NPC's Story

Chaz was flabbergasted to say the least. Has he really met two wolves that both apologize to him and actually WANT his help? This cannot be! Everyone he's ever met was nothing but mean and hurtful towards him. Then again, he's only met other Fire Wolves and never met Wolves from outside the Pack. Maybe foreigners are different? And they do look to be in trouble, especially from thirst!

"Wes ain't doin' no tricks, sir. We's just tryin' to get across your volcano. Its been a long way without wata', and standin' 'ear talkin' is just dryin' me out. You knows where we can gets some?" Tiberius asked

"W-Well, I don't know...I mean...there's some water at the, the, bar but...I-I can't get you in there!" Chaz blubbered. "They don't want Chaz hanging around there...and, besides...uh," Chaz paused when Blossom spoke up.

"Yes, we need water. And I'm really really sorry I hit you with that pebble." "I was just... We were... I mean... I'm sorry. We are trying to get to that volcano because..." "We have a message for a wolf. Over there. At the base of that volcano. It's really important." "Can you help us? Please?"

Chaz felt torn on what he should do in this situation. Sure, he was ordered to block all foreigners from entering their and territory and if they did, he should hurt them or capture them. He was also told that all foreigners were mean, evil, and cruel and would kill him the moment they get the opportunity too. Yet, all of that was wrong. These two are, without a doubt, the nicest wolves he met. Sure they yelled at him and threw pebbles, but they apologized for it! Besides if they wanted to kill Chaz, then he'd already be dead. He's no fighter and his fire is very weak.

They were in trouble and Chaz could see that and he doesn't want to see these two die of thirst. Not to mention that other Wolf would be without his message! But, what can he do? He'll be in trouble for sure if he decided to help these two! Not to mention they would get caught and thrown in jail! Chaz nervously, "Well, I-I-I would like to help you...but, but, I can't!!! Foreigners aren't allowed in the city!!! If they see you, you'll be thrown in jail!!!" He said. "And, and if they see Chaz helping you, then I'll be in one, hot, flaming mess!!!" He cried.

"Well, I-I-I would like to help you...but, but, I can't!!! Foreigners aren't allowed in the city!!! If they see you, you'll be thrown in jail!!!" He said. "And, and if they see Chaz helping you, then I'll be in one, hot, flaming mess!!!"

Tiberius drew in closer to the wolf, all thoughts of this wolf being a threat having long vanished.

"Well flames, sah! That's what we'll be, up in flames if we don'ts be gettin' water! What's if we get all disguised like afore we go marchin' into your bar? Is there somethin' we can use in your shed back there? I can act like a fire wolf if they all acts like ya!" Tiberius responded, taking a moment to appropriate the catchphrase of Chaz that he fancied. Tiberius' thirst, which he had squashed under the expectation of having to go without, was suddenly bubbling over again now that he saw a chance at water. Even if it meant that a water wolf juvenile would have to walk into a fire wolf bar.

"How far of a walk is it anyway, mista? Featha's ain't soundin' too good, mayhaps we should bring some back to her." Tiberius continued, remembering his friend had coughed. The thought brought a tickle to his own throat, which he promptly hacked out. Apparently, coughing was just like laughter. Contageous.

Blossom blinked at the mention of water at a bar and the idea that Tiberius wanted to disguise himself as a Tenneth just so he could get in. It almost made her want to laugh but she had to be serious right now! An adult. She had to act like an adult. No laughing, no laughing at the idea of Tiberius as a Tenneth. She couldn't help it, she cracked up, "Ahahaha! 'Berius, you, ahahaha, couldn't pretend, ahahaha to be a Tenneth!!!!"

She rocked backward onto her butt and continued her dry laughing that sounded like tumble weeds scraping her vocal cords.

Finally, after some time passed she choked back her laughter and with dumb grin on her face looked to Chaz again.

"Well, I-I-I would like to help you...but, but, I can't!!! Foreigners aren't allowed in the city!!! If they see you, you'll be thrown in jail!!!" Chaz said. "And, and if they see Chaz helping you, then I'll be in one, hot, flaming mess!!!" He cried.

Blossom tried not to laugh again and took Chaz seriously, "Well, the wolf were supposed to give the message to is over there and this is all Tenneth territory. So don't you think that wolf is a Tenneth? And they'd know of us, right? So shouldn't that be Okay? I mean we are messengers, very very important messengers with a message. If you help us, they might congratulate you for helping such important messengers."

It was very childish, but it did sound persuasive coming from Blossom who was guessing about all of these things.

Chaz was rather confused over the situation that was unfolding before him. Sure, he was told not to let any foreigners into the territory but they never said anything about important foreigners. Oh flames! He was sure in one dozy of a predicament. Sure, he could go with his gut and tell them to run away, that nobody wants them here. But, that isn't true and that would be mean, considering these wolves have been the nicest he's met. Perhaps they are some sort of ambassadors? They don't look the part but maybe it's smart that they don't?

Of course they also seem too young to be diplomats, but then again he's not familiar with foreign customs. Perhaps diplomats are hired at a very young age from whatever Pack these two hail from. Oh, Chaz was never one for decision making, he's perhaps the most indecisive Wolf of all. He hates making orders at restaurants, shopping trips at the market, and figuring out which road he should take home! It always comes down to some sort of choice and poor Chaz can't help but feel his brain's about to burst every time!

This time though is different, this time, this time, this time, it's BIGGEST DECISION HE'S EVER MADE!!! "AGH!!! STEAMING PILE OF COALS!!! Don't make me choose!!!!" He cried aloud.

"Well, the wolf were supposed to give the message to is over there and this is all Tenneth territory. So don't you think that wolf is a Tenneth? And they'd know of us, right? So shouldn't that be Okay? I mean we are messengers, very very important messengers with a message. If you help us, they might congratulate you for helping such important messengers."

Chaz attempted his best attempt to think through the situation. "OKAY, OKAY!! You might be important!!! But, but, I still can't help you!!! I mean, do you have something that you can prove to the other Tenneths that you are important!? Because if you do, that would really make me feel more comfortable helping you out! That way if the others asked, I can say I helped very important diplomats!!! Yes, that should make them think twice about hurting poor Chaz!" He responded quite frantically.

It was time. As the Tenneth insurgents entered the factory, the first wave had already begun their initial skirmishes against the factory guards. The guards stumbling in the dark were taken by surprise as the Resistance assaulted those loyal to the Alpha. "What!? invaders you say!?" The Guard Captain shouted at a shaken subordinate. "Exactly what I said sir!! The Resistance is here!! Not only that but I think they hired Mercs!!!" The Guard shrieked. "WHAT!?" The Captain shouted exasperated. "Don't tell me the Trade is involved in this!? That's not possible!? How can third rate rebels afford any Trade Mercenary, no, they don't have those kind of resources! Any they have, they've stolen from us!!" He thought to himself.

"No, it must be free agents that they've somehow convinced to join their fight. Fools, they will perish along with the Resistance!" He concluded as he then spoke to his subordinate, "You! Gather the rest of the guards! We will mount a counter offensive! Will even have those Borak slouches involved in this fight too!!" He ordered. "R-Right sir!" The Wolf barked as he went to gather the others. While the first wave was feeling sure of their fight, it was about to take a drastic turn.

Meanwhile outside the Raid Leader spoke to the second wave captain. "Alright, you know your role, be sure that none of those Wolves intercept our bombers. They need to be able to deliver the payloads to each point of weakness. We are going to send this building crumbling to the ground!" He barked. "Yes sir. The carts with the kegs of blasting powder have just arrived. Soon we will unload and send them in." The captain responded. Soon he saw blasts of flames coming from the railing outside of the building. The fighting along the outside walls of the factory began. He could even see some bodies falling off the side of the railing.

"Good."

Back inside the Rebels continued their ferocious attack as Durandel found himself in the middle of a fire fight. "Flames!" He barked. "Of all the hallways, we come across the one with the most freaking guards!" He cursed to himself. The Resistance and the Guards traded fireballs as Durandel stood behind a wall. "How did we even get separated!? I thought we all went in at the same time!? I don't see Vesta, Amarok, Blue, or Nova!" He thought to himself. "Where ever they are, I hope they're doing better than we are!"

Luck seemed to be with the others. Nova and Blue haven't encountered more guards besides the ones whose paws where shredded by Nova's shards. As for Vesta, she wasn't drawing anymore attention to herself than any of the rebels were. Of course her brutal fight did draw some guards closer to her but they haven't realized yet where she was. Amarok was safely hidden for the moment. As for Summanus....

****

"Lady Doom, I've brought to you our little saboteur." She proudly proclaimed as she dropped an unconscious Summanus before the Borak General. "Good, Wolves! Tie him up!" She ordered. Moments passed as Summanus awoke to find himself in tied up to a nearby pillar. "Where am I?" He asked. "You're in the control room." Shimmer spoke. "Whose there!?" He barked. It was then his face was hit with a swipe from Atalanta, causing his face to bleed a little. "Show some respect!" She growled. "It's alright Atalanta, I'll forgive him of his little slight." She spoke. "Of course Lady Doom." Atalanta bowed. "Doom!? Shimmer Doom is here!?" He shouted as the initial shock settled in.

"Glad you remembered me, Wolfsbane. It's nice to know that my name garners such a reaction, and I didn't have to use some silly nickname either." She spoke. Atalanta giggled. "Hm, I should have known you'd be the one overseeing this little operation, though I didn't think you would be in the same building as the workers." Summanus spoke. "Normally, I wouldn't but this little operation, as you put it, has some significance to our partners. They would like to see it's construction finished and they asked me to make sure it's completed on schedule." She responded. Summanus gritted his teeth together, this attack is going to be more costly than he thought. Not only is Atalanta one of the most dangerous Mercs he's ever had the displeasure of working with, Shimmer Doom is said to be an extremely capable fighter. She would have to be to have Atalanta so willingly follow her orders, not just follow them, but to have such a zeal about her. She's definitely not the same rebellious She-Wolf he once knew.

"So...just what is being built that the great Shimmer Doom had to grace everyone with her presence for?" He asked rather sarcastically. Atalanta growled something fierce but Shimmer told her to simmer down. "I could explain it to you but I don't feel like sharing any such valuable info with a saboteur...really, you've downgraded yourself quite a bit Summanus. Why are you working for such a disparate group like the one you're involved with? You were quite a legend in the Trade, Atalanta has told me so much about you and when I hired you to help conquer the Kitas, well, I clearly saw why. Yet, to this day, I cannot fathom for the life of me why you did not decide to join us? Your skills are sorely going to waste working with these fools that think they can just simply stop other wolves from killing each other." She spoke.

"Hmph, like you would know anything?" Summanus retorted. "I know quite a bit Summanus, I know that you've been traveling with three Kamarians, an Ausi, and a Canicus." She revealed. "What!?" Summanus gasped. "It's too bad that Alvan and that Avira aren't with you anymore, I know a certain someone who would like to have his property reclaimed." She smirked. "So it is true! You are working with Rashid!" He shouted. "Regardless of whom I'm working with, you and your friends little rebellion is about to come to an end. I'll admit, having you shut off our lights was the smart thing to do, but we are smarter, Wolfsbane. We anticipated this and in about a few minutes the back-up generator will be operational. Soon we will see all your little friends and we will swiftly have them eliminated! For you see, Atalanta has personally trained a group of assassins that serve as my personal guard. Once the order is given, they will systematically kill all hostiles in the building. I doubt untrained, low class Tenneths can stack up well against a squad of elite warriors." She laughed.

Summanus growled. "Damn, if only I could get away and warn the others but with both Shimmer Doom and Atalanta in the same room I won't be able to. If I was being detained by some grunts it wouldn't be a problem, but they were smart. They knew not to underestimate me and decided to lock me in a room with the two most deadliest fighters in the factory. If I even try something clever they'll catch on and fighting them both head on would be a bad idea. No, I'll have to sit and wait for an opportunity to escape." He thought to himself.

"I can see by the tense expression you're thinking of a way out of this. Hmph, you're not going anywhere you know? But, I didn't become a General by being cocksure. I pride myself on being thorough and I'm not about to have everything ruined just because I have the upper hand. No, your time here is over, you're not going to be present for the death of your silly little friends!" She barked as electricity began to swell around her. Static sparked off her rising fur as Shimmer prepared to launch a might bolt of lightning. "Don't worry Wolfsbane. I don't plan to kill you, no, you will suffer much before then." She chuckled. "Oh and if you plan to use my lightning against me, I'm afraid Atalanta tipped me off about your skills. I'll make sure I shock you long and hard enough that you'll be the one to pass out!" She shouted as she then fired the bolt at Summanus. "Damn." He thought to himself as he was struck.

Summanus shouted in pain as the electricity surged throughout his body. He felt his energy rising but it was too fast! Her elemental control is indeed powerful! A few more minutes of this and he'll be overcharged! If that happens then the excess energy will be released against his will! Causing him to pass out from the pain! And before he knew it, it happened. He exploded a barrier of electricity as Atalanta fled, not wishing to pass out from a severe shock. The field came closer and closer to Shimmer but boldly she stood, keeping the pressure up and before it could reach, the former Merc passed out. Shimmer then stumbled a bit. "Lady Doom!?" Atalanta spoke concerned. "He's a tough one, that's for sure. Most wolves would have died from that attack, but I suppose I shouldn't expect less from the one they call, Wolfsbane. I even a feel a little lightheaded...Atalanta!" She barked. "Keep the factory safe! Repel all intruders! I'm leaving!" Shimmer ordered.

"Were are you going, if I may ask Lady Doom?" Shimmer then looked over to her faithful subordinate. "I'll be personally escorting Summanus to the Palace. I'm sure Rashid will love to have such a warrior in his service." She said with an evil grin. "Guards!" she barked. A pair of Boraks came rushing in. "Yes, General!?" "Pack this one up, we're leaving through the hidden exit!" She ordered. "Right away!" They responded in unison. It was then the back-up generator powered on. Soon the lights returned, illuminating the factory once more. "Excellent, I leave the rest to you Atalanta." She spoke as she walked out. "You can rely on me, Lady Doom." Atalanta said with a bow.

****

The Resistance was stunned, to say the least, when they noticed the power returning to the building. "FLAMES!!" The Raid Leader barked. "Sir?" A worried Rebel spoke. "Keep the kegs coming!! We must continue with the offensive!!! This building must be destroyed!!" He barked. "YES SIR!!!" The Rebels then accelerated the pace of placing the bombs throughout the building, but is it already too late?

Mydnyte suddenly felt scared once those lights returned. So far sneaking the rebels in was a piece of cake, even with those barrels. But now the lights have returned and the shadows retreated. It was then he noticed that Amarok was not with them. "DAMMIT!! Did she go in!?" Mydnyte thought to himself. "FANG!!!" He called. "Yes!?" He answered. "Amarok! You need to find her now!!" He ordered. "Uh, okay but what about the rebels!? The lights are back on!!" He cried. "Just leave it to me!! NOW GO!!" He barked. Fang then ran inside as he hoped he could find the young Kamarian before something terrible happens.

As the sounds of fighting broke out, Blue slinked from out of the factory and into an alley, slowly advancing her way through this city. It wasn't until her pendant buzzed to life that she felt that she could go not on. The electricity it was emitting! It was intense enough to warrant her full attention so she hid in another alley, gasping for her breathe. What's going on?!

I can't breathe! Blue was choking on the power of the pendant, feeling the burn of it light her chest on fire. She gagged, and tried to shout but all that came out was vomit. Afraid and on the verge of passing out, she was afraid it would go on forever but finally, the pendant stopped and she gasped for breathe. Warm air flooded her lungs and further dried out her nose. It wasn't the cool and crisp air she wanted to breathe in, but she was breathing nonetheless. It was here, while she was in her sickened state that the lights chose to come back on and blind her.

Almost immediately, she was seen by a passing group of Tenneth soldiers. She let out a curse and spat at them, trying to rid her mouth of the taste of bile.
Permission to take them out?
Permission granted.

"I guess I'm not just observing today."



A minute later, Blue ducked out from the alley, skirting the building so she'd stay in what little shadows there were. This would be a Kamarians nightmare battle scene. Lucky Blue wasn't so reliant on her Kamarian side, and had thought to steal the armor from the Tenneth she had... taken out. As it were, she at least looked a little bit like a Tenneth now. Though she hoped none of the rebels would mistake her for one.

Blue started walking deeper into the city, hoping to get a good spot to watch the assault from without further interference on her part. Too bad she didn't have anything to munch on.

Accustomed to being a solitary scout, Nova knew that communication was never his strong suit. Actions spoke louder than words. Even so, he probably should have realized that his actions couldn't speak for themselves when no wolf could see them. So when the scarcely illuminated ice shards tore into the wolves above, no one else in his team realized what was going on. Why were the wolves who had been passing by above suddenly howling around in pain? The momentary confusion was enough for the insurgents to lose the initiative.

"Eragh! Down there!" and other shouts of that sort filtered down from above. Soon, a firefight emerged. Tongues of flame were hurled vertically, the grating between the floors stopping the bolts about as well as a chain fence could halt a river. The entire corridor was illuminated in a hot light. It was a blind struggle, considering it was dark enough that a wolf could only see his opposite after they had cast a flame. Nova felt powerless to fight back, his feeble attacks turned to slush in the increasingly oven-like atmosphere. An attempted second salvo of ice crystals turned into a cool shower, drenching him in a steamy mess.

After several furious minutes of fighting, the skirmish was over. The wolves on the catwalk hasn't had any effective cover from the attacks from below, and after two of his fellows were reduced to charred casualties the remaining guard fled. "Come on! We have to keep moving!" the lead Tenneth barked, regaining the attention of the two rebels who had stopped to mind their side's only casualty. A young Tenneth, his left side a gaping hole of burnt flesh. Nova timidly stepped over the dying rebel, and made the mistake meeting the wolf's gaze. His dark eyes were illuminated by the glowing metal of the superheated catwalk above, sparkling with tearful moisture. The Ausi struggled to tear his eyes away, and the somber entrancement was only broken when the Tenneth' s eyes closed. "He knew he was selling his soul when he volunteered for this, come on, Ausi!"

It was a matter of a moment to catch up with the remaining team. His eyes were dazzled by the bright fight moments before, and it was difficult to scope out the new room they had entered. It was large, evident from the echoy acoustics, and like most else it was floored with hard stone. Suddenly, all was illuminated. Bright white light flooded the scene, once again blinding Nova as his eyes fought to adjust. "That's gotta be It! Get up those stairs!" Nova heard one of his companions order. The ice wolf looked about with squinted eyes, trying to get his bearings. It only then dawned on him that he had attached himself to this particular team without the slightest idea of what it's objective was. He had just seen some wolves advancing who seemed to know what they were doing, and had fallen into line. He had gotten completely separated from his mates. But there was nothing for it but to push forward.

They were in a another large room, much like the initial entrance. Industrial equipment that Nova couldn't name were fixed about in orderly fashion. This world of steam, stone, and metal was foreign to him. In the middle of the room, an open patch of floor was only broken up by the occasional hanging chain. Nova could only guess the space was used for storing or working on large equipment. Looking ahead, he saw that the aforementioned stairs were on the far side of the room, leading up to a second story office of some sort that overlooked the factory floor through laticed windows. So that was their target.

The conspicuous lack of guards was eerie. Nova supposed they had gone running to seal the initial incursion. Hopefully they were kept busy while his team did...whatever they were doing.

The team hustled up the stairs, Nova second to the rear. The unlocked door at the top of the flight creaked open noisily.

Immediately upon entering, the three other wolves in the team tore into the room. Desks, cabinets, drawers, anything. When Nova hesitated, a teammate told him gruffly, "Throw anything that looks good out the window, we got mates down there ta pick it up. We're blowing the rest to hell!"

The Ausi spy had an eye for intrigue, but as he scanned the documents on a nearby desk he found nothing particularly useful. It made sense. Why would Rashid's war plans be lying around in a factory clerk's office? Plans for that superweapon were the most they could hope for, but more than likely that was kept somewhere more secure. Luck had been on their side tonight, maybe it would keep holding.

Ignoring anything that was merely a sheet of numbers, Nova grabbed anything that looked vaguely schematical and spat it out into the darkness outside. He didn't stay to watch the parchment flutter to the ground, but immediately returned to the workstation. As he frantically searched amidst the cussing and groaning of the other rebels, Nova spared a furitive glanced upward to confirm a dreadful suspicion. The door they came in was the only way out. The sense of imminent entrapment only made him work faster.

Tiberius was about to argue with his friend that yes, he very well could pretend to be a Tenneth. A good one too. But the conversation took a slightly more productive turn, and he stowed his comments for the moment.

"OKAY, OKAY!! You might be important!!! But, but, I still can't help you!!! I mean, do you have something that you can prove to the other Tenneths that you are important!? Because if you do, that would really make me feel more comfortable helping you out! That way if the others asked, I can say I helped very important diplomats!!! Yes, that should make them think twice about hurting poor Chaz!"

Tiberius was flummoxed. He didn't have anything on him! Suddenly nervous, he did what he did best when he was caught off guard. He rambled.

"Well, uh, sah. We's don't 'ave anythin' cause wes was...robbed on the way up 'ere! Yeah! Remember afore when wes thoughts that you was a wolf from the prison! Yeah! Yeah! We, uh, yeah! Got robbed there! No more diploschematics or ambassocratics. And we lost our wata'! Everythin' was taken! At least they didn't get our message, cause Feather's der keeps it in her head. She won't even tell me! Cause that's the most important kinda message, sah. The kind you can't tell. 'cept to the one you be given it too. And uh, yeah! Flames! And stuff..."

Tiberius trailed off, looking hesitantly at Blossom. The more and more time they were spending with Chaz, the more and more he was becoming their only hope of getting in. If they balked now, he'd just follow them or raise the alarm. Or both. Then again, they could probably silence him with a mean glare. But Tiberius was too tired to conjure one of those up.

Blossom licked her dried out nose, and tried not to pant too loudly. She was scared if she was too loud or did something out of the ordinary, Chaz would flinch and hide. Or break. The way he seemed so hesitant of their honesty and sincerity made her pity him. He was so... pitiable.

"OKAY, OKAY!! You might be important!!! But, but, I still can't help you!!! I mean, do you have something that you can prove to the other Tenneths that you are important!? Because if you do, that would really make me feel more comfortable helping you out! That way if the others asked, I can say I helped very important diplomats!!! Yes, that should make them think twice about hurting poor Chaz!"

Blossom got scared, she wasn't exactly a very good liar but she was usually so quick to come up with a lie. Except this time is was Tiberius who created the excuse.

"Well, uh, sah. We's don't 'ave anythin' cause wes was...robbed on the way up 'ere! Yeah! Remember afore when wes thoughts that you was a wolf from the prison! Yeah! Yeah! We, uh, yeah! Got robbed there! No more diploschematics or ambassocratics. And we lost our wata'! Everythin' was taken! At least they didn't get our message, cause Feather's der keeps it in her head. She won't even tell me! Cause that's the most important kinda message, sah. The kind you can't tell. 'cept to the one you be given it too. And uh, yeah! Flames! And stuff..."

"Ah huh!" She croaked and then quickly flinched and lowered her head to speak in a soothing manner so as not to spook Chaz. "We were robbed! And they took everything! It's just as Tiberius said. But I have an idea now. We don't have proof to show you but we are trustworthy. Just give us directions to the place we're heading to and let us go there by ourselves. This way you won't get in trouble if you really think we are not who we say we are. And we'll lie and say we snuck in from a different place and I mean, we are just a couple of foreigners, of course the other Tenneths will just blast us away without any remorse. But!" She put an emphasis on the conjunction. "If we are who say we are - and we are - We'll get to the place and tell the higher ups there that you, Chaz, helped us and they'll reward you! We'll make sure of it! Either way, it works out for you right? You won't get hurt if you are wrong about us, and if you are right about us, you'll get rewarded!" She smiled and earnestly thought he would go along with her plan which was part lie and part truth.

She didn't know exactly who she was meeting but if they had power, she'd certainly tell them about Chaz. Since he looked like be needed the win and if the person she was meeting didn't have power, she would let Tiberius tell them about Chaz anyways. "Will this plan work for you?"

It was time, as the Rebels moved in deeper, and deeper into the factory, the forces of Prometheus began to enclose upon them. The Wolves had gathered, the orders were about to be given. Yet there came a pause as the Patrol Captain looked towards the injured Vesta who had been unwittingly taken right to them. Of course the Captain had every intent on having her gunned by a hail of fireballs but her following words had instead caused confusion.

"I AM VESTA AINE! MY FATHER WAS WARRIOR BOUND TO PROMETHEUS! I INVOKE MY RIGHT OF BLOOD AS LAST OF MY LINE! I DEMAND TO SPEAK TO THE WARRIOR MY FATHER WAS BOUND TO. I DEMAND TO SPEAK TO PROMETHEUS!

The Tenneth Guards looked amongst themselves, seeking some sort of answer to this newfound conundrum. "Captain, what shall we do?" Asked one of the more curious souls. The Captain stared down Vesta something fierce but even he questioned about just killing this blasted intruder. The Captain had considered her words a mere ploy to buy her sometime. After all, how could a dirty rebel like her have any affiliation to their esteemed Alpha? The Captain cared little for her recital, they all had orders from the Alpha to guard this factory against any and all intruders, no matter who they are.

"Sir?" The guard asked again. "Take her out." He ordered. The guards then prepared to launch a volley at Vesta.


****

Now that Shimmer has left the building with the unconscious Summanus, this left Atalanta in charge of it's defense. Gathered to her were five deadly warriors of the Borak that serve as Shimmer's guard. "You called us, Atalanta?" spoke Warisha as she led the other five into the control room. "Yes I have my dear. We have orders from Lady Doom herself that I am to execute." Atalanta spoke. "Oh, I hope we get to kill somebody this time!" Kallik barked. "Calm down, there will be a chance." She said with a smirk. Kallik then chuckled to himself. "Here are your orders. As you can tell we are under attack by the Resistance and it seems they seek to destroy the device. Shimmer Doom has left the protection of the factory in our care! So I want each and everyone of you to kill the rebels along with any other fool that stands beside them! Got it!?" She barked.

"Of course." Warisha responded. "The interlopers will indeed die." Shantil spoke. "I can't wait." Kallik chuckled. "Mhm." Tornil responded. "And this is by any means necessary I presume?" asked Relis. "Like you need to ask that?" Atalanta chuckled. "Just being thorough m'am." Relis responded. "Well, don't let me stop you, go, I don't expect this to be much of a problem for you all." Atalanta finished as the group of Boraks left. Each took off towards points of interest as they went about their own way of dealing with the intruders.


****



As Nova and the Rebels continue to toss out whatever they thought to be of some value, Nova's fears were about to be realized. The contemplative Relis, saw this as an opportunity to remove a cluster of their enemies all at once. He ordered a group of Tenneth to quickly seal their only exit. Per Relis's orders the Guards shut the doors and then welded them shut with their fire. Across the way from the office was a railing providing the Boraks with a clear vantage point to fire indiscriminately into the room. Relis moved his Boraks into position as one of the Rebels looked through the large windows to see that they were surrounded. His heart dropped. "EVERYONE TAKE COVER NOW!!!!" He shouted in fear.

"Fire." Relis ordered. The Boraks hurled lightning bolts right through the large windows as Rebels were being struck down. With no place to run there only option was to take cover either underneath the desks or behind the cabinet. The situation looked bleak.


****



The battle in the hallway was intense, but the Rebels were gaining ground in the dark. If only Durandel can see better then he could use his element without fearing of hurting the Rebels. Then his answer came in the sudden return of the light. It was blinding at first but once his eyes acclimated he could see his fellow Rebels stumbling about. It took a few moments but everyone's eyes adjusted. He could see that there was a lot of Tenneth guards but before the fighting could resume he saw the patrol retreat. "What's going on?" Durandel wondered.

"They've retreated!!! Now's our chance move! Move! We need to capture the shop floor!!" The Squad Leader barked. It was then the Resistance ran down the halls as Durandel followed closely behind. It was odd, there was a lot of resistance when they barely just entered the building and now nothing. Even as they moved deeper into the factory he thought surely there would be another attack by now right? It was then they ran across a few of the guards who seemed to be heading somewhere. "THE RESISTANCE!!" They barked.

The Rebels opened fire as the outnumbered patrol retreated for their lives. "Retreat, Retreat!" The barked as they ran for it. "Should we go after them?" Asked a rebel. "Belay that action! The Shop Floor is our number one priority!" The Squad Leader barked as they continued onward. Something just didn't seem right, where are the guards all running off too? Are they seriously winning? That's what Durandel hoped but soon his hopes were dashed when the Resistance reached the shop floor. It was a large room where all the workers labored towards the production of many items. Durandel couldn't tell from all of the work stations which one contained the superweapon but that didn't matter.

The Rebels had run right into a trap. For as soon as they entered the room there was a large force of guards waiting for them. "So they were all running to get here!?" Durandel gasped. He and the rebels knew they were seriously outnumbered. "TAKE COVER!!" The Squad Leader barked as an all out battle took place in the shop floor. Durandel quickly dived behind a work desk as fireballs were flung over head. Looking towards a cluster of guards, Durandel summoned his element as a small eruption took place underneath their paws. "WATCH OUT!!! A CANICUS IS AMONG THEM!!!" The Second Patrol Captain barked as he saw a handful of his wolves being suddenly engulfed in lava.

Now it was just a matter of trying to get out of this mess he's found himself in.


****


"AMAROK!!! AMAROK!!" Fang called out as he tried to look for the young Kamarian. He couldn't lock on to her scent thanks to the smell of blood hanging in the air. He would have to rely on his sight and hearing this time. Of course she could be anywhere and with the sound of battle echoing throughout the hallways, it was tough. He saw many bodies as he got deeper and deeper inside the building. His heart was pounding as he looked over each body, giving a breath of relief when he didn't find Amarok among them. She must be hiding somewhere, seeing all of this death, he's certain that she must have used her shadows to get away from all of this. The only question is where?

"AMAROK!!! AMAROK!!! WHERE ARE YOU!?" He cried. It wasn't before long that his yelling caught the attention of some Tenneth who sought to attack him when he wasn't looking. That Fire Wolf would have succeeded too if it weren't for Amarok's sudden outburst of violence. Fang took notice of the fight as he headed up to where Amarok was, worried that she was about to be killed. What he found instead was the exact opposite, Amarok had brutally murdered his would be killer! There was something off about her, this was not the same Shadow Wolf he knew. Concerned, Fang slowly approached her.

"Amarok? Amarok? It's me Fang. It's okay, everything is going to be alright." He said in a soothing voice. "I'm here now, I'm here and I'm going to get us out of this place! Doesn't that sound nice, huh? Soon will be away from all of this madness, you'd like that, right?" He asked. He wasn't quite sure what expect but he'd hope Amarok would see him as a friend and not an enemy. That happy and childlike She-Wolf is still in there, right?

This was one dozy of a conundrum for Chaz this time! He couldn't tell if they were lying or not so he assumes they aren't. It made sense to him what they told him. They did mention something about a prison earlier and well, of course criminals would steal everything they've got! Including any proof of their status! Of course without it, Chaz didn't feel at all confident in bringing them with him. Not many are as trusting as him.

"Ah huh!" "We were robbed! And they took everything! It's just as Tiberius said. But I have an idea now. We don't have proof to show you but we are trustworthy. Just give us directions to the place we're heading to and let us go there by ourselves. This way you won't get in trouble if you really think we are not who we say we are. And we'll lie and say we snuck in from a different place and I mean, we are just a couple of foreigners, of course the other Tenneths will just blast us away without any remorse. But!" "If we are who say we are - and we are - We'll get to the place and tell the higher ups there that you, Chaz, helped us and they'll reward you! We'll make sure of it! Either way, it works out for you right? You won't get hurt if you are wrong about us, and if you are right about us, you'll get rewarded!" "Will this plan work for you?"


"Well...I guess that might work." Chaz then mulled her words over. "O-okay, I'll do it." Chaz finally decided. "Go ahead and tell me the place you two are looking for?" Chaz asked.

Everything was in an uproar, all Soldiers heading toward the factory as if they were a current of water all being sucked into a whirlpool. It reminded Blue of a far off stream along side a field of grass as green as an Aven. A home to the Blue that didn't exist anymore. She sneezed, and stopped to hide inside a building when some Boraks passed her by. That's a lot of Mercenaries. Doesn't it feel like they're over doing it though? She watched their tails saunter around the corner, and was about ready to continue her observations when she smelt it. The smell that was so familiar to her she thought one of her... siblings was there, that is until she turned and saw it.

Firepowder.

Lots of it, barrels upon barrels. No doubt a huge supply to help the mining situation.

The barrels they were in were dark, stained by their contents. Blue smiled, and with a small glance outside, saw that she had been heading upwards. While the whirlpool of fighting was downwards. The idea that she hatched was so vicious and maddening that she fell in love with it immediately. All it needed was a swift and wiley she-wolf to enact it.

"Besides, the Rebels appear to be having a little bit of trouble. Helping them out doesn't seem so bad, right?" She talked to herself, all the while grinning like a fool. Or was she talking to the shadows? Who knew say for the madness that suddenly taken it's hold on her.

The plan was simple, easy, and efficient in taking out a large group of Borak and Prometheans. That is if it worked. And it all counted on Blue being fast enough to light them all quickly enough without getting caught. Not to mention getting the Barrels out to their designated areas without someone getting suspicious. It would be easy for something to go wrong, but Blue was keen on the idea so the mere fact that it was one big flaw didn't deter her at all.

She got to work, rolling out a barrel and then waiting for the perfect moment to roll it out and ferry it to another hiding spot again and again until she could get it to its spot. And then she'd had to scuttle back to where the Barrels were stored to do it again, and again, and again. It was tedious, heart pounding work seeing as how she couldn't just go about moving them out in the open. It was time consuming and it all wouldn't have worked if the Tenneth and Borak soldiers weren't all occupied with the rebels in the factory. She was lucky though, as one group of Tenneths had noticed her but seeing her wearing Tenneth armor, they shouted orders for her to do something. It was all too loud for her and all she could through the adrenaline filled haze she had going on, was to nod and grunt an agreement. Then she turned as if she was going to do whatever they had just told her to do. And once she turned a corner, she quickly made an alternate route to the supply of firepowder.

Once there, she let out a huge breathe, "That was close."

Blue shook her entire body, hating the weight of the armor she wore. It would probably weigh her down, but if she didn't wear it... She growled, and left it on.

With that, Blue continued her work until finally, she had placed the last barrel and all she was doing now was running a line of firepowder from each section of hidden explosives to the upper street where there weren't as many enemy soldiers. It was quicker then placing the Barrels, though she did have to fumble for a bag of some sort to create the lines. But she ended up using a Tenneth banner, leaving a hole in at the bottom so the firepowder could leak out to leave the lines. Finally, she was to finished. It was perfect...



Finally, Blue stood out in the open with a torch in her mouth. Staring down at the mass of fighting forces below, inside and outside the factory. She was above it all in this moment. Her racing heart, the soaring temperatures and the smell of burning... things. Their warring actions were a distance thing to her, far and untouchable. It all was except for the flame that was almost too close to her muzzle for comfort, and with its every flickering, her breathe would catch.
Do it.
Blue turned, silently and swiftled she ran forward and ducked her head almost too close to the ground every yard or so. Letting the torch she held, touch and spark the firepowder into being, creating a spark that ran down alongside the buildings until it met Blue's hidden explosives.

At first, she was sure the Tenneth and Borak soldiers had no idea what was going on, until the first explosion. It knocked out a weight bearing column, and one after another, explosions rocked the earth. And then, it all went down! The buildings opposite the factory, behind enemy lines, they fell in the only direction gravity would let them. Downwards, right into the soldiers.

It wasn't until Blue was half way through with lighting the lines that the Tenneth wised up and began targeting her. Fireballs and lightning were terribly fast to be directed at her. Several times, Blue thought her tail was on fire, but through it, she kept running, lighting all her lines of firepowder speeding up once she saw the last part of her plan.

Amazingly, she reached the end of her plan. Which was just releasing the Barrels she had placed at the top of the higher side of Hepheastus city to roll in on the Boraks and light the firepowder they left in their wake so as to cause the biggest explosion yet. And she did so with joy.

The barrels rolled downwards, loud and rumbling as they fell into the unguarded backs of the Tenneth soldiers outside the main door of the factory. Surprised and confused, the soldiers looked up to where the Barrels came from to see a trail of firepowder ending at Blue's paws. And in their last moments, all they saw was Blue dropping the torch, and then a bright light that seared their eyeballs into their skulls until all that left was light.

The last explosion, the biggest and brightest yet, shook the ground and blew up not only Tenneth and Borak soldiers but the nearby buildings. Blue wasn't even the closest to it and she was covering her ears with paws, ducking down to avoid being hit with flying debris that the explosion had shot upwards and sideways.

She was so occupied with this, and enjoying her work when a small fireball hit her from behind. The air was knocked out of her chest as she felt herself somersault forward right into a building wall. There was a crack, and all she saw was darkness.

The office door slammed, bright tendrils of molten slag sealing the metal exit to its frame. Nova's head shot up, mind immediately turning from questioning the documents he was looking at to wondering why no wolf had kept watch. Angry sparks driven through the weld spooked Nova from immediately trying to force the door before it set, and as he gathered the courage to face down this threat, an even more fearful one emerged.

"EVERYONE TAKE COVER NOW!!!!"

No sooner had the Ausi done as he was told that a great thunderstrike tore through the factory floor windows. Two of the rebels were struck down immediately, the lightning that tore through their bodies with no more ceremony than air. A heat filled the room as the bolts licked across it, the streams of pure energy exciting the air it passed to an unbearable warmth. The ensuing roar of confined thunder pinned Nova's paws to his ears, the clap drowning out all sound of his cry of pain. Boraks.

The sound of his heartbeat was all that filled his damaged hearing, along with an incessant ring. Blearily, Nova looked out from under the desk he had dived under. A cinder scorched his snout, and the ice wolf realized that the top of his table now hosted a small fire. Similar flames were simmering throughout the buzzing office, as the occasional dancing spark shone blue as it arced between metallic objects. The electrocution had momentarily ceased, but Nova imagined they were only charging up for a second barrage. He looked about for the other rebel. There. Slumped against the wall, a tall metal cabinet between him and the shop's window. The Tenneth was still alive, though seemingly shaken. Nova tried to call to him, but his own voice sounded far way, like the faintest of echoes from the far side of a cave.

For the love of all that is good in this world, why had no wolf been keeping watch?

Nova shook his head in a violent, yet futile, attempt to clear it. His usual protocol when encountering danger was to first run, hide if that failed, and fight only as a last resort. Step one was a no-go, and step two just meant cowering until his doom. But the step of last resort seemed suicidal. The moment he stood up to try and fire back, he would be simultaneously zapped, scorched, and melted by their ambushers.

Nova looked again to his remaining companion, and saw that he was struggling to get to his paws. When the wolf saw that the Ausi was looking at him, he pointed a paw at one of the exterior windows, still cracked open from when they had been jettisoning documents. Jump? The wolf wanted to jump? Did he even know how high he was?! Nova didn't know, but it seemed like they had to climb quite a number of stairs to get here. Ten wolf lengths? Fifteen? Why break every bone in your body and get captured anyway?

Nova's internal tirade was interrupted by a fresh power surge. He slammed his body to the floor, smarting his chin as he landed. Nova's head flopped to the side as he tried to relieve his lower jaw, only to witness the horrifying death of his companion. The wolf had had the sense of mind to stay away from the metallic cabinet that shielded him from the factory window. But by fate, fashion, or just bad luck, the Tenneth had been wearing a small steel amulet around his neck. A wayward arc traveled from the furnishing to the wolf's neck. A ghastly entrance wound killed the wolf before he could see it's exit.

Alone.

Well, not that alone. There were still plenty out there who wanted him dead.

There was banging on the door, before a muffled complaint could be heard and the door began to glow hot red at the hinges. They were melting their way in.

Nova stared at death’s door. He knew that of he tried to fight back and freeze the aperture, he would just make the metal brittle, expediting its breach. Why had he chosen this stupid group to go with? He was going to roast alive! And no wolf who mattered would know about it. He never agreed to sell his soul for this! A worthless pile of paperwork that probably just blew away before it hit ground. And why hasn't any wolf kept watch!?

Anger tinged his fear as Nova snapped his head away from looking at the door, refusing to watch his fate count down. He found himself looking at the exterior windows. Several panes were already shattered from their futile attempt to contain lightning, but the glass in front of him held firm. Almost resignedly, he forced himself to stand up and approach the pane. It was dark outside. And with no exterior lights, it was too dark to see the ground. No sign of any wolf below. Well, not that he could see or hear if there were. Nova's mind was wandering back to the idea of jumping. It couldn't be THAT far, right? He had fallen off the Neva City walls as a pup, and that had to have been higher.

A terrific flash split the night, illuminating the building across the alley in a terrible explosion. The light and sound of the sudden blast hit Nova in successive order, followed by a deadly hail of broken window glass. Shards of razor powder tore over him, in a cruel mimicry of Nova’s own ice blade attack. The thick fur of a snow wolf kept most of the serious damage off his face and neck, but Nova’s eyes had no such protection. Blinded, his eyes in sheer pain, he collapsed backwards to floor. His vision faded from white to red, and finally to black. The changing colors hardly altered the agony. He wish that he could just pass out. But the sound of clamor and the feeling of suffering assured him he was still very much alive in hell.

He had to move.

He had to get up.

His face felt like it was on fire.

But staying down would do nothing to help.

He had to move.

Heat blew in from the fire outside. The sound of collapsing structure had subsided. He had to go out the window. Nova forced strength to his paws as he got them under his body. He stumbled towards the heat. Paws now up on sill, he could feel it, an inferno as fresh as the night. It couldn’t be directly below him, otherwise he would be choking on smoke. Somewhere a bit off. But still, he was jumping in complete darkness. Well hey, he was doing the same thing right before the window shredded his vision. A spy without sight. Some use he was.

Feeling there wasn’t anything left to lose, Nova hurled himself clear of the window, and tumbled into the night.

Blossom was waiting for Tiberius to say something, hopefully back up her words but Chaz appeared to have beat him to it.

"Well...I guess that might work." Chaz then mulled her words over. "O-okay, I'll do it." Chaz finally decided. "Go ahead and tell me the place you two are looking for?" Chaz asked.

Everything had just appeared to have gone their way when when Blossom was ambushed with a question she didn't know. It was such a downer, especially when they were this close, too! It was all going to be over and all cause she didn't ask that Stelmaria person questions! Why didn't she ask for a name of the place specifically! Why did he have to ask for something she didn't know! Wait! She did know it right? The lady from before had told her right? But she didn't say a name or exact place!!! Blossom was thinking in circles, feeling like she was at her wits end when she remembered. It was okay to lie. Drais wasn't here to snap at her for lying and Tiberius couldn't give her that look of his that he had for when she lied. This time, he'd look at her differently! Yes, lying would save them.

A sudden sad look appeared on Blossom's face again, and she pretended to be confused.

"Ah, drat. Silly me, and I am silly." She raised her paw to cover her eyes and then dropped it back it's normal position. Frustrated, she dropped her head, "I forgot the name of the place. I know I know it but - Gah! I swear we were the worst ones to be sent for this job. It's... something, come on Blossom! You know the name and its..." Blossom glared at her paw and then stood up, to point in the direction of the volcano. "I forgot it's name but it's that place. It is that place closest to the base of that big volcano."

She turned to look back at Chaz and Tiberius before shrugging her shoulders. "We aren't very good messengers, but we are trying and we already know the general direction. But if you have better directions...?" She smiled, Now I just hope Tiberius can keep playing along.

Things seemed to have went from bad to worse. This plan was risky but who knew it would go so horribly wrong? Maybe it was Tenneth Pride blinding them from the fact they went in outmanned and outgunned. It takes more than pluck to win the war and it seemed all too apparent this night. The Rebels did their best to carry out the mission but they were taking a beating and it would seem they would have to abort, while they still could. That was until the unthinkable happened.

A huge explosion ripped through the industrial district destroying the nearby buildings. Not only did it scatter the Prometheans, it even managed to take out some of them. That was until debris from the aforementioned buildings came blasting it's way through the walls of the factory. One such piece of a large wall came crashing through the roof and slamming it's way through the platform Relis and his Boraks were standing. "BY THE GODS!?!" Relis screamed as he felt the floor underneath his paws give way as he and his Wolves fell to the factory floor below. Unfortunately, Nova was falling to the ground himself.

Mydnyte being on the outside of the building saw the explosions first hand as he found himself dodging random bits of debris. The rebels around him suddenly abandoned their positions and ran for the hills. Such cowards! He thought but perhaps they are the smart ones. Staying around this warzone would prove disastrous for him. It was good fortune that the Kamarian wasn't afraid of a little light show; because when he turned around he saw Nova falling to what he could only believe is his doom. Not even thinking, Mydnyte ran as fast as he could. Before Nova could hit the ground with a splat, Mydnyte jumped underneath the Ausi as he used his own body to cushion Nova's fall. "GRAH!" He shouted as he felt Nova's weight crash full force into him. This would hurt them both but at least Nova would not only live, but walk again.

"N-Nova...!" Mydnyte wheezed. "A-are you still alive?" He asked. "Come on...we gotta get out of here." He said as he attempted to stand both himself and Nova up.

_______


The fight on the factory floor took a rather unexpected turn, to say the least. While Durandel seemed to be virtually fending off every dang Borak and Tenneth that comes by, the huge explosion ended up rattling the entire building. What's worse is that chunks of stone and mortar came flying in as it pelted each faction like a hailstorm. While this made the fighting even more unpredictable it did provide Durandel the necessary distraction to cause another eruption underneath a signifcant portion of the enemies, who thought it prudent to reel back and regroup in light of the current circumstances. This caused the majority of them to be on fire, killing even the patrol captain. It was a lucky break, or so he thought. A bark came from behind him, "YOU!" Durandel turned to see who addressed him.

What he saw was a rather sizable Borak who carried himself with such authority, he must be some sort of elite in his opinion. "You are quite the fighter, Canicus, I've been watching you and I have to say, I am rather impressed. Despite the pressure you've managed to not only endure but capitalize on it. I have order the rest of my Wolves to step back. I wish to fight such a worthy opponent myself." Tornil spoke. Great, now Durandel as to deal with some macho warrior. He didn't have any time for this! He had to get out of here and see if his friends are doing alright! It was then some of the insurgents came to provide him the necessary distraction. They came charging at Tornil who easily dispatched them with couple of quick lightning bolts.

The Borak then noticed his paws getting rather hot. Taking this cue, Tornil quickly jumped away from an eruption, Durandel had caused. This of course took Durandel by surprise, most Wolves don't have the reflexes to avoid a direct hit like that. This guy has been watching him great. Before he knew Durandel was immediately struck by a lightning bolt causing him to go down. "GAH!!" He cried in pain. "Pay attention Canicus, I don't wish for your death so soon. Not until I am satisfied with our duel!" He barked. Durandel shakily, stood upon his paws. He had to get out of here. Tornil fired again but this time Durandel was ready who sidestepped the attack. He then jumped for the puddle of lava he made as scooped up a mouthful of the molten rock and the spat it at Tornil. Tornil dodged the attack as he countered with another bolt. Durandel ducked as he charged at Tornil, taking the Borak by surprise. He knocked him down and proceed to claw at his face.

Tornil guarded his face with his paws as best he could as he kicked at Durandel with his back paws. Durandel groaned in pain as Tornil's back claws dug into his side, forcing Durandel to back off. Tornil leapt forward and clawed Durandel across his muzzle. Durandel reeling back, felt his blood begin to drip into how mouth. This was bad, this guy knows how to fight and he knows that he clearly has the upper hand. Tornil then closes the gap as he continues to swipe at Durandel. The Canicus does his best to avoid his slashes but Tornil manages to prove himself the faster one, as he gets in a few good licks. He could feel the claws dig into his haunches as more blood begins to drip. "Come now, Canicus, you seemed to be quite confident back there...what happened to all of your bravado?" Tornil taunted.

"I say your the one whose getting too confident!" Durandel barked as he stomped his paws. Behind him the lava shot up like a geyser as the molten rock began to fall down like rain. Tornil did his best to dodge but some of the drops had managed to land causing him to burn. Tornil yelped in pain he then stared down Durandel firing a bolt of lightning. This struck Durandel dead on as he fell back into his own lava pit. Tornil dropped and rolled, trying to remove the bits of lava currently burning his flesh off. "SIR!" A Borak cried. "I'M FINE!" Tornil barked. The Borak looked over to see that Durandel has sunk into the pit. "Come out of there! I know you're hiding from me!" Tornil barked. Durandel couldn't continue this fight, at this rate they might just end up killing each other. Instead Durandel swam for another pit he made earlier, he hoped to slip away before Tornil could have a chance to react.


__________


Fang was both relieved and concerned. He seemed to have gotten through to her but she was hysterical. Fang tried his best to ease her down. "Amarok, calm down, we will go and find the others but now's not the time to be hysterical, understand?" Fang spoke as calmingly as he could. "I know, everything is scary right now, heck, I'm scared myself! But we've got to be brave alright? Once we're out of this mess, you can tell us whatever it is you need to tell us, deal?" Fang reasoned.

Then suddenly the building seemed to have shook, as a boom rang out through the building. "Now what!?" Fang griped. As he heard the sounds of crashing all around them. "I got a bad feeling about all of this...come on, Amarok! We gotta go now!" He cried.


__________


Blue's efforts have certainly caused a lot of confusion and damage for both sides. Though now it seems the insurgents now have the necessary distraction to carry out the rest of the mission. For the few that weren't so affected, they managed to place the remaining blasting kegs around the building. "Alright, let's light the long fuse and get the hell out of here!" A rebel barked. The Rebels set the changes as they lit the barrels. It would be about ten minutes before the barrels would explode.

As for Blue herself, well, it didn't look good for her. "Nice shot sir!" A Tenneth barked. "Damn, dirty, Rebel! They don't care who they hurt so long as they ruin all the good Prometheus has done!" Another Tenneth responded. "What should we do wit her sir?" The subordinate Tenneth asked. "We'll take her to the dungeons! Perhaps we can get some answers out of this one!" The Leader ordered. The Tenneth then proceeded to scoop her up.

As the Tenneth picked her up, the movement caused her head and neck to loll about dangerously almost allowing for any necklace type jewelry to fall off, if there had been anything to fall off that was. Too bad she wasn't conscious, otherwise she would have known that her pendant must have flown off when she was thrown into the air.

It really was, too bad.



The water was soothing and eerie, pulling at her fur like paws in need of help.

Wait, water?

Blue opened her eyes to find herself in a world that was painted black, red and grey. The sky was grey, with stretches of storm clouds. It was a stark contrast from the white fluffy clouds she was used to seeing now. While the ground she stood on was not, in fact, dirt. It was an ocean of dark black waves, threatening to rise and swallow her whole.

Of course her normal reaction was to jump up and stare, amazed at her paws that didn't sink. What was going on?

Unsure of how to proceed, all she could do was stay as still as possible to think over what she was doing.

It was strange how Blue's instincts were telling her that she was in danger, that standing on water was impossible. That the cool water that lapped her at her paws was not real. She lifted a paw, seeing the water drip off it and placed it back down. It sunk an inch or two into the water but it didn't go any further. It was as if just below the surface was a sheet of invisible ice holding her up. Where am I?

She looked up, surveying the landscape around her. It was all black water as far as she could see, nothing in front of her. Maybe behind her? She turned around and that is when she saw them in the distance. The pitch black silhouettes of wolves staring back at her with glowing red eyes. She stopped breathing, the clarity of her situation nearly stilling her heart.

They were waiting for her to join them.

How long had they been there?

Blue took a step forward not knowing what to do and at that moment, the ocean surface caved in underneath her.

With a soundless splash, Blue dropped like a stone into the watery depths. She struggled, clawing at the surrounding darkness but it was all in vain. Everything was gone, her senses were slowly fading as the dark waves roared, filling her ears and lungs with sludge of darkness. It crushed the light out of everything, she was drowned in it, pulled deeper and deeper.

"There is no escape."

The dark waves had devoured her completely.

The light was gone.



Her head hurt, and even though she was completely out of it, there was one loud thought she was having. Why the hell didn't they kill her!? Her anger certainly didn't help the headache she was coming down with, not to mention the swaying motion of being carried. It reminded her of getting motion sickness. Motion.... sickness.... The motion.... making her sick.... Sick....

Blue groaned, coming back to life if only just to slide off the Tenneth guard who was carrying her. The thump of her body hitting the ground was soon followed by a: "Blargh!"

She threw up.

The smell of stomach contents was now in the air, not a particularly new scent to a battlefield that was now drenched in the smell of blood, death and... fear. What happened? How much time has passed? He must be bloated with power.

Chaz looked at the pair with worrisome eyes. He was the best at giving directions to begin with but if he knew a specific place then he could at least point them in the right direction. Oh dear, there was so much stuff near Mount Hephaestus that the poor Tenneth couldn't even begin to tell them what they might find over there! Even worse that's were most of the Guards are stationed at, especially since Hephaestus Road leads to the Alpha's Castle and that place is crawling with Warriors! Not to mention that Chaz himself isn't allowed anywhere near that area! Only authorized Tenneth are! Oh, he would get into trouble for sure!

With that said he knows sending these two towards the area alone will doom them! If he isn't even allowed near there then a foreigner is definitely barred! There only chance is with him, if he could at least hand them off to a superior then they should have an easier time. Chaz does believe there is a Wolf that handles foreign relations around that area, and does assume that's where they are heading. Of course they would need clearance and it seems these messengers are indeed, quite lousy as Blossom suggests they are. As scared of the whole dilemma that he is, Chaz on the other hand, doesn't wish to see these kind Wolves be harmed! So far these two have been the closest thing to friends he's made.

Trembling, Chaz weakly speaks, "Well...since I don't know exactly the place you had in mind...I-I-I-I-I-I...," What seemed to be forever hearing Chaz stuttering the letter I, the awkward Tenneth finally spoke, "....Okay! I'll lead you over there!" He shouted at last. "Only because there's alot of scary Tenneth over there that will roast you guys the second they see you! But if you're with Chaz they might think twice. I hope." He said not sounding confident in the slightest. "If I can get you messengers to the Embassy then I can hand you off to them and I think you should be safe. Then again maybe not, I've never been anywhere near there...Chaz was never allowed to go anywhere important since I don't have any clearances." He said with a sigh. He then looked at the two. "Well, how about it?" He asked. "I know it's not much but it's the best poor Chaz can do."

It was all Tiberius could do to keep a grin on his face. Each little repetitive "I" that Chaz made in his nervous chatter made the Arlyne's grin clench all the harder, to the point where it was debatable whether he'd get his teeth stuck together. Tiberius was tired of being walked, tired of being parched, and tired of being nervous. Blossom hadn't ever told him where they were REALLY going, and now it seemed that even she didn't know. Hopefully it wasn't the very same place that this shaking Tenneth inferred that they would be roasted by some guards. Tiberius didn't even like his food roasted, never mind his fin.

Finally, Chaz started moving. Eager to please and more eager to move, Tiberius quickly agreed with the nervous wolf. "Sure sah! We are no good with this place, yeah! The faster you get us out of your fur the faster we can get our stuff done and then go get a drink! This place burns, yeah?" Tiberius exclaimed, his phrase being as much about venting as it was to prod their guide onward.

Tiberius glanced at Blossom with a mixed expression before following after Chaz, waiting for his friend to catch up so that they could walk side-by-side. He had zero intent of following Chaz to whatever end goal he had thought of. As soon as they could get their bearings proper with some sort of town, they could ditch him to go find what they had actually come for. Whatever that was. Hopefully it came with a big block of ice. To eat up or to sleep on, he didn't care which.

With the Tenneth in the lead, Tiberius was relieved to have the chance to relax his pandering grin. He had felt like his smile was going to fall off. Staring at the ground a few paces behind Chaz's heels while trying to keep his focus from his growing deficiency in vital bodily fluids, he felt Blossom's bump on his shoulder.

"I am lord of lies," he heard her whisper. Heh, and he wasn't? He had cooked up half the pack of stories that Chaz had nervously ate.

"No, your the lady, I'm the lord. A'least he's takin' us somewhere...better then us wondering around nowhere," Tiberius muttered back, glancing up at the darkening horizon. Hopefully wherever they ended it, it would be before night time. He somehow doubted that even the setting of the sun would bring much of a reprieve from the heat, since most of it seemed to be coming out of the ground. "I think that we sh- wait, what?"

His mind suddenly processed the second thing she said. "What do we do when we get there?" She didn't know? How could she not know? What were they doing here?!

"Feathers, you're tellin' me you dragged us up here to go somewhere you don't know where it is, to do something you don't know what to do?!" Tiberius exclaimed, his frustration causing his voice to rise above its previous whisper. "We're gonna die up here, Feathers!"

Blossom clearly made a mistake...

"Feathers, you're tellin' me you dragged us up here to go somewhere you don't know where it is, to do something you don't know what to do?!" Tiberius exclaimed, his frustration causing his voice to rise above its previous whisper. "We're gonna die up here, Feathers!"

Blossom flinched and slapped her wing over Tiberius in a pretend huddle away from Chaz. "Shhhhhh! He almost heard you!" She whispered roughly, then pulling away just as quickly as she grabbed Tiberius.

"We just got to keep going!" She shouted, "I bet we're almost there!"

The one winged she-wolf ran ahead of Chaz, throwing caution to the wind as she came up to a rise to see.... smoke, and fire. She felt a hollow sense of... something. Something like pain in her chest but mixed with something else.... Ah, she was hurting because others were hurting. It tore her apart on the inside and without bothering to wait for Tiberius, she bolted toward the city of fire dens. Her kind Aven nature had taken over, despite everything else telling her to turn the other way. For she was small but certainly courageous enough to help fate move forward.

After all, she was here to meet her fate anyways.

*****

"Hello!" Blossom shouted into the city, ignoring the heat. For some odd reason, no one had seen her or stopped her. Maybe they didn't see her at all? Well, she had just entered the city and seen no hide or tail of a fire wolf, or any wolf for that matter. Maybe they were all at the far end of the city where the fire and smoke was the worst? The walkways and rock dens she saw were all eerily silent.

Either way, Blossom was afraid and if a fire wolf didn't kill her then Tiberius definitely would with his shouting when he caught up to her. She let out a whine, suddenly hearing voices. Wolves! Living ones!

"-is a Resistance hideout, I'm sure there must be some supplies lying around here. Could you check it around, Nova needs some medicine badly. In the meantime, I'll keep an eye out for anyone. The city is bound to be crawling with Prometheans and I don't want Mydnyte to be caught without anyone to help him."

Blossom wanted to rush forward and help, as she did run straight into a half burning city but... there was a stream of lava in her way. She wanted to jump over it but odds were she would fall short and died in a puddle of lava. So.... she decided to backtrack a bit and go around to the other side.

Her detour was easy and working just fine, save for the pile of lava rocks she tripped and knocked over. The sound of the rocks falling and hitting the building side wall was loud! It made her freeze hoping no fire wolves heard that. It would be bad to get killed now.

After a few seconds of not getting anyone's attention she turned a corner and standing in front of her was a big, burly and not to mention burning wolf glaring at her. So much for not getting anyone's attention. Was this fire wolf eavesdropping on the voices she was trying to get to? Maybe he was because he let out an almost silent growl and lunged forward, aiming for her puny neck.

Her ears and tails immediately went down and she let out an ear piercing shriek.