Malum Astra

Chapter 4 - An Annoying Ally

[Kitty Desik]

I guess it was quite lucky the kid knew lightning magic. Electrocuted the inside of the Fivheadog. We went to check the lake where the beast fell. No loot. However a giant sea serpent came out. A sea serpent is a giant snake that lives in bodies of water. They have blue skin and fierce, red eyes. It sent out a fear inducing roar and in reply, the crafty kid electrocuted the water, which electrocuted the snake which killed it.

Well, that's one problem solved. But how were we to fish out the delicious (metaphorical, don't try eating the insides/loot of a monster it tastes bad, I think I might write about the taste in my guide).
"How will we get the loot out?" I asked.
"We don't." His reply made me frown. I like collecting things.
"But-"
"We offer it to the Gods for assistance in our journey." He looked at the snake skin material longingly. "We can't get it out anyways, I probably shouldn't have messed up the lake. Ah well, it was only one of many water sources for Vill." He shrugged.
"You. Are. A. Terrible. Hero." I said slowly and jokingly.

We were travelling towards the direction of the Terra Guardian. I sensed it was in the north. It was a long journey until the next landmark so I had time to think. Think about how the Astra Clanni crashed into the countryside of Gajil. About how much I shouldn't doubt the Head Sorceress. About why the Sorcery Camp was split into half male and half female with no interaction between the sexes. Think about how weird the outside world was and most importantly... Think about Lanvi Afi. He strangely resembles Daniel. In a related why. Daniel isn't married nor has he mentioned being in Vill.

It seems that life did not enjoy me thinking so it threw some monsters at us. Literally. It was our fast reaction that stopped us joining the monsters in it's journey. Point B was a tree. I looked at where the monster came from. Point A was a catapult. It was by the catapt I saw something that made me groan. An old, annoying friend was there.

"SORRY!" The friend called. "DIDN'T SEE YOU THERE!" We ran up to him.
"What. The. Down. Under. Were. You. Doing!?" Asked Lanvi breathless from running.
"Oh, I was catapulting monsters I had held captive in hunting nets." The guy said calmly. He looked at me. Recognition dawned on his face. I was saved by the kid.
"Do you, err, often catapult monsters?"
"Yeah! It's great fun. You can catapult this Aqua Tiger if you want." This is one of Daniel's members in his group of mercenaries. Leon Libran is an amazingly annoying and insane hunter from someplace I forgot was called. He had short, blonde hair, a constant smile, shinning blue eyes and an aim so straight, not even a ruler could beat it's straightness. Why is he annoying?

He's an awful flirt and seemed to decide I'm his 'sacred angel'. His bow and quiver were hung on his back.
"I think I'll pass." Rejected Lanvi.
"But it's fun to see such terrorising monsters be scared of imminent demise."
"I'm sure most things are scared of imminent demise." The kid reasoned.
"Still fun. You're the one missing out." He turned to me. "Hello sacred-"
"Shut up."
"Sure thing, Kitty."
"Actually-"
"What?"
"Where's Daniel?"
"Dunno. I'm taking a break until next month. No job or anything to do. We are to meet up in Buop next month." I sighed.
"Some help you are."
"So, what is the dream of my dreams doing now?"

I explained the quest. The importance and why he should not come with us. Several reasons like he's as annoying as Down Under.
"Ok. I'll hitch along for the journey."
"But-" I started to debate.
"What if you need range? I'm a perfect shooter. The bow for such a wonderful angel like you." We walked along the pathway. Unfortunately Lanvi seemed to agree with Leon's point. To be fair, an archer would be perfect. But just not this one. He put the Aqua Tiger on the wooden catapult. It had wheels so he could take with us. He aimed at a random Grassland Deer. The tiger was shot but turned to water so the deer only got wet instead of dead. We were walking when a giant, black featured bird swooped down onto us.

It took Lanvi in it's talons and flew off. I shot fire but it was too far. We ran to chase after it, Lanvi was screaming his head metaphorically off. I forgot about the Swoop Eagles. An arrow flew right into it's back. This was a setback for the eagle but it still flew on. It was going up a mountain peak. We followed a blood trail up the mountain.

When we reached the peak we saw... Something. There was a giant stone table. On the giant stone table was a giant plate. On the giant plate was Lanvi. He seemed to be passed out. Marks were on his arms and blood over his body. Sitting by the giant stone table was the Swoop Eagle with a bib on. It was ready to eat.

Two arrows sank into both wings. That only made it angry. I shot fire at it. No effect. I put my palms on the floor. Raised them to shoulder height, clasped them together then released. I continued by put my, now on fire, hands onto my head them to my chest which is when I made a stretching motion. A huge blast of fire shot out at the, now lunging for Leon, Swoop Eagle. It burned and died.
"Ah. This must be a sign that you're a beautiful guardian angel assigned to protect me."
"Keep your mouth shut and it won't be barbecued." I warned. I then ran to Lanvi's body.

He was limp, unconscious and badly wounded. I put one of his fingers onto my hand and focussed on it. I did a bit of healing magic. I was awful at it but it closed the wounds. The blood loss would have to be dealt with as soon as possible though. That would require a Healer. I picked him up and we all left. Leon and I on our feet, Lanvi on my left shoulder. I needed to be quick to save him.