Leyland Adventures

Journey Through Kiyoshi Woods

Leyland Adventures Chapter Ten: Part Four

The Hindi Grass and the common Lumi Mushrooms growing on the trees scared off the darkness. In a way, it was beautiful to see nature like this. It triggered another memory, Tysashi knew this section of the woods very well as they walked past the shattered rock and the pink flowers that sat above a puddle of glistening water.

"So when will we know we reached the forest?"

"We'll see a branching path engulfed in purple fog which is the aroma of the Santo Flowers. For now, we just have to follow the path of the light."

"Alright."

Just before silence could cover the air, a familiar growl was heard followed by rustling. Their eyes scanned the area, detecting a presence nearby. Just as Aradressa would draw her weapon, Tysashi stopped her as he recalled the time where Aradressa had to save. Someone as powerful as her shouldn't have to waste their energy on worthless foes.

He stood in front of her, the growls grew intense as did the rustling. Closing his fists, he was more than prepared to take on his challenger.

From the bushes, a Hobbit revealed itself, roaring once more to attract prey.

"Oh...it's only a Hobbit...it must've consumed a Desound."

"A Desound?" Tysashi inquired.

"It's a small, black lion-like creature with yellow eyes. It emits a soothing roar that draws in small creatures."

"I see, they sound interesting."

The Hollow ran past them to find more prey as they continued their journey. Multiple organisms were detected, few were devouring other creatures. A Leylandian Bear was seen feasting, the two froze in shock. It seemed to be distracted by the blood of its victim, allowing the two to sneak by silently and their scent unrecognized.

Smaller animals roamed the ground, as others found home within the trees. The appearance of the Lumi Mushrooms and Hindi Grass increased, signaling Jisastu Forest wasn't too far.

The trees up ahead were tattered with claw marks as the ground was molded by a large footprint. Heavy stomping caused an earthquake across the area.

It could only mean one thing, Slenderbark was nearby. Aradressa took Tysashi behind a nearby tree and began to explain the situation.

"Tysashi, a Slenderbark is here. It is a towering, skinny being made of sturdy, fireproof bark. Its fingers are spikes that can cut through metal, not to mention the ability to extend its limbs."

"It must be dangerous."

"Indeed, we must proceed with caution."

He nodded just before Aradressa relocated him. Holding their figure behind the tree, slight breathing could be heard followed by rustling. A bear appeared from trees, the Slenderbark immediately took action by thrusting a needle of bark through the chest of its prey. The creature fell weakly as the killer approached it.

The lanky organism wrapped roots around the bear, injecting a toxic liquid inside as the squirming became sluggish before stopping completely. The meal was ready as the predator penetrated the skin with its tongue, a disturbing, slurping sound echoed as the two made their move.

Within a minute, the body was completely drained of fluids and organs, the roots ran off as a flatten, wrinkled bear remained.

Just as the two were executing their escape plan, Tysashi crunched a branch with his shoe, the Slenderbark nearly broke its neck when the sound was heard. The creature roamed for a bit, knocking down trees to locate the sudden sound. Finally, he found his next victim, the Hobbit that was seen earlier entered the area still searching for food.

Unfortunately, it was the meal.

Without an inch of patience, Slenderbark embraced the Hobbit in spiky roots before using its claws to slice the poor being in two. Another feast began as the slurping sound was heard once more. Since Hobbits were very petite creatures, the disgusting sounds weren't tolerated for long.

Satisfied, the Slenderbark disguised itself within an existing tree, waiting patiently for more animals to feast on.

Tysashi and Aradressa were able to escape unharmed but not unaffected.

"Those things are brutal," he whispered.

"Definitely," she responded.

They traveled to a more sound area to unlock the ability to speak normally again.

⊱⋅ ────── ⋆★⋆────── ⋅⊰

"That poor Hobbit...how often do those things show up?"

"Rarely, there are only a few in the entire area."

"That fireproof and sturdy bark you mentioned, it can still be damaged, right?"

"Of course, though there are many organisms who aren't powerful enough to crack its metal-like bark."

"Does it have any weak points?"

"Yes, those creatures are weak to ice and water. Not to mention its stature causes it to be easily spotted."

"I see, before we left, I saw it fuse itself with a tree."

"That is one of its hunting strategies, though unbelievably effective, the ability to see and hear is stripped away as now the creature must rely upon the footsteps of other organisms while feeling the vibrations caused by those footsteps."

"We should be careful then, speaking of which, sorry about alarming the creature." He rubbed the back of his head out of embarrassment.

He was forgiven easily, putting away the shame.

"Now I wish I brought my journal to write this stuff down," he chuckled.

"If you do fail to remember the characteristics of a Slenderbark, I shall write the entry for you."

"Heh, thanks."

The two grinned towards each other, proceeding to walk forward. Signs were plastered all over the trees, warning those who survived long enough of the unavoidable tricks Jisastu Forest plays on the mind.

Some signs were written in black ink while others were coated with a crimson liquid. Paying no attention, they moved onward, finally reaching the entrance to Jisastu Forest. The entrance contained a branching path engulfed in fog. An eerie breeze was felt crawling their skin, entirely glacial.

"Which path do we take?"

"It does not matter which path we choose, but as long as we stay connected, everything should be fine."

With a deep breath and a mind predicting regrets, he entered the left path with Aradressa right behind him. Now they were pawns to the game of the forest, no cheats, no strategies, no handicaps. Once you lose this game, there is no rematch.