The corner of Jackson’s mouth quirks up, “Of course you do, our resident genius.”
Hakeem draws in as much mana as he can hold from Jackson, releasing their interlocked hands. Jackson’s eyes flare to life as he imbues his mana into the shadows, forcing a concentrated blast into the beast. The beast’s claws dig into the earth, attempting to anchor him to his spot, before the shadows drown his white fur in darkness, forcing him back. He hits the wall of trees and snaps back at the shadows. He goes to charge back towards the manor when Jackson appears in his peripheral with vampiric speed, “Looking for someone?” Angered by his joking tone, the beast chases Jackson deeper into the woods around LaLune manor.
Hakeem goes to chase after them, mana surging around his body, his muscles aching from holding onto so much power. A hand grabs his arm, his body turned to face his uncle’s panicked expression. “No! Hakeem, I don’t know what’s happening, but you cannot chase after those two.”
Hakeem pulls his arm free of his uncle’s hold and turns fully to face him. “Khalo Shadi, I won’t let Jackson face Eddie alone. He’s lost control, we can’t risk him hurting anyone and have that guilt on his conscience. He’s saved us before, now we have to help him. If that means wearing his beast out till he changes back then so be it. No one else can get close to him with his new powers.”
Shadi grabs his nephew’s shoulders, barely resisting the urge to shake the crazy thought out of him. “Why? Why does it always have to be my family?” Hakeem’s heart sinks at the tears forming in his uncle’s eyes; he can see the concerned look of the rest of his family back in the manor when he turns his head.
Bahera joins her husband’s side. “Habibi, we know you care for them, but you shouldn’t have to face….that. Please come inside where it’s safe. I’m sure if Jackson is immune to Eddie’s new magic then he’ll be fine.”
Hakeem exhales in defeat, “I know you two love me and want to keep me safe.” His aunt and uncle relax for a moment. “So I hope you can forgive me for this.”
“Sweetest dreams, a beautiful lie. Yanam”
Before they could question what Hakeem means, Bahera and Shadi are coated in a light silver glow as Hakeem speaks his spell. He catches them in his arms and huffs as he lowers them carefully to the ground, asleep.
He looks up to the crowd in the manor, “Take care of them for me.” Amelia nods as she conjures vines to carry the sleeping duo in.
Hakeem turns on his heel, wand gripped tight in his hand, and runs towards the forest line. His shoes pound at the dirt beneath his feet as his body sparks with the mana gifted by Jackson. He hardens his resolve, gritting his teeth as he slips between the trees.
* * *
Deep in the woods around LaLune manor, Jackson cloaks himself in a shroud of shadows. He hides in the darkness from the stalking beast that holds his Eddie within. Jackson needs to keep him away from the manor,away from those who can fall prey to his magic. He and Hakeem seemed to be immune to the fear stricken paralysis that Eddie’s beast commands. As proud as he is of his beloved’s power, now was not the time nor the place as the beast’s foot fall echoed through the trees.
The beast prowls through the woods on his hind legs, arms tearing away at branches that stand in his way. The earth beneath Jackson’s feet trembles under the force of the beast’s mana. Though Eddie may not have his or Hakeem’s experience in wielding powerful magic, it didn’t stop the sheer weight of it from thickening the air.
The tree to Jackson’s back is torn asunder by obsidian claws as the beast snarls at him. He rolls out of the way of the splintered wood, a devilish smirk upon his face. “Good evening, my darling. Looks like you have some energy to work through. So,” a swarm of tendrils appear at his back, laced with green mana, “may I have this dance?”
By his command the tendrils snake through the air towards Eddie’s beast, pushing the hulking form back into a trunk. The beast’s jaws snap, his claws tearing through the shadows as though they were paper. “Well, that’s unfortunate.” Jackson grimaces as he races through the trees, winding through the shadows of the forest untouched by the moon.
He just needs to tire Eddie out, let the beast run its course. He could out maneuver the ramping wolf in the shadows.
Jackson’s thoughts are cut off by grasping roots tearing through the ground and ensnaring his feet, “Oh fu-”. He hangs upside down as the beast stalks closer, blue mana sparking off his claws, white fur marred by dirt. “I forgot our dear Hakeem’s teachings. Power does not mean control, and inexperienced does not mean hopeless, myself as the best example. I don’t suppose my darling Eddie has regained control yet?” Jackson asks with a hopeful half smile. A thunderous roar to the face, spit flying from sharp teeth, makes Jackson assume that Eddie had in fact, not regained control. “Well, shit.”
“Seif!”
A blade of silver cuts through the roots around Jackson’s ankles, spooking the beast so that it jumps away. Jackson catches himself with his hands andback springs, eyes landing on Hakeem when he lands on his feet. Wand at the ready, his chest rising and falling in rapid breaths, the mage is out of breath but filled with determination.
“Jackson!” Hakeem calls out, “I’ll be your support, just keep on him.”
Jackson throws his head back in a stark laugh, arms engulfed in writhing shadows, “Aye aye, my love. Let’s wake our Eddie up.”
Hakeem fights to ignore the rush of heat climbing his neck. Now wasnotthe time to focus on Jackson calling him his love.
The beast howls in a clearing, the full moon shining off his white fur. Wild roots rip through the ground towards both men. Hakeem was right, the magic is strong yet sloppy. Jackson is ready this time as he lets his mana flow through a clawed hand.
“Lihab!”
Green flames scorch the roots, charred remains falling in their place.
Hakeem draws three intersecting lines with the glowing tip of his wand.
“Jaleed!”
An eruption of ice bursts forth, trapping the encroaching roots in the air. The ice travels across the growth towards the beast. A slash of razor claws shatters the pillar of ice, powder coating the air around the wolf.
With a screen of powder obscuring the wolf’s vision, Jackson takes the chances to trace a winding serpent in the air, focusing his mana into his shadows.
