- Anserini -

For a moment, it was as if the whole planet had stopped moving, no one moved, quiet being the only sound heard.

At the same time, something stood up from inside the crates. To the left, a creature in a white cloak and bandaged face looked at Delphinium, its black eyes burning holes into his skull. To the right, a taller, manlier looking figure dressed in a black cloak. As if the pair could read minds, with one foot at a time they got out of their crates and stood side by side. With a slight frown, Delphinium noticed that both their hands were restrained with metal cuffs. He warily approached the pair and with a wave of his hand the cuffs were gone.

The two creatures glanced down at their wrists, then at each other. With a slight nod, they looked back at Delphinium and his companions and knelt down on one knee. 

Delphinium had never had anyone do such a thing towards him. He had witnessed towns folk kneel to other Rulers, but never for him. Delphinium didn't have people, he had animals. They thanked him by leaving berries at his door and singing in the morning, never bowing. 

When they didn't budge from their positions Delphinium let out a huff. 

Teasel watched as Delphinium placed his hands on each of their shoulders and gave them a squeeze, then pulled away. It was then that they rose from the ground and looked at the sagacious man expectantly.

At that moment, a loud noise expanded across the woods. Heads turned in the direction and faced the flying light. It swooped by the cabin and around the nearby trees, flying back into the dead bush.

The white creature, Mallow, and the black creature, Laburnum, then seemed to understand what was going on.

They had heard rumours about Delphinium, and from what they've heard it was obviously the truth. Behind the man was a lush green path amongst the black pestilence. As Delphinium and his companions had made their way to the cabin, the forest grew back to its original state. They had never seen such a colour, so green and lush.

The two never had time to exult over the richness as a screech of a battle cry like sound and the whooshing of wings echoed throughout the wood. The dead trees swayed as the gusts of wind ran into them.

Delphiniums head darted up to the sky looking to find the culprit, although he knew all too well who had done it. 

In a second, they were huddled in the corner of the cabin, Mallow and Laburnum beside Delphinium, accompanied by a squeaky mouse and beast. With a snap of his fingers, the five of them had been turned invisible.

Everyone's head turned to one side of the house as loud footsteps made their way from the back of the wooden structure to the front door. Teasel grabbed onto his tail and chewed the end nervously. For the twins, they remained silent, not a hint of fear in the air.

The group didn't budge as another cry was let out, followed by the disturbing sound of Oleander's creatures being formed together. The sound was like a mating call, only far worse. The Goldenrods, Oleander’s strongest of men, could blow into a horn that would attract every creature that was nearby. Doing so, each creature would morph together to form the desired animal or weapon. Laburnum visually flinched, as did Mallow, as the noise called more creatures out of their homes. It was as if they too, were being called.

Teasel curled himself further into the beast’s mane as the horrific noises continued, chimera wracking his brain.

Delphinium clung tightly to his sickle, preparing himself mentally for what was to come.

The cracking of bones had soon faded but was replaced by an even louder step. The noise was coming closer and closer to the door. Soon, a large shadow was seen from the small slit under the door, followed by a low knock that resonated in the small room. No one moved. The circle knob started to turn but was unable to open. In frustration, the Goldenrod turned and walked away.  

It wasn’t until Teasel had squeaked that the Goldenrod had really shown his presence. In just a couple of seconds the house was in pieces, as if something from the inside had caused enough pressure for the house to expand and burst.

Delphinium finally took action, quickly transporting his companions away from the conflagration. Delphinium stood between the burning remains, the Goldenrod and black mass. His sickle in hand slowly started to glow once more as the mass finally took shape, warning him of danger.

A now large solid dragon stood by the Goldenrod. The sleek black scales and long spikes illuminated as Delphinium took another step closer. A large puff of smoke came out of its nose as it exhaled, its golden eyes set on Delphinium. As fast as it charged, Delphinium quickly saw through it and swiftly struck it with his sickle. The black mass' body morphed around the blade, seemingly unharmed. The dragon let out a shrill noise, piercing Delphinium's ears for only a moment, as if mocking him. 

Delphinium no longer wanted to fight. 

He took a step forward, the grass changing colour as he does so. As he approaches, so does the dragon, its large teeth showing as it opened its mouth. A large beam of light illuminated them as Delphinium's sickle pierced through the mass easily. It stood there for a few seconds before tumbling onto the ground, immobile. It was then that bit by bit, the pieces of the dragon lifted off of the mass, floating up in the air. 

The Goldenrod didn't move for the longest moment. His expressions were hidden behind his gold helmet which was accompanied by a black armoured suit. On his hip was a gold belt holding the horn and multiple small knives. A long blade with a golden pommel and grip was attached to his back. Delphinium assumed he was familiar with the art of sword fighting and immediately thought of every way to defeat the Goldenrod.

As the Goldenrod raised his hand and started to raise the helmet, a loud crack of lightning resonated. Delphinium looked up in time to see Mallow and Laburnum in mid-air, their arms out of their cloak. Red string was wrapped around their arms to the tips of their fingers, which was usually hidden in their cloaks. 

Delphinium turned again and faced the now dead Goldenrod, laying on the ground with three triangular knives embedded in his armour. 

Delphinium simply walked over to the bodies and collected a piece of the dragons scale, putting it into a tiny jar that was in the inner pocket of his cloak.

             ▲▼▲

Delphinium lifted up his hood as the clouds above let down the dark substance. The black water touched down on the twins’ cloak and sizzled away. Unfortunately for Gladiolus, it just stained his brown hair.

Teasel had stationed himself safely under the flap of the saddle bag, his head peeking out but away from the water.

Delphinium had considered the thought of having lost the light they’d been chasing but for some reason he knew he was going the right way. The group had collected themselves after the Goldenrod’s appearance and got back onto the path. They were currently nearing the edge of the forest where the trees met the tall black grass. It was known as a deserted prairie. It was here that you could see miles and miles ahead. 

It was also known to be an illusion.

As they approached the last rows of trees, the said light had reappeared. Everyone’s head turned to the sudden source of light as it floated in the distance, then flew towards the group. Small amounts of white dust dropped from it and landed all over them as it buzzed over them, then dashed back towards the prairie. Their eyes followed the butterfly-like creature as it gracefully flew between the trees, then out of sight. To Delphinium's order, Gladiolus quickened his pace, catching up to the glowing butterfly.

The figure stopped, seemingly letting them catch up, causing Gladiolus to slow to a walk. Mallow and Laburnum, now standing on either side of Delphinium, tilted their heads and processed what was in front of them. They both felt a twinge of a pull towards the figure as it flapped its wings just meters away from them.

Gladiolus kept walking till his head was a couple of centimetres away from the figure. His eyes wide with curiosity, wondering if it would fly away once more. 

Delphinium slowly reached out, the flowers tangled in his antlers blowing in the sudden breeze. Teasel peeked out from the bag, letting out a squeak as he looked up at the man. Delphinium plucked away the sparkles that lay on Gladiolus’ mane, then reached up for the butterfly. As the tips of his fingers brushed against it‘s wings, everything was engulfed in darkness.