive bear had come from and why it was defending her. The hell hounds stood back in shock, perhaps as confused as she was. She may have been young but she knew that bears were not common to the area.
-Consuelo?! Are you alright? Are you able to keep fighting?
She was also certain that animals did not speak, her mind was racing, her heart about to leap out of her chest, she began to think, she knew of many wonderful and magical things. She knew of a few shape shifters but none of them commanded the ability to perfectly transform and keep their talking capabilities, except for;
-Fauna? Fauna is that you?! Oh thank the heavens! Why? How?
-No time to explain we need to get you out of here and save your little cub, sheās pretty special, big things coming your way little lamb.
Her heart stopped for a second, she once again looked down to that little bundle, her little daughter was important to the lustrous ones. This could only mean one thing, her little bundle, she would bare the guardians, she was responsible for the upbringing the greatest warriors known to the realms.
-Consuelo! Snap out of it! Run you nincompoop! Run!
-I canāt! My leg!
-Oh come on! Do I have to do everything around here!? Climb on!!
With a couple more swipes Fauna took out a few of them out and made the rest of the hell hounds retreat for a few moments. Allowing Consuelo to climb on her back. Fauna let out a powerful roar, almost as if signaling someone, or something, then with a quick turn made her way out of the city. Few hounds took after them but their vicious sounds faded away, some with some yelps as if in pain, others sounded as if they were running the opposite way. It all began to fade into the night, few kept persistent and try to keep on their heels. Consueloās head was clouded, the astonishing news had left her befuddled. She held her little bundle even closer, she knew she would have to become stronger, wiser, keener on the art of sorcery and uncover many secrets of the occult so she could aide the guardians in their journey, although she was getting ahead of herself, she knew she would have to survive past tonight. As she snapped back to reality by the radiating pain coming from her extremities she realized she was riding on a enormous horse, how long has been out of it? Fauna had transformed into gorgeous draft horse and was now galloping along towards the jungle, she could see it out in the distance, the way lit only by the full moon, it was a clear crisp night night, she listened to Faunaās hoofs click and clack as she sped off into the horizon, she realized she had no clue where Fauna was taking her, all she knew is that the howls from the hell hounds had grown faint as they had put some distance between them and the city and she was glad of it, except she could not shake a somber feeling within her, she knew something had been forgotten, then he quickly came to mind.
-Stop! We need to go back and find him! We need to warn him! We need to find Gregorio!
-Donāt worry little lamb! Flora was instructed to find your dearie and bring him to the parley, seems like things just got grisly. Weāre not far, Flora picked the spotā¦. Lots of foliage to protect the herd and that little cub.
The parley? Flora? Protect the herd? Questions began filling her mind. Fauna had revealed that her daughter was important but how did they know she would be the one to bare the guardians. Had a prophecy been made? Is that why hell hounds had began to attack so many clans, is that why no one was spared? But who would give such an order? What prophet had predicted such things and why would anyone order such brutal acts against clans? Had every clan been hit in such a monstrous way or had the prophecy been so clear that no high ranking being questioned such atrocious acts.
-Listen up little lamb! I was instructed to bring in that little cub and you alive. All this fossil knows is that all of this is major since they enlisted both Flora and I to watch over and retrieve you, Gregorio and that cub, I know quite the surprise since I was just informed of this a few hours ago. They said that they would fill me in laterā¦. Honestly I feel a little shaky on the little info they provided this old hen with, so weāre both a little on the dark. Mother said she would explain later but you know how it goes, they feel the need to keep us in the dark and end up sending us to slaughter houseā¦ I guess is all for the best but it doesnāt mean I like it. Iāll stop and will keep my belly aching down for now, in the end we are all just barking at the dark.
-Your Mother will be there?!
-As far as I know mother hen is there and papa Kronos himself will even be there. Like I said little lamb, ābig things coming your wayā!
Consueloās head was swimming, the lustrous ones had ordered for their protection, meaning that something big was coming or was already happening. She never imagined that a simple knight as herself would be blessed with the task of rearing the child whom would bare the guardians. How could she? She was just a child herself, still training and learning the ways of the oath. That night was the first time she had ever seen real combat, how could she begin to teach when she was not done learning herself, fear and doubt began to creep in.
-Stop that little lamb! Fear and doubt never helped anyone!
Consuelo was caught off guard, how did Fauna know what she was feeling?
-Animal instinct little lamb! Thatās how.
-What?
-You were wondering how I knew what you were feeling? Right? Well animal instinct, Iāve been around for a while. Also I have the abilities of the entire animal kingdom to my disposal, so I guess Iām sorta of a big deal little lamb! Donāt fret, just hold on tight to that little cub. We should be there soon.
Consuelo liked Fauna, she had heard of the epic tales of her many feats and her legendary abilities but had never gotten the opportunity to meet her. She knew that Fauna was one of the oldest living lustrous ones and was responsible for creating all the creatures in this realm and even some on the other realms. She knew she was a nurturing being but had a temper to match, so far she was glad to be in her care and on her side. She again looked down at her little bundle, she had yet to name her. She was a couple weeks old and nothing had been good enough for her, she was a quiet baby, she had gorgeous big brown eyes and jet black hair, she resembled her father, such a good baby. She hoped all had gone well and that Flora had found Gregorio and he was safe and sound, he was a lot more experienced and he would also play a tremendous role in the tutelage of the guardians.
The jungle grew larger as they came closer, it completely blacked out the sky, she could only guess it was was for coverage since there would be such important beings there. Soon they were joined by Knights at horseback, perhaps thatās whom Fauna had signaled in the city, she recognized a couple of them, they were escorting them, protecting them. They all wore different armor and garments, she recognized symbols and shields from different clans from around the province but for the most part, a majority of them were foreign to her more than likely other clans from parts unknown to her. She felt extremely small, an overwhelming sensation of inadequacy came down on her, there was so much she didnāt know, so much she still had to learn. She gazed around at all of the different Knights that were escorting her and Fauna, she could could count fifteen of them, all carrying different style weapons, some had light armor some wore heavier pieces, one thing was indistinguishable; they were all ready for combat.
One of them came close to her and Fauna, Consuelo tensed up, she didnāt know what her fellow knight wanted, the knight wore a tribal mask and very little attire, she was lean and held a long spear with a small pouch to her left side, she lifted her mask and behind it was a beautiful set of eyes that glowed as bright as the moon, her complexion was dark, she was beautiful, she spoke up.
-Hi Iām Ayana, Iām a mender, I could patch that leg and arm as soon as we get to the parley.
-Itās very nice to meet you Iām Consuelo and I would truly appreciate that. I had forgotten about my wounds with all that is going on but now that you remind me, they are excruciatingly painful at the moment.
-I have something for that
Anaya began digging through her pouch and after a few moments came up with a small root.
-Chew on that, itāll make the pain go away but trust me when I say this, it tastes awful!
Consuelo took the root from her and hesitated to put it near her mouth
-Donāt worry it will work and the flavor only lasts for the first couple minutes. Itās completely safe, I studied different medicinal uses for plants under Flora. You wouldnāt believe the benefits some plants hold.
Consuelo placed the small root on her mouth and bit down, it was dry but as soon as her saliva made contact it turned into a sap like texture and Anaya was not lying when she said it tasted awful. It was a combination of grass clippings with rancid meat, the more she chewed on it the worse it got but she noticed her pain began to fade and soon the flavor was gone as well.
-You donāt want to chew it for any longer, you should spit it out, it numbs out your pain by blocking your nervous system also it numbs your taste buds so the flavor is there, you just canāt taste it but trust me the after taste is ten times worse but it will do for now until we get you patched up.
Consuelo nodded as her fellow knight went back to her previous held spot on the line. She wondered where all these Knights had come from and who had summoned them. She also wondered who or what they were protecting them from asides from the hounds. The jungle grew larger in the horizon, until soon enough they made their way into it and it soon covered the moon. A couple torches were lit and soon the path was revealed, seemed as if someone had already come through and cleared a path that was until she noticed that the path was opening up as they walked. Consuelo looked back in awe as the path was closing behind them, leaving no trace of a path ever being there. Was the jungle aware of their presence? How was this happening, she had never witnessed anything like it before, was it sorcery by the lustrous or her fellow Knights?
-This is why Flora picked this spot little lamb, coverage for the herd, lots of greens and lots of hiding spots for my eagle eyes.
Consuelo looked around, she could barely see the sky and she began to notice the reflecting glimmering eyes of critters hiding in the foliage and she looked to their feet she noticed scorpions lining the path, almost as if they were escorting the whole party. They had taken great precautions to keep this meeting safe, she knew that there could not be a safer place than where she was, but she couldnāt shake the uneasy feeling, she still had no clue why the precautions were being taken, there was a small army of Knights and the lustrous ones were also here.
They finally came up to a cave, an oddly placed cave that seemed as if someone had placed it in the middle of the jungle, vegetation was particularly thick around it, there were more Knights surrounding the entrance and some were on the top keeping watch, they were accompanied by animals; that Consuelo could only guess Fauna had assigned to keep watch along with the Knights, there were large jaguars, panthers and snakes that were fairly common to the region but not often seen together or even at all. As they walked pass them, they seemed to bow as Fauna walked by, they knew who she was, even in her current form and they honored and recognized her still. She couldnāt believe her eyes, the tranquility these animals were exhibiting, if she wasnāt witnessing it with her own eyes she would have never believed it herself. As they walked inside the cave and past what seemed to be the largest Knights she had ever laid her eyes on, both towering in stature over her and accompanied by two of the largest panthers in history, she instinctively clutched her little bundle tighter to her body. They went deeper into the cave, it was well lit, she couldnāt tell where the source of light was coming from, her curiosity went away, as they walked a little deeper into the cave and she could hear Gregorioās voice, he seemed to be calmly speaking to someone. Her heart began to pound, her Gregorio was alive and she was about to be reunited with him, she felt relieved and her excitement grew. As they went deeper and came around a bend she saw him. There he stood, his face heavily outline by what she could only imagine was worry, but suddenly lit up as he saw Consuelo and their child. He stopped mid sentence and ran to them, he wrapped his arms around them both. Held them there in a long embrace only interrupted by him kissing Consuelo and their little bundle.
He stood there gazing at them, with the biggest smile and tear filled eyes, tears of what one could only imagine would be joy. Gregorio was a handsome man, he was tall with a very athletic build, his thick jet black hair matched by his facial hair. He sported a mustache with a pointy beard that only accented his strong jaw line. His eyes were a deep rich brown, strong features that matched his tanned skin. His pearly white smile could light up the darkest of rooms and his soft tone voice could calm the wildest of animals.
He wore his knight attire, wasnāt much he simply bandaged his hands and forearms, same with his feet and shins, and wore light clothing with little to no armor. He specialized in spears and long range attacks, he carried a long shield that he had configured and rigged so he would be able to wear on his back, it covered from his shoulders down to his legs, he was proud of it, he claimed it had saved his life multiple times, he felt the need to justify it since most had nicknamed him TortugĆ” since the way he used and wore the shield, it reminded people of a turtle shell, and there were a few times he had used it as such.
He finally spoke
-Iām so glad both of you are safe, I was worried sick, this whole night has beenā¦ Iām just glad youāre safe love, Iām glad both of you are safe.
He motioned towards the little bundle as if asking permission to hold her. Consuelo embraced him once again and slowly and carefully handed the sleeping baby to him. As she did she noticed whom he had been speaking with. It was a thin petite woman, she reminded Consuelo of a pixie, her stature may have been small but her presence commanded the room, she noticed the deep green eyes, it reminded Consuelo of emeralds, her long wild red hair seemed to have never met a brush, she could see small twigs, leaves and smaller flowers adorning her hair, yet those wild unkept red curls seem to fit her perfectly. Her porcelain like skin glowed from the light coming from the cave. Consuelo was in shock, she had never seen Flora in her human form, she had no idea she even had one. She wore a smile on her face, then her expression suddenly turned to joy and excitement.
-Fauna!!!!
-Flora!!!
Someone raced past her slightly bumping her on the shoulder. As she looked up she saw another woman embracing Flora, she was a bit perplexed, she hadnāt noticed any woman that looked like her enter the cave with them, she then quickly realized it was Faunaās human form. They laughed and spoke in a different tongue she could not understand. She had heard of Faunaās human form but she had never imagined she would ever get to witness it.
She towered over Flora, her complexion a lot darker than Floraās, her build was muscular, she wore her hair in long jet black dreadlocks, almost down to the back of her knees, her body was marked by scars all over, seemed to be ranging from bite marks to even burn marks, although they did not seem out of place, they seemed to almost compliment her physical build, her eyes were dark, completely black like two onyx stones, accompanied by a little wild animalistic feel behind them, her smile was big and lined by pearly bright teeth, almost seemed like a hyenaās smile. They were both gorgeous beings, she was in awe by them, she couldnāt take her eyes away from them, they complimented each other very well.
-They have not seen each other in ages
Her trance was interrupted by a soft voice that came directly behind her, she turned around and was greeted by a big smile in a soft tan face on a beautiful woman she had never seen before. She stood not much taller than herself, long wavy jet black hair, it went past her knees, almost covering her body, if she hadnāt been standing so close to her, Consuelo may have thought it was a robe. She had delicate features, big brown eyes in which she could see a diamond like spark, her hair held back by a crown of what seemed to be made of roots, vines and various flowers arranged around a beautiful gem that sat at the center of itā¦ it almost looked like a sapphire, but some green and brown swirled in it, she soon realized that the gem was earth. It was stunningly beautiful, Consuelo could not take her eyes off of it.
-It was a gift from father, itās beautiful isnāt it?
Consuelo felt her face turn hot, she was blushing and could not speak. She felt like there was a frog in her throat, she was hot and began to perspire.
-Please sweet child donāt be embarrassed
-Terra please, itās the first time sheās ever seen or even been around āThe Lustrous Onesā specially Gaia! The mother of all living things in this realm! Mother Nature herself! Along with her daughters Flora and Fauna! This poor girl will surely have a heart attack, and we both know Grim certainly does not like bringing poor souls back, we can say he doesnāt like wasting time. Like father like son you know?
A handsome older gentleman approached Consuelo, she was entranced by him. He elegantly wore his peppered gray hair parted to the side, with a nicely groomed beard and mustache to match. He wore clean pressed pants, a vest, and clean white shirt with his sleeves rolled up, in a pair of polished white shoes. A long chain hung from his side pocket, one could only assume it connected to a pocket watch. He was a dapper, very well put together man. His gaze caught hers, his eyes looked almost gray and clouded, she was entranced. With a gorgeous smile, he leaned forward and extended his hand.
-A pleasure to meet you, young Consuelo, my youāre gorgeous in this time, Iām Kronos, or as you and your mates may know me; Father Time, youāve met Terra, Flora and Faunaā¦ and over there is Grim.
He motioned to a unlit corner of the cave. In the corner stood a slender almost sickly looking man, he was the opposite of Kronos. He wore all black, his attire consisted of slacks, a dress shirt, and a vest along with a matching tie. His whole outfit was wrinkled and unkept, almost as if heād worn it to bed. His tie was loosened around his pale thin neck, almost looked like a noose. His hair was messy and greasy looking, covering half of his face, which seemed to be freshly shaven except for a small patch of hair on his bottom lip. He wore no foot wear, his feet were long and dirty, covered in what looked like tar, dirt and what seemed to be dried blood. He propped himself up with a long scythe. Consuelo felt uneasy and cold looking at him, then she realized, Grim was death, the Grim Reaper himself, her train of thought was interrupted by Kronos.
