FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

How to Seer, Part 19

copyright comidacomida 2022

I went outside dressed in a bathroom, flanked by my Spirit companions. Making sure that I was alone without any onlookers to see me talking to nothing, I approached slowly and addressed the 'invader'. "What do you mean, Nephili? Why would they attack you? Why come here?"

It was my first encounter with a Nephili, and I didn't know then what I know now. Dragon, however, was direct and to the point. "Nephili are being pure destruction, Human Seer. I is being hurt because Nephili are being spirits, and they is being wanting to hurts I and everything. I is being here, because I is being needing help."

None of my Spirits seemed to like the idea, and they quickly said as much. Mishupishu, usually the quietest, was surprisingly the first to speak up. "William, there are already many of us. Help too many Spirits and there will not be enough left of you to help any."

I looked to the Water Panther, ready to object, but Talapus was already prepared to agree. "He's not wrong, Billy... most Humans can barely stand sharing Spirit Energy with three spirits, and you have five of us."

Kon was not much more welcoming. "He's here to beg, Billy... whether it was Nephandi or not, his hardships are his... not ours-- not yours."

Link and Mitch, however, despite being wary of Dragon, were a little more pragmatic. Link stood directly to my left, and shot a glance at the rest of my Spirits. "Just because he wants to help doesn't mean he's adding to our number."

Mitch was also more welcoming, addressing Kon. "Humans help others... it's what they do, and it's why they're so wonderful. If Billy wants to help we should be supportive."

Kon, surprisingly, was willing to relent. "Yeah... I should know better than to try and hold him back." The Fox stepped to my side, no longer interposing himself between me and the dragon. He leaned over, speaking softly. "I trust you, Billy-kun... but I'm staying by your side just in case-- it's HIM I don't trust."

Outnumbered, Talapus finally gave in too. "Guess I should know better than trying to reign you in, eh, Billy?" He glanced to the dragon. "Don't try anything."

Dragon let out a huff. "I is almost being Asleeping... I is not having Energy to be trying things."

Stepping closer, I made sure to keep enough distance to avoid being forced to interact with him in any way, keeping control of the situation as I began to look him over. "Let's see... you have a cut on your lip... missing scales... a few really bad bruises. Your eye is almost swollen shut and..."

I paused, watching as my attention had a noticeable effect; the mere act of observing him was providing him Spirit Energy-- just how starved had he been? I focused more on the other aspects of Spirits I knew: perception was everything, and controlling the narrative often helped control conditions. "Actually... it doesn't look all that bad. Your split lip is already healing and it looks like the swelling in your eye is already going away. You'll be okay in no time."

I didn't know it at the time, but not a lot of Humans have the ability to narrate for Spirits. Most don't even try it, based on what I later learned from my Companions, but they stood by passively letting me work my Seer magic, apparently stunned to silence, both out of respect and surprise. I'm not sure what compelled me at the time, but, ultimately, I was close enough to touch Dragon and, when I laid my hand on his massive snout, the rest of his wounds were gone. Unlike past instances in which I'd instilled so much Spirit Energy into a Spirit, I didn't feel the least bit winded-- which turned out to make all of the difference in the battle that followed.

It wasn't Dragon- he was true to his word and meant no harm. The threat came from the Nephandi who, despite not having followed him, had been drawn to my utilization of Spirit Energy. I can't even begin to explain what followed, not because I lack the words, but because I lack the memory. Nephandi, as it was later told to me by my Companions, are the antithesis of Humanity and our ability to comprehend them is such that their very presence can break our minds and pyschie-- I can't remember my fight with them because it is the only way I can remain sane. It's a scary thought... especially considering I've fought them three times in my life and, thankfully, each time, despite remembering nothing of the encounters or the battles, I've come away unscathed.

That was my first fight with them and, I am proud to say, not only was I victorious, but all of my companions made it away safely... and so did Dragon. I had not been thrilled with the idea of befriending the Dragon, especially since he killed people but, after spending that time with him, and healing him, and letting him call the parking lot of the apartment complex a 'lair' for the rest of the night, I came to realize that 'good' and 'evil' were very much a matter of perspective. Dragon could have fled the moment the Nephandi had arrived since they had apparently been focused on me, and yet he stayed to fight.

Even afterwards, when our alliance of convenience was at an end, my Companions told me that he'd eased my pain from the minor bumps and bruises I'd received, and stayed around until he knew I would recover-- apparently I'd extended the offer to let him stay the night in the parking lot and he stayed because he wanted to make sure that I would be well. Not only was Dragon a spirit who fed off of those who overdosed on drugs, but, to a lesser extent, he had, at one time been a spirit of healing. Thanks to the service I'd done him before our fight, that aspect of his being had been reawakened and he was able to help me in return.

It was not the last time I saw Dragon and, despite our alliance no longer being one of convenience, I am glad to say it is stronger than ever.