Anthem Of The Lonely Act 1 - Corridors Of Time
By Bartan Tirix
Chapter 0
The night held a unforgiving chill, even through the thick stone walls of the large building. The breeze passed right through the iron barriers that covered the windows, cletching his old bones with a grasping pain, even though his layers of robes. Regardless of how much the creature cured him of such a diease, the pain still lingered.
It only made it that harder for him to do such a thing, but this was the only night that seemed available. Staggering through the darkness of the dark building, he came across the critter's pen. The old wooden door still held the emblem of the castle, warning visitors to stay out of this room. Regardless of the noises they might have heard within.
Though such sounds were never terrifying, and laying eyes on the scratches that lasted the ages made his heart sink, yet smile at them. The little one has grown up so much since then, but he wondered if it was a mistake. Pressing on the wooden door held resistance, but the old rat managed to get it opened. Seeing the large room with a massive cage in the center. Still smelling of storage and many other things that they should have predicted. What fools they were in the beginning...
The lantern did its best to stay lit against the winds, flickering in the darkness and making the shadows dance. Within it, he spotted the two Maroon discs. Each having this unsettling tint of green whenever light hit them on a certain angle. To this day, they still carried a little bit of fear in his old heart, as the black slits in those eyes focused on him. "...Have you... Decided?" He asked the creature in a whisper, getting a few flicks of a frilled appendage beside the dark red saucers.
The light invaded the room carefully with each slow step, slowly uncovering the blue scaled body of shadows and meeting the long muzzle with a bit of a frown. Hearing the larger one sigh, and lightly shrug two large blankets over his back. "You... Always knew what was best for me."
"But I cannot make this decision for you." The old one replied with a sad smile. Trying to cheer up those dark eyes who looked so lost within the cage he grew up in. "If we don't do it now, we probably won't get another chance." A few moments of silence, and the blue one faintly nodded. Taking a breath and raising up on his four paws. Even witnessing his scales shimmer with that same dark green in the fire's light.
As the old rat dug through his robes to find the key to the cage, he carefully opened it. Trying not to make the age metal doors creek loudly throughout the castle, but the harsh winds seemed to carry it. Making the two stand perfectly still for a little bit before motioning the dragon to follow him.
The rodent carefully lead the way out through the kitchen and storage rooms, places that were void of any souls within, and areas the blue one hasn't seen since his hatchling years. Memories of the first time he escaped their surveillance and wandered off here. Following the scent of food like a trail of bread crumbs. Though concerned of his presence at first, back then he was often seen as adorable rather than a threat. And such a thing was often rewarded with food.
Once outside, the old one began digging through the bushes. Letting the dragon take his time looking over the old building. Odds are, he would never see it this close again. And, if so, he would probably spend the rest of his life here. With a faint sigh, he witness the rat pull out a rather large bag, hurting his back in the process. As the larger one whimpered, taking an inhale while pressing his muzzle towards the aching area, an old paw on his neck stopped him. "No. You mustn’t do that any longer."
"But... You're..." The rodent's aged yellow eyes just glared at him sadly.
"You know why, Thea'daisis. I'll be fine." The blue creature just lowered his head a bit, offering to take the large bag and carry it on his strong shoulders. Something the other's old bones would agree to. As they walked towards the back gate where stock was often delivered, the two looked over the cold night sky. "This will not be easy for you, Thea, but..."
"You believe it's for the best, right?" His grey muzzle nodded at the younger one. "And... I won't see you again, will I?"
"Nor anyone else from here, that would be the plan." His wedge head sunk, being caught by that old paw. "If you stay here... If you're ever captured again, you will die here." His frilled ears fell. "At least out there you'll have a chance."
"To do what, exactly?"
"Whatever you like. You'll have a choice out there, if you're strong enough to accept it." The concept of freedom put a little fear into his large heart. "And you are strong enough, Thea. You just need the courage to use that strength." The dragon faintly nodded, though couldn't look him in the eye. "I've packed you a few things to help you learn the ways of the wild, but you cannot rely on them. If you do, you will surely perish."
As they approached the gates, a guard came around the corner. Nearly stopping the dragon's heart for a moment, but the armored one looked around, then motioned them to come forth. "Is he...?"
"A little bribing can go a long ways, Thea." The old one smiled, thanking the guard for his cooperation. "If you follow this path, you should be unseen by anyone else. Once you get out, you should be free." The younger one nervously nodded. Taking a deep breath.
"Is there anything else I should know? Any suggestions of what I should do?"
"The further you are away from here, the safer you will be. And do not tell anyone of your gift." Those maroon eyes looked at him sadly, then he hugged the old rat with his muzzle. Being careful with his paws, but not knowing his own strength. "Easy you." A few taps on his larger body, and the dragon thanked him several times in whispers. "Go live your own life, Thea'daisis."
Chapter 1
The view was gorgeous from up here, a mix of dark greens covering the valley side with the bright blue sky. Trees so thick that she could barely make out the river's path. It was definitely a different form of terrain than she was used to, but the cool air of the mountain brought a little bit of home into the badger's chest with every breath.
The city folk claimed such a path up the mountain would be treacherous, hah! If they said such a thing was difficult, then they did not know of the feats that the Northe have accomplished. Such memories of struggles brought a thick, proud smile over her black muzzle, as she took another deep breath before carrying on.
If only there were a way to capture this view to take home and boast about her travels. As much as she wanted to keep sightseeing, that storm over the horizon was coming. Odds are, it would be here tomorrow, and she would need to prepare for it. Not like she really needed to worry about a little bit of rain.
Still, she might even be done here before the squall even hits. Only about halfway up the mountain, and the badger found some evidence that such a creature did exist within this territory. Many larger animals slain and feasted on, sighs of larger struggles around. Not to mention the self-forged paths it tended to make through the trees. Leaving behind broken branches and bent plant life.
It honestly made her excited, going after much larger game. However, what was disappointing was the fact she wasn't here to hunt the beast. Only track it. The city officials insisted that the Northe would come to their aid due to some treaty they had a long time ago. Expecting to fight in an epic battle and show the entire land the mighty strength of the Northern, yet what do they request? "We would like you to track down a creature within the east mountains."
The thought of such a thing made her scowl while walking through the forest, taking paths that belonged to much bigger animals in hopes she would just run into this beast. "You called us down here for us to hunt for you?" Her memory echoed, even getting some of her own brothers and sisters to chuckle loudly at the absurdity.
"No, not to hunt. We need you to find something within the forests and convince it to aid us." Even more laughter made the roomful of officers' faces cross.
"You cannot be serious. I thought you were fighting a war, General. One we were expecting to be a part of."
"Lady Zeltragraciae, was it-?" The badger nodded, interrupting the man before he could carry on.
"Daughter of Garthdarrick of Gunnar's Hold."
"Y-yes-"
"Holder of fourteen champion competitions, including deadliest hunt for six straight years."
"So you've said-"
"Slayer of Irukul the Titan Wurm. The one that was the death of my father." The other Northe roared in a cheer, nearly startling the others within the room, let alone the building. And a few outside.
"My Lady-"
"I cut that large serpent from throat to belly with the bottom half of my shield!" The noblemen groaned, while a few of her brothers whispered how much they loved this story. "And reached in while the beast was still alive, pulling out my father's battle axe that was still stuck inside its belly. Then used that weapon to finally slay the monster!"
"...Yes. Inspiring as it was ten minutes ago. But back to the matter of hand-"
"We were told you needed our aid in conflict, all because most of your men caught a cold."
"This is no ordinary sickness, Zeltra, I assure you. Have you seen it yourself?"
"I have, and there's hardly anything to be concerned about. I would suggest my family's famous Saber-Toothed Walrus Stew, but you need to cook that within the stomach of a Pale Whale." Noises of quiet disgust were made, though not trying to be disrespectful. "But it cures any illness and makes you that much stronger!"
"I... Imagine so." The General cleared his throat, in hopes his lunch didn't come up with it. "But until then, we need to find something a bit more remote. You've heard the tales around these parts, no?" But really, she didn't. Nor did any of the Northe. Granted, if they had heard of this so called Miracle Creature within these mountains before, odds are they would've just hunted it for the sport.
Though, it was kinda like what she was doing right now. Except for the fact she actually needed to reason with such a creature and convince it to help those people. They did offer their help, recommend a Negotiator to handle the conversation part of such things. But to Zeltra, this was a challenge. And Northe do not seek help during challenges. It's easy enough to slay or behead a creature, sure. But to convince it to do your bidding? That was a sign of true respect of the wild.
Granted, such a thing does not mean to capture it and Force it to do what you want in order to survive. There was a difference between this and slavery. The animal or creature must Choose to aid the Northe, or else it would never learn to respect nor trust the other. That's why it is such an honor when a beast shows affection towards them. And they were usually the beginning of a great partnership.
So the thought of doing this wasn't nearly as bad as Zeltra made it out to be. But she would be the first to admit that she would rather use the dense end of her longhammer than her tongue to hunt prey. However, it would be all worth it to add to her legend. As she carried on through the large paths, she nearly daydreamed for hours of the songs they would sing about her. The tales that would echo throughout the history of the Northern. And, of course, the smiles on her parents faces to know how proud she would have made them.
Within a blink of an eye, it seemed that sundown had nearly arrived. The badger did recall one of the hunters within that city saying there was a great spot for camping near here, all she needed to do was follow the stones painted red up the mountain. Though many of them were covered in plant life to preserve the dyes used, they still lingered within the aged rock, leaving a bit of a pink tint on some of the less covered ones.
Within several minutes, Zeltra came to an opened space. Complete with another breathtaking view of the river and the two cities that were divided by it. Both on their more equally high hills, painted completely green with summer wilderness. It was definitely a sight worth seeing, for nearly the entire day it took to hike up here.
As she took a deep breath, her ear flickered at some rustling in the bushes. Something larger than just a small animal, making her take off her backpack and don her large shield with her hammer. Hoping in some miracle that it wouldn't be the creature she was hunting for just yet. In all honesty, she really wanted a fight.
Those hopes were answered when a dark grey fox stepped out in a rather long coat, getting the two to stare at each other for a few moments before he looked over the used fire pit nearby. "This must be the place, I suppose." He said, rather unintimidated by her stance. "Looks like the old goat was right."
"Perhaps, but I've claimed this area for the night. If you wish to take it from me, then you're free to challenge me for it." The canine looked at her a bit strangely, flatting one ear sideways and raising an eyebrow. "Do you not know who I am?"
"...Noooooo?" He said rather slowly, looking her over from afar. "But I don't really fight females." A quick curl of her neck along with a very dense glare of insulting. "Nothing personal, just a little tick I tend to have." He nearly turned around to look at the camp site as if to plan where to pitch his tent, revealing a rifle that was strapped to his back and making her snort.
"Oh, you're one of those weaklings, are you?" Another questionable look from the grey one as she gestured his firearm. "That weapon is the most disrespectful thing ever to be seen on a battlefield." She grumbled, even seeing his emerald green eyes look towards the stock near his shoulder. Though rather surprised to hear him chuckle at it.
"Yeah, you're not the first to say that."
"And cowardice like that is only forged in the south, which means..."
"I came from there, yes. Until Lhosaka hired me." He gestured the eastern city, the opposing one Zeltra came from. "Looks pretty from up here-"
"Don't change the subject, Southerner." She grumbled, finally getting a bit of annoyed look from the fox.
"Hey, I only said I came from there. I wasn't raised there."
"But you were trained in their dishonorable ways, I'm sure. Attacking only from range is about as yellow as you can get." The badger scowled, seeing him toss his snout a bit.
"Yet, the same thing was said about archery when it first came to warfare." A loud growl came from her. "Annnd I'm guessing you know an archer-"
"My mother was a huntress, and a damn legendary one at that!" She hissed.
"Whelp, I just blew us being friends." He grumbled to himself. "If not more than that-"
"What did you say!?" He lightly shrugged at her.
"I like the company of females, what can I say?" An awkward grunt from Zeltra. "But I'm not fighting one, so-"
"Then you best start running if you know what's good for you." He looked back at the fire pit for a moment, then back at the view.
"Nah. I think I'm going to stay here for the night. Place is beautiful-"
"Like hell, you will!" She gripped her one handed hammer in anger, hearing him sight in sarcasm and slight disappointment drove the badger to charge at him.
Chapter 2
The wide swing of the longhammer was quickly ducked under, as the fox took a wide step to spin around her. Zeltra could almost feel his positioning, hearing his steps in the grass told her the grey one was ready for another attack from the hammer's side. A loud click of the contraption that controlled the strap to the rifle gave her an opportunity for attack, but swinging back with her large shield instead of the hammer.
The plated wall made a large whoosh sound as it boorishly shove the air aside. But when nothing on the other side of the steel was felt, she used it as defense. Feeling the loud thud of something blunt on the other side, odds are the stock to his rifle. Perfect time for a counter swing with the warhammer. Taking a quick reach while trying to still protect herself with the portable wall.
But something caught just below the hammer's head, pulling it and the badger a step forward for a moment. Then knocking the shield to the side before getting roughly poked with the barrel of the rifle on her collarbone. "That's one." The fox said, a bit smugly. Making the black badger nearly furious, and parrying the ranged weapon out of the way before taking a step with the hammer's heavy swing. Hearing the head of the blunt weapon lightly graze against the bandolier of bullets that strapped across his long coat.
Predicting his movements once again around her, Zeltra took the wide step behind with him, and slammed the large shield against his body. Finally feeling the pride of a clean hit before throwing a roundhouse towards the canine's direction. However, the kick didn't connect with anything, as she barely seen a blur of grey duck under it.
But the badger didn't let that momentum go to waste. Using the spin while gripping the weapon with both hands, she swung it upward in a slash. Once again hearing a heavy swoosh as it parted the empty space, completely vacant of the male. Making her fur stand on end as she felt the gun's barrel rest on her neck. "Two." He said, getting her to growl.
"Shut up!" Zeltra snarled, gripping the hammer with her shielded hand, and throwing alot of anger into an overhead strike towards him. Seeing the fox jump back a bit out of the way as the blunt weapon slammed into the grass. "So what if you're a little skittish! I've shaken off plenty of arrows and even tomahawks! You'll need more of a bullet or two to stop me!"
"Who says I was using bullets?" He slightly tilted his head, once again sending one ear sideways and just irritating her. Making the badger growl loudly before charging him and opening with a backwards swing that ended a little upward. Sensing his movements in the grass, she went in for another backswing, but aimed the hammer lower this time and ending in a defensive stance.
A good move on her part, as Zeltra barely felt the rifle's stock whip the tip of her ears, even while they were back. It was odd to see anyone use such a ranged weapon like a Bo staff, but shifting the idea of the weapon as such in her mind, she could predict the next downward strike of the grey one's. Allowing her to completely evade it and attempt for another quick swing sideways.
But the fox guarded against the longhammer. Locking the rifle under the weapon's large head and twisting it outward nearly disarmed the black badger. Getting her to growl as the two met nearly muzzle to muzzle in a tango stance. "You're not bad." He teased, nearly feeling her anger glow off of her like a fire.
"And you're disrespectful!"
"Am I?" Another head tilt. "Here I thought I was complimenting you." A loud growl from her. "I gotta say, I love a feisty female-"
"Shut up!" She bent her arm inward a little bit, giving into the deadlock enough to turn backwards and attempt to bash him with the shield again. When it didn't quite reach far enough, he seemed to unlock their weapons. Getting Zeltra to instinctively try to cut him with the bottom half of the large wall twice, once from the left and once from the right. Seeing the grey one just take a simple step back as the tip of the blade went under his chin.
Moving with the momentum, she circled the hammer over her head and came down with a heavy swing, one that lead to a quick step and a back kick that she swore touched him. Hearing the sounds of a strange blade spring out, and it barely getting through her defensive stance. Slightly grazing the middle of her throat. "Three."
Fire was still glaring from her eyes, but the faint smell of black powder coming from the barrel nearly calmed her into defeat. Even if the blade under her jaw didn't quite reach her throat, one simple trigger pull would've stunned her enough to finish the job. But before she could even drop her weapon, the fox withdrew his. Allowing Zeltra to actually see the large, knife-like blade at the very end. Acting like a bayonet, one that she didn't notice before.
As he casually walked away, folding the blade down back into part of the barrel's undercase, he took a deep breath. "You're welcome to stay up here with me though, if you really want to." A growl from her, like she was being asked to court him for the night. "I know you can handle yourself, but the woods can be a bit dangerous at night." Zeltra just snorted at him and took the path the way she came, making the fox sigh quietly.
------
The sun was very warm, almost to the point of drying his nose out. But like everything else, he adapted to it. The only thing that really saved the entire island was the fact that the water around it seemed to be fresh. Giving a nice cooling with the winds that casually visited the many inhabitants.
Every day seemed to be the same around here: same weather, same people, same plant life, and same routine of progressing through enlightenment. Half irritating the feral Tirix and making him flick an ear. Both at his mood and the sounds of patient footsteps coming from behind him. "You are frustrated." It chuckled, getting the black, tiger-sized animal to almost growl in admission. "You will never reach Category Three like that."
"You try doing this with a black fur coat." The feral one grumbled, getting another chuckle as his humanoid visitor sat beside him. Crossing his legs like it was an old habit he couldn't help. "And don't suggest shaving me again. We both know it didn't work last time." A series of small laughs.
"Indeed. Not even two minutes, and it grew back. Every single stran. The event was quite remarkable, in all honestly." The taller one said, rather slowly and patiently. Getting the Tirix to exhale and shake the gathered heat from his body. "But I thought you could not feel the heat."
"I can't. But that doesn't stop my nose from drying up. Even after dumping a bucket of water over me every five minutes." He half tossed his head to the small pool beside them. One that was very common throughout the rather clean city. "I still don't understand the entire point to this."
"Such impatience from a creature that is molecularly immortal." The tiger's purple eyes glared at him. Once again meeting the blue and green feathered bird with a strangely curved beak. "You even shorten your sentences like you only have centuries to live."
"Call it an old habit." He grumbled, grabbing mentioned bucket from before and cooling himself off once again. Getting water over the soft white stone that everything seemed to be constructed with.
"Perhaps some shade will assist you better."
"Yeah, well, it was your instructors that demanded this to be done within the sunlight." He snorted, making the avian smile. "Times like this, I wonder if all this is worth it."
"You should not doubt enlightenment, especially with laziness."
"A conversation we've had eight thousand times before." The black one tossed his snout in the air.
"Only about 1,478."
"And you counted. What a wonderful use of your time." Another grumble that was taken very heartedly. "Glad you take joy my suffering for so long. Here I was under the impression that most found me bad company."
"It is probably due to you being so different from us. Not only in physical structure, but in mental as well."
"I think the term you're looking for is Rude."
"Hardly. Though you do tend to hold some traits with the Two's."
"Please, by all means, sugar coat it." Another grumble that made the bird smile. "They're called Arroch, Thogth." {Thou-th, the G is silent.}
"Some of them are."
"I think the ratio has shifted to most." Another chuckle. "Granted, in this heat, I can't blame them for being ignorant."
"They are definitely more primitive than others we have encountered."
"Thanks." The very sarcastic statement made Thogth smile.
"But that does not mean you should stop your progress." A moment of silence. "I do admit they tend to see things much differently than we do, whereas they are not from around here-"
"Yet, neither am I." That same smile.
"But that is not reason for you to give up. After all, you have all the time in the universe, Krow." The Tirix looked at him, studying the bird's teal eyes for a few moments.
"...What's wrong." It was hardly a question, but Thogth didn't answer. "I've felt it for a while now, what is it?" A deep sigh, as the tiger's old friend put a paw on his black shoulder.
"Your intuition is not incorrect, there is something coming towards us. Something we cannot avoid." The black one studied him.
------
Chapter 3
The badger was furious still, even after the sun had already set. So much so that she couldn't sleep, constantly going through the small duel in her head and trying to find her mistakes. To be beaten by a mere rifleman was embarrassing and shameful. Let alone by a Southerner. Be it a fellow Northe, she could understand and put it past her. But that stupid fox?
She turned around on her bedroll once again, feeling some of it curl underneath her and create a bump against her side. If there was one thing she liked about the snow, it was easy enough to morph into something more comfortable. Here, the ground was hard and stiff, no matter how much she slammed into it with her longhammer. It was nearly as stubborn as Zeltra was.
Not to mention the annoying wildlife, the constant loud chirping of a nearby bird was getting on her nerves. No matter how often she roared at it to shut up. Everything about this damn place was now ruined thanks to that grey canine. Once again trying to picture his movements around her.
They seemed so unreal, almost planned. Like he could sense her movements before she even did them. Sure, her weapon was a little slow, but if she connected with it, odds are it would be the end of her opponent. Yet, it didn't leave her too opened, like some larger mauls would. The badger's form and stances were balanced, that bastard just got lucky.
But it wasn't luck, she knew it in her gut. There was something odd about how he used that weapon, like it wasn't meant for long range. But instead close range, with the feature of getting an emergency shot or two if needed. It seemed ridiculous to think such a weapon would be used in reverse like that. But that's probably why she lost, why she let her guard down more than she should have.
With a very heavy breath, she just tried to sleep. Covering her opened ear with a paw to try to drown out that damn bird's calling, she felt her fur stand up again. Making her stop for a moment and see her campfire flicker a bit, as well as someone trying to drown it out. Turning around and grabbing her hammer, she seen the fox doing just that! "What the hell-!"
"Shhh!" He snapped, motioning her to get down. Of course she only growled at him, pulling her weapon up as if to warn him. But the sudden silencing of the bird and it flying away told her to stop. Now flicking an ear at something rather far away... Whimpering? "I didn't think you could hear it." He whispered.
"Hear what, exactly." Zeltra growled again, not trying to be quiet but getting another Shhh. Looking up the mountain, where the noises came from got her to at least crouch as they started to silence. Especially after a loud snap. For a while, the only thing they could hear was each other's breathing, as well as pretty much see. Though the hunter's moon was helping a bit more by the minute.
The fox suddenly whispered a curse, as he motioned for her to follow him. But the badger just grabbed her shield. Perhaps what was actually out there was just her Hunt, coming out for a nightly kill or snack, and just ran into a pack of wolves or something. Still, the forest started rustling violently soon after. Coming towards the opening where she made her campfire. "Come on!" He tried to whisper, as much as she detested to retreat, this small space was hardly combat worthy.
So Zeltra followed him, back to the main campsite that held their duel from before. Even his campfire was out, and tent was knocked down, though not torn. Some remains of rations were tossed aside, away from the tent in hopes it would just lure the creature elsewhere and get it to take off. Foolish idea, perhaps. But then again, maybe it was bait.
As he grabbed his weapon and entered the bushes slightly, he laid prone. Once again motioning her to come with. "What the hell are you doing?" She grumbled, at least this time whispering, but getting a Shhh regardless. Soon enough, massive heavy breaths of a raging beast could be heard not far from them. Hearing the large creature growl a few times before picking up their scent and heading towards them once again. Getting the fox to curse again.
It was like time seemed to slow down all at once. The trees far above were pushed aside. The heavy footsteps crushed everything with every tremor. And every heavy breath brought forth a wave of heat that Zeltra could feel from a distance, keeping her stance even though her instincts demanded her to run.
As the last barrier of plant life was parting, the grey fox's rifle echoed into the darkness. Getting the titanic beast to growl loudly in a painful rage as it covered up one of its eyes, then roar off the pain. The massive vibration nearly shook the entire mountain, and she could barely make out the male's curse underneath it. As he got up and aimed while bolting another bullet in the chamber.
Seeing him move to the opposite side of the massive creature told her to flank it if they were ever going to stand a chance. Now with one of its eyes missing, what appeared to be a dire bear of sorts was raging and making out the Fox's movements. Then turning straight to the badger as soon as she took a step.
But the aggro was short lived, receiving another bullet to the snout from the grey one immediately got the bear's attention. Causing it to dive after the male while swinging a heavy paw at it. Once again, it felt like slow motion to her. The moonlight finally unmasking the creature's grotesque muscle mass, ripping out of its own hide and fur. Bulging with every heartbeat and oiled with something black.
A swift dive of his own under the massive bicep got the grey one behind the bear, giving him another opening for a shot. But the bullets barely pierced the dense muscles of its side, only infuriated it. Retaliating by throwing its entire body to where the shot came from in a wide pivot, and missing the fox by a few centimeters.
All at once, Zeltra got over her fears, not wanting to be shown up by a Southerner. Charging the massive creature who was clearly distracted searching for the whereabouts of the canine, and slamming everything she had into a single heavy swing. Feeling it connect with the bear's snout and give its jaw a massive crack. Even seeing a few teeth fly out of the dense blood spray.
Enraged, the beast threw both of its paws acrossed at her, getting the rather small claws to scrape against her portable wall while just barely escaping them. Seeing the creature stumble forward a bit and attempt to crush Zeltra under its body weight, forcing her to take a page out of the fox's book of dashing forward and barely getting under its shoulder; out of harm’s way.
With the monster of a beast still getting up, the fox threw a thick chain that wrapped around one of its hind legs. Then quickly ran up and over a tree that was shaped closely to a Y, leading the chain up it while the badger distracted the bear. Ducking under a few of its very wild swings and getting a few hits of her own against its most sensitive areas. Mostly around the face, sending an excessive amount of blood out of its muzzle and eye.
As the grey canine attached the loose end of the chain to a nearby broken tree, he gave it a few shoves. Trying to knock it down with his strength alone wasn't going to cut it, and the beast finally noticed the snare. Fighting against it and her at the same time, while trying to break free.
Everytime it attempted to look behind where the fox was screamed opportunity for the longhammer to smack it in the face. Making it more furious than before, and Zeltra a little uneasy. Though trying to stay focused on the fight, she swore her eyes caught a shimmer off of a javelin that fell from the sky. Hearing it land on something wooden and it falling down, dragging the bear back a step and off its paws.
As the Northe went in for another heavy attack, she barely got her shield up in time for a defensive swat. Pushing her back and sliding on the wet grass a bit, as the bear roared at her in pain. A slight glimmer of the blood that was spilled from it, like it moved for a moment, then drove into the ground.
The monstrous creature then slammed another paw onto the ground, and several black spikes shot out of the ground towards her. Ones that carried the same shimmer as the blood. Then another set shot out, forcing Zeltra to dodge around them while trying to advance. A few of the obsidian-like lances managed to graze and catch on some of her clothing, tearing it off a bit but leaving her unharmed.
Through the piercing roar that came out of the bear was another shot that nearly silenced it. But stopping it's black spike assault and in giving her opportunity once again, the badger charged at its head. Landing the hammer before the titan could recover from the point blank shot with the heaviest swing she could muster.
Move with the reaction of the impact, Zeltra swung the hammer in a backspin, once again colliding with the side of its head. Smashing the flat side of the shield into its muzzle twice, throwing her entire weight into the ram to ensure a stun. Taking a small breather, and knowing that the creature was still somehow alive, the badger released the straps on her portable wall and threw it to the ground.
Grasping the longhammer with both paws, she wound up and shifted her stance. Throwing everything she had into a single under-swing that connected directly to the creature's muzzle, and feeling something give in. Retreating soon after to rebalance herself and hoped she finally killed the damn thing.
It stopped moving, stopped breathing. And after a few more moments, the two took a much needed breath of relief. "What the hell...?" She grumbled, getting a half shrug from the fox. "I've fought plenty of bears back home, but nothing this..."
"First time I'm seeing it too. Even from afar, I could tell it was unnatural." Zeltra half grumbled, recalling the reason why she didn't hear this thing fight the wolves. Stupid bird. "You're welcome, by the way."
"And you're lucky I didn't beat you senseless when you put out my fire." She grumbled.
"Hey, I put mine out too! And it was for your safety-!" The behemoth of a bear suddenly roared again, startling the two as it lunged once again at the badger. Getting the fox to dive for her, and push them both barely under it. Knocking out of harm’s way, but prone, all while hearing something rip. With the rifle still in his paw, he aimed and fired at the bear's head with Zeltra still on top of him.
The bullet hit, but didn't stop it. Trying to reach for the bolt on the side to load another shot, to his surprise, the female did it. Getting him to take another shot at its head while trying to move backwards through the wet grass. Shot after shot, he kept barely missing the creature's one good eye by fractions. Seeing it take another swing at them, and rolling just out of the landing zone of the massive paw.
As the bear got up again, it started coughing. Trying to gasp for breath and strain for a few seconds before a loud crack came from within its chest. Forcing its massive muscles to remain stiff before it finally collapsed. Leaving the two to once again sigh in relief in the grass for a few moments. Then hearing the fox squeeze the trigger one last time to hear a faint click from the rifle. "...Heart Attack Ex Machina." They almost chuckled. "...Sorry about your shirt-"
"Get you hand off my chest." She growled at him.
"For a firm female, you're quite squishy there-ow." Zeltra clawed at his paw, forcing him to let got and allowing her to finally get up. Now noticing that half her shirt was actually ripped off, and regretting not packing another one. Instead, just tying two stray sections together, enough to hold until she got back to town.
She couldn't help but stare at the beast that remained still. Wondering how such a thing could happen, muscles growing so large that they tore apart its own hide. Let alone getting so dense that it crushed its own rib cage. It seemed unreal... Almost Chemical.
Picking up her weapon and shield, they heard a bit of movement in the forest, where the chain was attached. Though it did send her senses to alert once again, the fox barely glanced at it. Rather casually reloading his weapon and putting the safety back on. "I know you'll probably decline-"
"-No.
"But maybe we should-"
"-No."
"Stay together-"
"Hell. No." She snarled, even getting him to half smile at her. "It's doubtful that there will be two of these out there, let alone tonight. Even less likely that you'll sleep anywhere near me for the rest of the night." The badger grumbled, returning to where she resided before.
------
The walkways were a little busy throughout the street as usual, but that only gave him an excuse to take the higher road: the rooftops. Surprisingly, for the amount of people living on this small continent, the buildings housing them were barely even two stories. Not that it really mattered too much to him to begin with. Falling from terminal velocity didn't hurt that bad.
Regardless, he still always seemed to surprise a few people. Jumping off the rooftop and landing in a rather spacious area just before leaping into a pool of water with a fountain draining into it. Also still getting questionable looks when the black tiger thing didn't actually sink into the water, but seemed to walk on top of it. Like there was this flexible barrier just over it that his claws couldn't pierce.
Lapping away at the stream falling into the pool felt refreshing. Even more so when he washed his mane with it. The two red stripes always seemed to bounce up a little bit higher than the rest of the thick black fur. Giving the look of almost two Mohawks flowing down past his shoulders.
Though covered in a bit of water, his ears still caught a familiar giggle. "Too hot again, are you?" The more feminine humanoid asked. Like many of the ones living here, it was very hard to tell apart their genders. Not that it really mattered anyway.
"We might as well be living in a volcano." Krow grumbled, taking in a few more licks and casually walking to the person who addressed him. Sitting down on the water like it was a comfortable cushion and seeing the humanoid once again study the surface of the liquid. Even putting his hand under it to scratch the bottom of the creature's fur. "I'm not ticklish." He snorted, getting another giggle.
"I know. And you are not a stranger to pain either, so you have said." A shake of his head as a few beads of water got in his ear. Flicking it out and grumbling. "So interesting that such a creature existed in the outer lands."
"We've been over this, Taldasha. I'm not from here."
"I know, but you came from the horizon, did you not?" A snout toss got him to smile. "What was it like?"
"Says the person who can project themselves for an out of body experience." Another giggle, as the Tirix sighed. "Green. Everything everywhere is green, besides the locals. Great people, by the way, providing you can get over the fact that their day job is Murder."
"Yes, we have heard of the many animals and insects living out there. Even explored them through safer means, but..."
"It's not the same. At least that's what I hear anyway. Still a bit low on the scale of enlightenment, y'know." Another grumble, but at least the male took it rather positively. Still chuckling.
"I've never met anyone as angst as you. You are almost like them."
"But a little worse, I know."
"To put it lightly." A playful glare from those purple eyes as Krow's ears went back. "At least you tend to be humorous about it."
"Yes, the Arroch are quite sticks in the mud, aren't they?" The tiger smirked, looking off to the side and seeing a group of them in red uniforms coming close. Hoping that they would hear those words, but it was difficult to tell. "Think I should say it louder?"
"You are best not to start any-"
"Yes, the Arroch are quite sticks in the mud, aren't they?" That time they heard it, meeting the Tirix' grin with a glare and getting the group of four to approach the fountain.
"You have something you want to say to us, cat?" One of them grumbled, clearly making Taldasha a little nervous about the conflict.
"I'm pretty sure you heard me. I'm also sure that you remember the last time some of you guys attempted to shut me up. How are they, by the way? Still recovering?" The rather muscular humanoids nearly growled through their teeth. "Whatever. Give them my best regards, and tell them I'm ready for round two anytime. Unless you want to attempt for them-?"
"Krow." An overdramatic snout toss of epic proportions when Thogth came from the other side of the fountain. "Please do not provoke others."
"Must you ruin my fun? I need to get my mind off of this heat one way or another. And they're honestly asking for it." The tiger shrugged, still smirking at the Five's less-than-pleased glare.
"You were searching for me?" The bird asked the group of Arroch.
"Yes. Our machines detected a rather large rock heading this way-"
"He knows about it." Krow interrupted, getting a very hateful glare from them. "Come on, even I knew about it before those blocks of yours picked it up."
"Please." Thogth patiently held up a paw to silence the black creature. "He is correct, in any case. I do know about the object coming our way." He got a few concerned looks from others within the square, as well as from Taldasha.
"And?" One of the red clothed men asked, rather aggressively. Making the black Tirix almost growl at his tone towards Thogth. "What do you plan on doing?"
"Nothing." He calmly stated, getting worried looks from many others. "It is something we cannot avoid."
"Cannot avoid? Have you even tried?" Another Arroch nearly snarled, getting Krow to growl and leap between them.
"I will not have conflicts within my city, please calm down." The bird rested a hand on the tiger's shoulder, making him share eye contact with those purple iris'.
"Our equipment is ready to defend us if you are unable."
"Try if you feel it is necessary. But it is not a threat to us." The three shared looks with one another, and the group of reds retreated back to their claimed territory. Finally getting Krow to once again look at Thogth as if to ask 'What do you mean It's No Threat To Us?'
But the bird just left it at that. Giving a comforting pet on the back of his furred neck before carrying on to other business. As well as everyone else within the square began moving on. Sighing, the Tirix leapt back onto the waters and returned to his spot near Taldasha. "Do you not believe him?"
"...I don't know what I think. Asteroids are usually a big deal, and I know this one isn't simply going to burn in the plant's atmosphere." The black one muttered quietly.
"And the Arroch's weaponry?" As much as he wanted to comfort his friend, Krow shook his head.
"There's something different about this thing... It's not a rock, Thogth even said so." A heavy breath. "That laser isn't going to do a thing to it." A worried look from the humanoid told him that maybe they shouldn't be talking about it. With a quiet exhale, those purple eyes drifted towards the water he was resting on. "...What do you remember about Merciia?"
This one at least brought a sad smile to his face. "It was a beautiful place before it fell into the waters. A lot like this city, to be honest."
"Makes sense. The survivors from that disaster are the ones who built it."
"Thanks to the help of Thogth, yes." Another smile as he looked at the distance. "But I do not remember much from it, whereas I was still very young."
"And aside that it happened nearly a thousand years ago." Krow grumbled, tending to his dried nose once again.
"Why do you ask?"
"...You asked where I came from. So it's only polite to ask you, or so the birdman says." A chuckle from him while the tiger shrugged. "Just trying to move the conversation along."
"Well, you should be asking about our calendar, then." Taldasha teased, splashing the feral one with some water that he clearly enjoyed.
"Fine. How goes the calendar?"
------
Chapter 3
Those instincts kept her awake most of the night, not able to settle down for some rest after that attack. Though she made it back safely and forest remained still after the beast went down, she just couldn't get over it. Half angry at herself and that damn fox. Herself for being almost terrified by such a creature, and him for... She couldn't quite think of it. Resourceful? Tower Willed? Cupping a feel for her when they were barely scampering to safety? Mind you, the last one was the worst.
But it was herself that made the badger angry the most. She's faced larger enemies before, massive even. But there was something about that bear being so enraged and unnaturally mutated that grew a cold fear into her heart. Perhaps it was that she didn't understand it, didn't even comprehend that such a thing was even possible. What caused it to do that? Something in the mountains? If so, then what would happen to her if she caught this sickness?
Perhaps one of the most important of all was the idea that the city folk were mistaken about there being a dragon in this mountain. No one has really seen the creature up close, just a large figure that was feasting on the bigger animals. The signs of it dragging its prize back to its habitat, and the large pawsteps in the grass. All of them could possibly fit that bear... Kinda.
Though she did slay that beast, if there was no dragon in these woods, then she would come back unsuccessful. Maybe even bringing some information about the sickness of that behemoth, if she could get a slice of its muscle for them to study? In the moonlight, it looked black and covered in oil. Come to think of it, the ill city folk tended to have black spots beneath their fur.
Regardless, Zeltra was wasting her time here. As the sun was coming up, she could at least investigate this creature while she was in the area. Gathering her gear and going back to her original camping spot within the dim light, trying to be quiet in case the Grey male was still on edge. But nothing remained left behind that was his. Perhaps he couldn't sleep either.
Regardless, the corpse of the behemoth was still there. As still as she left it, let alone as thick. On her guard, she slowly approached it. Prepared for it to suddenly spring back to life in another enormous rage. Tapping it a few times with her hammer sent an old memory through the Badger's mind. Mostly when she was younger and her father telling her not to poke a bear.
At least this time she got away with it, as the creature ceased to move. But she wouldn't be comfortable until she was far away from such a thing. Setting down her weapon, but keeping her shield strapped just in case, she pulled out a hunter's knife. Stabbing it into the thick muscle and almost waiting for it to jolt upwards.
Again, it seemed safe, letting Zeltra resume cutting the sinew from the massive bear. She heard of tough meat before, but this was ridiculous. It almost felt like attempting to cut a large tree down with a knife. Odds are she would have to sharpen it when she got back home.
Using her sore muscles from the fight with this creature, she managed to get a chunk off of the bicep. Wrapping it in a thick cloth and placing it in her pack before moving on. However, with the light coming up, the badger got a bit curious again. Wanting to at least look at its face so she could put this fear behind her.
Carefully walking around it, the bear's eyes were still opened. Covered in black like they were bleeding from the inside, and unable to make out any pupil. It's head seemed rather small now, compared to its body, telling her it didn't naturally grow to this size. Aside from the muzzle being pushed in and damaged in several places, a very specific wound stood out around its ear. Several small holes were bored into its skull, much different from simple arrow wounds or spikes. The fur around it seemed to be much shorter too, like it was shaved or cut.
She didn't know what it meant, but perhaps it was a clue in what happened to the creature. Though this was one place where it fought, her mind did recall another north to where she was staying. After that bird shut up, she remembered this bear fighting some wolves there.
Considering its travel time, it shouldn't be too far away. Zeltra back trailed a bit and followed the damage plant life up the path the titan left behind. Seeing several spots of blood around, as well as some of its hide torn off from the arms of trees. Disturbing as it was, another clue perhaps? She took it with her.
It opened to another clearing within the trees, littered with signs of struggle and broken bark. Patches of fur that seemed different from the bears were thrown about, but no corpse of any canines. Perhaps they did make it out alive, hopefully not carrying such an illness.
Another path seemed to have been left opened where the beast traveled, leading her towards another spot. More large sections of fur were found, as well as this metal plate with several broken vials attached to it. Three of them in a row, matching with the wounds from its head. The vials were empty, but it was still a clue, one to take back.
When nothing else was found, it was time to carry on. The badger did more than enough to help them solve such a mystery, the rest was up to the city. Though, it would be another section to add to Zeltra's Legend, it's doubtful that such a thing would top the skirmish with the dire bear.
The day went rather smoothly, almost as if the entire forest was frightened and abandoned since last night. Good thing she packed an extra set of rations before she left, as bitter and tasteless as they were, they were affective. Let alone took a long time to perish. With so little wildlife up the mountain, she wondered if the dragon would just hunt elsewhere for the day. Be just like it to walk right past her when she turned around and miss it, if the creature existed at all.
But the more she carried on through the trail, the more the signs spoke out. The many branches of the trees higher up were broken, often making a rather large walkway in the trail. Many tracks of a larger creature, either heavy and calmly strolling through the road, or running down it. It was hard to tell according to the dirt, perhaps both? Maybe a place it would often lead prey?
Regardless, she kept on her guard. Hoping that she didn't actually have to capture the thing and drag it down the mountain for them. Many different outcomes did pop into mind during her hunt, like if the creature was not the miracle worker the city believed. What would they do then? What if it was more feral and wild? Unable to communicate? One thing at a time, she supposed.
As Zeltra stepped out of the tunnel of trees into another rather spacious area, she took a deep breath. Her eyes once again admiring such a wonderful view, as well as picking up the heavy scent of rain. Good thing there was a rather large cave nearby, which usually meant-
Some more rustling in the bushes in front of her got the Northe to arm herself once again. Wondering if it could just be a simple animal, perhaps one she could hunt and present as a gift. As the creature stepped out of the veil of green, the badger groaned loudly. "Oh, Hell No...!"
------
Tension covered the entire island like a blanket, getting everyone restless that night in anticipation. Nearly gathered together as if it were some kind of festival. Sitting on the rooftops and occupying the streets, the Tirix couldn't get in close enough to witness anything the Arroch were planning. Not that he didn't already know the basics anyway; shoot laser, blow up asteroid, brag to all the Suryoothe that they fixed the problem when Thogth would not. It half irked Krow, like it was some kind of challenge towards the Category Five.
Not like he was the only Five around. There were several others, but there was just something trustworthy about Thogth. He was even the one to give the black tiger a chance here, instead to be pushed off the island by the Arroch. Then again, Thogth also gave them a chance as well, even after they nearly declared war against a peaceful city.
Regardless, within a few days everyone knew about the off-world threat. But at least no one really seemed to panic like alot of other species would do. They just simply discussed it among each other, and finally put their faith into that mechanical weapon. But there was still something off about this... Thing. Something the Tirix felt before.
His fur raised up when Taldasha sat beside him, getting the furred one to exhale and attempt to remain calm. "You are worried." A faint nod from him.
"There's something wrong with this, and Thogth knows of it."
"Do you distrust him?"
"No, but I feel like this is a mistake, relying on the Reds to take care of it." A faint giggle made those purple eyes look at him and flick an ear.
"You really dislike them, yes?"
"Don't you?" He snorted, fluttering his tail in irritation and letting the red flame at the very end dance a little.
"I am not so sure. I do not like their conflicting ways, but I never found a reason past that."
"They tried to declare war on this entire island-this whole planet!" He grumbled, once again getting the Suryoothe to smile.
"Only because they were desperate. They escaped their old planet by mere seconds, or so I am told."
"They were desperate because they also made their planet uninhabitable, Using those weapons." He gestured the large cannon that could be seen over the rooftops, aiming upward into the sky.
"That is still no reason to distrust them."
"Then what would be?" Taldasha grew a bit silent, and the tiger sighed. "I've been around bullies all my life. Hardly ever picked on myself, but I've always been the one to give them a hard time if they ever went after someone else. These ass-... People." A series of giggles. "Are basically the same things. And if this works, they're going to start thinking they can step over Thogth and anyone else. They're going to start pushing for the manufacturing of these weapons, and soon enough..." A sigh from him.
"You sound like one with experience."
"...Kind of. I've heard my fair share of stories. Seen the outcomes and the devastation first hand. And fought against it when no one else would... When no one else could. Maybe this is why Peace bothers me so much." Another chuckle. "If Thogth isn't going to keep them in their place, I sure as hell will. Even if I need to rip their feet off so they no longer step on anyone."
"Your wording is so strange." A snout toss. "Though, what if they succeed? It would be a good thing. They would be repaying us for our hospitality."
"You guys see it like that, but they won't." A heavy sigh. "Maybe I'm just being pessimistic, but we should at least prepare for the worst. Especially if this doesn't-" The loud sounds of the laser charging up echoed through the city, putting everyone on edge. "I just hope I'm wrong." Though his friend gave the Tirix a sad look, they both gazed at the sky.
As the weapon charged up, it fired its concentration towards the massive black rock entering the planet's atmosphere. Witnessing as it almost predicted the shot and attempt to move out of the laser's way, however shifting it off course a bit. Breaking a large chunk of it and separating into large sections.
The big main threat landed way off into the mainlands, far from where they lived. However, the sections rained down on the city. Getting people to finally panic and run scared towards cover. As the biggest broken off section landed in the area where most of the Arroch people resided, Krow made out a shard that was heading towards the two. Tackling Taldasha to cover him, the Tirix felt the shard go through his body and growl at the pain.
Though it completely nailed the two onto the roof, hearing his friend whimper at the pain, the tiger managed to reach back and get a hold of it. "Tal, look at me!" He growled until the humanoid did. "This is going to hurt, but I need you to hold still, okay?" A faint nod as he gripped the furred one tightly. Feeling the hot shard slowly be slipped through his body and wound, nearly crying out in pain as it finally exited out.
With a loud grumble, Krow recklessly pulled out the rest of the shard out of his own body. Still pinning Taldasha on the roof for a moment before reaching down and opening his own wound up a bit more. Letting his blood flow on top of Tal's for a few minutes, until he felt no more pain. "Better?"
"How do you even tolerate that...?" The humanoid whimpered, trying to look down at his now red garments and seeing the wound was no longer there.
"After you've been with it for so long, it's hard to really notice." A look over the horizon, the two seen the catastrophe such a thing caused. The damage and the lives that it probably took, let alone this strange whaling that seemed to fill the night sky. Something... Large and alive. "I get the feeling I'm going to be bleeding alot more tonight."
------
Chapter 4
"Nice to see you too." The grey fox replied to Zeltra's rather irritated greeting. "And I think I made a wrong turn, but oh well."
"Don't tell me, you're looking for this dragon too." She put away her hammer and just rubbed the stress out of her eyes.
"Have you seen it?" She studied him for a moment.
"...Yes. It went down that way. You should run if you want to catch it."
"You're rather cute when you're lying." A snort from her. "I'm guessing this is his home." He studied the cave, then looked down the mountain. "Nice view. But very little space for a landing zone. I'm not sure if this is it."
"Maybe it isn't. Maybe you should look elsewhere then, because I got here first." He calmly shrugged.
"I can't argue with that, but..." A few pawsteps from inside the cave. "Maybe we'll let him decide, hmm?" The badger observed the darkness of the cave, barely being able to see a pair of Maroon eyes glow within. Much higher than she expected, like it was nearly the size of the cave, and getting her to grip the handle to the portable wall strapped to her arm.
As it stepped out into the remaining sunlight, being blocked by the incoming storm, its dark blue scales seemed to glisten surreally, as the dragon looked back and forth between the two for a moment and sighed. "Great. Visitors. To what do I owe the displeasure?" He grumbled, like he was in the beginning of something long and tedious.
"Well, since you asked nicely-" The grey one started.
"-I am Zeltragraciae! Daughter of Garthdarrick of Gunnar's Hold of the Legendary Northes! Known as the Unbreakable to the countless beasts that have fell before me!"
"I'm standing right here, you don't need to shout-" The large one grumbled.
"Winner of fourteen Championships, including Most Epic Legend told for Four years! Most Aggressive Keg Brawler for two years straight, and counting! And Most Deadliest Hunt for Six Years Straight!"
"...Okay?"
"Perhaps you've heard of my mother's legend: Siffarah The Arrow Of Incineration! Known for firing arrows so fast that they ignite, even in the cold winds of the harshest blizzards-"
"You say that like I'm supposed to care-" The blue one started, but she didn't stop.
"Or perhaps my Grandfather, Said to have swooned with the Land herself, and that he could never die as long as he was in the northern snow!"
"...And I'm assuming he did-"
"Yes, by drowning. Fell through the ice while attempting to battle the Dervish known as Myish, The Lady Of The Lake. Slain by yours truly, of course." Several moments of silence as the larger one glanced at the fox for a moment.
"Is she done?"
"I'm never sure with Northe, to be honest." A hateful glare from her could be felt burning through his pelt.
"Uh huh..." The dragon gazed over her for a few moments, then back at the fox for an equal amount of time. "And you are?" He asked, very unimpressed. Only to see the male half shrug.
"No one important." He replied, getting a proud smirk from the badger. As if anyone could make a better impression than a Northe.
"Riiiiight..." Another few looks back and forth, and the blue one snorted. Motioning his snout towards the Fox. "You, I'll hear out. You, on the other paw, get lost."
"WHAT!?"
"-Wow, that was loud."
"I don't like repeating myself, and I've already done you the favor of showing you the exit. From here on out, you're on your own." The dragon rested on his haunches. "Though, I will give you one piece of advice; if you're ever going to... Impress someone, I guess? With a story like that; Make sure your belt is at least tied beforehand." The two smaller ones double-taked at her pelvis, noticing a small patch of white fur was sticking out over the loosened straps. Making her almost yelp and hide it behind her shield. As those reddish eyes moved over towards the fox, the long muzzled exhaled. "She at least brought the show, I'm hoping you brought dinner."
"Yep." A frilled ear perked. "Roe, by the way."
"Wonderful." He muttered, so sarcastic it hurt. "What do you want."
"Came from that eastern city over there, Lhosaka. Not actually from there myself." The fox started, putting down his pack and taking out a few bags, full of pastries and breads. "Though it has a couple days since they were baked, I kept most of the air out of them. They should still be good."
"I've never had them freshly baked, so I'll take what I can get." As the grey one offered to toss one at him, the dragon nodded. Seeing it leap into the air and snap at the breaded treat, and loving the sugary goodness that came with it. After a quick swallow, he glanced at the badger. "You're still here."
"It's going to rain soon-" She grumbled.
"Then you'd best be seeking some shelter."
"Hey." The fox got the red eyed glare. "I know she's obnoxious, but that's no reason to kick her out. Especially when there's a storm coming, a big one at that."
"And you talk as if you're in a position of power right now?" A loud grumble from the large one.
"Well, I am holding the bags of goodies." A few moments of staring.
"Fair point."
"If she goes, then I go. With these." An irritated sigh from the blue scaled one. "She does make a nice fire, let alone cook a good meal." A double take from Zeltra, and Roe shrugged. "I was downwind from you, and it was basically torture."
"I hope it was." She grumbled.
"But what say you?" He asked the dragon. "We'll make a night out of it, talk some things over." A slight glance to the blue one's side, barely seeing one of its wings slightly lower than the other, like it was trying to hide something. "And maybe fix that wing of yours." The two others looked at the fox for a moment.
"...Fine. On one condition:" He glared at Zeltra. "No stories, or... Performances. Understood?" A look at the dragon, then a look at the storm outside made her sigh.
"Fine." She grumbled.
"Excellent, now let’s get some firewood before that storm hits. Maybe find something to hunt in the meantime-"
"No need. I've got the meat." The dragon grumbled, turning about and almost slapping his tail against the rock wall. "Your cooking better be damn well worth it."
------
This was ridiculous. Out of all the times they would need his guidance, the damn bird disappears for over a week. As another quake shook the entire island, rumbling and causing a few buildings to creak, the Tirix attempted to remain balanced and mobile. Many people were panicking through the streets as every violent shake got worse and more frequent. And he could feel their faith in their leaders falling.
But he could also feel something else ever since this morning. A presence or some kind of breadcrumb that was leading him to a temple, one he's checked a thousand times this week in hopes he would find the bird somewhere. As the streets became more crowded, Krow started using the rooftops to progress. Nearly feeling one almost collapse under his paws from another earthquake.
Up the stairs to the large building, finally evacuated of people who decided that there was more important things than prayer right now, the large tiger found the great hall empty. Exhaling loudly and cursing his instincts, he wasn't sure what to do. [Krow?] A double take at the altar, then its surroundings.
"Thogth!?"
[Yes. I am in need of your help-]
"Where the hell have you been!? The city is in complete chaos!"
"Which is what you sensed." He took a few steps forward into the hall.
[Correct, but I could not foresee the damages it could possibly make. Even when I did some preparations, the planet could not endure it's infection.]
"Infection?"
"I'm only a Category Two, Thogth. Don't expect me to do much when it comes to-"
"Did you just interrupt me?" The black one snorted. "This must be important then."
"Then you know of the Arroch's plan to attempt to reset the entire island, then. And when they couldn't reach you for confirmation..."
[They are attempting it regardless. I need you to stop them from making that Merkabah. It will only bring ruin.]
"They say it's going to just help stabilize the land. After we lost a section, we assumed Zenna'tarra would end up like the catastrophe of Merciia; sinking into the ocean-"
[Yes. But their Merkabah is synthetic. I cannot repair because it is missing a chakra.]
"Again with the interruptions."
[And that asteroid destroyed the world's Spiritual Grid. Activating such a thing will only cause the power to centralize and backfire.]
"Making the grounds even less stable... What do you want me to do about it?"
[Stop them.]
"Byyyyy...?"
[Hitting them hard in the face.]
"Seriously? Are you giving me the green light to finally smack them around?"
[Or improvise, as long as you stop that Merkabah from connecting to the remains of the grid.]
Another large quake. "I would ask you to say please, but I really don't think we have the time."
[We do not.]
"I'm on it!" The Tirix sprinted out of the temple. "Don't blame me if one of them dies!" He shouted behind, leaping down the entire set of stairs and landing on the walkway hard. Causing it to crack, then split open further from another quake. Nearly caving in underneath him. "This place is more unstable than I thought." He grumbled, taking off down the streets.
After a bit, he could clearly see the large Holographic shape taking form in the sky above a certain platform. Getting the black one to curse out of habit and his ear to flick, catching someone calling his name. "Krow!"
"Taldasha!? What the hell are you still doing here!" He half growled at the rather slender humanoid. "I thought you would be evacuating by now!"
"We were planning to, but some are against it. In fear of the main lands-"
"Well, don't be! Get out of here! There might not be anything left standing of Zenna'tarra in ten minutes!"
"Minutes...?" He asked, not knowing what such a term meant and causing the feral one to toss his snout.
"Now is not the time to explain! Get. Off. This. Island!" Another growl.
"What about you?"
"I'll be fine, I can't enter water."
"Then, can you do me a favor before you leave as well?" A roll of his eyes, and he motioned to get it out. "The calendar."
"The one you've been working on?"
"Can you take it to the mainland with you?"
"As long as it's in the same building, fine. Now go!" The two didn't waste another moment, bolting their opposite ways through the panicking streets. Trying his best to dodge every large fissure now splitting the roads, while remaining at near full speed. But a few building's away, the massive hologram of the Merkabah began to crack itself. Releasing it's built up energy violently outwards in thunderous bolts, and getting Krow to once again curse.
Still rushing towards it, he attempted it leap on top of the platform, only to be struck by one of the massive energies. Stinging his entire body and throwing him backwards through a few buildings. Nothing he couldn't shake off, but making him both angry and stressed for time. Throwing the large section of wall off him and attempting again. Barely twisting his body to dodge another bolt and land on the platform, surprising a few already scared Arroch.
With one smooth motion, the Tirix spun around while landing, forming his paw into a fist and feeling several ethereal red rings release from those joints. Slamming it into the mechanical device that was operating the holographic double tetrahedron, and feeling that paw go cleanly through it with next to no resistance. Though it's operation ceased, the energy built up inside shattered the barriers within the Merkabah. Sending it into the city grounds.
"W-what have you done!?" One of the Arroch's shouted at the black tiger, only getting him to growl at them.
"What have You done!? You assholes didn't realize there wasn't a Grid for this to connect to!?" From the looks on their faces, they probably didn't check. "Whatever! Just get off this island! I'll kick your asses for it later!" He growled, taking off onto the rooftops once again.
The city was breaking apart by the second, and as much as he wanted to help those trapped within, there was nothing Krow could do. For now, he still had to get that calendar, not really knowing why such a damn thing was important, but Taldasha worked on it for decades. Along with a good twenty others. Let alone, watched over by a Category Five.
What made matters a little more unclear is why they didn't just take the stone tablets with them by hand? Physically or Psionically. It wasn't until the Tirix burst through the door to see a very large, stone-like disc that his questions were answered. "...You've gotta be kidding me." He grumbled. Quickly overlooking the massive object that was at least thirty times his size, and most likely massively heavy to boot.
Another violent quake, and Krow grumbled. Gripping hold of the thing the best he could, and attempting to slide it on his back, he roared loudly in complaint. "How the hell did they even get this damn thing inside!? Did they build the structure around it!?" Another few quakes, and he could hear the waters begin to flood the streets, as the floor seemed to shift sideways.
He couldn't get out the front door, but he remembered the roof being mostly glass. Taking a firm grip, he launched himself out of the building. Breaking through some of the glass and some of the actual beams that held the building in place. Having already been a little sideways, it made the disc flip and him with it. Doing his best to control the thing in midair, and landing in the water that filled the streets.
Though it was like standing on slippery gel, his body kept both him and the massive plate afloat. Watching as the entire island, his and a thousand other's home, began to sink into the ocean. And soon enough, it started to go dark, like a massive cloud was covering the world. With the last little bit of light left, Krow barely seen a glimpse of the mainland, and started walking towards it.
------
Chapter 5
The two returned to the cave with some firewood and some fruits. Once again having their little stand-off in front of it, while the wind began to pick up. "...Why?" She grumbled at the fox, who looked like he was almost expecting the question. "After everything, why bother trying to be..." The badger exhaled warm anger, nearly getting him to do the same.
"No one should be left out in a storm."
"So, what? Pity?"
"Who says I need a reason?" A grumble from her. "Look, you can stay mad at whatever I did. Be it the archer thing, or the paw on your chest-which was an accident, by the way."
"A Northe doesn't need help from anyone-"
"Then don't accept the Help. Accept the invitation." Another exhale. "Or take your chances out in the rain. But I'll tell you now; that stubbornness will not shelter you. Neither will your pride." Roe left it at that, carrying on into the cave and giving the female a moment to cool off. Guiding through the rather large and dark cave was at least simple, being able to make out the faint shimmers of the beast's scales.
"Oh yay." The blue one muttered sarcastically. "You're back. Here I was expecting you to get lost or eaten. Perhaps fall down a hill."
"You say that, but I still had the treats with me." The fox chuckled, getting the larger one to snort.
"Please. It'd be easy enough to sniff those out. Besides, I'm better off without them. They seem to go straight to my balls."
"I..." It actually stunned the grey one for a moment. "I don't think that's how sugar works."
"So says the dog."
"-Fox."
"-Whatever." Zeltra started walking in, getting him to flick a frilled ear. "Great. The talkative one returns as well. Yay."
"He's quite the gracious host, isn't he?" Roe asked her, like nothing happened between them.
"Of course I am! I'm only letting you build a fire in the middle of my home."
"Do you want a fire or not?" She grumbled at him, starting it regardless.
"There's many things that I would want. A cozy bed, private island, personal bakery. But right now, I want to know why both of you came all the way up here to cook me a meal." The dragon half grumbled, staring the two down for an answer.
"Does remind me." The canine got up and take something out of his pack, a small aid kit. "I want to look at that wing." A glare from the larger one, and Roe put his paws up. "Okay, okay. As I said before, I came from the east city, and there's been a bit of a crisis there lately." He took a step forward, lightly touching the wing and getting it to flinch. As well as a rather concerned look from the badger. "Something about some illness that they couldn't treat." The blue one started to exhale heavily, but was interrupted by flinching his wing.
"Easy!"
"Sorry." A grumble from the dragon, as the fire's light began to illuminate the room. "So, while I was waiting for this war to start, bored out of my mind, they told me of a tale. Something about a hatchling a group of men once kidnapped a long time ago. They force-fed it something that shouldn't be ingested, in order to change the creature. Since hatchlings naturally adapt to whatever they seem to eat, it had the ability to heal wounds and restore one's age."
"...M'yes. I've heard of this tale." The larger one muttered. Another flinch, and he hissed at the grey fox, getting him to step back. "Just leave it, it'll heal on its own!"
"It looks like it's sprained or something, but not broken. I can help it, but it's going to hurt a little more, and you won't be able to use it for a while." A growl from him, and Roe got out the pastries. "If you're good, I'll give you these while I work. Just don't bite your tongue."
"Deal." The larger one snatched the bag, cutting it open when he couldn't untie it. Still grumbling whenever a shot of pain ran through his body.
"So, what happened to this dragon?" Zeltra asked, looking at a nearby carcass with her knife. "And is this meat safe?"
"It's all safe." The blue one grumbled with his mouth half full.
"How old is it?"
"Old enough?"
"I meant, how recent is the kill?" An attempt to shrug his wings went badly, getting him to growl and almost choke on a pastry. It made the badger grumble with worry, cutting a few layers but not seeing any real deterioration or rotting. In fact, it almost looked like a recent kill. Maybe an hour ago at most. Regardless, she started cutting off straps and getting out a foldable contraption that worked like a rack. "Continue, Roe."
A rather surprised look from the smaller male, but he half shrugged. "Whelp, legends say that the experiment was almost a failure. They encaged the poor thing for years, watched it as it half grew ill at first, but eventually recovered. Several years later, one of the old ones got very sick himself, the caretaker of this dragon. When it didn't get any food for that day, the dragon actually broke out of its rather fragile cage, and raided the kitchen. Eventually making his way up to the old man."
There was a long silence as the dragon looked away from the fire. "First time he used this new breath weapon of his, it cured that illness in a matter of seconds, and even made the man a bit younger. He wanted to free the wyrmling for its selfless act, but the others wanted the power for themselves."
"So they encaged it." Zeltra half asked, getting a nod from him. Getting another flinch from the blue one as well as a loud hiss.
"I swear, I will bite you!"
"Kinky." The grey furred one smirked, getting a loud growl in return. "And I told you it would hurt a little." A grumble and another flinch, followed by an intense glare. "Almost done, promise. Anyway, the old man that the dragon saved eventually broke him out of the cage and the castle one night. Leading him to freedom in the woods, and away from the imprisonment that the others desired. Ever since then, he's rarely been seen. At one point, there were stories of a dragon in a nearby quarry to the city, half terrorizing the workers that were trying to do their job there. But when soldiers started to investigate, they found traces, but no dragon living in the caves. A few sightings up this mountain, and..." Roe shrugged, finally stepping away and putting the aid kit back. "Might want to stay out of the skies for a while."
"Oh, how ever will I live without flight?" He snorted, snapping at another pastry. Then tossed his head towards the badger. "And I'm guessing you're here for the same?"
"Yes, but I never heard any stories. Not much was known in the west."
"Makes sense." Another shrug from the fox. "So, what do you say? Will you help us?" The question made the blue one double-take and curl his neck.
"With what?"
"The ill?"
"And what makes you think that I'm that dragon?" He grumbled, predicting the next answer and interrupting Zeltra before she could talk. "Don't say because I'm the first one you've seen."
"Well, they also said it was a strange shade of blue. That's where the idea came from." A snout toss.
"There's plenty of blue dragons around, and the forest is a dangerous place. Who says he's even still alive?"
"You say that like it's easy to take a dragon down." Her statement made the larger one feel a little proud. "Regardless, would you know where we can find this creature?"
"Suuuure. In fact, you just missed him this morning. Probably walked right passed him, heading down the mountain." He snorted. "If you leave now, you might just catch him."
"Quite the sarcastic one, aren't you?" The canine smirked, getting another snort.
"You try living in this place and getting several visits from desperate people every month. It gets irritating." The large one grumbled, finishing up the bag of treats. "My son is ill. My father has a broken leg. Save this person because their sheer existence is meaningful to me. Oi..." A deep breath. "And I'm the one that has to tell them that they come to the wrong cave. Probably spent every damn coin they had just to make this trip. The least they could do was spread the word."
"So, you're not the one in the legend?"
"Believe me when I say this, girl: There Is No Legend." A heavy breath as his red eyes drifted back into the darkness. "Besides, what good would it do if I could cure every disease your kinds have ever encountered?"
"You say that like they don't affect you." The fox's jaw stiffened a bit.
"They don't. Plagues like this happen for a reason-"
"And innocent people are the ones who pay for it, you can't tell me that they deserve-"
"Their safety are the responsibility of the ones in charge of your damn walls. Tell me, how many animals does that city keep within them, hmm?" No answer, and he looked over at the badger. "Zealous one, tell me. You're from the north, yes?"
"I am."
"How often is it that your kind gets a plague or an illness such as his?" She studied him for a moment, then looked over at the canine.
"Next to never. Once in a while they deal with a cold of some sort, but that's usually due to events involving freezing water or the ice."
"And how often do you domesticate animals?" A bit of a puzzling look from her, and he tossed his snout. "As in, do you have any livestock within your living quarters, towns, or cities?"
"None. A few of us have companions, but that's it." A scaled paw gestured towards her.
"There you have it." Another pair of questionable looks from them made his ears flatten against his head. "Your city's issues are most likely in your water supply. Plagues often thrive when people mix their drinking water with... Let's call it: Releasing Water. Often used by the domesticated as well as the citizens."
"You haven't seen this thing. It turns their blood rather black and oily-"
"Not all plagues consist of the same effects, but their sources are usually so. That's all I can do for you." He folded his paws and rest his head on them. Trying not to look them in the eyes, as the two studied him for a few moments. Getting their own slices of meat and bread finally cooked and enjoying the warmth as the rain started down.
"See?" Roe said after taking a bite out of it. "Torture if you're not having any. Not to sound stereotypical, but damn this female can cook."
"You're just asking for a beating, aren't you?"
"If I recall, I won the last playful fight we had." He teased, but noticed her eyes once again studying the carcass nearby. "Something wrong?"
"...Maybe. Do you have a clean knife on you?"
"Yeah, as long as you don't stab me with it or something." A noise in confirmation didn't really tell him much, but he got one out and handed it over. Seeing her study it again, then the cooked meat in her paws.
"This meat tastes fresh. Even after being cooked." The blue one looked rather uncomfortable, especially after she took the knife out of the sheath. Then slowly dug it into her bicep, getting a rather surprised reaction out of the fox.
"The hell are you-!?" A motion to stop as she took the knife out, watching in the fire's light as the wound began to slowly heal up, then look at the dragon again. Hearing him curse under his breath.
------
Darkness. Everything was dark. Possibly even cold, if he could even feel such a thing. All he could tell is that the water still existed, still moved under his paws. And the weight of the stone calendar was beginning to irk him. He couldn't move nearly as fast while trying to balance such a thing, let alone see if he was going the right direction. But he still caught onto Taldasha's scent, even though all the water, the constant splashing, the black abyss. He struggled to keep a hold of that scent.
He wasn't sure how long he was walking. It honestly felt like days. Thinking that he should've hit the shore by now, or that maybe he got turned around somewhere. Several times, Krow wanted to try moving in a different direction. Could picture himself just being slightly off shore. A few steps to the right or left, and he could finally reach the sand. Run into a rock. Something besides the damn water.
But all at once, he was blinded. Something pierced through the darkness, and nearly made him lose balance of the large plate. Burning his purple eyes that have been so used to the abyss for so long, and having to adapt to the sunlight once again. And when he was, he could see the shore.
Morale kicked in, getting him to press forward until he scampered into the wet sand and threw the damn disc off his back. Groaning loudly at the discomfort, and looking around. Actually seeing a group of Suryoothes near some boats, and picking out Taldasha from the crowd. "You made it heavy enough!!" The black one roared at them from afar, still tending to his back. "Why the hell did you make it out of Rock!?"
But there was no answer from them. Alot of movement, though they almost took a step back. After a short rest, the Tirix got up and walked towards them. Still cursing to himself and getting the damn kinks out of his back. Only to look at the group again, almost afraid of him. "What?"
They shared looks for a few moments, almost like they didn't recognize themselves either. But they all looked alike, all were afraid. Lost. "...You don't remember me, do you?" No answer, and the tiger sighed. "Thogth, where the hell are you?" He grumbled, turning around towards the disc again. But getting another feeling of direction within the mainland's forest. With another heavy breath, Krow lifted the stone plate, and rolled it into the forest.
It took quite a while to find a clearing, let alone to get around so many damn trees, but the feral one eventually found a large temple. One almost freshly made, constructed from stone in a pyramid shape. That signal was coming from within. With another heavy lift, he carried the disc up the stairs.
Inside were many carvings. Many designs along the walls that told of many things. One specifically; a few feral animals, none specifically about the Tirix. Followed by humanoids, then more that were of greater height, then a few more. At the far end, it was a picture of Thogth, along with a few other Fives that he'd seen around. "The spiritual tiers..." Krow whispered.
[Yes.]
"Annnd you're stalking me. Great."
"Suuuure." He attempted to sound sarcastic, but let out a heavy sigh after it.
"I expected as much." Half a grumble. "What happened? What the hell happened to the sun?"
[Nothing.]
"Then the void?"
[When the Grid fell down, we did our best to keep what remained up. But with the shattering of that Merkabah from the Arroch...] Another heavy sigh.
"I was too late."
[No, Krow. I was. I should have contacted you sooner, but I was too busy attempting to fix this. Needing to stabilize the Grid by constructing multiple supports, such as the one you are in.]
"So, temples?"
[As well as pyramids and such, yes. Most of them were in spots that were in the structural weak points of the Grid, but I just assumed such a thing would work. When finally collapsed, the entire world fell into a void.]
"A void caused by what?"
[A Polar Shift.]
"You're joking..." A bit of silence. "The world turned sideways?"
[Not completely, but it did drastically shift. Causing many of the lands to change rather quickly.]
"And the Suryoothe that escaped?" More silence. "They didn't remember me."
[Krow. When catastrophes like this happen, and those within a greater state of consciousness do not get into a safe barrier, they fall into the void.]
"They couldn't make a barrier with the Grid damaged, but you knew about the Shift."
"So what? They revert back to the first state?" The black one looked at the wall again. "Animals..."
[And they must reach a higher consciousness on their own. Believe it or not, there are higher Categories above Five. They often look after those who are able to ascend in Spirit, and send others to help guide them.]
"So, in other words, they're your boss."
[A strange assessment, but I have heard stranger coming from you.] It actually made the Tirix smile a bit. [But yes, and I often need to discuss my strategies with them before executing them.]
"And what did they say about them. The Suryoothe?"
[...That asteroid that hit the mainland did more than just damage the Grid, Krow. Normally, to ascend to a higher consciousness, it takes alot of time, correct?]
"Tell me about it. 65,000 years Zenna’tarra was standing, and they only made it to Category Three." A snout toss.
[The thing is, all species seem to have a rule of thumb, if I've used that metaphor correctly.]
"Go on."
[If they do not make it to Category Five within 100,000 years, they must start over again.]
"So, time limit on the ascension thing. What about it?"
[That Asteroid... It drastically shortened that time for every creature within that planet.]
"Define Drastically."
[Extreme In Effect. Severe or Radical-]
"You know that's not what I meant." They shared a sad chuckle. "...How much time do they have to reach Enlightenment."
[13,000.] A heavy sigh. [Maybe more, maybe less.]
"You've got to be kidding me... That's practically impossible."
[Krow. This is our duty to guide them, not yours.]
"So what do you want me to do?" Silence. "I'm here, Thogth. You better damn well use me."
[You once told me that you are searching for your own home, I cannot let-]
"That can damn well wait." He almost snarled. "They don't need me there, and paradise is beyond boring."
[Then... Look after them. I can attempt to guide you, but.]
"I'll be your Hand of God if you need me to."
[Try not to interfere with their cultural progress. But I will tell you how you can help. A big step is that calendar.]
"Which is damn heavy, by the way." He grumbled, lightly swatting the stone plate.
[Together, we will attempt to guide them. But we cannot stay in the physical plane for too long of a time now, with that Asteroid.]
"But I can." A heavy sigh as Krow looked outside. "It's going to be a long 13,000 years, isn't it?"
[I'm afraid so. I hope you brought a brought a book.]
"And the Quip of the Year Award goes to..." The sarcastic statement made them chuckle. "Not like you really had any competition, y'know."
------
Chapter 6
"You are, aren't you?" Zeltra asked the dragon. "The one in the legends." Once again making him rather uncomfortable, but snorting regardless.
"I don't know what you're accusing me of. Badgers have always been good at healing wounds."
"No, we've been good at not feeling pain, and having a rather thick hide." She corrected him. Cleaning off the knife and tossing it back at the fox, sheathed. "Besides, you sounded like one from experience before. Those people who sought your help, you turned them away-"
"Who says I did, hmm? Maybe I did help them, and demanded that they kept their maws shut about it. Make up some miracle of the humane spirit about not giving up, and pulling through."
"Yet you still hide it." Roe said, studying him, and the bandaged wing. "But it won't work on you, but everything around you?"
"These corpses have been here for a while, haven't they? What is it, some kind of presence that you can't turn off?"
"Like an aura?" The blue one remained silent, eventually just turning around and laying back down. "So, you have the ability to heal almost any wounds, and you won't use it for-"
"Use it for what?" He almost snapped, still not looking at them. "To heal those who have foolishly injured themselves? To cure those of suffering when they should be forced to learn from it instead? Or were you going to say cure soldiers of their battle wounds?"
"I wasn't-"
"You. Mentioned. War." He growled, almost looking at the fox's green eyes. "What exactly did you want me to do, hmm? Convince me to assist in that war? Restore every soldier the kingdom had so it would flawlessly conquer over any threat until the land was theirs? Or was it to make the king himself Immortal?" Silence. "Tell me, even if I cured this illness that both cities were plagued with, what would stop Them from seeking me out for selfish reasons?" More silence. "You don't understand the burden that I carry."
"I understand that you can end the suffering-"
"With the cost of my own life! My own years!" He roared. "With every life I save, I Die a little sooner. Now tell me that Your lives are worth more than Mine."
"...And you can't transfer your life to yourself." The fox muttered after a long silence. "No wonder he broke you out of your cage, especially after saving his life."
"Yet, they all stood against it. As if I was some sort of creation to be used up and expired. After me, who was going to stop them from making another?" A heavy breath, and the blue one got up. Stepping over the fire and leaving the cave. "Maybe I should just move again, hope to finally be rid of this curse once and for all..."
There was a very long silence, as the two just finished their meals. Not wanting to wait until they were cold. Though they wanted to say something to each other, perhaps plan how to better approach this to the blue one, they really couldn't argue against it. It was the dragon's choice, after all. And it should at least occur to the city inhabitants that he would say No.
The fox suddenly flicked an ear towards the storm, getting up rather patiently to patrol the exit. Though the badger was half curious of what he heard, it probably wasn't terribly threatening. At least, until he cursed, getting Zeltra to attempt to search for him in the darkness. Other than the wind blowing a few trees, she didn't hear much over the heavy rain.
"What is it?" She called, getting no answer. Causing her to get up and head towards the rain as well. When she got to the opening, neither males were anywhere to be found. Only the cold wind greeted her thick fur, and almost pushed her muzzle towards the east. Leading her sight just over the city of Lhosaka, many parts of it glowing with flames.
------
Another sleepless night made her woozy. Though the sunlight was blocked by many apartment buildings, it was the light of day and the never-ending amount of traffic outside that aided it. Granted, growing up in a city, she was used to it. No, what kept her up was something else.
Staggering into the kitchen, one that she could never keep clean, she started the coffee maker. Placing in what little powder they had left, and filling the back end with filtered water. A filter that desperately needed to be changed, if only they could afford such luxuries. Starting up the stove and raiding what's left in the fridge, her eyes couldn't help but lock onto the many bills, half hidden in the back of the counter. Unopened and piled up, it was that which was keeping her up at night. After a while, the numbers get so titanic that she just couldn't help but worry.
With their son's birthday coming up too, they couldn't afford anything for him. But she went through a few years without it herself at that age. He'll just have to understand, maybe when he's older.
Cooking the remaining three eggs for them, and stale bread, she heard the doorbell ring. Nervous about answering it, she tried to keep quiet. Sneaking up to the door to look through the peephole in case it was someone demanding payment. But she seen no one standing there. She almost left it at that, but curiosity got the better of her. Opening it to look around, then taking a step back.
What seemed to be a large black tiger was sleeping in front of her doorstep. Between it and her door was a duffle bag with a note on it. Though a little afraid of such a creature's existence, she carefully picked it up and unfolded it.
If you feed and shelter me for three to twelve months, it's yours. Use it wisely.
~Krow
It was a strange message, one she didn't fully understand. Until she carefully unzipped the bag, catching her breath. Taking the note and the bag inside while leaving the door opened, she set it on the chair and cleaned the table off quickly. Getting the attention of her husband who was just getting up and watching her in surprise as she started stacking bundles of used bills. Many in hundreds and fifties, but mostly twenties. "Where did you get this?"
She handed him the note, almost crying out of happiness and relief. Watching him read it and look at her puzzled, then heard the door close. As well as the sounds of claws tapping against the bare floors. Getting about the same reaction out of the creature as she did, as it moved the frying pan off the heated burner. Then went to lay back down in a corner. "It just... Showed up."
"How much is this?" He looked at the tower of cotton papers while the wife emptied out the bag. "About four million...? How did it even get this much?"
"I don't know, but this could really fix us! Save us from filing in for bankruptcy." A worried look from the male. "I know, I'm thinking it came from something illegal as well, but we don't get too many chances like this, Eric. By the look of it, this thing chose us." Another look at the Tirix as he studied back with those purple eyes, rather calmly. Flicking an ear with someone coming down the stairs. Seeing the young boy, maybe about ten years of age look at the creature and get excited.
"You guys got me a dog!?" Though the parents did warn him to stay away, the boy hugged the large beast regardless. Not getting much of a reaction other than raising his head, then the parents looked at each other.
"It's actually just visiting us for a while, but..." The female started. "But if you want to responsibility to take care of it..."
"Are you sure, Vanessa?" Eric whispered, seeing her half shrug. "We don't know anything about this creature."
Other than he's intelligent enough to write and know when your breakfast is burning.
A series of giggles as the kid climbed on top of it, amusing him by walking around and giving the child a ride to the counter. "Careful Mike. Don't hurt it."
I carried a ten tonne disc across an ocean for three days on my back. I'm pretty sure I can handle a forty-five pound kid.
The tiger then poured two mugs of the coffee, and set them on the table for the two. Watching their expressions closely.
Yes, it can understand you. Get over it. And yes, it's black. Considering you don't have much else to put into it in this house, and I forgot to get milk on my way over. Granted, I suppose I could make it yellow.
Another look at the father. "Can we at least try? We need it."
Obviously.
The man sighed, overlooking the money. "I would like to get a new car to replace the old one." A soft growl from the black furred creature made Eric lean back a bit. "O-or used, I guess that would work."
Good. Save yourself Ten Grand. Trust me, the Thrill of turning the engine on for the first time isn't worth the price.
"It's settled then. You'll be living with us for a bit, Krow. I just hope this money is..." A look of ease from those purple eyes.
It's clean and legit.
"So, we're keeping him?" The boy asked, playing around with the two odd red stripes down the Tirix' mane.
"Yes. Let's keep him."
"And that was one of many."
[You did a good thing for them.]
"I grew up in a rich family, but I learned the value of a dollar. That, and well... Money can't buy everything."
[Yet, you know it can really help people out.]
"At the same time, slow them down. We don't have too many centuries left. If I can ease their stress about such things, perhaps they can finally focus on something important."
"But sooner or later, people start getting suspicious."
[What do you mean?]
The stress melted away in days, finally able to feel herself smile again. Though she didn't really enjoy cleaning much, she was finally happy to afford the stuff for it. Happy to have a kitchen with food in it, though Krow did seem awfully interested in the receipts of the grocery bill. Even going so far as to dig through the trash to find it, then circle out things that were for luxury.
There was something strange about that creature, indeed. And for living here for almost a week, there wasn't a single black hair around. She remembered her friends complaining about pets sheading, and feared somewhat for the worst. But perhaps he was in his summer coat? It was hard to tell.
Regardless, he saved their lives. Rescued them from circling the drain of dept. Though she got their own bills caught up, Vanessa did want to pass the money along. Perhaps help out those less fortunate. However, the strange thing was: the Tiger stopped her. Giving off that soft growl of displeasement, which just didn't seem right to her. But it was his money, and he didn't really seem to have too many restrictions.
A heavy knock at the door half startled her, still not over the idea of people harassing her family for money. Another cautious approach at the door and a look through the peephole, she seen a well-dressed man. Almost law enforcement, getting her to curse silently before taking a breath and opening the door.
"Good afternoon, ma'am. Is this the Burgoine residence?" He said, somewhat thickly.
"Y-yes."
"I'm officer Ill Nako." He showed her a badge, one that wasn't from a local station. "May I have a word with you?" A painful look from her, as she nodded and invited him in.
"Can I get you anything...?"
"No thanks, I'm fine." He looked around the rooms a bit. "I understand that you recently came across a large sum of money recently."
"Damnit... I knew that money was dirty." Her heart sank.
"Not quite that exactly. But we're looking into the source of where it came from." A worried look from Vanessa. "We've been watching bank records for a while now, suddenly spike up from nothing to millions. Though we were concerned that there was a laundering problem within the system, we haven't been able to prove it. Took us a long time to get a warrant for the first few families that this occurred, and they all said the same thing:" He studied her for a moment. "That some giant cat gave it to them."
She was quiet for a moment, and faintly nodded. "Is it living here now?" A loud swallow from her throat as she wasn't sure how to answer it. The creature saved their lives, she didn't want to just turn it in. But then the main door opened, as Mike sounded excited to get home. Looking at the officer with a bit of a double-take, and following him, Krow.
Mr. Ill Nako actually double-taked himself, as if he didn't believe such a thing existed. "Mom? Who's this?"
"He's an officer..." She worryingly answered, noticing the two locking eyes with one another for a long while.
"Like a policeman?"
"Something like that." Nako eventually answered.
Nice coat. You don't see the classic gumshoe look being used too often today.
The Tirix stepped forward, overlooking the man. Then gave Vanessa a calming glance, as if to ask her to leave the room for a few moments. Letting her take a step towards the exit and seeing the beast nod before taking her boy upstairs for a few minutes. Turning towards the man who was looking rather uncomfortable being alone with a tiger sized creature. "They have enough." Krow said in a bit of a thick whisper. "More than enough really. Now, why could they be looking for me?"
"I-I don't know." He responded, rather surprised that the creature could talk. "I was only told to follow the trail-"
"Then you should ask Them where the money came from. Let alone why they've been hiding it from you, as well as everyone else. But I'll tell you now, it's legit. Regardless of how you trace it, a deal is a deal." Another step closer got the man to take one back. "Now, I know your kind tends to take things for granted. And if they can't have something, they attempt to take it with Force. I'll warn you right now-are you writing this down?" The black one half mocked him, motioning him to and see Nako take out a notepad rather nervously. "It. Won't. Work. Tranquilizers, Shock Collars, Stun Rods, Bullets made to pierce the armor of a Tank. Been There. Done That." He half growled.
"Now, you can try to come after me if you don't mind paying property damages. But you have enough. Don't waste it on dumbass decisions." The Tirix turned around and headed for the stairs. "Oh, and one more thing. If you attempt to take any one of these families hostage, I will Level a God Damn City. And if you think I can't...?" Krow chuckled. "Just give me a reason." He then went upstairs to visit the mother and son. Though she couldn't quite make out what they were saying, Vanessa swore she heard the beast talk.
Intimidation at its finest, minus the unpleasant stains on your kitchen floor. You should be safe now.
As a door closed downstairs, she let out a sigh of relief. A playful nudge from the creature told her not to worry, and hopefully they wouldn't hear from them ever again. As Mike played around in his room, packing a small bag to take things in as he planned an afternoon in the nearby park, Vanessa got her smile back. Though there was this strange feeling of fear from the large tiger, there was also something else.
Protection.
------
Chapter 7
The rain never really bothered him, nor was he afraid of the shadows. Let alone any creature that he came acrossed in these forests. Often enough, he just had to stand tall and spread his wings in order to make any of them start running. If there was one good thing about his awkward size, it was that.
But there was hardly anything out when it was raining, which was the perfect time to be alone. Just like the last storm that came through, the dragon was outside with it. Granted, that last time he was covered in mud and really needed to be washed off. This time... He was just depressed. Once again dealing with the request of forking over a section of his life to save another.
Perhaps it would've been better if they known the consequence of that decision, and that it was written within that so-called story. He hated it, to be honest. It was the source of all anger within his beating heart, one that was coiled with brambles. For the only reason of his mere existence was to give it to others. In some ways, he was a slave, nearly forced to give up his very self to those who bartered for it.
And with great gifts came with horrible attitudes. Yet, he just couldn't blame them for not knowing. If it wasn't for that old rat, the blue one wouldn't have known either. With another heavy sigh, the dragon laid down in the wet grass. His scales clicking together in a bit of a shiver, but he never cared. Honestly, he's never gotten an illness in his life.
The heavy decision to leave once again came to mind, longing for some kind of change. But what really would? Something he's debated a thousand times. He would search an area for a cold shelter to accommodate him. He would scavenge for food, get spotted or tracked by other creatures like those two currently in his cave. Then the rumors would start all over again. Rinse and repeat. As harsh as it was, it was indeed the truth.
His eyes glanced over through the rain, being able to see one of the cities under siege. Remembering being told how such a species were almost considered self-destructive. It was no wonder he attempted to avoid them. But an idea came to mind while witnessing it from afar...
The flames danced in her eyes, constantly flickering at ever little draft that passed through the cave. Taking her back in time where the great ones used to tell epic tales of the animal spirits that lived in the Northern lands. Remembering how she loved them, especially the ones about the Bear. It was because of her faith in that spirit that she became strong and resilient. Giving her the gift of enduring pain and pressing on, as well as the will to survive.
So much has changed since then, and so many have left in one form or another. Though, she knew that many of them watched over the living in the afterlife, or so were their beliefs. How they seemed to smile everytime their legends were told, always being remember for their deeds and struggles. The badger often wondered how much more was left of her tale, and how greatly it would end.
To most, it would be a dark thought. Almost scary in a way, but the Northe do not fear death. If anything, going out quietly instead of dying in battle. Still, that's more than likely why some of her brothers and sisters came down here with Zeltra. Perhaps to find an end, or another tale to boast about.
But with the destruction of the east city, would there actually be a battle? Or even a war any longer? It almost depressed her, to some degree. Only because she wanted the chance to make up for her mother's death. Gunned down by squadrons of riflemen, cowering behind barricades. It nearly made her angry, to the point where she tensed up when a pawstep was heard.
Turning around, hammer in hand, the badger and dragon stared eye to eye for a few moments. "...You're still here." He grumbled, like it was bad news. "Where's the other one?"
She really didn't know how to answer that, but Zeltra did disarm herself. Half shrugging while feeding the fire another stick. "No idea. He just cursed after you left and took off. I thought he was going to find you." The blue one shook his head, stepping over the fire once again to his usual spot and laying down. Flinching at his wing when it touched the wall. "The east is being attacked."
"I know." He mumbled lackadaisically. "So, I suppose that means you win." A strange look from her. "I'll... Help out your city, but I have my own demands."
"I was only sent to find you, so you'll need to talk to them about negotiations." A nod and some awkward silence. "I thought you didn't like people."
"I don't."
"Then what changed your mind?"
He exhaled, licking the space between his nostrils. "Everytime someone seeks me out, it's only for one reason. Everytime I'm ever thought of, it's for themselves. I'm honestly so damn tired of it." A bit of silence. "No one wants to know what my favorite season is. My favorite food. My own wounds or personal preferences. My Name. They just want someone to help fix their damn lives."
"But the same thing could be said about you, not looking into others-"
"I'm not the one asking Them for something." The large one almost snapped. "I'm the one forced to hide away from them." An exhale. "Mostly in fear."
"Of what?" The two stared at each other. "Out with it, talk." His ears went back, but he continued.
"Of being trapped again. Being drained dry to the point where..." A breath as he looked away. "I'm so damn tired of running... Hiding. Scavenging for food. Finding new places to live. And being in a cramped forest. I'm tired of being..." He tried to hide a tear running down his muzzle. "Alone."
The badger really didn't know how to respond. The Northe tended to treat each other like family, so they were hardly ever alone. So instead, she went through her pack and found a small canteen. Taking a quick drink herself, she got up and walked around the fire. Making the dragon curl his neck when she offered it to him. "Drink."
A few sniffs at the spout. "What is it?"
"A little taste of home." A frilled ear flicked. "Some ale made in Gunnar's Hold, by a man who-"
"Okay, okay. I'll drink it." He snorted, getting her to chuckle a bit. Opening his muzzle a bit and letting her pour some in, the sudden harsh taste of it made his snout scrunch up and miss a quarter of it. "Holy-!" Was about all he could get out, apart from some hissing and coughing.
But she didn't take any offense to it. It honestly reminded her of their children drinking it for the first time, and all the adults would laugh at their reactions. Taking a step into the blue one's arms, he once again curled his neck when she sat down in them. "What's your name?" She asked, again making him a bit silent and uncomfortable.
"You ask now-?"
"If a Northe sees a problem, they fix it. No matter how straight forward the solution is. Now out with it." Her tone was half thick, but held some sort of caring within it. Making him sigh for a moment.
"...Thea’daisis. They called me Thea for short." She nodded.
"Zeltragraciae. Zeltra for short." She half teased, stroking the side of his paw while she took another drink. There was this odd comforting silence between them, putting the dragon at ease enough to shift to get a bit more comfortable.
"...What's the north like?" He asked, hearing her take a deep breath. "-But talk... Normal." Zeltra couldn't help but chuckle a bit, tapping his neck in a playful swat.
"Fine. It's the most beautiful place I've ever seen. Almost always covered in snow, but it makes everything look so natural. However..." Another drink. "When people come to visit, they tend to say the cold is harsh and unforgiving." She felt the large one's body almost sink for a moment. "Where you thinking...?"
"I don't know. I was half thinking of a place to go, but..." A slight grunt as he attempted to shrug his wings.
"Well, most Northe would look at your size and see it as a challenge." He looked away. "I mean, you wouldn't be wanted for your... Gift, but-"
"I'd be hunted down regardless." A deep sigh. "I don't really have a choice, do I? Everywhere I go, I'll be tracked down for one reason or another."
She studied Thea for a few moments. "What exactly are you planning?"
"...When the storm dies down, we'll leave for the west. You'll see when we get there."
------
It was a form he rarely took, let alone in public. Not that he was embarrassed about looking like the rest of them, though his purple eyes did still stand out. It was more that, once they seen it, they could easily describe or get a clear picture of what he looked like. Then again, same could be said for the more feral form. But people would know enough to stay away from a beast. So... Maybe it was because looking like them brought back painful memories of growing up.
Regardless, it camouflaged well within the city streets, providing that you wore something rather casual. Walking down the back alleys with a duffle bag almost made him look like a tourist, to be honest, but whatever. Passing another person that was so far down in their luck, he reached in the bag to pull out another bundle of stacked bills. Tossing it backwards, so sure of it landing just in the right spot where they would feel it, but wouldn't be in plain sight where someone else could take it.
Seemed like nearly every day that it wasn't raining, he was out here patrolling a new street. Placing down several thousand for every person that was considered homeless, and attempting to get out of there without being seen. He didn't want the praise, he didn't want the attention. He was just doing what he could to help out, without getting the stink eye from those upstairs.
Tossing another one at someone he spotted in an alley, digging through a large trash bin, his bag was getting rather empty. Fair enough, there wasn't enough time to head to a bank before school was over, let alone to deal with the hassle of going through all the red tape. If he knew that they were going to put him through this much identification, he would've just taken the money and stored it somewhere. Even if he had to end up carrying it from city to city.
"Krow?" A woman called for him, causing the bleached haired man to stop and make a noise in question. Looking directly at her, she gocked back like she seen a sasquatch. "It really is you, isn't it?"
"No idea what you're talking about, lady. I'm just a bird fanatic." He replied rather sarcastically, continuing his walk.
"Please! I need your help-!"
"It's only for those who need it. Considering your $600 bag, I'd say you're set for a while."
"N-no, I don't need money." She tried to get in his way, almost forcing him to stop and give off an irked expression. "Can I buy you a cup of coffee? Please?"
The clouds in the sky were starting to part that afternoon, getting him to adjust his chair so the sun wasn't in his eyes. "You sure you don't want anything?"
"I'm fine." He half grumbled.
"Don't like coffee?"
"Never cared for the stuff."
"I know it makes some people tired-"
"It's not that, and cut the small talk. What is it." He said, stroking one of his eyebrows like he was bored.
"You know, for someone who does a lot of good, you're quite-"
"A bastard? Been told that a hundred times before. Call it a Cover Up, whereas people who tend to work with me never want to again. Works both ways really."
"I see." She went through her bag, and he rolled his eyes. Predicting her pulling out a picture. "I want to show you something." She placed a photo of a small girl on the table, and he placed his hand over it quite harshly. Startling her, and only tensing up with the glare of those odd purple eyes.
"I know what you're trying to do, and I'm not one to be bartered by some tragic story."
"...Do you have children, Mr. Krow?"
"Nope, never wanted them."
"Not even just a little?"
"When you see the entire world as children, you kinda get sick of them after a while." A painful look on her face made him roll his eyes strangely, as he motioned for her to get out with it. "Cancer? Missing limb? What."
"...Burns. I wasn't there when it happened, so I don't know all the details-"
"And burns can heal naturally-"
"These were more acidic, and the doctors are saying it may not be able to fully repair her skin. If she comes out of the ICU, she vulnerable to any illness." An Irkful exhale from the man. "They tried everything-I tried everything...! I wouldn't come to you if it wasn't a last resort!" She whispered desperately.
"And you found me how?"
"By paying alot of money to the right people." Silence. "I just want her back, able to live a full life. She's only twelve..." No response. "Please, I don't know how you... Work, but I'll do anything you ask. If it's money you want-"
"Then I wouldn't be giving it away." He grumbled. "Let alone, if you keep throwing it away, you'll end up on the streets like the people I see every day." Another harsh glare. "Look, I'm not in the mood to explain how the universe works to someone who's too desperate to understand, but have you ever considered that maybe she's like this for a reason?" The statement made her heart sink, as he got up and left the table. "Just saying."
[What did you end up doing?]
"What do you think? I met Mike at school, maybe threatened a bully, made sure he got home safely."
[And of the girl?]
"...Can I confess something, Thogth?"
[Of course.]
"I looooove pissing people off." Chuckles. "To the point where it's an addiction."
The waiting room was busy, as expected for a weekday afternoon. Walking up to the receptionist and almost boorishly knocking on the desk. "Where's the ICU?" The nurse irkfully pointed in a direction, and the man nodded. Accidently walking into another nurse, nearly face first. "Sorry about that."
"Just be more careful." He said, as the bleached haired one half shrugged. Swiftly putting the nurse's ID in his pocket without being seen and heading down. Walking past a cart that wasn't being watched over, he snatched three syringes and someone's white coat before going into a closet. Rolling up his sleeve and filling each needle with his own blood, he would have to ditch the jacket. Shame, he liked it, but someone else probably needs it more.
Replacing it with the lab coat, he kept the three units hidden as he made his way to the ICU. Using the ID to unlock the main door, and moving with a larger group of medical students, he glanced around to find the little girl. At least the room was unoccupied, but the glass walls were going to make this more difficult.
Double checking it was the correct person, he overlooked the chart at the end of the bed. Burns. Yep. Putting it back down, he checked the EKG, and her IVs. Though the bag was near empty, she wouldn't need it after this. Placing the three syringes on the cart, he took one and added about 20% of it directly to the IV. Watching as the last drop of red flowed into her arm, just in time for someone to shout from outside.
Took longer than I thought.
As several people started rushing towards the door, he jumped acrossed the heavy bed without landing on the girl. Taking off the white coat and throwing it at them, he broke through the window screen and grabbed the sill. Jumping over to a very large pipe that could hold his weight, he started climbing up it quickly until he got to the top of the building. Heading over the ledge and surprising someone smoking on the roof. "That stuff will kill you, y'know." Krow muttered at the older man, as he stayed away from the ledge for about twenty seconds. "That should do it."
Once again, he grabbed the large pipe and made his way down. Now nearly risk free of being spotted from the window, while everyone was likely to scamper to the roof to catch him. Landing on a patch of grass, he left for the school. Returning to his more feral form while no one was looking.
Of course they would report such a story on the damn news.
The Tirix laid near the couch, flicking his ear as the television was entertaining an audience of none. People were just getting ready for a restful night, and by the sounds of things, a few more people will rest easy. Claiming it was some kind of miracle, and without even looking at the screen, he could see some sort of drawing of his human face.
And people wonder Why I don't like using it.
But it was his fault really. Now that such a thing was out there, it was just a matter of time before one of those three would call forth a Pleasant Meeting. But facing a Force was no big deal, something he's done several times before. Let alone, most likely harder ones than that were actually around here, so there was nothing to worry about... At least when it came to them.
Pretty soon though, it was going to come to an end. Krow knew their time was nearly expired, let alone unable to make such progress within 13,000 years. But the question was; what would happen when it did? Worldwide apocalypse? Armageddon? Nuclear fallout? It was hard to tell. But it was something he was going to survive, because he always did.
------
Chapter 8
It wasn't the first time he faintly awoke with something furry in his arms. Though a bit harder than he remembered, it still held this softness to it. Making his blue muzzle instinctively nuzzle against it as his brain began to function a bit more. Slowly beginning to observe his surroundings.
The air was cool, but carried the very faint smell of embers nearby. Somehow being able to pick it out through the odor of raw meat. The humidity was high after the passing storm, and the sun's warmth was beginning to greet them.
Nuzzling it again, Thea purred a bit. Feeling a paw on his snout and pet his cheek at the same time. Then a third one that stroked under his jaw a bit. Increasing the volume and intensity of his purrs, until the dragon's brain returned to reality. Instantly bolting up and focusing in the dim light at another furry creature in his arms.
The grey fox. And all at once his heart sank for a moment. "Oh..." The blue one muttered, hearing the two stretch a bit and make noises in question. "I... Just thought you left."
"Kinda. Came back though." The other male muttered. Petting the scaly arm a bit and getting up himself. Then those maroon eyes sadly looked over the other one, not sure how to break the news about his decision to help out Zeltra's side. "You see what happened to Lhosaka last night?"
The two didn't really know how to respond, and for a few moments, they remained in awkward silence until Zeltra spoke up. "Yes... I tried to follow you out, but you vanished."
"I was trying to get a different position, seeing if I could possibly save some of them from afar." He said a bit quietly, drinking out of his waterskin and taking out some loafs of bread.
"From this far?" She grumbled, feeling something wrong with his story. "No one's eyesight is that good."
"Wasn't your mother the one who nailed a tankard from the top of a mountain or something?"
"Yes, but that's the greatness of Archery, not black powder. Arrows can be adjusted and are more reliable at longer distances than muskets-"
"They can also be snatched from the air, seen coming, and are harder to remain hidden after firing." Roe somewhat teased, but there was something heavy in his voice. Something they both noticed.
"...What happened to...?" The dragon started, unable to remember the name of the city.
"Not much left to it. Most of the survivors are taking their chances to the west. But they probably don't know that it's under the same illness."
"Meaning what?" The badger asked, seeing the canine look off into space a bit. "What happened with the ill there?"
"They... Raged. Much like that bear the night before." The large one looked back and forth between them, but didn't get an answer. "So, looks like you win, Zeltra. That is..." A stare into the dragon's maroon eyes.
"We've... Already talked about it last night. Before you made it back."
"I'll go down to the western city with her. As for you...?" The males shared a glance.
"I can't do much for the east now. But maybe I can help the refugees."
"If they made it, that is." Thea snorted. "That bridge looks like it's been on the verge of collapse for years-"
"That won't be a problem." The fox instinctively said while stretching, almost freezing in place for a moment. Getting the other two to stare at him, though Zeltra was more questioning the odd behavior.
"Not a problem...?" The blue one muttered, trying to look the grey one in the eye again. "Meaning what exactly? The bridge was fixed just before the attack? I swore two days ago-"
"N-no. It's more that... They've already crossed it." Roe rubbed the back of his neck. "So, it either held, or it was fixed."
"And you seen this in the dark... A few hundred miles away." The badger continued the interrogation, more out of spite than anything.
"She does raise a good question."
"They had torches-"
"It was raining." The blue one grumbled.
"Here, yes. But there-"
"As well. That storm was massive." The large one snorted.
"We'll see for ourselves, okay? But I know they made it over." The cave went silent for a moment as the canine sighed. "I'm going to grab a drink before we head off. Be a while before we reach the river." And he left the cave, getting the other two to share looks.
"He's hiding something."
"I get the same feeling." Zeltra half growled. "Even when I met him the day before, he's almost... Known too much. More than he should have." She started to pack, trying not to dwell on their duel once again.
"Think we should trust him, then?" She wasn't really sure how to answer that. The fox did make her angry, but never seemed to attempt to be an enemy. However, deceitful tongues often played like this, or so the stories go.
"Just keep an eye on him. For now, we might have a time limit." He nodded, starting to walk out of his home.
Though much of the grass and plant life were wet, the sun came out. Lighting their path in a matter of minutes. Many of the forest animals were already out looking for their breakfast, but with the dragon's rather large size, nothing seemed to bother the three. The last thing Zeltra wanted was to encounter another berserk bear and attempt to protect the blue one.
But the forests remained calm, almost playful. Licking much of the rain off the leaves gave off a tangy taste Thea often enjoyed, but he was very nervous about this. Taking a break after a few hours when the party came to a rather opened spot. Very close to the one the badger occupied the night before.
Rather fatigued, the dragon laid down in a thick patch of grass. Trying to hide his less-than-standard physique for a dragon to the others, and get off his paws for a bit. As the other two took a look at a landscape the blue one was half sick of. "Beautiful, but still not close to the Northe's beauty." Zeltra said, barely seeing the fox playfully toss his snout.
"I suppose not. But beauty itself should never be compared, I'd say." Roe took out the last of his rations and offered a portion to the others. Politely passing on the opportunity.
Looking from afar, the sun seemed to reflect the water from the river brightly. Giving off a wonderful mix of blues, and almost silver in a patch. One very close to where the roads would meet and cross. "Hmm..." The black one pondered.
"What's up?"
"I don't recall that bridge being made out of metal on my way up." Once again, the fox went silent.
"It wasn't. It's made out of wood." Thea snorted.
"I thought so. Then why is it so reflective?"
"It shouldn't be." He grumbled, shaking his sore paws and studying the landscape once again. Adjusting his eyes and flight membranes to help filter the sun's rays, he made a grumble in question. "Are those...?"
"What?"
"...Swords?" The badger gave him an odd look. "They look like large swords, about a dozen of them, with a massive one being the main bridge." The two looked at each other, then at the Fox for a few moments who double taked.
"W-what?" No response, but their stares were making his mane puff up in discomfort. "You're looking at me like I had something to do with this."
"Did you?" The female almost growled.
"I only said that the bridge was up, and they crossed it."
"Odd how that answer isn't a No." The dragon mumbled in a loud whisper, getting Roe to bring his ears back.
"I don't know what to tell you. But I couldn't make it down there without wings, now could I?"
"He does have a point." Zeltra admitted.
"Why all the distrust?" The grey one grumbled, getting the other two to take a breath.
"You just seem like you're hiding something." The dragon answered, only to see the canine lightly shrug at it.
"Everybody has their secrets."
"And where will these secrets of yours lead us?" He actually almost growled at her. "Why are you really here Roe?"
"I'm only here to help people until this war was going to start-And not by sacrificing someone." His gaze shifted to the dragon. "So whatever you're planning, think it through." The two remained quiet after that, until they were ready to set off once again. Keeping an uneasy tension through the journey.
------
The shock of the lightning bolt launched the Tirix across the street, slowing him down with a few buildings and vehicles as he skidded across the asphalt. Groaning out of annoyance as he got up with rather ease. "That tickled." He grumbled, half looking at the patch of fur on fire, but didn't care enough to put it out. Seeing a woman calmly walk through the wreckage and lock eyes with him. "You greet everyone like that, or just the ones you like?" He snorted at her.
"Only those who trespass."
"Well, I'd hate to see how you say Goodbye." Another grumble as they walked closer. "But something tells me I'm going to end up seeing it regardless. You just seem that lovely as a person."
"Quite the mouth on you, isn't there?"
"Among other things. But my bite is worse than my bark, I might as well give you that advantage."
"Advantage?"
"Trust me, you'll need it." Almost growling, the woman extended her hand for another lightning attack, only to witness the Tirix take on a more hybrid form (with pants) while dodging the snapping arcs. Crouching for a quick trip that barely missed her, she motioned an invisible barrier while taking a step back. Attempting to Deny the black creature of his next attack.
But Krow kept rotating with the trip as several white, ethereal rings sparked off from his ankle. Going in for a heavy spin kick, his foot seemed to break through the Force's barrier, getting her to stagger instead, and opened for the full force of the spin. Getting her to rotate in the air, and getting hit hard with a fist. Sending her backwards against the broken building.
The attack hurt, but she's shrugged off worse. What really stunned her was the beast being able to bypass a Deny. (Not even forces can do that!) She thought, but didn't recover in time to guard against the Tirix's flying knee. Hearing those rings again, like metal scraping against metal, she swore she seen something black over those orange pants before knocking her through the wall.
The direct hit itself wasn't too harsh, but nearly all of her energy was completely drained. Almost like she was ill, struggling to breathe a bit. Seeing the tiger-like creature, back in its more feral form, walk and tower over her. Getting her to cough a bit. "We done?" He snarkly asked, resting on his haunches. "That's okay, take your time." He said, waiting a few moments. "I know, I know. It leaves you breathless and nearly unable to move, but it'll pass. But in the meantime, perhaps we can discuss this with words instead, hmm? Providing we wait until you can catch them."
A few heavy breaths, and she coughed again. "How...?"
"Don't ask me. I just woke up one day able to do it. Granted, there has been some theories thrown around. One of them that makes the most sense is due to my father being the Force of Death where I came from." He snorted, half dusting her off like he was bored. "Though the Spark doesn't actually kill anyone, but pretty much incapacitates them. Leaving you basically running on empty." He looked at her with purple eyes. "Krow, by the way. If you didn't know already."
[So, you spoke with them?]
"Yep, and pissed them off, as planned."
[What about our situation here?]
"The Sixes were right, it had something to do with that damn rock that hit. But the Forces didn't really know what it was either, let alone monitored the planet at all. But they'll look into it now, maybe discover a way to stop it from interfering with the planet's Grid."
[And until then?]
"Until then you guys can make next to no progress."
[Sadly, it is true. Even when we attempted to show them the more basic techniques, hoping it could possibly trigger a distant memory of sorts...]
"They never worked... That's why I'm going to try to find this damn rock. Maybe destroy it."
[Destroying may just release its energy in an unstable way.]
"What do you think then?"
[Just attempt to gather information about it. Perhaps join in with the Force's studies, and learn the nature of such a foreign thing. When you can of course.]
"...I'm really sick of this darkness, Thogth."
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Chapter 9
After the long days walk, the large one was exhausted. Not used to traveling so much in a long stretch, nearly flicking his aching paws with every third step to coax them to carry on. But he could smell the home fires, and evening meals being cooked from downwind. Meaning it was only a few more minutes of this torture to endure. "You look like you're about ready to collapse." The badger half chuckled at the dragon, getting a glare from his dark red eyes. "Reminds me of someone hammered, really."
"I'm not staggering and I'm walking a perfect line." Thea snorted at her. "And I've never been drunk in my life, so-"
"You serious?" She asked, very surprised. "Alright then, your first ten pints are on me."
"Ten is a little over-doing it, don't you think?" The fox joined in, a bit concerned.
"Nonsense. That's not even half of what it takes for a Northe to even start to feel a little tipsy. And by ten, I mean ten of the commoner's ale. Not our own."
"That's... Better. But..." Roe rubbed the back of his neck, seeing the clueless blue creature look back and forth between them.
"And besides, he is a dragon after all. I'm sure he can take a little drinking."
"Do I have no say in this?" Another quick look between them as he stopped for a rest. "Who says I wanted to get-"
"I did. And you will, under my watch." An awkward grunt from him as Zeltra crossed her arms. "Tell you what, we can take a small break now if you agree to drink all ten tonight. If not, let's go." A slight whimper as his ears fell and he took a breath. Laying down as if to say-
"Fiiiiiine." Nevermind. He apparently said it anyway.
"Why are you in such a rush to get back to the city?"
"To show off that I actually found a Legend. Why else?" A slight exhale as the fox's grey paw covered his eyes. "And what is that supposed to mean?"
"That I didn't expect more than one Northe to come down. You didn't bring an army, did you?"
"Northe do not need armies." She half growled. "We are Northe. One of us is an army."
"And I thought I had an ego." The blue one snorted. Tossing his snout nearly on par with Roe, and getting a concerned glare from him as well.
"Are you sure about this? They might not let you go."
"Oh dear, and miss out in all the wonderful adventures I might have with Freedom?" A grumbling exhale as Thea looked away, ears flat against his head while taking a breath. "I'm tired of hiding away from other people. I'm exhausted from scavenging for food. I'm so damn sick of raw meat, I just want something cooked. If there's anything the decades out here have taught me is that Freedom is overrated. Very overrated."
"You just haven't found the right kind of freedom."
"Like what?" A light shrug from him.
"Flight, for one. Without the worry of being spotted, I mean."
"Something I'll live without, I'm sure." Another snort while the fox gave him an odd look. "What?"
"...Nothing. I just never met a dragon that would give up flight so easily."
"Well, there's a first time for everything, isn't there." Thea grumbled, glaring at the fox's green eyes. "Any other BS you want to ask me before we carry on?"
"B...S?" Zeltra questioned, not knowing the term.
"Stands for Bullshit, or Bison shit. Depending on where you are. An odd phrase for a dragon to say though." The two studied the larger blue one as he snorted at them.
"Whatever. Let's just get out of this forest." He raised to his paws, trying to hide the uneasy tension coming from his chest.
As the three reached the gate, the sun was beginning to set. The large one's heart still racing like he was in danger, almost afraid of such places ever since he left the previous one. Not knowing what to expect, and it must've shown well to the others. Trying to meet their concerned looks with courage. "...Where too, then?" The blue one asked, his voice still a bit shaky. Only getting Roe to look at the badger for a moment and seeing her nod. Taking point as the other two began to follow.
A couple of guards standing watch couldn't help but stare in disbelief as the dragon nearly towered through the trees. Gripping their own weapons at both the creature, and the stern Zeltra walking proudly through the doorway. Overlooking the two briefly for a moment. "Where is the General at this hour? I wish to witness his jaw shattering into pieces as it falls to the floor. Before anyone else gets to, that is."
"H-he's in a meeting, Northe-" One of them said, pointing to a familiar building nearby, and seeing her immediately head towards it. Motioning the other two to follow her. While walking through the streets, many busy folk were startled by the sightings of such a creature. As well as many loud roars coming from inside the nearby tavern, forcing the badger to raise a fist in victory towards the crowded windows and make the cheers grow louder.
"Northes." Roe rolled his eyes, trying to aid in the will of the nervous dragon. Getting a shy smirk as his ears constantly studied his surroundings. Eyes shifting from one thing to another, never seeing such a place up close. "Hey, relax. You're safe here as long as you're with us." It got him to take a breath, but didn't slow down the drum in his chest.
Once again passing a pair of dumbfounded guards, Zeltra boorishly shoved opened the war room doors, startling several of the men in there. "General!" She shouted in her Performance voice.
"By the Gods, Northe! What is it-!?" She stepped aside, displaying the blue beast with a strong paw. Smiling slyly at many of their surprised and speechless expressions as they almost witnessed a miracle. "...You...?"
"A Northe can accomplish anything! Or did you have your doubts?" She rubbed it in, basking in the glory of such a victory and still hearing her siblings shout in the streets. As if they could hear her from there. "Come forth, Thea’daisis." Zeltra's powerful words encouraged him a bit, allowing him to step into the building and take a deep breath.
For so many years, he's been afraid of such beings. The aged males and females, always seeking him out as if the dragon were prey. Watching them from afar, and never really comfortable around them unless there were only one or two around. Now, standing in a large room with several of them, finally seeing them up close... They were not so frightful as they were in his nightmares. Allowing him to finally realize something; that he was in control.
Another deep breath, and he attempted to mimic the badger's volume. "I am Thea’daisis, the dragon from the eastern legends." His brash vocals nearly made them nervous for a moment, making him wonder if perhaps it was too loud. "Because of Zeltra here, I have heard of your crisis."
"And you've come to aid us? To cure us from this illness?"
"...Yes." A bit of sorrow left his voice, and was soon replaced by a form of anger. "For a warm bed every night, I will save Ten people." Roe and Zeltra double taked at him. "For three meals a day, I will save Twenty people-"
"What?" One of the elder ones asked.
"You cannot be serious-"
"Do I sound like I'm Joking to you!?" The large one hissed, getting a couple of paws on the shoulder as if to hold the blue one back. Following his dark red eyes directly to the General's. "For a suitable Shelter that will make you Envious, Thirty lives. And anything else I request from here on out."
"Such demands to save a few peasants?" One of them asked the General.
"When it's my own life I'm sacrificing, I can demand whatever the hell I wish!" Thea roared at him, nearly shaking the building. "Take it, or I walk." Those maroon eyes stared everyone down as they circled the table. "My cure only works in certain conditions, so don't even think of attempting to contain me for your own extractions. And those conditions have been lost for generations." More silence. "Either you meet my demands, or attempt to deal with this sickness on your own. And from what I've heard, that isn't going too well."
More silence fell over the room, and the grey fox spoke up. "Considering what recently happened to Lhosaka, you guys don't have time to debate." A heavy exhale from the General that was equal parts growl. "And this is assuming that this affliction can be cured, but there's only one way to find out."
"...Fine." A few looks of disbelief from the older men. "We will meet your demands, dragon. But for how long?"
"For as long as I live." Thea growled coldly, almost hearing the table of elders grind their teeth. "As for you two." He looked back and forth between Zeltra and Roe. "Fifty lives, if you can help me find someone by the name of Muugyn."
"Muugyn?" The badger asked, looking at the fox who only shrugged. "Alright then, but we're going to need a bit more details than that."
"After we find out if this works, of course." Roe started, looking at the General once again. "So, Deal then? You guys take care of the most depressed looking dragon to ever walk, and he helps your people survive?"
"It is a deal then-"
"Wait, Sir. Please let us discuss this a bit further."
"I am not asking for king's fancy hat." Another hiss from the large one, getting a few strange looks in return. Making Thea's ears go flat against his head and grumble a bit. "It's a metaphor."
"For Fancy Hat?" Zeltra whispered to herself.
"I think he means Crown."
"Yes, Crown. Whatever. My point is, I'm not Damocles. I don't want your position." Another odd look from the fox, as the name clearly went over everyone else's head. "I only want an easier life. To be protected and taken care of, while I do the same for your city." A moment of silence in the room. "So, do we have a deal?"
"Providing I get no more interruptions, yes. We have a deal Thea... Errm."
"Thea’daisis." He grumbled.
"Alright then, let's see you perform some miracles." Roe tapped his large body out of the building. Exiting out and getting directions to the infirmary. "I can escort him around the city, if you want to go boast." He said to the badger, getting a bit of a concerned look. "He's in good hands, don't worry."
"Alright. I'm trusting you." Zeltra said, though she was getting a very strange feeling. Like she was being watched from afar, like Thea was being watched from afar. But regardless, the constant roars from the tavern were calling for her. Getting the Northe to finally give in and wave at them. "I'll see you later tonight, Thea. Okay?"
"Yeah, yeah." A nervous snort as he was being extra cautious where he was stepping. Still not shaking off that same feeling, while a special pair of eyes were studying him. At the top of a large tower hid a red dragon made entirely out of shards lurked. Tracing every movement the blue one made while attempting to stay in the shadows.
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His stomach growled loudly once again, and all he could think about was food. The blue one's third day alone in the forest was only filled with regret. Unable to hunt the skittish animals, tired of the blandness of plants and small fruits. And after losing that pack with his favorite treats, Thea was done with freedom. Yet, too scared to return home. Not that he could even find his way back anyway.
But his muzzle caught the smell of blood nearby. Really fresh, warm, and his instincts pushed him to follow it. Making his way through the thick trees and bushes, trying not to make too much noise was like walking through the streets and expecting not to be seen. But his body hardly cared, it needed food and it needed it now. Even if he had to fight for it.
Coming out to a clearing, he seen the corpse of an deer being feasted on by a black tiger, a creature he was not familiar with. It almost appeared not to notice the blue one, still half hiding in the forest, but eventually looked at him. The only thing Thea could focus on was the red stain over that black furred chin. Almost frightening, but his body craved it.
For a few moments, the two stared at each other, until it spoke up. "I don't suppose I could borrow a light?" His blue ears perked, both at the fact the feline could talk, and not knowing what 'A Light' meant. "Making a fire the old fashioned way is such a PITA."
Another few moments of staring at the odd phrasing, and his stomach growled loudly once again. Making the blue one whimper and take a step forward. "Means: Pain In The Ass. Now laugh, or you're not getting any." The black one said lackadaisically.
"...Ha ha ha?"
"Close enough." He motioned for the dragon to come forward, and the large one nearly bolted for the corpse. Almost hesitating, never eating like this before, but snapping his jaws in the squishy redness. Trying his best to just ignore how disturbing it was and eat. "Remember to chew too. And breathe. Breathing would be advised."
