Acheron's Story

((Sorry didn't realized it started a forest fire, lol))

Schemeko for once was thoroughly agitated. His plans were going up in smoke like the forest itself. He couldn't let these wolves be dragged off by WarriorDemon and her little buddy here. He knew he should have said something to send them on their way, but with WarriorDemon's attitude she would have likely bit his head off, and not figuratively either. He had no patience to hear of another supposed cure, he was confident he had the true cure, how could this healer WarriorDemon mentioned possibly have the solution? They continue to underestimate his creation, and they continue to go off their experiences with other Hemlocks! Do they not know that Hemlocks, especially those in the Alpha's family, are to develop their own signature toxin!? Sure if he could speak he would admit that many of his fellow wolves have been rather lazy, and they have created a mainstream venom. Nearly every Hemlock he knew had this standardized venom and those in the Alpha's family are lazy as well. His cousins have decided to only tweak the mainstream venom some, calling it original and unique. What they made is only a little different and could easily be treated once the symptoms are known. Those more closer to the Alpha have actually took seriousness in the creation of Toxins and actually have developed special venoms unique to each other. Yet, Schemeko knew his was the first of it's kind. The toxin itself is still in a experimental stage and has not yet fully matured. Yet, his prototype is already the most deadliest in all of the Hemlock Pack. It is ingenious, to think that the Bacteria could be weaponized.

In the swamps of Nazar, there are many dangerous bacterium that carry deadly diseases. Which is why few wolves venture there and actually survive, and it's not because of the Hemlocks but because of careless wolves cutting themselves and the Bacteria growing within them; killing them with their diseases. Although the Hemlocks are used to the bacterium they did not have the means to actually weaponize them, but Schemeko does. He really shouldn't get upset though, after all Nova never did fully infect himself. In fact he barely pricked himself on one of Schemeko's quills, and lucky enough for him that area was not yet doused with his Pathogenic Bacteria. No he would need to return to the Swamps to completely become deadly. His research was not yet complete, besides the Pathogenic Bacterium, the pack has one more secret they have yet to share with him. So in the mean time Nova is no real danger as he only infected himself with a simple but effective poison. The only reason Nova hasn't gotten over yet is because of Schemeko's clever planning to keep him moving. Even though it is a standardized poison it has some side effects from his actual toxin, this includes the fevers, the paralysis, and the muscle spasms. Yet, without the bacteria it will not remain. All Nova really has to do is take more medicine and rest for a couple of days and his symptoms will disappear. Then his immune system will finish off whatever is left.

Schemeko watched the wolf called Acheron pushing everyone along to escape the fire, will eveyone except for himself. Figures, a friend of WarriorDemon with the same old prejudice. Schemeko though to himself as he remembered his encounter with WarriorDemon. She tried to kill him just because he wasn't pure?! He had no intention of killing them! In fact his game would not have him harm them, it would have been up to themselves if they lived or died. Besides he wouldn't claim that he was pure anyway, he did enjoy the more darker things in nature. Schemeko has rarely killed any wolf though and if he did it was in self-defense. He has not outright murdered any wolf...yet. It's not like Schemeko never had any murderous thoughts, but he never felt like he had the means to perform murder. Once he has finished his project however, then there are some wolves he would like to see gone. Schemeko watched the fires draw closer and he became worried. Are they actually going to leave me behind? Schemeko thought.

Schemeko wriggled out of Cerise's mouth fearing for her own safety. "CERISE!" Yelling at her only made him cough louder. "Do you really want to end up like Nova!?" Schemeko said scolding her, "If you become infected..*coughs*...your as good as dead!" Schemeko said his words not harsh but more or less concerned. Schemeko made his way out of the fire helping Cerise along the way, knowing she wouldn't be able to survive in such a noxious environment as well as him. He did this by nudging her along with his nose, making sure that none of his quills poke her. Once he made way out of the fire while helping Cerise he noticed the white wolf blow ice into the mouth of the inferno, and it did help die down the flames some. Schemeko looked around and saw that almost all of them were accounted for except Nova. "Nova!" "Where is Nova!?" Schemeko shouted at the others. Schemeko turned back not to see Nova anywhere that Artemis shot her ice.

Durandel, who'd been silent for a long time, watched the smoke rise around him in the middle of the cave he was in with the rest of the wolves and smelt the foul smell of its burning ashes. It was far worse smelling than the smoke produced by the Vulcan Mountain volcanoes. He cried out in a hoarse voice, "I think I can get rid of the flames and smoke. I'm going to need to fight fire with fire and super heat everything so it burns out quickly." He hoped everyone could hear him.

He'd been silent for a while following the group and trying to make sure Nova and a few of the others would get properly healed. In being so focused on this task he'd unfocused himself on the events around him. Thus causing him to be unable to realize a good number of the newcomers. Perhaps age had made him tired. He wasn't really sure, but his mind definitely wasn't it in it right now, however, the fire around him had woken him up to a mass problem that all the wolves now seemed to face. He'd help them as best as he could.

Cerise's eyes fluttered open at the sound of nearby commotion. She dazily looked over the edge of the limb and had found that both Mishaa and Artemis were no where to be seen. After realization hit her, the sound of growls and snarls behind her caused Cerise to jump to her feet and jump to one branch to the other until she made it to the ground. "Mishaa! Artemis!" She calls and runs to the growling and snarling. Once there she jumped out and on to the scene with her tail up and ears forward panting. Her eyes darted to every stranger wolf around her. Brine, Blue Bird, Mrala. None were familiar. Just as she was about to speak a quick look at the familiar face, Battle or warrior came into view and she relaxed a little. Looking around a bit more she had found Nova, Artemis, Mishaa, and Schemeko. "W-who?" She managed to breath out.

The situation didn't make Schemeko anymore trusting of the strange wolves. Then when things couldn't become any stranger another special wolf appeared from below the surface. He had a strange accent but that wasn't the problem. They wanted us to follow them underground is some deep dark hole. Who do they think we are? A bunch of moles!? Schemeko has entered long, dark caves before and those can become unsettling. Yet an underground tunnel sounds just as bad or maybe worse. Still WarriorDemon has been truthful and has pointed the way out of the fire and controlled her cohorts from attacking them. Still the situation was undeniably strange. Schemeko noticed Nova look at him probably wanting some sort of answer or suggestion. "I'm afraid I have nothing on the subject." Schemeko said defeatedly. "I have no idea who they are or why this is happening." Schemeko was flabbergasted, never before had he encountered such things as demons as Warrior puts it. "I guess we do whatever they want us to do." "I don't see much good staying out here with a whole forest burnt behind us." "Of course the choice is up to all of you." Schemeko spoke as he looked at the tunnel. Still he didn't like the idea of going underground but he turned his attention towards the others, "So uh what's everybody going to do?" Schemeko asked before he jumped down into any strange holes.

Schemeko heard WarriorDemon's words and they were not filled with anger unlike earlier. The conversation circled around everybody and then Nova decided to speak up. It seems Nova is going to follow there wolves. Schemeko thought to himself. "I don't believe you have to apologize Nova after all she was the one that made a bad impression." Schemeko pointed out, "Calling us impure and what not." "Being judgmental over wolves who she doesn't know personally...or at least in my case." "You guys seemed to know WarriorDemon before she became WarriorDemon, so I can't exactly say all of us." Schemeko spoke as he looked at WarriorDemon and knew she meant what she spoke of. " Still these wolves offer us hospitality, and as long as they don't try and bite my head of again I shall graciously accept." Schemeko said as he bowed and gave a smile. He noticed Cerise making her decision as well. That was good for Schemeko, just in case they needed to be talked down again from aggression. Even though he knew it was the Tenneth that accomplished such a feat, perhaps this ordeal will make them more...agreeable. Schemeko then walked over to the hole, "Well ladies?" Schemeko said with a smile as he awaited for the she-wolves to descend before him out of courtesy.

Schemeko was relatively happy that the others were crazy enough to follow other-worldly wolves into a ditch. As Schemeko prepared to descend he heard a voice. Hm, that doesn't sound like the voices in my head. Schemeko thought as he looked over one last time before disappearing. Whatever it is I hope it isn't one of those wolves that are supposedly after Warrior and her allies. Schemeko thougt as he disappeared into the hole. The others seemed to have heard a voice as well. This made Schemeko defensive as he kept track behind him as he was the last one in. Well if there is anyone I would notice them coming in from behind. I wonder if Warrior understands there may be a stranger amongst us? Schemeko thought as he followed them to the end. What he discovered on the end was...surprising to say the least. It was a grand landscape with unique architecture and furniture, items Schemeko has never seen before. To think a whole civilization existed beneath us. Schemeko thought to himself in amazement. He then noticed other wolves come towards them. He could have done without the contact but he didn't complain. When they attached some flowers on his fur most of them began to wilt from his toxic exterior. The rest were able to survive since they were placed on more inhabitable areas of his fur. He hopes the wilted flowers won't upset them judging by WarriorDemon's outburst anything might set them off. Schemeko kept to himself as they passed by trying not to attract so much attention, which was hard considering these wolves probably never saw his kind or the others. Schemeko continued to follow the others just trying to stay casual as not to upset anyone.

Durandel observed the destruction left by the forest fire. It was unusually extensive following the recent rainfall. Despite the circumstances he and Rokunam were able to produce a counter-fire that ended up destroying the original one. As Durandel peered through the smoke he could see that only he and Rokunam where left alone. "Hm, Rokunam it seems your friends have left you behind." Durandel spoke towards Rokunam. "Heh, I suppose I was given more than I bargained for when I left the mountains." Durandel said a bit jokingly, "I was only looking for some better game then I stumbled upon all of this fine mess." Durandel sighs then turns his head towards Rokunam. "Where have you been lately Rokunam?" "I haven't seen you in the Vulcan Mountains for quite some time." "I figured you might have been captured or worse, considering the war and everything." Durandel spoke inquisitively. Durandel wondered about his story as he spoke again. "I heard last you where fighting some Hemlocks...right?" Durandel asked unsure of his sources. Durandel hoped he wasn't prying too much into Rokunam, but if he did survive such an ordeal it might help Durandel understand imminent enemies to the fire packs.


-------Schemeko------


Schemeko was surprised of the hospitality of these wolves. Judging solely by WarriorDemon he expected them to be more hostile. Noticing that there much more friendly and welcoming Schemeko doubts how Warrior could be one of them. He certainly hasn't heard any of these wolves calling him or Nova impure. Still maybe that was WarriorDemon's personality maybe she is more high-strung than the others. Although it wouldn't be unwise to still be a bit weary of the others just in case. It wouldn't be the first time Schemeko was wrong about others, he never was the best judge of character. Yet his cautiousness and resourcefulness made up for that. Schemeko looked around the area and it was still all just too magnificent for him. It just seems highly unlikely that a whole civilization could live underground, wolves aren't moles. Schemeko though wasn't going to question it after all everything was questionable, including what Warrior and her allies can achieve. Schemeko kept to himself anyway as he merely surveyed the area just trying to absorb it all. Schemeko then heard a voice coming from behind him. He looked over his shoulder to see what appeared to be a fire wolf. The wolf claims he was Rokunam, Who was Rokunam again? Schemeko thought to himself. He remembered someone just mentioned that name but he wasn't really paying attention. Schemeko waited for the others to respond hopefully he could just act upon their claims and make it sound that he knew him. Schemeko pondered there where others with them. He must have been either the Tenneth or the "Canicus". Schemeko really doesn't know how to tell the two apart, he wasn't exactly familiar with the fire packs.

As a matter of fact, Nova did have a few questions to ask his host. How did she expect this little society to stay secret if she was so open to newcomers? Did she really think that they could just sit out the war? Is cowering in a cave having abandoned your friends, family, and packs really the true meaning of life? Of course, Nova didn't believe it was wise open his mouth to say such things, especially to one as gracious as SkyDancer, so Nova kept his mouth shut. WarriorDemon would probably just pry into his thoughts and tell her later, so why waste his breath? "No, but thank you again for your hospitality" Nova said in response to SkyDancer.

Nova looked over to Artemis affectionately dealing with Mishaa. It would have been touching to watch, if his mind was not occupied with other things. WarriorDemon had said their were "Forsaken cubs" out there, along with Mishaa who is already present. What, were they starting some kind of cult? Didn't really sound like a peaceful activity. Perhaps he had been too quick to decide not to report this place. Perhaps it would be a good idea to keep his eyes and ears a little bit more open. Never know when he would return home, and what information they would need.

***

Tiberius was cold. The sun was going down, and there was a gentle breeze that ruffled through his fur. He had gotten bored of watching a pair of wolves fight the fire with fire, and all the light and heat was hurting his eyes. What he wanted to do was find a nice warm stream and lay down in it, letting to current pass right over him. Maybe if he kept his mouth open, a fish would swim right in, and he could appease his growling stomach. Remembering that he had brought some rations from when he set out, he went over to the notch of the tree that he had stored his supplies in. There was the rope that he had snared...her with, a few bundles of dried fish wrapped in leaves, and a very crudely drawn map that he had been trying to make. He would have to scratch out the entire right side of the map now that the forest he had drawn was burnt up. Stupid fire, ruined his chance to practice drawing trees. Taking a bundle of dried fish, he munched on it, not even bothering to take off the leaf. Where had his companion run off too? He had seen her last with that wolf who had pulled them away from the fight, but it was too dark now to look for her. Ah well, at least he wouldn't have to share his fish, Tiberius thought happily.

Schemeko was little bit taken back by the excessive use of force. He isn't one to complain about it, it was just abrupt. Anyway WarriorDemon was quick to contain 'Rokunam'. Schemeko wondered why. Was he not Rokunam? Schemeko didn't remember which one was Rokunam it was either the black and greenish one or the red and orange one. Schemeko is assuming the later since that one actually looks more like a Tenneth....wait a minute...that was the one who called himself a Canicus. So the black one is Rokunam...well this wolf looks like him. Could it be him? Schemeko thought as he looked over the hole. It was deep and would be difficult for any wolf to escape. They would either have to be a Dimitrios or a winged wolf to escape. Rokunam was neither. Schemeko then wondered if these wolves could be trusted for all he knew WarriorDemon could still be upset with him. Schemeko decided to not speak up about but watch her...he had no desire to be thrown in a ditch himself. In fact he has been wondering when he could actually leave. As amazing as this place is, Schemeko has...other things that needs his attention. When SkyDancer asked if anyone has any questions Schemeko asked, "Uh yes, how long will we be staying here?" Schemeko asked. He also wondered why Warrior had Badger throw 'Rokunam' in a ditch but he wasn't going to pry. Obviously there could be some long, complex reason that Schemeko had no desire to sit and listen through. Or maybe its because he sneaked up on us. Which could be the case but that doesn't sound like typical Tenneth behavior. At least not what Schemeko considers typical Tenneth behavior.

Fox

Fox took a minute to ponder what was happening. They had followed the others into the dark gloomy cave and had mistakenly fallen into some kind of trap. The Alva they were following seemed to have left, and beyond the stone walls sounded like a real commotion. Fox's ears flicked toward Durandel as he suddenly spoke.

Her eyes slowly drifted on the ground before reaching Alinas body. Fox sighed as she continued to stare at the Kita's almost lifeless body lying in her own pool of blood. "Well...I guess I could try something..." She says before sitting down on the soft clay to think. After a few minutes she had an idea that has helped countless of Aven soldier during battle.

She stood up. "I do know one solution that has helped my people when they were facing death...But it will be a bit difficult to grow in such a narrow cave as such...That, and I've heard that such a strong medicine as this has took its toll on those who are willing to grow such a tree..." Fox pondered a bit longer. "I could try..." She says finally before stepping back a bit from the group.

If the cave did end up collapsing, they had a powerful Dimitrios to move the rubble aside if that were to happen. And as for Fox? Well, she was strong. Or so she hoped. These wolves could endure without her if she were to pass out and she could find her own way through the cave or out of the cave. As much as she hated to admit to herself, she would miss this very unlikely group of wolves if they ever were to part...

Fox snapped out of her thoughts and began to concentrate on the earth in front of her. She looked around her neck where a vine of some sort wrapped around. In its pods it held various seeds used for medicine, energy, or battle-like uses. She studied each pod until she came upon a golden brown pod that hung from the vine in the center of her neck. She cleared her throat. "I would advise that everyone step back..." Fox says with the usual emotionless expression. Carefully, she takes the pod in her maw and cracks it open. Immediately, a seed falls onto the ground.

The unimpressive thing had a dark brown cover and was the size of an adult wolfs nose. The Aven begins to concentrate a bit more carefully, infusing her powers into the seed and throughout the earth. Soon enough, roots tour from the brown cover, embedding themselves in the earth. Some reaching the other wolfs feet. This surprised the Aven making her loose her focus only for a second before regaining it back again. Quicker than what she had in mind, the seed had already sprouted and was already fanning out limbs. Its trunk reached to the top of the cave and stopped when it could grow no more. Its branches slowly began to dip toward the earth as leaves suddenly flourished among the branches. No sooner had the leaves appeared the fruit had too. One of the fruits already ripened and fell to the ground. Its hard shell cracked splitting the oval produce in two. Its redish-purple juices flooded the ground.

Fox just stood there. Everything was a bit fuzzy...Did she make it through it? "Uh...Er...I may not be an expert at what all of these things do..." She says referring to the pods on her neck. "But I do know that this...is a very...very sacred...fruit...Used to cure internal and...and...external...wounds." Immediately after she said this everything went black.