“They say that there is a feral beast that lives up in the mountains. It may grant you that which you seek. But for a price.”
It took days to find it.
Days of crawling overtop rocks, camping under overhangs, pushing myself despite lack of food or sleep. My hands were rubbed raw, my vision blurry with fatigue, but I pressed onward. I had to find it.
Failure wasn’t an option.
When I reached its lair, a small cave at the very top, I hesitated, unsure of how to continue.
“Hello?” I called out, not really expecting an answer.
The creature stepped slowly out of the cave, watching me. I didn’t know what I had expected, but not this. It was the size of a bear, walking on four paws. Scales were interspersed between the silver shimmering fur. A long tail, similar to a lion extended behind it, twitching with anticipation. Its head resembled a large wolf , except for the eyes… large, bright green eyes, they looked almost human.Silence stretched between us. It stared at me and I stared back. I couldn’t speak, the words stuck in my throat.
WHY DO YOU COME HERE MORTAL?
I heard the voice in my head, echoing slightly. I shook free from the trance it had held me in.
“I hear that you can grant wishes… for a price.”
It didn’t answer for a few moments, watching me, studying me closely.SPEAK YOUR WISH.
Okay, it was now or never. I gathered my courage and spoke it all in a single breath.
“I wish that my friend Claryn could be alive again.”
It turned its head slightly, curious.
“Look, it’s my fault she died. I was sick, she was coming to visit me… and then some guys caught her and…” I swallowed hard, unable to continue beyond a single quiet plea
“please.”
The silence tore at me. Finally it sighed.I CANNOT RAISE THE DEAD.
I let out the breath I had been holding. I wouldn’t cry. I wouldn’t break down. I had known this was a possibility. I had to keep pushing forward. I held its gaze.
“Then I wish for revenge on the bastards who killed her.”
It smiled, showing large, bloodstained teeth.THAT, I CAN DO.
“What will it cost?”
THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.
I didn’t hesitate. “Deal.”
Six months later.
“Dinner’s ready!” I called out into the forest that bordered my home.
With a bounding leap the beast passed through the trees, skidding to a stop before me.MORTAL, I WISH TO CONSUME BACON TREATS!
I put my hands on my hips. “First of all, we’ve been over thus, it’s Kate, not ‘mortal’!”
I opened the back door, letting us both in.
“Second, its beef casserole for dinner tonight. If you fill up on bacon you won’t have room for dinner, and that stuff is expensive!”
It sighed loudly but obediently went to its place at the table.MORTAL… KATE MORTAL…PLEASE HURRY. I AM HUNGRY.
I smiled to myself as I served the portions. I had not expected to spend the rest of my life taking care of a mystical beast in exchange for vengeance on my enemies, but as far as payments go, this wasn’t a bad deal
A Force Sensitive Phasesixer 