Hunting Pt. 2

Something was licking my arm. I opened my eyes to see a red eyed familiar animal. I acted like I was dead, when it eventually bit my arm. It stung, but it was worth it. I snatched up the animal, covering its mouth with my hand. It made muffled screeching noises, but it wasn't loud enough for anyone to hear. Blood leaked from the bite mark in my arm, but I couldn't feel it. Maybe it was a numbing effect from the animal.

The sound of string releasing from the air and thumping on the ground indicated Ziya saw the animal.

"Huh. I've never seen an animal here do that. Not once have I seen any wild animals drawn to a human like this. No matter though. A hunt is a hunt."

She unsheathed her katana, ready to strike the animal. But I had an idea already that was a win-win situation for everyone.

"Wait, don't hurt it. I have an idea," I offered.

Ziya stopped, waiting where she was as if waiting for my thoughts.

"What if we both took this thing back alive. That way, no one dies and we get back. Besides, this thing is too cute to die," I said.

The thing in my hand seemed to bare its teeth, but in a peaceful way, like it was trying to smile. Similarly like Jarun does.

Ziya waited there, nodding her head slightly as if considering the idea.

"Is this one of those ideas from crappy movies back on earth? I'm just saying."

"Yeah, sorry. It was the best I could come up with by waking up as soon as you got here."

"I guess it wouldn't hurt to try. There is no rule saying we have to kill the beast, even if it's tradition."

"Then let's do it."

I held the animal in my arm, which just sat peacefully, not even trying to escape. We were both quiet. The only thing that was making at least some noise was the little guy.

Ziya and I both were now almost at the end of the woods. I could see the village from where I was, even if there were trees in the way, the leaves glowing. The dark sky was beautiful. On a different occasion, this would be a nice place to hang with a friend.

"I'm sorry for this, I truly am. But I can't let my pride fall," she mumbled.

I was about to ask what she meant, but she swept me off my feet, my back slamming into the ground. I gasped for air, but my lungs felt like they were at war with the rest of my body. I couldn't feel the animal in my hand now, and I heard people cheering. I looked up to see Ziya walking towards the crowd, not a single scratch on her body. I looked down. Slash marks were covering my chest, and they were even worse on my legs. My white t-shirt was now completely stained in blood, and the bite marks from earlier didn't help.

I felt angry, but my body wouldn't move to get up and keep trying. My legs were badly cut— luckily not on my tendons— but it was still enough to hurt where I couldn't walk. She must of quickly used her katana to finish me off and make sure I didn't win. For some reason, this made me feel weak and sad inside. But rage was also starting to build up. It was expected from someone like her, but I didn't think she would exceed it by that far. Then again, she is an exceeding expectations kind of person.

Bad news for her. So was I.

Power and rage and other mixed emotions flowed through my veins. I felt alive, my heart pulsing incredibly.

"Quest unlocked: 'Revenge'

Reward(s):

New move: 'Skull smasher'

+10 chasm

Cosmetic: Inventory, "a very familiar voice said aloud. A grin started to form on my face. Now, I'm not a violent person, but when it comes to breaking deals and promises, I won't hesitate to bash in someone's face.

I rose up slowly to try and reduce the pain, but it didn't help much. Ziya was almost there, only about ten steps away from the crowd. I wasn't going to let this chance get away.

I've had enough crap for the past two days filling me. It was time to let it out.

"TIME STOP!"

Everything lost its color, smell, and sound in almost no time. Everyone stopped moving.

I leapt up into the air with the remaining strength I could mesh together, reaching an incredible height. But I had jumped to hard.

A sharp pain filled my stomach and I coughed out blood. Everything had regained its color. Before I it the ground, I made at least one final attempt to stop her. I drew a couple kunai from my belt and chucked them at her legs and waist.

I didn't even get to see if they made any contact with her because I crashed into the ground with immeasurable force, the soil paralyzing all of my senses.

-----------

"My king, give the boy a chance. He has great potential. If you just let me work with him..."

"I can not do that. Rules are rules. Don't you agree everyone?"

"Yes. Although the boy may have potential, he didn't pass the second trial."

"I agree. He failed to catch a beast twice. Not only that, he got bite marks from it, proving my point that he is weak."

"I can't side with any of you on that. I also believe the boy has potential. Did any of you not see the slash marks all over his body? And yet, he still managed to get to the end."

"Can't you all agree that he at least passed the first trial? As that is, it's living proof that he has potential. At least give me a year my King."

A refined voice spoke in a hush tone. They sighed before finally giving an answer.

"Alright. You have one year to get him into shape. At the end of your year's training, he will go against my daughter in a fight to the death. Your time starts tomorrow morning."

"Thank you, my lord."

I couldn't seem to get a grip on of what was going on. I heard the people discussing about something, but my hearing kept tuning in and out. I heard almost zero of the conversation. My body ached and stung, and the air was stuffy and hot. It smelt like dusty paprika, its scent burning my lungs.

Just what were they planning?