[Chr24] A royal mission

A royal mission 

The group stood in front of the growling beast, ready to fight if they had to. However, as long as Kimura their leader does nothing they wouldn't be forced to act. Behind the Krampus was the spirit tree, their goal and the source for the water they needed. It was glowing beautiful and healthy, full of magic energy, definitely the right thing for these seeds to grow into strong plants. A mission from the royal family wasn't something just like every other mission, it was more important, more special and nothing you want to fail. Kimura looked at Lexas, knowing he would be the first one trying to attack the monster and indeed he had his hand already on his sword, ready to draw it any time. Masamune and Hisashi were calm, just looking at Kimura and waiting for his orders. If it comes to a fight they would have an advantage but how powerful was the skulled monster in front of them? Would it kill them? Why did the royal family not mention a dangerous creature roaming the spirit tree? Could it be that they didn't know about this monster? They group needed this water but Kimura couldn't risk his comrades to die or to get hurt badly. As the leader he had to make a decision and it wasn't an easy one. Suddenly an idea came to his mind and he looked at the Krampus again. It was still growling, trying to scare them off of that place it wanted to protect. “We don't want to harm you”, Kimura shouted, hoping it will understand and listen but it didn't seem interested in a conversation. A deep growl came out of the monster's throat and the boys started to freeze. Was it that cold when they set out on their mission? Or was it the brutality of this beast that let them shiver? Everyone of them just wanted to get home again, home to their loved ones. “We just need the water”, - Hisashi tried to speak with the beast but it just made some scary monster sounds and looked at him. Its body was thin and bones protruding from its back. There was no tail, no eyes, no tongue. Was it even able to speak? One thing was clear; it was definitely able to see them. Hisashi was unsure how but maybe it got some energy from the spirit tree. “I don't think it can talk”, - Kimura nodded and looked over to Masamune. “What's your idea of this monster?” he asked anf the boy looked at the huge monster. It was breathing and looking like a Buck, like one of them but different. Something made this Buck transform. Maybe a curse? He shook his head. Everything around the tree was silent, no one was around. This silence was definitely caused by this creature, protecting the tree. Masamune tried to understand if he was just a guardian of the spirit tree or if he was a greedy Buck, trying to get all the energy for itself. Due to Masamune's kindnesses he didn't believe it to be a greedy Buck. “It's protecting the tree”, he said confidently and looked at his leader who nodded in agreement. “Lexas”, - Kimura's eyes switched on the young boy. “I don't care about anything. We need the water”, - the monster growled again but Lexas wasn't afraid, he was ready to battle. Honestly he was curious to fight against this huge beast to see its true strength. Even if it was taller than all of them it must have a weak point and Lexas would love to find it. “We should go back. I don't want to mess with something we don't have any information about”, - Kimura's order was clear and Masamune and Hisashi nodded in relief, happy to not have to fight against this tall beast. “Cowards!” Lexas shouted, drew his sword and ran towards the Krampus who prepared itself for a battle. “Lexas!” Hisashi said loudly and looked at the boy shocked. Even if he tried to, his feet didn't want to move and he was captured in shock. Masamune wasn't impressed or shocked, he was disappointed. Would Lexas be that stupid? To fight against this beast was presumably a secure death and he was on the best way to find out. Now Kimura had to act, he had to protect his comrade. Not only as their leader but also as their friend. Lexas was a difficult boy but Kimura always believed in the light inside his heart. If this boy dies today he will never be happy again, knowing he was the one who couldn't protect him. Loud noises appeared when Lexas’ sword met the antlers of the krampus and the silence was over. He was face to face with the beast now, knowing he'll fight alone. “Such cowards”, he thought and jumped back, preparing himself for another attack. “Fuck off, idiot”! - Kimura ran next to him and wanted to grab him but Lexas dodged it and looked in the direction of the krampus to see its reaction but it wasn't there anymore. Suddenly he felt a pain in his back and was thrown into the snow by something powerful. Dizzy, he tried to get up but it was too painful so he had to lay down. The only thing he saw with blurry eyes was the monster in front of him, pawing its hooves to prepare another attack. Lexas was breathing heavily. He closed his eyes exhausted. The sound of the monster's hooves resound in his ears but all of a sudden the sound became dull. By opening his eyes Lexas saw Kimura, protecting him. But he wasn't fighting against the beast. Instead he was just dodging its attacks, giving Lexas time to flee. “Are you alright?” Hisashi asked and looked at him worriedly. “Of course”, he said slightly arrogant and got up slowly. “Kimura, let's get out of here”, Masamune shouted and his leader nodded, showing that he understood his words. The group's leader jumped back to his group and starred at the Krampus who stood in front of them growling angrily. “We will leave now. Sorry for disturbing”, - Kimura's words didn't seem to impress or affect it. However the group wanted to leave the area around the spirit tree, unsure if the monster would let them go that easily.