Shadow Of The Colossus- Taming The Beasts

Chapter 21- Argus

When the essence of his soul re-entered his body, Argus did not move. He didn't want to. That wanderer jabbed his nerves so much and horrifically that he couldn't even clench his right hand. His back and head twitched with pain, and with the position that he fell in, Argus' muscles cramped and screamed in pain whenever he tried to even consider getting up. 

"Oh gods..." He muttered, using his hooves to try and muster some strength, "Let me rise to my feet again..."

Using the structure next to him for support, he raised himself up with his left arm.  He tried to move his right a little more, but he noticed he couldn't raise it below the elbow. He also didn't feel his hand scraping across the ground, leaving dents in the dirt. Argus took a look up at the sky and noticed the beams of light had disappeared, all but one in the south, far away. The sky was different too, it seemed like the sun was in a different place, and clouds were in wisps rather than in a shrouded blanket. 

He needed a while to process this. He wasn't used to change, and being one of the oldest colossi, he much preferred things the way they were. But for once he welcomed this addition. Taking a peek down his cliffside, Argus prepared to jump down to his post at the river. His job is to act as a sentry to the destroyed city, should life ever return to the lands. He was a sentimental fellow, and often sat in his city for days to contemplate his loss. He loved his people and the city, and it pains him to see such destruction inflicted upon him, especially with the recent events that unfolded. The destroyed brick pathway kept catching Argus' eyes, and waves of guilt washed over him with every moment he stared at it.

Breathing out a sigh, he leaped down and stumbled a bit on his landing; although not because of his injuries. The soil underneath him was crunchier. Blackened. Burnt. A feeling of major concern washed over him, recognizing the scent of burnt trees and dirt. This wasn't the doing of a man; this was something bigger. Maybe a Trico? He knew they tended to have rather explosive tails, and in mating season, males and females would blast the ground to communicate their strength. But if that were the case, there would've been feathers and pawprints. The pain in Argus' arm subsided, and he was able to move a little more now. He followed the scent and trail, looking for a source in the trees. When he came across a burnt open field, his heart sank as he realized who the culprit was. 

Among the dirt and ash, there were several prints of a large bird-like creature and blood staining the rocks, yet no bodies or gore. The tracks were way too large to be Trico prints, and they had a fourth digit, unlike Tricos. But the real evidence was a scrap of metal, hooked and used to produce fire. There was no mistaking it, it was the track of Adar Flam. Her being alive was the biggest shock to Argus, who long believed her to be dead. Using his left hand, he scooped up ash and the piece of metal and crunched it into a solid. He tossed it into his half-functioning right hand, and used his left to climb back up to the city.

Right into Avion, Valus, and Dirge's faces.

"Argus!" Valus cried out, rushing towards his friend. "We were so worried, we couldn't find you!"

"I'm alright, kid," He chuckled, holding his hand up. "I'll heal quickly. But I have something more important to discuss."

Argus looked at Dirge, his expression softening. He knew Dirge was close to Adar, so he tried to approach this as softly as possible without sugarcoating it. He grabbed the ash with his left hand, and held it out in front of the 3 colossi. It crumbled open, revealing the recognizable spike. All 3 of the colossi rose up, bewildered, and Dirge looked both worried and relieved.

"I found it below the valley," Argus explained. "The entire forest is covered in burn marks. I think she was right outside of the lands before being chased off by some humans."

"It...It can't be..." Dirge whispered, a tinge of tears staining her voice.

"But it can be." Avion commented, his voice being oddly sentimental. "It probably is. We need to tell Gaius, immediately."

"Yes, but so many things are going on. Cenobia's injuries, Aiko's odd behavior, and now this!" Valus exclaimed.

"Who's Aiko?" Argus asked, tilting his head curiously.

"We'll explain on the way there, come with us," Avion said, preparing to take flight. "Please."

Argus hesitated. He didn't want to leave the post, just in case. So he declined. 

"No...You, take this." He gently took Valus' hand and gave him the materials. "You tell them. I must stay here. I can't abandon this place. If anything big were to enter, it would be through here. I have to protect the lands."

Valus looked at Avion and Dirge. Dirge nodded and ushered the two youngsters to come along with her. Valus held the ashes close to him, and took off with them.

Argus sighed, and walked back to the cliffside. He sat, taking in the scenery and letting himself rest for once. His arm was seizing in pain, and was losing control once more. 

"Kyos..." He quietly sobbed. "Please, hear me. I can't keep going on like this."

Argus was so wrapped up in his head, that didn't even notice a movement deep within the woods. Something big.