Essence of Time - The Forgotten Journey von Deamond ================================================================================ Kapitel 29: ------------ Chapter 29 „Ugh“ Callo held his nose, having a hard time not to sneeze all the time. There were a lot of orchids in this forest… one reason more to hate this place… “So one thing is for sure… when we are done with this journey, we won’t open a flower-shop…” Shade chuckled and hopped up and down in midair. “Ha ha, how funny…” Callo shook his head and looked over at Zeyir who was grinning like an idiot, amusing himself over the situation of the poor tan elf… “You are so short before getting your bud kicked into next week, you know?” “If you come too close, I will throw myself into an orchid-field…” The demon lolled out his tongue, running ahead of the group. Allen suppressed a bright grin. He counted their supplies just to keep himself from teasing the poor man next to him. He had to bite his lip even. “Come on… Suppressing it won’t do you good, Allen…” Callo sighed heavily and looked down at his companion. “Now give it to me already!” “Ahahaha, not opening a flower-shop!! Awesome, Shade!!!” He held his belly, bursting out in laughter. “It sounds sooo cute when you are sneezing! Like a little boy!!From behind I have to agree with Zeyir. When you are sneezing I could truly mix you with a girl! And this sweet way you try to suppress it all the time! Awesome!!” “Are you done now?” The tan man rolled his eyes. “Jupp, now it’s all out. Thank you, I feel better now!” Allen chuckled and blinked innocently. “I won’t tease you.” Steel smiled and sat down on his master’s shoulder, looking up at Shade who rolled her eye. The little shadow-spirit sat down on the other shoulder of Callo, cuffing his hair a little. “You know we are only kidding, right?” She giggled and disappeared in a cloud of dark mist. “Ugh, it really is time we find a village… this forest deserves its name truly…” The elf moved his fingers through his long hair, trying to relax a little. “You mean the ‘Ocean of Trees’? Yeah, it truly fits…” Zeyir yawned. He slowly returned to the group, sensing the danger was gone… “By the way… I’m hungry, how about a break?” “I must admit, this sounds rather good…” Callo held his belly. A loud grumble was heard… causing his companions bursting out in laughter once again. “Hey, rare enough that I am the one asking for a break, right?” He grinned, taking the bag with supplies from Allen, checking what they had left. His mood sank right away… “What’s wrong?” Zeyir looked inside the bag. “Sweets, fruits and that’s it.” Allen rubbed the back of his head nervously. “We don’t have anything else left. If you want something decent to eat, you will have to go hunting…” “Aw man…” Zeyir sighed and ran off into the forest. “Hey! Wait a second!!” Allen ran after the demon, ready to help him. Callo stood alone in the opening, the bag still in hands. He pulled out an apple and took a bite. He was too tired at the moment to hunt after his companions. He was sure that they’d be able to find their way back to him. After all, Allen was with Zeyir! “Are you alright?” Steel smiled and hopped down from his shoulder. “Of course he is! He is Callo Moerbin!” Shade popped out of nowhere and glomped Steel playfully before making her way over to the adult. “You hate forests, don’t you?” She grinned and sat down on his shoulders, leaning on Callo’s head. “Hm?” Shade blinked for a second, staring at a bush not far from them… “What’s wr-“ Shade held her hand in front of Callo’s mouth, showing him to be silent… “There is someone watching us.” She whispered into his long ear, disappearing in the shadows. … “GOTCHA!” The little shadow-spirit jumped out of the darkness, right into the bush, pressing down whatever was hiding between the leaves. “Ouch! Let me go! Stupid shadow-witch!!” A small blonde water-spirit tried her best to get rid of Shade’s grip, but the little spirit got her so tight she couldn’t even disappear into the spirit-world. “Who…” Callo ran up to the two spirits but recognized the stalker right away. “You are the spirit we saw before.” “Ouchy…” “Let her go, Shade.” The tan elf knelt down, helping the small spirit up. “Okay~” Shade hopped on Callo’s shoulder, holding herself balanced on the tan man’s hair. “Why are you here? You are free to go wherever you want.” Callo smiled softly, patting Shade playfully. “This is… why I’m here…” The little spirit blushed awfully and played with her hair nervously. “Hm?” Callo rose an eyebrow, not getting what the spirit was talking about. “The elf is gone, you-“ “No, that’s not it!” The little spirit hopped up and faced the elder. “I… want to become your partner!” “My partner? W… why?” “Well, I’m sure I could be of a lot of help!” The spirit smiled. “Can you fight?” Shade asked curiously. “Uh no, I…” “Can you enchant weapons?” The little spirit on Callo’s shoulder leaned forward. “No but-“ The small water-spirit hesitated. “Then… I guess you are not really of any use to us.” Shade chuckled, hugging her master’s neck playfully. “But I-“ “CALLO!!! RUN!!” Zeyir’s voice cut through the thick air like a dagger. The demon came rushing out of the bushes, followed by Allen. A loud roar announced the reason why Callo’s companions were panicking… A giant basilisk rushed behind them, just as hungry as the little team… “Oh sh-!” Callo turned, running as fast as possible, leaving the panicking spirit behind. Shade hang on his long hair, trying her best to not loose grip and fall behind. Allen tried to mutter a summon-oat, but while running it was nearly impossible to chant. “Allen!! Call for Luna and let her support me! I will fry that thing to dust!” Zeyir shouted, preparing his claws. “What do you think I’m trying?! Singing an ode to the trees?!” Allen barked frustrated, trying to feel the might of the Great Spirit within him. “Allen!” Callo ran up to the summoner. “Feel the energy within! The chant will come automatically with it!!” “I know that!” Allen grid his teeth. How was he supposed to listen to his inner energies when he needed all his power for running!?! The basilisk came closer every second, the green snake-like body moving over the soft ground like a fish in the open water. It had no problem rushing through the thick woods… in contrary to the three companions. “Ouch!” Allen tripped over some roots, falling to the ground. Zeyir hurried to his side, releasing his claws. “Come on! Show me what you got!” The demon shouted. He knew there was no other way than to fight anymore… “Zeyir, Callo! Don’t look into its eyes! It will paralyze you!” Allen shouted while trying to free his foot from the root. “Alright!” Zeyir grid his teeth, rushing towards the dragon-like creature, trying to avoid looking at the head. Callo followed him closely behind, his rapiers tight in hands. “I call upon the dark servant, the iron shield of the world, the daughter of shadows, the son of the metal-fields. Shade! Steel!” Callo chanted for his spirits, trying to dodge the giant monster. The basilisk was fast. Too fast for Zeyir. He got hit by the snake-monster again and again, getting slashed against threes and the ground. “I call upon the dark empress of the night, the midnightqueen, the—“ Allen stopped chanting as the giant jaw of the basilisk rushed towards him, ready to bite him into pieces. He jumped aside, starting the chant anew. “I call upon the dark empress—“ It was no use, the basilisk was too close. Chanting now was suicide! “I’m sorry! I can’t chant!” “Dammit!” Zeyir jumped on the back of the monster, slashing his red flamesaber into the neck of the monster, but he barely managed to get through the thick scales… It wasn’t even bleeding! “Zeyir! Watch out!” Callo wanted to grab the hand of his friend, pulling him off the monster’s back, but he wasn’t fast enough. The basilisk turned and slammed its back onto the ground. It turned again and again, smashing its claws into the spot where Callo knew Zeyir laid. “No!” The tan man rushed forward, slashing his rapiers down again and again into the giant body of the monster. “I call upon the dark empress of the night, the midnightqueen, the ruler over the shadows! By our pact I demand for your aid!” Allen closed his eyes. The Mana flew around him, whileing around his body like mist. Unfortunately… this attracted the attention of the basilisk… “Allen! Watch out it’s coming!” Callo shouted, dodging the turning lizard as it rushed over to the summoner. ‘Now or never!’ Allen closed his eyes, hoping he would be able to finish his chant in time. “By our pact! I summon you! Lunaaaaaaaaa!!” He was ripped off his feet by the lizard, sent back flying into a tree. Callo’s eyes doubled in size. He looked over to where Zeyir laid. The demon was bleeding badly, unconscious and without a sign of life. Allen was crawling on the ground, holding his leg in agony. From what Callo was able to see the leg was broken and the basilisk was only a few meters away from him. “Dammit…” Callo rushed forward, standing between the summoner and the monster. He wouldn’t let the beast get past him! Not as long as he was still alive! “We will stay here as long as necessary!” Shade and Steel appeared next to their master, preparing to defend their friends with anything they got. “L… Luna…” Allen looked around. The dark mist he had summoned formed slowly into the pale beauty. “Fear my wrath…” Luna’s voice was calm and cold as ice. She lifted her hand in front of her chest, releasing her fully might. A dark energy ball hit right into the monster, causing it to fall back. Callo didn’t wait for a second chance. He rushed forward and slammed his weapon into the soft yaw of the beast. The basilisk yelled in pain and tried to get Callo off its body with its claws but the bruises couldn’t stop Callo now. He was going to kill this thing no matter what!! After a few seconds the monster stopped moving, slowly sinking down lifeless to the ground. Callo took his rapiers and threw them aside, running up to Allen. As far as he could tell, the human’s right leg was broken and he had some inner injuries as well as a shock from the hit against the tree… Luna just watched emotionless what was happening before she disappeared again. “Allen, can you hear me?” Callo shivered slightly. His heart was smashing against his chest with amazing speed. “Zey… Zeyir…” Allen held his head, dazed. His whole body was aching. “Zeyir!” The elf bit his lip, turning around again, facing the lifeless body of his friend. He ran over, searching for a sign of life. Callo tried his best to find the pulse of his friend, but all the blood and the fact that he was shaking so hard… made it impossible to feel anything. “Come on, be alive… Just be alive!” “We need help! Immediately!” Steel panicked, floating next to Shade. “You stay here! I will try to find help!” Callo stormed off. After 5 minutes of running, he stopped. What was he doing?! They haven’t met anyone in ages in this forest, there were no towns around. They were alone, all alone! As Callo realized that he was unable to help his friends in any way, he sank down on a tree. It was the first time he noticed his own injuries… He held his arms, trying to calm himself. He had to think of something. He had to help his friends!! But… how? “Dammit…” He leaned backwards, closing his eyes. “It is not very polite to swear in the presence of a lady.” A familiar voice came from next to Callo’s ear. He jumped up, looking around but no one was here. “I’m down here!” A small blonde water-spirit waved from the ground, shyly. “You!” Callo stepped back, his heart calming a little again. “You are hurt! Can I help you? I’m a healing-spirit!” The little spirit smiled sweetly. “HEALING?!” Callo packed the small spirit, taking her up from the ground and hugging her tightly. “Thank goodness!!” “Ahahaha, that hurts!!” The little spirit chuckled. “I’m Drop!” She smiled and wondered what exactly was wrong. “Can you heal my friends?!” Callo started running towards his companions again, Drop still in his arm. “Y… yeah of course! But shouldn’t I heal you instead?” “…” Callo didn’t even listen anymore. He hurried all the way back to his friends. Shade and Steel kept guarding their friends. Allen was unconscious by now and Zeyir… was still motionless. Shade sighed and sat down next to the demon, spending him some of her dark energy though she knew, Zeyir wasn’t lacking energy but blood right now… She was unable to do anything. “If Zeyir won’t survive, Galdor will fall apart… I guess it will fall into the hands of the surrounding countries…” Steel held his knees, sadness in his eyes. “And if no one will help Allen, what then? Midgard will fall apart!” “Would you mind stop talking as if are dead already?! Callo is not back yet! I’m sure he will find a way to safe Zeyir and Allen!!” Shade barked angrily. Suddenly someone stormed through the bushes. Shade formed her head-scarf into two rapiers until she noticed that it was Callo. “You are back!” She cheered and flew over towards her master as… “Huh? You are that spirit from before!” “Drop, can you heal them?!” Callo hesitated, letting go of the small spirit. Drop held her head dazed from the sprint, but as her gaze fell on the two injured men she knew why he had rushed so much. “Ouch, this gotta hurt!” She slapped her hands in front of her mouth. “I need to form a pact with you first! I need your Mana to use my spells!” Callo didn’t wait for a second. He opened his arms releasing his Mana. “Drop. Spirit of Water, Child of Aquarius… I demand to form a pact with you by the holy name of Mana! May thy might and mine combine to form a new bound on the foundation of the essence of life!“ “I agree with this divine oath and become your partner, bound to you by fate itself.” Drop smiled brightly and flew over to Zeyir. “I won’t be able to heal them both completely, but at least so much, that they are out of life-danger.” “This is enough for me right now.” Callo knelt down next to her. “What am I supposed to do?” He looked over from Drop to Shade. The small spirit bit her lip. “Take your hand and feel my Mana flowing through your arms. I will do the rest!” The water-spirit smiled and enjoyed the feeling of the Mana-link between herself and the desert-elf. Callo placed his hands on Allen’s chest, releasing some of his Mana, healing the summoner’s leg and worst injuries. When he was done, he ran over to Zeyir. He was fatigue already… Callo closed his eyes. He released the rest of his energy, trying his best to heal the young demon. “Come on… you are too young for dying!” “It works!” Shade hopped up and down cheerfully. “Callo, it works! Callo? Callo!!” “Mmmmh…” Callo blinked sleep-dazed. “Back awake, huh?” Steel grinned. “What has happened?” “You used all your energy on Zeyir and Allen.” The small spirit smiled and patted his master. “They will be alright. They are asleep. We will have to stay here for a while I guess…” Steel sighed and shot a glare over at Drop and Shade who were arguing about something… “Stupid shadow-witch!” “Hey, I just said the truth, okay?” “No you don’t! I will be his new favorite! You said yourself that he was a knight! I’m a lady and he came to my rescue! That proves it!” “Ahahaha, that is just a proof of his good manners.” Shade grinned. “I can hear you, girls…” Callo rose an eyebrow… It was already hard with Shade and Steel… but now a SECOND girl in the team… The era of cat-fights has just begun… He sighed and lay back down. All his senses were screaming! Staying in the middle of a forest, hurt, injured, unable to move… But he couldn’t care less right now… He was dead-beaten… Besides, the dead body of the basilisk would hold of other monsters at least for a while… “Good night, Lord Callo!” Drop cheered and flew over to Callo’s lab. “Oh, come on! That’s my place!” Shade growled dangerously and flew over to her master. Steel watched the show, shaking his head. He disappeared in fine metal dust to not get involved in any fighting… Hosted by Animexx e.V. (http://www.animexx.de)