5 Chapter 5 - The Law Of The Jungle

When the Moontrit used Charge again, Drake was ready. He stepped to the side, and cut a gash on the coarse hide of the Ifere. Black blood started gushing out, but that only seemed to anger it more.

It's four yellow eyes glinted with a dangerous light that Drake recognized too late. It was a sign of the usage of a skill called Death Stare.

When he looked into the Moontrit's eyes, every ounce of strength left his body, and he fell to the ground. His pupils dilated, and he started spasming out as white foam mixed with blood came out of his mouth. Because of the tremors he was feeling, he had bit his tongue, but still was unable to control himself. He would have died if he was alone, but luckily, he wasn't.

Frainer shrieked, and threw itself at the wild Ifere, latching onto it's head, and not letting go no matter how much it shook it's body. When the Moontrit stopped looking at him, Drake finally was able to get up again, his mouth in incredible pain. It was a miracle he hadn't bitten his own tongue off.

However, his survival instincts were stronger than the pain. He knew that he couldn't run, because the Moontrit would certainly catch up to him. So, all he could do was fight.

"Frainer, use Nightmare Clouds!"

Hearing him, his partner let go of the Moontrit before releasing a small puff of smoke, which the Ifere sniffed unconsciously. As soon as he did that, it's eyes became bloodshot, as it started running around, ramming against trees as if it was being attacked by invisible enemies. It had completely forgotten about Drake and Frainer. It even used the ability Moontrits were most known for: Bone Blades.

The spikes on it's back grew twenty centimeters longer, and so did it's fangs, as they started shining with a silver glow. The trees on it's path all received deep cuts, and leaves fell down.

That was the effect of Nightmare Clouds. It made the opponent see illusions of their worst fears, and, although it didn't last for long, it was more than enough for the user of the skill escape or attack.

And that was what Frainer did. Following a yell of Drake, it once again glued onto the Moontrit's head, this time using Dreamscape. The wild Ifere suddenly stopped moving, showing no reaction even as Drake got closer.

When he saw the defenseless creature, Drake raised his knife, preparing to strike. But then he hesitated. It seemed... wrong. The Ifere just wanted to survive. On this, it wasn't any different than him.

"Tutu... Ach..."

Frainer moaned quietly, and the Moontrit started to tremble, almost escaping the Ifere's control. It was much stronger than the newly born creature, and, unlike Drake earlier that day, it was resisting.

The thought that Frainer might be harmed if he hesitated any longer was enough to steel Drake's resolve. Taking a deep breath, he slashed upwards, cutting open the Moontrit's throat. Immediately following that, it let out a howl of pain, and broke through Dreamscape.

Frainer fell from it's head, unconscious, and Drake grabbed it before it hit the ground. The Moontrit looked at him one last time, and took two shaky steps forward, before it's short legs couldn't support it anymore, and it crumbled to the ground.

Small puffs of black smoke left it's body as it bleed out, a clear sign that it was dying. The black smoke was of vital importance to any death-type Ifere, and if they lost it, they died.

After a few seconds, the light disappeared from the Moontrits eyes, and Drake let out a sigh of relief. He had never expected his first night in the wilderness to be so eventful, and so dangerous.

Looking at Frainer, he was reassured to find that his partner was just tired, but not injured. After putting him on the ground carefully, he walked to where his knife had fallen. It was still covered in the Moontrit's black blood.

Hesitating slightly, Drake picked up the blade, and used a piece of his torn apart tent to clean it. He had killed Iferes before, when hunting with his father, but it was always from a long distance away. He had never risked his life before, and, although it was terrifying, it was also thrilling at the same time. That was the emotion, the excitement, he had been looking for.

Taking one last glance at the dead Moontrit, Drake put Frainer on his shoulder, and started packing what was left of his possessions. They had to leave before the smell of blood attracted other wild Iferes. Luckily, his sleeping bag had survived, although the tent was gone.

For a moment, he thought about carving up some of the Ifere's meat, but death-type creatures weren't good to eat. They tasted like dirt, and made you hungrier than before.

Soon, they had left their camp, and, after the adrenaline wore off, Drake finally started to feel the pain in his mouth. Every time he moved his tongue, it was as if he was biting a shard of glass. Still, there was nothing he could do now, except wait for it to heal. That, or find a life-type Ifere willing to help him.

Minutes turned to hours, and the night started giving in to the day, as Drake and his partner kept walking, following the road. Frainer had woken up by now.

He was pretty sure they were about to find an outpost, on which not only would they be able to rest, but also find a medic. No matter what kingdom you were, the army fortresses were also open for any travelers, with the condition that you left your weapons at the gate, and took them back when you left.

...

The sun was shining on their backs when they saw the outpost. It was right in the middle of the road, so you had to go through it to continue on your way. The metallic walls shone under the sun, as several soldiers wearing the blue uniform and the white flower emblem of Menoraz Kingdom patrolled the bulwarks.

The gate was open, and several people were leaving the outpost. It was still morning, time to set on your journey once again. Very few were entering, most likely those who, just like Drake, had spent the night walking.

"Stop! Name and destination."

One of the soldiers, carrying a rifle, stood on Drake's path. He didn't look much older than him, but his eyes carried a coldness that or a killer could have. Standing on all fours next to him was an Ifere half a meter tall, with dark fur that looked more like spikes. When Drake looked at it, it opened it's mouth on a snarl.

"Drake Stronter. I'm going to Fallen Star City."

The soldier looked at him, and his gaze grew warmer. He didn't recognize neither his face nor his name as any of the outlaws the outposts kept an eye out for. In the end, outposts were just outposts. A real verification of Drake's identity would be done when he reached a city.

"Had a pretty bad time last night, hum? First time out of home?"

"Yeah."

"I suggest you go to the canteen. A good meal work wonders to make you feel better. Next!"

Taking the soldier's suggestion seriously, Drake entered the outpost. He would first see the doctor, and then he would eat.