Night Wolf 's Dream

The Enchanted Mistwood-2

"Shall we not fall here?" Joe gazed at the giant serpent with a grin, "I'm not ready to meet my end just as I've found a companion." Liza retorted, "Then fight well," and then she dashed backward.

Joe watched the retreating figure of the girl, a bitter smile on his face, thinking that this encounter would be different from others; she would stand firm by his side, even if she knew nothing of combat. He turned to face the serpent and bellowed, "This time, let us descend to hell together!" With those words, he unsheathed his great sword, which gleamed with intricate magical runes that grew ever brighter. The serpent was not to be outdone, its scales quivering and reflecting a cold light under the sun, its eyes revealing an ominous red glow. It hissed, baring its long, sharp venomous fangs as it lunged at Joe.

Joe raised his great sword before him, a golden light flowing from his hand into the blade. He gripped the hilt tightly and cried out, "Oh great Ares, god of war, grant your faithful one endless courage and a body as steadfast as a rock!" The golden light that flowed into the great sword swiftly spread over the blade and Joe's entire body.

In an instant, he leaped forward with a speed that rivaled the swiftest of lightning, the sword slicing through the air with a humming sound, aiming for the serpent's vital spot. A colossal spark erupted as the sword clashed with the fangs. The serpent thrashed about in pain, its tail lashing out like a tempest-tossed wave, knocking down a row of trees that fell straight towards Joe. As he landed, Joe staggered and spat out a mouthful of blood; the blunt pain from the impact had momentarily sapped his strength. But as the trees were about to crush him, he instinctively mustered all his remaining strength and dashed towards an open space, "Just a little further, am I to fall here? I'm not ready yet..."

In a flash, Joe felt himself being lifted up on his back, whisked away from danger before he could comprehend what was happening. He felt himself still being carried, running deeper into the forest, with the serpent venting its frustration by slashing its tail against the ground.

The forest was full of the unknown; every step could be a trap; every gust of wind could be the breath of an enemy. "Thank you for saving me, I thought I was about to dance with the angels," he joked with a hint of self-mockery, then extended a finger towards the sky, releasing a bit of golden light that soared into the heavens. They had no time to look back, only to run forward incessantly.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the forest grew darker and more mysterious. The grass around them grew thicker, the sounds of other animals faded, and all that accompanied them were the rustling of the grass and the occasional bird calls. When they reached a clearing large enough for two people, Joe was gently set down. He turned to see a werewolf stretching, its body emitting a faint glow that complemented its silver fur. He was momentarily mesmerized, "Why did you save me?" Joe asked with suspicion, "You're not planning on keeping me to eat, are you?" He said, making a face as if he were scared.

"I will not eat you," Liza said as she moved into the grass and slowly transformed from her wolf form to her human one, blessed by the Moon Goddess, the chances of losing control were minimal. Joe watched in amazement as Liza changed back into a human, but she was completely naked. Although the grass provided some cover, some skin was still exposed. Joe gasped quietly and quickly turned his head, "So you are a werewolf, then why didn't you fight with me?" While he was asking Liza questions, his mind was still on the girl's exposed skin, his face as red as an autumn apple.

"I wanted to cast some abilities for you, which required time to activate. If I had stood there, we would now be beneath the serpent's body, dead. Your direct charge into battle, though brave, was somewhat reckless without understanding the serpent," Liza said as she changed into a set of training clothes that accentuated her excellent physique.

Joe looked at the girl before him, her clothes neat and her hair tied up high, making her appear even cleaner and somewhat aloof. This set of clothes was found by Liza in a magical stone given by Aunt Ivanna, and she thought to herself that Ivanna's sewing was excellent; she should have asked for more. Liza didn't continue to ponder and instead had Joe cut some branches with his sword. She cleared a space and, using a fire starter, ignited some wood. Sitting across from Joe, she continued, "I have my mission, and you have your trials. I want to team up with you to head to the other side of the continent and fulfill our respective goals." Liza looked at Joe as she spoke of forming a team. The boy's gaze at her changed from initial shyness to eventual trust. Joe smiled and said, "Then let's look out for each other, for us." He extended his hand, and Liza reciprocated, the firelight dancing in the darkness, bringing them a bit of warmth and comfort. At this moment, the future warriors and sorcerers began their collaboration.

After a while of further conversation, they went to sleep to prepare for the battles of the morrow.

A peal of thunder awoke Joe and Liza, the sky suddenly becoming gloomy, dark clouds spreading across the horizon like a vast ink stain, obscuring the sunlight. Joe and Liza looked up at the sky, sensing the impending storm. The forest animals began to hurriedly seek shelter, the birds' calls becoming urgent and chaotic. Liza and Joe packed up their belongings and began to search for a place to take shelter from the rain.