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"Spells of Brigervan"
by Virmir
kendo.virmir at gmail dot com
http://virmir.com
[6-11-2007]
"Bryce! Look out!!"
Too late.
The creature's rusty spear tore right through his stomach before he could even turn his head. The thing laughed as it removed its weapon with a violent twist. Anselm and James were on the monster in a heartbeat, and it fell with two quick slashes from silver blades.
Bryce felt no pain. He didn't feel much of anything at all, as his entire body grew numb. He vaguely heard the muffled clap of his sword falling on the soft forest floor. His legs failed him, and he fell to his knees, shock laced across his muzzle. No... this wasn't supposed to happen...
"Bryce! No...! NO!!"
Catin caught him before he fell on his face, tears soaking the fur lining her eyes. How horrible to see her cry like this. She was always so happy. Always their beacon of light in the darkest times. No need for tears. He was fine! Really!
"I'm okay," he tried to say. The words caught in his throat and he began coughing before he could form them, some warm liquid escaping from his lips. Anselm and Catin gently set him on his back. Everyone hovered above him, their ears perked and eyes wide. Their animal visages were familiar and comforting as they swirled around. He didn't even remember how most of them looked when they were human.
It wasn't like they had much choice in the matter. Brigervan was on the brink of ruin, overrun by the vile goblin hordes of the Dark Emperor Xaivos. But there was one hope. A forbidden art sealed away in the depths of the catacombs. An art scorned by the gods themselves. They knew their goddess Terra would curse them for this, but the threats of ancient traditions weighed lightly against the bitter reality of immanent destruction by inhuman invaders. So they made a choice.
And it worked.
Reviving the long lost magic, the mages of Brigervan fused the few remaining warriors with animals captured from the forest. The abilities of each bonded man and woman grew immensely, and together they drove back the vile monsters.
Bryce remembered the red fox he bonded with. The raw fear in its eyes as the mages made their chants... And then their bodies melded together, and he could feel the creature screaming in terror as its tiny mind was eradicated, pushed out of existence by his own. He often felt sorry for the beast, and gave his thanks to it every night in silent prayer. He hoped Terra would forgive him. And he hoped that when this was all over and he returned to human form, the fox would separate intact as well, and the creature would be able to go back to its life in the forest.
His new body was strange and remarkable, the fur, tail, ears, claws... He had felt so alive and invincible, his strength and speed immeasurable. Indeed, he had torn through the goblin hordes with his comrades and won many battles. Years had passed, and the evil minions of Xaivos had been pushed back to the baleful Mountains of Woe themselves. And now, as part of only a tiny band of heroes, he was to help plunge the mighty Dagger of Gold into the vile wizard's black heart itself!
It cannot end here!
His whole life was ahead of him! A happy life, free of tyrannical wizards and fearsome creatures... A normal happy life...
Catin frantically tried to dress the wound in his stomach, leaning over him as she cried, her robes stained crimson. Everyone stood around, shock and fear in their eyes. Anselm was shouting something in his ear, though he couldn't quite make it out. James' jagged teeth were clenched, betraying a look of revulsion and panic. Even the cold hearted mage Kendo gazed down upon him with saddened eyes before shaking his head and turning away, his tail peeking out from under his cloak.
But he was okay!
Bryce didn't feel any pain at all, though he seemed to be having trouble telling them. Why weren't they listening? He felt quite nice, actually. Like he was floating amongst the clouds. Soon he would be able to sit up and explain that it was just a flesh wound. Then they would continue their journey. It was so wonderful, journeying with his friends. When this was all over, he wondered if they would ever journey together again. They simply must, for old times' sake! Yes, he would tell them as soon as Catin finished patching him up.
He was getting a little cold, though. He had heard rumors of harsh winters in the Mountains of Woe, and wondered if the group's clothing was adequate. Their pelts would only protect them so far, after all. The colorful faces above him melted together in a sea of swirls. His ears rung with echoing voices. He thought heard his name amongst the din. Who was calling? Catin? Anslem? He was right here! The edges of the swirls grew dark, and the colors meshed together into a single point of white light. He was flying high now, but he was so tired. The light faded gradually, and comforting darkness overtook him...
The void was so comfortable. There was nothing at all. He did not think, move, or feel.
Except for the thump.
Th-thump... th-thump... th-thump...
It was such a wonderful sensation. It was always there. Every time it happened, he knew it would happen again. That's the way it was, and the way it always will be.
He stayed there for a very long time.
Then he was cast out into the coldness. How awful! He wailed loudly, but his mother comforted him with a warm tongue. Then he found his way to his mother's milk. It was warm and sweet.
So he drank milk and slept. When he slept he listened to his mother's heart. Th-thump... th-thump... th-thump... It was so wonderful.
He did that for a long time as well.
Then he opened his eyes. It was hard to see in the dark den, but see he could. It was a new thing, and it made him curious. He nipped at his siblings' ears and tails, and they nipped back. He drank and slept along with his brother and sisters. Life was so wonderful.
And he did that for a long while as well.
Then he woke up.
Bryce sat on his haunches as he stared out of the mouth of the den. His tiny heart pounded in his chest as images flooded his mind. Where was he? _What_ was he? Catin, Anslem, the others... how long had it been? His sister gnawed on his ear, but he ignored her for a moment. The quest, the journey... he had to find them!
A dull pang of hunger rumbled in his tiny stomach. He turned around to see his mother, then his siblings feeding. Just a quick drink, that was all he needed. Unable to resist, he joined his brothers and sisters and gulped the warm, nurturing liquid, his complicated human worries giving way to the ignorant bliss of a young kit.
The next time Bryce became conscious his size had doubled. He was romping with his siblings just outside the den when it hit him all at once, just as his brother tackled him to the dirt. His mind was a whirl of confusion, and panic overtook him before he was able to collect the shattered pieces of his thoughts. Did he really die? He was a human, not an animal! Did his Terra punish him for stealing the fox's body?
He lied there for several moments, stricken with grief as his siblings nipped at him, urging him to get up and resume the fun. His friends... was their quest successful? Did they meet similar fates? Do they need his help? He had to find them! He had to!
He glanced around his surroundings, noting the mammoth trees looming high above, taking in the poignant smells of his littermates and the forest, and the sharp tones of birds calling in the canopy. By now his siblings had given up, taking to playing amongst themselves. His heart ached as he watched them romp, yearning to take part, but he shook the urge off as he reminded himself that his one only true brother had been killed at the first battle of Brigervan.
No, this was all wrong. He must find his companions! Springing up on all fours, he darted through the weeds at a full sprint. Suddenly, he was plucked off the ground by the back of his neck and tenderly carried to the den by his mother. By the time the helpless kit had entered the darkness, he had forgotten why he wanted to run. He was hungry, though.
Bryce woke up more and more often as the weeks went on, and each time he was able to keep his mind for a few moments longer. After the first few awakenings he understood that he did not have a chance of surviving alone at such a young age, so he took to concentrating on his past friends and family, reliving his memories over and over. The other kits seemed to notice when his mood shifted, and usually left the quiet kit by himself. His mother stopped giving milk after a while. His siblings became ferocious when their parents brought meals, so he was often the last to eat.
Once he stayed himself for a full day he knew it was time to leave. His legs had grown long and lanky, and his jaws strong. He ran through the forest at night, hoping against hope that he would find his friends.
Food was difficult to catch, and he was always hungry. He wished he knew where he was going, but night after night he aimlessly pushed through the darkness. He remembered what his traveling companions smelled like, and desperately sought their scents. The winds grew cold, reminding him of the bitter autumn he merged with the fox what seemed like so many years ago.
One night he smelled the most delicious scent in his entire life. He knew it was an animal already dead and that fresh meat was better, but he was so hungry he could not resist. He tracked it to a small alcove, and found the treasure simply lying there amongst a pile of leaves. Succulent meat... He dove to gobble it down, but something grabbed his hind leg and threw him into the air. He yowled in panic, hanging from a tree. A trap! How could he have been so stupid? He was smarter than an animal!
Humans appeared soon after, making their strange noises. Had he forgotten speech? He thrashed in the air, trying to claw and nip at them, but they threw him into a heavy bag. Was he to be sold for his fur? By the gods, he was a man! "Terra, save me!" he tried to scream in broken yips.
He was thrown into a tiny cage at the back of a horse drawn cart, and began a bumpy ride through the black forest. Clawing and biting at the bars was useless, as he only managed to injure himself. The sun rose slowly, and familiar scents began to fill the air. He turned to watch the front of the cart, and his ears perked as he recognized the magnificent walls coming into view.
Brigervan.
Home. His heart fluttered. It was safe. But no... the gates were in as bad condition as before the forbidden magic had been unearthed... Had the goblin hordes made a comeback? His friends! Were they okay? Had their quest failed?! He began clawing at the lock again, and the cart driver threw a heavy cloth over his cage in an attempt to calm him down.
The darkness was horrible. Muffled noises sounded from all sides. He felt the cage picked up and clumsily carried. Men wearing heavy gloves ripped him out and chained him to a post, wrapping a tight collar around his neck. Animalistic fear took over for several moments as he thrashed about.
Then he recognized the chant and calmed just enough to understand what was happening. The mages surrounded him in a circle. His body burned as if on fire...
Who?! Who was he being merged with?! He struggled to look up, to see the man standing next to him. His eyes widened in pure terror...
... as he looked into his own face.
by Virmir
kendo.virmir at gmail dot com
http://virmir.com
[6-11-2007]
"Bryce! Look out!!"
Too late.
The creature's rusty spear tore right through his stomach before he could even turn his head. The thing laughed as it removed its weapon with a violent twist. Anselm and James were on the monster in a heartbeat, and it fell with two quick slashes from silver blades.
Bryce felt no pain. He didn't feel much of anything at all, as his entire body grew numb. He vaguely heard the muffled clap of his sword falling on the soft forest floor. His legs failed him, and he fell to his knees, shock laced across his muzzle. No... this wasn't supposed to happen...
"Bryce! No...! NO!!"
Catin caught him before he fell on his face, tears soaking the fur lining her eyes. How horrible to see her cry like this. She was always so happy. Always their beacon of light in the darkest times. No need for tears. He was fine! Really!
"I'm okay," he tried to say. The words caught in his throat and he began coughing before he could form them, some warm liquid escaping from his lips. Anselm and Catin gently set him on his back. Everyone hovered above him, their ears perked and eyes wide. Their animal visages were familiar and comforting as they swirled around. He didn't even remember how most of them looked when they were human.
It wasn't like they had much choice in the matter. Brigervan was on the brink of ruin, overrun by the vile goblin hordes of the Dark Emperor Xaivos. But there was one hope. A forbidden art sealed away in the depths of the catacombs. An art scorned by the gods themselves. They knew their goddess Terra would curse them for this, but the threats of ancient traditions weighed lightly against the bitter reality of immanent destruction by inhuman invaders. So they made a choice.
And it worked.
Reviving the long lost magic, the mages of Brigervan fused the few remaining warriors with animals captured from the forest. The abilities of each bonded man and woman grew immensely, and together they drove back the vile monsters.
Bryce remembered the red fox he bonded with. The raw fear in its eyes as the mages made their chants... And then their bodies melded together, and he could feel the creature screaming in terror as its tiny mind was eradicated, pushed out of existence by his own. He often felt sorry for the beast, and gave his thanks to it every night in silent prayer. He hoped Terra would forgive him. And he hoped that when this was all over and he returned to human form, the fox would separate intact as well, and the creature would be able to go back to its life in the forest.
His new body was strange and remarkable, the fur, tail, ears, claws... He had felt so alive and invincible, his strength and speed immeasurable. Indeed, he had torn through the goblin hordes with his comrades and won many battles. Years had passed, and the evil minions of Xaivos had been pushed back to the baleful Mountains of Woe themselves. And now, as part of only a tiny band of heroes, he was to help plunge the mighty Dagger of Gold into the vile wizard's black heart itself!
It cannot end here!
His whole life was ahead of him! A happy life, free of tyrannical wizards and fearsome creatures... A normal happy life...
Catin frantically tried to dress the wound in his stomach, leaning over him as she cried, her robes stained crimson. Everyone stood around, shock and fear in their eyes. Anselm was shouting something in his ear, though he couldn't quite make it out. James' jagged teeth were clenched, betraying a look of revulsion and panic. Even the cold hearted mage Kendo gazed down upon him with saddened eyes before shaking his head and turning away, his tail peeking out from under his cloak.
But he was okay!
Bryce didn't feel any pain at all, though he seemed to be having trouble telling them. Why weren't they listening? He felt quite nice, actually. Like he was floating amongst the clouds. Soon he would be able to sit up and explain that it was just a flesh wound. Then they would continue their journey. It was so wonderful, journeying with his friends. When this was all over, he wondered if they would ever journey together again. They simply must, for old times' sake! Yes, he would tell them as soon as Catin finished patching him up.
He was getting a little cold, though. He had heard rumors of harsh winters in the Mountains of Woe, and wondered if the group's clothing was adequate. Their pelts would only protect them so far, after all. The colorful faces above him melted together in a sea of swirls. His ears rung with echoing voices. He thought heard his name amongst the din. Who was calling? Catin? Anslem? He was right here! The edges of the swirls grew dark, and the colors meshed together into a single point of white light. He was flying high now, but he was so tired. The light faded gradually, and comforting darkness overtook him...
The void was so comfortable. There was nothing at all. He did not think, move, or feel.
Except for the thump.
Th-thump... th-thump... th-thump...
It was such a wonderful sensation. It was always there. Every time it happened, he knew it would happen again. That's the way it was, and the way it always will be.
He stayed there for a very long time.
Then he was cast out into the coldness. How awful! He wailed loudly, but his mother comforted him with a warm tongue. Then he found his way to his mother's milk. It was warm and sweet.
So he drank milk and slept. When he slept he listened to his mother's heart. Th-thump... th-thump... th-thump... It was so wonderful.
He did that for a long time as well.
Then he opened his eyes. It was hard to see in the dark den, but see he could. It was a new thing, and it made him curious. He nipped at his siblings' ears and tails, and they nipped back. He drank and slept along with his brother and sisters. Life was so wonderful.
And he did that for a long while as well.
Then he woke up.
Bryce sat on his haunches as he stared out of the mouth of the den. His tiny heart pounded in his chest as images flooded his mind. Where was he? _What_ was he? Catin, Anslem, the others... how long had it been? His sister gnawed on his ear, but he ignored her for a moment. The quest, the journey... he had to find them!
A dull pang of hunger rumbled in his tiny stomach. He turned around to see his mother, then his siblings feeding. Just a quick drink, that was all he needed. Unable to resist, he joined his brothers and sisters and gulped the warm, nurturing liquid, his complicated human worries giving way to the ignorant bliss of a young kit.
The next time Bryce became conscious his size had doubled. He was romping with his siblings just outside the den when it hit him all at once, just as his brother tackled him to the dirt. His mind was a whirl of confusion, and panic overtook him before he was able to collect the shattered pieces of his thoughts. Did he really die? He was a human, not an animal! Did his Terra punish him for stealing the fox's body?
He lied there for several moments, stricken with grief as his siblings nipped at him, urging him to get up and resume the fun. His friends... was their quest successful? Did they meet similar fates? Do they need his help? He had to find them! He had to!
He glanced around his surroundings, noting the mammoth trees looming high above, taking in the poignant smells of his littermates and the forest, and the sharp tones of birds calling in the canopy. By now his siblings had given up, taking to playing amongst themselves. His heart ached as he watched them romp, yearning to take part, but he shook the urge off as he reminded himself that his one only true brother had been killed at the first battle of Brigervan.
No, this was all wrong. He must find his companions! Springing up on all fours, he darted through the weeds at a full sprint. Suddenly, he was plucked off the ground by the back of his neck and tenderly carried to the den by his mother. By the time the helpless kit had entered the darkness, he had forgotten why he wanted to run. He was hungry, though.
Bryce woke up more and more often as the weeks went on, and each time he was able to keep his mind for a few moments longer. After the first few awakenings he understood that he did not have a chance of surviving alone at such a young age, so he took to concentrating on his past friends and family, reliving his memories over and over. The other kits seemed to notice when his mood shifted, and usually left the quiet kit by himself. His mother stopped giving milk after a while. His siblings became ferocious when their parents brought meals, so he was often the last to eat.
Once he stayed himself for a full day he knew it was time to leave. His legs had grown long and lanky, and his jaws strong. He ran through the forest at night, hoping against hope that he would find his friends.
Food was difficult to catch, and he was always hungry. He wished he knew where he was going, but night after night he aimlessly pushed through the darkness. He remembered what his traveling companions smelled like, and desperately sought their scents. The winds grew cold, reminding him of the bitter autumn he merged with the fox what seemed like so many years ago.
One night he smelled the most delicious scent in his entire life. He knew it was an animal already dead and that fresh meat was better, but he was so hungry he could not resist. He tracked it to a small alcove, and found the treasure simply lying there amongst a pile of leaves. Succulent meat... He dove to gobble it down, but something grabbed his hind leg and threw him into the air. He yowled in panic, hanging from a tree. A trap! How could he have been so stupid? He was smarter than an animal!
Humans appeared soon after, making their strange noises. Had he forgotten speech? He thrashed in the air, trying to claw and nip at them, but they threw him into a heavy bag. Was he to be sold for his fur? By the gods, he was a man! "Terra, save me!" he tried to scream in broken yips.
He was thrown into a tiny cage at the back of a horse drawn cart, and began a bumpy ride through the black forest. Clawing and biting at the bars was useless, as he only managed to injure himself. The sun rose slowly, and familiar scents began to fill the air. He turned to watch the front of the cart, and his ears perked as he recognized the magnificent walls coming into view.
Brigervan.
Home. His heart fluttered. It was safe. But no... the gates were in as bad condition as before the forbidden magic had been unearthed... Had the goblin hordes made a comeback? His friends! Were they okay? Had their quest failed?! He began clawing at the lock again, and the cart driver threw a heavy cloth over his cage in an attempt to calm him down.
The darkness was horrible. Muffled noises sounded from all sides. He felt the cage picked up and clumsily carried. Men wearing heavy gloves ripped him out and chained him to a post, wrapping a tight collar around his neck. Animalistic fear took over for several moments as he thrashed about.
Then he recognized the chant and calmed just enough to understand what was happening. The mages surrounded him in a circle. His body burned as if on fire...
Who?! Who was he being merged with?! He struggled to look up, to see the man standing next to him. His eyes widened in pure terror...
... as he looked into his own face.
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