(Art by Hellyboo)
The river seemed to guide him, as rivers tended to do. He had come from high in the mountains, the flow taking him from them and down through a field. Now, though, the field had vanished behind a scatter of trees, trees that soon became a forest. Through the forest his body float, the shadows from the branches above cast upon his pelt and a little dragonfly coming to perch on his paw. The perfect place to rest, it seemed. The very moment Tobias had entered this forest he had felt the change, his heightened awareness taking note of the change in his surroundings. This was not to say the change from field to forest, however. This change was unseen. It was like being in fresh air then suddenly walking into a burning building where smoke filled the air and burned your lungs. His body twitched, though his eyes remained shut. Visually there was little that set this forest apart from any other, there truly was no difference here. Some distance into the forest it seemed his time of meditation had come to an end. Though the river had gently curled off to the northwest his body did not seem to follow this path as it had a million times before, Instead, this time, his body had gently drifted forward, untouched by the ebb and flow of the river itself. Almost as if some unseen hands had guided his body in this direction with the sole intent of depositing him by the bank.
Again he sensed a change, this time it was the added presence of another. As his head bump softly into the bank of the river he slowly open his eyes, finding that he was muzzle to muzzle with another viscet. Black and orange eyes peer down at him with a mixture of confusion and curiosity, Tobias' own eyes peering directly into them. There was an unnatural chill that ran along Tobias' body, then, though it was not fear that had caused this but something else. Seconds seemed to stretch into eternity as the two peer at one another, Tobias watched the features and expressions of the other seem to twist from one emotion to the other. One moment the figure seemed shocked, then afraid, then excited, then angry. A multitude of emotions seemed to be rolling through this being, and in a flurry that they seemed almost incapable of dealing with all at once. The figure step back, now allowing Tobias to see more than just those intense eyes. The figure was mostly black, green, and white, though Tobias would most likely never forget those eyes....
The figure shook its head, as if attempting to clear it from the flurry of emotion that had suddenly assaulted it. Tilting his head up, Tobias watch the figure closely, observing a moment before asking. " Are you alright?" His own voice was gentle, though it cracked slightly from disuse. Clearing his throat to avoid any further crackling, Tobias finally roll over, picking himself up from the water and shaking the water from his fur, being mindful of the other so as not to splatter them. After his shake, however, he open his eyes to find the figure with head bowed before him. Confusion suddenly took Tobias as the other spoke. "Forgive me..." The other was male, with a rich, deep voice. One that sent yet another shudder through Tobias. Shaking himself once more to clear away and further odd shakes and shudders, Tobias offer a smile to the other. "Alright, you're forgiven."
Though he knew not what he was forgiving, Tobias could tell from the features of the other that he still struggle with his inner turmoil. He only sought to put the other at ease, and this was exactly what he had done. Relief seemed to flood the handsome features of the other, which in turn relaxed Tobias and made him much happier. "Where did you come from...?" Questioned the black and green viscet. "The mountains" Replied Tobias. Such a simple exchange, yet somehow this seemed to be all that the other needed. "I'm Tobias...and you are?" Tobias finally question, watching the figure relax and seat himself on the earth, his back against a tree. "Kunal..." came the reply.
Though names had been exchanged and there was one less mystery within Tobias' world, he still felt that choking sensation about him and now that he was out of the water, which muffled such things, he could hear the whispers of the dead. Whispers that seemed panicked, horrified and in agony. He had rarely, in his life, come across such places as this, most others having been war zones or areas where a pandemic or other tragedy had occurred. Though even then there was never as much raw fear as he felt in this place. He felt compelled to run, to flee the forest and never look back. It made him feel as if the spirits were being tormented even in the afterlife. All curious things, bothersome things, things that worried Tobias, though as his eyes wander the forest, they slowly return to Kunal. "Where am I?" He question, his voice a little softer now so as to not hint towards the growing anxieties within him. "You are within the forest of Willows, though they have all long since been destroyed..." Kunal said. Tobias took note of how uncomfortable Kunal seemed. Kunals head was low, though Tobias could tell he was still being watched.
"Was there ever a war here? Or something else extremely violent? Perhaps a village that was raided, or..." Tobias cut his words short as he caught Kunal's glance. Kunal had come to attention, watching Tobias very closely now. " Yes...This place had once been a haven for spirits. Long before the humans had decided to hunt them into extinction. This is the murder site of many creatures, all of which had committed no crime..." There was a growl to his words, anger and hate flowing through every single one of them. Tobias had clearly touched a nerve, though he could see that this was something that was a part of Kunal's own history. Why else would he be so angry? Nodding, Tobias step aside, following the closest of the whispered voices. Tobias pause, looking back to Kunal, who was standing now and following close behind. " I shall accompany you..." Nodding, Tobias focus on his task at hand, following the voice before him. His eyes close and he focus on the words, attempting to single them out from the rest. It was mostly sobs, stuttered and filled with pleading, begging, and praying. As the two drew closer the words seemed to become more panicked, until suddenly they erupt into a shrill screaming. Screaming that caused Tobias' body to jerk, paws thrust to his ears as if attempting to quell the sound. " Shh! Shh! It's okay!" Tobias screamed, attempting to be heard over the screaming. A screaming which Kunal could not hear. "What?" Kunal spoke, confusion in his tone, though his face wore only a mask, now, no emotion shown. "Shh! S-Stop!" As if the spirit were assaulting Tobias' very core he began to feel sick, his stomach turning with the waves of fear and terror that assault him. The spirit was much like a trapped animal, clawing and biting at the one thing that it seemed able to actually touch nearest to it, this being Tobias'. "S...Stop..." Tobias fell, the sheer force of terror overwhelming his mind and leaving him collapsing before the figure known as Kunal.
When Tobias woke he found that he had been moved. He was back near the river, his body partially submerged and the cool waters lapping along his fur. It was refreshing, though even more so as he roll over and drew deeply the cool waters of the river, attempting to quell the new thirst that plague him. "Good...I had thought the waters would restore you..." Spoke Kunal's voice from somewhere behind Tobias. Finishing his drink, Tobias heave a heavy sigh, his head still yet throbbing from the assault of the spirit. He sat a moment, expecting Kunal to question what had happened, though he did no such thing. As Tobias turn to view the other male he caught Kunal watching him, the oddest expression etched along the others face. A long moment passed where the two watch one another, a multitude of things running through each of their minds. Kunal had clearly been the reasoning the spirit had reacted the way it had. He had something to do with the massive spiritual presence here. Perhaps this was why he had been guided to this place...He needed to clear his mind. He needed to seek guidance. "I need to rest, it is late anyway." Tobias said as he wade further into the water. Choosing a spot for himself, just where his body would be covered with water, his snout the only thing above the surface so as to breath. Tobias use his tail as an anchor, wiggling it deep into the soft earth of the river so as to not float away. "I will stay with you." Kunal said, just as Tobias lowered himself into the water. Tobias found it sweet, though he also couldn't help but feel a little unnerved. The spirit was terrified of Kunal for a reason, after all...
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A scream suddenly pierced through the darkness, Tobias' eyes snapping open and head shooting up. His heart beat heavily in his chest as he glance about his surroundings. He was still in the forest but now it was dark, an unnatural sort of dark. He had also been removed from the water somehow. How this had happened without him noticing, he had no clue. The sky above was empty, no stars, no light, no clouds...it was thick black, a darkness that seemed to press downward, seeking to swallow him whole. "What…?" He question, moving to stand. "Denni!" Came a scream some distance away. "Help me! Help me!" the same voice scream, a female’s voice. Tobias shot up and burst into a run, heading straight towards the direction the voice had come from. He could hear other sounds too, something that sounded like...hissing? "D...Denni!" Choked the voice again, this time closer than it had been before. Tobias burst through the trees, stumbling over a branch and tumbling to the ground. As he roll to a stop he could hear the hiss, louder this time, mixed with gasps. Turning towards the sound he found his body freezing at the sight before him. A massive beast, with a body that seemed like a mix between a snake, a scorpion and a centipede lie some distance away. hundreds of spear like legs on a never ending rise and fall, shifting the creature this way and that. One massive, scorpion-like claw, held a female viscet. The creature’s head, much like a snake, flick its tongue out and lick at the viscet it held. The female cry, pleading for help and begging for the one named Denni to hurry and find her. Picking himself up very slowly Tobias crept along the side of the beast, which had yet to notice him. He heard a sound, like snapping, and the female screamed in agony. " Stop!" He yelled, unable to wait any longer. He wanted to save the female, though he hadn't time to try and sneak behind the creature as he had planned. "What do we have here?" Came a voice out of sight. Creeping around the snake came a coiling, bubbling, blob of black, resembling tar. The mass move towards Tobias, slowly rising as it did so. Once it was about ten feet away the mass cease moving forward and continue its ascent. The black ooze slowly took form, becoming a solid figure, a male viscet that stood before Tobias. Somehow he thought this viscet looked familiar. Not exactly someone he knew, but they looked...familiar...in some way.
(Monster concept art by me, Razors)
Tobias said nothing as he look towards the newly arrived viscet and then towards the monster. He turned attempting to move past the viscet and run towards the snake creature, the female having screamed out in pain yet again. "Ah ah ahhh...where do you think you're going...?" Question the male, raising an arm and waving it towards Tobias, a black mist swirl about in front of Tobias, the mist taking shape as the ooze had before. This, though was different. As the mist seemed to thicken and take shape before Tobias he could hear growling, several orbs of red, green, and white popping up here and there through the mist. Warped snouts slowly poke forward, taking form through the mist. The creatures that form from the mist seemed to be all mouth, their thin, slender bodies being split right down the middle, which was filled with row upon row of bent, jagged teeth. Teeth that were a cross between a python and sharks. The bodies of the creatures split, opening to allow their massive tongues to spill forth, leaving putrid smelling saliva coating the earth below them. Tobias shook his head, looking the creatures over a moment before turning his attention to the one who had created them. "Just...let me have the other and we will leave..." His words merely caused the male to laugh. "Leave? But you're both invited for dinner!"
(Monster concept art by me, Razors)
Tobias could no longer hear the female, she had gone silent. The creature had turned so that Tobias couldn't catch a glimpse of her either. "Don't worry about her...You should really worry about yourself..." Chuckling, the male wave his arm forward and the mouth beasts shot forward, right at Tobias. Turning, Tobias ran, his heart pounding in his chest and fear leaving him cold. He could hear the snarling and growling of the beasts behind him, though the laughter of the male viscet seemed to echo all around him. The laughter stretching overhead, by his sides, and soon enough, right in front of him. "Wrong way..." Came a voice, causing Tobias to skid to a stop, somehow the male viscet had gotten ahead of him. Turning, Tobias ran again, only to find that once more the male had come to find his way in front of Tobias. Once more he chose a path and ran, the creatures at his side closing their distance and nipping at him, using their disgusting tongues to flick out against his legs and trip him. Tobias fell, tumbling head over paws once, then twice, and suddenly right off of a ledge. His body fell a good distance, the moment he struck earth all he could feel was pain. He had hit the ground at an angle, a snap heard from his back. Tobias screamed, pain shooting through him and leaving him panting heavily from the mixture of both pain and fear. He try and roll himself over but found his legs not working, he couldn't move them, nor could he actually feel anything aside from numbness. Struggling along the earth he managed to force himself over and pull his body towards the cliffside, needing a moment to gather his wits. He try and catch his breath, his ears perked and eyes wide as he attempt to look through the darkness. He couldn't hear anything...no more growls, no more laughter, no screams...Nothing. Blinking a few more times, Tobias caught sight of a flash, squinting he lean forward, trying to catch better sight of what it was he saw. Eyes...two eyes. Terror grip Tobias once more. He couldn't move, he couldn't run, all he could do was press his back against the rocky side of the cliff he had fallen from and watch those eyes before him. "You should never have entered this forest..." Came a deep, familiar voice. A voice he knew, somehow, he simply couldn't remember. " Your death will be swift. Unlike your people, I will grant you the kindness of mercy..." A voice as cold as ice, a voice that left Tobias' hair standing on end. Those eyes, which drew closer, close enough for Tobias to see the mixture of black and orange...Those were the last things Tobias was to hear and see before...
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Tobias jerk, crying out and splashing about in the water, fear clutching his very core with a grip as tight as steel. Tears had filled his eyes, though as they fell they mingle with the water that soaked his fur. He was alive? He was alive! "What happened?" Came a voice beside him, gentle, soft and deep. A voice that still struck a cord of terror from...a dream? Tobias jerk, shying away from Kunal as he attempt to collect his wits. He was confused, disoriented, what had just happened? Tobias had always connected with spirits, however, he had never had such an experience as he had just a moment earlier. There was far too much to this for it to just be a dream, it had felt much too real. He had felt the pain, felt the terror, he had...Shaking his head and placing his face in his paws he drew several deep breaths to calm himself. Kunal move to sit beside him quietly, watching and waiting. "You seem very ill..." Kunal spoke gently. "Has your home become polluted?" he questioned. "What...?" Tobias look up and towards Kunal in confusion. " What do you mean?"
Keeping his gaze on Tobias, Kunal spoke again. "The pollution has an effect on us. I do not know what you are...I can not tell. I have met very few similar to myself and my brother. Not since the days long ago, when we still roamed free of the fear of death. The others, who pollute this world, they make us sick. If your home has suffered pollution...perhaps that is why you've become so ill?"
"Brother?" That's it, the image of the unknown viscet from the...vision, that is why he looked so familiar. He had to be Kunals brother. Tobias did not understand what Kunal was speaking of, though, but whatever it was, it might be the only thing keeping him alive currently. "Ah, yes..pollution. That may surely be it, then. " Nodding, he felt it was best to allow Kunal to continue believing that he was...whatever he thought Tobias was. At least for the moment. "What...are you, then? I've never...seen anyone else before." Tobias felt he needed to play it safe, but he was also curious about Kunal. "I am what I am. I do not know if there is a word for me, or, what I am, that is. My mother was Dryad, a forest nymph. My father was a difficult creature to put a name on. He was a spirit of malice, much like most view demons." Tobias nod his head, finding the idea interesting, to say the least. Such mythical things were considered mostly fables and fairy tales. If Kunal thought Tobias was similar to himself and his brother....
"Ah, you said you had a brother?" Tobias inquire. " Yes, he is currently away." The simple reply and the way Kunals tone had changed caused even more curiosity in Tobias. There was a great deal going on in this forest, this much was sure. "Kunal...I.." Kunal shook his head, moving towards Tobias and nudging him towards the water again. It is late, you should rest. When morning comes we can talk more. I will answer whatever questions you have. It has been too long. I have many questions of my own for you..but only in the morning, after you have rested. " Tobias move into the water, watching as Kunal lay himself down by the river. " I will stay here with you, you need not worry. I shall keep watch and protect you." Tobias hesitate, remembering the vision he had moments before. How could that be the same viscet as this? Kunal seemed kind, sweet, even. Relaxing slightly Tobias smiled at Kunal, nodding his head. " Thank you, Kunal...but you don't have to stay here by me. If you want to go home you can. " Kunal nod to Tobias. " I am in my home. " Tobias open his mouth, though close it moments later. He supposed it was best to just do as Kunal suggested. Laying in the river the same as he had before he close his eyes. This time not intending to meditate but to try and sleep instead.
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Sleep had never truly come for Tobias, as yet another vision plagued him, and yet again it left him extremely disoriented. As he rose from the water he took a moment to sit, the water trickling through his fur, the chill early morning air that hit his wet form leaving him shivering. It was refreshing, though, as in his dreams he had felt nothing but heat, painful heat that could melt flesh. Closing his eyes and heaving a sigh he steady his weary mind. This forest was toxic, it was taking a toll on both Tobias’ physical and mental health. Tobias wondered how long he could last in this place. Could one creature such as himself even help a place like this? Or was the place far beyond saving and his intended target was something else? Turning his head Tobias glance behind him, catching the image of Kunal upon the earth, near the water’s edge. Kunal had stayed with him all night, just as he had said he would, though Tobias was unsure if Kunal was just trying to be nice or if Kunal was keeping an eye on him for some other reason. As he stood, Tobias drew his tail around, a large pouch that had been tied to it was dusted off and the string around the end untied. The pouch was water proof so the contents inside were safe and dry. Shaking the pouch just slightly, Tobias reach inside and withdrew a little wooden coin, each side of the coin was decorated with a single arrow. Moving from the water and to the earth, being very careful to not wake Kunal, Tobias flip the coin, allowing it to turn about in the air and drop down to the earth. As it fell he held his breath, eagerly awaiting the arrows direction.
The coin tap against the earth, bouncing once before falling still, drawing Tobias' eyes to the arrow upon it. An arrow that point directly towards Kunal. He had his direction, it seemed, he had been brought here for a reason. Though he was no closer now to understanding this reason than he had been before. What was he to do? "That's helpful..." He whisper softly. It was rare that the signs were obvious, especially when offered up by spirits, gods, deities or what have you. It seemed his words, even though they were a whisper, had caused Kunal to stir, his head lifting and eyes blinking through the sleep that cloud them. " Good morning sleepy head." Gave Tobias as he move towards Kunal. Tobias shove the visions he had been having to the back of his mind. Though this did not change the slight wariness he had suddenly developed when it came to Kunal. Tobias would do as he always did and put on a smile, regardless of his own weariness and worry.
Kunal said nothing, though he did give a slight nod as he rose from the earth and gave his body a shake, sending dead leaves, twigs, and dirt scattering in every direction. "Shall we hunt for breakfast?" Tobias inquire, watching the silent figure as he stood erect and lock eyes with him. "I know a place..." Gave Kunal, who pause a moment before speaking again. "Do you like fish?" To this Tobias offer a smile, nodding his head. " Yes! I love fish." His words were all Kunal needed, as the other turn and began leading Tobias through the forest. Tobias follow, his eyes watching the back of Kunal before slipping away, the sounds of spiritual whispers once more could be heard, causing Tobias' ears to twitch this way and that. "Whatever you hear, do not be worried. You are safe within my forest...I will protect you with my life." Kunal spoke, drawing Tobias' attention once more. This was completely the opposite of the Kunal from his visions. This couldn't be right, there had to be something more to everything that was going on. "So you are...the guardian of this forest?" Tobias said, attempting to further understand Kunal. "Yes. In earlier times, before the mass slaughter of our people, this place had been bustling with our kind. You are the first, aside from my brother and myself, which I have seen in a very long time. I do not know what it is like in the mountains where you came from, but this forest is always under assault. The humans, and even other creatures, have begun to pollute our home...it is making us sick. I try and keep others out to help the situation, but these creatures are stubborn. They do not seem to get the message and continue to enter without permission...They have also begun to cut away at the edges of the forest. It is slowly growing smaller and smaller, soon enough they will have destroyed everything..." Kunals tone had never changed, though Tobias had been watching the male very carefully as he spoke. The muscles had tensed in Kunals body, as if he were attempting to restrain all the anger he had at the intrusion to his forest.
"Have you tried communicating with any of them? I mean...they can't all be bad. Someone has to listen, right?" Tobias questioned, tilting his head in attempt to get a better look at Kunal, his pace quickening as well so as to walk side by side with the male. "My brother, Jude, is the one who does this. I never leave here, I cannot. I must stay and protect this forest no matter the cost." Kunal's words caused Tobias to frown slightly. His brother, Jude, the one from the visions. Tobias had a very bad feeling about him. "Where is your brother, now?" Tobias question. Kunal glance back at Tobias, still leading the way. " He is currently out seeking others of our kind and attempting to find help." Before Tobias could speak, Kunal had stopped, leaving Tobias almost colliding with Kunal he had been walking so close.
"Here we are..." There was a slight hint of something new in Kunals tone. Something Tobias had yet to hear from the male. Was it repressed excitement? He sounded happy, but as if he were trying very hard not to sound happy. Looking past Kunal, Tobais' eyes widened at the sight before him. There was a rocky ledge of about twenty or thirty feet with a waterfall cascading down it to form a small pool. He had not been focused earlier or he would have heard the water, surely. The water create a mist that, due to the sun’s current position, was creating a little rainbow along the left side. It was too early for fireflies, but still yet there were orbs of light drifting lazily about the waterfall. Soft whites, blues, and greens drift here and there with the occasional light zooming by. "Whoa!" Tobias exclaimed. Looking to Kunal, Tobias caught the male just as he turn his head, there had been a smile on his maw! Smiling in return, Tobias step forward. "What are the lights?" He question. "Those are fairies." Kunal said, still yet attempting to keep himself from displaying his emotions. "Have you never before seen fairies?" Kunal ask, his head now turning back towards Tobias. "Not like this. The ones I've seen weren't as...bright." Kunal nod. " This could be due to pollution, or perhaps the type of fairies. They are all very different, after all." A soft chuckle rose from Kunal as Tobias step forward and lift his paw, one of the little lights fluttering towards him and lightly poking his paw. A very faint giggle was heard from the orb before it flutter away. "They are beautiful."
(Art by *-wolfs-*
Kunal nod once more, though now his attention was on the water. "Let us catch breakfast." Stepping within the water, Kunal wade forward a bit before standing still. " Hey Kunal..." Kunal glance up as Tobias called him. " Want to see who can catch the most fish?" His offer seemed to confuse Kunal. "Why would we do this?" Kunal questioned. "Well, it's a challenge. The loser has to...Uhm..." Glancing up to the top of the waterfall Tobias smile. " Whoever catches the least fish has to jump off of the waterfall!" Tobias smile, though Kunal seemed confused once more. "Why?" he question again. "What? Well, because it's fun?" Tobias said, stepping forward and into the water. "This is what you call fun?" Kunal question. He simply didn't seem to get the idea behind Tobias' offer. "Err, yes...You'll see! Relax! Just...try and enjoy yourself! Smile for a change!" Tobias move towards Kunal, moving his paws up and reaching for Kunal's face. Kunal straighten, but so did Tobias. Kunal tilt his head backwards, withdrawing from Tobias, but Tobias continue forward, a light smile along his maw as he gently poke Kunal's lips and force them back into a smile. "See! That wasn't too hard! You are quite handsome when you smile, you know!" Chuckling to himself, Tobias step back once then turn and dove into the water. "Remember! Loser has to jump from the falls!"
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As it turned out, Kunal was exceptionally good at catching fish. This resulted in Tobias being the loser. Twelve fish had been caught in all, ten of which were caught by Kunal. A very defeated Tobias stood at the top of the waterfall looking down at a floating Kunal in the water below. "If only I'd known you were so good at fishing..." Tobias laughed nervously. "You do not need to jump, Tobias. " Kunal said, though this merely caused Tobias to straighten. " No no no! I would have made you jump...hah..so..." Taking a deep breath he spread his arms at his side and lean forward, leaping forward just as he began to fall. Tilting his body so that he could dive head first into the deepest part of the pool below. Tobias managed to just barely avoid hitting the floor of the pool. For a long moment he remain under water, allowing the surface of the water to cease rippling from his fall. "Tobias..?" Kunal question, watching the spot where Tobias had fallen. Giving him a moment more Kunal began moving forward, his eyes locked on the spot where Tobias had fallen. "Tobias?" There was concern clear in his tone now, though just as his feet left the earth and he began swimming Tobias thrust his body out of the water and pounce Kunal, who was caught clear off guard. Briefly dunking Kunal's head under the water, Tobias laugh, swimming away as quickly as possible. "What have you done!?" Kunal burst as he emerge from the water, sputtering slightly. " Glancing back, Tobias grin at Kunal. " Tag...you're it!" Tobias swim a bit further before pausing, looking back and seeing a confused and dripping Kunal watching him from where he had left him. "I do not understand."
Rolling his eyes and feeling that Kunal had missed out on a great deal of fun growing up, Tobias did his best to explain the game. "I tagged you, so now you are it. You have to chase me so that you can tag me, after which, I will be it. I will have to chase you and tag you then. So it goes back and forth like that. It's just another game." Lightly treading water, Tobias swim a little closer to Kunal. "You enjoy games greatly, it seems." Kunal said, watching Tobias. "Well, yeah, most people do. It is a way to enjoy yourself, to have fun with friends, or to relax. " paddling closer to Kunal Tobias began swimming around Kunal while on his back. " Do you...consider me a friend?" Kunal question, his gaze intently on Tobias. " Of course! You are my friend and I am your friend." Tobias' words seemed to give Kunal pause, the male allowing the words to tumble about his head for a brief moment. "I have never had a friend, I do not fully understand how they work."
Tobias stop, then, his ears lowering as he look to Kunal, his smile gone for a brief moment. "Never?" Kunal shook his head. "In all your life?" Again Kunal shook his head. This was impossible! This poor creature had been confined to this forest his whole life, never once having had a friend!? It was...it was...Shaking his head, Tobias smile. " It is very easy. A friend is simply someone you can trust. Someone who is always there for you when you need them. You can tell them secrets, you can share things with them...like...This place here. " Tobias motion around the two of them. " You can play games and be silly with them...And you can smile...laugh, cry, be angry. Whatever you need, and your friend will be there with you through it. Friends are special people who care deeply for one another. They aren't like everyone else, they are special." Tobias did his best in telling Kunal what a friend was. Perhaps it was not the best definition, but he felt he had gotten the point across. "Hmm..." Kunal remain silent a moment, simply watching Tobias. Kunal slowly lift a paw from the water, hesitating a moment before reaching forward. Tobias watch curiously as Kunal extend his paw and...very gently tap him on the chest. "You are it." Kunal said, a hint of playfulness in his tone.
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After their game the two had emerged from the water and finally decided to sit down to eat. It was no longer breakfast and even lunch time had passed the two by. Their meal had been pleasant and the two had conversed about the forest, about the fairies, and waterfall, and what other beauties Kunals home bore. In the end, as the sun had begun to set, Tobias could feel the exhaustion returning and Kunal had taken notice. "Perhaps it is time for rest." Tobias nod, a wide yawn stretching over his maw as he rose. Kunal and Tobias began a path back towards the river where he had arrived in the forest. As they walk, though, the whispers that were a constant throughout the forest seemed to begin fading. Tobias slowed, taking note of this, but also of a faint tinkling sound. A sound that seemed to be drawing Tobias, his body unconsciously altering its path to follow the sound. It took Kunal only a moment to realize that Tobias had veered off the path, though as he turn to follow Tobias instead his mood seemed to change. Kunal said nothing, simply watching Tobias as he headed toward a familiar path, one that Kunal took almost daily.
After a short walk Tobias finally found the source of the tinkling. A massive tree, sawed halfway through and split the rest of the way. There was old rope tied to the trunk of the tree where someone had tugged it the rest of the way. The tree was clearly dead, though as Tobias looked it over he could tell that this had once been a very beautiful tree. An oak, perhaps, one that had taken up a great deal of space, it might have even been the tallest tree in the forest when it was standing. "This was my mothers tree..." Kunal finally spoke, his tone even and empty. Tobias looked from Kunal to the tree. " What do you mean...?" Tobias question gently. "My mother was a Dryad, as I mentioned. This was the tree she was bound to. As long as this tree lived she would live, but humans cut the tree and tore it down....killing my mother." Tobias wince, noticing the tone Kunal had held had never changed. He had buried this deep. There must be a massive pit of hurt within Kunal. Tobias could not imagine the suffering Kunal experienced.
Reaching towards the tree Tobias gently brushed a paw along one of the branches, tracing his paw along the branch and towards the trunk of the tree. The tinkering had vanished but somehow Tobias felt there was a reason for having been drawn here. A reason which did not take long to show itself.
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Tobias' paw touched the trunk of the tree and the world shifted around him.
"Heave!" Shout a human man. "Put yer backs into it men! Heave!"
All around Tobias the world had changed. The fading light of day had changed to pitch black night. The forest was dark, excluding a large circle of men that stood around a tree. Several more men were lined up with ropes in their hands, heaving and tugging at the ropes which were tied to the trunk of a massive tree. The man who yell above the others held a torch in his hand, thrusting it forward every time he yell for the men to heave. "Keep saw'n Michael! We'll be rid'a tha devil soon 'nuff!" Shout the leader.
Men sawed at the oak, which now stood tall, branches filled with emerald leaves, trunk firm and thick. The heave and ho of men with the saw could be heard, the grate of metal against wood tearing at Tobias' ears. "What the…?" Over everything, as loud as it was, he could hear something more. Sobbing and whispering.
"Shh shh...Hush now darling, there is nothing we can do. Stay, my love. Mommy is here." A gentle voice, like bells ringing in Tobias' ears. Somehow this voice reached him, drawing him away from the mass of heaving and struggling humans. Following the voice, which was now humming, Tobias wove through the trees, the light of torches fading. An old, hollowed out log was where Tobias had followed the voice to, the humming coming gently from within. "I can stop them, please, mother, let me out. Let me save you. Please, I don't want to lose you..." A tiny voice sobbed, the words wracked with chokes and trembles. Though it was lighter, not as deep, Tobias knew this voice belonged to Kunal. "Dearest Kunal, I will never be lost to you. I will always be with you, even if you cannot see me. You are my world, my everything, I could not bear it if something were to happen to you. You must stay here, where it is safe..."
Crouching down and peering into the hollowed log Tobias caught sight of three figures. Though the opening of the log was barely large enough for an adult viscet to climb into, the inside bottom of the log had been scraped out and the dirt removed as well. This made the inside a lot larger and deeper than one might believe from the outside. Inside the log huddle a very young Kunal, he seemed no more than a few months. There was also another young viscet inside, a familiar male Tobias had seen from visions, he guessed this was Jude. The female, though, he did not know. It was dark so Tobias could not see her colors well enough, though that did not matter fully. He watched the three, the mother had her body curled around the two young visclings, though it was Kunal that had her attention. Jude simply sat quietly in the embrace of the females body and tail. Kunal had his mothers arms around him and his arms around her. His little face was buried in the fur of her chest and his entire body shook. "I will kill them. I can kill them. I will kill them all. They are killing you!" He sobbed into her fur.
"Hush dear, violence is not the answer. It begins a vicious cycle of hate, sorrow, and torment. There is no need for you to add your own hurt to the mixture. Do not seek vengeance on those that know not what they do. Remain my kind little Kunal, please..." The female licked along the face of Kunal, attempting to wipe and clear away the tears he shed. "Hush my darling, know that I love you. Nothing will ever take this away from you, even when I am gone you will have my love..."
Tobias couldn't bear it, he couldn't watch the scene before him and do nothing. He rose, turning and running back towards the humans, his paws waving in the air. " Stop! Stop! Don't do this!" His words fell on deaf ears, the others did not even seem to notice him. "You must stop! You are making a mistake! Stop!" Tobias' voice roared out over the others, a rage taking him as he heard a snap from the tree. The men were halfway through the tree now and it was beginning to bend, crackling heard as the men with ropes tugged harder. "Stop! You are murdering her!" In his rage Tobias charge towards a group of men with rope, hoping to bowl them over and stop their tugging. What he found, however, was that he ran right through them, every single one of them. Tobias fell, having expected impact with a solid body, collapsing to the earth he gasp, the crackling growing louder until one loud snap rang through the air. " No!" He cried, picking himself up and running towards the tree as it fell. The beautiful oak collapse, no longer able to resist the tug of the men, branches smack against other trees, some whacking against the humans as it fell, taking one down with it. "No no no!" Tobias cried, dropping before the thick trunk of the oak and moving his paws forward, though not touching it. "Momma!!" He heard a scream, panic stricken and filled with anguish. "Momma! Momma!" Tobias lept up, turning and running full speed towards the direction of the hollowed log. As he drop to his stomach and crawl forward he could see nothing more than the scrabbling form of Kunal, tugging and punching the lifeless form of his mother. "Don't leave me! Don't leave me! I said I could protect you! I could have saved you! Momma don't leave! Don't leave me!" Tobias crawled forward, reaching for little Kunal. " Shh, shh! It's okay!" Tobias choked, attempting to grasp Kunal and tug him towards him, still yet, his paw pass right through Kunals form. Frustrated and heartbroken at the scene that had unfolded before him, Tobias growl, flailing his body this way and that, punching the earth, punching the log. He could not bear it, he had to watch a scene which he could do nothing to change.
It had broken his heart, he couldn't help, nor could he console the little viscling that clutch to it's mothers form, weeping and trembling before him. Tobias could do nothing. Despite this, Tobias crawl himself forward, curling around the image of tiny Kunal and crying with him until the little viscling had fallen asleep. Reaching a paw up he wave it over the head of Kunal, who still tremble against his mothers form. Tobias' heart ached for Kunal, both the one here and the adult that he knew. He had been told Kunal had not a single friend, and to think that Kunal had needed to suffer this pain alone...
Alone? Tobias lifted his head, remembering only now the other body that had been here. Scanning the darkness Tobias' gaze finally fell upon Jude, whom had not once moved from the spot he had been, in between Kunal's mothers body and tail. There were no tears in his eyes, though, no look of sorrow or hurt. Instead, Jude seemed to be watching the trembling Kunal, his lips curled back into a wicked grin. A grin that sent an unnatural quiver down Tobias' spine. Tobias could never say he had been face to face with pure evil before now, but in this child he saw no good. There was no kindness there, nothing but wickedness. Jude suddenly turn, thrusting the tail of Kunal's mother away from him like it were a piece of trash. Crawling forward and out of the log, Tobias attempted to follow Jude, his slightly larger body having difficulty keeping up. Tobias lost Jude for only a moment before a voice drew his attention, the man whom had been yelling earlier was speaking some distance away.
"You have done well, human..." Came a new voice. " The demon is dead, you no longer have to worry for the lives of your children. Surely, now, they will be safe."
The man, now in view, nod his head, standing face to face with Jude, who was almost even in height with the human, even at his young age. "Had'nt been fer you, young'n, we'd 'ave never foun’ tha demon. We'da had ta move..."
"Well, no worries now. You can all sleep soundly in your beds knowing the demon has been slain." Spoke Jude.
The man chuckled, turning and waving to Jude once more. " The demon is dead! Raaa!" The man thrust his torch high, shouting in triumph, the surrounding men thrusting their fists up as well, all shouting in triumph as they celebrated the death of the demon.
A demon which had been nothing more than an innocent mother, taken far too soon from her adoring son.
Tears sting Tobias' eyes as he watch the scene, pure hate filling him as he watch the grinning form of Jude, who stood near the broken tree which had born Kunal's mothers spirit. How could a brother do this? How could anyone be so wicked? Tobias could not understand.
"That'll show you, stupid woman." Jude spoke before turning and walking back towards the direction of the log. Tobias turn to follow but the world began to shift around him, blurring together and swirling in a mixture of darkening colors. "Save my son...Save my precious Kunal..." That familiar voice, so soft and sweet, rang within Tobias' ears just before the world fully went black.
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