Shadow Of The Colossus- Taming The Beasts

Chapter Six- Phaedra

Splash!

Gaius slipped and fall off the bridge, his unstable ball feet too heavy for its nimble support. His weight sent Aiko and the water flying, her bag thankfully avoiding the water. The bridge began to collapse completely, but it was still accessible due to chains hanging from the ledges. Gaius shook the water off like a dog would, shuddering once the sting of the ice cold air froze his skin. 

Aiko, who had climbed up his long, low hanging sword, began making her way to his head. This giant was interesting, as it seemed like it had broken pieces of armor everywhere. Even the collar around his neck had been damaged, giving way to a fuzzy nape. She stood on the right shoulder of this knight, taking in the gorgeous view. Despite the hundred foot drop, she wasn't scared. 

In fact, the scenery was so beautiful, she completely forgot where she and her companion were headed...but it seemed like Gaius had plans, immediately heading for the fourth beam of light. Aiko didn't question it; these colossi knew the lands much better than she did. 

Slowly, but surely, Gaius made his way across the bridge, past the temple, and towards a mountain. He stopped, seemingly to think.

"Hmm? What're you doi-"

Aiko let out a startled yelp as Gaius plucked her from his shoulder with his stubby fingers, holding her high above his head. He very gently placed her on the mountain top, letting go as soon as he was sure she was ok. Aiko stumbled a bit, hearing a worried squeak from the giant below. 

"I'm ok, I'm ok!"

She began to run towards the fourth pillar, watching it absorb the darkness and eventually fall back down to its source. Gaius followed, jumping on top of the mountain with some difficulty. His immense weight causing small, but loud cracks to form underneath him, making him panic and quickly climb upwards. Eventually, Gaius caught up with Aiko, who was peering down at the next colossus.

It had stone columns hanging from its face, resembling reins. Its face was animalistic, was was its body. It looked like a skeletal horse, stone ribs protruding from its sides and its legs were made of blades. Terrifying, but majestic in its own right. Gaius seemed ecstatic, his eyes a happy, bouncy blue. 

"Hey, wait, hold on-!"

Aiko jumped onto his sword and on his fur, just in time for Gaius to jump down into the woodsy area. Four rows of grave-like structures jutted out of the ground, fog covering the entrances. The entire area was encased in ledges, but from the markings and damage on the walls, Aiko inferred that this colossus could easily climb and jump out whenever she felt like it. Gaius approached  the sleeping horse slowly and quietly, not trying to startle her awake. He kneeled down and started petting her neck gently. Softly.

Phaedra awoke with a squeak, her eyes slowly beginning to glow with life. She looked around, before her eyes adjusted and she could see Gaius. A happy whinny-like below called out from her, but as she tried to lift herself up...She found her legs and half of her lower body was stuck in the ground. 

Gaius whimpered, shifting behind his noble steed and gently placing Aiko down, in front of the entrance of one of the graves. She sat down, the damp grass soaking her cloak. With a great slam, Gaius plunged his sword into the earth next to Phaedra, using it to try and lift her out. It worked for the most part, but her right hind leg was entangled in roots. They were rough, and despite Phaedra's great efforts and strength, she couldn't get it free. The roots were way too tangled.

Aiko approached, Phaedra already trusting her due to seeing Gaius interact with her in a friendly way. She watched her climb up the roots and find the spot that was entangled; mostly small vines that could be cut with a knife. Aiko didn't have one, but she did have her metal pen. She tried cutting through the roots, and surprisingly, it worked. After a couple of minutes, Phaedra's leg was free. Aiko dropped down onto the ground, slipping on the ground a bit. 

A happy whinny squeaked out of Phaedra, her legs kicking around and stretching as she ran around. Gaius bellowed a chuckle-like call at the horse happily skipping around. 

The three eventually made their way to the open valley, spotting the others roaming around. Valus was carrying multiple lizards on his hands and arms, staring at them curiously. And Quadratus was sleeping near the temple, kicking a bit in his sleep. The sky had a tint of pink and orange, the air becoming still and calming. Fireflies became more vibrant and crickets calling to one another.

Aiko felt her eyes become heavy, the tiredness setting in as the realization of her day hit her. She was on Gaius' shoulder, needing to climb down in order to be safe. Passing out on the shoulders of  a giant would not be desirable, after all.

She managed to climb down and leap onto Phaedra's soft back, the fur softening the impact. Her fluff was that of a dog's, poofy and comforting. Phaedra looked back at the small child on her back as she walked, watching her drift away into a slumber.