Extinelo, the Reaper

Extinelo

Story

A small, beaten and broken figure stood it's ground against the monster before him. The figure was purple, with hazel eyes and once-brilliant wings. The monster was Red, with cruel, glinting yellow eyes and a taunting smile, broken into jagged pieces by sharp, white fangs. Behind the figure, a terrified little shape cowered in a corner, behind the shape that stood to protect her. Fear rolled off her in waves.

Why don't you just give up, runt? The monster sneered to the shape, You've got no chance. You've only lasted this long because you're amusing to toy with, but now I've grown bored of you. I'm done playing. You're finished, and the ragdoll is next! The shape stood shaking and panted out his defiant reply. Lance, I'm not giving up. I won't let you get to that kougra. You have no reason to harm either of us! Lance, the monster snickered and replied, I have every right! I was bored, and you two became my playthings. All playthings I own end up broken, you know, Extinelo. And there's nothing you can do to stop it. Extinelo, the figure, snarled, and tensed his muscles in a neutral positon. If he couldn't protect this kougra in defence, he'd switch to offence.

You're pathetic, Extinelo! You could've had everything- my protection and leadership, the right to live! You should have taken my offer to join the organisation when you had the chance. You know too much, and you care too much! With that, Lance lunged at Extinelo, sinking his fangs into his throat and restricting his ariway. Extinelo fell to the ground, growing weaker and losing concience. He heared Vestari, the plushie kougra he'd been protecting, scream at lance. Please! Let him go! He doesn't deserve this! She leaped at lance, who threw her aside without even having to ease hsi grip on Extinelo. Darkness was closing in around his vision, and he was aware that no hope was left. His imminent doom didn't bother him. It was the fact that he couldn't help Vestari anymore to get away from Lance. Using the last of his breath, he choked out a feeble instruction to her: Run... And then the darkness closed in on him completly.

Extinelo had lost all feeling. He slowly became aware that his eyes were now closed, and he couldn't feel Lance on him anymore. He could no longer feel his wounds. He could breathe. He opened his eyes to see a dark figure looming above him. It had it's hand-all all bone-extended to help him up. Extinelo, accepting the offer of help, shook his head and spoke to the figure calmly. Greetings. I suppose you must be the reaper. I didn't know I'd be meeting you so unexpectedly. Please excuse me for dropping in on you. The reaper seemed surprised to see that he was so calm. Aren't you afraid, small one? You've just left the land of the living, at a young age and in a cruel way. And now you apolojize to me of all people, the Grim Reaper, for being a burden? Extinelo nodded. Yes. You must be rather busy, and I'm sorry to take up your time. Whenever you're ready, I'm willing to follow you wherever you wish to take me. It's my time, and I know it. The reaper considered this for a moment. You are not afraid, then? Not afraid of what lies ahead? Extinelo shook his head. It can't be worse than the knowledge I was unable to protect the innocent from a monster. At these words, The Reaper looked at Extinelo, red eyes full of curious excitment. You-your name wouldn't happen to be Extinelo...?

Extinelo was confused, but nodded. Yes, I am Extinelo. Is something wrong, Sir? Might I be of some assistance? The reaper stated at him. You are the one. The next reaper, to take the place of he who has lost his true name. One bony hand took Extinelo's paw, and the other hand waved through the air, and left a scroll floating. The reaper opend it and read aloud the prophecy.

At the time The Reaper has lost his true name, a new Reaper will be found to take his place. It will be a brave and pure soul, who lost it's body in a noble way and wishes to protect innosence. Love and understanding will be his guides, and he will change the rules of the Reaper for all time, following them forever as he does his duty.

The cloked figure closed the scroll, and waved it away. Extinelo, that's you. You are pure, and wish to protect innosence. You are honest and noble. You will take my place now. Extinelo was shocked. But how can I be the reaper? I don't know anything about magic. The Reaper smiled. My name will reveal all of Magic's secrets to you. Leaning in to Extinelo's ear, so close that his hot breath was about Extinelo's face, the Reaper whispered one word that changed everything. Hex! As the words left Hex's lips, his sythe fell and his cloke removed. He was no longer made of bone, he was a ghost. I can finally find my peace, Extinelo. Thank you. And... Good luck. My knowledge will remain with you, but your judgement will be it's master. With that, the ghost left.

Extinelo saw the world spin away from him, and found himself laying where lance had left him. Back in the living world. But his wounds were still gone. He was now wearing the cloke Hex had worn, and the sythe lay next to him. He was stronger. Larger. His claws were longer and sharper, and so were his clean white fangs. His wings were even more brilliant than they'd been before he'd engaged in battle with Lance. They were thicker, darker, and much larger. He was alltogether a more threatening opponent.

He stood and turned to see Lance, standing over a limp shape, his head rushing toward it's throat, aiming the final blow. NO! Extinelo's cry rang out and echoed off the buildings around them. He shot foreward and bowled Lance over, breaking through a wooden fence with all his force. Vestari, are you okay? The little kougra tried to sit but couldn't. I'll be fine, if we can get out of here...Are you allright? I thought you were... She trailed off and broke into tears. Extielo turned his attention back to Lance, who was digging his teeth into Extinelo's foreleg in an attempt at escape. Extinelo hardly fealt it. Rage pulsed through him. Lance had done his best to ruin everything for everyone he ever came across. Especally Extinelo and Vestari. He could remember everything as though it had only just occured...

Extinelo stood on the porch of his sleepy little house just outside the city, letting the evening wind ruffle his fur and make his scarf flap in the snowy air. He had his thick snow boots on and a warm hat over his ears. It was so thick, he almost hadn't heared the sound of screams drifting with the wind. Almost. But he did hear the screams. Dreadful screams of pain and fear, mixed with horrible laughter. Extinelo's head turned to see a black and red shape streeking after a small, purple bundle in the snow on the edge of his property.

The purple shape leaped over the fence and sprinted to him, leaping behind him and begging desperatly, Please! Help me- I'm being chased by Lance! He's after me! I can't get away! At the time, Extinelo had only heared of Lance in rumors around the city. But now that the red and black shape was catching up, he realised why so many had spoke of him as though he was evil incarnated into a living form. He was huge, evil, and menacing. He stopped in front of Extinelo and began issuing orders. Move aside, he snarled, And let me get to the ragdoll. She's all I want at the moment. Move on aside, and I'll let you go for now. Got it? Extinelo was outraged at this. It was his home, and Lance wasn't the only one who could fight. As a reply, Extinelo raised his massive paws and raked long, curved claws all along Lance's back and flanks, leaving deep gashes that mixed scarlet fluid with the scarlet fur around it.

A howl of pain rang out from Lance's mouth, and he collapsed tot he ground from the surprise attack. It had wounded him very badly. Runt, He vowed, Next time I catch you and that ragdoll, your last thoughts will be of regret for meeting me. Next time, I'll be ready for you! With that the monsterous gelert had flown off to seek medical attention, and left Extinelo to meet Vestari, whom he invited inside to calm herself and explain what had happened in front of a warm fire and a mug of hot coca.

The two sat in Extinelo's living room on the couch, each with a blanket over their shoulders and a mug of hot coca in their paws. Vestari was sadly explaining what had happened, telling her sorrowful tale of being chased by a monster...

I was just walking to the store to get some chocolate chip cookie supplies, I didn't intend to bother anybody. But then I saw that horrible gelert chasing after a little baby lupe, and I swooped up the poor thing and told Lance he should be ashamed, chasing innocent little babies like that. Then Lance got really mad, and the little lupe jumped out of my arms and ran off- suppoke to wherever he lives or to somewhere to call the police. Lance didn't chase after him- he had too much of a head start. But he turned on me! He told me I'd just made a mistake that would cost me my life by protecting the little lupe. Then he dove at me and tried to bite my throat! I ran away as fast as I could, and I swerved around buildings, but I couldn't get away. He chased me all the way through the city, and then I saw you standing there, and I hoped you would help me. Thank Fyora you did...You were remarkable brave! Without you, he would have finished me for sure! Oh, how can i ever repay you, sir?

Extinelo was brokenhearted to hear her sorrowful story. He didn't think it was safe for her to go home- Lance might be waiting. No need to repay me, Miss! It's only right to stop monsters like him from harming the innocent, and I couldn't leave you alone at his claws. Might I suggest staying here for a while? Maybe a night or two, in case Lance tries to wait at your residence for you? This made Vestari's eyes light up. Oh, thank you, thank you! It would be much appreciated- I'm not very good at fighting. I have the moves and flexibility, but I'm plushie. I don't weigh enough to bowl somebody over. All i can do is scratch them or bite. Nothing else. Oh my, I just realised we havn't introduced ourselves! My apologies. My name is Vestari, might I have the honor of knowing your name, Sir? Extinelo smiled and replied, My name is Extinelo. It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Vestari. You truly are a remarkable kougra, standing up to Lance to save that lupe, you know. Vestari blushed, and followed him upstairs to his guest room, where he had a bed ready made for her. She thanked him and once he had left, she crawled in under the covers and went to sleep early. She was exhausted from her run.

A couple days passed, durring which the two grew very close, and then it was time for Vestari to go home. Extinelo walked her there, and was delighted to accept a dinner invite for the next evening. As the door closed, he turned and walked down the steps. He only got so far as the front gate before he heared her scream, followed by a window breaking and wings beating. He whipped his head around to see Lance, carrying Vestari off through the air into the city. Spreading his own mighty wings, Extinelo persued until they reached their current position: The old alley where their brutal fight took place. Extinelo had torn up Lance's ears, tail, and one wing. Lance had ruined both of Extinelo's wings, shredded his back and sides, battered all four of Extinelo's legs, and finally struck the blow that led to the newfound knowledge of being the Grim Reaper. Now, here they were.

Lance hadn't stopped chewing at Extinelo's forelegs in a desperate escape attempt. Extinelo had subconsiously dug his claws into Lance's shoulders, and they remained there, hooked into place and going nowhere until he wanted them to. Lance, Extinelo growled, You've been a very naughty boy. You've chased young lupes, and attempted to rip Vestari open. You've ended the lives of countless other victims, and you shouldn't be allowed to live. Being the reaper, I could finish you now. Anywhere. Any way I please. Then rip the ghost out of you and leave you to wander the world alone. But I won't- at least, not yet. You will have one more chance. You hear me? ONE. The next time I need to catch you for a one on one fight, my mercy will be gone, and you will be too. Now get up and leave us, filthy worm. Change your ways, or face the consequences.
And so Lance, now reduced to a pitiful bundle of angry fur, got up and quickly limped away, leaving Extinelo and Vestari to themselves. You were amazing, She whispered, But what do you mean? You said you were the Reaper. I don't understand... Extinelo walked Vestari home once more, explaining what had happened on the way. I understand if you never wish to see me again, now that I'm a monster myself... He finished sadly. But Vestari reassured him. Don't be rediculous! You are a hero, Extinelo. And even if you weren't...I wouldn't be able to bear the thought of never seeing you again. We may have onyl known eachother for a few days, but...I love you, Extinelo. With all my heart. Extinelo broke into tears of joy, and thus began a wonderful new life for each of them.

They moved to a land that had not yet been populated, and became the King and Queen. It was a small kingdom, but very close. People all seemed to know eachother, and there was always plenty for the whole land. Extinelo soon found a special little lupe named Gilrose, Who they adopted into their family as a son. Eventually, Extinelo ended Lance by tossing him into a volcano, and diving in to fetch the spirit from the singed body. He gave Lance none of the usual ghost powers, such as waling through solid objects, the ability to be seen by pets or turn invisible, being able to be heared by living or ghost pets, exc. Instead, Lance now wonders around alone, with no ability to be seen, or touched, or heared, or known of.

Art