King of Creatures

Chapter 17

"We need to go look for him." Max pressed. Penelope let out an annoyed sigh as she filed her nails as she leaned against the stone wall of the cafeteria.

"Who cares? The missions failed obviously. Prophecies not fulfilled. All because of you." She spat. Max looked away, scratching at the back of his neck. "Actually, no. Because I said he wasn't the one. I knew he'd fuck it up somehow. I knew it!"

"We get it P, you knew the cauldron was wrong. Congrats, you managed to catch an ultra-rare event. You deserve an award." Aoshanay said dryly.

"I should get one." Penelope muttered.

"I still think we should go back and get him." Max muttered.

"Max." Aoshanay said looking at him. "Look, you were supposed to make sure he didn't have his phone or any outside communication. While I totally believe this would've happened anyways, you do have a part to play in it."

"I just –"

"Just what Max? You just what? You messed up. Amari left us. Creatures gonna mature and destroy us all." Penelope said shortly.

"I don't think that. I think. I – don't t-think w-we're supposed to kill the creature." Max stammered.

"Max." Aoshanay sighed. "Look, it sucks, but that's not it. It's never been it. The past prophecies – "

"Ended in death of the guide. Which isn't actually supposed t-to happen. M-maybe he's."

"Oh, my lord Max, just get over it." Penelope snapped. "There's no other way. Prophecy is, as it's always been, there's one guide, guide take us;" She gestured to the group, " To big bad monster, we slay monster; "She imitated slicing the air with a sword. "World is saved, with the guide always meeting their untimely death. Let it go. Maybe focus more on what you're gonna tell the elders whenever we go to the Great Hall with Nixus tomorrow. How 'bout that?"

"I think you're – " Max started before clutching at his chest as a sharp pain suddenly ripped through it.

"Are you okay?" Aoshanay said standing up.

"Y-yeah. It's just that. A-Amari told me – I – I mean."

"Please, when we get to the Great Hall tomorrow, don't studder like an idiot, okay? Goodnight." Penelope said before leaving.

"Maybe you should get some rest." Aoshanay said, also getting up and leaving, shooting Max a small smile.

Max trudged to his room, clutching at his chest. He changed into pajamas and attempted to sleep. He was actually managing to fall asleep shortly after midnight before a tapping at his window made his spring awake again.

He sat up, rubbing his eyes as he walked over to the window and pulled the curtain back. Max let out a surprised gasp. Sitting outside the windows with their paws on the glass was Aayma. At least, that's who Max thought it was.

The creature outside of his window was as large as a mountain lion. With the same orange fur as Aayma. But their face, the creature had three eyes. Each eye a glowing white. Along with antler – like horns on top of its head. The creature's ears went back as it started scratching at the window. Max jumped out of his frozen state and reached forward to open the window.

The creature hopped in, purring, and rubbing against Max's legs, almost knocking him down. "B - Buster?" Max stuttered, hardly believing it. The creature sat in front of Max, still purring and licked its paw. "Your alive." Max smiled, but it was a small one. He looked down, then away. "Amari isn't here. He's left."

Aayma meowed before standing up and circling back towards the window. "Yeah, he's still out there." Aayma hopped up and put her front paws on the windowsill and looked back at Max, letting out a distressed meow, Max's chest burning at the same time.

Max rubbed his chest and stared at the big cat for a moment, thinking about the consequences he knew he would face. He looked from the cat to his desk before putting a finger up and walking over to his desk and writing a note. He then changed into a pair of jeans, a dark grey shirt, and his black and white flannel. He then grabbed a book bag, shoved an extra pair of jeans, a t – shirt and a few extra pairs of socks. He then walked back over to his desk, opening up a cabinet, and shoving a headlight, a box of Instant Water Pellets, granola bars, and a pack of fruit snacks. He then zipped up bis bag, re – read over his note, then nodded at Aayma.

"Okay."