Garv

We waited for a while until they finished 'discussing'. It didn't take long before they faced us, nodding their heads 'furiously'. Was that a yes? That's a yes, right?

"Good job on your first time communicating with undead skeletons, Mr. Jack," Ethan said as he slapped my shoulder lightly — still holding his laughter. Made me wonder what was it exactly that's making him laugh that badly. I don't find anything funny at all! Especially in our current situation. I don't think he has gone mad already either.

Finding the matter unimportant, I ignored him and returned my attention back to the skeletons. I found out that they were still waiting for my response because they haven't moved from their position earlier. But what the heck am I going to say? What kind of response were they expecting from me?

"Ahem! Monica, Victor. You can do that. He won't mind at all so don't worry about him," Ethan said.

But… huh? What the heck was he talking about? I've no idea at all! He hadn't told me anything. I gave him a questioning look and said, "What that? You didn't asked me anything. I don't know what you're talking about."

Hearing me ask, he grinned and told me, "Be grateful, Mr. Jack! For you will experience something amazing tonight!"

His tone was so excited, a polar opposite to when we were still in the sewer. His attitude toward this whole thing is making me skeptical. I turned to the skeletons, wanting to seek confirmation but I only saw them cocking their skulls to either side — shrugging. See? Even they are confused!

I gave him a doubtful look. But instead of explaining anything to me, he only brushed me off. What's the meaning of that? As time passed, I am becoming more and more distrustful towards him.

I heard a creaking sound of bones by my side, the skeletons are now starting to move. The one wearing the tuxedo, or shall we say Victor took something from his breast pocket. It was a harp only at the size of my palm. It only has three strings.

They motioned us to follow them which we did. Meanwhile, Ethan, who was by my side was half-hoping as though he had springs under his soles. What was he so excited about?

They brought us to the open space — still in the forest. After signaling us to step aside, Victor plucked the strings. I waited for a moment filled with anticipation. But soon frowned when nothing happened. How anticlimactic.

But soon enough, we heard a flapping sound of the wings along with the slight gust of the wind. I turned to where the sound was coming from and saw a fat tawny owl flying our way.

It hovered around Victor and Monica enthusiastically. As if a dog who had not seen its owner for years. Monica held her arm midair and the owl perched on it. It hooted happily as it craned its neck — looking at both of them.

After giving it some seeds, it flew towards the middle. Not long after that, it started flapping its wings 'furiously' and its small body began to tremble.

While looking at it, I was confused. What was it trying to do? But a few moments later, I was slack-jawed. As it suddenly began to grow into a gigantic owl. It was now looking at us as it craned its neck.

"It's only the start of the fun, Mr. Jack. There's more to go," Ethan said.

No longer in a state of shock, I sweep my eyes over its huge body. It was looking back at me curiously but at the same time, it seems to be saying through its eyes and posture, "Aren't I great? Aren't I majestic? Come on! You can praise me," though it could also be just my imagination.

"He's — He's cool!" I suddenly blurted out. And trust me, I didn't plan on saying that out loud. But I was carried away by my silly thoughts. You see, I used to have a crazy dream as a kid — to be a dragon rider. And looking at this gigantic owl, I thought riding it while it flies above would be very exhilarating.

Hearing what I said, it puffed its chest even more as if showing off how glorious he was. Moments later, it lowered its head directly in front of me but from the looks of it, he doesn't seem to be bowing to me. I looked at Ethan, hoping for him to translate a yet another 'alien language'.

"Congratulations, Mr. Jack! Looks like you've earned Garv's trust! Well, he was saying you can get on him first since you're a man who knows what it means to be a man."

Uhh… I get it that he likes me but was that really what he said though? It seems to be so out of character for an owl. But earning its trust isn't bad either.

"So your name is Garv, huh? Nice meeting you, Garv! I'm Jack! And thank you," I said. And it seems to be elated when I introduced myself to him.

Not wasting even a second longer, I climbed on his back. Well, half of the reason was that I was trying to get to our destination faster. The other half was that I was excited.

"Cool!" Ethan muttered to himself as soon as he got on top. And when everybody already got on, the owl, or shall we say Garv stood straight. Giving us a full view of what it's like to be this high. For a split second, it almost took my breath away. Even if it's night, the look of the forest from above is a scene worth dying for.

I was having the time of my life inside my head when Ethan suddenly tapped my shoulder and said, "Be sure to close your mouth, your eyes, pinch your nose or whatever. But I would suggest you to just cover your head entirely. Well, that's just my advice and you don't really have to follow that. I was only thinking that I should remind you." His tone was nonchalant and carefree but I know that he was serious. Though I'd be glad if he will give me an explanation of some sort but knowing him, I'd rather not expect.

Moments later, Garv turned its head — sweeping its eyes across the ground. As if looking for something. It took four steps forward before it took out its claw and started making a hole on the ground. Making me wonder what the heck was it doing. Aren't we flying yet? I'm starting to get impatient.

But its next series of actions far more surprised me than anything that happened tonight. Because out of the blue, its digging became faster and faster each second.

Hoy! Hoy! Don't tell me —.