
Posted originally on the Archive_of_Our_Own at https://archiveofourown.org/
works/8139895.
  Rating:
      Explicit
  Archive Warning:
      Graphic_Depictions_Of_Violence, Major_Character_Death, Rape/Non-Con,
      Underage
  Category:
      F/M, M/M, Multi, Other, F/F
  Fandom:
      Banana_Bus_Squad, The_Yogscast, Video_Blogging_RPF, PewDiePie_(YouTube
      RPF), The_Derp_Crew
  Relationship:
      Craig_Thompson/Tyler_|_I_AM_WILDCAT, Lui_Calibre/Daithi_De_Nogla, Arlan_|
      SilentDroidd/Daithi_De_Nogla, Anthony_|_ChilledChaos/Steven_|
      ZeRoyalViking, Daithi_De_Nogla/Berenice_(Daithi_De_Nogla), Mark
      Fischbach/Sean_McLoughlin, Jonathan_|_H2ODelirious/Craig_Thompson, Ryan_|
      OhmWrecker/Craig_Thompson, ChaoticMonki_|_Cryaotic/Craig_Thompson,
      ChaoticMonki_|_Cryaotic/Jonathan_|_H2ODelirious/Ryan_|_OhmWrecker/Craig
      Thompson, ChaoticMonki_|_Cryaotic/Jonathan_|_H2ODelirious/Ryan_|
      OhmWrecker, Evan_Fong/Craig_Thompson, Craig_Thompson/Tyler_|
      MunchingBrotato/TotallyToasty, Craig_Thompson/Dawn_|_LaDawwnn, Tyler_|_I
      AM_WILDCAT/Kelly_(I_AM_WILDCAT), Lui_Calibre/MissesMae, Adam_Montoya/
      Craig_Thompson, Craig_Thompson/Kelly_(I_AM_WILDCAT), Simon_|_Simonhds90/
      Tyler_|_I_AM_WILDCAT, Scotty_|_fourzer0seven/Krissy_(fourzer0seven),
      Brian_|_The_Gaming_Terroriser/Brock_|_Moo_Snuckel, KrismPro/MangaMinx_|
      TheRPGMinx, Male_Character/Female_Character, Marcel_|_BasicallyIDoWrk/
      Craig_Thompson, Marcel_|_BasicallyIdoWrk/Scotty_|_fourzer0seven, Marcel_|
      BasicallyIDoWrk/Simone_(BasicallyIDoWrk), Craig_Thompson/Smarty/
      Smarticus, Craig_Thompson/Slime_Monster, Craig_Thompson/Tentacle_Monster,
      Tentacle_Monster/Craig_Thompson/Slime_Monster, Bryce_McQuaid/Ryan_|
      Ohmwrecker, Jay_|_ItsJaay/Ray_|_Raytendo, Jay_|_ItsJaay/SMii7Y/Smitty,
      Jay_|_ItsJaay/Ray_|_Ratendo/SMii7Y/Smitty
  Character:
      Craig_Thompson, Tyler_|_I_AM_WILDCAT, Simon_Lane, Lewis_Brindley, Daithi
      De_Nogla, Jonathan_|_H2ODelirious, Evan_Fong, Ryan_|_Ohmwrecker, Brian_|
      The_Gaming_Terroriser, Anthony_|_BigJigglyPanda, Arlan_|_SilentDroidd,
      Duncan_Jones, Lui_Calibre, Marcel_|_BasicallyIDoWrk, Brock_|_Moo_Snuckel,
      Luke_Patterson_|_CaRtOoOnz, ChaoticMonki_|_Cryaotic, Anthony_|
      ChilledChaos, Scotty_|_fourzer0seven, Steven_|_ZeRoyalViking, Scott
      Robison, Felix_Kjellberg, Mark_Fischbach, Sean_McLoughlin,
      Stampylongnose, iBallisticSquid, Kelly_(I_AM_WILDCAT), Kino_(I_AM
      WILDCAT), Archie_(I_AM_WILDCAT), Chief_(I_AM_WILDCAT), Sparky_(Craig
      Thompson), Darth_(CaRtOoNz), Sydney_(Evan_Fong), Krissy_(fourzer0seven),
      Simone_(BasicallyIDoWrk), Dawn_|_LaDawwnn, Fegg_(Craig_Thompson/Dawn_|
      LaDawwnn), Joey_|_TheAnimeMan, Noble_|_Lost_Pause, Aki_|_Akidearest,
      MissesMae, Berenice_(Daithi_De_Nogla), Tiffy_|_ihascupquake, MangaMinx_|
      TheRPGMinx, Antisepticeye_-_Character, darkiplier, Martin_|_Bodil40/
      Bodilcho, Ryan_|_Mr360Games/Double, Baki_the_Snowman_|_Baki961, Simon_|
      Simonhds90, Adam_Montoya, KrismPro_(Video_Blogging_RPF), SMii7Y/Smitty,
      Ghosteez, Max_Gonzalez, Jordon_|_CaptainSparklez, Tyler_|
      MunchingBrotato/TotallyToasty, Ray_|_Raytendo, Joe_(Daithi_De_Nogla),
      Tony_(Daithi_De_Nogla), Evan_Fong_|_Vanossgaming, Smarty/Smarticus, Cody
      |_Racingcatz, Smokey_(Racingcatz), Jay_|_ItsJaay, Bryce_McQuaid, Ellie_
      (Bryce_McQuaid), Chica_Fischbach
  Additional Tags:
      Alternate_Universe_-_Mythology, Alternate_Universe_-_Fantasy, Alternate
      Universe_-_Magic, Foursome_-_M/M/M/M, Magical_Realism, Magical_Tattoos,
      Alternate_Universe_-_Magical_Realism, Spells_&_Enchantments, Swords_&
      Sorcery, Sorcerers, Dragon_Riders, Dragons, Alternate_Universe_-_Dragons,
      Kitsune, Hybrids, Dragon_Hybrids, Centaurs, Fauns_&_Satyrs, Princes_&
      Princesses, Royalty, Kingdoms, Knights_-_Freeform, Alternate_Universe_-
      Medieval, Ice_Powers, Fire_Powers, Elves, Inari_Foxes, Dragon_Spirits,
      Childhood, Childhood_Memories, Childhood_Sweethearts, Childhood_Friends,
      Unicorns, Forests, The_Enchanted_Forest, Forbidden_Forest, Forest_Sex,
      Love_at_First_Sight, Love_Triangles, Boys_In_Love, Falling_In_Love, Love
      Confessions, Gay, Gay_Sex, Gay_Male_Character, Big_Gay_Love_Story,
      Action/Adventure, Action, Action_&_Romance, Anal_Sex, Sexual_Content,
      Explicit_Sexual_Content, Singing, Dancing, Slow_Dancing, Chimeras,
      Demons, Vampires, Werewolves, Angels, Emotional_Hurt/Comfort, Smut,
      Eventual_Smut, Fluff_and_Smut, Shameless_Smut, Fluff, Fluff_and_Angst,
      Angst_and_Fluff_and_Smut, Fluff_and_Hurt/Comfort, Foxes, Tentacles,
      Tentacle_Rape, Slime, Flower_Crowns, Meadows, Rescue_Missions, Missions
      Gone_Wrong, Ass-Kicking, Assassination, Past_Relationship(s), Mild_S&M,
      POV_Craig, Bottom_Craig, Top_Tyler, Jealous_Tyler, agressive_tyler,
      Feels, Sad, Sabotage, Baby_Dragon, mermaids/mermen, Kissing, First_Kiss,
      Boys_Kissing, Surprise_Kissing, Neck_Kissing, Rough_Kissing, Forehead
      Kisses, Hugs, Fights, Fist_Fights, Arguing, Friendship, Best_Friends,
      Male_Friendship, Elves_are_Dicks, Ratings:_R, Rating:_M, Rating:_NC17,
      Leadership, Finger_Sucking, Magic_Fingers, Anal_Fingering, Fingerfucking,
      Forgive_Me, Sea_Monsters, Slave_Trade, Accents, Dirty_Talk, Dirty
      Thoughts, Violent_Thoughts, Sexual_Fantasy, Awkward_Tension, Awkward
      introductions, Diary/Journal, Self-Discovery, Bromance, Bromance_to
      Romance, Attempted_Rape/Non-Con, Threats_of_Rape/Non-Con, Rape/Non-con
      Elements, Succubi_&_Incubi, Alternate_Universe_-_Succubi_&_Incubi,
      Alternate_Universe_-_Pansexual_Mindsets
  Series:
      Part 1 of WildLadd
  Stats:
      Published: 2016-09-26 Updated: 2017-05-08 Chapters: 2/? Words: 9415
****** Into The Forest ******
by CreativeRose
Summary
     Craig is a young Sorcerer who grew up being called Mini, do to not
     having a growth spurt for a long time and all his older siblings/
     relatives were just naturally taller. He's beyond ready to earn his
     amulet, but one day his village goes under an attack, for people
     don't like sorcerers. His mom gives him an amulet to wear around his
     neck and tells him to run into the forest as far as he can and to not
     look back. Craig refuses several times, knowing it was forbidden,
     before he runs into the forest with his pet, Sparky. Little does
     Craig know, this is just the beginning of a wild adventure, where
     he'll learn more about himself, and more about the magical world from
     the forest and beyond, meeting new creatures and making new friends
     and enemies.
      
     (But let's just say he doesn't regret it when he meets a hot dragon
     rider named Tyler)
     [Slow Burn]
Notes
     Nearly 4,200 words in a Prologue...
      
     The issues are real...
See the end of the work for more notes
***** Prologue *****



|Toddler|
"Mommy, Daddy! My name is Pariah, and I will destoy all da monsers!" Craig
giggled in a funny tone, doing an adorable little stomp with his arms
outstretched, his oversized robe hiding his hands. His parents, Elizabeth and
Jolan, walked towards the tiny sorcerer, smiling at his innocence. "Oh, where
could my little Craiggy be?" Elizabeth teased, looking around. "Hmm, Mr.
Pariah, have you seen my little Craiggy?" She smiled, bending down to look at
Craig. "N-no. He-he went dat a-way." Craig giggled, the sudden fast gesture he
attempted causing him to fall. Elizabeth instinctively caught him, the force
flipping Craig's hood back.
"There he is!" Liz playfully gasped, boopping his nose before picking him up,
making him giggle again. "I was jus kiddin." He admitted, sticking his tongue
out as he held onto his mother's robe. "Where did you get the name 'Pariah'
from?" Jolan asked, ruffling Craig's hair. "I was playing 'Kingdom' wit da kids
in da town." Craig smiled, exposing his missing tooth. "Honey, maybe you
shouldn't play with them." Elizabeth recommended, turning around to head home.
"Why not?" Craig asked, furrowing his eyebrows. His father frowned. "Humans
don't like sorcerers, Craig."
 
|Kid|
"Craig, this is Dawn." His mother informed, gesturing to the girl a few feet
away from him. "H-hi.." Craig mumbled shyly, bringing a hand up as if to wave,
but only dropping it as he second guessed his actions. Dawn giggled, her
glossy, clear wings moving with her, leaving several sparks of fairy dust
behind. Craig flinched at the sudden movement of the strange objects on the
girl's back. "Hi!" She squealed, bouncing up to Craig, causing him to jump and
take a step back. He looked back at his mother for a second, receiving a
reassuring smile, before returning his gaze to Dawn. "H-hi." He repeated,
except with a little more confidence.
The odd, sparkling appendage caught his curiosity again as he leaned to the
side, getting a better view over her shoulder. Dawn giggled, fluttering her
wings for him. Craig stared in awe at her wings, wondering many things about
them. "Hey Craig, do you want to play with me?" Dawn offered, bringing a bright
smile into play. Craig didn't know what to do, the girl was so inviting and he
couldn't resist her cheery attitude towards him. Was it right to play with
girls? Well, the way she's acting he might as well go for it. He looked back at
his mom one more time before he and Dawn giggled as they ran off to mess around
in the meadow.
 
|Tween|
"Ultrices." Craig spoke, remembering the words his father taught him mere
seconds ago. "Ultrices." He repeated, louder this time. His lip twitched in
annoyance, the spell seeming to do nothing. He tried a different pose, standing
in the ready position his father taught him. Lean forward, head low, one leg in
front, one behind, one arm stretched forward, the other raised by his side,
both palms facing the opponent, fingers slightly bent as if to grab something.
"Ultrices." He huffed, failing to get anything again. "Ultrices." Craig nearly
growled out, his rage making him pull his arm back and forcefully push it
outwards when the spell left his lips.
Craig jumped when several sparks flew in a failed attempt to collect, his face
lighting up in realization. Now with hope in his hands, he tried once more,
receiving the same results. He continued to try, harder and harder, but they'd
either just gain or lose the number of sparks. Craig sighed, slumping his
shoulders as he gave up on the spell today, most likely trying tomorrow. He
nearly stopped practicing spells completely, but then remembered the new words
he learned with his mother, and boredom decided to mix the two.
"Struct-Anim-Ultrices." Craig mixed, moving his arm as if doing a light,
underhand throw, fingers curling towards the end of the 'toss' as if he was
throwing fairy dust. Unexpectedly, many sparks flew up, creating a creature
that resembled a tiny wisp, but before it could fully become the being it was
to be, it split in two, both zipping in different directions. One flew towards
Craig, who was already was wide eyed at his accident, hitting him in the
forehead, causing him to stumble and fall backwards. He landed on his rear,
groaning in pain as one hand supported him on the ground while the other rubbed
his forehead, shocking his fingers once. A disturbance in the bushes caught
Craig's attention.
He gasped as he looked up, the noise catching him off guard. Curiosity getting
the better of him, he decided to crawl over on his knees. Craig peered over the
shrubbery, pushing the leaves apart to reveal a small, white creature he's
never seen before. The creature resembled an albino fox with big, sparkling
silver eyes and ears like a fennec, only bigger. The fox was tiny compared to
Craig, it's body being only as tall as his hand and as long as two. It's head
was around half a hand and it's tails- all nine -being nearly a hand each.
Craig stared in awe at the fox, while it stared at it's nose, static flailing
around it.
The creature sneezed, it's head shaking as it's snout scrunched up. The force
was enough to send the sparks to the fox's forehead as well, making it yelp and
jump in surprise. The sparks disappeared, the creature now glowing silver in
certain areas. It shook it's head, as well as it's body, as if it was soaked
with water. Tiny silver sparkles flew off, the fox stopping to reveal a
lightning pattern it wasn't wearing before. A 'bolt' started at it's nose,
going over it's head to join the ones on it's back. It's paws and everything
beneath it's elbows/knee (A/N:_I_HAVE_NO_IDEA_WHAT_IT'S_CALLED,_SORRY) were now
a dark silver, the lightning bolt pattern being a light silver, sparkling in
the late afternoon sun. The fur in it's ears were also the dark silver,
matching the tip of it's tails as well. It took a quick look at itself, taking
in it's new appearance, before looking happily up at Craig, all nine tails
wagging.
Craig was in shock, having not a clue of what to do or how the fox wasn't
afraid of him, yet at the same time, he felt a strong bond between the
creature, like he's knew it for years. He slowly reached out a hand, not sure
if he should do this. The fox creature skipped towards him, getting a quick
whiff of his hand before licking it. Craig giggled, the creature barking
excitedly when he got a reaction. Craig noticed how the animal acted towards
him. He decided to take a daring move and attempt to pick it up. Surprisingly,
the fox jumped into his arms at the attempt, knocking Craig over. Craig giggled
as the creature began to lick his face, barking and wagging it's tails
excitedly.
While petting the fox as it began to calm down, Craig got an idea, and his face
lit up in excitement. "Hey, wait right here." Craig ordered, although it was so
gentle it was like he was just thinking aloud. Craig got up, the fox sliding
off, and walked into their tent-like home. "Mom? Dad?" He called upon entry.
"Yes, Sweetie?" His mom called as she and his father came into the room. Craig
stopped, thinking of how he should word this. "Can I have a pet..?" Jolan and
Elizabeth exchanged glances, a smile on their face. "You've already asked that
many times, Craig." Jolan informed, shaking his head softly. "There's just
nothing around here." Liz added. "-And don't start with that lizard." His
father remarked, point a finger at him. "-Or the bird." His mother continued.
"Alright, alright! I get it!" Craig spat out as fast as he could to avoid the
list, putting hands forward as if words were blockable (A/N:_Oh_how_I_love
English). "J-just listen, okay? This one's different." Craig crossed his arms,
his glance shifting from his mother to father. "Craig-" Jolan was cut off by
the sudden new being that trotted into the room.
"KITSUNE!" Both his mother and father gasped. Craig jumped at their sudden
outburst, immediately following their gaze to the fox-like creature he stumbled
upon earlier. "I thought I told you to wait outside." Craig recalled,
presenting a toothy smile as he crouched down to pet the being. "Craig, what
are you doing? Kitsunes aren't very-" Jolan's voice stopped when the kitsune
began to rub it's head against Craig's palm like a cat. "-friendly..." Jolan
trailed off, he and Elizabeth in awe at the creature's actions. Craig picked up
the fox, cradling it as it happily nuzzled into his neck. "Can I keep him?"
Craig asked, smiling hopefully at his parents as he stood up, the fox's tails
wagging vigorously.
"Well, I-I uh.. I suppose. If this is what you want." Liz hesitated, unsure of
whether or not keeping a kitsune in the house was a good idea. "But if that
thing gets out of hand or hurts anyone, it's gone. You got it?" Jo put down the
rules, pointing a finger at Craig as he watched the kitsune wearily. Craig
nodded, excitement bubbling inside him. Somehow, the fox sensed his excitement
and began licking Craig's chin, causing him to giggle. "So, what's his name
then?" Liz questioned, showing a smile as she watched her baby befriend his new
source of happiness and entertainment. "Hmmm.." Craig thought aloud, the
possibilities running through his mind like electricity. Craig smiled warmly,
burying his face into his new found pet- "Sparky."
 
|Teen|
"Tract-Ignis-Cycl!" Craig shouted, left hand near his face to control the flame
while the other forcefully swiped from directly in front of him to outstretched
directly to his right, palm eyeing the ground. The ball of flame grew out,
imitating an infinite slinky, and the fire formed into a large ring surrounding
Craig, standing bright and nearly two feet tall. Claps erupted from around him,
a smile plastering his face as he let his hands fall to his side, the flames
disappearing into the earth. "Ooh, I'm so proud of you!" Craig's grandmother
smiled, pinching his cheeks before hugging him tightly, the old lady being an
inch or two shorter than Craig. "Jesus, Ma', even as ancient as you are, you've
still got a grip like a cobra!" Craig joked, making an overly dramatic dying
face as the family surrounding him began to laugh. As expected, his grandmother
chuckled too, easing up on her grip before she let go.
"So, that should've been the last of 'em, huh, Mini?" Simon, Craig's older
brother, presumed. Craig gained the nickname of 'Mini' a few years back, the
name sticking and pretty much replacing his real one. Not only did his growth
spurts take forever, but his siblings and a lot of his relatives were just
naturally taller, which is why they started calling him 'Tiny', 'Small',
'Shorty', and 'Mini', but of course, only one stuck. "Last of what..?" Mini
asked wearily as he raised a brow at the giant. "The last fire spell in the
book." Duncan, another brother of his, clarified, walking over to the two.
"You're mastering the fire element, Min." Lewis, Craig's other brother, added,
also getting into the small group. "Oh.." Mini muttered, realization hitting
him like a brick. "Sweet." He smiled, knocking his hood back. "That means I get
a marking, right?" Craig grinned hopefully up at his brothers with excitement,
them being nearly half a foot or taller than him.
Mini frowned and looked wearily at his kin when they exchanged glances of worry
and devious smirks. "Am I not or..?" Mini trailed off, taking a step back. "No,
you are. It just might-" "It's gonna hurt." Duncan cut off Lewis, he and Simon
smiling. Lewis glared at Duncan, who grinned sheepishly at him and shrugged. "A
lot." Simon added quickly, receiving the same daggers Duncan did, except with
an extra slap to the face. "Ow!" Simon grunted, rubbing the irritated skin of
his cheek with his palm. "Oh.." Mini muttered, looking at his feet
disappointedly. "Min, it's fine. Do you feel anything?" Lewis asked, pushing
Duncan out of the way to grab Mini's chin. "Uh.." Craig wordlessly questioned
him as he raked through any feelings of discomfort he had at the moment.
"N-no I-" Mini was quick with his reply, but cut himself off when he discovered
he was wrong. A sharp pain to the shoulder caught him off guard. It was like
little needles trailing his skin, slowly upgrading to daggers within seconds.
Craig's pupils shrunk as he yelped in pain, grabbing at his right shoulder as
his knees buckled him to the ground. "Mini!" The trio gasped in unison, getting
down on their knees as they removed Craig of his robe, examining where the lad
was groping at. Craig was bewildered at the smarting's appearance, strands of
bright red and orange burning down his shoulder to his forearm. He watched in
horror as an image started to take shape, his skin flaming like the picture.
A glowing tattoo of the raging flames of a fire flared up his shoulder blade
and down his arm, calming down at his collarbone and halfway down his forearm.
After the shock factor wore off, curiosity caused him to trail a finger down
the mysterious affliction. Mini flinched at the simple brush of his finger,
light tingles of little pain appearing where he touched. "Woah.." Simon
marveled, Craig completely forgetting his brothers were there gawking at his
marking. "You okay, Min?" Duncan worried, Craig giving him a questionable look.
"You're kinda... crying.." He clarified, Craig's eyes widening as his fingers
went to wipe away his tears. Mini was so focused on his marking he hardly even
recognized he was crying. He wasn't full on sobbing, 'thank the lord', and it
was only a few tears from the pain. Lewis's sudden remark brought their
attention on him, Mini thankful they stopped watching him cry.
"That's kinda odd though..-" Simon's brows furrowed, followed by Duncan raising
his and Craig's eyes widening. "-You're mark is so much more.. different.. from
ours.."
 
|Young Adult|
Craig groaned and scowled in annoyance when a familiar tongue licked his cheek,
further frustrating him when it changed it's course to his mouth. "Pfff,
alright, alright! I'm up! I'm- really?" Craig spat, pushing away Sparky's
muzzle, opening his eyes to realize the kitsune was merely laying down from
slumber and had just licked his face after noticing light from the windows.
"Oh, how I hate you.." Mini sighed, remembering how much the little fox had
grown as he stretched and rubbed his eyes. Sparky was now about a foot tall,
minus the three inch ears and each foot and a half long tail, and nearly a foot
and a half long.
"I can't wait until I get my amulet." Mini thought aloud, putting his hands
behind his head. Amulets are a sorcerer's source of power. It's also where
their soul rests, moves on, and boost them in battle. They can use it to help
them communicate with creatures and telepathy towards their own. Amulets are
only gained in some sort of ceremony based on the time of convenience and based
on the convenience, and or ceremony, is what type amulet is given, which
reflects a lot of their personality and more experienced power(s), sometimes
even their pet, a symbol that plays some sort of part in their life, or a close
friend or family member. A sorcerer can only receive their specialized amulet
after turning eighteen, and even then they have two months until some type of
ceremony is arranged, but most of the time it's coincidental or an accident,
seeing as there's always something going on for a sorcerer that gets in the way
when they're eighteen.
Craig jumped at the sudden pain in his abdomen, shooting up to discover that,
yet again, it was Sparky. Sparky had stood up and arched his back, right on his
fucking stomach. "Ow, get the fuck off me!" Mini whined, hiding the smile on
his face as he shooed the fox-like creature off of him. "Goddamnit.. There's no
way I'm going back to sleep now." Craig rolled over onto his side, eyes still
heavy and voice still groggy.
Sparky yipped and jumped off the bed, stretching his legs and shaking any tired
vibes out of his fur. He turned around, softly wagging his tails when he made
eye contact with Craig. All Craig did was make the sound of dog growling and
whining in it's sleep. Sparky trotted up to Mini's hand that hung off the bed
and licked it, making a little whining sound. He sat down, curiously watching
Mini bury his face in the pillows and let out a noise similar to when a cat's
snarl wavers as you get closer. Finally giving in, Craig lifts himself off the
mattress and kicks his feet off the bed, the quilt dropping to the floor with
his toes.
Sparky followed their morning routine and bounded towards to kitchen, carrying
a cloth bundled around their breakfast on the way back. Craig slowly bent
forward, pushing himself off the bed and trudging into the bathroom. He scooped
water from a bucket and splashed his face multiple times, looking at the blurry
reflection of himself through the chiseled crystal. With a sigh of disapproval
he took a quick piss, walking back out and stumbling to find his glasses. The
immediate difference of the clear world made him satisfied, a content sigh
escaping his lips, with a smile not too far behind. He stretched as he walked
under a beam in which Sparky was on top of. A sudden robe falling from the
ceiling and nearly slipping onto to his arms perfectly let Mini acknowledged
the fact that he was there.
Out of habit, he caught it before the worn fabric could slide off onto the
floor, and put it on the rest of the way. "Next time, Sparky." Again, out of
habit, he praised the kitsune for getting close as he made his way back to bed,
where a certain cloth was always placed on his nightstand. Sitting down, Sparky
jumped up with him and sat next to the sleepy sorcerer. Mini reached over and
grabbed the juicy fruit, his fluffy, gray and white pet climbing onto the wood
to eat some crazy looking hummingbird. "You're so weird." Craig smiled,
watching Sparky as he unconsciously ate his own breakfast, the light guitar and
birds chirping from outside allowing him to space out even after they were
done. A sudden scream from outside scared them, causing both of them to spring
up and rush out the door to find it's source.
Mini grumbled in annoyance, his upper lip twitching. Sparky continued to run
and bark at his siblings while Mini glared at them by the doorway. "You gotta
be kidding me.. I thought somebody was being eaten alive out here!" Craig
scowled, still tired from the night before. His siblings jumped around,
flinging themselves and each other with powerful wind spells. "You're just mad
because you haven't got your amulet yet!" Lewis teased, the lad already in his
late 20's like his other brothers, which obviously means they already have
theirs. Craig only sent daggers his way, even though he was technically, and
literally, bouncing all around. "He's right, though." His grandmother brought
up, scaring the absolute shit out of him.
"Jesus, Ma'!" Mini jumped, a hand over his heart. "Y'know, Craiggy, you 'ave
ta' be patient or you'll never get it." She advised, wiping the side of the
guitar with a cloth slowly. Craig sat down on the bench next to her, watching
Sparky try to chase the others with Jaffa. "Don't call me 'Craiggy', I like my
real name." He joked, half serious. Craig hunched over, chin falling into his
hand. "I like it too, I even helped pick it out." Craig looked down
momentarily, thinking of his response. "But why 'Craig'? Simon, Lewis, and
Duncan have cool names. Mines so.. plain.. and bland." Mini questioned, tapping
the fingers of his other hand against his knee. "I like it. It reminds me of
that nice beast I met in the f'rest. 'E said that there was a very wise and
powerf'l man ta' rise soon, and his name would be 'Craig'. He would rule over
the f'rest and beyond, taming every beast'nd fighting off every enemy. That
kind o' peace would allow us ta' return." Mini turned to her, expecting her to
tell more about the beast like she always does. "And I'll tell ya' what, you're
already a legend." She giggled, jokingly patting him on the shoulder.
Trying to ignore the fact that he would disappoint his grandmother when he
doesn't become as great as she says, Craig allows another question to slip out
seeing as the topic was pretty much already brought up. "When will I be able to
go into the forest?" Craig's grandmother turns to him. "When you're ready,
Sweetheart." "But I am! I'm eighteen, I've mastered several elements, I've-
" "You're not.. prepared for what.. it holds.. It.. it's not like how it seems.
It might be pretty on this side, but there're things you do not need ta'
experience at t'is age because you aren't ready. Let's wait a little, okay?"
She offered a hopeful smile, fear and worry clouding her irises. The sudden
turn the conversation took let him know he should stop, a feeling of reject
melting his insides.
A girly scream rang through his ears, Mini looking up and expecting it to be
his brothers'. "Craig, inside, now." Worriedly, Craig turned to his grandma,
immediately getting up when she set down her guitar. "Ma', what-" "Go inside.
Pack yer shit." "Wait, what's-" Mini struggled with his grandmother, stopping
himself when his mother and father came running back with several of his older
cousins. "Mum, what's going on?! I-" "Craig.. Craig, get inside." "But what-
" "Hun, give me your amulet." Craig still could not get an answer, which
slightly pissed him off, but what intrigued him more was when his father gave
up his amulet so easily. "Why are you-" "Inside. Now. Come on, hurry up now."
Elizabeth herded Mini inside, Sparky following.
"Mum, is everything alright?" Mini frantically asked his mother, grabbing her
by the shoulders. "Craig, honey, I-I need you to take this." His mother took
off her own amulet, placing it next to his father's and muttering a spell under
her heavy breath. Under a bright glow, the amulets morphed into a larger one, a
wavy, diagonal line separating rich, golden orange and deep, dusty grape.
"Mum?! It's your amulet! I-I can't have it!" Craig protested, pushing away the
gem being shoved in his hands. "Put it on! Quickly!" Liz urged, helping him put
it on. "Mum, what's going on..?" Craig panicked, eyes burning from holding back
tears. "Craig, listen to me. I need you to run into the forest as far as you
can and don't look back. Find help, and be safe." Elizabeth ordered, tears
already leaking from her amber and dark maple eyes. "Mum, I'm not going
anywhere." Craig argued, staring fearfully into his mother's eyes, Liz pushing
past Mini towards his room.
She grabbed his satchel and shoved Jolan's spell book on Craig's desk into the
bag. "But, Mum, I'm staying with you guys! What's even going on anyway?!" Mini
worried, eyes wide and arms outstretched. He watched Elizabeth pack various
things, quickly shoving it into Mini's hands and turning to pick up Sparky.
"Knights.. from the kingdom.. Th-they.. they found us.." Liz explained sadly,
gently placing the kitsune in Craig's arms. "N-no..." Mini whispered, watching
his mother trying to contain what she was holding back. "They're here.." Craig
immediately understood the drama, Sparky just being glad he was getting
attention, until he felt Craig's mood drop through their 'bond'. "I-I'm staying
to fight." Mini declared, biting his cheek. "No, you're not. You're leaving,
and that's final." Liz correct, not waning to continue this argument. "But the
forest... It's forbidden, is it not?" Mini countered, taking a step forward.
"Yes, but.. where else are you to go?" Elizabeth pointed out, Craig sighing and
letting her usher him out of the house.
Mini immediately noticed the fight outside, a strong worry for his family
gnawing at his heart. "Go. Now." His mother ordered, gently pushing his back.
With a frown, he held his breath and bit his lip, keeping in his tears as he
watched his grandmother fall.
"Craig, now."
He closed his eyes and looked away, opening them to reveal the forest.
"Craig, go!"
Before disappearing into the forest, he whispered one last thing to his mother,
tears already pouring down his face.
 
"I love you."
 
 

 
***** Chapter One *****
Chapter Summary
     Craig begins his journey into the forest, discovering a fun creature
     called an Inari Fox with his two new friends and hearing how
     dangerous it is out here.
     7 characters are revealed.
Chapter Notes
     WOOO CHAPTER ONE FINALLY
See the end of the chapter for more notes
I readjusted the satchel to hang around my neck and rest on my side, pulling
Sparky closer to my chest as I raced through the darkening forest. I could hear
footsteps and shouts nearing me, knowing very well it was the knights who
watched me escape. The noises continued to grow louder, my heart pumping out
fear that zipped through my veins with every step I heard. I could hear my
heart beating, thumping in my brain as the adrenaline kicked in. I knew I
couldn't run for long with all the air I was taking in so quickly. The thought
of passing out worried me even more as my legs stiffened and started to feel
sore. My lungs burned like my eyes, tears making it hard to focus on the many
roots I could possibly trip on.
With my-fucking-luck, I tumbled forward, letting go of Sparky so he didn't get
hurt as bad as I would. My shoulder and part of my head hit the grass and dirt
beneath me first, the rest of my body thankfully falling into a failed
summersault instead of breaking my neck. My body fell to the ground and the
force brutally shoved me, a large tree root colliding with my backside. I
tensed as a sharp pain shot through my spine, my body stiffening immediately.
Whether it was from the pain or it hit pressure points, I don't know. My vision
had purple and black spots, slowly disappearing as I fought to keep
consciousness. The ringing in my ears left, loud footsteps echoing in my head.
So that I wouldn't dizzy myself any further, I slowly moved my hands in front
of me and tried to push myself up, although it did hurt.
A sudden shadow flew over my head when the knights were only a couple yards in
front of me, dirt and dust flying beneath it. I coughed, gasping when I looked
up to see a pair of four hooves creating that dust. Before I could examine the
rest of whoever that was, another shadow shot over me, rushing to the other
one. In fear, I quickly got up faster, noticing that the second being had a
large pair of pixie wings- Dawn. If I wasn't completely out of breath, I
would've called out to her. I swiftly examined who I assumed was Dawn and her
friend, realizing the hooves belong to a large horse, half a tall, human-like
torso connecting to where the head should be. I crawled over by towards the
where the root grew from, picking up Sparky and leaning onto the tree as I
watched as the hoofed creature kicked and shot arrows at the knights.
When the dust cleared, I wiped my eyes so that they wouldn't see that I was
crying. The knights either lay on the ground or had previously ran away. A
large beast, whom I had learned as a child were called 'centaurs', stood before
me, his dark rimmed glasses matching his near raven brown hair and
complimenting his olive green eyes. He was obviously way taller than me, even
if I stood up, and had his quiver thrown over his shoulder with his sheaths for
all weapons around his waist. The only source of armor I could see on him were
the leaf-engraved, metal cuffs on his wrists. Surprisingly, he wore a smile,
the heavy stubble and outstretched hand making it believable. Do I take it..?
"David!" A different man's voice whisper-yelled, the creature's head whipping
around to see the fairy whom until now I assumed was Dawn. He had dark brown
hair thrown back in a bun, the sides of his head cut to barely anything with
little patterns and possibly symbols that meant something. His skin was tan,
the stubble of a patchy beard decorating his face, with big, chocolate eyes
that took a glance of my existence. He wore something similar as to what the
men in the village would, except it was made entirely out of leaves, flowers,
linen, and other nature-like materials. Big, stunning wings on his back topped
off his marvelous, magical appearance, little shines of white, green, and baby
blue reflecting off of the- almost clear -appendages.
The fairy looked slightly agitated, elbowing the centaur- David -in the side as
he came closer. "He's not gonna take your hand, idiot; he's scared." He shot at
his taller friend, the beast taking several gentle steps backwards at the look
the shorter gave him, leaving me closer to the fairy. "Now," The fairy began as
he got down on one knee in front of me, "Are you alright, kid?" I tugged Sparky
closer and hummed in response, looking down when he acknowledged me as 'kid'.
"Oh, come on. You can do better than that." He smiled, resting his arms on his
leg. "Not bad, but it could be worse, I guess." I shrugged, feeling a little
guilty about not giving him a proper answer. "There we go. Was that so hard?"
He chuckled, Sparky's ears perking up in curiosity. The fairy's eyes widened
and he stumbled to get up, his wings fluttering randomly in panic as he took a
few quick steps back while staring at Sparky.
                                  "Kitsune.."
                                                                     As usual..
It angered me slightly that he couldn't've just taken a quick look at the white
fluff ball I was holding before approaching me. Fuck, I know I have to explain
the whole 'Sparky' thing to him, but do I watch my tone or not?! I gotta do it
fast.. "O-oh, w-wait- h-he's not gonna hurt you- he just.." I jumped up to
explain, nearly falling and dropping Sparky in the process. "He's not a wild
animal; he's just an ordinary pet.." I lied, words carefully trickling from my
wit. As they let the words sink in, David slowly took a few steps around the
fairy, a soft smile present on his lips and eyes twinkling with curiosity. On
his back, two little balls of fluff popped up, my eyes darting towards the
source of movement.
There lie two small creatures, both no bigger than Sparky, upon the centaur's
horse end, clicking and chirping with wonder as they made a bigger appearance.
They had miniature paws similar to a wolf's, but the way they sat like a human
and were overly furry I had doubted how they could ever use them. The creatures
had short muzzles and itty-bitty noses in contrast to their huge ears and big
eyes. One was smaller, therefore his eyes took up more of its face than the
other one did. Perhaps it was younger?
David picked up the younger one, holding it out in front of him. "D'is is
'Tony'." A deep voice erupted unexpectedly from his throat. He held a heavy
Berlin accent similar to my grandmother's, instantly picking up my interests.
However, the fairy beside him sent a cold glare, obviously not impressed with
his actions. The centaur was too focused on me to care- or even notice for that
matter. Tony yipped in his arms, squirming slightly as his tail wagged gently.
Tony's fur was patches of black and white, the tuff on his chest and- if it
could even be considered a neck -were all white, including the tail that curled
like an extremely fluffy leopard.
David's horse legs bowed down, folding neatly beneath him as he brought himself
to the forest floor. He placed Tony down, who toppled foolishly onto his feet,
and he grabbed the other creature. In fear of being impolite, I got down on my
knees as well, smiling at the overtrusting centaur too overly excited to show
me his pets. The next one David held had a tawny-brown leopard pattern with a
white underbelly and splotches. "An' d'is is 'Joe'." He introduced, placing Joe
down next to Tony. Joe had more of a simple bushy tail with a pointed end,
'though it could wag just as fast. I noticed the tint of brown gleaming through
their beady eyes, flinching when something had squirmed in my arms.
Sparky squeezed through my hands and trotted over, taking in their scent. It
was then did I remember David's brief introduction to his pets, so I decided to
return the favor. "That's 'Sparky'." I gestured to the kitsune, who whipped his
head around at his name. I snorted, David chuckling. "What are Tony and Joe,
exactly?" I wondered aloud, quite curious of the two critters befriending
Sparky. "Inari foxes." The fairy answered, much to my surprise. He finally got
down on his knees too, biting his lip as he watched the foxes play. "If you
don't even know what an inari fox is, you probably don't know shit about the
forest, kid. In other words: There's no way you're going to survive." He spoke
plainly, shifting his glance to me before he got elbowed by David.
"I know I'm going in here blind, but I didn't really have a choice." I
shrugged, messing with the tired fabric of one of my sleeves. "Huh. What
exactly are you then?" The fairy asked, throwing in how I had asked about Tony
and Joe. "'E looks like a magic type ta' me." David thought aloud, hand on his
chin as he studied me. I tried not to laugh at how cute it was, and the fairy's
smile he tried to hide spoke the same. "David, everybody here is magic, ya'
dingus." The other male giggled, his head bobbing down and wings fluttering to
create an almost animated reaction. I caught myself staring into space for a
moment, quickly changing my gaze to David facepalming with a grin upon his
lips. "I mean, like, a magic wielda'." He explained, his unique laugh trying to
cut him off. "Oh, so're you a witch? Demon? Wizard?" The centaur's friend
reckoned, turning his head to me as he made guesses from the robe.
I laughed, pressing two fingers to my temple to resemble my annoyance. "I'm a
sorcerer. Why does everybody confuse us with witches and wizards?" I explained,
still laughing a little at the stereotypical assumption. "You're a sorcerer?!"
The two exclaimed in unison, shock lacing their features- although, David had
more of an accent to his surprise. "Dude, d'ere hasn't been a sorcerer in d'a
forest in forever! 'Cept Nanners, o' course.." David mutters in amazement, the
fairy becoming weary like earlier. "Isn't that Elizabeth's amulet?" He half-
whispered, nudging David as he leant to get a better look. "'Pretty sure 'ers
wasn't purple.." David mumbled, squinting at the gemstones hung around my neck.
"How do you guys know my mom..?" I questioned fearfully, furrowing my eyebrows
and leaning back a bit. Shock went between their faces- as if they've realized
their whole entire life was a lie and they couldn't believe what they were
hearing -and after a few seconds of sinking in, they turned to each other,
shouting back at me in disbelief. "She had a kid?!" Startled, I jumped back,
hitting the tree immediately. "That wasn't the answer I was expecting.." I
grumbled to myself, panting as my heart rate was slowly slowing down. Taking in
a huff of breath, I let the tree hold its own weight, gently scratching my neck
as I explained. "She had four, actually. I'm the youngest." I pulled my hood
back, revealing myself to them.
"Daaaaaaamn." They unintentionally sang in unison, pulling back a little. "Who
was the father?" The fairy questioned rather quickly as he leaned forward in
interest. "Why'd t'e sorcera's disappear, anyhow? Where'd t'ey go?" David also
asked, curiously gleaming from his eyes. "Ooh, yeah! What happened? They all
just.. 'poofed'," The smaller male wondered, both looking at me for an answer.
"My father is Jolan Thompson," I began hesitantly, "And we went into hiding a
long time ago.." Their brows furrowed as they thought, David being the first
one to speak. "I t'ought Jolan was on d'e elves' side.." He muttered quietly.
"What exactly were you hiding from? Sorcerers are unstoppable and are extremely
hard to take down." His friend asked, both looking quite interested. "That's
the thing," I sighed, raking a hand through my hair, "I don't know."
"What do you mean you 'don't know'?" He questioned further, a little force to
his words. "I was never told! I was little when it happened and I was content
with the way things were- ish. They were my family and they probably knew
better than I did, so I never really questioned it." I explained, lifting my
hands in a mock surrender. The fairy flinched and jumped back, looking between
my face and my palms. "'The fuck do you think you're doing?!" He shouted at me,
wings fluttering in alarm. "Uh.. It's a peace gesture..?" I mumbled like it was
the most obvious thing in the world and because I really didn't know how to
explain it- which shouldn't be necessary. "Relax, Lui. Elizabeth probably
would've put 'er children near a village because she wanted d'em ta' live a
normal life, right? It's a t'ing 'umans do as ta' say t'ey mean no 'arm; d'e
exact opposite of a t'reat." The centaur reassured, Lui's wings easing as he
calmed.
The fairy huffed, nose twitching as he studied me again. Confused, I tucked my
hands behind me, deciding to move on. "Where do ye plan ta' 'ead next?" David
changed topics, Sparky's yip catching my attention as he jumped onto my lap and
onto my shoulders. "Uh... I have no idea. Maybe.. somewhere I could get help?"
I replied hopefully, grunting quietly as Sparky climbed onto my head and
emitted a playful growl and whine. I could feel the kitsune's tails thumping
excitedly against my neck and back, Joe hopping onto my lap with chirp as he
tried to get to Sparky. "We could take ya' to d'a Fairy Kingdom, if ye want."
David offered, smiling at his tiny companions trying to climb up my robe.
"Okay. We'll start there." I declared to myself with a deep breath, putting the
Inari Foxes to the ground and dusting off my robe as I sat up. I groaned and
clutched my spine, biting my tongue to relieve some of the pain. "'Ye alright,
bud?" The centaur asked, gathering his foxes and getting to his feet. Sparky
perched himself on my shoulder, allowing me to nod without him falling off. "I
just hit the tree really hard," I assured, regrettably straightening my back.
The fairy soon rose with us, elbowing David again to get him to say something.
"Oh! I believe intra'duction's necessary." He chuckled- as if to pardon for
being impolite -and bowed down, a hand across his chest as he nodded his head
and looked up. "Sir Daithi De Nogla, at yer service," Daithi announced,
standing up with a smile. "Eh- but just call the bugger 'David'."
My attention turned to the smaller male shrugging nonchalantly. "I'm 'Lui'.
That's i- ow!" He tried, glaring at his friend. Daithi had nudged him again,
offering a smile. "Prince Calibre, but just fucking call me 'Lui' for Christ's
sake. That shit's too fancy and doesn't even apply to me out here." Lui
reworded, scowling at the giant beside him. "Wait, wait, wait. Do you have a
sister? Princess Dawn?" I pried, probably asking a little too excitedly. "How
do you know her and why do you think we're related?" His eyes widened but I
could tell he tried to play it cool. "She was a friend of mine when I was
younger. You guys have the same last name, look alike, and are both royalty so
I assumed she might've been a sibling. I haven't seen her in years, though.." I
explained, scratching my head and smiling apologetically. "Was it afta' ye guys
went inta' hidin'?" Daithi wondered aloud, adjusting his weapons. "Yeah,
actually. Sparky was the only friend I had after we moved since I wasn't
allowed to leave camp."
The two looked between each other for a check of confirmation before Lui shook
is head and got a question out of the way. "Well, what's your name?" He rushed,
the kind, smiling face from when he asked if I was alright earlier returning.
"Craig Thompson." I speedily answered, mentally facepalming after my last name
slipped. "Well, Craig," He smiled, "We should probably get a move on if we want
to get to the kingdom quickly." And with that, we were on our way. I noticed
Lui wasn't one for using his wings, even though he'd get there quicker with
them. He said that he'd never leave Daithi on his own like that. Apparently,
partnering up to live in the forest is safer than walking alone. It's phrases
like that that almost make me not want to wonder why this other world was
forbidden in the first place.
"...Do ye wanna talk about what ye were cryin' over..?" Nogla asked out of the
blue, my eyes darting to his presence on my right. I guess my crying was
noticeable.. "Is it why you need help? 'Something to do with those knights?"
Lui added, currently sprawled out across David's backside. "Uh- Well, yeah... I
might've just lost my family..." I muttered to the ground, sniffling weakly
afterwards. Sparky's ears perked up on my shoulder, the kitsune nuzzling my
neck in an attempt to brighten my mood. "What happened..?" Lui dreadfully
wondered aloud, head raising to show he's listening. "It was just as normal a
day as any until those knights came out of nowhere and my mom tried to get me
as far away from it all as she could... Everybody else was there to protect the
village and I highly doubt they're alive right now.." I explained with a sigh,
Sparky still trying to get affection. "But sorcerers have, like, no weaknesses
and are unstoppable!" Calibre denied, possibly trying to make me feel better.
"Actually, we do have weaknesses. I can teach you them, if you like."
I had both of their undivided attention now, smiling at their eagerness. "Our
main one," I began, tugging off the clingy kitsune and cradling him in one arm.
"Vocal cords." I pointed to my mouth. "If we cannot speak to cast a spell, then
we only have our fists to defend ourselves. That's why it's dangerous for us to
get sick." I concluded, enjoying their faces light up. "Wait, really?!" The
fairy doubted, his voice full of disbelief. "Yeah, so if we don't have the
reflexes of a god, then anyone could just cover our mouths from behind and
knock us out," I added, scratching Sparky behind the ear. "I thought you guys
were gods..." Lui whined meekly, laying back down and going into deep thought.
"What if yer out o' breat'?" Daithi questioned, a set of fingers curled under
his chin. "Well, yes. If we physically can't speak well enough, or at all, then
we're fucked." I answered. "Huh.." He hummed to himself, turning to face the
wilderness ahead.
We continued on our journey, Sparky later jumping down to enjoy the scenery up
close. The silence was content between us, which I would say they were just
thinking while my idiotic fox was examining the new world with me. Eventually,
Lui dozed off and we laughed at him, but we let him rest for awhile anyway.
And, like the retard I am, I barely noticed the change of color in the area.
Green leaves were now rich indigo and deep violet, colorful plants along that
scheme accompanying lilac grass. "Where the hell are we?" I whispered to
myself, finding a small ombré to the grass. "T'e forest, o' course," Daithi
answered, obviously grinning at my awe. I scoffed, rolling my eyes and admiring
the view. I craned my neck upon seeing a small clearing of color, running up to
a beautiful lake.
The fading sun hit the water through the trees just right, small aquatic plants
sprouted, long pink and purple vines full of blossoms dangled from sturdy
branches, petals and leaves were scattered throughout the sparkling, aquamarine
water, and a thick, ingrown tree sufficed as a small bridge across it. The
ecosystem of tiny creatures intrigued me, a tiny ball of pink and white fluff
darting under a bush. A bird that looked a lot like a purple, indigo, and white
woodpecker swooped down and landed on a tree, a small nest full of chirping
babies beneath it. A group of hummingbirds floating around the vines looked
actually quite normal for this scene with their bright colors. Koi fish with
different pinks, purples, or blues replacing the red, black, or orange swam
beneath pink and purple basilisks. Something of an emu strutted on the other
side, a tiny, frail chicklet following behind her. Striking purple features
layered their pale yellow feathers, eyes matching the water less than a foot
away from them.
"Wow," I breathed, taking in the glorious sight before me. "Beautiful, isn't
it?" Daithi sighed contently, emerging from my right. "Why was the forest
forbidden again?" I asked sarcastically, my eyes following a small mammal
trying to hide in the leaves. "Well, d'ere's a lot more pain t'an beauty;
you'll die in t'e most stupides' way possible if yer not careful," David
replied, taking a deep breath before trotting over to the bent tree. "I don't
see any harm here." I addressed, trailing Nogla to the lakeside. "We're lucky
to 'ave even found a safe place like d'is. 'Could've been a croc' or somet'in'
else hidin' to come kill our arses." He explained, hopping onto the log with
minimal effort. Is the forest really that cruel? 'Better not let my guard down
then. Sparky leaped onto the tree as well, the makeshift bridge creaking and
groaning as Daithi went further. "Are you sure this is safe?" I fretted, taking
a step onto the large plant with them. "Uh, 'not a 'undred percent sure, but
y'know.. i's good 'nough." He shrugged, Lui's wings twitching in his sleep.
I gulped, carefully maneuvering onto the tree. I tried my best to take light
steps, all of our weights combined making the tree bend profusely. "I-I don't
think this thing is going to hold a-all of us.." I shook, hearing a faint snap.
"Nonsense; we'll be f'ne," Daithi assured, the tree snapping more. I tiptoed
behind them, the old plant suddenly breaking beneath our feet. "Ortho-Struct-
Arbor!" I shouted in panic, stretching out my hands as the tree fell. Within
seconds, the tree reattached to its roots and rebuilt its rings, holding
together strongly under my hands' silent command. Lui screamed and I noticed
his face inches above the log and the rest of his body slipping as he panicked
himself awake and his wings fluttered back to life. Perhaps in the moment of
panic he forgot how to use them. David's legs were shaking lightly and Sparky
was crouched to the log looking back at me. "Heh.. I-I was just testing you; I
knew it w-as going to break." David laughed jokingly after Lui's vocal cords
stopped once he realized we weren't falling to his death, a hint of playfulness
and nervousness to his voice. Besides the water and the animals Lui scared away
with his scream, the tree creaking and everyone's heavy breaths filled the
silence.
I held my hands out as we one by one got off the log. At my turn, I spun around
just in case the tree would break if my hands weren't facing it correctly. I
let out a sigh of relief as my feet touched purple grass again, looking in
Daithi's direction with an apologetic smile. Calibre was gathering himself, a
faint blush to his cheeks as he stood. Surprisingly, Nogla was looking more
embarrassed and guilty than the two of us combined, awkwardly scratching his
neck once he was one hundred percent sure that his little prince was okay. "So,
um.. Next time, don't go all at once then." He chuckled, shrugging with a
nervous smile as his own face started to flush. I grinned widely in response,
continuing our journey. The duo stayed in front of me and Sparky, this time
Calibre walking because he didn't want to die in his sleep.
The pinks, purples, and blues slowly dispersed into green again, calming my
senses with the lush familiarity. Soon the trees grew thicker and a mass of
cute chirping similar to Tony's and Joe's got closer and closer. "Excuse me,
but, if you don't mind me asking, where are we? And not just 'the forest', I'd
like to know what segment of the forest." I piped up, noticing a few trees up
ahead with pale pink leaves while other's had pale green. "Well, I t'ought we'd
make a side d'tour since it's gettin' late an' I'm pretty sure restin' in an
unsafe place at night is not how ye'd want ta' end t'e day," David began,
dragging a string of leaves to the side like a curtain. "Welcome to t'e 'ome of
Inari Foxes." He smiled, Lui skipping in with Tony and Joe. Taking a deep
breath, I slid through, noticing the thick roots of trees and branches and
vines going this way and that up above. The stubby, little balls of fluff
roamed happily in the trees, varieties of colors and shapes going through their
fur.
"T'e world's cutest companions," Nogla muttered to himself with a content sigh.
I smiled. God, he was adorable. "'Still don't see why I wasn't allowed out
here..." I mumbled to myself, mouth still partially open at the amount of
Inaris that my eyes can see. Several chirps, in particular, get louder, making
my turn my head to see a few foxes full of interest as they approach me from
low branches. "Hey, little guys," I greet, slowly sticking my hand out to sniff
with a smile. I gasp when a small, pink one goes to jump instead, quickly
thrusting my other hand out to catch it in time. "Jesus- what is with you?" I
chuckled, thumbs brushing up against the pale fur. Its frail, wolf paws wobbled
in the air as it rolled to its back, cute, green eyes looking back up at me. I
gave in to the urge to cradle it, a soft grin twitching at my lips as I gently
stroked the baby's fur. I traced where the colors begin to darken from aging,
sighing contently.
Another chirp caught my attention, followed by the meow of some kind of cat.
Neither of these noises belonged here, causing me to investigate. I held the
fox closer to me as I tip-toed quietly through the trees. My head darted in the
direction where the calls repeated, which was very close by. I crouched down,
spotting a creature I've never seen or heard of before. A spotted cat of some
sort with bird-like features. It had short, parchment-colored fur with darker
spots of different types of wild cat layering the tan. Magnificent, brown eyes
popped in contrast with the other browns, ears of a grayish beige matching the
ends of the wings and the tail feathers rooting above an actual cat tail. Its
chest was lighter, matching the underbelly, while feathers scattered throughout
its fur and littered its chest. Its right front paw had three toes replaces
with a tar-colored bird claw, part of its foot and leg being more bird-like
than the rest; the limb was practically half bird.
It snarled at something, shifting its position so that I noticed a toe in the
back being a bird claw as well. I openly gawked at it, the feline flinching and
turning towards me. I didn't move in case it would either run away or attack.
Its eyes lit up, immediately walking towards me with its head slightly bowed. I
slowly hid the Inari away as it got closer, reaching a hand out to touch it
once it broke my personal space bubble. The back of my fingers brushed up
against its cheek as it looked up with eyes full of wonder, seeming to scan and
search for something. "Well, hello there," I snorted, sliding my palms down its
pelt to a safe spot to pick it up. I scooped it up gently, holding it like a
child as I stood up. I wonder if Daithi or Lui know about whatever this is.
"Craig! Where'd you go?!" Speaking of Calibre... "Get yer arse over 'ere!"
Daithi's shout joined his. The feline's ears shot back, two creatures of the
same structure appearing from the thicket and shyly trotting towards us.
My eyes met with dainty, light blue ones, the rest of their body being an
elusive black that shined hints of purple green and blue in the right lighting.
Unlike the one I was holding, this creature had a bird head; a crow one at
that. And their two front legs were both those of a bird, along with most of
the front of the body's frame. The other one, however, had the head of a Blue
Jay, chocolate brown eyes full of hope, and the hind of a grayish-white cat
with short-ending black stripes. The two at my feet looked a lot smoother and
perfected than the one in my arms, defined shoulder blades and proportional
features. It made me question the one with a feline head. "Craig?!" I jumped,
remembering the others. I debated bringing them back, finding it best to put
the curious animal on the ground and returning to my friends. I spotted them,
rushing towards the duo and fishing the Inari out of my robe.
"'Fuck, there you are, Craig! Where the hell did you go?" Lui questioned,
seeming half worried and half amused. "Uh- I got distracted?" I blurted out,
throwing in a questionable smile as I held the fox up higher. Daithi snorted
and turned to lead the way while Calibre shook his head. He looked as if he
wanted to say something, yet the prince's mouth stayed shut with a grin. As we
followed Daithi, the Inari Foxes become more eager and interested as they
noticed me holding one of their own. And by the time we arrived at David's
location of desire, I was covered in Inari Foxes all yipping for attention,
making Daithi giggle when he turned around. He had brought us to an area where
the trees and their roots dipped in and the leaves and branches provide more
cover. "'Need help?" Nogla chuckled, offering a hand to the overwhelming amount
of foxes covering me in fur and affection. "Please," I answered, a sigh of
relief releasing from my lungs along with a laugh of my own.
After removing most of the foxes carefully, we found ourselves comfortable
spots upon the trees, Lui foraging some plants to make it comfier for his
wings. As soon as I laid down, however, my back stung and I tensed. I guess I
sustained some bruises from the fall, but, thankfully, nothing serious. I tried
situating myself so that I was comfy, eventually finding a position where I
wasn't really lying on my back at all. A soft chirping arose as I tucked my
belongings away safely, and I made room for the Inari Foxes joining me in our
slumber. Sparky jumped up out of nowhere and pushed his way through until his
snout was buried under my chin and his tiny body was up against mine. I smiled.
"Jealous bastard," I whispered half-heartedly, closing my eyes and embracing
the much-needed sleep that knocked me out like a light.









Chapter End Notes
     I've been wanting to do a QnA recently...
      
      
     It makes me smile already seeing fanart before the show started :')
     (Fanart, drabbles, ect. should have @whyamiwhat tagged in them on
     Tumblr so I can see!)
End Notes
     Just wondering when I should let you know I'm only thirteen...
      
      
     ...Just made you not want to read it, huh?
      
      
     Boom. I'm fourteen now.
      
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