WARNING! GRAPHIC THEMES (GORE AND VIOLENCE).

Anthony could feel as if his soul will leave his body any moment from now. He could only hear his throat releasing a blood-curdling scream; he is clinging his dear life to the fur of a Fenrir—a mythical beast that is one of Artemisia's familiar. It's currently giving them a rather very swifty ride. Artemisia told them that she'll train them how to use their powers. Especially Anthony—who has the most responsibility of all—free some souls on which he's not sure if he could accomplish.

He's with Aegir, Vin, and Artemisia and fortunately, they fit perfectly on their current mode of transportation. Although that transportation can gnaw a person to bits and pieces. He couldn't even understand why Aegir is okay with all of these.  The cat is even sightseeing to the view;  eyes sparkling in excitement while the darn bunny, Vin—he even has the guts to feel sleepy even if they're riding a BEAST not a car,  but a freaking beast!

The beast is massive, for Anthony, its size is that of two grizzly bears. It has an ashen fur with hints of black and white in its back, neck and legs. Its face surprisingly resembles that of a wolf but with a more menacing aura and crimson colored eyes.

And yes, it sure is a mythical beast. Anthony has many questions and doubts but... does he have a choice? Certainly not.

He could only fix his gaze to the creature and convince himself that it's just a very oversized dog.

In this world, apart from creatures just like Aegir and nymphs, there's also mythical creatures that do not belong to the races of the guardians nor they're one of the guardians. They are creatures who remained neutral and independent over the millennium. They earned their rights to exist without being asked to choose sides because their powers are equal or can exceed the power of a guardian especially if they were given a chance to further evolve.

Mythical creatures are once normal animals or creatures exposed in an abnormal amount of magic.  If they could survive the exposure—they'll evolve.

"Are you okay? " Anthony heard Aegir's voice. Aegir just sat next to him. Aegir could see Anthony's face that resembles a ghost; pale and almost his blood is running away from his body. His hands were also shaking.

”H-Help... me... “ Anthony stared at Aegir with a pitiful look.  Aegir could only face palm in response. 

Fortunately, they're sitting and Aegir is quite sure that there's no strength left on his master's legs for him to properly stand.

Aegir just shook his head in mixture of disappointment and pity to his master.  He put his hand on his master's shoulder and gently tapped it for moral support. ”You can probably do it!”

Anthony's usual messy bun hairdo now turned into a mess, his bangs covering his eyes and as if he can now eat his own hair strands.

He's certainly not okay! No way! No freaking way!

And as if the Fenrir found his misery a glee—it increased its pace. And just like a damsel in distress or worst a banshee—Anthony screeched.

Hearing that the noise won't go away any time soon,  the sleepy and rather annoyed bunny, Vin who was seating at the back of where Artemisia was,  took his earpods from his pocket.

”Ugh! Can just someone shut him up? ” he suggested, closing his eyes in annoyance.  When no one answered his motion,  he increased the volume of his earpods to max volume. 

Saving himself from yet another ear-piercing screaming from Anthony.

"No! Fuck! Fuck! I am dying!" Anthony doesn't know what to think and feel anymore nor he could hear how noisy he is at the moment.

He could feel like his skin will peel off from his body if the speed will remain as it is. To make things worse, their transportation is running on the damn sky! According to Artemisia, it is to avoid traffic and unnecessary inconvenience to other people who will not see it anyways.

And it's so weird why he's the only one who fears the altitude.  They're just acting like it's a normal joy ride!

They're using a magic that distorts reality but it couldn't restore damages if ever the furry canine appendage hit some or the cars or buildings—or people.

Anthony could feel his palm sweating and he just hoped his grasp would not slip. "Fuck! So high! So high! " he almost chanted. He could feel his lips run dry already from screaming and his heart felt like it wanted to escape from his chest.

Anthony wouldn't dare to set his eyes below. The fear of falling and dying on the spot just intensifies. He can clearly say what's there below: Tall buildings and skyscrapers of New Gorgon each made from glass and metal. One wrong fall, his bones will be powderized and a chance of no survival. And if he's unlucky enough, he might fall on the new mall being constructed. Being skewered by the metal poles surely is not fun!

Artemisia, who is absolutely amused by the reaction, laughed heartily. "Don't worry, we're near. You need to be okay, boy. We'll need you." Artemisia tapped her familiar's head; seemingly consoling the beast and not him who desperately needed it the most.

"We'll enter one of the alleys. Hopefully with you around, we'll be able to free those souls, " she continued,  leaning her body forward as she set her eyes firmly to the direction leading to one of the alleys of New Gorgon. 

She removed her hands out of her familiar and arranged the sleeves of her vest.  Realizing that her braid is near to becoming undone; she took the tie off and untangled her braid, changing her hairstyle into a more comfortable high ponytail.

Aegir,  in awe of Artemisia not scared of falling from the beast, cleared his throat to speak.  "How can you still move and not fall? My master here..." Aegir motioned his lips to Anthony's sorry direction.  "...is clinging on to his dear life.  I am afraid your familiar will go bald after this. " Due to Aegir's statement,  not only Artemisia found herself snickering but also Vin who removed his earpods for a while to join in the conversation. He was rubbing his eyes; trying his best not to sleep.

"Of course he is my dear companion.  I trust him.  I won't fall. " She smiled and even gave a thumbs up. "You should relax yourself too,  boy, " she said,  referring to Anthony who in turn didn't have the chance to give a reply because he is still busy croaking like a raven.

Artemisia,  who commonly wore extravagant Victorian dresses and mysteriously eerie cloaks, now looked extremely casual and normal with her white polo topped with a blue vest in a checkered pattern and a white pants.  She was not wearing any makeup but a subtle eyeliner used to define her eyes feature;  it made her eyes look more naturally intense and highlighted her beautiful thick brows.  She's also wearing lip balm, accentuating her natural pinkish lips. 

And if Aegir looked feminine with his features,  who could've thought he's not the only one who is blessed with androgynous features.

Amidst all the ruckus;  the mode of transportation that is the cause of all these—the Fenrir,  whose name is Alucard has the guts to yawn and howl softly.  Not because he is bored but he's tired of all the dramas.

'What if I'll just throw this boisterous halfling below just like what he's fearing for me to do? '

A thought crossed the mythical beast's mind as he rolled his eyes and mouth in a tight frown. 

He's already doing them a favor to cater their heavy asses,  of course apart from his master;  yet he couldn't have a moment of peace.

If Anthony's throat hurts from all the screaming—the poor Fenrir feels like he'll go deaf and bald after the ride is over.

-

Anthony breathed a sigh of relief when the Fenrir landed on an empty playground.  ”Yay! Finally! A safe landing! ” Anthony couldn't help but to lace sarcasm to his words.  Feeling thankful that he was still able to see the land without fatal injuries. 

It's already near 4pm and there are no kids or people around using the playground,  they may have hurried home in fear of going home at night where all those cases of killings usually were happening.

Anthony remembered that before there even existed a carnival that functions until midnight but ever since the killings started happening,  majority of the people are scared to even go out at night aside from those who have bodyguards or are just plain stubborn to follow rules. 

The city government of Styx Kaleido already issued a city wide curfew but unfortunately it's not strictly implemented because the people who should've implemented it are also scared of dying for the sake of saving their citizens. 

So much for their empty promises during the election.

Vin,  who is behind Anthony, fished a gold watch from his pockets, now face stern and serious.  He pointed his fingers out of the playground on which there's an alley.  "We'll be going down that alley.  We're quite sure there'll be a remnant of a carnage there.  Remember to stick behind us,  we're not sure if they already left the alley, " Vin warned them.

Upon hearing what Vin said,  Anthony gulped down his saliva.  He knew what kind of 'carnage' was that.  Afterall,  he did witness a bloody scene when he first encountered Aegir and saved him. 

He is not afraid of grotesque scenes or seeing dead bodies because he'd already steeled himself when he chose studying forensic pathology but he worries about his and Aegir's life and safety.

Heaven is a good place but he certainly doesn't want his admission to be too soon.

Aegir,  on the other hand, excitedly scanned his surroundings.  He has always liked playgrounds. Although he can change into his 'human' form before,  he chose not to but to stick on his cat form to ask for food from kids and their families. 

He really wants to play and have fun together with Anthony and their cats.

The cat was too comfortable to worry and mind what he could witness later on. Naivety is a bliss but it's also a scheming traitor.

Aegir tugged Anthony's sleeves to get his attention;  grinning from ear to ear,  he showed his cutest 'kitty eyes'.  "Can we go here again on the weekends? When we're already free? Please? " he blinked his eyes repeatedly to act cute.  Anthony,  although tensed,  upon witnessing Aegir's cute forest green eyes, smiled back and gave him a pat on the head. 

Aegir and their cats existence really made Anthony's resolve stand firm... Stay alive.

"Sure thing. " Anthony turned his direction to Artemisia and Vin.  Artemisia is just happily staring at both of them while the latter is frowning for some reason.

And honestly,  Anthony doesn't care.  He just wants to finish his task here and go home.  Although he doesn't understand why this stupid bunny always has that ugly look whenever he's talking with Aegir... does he have no family or a close friend?

'Dear Lord,  please keep us safe.  I don't want to see you soon. ' Anthony offered a short prayer in his mind;  clasping his hand together and fisting his knuckles for a push of confidence.

"Shall we go? " Anthony laughed nervously.  He stared at the Fenrir behind Artemisia which is scratching its paw on the cold ground; creating a noise as if it's trying to tell them something or it's just getting bored.

"Will he stay here? " Anthony motioned his index finger to Artemisia's familiar;  which in turn stopped what it's doing and stared directly in his eyes.

Anthony yelped in response.  "Oh,  no.  He's coming with us. " Artemisia distanced herself from her familiar; giving it a bigger space. 

Upon finishing her sentence,  making no room for questions;  the Fenrir stepped forward,  it raised its paw.  A blue light surrounded it until some of the specks materialize rune characters.  Some rune characters were Uruz;  a rune that looks like a column cut in a diagonal line.  It symbolizes strength,  wisdom,  and tenacity as well as violence and stubbornness.  The second rune character were Thurisaz that looks like a pole with a flag and just like the first one—it is a destructive force yet it also symbolizes protection and new beginnings.  The last rune which found its way in the Fenrir's forehead was Kenaz,  a rune that resembles a less than symbol, found in mathematics.  Upon its imprinting on the creature's forehead a pale blue flame encased the Fenrir until the once massive creature's body sank into a size resembling the people around him. 

Anthony dumbfoundedly looked at the scene unfolding in front of him.  His brows furrowed in confusion as he clasped his hand on his head. 

He doesn't know what to think for the nth time.  'Hehe.  Relax,  Anthony.  Just think that this scene will also help you in terms of writing a transformation scene. ' He tried to convince himself once again,  swallowing his saliva constantly. 

From a four legged creature,  it becomes a two-legged one with arms and legs and a face resembling a human with piercing crimson eyes and braided ashen hair with white highlights.  He also has ashen wolf ears with a silver cross piercing and tail. 

He leaned forward and bowed politely.  "My name is Alucard,  as you all know, I am a mythical beast familiar.  And I'll be the one teaching the halfling for today per my master's order. " A sweet smile plastered on the man's face;  showing his visible fangs.

Anthony heard Aegir clapping his hands;  seemingly impressed by the transformation and the human form of the Fenrir.

Running his hand through his hair in distress;  Anthony chuckled skittishly.

If it's not just embarrassing to pee in his pants at the very moment; he'll wee himself a puddle. 

Anthony and even Aegir were not prepared that riding a Fenrir and seeing it transform is a much more bearable option than what can scar them and remind them of a fateful encounter they had that had led them to danger...

-

An absolute bloody scene welcomed their sight.  They all covered their nose with their hands as the stink of blood registered on their sense of smell.  Blood splattered on the graffitied wall inside the alley;  some blood was fresh,  colored red and dripping from the wall to the floor and some was already dried, turning brown and starting to blacken.  There's also a crack on the wall;  a visible impact where the fresh blood gathered as if someone was thrown into it.  Below it was a garbage chute with a lifeless body of a cat-person missing some of its limbs, its face unrecognizable with a broken nose and a dislocated jaw.  The body was already beginning to swell and bloat. 

It was not the only one that could be found there.  Puddle of blood and oozes coated the cemented floor.  There's also bits and pieces of skin scattered on the floor and some body parts: a finger,  a rotting eye,  and a person's scalp that fell off a person's head.  On the left and right side of the place were also cadavers of animal people and even humans bathed in greenish brown liquid and infested by numerous maggots. 

Anthony could feel his stomach turned upside down by the scene.  The bodies have numerous injuries and he believes that they suffer tremendously before succumbing to their untimely passing. There's also broken knives and swords around showing that these people tried to fight for their lives but miserably failed.

There's too many. The place was used to murder countless people repeatedly.

His heart sank as a heavy feeling occupied his chest.  "Dear God," he whispered under his breath; his hand tight in a fisted grip.

He imagined those people's desperate plea to be saved and countless useless attempt to escape.  There's also two bodies in the left side that even in death,  they chose to remain together;  facing each other with their hands clasped together.

He could hear Aegir start to sob; shoulders shaking in fear. Anthony reached for him and enveloped the cat in a tight embrace. He could feel his throat getting heavy and eyes beginning to wet and water.

Patting Aegir's head softly,  he tried to comfort him.  "I am right here.  You're not alone.  No one's going to hurt you, " he gently cooed at the cat who's crying on his chest.  Using the sleeve of his shirt,  he wiped off his own tears.  Trying to hold it in for Aegir's sake.

He's also petrified.  He can also remember what he had seen last time, how Aegir was desperately clawing his way for his life and how someone did it without remorse; smiling and laughing as if ending someone's life is a sort of entertainment—but for Aegir,  he needed to be a little strong. Just a little bit. 

Still holding Aegir to his arms;  he gazed at Alucard,  the Fenrir whose face doesn't register emotions but with hands uncontrollably shaking.  As if he knew how hard it is for Aegir. 

"What do I need to do? " his voice was obviously stuttering;  he was nervous.  It is his first time to do all of these. 

Alucard gave him a steady eye-contact;  studying his expressions.  "Don't worry,  for your comfort,  I'll be the one examining the bodies first.  We need to know the extent of the damage and injuries before your turn.  At least we'll know how to fix them,  even if we cannot bring them back to life;  we can give them a proper and complete body before giving them repose. " Alucard eyed the bodies;  eyes with a melancholic expression that Anthony never expected to see on a terrifying beast.

"We will start with the body in the garbage chute then I'll teach you how to channel your ability.  We will do it one step at a time, " Alucard continued.

Anthony motioned Vin to take care of Aegir, which the bunny immediately did as he had told.  Aegir,  on the other hand, followed obediently;  hiccuping and never looking back on where the corpses lay.

Anthony stepped forward.  "I'll do it.  I can do it. " Without waiting for Fenrir's reply,  he walked closely to the body in the garbage chute. 

Upon closer look,  Anthony could tell that the creature died by blunt trauma on the head.  There's also a jaw dislocation and broken nose that is probably caused by giving a rather inhumane heavy blow to the face.  There might've some distance where the creature received the blow;  the impact caused the body to be brutally flown to the wall.  There's also some deep cuts in their shoulders and abdomen which caused them to bleed preposterously.

Anthony cleared his throat and spoke.  "They died because of the blunt trauma their head suffered from the impact.  Even if they could survive it;  they'll eventually die because of blood loss because of their wounds. The wounds were diagonal and deep; a knife or a dagger may be the case of it. " He closed his eyes,  trying to continually speak even if he feels that sooner or later his words might left him.

He just want to scurry away to the corner.  Because he knew that those injuries were so painful.  Those... murderers not only they steal their souls but give their victim an antagonizing death. 

He only learned all of these in books and his professor's lectures.  But seeing this up close;  he wants to puke in pure disgust,  not to the victims condition but to the audacity of those who can stomach to do something so horrible.

Anthony leaned and examined the victim's skin and muscles to determine their time of death. He noticed that body also began to become stiff and the skin started to suffer discoloration.  "The body is now in the process of rigor mortis. Their muscles are beginning to go tense and their skin losing its healthy color.  The body also began to bloat,  this may be due to the hot temperature that this alley has that caused the abdominal gasses to go through putrefaction earlier than expected.  Based on the color of their blood which still seems fresh.  They may have died 12-24 hours ago.  " Anthony bit his lip,  trying to stop himself from uttering strings of curses. 

The people around Anthony on the other hand just stared in awe on how detailed his findings were.  Although his words stagger and his hand shaking;  he never missed a beat.

And for Vin who already has a list of judgements he had of Anthony,  he crossed one out of the list.  Anthony was not a total idiot.

I should've added the first time Anthony tries his powers.  But I feel this update will be way too long, this may exceed to 5k words and that'll be too dragging. I won't serve it to y'all half-cooked.  So,  I'll just add it in the next chapter... next week.

Update schedule: Every Wednesday or Thursday.