Creature Hunters

Chapter 5: Wizard - Part 1

John and Blakk struggled with the rucksack, to the point they had dropped it. They took a moment to catch their breath.

"I almost regret deciding to help with this thing," Blakk grumbled. "What the hell is in here?!"

Blakk opened the rucksack, noticing a set of armor. There was also a collection of food, medicine, and the capture box Zapren rested within.

"Oh!" John said with a smile. "Zapren. I'll see if he can help."

"Oh, right. Lexaria mentioned something about a creature to you. What is it?"

John dropped the box to the ground, unsure what to do next.

"I'm," John stammered. "I didn't read that far ahead. Maybe I..."

"Call his name, perhaps."

John nodded his head: "Zapren! Come... forth?"

In a flash of light, the box opened, and Zapren took shape at their feet, chirping excitedly.

"Oh good!" John gushed. "Hey, buddy!"

Zapren began sniffing the air, seeming uneasy. His fur began to spike more than normal, causing static to build up.

"No way," Blakk said shocked. "That's a rare creature. They used to roam around my village for a very long time. They disappeared one day."

"Were they all captured?"

"I've never seen anyone with one, so I'm not sure." Blakk shrugged. "Hello, little guy."

Zapren sniffed Blakk's hand, charging him with electricity.

"Oh!" John gasped. "Zapren! Don't hurt our friend!"

"Not to worry," Blakk smirked. "I'm immune to lightning attacks. Long story."

Zapren began walking towards the direction John and Blakk were heading.

"Hmm? What is it? Oh wait, can you find Lexaria, Zapren?"

Zapren suddenly zipped off, running down the road towards Magma City. John ran after him, followed by Blakk with the rucksack. They ended up at a fork in the road, to the left was Magma City, clear as day.

"Wow. Magma City. Never thought I'd see it."

"John. There was a struggle here. Look over at the foot of the hill."

Zapren immediately ran over to an area of the ground, chirping at John.

"Was she here? Zapren seems worried."

"Look at the ground," Blakk said intently. "There's signs of a fight. The way the dirt spreads out here, it means one was being pushed back. I'm worried it was Lexaria. But the biggest clue..."

Blakk lifted up an object from a pile of leaves, revealing the object to be Lexaria's shield. It was badly damaged, but luckily no signs of blood.

"No!" John exclaimed. "Is she hurt?"

"No signs of injury or wounds." Blakk traced the ground with his eyes. "There are drag marks along the road heading away from Magma City. She must have been captured instead."

"We have to help her!"

"I'm sorry, John," Blakk stated. "But we'll need help. If she was taken down, it means it'll be too rough of a fight. We're better off asking Magma City for help, as much as I hate to admit that..."

John looked to the ground, with a building rage. Blakk could be right, but it's not something John could easily accept.

"You better be right, Blakk," John said softly. "I don't want to lose a friend like this."