19 min read
The Primal
March 26, 2019
◈ WHO: Xiu & Ryder (Rapidashtrainer & Skyeforge)
◈ WHEN: Midday on March 26, 2019
◈ WHERE: Wooded clearing near Oakdale
◈ WEATHER: Sunny and warm.
◈ WHEN: Midday on March 26, 2019
◈ WHERE: Wooded clearing near Oakdale
◈ WEATHER: Sunny and warm.
The sun was bright in the sky, the day was warm and spring was definitely in the air. The rain over the course of the past week had settled miraculously and the forests surrounding the Rothmore house were looking lush and bright green.
Spring had this strange effect on Ryder. Fall was typically when the frei felt most alive, probably due to his soul; but the rain this season brought was much welcome, leaving the world bright and airy.
“Reuben, I will be adventuring into the forest today. I shall return before dusk,” Ryder stated as he exited the Mystic Herb with Reuben’s blessing, closing the door behind him.
This day was beautiful and Ryder needed to take some time for himself. He found himself yearning to visit the forest once again. Luckily, he had been practicing more and more with his new abilities the Trader had bestowed upon him. Ryder found his way into the forest this fateful day, looking for a quiet place to meet his good friend Xiu.
The two had kept in contact through text most of their relationship, but it had been so long since they last met and Ryder wanted to show Xiu how much he had improved since their last meeting. Especially since the toadstool had met with the Trader and acquired a much different set of skills since the two friends last meeting. Ryder texted Xiu where to meet him in the forest. Today would be a beautiful day. He couldn’t wait to see his friend and show off what he had learned.
When Ryder arrived at the meeting place, he felt quite energized. He put his bag down on the ground and brought out his old trusty spell book, opening it up to the most recent pages to review some of his notes before his friend arrived. He had been working on this new skill for months now and was becoming quite proficient if he did say so himself. Although he was doing a fairly decent job at imagining new creations, he still tuckered himself out too much to do it entirely by himself. Thus, he wanted to show his ‘cheat’ to Xiu and explain how his magic has developed.
Ryder couldn’t wait, although he had his spell book out and open, his mind was elsewhere. What would Xiu think? What would he say when he witnessed this new and improved power of Ryders? Only time would tell.
The day had started off pleasantly with the skies clear of rain, the air fresh with the scent of spring and people feeling generally amiable with one another. Today was a good day.
And to top it off, it would seem that Ryder had gotten his groove back;- if the instant message that Xiu received the other day was any indication. The young frei was positively excited judging by his emoticons and exclamation marks.
Xiu was happy for his friend. Ryder had seemed rather subdued when his powers failed to manifest and they had stopped meeting in an attempt to give Ryder some space. And that appeared to have worked as Ryder’s mental block finally shifted and Xiu was promised something spectacular.
Their meeting place was a familiar one, a small clearing surrounded by trees so privacy was ensured. But not too secluded so as to be dangerous. In fact, there were several families picnicking not too far from where he and Ryder were supposed to meet.
The young Frei was already there (as was to be expected) and seemingly impatient to get the ball rolling. Xiu raised his hand and called out a greeting as he approached the other “Hey Ryder, I hope I did not keep you waiting?”
And to top it off, it would seem that Ryder had gotten his groove back;- if the instant message that Xiu received the other day was any indication. The young frei was positively excited judging by his emoticons and exclamation marks.
Xiu was happy for his friend. Ryder had seemed rather subdued when his powers failed to manifest and they had stopped meeting in an attempt to give Ryder some space. And that appeared to have worked as Ryder’s mental block finally shifted and Xiu was promised something spectacular.
Their meeting place was a familiar one, a small clearing surrounded by trees so privacy was ensured. But not too secluded so as to be dangerous. In fact, there were several families picnicking not too far from where he and Ryder were supposed to meet.
The young Frei was already there (as was to be expected) and seemingly impatient to get the ball rolling. Xiu raised his hand and called out a greeting as he approached the other “Hey Ryder, I hope I did not keep you waiting?”
When the valsaros called over and waved his hand, Ryder’s face lit up with excitement. He hasn’t felt like this in months, maybe even over a year, and it felt fantastic. He closed his spell book and set it on a nearby rock before floating over to greet his friend.
“Xiu, thank you for coming,” the frei stated with excitement as he grabbed the valsaros’ hand. He was so happy, he forgot about hiding the other important change to his power, his poison. Once realized, he quickly let go and pretended not to acknowledge it before returning back to his spellbook only a moment later.
“How have you been?” Ryder asked curiously. He wanted to quickly get the typical customary ‘catch up’ conversation out of the way before getting to the good stuff. Ryder truly couldn’t wait to show his friend his new ability. Today was going to be a very fantastical day.
“Xiu, thank you for coming,” the frei stated with excitement as he grabbed the valsaros’ hand. He was so happy, he forgot about hiding the other important change to his power, his poison. Once realized, he quickly let go and pretended not to acknowledge it before returning back to his spellbook only a moment later.
“How have you been?” Ryder asked curiously. He wanted to quickly get the typical customary ‘catch up’ conversation out of the way before getting to the good stuff. Ryder truly couldn’t wait to show his friend his new ability. Today was going to be a very fantastical day.
A momentary look of uncertainty crossed Xiu’s face when Ryder gave the valsaros several enthusiastic handshakes. Did Ryder not have poi-
But the doubt was quickly forgotten as Ryder seemed to jump straight on to the next set of formalities as though in a hurry to get them out of the way. Xiu decided go along with Ryder’s pace and got straight to the point.
“Well enough. So what’s all this fuss about?” laughed the Valsaros. “ You seem about ready to explode with anticipation,”
But the doubt was quickly forgotten as Ryder seemed to jump straight on to the next set of formalities as though in a hurry to get them out of the way. Xiu decided go along with Ryder’s pace and got straight to the point.
“Well enough. So what’s all this fuss about?” laughed the Valsaros. “ You seem about ready to explode with anticipation,”
Ryder, excited as he was, became even more so when his friend asked what he was there for.
“I can now really utilize my magic! I must show you my new skills. I have been practicing for months now!” he said, rubbing his hands together. “Watch!” He floated back to give the two a few meters of space before beginning.
The frei cleared his throat and began to take a few deep breaths. He closed his eyes and after a few moments released his green and purple magic into the ground. Utilizing the surrounding plant life to help him in his summoning. The grass began to die a bit around as the life was sucked from them, but from the ground sprouted a small tree that actually resembled that of a tree. It took him months to practice it. It wasn’t a tall tree by any means, only a few feet tall, but it at least looked like a tree.
“See!? I have my imagination magic back! I feel as though I have finally been able to break free of that wall,” he said, excitement clear on his face. “Although it is a strange new way I have to think about my imaginings to make them turn out the right way,” he began, looking off as though he was thinking about something. “Well, anyway, what about one of our old training sessions?” he asked with a smile.
“I can now really utilize my magic! I must show you my new skills. I have been practicing for months now!” he said, rubbing his hands together. “Watch!” He floated back to give the two a few meters of space before beginning.
The frei cleared his throat and began to take a few deep breaths. He closed his eyes and after a few moments released his green and purple magic into the ground. Utilizing the surrounding plant life to help him in his summoning. The grass began to die a bit around as the life was sucked from them, but from the ground sprouted a small tree that actually resembled that of a tree. It took him months to practice it. It wasn’t a tall tree by any means, only a few feet tall, but it at least looked like a tree.
“See!? I have my imagination magic back! I feel as though I have finally been able to break free of that wall,” he said, excitement clear on his face. “Although it is a strange new way I have to think about my imaginings to make them turn out the right way,” he began, looking off as though he was thinking about something. “Well, anyway, what about one of our old training sessions?” he asked with a smile.
Ryder’s excitement was palpable and Xiu found himself taking several steps back in order to give the Frei some room. Xiu wondered what mythical creature would Ryder conjure up this time. But it would seem that Ryder had a more pragmatic approach in mind for it was a tree that the other magicked up. The tree itself was unassuming as far as trees go but something about the way that the grass surrounding it wilted upon its appearance troubled Xiu. Was this is a new development in Ryder’s powers? That was known to happen. Especially in young freis.
The depth and detail of Ryder’s new creation was on a whole new level as well. There were textures and shadows and a sense of solidness about this new tree. For a figment of one’s imagination, Ryder was certainly doing a damn good job at it.
Walking up to the new sapling, Xiu reached out to touch its bough, half expecting his hand to pass through it as was the case with Ryder’s previous summons. Surprise clearly showed on Xiu’s face when his hand encountered and unyielding branch. Reaching up, Xiu was even able to pluck a leaf off the tree.
“This is really amazing Ryder!” exclaimed Xiu in wonder. This was then followed by a more cautious answer when asked if they should resume their training. “Perhaps we should give some thought to this…,”
The depth and detail of Ryder’s new creation was on a whole new level as well. There were textures and shadows and a sense of solidness about this new tree. For a figment of one’s imagination, Ryder was certainly doing a damn good job at it.
Walking up to the new sapling, Xiu reached out to touch its bough, half expecting his hand to pass through it as was the case with Ryder’s previous summons. Surprise clearly showed on Xiu’s face when his hand encountered and unyielding branch. Reaching up, Xiu was even able to pluck a leaf off the tree.
“This is really amazing Ryder!” exclaimed Xiu in wonder. This was then followed by a more cautious answer when asked if they should resume their training. “Perhaps we should give some thought to this…,”
Ryder had buried his face in his spellbook right away after crafting the tree. When he heard Xiu exclaim, he looked up. “Thank you!” he called.
It was then that Xiu stated he needed to give it some thought. Ryder pulled his face away from his book a moment, a bit disappointed with Xiu’s final reply.
“Umm, it is definitely alright. Trust me, this will be great,” the apparent impatience evident in his voice.
Before Xiu would have been able to say much, Ryder closed his spellbook and set it down on the nearby rock. He then began to take a few deep breaths. Again, he quickly formed a ball of green and violet energy in his hands before unleashing it upon the ground. He continued to exert his energy, imagining something large, something massive. Something that would prove to Xiu that he could do it.
Suddenly, the lush greens surrounding where the ball of magic landed began to wither and fade. He had utilized his combination and from the earth sprouted large dark green vines that began to twist and turn and meld together. Ryder kept his magical stream going, even though it was really beginning to tire him out. Beads of sweat began to build on his forehead until he couldn’t possibly add any more of his magic. He fell to the ground, barely conscious. His vision blurred a moment, but he was able to stay alert enough, albeit very weak.
Finally, the life of the surrounding flora was gone, all enveloped by the magic and taken into this growing beast. Even the tree he had just crafted was withered and wilted. The vines continued to pour out of the ground and wrap around one another until finally, a beast was present. It looked much like a dying, warped tree, but overall was very menacing in appearance. It roared, scaring the nearby families that were picnicking.
“Heh, see...Xiu...I did...it,” Ryder whimpered from the ground as he tried his best to catch his breath.
It didn’t take long before the creature saw Xiu and roared at him.
“Is he not...realistic!?” Ryder questioned aloud, trying to pull himself up onto the rock, head dizzy and focus not what it was moments prior. Obviously the beast didn’t look exactly as intended, but none of his imaginings did these days. Ryder took no note of the surrounding plant death, instead, he focused solely on the creature, he was impressed that he was able to conjure something so fantastic.
It was then that Xiu stated he needed to give it some thought. Ryder pulled his face away from his book a moment, a bit disappointed with Xiu’s final reply.
“Umm, it is definitely alright. Trust me, this will be great,” the apparent impatience evident in his voice.
Before Xiu would have been able to say much, Ryder closed his spellbook and set it down on the nearby rock. He then began to take a few deep breaths. Again, he quickly formed a ball of green and violet energy in his hands before unleashing it upon the ground. He continued to exert his energy, imagining something large, something massive. Something that would prove to Xiu that he could do it.
Suddenly, the lush greens surrounding where the ball of magic landed began to wither and fade. He had utilized his combination and from the earth sprouted large dark green vines that began to twist and turn and meld together. Ryder kept his magical stream going, even though it was really beginning to tire him out. Beads of sweat began to build on his forehead until he couldn’t possibly add any more of his magic. He fell to the ground, barely conscious. His vision blurred a moment, but he was able to stay alert enough, albeit very weak.
Finally, the life of the surrounding flora was gone, all enveloped by the magic and taken into this growing beast. Even the tree he had just crafted was withered and wilted. The vines continued to pour out of the ground and wrap around one another until finally, a beast was present. It looked much like a dying, warped tree, but overall was very menacing in appearance. It roared, scaring the nearby families that were picnicking.
“Heh, see...Xiu...I did...it,” Ryder whimpered from the ground as he tried his best to catch his breath.
It didn’t take long before the creature saw Xiu and roared at him.
“Is he not...realistic!?” Ryder questioned aloud, trying to pull himself up onto the rock, head dizzy and focus not what it was moments prior. Obviously the beast didn’t look exactly as intended, but none of his imaginings did these days. Ryder took no note of the surrounding plant death, instead, he focused solely on the creature, he was impressed that he was able to conjure something so fantastic.
A chill ran down Xiu’s spine as the plant life surrounding him withered and died within a matter of seconds. And in their place, a monstrous form was taking shape. Gaunt, withered branches twisted and turned until something vaguely humanoid reared its ugly hear and uttered a deep roar that shook all within earshot to their very core.
Xiu took a step back and glanced worriedly at Ryder. The frei seemed weakened by the conjuring but thankfully was still conscious and somewhat proud of his creation. The creature roared again, its tone menacing.
“Can you call it back? Or control it?!” Xiu yelled over the roar as he stepped between the creature and the terrified families. This was unexpected and the Valsaros was worried. Ghosts and supernatural beings were one thing but what exactly was this? A mindless beast? A living creature? A fantasy?
Blue eyes stared at the deep grooves left by the creature’s large wooden claws. It would be unwise to underestimate this beast.
Xiu took a step back and glanced worriedly at Ryder. The frei seemed weakened by the conjuring but thankfully was still conscious and somewhat proud of his creation. The creature roared again, its tone menacing.
“Can you call it back? Or control it?!” Xiu yelled over the roar as he stepped between the creature and the terrified families. This was unexpected and the Valsaros was worried. Ghosts and supernatural beings were one thing but what exactly was this? A mindless beast? A living creature? A fantasy?
Blue eyes stared at the deep grooves left by the creature’s large wooden claws. It would be unwise to underestimate this beast.
As the beast roared, Ryder smiled. He was under the impression that the beast was harmless, albeit a bit menacing. But, after all, it couldn’t hurt anyone, right? The frei shakily lifted himself, truly feeling weak. He held out his hand in order to ‘take control’ like he had been able to in the distant past with his creations. As he did, the creature didn’t move with his movements. Ryder, confused, tried again. Nothing. It was then that the hairs on Ryder’s neck stood up.
“I...cannot seem to...control it?! Xiu, what do I do?” Ryder said, his voice trembling in both fear and mild frustration.
The creature lifted a large claw and lunged at Xiu. It was done playing. It needed a bit of fun itself.
“I...cannot seem to...control it?! Xiu, what do I do?” Ryder said, his voice trembling in both fear and mild frustration.
The creature lifted a large claw and lunged at Xiu. It was done playing. It needed a bit of fun itself.
Xiu leapt aside as the creature charged. Where the Valsaros had stood only moments before was rent apart by the creature’s unbridled fury.
Clearly displeased that its prey had evaded it, the wooden being turned and prepared for a second charge but by this time, the Valsaros had already made a move. Unsheathing his sword, Xiu feinted to the creature’s left before dodging and delivering a blow to the being’s leg. The sword barely made a chip much less a clean cut into the creature’s tough wooden hide.
“Stay calm!” yelled Xiu as he strived to stay out of the creature’s area of reach. As long as they could keep it contained within this clearing and not rampaging and terrorizing innocent folks…
Ryder’s face fell when he watched Xiu chip at his creations leg. What was that? His attack actually clipped it? It didn’t just pass through? Ryder began to feel weak all over again, this time because his creation was running rampant.
“Xiu, I…” he began, but was cut short as the primal lunged at the frei.
Ryder tried to dodge, though he was not as quick as the valsaros. The claw swiped across his arm, tearing his shirt and pushing him into the rock. “UGH!” Ryder gasped as his entire being was thrown against the stone.
He fell to the ground and saw nothing but stars for a few moments. He looked up and the creature seemed to lose interest in Xiu and Ryder when it noticed the families. It roared again.
Panic set in and all the families began to pick up any important items and start running in fear. The primal saw their running as a game. It began to charge towards the picnickers.
“Xiu!” Ryder called as loudly as he could from the ground, arm extended as he continued to catch his breath.
“Xiu, I…” he began, but was cut short as the primal lunged at the frei.
Ryder tried to dodge, though he was not as quick as the valsaros. The claw swiped across his arm, tearing his shirt and pushing him into the rock. “UGH!” Ryder gasped as his entire being was thrown against the stone.
He fell to the ground and saw nothing but stars for a few moments. He looked up and the creature seemed to lose interest in Xiu and Ryder when it noticed the families. It roared again.
Panic set in and all the families began to pick up any important items and start running in fear. The primal saw their running as a game. It began to charge towards the picnickers.
“Xiu!” Ryder called as loudly as he could from the ground, arm extended as he continued to catch his breath.
“Ryder!” exclaimed Xiu, immediately regretting his decision to keep his distance. It had given the monster the opportunity to turn its attention to the young frei. Xiu had never fought while trying to protect another at the same time. It was a whole different ball game. Gritting his teeth, the Valsaros rushed over but the monster by this time had turned its attention to the picnicking families some distance away.
The creature could not be allowed to reach them.
Giving Ryder a glance to make sure that the Frei wasn’t too badly hurt, Xiu then sprinted after the the charging beast. If physical attacks could not harm it…
The Sigel took a deep breath and concentrated. Ever since he had grown, there was that inkling, that notion that this was possible. But up until this very moment, Xiu had no reason to verify it;- still wished he did not.
Ba-dump
There it was. Faint but growing ever stronger as he focused his attention solely on the lumbering beast before him.
Ba-dump
It was different from that as a human. Slower, steadier…
Ba-dump
He could visualize it now. The creature’s rudimentary circulation and what passed for blood and more importantly, which of the vessels were responsible for delivering the blood to its heart…
Feeling wretched but also acutely aware of the direness of the situation, Xiu manipulated the creature’s blood, his blue eyes momentarily taking on a blood red hue.
One by one, the vessels leading to the monsters heart was blocked off, clotted from the inside and with no fresh oxygen being delivered, the creature soon collapsed.
Turning his eyes away from the dying monster and feeling sick inside, Xiu walked over to the frei and held out a hand. “I think it is best that we talk…,”
The creature could not be allowed to reach them.
Giving Ryder a glance to make sure that the Frei wasn’t too badly hurt, Xiu then sprinted after the the charging beast. If physical attacks could not harm it…
The Sigel took a deep breath and concentrated. Ever since he had grown, there was that inkling, that notion that this was possible. But up until this very moment, Xiu had no reason to verify it;- still wished he did not.
Ba-dump
There it was. Faint but growing ever stronger as he focused his attention solely on the lumbering beast before him.
Ba-dump
It was different from that as a human. Slower, steadier…
Ba-dump
He could visualize it now. The creature’s rudimentary circulation and what passed for blood and more importantly, which of the vessels were responsible for delivering the blood to its heart…
Feeling wretched but also acutely aware of the direness of the situation, Xiu manipulated the creature’s blood, his blue eyes momentarily taking on a blood red hue.
One by one, the vessels leading to the monsters heart was blocked off, clotted from the inside and with no fresh oxygen being delivered, the creature soon collapsed.
Turning his eyes away from the dying monster and feeling sick inside, Xiu walked over to the frei and held out a hand. “I think it is best that we talk…,”
Ryder watched the scene before him as if it were a movie. The families fled and Xiu had run after the monster, who soon collapsed. Ryder was blissfully unaware of what was happening within the creature. He assumed that the creature just died like any of his other creations had. Their lifespan was cut short consistently. Everything seemed to be a big blur.
When Xiu returned to the frei’s side, Ryder accepted the hand and floated up into the air. “Y-yes, I believe that would be a good idea,” the frei stated. He almost knew he was going to be scolded.
“Xiu, what happened?” Ryder asked curiously after the situation had quelled around the forest.
When Xiu returned to the frei’s side, Ryder accepted the hand and floated up into the air. “Y-yes, I believe that would be a good idea,” the frei stated. He almost knew he was going to be scolded.
“Xiu, what happened?” Ryder asked curiously after the situation had quelled around the forest.
Xiu hefted Ryder up with little effort although it was clear that the Valsaros was uneasy about the whole ordeal. Glancing back at the body of the defeated monster, Xiu was noticed that it was starting to dissipate, leaving only churned ground to mark its passing.
That was...one worry less at least…
Turning back to Ryder, Xiu observed him gravely. “Perhaps it is I that should be asking those questions Ryder. That creature was more than just a figment of your imagination. It was...solid,” said Xiu with apparent disbelieve still in his voice despite the close encounter. “Your abilities seemed to have gotten really strong,”
“Did anything happen recently?”
Ryder watched as the monstrosity began to decay quickly into the ground, just as his creations had always done when they passed. Ryder, still shocked, had no idea that his creations were ‘real’. To him, he was always able to touch them, but for others, they’d pass through, just like in the past. However, Xiu had been able to physically strike the foe, which left Ryder speechless.
Ryder sighed. “I…” did he want to bring up the Trader? No, no, he couldn’t! The Trader specified to keep that secret. He had to come up with some other excuse. “I have been practicing. But I guess in order to overcome my issue of imagining, I have been attempting to craft and pull from the life of plants. The mushroom in me, which feeds on the death of plants, sort of...uhh, has taken over, I guess? I am so sorry, Xiu. Thank you for saving me and those families from further hurt. I...will not be practicing my magic any longer.”
The frei went silent after his speech. That was believable, right? He tried his best not to give any sign of what actually happened with the Trader. No indication. He needed to make sure to keep that a secret for a little while longer. At least for now.
Ryder sighed. “I…” did he want to bring up the Trader? No, no, he couldn’t! The Trader specified to keep that secret. He had to come up with some other excuse. “I have been practicing. But I guess in order to overcome my issue of imagining, I have been attempting to craft and pull from the life of plants. The mushroom in me, which feeds on the death of plants, sort of...uhh, has taken over, I guess? I am so sorry, Xiu. Thank you for saving me and those families from further hurt. I...will not be practicing my magic any longer.”
The frei went silent after his speech. That was believable, right? He tried his best not to give any sign of what actually happened with the Trader. No indication. He needed to make sure to keep that a secret for a little while longer. At least for now.
Xiu pursed his lips in a small frown as Ryder explained his situation. The Frei was...not being very honest. There were flickers of untruths amidst his story. It was quite likely that Ryder was hiding something that may be pertinent to his sudden power development.
But Xiu knew that to call Ryder out on his bluff would just make the situation more awkward and painful for the young Frei so he kept his opinions to himself. Nevertheless, when Ryder was done explaining, Xiu took the lad by his shoulder.
“Stopping your magic will not make things easier on you,” said Xiu quietly. “You just need to learn how to manage it and…,”
The Sigel hesitated for a moment before pressing on.
“If there is anything that you feel like talking about, just call or text okay? There is no benefit in going it alone”
But Xiu knew that to call Ryder out on his bluff would just make the situation more awkward and painful for the young Frei so he kept his opinions to himself. Nevertheless, when Ryder was done explaining, Xiu took the lad by his shoulder.
“Stopping your magic will not make things easier on you,” said Xiu quietly. “You just need to learn how to manage it and…,”
The Sigel hesitated for a moment before pressing on.
“If there is anything that you feel like talking about, just call or text okay? There is no benefit in going it alone”
Ryder listened intently to Xiu’s words. He hung on every one. The fact that he left it alone was marvelous, that way Ryder wouldn’t have to out the Trader. It was nice to know he had such a great friend in Xiu. It made him feel better, even though this horrific event just occurred, Xiu really opened himself up for Ryder’s friendship.
The frei nodded with a nervous smile. He wanted to make sure that Xiu knew he appreciated all of his help, but it didn’t change the way he thought about all of this. He wanted to stop practicing altogether to avoid any further complications. He loved the fact that he was practicing, but it ended up in death; TRUE death. It was an eye opening experience that Ryder hadn’t before imagined.
“Thank you, Xiu. I appreciate your friendship and I shall call you if ever I need.”
With that, the two called it quits for the day and made their ways home.
The frei nodded with a nervous smile. He wanted to make sure that Xiu knew he appreciated all of his help, but it didn’t change the way he thought about all of this. He wanted to stop practicing altogether to avoid any further complications. He loved the fact that he was practicing, but it ended up in death; TRUE death. It was an eye opening experience that Ryder hadn’t before imagined.
“Thank you, Xiu. I appreciate your friendship and I shall call you if ever I need.”
With that, the two called it quits for the day and made their ways home.