RAINA DINESCHA (Creature Without Shape)
LIMA

On the first step, Rai was limbed.

This game was almost abandoned in his past life. Rai had tried it and it was a bit difficult, even though the rule was only one: not to trace the land. If his foot came down from the bamboo pedestal, then he lost. Rai balanced his body with great difficulty, then started moving. He knew, once his heart hesitated, he would fall. Rai stepped steadily. Trying to relax.

Atlee, on the other hand, stepped up confidently. It seems he's used to it. Algis lagged behind with the children's participants who struggled with their respective short sticks. The round faces were red. Rai smiled amusedly. They are so cute!

“Participant 15, failed!” Baji exclaimed from the sidelines. It was Algis.

Atlee was so happy that she laughed out loud. “Defeated children! Feel!”

“You cheated! You think I don't know that you've been practicing for a long time?” Algis yells. Not to lose.

“Heh. It's called being prepared before war. Don't you know such basic tactics? Don't tell me, you will attack blindly without recognizing your enemy? That's called suicide!”

Instead of being angry, Algis laughed. “So now you admit that my boss is great? Indeed!”

Rai had no time to attend to their debate. His wand stepped big and became even faster. Atlee was surprised that Rai caught up with her and immediately turned around, dragging her own wand. They're racing towards the finish line. The legs of the bamboo stick kicked the dust in the air. Their breaths were rough and sweat was flooding in. Audience cheering.

Another bit. Ten more steps. The countdown echoed in the square. The children's participants had long been exhausted and had fallen. Elam out to the corner. They cheered together.

Algis guided people chanting the number 10 for Kaili, while the left side, which saw Atlee go one step further, shouted number 9.

“10! 10! 10!”

“9! 9! 9!”

Three steps. Rai aligns positions. Square exploded. They both spurred the bamboo sticks ferociously, but at one last step Rai suddenly stopped. Atlee was too focused on the match and kept running. His bamboo stick touched the finish line and the audience cheered happily.

“Hahaha! I won! Hey, Kaili! Admit that I'm better than you!” However, Rai was still motionless. His head was tilted as if he was listening to something. Atlee forgot her excitement at the sight of her serious face. He knows this expression! Something important is happening. The crowd cheers were still boisterous in the air, Atlee was unable to hear anything. “What's wrong?”

“Bos! Why did you stop? Does your leg hurt?” Algis ran over, looking anxious. Leah followed later. As soon as he saw Rai stop, he knew something had happened.

Although explosive, the Princess is not a serious person, let alone likes to think deeply. Every time he did, it only meant one thing. Big problem.

The response was shocking. Leah was still panting as Rai darted to the North, splitting the crowd and disappearing within the crowd. Atlee had spent time hunting, her eyes were alert and quick. Without caring for the stunned Algis, he ran over at high speed. Leah was confused because she realized Frigga was not there beside her.

Someone needs help.

Rai ran fast while trying not to hit people on the streets. When it almost reached the city gate, the crowd faded and immediately felt relieved. His attention turned to tracking the person. Her existence was very weak.

“Yang Mulia.” A female soldier came running over. Two others flank them on each side. They wear leather suits designed specifically for fighting. “I Andee. You know who we are,” he said introduce himself. Though not true, even though Rai knows they are following him. “What happened?”

“I don't know yet,” Rai answered honestly. “But, someone needs help. In the forest to the north."

Only one forest in the North, stretching all the way to the Northeast. It's called the Red Forest. It is so named because the only trees that grow in the forest are red. The location is quite far, outside the capital.

Andee surprised. It was impossible to see it for himself, hearing it from such a distance seemed impossible as well, but he still asked, "How do you know? Did you hear it?”

Rai almost nodded. “I feel it." That's also true.

This answer is beyond Andee's estimate. He almost tripped in surprise. The whole town may know him as the Troublemaker, but despite being a martial artist, Raina still lags behind when it comes to magical talent. All the soldiers know this. Why does it seem different now than they see it?

Andee had no time to doubt it. Although Raina was happy to make a mess, she couldn't possibly play around with someone's life. Immediately turning to his teammates, he gave the order, “You heard it yourself. Go!”

One was in charge of reporting to the King, the other two were to trace the location. They move swiftly. They have been training all his life, their speed is no match for Rai. At the city gate of Paradis, Andee approached the guard post and pulled a bee.

Bees are so big, as big as elephants! Rai jumped in shock and was barely able to hide his own fear. Secretly he saw his plump and goosebumps. What if the animal stings?

A distressed guard had to lose his mount, but once he saw the special clothes Andee was wearing, he instantly silenced in fear. They knew such clothes were only owned by Warriors, Royal Special Soldiers. He still loves his life. However, when he saw Rai leaping doubtfully onto the animal's back, he exploded.

“Hey, troublemakers! What the hell are you doing? Quick down!” Who does not know Kaili and his messes? He and a hunter girl named Atlee are famous in town. Every time a fight occurs, people will come to the post and ask him to divorce the jotos that occur. Luckily today's game was very trivial. In short, he was always unlucky when it came to things smelling Kaili. He hates! “Do you not know this Warrior Miss needs it?"

Who wants it too? Rai wants to protest.

Andee glanced at him cynically. “Later replace,” then return to Rai politely. “Is it comfortable enough?”

The guard rubbed his eyes. Why did he feel this formidable warrior was behaving respectfully towards that stinking girl?

“Lumayan.” Rai sees Andee not picking up another bee, knows that he will run while he flies, and immediately panics. “But, I'm not good with this. How about I fall?”

Andee didn't want to take any chances. He jumped back and took control. Rai hugged his hairy neck, shuddering amusedly as soft fur tickled his neck and cheeks. Then sneeze. The bees buzzed and they jerked flying. He sneezed again.

At the post, the guard asked his partner who looked shaken as well. “I didn't see wrong, did I?”

“Indeed.”

When do they know each other?

They were still lost in the fog when Atlee came and dragged the remaining bees. When it awakens, Atlee has flown high. “Hey, hey! Damn girl, come back!” Unfortunately, he did not listen. His attention is now in the North.

Algis and Leah were far behind. They lost track. When they reached the guard post and asked, all they could was the wrath of the guard who had lost his mount animal.

“Where do you think they went?” ask Algis to Leah. They took shelter under a lush tree outside the gate, away from the guard post. The three bodyguards sat down joined by a bottle of water in hand. Algis offered the girl, who showed her the pouch, a gesture that she was carrying it herself. Algis laughing. “Wow! You don't even miss little things like that.”

“Nona is often hungry, but always forget to buy a drink,” said Leah kalem. “So, I have to remind him every time.” She smiled remembering her sloppy, but kind-hearted Nonanya. His shady eyes looked far away at the dusty streets that disappeared behind the thickets of shrubs and forests. “I've been with Miss for a long time, but can't guess her way of thinking. His expression at that moment .. I just felt that something happened. Something serious.”

“I know the Boss is not simple," said Algis. "He didn't say anything doesn't mean he won't, it must be because something is urgent. He may need our help right now. Le's go! We will buy horses in the plantation village.”

The sky is blushing in the West. Leah has to find Rai before the sun goes down, she has an appointment for dinner at the big table. Since this was the first time she wanted it herself, the Queen must have been looking forward to it a lot. Leah could not imagine the wrath of the King or the disappointment of the Queen.

Without any clue, ignoring the crossroads and the small streets, they raced straight to the North. One belief they knew; Atlee wouldn't need a bee if it was located around town. They bet on the furthest place where the Northern border is.

That was Atlee's belief. He's lagging. And somewhat astonished. Throughout his memory Kaili was not adept at riding anything that flew. Why is his shadow not even visible now? Atlee suspected she had fallen into the bush and died. It's just a ridiculous guess, of course. The river has a thousand lives. Otherwise, he had already defeated her many years ago.

The smell of incense flowed in the air. Rubbing his itchy nose, Rai nodded in response. “It's close. Can it be faster?”

It seems Andee didn't realize anything. “Good.” They fly faster, wander around avoiding tree branches, and sometimes maneuver in search of looser paths. Rai no longer hugs the neck of the bee. His back was straight and his vision was far ahead. Even when he was sitting, Andee was very tall. Rai looks petite in his arms. He sneezed again.

Black flames blazed several meters away. Andee pulled up speed and landed smoothly. As soon as his feet stepped on the ground, his attitude became ready to fight. They rushed forward, passing through a thick shrub and a large tree.

What seemed surprised them.

Frigga stood facing the two female Warriors. One is in pain. Beside him, another looked frantically at the black flames blazing in his comrade's hands.

The ghost of Clo, who had miraculously appeared in this place, shouted the entire time, "Stupid base! I told you not to touch him! You're deaf, yes!" His words made Rai's ears hot.

Of course they don't hear you, Rai's mind is helpless. You are stupid!

On the ground, lay a dozen dying soldiers. His body melted by the black flames, revealing his bones. The smell of burnt meat pollutes the air.

Rai rushed over to help. Clo looked at it and snapped, “Don't touch! It's too late!" along with Frigga who shouted the same thing.

“Your Majesty!" Andee stopped.

Rai glared at him. "They're alive!"

Frigga, “That fire can't be stopped! If you touch it, you will experience the same!"

Clo said exasperatedly, "I should have said so, you looter!"

Rai heard it and understood. This was what he had wanted to confirm beforehand, but the ghost had instead disappeared.

One of the Female Soldiers said, "Your Majesty, don't touch it! Cessa tried to help them and the result was this."

Cessa, in her pain, exclaimed angrily at Frigga, "Good! You even know the details! Your Majesty, this girl is dangerous!"

"I told you I didn't do it!" Frigga became angry.

Rai knows that.

Shade sensed the powerful magic in the Red forest, making Rai anxious that the events in Xi's army barracks were repeated. Similar aura. That was the reason that brought him to this place. However, seeing the severe injuries of these people made Rai throw another affair to the back of his head. He asked Shade, how to call the rain, it was fortunate that he only had to mutter some of the poems that Shade had dictated lazily.

Surprised four people there. Plus, the ghost Clo.

A melodious humming flowed through the wind. The air gets cold. Black clouds formed above their heads and suddenly rain fell.

They looked at Rai simultaneously, who was crouching staring at the black flames on the melted skin. The fire gradually extinguished. So did those who burned bushes and tree branches. Thankfully, the fire has not spread so it is not visible from a distance. Otherwise, it would cause panic.

Frigga looked at the rain in shock. They're not wet at all. His gaze slowly shifted on the crouching little girl with a flat expression. His face was calm, showing no horror whatsoever, but the wounds of the people were very severe.

After the fire was extinguished, Rai looked around. The soldiers were lying randomly on the ground, battle scars were visible on their bodies. His face was also scratched. The worst wounds left the black flames in different places on everyone. They are in danger, he thought. They need help as soon as possible.

Shade understood his intentions. After being persuaded, he showed his way with ogah-ogahan.

Rai wanted to treat them at once. If not, someone will die. He stood with his hands outstretched in the air, concentrating on the surrounding natural energy, muttering a foreign language in verse. The green light slowly gathered in both of his hands, churning like a torch, then slowly flowing in the air like the tendril of a plant, which continued to branch and move reaching the unconscious people on the ground, wrapping them like cocoons with a beautiful emerald luster. That green glow spread the refreshing aroma of moss and wet soil. Gradually, the wound closed. The flesh and skin of the charred are renewed, growing new parts until finally the wound is perfectly covered. Cessa gets the same treatment. They were fascinated by the sight.

After the situation was under control, Andee turned to Lascars beside Cessa. “Kana,” said. “How did it happen?”

“As I said,” Cessa interjected, “When we came, she stood there staring at the man, who was in pain asking for help, but did not move at all. I thought he was nervous, I came forward to help, but after knowing who he was and what hurt the man, I was sure he wasn't there to help. After all, what were the witches doing at the border? Very suspicious!"

Clo laughed happily, "Yes, yes. Just blame him!"

Kana nodded. “This Young Miss was there when we got to.”

“I know who he is,” Andee said. “I saw it at banquet.”

Cessa cringing. “So, he's one of the guests from Vanaheimr? Isn't this getting suspicious?”

Andee sighed. “I understand your anxiety, but we should not be rash.”

Frigga interrupted bitterly. “Maybe you guys don't believe me, but this black fire comes from curse magic. It's not easy to put it out."

Clo scoffed in his ear, "That's because you're not a dick, Usurper!"

“You know it's hard and still use it?” Cessa pissed.

“My sister can! If you call him—“

Clo, "Fuckin' usurper! Who let you call my brother?"

"Heh. Seek help? You hurt the citizens of Paradise, our brother, you think I'll let witches pollute our land?”

Andee massaged the base of his nose. Cessa is too sensitive. Personally, he himself did not fully believe in witches. Until this matter is confirmed as the culprit, they cannot accuse just anyone.

However, surprisingly, Rai said calmly, "I believe him." This magic is not from him. He's not the culprit.

Cessa was about to protest when the rowdy voices came from behind. They looked over, seeing a group approaching. Prince Aezar descended from the pegasus almost immediately upon landing. They bowed respectfully.

At the side, Frigga was still staring at Rai with a complicated look, lost in her words. He believed me!

However, Clo was disappointed to feel betrayed.

***