wolfythephoenix

[wolfythephoenix]

First peek at the Elfs ^ ^

Tbf, it's just a 10-15 minute sketch and i have no idea for the clothing, so any suggestion is welcomed XD What i AM sure about is that i want their clothing to be:

-fancy like in Lord of the Rings (but not too over the top, because i want to draw these designs like a dozen of times for marketing stuff)

-they'll have 2 designs, one for cold weather, and one for warm (i already have fix visions for the cold one, but currently too tired to draw them as well)

-crescent moon motifs here and there (that halo-like stuff on the scetch should be a crescent moon)

Still brainstorming tho, so this 90% won't be the finalized design o.O

[wolfythephoenix]

FINALLY DOOOOONNNNEEEEEEE :o

Immortality. Power. Control. The subjects of human ambitions. The end justifies the means, as we say. But when do we stop? Where do we draw the line? One tragedy? A mass extinction? What are we willing to sacrifice? What do we spare? A whole spieces, driven into mass extinction. A warrior's echoing cries of agony after their loved ones. An innocent child, strip from their parents, from their freedom, from their hope. Was it worth it? Does it satisfy us? Or do we want more? We say that serial killers are monsters. But may I ask…what are we, then?

(ONLY THE COVER ART IS FINISHED, THE BOOK ITSELF IS NOWHERE NEAR HALFWAY DONE SADLY, BUT WORKING ON IT ToT)

Main title: Akaruma

Sub-title: The Hunter of The Night

Where to find: Kobo (will post it there, once finalized)

When'll it be out: i have no idea XD

[wolfythephoenix]

"On The Land Of Knowledge And Conflict" Chapter 6 Page 24-29

[wolfythephoenix]

Sneak peek for the progress of my book cover ^ ^

(The text is just a placeholder for now, but it will get a much fancier look! :D )

[wolfythephoenix]

To sum up, Gen Z simply does NOT fall for the same trick previous generations fell for. We see the things beforehand, before we could wait and experience it first hand. It is not bratty, nor a crime, to want to live, and not just survive. We don't want to work 12 hours day not because we're lazy. We just want to live. We just want stability, instead of hallow promises. And it's not just our responsibility to make it happen. It wasn't us, who established this school system, or anything of that kind.

That's just a hot take tho.

[wolfythephoenix]

5 stages of grief

(AKA torturing Cyno for fu- I MEAN FOR THE PLOT!)

[TW: alcohol abuse, mention of alcohol poisoning, mention of death, uncertain suicidal attempt, blood, swearing]

Stired up awake from the darkness of his mind, Cyno finds himself somwhere else completely. It's such a deja vu feeling. Just like when he was after Rashmu back then, he's once again waking up in a completely different place he fell unconscious at. Well…by the looks of it, at least now he's in a familiar place. His small apartmant. Well, at least not at the hospital. Although that still doesn't help with his situation.

His head hurts, so much so, as if it wants to explode, like a granade. He's got bigger and smaller cuts and bruises here and there, but those are just annoying, as the fabric of his shirt brushes against them. And speaking of his clothing, as he decides to sit up and take a closer look of his surroundings, even thru the blured vision caused by his sudden dizzyness, he can still see how bloody and dirty his clothes are.

<Cyno> ,,Shit…i gotta change…" He mutters, while slowly standing up, almost crashing back down.

He feels so strange… And checking his forehead…yep. A fever. He almost started to think about what else is missing from his life. Stepping out of his room, then tossing his dirty clothes onto the couch, he doesn't even want to put clean ones on. Only a short pants. His entire body feels like it's on fire…and despite all the symptoms pointing towards a simple fever. He doesn't feel like it's just that. Maybe he's just paranoid? Maybe. He has been for quiet a while, and that last mission they had did not help at all. Oh well…some time spent with his friends might help to stir his mind away from all that shitshow. But for that, he first has to get…at least decently better. The last think he wants is another scolding from Tighnari. Maybe he could ask Nilou to go out for a date. hat would be nice, it has been so loong since they were able to do that, with all the chaos around, and him having to work double shifts, just so they can get from A to B.

But once again, for that, he has to get better. And to get better, he needs…medicine, a little coldness in his home, and something to eat.

Ugh, but his head is just pounding. Let's start with smaller tasks.

Cold.

Food.

Meds. Got it.

Cold, food, meds. Cold, food, meds.

With this mantra in mind, he first starts by putting the AC on a colder setting. Not realizing how much colder he had put it on. But don't really mind it either.

Next up on the list… Food. Mhhhhm… He doesn't have anything that could be considered ,proper food'… Meh, some instant noodles will do the trick. And a little coffee, to get his mind working. And so, he manages to do both. Putting on coffee, and water to boil.

With all these checked on his list, now only the meds remain. But for that, he first has to eat. And while waiting, he decides to sit down to the dining table, before he looses his balance and falls. Altho this causes him to fall asleep again, his pounding head resting in the nest of his folded arms.

But the vivid, gruesome nightmare jolts him back awake. The same nightmare he had previously. Of him slaying down his friends, one by one, slicing them up, as he does with the most cruel criminals, or with those bionic dogs back then. It's all so vivid, so cruel…he can almost feel and smell the blood… Thankfully, it's just that. A nightmare he will wake up from eventually every time. He knows they're alive. Pbobaly exhausted from all that shit…but they're alive. And once he can…at least form two coherent thougths together without trouble, he will visit them, and everything goes back to it's chaotically normal state. But for that, he has to get better. And for that, he needs the meds.

The meds.

Fuck.

He left it in his room.

Fighting the dizzyness that wants to pull him back down, he stands up, and walks back catiously to his room. However, once there, the moment he leans down, to pick the medicine bottle out of the drawer of his nightstand, his body decides now is the best way to lay back and take a nap. It all happened so fast. One moment, he just wants to pick up the bottle. And the next, the world starts to spin, and he blacks out, landing lazily sideways on the bed.

Everything. Every inch of his body hurts. Inside and outside. But…not from injuries, he hardly has any. It's a bit like a fever…but…that can't be right. Normally he wouldn't handle fever this badly, exept for that one horrible incident back then. And also…how that he concentrates more on the aching… It's not exactly aching. It's more like…

More like his power is pulsating outside of his body. Instead of just inside. That can't be…unless-

…

Unless the seal broke. Oooooh boy if that's the case, a whole another scolding and lecturing awaits him from Tighnari! He promised…no. He swore, that he won't let that happen! He's probbaly mad for breaing his promise. His vow. Probably that's why he's not visiting. He has to make it up to him somehow… And to Nilou. He's pretty sure that by now, she also got a wind of his yet another misstep. He has to prove to her, that…her sacrifice of deciding to be by his side was worth it, and it is still worth it.

~˙° ° °˙~

<Cyrus> ,,Hey, Cyno, it's just me Cyrus, are you awake?" He calls out, just loud enough for him to hear it, but soft enough, so he won't annoy the neighbours.

But no answer.

One knock, nothing.

Three knock.

Five knock, still nothing. With a defeated sigh, Cyrus then uses his key to unlock the door. Normally, he would just let him be and won't pry into his personal struggles. After all, he's not a kid anymore, however crazy it is how fast time went by. However, the current one is NOT a normal occasion. They informed him about the seal most likely being broken, and repairing it isn't something he can afford to delay for too long.

Stepping in, he tries once again. Thinking, maybe he's just too far away to hear him.

<Cyrus> ,,Hey Cyno, it's me Cyrus, and i'm coming in!" Now he calls out louder, also knocking on the now open door.

But still nothing.

Hmm…looking around, he can see the signs of him being awake at some point. Those very much unhealthy instant noodles out on the counter, he can also smell coffee. Not the best combo in his oppinion, but who is he to judge others' taste. He can also feel the dropping in temperature within his apartment. He figures, it's likely because of the fever-like symptoms of the power being completely loose. So, he'll leave it as is. Cyno will put it back to higher tempareture, when he wants to. That does not concerne him. What DOES concerne him however, is the muffled, pulsating static, and whiffs of dark purple smoke, coming from, what he assumes, is his bedroom. That's much more alarming, as he's sure that Cyno isn't awake, and so, the power shouldn't be either.

Opening the door for the bedroom, his suspicion proves to be correct. The General is just lasing on the bed, as if he was thrown onto it in a haste, with the purple smoke clouds completely filling the room, making it hard to see anything at all. And the pulsation radiating throught the entire room, as if it is one single storm cloud? This is bad. Really bad. It shouldn't be acting like this, even when he lets it out. He has no idea what happened that caused Cyno to overuse the power to this extreme, but hes no doubt, it was something horrific.

<Cyrus> ,,Hey kid, are you awake?!" He shakes his shoulder a bit, but there's no response. At least, not to the shake.

As he's just observing for a few moments silently, he can just about make out some words. Or rather…two names. Despite seemingly being fully knocked out, Cyno still mutters repeatedly two names. Tighnari's, and Nilou's names. To that, Cyrus's face changes from concerne and focus, to a sad frown. Once he's done here, he will make sure to tell Tighnari to visit him. He doesn't have Nilou's contact, but he's sure that Tighnari will have it. But before that, he has to repear the seal. And so, he stands with a more straightened posture, with a small notebook in one hand, as he stretches out the other hand.

<Cyrus> ,,Sorry, this will hurt a lot…but it's for your own good."

Well, he does NOT exaggerated one bit. After Cyrus opens his notebook and starts to murmur something in Sumeru's ancient language, Cyno wakes up from one nightmare, to be faced with a real one. For what feels like neverending hours, all he could feel is as if the power physically wants to break free, by ripping itself out of his body, and another, external force pushing it back, but clearly struggling to do so. It feels like as if someone's continously drilling into his skull, while he's wide awake, and he can't move at all. As if millions of needles are pierced into him, to keep him down. But what holding him down aren't needles. Instead, they're ghostly transparent chains, manifested out of thin air, but still having the physical presence to be able to interact with the real world.

The pain of it all is so unbearable, he tries and tries again and again, telling Cyrus to stop. It's much worse compared to when he first aquired it as a child. It's much worse, compared to when those Spinocrocodiles were trying to rip him apart. It's much worse, compared to when he fought against those hoard of bionic dogs, then got pierced near the heart, then fell from that high building.

But Cyrus can't stop the process. It's already almost done, indicated by the slowly but surely disappearing purple smoke. The pulsation is also getting weaker and weaker. And after a long, painful while, he's finally done. By the time he finally closes his notebook, he can see Cyno curled up, facing away from him. Barely conscious, from how the whole procedure drained him.

<Cyrus> ,,I've told you there'll be consequences if you let it out for too long. And also told you, that this power does not care about rank, nor personal strength, it does not differenciate, only demands."

He stands there next to the bed. Not really waiting for any retort, as he knows full well, even tho he would normally snap back, right now all the energy that would go into it is gone. So, instead he just walks out to get a cold, wet cloth for the still lingering fever.

<Cyrus> ,,I'll notify Tighnari. But you can't leave the house in this condition, okay?" He states, while balancing the cloth on the General's forehead.

The only answer he gets is a barely noticable nod, but that's still something at least. And so, with everything settled, he walks out of the door, locking it, so no intruder can get inside, nor can Cyno get outside, and make anything stupid.

And the last thing Cyno hears, are the professor's muffled, disappearing footsteps, until his conscious fails him completely, and he blacks out. He's 100% sure that Tighnari won't be so pleased about the situation, but even just being with his friends would be nice…

However…it seems he really is mad, as even the next day, his fox friend doesn't show up. Someone, likely Cyrus, WAS there at some point, while he was still knocked out, as the wet cloth from his forehead is now gone, and there's a glass of water on the nightstand, which wasn't there previously. But no sign of Tighnari, or anyone else. Back when he first fucked it up, he still visited almost every day. But now…

He's all alone.

He's not mad at the fox, after all, he broke his vow. With it, he broke Tighnari's trust. He also most likely sparked mistrust in Nilou. He swore for her too, that he'll try his hardest to change. And despite all his efforts…it seems, he hasn't changed one bit. The ticking timebomb was only delayed, and not defused. He really fucked it up. As always. If only either of them would decide to pay him a visit… And maybe…just maybe give him another chance…

Another day rolls in…

With no sign of anyone visiting. And he can't get out either. Both because Cyrus locked the door, and because he doesn't have the energy for even a task as basic as getting out of bed. He knows fully well, that he has to wait until he stablezies enough to go out in the public, but still…

<Cyno> ,,Na…ri… N-Nilou… Somebody… Anybody…" The pillow and his wavering consciousness muffles his pleas, before the world goes dark again.

3rd day into his forced house arrest…

Still no one. Why's no one visitng? Where even is…everyone?

<Cyno> ,,Don't…leave…me…here…"

4th day…

Still no visitors. At this point…he had given up hope of anyone visiting any time soon, if ever. Well…not that he deserves their comfort after all of what he had done.

A whole week had now passed…

And still no one coming for a visit. Yes, he accepted his fate…but it still hurts him. However what hurts him even more…more than the process of Cyrus repearing the seal, is the fact that his worst fear most likely came true. That the nightmare of him killing his dearest friends with the most gruesome way possible…

Wasn't a nightmare at all. In fact…the fact that neither of them shows up for this long just proves that… They're gone. He should've seen the signs. He should've put the pieces together much earlier. He's known to be hot headed and hasty to react, he's sadly fully aware of it, however hard he tries to fix it. Coupled with the seal breaking, while they were near him…

As he sits at the edge of the bed, he just keeps staring at his shaking hands…

And sees blood.

His friends' blood.

<Cyno> ,,No… No no no no…" Is all he keeps muttering thru labored breaths, trying to wipe the blood off, but nothing works.

He didn't just loose control. He didn't just let the power out for too long. Tighnari isn't just mad…

He's dead.

As well as everyone else who was there.

He kept both Tighnari's and Nilou's wishes in mind and tried to get better, he really did! But…it's too late. He fucked it up. He killed them. Tighnari. Collei. <Y/N>. Rashmu. Alhaytham. They're all gone forever. He had made so many mistakes throught his life, but this…this is irreversable.

He can't control the terrified, raw scream errupting from him.

If only his subordinates were bad enough at aiming. If the criminals were good enough at aiming. They could've killed him well before this irreversable mistake. He can still hear the screams and screetches of his bloody carnage. The blood and the Electro purple smoke blinding his vision. The smell of Marana and flesh rendering his sense of smell useless.

He really became the monster he wanted to protect Sumeru from. Oh how would've he rather died than to let this happen…

He's already halfway into the next week…

Which means almost 2 weeks ever since he woke up in this real life nightmare.

His built up rage gave him just enough energy to meekly move around. But not much. Not surprising, since he haven't even eaten this whole time. Not that he has the gutt to do so. He's too disgusted of himself, that it physically makes him feel sick. Either that, or the lack of food intake. But that doesn't make a difference.

He tries and tries to cover up the blood on his hands, wrapping them with the random pieces of bandages he found in his drawer. But to avail. It still seeps thru them. It flows down to the floor, like thick, red colored ink. Staining the floor with a disgusting red.

Out of frustration, anger, and powerlessness…he rips the bandages apart, into the tiniest of pieces. And as the pieces fall to the floor…the whole sceen in front of him looks exactly like the brutal carnage he made.

Wait, no… He can't exactly smell blood…

First squinting, then closing his eyes shut, Cyno lightly shakes his head. And as he dares to open his eyes once more… There's no blood. There're no pieces of human and Valuka flesh. It's just his dark mind playing tricks. Cruel tricks. The whole room looks like a mess still. His card deck thrown across the room, onto his desk. Pieces of bandages across the vicinity of his bed…

He needs water.

Finally a coherent, and normal thought flashing into his mind, at the feeling of his throat being dry like his homeland, and mouth chapped like the rooftops. And he DOES gather the strength, and DOES get to the bathroom, the closest point he can reach for water, without stumbling thru the whole house.

However, as he decide to also wash his face, looking up, he meets with his mirrored self. Blood all over his person. With his victims… His friends, behind him, looking at him thru the mirror. Their mouths does not move. Instead, he ca hear them in his head loud and clear. All they repeat is ,,Why?" and ,,It was you!" over and over again.

He knows it. He knows it perfectly well. And no matter what he does, how much he really is sorry…they'll never come back. They're gone forever. But he still feels so much anger towards himself, that with an escaped shout, he breaks the mirror into tiny pieces with one single punch of his fist. And now, he is actually covered in blood. Albeit it is his own.

He has to get out of this real life nightmare… He just can't take this anymore… Hmmm… Drinking usually knocks him out after a certain amount… He's sure that once it happens, the same nightmares will come back. But at least…maybe, just…maybe, if he re-experiences the same nightmares enough, he could rewrite the outcome. At least in his head. Either that, or it gives him alcohol poisoning, given how long it was since the last time he drank.

It's a win either way for him.

And so, he forces his legs towards the kitchen, where in the far corner of the cabinet, he finds all the 3 bottles of wine he had been storing there. One from Kaveh, after he helped him clearing his name from a misunderstanding. One from his last birthday. And…one from Tighnari. He grabs the other wto bottles, but once he faces with the last one…he can't do it. He can still remember that bottle from graduation, and that they made a stupid promise that they'll only open it on the 10th anniversary of their graduation.

No. He won't touch it. He had already broke his biggest vow. He won't break another promise.

2 whole weeks had gone by…

And ever since then, he's been on the same spot, curled up in the pitch black darkness of his already chillingly cold room. However, none of his plans worked as he wished for.

He couldn't rewrite the outcome, even in his head. Nod did he got alcohol poisoning, which is surprising.

Instead, the voices got louder. So much louder. And transparent phantom images of his friends started to torment him even more.

And thru the loud voices and his own sobs, he fails to notice the knocking, then the klicking of his front door opening.

[wolfythephoenix]

Random bits of Raijin basically being a grandpa :D

As he keeps pacing around in the small kitchen of his warm home, all Raijin could think about is Akuma. He knows that the stubborn teenager does not handle cold very well, and there's still no sign of life from him. And this makes the owl giant worry sick. His hands getting shakier and shakier every passing day. His mind filled with one horrific scenario after another, causing him to be unable to focus on his own writings. His meal from the previous day is still on the counter, now gone cold. The only consistant thing he did so far, is keeping the house warm and the boy's room ready for his return.

Oh my…he keeps thinking of him as a little child…guess a force of habit. But he has to get rid of this habit at some point, as it can really easily undo all the hard work and effort Akuma put into being independant. Still…it is still in his mind's front row, how he found him as a kid. Fragile, barely, but desparetly clinging to life. To think that he had came so far from that, to now be a teen, with the dedication and discipline of a grown man…he can't ruin his growth.

But that doesn't mean he can stop worrying.

"At least…please be alive…" Is all he's able to mutter under his breath.

[...]

"Yes." Red Eye nods with heavy heart. "You don't show any sign of being a half-bred, meaning both of your parents were Firebornes. However, you are an Akaruma variation of your kind. Your body went thru so much forced changes, that it is no longer acts as it should be. That's why you-"

"Voming and cough blood. Pale. Weak." Akuma finishes it for him.

"Yes. Yes. And no." His mentor answers, voice soft with reassurance. The familiar and comforting warmth still remaining within it.

Akuma just looks down to his tea cup, that is still full, and now completely cold. Just looks at the pale green surface of the drink, as his distorted, mirrored image stares back at him. Sickly pale. Eyes full of shine and yet…just as full of fear and uncertainty. He can't see, nor sense it, as he's too immersed into his own thoughts, consisting of self hatred and -doubt, but Raijin takes his chair next to his, resting one of his palm on his restless leg. Holding his knee down gently.

"No, you're not weak. Not at all. For all the time i had known you, you were always fighting against all the odds. Just as right now. Do you even know how dangerous it is for Firebornes, or any creatures with Fire Crystals within them, to be out in the cold like that? You can't fight it, nor hide it. It affected you. And despite that, you still fought it thru, just so you can get back here, to get your answers."

The defeated Hunter does not dare to look up. Otherwise, his eyes would meet with pity. Something he dreads to see.

"And let me tell you, if i were in your position, against those tree-statue…things, rest assured, i would've left even quicker, without looking back!" He lets out a heartfelt laugh, one palm on his stomach, while the other is still on Akuma's knee. "Running isn't a sign of weakness. Rather, it's a sign of knowing when to stop. More likely than not, you wouldn't have been able to do anything in that situation anyways."

[...]

Taking slow, silent steps back to his own room, he stops at the sword rack, holding his old, time-worn sword, that Mkahaul gifted him back in the day. And under it a smaller, wooden sword, typically used for practice. He just stands there, as time seem to stop for him, while reminiscing on old memories. Oh how rebellious his dear Aiko was. Most likely learned it from that reckless wolf. But Raijin were never be able to get mad at either of them. Mkahaul was simply a free spirited warrior, meanwhile his dearest son Aiko just enjoyed life as a kid. And yet…now they both are long gone. Forever remaining as a second in the never ending sea of life. How he wished to be able to tell the wild, often unbelivable stories of his fights by Mkahaul's side. Of the wolf's more levelheaded little brother, Wayra. Of their tactical, yet so playful fights in the air. Of his beloved son's amazed look at their sight. Oh those were great times.

[wolfythephoenix]

Raijin (Akuma's sort-of adoptive father) updated character sheet

Had to update his design, as even tho his old design was good, it does NOT reflected his character at all. Bonus point if anyone can guess the type of clothing he wears XD

Marau (jewlery merchant) and Luma (his wife) character sheet

[wolfythephoenix]

Seriously silly 🤪

Aka Akuma (from my w.i.p. novel: Akaruma) being the most serious, yet the most unserious character :D

,,With his last move to end his show-down, he also ends his inner statement with a vow. A vow that he will do everything to be accepted into this world."

,,It's almost like a neverending race against life itself, where life is always well ahead of him, and death is always close behind, with it's cold, meryless dark claws. Trying to get a hold on every living being. But he won't let death to win. He will continue his race away from it. Towards life. Towards what he always yearned for."

,,he can't hold back the small little smile forming on his face for the first time in forever. With one corner of his lip curling slightly up, making one of his canine-like teeth sticking out from under it."

,, "It was snake attack." He holds up his other arm, that's still occipied with the snake."

,,The thick foliature and his almost completly black attire helps him blend in perfectly into the pitch black forest. One could say, he's one with the night. A black shadow, lurking high above it's unsuspecting pray down below. Only his ruby red pair of eyes shine with an almost demonic aura."

,, "Aaaand this one is used mostly as decorative glass, or as magnifying glass. It's price is usually really low compared to the other ones, as it's the most common crystal out of all the ones i've showed you." "What is magn- magi-" Once more the struggle…all of these new words… "

,, For that however, he needs to shape that undefined slop of clay. He needs to break it apart, to then rebuild it back together as he sees it fit. He needs to define the shapes that makes it whole. He needs to define the colors that paint that shape of what it truely is. He needs to suit it up with clothing that defines the character of the shape. He needs to reanimate the shape with movements that defines the shape. He needs to scupt will into limbs. He needs to sculpt a shield into the heart. He needs to sculpt reason into the mind. He needs to sculpt depth into the face. He needs to carve a name into the shape. A new identity. A true identity. "

,, He hates killing…but also understands that it's necessary to survive. However that does not mean he can't show mercy towards them. That doesn't mean he has to kill more than what he needs for survival. "

,, The hunter became the hunted. And he has no way out of the situation. His arm is getting more and more tired. The bear clawing onto him more and more intensly. This can't be the end. He doesn't want this to be the end. He has so much more to live for. A new, true identity. A new home. His never ending curiocity. Raijin. "

,, Even Gods can't hear the mute. Maybe that's why he's destined to suffer for all his life. Both because he's silent, therefore hard for anyone and any God to hear…and because he caused harm. He had hurt the innocent. He caused harm, despite knowing full well, first hand even, how it affects others. "

,, From the shock, he dropps his weapon, starting to back away in an instant, even stumbling to the ground. Then with hasty movements, he jolts up to his feet, fleeing the sceen faster than he could ever imagine himself run. Leaving his sword behind. "

,, The only thing stopping him, is when he runs into a gigantic tree with such a force, the impact sends him backward, falling to the ground, along with a huge load of icy cold water droplets from the branches above. "

,, He has to go back… But he dreads to do so. But the sword was too valuable to leave it there. But if he returns, that strange vine…root…thing will target him again. Ugh! What to do? What to do? Ah! A coin. He flips it, if it lands on it's symbol side, he goes back. If it lands on it's empty side, he won't. So, with the made-up rules, he tosses the coin into the air, silently praying for the empty side, even closing his eyes. And once hearing the small, almost inaudiable thump on the cold ground, he takes a peak with one eye at first. Then closes it, wishing that it's just a nightmare, or it's just the tiredness that messes with his eyesight. Then takes another look. To his disapointment, it is the reality. The coin landed with the symbol upwards. "Of course…" Is the only word he mutters under his breath in frustration. "

[wolfythephoenix]

When the hunter becomes the hunted

Akaruma, book 1: The Hunter Of The Night snippet (draft)

[TW: animal death, blood and violence]

He has no idea how long had he been out cold, but the first thing he awokes to, is something dripping onto his palm, and something poking, and sniffing his leg. With great struggle, he turns his head to the side…

And wishes this moment to be a nightmare he would just wake up from.

The moment he turns his head, he's met with the eyes of an obviously hungry, drooling bear. Within moments, his pains is all but forgotten, sudden surge of adrenaling taking it's place, as his body redying itself to fight or flee. And for seconds that feels like hours, he and the bear just keep eyeing each other, seemingly the animal thinking if he worths the risk. And Akuma chooses the worst possible more. With rapidly backing away, his actions cause the predator to view him as their next meal, before winter hybernation hits.

The bear uses their strong, massive paws to hold Akuma's already aching legs down, so he can't back away any further. Without any option at hand, he can only toss and turn, not even daring to scream. No one would come to his help. No one will answer his calls. He wasn't catious enough. He wasn't vigilant enough. He stepped right into the den of a bear that's ready to hybernate. A bear that is still very much hungry. Staring him down, as Akuma puts his arms against the jaw of the animal, so they can't close their mouth. But the strings of saliva still coil it's way around his stretched out, struggling arm, towards his eyes, filled with so much fear and regret.

The hunter became the hunted.

And he has no way out of the situation. His arm is getting more and more tired. The bear clawing onto him more and more intensly. This can't be the end. He doesn't want this to be the end. He has so much more to live for.

A new, true identity.

A new home.

His never ending curiocity.

Raijin.

As his mentor's melancholic face flashes into his mind, even in the mids of being mawed alive…a teardrop still finds it's way down his face. His words…or rather…his wishes…

,,All i want is to see you happy and healthy."

With his body completely disconnected from his mind, he unvoulenteerly lets out a desparate, raw scream. With all his pain, frustration, regret, and will to survive pouring out of him.

With the heat of a massive wave of fire, that even burns his throat as it comes out. It's burning the bear alive, making them back away, roaring and screaming from pain…

Until they drop to the ground.

Squirming for a few seconds…then remain motionless.

He just sits there, still panting, eyes wide from the shock, every muscle in his limbs tense, not even registering the pain at the moment. It takes several minutes of him just staring at the outcome of what he had done, and the smell his brain slowly starting to register in it, for him to realize how much pain he is in. The bear had dug their claws deep into him all over his body, blood seeping out of his limbs, as he squints his eyes shut from the feeling finally registering in his mind. He just can't handle it any further, and lets himself fall back onto the ground. Pain pulsing throu his entire bady in several waves. In times like this, he's thankful of his origin as a Fireborne, since his kind have a special attribute to their blood. It makes minor or mild injuries to heal much faster, all he has to do is stay put. Which is the most easiest task of all, with the pain already making him unable to move an inch.

His breathing is still unstable and alarmingly rapid, which does help with delivering the much needed blood faster throught his body, but it also causes further pain in his chest. So, with the remaining conscience he has, he forces his breathing to slow down, bit by bit. One slow, long inhale thru the nose. Holding it in. Then letting it out slowly through the mouth. Repeating the same for as many times as he needs to, until his breathing stablizes. It already took him long enough time of lying there, motionless, voulnerable for any external forces.

With now some strength he had gathered up, Akuma sits up, but still supports himself with one arm against the ground. Looking at the burned body of the bear. At his cruelty. Then, another sound catches his attention, immidiatly causing him to ready himself once more. Something rustling in the darker corner of the cave, then the sound of pitter-patter getting closer. He gets out his sword, redy to fend off whatever danger still hides within the cave until-

Two small bear cubs wobble their way out of the shadows. He lowers his sword down, seeing they have no interest in him. Rather…in their mother. Or at least…whatever left of her. They not even notice the cold, metalic clank of the Hunter's sword, as he drops his from the realisation. All they care about is nudging their mom awake. Pulling on her ear, and chin, to gain any reaction. Not knowing she's long gone. He killed her. He killed the mother of two innocent, defenseless cubs.

"I- I'm so…so sorry…" Is all he mutters, as le lowers himself onto the ground, with regret overflowing within him.

He did exactly what most likely those disgusting humans did to his family. He killed the mother of the cubs, with only them remaining alive. Desparetly trying to wake her up. With no sucess. And even despite that…they still wobble their way towards him. Trying to get under his cloak. He suspects, they seek the warmth their mother would provide them. So he buckles his cloak off of his shoulder guard, gently putting it onto the back of the two cubs, while he tries to comfort them. With shaking, uncertain hands, petting their head, until they fall asleep next to him, with the cloak still wrapped around them.

Once he's sure they're asleep, he gets up, slowly, silently grabbing his sword to put it back into it's scabbard, then just as silently he steps out of the cave. But not going far, Feeling ashamed of what he had done, he goes to the small river near the cave, to catch just enough fish for the cubs to consume immidiatly after they wake up. Luckily, the river is still overflowing with fishes, even with winter coming closer and closer, so it only takes him a few minutes to catch as many of them as he thinks is enough for the cubs. Then, he walks back with his finds, gently putting down the fishes and some wild berries he found along the way.

Tho he can't really make up for what he did, he can at least ease their hunger for a bit. And they can also keep his cloak. He has enough material to sew another one.

[wolfythephoenix]

Draft for future chapter(s) for my Genshin fanfic

<Rashmu> ,,Are you guys sure it's a good idea? I mean…wouldn't it make more sense for him to go to the hospital?"

All of you are gathered around the sofa in the livingroom, still shaken up by the whole events. It was brutal, and that statement puts it really lightly, but neither of you could come up with the perfect word to describe it. Most of you had seen Cyno's rage. The raw, unpredictable nature of his power. But this…this was different. Normally, he would be aware of his surroundings, and be able to hold the power back, even if only partially. And yet…this time, no matter how hard Tighnari tried to get his attention. No matter how many times he shouted his name, used any trick on his disposal that normally works. No matter what he did, he was far gone. The power took full control, despite him swearing he will never-ever let it happen. And it did. And Tighnari can't help the anger towards his best friend creeping up in him. They agreed he will be more catious. They agreed he will only use that power if there's really no other way out. They agreed that even if he does end up using it, he will keep in on tight leash. And yet…after a lifetime of knowing each other…

He lied.

He lied to his face with such confidence, as if he wasn't.

<Tighnari> ,,It's not that simple." At first, his voice comes out with his slowly sufracing anger, so he forces it down by clearing his throat. ,,While yes, normally people will go to the hospital if hurt. However, both <Y/N> and i are capable of treating most of his injuries. That time when you saw him in hospital, was actually the one and only time he had to go there." He purposefully avoids saying out loud the actual incident, knowing full well, it is highly likely that the kid still remembers.

<Rashmu> ,,Uh-huhhh…" He ponders on it for a bit. ,,Then why he's not here? I mean…if what you're saying is true, then surely you can treat some minor cuts and buises." He looks straight into Tighnari's tired and stress filled eyes.

And to that, he's unable to answer right away, since he is completely right. Being so young, yet so observent and sharp. Like a little detective. And as every detective, he too, wants answers. And tho he's reluctant to provide him one, mostly because of the complexity of the situation, but also because he doesn't know if his friend would allow him to go more in depth into his powers. Although it is true that…they agreed years back, there will be no hiding. And also no lying, but Cyno had already broke that promise. But Tighnari won't. So, he decides to tell the boy as much as he think he would be able to digest. So then he first sits down the floor, with his tail curling around him, with the tip landing in his lap. Both so he would be on eye level with Rashmu, and also because he himself is really tired from the never ending stress.

<Tighnari> ,,Well…as far as i'm aware, he already mentioned you that he's got…something in him, right?" The boy nods.

<Rashmu> ,,And Collei told me the…very basics of it. That it gives him strength and speed, and also makes him endure pain and fetague more. Also the obvious one, that it makes him more…animalistic." His eyes widen a little at the memory of what he had seen. And that was only a mere glimpse of it.

<Tighnari> He sighs. ,,That saves me some energy…" He hides an unwanted yawn with his hand muffling it. ,,Well then, since i know you like to read those stories filled with super powers and things like that, you might now that every great power needs to be kept on a leash. Or in this case, a seal." Once again, the boy just nods. ,,Same goes for his power too. The seal normally prevents it to take full control over him. Think of it like a campfire in the woods. With surrounding the small fire with stones, or bricks, it can only affect that small area within that artifitial seal. However, if the wind picks up it's pase, or the ring of stones gets damaged, the fire will spread out of it's controlled envirment, causing havoc upon the vegetation around it."

<Rashmu> ,,And to repare the seal…at least, in his case, the stone wall needs to be fixed."

<Tighnari> ,,That's right…" He smiles weakly a bit, before another yawn breaks throu, bringing an incoming, pulsing headache with it, but for now it's not strong enough for him to be conserned.

<Collei> ,,And trust me…you don't want to see that process." She can feel the shiver, then the tencing up in her spine at the memory when that process had to be done on her too. ,,We actually have…either the same, or at least very similar seals."

<Tighnari> ,,I think it's just similar." He corrects her gently. ,,But their role is the same. Only difference is, in your case, it's fully sealed. But in his case, it's like a short leash. At least, judging from Cyrus's description."

This little ,,found family" gets weirder and weirder with every new detail he's learning about them, Rashmu thinks to himself. But leaves it as is, just a thought.

<Tighnari> ,,Anyways, speaking of Cyrus, i've already spoke with him to go to Cyno's home and repair the seal today. Once he's done, he'll let us know when he thinks is reasonable to go to a visit."

You just stay behind them, already fully aware that said visit won't come as fast as Tighnari thinks it would. As just like you've predicted, even tho he hid it the whole time, as time went by and afternoon slowly blured into night, he started to get worse and worse. First it was merely a headache both of you first fought would go away if he rests. But it did not go away, in fact both of you woke up in the middle of the night, to him trying to silently walk out to the bathroom, feeling himself burning up, but also shivering from cold. By the time you found your way out of the bedroom, you find him curled up next to the shower cabin in the dark, half his face buried in a cold, wet towel, only his nose peaking out, so he coult still breathe. His ears flat against his head, tail curled up around him, but not touching him.

As you thought, without him saying anything, you already know he's got a high fever, and judging his irritation to the light, and the small sounds, a migrane too. So, with letting in only the smallest amount of light for you to be able to see, without a word, you poke your parter awake, sliding the towel out of his hand, only to refresh it with cool water. With that, you help him up, and guide him back to the bedroom to rest. He tries to fight back weakly, trying to stand back up, but just as fast slumps back down on the bed, defeated.

After his defeat, he slides back, keeping the wet towel on his head, trying to keep the cooling sensation on the burning area for as long as possible.

<Y/N> ,,Y'know Nari…you're a bit of a hypocrit." You puff up your cheeks. Not actually mad at him by any mean. I mean, you could never. And before he could retort back, you continue. ,,I know what you're thinking. That he lied, that he broke our promise. And yes, he once again acted before thinking. But to be fair, what you're doing now, is the exact same. Pushing yourself to the very limits, until finally crashing down, and even then, you still want to stand back up."

For a few long minutes, there's complete silence. Only Your love's muffles breathing can be heard, and because of that, you first think he fell back asleep, but-

<Tighnari> ,,Mmmh…you're…right…" He mumbles it, muffled by the sheet covering the lower half of his face, already drifting back to exhausted sleep.

<Y/N> ,,That's more like it." You let out a little smile, knowing he could see it even in the complete darkness of the room.

…

Now you have to find your way back into bed, without disturbing him. You still keep wondering why your ex classmates and friends keep calling you a genius.

[wolfythephoenix]

The Peace Maker and the Wolf (snippet from Akaruma)(draft)

Note: The conversations you see <written like this> are actually in Ktowdan (the original language of Firebornes), with the mentioned part being the translation for reader's convenience.

The earpiercing scrape of the pale brown feathers of his wings against the rocky ground below. His slow and steady movements in every step taken towards the folding, merging, raging shadows of death. The crackle of incoming thunder in the air, that is so dense, a mere mortal would have a hard time breathing. That is exactly why it is up to him to step up. To protect those who can't stand up against a foe like this. A foe that is death itself. The ever remaining force, looming above all living being. They already have to face it in a theoretical way. Neither he, nor anyone else can expect them to face this dark force in a literal manner. No. That duty is up to the folks like him, and-

"<Here comes the wolf!>"

A sudden, very much familiar deep, but cheerful voice clashes with the deadly shadows in front of him, causing the Peace Maker to back away a few step, so his thundering power wouldn't clash with fire. He was only given but the fraction of a second, before a gigantic, majestic phoenix, purely made out of flames, crashes in the middle of the chaos. Then just as fast, in stead of the majestic bird, a just as breathtaking flame wolf takes form. Just as hasty and rash as ever.

"<Mkahaul!>" The Peace Maker scolds his old friend. "<You almost sent me flying!>" Despite his audiable momental frustration however, he lets out a small chuckle.

"<You're already a flying creature my friend!>" Mkahaul exclaims, while dissolving another bunch of shadowy, murky monsters with the intense heat of his own flame covered body, that is now in the shape of a wolf. Perfectly fitting for his name.

[wolfythephoenix]

NEVER IN MY LIFE COULD'VE IMAGINED THIS-

[wolfythephoenix]

Creatures of Wrorynn

Specimen no. 3: Firebornes

Fireborne attire across the different tribes

Wrorynn's map

Once Wrorynn's most gentle giants, Firebornes, or more commonly known as ,,Phoenixes", were known for two things: their gentle and caring nature, and their brave warriors from the Knohoul tribe. For millenia, they used to make themselfs home within the unforgiving Desert of Landoum. Despite the scortching heat of their homeland and hostile creatures residing on it, their body is perfectly adapted for these conditions. With Fire Crystals naturally flowing in their veins, their body heat is much higher than normal by default, so what other creatures perceive as intense heat, is but a cozy warmth.

Fireborne phoenix form, compared to an avarage adult human male

People, and other races of Wrorynn often refere to them as ,,Phoenixes", because of their majestic fiery bird form, resembling a phoenix bird (they are able to take any animal's form they want, but majoroty of them prefers this majestic bird), a mythical creature, that according to legends, is able to reborn from their ashes. Sadly for this reason, folk tales and baseless gossips started to spread among the human race. For a long time, there weren't any act on the matter, however at the start of the era, every race only referes to as ,,The Tyrany of the Dark Kings", these baseless rumors were proven to be the catalist of the downfall of the gentle giants. According to the rumors, it was said that their blood was the key for their long lifespam. However, the reality couldn't be further from the truth. Their blood, when digested in any shape or form by any other creature than them, will cause one's body to slowly burn away from the insides. First the blood starting to heat up. Then the veins burning away. Then the flesh, and the organs. Sure enough, if the fire does not get extinguished, or the digested blood doesn't leave one's system, all that awaits is a long, agonizing death.

Firebornes have an exeptionally strong sense of community. Despite their tribes living so far apart from each other and having different roles, they work together like one big family. After a big battle, or hunt, it is custom for them to get together, all the three tribes, and share the victory in each other's company. The victory feast mostly contains the vegetables and fruits they've grew in their garden, and the meat from the current hunt. The feasts always taken place at a ceremonial site, and the occasions have many different roles to them, but one thing they have in common: it all meant to build their community and strong adoration for the Sun God. The Sun, that gives them light and warmth in a dark and cold world. Blessing them with bountiful and lush vegetation, that they share with each other, even with their overseas trading partners. The Sun God, who had kissed them as a father his beloved child, with the race's iconic dark skin, with occasional hints of red tint to it. And with every ceremony held, the people of the Firebornes feel as if their God is looking at them from the great sky above, hopefully with pride of his creation.

And one key ingidient in their feast also honors their beloved God: honey. They valued honey, as it's shining yellow color resembles the sun itself, shining down on them, caressing them with it's warmth and giving light for their plants to grow. Giving them light in the darkest of times. Reassurance that despite the dark tides, there's still hope left. It's sweetness resembling the sweet and neverending love of their God, and their love for him as well.

During these victory feasts, they not only dedicate this love for their God, but also make sure to strengthen their bond within their big and colorful community. It is not that unheard of for Fireborne women, to start to dance around the beautifully carved sandstone tables, basking in both the light and warmth of the sun and the bonefire. Not only in appreciation of their men's victory, but also to make connections with each other. During these times, when a man asks a women out for a dance, it is like a proposal they hardy ever say no to, more often then not, even ending in marriage proposal too.

When not fighting against leviathans, or the Twin Death Gods, Firebornes spend their time within their gardens, smithing armors and weapons, or painting. Despite their feared, fierce warriors and great power given by the God above, they don't even use it against anyone, unless it is absolute necessary. The only times they use their fiery powers, is when they have to defend their homeland, or give assistance for the other species across the land of Wrorynn. They also make sure that their own animal companions doesn't have to suffer any hardships, be it a fierce Wywern, or a humble and peaceful Sand Dweller. They treat them too, with utmost respect, never forcing duty onto them. Only providing them with occasional armor for their own safety, once adopted by their people. Other races of Wrorynn had recounted with great surprise, seeing them gently petting a giganting, otherwise hostile beast, that is acting like a playful dog around them. As if it was some kind of dark magic. But no, it is only their gentle nature and kind understanding.

Uktlak (giant) tribe

Uktlak tribe attire

The tribe specializes in mining, and smithing weapons, armors and any tool or ornament imaginable. Their craft was so high quality and precise, smiths of today are still struggling to achieve the same level. It is mostly because the smiths of Uktlak take their time with their work to take form and reach it's beauty. However, avarage humans does not have 100 years to spend on one single set of armor, which is why, only some of the most elite soldiers and royal guards are honored to own such a piece or armor. With most of the time, the father passing down their promise of one, and their first born son having the honor of recieving it, making them more eager to prove their worth. However during The Tyrany of the Dark Kings, majoroty of these cherished pieces was forced to be taken away and be smelted into the very same rushed, harsh swords and armors the Dark Knight and his son used, to hunt Firebornes into extinction.

Knohoul (warrior) tribe

Knohoul tribe attire

Wayra (gust of wind) of Knohoul

As their name suggests, the tribe's people were known for their brave warriors, among them one warrior's name shining brighter than anyone else's: Wayra. The tribe was known to be really strict with their discipline and training, leading to the best warriors Wrorynn had ever seen. Disciplined, strong, ready for assistance, but most of all, gentle with others. And Wayra was the prime example of these traits, his people and other races of Wrorynn looking up to him with pride and adoration even just for knowing him. And he wore the Knohoul name with great honor and pride. Any given time their homeland was in danger, or there was a need for assistance risen, the tribe's warriors was the first to answer the call, with Wayra of Knohoul leading them into victory.

Tmamo (plant) tribe

Tmamo tribe attire

They've spent their time gardening and raising stock animals in the otherwise harch conditions of the desert. Despite the unforgiving conditions however, in their time there were numerous species of plantlife that actually thrived in those conditions, giving them plenty of food, in exchange for their hard investment and nurishment. People of Tmamo took great care of their livestock too, treating them with respect, even before they inevidable had to kill them for food. Gave them the same love and care they had given for any other creature, or their people. They also purposefully choose livestock on the bigger body size, so then they don't need to kill as many animals for food, just to feed their -and the other tribes.

Fireborne women's attire across each tribe

Despite their differing look from tribe to tribe, they all share the same key characteristics: their ruby-like red eyes, with a pair of golden half moons carved into them; long, either black or dark grey hair, that they rarely cut, only tied up if needed; a pair of sharp canines in the upper -and lower jaw. They rarely cut their hair, as in their culture, hair holds memories within it's strands. Cutting the hair would mean cutting those ties. However to combat the longness and lushness of it, they often tie it up in smaller strands, or braiding them with hollowed out red pears. With each pearl and braid resembling a victory in their lifetime. It is also theorized that the evolutionary reason behind their sharp canines, is their adaptation for the desert life. As most desert fruits has an exeptionally hard shell, making them hard to bite into. But it's not that challenging with the help of their sharp canines.

[wolfythephoenix]

Well, the book's cover has been decided! :D

I'd like to note again that it is still a concept art, NOT the finished piece! ^ ^

[wolfythephoenix]

Creatures Of Wrorynn

Specimen no.2: Leviathan

Leviathans are most commonl found within the gepths of the ocean of Wrorynn, living in complete isolation from each other, only meeting during breeding season, when the males will fight over the females. It's also not so unheard of from them to eat the loosing specimen, theoretically to gain more nutrition faster, but it's also said that they also do this purely out of aggression. As a resoult of this extreme level of aggression, over the eons, the species's breeding habits evolved into autogamy, as a desparate attempt for the species's survival.

Their hunting technique mostly consists of stealth and eons-long perfected hunting gears. Bright yellow bioluminescent spottings all over their strong scales, that create the illusion of a big school of fish gathering up into one spot, as the creature shakes them in a rattling motion, like a rattle snake. They use both the small waves the motion creates, and the illusion itself to lure in their pray. Whales, or even other leviathans. They first lure in their target, and slowly but surely, purposefully swimming and coiling themselfs around their soon-to-be meal, for then to grab them with the help of their powerful jaw, and their extremely sharp teeth. Which teeth are also evolved into the perfect shape for draging and holding down prey: they're not only slightly tilted towards their mouth like a chainsaw's, they're also jagged on the inner side, providing even more pain and suffering, if the meal tries to escape. After grabbing their pray, they simply slowly drag them down into the deepest depths of their home, to then eat them.

They're also extremely territorial, especially during mating season, but this aggression does not get limited to that time period. These creatures percieve 2 categories of potential target: food, and eyesore/annoyance. If they percieve the target as food, they will use their perfected hunting skills. If they don't? Then they lunge themselfs towards the target, no matter what it might be, an other leviathan, a ship, or even a gigantic rock.

Leviathans are the apex predators of the aquatic life, as there's really no other species that could overthrow them from the throne. They're also known to lunge out of the water, to catch Firebornes, who just wished to fly from one island to the other. Albeit Firebornes, or any creature that is not the size of a whale or a leviathan, aren't their primary target, they still often try to catch them, viewing them as a sort of snack.

[wolfythephoenix]

My comic drawing process with Krita's built-in timlapse feature!