The young elf summoner walked through the forest slowly, taking in every sound that met his ears. The sound of leaves crunching beneath his feet along with the river passing him by relaxed the elf, and as the cool wind brushed his hair away, he began to forget all the harsh and evil things in this world. He had almost forgotten the beauty of nature, and this was a perfect time to remember how wondrous this world was. The colors of the leaves were like a painting; mixtures of yellow, red, and orange blurred together in the forest as streams of light passed through the branches.

Taen stopped walking for a moment, and glanced to the side to see his reflection staring back at him in the water. He stepped closer to the river and lifted his leg above a log that had fallen. Kneeling down, he dipped his hand into the water and let it pass through his fingers.

He cupped the water in his hands and splashed his face with it. He wiped the water off with his shirt and, after feeling refreshed, walked on.

The elf stretched back his shoulders and inhaled all the air he could before breathing out again. This place felt so alive. Moreso than any of the cities he had been to, with all their mechanical lights and steel houses. It had been a while since he had been this at ease, and the Dragons were enjoying the forest as much as he was.

Unfortunately, they were not here for sight-seeing. They were looking for a temple hidden in these forests; a sacred place that had been desecrated by monsters and demons. If no one acted now, these forests could die, and maybe even the lands coexisting next to it. Thankfully, the monsters had only recently taken residence, so there was enough time to take care of these evil spirits before they could do any permanent damage.

As the elf pulled back the branch of a tree, he made out the faint outline of the stone structure. He walked on, eyes fixed on the temple. His footsteps became harsher as he made his way across a stone bridge that crossed over the river. He let his hand trail across the rail that went parallel with the bridge, and turned appropriately when he began to go up the steps.

The temple sat on top of a huge waterfall. Its walls were enormous; stone engravings told the tale of the people who had originally built it. A large obelisk with a crystal orb at the center stood magnificently in the center of the outer room. Faded markings surrounded the obelisk, and a reddish trail led to a large stone door. Taen strolled casually towards the door, looking up as the ceiling reached at least ten feet above his head. He pressed all his wait against the door, but it wouldn’t budge. He tried to force it open with his earth magic, but to no avail. Frustrated, he stepped back, trying to figure what the symbols on there meant.

There was little time to think, however. The summoner tightened his muscles as he heard a faint growl around the corner. A panther sized creature padded along the floor, sniffing out its prey. He peered around the edge.

There was nothing there. He glanced behind him and saw nothing but an empty space as well. He felt his pulse rise and began to wonder if he was imagining things. But no… He felt its footsteps vibrating across the floor. He knew it was around here somewhere. He pulled out his blades and just in time as well. The creature jumped out at the elf, who jumped slightly in surprise. He did not give it the pleasure of sinking its teeth into his skin. Raising the flat of the blades against the demon, he threw it to the side, watching it roll across the stone floor.

It snarled harshly, and darted to the left. Then to the right. Taen mirrored its movements, and upon seeing it jump at him, he sidestepped to the right and struck upwards, ending its life.

And as one fell, even more came…

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My Alter-Egos