Chapter 4: Rooster Kingdom

“Is it really me you’re mad at or is it yourself?”

“Why didn’t you stock up on provisions?”

“If you had died out there, I would’ve slept peacefully. After all, this is what your people do. But at least others have common sense”

“GODDAMMIT!!” Monkey submerged his head into a stream he found. Vulcan's words continued to echo in his head.

He rose back up taking a deep breath as memories came back to him of his days at the cathedral.

He couldn't help but think about the times he would be asleep during one of momma’s classes as she explained some of the creatures that existed in the world. He laughed. He was regretting not paying attention now. He could hear Viper lecturing him.

Oh, he did not need that right now but there she was, in his head telling him he should be paying listening. Tiger would be sitting right beside him, also sleeping. Wolf would yawn, pretending to be bored but in fact he was paying attention.

He placed his hand over his eyes. Fighting back tears. It almost been two weeks since he took his first contract from Vulcan. Two weeks since him and Vivian fought the two cockatrices, discovering one of them has magic. Two weeks since Vulcan decided to lecture him on his actions that day.

“Why can’t I get those words out of my head?” Monkey said to himself.

“Because what he said is the truth” a voice said behind him.

Monkey turned around to see himself. “Oh god, not again. I thought you were gone.” This other version looked exactly like Monkey, except instead of red, his clothes were gray.

“Now is that anyway to talk to yourself? I’m only here because you wanted someone to talk to.” The gray version of himself said.

“Yeah, you should’ve known better that we were never truly gone. Just taking a vacation.” Another version of himself walked up and sat down beside Monkey on his right. This one wearing all black.

“And now it seems you need us again,” the grey version spoke sitting down on Monkey’s left.

“Need you?” Monkey asked. “Every time I talk to you guys it feels like I’m going crazy.”

The black version laughed “Yet, isn’t talking to us...the only time you feel sane?”

Monkey let out a sigh and didn’t reply.

“So, the father was right,” the grey version started.

“Don’t,” Monkey warned.

“We went out into this world thinking we were ready and immediately after our first mission we get shown something ugly. “The grey version went on.

“The guy ungrateful. We didn’t ask his daughter to come with us, she chose to come. She knew the risk just as we did.” the black version said.

“And yet if she didn’t, we would be dead. Face it, Monkey.

Her dad was right, we didn’t think about buying provisions. We didn’t think to ask what this Cockatrice can do. We just expected everything to work out for us.” Gray Monkey said.

“Would it have killed the guy to fucking warn us? No. He hated us. He decided not to tell us the moment we said we wouldn’t help with the raids. Remember?” Black Monkey reminded him

“It isn't my concern,” those words once again rang in his head. Now that Monkey thought about it, Vulcan must’ve decided in that moment to not tell him.

“Oh yeah, he hid it well, but the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. You saw how Vivian reacted. Where did you think she gets it from?” Black Monkey continued.

“Vivian defended us. She even went out of her own way to protect us,” Monkey said staring at the stream of water seeing only his reflection.

“Protect? That an interesting way to put it. You did see her as a mother when you saw how she treated her people didn’t you?” Grey Monkey began.

“Yeah, yeah, she’s not anything like her dear ol’ dad. Granted, but that doesn't excuse her father one bit.” Black Monkey argued.

“True, but he wasn’t wrong either. Monkey, we had no idea how to fight that creature. We were walking towards our own death.” Grey refuted

“He chose to keep quiet. He chose to let us go without mentioning anything. He might as well have had a blade to our throat.” Black wouldn’t let up.

Monkey could feel the anger build up inside him again as he continues to think on the matter.

“But he did teach us a lesson, whether we like it or not. He isn’t going to be the first or last person we deal with.” Grey placed a hand on Monkey’s shoulder.

“Not everyone will show us the kindness that Vivian has and if we were better prepared, she wouldn’t have ended up in the state she was in.”

Monkey took another deep breath, his rage slowly subsiding. “Goddammit.”

“Alright, you win! Fine! Have it your way, but you can’t keep making up excuse for these people.” Black Monkey said as he got up. Grey Monkey rose too.

When Monkey rose up next, he turned to see that they were both gone. “I’m definitely going crazy.”

~

Monkey awoke in the middle of the night feeling his leg being tugged. He looked down to see red eyes staring back at him from the tree he was in, its claws dug deep into his skin.

The Black Beast!? Fear and survival took over completely as he threw a punch downward, covering the creature in flames. It was to no avail as the creature’s claws dug deeper. It pulled down throwing Monkey out of the tree.

Monkey braced himself as he collided into the ground, fear overtaking him completely.

“It’s here? Now?” he thought as the creature lunged forward, claws extended.

Monkey rolled out the way. He tried to get his footing but his left leg felt as if it was on fire. He stared at the creature.

Long arms, head resembling that of a goat. Its body: black and sleek. It eyes glowed with hunger.

It wasn’t the black beast, no. This creature just resembled that monster.

It dived at Monkey who attempted to leap out of the way, but he could see it. The black beast stared him down. The black beast was coming to kill him.

He was frozen with fear. He... was going to die.

“Noo!!” Fear and desperation in his voice as he managed to roll out the way at the very last second.

It hurt to put pressure on his legs but Monkey had no choice but to bear the pain. Its claws extended it swiped at Monkey again.

Monkey avoided its attacks. The creatures claw struck one of the trees, taking out a huge chunk. It dove for Monkey again who managed to get under the beast, putting more strain on his leg. He ignited the beast belly, launching it skyward.

A fireball came hurdling back towards the ground, the flames continued to burn. Monkey made his way to gather his things. He wanted to leave this place as soon as possible.

Suddenly he was flung sideways, He skids against the ground, pain shot through his right arm.

“Mistakes were made....so many mistakes.”

He mumbled to himself, forcing himself to get up, his right arm bleeding profusely. He needed to wrap the wound. Sadly, the creature before him didn’t seem like it was going to give him the privilege. Its body was covered in flames but it seemed like it didn’t faze the creature at all as it glared at him.

It ran straight towards him, seeking to secure its prey.

“I’m not ready to die....”

Monkey dove out the way, pain shooting through his entire body. Monkey limped his way towards a tree, turning around placing his back against it. The beast charged at him; its claws extended. Monkey waited, then used his fire to launch upward, flipping through the air. He knew that his fire magic has no effect against the beast but he could still use it to blind it. Losing sight of him the beast impaled it claws into the tree. Monkey smashed through one of the thick branches. Grabbing it, he aimed for the creature’s head as he came down, screaming like a madman. The creature howled in pain, the branch piercing his flesh. Monkey didn’t stop bringing it down upon the creature skull again and again, repeating the action until it stopped moving.

Monkey fell to the ground, breathing heavily. Slowly registering the events that just happened, the tiniest sounds in the woods quickly caught his attention.

“Sure, hope these things don’t run in packs.”

Monkey stared at the creature he just killed.

“Yeah, this’ll work as my proof.”

~

Monkey looked down from the hill he was on. Two days had passed and he finally made it. There below in the valley is the rooster kingdom. He swung a giant bag over his shoulders as he made his way towards the kingdom. He was tired, his clothes were torn and bloody, but he finally made it.

He walked with a crowd of people, some leaving, others entering the castle. Unlike Vulcan and his people, those that reside in the kingdom wore different clothes. Definitely more colorful than he preferred. As he neared the gates one of the guards stopped him.

“YOU!! Come over here.” Monkey complied not wanting more trouble, just a place to rest. Each step he took felt like a needle slowly going through the bones in his leg.

The guard looked up at him. Monkey looked down at him. The guard then took a look at this tail.

“What is someone from the monkey kingdom doing so far from home?” he asked.

“Just here to apply for my mercenary badge” Monkey replied. It slowly dawned on him how short this guard was compared to him. It was a good thing he was so tired, otherwise he would’ve been laughing right now. But a grin slowly spread on his face.

It seems the guard didn’t like that answer so he asked again. More forcefully he said, “What are you doing so far from home?”

Monkey rubbed his eyes. “I’m here to apply for a mercenary badge.”

“You could’ve gone to your own homeland for that badge,” the guard replied.

Monkey was losing his patience. “I’m on my way to visit a brother of mine in the next kingdom over. This kingdom is on the way. I thought I could just get a badge here and continue on my way.”

The guard nodded obviously not caring how impatient Monkey was acting. “What's in the bag?”

Monkey took a deep breath. “My proof. Want to take a look? I think it could be your twin.”

The guard did not like that remark, “Get going and don’t cause trouble,” he told him.

“Wouldn't dream of it. Oh, if you don’t mind. Where the inn at?” Monkey asked.

The guard pointed northeast.

Monkey gave the guard a big smile. “Thank you,” he said.

He made his way towards the inn. Monkey couldn’t help but notice the looks he was getting. Suppose he shouldn’t be surprised. He was covered in blood, carrying around a giant bloody bag. That, and he was the tallest person around. He couldn’t keep himself from smiling. He just focused on reaching the inn. He was worried that if he actually looked down at any of them, he’d burst out laughing.

~

Monkey made his way into the inn. He had to bend down a little but surprisingly there was plenty of room for him. He walked up towards the owner.

“How much for a room?” he asked.

The owner, a short grizzly looking man. Gave him a long look.

“don’t see much of your kind around here. Its two coins for a night. One for a meal with a drink” he answered.

Monkey placed the bag he was carrying down as he reached into his pouch and brought out a gold coin. He couldn’t help but notice how big the owner eyes got when he saw it.

“Guessing, by the contents in your bag. That you’re aiming to become a mercenary” he said taking the coin, handing Monkey a couple of silver coins.

“Yeah. Which I must ask. Where is the mercenary hall at?” Monkey asked.

Each kingdom has their own mercenary halls. Mercenaries gather here, checking the board every day for any new hunts. Not just hunts. Kingdoms would recruit Mercenaries as well for their armies. Many people didn’t like this. To them if they were willing to attack their own homeland then mercenaries would even kill their own family for coin.

“Also, is there a place I can wash this blood off me?” Monkey asked the innkeeper.

“The guild hall is in the center of our market. Just keep going north from here. Our bath is in the back, also your room will be upstairs. Last door on the left.” he answered.

~

Monkey slowly eased his body into the warm water. It felt like ages since he actually took a bath. He leaned back, closing his eyes. He traces the scars on his right shoulder as he remembered the night he was attacked, those eyes, peering at him through the darkness. Slowly, the beast stepped out of the darkness, slowly changing in form, horns stretched to its back, it grew larger, towering over him.

The Black Beast.

Monkey let out a quick gasp as his shot open, quickly surveying his surroundings. He calmed himself, as he slowly laid back into the tub letting his thoughts drifts back to the days he lived at the cathedral.

~

3 years ago

“Monkey... Monkey!”

Monkey continued to sleep, pretending not to hear the annoying voice that was calling him. He just wanted a few more hours to rest. He felt a pair of hands grab his shoulders.

“shit” he thought.

He was roughly shaken awake. The hands were feminine, but strong.

“I know your lazy ass is awake so stop pretending to sleep!”

Viper continued shaking Monkey until he woke up.

“Alright, alright I’m up, I’m up” Monkey answered. Yawning as he stretched his arms.

Viper, arm folded, waited for Monkey to get up from where he was sitting. Monkey looked around the room seeing that it was empty.

“Wait, where is everyone?” He asked.

“Out in the courtyard. Waiting to get their gem” She answered him

Monkey looked at Viper. She was a bit shorter than him. Light brown skin, her clothes were something Monkey never seen before. She wore a purple skirt over her pants. But her pants you could literally see through, almost like a veil. Same with her top. Whatever it was she wore you could see her stomach clear as day. And what was up with the all the gold. It like she HAS to remind us all that she royalty. Gold arm bands, gold necklace, gold hairband. Even her breast was gold! Viper was glaring at Monkey. Her green eyes said it all.

“Why am I wasting my time here with you when I could be out getting my gem. Not my fault you can't stay awake” he mimics her voice in his head.

“Why am I wasting my time waking you up when I could be getting my gem” Viper said, annoyed.

Monkey burst out laughing.

“What!? What so funny?” She demanded.

“I’ve been around you too long” he answered.

“What does that mean?” she was relentless when she thought Monkey was making fun of her.

Monkey eyes grew wide as he remembered what she said.

“Our gems are today!!” He said as the realization dawn on him

“Yes. Oh my, they are today, aren't they?” she mocked him, eyes also growing wide. Moving one hand over her mouth

ignoring her, he exited the room towards the courtyard.

“come on. Let's go before we end up being the last one to get ours!” Monkey said.

Monkey and Viper came into the courtyard, the rest of the class listening to Eddie C. as she explained the what gems are. When she spotted Monkey, she stopped.

“I’m happy you finally decided to wake up. Was I too boring during classes?” Eddie C. said. Walking towards them, placing herself directly in front of Monkey.

“No momma” he replied unable to look her in the eyes.

“look at me when I talk to you” She demanded.

Monkey face turned red as he heard the rest of the student's snicker. He complied. Looking up into her eyes. Eddie C. didn’t have a tail like most. She wore a full white robe; her grey hair fell out of her hat down the side of her face. She had a pendant but she never wore it around her neck. Instead it she wrapped it around her hand.

“You need to pay attention monkey, this is for your protection. If you don’t take what I teach you seriously. You will die out there” she lectured.

“I do momma. I know all about war tactics. And I remember...a bit of our history.” he started to defend himself but stopped as she continued to give him that disappointing look. He hated that look. It made him feel horrible. Like she was ready to give up on him.

“I’m sorry” he said.

She sighed. “just pay attention from now on. All I ask.”

He nodded as she turned around once again. he heard the rest of the children laugh silently. Even Viper beside him tried her best to hold back her laughter. He growled at her as he went over to Wolf and Tiger. Tiger had tears in her eyes. Most likely got it all out of her system before he came over. Wolf just had a big smile on his face.

“this wouldn’t have happened if you stop sleeping during one of her classes” Wolf told Monkey.

“I can't help it. It's just so boring” he replied.

“then be prepared to keep getting lectured” Viper said almost as if she was singing

Tiger snickered again. Monkey lifted her up as she giggled “oh you think that funny huh?” Monkey teased.

Tiger continued to laughed then they all heard a loud clap as they turned to see Eddie C. staring daggers at them.

“do I need to keep you four here after, cleaning the halls and rooms while everyone else eats dinner” she threaten.

They responded in unison;

“no ma’am” viper said,

“no mother” Tiger and Wolf said,

“no momma” Monkey said.

Monkey placed Tiger on top of his shoulders as he fully paid attention to his mother.

Eddie C. rubbed her forehead. “now then I will repeat myself one more time. Now that Monkey and Viper are here”

“in our world, Magic exist all around us. It is everywhere. But our bodies cannot naturally harness this. But the gods bestowed upon us a way to use magic” she held up a pear-shaped diamond. “This lovely little gem here allows us to harness and wield magic whenever we want.” she went on. “once embedded into your chest. This gem will collect the magic in the world naturally. Spreading it throughout your body allowing you to use it at will. At first, it will be painful as this gem adjust itself to you. Searching what element, you’re align with.”

Eddie C. brought out another gem. This one the same only it had more smaller gems connected to it. Curved backwards. Also, Monkey could make out something inside its center. Almost, like a raging storm inside of it.

“this is the form all gems take once they have been placed in your chest. They will also change colors to match the element you have. But if you were to die. By whatever means the gem will change back to it original dull color but the element will still be in its center.” she held it out for everyone to see.

even from a distance monkey can see the storm raging inside of the gem. He can tell that this element is that of lightning.

Eddie C. continued “now, today each of you will finally get your very own gem. Usually for royalty this practice would take place in your own land, by your own people but because of the treaty and circumstances you will be given your gem here.”

“oh no. You're being treated like the common people” Monkey whisper to Viper. Tiger giggled. Viper flipped him off.

“since you are so keen to have the spotlight Monkey why don’t we just give you your gem first?” Eddie C. said.

Everyone looked towards Monkey. With a smug smile Viper whispered back “oh I’m going to enjoy watching this.”

Monkey let Tiger down and walked towards Eddie C. he was nervous. But, excited as well.

“Monkey, the magic...its an addiction.” Eddie C. spoke loud and clear so everyone could hear her. “Once it starts flowing through your body, becoming one with your body and soul. If for whatever reason you are still alive and this gem has been taken away from you, you will suffer from magical withdrawal.”

Viper spoke up “Ma’am, are you saying that magic...it’s like a drug addiction?”

Eddie C. nodded. “let me explain. Our bodies, never had magic. Yes. Magic is all around us. Even as we speak now. In this moment we are surrounded by magic.”

Eddie C. held out her left hand as lightning form around, even outside, it seems as if everyone found it hard to breath as the sky grew dark. they stared in amazement at what she was doing. Monkey stared as well, amazed and determined. Lightning struck down from the sky striking her. But Eddie C. she was unharmed. The Lightning radiated around, she radiated.

Power.

This was the power he would soon have. With this, he’ll be able to hunt down the black beast and get his revenge. His face darkened.

“Power” he thought

it was the only thing this world knew. The only thing it craved.

Power. It was the only way you would survive in this world. Without it. You might as well be dead.

The air grew lighter, the skies cleared up as everything went back to normal. Eddie C. let her demonstration register in their minds before she continued speaking.

“As I was saying. Our bodies aren't use to having magic flow within us. And once it does, it won't want to let it go. Our bodies will start to become, dependent. Once you have the gem your body will feel stronger than it has ever been. But if you were to lose this gem, you’d experience hallucination, nausea and so on...these symptoms can prove fatal and only in extreme rare cases do some survive.” Eddie C. paused for a moment before continuing.

“now it is very rare for one to lose their gem. Once it has been placed, it is almost impossible to remove. The only way to have a gem removed is to be killed or have it removed by one of the twelve rulers. There is a third option. Special means of removing them. But we’ll come back to that later.”

Tiger raised her hand.

Eddie C. nodded in her direction “Yes Tiger?”

“can't they simply be destroyed then? If they can't be removed?” Tiger asked.

Eddie C. smiled, then she threw the gem she was going to give Monkey hard into the ground. The force of the impact made a small crater. She then pointed her hand at the gem. Firing a few lightning blasts at it. She then reached down picking the gem up. Wasn’t a single scratch on it.

“as I was saying. These gems are gifts from the gods. They are not easily destroyed. You could say they are. Indestructible.... Almost.” She answered.

She turned to Monkey

“you’re aware of the risks now. It's rare, but there is always a chance you could lose your gem. Do you still want it?” she asked

Monkey didn’t hesitate. “yes” he answered

He took off his shirt so the gem could be placed on his chest. Once she did, Monkey whole body began to burn. It felt like the inside of his body was being consumed by the fire. Worst, like there was lava inside him, slowly spreading throughout his whole body.

Then as quick as it came a cold sensation starting to fill his body. Suddenly, he was in the darkness and in that darkness, Monkey saw it. Those blood red eyes staring at him from the abyss. His uncle body beneath it.

The Black Beast.

Monkey couldn’t contain his rage as he screamed out in anger. Then once again. Everything went black