NPC's Story

It was an early, misty morning in the village of Springwood as the forest came alive to the sound of it's morning symphony. The birds were chirping, the wind blowing a gentle breeze as the leaves rustled on it's branches. Down below the Aven Pack went about their morning routines as shops opened and various wolves gathered to converse and work. Then the serenity of the scene was shattered by the loud outbursts that came from the Springwood Inn. Storming from the hallowed out tree were two furious wolves, Mydnyte and Durandel. "Hey! You're not walking away from this! I won't allow it!" Mydnyte shouted as he followed Durandel. The Canicus whipped around and barked, "I don't really care what you do or don't allow! My Pack needs me right now and their ain't nothing you can say or do to stop me!" As Durandel began to stomp away Mydnyte barred his path by standing before him.

Mydnyte growled, "I told you, you're not walking away from this! You're going to turn around and march right back into that Inn and wait like the rest of us!" He ordered. Durandel scoffed, "Who are you? My mother!? You're not the boss of me Mydnyte, Hell, you're not even from the same Pack as me, so I don't take orders from you! Besides we've waited here for a whole week and for what?! Nothing!! You can all sit around till the doomsday for all I care but I'm leaving now!!!" He shouted as he pushed Mydnyte aside. Mydnyte then snapped at Durandel, "I swear by the Gods, Durandel! If you take one more step I'll-" "Or you'll what!?" Durandel goaded. "Or I'll break your legs and drag you back there myself!!!" Mydnyte snarled. Two Wolves tensed up as they growled each other preparing to strike at one another.

The Shadows seemed to form underneath Mydnyte as heat began to radiate off of Durandel. Then before the brewing fight came to a boil, Fang ran out as he approached both wolves playfully saying, "Hey, it's too early in the morning for this fellas." Despite his joking both Wolves growled at him, "Stay out of this Fang!" Mydnyte shouted. "Alright, come on now, look, let cooler heads prevail here! You're both acting like pups squabbling over a piece of meat." Fang retorted. "What me!?" Mydnyte said as he gave an incredulous look. "I'm not the one who's trying to desert us!" Mydnyte spat in Durandel's face. "Yeah?! Well at least I'm not threatening to break anyone's legs!" Durandel spat back. It seemed Fang was losing control of the situation as he grew frustrated.

"Well...it's good to see that somethings never change."

The Wolves perked up as a familiar voice called out from across the way. They turned to see that the Wolf they've all been waiting for has arrived, it was Fox. "Now please, don't make me have to separate you two." She smirked as plants seemed to surround them both. "Hmph, I didn't even want to waste the energy on him." Mydnyte growled. Fang just sighed as he shook his head. "Alright now that you've two scared the folks around here let's hurry inside before I'm forced to throw you two in Jail for disturbing the peace." Fox taunted as she lead them both inside. There she saw both Nova and Blue, "Hello again, Nova it's good to see you again." The Aven greeted. She then turned to look at Blue at first she seemed confused as she slowly approached her. She gave the young wolf a good look up and down and then chuckled, "At first I thought you were someone else..., Hello my name is Fox." She spoke with a bow of her head.

Durandel and Mydnyte walked in both look pretty disgusted with each other as Fang walked in behind them. He then gave the others this look that said (Hey what can a Wolf do?) as he filed in beside Fox. "Well, everybody let's head into the back room, it's a meeting hall for those that reserve it." She said as she lead the others. Soon the group would find themselves in a long room with a table made from a tree stump in the middle. Fox sat at the head as Fang and Mydnyte sat beside her. "So then what's the latest?" Mydnyte asked. "Well, before we begin, we have one more showing up today and he has something very important to share." Fox spoke. "Whose coming?" Fang asked. "You've met him once before and I'm sure you'll remember him as soon as he walks through that front door." She responded. "How much longer do we have to wait then? I'm sure you haven't heard, but something terrible has happened in the Vulcans and I need to be there." Durandel spoke up.

"Still on that?" Mydnyte huffed. "Of course I'm still on it! Just because Fox showed up that doesn't mean I want to stay here!" Durandel shouted. Mydnyte then began to growl as Fox raised her voice, "Knock it off now. I know things are terribly harsh on all of us but now is not the time to fight amongst ourselves, not when the true enemy is still out there." "She's right besides all of our problems stem from him anyway." Fang added. Mydnyte and Durandel nodded, they did have a point especially if Prometheus is in cahoots with Rashid. Then came a tap at the door. "Ah, that must be him now. Come in!" Fox beckoned and then the door opened to reveal a certain black and blue furred Wolf with a sword. It was, Summanus!

The chill of early autumn rustled through Nova's fur as the breath of dawn's wind passed through the window besides his bed. His body was comforted by the snap of cold that permeated the weather, for the first time in days his limbs had not been numbed from sheer exhaustion. Earlier Nova had wondered whether the weather changed the leaves in this eternally vibrant forest, it would be marvelous to see this place in a vibrant hue of oranges and yellows. Perhaps Springwood skipped over fall altogether, maybe the Aven's couldn't stand to see the leaves fall and die. Maybe the just put life back into the trees as soon as they started dying. Everyone to their own, he had thought, but in the Sharikere's one was lucky to find life without fur or scales.

But thoughts of flora and fauna had been far from Nova's mind the night last, and for the entirety of the night restless thoughts had kept him awake. They had been fighting for attention ever since he began his journey with Durandel and then Blue, and yet they had been concealed by the more forceful bursts of adrenaline that had kept him alive. Now that he was in relative safety, these thoughts could not leave him.

His home had been attacked. Not by an conventional attack by a pack, no, but by a small group of renegades from the Tenneth who had managed to sneak into the heart of his homeland and wreck terror and pain on those he called friends. He only had the words of a disgruntled Dimitrios to know that his family was safe, and Shanice only knew what they thought of him. His mission to go scout out the Jera was only supposed to take two weeks, and here he was in some hovel in the middle of the forest, weeks and miles away from where he wanted to be. He was stuck in this town, waiting for some wolf he barely remembered, with a motley group of misfits who were zealously trying to hunt down a wolf they had no idea where he was, or even if he still existed. Rashid, bah, he probably died when his prison caved in. Why were they chasing after shadows? Why didn't they just go home? They could do so much more good telling the packs to stop fighting, who better than they who had actually spent time with other packs? He could be home. Life could be normal.

If only these thoughts could be true, Nova thought with a heavy sigh. No matter how hard he tried to lie to himself, he knew that life could never go back to normal. Even if Rashid waited to attack until after Nova lived his life, the Ausi would be plagued every night by the guilt that he abandoned his friends. If only evil could be dealt with by someone else. But it couldn't. This was his lot that he chose the day he rescued Cerise. He would have to be the hero. Well, one of them anyway. But why did it have to be so hard?

---

Nova was shaken from his musings by the sounds of shouting drifting through the window. Desperate for anything to get his mind out of the doldrums, he forced himself up for a look. The windows did not have glass, instead they were simply openings in the wooden wall, so he was able to stick his head out for a glance. Sure enough, Durandel and Mydnyte were going at it, which was a surprise as Nova had yet to see Durandal so riled up when not in a fight. By the fang, what were they shouting about? Deciding to go investigate, Nova shook out his coat and got off his bed. Seeing that Blue had already made her way out, he went over to stand by her to see if she knew what the hullabaloo was about.

That question would have to go unanswered, for soon Fox strolled into camp, and after he exchange pleasantries with her the meeting they had been waiting a week for finally got down to order. Well, kind of. It sounded like Durandel's home was in trouble, and he was exhibiting some of the same stresses he felt earlier that morning. Heh, what did Fox know of going through "terribly harsh" times? She hadn't been trying to not be killed by every wolf in Nigerius for the better part of a week! She was home, she could see her family at any time. Whatever. Never the most vocal when it came to speaking in groups, Nova decided to hold his tongue and see what would unravel, breaking silence only for a small aside to Blue. "Looks like you might soon learn who the real enemy is. There are worse wolves out there than me, you know" Nova said with a whisper, not able to resist stirring their old rivalry. It was fun.

Well, he was a persistent one, he was, Shamus had to admit. That Felonious wouldn't give him an inch. He had tried ditching him, dodging him, conning him, annoying him, convincing him, anything short of fighting with him. Besides 'entertaining' him with the wonderful stories of his adventures, Shamus didn't have any cards left to pull. He was going to have to have Felonious along with him. He began to wonder if the Hemlock would be able to recite the story he had oft repeated of when he had almost married the daughter of the Deon alpha. She had been a lovely girl, until he jilted her. You don't know what being throttled is until you have the teeth of a wolf that can crush metal around your neck.

They had spent the night among the endless fields of wheat that he called him home, and the Saffron knew that by mid-morning he would be arriving in the village of the current alpha, or Thane, as the Saffron liked to call their annual elected leader. Shamus' initial plan had been to convince Felonious to wait outside the village in the wheat fields while he did his work, but he realized that he could use the Hemlock to further his goals. Getting Schemeko's lackey banished or killed would be a nice bonus, as he would be unable to lead his leader back to where Shamus was. Shamus had no interest in Schemeko once he was Thane. In fact, he hadn't any intrest in that Hemlock gang leader before he was Thane either!

"Well matey, your about to learn today where I learned to be so nice! We Saffron pride ourself on hospitality, so if ya will just behave for the next few days and listen to me, things might work out for ya. There are always a few foriegn wolves in the village this time of year for the harvest festival. Maybe you'll find a new minion fo' your boss to bring back to the swamps with ya" Shamus said with his usual brogue.

The days had passed slowly, and it began to itch between her shoulder blades. Living without meat was difficult and the way the wolves around her part to give her space was more akin to fear then respect. Everything here was different, and it appeared to also get to Durandel and the others. As she sometimes noticed Nova to be uncharacteristically silent, without sharp words or a cunning look in his eyes. And it was very easy to see how the 'Peace' here disturbed Durandel since he was such an expressive wolf.

As for how Blue had been faring... Blue had been bidding her time, remembering her times in the darkness of being forced to wait. It was difficult since she could no longer pretend to be BattleDemon, her mother. Yet, the desired effect had happened. Durandel and Nova were now her designated traveling companions. Well, not so much 'desired' with Nova as it just somehow happened. She didn't entirely understand what their situation was as she no longer has a pack and especially since being raised in the darkness, she knew nothing of what it meant to miss a home that could possibly be wiped out. That's right, she knew next to nothing of the harsh realities of this world. She had no one. She was alone. She had only herself to love and fight for... Right?


Durandel, Mydnyte and Fang entered the room along with the unfamiliar she-wolf. Blue huffed and watched them silently, ignoring the way the three brutes instantly began bickering. Her ears twitched, annoyed by their ceaseless chattering. They're like those rodents who chitter in the trees. She thought of the rodents with the fluffy curled tails, and how they sometimes throw acorns down on her when she gets too close to a certain tree.

"Looks like you might soon learn who the real enemy is. There are worse wolves out there than me, you know." Blue rolled her eyes and before she could retaliate with words, Fox spoke to her. "At first I thought you were someone else..., Hello my name is Fox." A growl rose its way up from her throat, no doubt the she-wolf had thought she was BattleDemon. It irked how this she-wolf could tell on sight that she wasn't BattleDemon, yet somehow the wolves that apparently knew BattleDemon the longest, Nova and Durandel, didn't know.

She has good instincts. It would be best to avoid her. Blue backed off all of sudden from the meeting, slowly edging for the door. Yet, apparently fate was beginning to show her good time. The next wolf who came in after Fox really didn't bother her and so she proceeded to walk out, passing by the stranger... When she passed him, her chest light on fire. Well, it didn't light on fire so much as shocked her so badly her fur suddenly crackled with electricity. Needless to say, Blue was shocked, literally by this brute's presence.

In seconds her hackles went up and she turned on Summanus with a frightful snarl. Unbeknownst to her, the chain with the pendent on her neck, was beginning to emanate with a sudden power surge. She was in a crouch, her blue eyes practically glaring daggers at the strange Brute.

Vesta had spent the last who knows how many days wondering, not knowing were she was going. Starting about two nights ago, she has been pleaged by a playful attacker from the shadows. Only once was she able to get a glimpse of who it was, a she-wolf and based on the attacks she is from the Kamaria. Last night was no different, just as Vesta laid down to sleep she felt a paw poke her in the back. Rolling over for a counterattack she was poked in the back again. "Who ever you are. Do you mind... I need sleep. Or if you like I will burn this whole place to ash so I can get some shut eye." She said into the quiet night of the wheat field. With that she felt a pat on the head and a soft voice from that seemed to come from all around, "Good night. Sleep well pup, I will watch over you."

As the sun rose Vesta rose with it having slept unusually well. She made her way into a near by village and headed to the inn knowing that would most likely be the best place to blend in and also would allow her to get privacy. Of course she failed to take into account that the inn would be were all travelers would head. As she neared it She saw two wolves having some sort of aurgument that ended when a she-wolf came out of the inn. Waiting for the wolves to re-enter the inn, she decided that the inn was still the best place to start so she followed them in a few paces behind so not to alarm them. Once inside she again forgot to take in to account that she wasn't alone, out of her shadow bound the Kamaria, jumping from one shadow to the next. Well doing so, two more shadows started to jump with her, which gave Vesta pause. Shaking it off and just happy to be done with the pest she started moving toward the inn keep when she saw a shadow or maybe it was the Kamaria jump into the room were the wolves from outside had gone. Rolling her eyes she ran as fast as she could to try and stop the she-wolf from doing anything stupid, why she had no idea. As she neared the door, she leaped in with fangs bare, ears up and her fur raised. "I know your in here!" She growled, before noticing her mistake.

*********

Amarok had stayed in the Acacia Woods since her mother passed away, only a week or so ago. Her mother brought her here as a safe place to hide. Before she passed, her mother also showed her a path through the woods to and from Springwood. Amarok had always been a playful one, and not having others around she never real need to grow out of it. Now without her mom around it seemed to be the only thing keeping her going... that is until she happened upon a Tenneth. Not knowing any better and wanting some one to play with, she starting doing a version of tag using hit and run. That lasted till one night the Tenneth told her to stop. So in the morning, instead of messing around she hid in the wolf's shadow, waiting to play again.

As luck would have it the Tenneth entered an Inn to which Amarok took full advantage of. Once inside she started jumping from one shadow to the next. She summoned her two shadow friends and "followed" them around. This gave her an idea, she made one jump into a room were a group of wolves were having some sort of get together. Once inside the shadow disappeared but it worked, the Tenneth leaped into the room trying to chase her. To this Amarok followed suit, she leaped into the room and bounced off the tenneth's back with a smile. With a quick happy look around her eyes stopped on the two Kamaria males. She ears dropped as she lowered her head and tucked her tail between her legs. Before anyone had a chance to reacted to either of them Amarok made the shadow in the nearest corner as dark as possible and slowly, well still keeping her head lowed and pointed in the direction of the two male, backed into the shadow. Laying down she tried to remain as still and hidden as possible.

Durandel looked down the way towards the door, and he was a fair bit surprised by who he saw. Mydnyte and Fang also looked towards the door to see who had entered. It was then that both of them remembered that it was Summanus. Unlike Durandel and Nova, Mydnyte has made contact with him before along with Alina and Fox here. Fang then nodded, "You're right, hello again Summanus." Fang called out with a smile. Summanus didn't appear to be so happy in fact he appeared quite solemn. It was then he noticed Blue passing by him and at first it looked like BattleDemon to him. Then surprisingly the She-Wolf whipped around to snarl at him.

The Two-Tailed Borak turned to face Blue and in the face of her snarling his demeanor had not changed one bit. He was not guarded, not even threatened, as he just stared at her with tired, lonely eyes. He then noticed however to his puzzlement as to why he was beginning to discharge energy. When he isn't exciting by battle or danger he has relatively fine control over his powers but he was beginning to feel the twinge of a surge brewing within. The Borak then looked closely at Blue it was then he noticed something around her neck, something in the shape of an lightning bolt. "BattleDemon?" He softly spoke.

It was then his demeanor changed as he defensively reached for his sword once two Wolves or was it more? Came barging in unannounced and quite raucously. Durandel, Fang, Mydnyte, and Fox also perked up at the sight of this intrusion to what was supposed to be a private gathering. Myndyte then barked as he saw a bunch of shadows jumping around everyone, "WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS!?!?" He shouted in agitation. "Are they friend or foe?!" Fang asked as he felt confused as to what was going on. Durandel felt confused between Blue snapping at Summanus, the shifting shadows and then- "A TENNETH!?" He barked. He then stood up as he began to snarl at the Fire Wolf. "Has he found us all the way out here!? That shouldn't be possible, can it!?" Durandel frantically thought.

It seemed as soon as they could notice the shadows had stopped moving as they began to gather and darken near a corner of the room. While it would be difficult for anyone else to see Fang and Mydnyte could see that this was the work of a Kamarian as they saw the She-Wolf enter a submissive position before cowering to one side of the room. Fox then stood up and called out, "Alright enough!" She sounded a bit agitated herself. "This neither the time or the place for this sort of nonsense. Now then you over there, state your business this is a private affair!" Fox spoke directly to the Tenneth. "Don't forget the one in the corner as well." Mydnyte growled as he glared at the new Shadow Wolf. "Another Kamaria eh? If you would please step out of the shadows there is no reason to hide lest you mean to do us harm?" Fox spoke over her shoulder.

Durandel continued to growl at the Tenneth he wasn't quite sure if they should trust anything she says for all they knew she worked for Prometheus. Summanus then took the time to look at the Tenneth and towards the corner where the shadows seemed to be forming. While some of the others appeared riled up, Summanus became as he felt no sense of hostility coming from either of them. Besides if they were enemies then they wouldn't stop and cower off in the shadows. Summanus returned his gaze back to Blue as he looked closely towards the glowing pendant. "So it's true...you are BattleDemon after all?" He spoke aloud. "Well, actually, that's Blue." Fang spoke up. Summanus turned to look at him and then back at Blue confused he said, "Perhaps but, why would a random She-Wolf have my Birth Pendant?" Summanus brought up. Confused Fang and Mydnyte stood up to see what the Borak claims.

Sure enough, glowing around her neck was a lightning bolt shaped pendant reacting to Summanus's energy; which was beginning to make the fur on the wolves around him stick up. "She's right." Fang gasped. "Well, what is that supposed to mean?" Mydnyte asked. "It means that Blue managed to take something away from BattleDemon." He answered. Durandel then barked, "Are we not going to address the intruders in the room!?" He was a bit flabbergasted that the group of wolves were more interested in Blue and her pendant when strangers, who could be an enemies, are standing right before them. Summanus looked over to Durandel and said, "These are no foes of ours, I sense no amount of bloodlust between them." He stated. Shocked Durandel responded, "How can you be so sure of that!? Just because your senses tell you so?! That doesn't sound very reliable to me!" "A Wolf must always trust in his instincts for when all else fails they don't." Summanus finished.

"Well if we've all had our daily dose of drama I suggest we all sit back down and resume business. I trust in Summanus's instincts, he is a highly trained warrior and if he believes they are not our enemies then it must be so. As for you two, I ask you leave us now before you cause anymore disruptions." Fox said firmly as she sat back down. The Shadow Wolves returned to their seats as Summanus sat down as he kept an eye on Blue. Durandel then grudgingly held back his tongue as he sat back down obviously not happy at the moment.

Trying to keep his paw from shaking, Nova fought back the adrenaline that throbbed at the edge of his vision. Every muscle in his body was tensed up, and it was all he could do to not gasp for air and draw attention to himself. Raising his trembling paw and looking at it in a confused disgust, he saw that where his paw had been resting on the table there was a thin layer of frost. What is wrong with me? Normally action doesn't shake me up so bad... But trying to tell yourself not to be excited is like trying to tell the sun not to rise. The growlings of defensive wolves, the Tenneth appearing once again, the flurry of verbal violence, it all brought the terrors of last week flashing back to him. And while adrenaline brings out the fight in strong wolves like Durandel, Nova knew that it only brought the flight out in wolves like him.

Wiping away the ice on the table, Nova watched as the other discussed the pendent. "Shanice's Tail, I need some air" Nova mumbled to himself, before getting up from the table. He could catch up on the meeting later, he knew he wasn't going to be hearing any of it while he was rattled. His head wasn't in the game. Besides, he doubted they were going to say anything he didn't already know. Rashid was alive. He was trying to take over the world. Scouts reported he was at x, y, and z. We'll go stop him. And Blue? She probably wouldn't remember where she got that pendent anyway, that clueless wolf didn't even know who her father was. No use sticking around for that gossip. He had to move his body and go clear his head.

"I'll show them out, make sure they get gone. Keep on going without me, I'll catch up" Nova said firmly as soon as Fox made the motion to shoo them out. Enemy or not, he would make use of this Tenneth and turn her into an excuse for leaving. Ignoring any of their possible protests, Nova gave Vesta a look before pushing the door open for her on his way out.

"BattleDemon?" That name made her freeze for a second. Another one. She ground her teeth together, no words coming to her at that moment other then the aching inside her chest. Of course, that's when the meeting room flew into disarray as two strangers appeared. As if she wasn't already stressed enough, and to add this to it? Unbelievable.

Blue growled and other then the slight tremble on her legs, was able to stay stock still. What's going on? This was all utterly wacko, in her opinion. What was the point of having this so-called secret meeting if strange wolves just showed up unannounced? She was trying hard not to burst into laughter at the sudden strangeness of it all when those shadow wolves all just clumped together into a corner of the room, and of course, Durandel just started shouting at the fire wolf at the door entrance. Wacko. completely Wacko.

It all happened in mere minutes, and when it all seemed to have calmed for awhile, she remembered what had happened. That strange brute had thought she was her mother, and... Yes, I believe I was escaping from this madness. Blue started for the door again only to be stopped by Summanus, yet again. This made her skitter backwards as it seemed the closer Summanus was her to, the more the pendent reacted by sparking up.

"So it's true...you are BattleDemon after all?"
"Well, actually, that's Blue."
"Perhaps but, why would a random She-Wolf have my Birth Pendant?" Summanus brought up.

Blue blinked and becoming confused brought a paw to her forehead. As this went on, she felt an onset of a headache. That's when she realized that they were all getting closer to her to see the pendant. This agitated her further, and she nearly snapped at them about her personal space when they seemed to have back off.

Letting out a sigh, she looked down at her paws to see that she was trembling all over again. Great. Just great. She gave herself time to steady herself before standing back up, "I believe this does not concern me; if you need me.." The way she spoke the ending, suggested that she believed that they did not need her, and without giving them a change to reply, she stalked out of the room. She appeared to be the darkest of them all in that moment.

Once outside, Blue felt the pendent's power to be fading. It wasn't the only thing that faded, as did the pain in her chest. I guess I'll just have to stay away from that... two-tailed one. She hadn't even caught the stranger's name, yet he knew her's. How annoying. Ah well, can't bother with a rude wolf like that. And with that, she began to walk toward an area of Springwood that appeared to more crowded with Avens, perhaps, what was called a market?

Her dark pelt stood out among the mostly green wolves, all of whom gave her a wide berth. She ignored them, and just focused on looking over the things in the stalls, some of which were very interesting. This... Merchant was selling powders, some were for sleeping problems, other could help with healing wounds, and others for she-wolves... She quickly walked away from that stall when the seller thought she were there for she-wolf troubles. Hmm, everything here... could it be? After looking over some stalls, she noticed a common theme. Was it mating season? Why are there focusing on love-dovey stuff? Wasn't it almost winter?

Wait, what season is it? She was confused about the customs of this world, and it appeared to show since somehow all the seller's seemed to know this, as they all bothered her. They questioned her about this or that problem and offered their own thing that could help her, all for a certain price that was. Blue ignored them mostly, and continued her walk through the market.

Noting the tension in the room and the big mistake she had made, Vesta nodded to the Ausi as he made his way out. She looked back at the group around the table, "To answer everyone's questions, first, what is the meaning of this? Simple, a Tenneth goes were ever a Tenneth wants to go. Second, am I friend or foe...? Well that all depends on you. If you are asking whether or not I am after any of you... no. Though I am curious as to why a cousin would be in a private meeting like this way out here? Canicus, cousin, you should know, if I was your enemy I would not have leaped in here to start my attack, though I am not surprised that a Aven would ask such a question. What would you know about war? A pair of shadow wolves who do their best fighting in hit and run would know nothing about a straight up fight, especially if one Tenneth makes you so scared. But now you mister Borak, you seem to have a good sense of things, though once again I am not surprised. As for my business here, that is a long story, but simply put I am hunting the most dangerous prey to ever live and I was following a pest of shadow pup. But if this meeting has nothing to do with going after or avoiding Tenneth, I am sorry for the intrusion. Oh before I go, know that nothing stays private for ever and some one please.... do some thing about the shadow pup, before some thing happens to it." With that Vesta respectfully nods, "Again I am sorry for the interruption." As she turned to leave she looked back at Fang and blow a small flame at him. It wasn't strong enough to reach him or set anything on fire, just a playful notion. Vesta walked out of the room with her head held high and proud as is typical of a Tenneth.

Once outside she turned her attention to the Ausi, "Excuse me sir. I know many have no love for my kind but it seemed a little more personal for your friend back there. Also I've never seen a group like that, wolves from so many packs. What's going on? Is everything alright?" It was time to try and find out as much information as she could about what ever she could.

Waiting for things to calm down and for Vesta to leave, Amarok slowly emerged from the shadows. Still in a very submissive poster. "I'm... I'm... not a pup. And. And I'm sorry. I didn't mean... I'll... I'll... go now." She started to turn toward the exit but stopped when her eyes fell once again on the two Kamaria males. To which she slowly approached. "Your... you.. really are Kamaria? Your really male Kamaria...? And your not going to kill me?" Keeping her head low, she looked up at the two with a mix of pain, sadness and confusion. Amarok had always been told how dangerous the males of her pack were and to avoid them at all cost. It was also a pair of male Kamaia that killed he mother about a week ago. Thinking that she may yet be killed by the two, she laid down and closed her eyes. In a very soft whisper, "I am sorry mom. I guess I will be seeing you sooner then you wanted."

Felonious was quite thoroughly tired from this long journey from the Swamps to the Wheatfields. It didn't help things either when Shamus practically tried every trick in the book to lose him. Unfortunately for him Felonious is quite dedicated once Schemeko gives him a job no matter how unpractical or difficult it may be. Still even he can't do everything and it's taking all that he can to remain standing up. When he heard they were nearing civilization, Felonious felt relieved. He really did hope that this venture would be fruitful to Schemeko in the end.

"Right...so long as there's a place I can rest, I could really care less at this point." Felonious spoke. Throughout their trip the Hemlock hardly responded to Shamus when he spoke. He eventually found it pointless to converse with the Saffron since every word out of his lips were either an insult, a joke, or a long winded story. He could tell that the Saffron cared as little about him as well, so with that kind of tension always being present, it was easy to tell they weren't friends in the slightest. Even so Felonious was indeed persistent and quite patient all things considering.

He then looked towards Shamus and shrugged, "Just lead on then." He said as he followed behind the Harvest Wolf. Now he just hoped the rest of his Pack doesn't act like him. Oh Gods, it was a thought he dreaded as soon as he got to know this Wolf.

The answers the Tenneth gave did not help ease the tension whatsoever in the room, if anything it pissed off some of the wolves even more. Durandel said nothing in response to the She-Wolf's rather gutsy retorts he merely snorted in her direction. Normally she would be right if it weren't for the Prometheans being the unconventional fighters that they are. It's hard to tell if even a simple bold leap in the face of danger is more than just an error or part of a larger scheme. Still she acts like a conventional Tenneth rather than those fanatics they've been dealing with as of late. Of course where Durandel held his tongue, Mydnyte would have none of it.

"Know nothing about-? You'd best hold your tongue before I rip it out from your little head!" Mydnyte threatened. It was then Fang raised his paw and shook his head no. "Hmph, scared of you, what a joke." He grumbled as he begrudgingly sat back down. Fang then sighed, he cared about his fellow Kamarian but the Wolf did have a short temper at times. Summanus didn't respond to the Tenneth as she doled out her saucy remarks he was more concentrated on Blue as she left in a sour mood. After she snapped back at him when he got close he decided to stay away for now. He wasn't about to let his Birth Pendant out of his sight again...it's just too valuable to him. Still he had his priorities and he would stay for this meeting which seemed about ready to begin.

"That would be fine, thank you." Fox said to Nova. It was then the Tenneth left in a rather dramatic style even earning a confused look from Fang as he saw the flame. He merely shook his head, he wasn't quite sure what to think about all of that. Fox breathed a sigh of relief as the other intruder skulked out of the shadows with her head held low. It seemed she would leave without much of a word unlike the other until the Kamarian approached them, specifically Fang and Mydnyte. Her words confused Fang who was unsure of how to respond to it, he then muttered, "Uh...yes, we are." He answered his words heavy with puzzlement. Of course Mydnyte gruffly responded, "Well, that remains to be seen." He merely looked down on the She-Wolf, quite shameful to see a Kamaria act in such a way.

"Mydnyte!" Fang scolded. "I'm sorry for my friend, he's a bit of grouch sometimes." He chuckled. "Fang!" Mydnyte raised his voice as the Kamarian laughed. Fang always found it fun to poke fun at Mydnyte when he can especially since he could get away with it. "Huh?" Fang blurted out as she whispered. "What? Oh no, no, no, we aren't going to kill you or do anything to harm you, aren't we?" Fang said as he looked to Mydnyte who didn't respond. "Mydnyte." He said disapprovingly. "Oh, fine, we won't! We have no reason to." The grumpy Wolf finally admitted. "You see? There ain't nothing to worry about! So you can go ahead and be on your way, alright?" Fang said to the She-Wolf with a friendly smile.

The sun was beginning to beat down hard as the pair walked into the town. The wheat seemed to have a glow of its own about them as it reflected the sunlight, illuminating the surroundings with a lovely golden hue. The village of Harvest Grove was on the edge of the valley, and its style reflected what most of the Saffron villages looked like. Because there was a general shortage of timber in the area, there being endless plains of Jivanta to the west and the inaccessible floating mountains of timber belonging to the Avira to the north, most of the buildings were built of stone and cement.

There was about fifty or so dwellings, more or less running in parallel lines down the main street. This was rather large for a village here, with about 400 residents it boasted having a cobblestone road and a few tradeswolves, as opposed to the traveling smithies most other villages had to rely on. Much of this prosperity came as wolves moved here to be closer to the Thane, and as soon as a new wolf was elected to Thane some wolves would likely move to his village. Some wolves liked being close to power.

As they entered the town, most wolves didn't give much more than a friendly nod to the arrivals. It wasn't uncommon to see a foreigner around this time of year, there was often a few foreign wolves who came to buy grain for the packs or simply come see the harvest festival. As long as the foreigners left their war outside Saffron territory, these wolves were fairly tolerant. None of the brown and grey wolves they passed gave any indication they knew who Shamus was, which Shamus didn't seem to mind. They would know who he was soon enough.

"My Thane is likely out in the fields at work, matey, so I'm going to have to wait til tonight to talk to him. The election happens just before the festival tomorrow evening after the Presentation of Foresight, so you won't hafta wait long" Shamus explained a bit, feeling rather pleasant now that he was home again. He guided Felonious over to a modest inn in the middle of town. After talking to a older Saffron shewolf with a red ribbon tied around her neck he said to the Hemlock, "I once did a favor for the owner here. She'll get you set up for your rest, matey. I'm going to go scope out my competition, meet you back here at dusk."

Being very interested in any information the wolf might have, Vesta followed him outside. As he started to tell her about this Rashid, whom she never heard of before, she started to thing that his brain might be a fried, Then as she thought more about it and the events leading up to her leaving home, some thing clicked. She started pacing back and forth quickly with a big smile, her eyes darting to and fro as her mind raced. As the wolf finish asking his questions, she couldn't help but think out loud to avoid going crazy. "THATS IT!! If he was weak and being influenced by this Rashid, who was playing both sides... Then that would mean he set them up." As she spoke she bore her fang more and more as the rage built in her still darting eyes. "Oh, not only is he weak but being guided by an outsider. Oh..." She starts to lick her chops like a wolf about to feast on a fresh kill. "When I finally find you... You will pay for your betrayal. I will be the last thing you see when the shadows take you as I..." Looking around she notices that the locals have backed away from them and are watching her with worried looks, Laying down facing Nova, she relaxes a little. "Sorry about that. You were asking me why they let me in? I think its because they don't want to cause any problems with the Tenneth, or they sense I mean no one here any harm. I am hunting and am only a danger to my prey or any fools who get in my way. Beyond that I don't know." To be honest she never thought about it. She was used to going were ever she wanted, guess that comes with being a Tenneth and their reputation.

Looking up at Nova, "Wolf... Thank you." She smiled, "For the first time in a long time the world makes some sort of scene again. By the way, my name is Vesta. Say, if you and your friends are hunting this Rashid... why dont we make a deal? I pledge on the blood of my family, to help you and your friends hunt this wolf, if you help me hunt my prey? Only thing, I get to kill my prey or I kill who ever took my kill from me. I don't mind the help but the kill is mine. What do you say?"


Trying to pull herself together, she managed to stand up straight even though her head was still low and her tail between her legs. "I'm... I'm sorry. I... I just never. I've never met an other... Besides the ones that... that killed mom. I'm sorry." As she finished forcing out what words she could well holding back tears, she respectfully bowed to the group. She turned and left with out an other word. Once outside she didn't notice the Tenneth she had been traveling with and kept walking. Walking through the crowed not paying any attention to anything, she lightly bumps into Blue. Keeping her head low and her mind miles away she didn't look back at the wolk but instead walked till she found a spot out of the way on the edge of town. As tears started to roll down her face, she is joined by her two shadow friends. One stands watch over her well the other lays down next to her. Softly speaking to her friends through her tears. "Why can't I find a like those two are with each other. Nothing against you two, but they were the first of my kind I have ever met and I blow it. If mom was here I would have been brave. I was always brave around her. Now, now I'm just a lone scared little nothing. I don't even have a pack or place to call home. Why did those shadow wolves let me live? Why not kill both of us? Why not let her live and kill me? Why did she leave home? Why did she leave me?" She laid her head between her paws, "Oh mom, I miss you so much. Why did you have to leave me?"

As the Kamaria she-wolf decided to leave after saying her rather melancholic goodbyes, Fang felt saddened after the fact. He found himself worrying about the young Wolf, it was obvious she was distraught over seeing both him and Mydnyte. The other Kamarian in the room didn't seem to care about the stranger's feelings but he did perk up after hearing her words. Could it be possible? He wondered. Was she in fact a survivor from the massacre at the hands of Kaveh and Rashid? He began to feel somewhat guilty over the harsh and cold words he had given to the she-wolf. He forgets that he sometimes can come off as rude, impatient, and domineering especially when he should exercise compassion.

He'd thought she might have been one of those Kamarians Fang talked about in Black Valley; he never stopped to consider that she may have come from his Pack. It seemed outlandish at the time having believed that Kaveh had managed to kill every one of the she-wolves and pups, but now he felt a bit elated that there might be survivors. Mydnyte felt the need to go and speak with the Kamaria but he knew he must stay for the meeting, it's the reason he dragged everyone here. Though he did find it annoying that some decided to excuse themselves without any notion of returning.

As the last intruder had left, Fox then gave a breath of relief as she looked to the ones who stayed. "Well, as much as I hoped Nova and, Blue was it? Would stay, I have much to attend to so I'm afraid I must be brief. As we should know, Prometheus has become the Commander of the entire Tenneth Army, and with our suspicions of his loyalty to Rashid this is a most precarious situation. We need to stop him now before he gains any more power." Fox began. It was then Durandel visibly tossed about in discomfort and anxiety. "Is there something you wish to say?" Fox asked as the room turned it's attentions towards Durandel. The Canicus stood silently and still for what seemed like a minute.

He had considered withholding information from them but Mydnyte shot a glare as if he could sense him hiding something. Durandel then showed the lot the letter from Ezra and it seemed the whole mood turned even graver. "This changes things." The only words Fox could speak. It was then the silent Borak finally spoke up, "It all makes sense now." "What do you mean?" Fox asked. "Last time, when I spied on Shimmer Doom she was visited by none other than Kaveh." He said. "I couldn't get close enough to hear everything but I didn't need to, what I heard was devastating enough. Kaveh had mentioned Prometheus's name and that he was poised to take over the Pack of Fire from the ruling Alpha. He said once it was finished the next phase of their plan would commence. While I'm not sure what this next phase entails, I do know that it involves Shimmer meeting with Prometheus underneath the pretense to form an alliance between the Borak and the Tenneth." Summanus finished. It seemed the bad news just kept on coming.

"If what you said is true...then things are worse than we could imagine. If Shimmer and Prometheus can secure a truce between their two packs, then their combined might could well mean doom for us all." Fox gasped. "I'm not sure if they intend to conquer us all once the alliance is made but we cannot rule out any possibilities." Summanus added. Mydnyte grimly looked between all those in the meeting and the sighed, "It seemed we are faced with a foe on two fronts, we must intercept Shimmer's envoy and keep this truce from ever coming to pass." Durandel then spoke up for the first time since the meeting began, "No, we should end Prometheus instead, there can't be an alliance if he's no longer around to make it." "That seems to be the more difficult of the two options at this point. Prometheus will be extremely well-guarded now that he is the Tenneth Alpha, no, a Borak General would be the easier of the two to eliminate." Fox explained.

"But, Prometheus is the more dangerous of the two! Even if you kill this, Shimmer, he could still forge his own alliances since he's the Alpha!" Durandel shouted. "He's right." Summanus spoke out. "As much as I believe Shimmer must be removed...killing her won't change their plans. Being the Alpha, Prometheus can make it possible to reach out to other Packs and possibly create these alliances through diplomacy. Granted, it would be harder for him to make an alliance with the Borak without Shimmer but not impossible. Prometheus has simply become too dangerous to let live." His words weighed heavily on Fox as she looked down to the ground in silent contemplation. She then looked up at everyone with a heavy heart and with a sigh, "Well, I see your point...taking down an Alpha is no easy task...it will most likely end in your deaths. I cannot ask you to do this but if Nigerius is to survive this takeover then we must risk everything." The Aven looked towards everyone as they considered the risks involved in this massive undertaking.

The group came to a decision, their first target will be, Prometheus. With that they had concluded their meeting and with it, Fox took her leave as the four wolves exited the building. "Before you leave, you should all supply up and figure out a plan. I would help in this endeavor if it were not for my obligations. I wish you all luck and pray that whatever you do will be successful." With that she took her leave. "I'll go and find the others! Shall we return to the Inn?" Fang asked. The others nodded. "Good, I'll make it quick!" Fang then rushed off to find Nova and Blue and surprisingly he found him speaking with that Tenneth from earlier. The kindly Kamarian walked up to the odd pair and with a smile, "Well, making new friends already?" He said. "Sorry about that mess from the Inn earlier, I guess everybody is a bit tense this morning." He chuckled. "Speaking of the Inn, you don't mind returning to it? There are somethings you need to hear." Fang grimly spoke.

Felonious looked towards Shamus with heavy eyes as the Wolf shrugged with his shoulders. He didn't seem to awfully interested in Harvest Grove and everything that surrounded it. Of course that could just be the fatigue talking. As he and Shamus walked down the cobblestone road some Saffron turned to look at the newcomer but didn't seem all too worried about his presence. They did seem more used to seeing foreigners unlike other Packs.

Shamus decided to explain how things worked around here particularly how officials are elected into power and not simply born into it. Still the Hemlock didn't have any interest in Saffron politics and traditions and just wanted to rest. The crafty Saffron led Felonious to a modest inn and he almost seemed ready to just fall over and rest right in front of the building. It was then Shamus explained to him how he did the owner a favor and now the kindness is being returned.

Felonious nodded, he was actual quite pleased to be rid of him for a while, not only that, but earn some well deserved rest. As the Saffron went off to do, whatever he believes he needs to do, Felonious was led by the older she-wolf to a vacant room. "Now please enjoy your stay." The kindly old Wolf spoke as she opened the door. "Thanks." Felonious responded as he closed the door behind him. He sluggishly walked towards the bed on the far side of the room as he collapsed on the soft and plushy pillows. Sleep quickly overtook the Hemlock.

She happily followed her new friend as he lead her into the market. As they walked she slowly started to calm herself down, knowing how a worked up Tenneth looks to others. Had she been on her way out of town she might have messed with people a little, with a little pyro display. She chuckled as Fang explained how he wouldn't mind having another wolf around. Smiling she turned her head away, being slightly embarrassed and ashamed. Thinking to herself, "You are on the road to getting vengeance for your family and your laughing? Stupid weak girl. Focus." Vesta perked up when Nova mentioned the Cancius. "Go figure, a cousin would be this groups leader. Well if That's how it is, I guess I need a word with this Durandel." She thought as one of the Kamaria walked up to them.

Her Pride prevented her from apologizing to Fang, but she did nod respectfully to him. Hearing the grim tone in his voice Vesta spoke up. "I understand you have business with one Rashid. There are a few things we need discuss. I'm sure what I have to say can help you in your hunt." At this point she wants to get this "party" started and get back home. Not knowing what family the Cancius is from or what the groups play to get Rashid is, she figures that an attack on the Vulcans would be enough to draw anyone and every ones attention.

Blue

Pulled, rather abruptly from her dark thoughts, Blue turned to see Nova's gesturing. She blinked and just like that, all her recent thoughts were swept away, leaving her somewhat confused as to why she was in a melancholic mood. She watched the Aven wolves dancing before her and shook out fur just before she began her walk back to the inn. What was I thinking just now.

Blue had been too preoccupied with her situation of being unwanted. Well, Durandel and his group did seem to want her around, but it was probably only out of the fact that she knew the last known location of her mother. BattleDemon. Vital information they thought would be helpful against the coming darkness. Yet, Blue could not tell them this secret since she still did not trust Durandel and Nova fully. Especially the Kamarians.

It was only a minute or so when she arrived at the inn and whereupon she growled in disapproval at the sight of all the wolves gathered together. It was annoying how little she knew about the type of wolves in this world. In a way, she thought Nova was right about about her cluelessness.

In fact, at the very thought of Nova she remembered how he thought she had rushed into that fight, the one where they met. A small feeling of guilt nipped at her. She hadn't rushed into the fight at all. The fight had come to her and her young self had never even known how to fight. She had no powers, nothing but the ability to run from her enemies which as she found out the hard way, she was an excellent runner. She was nothing like her mother.

Nothing like her at all. Blue calmed herself. Thinking of such matters now would not help her. Nonchalantly, acting like this meeting was unimportant she began to groom herself.

Meanwhile, in the Vulcans a history making moment was in the works as an entourage of Wolves walked up the main road into the mountains. While all had different fur colors, the one thing to distinguish which pack they hailed from was the unmistakable lightning pendants that hung off each of their necks. Leading this group of Boraks was the aggressively ambitious She-Wolf, Shimmer Doom.

"So, then Lady Doom, if this meeting is so safe then why bring me along?" Asked an enigmatic, yellow furred Borak. "While the meeting is arranged to be in peace, it's never a bad idea to always have a show of force when needed. Strength is a tenet long praised by the Tenneth, we do well to show them that their alliance with us is a wise decision." Shimmer spoke.

"Oh, quite wise you are Lady Doom." The she-wolf cooed. "Either way stay close to me Atalanta, you never know with the Tenneth sometimes their fire burns beyond their control." She ordered. Atalanta simply nodded as the Boraks were stopped at a checkpoint by several Tenneth. "Halt! What business have you lot here?" Asked the Guard. "Ah, yes, I have this letter signed by your Alpha. We are to meet him at his palace in Hephaestus." Shimmer spoke as she motioned with her head for one of the Boraks to step forward.

In his mouth he handed a letter to the Tenneth as the Fire Wolf opened it up and read it. "Appears you are telling the truth, I even see our Alpha's seal upon the parchment. Then please proceed, we have been told to expect you as well." The Tenneth Guard then gave a signal to others to allow the visitors passage. "Thank you." Shimmer spoke as the Borak marched on. "Oh there is something that you should know." She said as she turned. "A few of us are lagging behind pulling around a large, metal object. Do not worry about them, they're with us, so if you could? Send them along, they carry with them a gift for your Alpha." She finished as she walked away.

Within the hour, the Boraks will reach Hephaestus City and at the behest of Prometheus they shall meet. Within the walls of his newly obtained palace, a shift shall be made in this long and bloody war. For today will mark the day that a new alliance will be born. And as enemies join in arms, the forces of good struggle to remain together.

It was bright, shining day in the township of Harvest Grove as the town is alive with the sights, sounds, and smells of the Harvester's Jubilee! Or the Harvest Festival as it is otherwise known. As the Saffron vendors work on operating their stands the various bodies travel up and down the road sampling and purchasing the many fine wares, foods, and services provided. As the Wolves seemed to cooperate in relative peace their eyes would suddenly be drawn to the image a big, lumbering Brown Bear walking down the street.

The Bear had a big, drawn-out, goofy smile upon his face as Wolves stepped aside not wishing to be in the way of such a large animal. While some seemed nervous around the new visitor, some (especially the pups) couldn't help but stare in wonder at the creature. They heard of Bears in their stories and found it neat to actually see one. The Bear waved it's big paw at the pups who either fled or barked. It was then his large snout began to suck in the surrounding air as he raised his head high in the air.w

"Oooh! Something smells really tasty!" He said whimsically as he seemed to rush over to the food vendors. The Wolves quickly dodged the big Bear as he came upon the vendors with a hungry look in his eye. "Uuuuuuuuhhhh....er, em...y-yes?" A vendor nervously addressed the Bear. "Oh Hi!" He jovially responded. "Something sure does smell mighty nice! What is it you're a-cookin!?" He anxiously asked. "Well....uh....well....," the poor Saffron seemed to be at a loss of words. "Oooh, what's that!?" The Bear asked as he pointed a big claw at the hanging meat rack.

"Well...uh....that's...meat?" He responded sounding unsure of himself. "Ah, that smells like it too! What kind of meat?" "What kind? Er, well." The Wolf seemed to ponder long and hard at what he had to sell. It was then the Bear's nose drew him towards another vendor. As the other Saffron breathed a sigh of relief, a new Wolf now had to contend with the boisterous Bear. "Heeeeeellllllloooooo there!" He sang. The She-Wolf yipped in surprise at the Bear. "What is that!?" He asked as he pointed his claw at a loaf of bread. "Uh...that?" She nervously pointed with her muzzle. The Bear goofily nodded his head.

"That's our famous honey bread...uh," She was then interrupted by the Bear. "WHAT!? Honey you say? My, oh, my what a wonderful day this is! I love honey, best sweetener since sugar!" He laughed. "I would like some." "Well, okay?" The She-Wolf handed him a slice as the Bear quickly gobbled it up. "Hmm, that sure was tasty! I need some more!" He laughed. "Another slice?" She asked. "Well...if you don't mind, I'll take a whole loaf!" The She-Wolf nodded slowly as she handed the Bear a freshly baked loaf. "Oh boy!" He giddily spoke as he took the loaf and began to eat it.


Few Minutes Later....


On the edge of town there walked two Foxes, one had red-orange fur and the other plain red. As they stopped short of entering town they stood behind a tree to speak amongst themselves. "Alright Wade, just like we planned. I'll step into the crowds generating interest in seeing my brother, the Fox who personally wrestled some of the strongest predators in the world to the ground. Then once we get a sizable crowd we'll find a good place to stage our show, perhaps near the center of where ever all the action is. Then I'll begin to make a call for any challengers willing to step up to take your title. Then our good friend Bosko, should hear us and once he hears the cue he'll come to fight you. Then I'll take bets from these Wolves on who they think will win. I'll bet everything on you and in the final round Bosko will take the fall. Then my brother we should be leaving this town with Bosko's weight in fabulous moolah!" The Red-Orange Furred Fox snickered.

"Don't worry Jarvis, this plan should go off without a hitch. After all it's us we're talking about." Wade grinned. "Let's do this." Jarvis said as he and his brother performed their signature paw shake. "Heh, these backwater hicks won't know what hit'em." Jarvis snickered as the brothers strolled into town. Jarvis and Wade looked all around them as the Wolves went about their business. Unlike the Bear who had bumbled into town earlier, the Wolves made no qualms with being in the Foxes' way. In fact some looked down on them and sneered. Foxes have a bad rep for being tricksters so it's not an uncommon thing for Wolves to find their presence immediately exhausting.

This bothered them none, in fact they took pride in being sneaky con animals although they'll never admit it to anyone else besides themselves. "Oi! Wolfie! Wipe that disgusted look off your face! Don't you know who this is?!" Jarvis shouted at a Saffron who glared at them. "No, I don't and why should I care about any Fox?" The Wolf retorted. "Oh, ho ho! Because this ain't any ordinary Fox good sir! This here is the Fox that single-handedly wrestled a buffalo to the ground!" Jarvis shouted for all to hear. The Wolves then laughed at the very idea. "Hey what's the big idea!?" Jarvis yelled.

"They're laughing because that ain't impressive. A Wolf could wrestle a buffalo too." Wade spoke up. "Hey you're right, what was I thinking!? I should have mentioned to these mongrels that you wrestled an Alligator before!" Jarvis proclaimed. The Wolves stopped laughing and then growled. "Hey who are you calling a mongrel!?" The Saffron growled. "You for not recognizing greatness when you see it! Wake up, Wolfie, there's more to the world than grains of rice!" "Rice!?" The Saffron huffed. "Yeah this is the Fox who wrestled one mean Alligator with a toothache in his own swamp! Not only that but he wrestled a crazy Wolverine with one paw tied behind his back! And, get this, this Fox is so insane he wrestled down a Brown Bear with the strength of twenty Wolves!" Jarvis shouted.

The Wolves buzzed with chatter as they looked skeptically at the spunky Foxes with their tall tales. "Yeah right! And I'm the Alpha of the Dimitrios!" A Saffron shouted as the Wolves laughed at the remark. "Oh is that doubt that I hear? Fine, I'll prove it to you all! I'm willing to bet that my friend here could wrestle anyone in this town down to the ground!" Jarvis proclaimed. The Wolves roared with laughter. "Hey I'll take that bet!" Shouted one. "Yeah me too!" Shouted another. "Alright, you all think you're made of tough stuff!? How about we take this out of town perhaps over where those games are being played?" Jarvis asked.

Soon the two Foxes were leading a large crowd out of the town. "Good, good, everything is going as planned." Jarvis thought to himself. "We'll be rolling in the dough before the afternoon!" He greedily thought.

As the heroes of our tale struggle to remain together, the very enemies of Nigerius gather within the storied halls of the Alpha's Palace. Shimmer Doom, General of the Borak forces has taken with her, her best to come and see the newest Alpha, Prometheus. Led by their guide the Boraks find themselves on the opposite side of a moat of molten lava as Tenneth guards patrol the palace ramparts. There the Gatekeeper called below, "Halt! Who approaches the Palace of Lord Prometheus!"

There Shimmer and her entourage stop in their tracks as a lone Tenneth walks to the forefront. "I am Edna." The She-Wolf spoke. "I have come to bring Lady Doom and her followers to meet with our Lord, Prometheus!" She shouted. "Yes, he has been expecting you." The Gatekeeper responded as he lowered the drawbridge for them to cross. "Right this way." Edna spoke as she led Shimmer into the complex. "Hm, high walls, massive towers, and a whole lotta of guards. I bet it's rather lavish inside too...I wonder if Lord Prometheus is compensating for something." Atalanta snickered. "Hush. Best not use your sharp tongue within these walls, the Tenneth are not known for their senses of humor." Shimmer warned. "Of course, Lady Doom." Atalanta nodded.

As they entered the long halls of the Palace the group was approached by a Tenneth in a red robe with gold trims and tassels. "Greetings, Shimmer Doom of the Borak Pack. I am Brand, Adviser to Lord Prometheus." Brand spoke with a bow. Shimmer Doom nodded. "Thank you Brand, we are most honored to be guests within these walls." She gracefully spoke. "None are more honored than us, Lady Doom. Edna you may leave us, I shall take care of things from here." He said to the She-Wolf. "Yes." Edna bowed as she turned and walked away. "This way, mighty Boraks, I shall lead you to the Throne of our Alpha." Brand said as he turned to lead the others.

After a short stroll, Brand came upon the massive doors that lead into the Great Hall were the throne was located. As he stood on his twos he pushed forth with his upper paws as the doors slowly swung open the reveal a massive hallway. Pillars located on both sides with long, impressive banners showing the insignia of the Tenneth Pack. "Come, he is most anxious to meet you." Brand spoke as the lot spilled into the Hall. As they approached they soon saw, sitting upon the throne was Prometheus himself as his two guardians, Bero and Borvo stood at the foot of the rise. "My Lord, My Alpha, I present to you Shimmer Doom of the Borak Pack." Brand bowed. "Greetings, Lord Prometheus." Shimmer spoke as she bowed along with the rest of her Boraks.

"Please, rise my guests shan't bow." Prometheus spoke his voice seemed to echo throughout the hall. "Brand, you may leave us." Brand nodded as he rose and moved to the side. "Now, what can I, the Alpha, do for you?" Prometheus asked. As Shimmer raised her head to meet the gaze of Prometheus she spoke with an alluring smile, "Thank you Lord Prometheus for inviting us into your home. We have come to speak with you about a most important matter."

"And what matter is that?" He asked.

"It is about the war effort of course." She answered.

"Ah yes, such trying times these are...but, I hear you may be able to help us?"

"You are well informed, yes, I believe we can reach an agreement that will be mutually beneficial to the both of us." She spoke. "You face increasing resistance, your enemies are gathering and they seek to destroy you. Now, I am sure you could handle such things, the Tenneth are known for their ferocity and tenacity in battle. But, in an age of alliances it could prove that numbers may present a most difficult obstacle to overcome."

"So, what do you propose?" Prometheus asked.

"You are not like other Tenneth Alphas. You are not so blinded by pride that you would dismiss any notions of aide, we, propose and alliance...one that could upset the balance of power into our favor." She suggested.

"Hm, you are right, I am not so blinded. I am wise in the ways of war and even I understand that an alliance could be most advantageous, but, what do you have to offer besides wolves and lightning?" He inquired.

"You ask for more? Then it is your most lucky day. Atalanta have them bring forth the machine." She ordered. The devious She-Wolf howled as a group of Boraks pulled by rope, something large and covered in a blanket, as they brought it to the fore front of the group.

"What is that?" Prometheus asked, curiosity aroused.

"I'll show you, remove the covering!" Shimmer shouted. With that the Boraks tore off the blanket to reveal a mechanical drill! Prometheus and his wolves looked on, almost slackjawed at what they were seeing. "What matter of thing is this?" Prometheus asked.

"It is what we call a drill. We use it to mine resources out of the Arjunas and since we are not gifted at making stone move when we tell it like a Dimitrios, we did, however, find alternatives. Metal, machinery, and all of it powered through the use of our divine gift of Lightning." Shimmer spoke as she signaled for the Boraks to fire lightning upon the drill.

The Boraks took a precise shot at what looked like a lightning rod that soon electrified the drill causing the rotors to turn as the drill began to spin faster and faster still. Then suddenly the charge died as the drill slowly came to a stop leaving Prometheus more than a little impressed.

"That was...quite the display, but what use do I have for this?" Prometheus inquired.

"I'm happy that you've asked. For, what must seem like ages now, your Pack has been at odds with the Dimitrios Pack to say the least. Obviously many assaults have been made by your Pack but to no avail. And I'm sure you know why?" Shimmer prompted.

"Stonehold." Prometheus uttered.

"Yes, that impenetrable fortress of stone. No matter how long or how hard your people fought they could never break down those walls. But with this drill, you can." Shimmer spoke allowing her words to echo off. "So, how about it? Do we have an agreement?" She asked.

Prometheus smirked. "That is quite the claim, to say that this...drill, can break the walls of Stonehold." "Not break but penetrate." Shimmer corrected. "Heh heh, yes, of course. I would like to see a demonstration of it's power but if it can do as you claim, then, yes an alliance you shall have." Prometheus finished.

"Excellent, may this be the beginning of a beautiful relationship." Shimmer spoke as she held out a paw. Prometheus then stepped down to meet her as he touched her paw with his. "Indeed."