Feral Spirit- Steem Monsters Story Contest Week Four
This is my entry for the Steem Monsters Common Card Fantasy Story Contest! // Week 4 // 10 Booster Pack Prize!, hosted by @steemmonsters.
I’m what they call a Feral Spirit. I lived in the Crystal Forest; a magical place of wonder and amusement. I don’t remember being “born” as it were, I had only ever been there. The other feral spirits say we fell from the sky and were created by the tears of the Goddess.
I’m not sure if all that is true, but I like to think I was one with the land.
I spent most of my days in the forest gathering roots and berries from the bushes. Some days I chased other feral spirits for fun, or simply laid on my back and watched the clouds go by during the day.
At night I watched the moons; sometimes I even howled as they passed by in the night.
But eventually I became bored with the forest.
I was blessed with sharp claws and even sharper teeth. But for what reason I had yet to learn. Some days I felt as if I was meant for greater things; created with a purpose and destined for fame and fortune. Regretfully nothing much exciting happened in the forest.
Once we did have a ruckus when the paladins chased a group of spies into the forest, but soon the excitement was over, and I was left with a silent urge to see more of the world.
I don’t want you to think I was ungrateful for my simple life, or the protection of the royal guards… I just wanted to once be able to leave my home and go on an adventure.
One day a young spirit guide by the name of Malarc the Gallant traveled to the Crystal Forest on the back of a chestnut colored horse. I immediately spotted him from my redwood leaf hammock while I was counting the cries of the white raven. I followed the young spirit guide and wondered why he was visiting the woods.
It was rumored that the spirit guides would every so often select a feral spirit to capture as a pet. They would then take the feral spirits away from the forest and into the service of the royal order. It was a terrifying rumor when I was younger, but that day it seemed like the answer to my prayers.
If I could get the spirit guide’s attention, I could persuade him to take me along on his adventures; at least that’s how I saw it.
I ran as fast as my four legs would carry me to where the spirit guide stood. He looked at me and shook his head, “No.”
“What do you mean no?” I asked. “Do you not recognize an awesome pet when you see one?”
“I don’t know. You’re only level three. You have soft fur, and those big eyes make you look harmless. I was hoping to find a bear or even a dragon. You look more like… a house cat.”
Those words hurt my pride more than my feelings, but I was determined to change the spirit guide’s mind. I jumped on a fallen, rotting stump and I stood on my hind legs. I raised my claws and flashed my razor-sharp fangs. “I can be as ferocious as any bear!”
Malarc the Gallant laughed. “Okay. I guess if I tame you now, I can train you for a few hours before dark.”
My eyes widen at the suggestion. I couldn’t help but smile.
“Don’t get your hopes up.” He said, “I’m not saying that I’m going to keep you. I may be back here in the morning to find a dragon or a bear.”
“I won’t let you down. I promise I have skills I don’t even know yet. I’m sure of it.”
“Hold still.” Malarc the Gallant said as he began to cast his spell, “This might sting a bit. I really have no idea how much.”
Suddenly I felt a tingling sensation as the spirit guide’s spell of submission was placed on me. The light from his hands shined so bright I couldn’t see in front of me. He was correct to assume the spell hurt. The pain I felt brought out such anger that I instinctively attempted to attack Malarc.
“Just a few more seconds and... There ya go. How do you feel?”
“Very calm.” I said; suddenly infused in a peaceful, glowing light.
“Then it worked. I must admit you are the very first feral spirit I have tamed. What should we name you?”
“I’ve never thought of having a name. I don’t know what kind of name I would pick.”
"We will think of one along the way. My name is Malarc the Gallant and I will be your spirit guide. We will battle against common enemies and defeat the evil forces of the wicked curse plaguing this land. With a keen feral spirit like you by my side there’s no way we can lose.”
We trained way past the rising of the moons. I was growing stronger with every adept attack.
“I think you are ready for battle.” Malarc said. “You can now use your tumble, rush, and jack knife skills during battle. Do you remember when to use them?”
“I use tumble to knock down many enemies, rush to attack swiftly, and jack knife for killing blows.”
“Exactly. Maybe I was wrong about you. I think you have a little gumption in you. You may become an impressive pet after all.”
“What are you doing alone in the Crystal Forest after dark?” We heard a gruff voice behind us bellow.
Malarc turned around, “Thieves.” He said. “We need to escape quickly. They have us out numbered.”
I looked around at the group of thieves attempting to block our path. I heard Malarc’s words, but I had been practicing my moves and before I knew it I was spinning like a top and tumbling towards them. I had more thrust as I tumbled and after I struck each of the thieves, the momentum increased; barreling me toward the next one.
When I stopped and looked back, all the thieves were knocked down to the ground. Malarc was as surprised as I was, and he began sending flaming arrows at them. “Behold the eternal light of the Goddess!” He shouted.
The thieves were not backing down and although they were injured they continued to pose a threat to both of us. I spotted one of the thieves coming from behind Malarc. I governed my energy and rushed him before he had a chance to attack.
I finished the fight with a final jack knife move I’d just learned minutes before. My claws sliced the thief’s throat in one swift movement.
Once the other thieves understood the impressive life of my supremacy they backed off and then ran the other way. Malarc was injured; as was I, but I had proven my worth as a pet. Malarc rewarded me with a smile and a pat on the head.
After the thieves were long gone, Malarc retrieved their bags and searched each of them. Inside one of the bags was a silver gauntlet ordained with sacred text. It shimmered in the moon lights. Even a young feral spirit like me could see the gauntlet was of inordinate value.
“This is the blessed cup of the Holy Order. We must return the gauntlet to the Earth Temple as soon as possible. Surely we will be rewarded for such a prized salvage.”
From that day on I was known as Acumenisis; named for my shrewd intellect and cunning battle stance. Malarc the Gallant and I returned the silver gauntlet of the Earth Temple and were rewarded with riches and fame. We both leveled up that day.
It was a glorious memory, and one I am not likely to forget.
Malarc has gone back to the forest many times to find new pets, but I have remained his favorite over the years. He says I am faster than a bear, and more graceful than a dragon. I guess I can take that as a compliment.
I have never returned to the Crystal Forest. Instead I’ve become a loyal companion and pet to Malarc the Gallant and he has been a wonderful spirit guide. I can truly say that my life has been quite the adventure and I can’t imagine it any other way now.
The End
Thanks for reading!
Thanks to @snook for this super cool gif!