A Hero With/Out Time

Chapter 8: My Storm. (Part 3)

I shuddered, "I can never get used to those things." Unlike beasts or monsters even, they just didn't feel right. They felt similar to the strange creature Lara and I faced in the cave, though that thing had its own unique feeling of dread.

"Indeed they are a mystery," Ardent spoke in agreement. "However to me it just makes them that much more fascinating."

The denizen arrived at the oasis' edge. It was strange. Even though I didn't have much experience with them aside from being chased, the way it sat near the water betrayed my expectation of the thing. Without me noticing another two arrived at the opposite side. They didn't interact with each other, instead they simply sat by the water peering into it as if there was something we couldn't see.

"So the stories were true," Ardent gazed in complete fascination. "This is a rare opportunity to study one so close. Denizens do not exist where they do not want to. Aside from attacking they never appear. When you are safe they do not sit idly in wait, they're just gone. So why are they here?"

We watched as their number slowly rose to the dozens. Ardent's spell was perfect and they didn't even inch towards where we sat only a few metres away.

"The denizens here are different to the ones in my homeland," Earnest commented.

"How so?" Ardent asked him intrigued. He already had a pen and paper in hand.

"In our lands they walk on two feet, here they walk on all fours hunched. Though like you I have never seen one so close and peaceful."

"Do you interact with them much?"

"To settle disputes men often challenge each other to walk the darkness alone. They face wave after wave of the denizens and the first to return or die is the loser. It also makes for a fine challenge," he smirked dangerously.

"Yes I have done something similar with my colleagues. How about you Rain?" Ardent turned to me.

I shook my head hastily, "No way. My foster parents once made me experience how dangerous they could be at night but aside from that we stay in safety."

The denizens continued to gather till there numbers were nearing a hundred. I checked my pocket watch. It was only eight o'clock. I still needed to live for another four hours at least. If all the denizens charged at us at once that could prove fatal. I was beginning to regret following along.

I breathed out a sigh to relax myself and turned to Ardent, "What are they anyway?"

"I don't know," he shrugged. "Some believe they are the souls of the dead. Others believe that they are spirits of the night, harbingers of death. Many say they are shadows born form the magic of an ancient God."

"And you?"

"Me? Well if I were to say, I lean on the theory that they are congregation of the rampant mana guided by thoughts long gone. In the end one can only say for certain that they are entwined with our fate as humans. Though not perfect, why else take our form? Why do they not attack beasts or monster but only us? Questions yes, but part of the answer they certainly are." He took out a crystal from his bag and pointed it to the group. "I must preserve this sight for my colleagues."

The crystal flashed capturing the scene. Till then the gathering denizens had done little but shuffle their bodies while staring at the water. Now however they turned their heads towards us in unison.

"Umm Ardent...." I backed away towards the cart.

"Hmm interesting that shouldn't have broken the spell," Ardent didn't move. "Ah I see, the mass intellect theory."

"The what?" I had a bad feeling now.

"Basically they get smarter the more there are," Earnest replied causing Ardent to mope having his explanation stolen.

He cleared his throat, "Well yes but there are many complications as to why. It could be-,"

"That later," I cut him off. "Do we need to run or not?" The denizens were beginning to move closer.

"It is a shame but yes," he sighed. "Even if we were to try eliminate them, for every one we defeat two more will take its place. They'll notice us soon."

"Then get in the carriage!" I yelled already hooking Pina into place.

"Right you are," he hopped forwards showing little to no concern. Earnest followed him.

I double checked we had everything and no sooner when they settled down I shook the reigns and Pina dashed away. As soon as we left the protected area of Ardent's spell the denizens all reacted at once with a shrill scream. Their mouths gaped open wide and as if having gone insane they leapt towards the carriage. I much rathered when they sat still. Thankfully it was too late for them to catch us. Though they were many, they weren't all too fast and soon enough Pina had left them far behind.

"Well that was an interesting experience," Ardent said satisfied. "If we have time I'd like to visit again."

"Not with me you're not," I said bluntly.

"Oh Rain don't be like that," he said jollily. "We made it out perfectly safe. Next time I'll make sure to prepare additional magic when I take the picture."

"I wouldn't have minded if we stayed and fought," Earnest smiled. "It would have been interesting to see how the denizens would react."

"Don't you start!" I turned to glare at them. What I wanted now was just to make it safely back to Greytree in one piece.