Wings and Webs 2: Discovery

Yukinaru ~Beast of Reckoning~ 3

I awoke with a start, the faint glow of the dying embers casting flickering shadows across the ground. Beside me, Killua seems to be sound asleep still. I take a deep, steadying breath and began to seed out my roots. Wanting to make sure nothing creeped up.
Not sensing anything, I reach for Killua. Keeping my voice low, "It's time to move on. The sooner we get away from this place, the better."
Killua nodded "I'm ready," he said, excitement shining in his eyes.
We keep following the winding path of the ashen river deeper in to the growning lush forest. I kept a watchful eye on our surroundings, my senses heightened, alert to any potential danger.
After several hours of trekking through the dense undergrowth, a sudden movement in the distance caught my attention. I held up a hand instantly signaling Kil to stop and take cover. I can feel an incredible amount of bloodlust and power getting closer.
Peering cautiously through the dense, green foliage, my hearts pound heavy in my chest. Each beat echoing with the fear that is building in my veins.
Suddenly, from the shadows, a colossal creature emerged, its presence a terrifying spectacle. The beast, a magnificent black figure on all fours, loomed before me. Its long, slender horns curve like the crescent moon against the dappled sunlight.

Razor sharp spikes adorn its spine, glinting ominously, while armor-like horns rose sharply from its powerful shoulder blades. In all it give the beast a regal yet fearsome appearance.
The creature's physique was unmistakably dragon like, its body angling downward in a way that exuded both elegance and raw power. Each of its massive paws was lined with five formidable talons, capable of shredding flesh with a single swipe.
A pair of magnificent wings, with black scale feathers, emerge from its back, their tips featuring three sharp talons that it could maneuver with the precision of an extra set of hands.
The next thing I notice is its belly that shimmers with silvery armor, while the top half of its form boasted a deep, regal shade of purple, blending seamlessly with the shadows.
In the end though, it is the creature's eyes that held me captive. Glowing like molten fire, they pierced through the darkness. Locking onto my position with an intensity that sent shivers down my spine.
The scene is fear inspiring, its scales glinting in the sun as it surveyed the forest with a serpentine neck that swayed gracefully with each calculated movement. I felt an instinctive pull to reach out, and in that moment, Higiroshi manifested in my grip.
My only lifeline against the unknown strength of this creature before me. Suddenly, the tranquility shattered with a deafening roar. The creature lunges forward finally content to strike, its powerful talons poised to lay waste to Killua's hiding spot. I barely had time to react as I shoved Killua out of harm's way.
Feeling the force of the creature as it rushes past me like a storm. Rolling to my feet, I found my stance, Higiroshi raised defiantly, heart racing with adrenaline. The battle that ensued was a whirlwind of chaos I could barely process. Each swipe of the beast's claws, each gnashing of its formidable jaws, and mixed with the power rolling of it created a symphony of danger.
The air crackles with tension as I dance to the side, my scythe slashing at the creature's flank, yet its thick, armored scales deflected my blows with ease. Even as Killua attempts to divert the creature's attention, my foe remained fixated on me now.
Its gaze a relentless reminder of the power it wielded. As the clash continues, fatigue begins to weigh heavily on me. My injured side throbbed, sending waves of pain through my every movement, but I pressed on.
Nearly desperate to find a weakness in the beast's formidable defenses. Each roar echoed through the forest, a haunting reminder of the creature's fury. I glance aroundnit until finally, in a moment of desperation, I feigned to the left and spun, bringing Higiroshi crashing down onto the creature's wing.
Higi bit into its flesh, drawing forth a howl of agony that reverberated through the trees. Seizing the moment, I surge forward, attacking with renewed energy. Each slash and stab aimed at the gaps in its defenses. The beast, now erratic and enraged, flails in pain, its roars shaking the very ground beneath me.
Just as I felt the tide turning, disaster struck in the worst way. Taking me by surprise its powerful tail whips around, and with bone crushing force, it slams into my side. I get knocked backwards hard, hurtling through the air. I land in a heap, the world spinning as pain spread through out my body.
Killua's voice broke through the haze, panic evident as he rushed to my side. "Yuki! Hold on, I can help!"
I gritted my teeth, pressing my hand against the deep gash that throbs with every breath.
"No, Kil, you need to get to safety. I'll hold it off as long as I can," I insisted, forcing myself to rise despite the protest of my weary muscles.
As I position myself between my brother and the advancing creature, I draw Higiroshi once more. The battle that follows is a blur, a clash of claws, fangs, and metal mixed with my desperate evasion skills.
I fight with every ounce of strength I have left, my determination clashing against the beast's relentless assault, but the weight of exhaustion begins to pull me under, and I knew the struggle is still far from over. To my displeasure even my movements grew sluggish, and my hold on Higiroshi wavers. I see the creature's next attack but just as I brace for the final blow, a sudden and familiar roar echoes through the forest.

Haiji came flying out of the undergrowth, his razor sharp claws slash at the beast's face. The distraction is just enough for me to regain some footing and land a deep cut along the creature's neck.
The beast howls in pain and retreats, its injured wing and neck now hampering its movements. Killua and Haiji watch warily as the creature disappears back into the depths of the forest, its wounded cries fading into the distance.
Exhausted, I collapse to the ground, my strength all but spent after this close call. Kil immediately rushed to my side with Haiji in toe. Both of them looking at me with worry, Killua's hands tremble as he inspects the gash in my side. Before I could say a word, another familiar figure emerges from the trees.
"Uncle Renji." Is all I could breathe out as relief washed over me.
Renji's brow was furrowed with concern as he knelt beside me, his experienced hands quickly assessing the extent of my injuries.
"This will sting, but it will help stop the bleeding." Uncle Renji pressed a poultice against my wound, making me hiss in pain.
Even my vision momentarily blurred from the applied pressure. As Renji and Killua help me to my feet, Haiji prowled around us. His hackles raised and his eyes scanning the forest for any sign of the retreating beast. Even his wings held at the ready.
Once we made it back to the resting spot me and Kil used previously Renji laid into me hard. His words of disappointment and pride rattled around my head for awhile. How if they had not scented my blood both me and Kil could have met a worse fate.
"Are you even listening?" Renji snapped his fingers pulling my attention.
"I know already that I got lucky. And yes I know I endangered Killua too Uncle." I cross my arms over my chest.
Sitting up against Haiji, his healing ability already nearly done recovering my injuries. I groan as I shift to face Kil and Renji now.
"Well I can't force ya to leave but I'm taking the young Zoldyck home now." Renji turns and motions Killua over to him.
"I don't want to leave yet... but I suppose I should." Kil kicks the ground keeping his eyes low.
The last fight wasn't even a glimpse of what else is out here. I do not blame my little brother for not arguing with my uncle. The Shadowscape training was intense for him as it were. What he just witnessed here is probably hard for Kil to even grasp anymore.
I give him a hug and wish them both safe travels. My uncle securing Killua on his back before stretching out his massive black wings.
With one final nod, he leaps into the sky. I watch as they both disappear beyond the clouds, momentarily wishing I went with them too.