Adao gasped and wheezed, barely able to get oxygen into his lungs. The force and power of his cousin's magic having been too strong against his weak body. As his body shook with both pain and fear, the magic that once crushed him began to lighten up before the feeling disappeared completely.
The blinding light began to fade as they materialized into the world. The sight of countless ethereal trees greeted him, their bright glow giving him a sense of comfort.
Water fell from the sky, at first it was slow, but it quickly picked up in speed and ferocity. Only a loud clap of thunder was enough to snap him out of his daze and bring upon him deafness and disorientation.
new sensations were proving to be a bit much.
Though all these new sensations overwhelmed Adao, one thought managed to scratch and claw its way to the surface. Where was Nobuyuki?
His body reacted as soon as the alarming thought surfaced. He began frantically looking around, thankfully it didn't take long to spot Nobuyuki who was lying unmoving face down on the ground.
Adao moved cautiously, but quickly over to Nobuyuki. The ground beneath him felt gross and the mud stuck to his feet.
"Yuki?" He managed to rasp out, his throat parched from the flames that threatened him only moments before. Nobuyuki didn't respond, but he quickly realized why. The ground beneath him was turning a murky red as blood and mud mixed together.
Quickly, Adao rolled Nobuyuki onto his back to find that the blood was escaping from a large gaping wound in his stomach. A strangled cry of panic left Adao's mouth as his hand flew up to his mouth. He felt sick to his stomach. The gore was enough to send his mind into overload.
It took a moment for Adao to feel as though he wasn't going to hurl and it took even longer for him to collect his thoughts and begin thinking of what to do. They were in a world they had never seen before, had no map, and no medical aid.
Taking in a deep breath, Adao shakily reached out and managed to pick Nobuyuki up. Though he was weak and underfed, he was thankful for the demon blood that allowed him to keep pushing himself past a breaking point.
"Don't worry, I'll pick up from where you left off" He whispered in hopes that maybe Nobuyuki could hear him and it'd bring him some peace in his comatose state.
It had been hours... or at least, it had felt like hours.
Time and direction had all but began to blur together leaving Adao confused and disoriented. He had no way to leave a trail to prevent himself from going in circles. the only indication that he might have been in an area before was his footprints and those were even beginning to fill up with mud.
At some point, he had begun to call out for help in hopes that maybe someone would spare him and his cousin. Time was of the essence with Nobuyuki's wound and it was working strongly against them.
The rain had only worsened and it greatly diminished his ability to see. It also left him cold and shivering, however, there wasn't anything he could do about it as there was no dry place to take shelter in.
As if someone had heard his plea for help, he began to see faint lights through the trees. They glowed yellow, unlike the lilac glow the trees gave off.
He felt as though his heart was beginning to constrict with how happy he was to see the lights. Though it was hard for him, he began to pick up his pace.
Upon reaching the end of the trees he could see many small and large buildings made of wood and stone. It didn't look like a city, but a small town or village.
As Adao began walking down the gravel road his vision began to blur, in a panicked state he began moving faster. Approaching a house, he began frantically knocking on the door.
Darkness began to weave its way into his vision as his legs felt weaker than they ever had in the past and as he began to fall he could see the door open... and then nothing else.
The last two stories take place in a world I have created, Otnid. I created this story a little while ago, but I still like it. I hope those of you that happen to read this enjoy it.
The stories of Gods Peak were known by all. An evil ice god was chained to the mountain many Zâsamaâs ago when he was denounced as the one who cursed the tainted lands. However, unbeknownst to the people sealing him there, an endless supply of Ysayezi crystals grew on this island.
 When the god was trapped to the mountain his powers flowed into the crystals and many claim them to be the most powerful and potent ice Ysayezi crystals known to man. Only the foolishly brave or insanely stupid now set foot on the island, both in hopes of claiming a crystal as their own. Â
 Though these stories often scare people away from the island, it was these very stories that brought Lucine to Gods Peak with a small dwindling spark of hope.
 Banished from her tribe for a murder she didnât commit and had been framed for, she yearned for a way to explain to her parents and siblings that she wasnât a murderer as well as for a second chance to explain what she had been doing on that fateful night.
 In her sorrowful state and an old traveler telling the story of Gods Peak, an idea began to form in her mind. If she was to return with a Ysayezi crystal from Gods Peak they would have to give her another chance.
 Though it took many long months, Lucine eventually found herself at the bottom of Gods Peak. The trek through the frightening forest that surrounded it having zapped most of her energy. Though her energy was depleted the memories of the VarâIxban tribe gave her a burst of hope.
 Though the VarâIxban was a tribe of barbaric nature she had earned their respect through her tales and was thusly granted a boat powerful enough to cross the raging tides and some supplies to aid her on the treacherous journey.
 Though having been to Uak Amaram before, Gods Peak surely was the coldest place on Otnid. Even though she was wrapped in the warmest of magically heated cloths the cold still managed to wrap itself around her in a chilling hug.
 Looking towards the sky, the sun was high, but Lucine knew that daylight would soon be scarce and she couldnât bear to think about how cold the nights were.
 Wasting no more time she began the climb and although the mountain looked monstrously large, she still managed to make it toward the top with some rays of light to spare. The sun just moments from beginning to set and the sight was one to behold.
 Although the cave that she stood before was beautiful, it was the Ysayezi Crystals that stood out. They were larger than any she had seen in any tribes, kingdoms, or countries she had been to. Even Trelesolk who was known for their Ysayezi Crystals paled in comparison to these.
 Entranced, Lucine reached out to grab one, however before she could do so a powerful yet slightly raspy voice sounded from behind her.
 âIâve faced many foolish people, but you are by far the most desperate smelling fool Iâve encountered. Tell me, why are you here? If you give me a good reason, I might even spare you.â The voice of a man came from behind her, and he didnât sound pleased.
 With a frightened squeak she turned so quickly she almost fell. It was then that a burst of cold air entered the cave and settled over the environment with the crystals having a thin layer of ice form over them. The cold only seemed to worsen as time moved on.
 The cold struck so quickly that Lucine could hardly form a sentence as she sunk to her knees and wrapped her arms around herself in a vain attempt to keep herself warm. It was then that she knew who she was in the presence of.
 âI have come here to take a crystal back to my tribe.â Lucine managed to stutter out through chattering teeth, âPlease donât kill me!â She pleaded wretchedly.
 The man that stood before her scoffed at her, his pale hand which looked as white as a sheet of paper twitched in anger.
 To keep herself from passing out from fear she tilted her head upward, the manâs appearance was odd with spiked dark brown hair and pale skin he looked almost dead, however, it wasnât these things that stood out the most⌠it was the Ysayezi Crystals that grew around his eyes and face like a mask.
 âPatheticâŚâ The man sneered, âWe both know they would only kill you and pry the crystal from your cold dead hands. Itâd be more humane if I just killed you now⌠unless there was a reason for me to spare you? What can you do for me.?â The Ice god Freezard questioned as he tapped a sharp crystal encased finger against his chin. His tone was rather sadistic.
 âI can run an errand!â Lucine blurted out without stuttering as she felt her body becoming less responsive as the cold began to overwhelm her. She knew her suggestion was stupid and would likely be the death of her, but she still clung to that small light of hope.
 âI know how the first moon god along with the ice goddess and itâs set in the stars that the two beings would have some form of relationship, yet where is your moon goddess?â Lucine questioned in hopes that she could deliver a letter to the moon goddess, however, she would quickly regret this as spikes shot out from the ground around Freezard in a fit of rage.
 âIn a place without me! Because you mortals have trapped me here for a curse I did not cast, and yet you portray me as a monster when it is truly you who are monsters!â Freezard shouted in rage.
 And then the cold lessened.
 âYou are mortal⌠You could find a mage to break this seal!â The powerful god sounded almost maddened with insanity and despite the cold not being as much as a threat, Lucine still feared for her life.
 âYou will go to the moon or star temple; there you will find the blessed mages. Awaken them from their slumber and once you do, bring them here to me. Once you have accomplished this task, I will free you and allow you to take as many crystals as you can carry.â Freezard stated.
 âBut where are the temples located? I only know about them through folktales and the kingdoms they speak of are all long gone.â Lucine questioned, feeling finally coming back into her fingers and toes.
 âThey are most likely off the waters of either Trelesolk or deep in the withered forest,â Freezard explained before producing with a snap of his fingers, a crystal bracelet that encased Lucineâs wrist.
 âThat is insurance, if you fail to complete this task in a Zâsamaâs time or if you fail to report back to me in a Zâsama with information, it will encase your body and kill you. Now leave before I change my mind.â Freezard hissed out his empty threat before walking past her and disappearing into the cave.
 Wasting no time, Lucine quickly left, her adventure only just beginning. Â
Iâm not the greatest of writers, but I felt as though I should start posting my works so others can see. Maybe Iâll make progress? Who knows.
Warning for violence and death!
It was a dark and dreary night; rain was pelting down upon the poverty-stricken lower levels of Trelesolk. Loud claps of thunder rattled the walls and lightning lit up the sky and darkened rooms, casting eerie shadows.
In a run-down house whose roof leaked constantly, was a young boy, Amittai.
Comforted by the sounds of the rain he was slowly being lulled to sleep. The peacefulness of the night being his lullaby.
The sound of glass shattering was what caused him to sit up, fully awakened. The sound of two people fighting could be heard through the floorboards as well as through his door which was opened just slightly to let a sliver of light into his room.
It was his parents.
This was normal for him. He had grown up with the shouts and beatings.
Slowly, Amittai crept slowly down the stairs, knowing where all the squeakiest floorboards were and avoiding them with ease.
Once at the bottom step, he set foot on the cold hardwood floor, a shiver going up his spine.
It was always this cold in the winter months, but for some reason the house felt chillier, as though something wasnât right.
Pushing himself up against the wall, he began to slink towards the corner, minding where he stepped as glass littered the floor. This was normal, his father and mother broke beer bottles all the time, what wasnât normal was the tinges of red on some of the shards.
His face scrunched up slightly, his heart seizing in his chest.
Their fights didnât bother him anymore, they had at first, but since they happened frequently it had become as normal as the need to sleep. Their fights were loud and would commonly take place at night, leaving him sleep-deprived.
Inching up as close to the corner as he could, he peeked into the Livingroom where his whore of a mother and alcoholic father resided.
Amittai observed the scene with mild annoyance. The wicked witch wasnât dead, and his wimp of a father wasnât either.
He was extremely tired and was about ready to head back upstairs, however, he hesitated. Unlike their normal fights, this one was becoming nastier by the second. His father had a face of rage and his mother was becoming irate and fidgety
His eyebrows furrowed together in confusion as he watched on.
âNo!â His father shouted, his voice laced with fear as he turned to run away from his mother, who was holding a broken beer bottle in her hands.
She thrusted the sharp object, blood beginning to stain his fatherâs off-white shirt.
Amittai was frozen in terror, clamping a hand over his mouth to stifle any noises. His eyes were widened in shock. Yes, his father was a horrid drunk, but his mother was the reason he was that way, and she was no better if this is what she resorted to.
Shocked and thrown off balance, his father tripped and fell to the floor, his mother slashing at his bag and stabbing at his neck. She kept on attacking until he struggled no more, he was eerily still.
Amittai couldnât stop himself from screaming, a loud piercing shriek echoed throughout the house. Though his neighbors had heard his screams their only response was to shout in anger at them to shut up.
âWhat are you doing up, Sweetheart?â His mother questioned a wide smile on her face, the corners of her eyes crinkled slightly, blood stained her nicest dress. She looked insane. She looked like a murderer.
He felt faint. He needed to run.
Bolting out the door, glad that their locks had long ago been broken. The cries of his mother calling his name were quickly drowned out by the pounding rain.
The rain quickly seeped through his thin clothes, chilling him. It only seemed to fall harder and faster upon his frightened form as he ran. He had nowhere to go and no idea where a Royal Guard station might be.
So, he followed the road.
Each step hurt, sharp rocks embedding themselves into his bare feet.
After a few minutes of seemingly endless cobble roads, the cracked stones slowly turned into a muddy dirt path. The muddy water splashed at his bare feet, quickly staining his legs as mud wedged itself uncomfortably between his toes.
Though his feet hurt immensely, he couldnât stop running.
As he went deeper and deeper into the forest, he began to regain some hold of himself. Thoughts about the tales of a beast that lurked in the Withered Forest and how the god of Fear slaughtered anyone foolish enough to walk through the boundary began to creep into his mind.
It wasnât until he tripped over a tree root that triggered him to take hold of himself fully. The sudden abruptness of sensations was overwhelming. All sound became white noise, all except one.
The sound of crunching leaves and then a branch snapping.
With a shriek of fright, using the last of his energy Amittai scrambled to his feet and began running as fast as his stubby little legs could take him, which wasnât very far.
Having used up all his luck by escaping his mother, it didnât surprise him when he tripped over another tree root, his ankle snapping in half, bone jutting out of the skin.
Black splotches began to appear as he breathed heavily, suddenly feeling extremely cold and tired as he closed his eyes and began begging and pleading for mercy all the while snot and tears dripped down his muddy face. Â
It was looming over him now, butâŚ
âCome now child, no need for the waterworks.â A gruff and gravelly voice spoke as he was suddenly gently picked up and cradled protectively in strong arms.
Confused Amittai opened his eyes only to be greeted not by a snarling beast, but by a man who appeared in his late twenties. Though the man had some monstrous traits, he could have easily ended his life with a simple snap of the neck.
âNow, why are you here? Where are your parents?â The man asked as calmly as possible, his voice laced with confusion.
Amittai opened his mouth to speak, having calmed down slightly, but at the mention of parents, he began to wail. The emotions of the day crashing down upon him as the realization that life would never be the same dawned upon him.
The man panicked, heâd never been good with kids, nor did he know how to calm them down. What made the whole thing even more chilling was how the child was wailing. He had only heard such cries from someone who had lost a loved oneâŚ
âMy nameâs Jerimoth. Whatever happened, youâre safe now.â Jerimoth stated calmly, but firmly as he carefully shifted the crying child in his arms as to not jostle his leg.
âLike the big scary god?â Amittai questioned, his voice quivering as sobs and hiccups escaped his body, tears running down his cheeks in streams.
âExactly, some like to say that I am, but Iâm just the watcher of these woods,â Jerimoth stated with a smile.
Amittai began to calm down after a few minutes of walking, his attention having been drawn to the wolves that watched curiously from a distance.
âWhat was that?â Jerimoth questioned curiously as he stopped, having not heard what the child had muttered.
âIâm Amittai. Please donât take me back home. Please donât.â Amittai begged as he began to tear up again, snuggling closer to the manâs chest as that was where he felt safest. His heartbeat was calming to him.
Jerimoth looked upon the kid blankly before running a hand through his hair.
âI wonât kid⌠Iâm going to regret this, but you can stay with me for as long as you want. Just donât do something stupid and get yourself killedâ Jerimoth lectured, however when he received no response he looked down at Amittai.
Leaning against his chest, the child slept rather peacefully.
Jerimoth could only let out a groan of annoyance. He shouldnât be getting attached to anything, but look at him now, getting sentimental over a kid.
âOf course, only meâ He grumbled angrily before beginning the trek back to his cabin.
