The Montana air was crisp and clean, the scent of pine needles and damp earth filling the air. A full moon hung heavy in the sky, casting an ethereal glow over the rolling hills and whispering grasslands. The ranch, a heaven of rustic charm, buzzed with the energy of a hundred teenagers, all enjoying a well-deserved break from the rigorous magic training. Hot springs bubbled with inviting warmth, laughter echoed from the campfire, and the smell of marshmallows wafted through the night air. It was a scene of pure, unadulterated joy, a respite from the pressure and dangers of their lives.
Except for Jacob.
He stood in an open field, a few hundred yards from the ranch, his body radiating a soft purple glow. The moonlight danced across his skin. Across from him, Bernard, his teacher and also his friend, stood poised, his stance a testament to years of honed combat experience.
"You're holding back, Jacob," Bernard said. "You're afraid to unleash your full potential."
Jacob, his breath coming in ragged gasps, his muscles aching from the relentless sparring, nodded. He has been struggling to control the darkness within him, Sinister Jacob. Ever since that incident with the hitman, Sinister Jacob has become more active than before. Jacob always hears his voice, but tries his best to ignore it. All of a sudden it became annoying. The reason he was holding back was because he was afraid that Sinister Jacob might slip, the last thing he wants to do is rip apart his friend who kindly teaches him.
"But that's precisely what you need to do," Bernard continued, his eyes burning with an intensity that matched the moonlit sky. "You need to embrace your inner fire."
"You don't wanna do that," remarked Sinister Jacob.
"I'll try," Jacob said as he readied himself.
Bernard launched himself at Jacob, his fist a blur of motion, a force of pure energy that crackled with power. Jacob, bracing himself, countered with a punch of his own, the air shimmering as his fire-induced strength collided with Bernard's masterful technique. The two figures clashed, their movements a whirlwind of punches and blocks, a symphony of energy and strength. Jacob, fueled by his determination to control his power, unleashed a flurry of attacks, his movements becoming more fluid, more precise. Bernard, with his years of experience, effortlessly countered, guiding Jacob's raw energy, shaping it, directing it. Jacob lunged, but Bernard swayed, countered with a swift kick, his foot striking Jacob's chest, sending him sprawling across the field. As he lay there, catching his breath, the taste of dirt and grass filling his mouth, he looked up at the sky. Seconds later Bernard stepped into view.
"I think that's enough today," he said as he offered Jacob a hand.
Jacob took it, and Bernard hauled him to his feet. They both started heading towards the ranch, they've had enough for the week. Now it's time to enjoy their stay.
The hot springs, a natural oasis of warmth and relaxation, were a stark contrast to the rigorous training Jacob had just endured.
He sank into the steaming water, the warmth enveloping him like a comforting embrace, easing the tension in his muscles and soothing his weary mind. Bernard, his body relaxed, his expression serene, sat beside him, his eyes closed, enjoying the therapeutic effects of the natural spa.
"It's amazing what a little bit of nature can do to you," Bernard said, his voice a low murmur, a hint of amusement in his tone. "It's almost enough to make you forget about the chaos of the world."
Jacob, his own tension easing with each passing moment, chuckled softly. "Almost," he agreed. "But not quite."
As he drifted into a state of relaxed contemplation, his gaze drifted towards the other end of the hot spring. A group of young men, their faces a mix of eagerness and determination, stood huddled together, their eyes fixed on a wall that separated the men's section from the women's. At the head of the group stood Alex, his grin wide and mischievous, his eyes gleaming with an almost predatory light. He was leading them towards the wall, his body radiating a sense of mischief and intent. Jacob watched, his brow furrowing in confusion, a sense of foreboding washing over him. He knew Alex, he knew his playful nature, his tendency to push boundaries, but this… this felt different.
"Oh please don't tell me…" his voice trailed off.
"It's happening," Bernard said. "And not for the first time."
He turned to Jacob, his expression a mixture of concern and amusement. "Remember that time Alex tried to use a teleportation crystal to get into the girls' dormitory?"
Jacob couldn't help but laugh. "He stole it from Miss Anya's office," he said. "He ended up in the library, covered in books," he shook his head.
The wall, a sturdy barrier of stone, seemed to defy the very laws of physics as Alex and his cohort scaled its heights. It was as if gravity itself had been suspended, their bodies defying the pull of the earth, their movements aided by a potent cocktail of magic and youthful audacity. Alex, using his shadows, clawed his way up the wall. His eyes glowing with an uncharacteristic gleam, were fixed on the other side, a vision of eager anticipation dancing in their depth. He could almost taste it, the thrill of victory, the joy of finally getting a glimpse of the forbidden. Just inches away from the top, he stretched out his hand, his fingertips brushing against the rough surface of the stone. He was close. So close. He could almost see the women's section, the laughter, the movement, the graceful curves that had tantalized his imagination for so long.
A triumphant grin spread across his face, but his moment of triumph was brutally interrupted. He was so close, his senses drunk on the anticipation, when a searing pain ripped through his jaw. The world dissolved into a kaleidoscope of blinding white and searing pain. The wall, the hot spring, the group of cheering boys, it all vanished into a swirling vortex of agony. The force sent him tumbling back, his body arching through the air before crashing into the hot spring with a resounding splash. He surfaced, sputtering and gasping, his face throbbing with pain, a single, crimson streak staining his cheek. His eyes darted to the source of the blow, his heart pounding in his chest. Standing on the other side of the wall was a female, wearing a towel to cover her body, a single, yellow fist raised, radiating an aura of pure power.
"If you ever try that again," her voice booming. "It will be knives this time." Said Susan and disappeared back into the women's section.
"Well that went well," Bernard said.
"Shut up." Alex blushed.
The world outside the window seemed to fade away, replaced by a soft hum of peace. The gentle sway of trees outside his window lulled him into a state of slumber, the rhythmic sound of nature's lullaby a soothing balm for his troubled mind, his sinister self-had become quiet since the drama at the hot springs. Jacob was almost asleep, his dreams blurring into the fading light of the moon, when a hissing sound, a low guttural whisper, pierced the stillness of the night. He jolted awake, his eyes snapping open, his heart pounding on his chest. Hand already gripping his dagger. The moonlight, filtering through the window, illuminated the room, casting long, distorted shadows that danced across the walls. He scanned the room, his eyes searching for the source of hissing, his heart pounding in his chest. Then he saw it.
A snake, its scales shimmering with an iridescent sheen, was coiled on the window ledge, its eyes fixed on him, its gaze unblinking, its movements deliberate. It surveyed the room, its head turned slowly, taking in every detail. Then, as quickly as it had appeared, it slithered out of sight, disappearing into the darkness beyond the window. Jacob sat frozen, his mind racing. He had seen snakes before, but this one…this creature seemed different. It radiated a sense of otherness, a primordial power that made his skin crawl. He felt a shiver run down his spine, a primal fear that echoed through his veins.
"Alex," he called, whispering. He heard a groan. "Alex."
"What?" came Alex's voice muffled beneath the pillow.
"I don't think this trip is safe."
"Whaddyyaa mean?"
"I think there's someone out there."
"Chillax man," Alex yawned. "Everything is gonna be…" he started snoring again.
Jacob searched the boys room with his eyes and saw Bernard, asleep. He considered calling him but decided against it. He lay back down, his heart still pounding.
"They might be after me," he said to himself. He remembered what Gregory the hitman said "now I see why they wanted you dead."
He was being hunted, and Nightshade won't stop at nothing to make sure he's no longer breathing. He had to stay vigilant, to remain alert. He had to be ready. Because the shadows, the creatures, Nightshade, were always watching, always waiting. His hand still gripping his dagger, he fell asleep.
10 hours later…midday
The Montana sun beat down on Jacob's shoulders, warming his skin as he hiked through the dense forest. Today was hiking day, when every student…including teachers hike through the forest and enjoy having a great time. The trail wound its way through towering pines and ancient oaks, the scent of pine needles and damp earth filling the air. It was a beautiful day, the perfect setting for a leisurely hike, yet Jacob's mind was far from the picturesque scenery. He was lost in thought, replaying the events of the previous night, the encounter with the snake, its chilling gaze, its unsettling presence. The sensation of unease lingered, a persistent whisper in the back of his mind, a reminder that the world, his world was far from safe. He glanced at the other students, their laughter echoing through the forest. He envied their carefree spirit, their innocence.
"Lost in thought?" a soft voice broke into his reverie.
Jacob turned, his eyes widening in surprise. Angela, the girl with black hair and an unsettling aura, stood behind him. She wore practical yet stylish hiking clothes that accentuated her athletic figure- a fitted moisture-wicking top, durable cargo pants, and sturdy hiking boots. She was pretty, he had to admit.
"Yeah," he replied.
"Still thinking about your encounter with the hitman?"
"No."
"The dark forest?"
"Not that either."
"Then what is it?"
"I saw a snake." He checked to see if anybody was listening. "I think there might be-,"
"A bad guy?" she interrupted him.
"Yes."
Instead of reassuring him that everything will be okay, she nodded.
"You believe me?"
"Yes." She replied. "I felt an odd presence last night when I was in the hot springs, I thought some pervert was spying on me."
"It might be when Alex on his second attempt." Jacob suggested.
She chuckled, it was cute. "No, but I get the feeling we're being watched."
"Yeah, me too."
They were quiet for a moment.
"So, what's this deal with you and the dark forest?" Jacob asked, finally breaking the awkward silence.
She shrugged. "I heard a lot of stories about it."
"You wanted to see for yourself huh?"
"Well, ya." She waited till the others were out of ear shot. "Have you heard of the forbidden ground?"
"No," he shook his head.
"It's at the center of the dark forest, legend has it, it is different from the rest of the forest."
"How different?"
"Imagine a puddle of black paint…now imagine if it had a center that is absolutely clean."
"Um…okay?"
"Okay…try imagining a cloud of darkness, and in the center there's light."
"I get it."
"Okay good…now imagine green grasses, butterflies and lilies and in that center of the center of the dark forest…"
"Um…"
"…is a tree. Not just any tree, but a tree with golden branches and leaves that look like emeralds."
"Really?" he sounded fascinated.
"Yes, and if you eat its fruit…"
"Fruits?"
"Yes, some say it looks like an emerald apple, some say it looks like a golden apple."
"What if it's an emerald avocado?"
She laughed. Jacob found himself amazed by how elegant she looks while she laughed. "Don't forget about Beatrice." Sinister Jacob mocked.
"Anyway," she continued. "If you eat that fruit, you'll be given immortality."
"Now I'm starting to think it's just a legend."
"I believe it's real," she said her eyes gleaming.
But before Jacob could object, the forest path suddenly gave way beneath their feet. The ground beneath them dissolved, replaced by a gaping chasm of darkness, swallowing them whole. The air was sucked out of their lungs, replaced by a chilling silence. They plummeted, their bodies hurtling through the darkness, a sensation of weightlessness and fear gripping them. They landed with a thud, their bodies sprawled on the forest floor, the impact jarring their senses. The world around them was a blur of green and brown, a dizzying sight of leaves and branches. They were on the other side of the Montana forest. They sat up, their eyes adjusting to the dim light that filtered through the dense canopy. The air was thick with damp, earthly scent, the air heavy with a sense of foreboding.
"What…what just happened?" Jacob asked, his voice hoarse.
Angela, her eyes wide with surprise, her gaze scanning the forest, shook her head. "I…I don't know," she said. "I don't like this."
They stood up, brushing off the dirt and leaves from their clothes.
"Please tell me it is one of Alex's pranks," Angela said.
"No," Jacob replied. "Last I checked, he only had the ability to shadow-travel himself."
"Indeed," came a voice from their right.
A figure emerged from the shadows, a tall man, wrapped in ancient bandages, his face obscured by a tattered mask. He stood motionless, his eyes, hidden beneath the mask, shining with an eerie light. A low, guttural glow emanated from his throat, a sound that sent shiver down their spines. On his shoulders, lay the snake like a scarf. Its scales shimmered with an iridescent glow, its eyes, fixed on Jacob and Angela. Jacob reached for his dagger then realized he left his dagger at his bed, again. He cursed himself. Angela also didn't have her katana with her, she muttered a curse to herself as well. Jacob knew that Angela bases her magic on tools, like her katana. Without it, she's defenseless and won't be able to deal much damage. "And that, is why being a tool user sucks" Bernard once said.
A fist hit Jacob like a wrecking ball. He went down and rolled, dimly aware that the snake was after Angela. He got to his feet and fought the dizziness, "how did he hit me?" He thought.
"Watch out for the portals." -Sinister Jacob.
A shadowy space opened to his side, and a feet came through, catching Jacob on his waist. A fist came at him again and he dodged. He saw the bandaged man standing there on his spot, the only difference his limbs were missing replaced by dark circles. He tried to run towards him, but it was no use. A black boot came at him and he went spinning. He fell to one knee and saw Angela dodging the now bigger snake's assault, he wanted to help her, but he also knew he had to stop this man.
"You can't be at two places at the same time Jacob." -Sinister Jacob.
A hand grabbed Jacob and hauled him backward. Purple flames burst from his hands and he shot high up, forcing the hand to let go, then in that instant he shot himself towards the bandaged man. He tried to hit him with a hammer kick, but the man dodged, his limbs suddenly back in place. Jacob struck out with a punch and the man grunted, but when Jacob tried to follow it up with another strike, he was flipped over the man's hip. He somersaulted backward and got up.
"You fight good," the man remarked.
"Who are you? How did you get to us undetected?" he asked.
"I detected a flaw in your security and used that to my advantage," the man replied, his limbs once again replaced by dark circles. " I pity the Binders of this disgusting generation."
A fist came at him and Jacob swayed, blocked the next but couldn't defend the kick from behind. He fell to his knees, and dodged the second kick. Whatever type of sorcerer the man is, he's different.
Angela was fighting her own battle, the snake, now huge, came at her no matter how hard she tried getting away from it. Angela didn't want to leave Jacob behind, but she also didn't want to spend time just dodging this damned snake with no weapon. First day fighting alongside the man of her dreams, unarmed…she felt ashamed.
The snake lunged, its mouth wide and fangs sharp, but Angela was already landing on the tree branches. She needed a weapon, her weapon…her glorious, precious katana. She landed onto the next branch as the snake shot upwards and obliterated the branch she was on seconds earlier. Suddenly an idea shot into her, she gripped a thinner branch from the tree, then the snake again attacked, this time its fangs were impaled in the tree branch. Smiling, Angela plunged a broken branch into its left eye, the creature hissed in pain as it wriggled to free itself. She quickly pulled out the branch and impaled its other eye as well. The creature hissed in agony, and its tail found Angela, throwing her off her feet, she broke a few branches on her way and landed on the ground with a sickening thud.
Meanwhile Jacob was trying his best to get to the bandaged man, but the sudden appearance of his limbs from multiple directions made it difficult to do so. He landed opposite to the man, panting. His gaze searching for Angela.
"My child is in agony," the bandaged man said.
"Who?" Jacob asked.
"My child," the man repeated.
"You mean the snake?"
"Don't call him that!" the man bellowed in rage and this time, his limbs were back.
He moved like nothing Jacob had ever seen. There was a flash of steel, and suddenly a knife was sticking through the Jacob's left hand. Jacob roared in pain and stepped back into nothing; then he was down in the darkness, and then he found himself falling down beside a building. Before another thought crossed his mind, the man appeared beside him. Pain shot out of Jacob's left shoulder as the man slammed it against the wall. Jacob caught the man by surprise the burst of purple flames from his damaged hand, he grimaced in pain as he reached out with his good hand and felt the brickwork. The friction peeled the skin from his fingertips, his hand snagged a window ledge, and his body swung in and smashed against the wall, and he was falling again. He could use his flames to slow his descent, but the knife sticking out of his left hand made it difficult.
He struck both arms out and grabbed another window ledge. Now his knees slammed against the wall. He screamed as the knife shifted in his hand. But he didn't let go. Muscles straining, seat coating his body, Jacob hauled himself up and through the window into darkness…he was falling again, his breath caught in his lungs unable to breath. A few seconds later he fell on the grass, back into the forest. Hands grabbed him, hauled him up and pinned him to a tree. The bandaged man, without a word, opened his mouth, it was wide and deep and dark. Jacob took a breath, immediately felt cold. He could sense the man reaching out towards his soul, Jacob started to go with it, started to leave his body. As he was pulled gently closer to the man, he paused a while to examine what was happening. His body's heartbeat slowed. The bio-electricity in his body dampened. He was about to die.
"No" Sinister Jacob chuckled, "I won't let that happen."
He pulled back, felt his heart quicken, felt his body around him. The man grunted. It was all too much for him, the poor thing. He endangered Jacob's life and awoken the beast within. Sinister Jacob stood, his hand shot out like a viper, grabbing the bandaged man by the neck, his deep purple eyes fixed on his half burned mask, he smirked.