Rage Unbound

by Bazing


Chapter 2 - Everfree

Alex and I continued to walk on, determined to get out of this forest. Along the way we encountered various creatures from manticore to cockatrice. However, these encounters were minor, and typically resulted in either myself or my companions taking down said creatures. Alex was typically by my side just watching my companions tear their food apart. That wasn't to say he wasn't prepared if one had slipped through, or possibly an ambush from another creature, he just wasn't as strong as me or my companions; after all, he's still learning.

There was one encounter that I took advantage of however, to help train Alex. A pack of Timberwolves had found their way to our little group, and so without warning I threw my bow to Alex and told him it was his turn for the kill as I just sat against a tree. Despite multiple objections and threats – mostly along the lines of “I’m going to kill you after this” – I did not interfere in any way. This was the best opportunity for Alex to train and grow, so I had to take this chance.

“Don’t worry, I won’t let any life-threatening harm come to you.” I reassured Alex.

“That doesn’t make me feel any better you arsehole!” He responded in kind, barely dodging a lunge from one of the wolves before drawing an arrow and firing it towards the timberwolf. The shot just missed the target, grazing the side of its head. If Alex wasn’t so tense and calmed down just a little more, he would've definitely hit his mark.

He’s definitely improving if he can shoot that accurately under such pressure. I thought to myself. “Okay, I’ll lighten the load a bit.” I pointed to two of the timberwolves as they were about to make a move whilst Alex’s back was turned, “Kill.” I commanded, and my companions obeyed. The timberwolves was reduced to a pile of sticks in mere seconds after being torn the fuck up.

With the removal of two of the timberwolves, Alex had an easier time with the remaining four. I say easier but he was still having a rough time. There were still four timberwolves remaining, which is nothing to scoff at. Alex went to make a shot at a timberwolf looking to pounce, however, before the shot could be made, a timberwolf stalking around the side leaped and bit down on Alex’s bow arm. In a rage, he used the arrow in his other arm and plunged it deep in the wolf’s neck.

The wolf crumbled into a pile of sticks as, despite the pain in his bow arm, Alex readied the bow for another strike against the timberwolves. It seems Alex’s magic is progressing along much quicker than I thought, his wound is already healing itself. I thought as I observed the fight. I don’t know if Alex noticed or not, but the dripping wounds on his arm were slowing healing, and I doubt he even felt pain from the adrenalin in his system.

Alex was fortunate enough to get a shot off at another wolf, which successfully connected with its eye, resulting in the same fate as its friend.

Now only two wolves remained. Both wolves stood about ten metres away from Alex, low to the ground and growling. Alex started the two down with an intimidating stare and bared his teeth, just daring them to attack. “Piss off you bloody mongrels...” He growled menacingly. I mean, shit, even I felt a shiver from that tone.

The wolves seemed to have some sense, as the two whimpered and backed down, fleeing from the fight. I clapped my hands in encouragement, “Well done bruv, you’re improving drastically. I can already see major changes in your reflexes and speed. Your skills as a bowman are improving as well.”

“Yeah, thanks for throwing me into the fucking deep end of the fucking ocean mate.” Alex responded bitterly. He grasped his wounded arm and began to activate his healing magic to speed up the process, since his regenerative skills were slower than my own, using his magic would not only help it to mature but also just straight up help his wounds.

“Look, I’m sorry about the suddenness, but it was the perfect opportunity for you to grow! Not only did you gain some experience during fighting, you gained knowledge about what it’s like to be in a life-or-death situation; where you rely on your instincts more than anything. And look, your magic is already improving.” I responded as I motioned to his already healing wound. “Did you even notice that the wound is a lot smaller than before? Your regeneration is getting better! Besides, now at least we have firewood.” I motioned towards the dead wolves to try and lighten the mood. Apparently not convinced, Alex walked passed me back to the camp we set up.

I sighed and followed after him.


Later that night we sat by the fire as we ate some meat of a manticore who had stumbled upon us by accident. Alex made it more delicious by turning it into a casserole with wild vegetables he had found as we travelled. So far in the forest, I’ve tried my best to teach Alex survival techniques that would be crucial for if we were to ever get separated. While it’s all well and good that I know what I’m doing, it benefits Alex little.

I looked over at my brother as he ate silently, probably still upset that I nearly had him killed. “Look Alex, I’m not sorry for what I did, but I will admit it probably could have been done better.” I said apprehensively.

“Noooo, ya think?” Alex responded sarcastically.

“Well shit, sorry for trying to help you!” I fought back a bit harshly.

“Look, it’s alright Julian, I understand that what you did was to help me learn and understand how to fight and survive like you had to. I’m just a bit salty I couldn’t finish the last two off, or many of them for that matter without you helping me. Then to make matters worse, you insulted me afterwards.” Alex said downtrodden.

That made me feel like a right wanker, “whoa I didn’t mock you, that was me being genuinely impressed. Timberwolves are no opponents to scoff at; my first run-in with them was disastrous.” I told him, trying to alleviate some of the disappointment he felt.

“Yeah well, you didn’t have Nephalem magic or a magical bow-and-arrow to help you back then.” He responded, still a bit down.

“Yeah you're right, I had a rock and a stick stuck together to make a club like a fucking caveman.” I joked as Alex stared at me. We both soon burst into laughter at the absurdity of it.

“How you managed to survive, I will never know, especially since you’re such a fuckwit.” Alex jabbed playfully.

“Oh is that how it is? Well then, what does that make you? Being taught by the ‘idiot’ how to survive in the forest by yourself.” I replied smugly.

“…Touché douché.” Alex responded after a moments silence before laughing again. I joined in soon after, enjoying the simple moments that occasionally popped-up in-between the shit that usually happens.

Silence reigned for a while before I broke said silence, “I missed this so much, you know? For so long Alex, I’ve missed the simple times when I had friends and loved ones who I could joke around with and say all kinds of shit to. A thousand years is far too long for someone to spend alone...” I looked to Alex before continuing, “Now that you’re here, I’m going to do everything I can to make sure you survive the coming war.” I said softly as Alex frowned.

We, dickbag. We will both survive this or I’m going to find a way to bring you back, just so I can kill you again for dying on me.” Alex continued, “All jokes aside, Jules, promise me you won’t do anything that will put yourself in danger for my sake. I lost you once when you disappeared from Earth, if you need to run away from a fight to survive, then just run. Promise me.” He stared at me until I said to him what he wished to hear. “Besides,” he continued, “by the time the demons invade I’ll be able to take care of myself.” Alex said confidently.

I sure hope so Alex, for both our sakes. I thought to myself, before saying goodnight and falling asleep.


The next morning signalled the last day we would spend in this goddamn forest, and our first in a new country: Griffin Fiefdoms. A strange name, but from what I recall, Twilight said something about ‘fief’ meaning an area of land, typically connected to feudal lords, meaning that the entire country was run by a group of feudal lords.

As our group trudged through the last of the forest, the foliage began to clear up, so our pace increased in hopes of finally leaving the forest. A glare of sunlight piercing through the trees signalled our exit of the forest, so we raised our hands to cover our eyes from the sudden light after being so long in the dark.

When my eyes finally adjusted, I surveyed the land before us; it looked like simple grassland, but in the distance I spotted a town and a few windmills. “Let’s head towards the town. We can get some information from the locals, and also whatever supplies we can gather.”

Alex nodded, so we made our way to the town. However, before we could make more than a few metres, I felt something off; like we were being watched. I looked up just in time to see a pair of Griffins drop in front of us. Before I could reach for my bow, I had a spear pointed at my throat, so I halted my hand and lowered it back down.

“Identify yourselves immediately!” said the Griffin soldier in front of me.

“Fan-fucking-tastic, border patrol.” I groaned.

“Let's face it, it could be much worse.” Alex said nonchalantly, almost looking unphased by the spear that was pointed at his own face.

“How so?” I asked looking at him.

“They could have guns.” He said blankly. I opened my mouth to try and retort, but I just couldn't think of anything to come back with, so I had no choice but to just shut up and accept he was right.

“Too true my friend.” I responded with a grin.