Cloud laid lots of complaints. "Ehh we aren't even ten and we are moving towards the main quest!"
Stomping on the sand, "Don't turn meeme reach your goal!"
"Yh, like we are legally old enough to enter a forest!"
He raised his voice, "A test my ass!"
And he stopped.
"Hahh…" he calmed down.
After various complaints, Cloud settles down as he looks at Moonlight with a downed expression. "Let's go…" he ordered slowly.
The land ahead of them was unknown but it could be seen from this distance. Two stars appeared on the red solar sky, covered by blood clouds and darkened blue sky. The sun's gaze considerably weakened as proof that night was in place.
Moonlight observed his surroundings ignoring Cloud ranting. Trees spread across in a straight distance, vines rested on their wooden barks like a child clinging to their mother. The scenery presented a mysterious feeling that drew Moonlight closer.
On Cloud's order, the brothers ventured into the unknown. Cloud wanted this done with as quick as possible while Moonlight's body moved with anticipation.
"So…that's the light." Cloud said poorly. He stops and stretches, mimicking Great Uncle. Then, his whole voice changed, "This may be the perfect chance to test that theory."
"Desire, huh?" Cloud said with a nefarious smile.
"Cloud you've been acting strange." Moonlight said, his voice said worry.
Hearing this, "KnghKngh!" he gave a covered cough. Then rearranged himself and in an instant his whole demeanor changed back to original. "Haha let's go."
He started the movement and Moonlight followed. Time did not seem to pass as the duo moved through the unknown savannah.
Throughout their journey, no sound was heard. The breaking of sticks on the rough natural ground kept them intact. No singing crickets, no sign of movement, the grass did not move, the subtle flow of wind moved passed the leaves and branches. A cold evening breeze…
Soon, this got to the boys quicker than expected, "The old man said we should observe right?"
"I think… yes."
"No sound. Not even a damn monster or cricket. Where are the…" He mimicked cricket sounds. "Where we've passed lately...their just alike?" he mumbled.
The blood sun radiated through the leaves, trees and everything below. Casting a dim glow that sheltered or may look terrifying depending on perspective; this did not change with passing time.
"I'm sure he picked this time and climate for this." Cloud murmured, glancing at the orange clouded sky.
The duo moved to them felt like eternity but in reality, they moved at an insane pace, crossing lands unknowingly.
By the time, Cloud patience grew weaker.
"If I find anything I'm going to destroy it." He muttered.
"The trees here descriptively are like Oka trees. Our feet made no sound up till now. Oka trees attack preys…" Moonlight spoke casually.
"Don't teach me biology. I'm not good at it." Cloud shut Moonlight down.
"…" Moonlight stopped but deep down, he was sad.
Vines, trees, rare stone and rocks were the only notable things they encountered. Cloud was bored to death meanwhile seemed to enjoy his current position.
"Ah nature, what a wonderful…" Moonlight said in amazement.
"Shut it."
Interactions like this happened here and there. And each time Cloud cut him off.
They both stopped. Their eyes turned before their bodies did.
"Something's here." Moonlight spoke.
Cloud lips raised, "Yeah, about time."
Cloud looks up and picks a stone, "Found you!"
Cloud looked up at a certain tree engraved in vines. The world was still quiet but he still kept a grin as he picked up a stone from the ground.
"Found you!" He said dramatically.
In a flash, an upward wind blew and the first sound was brought to life, followed with a splat. Moonlight gaze followed the sound.
"What's that?!" he asked.
He drew closer. Beneath the bushes they encountered their first beast. Moonlight eyes glimmered with interest. Is it a…
"Hmm…"
Cloud folded his hands in a thinking posture. "…a rabbit, an owl?"
"No this is…"
The beast had a soft fluffy milk skin. Its eyes flickered, revealing its brown owl-like eyes. The beast's leg was paralyzed and a small hole created a gap in its neck, gushing black blood.
This thing is dying. "…a rowl."
Moonlight muttered.
"A Rowl, what's that?" Cloud asked. He bent closer to get a better view.
Moonlight faces Cloud. "The description matches with a rowl. Owl-like eyes, four legs and unbelievably flu…"
"Stop!" yelled Cloud. "Please shorten, there's no time."
Huh. Moonlight nodded.
"In other words, this place could be Rowl's territory or something." Moonlight turns his gaze, placing his hand on a nearby tree. "Their always seen in forests and—
"What are they known for?" interrupted Cloud.
Moonlight hummed. "For messing and observing with newly adventurers or so…"
"So they're rage baiters…good enough."
Vertically shaking his head, Cloud said, "Let's continue."
The atmosphere, presence seemed to clear due to their interaction. Cloud walked casually now, his patience level at max. Moonlight still kept a keen eye on their surroundings.
"Moonlight." called Cloud.
"Yes."
"Do you still see that light ahead?"
"Yeah… though dim, yes."
"Okay."
They continued quietly.
The interaction changed Moonlight focus to the light. What a bright and overshadowing light. Hovering over the entire woods like a growing shadow and a blinding light, but yet, the evening was still red.
Ahead, taller trees popped up, consisting of branches at their respective trees. Colors of leaves switched drastically to a more-brighter shade of green as it absorbed the light without disobeying the call of nature.
"Hah. This feeling; that disturbing feeling make one's blood boil with intensity and vibranity." said Cloud dramatically.
"What happened?"
"N-Nothing, just testing something." he replied in a flustered tone.
Something about that Elro appearing disturbed Moonlight as he turned left, right and up in haste. But underneath this reflex, he felt great admiration for his older brother.
Cloud…
Cloud stopped. "Something…"
"…isn't right." They said in unison.
Above reappearing branches, a height where the vines could not hope to reach, an area rained by the sunlight deeply. A tiny figure cast a shadow, its eyes darkened like charcoal; focused solely on the brothers.
"Looks like his friends are here." Cloud said playfully.
Slowly, Cloud lowered his height. "Pick a stone Moonlight. Don't worry, just visualize where it should hit and it shall be so."
ROWLLLLLL!!!
That sound was everything.
The ground shook, as if thousands of rocks fell simultaneously at once and are rolling down a mountain. The vines made a silent move, evading the distress of the land.
Cloud ordered. "Run!"
With his order, they took to their heels. Their hands tightened, strengthening their grip. Cloud ran happily like a child playing.
"He he…there they are."
Westward of them, dust appeared, towering over certain trees and pulling closer, faster than ever. Not dust, but rather moving tiny creatures with the sole objective of causing fear and disrupting the duo advances. They trampled over those at their front with numbers.
Cloud laughed heartily as he ran with full joy. "Ha ha Moonlight hah stone and don't miss"
This was not the serious Cloud Moonlight knows.
PEWPEW!!
The clash began, with a fierce throw from Cloud. Then Moonlight followed. A hole was formed with each throw. Black blood sprayed but each thrust was replaced quickly with their body.
"Wow. They sure are organized. Ha!"
They were unshaken. Cloud laughed, Moonlight followed behind, throwing stones at the never-ending swarm.
But, something changed.
!
"What was that?!" Moonlight asked.
Cloud gave a grin and then, turned sideways.
"Heh…a new challenger, huh…"
The chase remained.
The rowls movement began to change visibly. They dispersed all points, south, east, west and north wide. Some staying at the frontlines, while others to who knows where; though, they looked plenty enough.
But, something was wrong. Cloud was quiet.
After a not-too long chase, the rowls emerged from all directions, completely surrounding the brothers. Moonlight was shocked, but his body did not. Meanwhile,
Cloud smiled.
!
"There you are!"
He stretched his hand and held it.