A Delicate Balance

Chapter six: The Darkwoods

For as long as I could remember, I'd heard a voice, calling out to me.

I'd always been told to ignore it, that only bad things would follow if I went there.

I was never told what bad things, but I'd trusted what I'd been told.

At least, I had until that fateful day, where I'd learned the truth about what I was.

Something warm was wrapped around me, roughly pulling me away from my friend as harsh voices let out loud accusations, their hands pressed against their face...

I jerked up, blinking away the dream I'd been stuck in, and found that I'd turned into a griffin in my sleep again.

I yawned, standing, and lashed my tail as I walked over to my door.

I sighed, trying to shift back to my human form, but I was stuck again.

I groaned, lifting up my talon, and carefully pulling on the doorknob, trying not to break it this time.

As I exited, my wings brushed against the doorframe, causing me to shudder.

It was early in the morning, but I didn't mind as I walked through the village, my claws sinking into the soft ground.

I noted the two vex sneaking around, obviously up to something, sighed.

I'd have to do something before they hurt someone.

I crept up behind them, watching as Cub unwound some rope, before letting out a low growl.

They jumped and slowly turned around, Scar holding up his hand. "N— nice griffin." He stammered, backing away.

Cub hesitated, before sighing. "Ha ha, very funny Xisuma."

I snorted, shaking my head, before shifting back to my human form. "I'm not Xisuma." I informed them with a smile. "Now, what are you doing with that rope?" I asked.

Cub quickly shoved it into a satchel. "What rope?"

Scar nodded, making a show of glancing around. "Yeah, what rope?" He paused, before smiling. "Say, do you ferry people around?" He suddenly asked.

I shook my head, folding my arms, and Cub gave him an alarmed look. "Scar... where do you want to go that we can't walk to?"

Scar smiled wistfully, before shaking his head. "Ah, it doesn't matter. Anyways, I need to go find Etho." He ran off, a smile on his face.

I turned to Cub, before noticing that Xisuma was running over, looking panicked. "What's wrong?"

He ran over, panting, and gave me a look. "I— sorry. A few water hybrids have somehow gotten infected with lifesuckers, and I've run out of death milk."

I sighed, rolling my shoulders, and considered. "I mean, if it's serious, I can go get some now, but death stalks are only in the Darkwoods."

"Oo, can I come?" Cub asked, excitedly dancing from foot to foot.

I sighed. "If you insist, but I'm not sure you'll be safe in the Darkwoods, especially with your vex magic."

Xisuma patted my shoulder. "Thank you. It's not serious yet, but if you could get some soon that would be great. If you're letting Cub go along with you, you should help him prepare."

\-|-/

I'd spent the day telling Cub what to expect, and making sure he knew what he was getting into, when Etho joined us, curious as to what we were doing, no sign of Scar.