The Everfree Knight

Chapter Five: Kentucky Fried...

"Are you sure you wish to traverse outside of the city?"

"Ma', I'll be fine. I need a wide open space to train myself, otherwise my job is going to be even more difficult!"

I was assuring Alp that I would be fine as I prepare to go and train in the Everfree forest. I need as much training as I can get in, otherwise whatever is coming will just walk all over me.

Alpine sighed, "Fine, but be careful." I thanked whatever god is out there listening, and grabbed my sword and prepared to leave. "And try not to wander too deep into the forest!"

"I'll be fine!" I reply as I leave the manor. She can worry a lot sometimes... Oh well, as I use the walkways to head to the gate, D-dogs that pass by wave, which I return with my own and a grin. I see the trio I hung out with yesterday, and wave at them. They grin and return my wave as I pass by.

The city was bustling this morning, as I could see Changelings, griffons, Minotaurs, Ponies, and D-dogs all wandering around the city going about their business. It's really quite amazing that the inside of a mountain can house such a huge city.

I recently looked at a map of this place, and the way it's constructed is that the marketplace, downtown, and entrance are all at the bottom of the mountain. Where Alpine and I live, we live at the peak since she's the current leader. The floor below us, though is the noble quarter, where the rich and fancy live. Floor below that, is the higher class suburbs, I guess you could call them. Floor below that, middle class, below that, lower class, then the bottom is reached.

I made it to said bottom rather quickly, since the mountain isn't 'Throat of the world' sized (thank god...). I waved at the gate keeper.

"Mornin' Greg!" I greeted. He smiled and waved at me.

"Good morning young master. Heading out?" he asked.

"Yup, need to train. Would it be alright if you opened the gate?"

"Sure, give me a minute and you can be on your way." I nodded and did as he asked. Like he said, he took a minute to get the gate open and waved me through. "Be careful out there, the Kadaver Jäger have been spotted in the area recently. Don't know what they're looking for, but if they're hungry, they won't hesitate to try and eat you." He warned.

Carcass hunter? That sounds very nice and welcoming, doesn't it? Oh well, I guess I'll just have to keep an eye out. I nodded and made my way out of the city and into the exit. The light at the end of the tunnel gets brighter and I finally make it out. I look over the scenery with a smile.

I'm standing on a small cliff overlooking most of the forest, and it looked incredibly beautiful. Off in the distance, I can see giant flying creatures circling around different areas. Those must be the 'carcass hunters'... Alright, I best find a clearing away from them and I can begin my training. There's a pathway to the right of me, guess I should take it.

As I move down the pathway, I can't help but think back to that changeling from yesterday. Jacob Ficsher... American, by the sound of the name. Then again, he could be something else as well...

Maybe I should Ask about it? I head to side of the cliff and sit down on a rock, getting myself comfortable.

Alright, let's see if this works...

FAUST!

Yes child?

Did you send that Jacob guy here?

No, it was a friend of-

I believe I can speak for myself Faust.

Another immortal being in my head? Great... at least I’m not walking.

I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

It’s not an inconvenience, I’m sitting down right now before I head into the forest and train, so nothing should come up.

Playing it safe, I take it?

Already nearly screwed myself over in there once, don’t need a repeat performance.

Unsurprising, the Everfree can be very dangerous and unpredictable.

You mean like back home? It’s only dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing.

That may be true, but, and excuse me for this, “Knowing is half the battle.”

G.I JOOOOOOOOOOE!!!

We are not doing that, not in my immortal lifetime.

You started it. You know that, right?

The phrase has been used many times before by many people, that show was not the first to do so. So, in reality, you started it.

Well, to me, the show kind of coined that phrase and made it fairly famous, and in all honesty you did. But that’s besides the point, I need to know about this Jacob guy.

What is it you desire to know?

Who exactly is Jacob? Is he someone who’s going to be a jackass, or is he decent? Another thing, I get the feeling he also uses magic, so what magic does he use?

He is decent, yes. In terms of magic, he chose lightning.

Alright... the lightning thing is a bit cool I guess. You know what, all this time I never asked for your name.

Hm, I suppose I should give it. I am Susano-o, Shinto God of sea and storm.

... That is the single most amazing thing I’ve ever heard. Now I’m glad I read all those books.

I, for one, find books gratifying either way, I do not see why you thank them now.

Well, I only read them as something to pass the time, not every time I’m bored. The reason I’m thanking them now is because I did kind of find your legends rather interesting.

I find it insulting that you would refer to them as “legends” when speaking to one of the very beings told of in them. That seems rather... Ironic, I think.

Well pardon the shit out of me... I’m just a bit excited that I’m talking to Deity is all. At least I didn’t try to guess your name, I probably would have said something stupid, then you’d be angry, and then a lightning bolt up my ass, that’s the last thing I need.

I am shocked you would think of me as someone who would do that over a simple mistake.

The Greeks didn’t help. Oh yeah, and I see what you did there.

The Greeks aren’t exactly the best example. We are not on the best of terms, so to speak.

I can imagine. Do you ever get into... arguments with them?

The Greeks in general, no. Zeus, on the other hand... He has been on the receiving end of my sword many times in the past. The arrogant old fool acts as if he owns everything in existence.

Even though that Kronos guy was the one that created him and his brothers?

That’s what we try and tell him, but he acts like a stubborn child who won’t give up his play things. I swear, his maturity betrays his age by about three million years.

Ouch. That has to be a pain to deal with on a daily basis... What about the Norse? Are they really as battle thirsty as depicted?

In a sense, yes. That particular aspect of them has died down in recent millennia, though.

I see. I have another question, and this is something that has been on my mind for awhile.

What would that be?

I know this may sound like a stupid question, but as a Shinto god... What was your opinion on World war II?

Simple. A bunch of thrice damned fools and their misguided attempts at conquering the world were crushed under the heel of superior firepower. Though I especially despise the German phrase “blitzkrieg” now.

Okay... What about the American revolution? I know that we didn’t exactly have the most marvelous start, and over the course of history until the 60’s, we didn’t exactly make the best of choices.

In terms of the American’s side, I have no real feeling one way or the other. In terms of the British Empire... Refer to what I said earlier.

Well alright then. Quick question again, how exactly does Loki really act?

Well, he use to act like the many depictions human’s have of him, but he has calmed down greatly, along with the rest of the Norse Gods.

Well that’s good to know, because I get the feeling I’m going to meet one of them sometime in the future... Don’t ask me how I know that, cause I don’t know...

Hm, that is troubling, but there is nothing to be done about it.

Well, thank you for the information then. I need to get to training.

Then I shall not bother you further. Sayonara, Frederick.

Wait!

Hm?

I uh... Kind of enjoyed talking to you Mister Susano-o, will I ever talk to you again?

Possibly. I usually only contact Jacob, however I may find time to converse again.

Alright, well, I’ll let you go do what gods do in their spare time... whatever that is....

Mostly nothing, though some of us, myself included, have taken to playing those video games you mortals enjoy so much.

SNRK! Alright... well, see ya!

Something amusing to you?

Just.... an image came to me, is all.

What would that be?

Just imagined you, and a bunch of other gods sitting on this big couch playing super smash bros.

Mario Party, actually. Why do you think we dislike the Greeks so much? That... Abomination you call a game has destroyed more friendships than murder and arson combined.

Oh god.... Well bye!

Again, Sayonara.

Well Faust, that certainly was enlightening.

It was rather strange to watch you two converse like that, I will admit.

Well, thanks for bringing him in and telling me all that Faust, it really helps.

Anything to make things easier, my champion.

Well, see ya later then!

Goodbye Frederick.

I opened my eyes, realizing that it was actually still the morning. Shit, It didn't even take that long? Cool, more time to train. I get up from the rock I was sitting on and continue down the path into the forest. It was big enough to bring carts in if they're in a line. Other than that though, it's rather small. I look at the mountain and can't help but admire that I live in said mountain like a freaking dwarf, it makes me think of the dwarfs from the Hobbit. Thorin was awesome, can't deny that.

Anyway, after a few minutes of walking, I make it to the edge of the forest, and grin at the noises of the birds and various other wildlife. I adjust the sword against my shoulder, ready to swing at a moments notice. Come at me everfree, I got you're number with my fire.

I continue down the path and look around as I do so, taking in all of the scenery.

It's really quite beautiful, not even scary at all.

SNAP!

SONOFABITCH! I jump and ready my sword, activating the motor and heating the blade up, pointing it in the direction of the sound. What I found was a Changeling cowering as I point my sword at its face.

"Please don't hurt me!" She exclaims. Well, the voice sounds like a she, anyway. I stab my sword into the ground and look at her with a raised eye brow.

"Who are you?" I ask her. She looks at me with a little bit of tears in her eyes,

"M-my name is Bozena..." she introduces herself. I look around and realize how close she is to the Diamond dog settlement.

"What are you doing so far out here? Isn't there a changeling village around here you should be at?" I ask her as nicely as I could.

"W-well, I was in žiariace močiar, until I..." She trailed off, giving a slight blush.

"Well?" I egged her on to continue.

"I got lost." she muttered embarrased. I stare at her for a few moments, and face palm. Well, I guess I may as well point her in the direction of Hollow Sanctuary.

"Alright, well, Hollow Sanctuary as back that way, just follow the trail until it leads to some cliffs. Follow the cliff trail and you'll be in front of a gate, tell the gatekeeper that I sent you." I tell her and grab my sword; I leave towards a random direction, dragging my sword through the ground so I don't get lost. I hear hoofsteps behind me, and I look behind to find the changeling following me.

"I'm really sorry, but do you mind if I stay with you? The forest is rather... worrying by myself." she begs. I sigh, and nod.

"Fine, but keep up. I plan on finding a field to train, so you won't be heading back for a while." I tell her. She nods happily and falls in behind me.

We walk through the various trees, keeping a close eye out for any predators that might pounce.

"Umm, I never did hear your name..." Bozena trailed off.

"Mainly because I never told you it." I snark. She winces at the reply, making me sigh, "It's Frederick."

"Frederick? As in the Frozen Forest's Alpha's son, Frederick?" She asks me with surprise. I raise an eyebrow at her and nod. "Whoa... I never thought I would meet Beta..." I look at her and shrug as we continue on our way.

The forest began to look less dense, maybe I'm getting close to a clearing? We continue in the same direction, and lo and behold, a clearing. I love it when I'm right. It feels like victory.

I begin to stretch as I prepare to practice my moves. I notice Bozena move near a few rocks that are in the clearing and sit down and observes me. Well, I guess I'm giving a free show.

I charge my fist with fire magic and jump up, "Volcanic Viper!" the familiar fire trails behind my fist as I rise higher. I get an idea as I reach the peak of my jump, and try something; "Bandit Revolver!" a jet of fire launches me forward and I perform an axe kick with fire trailing behind it. I land on the ground with a soft thud, and quickly jump up again.

"Bandit Bringer!" A jet of fire shoots from my fist a few feet away from me before dissipating. I stop to look at Bozena, and she seems to be watching me rather intently, a soft blush on her face. She must be enjoying it, so why not continue? Besides, I need to see if I can do any other moves.

"Gun flame!" I stab my sword into the ground, and small pillars of fire erupt from the ground and go at least ten feet in front of me. I grin, and continue training. I see that Gun flame didn't drain me as I thought it would. I guess the sword acts as a medium for my powers.

I get an idea, and I press the button to turn on the motor to my sword. I jump high into the air and charge my sword with magic, making it light up with flame. I slash downwards, leaving a fiery trail behind me as I descend. As I land, I slash in a horizontal fashion and leave another trail. the trails hover in the air, and then launch forward, making an explosion.

"Burning Cross!" I exclaim as the attack explodes, making a small crater in the ground. I move towards Bozena and sit down near her as I try to catch my breath.

"That was amazing!" she exclaims. I grin from the praise.

"Well, it's the main reason I came out here. I needed to train badly, and I needed some open space for some of these attacks." I explain to her. I look closely at her, and see some dark green lines on her carapace. "What are those, if you don't mind me asking."

She realizes where I'm pointing and smiles, "Oh these?" She smiles even wider as her horn glows green and I see some lines on her shell, "these are my česť tetovanie! Or, honor tattoo in equestrian." I looked at her confused.

"What do they mean?" I ask her.

She looks puzzled, "Well, it's tough to explain, really. I don't really know all of the details, but I can tell you what they mean!" She reassures me. I smile and urge her to tell me what hers mean. She points at the first one, and I just realized how tribal they look.

"This one is a passage to adulthood! It basically means that I'm a grown changeling and can make my own decisions." I nodded. She pointed towards one that looks like a chevron, "This one means that I've purchase my own property." huh, I guess independence is a valuable thing to changelings.

"That seems to be it. Nothing else happen?" I ask her. She shrugs in response.

"Well, nothing too big has happened to me, and I don't want to waste the tattooist's time on mundane things, so I don't really get many of them." She replies as we sit in silence. Until a loud thump was heard. We get up in alarm and look around. I notice Bozena's eyes look even more and more horrified.

"What is it?" I ask her as I grip my sword. As soon as I said that, a loud screech pierced the air.

"KOSTRA LOVEC!" She screams. As soon as that was said, a Giant... THING crashed through the tree line and let out a mighty roar. Chunks of whatever it just ate came barreling out and landed around us. I saw some heads, a few intestines, and a lung.

FUCK ALL KINDS OF DUCK.

The giant bird look mostly like a very, VERY, big condor. It's beak was about three feet long, and its talons was also three feet long as well. It's feathers was a pitch black with a white plum. It's wing span... about twenty feet. It also seemed to have this fresh wound in its stomach. Damn if that thing isn't big though...

"Bozena, hide!" I yell at her as I prepare my sword. OH GOD THIS IS STUPID OF ME!

"But what about you!?" YEAH BRAIN, WHAT ABOUT ME!?!

"Just go!" FUCK YOU BRAIN! FUCK YOU!

Bozena nods and runs into the forest. The giant is about to charge at her, but I run towards its talons and slash at them. It lets out a shrill cry and smacks with them. I go fly into the air and smack against the ground ten feet away from it. I get up quickly and realize that it's glaring at me.

What the fuck am I thinking...

Frederick Vs. Kostra Lovek

Heaven or hell!

Duel 1, LET'S ROCK!

(Mid-boss theme)

I dodge another swipe of its talons and counter them by with a swing of my sword. It shrieks in annoyance and smacks me with its wings again, except this time I was ready. I latched onto the wings for dear life. I light my sword on fire and stab into it, making it shriek in pain. It took off into the air, dragging me with it.

BAD DAY BAD DAY BAD DAY BAD DAY!!!

It took off at amazing speeds, doing whatever it could to try and shake me off, but I held on, too scared to, anyway. I get a stupid idea, and begin to climb up the wing as it was beating. Oh my god this is stupid! I make it to the base of the wing and climb onto its body. As I look down, I realize that it was circling the area we lifted off from.

This is very high... Well, let's hope I don't die from this! I was on the body, so I was in the correct position. I lit my sword on fire again, and stabbed it in the back. The entire body jerked and the bird shrieked in agony, we then divebombed to the ground, both me and the monster shrieking.

Not my best idea... We impacted the ground in the clearing loudly, kicking up a lot of dirt as we did so. I got up with  a groan, and look to the condor and realize that it was getting up too. It did, and it roared at me even louder than before. Probably pissed that I wasn't an easy meal. It was charging at me with it's head extended forward, leaving his chin open...

IDEA! I super-charged my fist, praying to whatever deity is listening that this will work. As soon as the head was in front of me, I punched it under the chin, stunning it and creating a small ball of fire.

"TYRANT'S RAVE!" I shouted as I punched the fireball, and I created a giant wave of fire that shot forward, washing over the bird entirely. It shook itself free from the fire, and roared at me. SHIT! It didn't even do anything! Time to go! I run in the opposite direction with the thing right on my tale. I'm running like a madman in hopes that I don't get eaten...

WAIT A MINUTE! Anything is soft on the inside, so...

My feet skid on the ground a I suddenly stop, time slowing as I did so. Slowly, I watched the condor open its gaping maw, ready to eat me.

Not today.

I then do the stupidest thing I've ever conceived in my mind.

I jumped into the mouth with all intents of surviving. I encased myself in a shell of fire, burning it as I went down into its throat.

I can hear screeches as I go further and further into its digestive systems. Yet I have no fucks to give.

"Explosive Wave!" I release my fire shell, and it shoots outwards, destroying the digestive track and destroying its body. Blood and gore shoot all over the clearing, showering it in the predators intestines.

Hehehe... I just went shadow of the colossus on this son of a bitch! I then tiredly walked over to the head, stabbed my sword into its eyes, and rested. I'd probably would have been dead if it weren't for my sword. That thing is definitely a medium, otherwise I would have been unconscious, not tired.

"Over here!" I turn and see Bozena and... the other human. I guess this is Jacob. He wore a red cloak with a brown shoulder pad. He had shoulder length dark brown curly hair and a goatee; blue eyes, and he had tan skin. He was looking at me with horror.

What the hell did I do now...