5 Night Visit

After marveling at his own genius for a while, Jasper slithered away from the wall to try flying again. Safely in the middle of the pit, he stretched himself out to his full length. Closing his eyes he began to concentrate.

Once again with each breath, small amounts of fog leaked from his body. This time, however, as the fog gathered, he decided to try and control its movements. To his delight, it responded to his will.

Merging with his thoughts the fog opened a path, letting his head emerge from within. While being lifted from the ground he puffed up his chest with pride. He felt like a dragon from legend, peeking out from among the clouds.

With a swish of his tail, he floated around the pit. This time completely aware of his surroundings. After circling for a few times, to be sure that the fog wouldn't block his vision again, he turned his attention towards the sky.

It was dark now, the sun already far beyond the horizon. The days earlier cloud covered sky now packed to the brim with millions and millions of stars.

It was an amazing sight to behold. Unlike in his last life, this night sky seems larger and brighter. As a sailor in his former existence, he was well acquainted with the night sky and the constellations that help guild his way.

Yet this blanket of stars was foreign to him. All the familiar waypoints were gone, another harsh reminder that this was no longer the world he knew.

As he stayed there blankly staring at the sky a sudden desire to soar up to them sprouted in his heart. As unrealistic as it seemed, he firmly believed that if he tried, one day he could swim among them.

Now with a new life goal, he felt content. He would work hard, get a firm grasp on his foggy powers, and one day become the first snake in space! He wouldn't let anyone stop him.

First things first though, he needed to make his way out of the pit. As cozy as it was, there wasn't any food or water in it. And he couldn't count on fruits always falling and landing before him. There was no way he was that lucky.

At first light tomorrow, he would fly out of the nest and into the mysterious world beyond. With that in mind, he turned and floated over to where the remains of his egg lay. Willing the fog to wrap closely around him, snuggled up in a coil for the night.

High above him in the treetop, Humil hummed lazily as he rested amidst the branches. Even though the old man's eyes were shut, his ears were primed and listening closely to everything around him. On cue, a low rumble shook the forest in the distance.

In the darkness of the forest, a large mass was moving. It sped through the trees as it made its way forward. An eerie silence was left in its wake as if everything in the forest was afraid of it noticing them.

A mighty roar rang out as the giant mass breached the tree line. Clear of the trees cover the moon's light shown upon the creature, revealing its true form. Standing a good ten feet tall, with dull copper-colored fur covered in black stripes as dark as the void, was a glowing-eyed tiger.

"Are you doing Luka's dirty work as well now, Torlin?" Humil asked with a sigh as he opened his eyes and looked towards the newcomer.

Walking up to the tree, Torlin stopped at the edge of the shadow of the tree.

"Don't say it like that, Humil, you know me better than that." The tiger sighed as he sat down on his hind legs. "He asked me to come and get a few fruits, but I didn't actually promise anything."

"It's good that you didn't," Humil said curtly.

"Can you at least tell me why you won't share your fruits? You used to trade them with everyone as long as they had something good to offer in return."

Humil paused for a moment before replying, "I have my own reasons, old friend."

"I guess that much," Torlin glanced around at the destruction around the base of the tree. "I'm guessing that your last tribulation was stronger than anticipated."

Hearing that the old tree sighed, "Well you're not wrong."

"I have a bit of Spark Spirit essence left from my trip to the Forgotten Everglades, how about I we make a trade?" Torlin offered, "The rest of the essence for five fruits. You know it's a good deal for you."

Looking down at the old tiger, Humil shook his head, "Torlin you know I would if I could, but I really can't share any fruits right now."

Hearing the old tree still refuse he was confused. Holding his tongue he stared up at the old tree in silence as he sunk into thought. A while passed before Torlin finally broke the silence.

"Someone was involved in your tribulation weren't they," Torlin stated.

A low sigh came from the tree as an overwhelming pressure descended onto the tiger. "Torlin, I won't lie to you, there was someone else involved in my tribulation. But I strongly advise you to keep all other thoughts to yourself."

Bearing the pressure of a not so subtle threat, Torlin's face fell. If he said he didn't fear the old tree, it would be a lie. He was a Fifth Heaven Cleared Demon Lord, and even before Humil's tribulation, he wasn't his match.

"Alright, alright, no need to get upset. I know when to mind my own business." Torlin said as he wiped the cold sweat from his head. "Just remember that Luka isn't so understanding. He probably knows that I won't make any progress. So he probably has other plans."

"I know," Humil nodded slightly. "I only fear that he's not brave enough to come to seek his death himself."

avataravatar
Next chapter