The legend of Zaphratos

The showdown

Far ahead of where the shadow beast is running lies a very large stone round hovel in a field and right by the sea within it 6 chairs and a table, there's no rooms just an open space containing the chairs and the table and two beds. One bed is large barely off the ground and made of wood on the bottom and a very thick layer of wool on top, the other bed is much smaller and built the same way. The ground is made of dirt completely absent of grass or bugs, it's dry and hard it likely hasn't felt much of any water in a very long time.

Outside of the very large stone hovel Zaphratos and Asearus are happily watching what appears to be a bigger than average light green cat, about twice as long as a house cat and a couple inches wider too. Zaphratos and Asearus smile (hers light and his much more visible) as they watch the light green cat run around in the large open and empty field in front of them still able to see the forest to the left of them but barely. The field is void of grass almost like it's been swept away unnaturally.

The light green cat slows down and walks up to Zaphratos jumping up lightly with its front paws and clinging to Zaphratos's right leg gleaming with happiness, Zaphratos smiles and pets the light green cat's head as Asearus watches with her light smile enjoying having her husband back. "You sure have energy don't you Heldanar?" Zaphratos says in a smiley but soft voice. The light green cat clings tighter to Zaphratos's leg lightly sinking its claws into him and rubbing its head against his leg affectionately. Zaphratos smiles at the action and continues petting the light green cat before turning his head to Zaphratos with a light laugh "he likes his animal form huh?" Zaphratos asks in a happy voice with a wider smile. "Yes, I suppose he feels more free that way," Asearus says in an outside voice reflecting a hint of happiness and curiosity as she watches her son. "He's been that way since he was little" she explains keeping her eyes on her son her expression still happy but not as showy, "hmm, that's cool, whatever makes my little guy happy," Zaphratos says with a brightening smile as he turns his vision to his son and pets his head.

Asearus watches the two basking in the feeling of contentment and safety.

After a couple of minutes pass Asearus suddenly turns to the left looking towards the forest ahead of where Zaphratos is her mood instantly falters and becomes a look of disdain feeling protective as she quickly stands and runs past where Zaphratos is, lightly grabbing his right shoulder as she moves past him, Zaphratos reacts as soon as she gets up and his attention looks towards the forest as he stands with his wife's touch holding out his hand to the right motioning for their son to stay. Heldanar stays clung to Zaphratos's leg for a moment but quickly lets go and starts looking towards the forest with a somewhat high-pitched cat-like growl.

Asearus waits a moment then sticks her arms out to each side and raises her head lightly closing her eyes, the air becomes more moist and after a couple of seconds as Zaphratos keeps his eyes on the forest ahead and his son crouching lightly rain begins to fall quickly going from nothing to a few droplets to a decent rain. It's no heavy storm but it's impressive for being a clear sunny day.

Asearus opens her eyes once again now focused and ready as she keeps her arms stuck out on both sides her fingers lightly bent and tense. A couple seconds later they all shift their bodies slightly as they hear a deep growl coming from just beyond a bush ahead. The growl grows as it moves closer and comes into view, Asearus and Zaphratos's eyes both narrow their mouths open slightly in surprise as they see a large muscular wolf seemingly made of shadows slowly walking closer.

Meanwhile, in a dark place far away, the slightest smile spreads across Saa'met's face as the beast lays its eyes upon the celestials. She turns to Henry with a small smile on her face "Get ready for that fool to join you" she says before turning her gaze back to the screen in front of her. Henry stays quiet trying not to anger Saa'met and looks up at her narrowing his eyes in confusion both at her general disdain and at her sudden smile and change in demeanor before he looks back at the screen.