Paws of Vitality

CHAPTER 3

Crimson

"So what, you didn't kill her?"

Crimson shrugged. "I wasn't feeling it today."

Zaffre flicked his tail. "Sir, it's your job to kill them."

"Oh, I know. Believe me I do." His eyes glistened with murderous intent. "I think we should stay here for a few days. She has something that we can use against her."

"And- and what's that?"

"She's a hybrid, you see. Do you remember what Father said about them? They have significantly stronger skulls, allowing for special abilities like...well, telekinesis."

Zaffre's wings twitched nervously.

"So why didn't you kill her, if shes so important?"

"I have to get her to trust me first." Crimson began to pace. "She's one of the only people who comes this far to the border. When she comes back, I'll make her lead us to their little encampment, then I'll slaughter her and destroy their village."

Zaffre nodded. "Then you'll have telekinesis... but, how do you know that's even...er- true?"

Images of his newfound power flashed through his mind. "Because I've seen it before. Normal skull wolf skulls hold the power of a beneficial vision, correct? I remember when I was younger, Father had captured a hybrid and laid its body in front of me. Father just thought that he would get a vision of the future, but when he crushed its skull under his talons, a new energy surged through his veins. But then one of the guards attacked him- and stole the power before it reached his heart. He started to move things with his mind, it was unlike anything we had ever seen before. So Father decided, 'If I can't have it, no one can.' and he slaughtered the thief dragon."

Zaffre hesitated. "I... I see."

"Well, you should set up camp, I'm going to find that hybrid again."

"What?" He said. "I set up camp last time."

Crimson's claws dug into the soil. "Don't argue with me." He set off into the shadows, descending to the place where he saw Domino last.

He sat there for a while, in silence. The forest, shrouded in darkness, brought him a sense of comfort that he was unused to. Despite its eerie atmosphere, it held a tranquil beauty that he admired.

I wonder if I'm making a mistake, and I should have just killed her when I first made contact with her.

He shook his head. If he wanted to destroy the Skull beings' last encampment he had to manipulate one into trusting him. There was no way that he could find that place on his own.

A branch snapped and he jerked his head to the side. He lashed his tail.

Is it her?
Pause.

"Who's there? Show yourself!"

There was no response, but he thought he saw a tall, thin figure stride through the shadows. He squinted his eyes. Maybe it was his brain playing tricks on him. Maybe being in this forest was making him see things.

Snap out of it. You have a mission. Stick to it.

It was now fully dark, with only the slight glow of the Clara flowers lighting his path. The forest was a dangerous place to get lost in, with all sorts of murderous creatures lurking in the darkness.

A sudden and irritating prick in his side startled him. Moments later, he felt an overwhelming sense of fatigue .

Crimson's eyes began to droop, and he swayed awkwardly, losing his balance.