Darkness fell and he found himself just as much at home as he had been when the sun was still high in the sky.  The forest was alive in more ways than one, such an enchanted place filled with the most interesting and dangerous creatures it was nearly impossible to pass up a chance to hunt within its limits. So complete and total was the darkness that he could not see his nose upon his face and for some reason this only added to the thrill. How long had it been since he hunted? How many moons had it been since he tested himself and proved himself worthy of the blood that coursed through his veins?<br/><br/>Too long.<br/><br/>The shaft of the spear was warm in his palm, as he gripped the crafted wood tightly before he proceeded to slowly move through the woods. Branches, hung low their leaves moist with the moisture that seemed to cling to the Forest’s air. It added to his current bit of perspiration and cooled his skin in the heat of the moment. What was it to be the son of the king of all the Gods? What was it to know that such power and potential rested within you?<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">SNAP!</span><br/><br/>To his right, a branch snapped and as he spun to face the danger he was met with a pair of red glowing near human eyes.<br/><br/>“Gotcha!”<br/><br/>A flash of light illuminated the darkness, the Manticore blinded for a moment, as the lightning bolt struck the ground between the pair. It was just enough time for his spear to be brought forth, the tip he used to deflect the tail before it could unless the poisoned spikes. A clawed paw lashed out and raked him across the chest, it tore at his shirt and his wounds burned. With his free hand he grabbed the offending paw, and pushed up with the strength he possessed until the creature was on its hind legs. The struggle continued and the beast appeared to have gained some strength, for it pushed back and sent the son of Zeus sprawling to the ground.<br/><br/><br/><br/>The prophecy was spoken and true to his nature and father, Mack made an entrance. A bolt of lightning struck the ground near the camp fire, the light blinding in its strength as he stood there silhouetted in its light.  When it dispersed he stood there, battle worn but with his signature smirk on his face the carcass of a Manticore draped on his shoulders.<br/><br/>“Am I too late for the song?”