Hunt or Be Hunted

As I rounded the corner, I stopped dead in my tracks as I heard the sound of growling up ahead. Only I would be the one to get lost in Aliso City while on the way to fight the Children of Mortis. In all fairness, I was new to the Brotherhood and I could only learn so much information at once.

Though I should know the ways around our base, considering we were in the middle of a war. I could hear my Master’s words of disappointment in my head, as I slowly looked towards a pack of crystalline raptors in front of me. You better not disappoint me Olen.

I needed to find a way out of here, and fast, or else I would be their next meal.

Scouting the area, I noted at least six raptors in front of me. A few of the raptors were fighting over a dead carcass, while the others patrolled close by. This was going to be tricky.

Crouching down close to the ground, I grabbed a small stone, folding it in my hand. What I could do was make some sort of distraction. If I threw the stone, I could make a run for it in the opposite direction. Sure, they might catch up to me eventually. At least I will have a bit of a head start. Peaking around the corner once again, I found the perfect spot. It was close to the raptors, but also the opposite side of where they were.

Winding my arm back, I quickly hurled the stone as hard as I could towards the area and waited. Just as expected, the raptors immediately stopped what they were doing and looked towards that area. After a few seconds, they moved towards it. Suckers!

Now was my turn to run! As fast as my legs could carry me, I swiftly ran towards the opposite end of where the Raptors currently sat. Although I wasn’t a hundred percent sure I was going in the right direction, I was pretty confident.

If I ran straight, I should reach a high platform to jump up to, from there I could jump across the rooftops to safety. It was just about getting there undetected, that was the problem though.

I continued running as fast as I could, trying my best to be as quiet as possible. I made it quite far before I heard the sound of growling and loud stomps coming from behind me. Glancing over my shoulder for a brief second, I noticed only one Crystalline raptors started to follow me. This one looked different from the previous ones I saw before.

It was probably hiding, waiting for the chance to hunt, or perhaps I lured it out while running in the streets. Whatever the reason, I didn’t want to stick around and find out. I needed to get out of here, and fast.

Along the way, I decided to throw back whatever object I could see in my path as a distraction. I know it probably wouldn’t stop it forever, but even to hinder it for a little while was nice.

Before I knew it, I was at the high platform. I quickly grabbed a hold of the stones, climbing my way up the wall to safety. Just before I was fully up, the Crystalline Raptor almost took a bite of my leg. I had enough time to kick it in the face, before fully pulling myself onto the platform. I sighed in relief. That was a close one.

Time to catch up with the rest of my allies.

A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to Mortis

Howie should have been gathering as much information as he could about the Children of Mortis’ organization, yet here he was, frozen, standing in a room full of crystal infused beer. Buckets and buckets of beer…

He happened to come across it while patrolling through the Children of Mortis base. Howie originally was walking around, trying to map out the base in his head to bring back to the Brotherhood. He stumbled upon the room by accident, and he couldn’t be more thrilled.

When it was decided Howie would be the spy, one of his hopes was to find crystal-infused beer, and it finally happened.

The entire room was filled to the brim, and Howie wanted nothing more than to drink the precious liquid. Since he would be the first person in the Brotherhood to drink such a thing, Howie wanted to remember as much as possible when taking his first sip, or hundredth sip. Or perhaps he just wanted to brag to everyone when he got back? Either way, Howie was ready.

Walking towards the barrel in front of him, Howie noticed a nozzle on the front of it. It was as if the universe wanted him to drink it, it was laid out right in front of him. Howie grinned before bringing his mouth towards the tube. This wasn’t the most sanitary, but he didn’t care. He was about to taste a brand new type of beer. If he was caught, so be it.

Howie turned the nozzle, and a few seconds later, a stream of beer flowed out of the barrel and into his mouth. Immediately, Howie was assaulted with the taste of malt. Regular malt. Nothing else. Howie was confused for a second, as it tasted like normal Beer. Stopping the stream of deliciousness flowing into his mouth, Howie looked towards the barrel.

He rolled his eyes upon noticing big lettering carved into the barrel that read out ‘Regular Beer’. Of course. Howie thought towards himself. Just when he thought things were easy, and handed to him on a silver platter, he managed to pick the wrong barrel.

Moving towards a different barrel, he made sure to pay attention to the carved letting in the side, mocking himself as he did. Finding one that said Crystal Infused, he quickly began the process all over again. Bringing his mouth towards the nozzle, and gently turning it on.

As the liquid streamed out of the barrel and into his mouth for the second time, the first thought Howie could think of was magic. This beer tasted magical! It was as if you could combine every appealing flavor into one combination. Howie was instantaneously addicted.

Howie continued to drink the liquid as it quickly spread throughout his body, sending a wave of tranquility and warmth about. He could stay here for hours, he could stay here for days. This was seriously the best thing he had ever tasted before.

“What are you doing?” A voice demanded, suddenly bringing Howie out of his daze. Howie turned the nozzle, and looked towards the door where a crystalized human was standing. Howie had never seen them before, but knew that could mean trouble.

Deciding to wing it, Howie said the first thing that came to mind. “What does it look like I’m doing? I’m drinking the crystal-infused beer.” He said honestly. The crystalized human narrowed their eyes at him, before Howie continued. “First of all, it tastes delicious so who wouldn’t want to drink it, and second of all, who knows if I’ll continue to live after the battle, so I thought to myself, why not go for it? You might die, might as well get a little drunk beforehand.”

Perhaps it was the beer that made him so bold. The crystalized human stared at Howie for the longest time before simply nodding their head. “Carry on.” The human said before exiting the room. Howie didn’t move for a second, pondering what just happened in his head. He was lucky that was for sure.

Deciding not to risk it again, Howie made his way towards the back of the room, finding a crystal-infused beer barrel hidden behind all the rest. That way, if someone entered the room, he would be hiding.

Now… time for more of that delicious beer! Howie thought towards himself, before bringing his mouth once again to the nozzle.

There was a old man on a throne
Who looked just as old as stone.
He had a granddaughter
Who committed manslaughter
Then he was turned to unknown.