Broken Bond

Gora:

"I've called you three here because we will be starting the second phase of your training." I announced. We were in an empty clearing far away from the camp. With me were my three guardians. Warr snorted at my words. While Frons and Canis said nothing. I felt sorry for all of them, even Warr. I was going to put them through hell.

"I've given you all a chance to stop your training here and now. Well, except for Warr, she and I have a deal." I said, looking at the tiger. She gave me a toothy smile, and I smiled back at the cat. She had no idea what I had in store for her.

"Will you be teaching me a new style?" Canis said, wagging his tail. I nodded my head at the man. I was going to teach him a new technique but not today.

"We will soon head to the top of the silent mountain, and I need you three to gain at least one more layer before then. I explained. My three guardians looked at me in confusion. Most beasts thought they could only progress with time. So, I didn't blame them. Humans and demons know that training and practicing were also ways of increasing one's layer.

"I know that you are all skeptical, but I assure you that in one month, I can increase your layers," I announced with a smirk. Of course, all three were pretty close to leveling up. I estimated it would take six months to a year to reach the next level if I didn't interfere. The training I had planned would definitely be faster, but it may take longer than a month. I knew that promising the impossible would motivate both the guardians and me.

"Yeah, Yeah! Enough talk. I'm ready to get this over with." Warr groaned. The other guardians looked as if they would pounce on the tiger. I was sure they would have torn the cat apart if I wasn't here. Still, Warr was right. ( I can show them better than I can tell them.) I thought as I took off my jacket and began to stretch.

"Okay, I guess we can get started. Warr will be up first, and you two should observe my movements. I exclaimed as I continued my stretches. Frons and Canis both bowed and made room for Warr and me. The cat just looked at me smugly.

"You better not go back on your deal, human!" Warr exclaimed. Her words made me a little angry. I was about to let my anger go but decided it would be helpful in this situation. It was getting harder and harder to fight back my rage. I know why, but my temper has shortened since my body evolved. Now it didn't take much to set me off. I blame it on my demon half. Right now, I only had one thought. (Crush her!)

Bang!

In seconds I was rushing the tiger. I watched as the beast's jaws opened wide, preparing for an attack. ( Wind Howl.) A cone of turbulent air shot from the tiger's mouth. I fell to the ground rolling under the vortex. I was now under the beast's mouth, just out of range of its attack. Warr's wind Howl was strong, and I'd be cut up if I was hit by it, but it also left the cat vulnerable to counters.

(Drake punch!) I thought, activating one of my advanced techniques. The move was a modified version of the chin checker. I didn't know I would use it when I initially learned the technique. That's because Drake punch was meant for beasts Titan's size. Still, the uppercut did the trick.

Warr's head shot up towards the sun as the tiger was sent off her feet. The beast fell on its back but was already starting to move. I set after the beast and was a few feet away. When Warr launched wind blades at me. ( Damn cat!) I thought as I summoned two black blades made of Ki.

Boom!

Our attacks collied, creating a small shock wave. The tiger had halted my advance and was now up and ready for me. Warr had also succeeded in making me use my Ki. I did have much mana left after charging Titan up earlier this morning. I had two layers of Ki left to play with. I needed every drop to fight all three of my guardians. ( I have to be quick about this!) I thought as I used another advance Ti-Ki.

"What the!" Warr's exclaimed as I made my move. (Judging from her reaction, I guess it works.) I thought with amazement. The style was known as vanishing step, and it was a vampirear style. The vanishing step was a straightforward move, in theory. I just had to sidestep far enough to escape my opponent's sight. The trick was being faster than the eyes. But if you could pull it off, it would appear as if you just disappeared.

Bang

I appeared next to the big cat attacking with yet another advanced style. This time a punching technique called Soul Strike. The attack pushed the beast back a few feet, but it did cause too much damage. ( I guess I need to practice that a little more.) I thought as I decided to try the move again. However, Warr was ready to let out a mighty roar as her jaws opened. She was undoubtedly going to attack using another wind howl, and I had no time to run.

"Aaaah!" Warr groaned. Instead of wind, the tiger spits out blood. (So it did work.) I thought with glee. Soul Strike was an attack meant to damage the flow of my opponent's mana. This would cause internal harm, which is why Warr was suddenly puking up blood. I took advantage of this opening as I sprinted to the tiger. I leaped in the air confusing the recovering beast.

(Flying Ax kick!) I thought using the only other advanced Ti-ki I knew. I spun in the air, stretching out my right leg before I fell like a meteor at Warr. The heel of my feet connected with the beast's head driving it to the dirt. The move created a small crater under Warr's skull. Lucky I didn't use Ki of I could have cracked the cat's skull.

I raised my foot off the beast, who showed no signs of moving. After a long moment, the tiger began to move again. I watched as Warr's struggled to get up. I should have ended the battle right now, but I wasn't done proving my point. (This is only the beginning.) I thought. My plan was to push all the guardians past their limits. It was the only way for them to grow faster.

Bang!

Before Warr could stand, I kicked her in the stomach, sending her back to the ground. The beast roared in pain, but I ignored it as I went for another kick. Warr was ready this time, however, as she quickly retreated. I followed the beast-activating vanish step when I got close. I sidestep to the left, landing another blow to Warr's side. This time I used stone palm instead of soul strike. I would probably damage Warr's core if I kept using soul strike. Although it may look like I was trying to kill the tiger, that wasn't my goal. I alone wanted to send a message.

Bang!

I landed another blow, then another. Warr didn't stand a chance. Our fight continued for what felt like hours, but I was sure it had only been a few minutes. The entire battle was one-sided as I beat the big cat within an inch of its life. By the end, Warr was a mess. Luckily for her, I only used Ti-Ki, so I hadn't done any fatal damage. Still, I could tell the beast was at her limit. (Let's see how much longer you last.) I thought as I charged in again.

A look of confusion and fear graced the tiger's face. I ignored Warr's looks as I prepared to use vanishing step. Before I could, Warr turned and started to run.

"What In the world!" I said, stopping in my tracks. I hadn't expected the beast to run off. I watched dumbfounded as the beast continued. I thought about giving chase, but I doubted I'd catch up with Warr on full retreat. I also decided to just give up on the beast. We had made a deal before the battle. The deal was simple If she could survive my new training regiment, I'd release her from guardianship. I wasn't lying. I would release her. It just wouldn't happen until we were back from the mountain. That way, she wouldn't cause any trouble while I was away.

"Runaway is that your answer for everything!" I shouted at the fleeing tiger. Warr didn't even turn back as she ran off into the woods. I had given up on Warr. The tiger was just too much of a wild card to have on my team.

"Use the guardian chain!" Frons said, shaking me from my thoughts. I looked out into the forest for a long while. I promised the tiger I wouldn't use the chains in the battle, and I aimed to keep my word. ( I release you from your bond.) I thought, dissolving my bond with Warr. The tiger's soul faded from my core, and Warr was no longer my guardian.

"I have no use for cowards!" I growled, looking at my Canis and Frons. The two looked shocked. I hadn't planned this outcome, but I would use it to my advantage.

"I will give you both a chance to back out now. If you decide to continue, I will not go easy on you, nor will I be angry if you choose otherwise. But just know that your place by my side will be very limited." I said, staring at the two remaining guardians. They both were stunned by my words. I know I was being harsh, but it was the truth.

I didn't plan on staying in the forest forever. Although it was quiet and safe now. I could help but dream of the outside world. I wanted to visit faraway lands, eat delicious meals and drink even more delicious wine. I also wanted to go back to the demon kingdom to see Mog. But I knew the trouble that would cause. To live the life I wanted, I had to be strong. I also knew I could do it alone. I would need help. Strong help! Not just for my sake but for my help's sake as well.

If Frons and Canis wanted to join me, they would be in danger. If they died because of me, I wouldn't be able to live with myself. That is why I was being so harsh. That and I planned to make these two my most trusted advisors. But first, I needed to trust them with my life, and they needed to trust me with theirs.

"I want you two by my side as my sword and shield. But I will not force you. The choice has to be your own." I said, waiting for the two guardians to answer me. Canis dropped his head while Frons starred back at me. Her green eyes seemed to be searching for something.

"As if you had to ask me. I would go through hell if it meant I could stay by your side, Master." Frons said as she bowed low. A wave of relief washed over me. I was happy with her answer. I'd grown quite fond of the woman, so I was glad she decided to stay.

"You can count me in too, Master. Let me be your sword!" Canis announced as he bowed. ( These two will be my most trusted followers.) I thought as I starred at the two in awe. I had a feeling they would stick around, but I had to be sure. The next part of our journey would be challenging, but I was sure I could get through it with these two around.

"Good, now let's forge a formidable sword and shield," I said, gesturing for them to raise their head. Both Frons and Canis looked at me with a smile.

"What about the Cat?" Frons asked, looking off into the distance. I to turn to the direction Warr had run off to. I knew people like my former guardian. Warr was just like the nobles in my old life. They were arrogant and ruthless, but they were also the first to run away when things got tough. I didn't want anyone like that on my team. Still, I was a little sad to see the beast go. ( It was fun while it lasted, kitty.) I thought as I looked back at Frons and Canis. Now wasn't the time to think about the tiger. I had to prepare.

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A month went by fast, and as I had promised, both Canis and Frons were now a layer six. Both beasts had grown incredibly strong. Weeks of training had shaped the two guardians into a force to be reconded with. Titan had also finished healing his core and only dropped one layer. The massive serpent was ecstatic to be healed, although he was angry about being a layer six again.

Little Leafy was also on the verge of leveling up. The spider monkey was about to evolve. It would alone be a matter of time before she did. The only problem was that I wouldn't get to witness it.

"Is everyone ready?" I asked, looking out to the crowd of 30 or so beast. Wolves and gorillas mostly, but I had a few big cats as well. Shadow was one of them. The black panther had been pawned off on me. It was one of Shade's favors. I only agree because I could use the extra help.

"We are all here and ready my Queen!" Frons announced as she bowed to me. It was finally time to head up the mountain. This would be the first excursion of the beast nation, and I was feeling excited. ( I wonder if my mother's people still live.) I thought as I summoned my mother's necklace from my spacial ring. I decided not to wear it out of fear of losing it. I starred at the purple heart-shaped gem. It was time to get some answers.

Silent mountain: The mountain Gora's mother was raised on. The mountain is said to be so dangerous that not even the forest beast dare travel up it. The beast up there can reach layer eight. At least, that's the story told by the monkey tribe. They call it the "silent mountain" because many alphas are most likely roaming the hills, yet the massive mountain is eerily quiet at all times.

Vanishing step: A style created by the Vampear. The technique was meant for close combat and designed to confuse an opponent.

Soul Strike: A technique perfected by the Vampear. It was a punching style that disrupted the flow of Ki in the body. At higher levels, the move could shatter a target's soul core.

Drake Punch: A technique designed by Trolls. The move was meant for large creatures such as dragons. There are tales of how trolls fought dragons long ago. Although most assume that they were just old wise tales.

Flying Ax kick: An advanced technique created by the trolls.

Shade: The female layer six black panther.

Shadow Aka Little shadow: A male layer five black panther and son of Shade.