THE BEAST WITHIN
CHAPTER 56
A LION TURTLE
Roman thought for a while then released a slow breath.
The question was unexpected, but still decided to answer.
"Back at the village, before Sylver awakened, she used to have a big brother. He died."
"Oh"
Lunar's shoulder dropped.
"Sylver used to laugh and smile all the time back then.
I watched her most times. I'm the only child, so no one to keep me company.
Though my mom played the role of a best friend, she was good at that, so I didn't bother making friends.
I only focused on training.
When Sylver's brother died, she stopped smiling, and laughing. She completely stopped talking for a long time, like she lost her voice. She felt alone.
She would stay by the lake everyday crying her eyes out.
I would observe her from afar."
Roman breathed.
The distant memories still vivid in his mind.
"I was seven years old then.
To cut the long story short, Sylver was being bullied by Bryon and his friends cause she was so small and timid.
Trust me dude, Sylver was really small, I was taller than her back then"
He chuckled.
"I was around the corner during the time, so I stepped in, along with my big mouth.
I tried defending her, and I got beaten instead, funny right?"
Roman smirked.
"When they left, I was bruised and hurting all over, but yet, I had to force a smile to show Sylver how tough I was.
I told her that she can always count on me to protect her.
That was the start of our friendship.
The next day, we were playing in the lake, thats when Sylver awakened her Spirit Beasts, and she sought revenge and beat up Bryon and his friends.
It was funny to watch"
Roman chuckled.
"Since then, she has been the one protecting me, instead of the other way around.
Whenever she looks at me, she sees me as her little brother that needs protecting.
Our friendship grew and we became like siblings.
Heck, we even planned to build a powerful clan together in the future"
Roman chuckled.
He looked at Sylver and smiled.
"Sylver is a strong girl, she always has her guard up. It's not everyday you get to see her look so delicate "
He nodded at her and Lunar glaced at her.
Sylver was engrossed in the book and was deep in thought.
She looked like a little girl reading a book for the first time.
Lunar smiled.
"You should become a professor. You tell amazing stories"
Lunar chuckled.
"I guess you filled up the empty space that was there when her brother died.
So why do you feel guilty.
You're not keeping her on a leash, don't you dare think of it like that.
You played a big role when she needed it, so of course she would be stuck with you.
You are her brother after all"
Lunar explained.
Roman smiled.
"Look at you being all wise all of the sudden."
"I have my moments "
Lunar smiled.
He stood up and stretched.
"Come on, let's go see what she's reading "
Lunar stretched his hands and Roman grabbed it and stood.
They both walked towards the other side of the Isle.
WRITTEN BY PRIDE CHRONICLES
Sylver had been searching for anything related to the Tiger Clan for a while.
After some time, she eyes caught a book, and it peaked her interest.
The book talked about the description of ancient spirit beasts that has been seen since the first era of Beast Masters.
And one of these spirit beast, was an ancient and mythical beast known as a Lion Turtle.
Before she knew , she was lost in the book.
Some time later, Roman and Lunar walked towards and sat on both her sides.
"You look busy"
Roman smiled.
Sylver looked up to him and smiled.
"Oh I'm sorry..."
"I was supposed to be helping you search. I got distracted"
"Nah, it's okay. We're tired anyway"
Roman shrugged.
"What you reading about?"
Lunar asked.
Slyver looked at the book and opened it for them to see.
"This.."
She said.
Roman looked at the page and raised a brow.
"A Lion Turtle"
She nodded.
"I've heard about it from Dad"
Lunar said.
Lion Turtle
The Lion Turtle is a rare and ancient creature of immense size and mythological significance, often described in early texts as a living convergence of land, sea, and spirit.
Its form is a striking fusion: the massive, domed shell of a great sea turtle combined with the regal head and mane of a lion.
This unique anatomy symbolizes both endurance and authority, marking the creature as a being of balance rather than mere strength.
The shell of the Lion Turtle is vast enough to resemble a small island.
It is typically depicted as rugged and uneven, bearing natural formations such as moss, shrubs, and even small trees that have taken root over long periods of time.
These features suggest not only the creature's immense age but also its slow, deliberate nature.
The shell serves as both protection and habitat, reinforcing the idea that the Lion Turtle carries life upon its back as it moves through the oceans.
Its head is distinctly leonine, with strong jaws, pronounced features, and a flowing mane that appears to move even in still air.
The mane is often described as thick and layered, sometimes resembling strands of light or shadow, depending on the source.
The eyes of the Lion Turtle are particularly notable,l arge, luminous, and deeply expressive.
Many accounts claim they convey intelligence far beyond that of ordinary creatures, as though the Lion Turtle possesses awareness of events long past and yet to come.
The limbs are broad and powerful, shaped like those of a sea turtle but proportionally larger to support its colossal size.
Each movement is slow and measured, capable of displacing vast amounts of water and subtly influencing ocean currents.
Despite its size, the Lion Turtle is not depicted as aggressive; rather, it is calm and deliberate, embodying patience and control.
In terms of behavior, the Lion Turtle is often regarded as a guardian or ancient overseer.
It does not frequently interact with humans, and sightings are exceedingly rare.
When it does appear, it is typically associated with significant events or moments of great importance.
Some traditions suggest that the Lion Turtle possesses the ability to communicate not through spoken language, but through a form of direct understanding, imparting knowledge or insight to those it deems worthy.
Researchers emphasize that the Lion Turtle is not simply an animal, but a symbol of equilibrium, bridging the physical and spiritual worlds.
Its presence often represents wisdom, longevity, and the enduring forces that exist beyond human comprehension.
**********
Lunar looked at Sylver with a surprised look.
"Hold on.. you don't think..."
He paused.
TBC