Chapter 40 - Behemoth (1/2)

”It won't bite you! I promise!”

”It's a behemoth size of a bird with claws! I'm not worried about its bite. I don't want those claws of that size anywhere near me!”

Raiyen had been arguing with Ysabeau for about two days now. This was the second time Ysabeau was trying to get the stubborn Time Boy onto Fluffy. Mavislin missed the argument the previous day so now she was witnessing the second episode. In the intervening period, the Valkyrie was experiencing the time of her life by stroking the beast's head.

The Time Boy cringed when Fluffy squealed in delight.

”It will be fine!”

”No, it will not!”

The beast had now flopped onto her back, wiggling around as if Fluffy was requesting someone to rub its belly.

”What's so difficult?”

”I dare not go remotely near it. By the power of the stars, what makes you think I would ride it?!”

At this time, Mavislin had tried sitting on the bird. The bird gently shrugged off the saddle, indicating she was not fond of the weird contraption. Well, who could blame the bird for rejecting something meant for another animal?

Raiyen had an eye on Fluffy and Mavislin, just in case the beast harms his partner in any way.

”I need it for safety, Fluffy. Please?” whispered Mavislin as she stroked Fluffy's feathered head once more.

The creature, nevertheless, refused. As an alternative, Fluffy plopped onto her rump, allowing Mavislin to sit on her back. Her beak tilted as if it's prompting the Valkyrie to go onboard. Mavislin expressed apprehension as the Valkyrie scooted closer. It seems that Fluffy sensed her hesitance and gently squawked, trying to reassure the worried Mage.

Raiyen was one of the rarest Mages in all of the Universe. A being made out of entirely Time, born out of the Streams of Time. He was dauntless when it came to combat and faced with First-rate Elemental spells.

In defiance of his origins, Raiyen had a preposterous fear of transportation. This made traveling impossibly difficult for the group unless Raiyen used his powers for the excursion. Baldwin was fairly annoyed with this matter, so Ysabeau decided to have Raiyen overcome his fear.

Right now, it doesn't seem like it would be working any time soon.

”I don't even like riding horseback!”

”You're the only one who can oppose a second in command, how defiant can you be?!” chided Ysabeau, placing her hands on her h.i.p.s.

”I'll oppose the Lord of the Universe if it means getting away from that…”