@jaggededges
Β Β Β Β Lionhearted
β Hot, heavy breath heaved through the silent air. Not a sound but the ragged panting of a creature too large to be a bear with blades and bows from every century pierced into its hide. Even the rustle of leaves stilled in fear of the horrific scene that had befallen. Bodies of villagers riddled the open dirt path as the hulking beast staggered back into the dark depths of crimson coloured woods. Another attempt at the creatureβs life came about nothing more than the usual massacre of those who dared to enter its territory.Β
The rattle of chains dragging against the earth soon came to a stop as the beast came to a lakes edge. Clawed hands coated in blood dug into the sand as it looked into the still black mirror at the reflection it feared. Its face clamped behind a barred iron mask. Sealed tight so not even itβs mouth could crack open for a yawn. It had to be, for he couldnβt feed freely like he had once before. Restraint was needed now of all times.
A heavy groan and it dragged itself into the cool black waters, the surface breaking into ripples as the creature began washing its flesh. Washing away the blood that splashed against itβs skin before pulling itself out. A lazy shake was all the energy it had to clean itself off before it headed back up the hill. Slowly and breath still heavy, it finally came upon a massive tree, itβs roots and branches intertwining and dipping into the earth only to pop back up in intricate patterns. Its display large enough to serve as a camp for a creature as big as this one.Β
Rugs and curtains draped over one of the roots, lanterns set atop crates and a small stack of books, some open yet containing no writing, sat quietly for their ownersβ return. Still rather soaked but not caring for the condition he was in, the beast flopped onto a set of pillows, another heavy groan as it stretched and crossed itβs arms, getting comfortable as much as it could for a nightβs rest at its lookout.Β
There was little motion after that, soon the call of sleep dragging its exhausted body into the deep tranquility as once more the forest returned to itβs quiet peace. Moon rising high into the sky as many, many eyes laid shut one by one. Until morning.
Rumors had begun spreading throughout the city, something about an unkillable beast residing in the thick forest that bordered the area. People were even beginning to call it a demon, their descriptions grotesque and just on the side of a little dramatic. A large, hulking figure with dozens upon dozens of weapons lodged into its back; weapons that didn't seem to hinder its ability to slaughter. Every person brave enough to attempt taking it down never returned, and some even said they could smell the tang of blood on the air when out hiking.
Kid couldn't deny that he was a little intrigued by the latest conversation he overheard while grabbing a morning coffee at the hole-in-the-wall, shitty cafe just down the street from his just as shitty apartment that morning. An unkillable beast? Highly unlikely. These people clearly just weren't trying hard enough. That, or they were pathetically weak. Maybe even a mix of the two.
Throughout the rest of the day a plan formed in Kid's mind. He couldn't get his thoughts off the idea of one upping all those who had tried and failed to take down this so called beast. It was practically a challenge with a glowing neon sign. The last few months had been growing stagnant and boring anyway, and this sounded like the perfect opportunity to let off some steam that didn't involve beating up some pathetic thug in a bar. Perhaps he could actually use a bit of his strength, work out the muscles he's been itching to use.
So that night, with nothing more than an arrogant smirk, prosthetic attached securely in place on what remained of his left arm, and a hunting knife strapped to his belt, Kid set out into the woods. He had far better eyesight than his peers, so a flashlight was unnecessary. It would've only weighed him down in the long run anyway, and he wanted all of his focus to be on this creature whenever he finally came across it.
During the first couple hours of his trek, Kid started to think that maybe the locals were just bullshitting, and this beast was nothing but a rumor. However, as one stated, the distinct scent of blood wafted past his nose, a smell he was very well acquainted with. It only caused his smirk to widen further, teeth on full display as he quickened his pace, excitement itching under his skin. He didn't give a rat's ass that branches and dried leaves were crunching and snapping loudly under his boots, potentially alerting whatever was out here of his presence. Honestly, he wanted that. Let the fucker come to him.
Kid barely paid the bodies he soon came across any mind, hardly even giving them a second glance. All they meant to him was that he was getting closer to his target. No human could cause this much damage and in such a gruesome way. Blood soaked almost every square inch of ground in the area, some spots being so saturated that Kid's boots squelched with each step.
β Come out, come out wherever you are you fucker... β Kid muttered, a near feral edge to his voice from the anticipation of the fight he knew was coming.
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