Atemis began his trip home from the mountains. He was feeling a little excited about going home, and at the same time, tired from his training. He thought about what he would do once he was home. He figured he might be tired from the long trip and would spend the first day resting, and maybe spend time with his love interest. He traveled for miles, and the sun was just starting to hang low in the sky as the sky turned orange and Tranquility's welcome sign came into view. He gave a sigh of relief as he entered the town. He could see light coming from all the windows of the buildings as he passed by. Lunawolf Manor came into view. As he entered, he noticed Jewel at her station, and it seemed like she was getting ready to end the day and go home. She noticed him approaching. "Hey there, Atty-Bear. I was wondering when I'd see you again. Did you have a nice trip?"
"So and so, you might say. These last few weeks have been pretty exhausting. Any news going around here?"
"Nothing unusual. We had a little run in with the empire again."
"What did they want?"
"Just another attempt to convince us to merge our borders with them. Luna shut them down pretty hard, from what I've heard," she replied.
"Does that happen often?"
"It's a once in a while sort of thing. But as long as Luna is in charge, we will never give up our independence." Atty nodded. "But anyway, you look tired. Are you calling it a day as well?"
"Not just yet. I was gonna pay a visit to Juniper. Is she still working, or has she retired for the day as well?"
"I do believe she's at home as we speak. She's been feeling kind of down the last couple of weeks. I think she misses you."
"Then I suppose I shouldn't keep her waiting anymore. If you'll excuse me," he stated.
"Of course. Good night, Atty."
Atty headed up to the residential area, and although he was exhausted, he wanted to see Juniper first before anything. He approached her dorm and knocked on her door. A moment later,he heard it begin to open, and was greeted by the vixen. Juniper’s heart skipped a beat when she saw him. “Atty-bear!” She flung herself and hugged him. He chuckled when he heard that name again.
“You learned that from Jewel, didn’t you?”
“I thought the name was cute and suited you, plus I needed a pet name for you.” She broke the hug. “You don’t mind it, do you?”
“Coming from you? Not at all.” He smiled.
“It’s so good to see you home, Atty.” She returned the smile. “Would you like to come inside? I have stew cooking, if you’re hungry.” Atty’s stomach growled at the thought of that. He hadn’t had a home cooked meal since he left Tranquility over a month ago.
“Sounds wonderful,” he said with a smile. He followed her inside. It’s the first time he’s actually been inside her home. It looked similar to his own in some ways, but it had more plants laying about. Some were decorative, and there were some herbs and spices among them. He smelled something in the air, and looked at the hearth to see a pot with the desired stew boiling in it. “Do I smell venison?”
“Yep,” the vixen said cheerfully. “Make yourself at home. It’ll be ready soon.” He made himself comfortable at the table and watched her as she stirred the pot of stew. A minute later, she grabbed it by the large handle with her mouth, and brought it to the table. She laid out a soup bowl for the wolf, grabbed a ladle, and gave him a serving. He could see the meat along with an assortment of vegetables swimming in the broth. He waited for her to seat herself before he began eating the stew. “How was your trip, Atty?” asked the vixen.
“Long and tiring. But the scenery was really something else. I learned a lot about being a Bloodwolf as well, thanks to Luverius.”
“”Luverius? I assume that's the spirit that’s been speaking to you?”
“Yes. He gave me another task to deal with, but said I should take the time to relax and be with my loved ones. Or rather, loved ‘one’.” He looked her in the eyes for a moment, and then quickly and sheepishly averted his gaze with a blush. The vixen’s cheeks turned rosy as well as she, too, looked away with a coy smile. They spent the rest of their meal making small talk. As they finished up, Atty spoke up. “That was delicious, June. After being away for an extended period, there's nothing like a meal that tastes like home.”
“I'm glad you enjoyed it.” She smiled warmly, then looked away sheepishly for a moment. “Atty, what you said earlier, about being with your loved one… were you saying you… love me?” Atty blushed and looked away as well.
“Well, I don't know how else to describe it. Ever since we've met, I can't help but feel drawn to you. It's like I've known you my entire life. I don't think my feelings can be described any other way.” He looked towards her, locking eyes with her. “What about you? Do you… feel the same?”
She stared at him for a long moment before answering. “Yes, I think I do. I never really believed in love at first sight, and I didn't think there was someone out there for me. Some people are quick to judge me just because I'm a fox. And then I met you. You have been kind and understanding, and have treated me as an equal. And like you said, I don't think this feeling can be described any other way.” They stared into each other's eyes, and both gave a smile. June cuddled up to him, brushing her body against him and resting her head under his chin. They both blushed as they embraced each other. “Atty,” she said softly, “would you like to stay over tonight?”
The wolf thought it over, and blushed, before replying. “Well, I mean, if it's not too much trouble.”
“None whatsoever.”. She giggled and looked up at him, and nuzzled the wolf playfully.
----------
Atty and June spent the next few nights together. They wanted to enjoy each other's company as much as possible before Atty would have to return to the Garden. Juniper would have to leave for work, so Atty decided to continue his, but preferred to avoid anything involving conflict. After a few days, Juniper asked him to stay longer, and so he did. Then, one morning, about two weeks later, as the wolf and fox were huddled together in bed, Atty began to hear a familiar voice. “Atemis,” it called out. He opened his eyes and lifted his head slowly, and saw the spirit of Luverius standing before him. “It's time.” He gave a disappointed sigh, and nodded. The spirit disappeared soon after. Atty stood up and stretched, then looked down at the vixen laying next to him. He gave her a kiss on the forehead, causing her to open her eyes slowly and look up at him with a warm smile.
“Good morning, Atty-bear,” she said softly.
“Good morning to you, Flower.”
The vixen lifted her head slowly and yawned. “Flower?”
“If you're gonna give me a pet name, it's only fair that I come up with one for you as well. Flowers are pretty and delicate. You are even more so. What do you think?”
She blushed, then stood up and gave a stretch, meeting his gaze after. “I love it.” She gave him a little kiss on the nose, making his heart skip a beat as his cheeks turned rosy. As she took the time to wake up and start her day, Atty sat idly by the window, looking out onto the town, and saw many animals out and about. He gave a sigh. “Is something wrong, Atty-bear?” the fox asked as she took a seat next to him. He said nothing for a moment, but eventually turned to meet her gaze. She looked concerned.
“Luverius contacted me again. He said it's time.”
“Time? You mean for the task he gave you?” He nodded. “Are you gonna tell me what it is?
“You'll know soon enough. It has to do with you and a couple others. Does the Manor have a place for meetings?”
“Yes, but you'll have to get permission from Luna to use it.”
“Would you do me a favor and go find Tess and Ariel? Tell them to come. You should as well.”
“Of course.” She nuzzled him affectionately. After taking the moment to wake up, they both went to do their separate tasks. Atty headed towards Luna’s office on the third floor, and gave a knock on the large double door before entering.
“Excuse me, Guildmaster, do you have a moment?”
“Hello, Atemis,” the older wolf greeted. “I'm in the middle of some paperwork right now. But I suppose I could spare a moment for you. What do you need?”
“I was wondering if I could use the meeting room? It's urgent.” Luna said nothing for a moment and sat motionless, then looked up at him.
“Would this have anything to do with you being a Bloodwolf?” Atty froze for a moment, until Luna continued speaking. “Val told me about what happened with the Order, and about her findings. I was quite surprised. And then you disappeared for over a month. I figured you must have been summoned for training. Anyways, yes, you may use the room. From here, it's straight down at the end of the hall on the left.”
“Thank you, Luna.” He gave a respectful bow and began to leave, until he was stopped by the sound of the female wolf’s voice.
“You know, Atty, Nina has been trying to reach you by my request since you've been back. You're always working during the day, and when she goes to your dorm, you're never home.”
“What did you need?”
“Oh, nothing. I just asked her to check up on you. Even though you're working for the guild, you seemed pretty quiet for the most part.” Atty stared at her for a moment, then looked downward steadily.
“I'm fine. Just tired with a lot on my mind.”
“Fair enough,” she replied. “Where have you been staying at night, if you don't mind me asking?”
“With Juniper,” he answered.
“You mean the vixen that works with Kasha at the clinic?” He nodded. She seemed surprised. “Is it a roommate situation, or is your relationship with her more on the romantic side?” Atty stayed quiet and only stared. “I'm sorry. You don't have to answer. Your personal life really isn't anyone else's business but yours, and I respect that.”
He thought about it for a moment before answering. “We started dating over a month ago. We officially became a couple after our first date.”
Luna chuckled. “Sounds like things are getting a little more serious between you, then.”
Atty chuckled as well, but more sheepishly and with a blush. “I really should get going. I have a meeting to host, and it really is urgent.”
“Very well. Off you go, then.”
Atty left the office and went towards the end of the hall, finding the meeting room as the guildmaster had said. When he entered, he saw a roundtable in the center of the room with a chandelier hanging overhead. In between the gaps of the windows hung tapestries with the guild emblem on them. He took a seat at the table, and waited. About fifteen minutes later, he heard the door open. Five figures entered. In order of entry, it was Juniper, Ariel, Tess, Abigail, and his team lead, Valentine. He was wondering why the kitsune and lynx were there. “Hello, Atemis,” Val greeted. “It's been a while. I'm glad to see you're doing well. I know you didn't ask for Abby or I directly, but Tess was with us when June asked for her. We just wanted to see what was up. I hope you don't mind.”
“It's no problem,” he answered. Everyone took a seat around the table.
“So what is this all about, Atty?” asked Juniper. The wolf looked at each of them rather quickly and felt a little nervous. He choked a little.
“Sorry. I’m not much for public speaking.”
“It’s alright.” Val assured him. “Take your time.”
He took a deep breath and began to speak. “As most of you might be aware, the Order of the White Dragon has become more active recently. They’ve even set up a camp near the town some time ago before my team put a stop to their plans.”
“What’s the Order of the White Dragon?” asked Ariel.
“They’re a cult who worship an ancient dragon named Ikari. They follow his word with blind devotion and set out to recruit new followers and conquer new lands. They destroy those who resist, and enslave those who submit. Ikari has his eyes set on ruling this world with an iron fist.”
“Ikari has been defeated before,” Val chimed in. “Many times, as a matter of fact, by a select few every few generations. But no matter how many times he is slain, his followers always manage to bring him back.”
“You mean he’s undead?” the otter asked.
“It’s a little more complicated than that,” Atty continued. “You see, although the heroes who put him down were able to destroy his body, his spirit still lingers and fights on. And destroying a spirit is no easy task. So instead, the heroes combined their powers in order to seal him away. But this seal is only temporary. If the Order is here and active, it means they’re close to releasing him, or they already have.”
“Ikari is a threat to us all. Not just to Tranquility, but to the world. Which is why we need to stop him.”
“What do you mean we?” said Juniper.
“It’s the reason I’ve asked for you, Ariel, and Tess. You see, the four of us are the Chosen.”
“The Chosen? What do you mean? What’s going on, Atty?”
“For the same reason that I am a Bloodwolf, you three are something unique as well. A special few chosen by the Mother herself to protect all of Her creations.” He looked at the otter first. “Ariel, you are the Storm. A master of the elements. A true force of nature.” Aquamarine eyes widened, and she seemed to panic a little.
“You must be mistaken, Atemis. I’m just a shopkeeper. I don’t know how to fight.”
“Which is why Mizu, the spirit of the Storm before you, will show you everything you need to know.”
“But I…” she was quickly interrupted.
“Ariel, I wouldn’t have asked for you to come here if I wasn’t sure it was you.” She wanted to protest, but couldn’t get any words out to argue. So she just nodded.
“Okay.” Atty then looked at the tigress, whose piercing amber eyes seemed to cut through his soul.
“Tess. You’re the Yīnyǐng. A warrior of the shadows. Darkness is your best friend.”
“No surprises there,” she said with a smirk. Finally, the wolf turned his attention to the vixen, who was sitting directly across from him.
“And Juniper, my delicate flower, you are the Gaia. A true healer, and a beacon of hope.” She was at a loss for words, and looked away sheepishly with a smile.”
“So, all the Chosen were here in Tranquility? What are the odds?” Val chuckled. Atty looked towards her and gave a smile, then returned his attention to the entire group.
“My task was to bring you all together and bring you to Mt. Tranquility for training, so that you may be prepared for whatever lies ahead. At the end of that path is Ikari. I know that together, we can bring him down. The females looked at each other, not sure of what to say.
“When should we leave?” Juniper broke the silence.
“You should all take the day to prepare for the journey. It’ll take an entire day to get there, if we don’t stop for anything, so pack anything you think you might need. Food, medicine, and such. I need to prepare as well.”
“May we join you as well?” asked Val. The wolf looked at her for a moment and sighed.
“I’m not sure if that’s allowed. Usually, only the Chosen, the spirits of those before, and the caretakers of the Garden are permitted to be there.”
“There’s a garden?” Juniper asked.
“It’s called the Garden of Peace. It’s a serene place inside the mountain that serves as a place of rest and relaxation for the Chosen. Those before us would go there at the end of their missions to recover.”
“I can’t wait to see it.” She giggled.
“I’ll need some time to find a replacement at the shop,” Ariel added. “Someone needs to keep it running while I’m away.”
“Let me know when you do,” the wolf replied. The otter nodded. “We’ll meet up at the plaza at the end of the week, early in the morning. Dismissed.” With the final word said, the group went their separate ways.
----------
One week later…
It was early. So early, the sun hadn't even begun to rise yet. Atty stayed with Juniper as the two finished making preparations for the journey ahead. Atty was tired, but his love interest seemed more peppy than usual. “You seem cheerful, Flower,” he stated.
“I can't help it. This whole thing is exciting to me. The fact that I'm supposedly the world's most powerful healer, or that I'm anything special at all, it's incredible news to me.”
“What are you talking about?” He shook his head. “I think you're special, even without the title.” The vixen blushed and smiled.
“Well, you've certainly done a lot to make me feel that way. Thank you.” She approached him and gave him a kiss on the cheek. His cheeks turned rosy, and his ears folded in reaction to her gesture.
“Are you almost ready?”
“Yes. I've packed plenty of food and medicine.” She wrapped a satchel around her neck. “I know we're going to the mountain for training, but it feels like a little vacation to me. I've been wanting to get out of town for a while, if only briefly. And it helps knowing that I'm traveling with you.”
“I feel the same way,” the wolf added. “Is Kasha gonna be okay with you gone?”
“She was sad to see me go, but assures me she can handle things while I’m away.” As they finished their preparations and the sun began to rise in the distance, the couple headed towards the plaza just outside the Manor. It was quiet, and the sky was glowing a mixture of red, orange, yellow, and pink. No other animals could be seen in town, likely because they were all sleeping. Tess and Ariel were already there, waiting for the wolf and fox it seemed.
“Good morning, you two,” the otter greeted.
“Morning,” Atty replied. “Were you able to find a replacement, Ariel?”
“Yes. It took a little longer than I expected, but I found someone suitable for the job.”
Are you two ready to go?”
“As we'll ever be,” proclaimed Tess.
“Let’s head out, then. Hopefully, we won't have any trouble along the way.” Without another word, the group of four began their long journey to the mountain, with Atemis leading the way.
