Acacia

Chapter 6

Sebastian took a deep breath, finally alone in the silence that enveloped him. The burdens he had carried for so long began to lift, revealing the true form he had kept hidden from the world. As he stood there, the air shifted around him, pulsing with an energy that hinted at transformation. His true self, a blend of strength and impenetrability, emerged, shedding the layers of pretense he had worn for so long.

As if by some mysterious force, a dark shadow enveloped the land quickly overcoming him. He knew this shadow well, it was of his creation. In his true form it followed him where he went. The once bright forest transformed into a decaying wasteland. The trees-once coated with the changing leaves of autumn-now withered away like a frozen tundra. Crickets and gulls now faded out of existence as he moved through the realms to the Underworld.

In that moment, the familiar sound of low growling echoed through the shadows, and from the depths of the darkness emerged Cerberus, the three-headed guardian known for his fierce loyalty and fierce temperament. Yet, in the presence of his master, the beast transformed. With a gentle wave of Sebastian's hand, Cerberus shed his fearsome form, morphing into a sighthound with soft, gentle eyes. His black coat remained the only remnant of his home. Its once dark eyes were now a soft shade of tree bark. The snake-like barbs on his back disappeared into his spine, and he grew two pointed ears to appear like a normal search dog.

"Cerberus," Sebastian grinned. The dog wagged its tail at his owner, ready to serve and please in any way. "We have a beast to kill, and a damsel to save."

The scene once more faded to black, before the gatekeeper of the underworld and its ruler were transported back to the realm of humans. The things I do for love, he thought.

Together, they ventured into the nearby forest, a place that had once echoed with howls and despair but now felt inviting in its tranquility. The towering trees swayed gently in the breeze, their leaves forming a lush canopy overhead that filtered the sunlight into a mosaic of warm hues. Sebastian felt an unexpected sense of belonging as he navigated the familiar trails of the woodland, the scent of pine and earth enveloping him like a comforting embrace.

As they walked deeper into the forest, Sebastian began to sense the magic that resided within the area. The ground pulsed beneath his feet, and he could hear whispers of ancient spirits carried by the wind. The leaves rustled softly, as if recounting stories of times long past, of battles fought and won, and of friendships forged in the crucible of adversity. It was a reminder that he was not alone, even in solitude.

Cerberus trotted alongside him, occasionally pausing to sniff at the underbrush. The dog's playful antics brought a smile to Sebastian's face, reminding him of the simple joys life could offer, even amidst the tumult of his own struggles. This bond between them intertwined their fates, creating a shield against the darkness that once threatened to engulf him.

For ages he thought he would forever be alone. Glancing upwards towards the skies of Olympus, seeing his brothers and sisters finding what was sworn to him to be forsaken.

As twilight ascended, the forest transformed, bathed in hues of purple and gold. The sounds of the day subsided, giving way to the chirping of crickets and the soft hoots of owls taking to the night. In this serene setting, Sebastian found solace, a stark contrast to the chaos of the world beyond the trees. This was a sanctuary where he could be himself, without fear of judgment or retaliation. Beyond that, he was determined to find the missing girl and return back to Anna.

Meandering along a narrow trail, they stumbled upon a sparkling stream, its waters gliding over smooth stones. The melody of the flowing water was soothing, and Sebastian knelt to take a drink. As he cupped his hands to scoop the cool liquid, he felt revitalized, as if the forest was infusing him with new energy. Cerberus barked playfully, splashing through the water, a reminder to embrace the present and find joy even in small moments.