Rashids Prison

In a cave far off the coast of the Vulcan Mountains, the clanking of chains rattles through the opening. Inside, thousands of wolves of different packs gather in front of a large stone cliff inside the cave. All of them were beaten and starving, some near death, but they paid close attention to the high cliff until another wolf could be seen making his way slowly to the edge. He had large metal claws and the markings around his body and wings pulsated eerily. Once he was at the edge he grinned menacingly. A large scar on his left eye shone in the light. "Greetings..." He starts. His voice was a bit raspy but strong and strict. It also had a tint of contentment, as if he enjoyed the suffering of others. "Welcome to my humble abode..." he says while bowing a bit. The lifeless guards around him tilted their heads down as well. Once he stood upright again he examined the hushed crowd and his grin widened. "I see we have good strong members of the Dimitrios...Tenneth... Oh and Alva..." he begins to chuckle and the crowd mumbles but is soon hushed once more by the sound of his voice. "My name as you all know from local legends is Rashid..." he says eerily. He smiles. The crowd begins to get nervous and some wines could be heard here and there. "Now, now, my brethren. You shouldn't worry. I will use you well... but if you regain your self for a second, a moment, I will kill you... But all I want now from you... is to sleep..." The crowd didn't have time to look away before Rashids eyes began to glow white and soon all of the other wolves eyes emitted the same color before all of them passed out onto the floor, all the while Rashid laughing.

Rashid walked down the steps and was soon greeted by two guards. A Tenneth and Alva. "Now, now..." Rashid said disruptively. "That small group isn't enough to build up an entire army... We need fighters. Ones that would actually survive one battle..." Rashid said. His eyes gleaming a bit. He turns to the other two. "You two are my best fighters. I want you two to search the woods for any other wolves to join my army. If they refuse use as much force as needed... Injure them, weaken them do any means possible just have as many wolves here by tomorrow... now go..." The two guards lifelessly bowed their heads simultaneously before running out of the large cave opening and into the woods.

The armored brutes ran through the forest with one objective in their heads. Capture more victims...

Kaveh stepped inside the Rashid's Prison area officially and stood before Rashid without moving an inch chuckling.

"Well, I've just gone and abandoned most of my pack in the Sharikere Mountains. I've let them be holed up in a cave I've been occupying since my pack is very broken up and won't listen to my orders and follow through. I want to give you all the unfortunate souls in there to add into your mind slave army if you'll let me become your battle tactician in the coming war. I know you want a war, frankly, with the number of wolves disappearing or moving about in these lands I don't know why no one has come looking for someone like you. You, who seem to have the most organized of groups thus far. I'm willing to offer my services to you wholeheartedly, but without your signature brain washing." he explained fully.

(Hey, Storm if Rashid was last in Rashid's Prison wouldn't the place you should have put your post been in the place called Rashid's Prison? I'm just wondering. I put my last post only in the Vulcan Mountains considering that Rashid's Prison was in that area I now officially have moved him within the prison. This is what I meant by that one OOC comment I made. If you make areas but don't use them they are going to look empty to role players. If a character is in one area that is defined as one of the places you created then they really should try to put their posts there.)

Kaveh chuckles. "A pack of your own kind to be in my control. My, My. Your mind is about as horrible as mine." He chuckles some more. "Bravo, bravo!.." He suddenly stops laughing and looks at Kaveh in the eyes. At first you might think he would deceive the alpha but instead he speaks darkly and intensely. "Now tell me where these Kamarians are and you will be the Tactician of my army..." He says.

~~~~~~~~~~~

The Tenneth controled by Rashid, Erebus, followed the scent. He had left Icarus with the other wolf trusting that he would finish her off. About half an hour of walking he finally come across a small cave with an Ausi licking at the streams of water that fell at the mouth of the cave. Erebus growls and starts to approach the wolf or wolves silently in hopes he could get this quick and over with.

(your right. Sorry.)

"They are in a cave are in a cave north of here not too deep in the Sharikere Mountains. I used my dark energy blasts to knock them around a bit and then close off the cave." Kaveh answered Rashid.

He turned away from the black wolf and said, "Come on, I'll lead you through this lava bed and up into the mountains." Within a few seconds he stepped out of the cave and back the territory that was the Vulcan Mountains. He made sure to walk slowly, yet quickly side stepped a tiny steam geyser when it erupted at his feet. He looked back and hoped that Rashid would follow.

(Um, I think we can have the next post in the Vulcan Mountains. If you want to we can play out the part about them traveling into the Sharikere Mountains or do what I like to sometimes do which is wait a few posts to indicate that one wolf traveled x number of minutes or hours to get from one place to the next. I apologize if my posts have been short with a lot of my characters, but I never tend to write long ones unless I'm one hundred percent sure where actions, or dialogue in a story are going or unless I have more confidence with a character.)

BattleDemon growled.... There was a buzzing in the back of her skull that was keeping her from thinking. Her thoughts were being blown out of her head leaving only her instincts. Her leg was also starting to smell odd, which just seemed to be a small but very important detail during this moment. The wolves weren't moving and they obviously forgot about her, but it didn't really matter because, what could a injured she-wolf do? Of course they didn't know her but she didn't know herself either. Battle steeled herself for the pain as she jumped onto all four, er, three paws and practically half sprinted, half staggered into the forest whimpering on her way out. No way had she prepared herself for this much pain. Her aching body, and her broken leg were hurting so badly, she didn't even notice which direction she was running in. Her direction was actually toward Rashid's Prison...

Kairo had been lost for quite some time now, 3 days. Until the first sign of wolves appeared in days, unfortunatly, it was Rashids Prison. There was no way Kairo would go any further, he turned around and started walking back, he sighed. "Where would I go?" he said hoping he was headed in the right direction. He was certain his pack was close, they should be looking for him. He started sprinting, he could run forever if he could. So he was hoping he could find some kind of pack by tomarrow.

The chill of the cave was nothing that Nova couldn't handle, it was the moisture. Every single surface capable of holding dew was doing so, and the dampness seemed to sink into his fur. Coupled with the smell of must and blood and the eerie sounds that only a cave could make, the whole experience was thoroughly more unpleasant than it had been at SkyDancer's. At least she put up a facade of kindness that they could exploit for a while. And while it was plain here that Rashid didn't care for pleasantries, their situation is no less unclear than it had been in their previous cave encounter.

One thing Nova certainly couldn't figure out was why they were all placed in one cage. There were, after all, many vacant cages lining the walls of the cave in plain sight, so why didn't they go through the effort of splitting them up? Having such a diverse portfolio of talents and ideas in one place seemed like a recipe for disaster on Rashid's part, unless of course their captor was planning on executing his plans for them immediately. Would it hurt when his element was forcibly ripped from his soul?

"If we are going to try something, shouldn't we do it now while we all still have some semblance of strength?" Nova muttered quietly. He knew it was a shallow suggestions, as he had no idea what that something was that they should try. At least if they did manage to escape, they should only have a eighty five percent casualties. Probably the best chance they would ever have.

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."

"Well, I must admit I think this whole idea that we have a choice in the matter is a ruse. Sooner or later we will all end up playing Rashid's little game" Nova explained, the words dripping with gloom. He had meant to address Cerise, but he realized that they really did apply to everyone. In fact the whole reason that Rashid was giving them a choice was probably so that he could watch them stew for a little bit, simmering from an even longer period of sleep deprivation and nerves rubbed raw.

Although for whatever reason he felt fairly confident that Rashid would keep his word about letting the survivors live, Nova realized that such an offer was so open to interpretation. Although the Ausi had been hoping that that meant the survivors would be released unmolested from the captivity, that could simply mean that he would let them live as slaves under his control. And how many survivors did Rashid expect to have? Half of them, as winners of one time duels? Or only one of them, as a winner of an entire tournament? Would Nova have to systematically kill all of his companions, and make it entertaining at that, all for a remote chance at once again regaining his liberty? That thought, as well as a gnawing hunger, made him want to chew his own paw off.

Schemeko

Schemeko listened to Alina's plan. It seemed logical enough but there is still a problem, a problem that cannot be avoided. In a hushed tone Schemeko spoke, "Well your plan seems all well and good but if you want me sow the seed of doubt that's no problem," Schemeko paused as he looked over his shoulder to the others then back at Alina, "but how do you propose I do it?" "From what it sounds like your asking me, you want me to undermine them without getting too close." "If you want this plan to succeed I am going to have to be buddy-buddy with Rashid." "Because if you see, if I was him, I would trust Kaveh over some new prisoner." "I'm going to have to let him trust me before I could have him turn against his subordinates." "You see what I'm saying?" Schemeko spoke explaining to Alina.

Summanus

Summanus could hear Nova and Cerise speaking about the "Elemental Battles", and he was surprised they are even considering it. Well, perhaps he shouldn't be. All of them are wolves, despite their packs and backgrounds. Wolves are natural fighters and our instinct is to survive. Summanus understands this best and although he would wish it different he must place aside any feelings. If they are seriously considering this then so is he. While Summanus would have been fine with losing, seeing as he has no purpose in the outside world, but if they are willing to hurt one another based on an untrustworthy source then so will he. Summanus may have been kind up to this point, but they will see that he is very dangerous when need be. Summanus then began to plan out courses of action and studied each of these wolves strengths and weaknesses.

Durandel

Durandel was a bit too inflamed at the moment to consider any battle plans. While it may be smart to consider how to beat one another, Durandel still believes that they are going to resist anyway. He has seen these wolves fight and if they are anything they are resilient and undaunting. But perhaps he overestimates them. Durandel does remember they are in war time and a soldier never suspects the enemy will be lenient. Perhaps he shouldn't be too quick to judge them, after all he was taught not to trust anyone outside of the pack. He admits being with these wolves have been one strange journey and while they have impressed him with their cooperation, their generosity may have reached it's limits. Maybe they have given up on each other and now find the only way they can survive is to fight each other. Should he trust Rashid? Regardless, Rashid is nothing but a gutless coward and yet they are planning to play his game.

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.

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.