Outside Loyalist HQ

The Rebel Perimeter Guards weren't quite prepared for this kind of encounter that evening. To them, it was a routine rotation. Their patrol brought them in a circumference around the headquarters, comparable to half the size of the Factory District. That's not even counting the rest of the undercity where outposts with their own patrols are rotating. For the entirety of their campaign, the enemy has yet to come anywhere near to finding their hidden base.

This leads some of the younger wolves to believe they'll never be found by the enemy. This started to cause a round of carlessness within the troops. The upper brass recently has been reprimanding the more undisciplined in front of the others. They remind the other wolves who they are fighting and, more importantly, what they are fighting for. To let one's guard down, even for a moment, will guarantee an opening for your enemy. And this enemy will not fail to act upon it. At least that's what they are told.

Yet, not everyone does as they are told. That was when they had let slip in a Tenneth soldier. Or at least that's what this patrol had believed. The Rebels barked at the disguised Blue, only seeing the uniform and not the wolf underneath it. Before long they were on top of her discussing what they should do to her.

"How did a Promethean slip past our defenses?!" One of them claimed. "There has to be more of them?! Right?!" "They wouldn't just send one." "How did they even find us?" The Patrol Leader shouted, "Quiet! We have a prisoner here and we are in need of answers! Take the Promethean to the cells!" That was when Blue spoke.

Gods, this wolf is fat!" She thought to herself... "I'm part of the alliance! Please!" She struggled to get out from underneath the fatso who turned her into a pancake. "PLEASE! I'm with-" Inhale. "WITH THE... ALLIANCE."

The Rebels are confused. "What did she say?" "She said she is with the Alliance?" "It must be some kind of trick!" "I say we should just kill her now." The Patrol Leader barks, "ENOUGH! I have already given the order! Orders are not up for discussion!" The Rebels gave an affirmative. The Rebel standing on Blue lets off and helps to lift her up. "We're only about ten minutes away from the base. Let's move out." "Yes sir!" The Rebels shouted. "Alright prisoner, move!" One of the Rebels barked as they push Blue along. They begin to make their way to the base.

Unbeknownst to them, however, something watches from the shadows...

Prometheus and Vesta

Prometheus sits upon his ill-gotten throne. His burning blue eyes trail Vesta as she bubbles over in excitement. The scarred Tenneth allowed Vesta to express all that she wished to express.

"Father it is amazing to be home and on the threshold of complete victory over our enemies. I can't believe how glorious everything is. I want to learn everything. I want to be by your side as our righteous flame cleanses our home and sweeps across the world. None will dare challenge our furry after this. Our fire will burn bigger, hotter, and brighter than ever before. It will even outshine the wolves of light. Melt the snow and ice. Boil the sea. Turn the ground to glass. Illuminate the darkest shadow and ignite the air. No pack will be safe from our glorious flame. All will bow or burn. I only wish our families were here to see this."

"But their ashes will pave the way to our victory. Death to the traitors and all enemies of the true Tenneths. Long live the Tenneths. Long live Prometheus. May your flame burn forever in the heart of the pack. May your fire burn our enemies to ash."


Prometheus rises from his throne as he descends the steps that are lain before his paws. Prometheus's great frame stands before Vesta's dwarfing hers. Very reminiscent of how an adult towers over a cub. "Well said, Vesta! Well said." He spoke. "Even my necklace was heated by the flames of your passion!" Prometheus then strays away from her, his attention drawn to his necklace. "It must be some sign, some auspicious fate that brought us back together," His voice trails as he recollects his days as a Tenneth soldier, "Even after all of this time." His voice echoes. He turns to face Vesta.

"Vesta!" He suddenly addresses her. "When you looked upon me did you know what you saw? You saw not only your Alpha but saw me as something more. You saw me as family, you saw me as your father!" Prometheus then walks up to Vesta and speaks quite softly, "That is what you believe an Alpha should be to his people after all, right?" He pulls away. "You see the exact qualities needed for an Alpha are the same as for a father!" Prometheus proudly declares. "A good father is indeed brave and strong, but he is also wise and principled. A good Alpha must also emulate these characteristics! How else could he guide, and elevate a whole Pack, a whole Nation!" Prometheus begins to pace about the court.

"Once you become the embodiment of strength and stability all others will bow to you. Not just because you are the strongest but because you can provide the most." Prometheus then smiles at Vesta. "You remind me of your father. You have the same spirit as he did. He was a good soldier and a good friend. If only he was here now." Prometheus's mind wanders as he stands there silently for slightly too long. His attentions then return to the here and now. "Vesta," he speaks, "We mustn't forget the objective of our crusade. Nigerius is dying, and the Packs are out of control. The objective of this crusade isn't just to defeat our enemies but it's also to save our home. What this war has shown us is that the Packs can no longer live independently of one another. Too often we fight over territory and resources, and the reason? Because our packs keep growing." He paces again. "Before the war, Packs were having more newborns than ever before! What do you think happens when you have so many mouths to feed and no food to feed them with?" He allows his words to sink in for a moment. "It wouldn't be long before war breaks out, but this, this will be the last time."

Prometheus then stares at Vesta. "You see in order to ensure the safety and sovereignty of the Tenneth we must bring all of the Packs underneath the Tenneth! That is the objective of our crusade! The Tenneth will provide and protect for all from now on." Prometheus then walks back to his throne and sits upon it. "That is why we must work with outsiders. We need to develop strong relationships now. That way our future sovereignty will be protected. I'm sure you can see the value in that?" He asks inquisitively.

Blossom was a very good pup, and when Nova put his paw on her forehead, it didn't seem to phase her. "Thank you, Blossom. I think we have got ourselves a guide, a good one too. We're helping him get his kin out along with ours. Be brave and wait for us to come out," Nova said, giving her a pat.

Blossom made a small noise and used her wing to gently push his paw away, "A-alright, sir." If one has eyes, they would see she was very distraught about being left behind.

She walked away, not feeling the looks the older wolves were giving her.

Normally she would walk right back to Tiberius, but this situation was making her feathers itchy and heavy with despair. Why can't adult wolves actually listen? So what if she was a pup! Her ideas were still possible! "Drais would have listened to my idea." She grumbled to herself, already going against the word of the adults. She was looking for Chaz now... and in the back of her brain, the realist side of her was shaking its head. No, Drais would not have even considered her idea at all.

This young wolf sure had a funny memory.

"No, no, no! Chaz will become barbequed for sure!! Now please, please, please say Chaz doesn't have to go! PRETTY PLEASE?!?!?" Chaz begged Blossom.

She glared at him, probably the first time she's ever shown such an annoyed look on her face before. "Shut it, Chaz!" She growled at him and but into his scruff and dragged him away from the group of adult wolves.

When she thought they were far enough, she towered over Chaz, which isn't much as she's quite a petite wolf. "Chaz, you have to go. Please, Chaz can you be brave about this?" Her words were like iron.

"Those adults need us; they just don't know it yet. We'll go in without any of them knowing and we will be the ones to rise up when their plan fails. Think about it Chaz... wolves need you to be brave now Chaz."

"I see. That is rather disturbing news... But... you're arrival might be fortuitous. If what you say is true then the situation is more desperate than I had believed. We're on our way to the Palace to rescue their comrade and my son. It will be perilous but with your strength counted among ours then perhaps we may just succeed. I shall meet you all at the main gate shortly. Augue, my old friend, meet us there in ten and we'll leave for the palace together."

As good as it was to be speaking with his old friend Augue realized he had been so focused on his own daughter that he forgot that Ezekiel's son has been in prison there for much this whole time. It had been one of the reasons he agreed to play the role of an Alpha's guard. He had hoped to be able to get close to the pup, to check on him and possibly rescue him. Unfortunately he never got a chance to check the prison. Ten minutes... ten minutes before he would storm one of the most fortified places in the Valcans. The home headquarters of his enemy, traitors to the pack and their outsider allies. Home of a wolf that he once called brother. To rescue not one, not two, but three of their own who are in unknown condition from the heart of the stronghold. And to defeat one of the strongest wolves he knows plus any guards and reinforcements. Ten minutes to get ready for what will, be one way or the other the end, or at least the beginning of the end. "Ten minutes Prometheus. Ten minute Tenneth and Canicus. Ten minutes Vesta and Ezra. Hold on for the cleansing flame is ten minutes out. This ends now." Augue said with a mix of anger, pride. He exhales through his node with a fiery huff. He turns and walks off to focus his mind and body for the upcoming fight.

Amarok always hated getting yelled at, but this wasn't as bad as Mydnyte could be so it wasn't that bad. Still made her feel small and unwanted. "Great... even when trying to be helpful I still mess up. Guess I should just leave when they head out. They wont want a screwup like me on this one." She thought, so distracted she didn't hear Fang and Mydnyte talking about Vesta. It wasn't till the young wolf next to her started to play with the shadows that she was pulled from her head. He tail started wagging as her one of her shadow wolves lowered its front half into a playful stance well staring at the front of the bee. The other shadow wolf started jumping around playfully, clearly barking if it could make noise. Amarok looked over at the young playful wolf next to her and said in a playful and genuine tone. "Nice bee. Your really good at shadow play. Sure you aren't part Kamaria?" With the biggest smile she made the shadow wolf who had been in the playful stance lightly bop the bee with it nose. At the same time Amarok poked her new friend playfully with her nose. Turned back to the shadow to see what her friend's reaction was going to be.

Vesta hung on every word Prometheus spoke almost as if a god was speaking to their most devote disciple. She watch as he paced, perking up at the mention of her father. "That is why we must work with outsiders. We need to develop strong relationships now. That way our future sovereignty will be protected. I'm sure you can see the value in that?" She thought for a moment, taking in everything he had said before answering. "Though the thought of working with outsiders still bothers me. Yes, I do see how for the future of the one true pack, the true leaders and protectors of the world. We must work with others... for now. Till we bring all under our guidance. And you are so much more than the father of our pack... you are..." She trails off, clearly in pain even though she tries to hide it. "You are my father. You are the only family I have left. Yes this pack is home but you are my family. One of my own and if you'll have me... I would like you to take me as your daughter. Make me part of your family. Let me stand proudly at your side as only family can. Let us usher our pack in to this new glorious future as father and daughter. A symbol to our pack that no matter what we face, we will always find a way. That we are stronger together vs any who would appose us. Together with our allies we will bring all in line." She said with renewed pride and enthusiasm. "For Augue. For the Tenneth. For you father and Alpha of the Tenneth and the world. For you mighty and wise Prometheus." She bows, letting both her necklaces hang free. As the ends of her necklaces lay on the floor, she rest her nose on them and closes her eyes for a moment in silent reverence to her parents before turning her attention back to Promtheus.

The Rebels are confused. "What did she say?" "She said she is with the Alliance?" "It must be some kind of trick!" "I say we should just kill her now." The Patrol Leader barks, "ENOUGH! I have already given the order! Orders are not up for discussion!" The Rebels gave an affirmative. The Rebel standing on Blue lets off and helps to lift her up. "We're only about ten minutes away from the base. Let's move out." "Yes sir!" The Rebels shouted. "Alright prisoner, move!" One of the Rebels barked as they push Blue along. They begin to make their way to the base.

Blue's vision had been about to turn black when the fat behemoth got off her. With a huge gasp she slowly got to her paws, "You." Breathe. "Idiots." More breathing.
It was quickly apparent that these baffoons didn't trust her and why should they? They were all in the middle of a war. If anything, it would have been wrong for them to trust her right away.
"Hurry up." One of them grunted as they shoved her forward, making her stumble. She growled and decided to just go along with them, for now at least.
"I'm not lying." She was, but they didn't know that.



Blue hadn't been to all the Alliance hide outs and since it had only been a few minutes into the walk she decided to start taking off the Tenneth armor. Clank! The heavy armor began to fall off piece by piece, as if some ghost had decided to help her. Although if anyone looked closely, one would see that dark, slithering inky substance had materialized out of her coat. It had moved on it's own to untie the metal and hopefully, show her "allies" that she was not in fact a Promethean.
Once the armor was off she took a moment to stretch, "You know once we get back and my friend Khan hears about this..." She didn't finish the sentence, hoping to intimidate them a little before they arrived.

Prometheus and Vesta

Prometheus sat upon his throne as he listened to Vesta's affirming words. She spoke candidly but truthfully with vigor and spirit. The very thing Prometheus had hoped for in the daughter of Augue. Her heart and mind belong to the Tenneth and to him. Prometheus smiled as Vesta gave her declarations.

"You are my father. You are the only family I have left. Yes, this pack is home but you are my family. One of my own and if you'll have me... I would like you to take me as your daughter. Make me part of your family. Let me stand proudly at your side as only family can. Let us usher our pack into this new glorious future as father and daughter. A symbol to our pack that no matter what we face, we will always find a way. That we are stronger together than any who would oppose us. Together with our allies, we will bring all in line." She said with renewed pride and enthusiasm. "For Augue. For the Tenneth. For you father and Alpha of the Tenneth and the world. For you mighty and wise Prometheus."

Prometheus gave applause as he tapped his claws against the legs of his throne. "Well said my child, well said. While I do accept you, there are those among us who would not greet such news with enthusiasm. You'll need to prove yourself first, not to me, but to the cause." Prometheus then stood up from his throne. He lumbers down the steps and as he approaches Vesta he stares intently into her eyes. "A demonstration is required before I can make your adoption official. As I am sure that you are aware, we currently have a 'certain' prisoner in our dungeons that have direct ties to the Insurgency." Prometheus speaks as he moves past his soon-to-be daughter. "It's also come to my awareness that you have traveled with this 'certain' prisoner to my territory in order to depose me," Prometheus speaks, the subject matter of his words would chill anyone. Anyone would be forgiven for thinking that this is the lead-up to a doomed fate. Prometheus turns to face Vesta, "Don't worry, I have not mentioned this connection to anyone else, and the spies that have presented me with this information have been secretly disposed of." Prometheus then gives his best 'reassuring' smile.

"When the time comes, and it will, we will send this 'certain' prisoner to the fathoms of the Abyss and it will be you who metes out Justice in my name. Then and only then will the world know of this connection and they will know that you are my true daughter! Because you chose family over these radicals." Prometheus then raises a great, big paw and places it on Vesta's shoulder. "Will you do this for me, my daughter?"

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Summanus

Deep in the dungeon came the ringing sound of the dinner bell. "Alright, you filth! It's chow time!" A guard barked. He preceded a chubby wolf dressed in a tattered apron. He pushed the cart against his flabby chest as it carried a pot of some questionably odorous gruel. "Oh no." A prisoner muttered. Others turned their snouts down into the hay. "That's right you miserable sacks of fur! It's someone's big day tomorrow, and you know what that means?" The guard sneers. "Drop Dead Stew!" The guard cruelly laughs. "Serve'em up Jumbo!" He calls out to the chubby wolf. The wolf growls as he tilts the pot into wooden bowls. The slop spills over the bowls and out onto the floor. Each bowl was doused in the smelly stuff. He lifted the pot back over and then worked to serve each prisoner. The Guard then took the keys that hung around his neck to open and close each cell they visit.

Normally this would be dangerous to do, but thanks to not regularly feeding their prisoners each wolf's prana were severely depleted. Not to mention the chains that hold them back from approaching the door. As Jumbo fed each prisoner he did so unceremoniously. He would often plop the bowl down and kick it over to the prisoners. A process that would see much of the unappetizing meal splattered about the floor rather than sloshing around inside the bowl. "You all better eat every drop! You know how the Alpha hates wasting resources on prisoners and traitors." The Guard barked. Each of the prisoners stared despondently at the miserable gruel. Yet slowly they crawl to lap it all up. While a regular wolf would grimace, the prisoners ate it without many reactions. The only one to have a reaction is Ezra, as he scoffs in disgust. "I'm sorry your lordship. Is the stew not to your standards?" The guard laughs. "Will you choke it down this time or will you go hungry again?!" He laughs some more.

Finally, they arrive at Summanus's cell. The guard opens the door as Jumbo lumbers in with the bowl of stew. Before he could serve it, however, the Guard swipes it from Jumbo. "Hold on, let me do this one." He chuckles cruelly. He then tosses the bowl as it hits Summanus's head dumping the stew all over him. The pair of Tenneth laugh at the sight. "You see someone likes your cooking! He loves it so much he'll wear it!" The pair burst out in riotous laughter. Jumbo then suddenly realizes, "Hey." He said rather lamely. "Come on let's get out of here! Can't stand the sight of them eating." The Guard says as he shoves Jumbo aside. They lock the door behind them and then exit down the aisle. "Enjoy your dinner filth!" He laughs as the pair leave.

Summanus slowly rouses from his slumber, which was entirely unrestful. Minus the warm stew dripping down his snout, he felt chilly lying there on the cold, stone floor. Summanus wiped the goop from his eyes as he looks about. It would seem the guards just fed them. Then came a skittering noise. Summanus looked upwards to see rats crawling around the rafters. There was an unusually high number of them. Typically maybe one or two can be seen running at any given time. Yet there must've been dozens! Their bodies seemed to cover the entire wooden beam as if the rafter was made of fur! What's even stranger is that they all seem to be carrying something. Summanus squints to better ascertain the clearly peculiar situation before him. He notices that all of the rats are carrying bits of food! What's more, is that they are all heading in the same direction!

"What is causing this kind of behavior?" He thought. Although it pained his body he nevertheless lifted himself up. He then slowly turned his upper body with his shoulders as he noticed that the rats suddenly fanned out at the intersection located above the aisle. Each beam held a line of rats as they ran single-file into each cell that contained a prisoner. Summanus watched as the rats piled up the bits of food they carried. In each cell, the piles grew larger and larger as rats came carrying food everywhere! Soon Summanus noticed rats have started to visit his cell. The first rat came with a crumb of something unidentifiable. Then came another and another! The rats placed each piece together and soon it became clear what they had carried. Sure the obvious thing was bread and that was indeed there but so were other things. There was also fruit, nuts, cheese, and even meat! This both surprised and confused Summanus. More was at work here.

"Hello, dear boy!" Ezra called to Summanus. "I'm sorry for the rather rude awakening! But besides the manner of waking, I'm sure you're quite pleased to be awake to see our friends deliver this feast!" He smiled. Summanus looked over to see the rather cheerful Wolf. "Why is this happening? What's causing the rats to behave like this?" He decided to ask the Wolf. "Why that would be the wonderful work of one Jivanta." Ezra turns his head next door. "Why don't you introduce yourself to our fellow inmate?" Ezra asked. Sitting very stilly was a medium-sized Wolf with a fluffy brown coat and a yellow underbelly. He opened his eyes, exiting a trance-like state. He then looked over to Summanus. "Oh of course! My name is Chaim. I'm the one who asked the rats if they could help to bring us some food." He spoke.

"So, what they say about the Jivanta is true? Your Pack can communicate with other animals?" Summanus probed. "Absolutely!" Chaim responded enthusiastically. "I can't really imagine a rat having anything interesting to say," Summanus spoke as he looked towards the rats continuing to gather the food into his cell. "Oh, not true! Rats, just like any other creature, have a whole wealth of things to speak about! Every animal has some unique personality or behavior to them!" Some of the rats run up to Chaim and offer him food straight from their paws. Chaim smiles as he politely takes the food from them. "They can teach a Wolf a lot if they're receptive of course," Chaim says as he eyes Summanus from his cell.

"Not sure of what use a rat's knowledge is in this instance. We're still prisoners here." Summanus conjects. "I have to disagree with you once more my friend. A rat's knowledge is especially invaluable to a prisoner. After all, who else knows better the ins and outs of a prison than the rats that live hidden within its very walls?" Chaim poses. Summanus perks up. "You don't mean to tell you actually plan to use these rats to-," Summanus is suddenly caught off, "Escape? Yes." Chaim answers him. "I and Ezra have been planning this for a while. We just missed one key factor." Chaim looks to Ezra. "Protection," Ezra spoke. "While we could make our escape there was never any guarantee our lives will be protected during this endeavor. While I have some skill with my Element, neither I nor Chaim are warriors. I'm a diplomat and he's a trader." Ezra says as Summanus listens. "So? Are you expecting me to guard your lives? I can't even protect my head from a bowl of bad stew." He emphasizes this by pointing his snout at the overturned bowl of stew. "What makes you believe protecting your lives will be any easier?" He questions.

"Why do you think the rats are bringing us food? To help us restore our connection to the Prana." Chaim begins. "Prana does more than just power our Elemental abilities, it replenishes us spiritually and physically. Some packs have used this ability to its fullest such as the Aven. Yet, they are not the only Pack to practice the art of healing! I am a Jivanta, not only can my Prana allow me to communicate with unenlightened creatures, but it can also enrich the Pranas of other Wolves. In other words, I will use my restored Prana to boost your Prana's natural healing ability. It may not be as swift as the Prana-rich medicines of the Aven but it will work faster than a three-day rest would!" Chaim claims with enthusiasm. "Still that doesn't mean the process wouldn't be greatly expedited if you were to eat as well." Ezra chimes in. "After all a more restored connection on your end will help to alleviate some of Chaim's efforts." "In fact, it might make it more effective!" Chaim quickly adds. Both of the Wolves look to Summanus. Summanus wasn't sure about this escape plan of theirs. It sounded like the plan is heavily dependent on the information-gathering skills of rodents. Not exactly an encouraging thought. While Summanus does feel bad for their wrongful imprisonments, he, however, is unconvinced of the fact that he doesn't deserve this. A lifetime of killing other Wolves and for what? Mostly for profit, but also, out of desire. For better or for worse, Summanus had the desire to kill.

It may be the very nature of Wolves to kill, and yet; he sees these Wolves who, despite their naturalistic instinct to kill, instead choose to prioritize the preservation of life. Even when it would be more convenient to kill those that stand in your way. They would even be justified since they are escaping wrongful internment! Yet their carefully veiled words communicated one thing to Summanus. These two can't bring themselves to kill their captors and tormentors! Summanus can smell the scent of pacifism reeking from them both! It reminded him of the scent of the Kita Pack. Even when their entire Pack was robbed of their freedom the desire to kill was not present in any of them! This scent has haunted Summanus ever since that day, the day he quit the Yellow Demons and left behind the world of mercenaries. His life has never been the same since! He has encountered even more Wolves who bear the scent of pacifism, those who desire peace and harmony above all else! How can any Wolf hold on to such desires during a time when there is nothing but war and chaos? By all accounts, these Wolves shouldn't have survived for as long as they did, but that's when it hit him. Not only was the scent of pacifism present but so too was a familiar scent, resolve. Pacifism doesn't mean passivity. These Wolves understand it does take action to achieve this end but how they choose to go about it is so, foreign to him.

Every achievement made in Wolfkind has been made with bloodshed. From the early days of territorial competition to the formation of the Great Packs to the War of Claws, and now this Great War. Do they expect their new world to be made in the absence of it? No, perhaps not. They are asking him to kill for them when it comes down to it. It's nothing new for Summanus but can he bring himself to do it even for a 'good' cause? "I'm not sure you'll want me to be your protector. You have noble, honest, and dignified scents. I...have the scent of a killer. Wolves like me end up in places like this, even in a fair and just society. You deserve freedom, but I don't." Summanus spoke. This was strange for him. He never opens up about such personal thoughts of doubt and self-worth. He wasn't sure but this kind of scent makes them trustworthy in his eyes. Perhaps their crazy scheme might work after all. What troubles him the most, is the thought of successfully avoiding his due fate. "I don't believe that," Ezra spoke up. "I believe a Wolf is his present, not his past! What you've done before doesn't affect who you are right now, or what you're going to do right now! Not unless you allow it!" Ezra rebukes.

Summanus suddenly growls as he shouts, "Easy words for you to say! You haven't killed hundreds of Wolves as I have!" Ezra stands to his feet and shouts back, "No! But I have been involved in the making of decisions that indirectly led to the deaths of countless Wolves! Do you think I'm going to allow my participation in that fact to prevent me from doing what we both know is right?! What would be wrong is knowing what the right decision is and choosing not to make it!" Ezra's words radiated throughout Summanus's being. Is it true? Would his decision not to aid them be just as bad as killing them himself? While he is through with being used as an instrument of death, would his death become the instrument that leads to the deaths of many others? Summanus's mind became dizzied with such thoughts. Summanus did not know the answer at this time but one thing did occur to him. He decided to eat. Summanus quickly looked to the assemblage of bits and pieces that formed a meal and then began to devour it. Ezra and Chaim smiled as they saw Summanus eat. While Summanus is unsure if he deserves to live he at least understands that they do. If he can help save their lives then he should at least try and if he dies trying then at least he'll die without regrets. "Hold on everyone," Summanus thinks about Blue and then the others, "Don't throw away your lives for mine just yet." He then looks towards Ezra and Chaim as they eat before returning to his own meal, "If I make it out of this alive then, maybe...I too deserve to live?"

The Palace Rescue: At the Gates

It was time. Ezekiel had finished a dreary conversation with Castor leaving him in a grim mood. While it was an unsettling conversation it was one that needed to happen. Ezekiel's thoughts drift toward the Young Master, and how much he didn't wish to leave his side.

Moments Ago...


"Just what are you saying, Ezekiel?!" Castor gasped aloud. "Exactly how it sounds." Ezekiel eyed Castor with a pensive stare, "If I die then you must take the reigns and ensure the Young Master becomes the next Alpha." Ezekiel grimly spoke. Castor shook his head, "No, wait. There must be someone else we can send on this suicide mission." Castor then thought silently to himself. "Hm, how about we send for that hellion, Hilda? I hear she isn't a fan of Prometheus and thanks to her background she isn't affiliated with us either. Besides I'm certain suicide missions are her specialty given her reputation." Castor suggested. Ezekiel shook his head. "No, she's too much of a loose cannon. I want to bring my son back home alive, and in one piece." Castor then pleaded, "But sir! Why does it have to be you? You know the Young Master relies on you the most. He needs you by his side if he is to one day lead our Pack!"

Ezekiel sighed, "Yes I know, but I believe that my son is a better fit for that role. In fact, he is the best fit, which is why I must do what I can to save him. As both a father and a Tenneth, I must do this." Ezekiel spoke with finality. Castor sighed in defeat. "Fine, but this suicide mission better succeed. The Insurgency cannot afford to lose both you and your son." Ezekiel nodded. "I most certainly don't intend on dying before my son is freed." As Ezekiel turns to leave Castor spoke, "What should I say to the Young Master?" Ezekiel turned his head and answered, "Tell him the truth. The Young Master needs to realize that he can trust you as much as he trusts me." With that Ezekiel left the confines of his private room.

........

"Oh, Phoenix please grant me the strength I need in this trying time." Ezekiel prays to himself as he walks up to the main gate. Once there he notices not everyone has arrived yet. It was indeed about to push that ten-minute mark. Before he had a moment to his thoughts Durandel arrives. "Ah, Durandel my boy. I'm glad to see you accompany us on this mission." Ezekiel smiles. Durandel bows his head. "Of course! I'm not about to abandon either of my friends to Prometheus." Durandel's mind drifts back to the disastrous Factory Raid. "Not this time." He thought to himself.

Mydnyte and Fang make their way to the front gates. Fang spoke with a smile, "Well, are we all ready to possibly die again?" Mydnyte looks around him. "I see we're missing some wolves. Where's Nova?" Fang looks around, "I don't know but he is blind. I better go find him." Durandel speaks up. "He's coming, I passed him on the way over. To be honest I'm more concerned about Blue. I haven't seen her in a while." Durandel comments. This causes the others to ponder where their friend had disappeared to. Mydnyte growls, "Grr, just like her to not show herself when we need her the most." Ezekiel chimes in, "While time is of the essence, being impatient will not win us any favors. For now, let us focus on the task at hand." Ezekiel then gives a bark to the gatekeepers. Understanding the signal the rebels begin to open the gates to their secret headquarters. "We have a mission to commence."

As the time of action dawns upon them, one wolf struggles to make his decision.

.......

Chaz bemoans the situation he finds himself in. Not only do these crazy wolves think they have a chance against Prometheus, but they actually believe they can just waltz in and out of his palace! Chaz's mind is a race with a multitude of doomsday scenarios wherein he foresees only death and destruction if they continue down this path. Chaz shudders to think of just what will Prometheus do to them if he catches them! Chaz tries to voice his concerns to Blossom, but her reaction took him by surprise.

"Shut it, Chaz!" She growled at him and bit into his scruff and dragged him away from the group of adult wolves.

When she thought they were far enough, she towered over Chaz, which isn't much as she's quite a petite wolf. "Chaz, you have to go. Please, Chaz can you be brave about this?"
"Those adults need us; they just don't know it yet. We'll go in without any of them knowing and we will be the ones to rise up when their plan fails. Think about it Chaz... wolves need you to be brave now Chaz."

Chaz squeals in fear at the sudden change in Blossom's demeanor. He then averts his gaze from the young she-wolf as she voices her intentions. Chaz didn't know quite how to take these commands. On the one paw, he's terrified out of his noggin! Chaz is well aware that he'll die as soon as he enters the palace! Then on the other paw, Blossom and Tiberius are his new friends. He doesn't want to see them go nor does he wish to abandon them. Oh, if only he could convince Blossom not to do this!

"M-m-m-me, be brave?" Chaz blubbers. "Chaz isn't brave! Chaz is a wimp and a coward! At least that's what everyone says about Chaz!" Chaz's eyes dart about as he does everything in his power to avoid making eye contact with Blossom. "I mean, why would any wolf need Chaz's help? Your f-friends all look tough and scary! They said they don't need my help!" Chaz cries. "How can Chaz ever be brave without being tough and scary?" He asks Blossom looking for some kind of answer. Hoping that the young she-wolf would have some moment of inspired wisdom. Share some sort of answer that would surprise even that old Ezekiel! That or he hopes she realizes how scary and tough you would need to be to survive. When it comes to wolves that are decidedly not tough and scary, the only way to survive is to run and hide.

Originally, she had wanted to wait until they were closer to the designated HQ, but Blue got bored. Why wait? She saw no harm in ditching her newly found patrol buddies, as that is what she is choosing to think of them as and not what they truly were. Was she going insane? Maybe... It was a question she kept asking herself when she looked down at the puddle.
The puddle was red and instead of "ditching" her captors like she had been thinking about, she had already killed them. What she was standing in was a puddle of blood. "Hmm."
Blue shook her head and pushed back the memories she had of killing these wolves. There was blood on her muzzle and her eyes were now entirely black. She looked like a hell bent Kamarian.
"I have..." Blue had started to talk, acting as if those wolves were still alive when she glimpsed a reflection of herself in the pool of blood. Her thoughts went silent and all she could hear was a ringing sound. A horrible feeling was beginning to fill her. "Somewhere... to be."
A sudden realization hit her. "I don't have to be somewhere."

**********

Blue was watching the group of wolves trying so hard to hide themselves. If she had been some dumb Tenneth, maybe she wouldn't have noticed them. Alas, she was a kamarian half breed and finding them in the shadows was all too easy.
From this distance in the shadows, she could see Khan and the other burly wolves most likely in the background. She almost sighed, almost dropped her disguise and almost walked up to them, but she didn't. Almost. It was a word Blue was beginning to hate, as it summed up her whole life.
She had almost escaped the tunnels. She had almost completed her first mission. She had almost become one of Khan's true friends....
Blue watched the group.
I want to see Nova's face before I go, she thought, suprising herself. Maybe the dirt colored wolf had grown on her more than she thought. She remembered how he was always being... She
tried to think of something positive and couldn't really find anything. Okay, maybe she had just liked him and wasn't realizing it until now....
Blue waited but minutes passed and she could hear the group of Rebels getting nervous. Maybe, it's best to just leave it at this. Seeing his face would have just made her feel guilty anyways.
Blue slunk away, unnoticed by the Rebels and patroling Prometheans. She had become a ghost, and was moving in a suprising direction...
Blue began to hum, suprising herself once again as she was not a wolf with any artistic or creative talent. Maybe it's because she knew her end was near, or it was the sadness in her chest... maybe it had become too much and now it was showing itself as this tune. It was calming and soothing, but to Blue, she found it to be a mournful sound. It didn't stop until she was far outside the Tenneth capitol.
No one had seen her leave the premises as she was a master at stealth when she wanted to be. Not that anyone in the Rebel group had known...
Blue looked back and saw only smoke.
She let out a sigh and wondered how long she would be free for.
Soon her pack would know she was no longer with the Rebels, and they would mobilize to track her down and kill her...

The wind picked up, sweeping dust and ash into the air, becoming a dust devil. It swayed from side to side growing ever bigger as it moved along the barren landscape... Blue was gasping for breath and instead got a lungful of dirt, making her cough.
Behind her, there was no sound of pawpads hitting the ground, but she knew they were behind her. She sped up, sprinting for her life, jumping over a crevice only to be tackled. She yelped, immediately feeling teeth sink into her hide and whatever sounds She had been about to make were silenced once she and her pursuer hit the ground.
Everything became a mad scramble and Blue was thrown quite a distance.
Breathe, Blue thought to herself, willing herself to get up.
Slowly, she got up and looked at the wolf chasing her. "I never thought it would be you... to kill me."
The tall wolf looked at her, baring it's teeth in a grimace.
Blue kept talking, "I thought you preferred to look after Riko... far from the bloodshed... safe in the tunnels." She stepped backwards, hopping over a small crack in the ground.
The wolf in front of her followed. "Riko is missing, she left the tunnels to find you and now she is lost."
Blue panted, not finding any words to respond to that.
"And they sent me after you...." The wolf advanced and Blue stumbled. She had just almost backed into one of the larger crevices....
"If only we could go back in time," The wolf inhaled and the temperature dropped quickly.
Blue smiled and laughed, "I wouldn't, because I never had this freedom."
There was the sound of breaking glass followed by the dull thud of something sharp hitting a target.
Blue let out a shaky breathe and immediately started to shake.
There was a large spear of ice imbedded in her chest. Dark blood was running out of her nose with every breathe. At the back of mind, she knew the ice had went straight through her lungs. A fatal wound. She only had a few more seconds here in this world.
Blue staggered backwards, "I wish...." Her words final words were lost to the wind as she fell into the abyss behind her.