TTIGRAAS: Predator

Chapter 3

I'd been traveling with this group of kids for the past few weeks and things had been going relatively smoothly, but there is something following us.

It's a monster, a strong one based on the intensity of its aura, but it hasn't been showing any blatant hostility. I didn't want to use my power since Ifrit is at risk of going out of control, so I'd avoided any direct confrontation with it so far.

But, it was really getting tiresome, being on guard about this mystery monster for so long and I am starting to debate confronting the creature.

"It really is weird how we haven't stumbled across any magical beasts out here for so long. I'm a little bored, actually..." Eren's voice jolted me out of my thoughts. We were all sitting around a fire, eating some pork miso soup I'd whipped up while clouds scudded across the moon.

"You know, you're right." Kaval agreed, using a stick to prod a smoldering log further into the flame. "We definitely had more trouble the last time we came here."

I frowned, a possibility coming to mind. "I may know why, actually," I said.

"Oh?" Eren looked at me in surprise. "What do you mean, Shizu?"

"There's a monster that's been following us," I explained–better that these kids were aware than getting jumped later. As I spoke I turned my head toward the dark trees, where I could sense it close by; but as soon as I looked in its direction, the presence retreated. It was wary of us, or at least me, for sure. "A strong one too. It hasn't displayed any hostile intent," I added, "but it's been quite persistent."

Kaval looked around nervously at my revelation, and I noticed Gido subtly pull his sword closer from where it had been resting on the ground. Eren, meanwhile, put a finger to her chin ponderingly. "Maybe it's curious?" She guessed.

I couldn't help but let out a short, sharp laugh at that. These kids, I sighed. They're far too naive and innocent. At least the two men seemed to be taking the threat seriously.

"Don't worry," I added to calm their nerves. "I can keep track of it, so I'll know if it comes too close. You three just keep an eye out for anything else strange."

We ate quietly for a few minutes before Gido spoke up. "So you think its aura has been scaring all the other monsters away?" He asked.

I paused, mulling it over. Yes, the aura is quite intense, but not more than some of the high-ranked monsters in Jura. "It's hard to say," I said at last, and left the matter at that; but the question stayed in my mind. Aura is a sign of territory for monsters, so it's possible our little stalker has been killing anything that comes close. It certainly seemed strong enough to detect any intruders within the effect of its aura.

Funny, I snorted to myself. A monster guardian. I better not say that, though; these three look like the type to let their guard down.

_____

The mystery monster has been continuing to follow us, keeping at a respectful distance. But, this is starting to grow tiresome at this point, so I need to do something about them.

I needed to see what exactly this monster is. Its actions had shown that it is likely sentient and intelligent, but that just made it even more of a threat in my eyes.

"Stay here. I need to take care of something."

"What is it, Shizu?" Eren asked, curiously staring at me.

"That monster is still following us. I believe it's about time I do something about it."

"Wait, Shizu! Let us help you!"