Chapter 33 #2
The beast prowls through the woods on his hind legs, arms tearing away at branches that stand in his way.
The earth beneath Jackson’s feet trembles under the force of the beast’s mana.
Though Eddie may not have his or Hakeem’s experience in wielding powerful magic, it didn’t stop the sheer weight of it from thickening the air.
The tree to Jackson’s back is torn asunder by obsidian claws as the beast snarls at him.
He rolls out of the way of the splintered wood, a devilish smirk upon his face.
“Good evening, my darling. Looks like you have some energy to work through. So,” a swarm of tendrils appear at his back, laced with green mana, “may I have this dance?”
By his command the tendrils snake through the air towards Eddie’s beast, pushing the hulking form back into a trunk.
The beast’s jaws snap, his claws tearing through the shadows as though they were paper.
“Well, that’s unfortunate.” Jackson grimaces as he races through the trees, winding through the shadows of the forest untouched by the moon.
He just needs to tire Eddie out, let the beast run its course. He could out maneuver the ramping wolf in the shadows.
Jackson’s thoughts are cut off by grasping roots tearing through the ground and ensnaring his feet, “Oh fu-”.
He hangs upside down as the beast stalks closer, blue mana sparking off his claws, white fur marred by dirt.
“I forgot our dear Hakeem’s teachings. Power does not mean control, and inexperienced does not mean hopeless, myself as the best example.
I don’t suppose my darling Eddie has regained control yet?
” Jackson asks with a hopeful half smile.
A thunderous roar to the face, spit flying from sharp teeth, makes Jackson assume that Eddie had in fact, not regained control. “Well, shit.”
“Seif!”
A blade of silver cuts through the roots around Jackson’s ankles, spooking the beast so that it jumps away.
Jackson catches himself with his hands and back springs, eyes landing on Hakeem when he lands on his feet.
Wand at the ready, his chest rising and falling in rapid breaths, the mage is out of breath but filled with determination.
“Jackson!” Hakeem calls out, “I’ll be your support, just keep on him.”
Jackson throws his head back in a stark laugh, arms engulfed in writhing shadows, “Aye aye, my love. Let’s wake our Eddie up.”
Hakeem fights to ignore the rush of heat climbing his neck. Now was not the time to focus on Jackson calling him his love.
The beast howls in a clearing, the full moon shining off his white fur. Wild roots rip through the ground towards both men. Hakeem was right, the magic is strong yet sloppy. Jackson is ready this time as he lets his mana flow through a clawed hand.
“Lihab!”
Green flames scorch the roots, charred remains falling in their place.
Hakeem draws three intersecting lines with the glowing tip of his wand.
“Jaleed!”
An eruption of ice bursts forth, trapping the encroaching roots in the air. The ice travels across the growth towards the beast. A slash of razor claws shatters the pillar of ice, powder coating the air around the wolf.
With a screen of powder obscuring the wolf’s vision, Jackson takes the chances to trace a winding serpent in the air, focusing his mana into his shadows.
“Salasil!”
Chains rush towards the werewolf, wrapping around the hulking form. Jackson figures binding the beast would be pointless, he just needs to buy Hakeem time.
Hakeem is now behind the wolf, wand aglow with mana, pointed to a tree. His eyes burn with silver flames, ancient words laced with power and command.
“Gaia hear my summons. Awaken your noble guardian by my will. Dance, Unbound by Strings! Tahrik!”
The tree radiates an amber shine as a spell circle etches into the bark. Branches burst to life, roots emerge from the soil to move freely. The golem of wood releases a cry as it moves by Hakeem’s command.
The tree golem rushes the bound beast, tackling its muscled form with mighty bark and it drags them both deeper into the surrounding forest, away from the manor.
Hakeem drops to his knees, his hands bracing him up. He fights to catch his breath as the mana leaves his body, powerful magic taking its toll. Jackson rushes over to his side, helping him up carefully. “Hakeem, hunny, I got you. I can take it from here, maybe you should head back to the manor.”
Hakeem shakes his head, sweat gleaming on his skin under the moonlight, face flushed. “No,” his voice breaks from the exhaustion threatening to settle into his bones, “I won’t leave you. If something happens to you neither myself or Eddie would be able to live with it.”
Jackson cups Hakeem’s cheek in his hand, the man leans into the touch. “What did I do to deserve you?” He kisses Hakeem, slow and gentle, letting more mana be transferred to the mage by the action, revitalizing him. “I love you, Hakeem.”
Hakeem smiles his wide cheek filling smile as he puts their foreheads together. “I love you too, Jackson.”
They race through the woods towards the sounds of Eddie’s werewolf fighting Hakeem’s tree golem.
On a clearing at the edge of the woods, the sky comes into full view as the tree line comes to Jackson and Hakeem’s back.
They arrive just as the wolf’s fangs rip into the golem’s bark, tearing the trunk apart with teeth and claws.
“If he wasn’t on a rampage that would be really impressive,” says Hakeem as he raises his wand towards the beast.
“Agreed. We’ll shower our Eddie with praise when he comes back to us,” replies Jackson as he calls on his shadows.
The wolf’s back is to a cliff overlooking a steep drop.
The beast breathes heavily, the aura of power surrounding him growing dim. His wild eyes focus on the boys, his claws digging into the soil below as he locks their gaze with his.
Hakeem leans into Jackson, voice a whisper, “When he charges next, close your eyes on my mark. He looks weakened enough that bindings should work.”
Jackson nods, his shadows circling them, “I trust you.”
The beast charges as expected, heading straight towards them, a guttural growl escaping his maw. Hakeem raises his wand towards the charging werewolf.
“Phoenix, let your flames pierce the dark and break the dawn! Noor!”
A garnet spell circle erupts into blinding white flames from the tip of the wand of twisted cedar and quartz, engulfing the clearing in a furious light. Jackson covers his eyes, his shadows quivering in anticipation for the light to subside so they could wrap around the wolf.
Hakeem’s spell lasts for a moment, as a howl pierces through the magic and blue lighting shoots through the light.
“Hakeem!” Jackson notices too late as the werewolf cuts through light, knocking Hakeem back into a tree with a swing of its powerful arm, knocking the air from his lungs, the wand from his grip and glasses from his face.
The beast’s eyes remain unharmed by the spell as he charges towards the mage.
Jackson’s shadows rush out towards the charging figure in an attempt to intercept.
The shadows wrap around the beast’s arm, drawing his attention.
The beast’s head snaps towards Jackson, his blood freezing at the rage in the soulless blue eyes that should belong to their Eddie.
The beast closes the distance in an instant, as though exhaustion only fueled his strength.
He wraps a monstrous claw around Jackson’s neck, lifting the elf from the ground.
Jackson struggles to regain his focus, muscles aching from a drawn out battle. He scratches at the grip around his neck, willing his shadows to pull the beast back.
It hurts.
Jackson’s eyes snap to the beast’s, he swears they look as though they are laced with tears. His thoughts are lost as the wolf slams him repeatedly into the ground, knocking the air out of him, leaving Jackson in a crater caused by his body.
“Ow,” croaks Jackson. “That…
was…rude.”
The werewolf sways as he stalks towards Hakeem, who searches for his dropped wand and glasses.
The beast slams a claw into the tree at Hakeem’s back, the wood splintering under the force.
Hakeem yelps and looks up towards the hulking figure, his vision slightly blurred.
He’s breathing heavily as the beast glares down at him.
“Eddie,” Hakeem’s voice breaks as tears begin to form, “I know you’re in there. Please come back to us,” he begs.
For a moment, Hakeem senses hesitation from the towering wolf. The beast snarls as he leans closer, hot breath brushing against Hakeem’s cheek. Hakeem hardens his gaze, calling upon his magic. He clutches the golden chain around his neck as he heightens his focus.
Please. Stop. Me.
Hakeem’s focus is snatched by the voice he knows he heard. “Eddie!” Hakeem calls out to the beast, tears rolling down white fur. “Eddie, it’s okay. We’re here, try to change back,” begs Hakeem. With vision blurred he can still see the pain behind those ocean blue eyes; Eddie’s eyes.
Eddie’s beast cries out, voice echoing across the land.
Hakeem covers his ears from the deafening cry, eyes shutting as he braces against the force of it.
He opens his eyes and turns his head only to be met with a snarling maw of sharp teeth.
The beast hunches over Hakeem’s body, boxing him in.
The fear that grips Hakeem’s heart is fighting with the love he holds for Eddie, the belief he would never hurt him.
His hands scramble at the ground beside him, fingers grazing a leather grip.
He curls his finger around his wand and hardens his expression. Years of studying, hours of practice and endless research, he would put all of it towards ensuring Eddie comes back to him and Jackson. Hakeem raises his wand as the beast raises a claw to strike, nary a moment to act.