Shadow Of The Colossus- Taming The Beasts

Chapter 10- Barba

Another day, another colossus to visit. To many, this sentence sounds like absolute nonsense. And if she was being honest, Aiko didn't completely believe what she was living through. She had heard tales of beasts made of Earth and flesh, but she thought they were just stories that parents told their children to scare them into behaving. One particular tale was of one named Dirge, a giant serpent with the appetite to match. Her eyes were said to be so terrifying that one look upon them would send anyone into a mindless frenzy. Wonder if she's here, Aiko thought to herself, more curious than afraid, as she always was. But these thoughts were mere blips compared to the wonders she was seeing atop Avion's back as he soared to their next location. Avion had bonded with Aiko quite quickly, being a friendly and rather loud creature. 

A bright light blocked Aiko's vision for a quick moment, causing her to tighten her grip on the bird's fur for security. When her eyes adjusted, a shining desert filled her senses. Sand glistened like stars, even from as far away as she was. In the distance, next to a shaft of rock, was the corpse of a colossus. Long, coated in sand, and alone. The pillar of light was still standing, alongside 12 others. What did this to you, She pondered, staring at it and being taken away from the gorgeous scenery.

What if they find you?

Avion landed on the mountain, peeking into the gaping hole on the top. The mountain had a temple built into it, although it was dilapidated and hardly noticeable from afar. The sand coated most of their surroundings, blowing into Aiko's eyes and making it hard to see. Avion, who's head was still in the hole, squawked and called out to the colossus below. Aiko, curious as to what this creature looked like, peeked in as well.

Below them was a colossus similar in appearance to Valus, although not lacking in major differences. For one, he had no cracks or fur on his legs, as well as no flags hanging on his waist. He was more muscular and tall, probably ten feet taller than the smaller minotaur. The colossus had small, carved horns, the right one more worn than the left. A snout, similar to a pig's, protruded from his face between his eyes, with rings dangling from the sides of the stone mask. But it was his beard that was his defining feature. Great, blonde, and long, it swayed from side to side with each subtle movement. He stood tall and proud, although Aiko could tell from his destroyed arena that this creature was not to be angered.

Avion and Barba appeared to be communicating, exchanging squawks and bellows. It seemed as if Avion had already explained that Aiko was not a threat, as when she poked her head out from behind his head, Barba just tilted his own in curiosity. The two "talked" for a bit more, before Avion gently scooped up Aiko with his beak and backed up. Rumbles were heard in the ground, getting louder with each second. Eventually, Barba hoisted himself over the hole, nearly knocking Avion off in the process. Now, Aiko could see how large this creature was. Still quite a bit shorter than Gaius or Quadratus, but certainly impressive all the same. Barba, wasting no time, held his hand out for Aiko. But instead of letting her climb on, he very gently plucked her up from the back of her dress and held her up to his face, resulting in concerned squawking from Avion. Aiko held the collar of her shirt to prevent herself from choking, less afraid of Barba than the fear of plummeting to her death. But his grip was tight, and he ultimately put his hand underneath Aiko so she could stand. He observed her with excessive interest, putting his great, big, swirling eyes right up to her face. She was...cute! Barba let out an amused grumble, using his free hand's finger to pat her head. Aiko giggled nervously since she wasn't completely stable, but she trusted the two colossi.

Who's next?

A beacon of light shot down from afar...up north, where Aiko came from. Way up north. She didn't even see any dust or hear any loud booms from the impact. Avion and Barba looked at each other with obvious concern and worry. When they communicated, their noises were softer, troubled. As if this particular colossus was in more danger than the others when they were revived. They exchanged nods and Barba let Aiko down on Avion's back. 

Whoever this creature was, they needed to get there. Fast.