Rashid (Brain Washer)'s Story

Schemeko watched Rashid as he walked about triumphantly. He is obviously impressed with himself and his set up but he supposes he has reasons to be. Schemeko could see nothing but other wolves imprisoned, used as slaves, heck the whole cave reeks of despair. Well certainly is impressive but Schemeko was only interested in knowing one and thing and he decided to get Rashid talking. "I must say, it certainly has gloom and doom!" Schemeko spoke with pep. "Yes a great evil hideout!" Schemeko grinned, "but there is one part of the decor I must ask about." Schemeko paused as gave a devious smile. "The crystals...the Aonghus Crystals I think it's called...yeah that's an interesting style choice," Schemeko paused as he slunk and paced a bit like Rashid as he chuckled, "...I would like to learn a little bit more about that myself." Schemeko spoke charmingly.

Summanus stayed quiet as Durandel was shooting the most vicious glares at Rashid, snorting every time their jailor spoke.

Nova wondered if it would be a good idea to trip BattleDemon. Perhaps her fury would result in a much quicker death than what Rashid had planned for him. His little pitch about his cave did nothing to help Nova's perception of him, he didn't like predators who toyed with their prey.

Nova wondered what it would be like when he was brainwashed. He had once hear a story of a she wolf whose lover tried to hypnotize her to get her to fall in love with him. Knowing of the lover's treachery, the she wolf's brother gave her a magical stone that, so long as she kept it in her mouth, she would not loose herself to this wolf. Whenever the lover came to court her, the she wolf would frantically suck on the stone. As disgusting as it tasted, she failed to fall under his spell, and yet pretended to be deeply enamored by him. When the moment of truth came for the couple, the she wolf revealed the lover's treachery, and he was banished from the pack. When asking about the magical properties of the rock to her brother, the brother in turn confessed that the stone was nothing more than a mere river rock that he had happened upon. It was her belief that it was magical was what made it so. It had simply been enough of a distraction that the allure of the lovers eyes and the charm of his voice could not break her mental defenses. It was her faith and hope that liberated her.

It was a lovely story, no doubt. But in stories the ending was always happy, and the hero stayed free. Nova knew his life was no fantasy, it had no rainbows at the end of every trail, no light at the end of the tunnel. Ever since he had left home, his life had been stuck in a mire, slogging through darkness eternally, with no hope of salvation. He was no hero.

Obviously cheered up by these thoughts, Nova though he might as well hurry their jailor along in his deliberation. Curtly speaking, Nova said "If we are as tired and annoyed as you say we are, you would know that we despise any word that comes from your mouth that is unproductive. Please save your pleasantries until after we are happily enslaved."

Rashid

"I must say, it certainly has gloom and doom!""Yes a great evil hideout!""but there is one part of the decor I must ask about." "The crystals...the Aonghus Crystals I think it's called...yeah that's an interesting style choice,""...I would like to learn a little bit more about that myself." Definitely pleased with the Hemlocks response, Rashid answers kindly, "Why thank you. Now the Aonghus Crystals..." He pauses to think a moment. "They are forged here in this prison. In fact, it was a complete accident that we found them. You see, one of my wolves stumbled upon them. Unfortunately, he lost his powers and his ability to speak. He became...A normal wolf, if I must put it that way. Anyways, it did give us a direct route to the crystals...However, I'm not entirely sure what to do with them...It seemed everything was flowing smoothly until they came along. Now Kaveh wants to include them in my plan." He sighs. "Its all business with that guy..." He states dully. Rashid's eyes scanned the group and he noticed Battles odd behavior. Her sudden tensing up. The way her eyes shifted from one of her friends to another. The burning fire in her eyes that seemed almost too recognizable for Rashid. It was the fire to kill.

Rashid cleared his throat. "Uh, Lestat! Put BattleDemon in a separate cage before she eats her friends!" Rashid barks at the Strigoi as he opens the cage just enough to let the Strigoi's slim body through the door. Lestat bares his teeth at the Alva before sinking his two long fangs into the back of her neck. The teeth acted as hooks as he dragged the Alva out of the cell and into the one across her friends. Rashid watched, and once the two were out of his field of vision, he switched to hearing. His ears swiveled back, facing the back cells until Nova spoke.

"If we are as tired and annoyed as you say we are, you would know that we despise any word that comes from your mouth that is unproductive. Please save your pleasantries until after we are happily enslaved." "Well, someone's a bit snappy this morning..." Rashid mutters. These wolves reminded him of small pups who skipped out on a few hours of sleep. He begins to chuckle. "Hehe, trust me Nova. There is nothing 'happily' about being enslaved..." He chuckles. His overall facial expression droops as another silence drones on. "Er...I've been meaning to ask a small, tiny, favor from you all...Uh...You see, I have come up with an idea that involves some wolves such as you all..." Rashid says slowly. "Now I know you all might not be listening, or even care to hear but...I've come up with a small game called Elemental Battles. I was just wondering if you might want to participate. But I know you and your friends have been through so much, you might not want to partake in these games. I don't know...I just thought I might as well share with you my idea."

"The objective of the game is to knock out the other opponent using only your elemental abilities. The rules are simple really...No killing. No escaping the arena and no using 'regular' attacks...." Another silence. "Hmm...Well, I've been told that I'm a very negotiable guy. If you participate and make it 'entertaining', I might consider sparing your lives...If you participate of course." Rashids ears flick as he gets up from his sitting position. "I guess I'll be going. I'll give you all some time to think about it. In the meantime, the Oreja and Strigoi will be watching over you...Howl once you've made your decision." He says with a crazed grin before he trots out of the room.

Kaveh

Kaveh paced outside of the cell hallway. He had heard every single word the older wolf and the prisoners uttered. He was completely outraged that the wolf would even consider letting these wolves go. Didn't he say he wanted to torture them? Make them wish they were never born? Kaveh stops moving once he hears the sound of Rashid coming. As the Zalika passes by the Kamarian, Kaveh jumps out of the shadows and grabs the wolfs scruff, pulling him into the field of darkness. "Are you crazy. This move could risk your entire prison! Have you seen what this small group of wolves are capable of!?" Kaveh growls. Rashid appears to be a bit surprised. "Oh come on Kaveh. Look at them. They are exhausted and hungry. They couldn't even work up the strength to fight back my wolves...Seriously Kaveh. Don't you know a little thing called sympathy?" Kaveh huffs. "A true villain has no sympathy. And from the stories it seemed that you were an insane cold blooded murderer." Rashid sighs. "Well they did get the insane part right, but those are just stories Kaveh...Tell me, did either one of those stories tell the reason of why I actually became the Brain Washer?" Kaveh stayed silent. "I thought so..." Rashid states before he walks out of the field and toward his chambers.

The shadows around Kaveh disappeared and he looked through the hall. Any wolves that stood in his way would die and those wolves and Rashid were one of them. His eyes fixated on the shadows of the guards. "I promise wolves to make your lives misery." Kavehs ears flattened against his head as his eyes shifted from the cell hallway to Rashid. "And I promise to take over this prison...as soon as you are killed..."

Schemeko

Schemeko listened intently on what Rashid spoke of. These crystals exceeded his own expectations. Judging by what he said they really are worth something! Perhaps he could persuade Rashid to part with his precious crystals. Schemeko tried to devise a plot to obtain Rashid's trust and posses as crystal. From what he gathered Rashid is very egotistical which works grandly for Schemeko. He's good at persuading others who are a lot more stoic and stubborn but his ego would prove to be his undoing. Schemeko's best plan of attack would be to keep on feeding that ego, to complement and appease him in any way. Eventually he could see him as a potential ally and from there all he would have to do is show some loyalty. What could he do to prove himself however? He could be made to defeat one of his "friends" in the games Rashid proposed, that could be easy enough. Perhaps he would like him to take the life of another or be willing to submit himself to brain washing if he turns traitorous? Many ideas but they were interrupted when Alina called out to him.

"Hm?" Schemeko's ears perked up as he walked over to her. "You called?" "Hm?" Schemeko melodiously spoke. "What's on your mind?" Schemeko asked as he was some what curious to hear what she had planned.

Summanus and Durandel

Summanus really had no intention of joining any game. He wasn't going to be instrumental to a mad wolf's entertainment. If he wants a fight he could come inside this cage, Summanus is certain anyone of these wolves would take him on. Still he did offer them away out. If they do participate they could be let free. Summanus contemplated a moment. While he is healthy and be one of the few to succeed besides those that were with him above ground. He did worry about the others. Like Nova, Cerise, and BattleDemon. They were in no shape to compete and one can call it foolishness but it wouldn't seem right to beat the weak. Perhaps if Summanus paired with one of them he will concede and allow them freedom.

Durandel was obviously outraged with this situation. "HOW DARE HE!?" "MAKE US FIGHT LIKE, LIKE, SLAVES!?" "BRING HIM TO ME!" "I'LL SHOW'EM A BATTLE!" Durandel barked but his anger would do little good. Summanus spoke up. "Please Durandel do not get so flustered, you could burn us all if your not careful." "YEAH BUT-!" Durandel huffed and puffed but brought his temper down but he still paced. "We have to get out of here and I'll be damned if it is through any of you." "I'd rather burn myself before anyone else!" Even though he knows you can't exactly burn a Canicus.

Rashid

Rashid studied the arena. The Dimitrios had cleared some of the rubble and now here was a refurbished arena at his paw steps. The whole idea of the games was getting him excited. He walked out to the middle of the clearing and looked up at the dark ceiling. Nothing but rock, metal bars, and chains dangling loosely. He frowns. Those wolves...The bad part of him. The half that wanted revenge on all the wolf packs hated them. Hated them for intruding. Hating them for delaying his plans...But the, good part. The half that has been wanting to forgive the packs, admired them. Admiring them for their teamwork. Admiring them for their friendship and strength. They weren't even supposed to like each other. But they did. Rashid looks down at his paws and smiles. Maybe...There was hope for Nigerius after all. His thoughts were interrupted by an Avira flying across the top of the cave, rattling the chains. Rashid gains his dark demeanor almost instantly and shakes off the thoughts in his head before he flies off toward his chambers.

Kaveh

Kaveh wandered around the hallways until he reached the cell hall. He growls and walks up to the prisoners cell. "Well well well...Looks like Miss alpha got her own little cage hmm...To weak to fight back Alva?" Kaveh taunts. His eyes rest on the others. "Hahaha...I'm surprised our little heroes haven't tried to escape yet..." Kaveh mutters audibly."Have you all made up your mind yet? I'm getting impatient with all the waiting..." Kaveh growls. He paces on the outside of the cell and growls at the ground. Kaveh had already come up with the perfect plan for getting rid of Rashid. Now all he had to do was wait and see what the gang of wolves chose. But waiting was never really the Kamarians' game.

Itzal

Itzal wandered around the lonely forests. The trees around him looked...weak. To others the trees would appear the same. A tree. But someone who has lived on Nigerius for an eternity knows the great changes that have occurred. Cold air drifted through his hollow skull as he surveyed the small area. He stopped abruptly at the sound of splashing. His ears flicked toward the brush and he walked on toward the small noise. Once he was through the brush his head pointed toward the noise. To his amusement, he spots a rather unusual Arlyne pup who had just missed a small fish. Seemingly frustrated, he began to swim on the opposite bank. Itzal chuckled at the pups minor attempt. It was amusing to think that he of all gods would stumble upon such a sight. Oh just his luck. A chat with the young up is all he needs to brighten up his day. His nose however, detected the scent of another adult wolf nearby so he decided to keep the chat a little snappy before he would be heading off again.

"Hmm... Young Arlyne! I'm well impressed with your swimming abilities and I'm quite famished from my long trip. You see...An Alvan like me has no experience whatsoever with fishing so I was wondering if you could maybe catch me a fish or two...." He speaks over the soft current of the river.

Itzal

Itzal opened his mouth to speak, just as the wolf dove into the clear waters. Itzal slowly closed his mouth shut and waited alongside the river. Over that fairly quick little response, the Alvan god had peered into the very past of the young Arlyne. The god had quickly learned during his childhood how to control his 'sightseeing' whereas, almost all Alvas now can't hardly look into another's eyes and witness a small tid-bit of tragedy. Itzal has learned quite a lot. The Arlyne ran away, met another pup, then a Kamarian.......Itzal's mouth had gone from shut, to just slightly open. This...Can't be right....He looked a little deeper. Ha! This is it! So the mighty Pharaoh's prediction has come true!!! He thought gleefully. "Wolves of different elements working together to stay alive, will venture across Nigerius and put an end to Ixtec and restore life to Nigerius, and peace among its packs." He recites Pharaohs prediction. Now the gods would have found the wolves sooner if his nephew hadn't blocked their view to Nigerius. The gods were forced to walk among the mortals in search of this small band of wolves...They had just recently given up but now..."'Aisha is going to be so jealous!!" He speaks happily. His tail flicking ever so slightly and the god would have been smiling if it wasn't for his skull.

Itzal looked a bit deeper and found only a small glimpse of the true wolves. Still, this pup could probably lead him to them. If not, then he knew a much smaller one that could help him. And it seems that the hybrid was wandering close by...

Rashid, Kaveh, and Cerise

Kaveh was about ready to blow their cell up in pieces if Rashid hadn't flown up. "So, did they make their decision?" Rashid spoke. Kaveh speaks, trying his hardest not to growl at the older wolf. "They said they would participate..." Rashid beamed, "Alright then, bring them out!" He calls. Almost instantly, a group of Kamarians appeared out of the shadows. Tentacle like structures grabbed the wolves bodies immobilizing their hostages. Kaveh opened the cell door before the wolves were dragged out of the cells and led, by Rashid, out of the hallway.

After ten minutes of walking through twists and turns, the wolves came across box like rooms with one of the walls missing from the front so the rooms were exposed for the group to see. Cerise was absolutely astounded. It was like small sections of their homes. One room was attuned to Ausi wolves because icicles hung from the ceiling and snow covered the ground. Another was attuned to Canicus because small streams of lava flowed through the walls, ceiling, and ground. Cerise's eyes darted across the boxes until she came across what looked like to be hers. Her room had a moderately large tree growing out of the side. The leaves bristled from an unknown current of wind that seemed endless.

Rashid chuckles, "I hope you like your rooms. I tried to fix them up as close to the real thing as possible but...They could use a little bit more work." After his statement, the Kamarians tentacles broke off of one another as each individual was led to their own room. Since there was one short however, Rashid had to lead Nova to his room. The older wolf glanced at the Ausi before speaking. "You have a few hours of rest before the games...Any questions?" He says as they reach the room. The tentacles around the Ausi seemed to loosen ever so slightly. A Dimitrios positioned himself at the end of the hallway, ready to make the missing wall as soon as Rashid was finished with the Ausi and everyone was freed.

Not one to fail at any task aquatic in nature, Tiberius' frantic hunt for fish for his guest eventually yielded up its fruits. Correcting himself from his earlier performance, he had managed to catch a brace of two small fish, bringing the lifeless pair onto the bank at the stranger's feet, all the while inwardly pleading that Drais and Feathers would come by soon. "Th-there you go sir. May uh, th-the blessings of the gods be upon your tra-ravels, sir..." Tiberius announced awkwardly, selecting from a list of courtesies he had heard his parents say to superiors. Not wanting to turn his back on the wolf, yet not wanting to be near him any longer than he had too, Tiberius smiled shyly and let go of his paws on the bank, and allowed the current to take him slowly away from the stranger.

***

Rashid's attitude made Nova respond as if an executioner just asked if he would like his electric chair to have a cushion, or if a firing squad wanted him to be shot in the shade so he was more comfortable. The end result was always the same, and as usual it just seemed like the wolf was toying with them. Noticing the slackening in his bindings, and the relative lack of local guards, Nova realized this had been the chance to escape he had been gambling on. His cell was the closest to the end of the corridor, and if he did something unexpected, like freeze Rashid's eyes open, he could push off these subjective tentacles and force his wounded leg to sprint for the maze of hallways. From there he could...feel for the exit? He would probably be caught and killed, but wasn't that better than having one of his companions kill him? Who knows, maybe he would score some "entertainment" points with Rashid.

But yet, defeatism prevailed again, and Nova knew that he would be plagued by the guilt of leaving behind the others to kill each other. Even if he brought back a batallion of crack troops, it wouldn't really matter if they were all already, well, you know.

Itzal waited patiently beside the small river. Letting the soft sound of water slipping across the earth sooth him. His ears perked at the sound of splashing. His nose tilted toward the ground and his eyes rest on the Arlyne with two small fish in front of him.

"Th-there you go sir. May uh, th-the blessings of the gods be upon your tra-ravels, sir..."

Itzals head snaked its way toward the ground so it could get a better look at the fish. "Well, I must thank you young-" He was cut short when he noticed the small wolf being carried off slowly by the river. No no no! He has searched Nigerius for over a hundred years for these so called 'saviors'. And now, his guide was being carried off by the current. His inner Alva wanted to pick up the pup instantly and cut right to the chase, it was such a small feeling though that he had enough sense to ignore it and instead, calmly snake his unusually long body over to the pup and abruptly pick him up by the scruff and set the Arlyne beside him.

"Now now young one...You aren't just going to leave yet now are you?" He asks calmly. While doing so, his tail glided over the grass and around the pup holding him close to the god. "You see, I have traveled far and long...Months and months...and not a wolf in sight!" He says. "And if there was a wolf, it was one of those wolves that jumped at you out of the bushes with the intent to kill on whatever wolf that wasn't their element." He says with a horrified expression that fades off seconds later. "Twas pure luck that I made it this far...and now I've stumbled upon you good pup, and I am certainly eager to hear your tales as a traveler!" He says with a genuine grin on his face. "Am I right? I mean, you are quite far from home..." He asks rather faintly.

"H-hey! Who are you?"

The sudden voice jerked Itzal out of his current thoughts and he looked toward the pup who was the owner of said voice. "Who am I?..." It took a moment for Itzal to think before his jaw gaped open in shock. "Dear gods! It seems that I have forgot to introduce myself!" Before long a smirk played along his lips and he bowed to the two pups in front of him. "My name is Skully! Skully the traveler!" He says happily. It was absurd that a god give away his or her true identity. Unless of course...It was a small, serious, meeting. Itzal, or Skully, faced the newcomer. "Oh new guest! How joyful!" Inside, the god was celebrating victoriously. He not only had one guide, but two!

Skully looked over at the stream before speaking once more. "Now, it'd only be polite if you both introduced yourselves to me..."

Rashid

Rashid waited seconds and seconds longer. "None...?" I silence was his answer. "Well okay then..." He grabs Nova by the scruff and pushes him into his room before the Dimitrios kicked up the barrier that sealed each of the wolves inside their rooms. The Kamarians freed the others just as Rashid left toward his chambers.

Itzal

Itzal darted through the forest. Of course, faster than the normal wolf. His long body and tail often reminded others of a cheetah gliding over the Savannah. He wasn't near as fast as them, but it was pretty close. After an hour or so of nonstop running, Itzal concluded his trek with a halt right in front of this so called 'Rashids Prison'. Observing the horrendous decor and frightening guards, Itzal grins. He carefully walks up toward the obsidian black guard who tensed upon the sight of the deity. "Halt! You shall not pass unless-" The guard was cut short before his eyes turned black as the deity gazed into the eyes of the other. Inside the very depths of the guards mind, Itzal unraveled the small snippet of memory of a couple of familiar wolves seen a while ago. Itzals grin would have widened if it weren't for the fact that they had apparently been trapped by this Rashid fellow. Oh well. It was their situation now. Not his. And if the wolves in the prophecy could make it this far, they could surely make it out of this predicament.

Cerise

The white wolf couldn't help but drift into a light doze. The excruciating hours Rashid was making them wait was becoming unbearable. Like slowly running knives down bare flesh. Torture. The howling and restlessness of the others awakened her and she reluctantly stood. Her exhausted mind mistaking her location to be in Era somewhere. However, her daydreaming lasted for a couple of seconds before vanishing into thin air. She was in Rashids prison. About to kill her friends. Cerise looks down at the ground, whimpering prayers under her breath. This pitiful sight didn't last any longer until the room walls, leading them into the arena, abruptly slid down into the ground in a matter of seconds. A piercing light blinded her eyes as she stepped out of the tiny room and into a much larger extent.

Uncanny eyes shifted from around her, to her sides scanning the area for her friends. A voice interrupted her from doing so any further. "Greetings wolves!...." The voice began. Cerise scanned the perimeter to see Rashid standing on a tall cliff that out looked the entire arena. "I hope you found your break rather helpful in regaining those extra senses back lost from sleep deprivation!" Cackling could be heard and Cerise scowls. "Alright, allow me to cover some rules...Attack using only your elemental abilities! Don't die! And uhm...That's about it! The arena will be attuned to one element so...Watch your step!" Cerise couldn't help but raise an eyebrow before the ground below her began to rumble. She immediately backs up and, taking her previous spot, rose a great green tree. The same thing continues until, surrounding her, was the thickest forest she had ever seen. Beautiful green grass slipped through her toes and the leaves from the trees sifted from an unknown current of wind. A ball of light formed in the commotion resembling the sun. It would have been beautiful, if Rashids voice hadn't boomed out over the field, reminding her of where she was. "From this point on, let the battles begin!"

Instead of the booming cheer of the crowd, she heard nothing. Just...stillness. Silence. In fact, the last she recalled of the audience was...nothing. Just a few wolves who hadn't been brainwashed. The real spectators were Rashid and Kaveh. Cerise studied her surroundings, realizing she couldn't spot a wolf in this kind of forest, Cerise starts her trek into the woods. She wouldn't use her wings just yet. Flying would result in automatic death, or the enemy behind her heels. She would just have to stay on the ground, for now.

Schemeko

Schemeko was the kind of wolf that was hard to impress but what followed next, even he couldn't help but be impressed. When Schemeko entered the large arena, he caught a quick glimpse of Rashid before the arena turned into a dense forest. It seemed there was more to this game than met the eye. While Schemeko finished his impressions he decided to enter the forest. Now Schemeko's plans have changed some what. It seems he could still continue, all he had to do was to be the winner, correct? With the forestry, Schemeko could use more subtle tactics, much preferable over the one on one duel he had considered to happen. Schemeko hugged the trees and dense foliage, which easily concealed him thanks to the green coloration of his fur. He could sneak in unnoticed and poison each of his foes, and allow time to finish the job. He might even get lucky enough to only do this once or twice, allowing the others to do the bulk of the work. Of course Schemeko did consider an even more fiendish option. Perhaps he should form an alliance with the more powerful competitors. Allow them to take out the others and when it comes down to them Schemeko will back stab them and take victory. Schemeko considered this option as he slinked about the arena.

Summanus

Summanus waited for this opportunity and when he saw Rashid a tree blocked his path, followed by another and another. Summanus growled at this development. It seemed Rashid planned ahead for that contingency and now they are forced to play his games. Or are they? Summanus didn't want to give up hope on still disobeying their captor and escaping but this seemed to be more and more unlikely. Summanus wondered if he really should defeat them? Rashid did say don't die but will they fight to kill or fight to incapacitate? Summanus will be on the defensive but he is not going to resort to killing them unless no other option can be used to avoid it. Summanus has no idea how these wolves truly act. They could be real scum for all he knew and he was a fool for believing otherwise. Summanus was not going to die here, he has yet to find his purpose in life, but he is sure it isn't to die as a play thing.

Durandel

Durandel growled defensively as he entered the arena. As the room changed from what he expected to an entire forest, Durandel immediately hated the unexpectedness of the game. An enemy could attack from anywhere and Durandel absolutely hates the feeling of being watched. Durandel knows not to be cornered in battle. So his tactic is to have as much ground as possible. Durandel even considered burning this forest, but then worried about the others. They don't wish to kill him, well at least the Kita wouldn't. He didn't want to accidentally harm her or anyone for that matter. Still Durandel wasn't going to be foolish, if these so-called companions want to be hostile, then he will have no problem burning them.