Chapter 16: Ultrasonic Scream

The intensity of the moment hung heavy in the air, a palpable tension that gripped Ryland's senses. He looked at Alan, who stood resolute, his eyes sharp and focused on the mantis. "Ryland, step back," Alan commanded, his voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through both of them. "Do you think White Boy can handle that mantis?"

This was White Boy's inaugural battle since becoming Ryland's summoned companion. Ryland felt a surge of uncertainty. Could this oversized insect prove to be a formidable opponent for White Boy? He reached out telepathically to White Boy, seeking assurance. "Can you win this?" he asked silently.

A surge of confidence emanated from White Boy, "Yes," it responded. But before Ryland could fully process this affirmation, White Boy was suddenly knocked from the air by a swift strike from the mantis.

White Boy's alarmed shriek echoed in Ryland's mind. "Please hold, Master. Me is okay. Me fighting, will win this!" White Boy communicated urgently through their telepathic link.

Ryland turned to Alan, determination etched on his face. "White Boy can handle this," he declared with newfound conviction. Alan gave a nod of approval, his trust evident in his gaze.

Gratitude swelled within Ryland as he processed the gravity of what had just transpired. "Thank you for saving me from that attack, Alan. How did you see it coming?" he inquired, curiosity blending with relief in his voice.

Alan's expression grew solemn, his eyes reflecting years of experience and wisdom. "Ryland, I didn't just save you from an attack. I saved your life," he replied gravely. "After being an assassin for as long as I have, I've learned to recognize the subtle signs of a killing intent from another assassin. That mantis, despite being just an insect, is undoubtedly an assassin."

Ryland's gaze intensified with a blend of admiration and resolve. The prospect of forming a bond with the mantis grew more enticing with each passing moment. A successful takedown by White Boy would not only solidify their connection but also open up the opportunity to enlist the mantis as another ally in Ryland's summoning arsenal.

As tensions escalated, the mantis assumed an aggressive posture, exuding a palpable aura of threat. Observing the mantis closely, Ryland noticed a subtle transformation.

The insect spread its forewings, revealing a set of intricate, membranous flying wings hidden beneath. With a sudden burst of speed and agility, the mantis lunged at White Boy, slashing its razor-sharp foreleg across the summoned creature's chest.

A sharp cry of pain echoed in Ryland's mind as White Boy shrieked from the impact. The sight filled Ryland with a surge of anxiety and urgency, compelling him to intervene directly in the battle. However, before he could take a single step, Alan's firm grip halted him.

"Stay back, Ryland," Alan advised, his voice laced with understanding and empathy. "I know you're worried, but White Boy needs to handle this on its own. This is its first battle, and a victory here would prove its strength and resilience."

Ryland nodded, reluctantly accepting Alan's wisdom. He knew that intervening prematurely could undermine White Boy's confidence and growth.

With bated breath and unwavering faith in White Boy's abilities, Ryland watched as the battle between the mantis and White Boy continued to unfold, hoping that his summoned companion would rise to the challenge and emerge victorious.

Despite the evident pain from the mantis's earlier attack, White Boy fought to maintain its airborne stance. Each shrill shriek it emitted seemed to hold a newfound intensity, echoing like a declaration of defiance. As White Boy continued its aerial maneuvers, it discerned a pattern—every time it let out a piercing cry, the mantis appeared to hesitate, its movements momentarily faltering.

A spark of ingenuity ignited within White Boy. Seizing the moment, it deliberately lowered its defenses, baiting the mantis into launching another offensive. As the mantis lunged forward, preparing to deliver another slashing blow, White Boy released an ultrasonic scream. Though beyond the auditory range of Ryland and Alan, the high-frequency soundwave was devastatingly effective against the mantis.

The mantis recoiled in agony, visibly shaken by the sonic assault. As it struggled to regain its composure, a dark viscous fluid oozed from a segment of its abdomen, signaling internal distress. The tables had turned, and White Boy's strategic use of its abilities had shifted the momentum of the battle in its favor.

Sensing the opportune moment, White Boy relayed a telepathic message to Ryland, signaling that the time to forge a pact with the mantis was ripe. Acting swiftly, Ryland and Alan approached the subdued creature cautiously.

He presented his summoning staff towards the mantis, shutting his eyes to begin the ritual.

As the staff neared the insect, its myriad eyes darkened, signifying the start of their mental connection. A gravelly voice murmured from the depths of Ryland's consciousness, "Huma... Human..."

Recognizing the voice as the mantis', Ryland replied respectfully, "Mr. Mantis, I seek your alliance."

The mantis, still shaken from the earlier battle, demanded, "Why you disturb me? Why your bat attack me?"

Ryland, speaking gently but firmly, clarified his intentions, "I never intended harm. Instead, I wish to propose a partnership. I seek to create a haven for unique and powerful creatures. In return for shelter, food, and care, I hope you and others might accompany me on my quest to find my father."

The communication hung in the air, awaiting the mantis' response.

The mantis emitted a low, raspy chuckle at the mention of "father," recounting a grim tale of how its mother had consumed its father post-mating. Undeterred, the mantis shifted the conversation, inquiring about the sustenance Ryland intended to provide.

Ryland, confident in his response, encouraged the mantis to consult with the bat about its dietary experiences since joining him. Another amused chuckle echoed from the mantis, prompting Ryland to propose a deal-sealing gesture.

"If you agree to join me," Ryland began, "I'll bestow upon you a name."

The mantis, intrigued by the proposition, consented with a simple "Okay."

Ryland paused, allowing a moment of suspense to linger before declaring, "From this moment forth, you shall be known as..."

From the sidelines, Alan and White Boy observed the unfolding scene. Alan's hand tenderly cradled White Boy's injury.

As the mantis began to shimmer and disintegrate into luminous particles, getting absorbed into the summoning staff, Ryland's eyes flickered open, a triumphant smile adorning his face.

With a nod to White Boy, Ryland beckoned his loyal companion back into the staff, allowing it to recuperate from its wounds.

Alan's eyes held a mixture of pride and curiosity as he spoke, "I'm glad you've found another worthy ally in your summons." He gestured towards the staff, a knowing look in his eyes, "How are they faring inside?"

Ryland paused, delving deep into the staff's insights. After a moment, he relayed the specific injuries each creature had sustained. "White Boy has slash wounds across its body, and on its back, on its temple and right wing" he began, his voice filled with concern. "And the mantis... it suffered an internal bleeding to its ultrasonic ears, and few slash wounds on its forelegs and abdomen."

Astonishment flickered across Ryland's face as he shared the detailed information. "It's surprising," he admitted, "that I can discern such specific details about their conditions."

Alan nodded, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. "That's one of the staff's remarkable capabilities," he explained. "It grants the user insight into the well-being and status of each summon."

A look of intrigue washed over Alan's face as he continued, "Now, I'm genuinely curious about that mantis. Its origins and abilities seem unlike anything i've encountered before."

"So, what did you name it?" Alan asked Ryland.