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Changing Places

Chapter Five

By Roofles

Due to lore reasons certain things have been changed. Gaia is now Gaea. The cowl Simeon had gotten from Dolos is now a shawl. Both these things fit the references I’m going for.

The suns were already high in the sky as the group set out from the gates. Bundles of metal spears were wrapped together in a rolled animal hide, strapped together with thick rope. Several of the Pegasus guards pulled the cart out of the gates and towards a side path Simeon hadn’t seen before.

Leading off to one side, up a mountain path and ever higher above them the group began to ascend as if towards the heavens themselves.

“We’ll reach The Perch.” Bellor said motioning towards the top of the climb. “From there we’ll send out a few scouts, find where the Sky Terror is before putting your plan into motion.” The Pegasus was fully armored, suited up for battle as he gave a single nod to Kamir.

The feline had a bronze plated chestguard, helmet, pauldrons and a kilt that had been cut several times along the studded leather allowing for full movement. His feet were wrapped in leather bindings with curved plates over them. Along with the gauntlets he wore, Kamir was suited as much as he felt he needed to be. He looked far more regal, standing there in a full suit of armor in the morning suns.

Simeon had to admit, Kamir looked good in the morning sunlight falling abound the group from the twin suns above. It made that chestnut mane seem to glow with an inner fire.

Ajax had taken the other route. The hyena wore mostly leather straps and small padded guards on his legs and arms. His chest was bare as was his back. Allowing for the full mobility he desired, rather than weighed down by anything bulky that could throw off his balance. Ajax assured Simeon that he’d be fine.

“My skin is far tougher than any armor.” The hyena boasted proudly, taking a confident step forward and promptly ended up slipping on the ground, smacking his lower jaw into rocky slope. Cursing loudly, he held his snout with both hands trying not to cry in front of the others.

Simeon understood why he didn’t need anything else throwing off his balance. If the hyena had been wearing something as Kamir had, his fall could’ve been dangerous to his health. Ryder rolled his eyes as Bellor laughed at Ajax’s misfortune. Ajax just cursed several times.

“I bif maf tongue.” Ajax whined pitifully sticking out his tongue and waving a hand over it as if trying to cool it off.

“You should stay here.” Kamir ignored the hyena next to them as Ajax pleaded for some water. Ryder turned his water canister over the hyena’s head saying he was helping.

“No.” Simeon just flatly said, crossing his arms and giving him a look. “I know, I know.” He waved it off before Kamir could get started again on how dangerous this mission was going to be. He really didn’t want to hear about that, knowing full well how stupid this was. “Look. You talk about fate and gods all the time… well, I just got a feeling I need to stay with you, ok?”

The lion ears splayed out at that as he looked down at the smaller male before him.

“Well…” Kamir tried to form an argument to that.

“Please, Kamir? Can I come with you?” Simeon practically begged. The lion couldn’t say no to that face and ended up just mumbled his next words.

“Very well. Just stay hidden when the fight begins.” The lion just sighed heavily, unable to look at him any longer as his cheeks burned hotly. “I will do everything I can to protect you, on my honor I swear.” The lion placed a hand over his chest, bowing slightly as he said the words.

“I trust you Kamir. It’s fine.” Simeon just smiled back, mentally pumping his fist in victory. It was far too easy sometimes.

“You either got some big balls on you or you’re far stupider than I thought.” Ryder said walking at Simeon’s other side.

“Maybe?” Simeon just shrugged as he followed behind the squad of Pegasus in front of them. Wings spread wide and many took flight despite the danger it posed to them. Unable to resist any longer.

The desire of flight too strong for a lot of these younger, hot headed youth compared to their experience captain. Bellor had bound his wings, along with several of the others in rope. At first Simeon had thought it was to stop them from having the same urge as these younger soldiers did, only to be told by Kamir that the harsh winds they’d be facing would be perilous to their health and safety.

“The only thing worse than not being able to fly, is to let the wind fly for you.” Bellor stated like a mantra to himself as he did the deed in front of everyone, leading by example. It put the captain even further on edge than he already was.

Simeon figured they were trying to lure this thing out and that was why the younger soldiers were allowed to go. Might as well send out the bait. He just wished it wasn’t people being used as such. Watching them ascend towards the heavens above and waiting for the devil’s shadow to swoop in to snatch them away.

The slope wasn’t as bad as the initial climb to Dragon’s Rise.

It was a long winding path that had been carved throughout the years allowing the ground patrol to make their way along The Spine. It wasn’t used often, the Pegasus guard serving as the main defense for this side of the empire.

Their duty had always been to guard The Spine, able to fly high above the treacherous spines along the mountain ridge. However, in the recent weeks this hadn’t been the case with the Sky Terror showing up. Along with the tournament drawing ever closer, the military had been stretched thin across their borders trying to stop the invasion from the neighboring nations while setting up for The Games.

“It’s not a coincidence.” Simeon said making Kamir glance back at the human who had been mulling it all over. Simeon had questioned the lion about this whole ordeal since this morning’s breakfast. Kamir patience seemed to know no bounds and he humored him the whole time, explaining things the best he could.

Simeon endless questions never seemed to stop until they were out the gates.

“What isn’t?” The lion asked, back tracking to walk at his other side. Simeon was lost in his own thoughts. Kamir had to ask again to get his attention.

“Well, it’s just too much of a coincidence to think that this thing would show up right before the tournament.” Simeon wasn’t sure why he thought such a thing but it made sense after he did. The cool flow of thought felt as if he were wading through the sea itself. Floating along with the current. “The Tournament. The Syliss invading. The Sky Terror showing up? What else is happening in these lands while everyone’s focus is on The Games?”

“You showed up too, don’t forget.” Ryder pointed out, glancing over at the human. The cheetah had long since thought the same thing, not about to bring it up to their prince however. Kamir had enough on his plate as it was.

“If it’s all connected…” Simeon paused at that, stopping in his tracks before the light bulb flicked on over head. “If we get to the bottom of it, I’ll find my way home!” He said jumping to the conclusion before his doubts could get in the way. He didn’t even care that the others were looking at him as if he’d gone mad.

It had been the very reason why Simeon had been so curious in current affairs and politics of these lands. Kamir was an open book Simeon didn’t mind picking the brain of to try and find the answers he was looking for. The only answer he wanted to know; how to get home.

“We could just charter you a boat.” Ryder tried to offer. Simeon waved it off.

“You make it sound so easy,” Simeon just smirked at the cheetah before running ahead. Using Ryder’s own words against him. “If I figure this out, I’m sure the door will open once more…” He didn’t know exactly what kind of door he was looking for but it was a start. A lead he desperately needed.

A possible way home.

The shawl he’d been given. The people he’s met, the tournament around the corner. All of it was connected; he was sure of it as he ran up the side of the mountainside to The Perch Bellor had mentioned. Breathing hard, he walked over to the outlook looking out over the rolling green hills they had come from.

It was beautiful.

The grassy hillsides rolled like waves over the land. Dots of houses and buildings spotted the hills like boats in the current of green. Some had cattle fences to them. Trees grew haphazardly around the landscape. Twisted branches poking from the ground itself into beautiful blooms of red, gold and green. Then there were the flowers past those.

Looking out over everything, Simeon realized right there and then above everything else. This place wasn’t his home. He truly was in another world. His high spirits and hopes faded away as he looked out over it all.

“Easy there.” Kamir chuckled catching up to him. The lion made sure to keep Simeon away from the edge. “You go running ahead of us like that, it’ll be hard to watch your back.” The lion smiled down at him. “I kind of have to keep a promise to you after all.”

“Don’t go making our job any harder than it already is!” Ryder caught up, Ajax once more being left behind the others.

“I got it covered.” Simeon waved it off, still not mentioning the shawl he had on around his neck. It was always smart to have an ace or two up your sleeve. Just in case… He turned back around to face the others that joined him; Ajax was the last one to arrive.

The Perch was more an empty spot of terrain that was safe to set up the equipment they had brought with them. It gave them a clear view over the lands before them, the spines of the mountain haven’t been neglected here for reasons only the gods would know.

The hyena was breathing heavier than anyone else, cursing his “voluptuous body” for slowing him down. “I’m a lover. Not a runner…” He just panted open maw.

“You are made in her image.” Simeon only teased as the hyena trudged over to join them, half plopping onto the ground in front of the four. Bellor ignored the hyena as he joined them.

“From here, we’ll get a clear view of the valley.” The captain of the watch motioned out with one hoofed hand. “Once we spy the Sky Terror, my men and I will engage the beast in open aerial combat!” The horse’s eyes lit up as he thought of the glory they’d earn for this kill.

Maybe the emperor himself would take notice of his hard work! After everything he’s done and sacrificed, it would be about time his hard work would get rewarded. Being stationed out in this no man’s land wouldn’t earn him any fame or fortune.

A group of Pegasus flew by towards the rolling hills, out in the open to be seen.

“And die.” Simeon pointed out callously. The horse rounded on him, stomping a foot with a snort. “We aren’t here to fight, Bellor. We’re here to do Kamir’s plan.” He nodded over at the lion. “Don’t fight a losing battle.” Simeon wasn’t sure why he needed to point this out.

Everyone here seemed to have a death wish. Honor? Glory? Combat? None of that mattered to the human who only wanted to get home.

“And what would you have us do, fox? Lay down our arms and let this beast take our woman and children from us?” Bellor bared his wide, flat horse teeth at him. The white horse had large bags under his eyes. His fur was a mess as if he hadn’t bathed in days, maybe longer.

The stress from this was getting to him and it was beginning to show, wearing on what little sanity the captain of the watch had left.

“Everything was just going fine until that… that thing… hit our skys, fox!” Bellor snorted angrily, taking another step towards Simeon. The human wisely stepped back as Kamir cut the captain off.

“Why do you keep calling him a fox?” Ajax finally asked and was promptly ignored, the horse not even acknowledging the hyena that crawled up from the ground to join them.

“Simeon is right, Bellor.” Kamir said his voice coming out more as a growl now. “All you need to do is draw the Sky Terror as close as you can. Once we can peg it from here. Then we can retreat until it lands. From there we will focus on the actual battle to come. Save your strength for that, friend…”

The horse stomped his hoof, turning away from the others without arguing further. He began shouting at his troops, ordering them around and taking out his frustration on his men. Even going so far as kicking one over, grabbing another by the ankle and dragging the young soldier down for “foolishly taking flight.”

The group just watched the scene, uncomfortably as the captain berated his own men.

“Someone needs to get laid, fuck.” Simeon rubbed the back of his neck looking away from it all.

“You and me both.” Ajax nudged him, chuckling with a massive grin on his face. Simeon blushed at that but didn’t say anything about it. The hyena taking a step closer to the human.

“I am sorry.” Kamir smacked Ajax over the head again as he turned towards Simeon. “Bellor is just stressed. Pegasus need flight. They need the open skies and the wind between their wings. It… affects them, otherwise.” The lion nudged his head at the soldiers nearby.

The troops were setting up large ballista units along the perch. Using the older ones that had been left behind as examples to where would be best to place them. Several of the heavy wooden beams fell to the ground. Supplies were dropped, stepped on and even tripped over.

It wasn’t a pleasant thing to watch.

Every Pegasus seemed tired, drained as if they had partied long and hard the previous night. They trudged along with heavy limbs, dragging their hooves as they set up the siege equipment along The Perch. Barely making sure each ballista unit was facing the right direction.

“The merfolk are the same way.” Ryder noted, glancing over at the human. “If you take them out of water for long, they begin. Well. That.” The cheetah didn’t even hide the fact he was just blatantly pointing at two of the soldiers who had slumped over and appeared to be asleep.

“Not sure I fully understand… some sort of biological psychosomatic response?” Simeon frowned thinking it over.

“Sure.” Ajax just nodded along, wanting to seem smart. Simeon didn’t respond to that as he just looked it over, before glancing at the hyena. “What?” Ajax ears folded back.

“Does the same thing happen to you guys? I mean, in a given situation. If you’re deprived something that you require…” Simeon tried to explain.

Kamir was the first to say something. “Us Sun-Walkers need the sun. I’ve heard stories of my people who tried to live in the dark forest…” The lion shuddered, shaking his head. “Not something I like to think about.”

“Running.” The cheetah just shrugged.

“Mud.” Ajax nodded. It explained far more than it should’ve.

“Oh. Huh.” Simeon blinked a couple of times at that before asking the obvious question. “Why?”

“You sure do ask a lot of questions.” Ryder frowned at him; ears folding back as he looked away. The cheetah not answering him.

“I was born of the sun.” Kamir, once more, was the one to explain. Speaking up before the others. Simeon did like that about the lion. He felt like the others were always holding something back while Kamir was the only one being truthful with him.

Simeon didn’t blame Ajax however, not exactly giving the hyena credit for being smart enough to knowingly do so. Ryder was the only smart one amongst the group as far as Simeon was concerned; the cheetah had only ever told Simeon the least amount of information that he needed to know. The others were more willing to give out information to this stranger they had just met the other day.

Because fate willed it? It was a laughable thought.

Someone that wasn’t even one of their own, they told vital detailed information about. What if Simeon had been a spy as Ryder had feared? Telling him all this information could’ve been dangerous to the whole Empire. In a way, it had been helpful for the human. Still, Simeon could only wonder what they gained from telling him so much.

“They say, in the beginning. There was only darkness.” Kamir started up with guiding Simeon over to an abandoned wooden beam the Pegasus had brought to set up the ballistae. “Mother Gaea birthed the land from her own body and Father Chronos created the stars so we could tell the time. However, the land was still shrouded in darkness. And from it, monsters were born. Phoebus, guardian of the sun, took a drop of sunlight itself and placed it down on the land, birthing my people from the ray of light. Watching over us,” Kamir gestured to the two suns. “He banished the darkness throughout the day giving rise to the Enlighten Age we live in.”

“Because monsters are all sorts of dumb, huh?” Simeon smiled at the end.

“Something like that, yes.” Kamir only chuckled along though as he sat next to the human humoring him even now.

“I was made from mud. Or something.” Ajax picked at one of his ears with his pinky, flicking the lint off it as he shrugged. “Well, the original handsomely sexy ‘yeens were that is!” He grinned showing off every one of his teeth and a bit of his gums. He needed to use whitening making Simeon laugh.

“Yes. Handsome.” Simeon rolled his eyes with a chuckle, unable to believe he actually was into this guy. “So, without sunlight you sort of like… die?”

“I think it’s far worse than dying…” Kamir frowned a bit. “At least death is an end, of sorts. Without the sun?” Kamir asked the question aloud looking up into the blue sky and the twin suns above. “I think I’d prefer death…”

“What do you mean death isn’t the end?” Simeon focused on that instead. The lion’s ear twitched tail moving to the other side to brush against Simeon’s side.

“Well…” Kamir began until the wind began to pick up around them cutting their conversation short.

“Looks like we got a live one!” Ryder shouted running back over. The cheetah had been keeping an eye out while the others took a breather.

“Already?” Ajax looked around frantically as if expecting the Sky Terror to pop out of the very walls around them.

The wind continued to pick up, swirling the chips of stones around dangerously in the air. Simeon ducked down as one shot over his head, hitting Ajax in the chest. The hyena didn’t even seem to notice as he moved over to get on Simeon’s other side.

Ajax opened his arms to block what he could.

“Are the ballista bolts ready?” Kamir shouted, moving forward to join the others motioning Simeon to stay back. “Watch him!” The lion shouted over the growing gale force winds.

“Gladly!” Ajax scooped Simeon up and pulled him close, ducking back against the sharp mountainside. It helped cut back the force of the winds picking up.

Simeon found himself clinging to Ajax as the hyena huddled over him, keeping him close to the ground as the two got out of the way while the others went to work. Not as if Ajax would be much use against an enemy in the air.

Kamir’s maroon color tunic blew violently underneath the bronze chest guard he wore. The weight of the metal helping keep him grounded as he made his way over to one of the ballistae. The curved oversized crossbow was mountain on several planks of wood hammered together. Twin pulleys were on either side allowing for the string to be cranked back.

Taking one of the two levers, Kamir began winding back the ballista as the Pegasus guarding it was swept off his feet into the air. His screams were cut off as he was impaled on one of the spines of the mountain side. His frantic thrashing stopping as his head slumped over lifeless.

“Wings clip! I told you all. Wing’s clipped!” Bellor shouted at his men. The Pegasus had both his wings tied together behind his back, the rope looping around his waist to keep them from opening up in the fierce winds. If they caught the winds, he’d end up like the soldier had.

“I need a bolt!” Kamir shouted ducking down as a broken spine of the mountainside came hurtling his way. The spiked stone crashed into the ground behind him, breaking into a dozen pieces. The shards just being added to the vicious cyclone forming around them.

Then the suns above were blocked as a massive shadow fell on those below.

“The Sky Terror!” Someone shouted. It was impossible to tell who as the central cyclone began forming along The Perch blocking their escape route.

The eye of the storm was on them and the wind began settling down, the shadow looming above slowly descending towards the prey beneath. The wall of wind keeping them trapped like rats.

“No! It’s here!” A soldier shouted, dropping their spear and running towards the mountain pass they had come from. The cyclone of slicing winds were so powerful it ripped his arms off, tearing his body apart as he was swept away trying to push through the storm.

Simeon covered his eyes as Ajax leaned further over him.

“This is madness!” He tried to shout. Ajax couldn’t hear him as the stones around them began tearing apart as the storm grew in intensity.

Kamir turned the ballista around, the lion resting his stomach in the concavity at the end of the oversized Gastraphetes and turning it straight up at the giant six winged bird descending on them. He grabbed the latch, releasing it and with it the bolt shot straight upwards.

A screech filled the air and the storm around them began to waver as the bolt sunk deep into the monsters side.

“More!” Bellor shouted at the others. One of the ballista’s had been broken apart by a boulder sized spine crashing into it. The others were mimicking Kamir, pointing straight up and firing.

The winds picked up, circling around the giant bird sending the metal bolts shooting off randomly to the sides. The shadow rose as the creature began to retreat, wings beating independently of each other. And every time they flapped, another force of wind shot downwards at the gathered group.

One of the ballistae was lifted off the ground it had been bolted too, tearing apart the earth with it as it flipped over. Another was sliced in two as the cutting wind came down like cleavers cutting into the very mountainside.

The Perch began to dip to one side, pieces of it crumbling away over the ledge. The slanted mountain side beginning to fall away beneath their very feet.

“Reload, fire!” Bellor just ordered his men not even stopping as his foot slipped away underneath him. The horse came down hard over one of the cracks forming in the ground beneath them. He pushed himself up, still shouting orders with a bloodied snout. “Fire! Fire! Don’t stop firing until that thing is dead!”

Unable to flee, the rest of the Pegasus soldier’s loaded up the last ballista. The one Kamir was still manning. The lion turned to face it towards the shadow.

Then the winds retreated once more as the giant bird flapped its six wings. Cyclones formed around it, swirling violently in a circular storm as it defended itself once more. The winds deflecting away any javelins that were thrown at it.

“It’s defending itself again!” Ajax growled above the human. “It can see us, knows exactly what we’re planning to do!”

Simeon could only hide there like a coward, unable to help. Even though he insisted on coming along to this bloodbath. The shawl around his neck slipped down as the winds died down around them, touching his hand. The human could only look down at it.

He couldn’t see his hand anymore. Or the silken fabric over it…

“Kamir!” Simeon shouted running over, slipping away underneath Ajax arm. The hyena scrambled after him on all fours.

“Stay back, Simeon!” Kamir shouted at him as the ground beneath his feet began to give way. Sinking inwards from the weight of the lion and the weaponry he manned.

Simeon jumped over the crack, skidding to a halt and ended up body checking the lion. The large male barely budged as Simeon clung to his arm.

“It’s the last shot!” Simeon said nearly out of breath, looking back up towards the large bird.

It looked like a raven. A very large, six winged raven with midnight blue feathers, three legs and a curved jagged beak.

“It’s fatter than I thought it’d be…” Simeon grabbed the shawl around his neck, praying to whatever was listening that this would work.

He swung the fabric of the cloth around the two of them, hiding Kamir underneath the starry blue silk material. The fabric draped over them, seeming to fall like rain water around them all the way to the ground. Simeon pulled Kamir close, motioning for the lion to stay silent as he looked up.

They could see through the transparent cloth, up towards the giant monster bird above them. The wings stopped flapping erratically, going back to how they were before. The cyclone of wind around the bird faded away as they were trapped in a cyclone once more.

“What…” Kamir jaw dropped as he looked down at the human. Simeon just gave him a wink.

“Long story.” Simeon said, moving with the lion as he positioned himself once more to man the machine. “We only get one shot…” The fear in his voice was evident as he hugged the lion’s side, trying to keep them both hidden.

“Trust me.” Kamir nodded at that, pulling Simeon close with one arm as he grabbed hold of the latch. Simeon reached out and grabbed it with the lion, Kamir smiling down at him as he said a silent prayer to his patron god. The suns above burned at the peak of day, the birds shadow fading away underneath their intense fury like twin eyes watching them.

And Kamir fired.

The ballista bow cracked, breaking apart like the ground beneath them as it fired one last shot. The metal bolt rocketed skywards, piercing the Sky Terror’s left middle wing… and severing it from its body. A horrid screech filled the air as blood began to rain down above them as the Sky Terror body twisted and turned, trying to stay aloft.

The winds dissipated around them. The Sky Terror was vulnerable and every soldier able began throwing their javelins at the monstrous bird above. Dozens of pointed spears pierced its feathered hide. Several more bounced off its bulk. Arrows launched into its other wings.

Ryder emptying his quiver into each of the remaining five wings until he was grabbing at thin air at his side.

The Sky Terror let loose an ear piercing screech rendering everyone below incapacitated for the moment of its descent. Or rather its crash landing.

The giant bird unable to stay in flight any longer began to fall, its massive body came crashing down from above. Its wings flailed uselessly sending feather and blood everywhere, the three talons clawing out as the ground beneath it as the ground broke apart and the whole party found themselves sliding towards the cracking hole forming along The Perch.

Kamir clawed at the ground with one hand, trying to hold onto Simeon with his other. Ajax slid down to join them, only to body check the two of them and send them tumbling over each other towards the crater in the middle.

Midnight blue feathered wings slipped away as the Sky Terror and everyone in close proximity to it fell away into the dark cavern below.

Simeon clung to Kamir as the lion curled his body around him as the three of them plummeted in the dark depths. Wings still bound, several of the Pegasus guard along with their captain Bellor came down with them. The suns burned above, the only light for those who survived.

Simeon hit Kamir’s chest hard, the lion’s body shaking as his back met the ground below. The two laid there breathing heavily as they tried to see if they were dead or not. Simeon’s head was pounding as he sat up on the lion’s chest, looking around to see where they had landed.

Deep below The Perch was a vast opening within the mountain. A massive cavern with gnarled spines of earth poking inwards around them as if they had fallen into some sort of prison cell. Looking upwards, Simeon could see the opening they had fallen down wandering how they’d get out. Or how they even survived such a fall.

There were several large branches, twigs and stalks of Sunblossom gathered around into what Simeon assumed to be a nest of sorts. Bones littered the floor around them. From cattle to those who had taken care of said cattle.

“How are we alive?” Simeon asked looking back down at the lion, unaware of just how close he’d been to Kamir. The lion’s honey eyes opened and the human found himself blush as he felt Kamir warm breath wash over his face.

“The gods willed it.” Kamir sat up, keeping one arm around Simeon as he did so, smiling down at the human before glancing skyward at the suns above. Then around them, the smile of his face fading as he spied all the bones of the Sky Terror’s previous meals.

“You know what? Sure. Sure they did…” Simeon didn’t want to argue about that right now as he climbed off Kamir, finding his balance on shaking legs. He offered a hand and found Kamir taking his whole arm in turn with one hand, Simeon gripped Kamir’s wrist and tried to pull him up.

Thankfully the lion got up on his own, just taking Simeon’s hand to be polite. Those warm paw padded fingers rubbing over his arm as the lion smiled in thanks.

“Sorry! I’m sorry about that!” Ajax called over, the hyena brushing dirt off his brown fur as he came jogging over. “I slipped.”

“Of course you did.” Kamir only chuckled with a shake of his head, not even surprised by the matter. “We’re fine, at least.” The lion consoled the hyena as he came over.

“Somehow.” Simeon wanted to point out again but the crumbling rubble to their side took their sole focus.

Rocks fell as the Sky Terror began to rise from the rubble. Even grounded, it towered over the others as they backed away.

Kamir drew his sword and shield, the plated metal connecting together to form a buckler once more. Ajax drew his axes and Simeon moved back from the others keeping the shawl close.

“Help!” A voice called out. Bellor had plummeted with the group, falling into a darkly sickening pool of water nearby. It blended so well into the ground Simeon hadn’t even realized it had been there.

“I’ll help him, you guys just handle that.” Simeon called back to them already running over to the struggling Pegasus. Bellor wings were bound and he was struggling in the thick, viscous watery substance. It blackened his white fur as Simeon came over.

“Take my hand!” Simeon shouted over at him. The horse just continued to struggle, keeping his head barely above the black fluid. Either Bellor couldn’t hear him or reach; Simeon quickly decided he needed to find something to throw to him while the others held the Sky Terror at bay.

Several of the guards that had survived the fall joined up with them and the small group faced off against the angry bird. It screeched once more, trying to flap its wounded wings. The winds picked up, blowing against them but little else.

Talons clawed at the ground as the Sky Terror rounded on them. It’s sharp, jagged beak was curved at the end. Coming down like a pickaxe as it pecked at the closest guard. The Pegasus managed to fly backwards out of reach, jabbing a spear at one of its eyes in turn.

“Cover me!” Kamir shouted as he charged forward. Ajax was already hurling one of his twin hatchets at the Sky Terror’s face.

The axe spun through the air, smacking against the creatures face. It’s thick, feathered hide protecting it from the blade. Ajax was already spinning around to toss the other axe, not even faltering that his first blow hadn’t been effective.

Kamir dodged past the beak that came down hard enough to shatter the stone floor underneath them. The lion dancing around the bird’s head and bringing his curved sword around with him, slicing up its cheek and around at one of the three legs. Sparks flew as his blade met its skin. It had to be as hard as metal itself or maybe the rocks around it.

This was no ordinary creature Kamir realized too late he was batted aside by one of its wings.

The bird screeched, pulling black as a thick viscous blood splattered the ground. Kamir didn’t wait as he pushed forward again, landing on his feet and charging forward. The lion prince sliced at two of the three legs, running underneath to the other side.

The Sky Terror fell onto its chest, wings flapping uselessly as it tried to keep its balance. Several guards charged forward, using their weight to force the javelins in hand to pierce the creature’s thick hide. Several Pegasus took flight, leaving the spears behind as the bird thrashed around, screeching and pecking at any that drew too close.

“Keep it up!” Kamir shouted as he took another swipe at one of the wings.

Simeon was off to the side, far from the others as he gathered up a coiled rope that had fallen from above. He did his best not to slip on the stone floor. It was damp. Unsure where the water was coming from, he didn’t want to accidentally fall into a pool like Bellor had.

“I’m coming back.” Simeon called over to the captain as he lassoed the rope the best he could and threw it over to the captain. The first two attempts failed and it was only by luck he managed to get the last to land.

Bellor grabbed the rope, pulling on it and nearly dragging Simeon into the pool with him. Simeon had figured that’d been the case and had tied the other end of the rope to a large stalagmite nearby. He did his best to try and pull the horse back to the surface as Bellor struggled to stay afloat.

Two guards showed up much to Simeon’s relief and helped drag the captain free of the water.

Bellor struggled to the surface, coughing out the thick liquid as he struggled to breathe for several minutes.

“Take it easy.” The younger of the two guards rubbed his back. The Pegasus thanking Simeon for his help, looking away from the captain and didn’t even see the elbow that connected with the side of his face. Knocking the guard into the pool behind them.

“Useless! All of you!” Bellor shouted, his face twisting in fury as he rounded on the second guard. Leaping onto the soldier and forcing him to the ground. His fingers wrapped around the guard’s thick neck as he began pounding their head against the stone floor. “All of you! It’s been me! I’m the one who’s done everything. I kept us alive. I kept Dragon Rise from falling.”

“Bellor!” Simeon shouted at him, afraid to get close as he could only watch the captain lose it. Grabbing one of the fallen spears, he brought it down hard, using the blunt end of it to smack the horse in the head hoping to hit some sense into him. “Ajax!” Simeon called as Bellor turned on him.

The horses white fur was blackened by the substance he’d fallen into. His eyes were wide staring at him as if unable to fully see the human in front of him. Bellor body shuddered as he forced himself up, nearly convulsing on himself as his broken movements stepped towards Simeon reminding the human of a zombie.

Jagged, irregular movements that didn’t match the poise and discipline the captain had previous had.

“Ajax!” Simeon shouted once more as he swung the shawl around himself, vanishing from view and quickly moving away from the deranged captain of the watch.

“That’s right! Run away! As you always do, Simeon!” Bellor voice was contorted as his body was. A hollow breath escaping his lips as the horse slumped to one side, reaching out for him. “Leave them behind. Friends. Family. Whoever that could hold you back. Before they drag you down with them…” And the horse chuckled. An empty sound, devoid of any humor.

Simeon felt the cold creep back in as he glanced back at the deranged captain.

The hyena ran over towards them, stopping in his tracks at seeing the horse. “Uh… the hell is that?”

“It was Bellor!” Simeon said hiding behind the hyena now as the two took an unsteady step away from the horse.

“Ajax…” Bellor voice rattled like death itself as the horses sunken eyes met the hyena’s. “The sleazy son of the family. So pitifully afraid of being alone you’ll just up and sleep with anything. Or anyone.” The horses face began dropping low, even for a horse his face appearing longer than normal. “Unable to match yours sisters. Unable to match your clan. You can only find comfort in the arms of another man.” The horse rattled breath chilled the air around them. “Pathetic. Weak. Helpless.”

Another guard came up, stopping next to the two. Instantly, Bellor’s eyes centered on him. The gray fur horse body shivered under that sunken gaze.

“Anton. Last of his family. Last of his name. To end up old and alone. Without honor or glory…” Bellor continued, taking another step. “That won’t be me… I won’t be you… I’ve earned this!” The horse shouted at them.

“Captain…” Anton grimaced holding up his spear in wavering hands.

“That isn’t the captain. I don’t know what the hell that thing is.” Simeon wanted to shout but felt his voice faltering with every word he spoke as if the very words were shivering. “That thing is a monster…”

A real monster…

Bellor cackled at that, hugging himself as the horse slumped forward. The blackened fur began to move and twist as if something was crawling underneath it, massive spines burst from his back spraying the area in black blood. Sticking out like the very rocky walls around them, cutting loose his wings. They opened wide, the black stained feathered wings swept forward sending a gust of wind towards them. Bellor began to take flight.

Just as a javelin struck the side of his face. The spear broke apart. The horse head jolted to the side and the horrid sound of its neck snapping filled the area around them. Blood oozed from its lips.

“What are you waiting for!” Ryder shouted at the others, climbing down the rope he’d slung over the ledge. The cheetah landed on the ground, hefting up another javelin and throwing it before his feet even touched the stone floor.

Bellor held up a hand and the spear struck his palm, shattering apart. The blackened fur ran over his fingers and palm, seeming to change the very fur into jagged flesh like the very mountains around them.

“The flesh is weak. Only with blood can we become strong…” Bellor voice echoed around them as his wings flapped, carrying him ever higher into the sky so he could look down on all those around him.

“Clip his wings!” Ajax shouted as he spun the hatchet once more before tossing it, aiming straight for the inner part of the feathered wing. It hit hard enough to knock Bellor back, the blade once more not meeting its mark. “Come on!” The hyena cursed.

“Something’s wrong with him.” Simeon muttered, glancing over at the Sky Terror that Kamir was still in combat with. Several of the guards had been lost to that vicious curved beak. The human could tell then that something was very wrong with both of them.

The human moved away, dragging Ajax with him. Holding the large hyena’s hand tightly as he pulled him towards the bird.

“Uh, Simeon. We don’t have time for that.” Ajax ears splayed out, his fur blushing underneath as the human pulled him roughly along. Simeon ignored him.

“You can’t escape. You can’t keep running, Simeon. Eventually it’ll catch up to you.” Bellor called after him. Simeon ignored it, turning around to call after him.

“What would a loser captain in a dead end ass job like this know anything about that?” The human didn’t stop running as Bellor roar of fury filled the room.

“I’ll kill you!” Bellor swept down in hot pursuit.

“Why are you making him mad?” Ajax whined as he ran along with Simeon now, the two heading straight for the Sky Terror.

“The hell are you two doing?” Kamir asked as the two ran past him. The lion having to jump aside as Bellor swooped past them. “The hell is that. The hell is happening!” The lion shouted giving chase.

“How do we get this thing to flap?” Simeon asked Ajax, the hyena just gave him a look. “Right. Right.” He frowned as he let go of his hand. “Split up, get it to flap. No matter what! Call it names or throw rocks at it, I don’t know. Just make it fly!” Simeon called as he cut to the side just as Bellor spiked hooves came crashing down where he’d been.

The malformed, twisted Pegasus was foaming at the mouth as he rounded on the human once more. Lifting up one hand he swiped it to the side, a spike jutting from the top of his hand into a curved blade blood congealing into the curved blade. Blood as black as the night sky itself.

“I’ll cut you open and make you bleed out your lies, coward.” Bellor took a step, twisting to one side then the other as he followed the human.

“I doubt some no name captain like you can really do anything.” Simeon just continued to taunt him. Grabbing the shawl, he swept it in front of him vanishing once more. Slipping away to the side as the Pegasus began slashing out with his arm.

“Where are you! Coward! Always running away. No one will forgive you. No one will weep for your death!” Bellor jabbed the curved arm blade into the ground, pulling it up and wrenching the stones apart. “Stop running!”

“Bellor!” Kamir shouted, jumping down from above. Giving just enough of a heads up for the horse to turn around, lifting his arm up to block the curved blade that had come down for his head. “Collect yourself!” Kamir blade clashed twice more with the horse. “You dishonor your family giving in! Fight it, Bellor! Fight it, damn you!”

“What would a nameless prince know about honor!” Bellor swung his full body with every blow he gave. Kamir was pushed back underneath the force of each of those blows. “A disgrace! An insult! A failure! Your father will never recognize you. You’ll be lost to the sands of time, no one will remember you!” Bellor swung his whole body around, that twisted blade came crashing into the buckler Kamir held up.

The lion was thrown back against the ground, sliding along the slick surface and narrowly stopping before slipping into the very pool Bellor had. The Pegasus wings spread and he took flight once more, flying above all the others.

“I will earn my glory!” Bellor called out, opening his arms up as if speaking to the heavens above. “I will earn my place! None shall hold me back again. I. Will. Have. Recognition!”

Turning to look down on the fallen lion, Bellor’s neck snapped, crackled and pop as it mended itself the horse standing up tall and proud. Larger than he’d ever been before. The stains running over his fur seeming to absorb into his very skin. Every stain became new flesh as hard and jagged as the walls around them. His stained fur covered in small spines as he pointed his arm blade at the lion prince.

Then the winds began to pick up.

All five of the wounded wings began to beat as the Sky Terror tried to pull itself up off the ground once more. The heckling call of the hyena aggravating it to no end. Ajax slinging one mocking word after another, berated the bird with a cackling laugh as he threw stones at its face. Literally just doing what Simeon told him too.

The Sky Terror wasn’t able to catch the nimble hyena, only angering it further. Forcing itself to fly, the Sky Terror began to bleed. Thick viscous blood like the pool Bellor had fallen into fell from its countless wounds staining the ground beneath them. Each of its wings strained to lift its bulk, its body barely able to rise off the ground as the wings beat faster and faster.

The winds increased, swirling around them as the Sky Terror screeched at the hyena before it.

Bellor couldn’t stay in flight, the winds were too strong and the malformed Pegasus was caught in the updraft. Spun around in the forming cyclone faster and faster as he cried out in rage and fury, his pride preventing him from landing before it got out of control. The winds only increasing, faster until finally his body met one of the twisted spines forming from the very wall.

It pierced Bellor’s back, jutting out of his chest and ripping through the armored plated flesh that had formed along his body. The rocky spine was too much and Bellor puked one last final breath as blood ran down his front, before slumping forward.

Cursing the very gods he had once praised.

The Sky Terror didn’t fare any better. Its massive body struggled to stay in the air, swaying from one side to the other. Its wounded, uneven wings unable to hold it up as it came crashing down into the very wall Bellor had been skewered too.

The spines held no mercy and the Sky Terror met the same fate Bellor, captain of the watch, did.

The group stood there, looking at the grotesque scene before them as the last wing finally stopped beating.

“Fuck. That’s one way to kill it.” Ryder said jogging on over to join them. Kamir struggled back to his feet as Simeon pulled the shawl from his head, revealing himself to the others. The lion just looked up at him with warm honey eyes.

“Need a hand?” Simeon offered and once more Kamir found himself taking it.

“Everyone ok?” Ajax came over, looking up at Bellor’s lifeless body. “Well, is everyone ELSE alright?” He just asked.

“We lost nearly half our men…” Anton walked over, bowing to Kamir before addressing the others. Or more so, Simeon. “Thank you, for… for stopping him.” Anton bowed his head in thanks. “For stopping my brother.”

“I’m sorry… there was no other way.” Simeon couldn’t meet those eyes.

“I thought Ajax…” Ryder thumbed over a shoulder at the hyena who was scratching his exposed belly.

“Huh? Wasn’t me.” Ajax just chuckled. “I just did what I was told.”

“It was all Ajax.” Simeon just said, wrapping the shawl around his neck again like a scarf unable to believe that actually worked. Or how he knew it would…

“Just full of surprises.” Kamir sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping as he looked around. “I’ve never seen a Sky Terror that big before… It was too big even for its own wings. Tossed off its center of gravity was all it took for it too…” He stared at the massive bird stuck to the side of the wall.

“It’s the blood.” Simeon noted looking over at the pool Bellor had nearly drowned in. With everything calmed down, he could almost hear it. Hear it whispering his name just like the dark depths of the ocean had before…

“Blood?” Ajax shuddered looking himself over to make sure none had gotten on him.

“Titan’s blood…” Simeon voice felt cold even to his own ears. Once more the rushing feel of the sea washed over him, making him shiver as he hugged himself.

“That’s titan blood…? But… shouldn’t it have dried up by now?” Ajax looked around at the others as if waiting for one of them to tell him that was the case.

“The cursed blood…” Kamir only frowned at that. “I need to inform my father immediately. We can’t leave this alone. They need to know what has happened here.”

Ryder nodded, though he didn’t keep his eyes off Simeon who was still staring towards the blood. “We should go.” The cheetah said, pulling him back. Simeon shook his head as he nodded in agreement.

“This place is making me sick…” Simeon started with and promptly threw up; turning away from the others before evacuating the breakfast he had that morning. “Sorry.” He managed to cough out before repeating twice more until it hurt to breathe.

“We really should.” Kamir frowned, rubbing Simeon’s back. “I told you not to come…”

“If he hadn’t?” Ajax was the one to say, growling a bit. “He’s the one who-,”

“It’s fine. Really.” Simeon brushed Kamir’s hand off and walked over to Anton. “Do you mind giving me a lift out of here? If it’s not too much trouble. I… I really need some fresh air.”

“Of course.” Anton nodded at him. Simeon was sort of hoping he’d get down on all fours like a, well, horse and he’d be able to ride Anton like a carousel. Instead Anton grabbed him under each arm and his wings spread.

“Wait, don’t you have a seatbelt!” Simeon cried out as the horse crouched down before leaping into the sky.

Simeon found himself hugging tightly onto Anton’s neck as the air rushed around them, the two of them shooting free of the broken open and soaring high into the sky. The world below them seemed to shrink away as Anton flew above the open fields before stopping there. He held the human close as he looked out over the plains, his massive wings flapping still in the evening breeze.

The horse took a long, thankful breath letting the fresh winds fill his lungs. His very face seemed to brighten as he let it out. His body seemed stronger as if rejuvenated. More lively as he flapped his wings to stay aloft in the air.

“Show off…” Simeon just frowned, looking at the horse’s chest instead of anything else, feeling the burning blush in his face once more.

“It’s so free…” Anton chuckled as he looked around for the others. “How did you know about the captain…” Anton asked looking down at the human in his arms.

Simeon didn’t answer at first. Anton was about to join the others when he did.

“I’ve seen that look before…” Simeon just said without going into details. Anton nodded at that, not about to pry further as he slowly descended back to The Perch. Or what was left of it.

The others were waiting for them, having gotten similar lifts from the other Pegasus. The soldiers couldn’t stay grounded and were soaring above, flying through the spines of the mountain and into the open fields.

Cheers and shouts filled the skies that day.

“We’ll block off this area. Keep watch to make sure no others come snooping around or are foolish enough to try and head below.” Anton told Kamir as the two exchanged final words.

“Good. When we get to the capital I will personally make sure we send a team out here to make sure this mess is… cleaned up.” Kamir was lost in thought as he stared back towards the pit in the middle of The Perch. Every now and then he’d look over at Simeon who was busy trying to get Ajax to give him some space.

“I’m fine. Everything’s fine, sheesh.” Simeon just laughed pushing the hyena away.

“Yes, but how! You should’ve been cut up or hurt or something!” Ajax frowned at him. “Strip naked so I can’t make sure.”

“I will push you back down there.” Simeon warned.

“Do the world some good and do it.” Ryder walked over to join them. “We’re leaving.” He added looking at the two. “Our chariot awaits.” He said motioning towards several Pegasus waiting for them.

“Oh. We’re really flying there, huh?” Simeon frowned a bit at that. He wasn’t one for heights.

“You didn’t seem to have a problem with the new captain sweeping you up into his arms and into the sky.” Ryder teased looking over at Anton. Ajax growled at that.

“Simeon prefers to keep his paws on the ground! Like the rest of us.” The hyena huffed.

“Well get used to it. We still have a couple hour’s flight to the capital.” Ryder walked past them, clapping Simeon on the shoulder. “Good job back there.” And with a nod the cheetah joined the Pegasus waiting for them.

“Kamir, we’re leaving.” Simeon called over. The lion looked up at him, smiling softly before coming over.

“Yes. I think it is best if we got out of here.” The lion nodded at that joining the others. Pairing off they each got a ride from one of the Pegasus, heading towards the capital.

“Looks like you’re stuck with me again,” Anton smiled at Simeon as he crouched down to get on even height. “I hope you don’t mind.”

“I mind heights, not you.” Simeon rolled his eyes as he begrudgingly allowed himself to be strapped in to the Pegasus chest. Looking as if the two were about to parachute out a plane rather than fly across the lands. “Being able to fly must be nice.”

“You have no idea. But maybe, I can give you a taste.” Anton smiled as he spread his wings. “Don’t worry; these straps can carry someone as heavy as that.” The horse motioned over to Ajax who looked even more uncomfortable than Simeon did.

The hyena was sweating bullets, shaking violently and the poor Pegasus that had to carry him looked just as miserable as the hyena did. Trying to calm him down before daring to take flight.

“We’ll take the scenic route. By the time we get there, you’ll be begging me to give you another ride. Promise.” Anton just whinnied as he flapped his wings once. The ground slowly slipping away from them as he rose into the sky. “Do you want me to hold you?” The horse asked with a smirk.

“I think I might need that…” Simeon just chuckled; embarrassed at being held by the taller male he’d just met.

“We’ll see you there!” Kamir waved as they all began taking off. One after the other until no one was left behind.

The Pegasus guards headed back to Dragon’s Rise leaving only a few behind to keep watch on the hole as they went to report in. Unaware of the eyes watching from the shadows.

The day crept by and night began to fall before those eyes even blinked.

Movement, shrouded in darkness, lurked over The Perch. The Pegasus soldier felt a single tap on his shoulder before succumbing to the slumber of sleep. The other guard didn’t fare any better, the two out for the night as the goat pulled the cowl from her head staring down into the dark pit.

With blind eyes.