Hephaestus City

"Well, it's not a fabulous palace, or even a nice hotel like the one back in the Aven territory, but...it sure beats the heat!" Fang spoke as he turned and looked around. It was the most pleasant of sights and heck, these Wolves look like they've seen some better days. "I just want some water, hey, you two over there, do you know how long it takes to get some water around here?" Mydnyte asked. The Wolves just shrugged. "Thanks for the info." The Kamarian grumbled. "I'm sure it won't be long, after all, we are like honored guests or something right? The wolf they sent will be back with some cold water in no time! For now, lets just rest easy for once yeah?" Fang suggested as he went into the next room looking for a place to sit.

"Hmph." And with that Mydnyte just nodded and followed his friend's lead. The rest of the company decided that would be best as well. In the next few moments, a couple of Resistance fighters came with bowls of cold water. "Here you are, it's mineral water from a nearby spring. So it's fresh." The Wolf spoke as they turned to leave them to their privacy. "Good." Mydnyte spoke as he readily drank his bowl. The group felt some relief, having been able to quench their partched tongues. As they continued to lounge, or at least seem somewhat at ease, a rage of thoughts swirled within Durandel.

He thought he would feel comfort being back home, even in it's current state, but all he's felt was a growing unease. It was quite unsettling but he couldn't help but feel that something bad is going to happen. Of course it's ridiculous to think that a feeling can tell the future but a wolf's sense of danger is hardly wrong. Yet, Durandel is not alone, the mentality of the whole group could be summarized as unsettled.

It was then some Wolves showed up as they asked the group to come along with them. Their momentary reprieve was about to end, for our most, weary and troubled heroes, they were about to meet the leaders of the Resistance, and with it, learn of a whole world of troubles.

----

The group was lead down darkened hallways with only torchlight and their Wolf host to guide them. Before long, guards started to show themselves, tense looking wolves who seemed to be quite on edge. Perhaps not the stuff real guardians are made of but there was quite a bit of them along the way. They must be nearing. "Alright, were here." The Wolf spoke as he opened the door, it was an old conference room, used by the managerial staff to hold their meetings. It's now a war room for the Resistance as a table with the map of the Tenneth territories are laid bare. Gathered around this table are the Resistance leaders but one in particularly astonished Durandel. "You! I-I recognize you! You're...You're...CASTOR!!!" He said aloud.

Castor raised his head to see Durandel and then smiled, "Didn't believe the reports at first, never thought I'd be seeing your muzzle again." Castor chuckled. "You know this Wolf?" Mydnyte asked. "Know him!? We both worked on the Council together! Though, I'd never believe he would be apart of the Resistance! I figured he'd be working for Prometheus right now." Durandel explained. "Well, technically, I am, but in truth, I'm working in secret for the Resistance to provide them with any information I can get." Castor explained. "It's true, without Castor's help, we wouldn't have an eye on Prometheus's government like we do now." An older voice spoke from within the shadows. Soon an old Wolf stepped forth, an introduced himself as, "Ezekiel, I'd say it be a pleasure to meet you all but this isn't some pleasant social call now is it?" He spoke as he walked up to the head of the table.

"Sir Ezekiel and I, formed this Resistance after Prometheus took the power of Alpha for himself and transformed our once, great country into a police state!" Castor barked. "Yes, it was...horrible, what happened." Ezekiel muttered. "Sir Ezekiel was at Alpha Cendrillion's home the night it happened." Castor spoke up. "The Night what happened?" Fang asked. "The Night the coup occurred." Ezekiel spoke. "Prometheus did not acquire the role of Alpha, the honorable, Tenneth way! He betrayed Cendrillion, by suddenly attacking him in his own home. Without warning and without mercy, he and his goons killed the Alpha, his family and then proceeded to desecrate his memory by destroying everything they ever owned!!!" Ezekiel barked, followed by a sudden coughing fit.

"Sir!" Castor gasped but Ezekiel waved it off. "To make matters worse they then disposed of anyone who continued to support Cendrillion including...including...my OWN SON!!!" Ezekiel's cough grew even worse. "Please sir you need to calm down, it's not good for the cough to be over-excited." Castor pressed. "I know, I know, I'm sorry for losing my composure, a leader should always remain rock steady, but we are here to change the state of things. And with you all here to support us, we might just pull it off, assuming you'll help us?" Ezekiel posed.

"Well, we haven't come here for a vacation, we also have our business with Prometheus we wish to settle." Mydnyte spoke. "Good, perhaps our goals are aligned after all." Ezekiel responded. "Well if you are to be of any help, you'll need to know of our plans, right now we are discussing how best to hit a certain refinery that's underneath Prometheus's control." Castor said as he drew his paw over the map. "It's deep in the industrial sector of Hephaestus City, problem is it's such a densely populated area, it will be difficult to move in a sizable force without drawing attention." Castor continued. "So, I suggest we send in small groups in waves, that way constant stream will be there to reinforce each attack." Ezekiel added. "Thanks to the majority of the Tenneth Army being sent to invade the Cliffs, there defenses should be at their weakest."

"What's so important about this refinery that you would risk lives to destroy?" Fang asked. "As you will come to know, the Tenneth army uses alot of metalwork in it's arms and defenses and since we have a natural source of heat strong enough to melt metal, we've built alot of them. Of course what makes this one important is what they're creating inside." Castor explained. "Our Intel has been inconclusive as to what they're building inside but one thing is clear that it is a weapon, a weapon capable of conquering Stonehold." Castor revealed. A hush fell over the room. "Wait...that doesn't make sense." Summanus spoke up. "You just said the majority of the Tenneth forces went to invade the Cliffs. Why would they do that and leave behind the very weapon that would garner them victory?" Summanus asked. It was an excellent question poised but not without response.

"I would agree that does seem rather irresponsible on their part, but, we have suspected that misinformation is being passed around in replace of the fact. We do not know who is responsible but we have launched discreet investigations into our ranks. What I do know, from our most trust source, that whatever is being built in that factory, is extremely important. Round the clock surveillance, restricted information, passwords, codes, and the factory never seems to close. They are up to something and I do not like it. Regardless if it's a weapon or not, they are keeping it closely guarded and if we take out that operation, we can derail them from further tyranny." Ezekiel finished.

"Right now the Boraks have taken up guarding the factory, since many Tenneth have gone to attack the Dimitrios. So, we've had to adjust our plans some but I think we might be able to go with our original strategy if, you Kamarians wouldn't mind lending a paw?" Castor asked. Mydnyte eyed the Tenneth and with a raised brow, "What do you need?" He asked. "To put it simply we need cover, cover that can move. The Borak element has better range than a Tenneth fireball could cover. Not to mention they are using some, odd light that's powered by their lightning rather than our traditional oil and fire lamps. It seems to be brighter and it makes it difficult for us to get a large number of us close without raising their notice. But if you could create an impressive shadow then we could move in and catch them unaware." Castor then brought out a blueprint of the factory in question. "We've marked were all of the guards are and their patrol routes." Castor said as he placed his paw over various parts.

"We've noticed this, this here is their weakest point. If we can move in our Wolves here, then we can get in close and take out the guards before they could raise an alarm. Then inside we will overwhelm the soldiers there, and remove the workers and then we destroy whatever is inside." Castor finished. "Well, that's all well and good, but even though we can make a large shadow, this building is quite big, judging from the measurements here on the side. You must need alot of wolves to take it, and well, I'm not sure we can give enough cover to enough Wolves for this operation." Fang spoke up. "Yeah, and I'm sure from up above seeing a large shadow that's only in one spot moving would seem weird." Mydnyte added. "What if I could provide more darkness?" Summanus asked.

"What do you mean?" Ezekiel asked. "I know of the lights you speak. There powered by electricity running through wires from a generator. It's all technical but the Boraks must not have been here for that long, so I'm sure there lighting set up was a bit rushed. "If you could just get me inside, I can find the generator and shut it down. It will give them less vision and more room to work your element." Summanus suggested. "Hm, if it can be done, then we can have more of our wolves enter other points of interest." Castor said. "And our shadow will look a lot less conspicuous." Mydnyte added. "Alright but you can expect us to let you go in alone do you?" Ezekiel asked. "I would prefer it that way." Summanus answered. "Out of the question! This not the time for the lone wolf act. Going in alone without any support is just reckless!" Ezekiel objected. "Besides what would happen if you got captured or killed? It would put us at a severe disadvantage, they would know we are coming!" Castor added.

"I understand all of your concerns, but, I am asking you to have faith in me...I know what I am doing." Summanus said with dead seriousness. "The only thing I ask, is for you to wait until I'm finished shutting down the lights to enter. I don't need Wolves getting antsy and thinking they need to be some kind of hero." The room fell quiet after Summanus's request. "But what if the worst does happen? Wouldn't you want someone to come in after you?" Castor asked. "Yes, I'm not so sure about this either." Fang spoke up. "Look, if the worst does come to pass, then if I do not have the lights down in thirty minutes, then proceed with entering the factory. As for now, I only ask that you'd let me in your storeroom? I need some things first." He asked. Ezekiel nodded. Summanus was then led to the storeroom where he disappeared for a few minutes before coming back. Afterwards the plan was set into motion.

Summanus would be snuck in first to disable to lights. After that, the Kamarians would create a shadow, to further provide cover to the invading Resistance. Then their perimeter guards would be dealt with before the Wolves inside are dispatched. Then when the danger is passed whatever Prometheus was working on would be destroyed. Hopefully, this could be the victory that helps push their cause towards toppling Prometheus's regime. Ezekiel then proceeded to ask the group who would join in this mission. if they do not wish to, then they may stay here. As for the heat, well it dies down significantly at night, which is when they will enact their plan. To those that join, you will find yourselves underneath the cover of dark, in the back alleys of the Tenneth city. The Resistance members made good use of the back streets, that seemed to twist and curve into some sort of wolf-made labyrinth.

Soon enough the smell of smoke and metal seemed to permeate the air, more so than usual. It would seem they have found themselves in the industrial district. At this time of night, most of the factories are closed or closing. Yet one, shines brightly as if a lit torch in the middle of a dark cave. There the light was not like of fire and the sounds of industry roared into the night. Smoke and fire bellowed from the chimneys as Wolves seemed to patrol it's grounds every which way. The Resistance quietly encircles the factory waiting for their moment to strike. The group that did decide to join looked on from afar, as the Resistance member leading this operation spoke, "Well, we shall wait here, I suggest you take this time to prepare yourselves, once the operation begins, there is no turning back." With that you are left to your thoughts.

The arrival of the water improved Nova's mood several degrees, and his usual caution was forewent as he lapped greedily at the bowl. It had an interesting taste, not exactly bad, but not quite like that of a crisp spring either. Perhaps it was sulfur? It didn't matter. Hunger always made the best spice, and the Ausi was pretty sure that the same applied to thirst and drinking. Though he would have to find a way to fix his fur. During the brief moment he had allowed the water to stand still he had seen his reflection, and the work of several ice-steam treatments certainly didn't leave him looking pretty.

Nova tried to pay attention between relieved laps as the meeting progressed. Ever the spy, he spent part of his brainpower trying to size up the rebel leaders, and silently assessed the position of himself and the group. There were no clear escape routes, which was never a good sign, but as of yet the Ausi didn't suspect foul play. The whole idea of a super weapon was hard to wrap the mind around, but the plan seemed like a genuine one. Nova couldn't fathom the audacity of attacking the Dimitrios head on, especially when they were in their home cliffs. In the battle that he had witnessed around the time he met Cerise, it was rock wolf settlements out in the woods that had been attacked and routed. But in the cliffs, the Dimitrios would be in their element. It was like trying to attack an Aven in the woods, or a Kamarian in the dark. Or an Ausi in their own capitol city.

Steadied by his recent drink it was enough for Nova to say "I'm in," when the time came to choose. He had come too far to turn back now.

The promised reprieve in the heat was surprisingly effective. It was still plenty warm, but at least it no longer felt like they were standing in an oven. Rather disorientated in the urban setting, Nova kept on the heels of Amarok as they moved through the alleys. The was no mindpower to waste on scouting now, all was needed to focus through the fumes on the task ahead.

Eventually settling himself on the ridge overlooking the factory, the Ausi settled in to wait for the signal. He looked to his left and discovered that he had ended up by Vesta and Amarok, the latter pulling a face that looked like she had just licked a lemon. As he had heard feint chatter among the other rebels in the ring, Nova felt he could risk a quiet comment to steady his nerves and theirs.

"You don't know how long I've waited for this. To do something that matters in ending this war."

Blue had her mission. That was all that mattered to her and once out of the tunnels, her whole body relaxed. Whereas her mind, was not so relaxed. She hadn't said anything since they entered the tunnels, and even here, in the heart of Tenneth territory, her mouth stayed shut despite the unbearable heat.




Meanwhile, several distances away, Blossom tripped. "Oww, I tripped...Tiberius watch out for that thing there." She stretched her wing out, and using it like a third arm, pushed herself back onto her paws just in time to motion at what tripped her. It was a stump. "Oh, it's... its a broken tree..." But.... if it was a tree... I would have felt it.... but... Perplexed, that she hadn't felt it or properly seen it, she couldn't understand that what she was looking at was the stump of a tree that had been burnt.

Tired and sleep, she hadn't been watching where she was going, but now... She was wide awake. Wide awake enough to realize there were many more trees like the one that tripped her. This place had been scorched. It filled her with a sense of dread.

"Tiberius, I think we should hurry."




Blue was not like Nova, nor anyone else here in the mere idea that taking out one warlord would stop a war, between so many. Besides, she was more concerned about messing up due to the monsters in her head corrupting her sight.

Don't mess up.

A low growl made her step forward and wondered what would happen if Summanus died.

Everything was going according to the plan.

It had taken more than a little cajoling, but finally Tiberius had let his friend convince him to head up the Vulcans. And he was regretting every step of it. Having long left even the dry grasses behind, it was now just scorching sand and ash underpaw. He couldn't remember ever feeling so dried out, his lips cracked and his eyes blinked furiously. It was like he was standing in front of an oven. He had almost fallen into an old stone slab oven his mother had been frying fish in once, it had been well that his father grabbed his tail. Tiberius almost would rather take that one time scorch than this constant broil he was enduring.

"Pah...yeah...the sooner we gets up this stupid mount'n the soonrs we cans get down," Tiberius panted back, his speech surprisingly slurred for having such a dry mouth. The heat was draining his energy, not that he had had much when he left the prison. He wanted more than anything to relax at a cool stream, though collapsing on the ground was becoming more tempting every moment.

***

Somehow, they made it to the night, and with it, more level ground. They were on some sort of plateau, though it was probably just another false peak. A wolf-made outbuilding broke up the murky horizon in the distance, seemingly the first artificial thing they had seen yet.

Croaking out a voice that was barely above a whisper, the young Arlyne turned to his friend. "Is your target in there, I hope?"

When they caught sight of that wolf made structure, Blossom had determined that Tiberius had a heart of gold to follow her into such fiery temperatures. It was WAAAY worse than the heat of the tunnels. It felt as she was breathing in fire and not air. It made her think of how worse it was for her water inhabiting companion.

"Is your target in there?" Tiberius croaked, bringing Blossom to a stop to take notice of his condition. It made her ears droop at how miserable he must be. Stupid me. I should think before accepting freedom bargaining quests. Instant regret filled her for saying yes to that... Stelmaria wolf. Even if it meant being saved from that mine. But, there were already here, so they'd better just get it over with.

She coughed, "I'm sorry 'Berius for... promising to come here." She glared at her paws before stepping forward to continue her quest for this 'Blue' wolf. Then she wondered if she should tell Tiberius a secret about this Quest.

Continuing his steady plod onward, Tiberius mulled over his friend's comment. He never felt like he had really gotten a straight answer about who was supposed to be up here, and the young wolf had begun to feel like Blossom didn't know either. She was generally pretty straightforward with him, and he liked to think that there was no secrets between the two of them. That was a major reason why this little journey was so unsettling. He wasn't sure what was the worse option, his friend being completely clueless, or his friend keeping him in the dark.

"Yeah well...she did get us out of that place. I just wish...she coulda been a bit more patient..." Tiberius panted.

It seemed like their path was being drawn towards the structure in the distance, perhaps because there was nothing else to walk towards. His head drooping downwards, Tiberius didn't realize their trajectory until they were alarmingly nearby. His ears shooting upwards, he felt a twinge of unease. Having so soon esacped captivity, Tiberius was loath to think that the next wolves they ran into could also be unfriendly. His ear swivled. No voices it seemed. The building didn't really look like it was inhabited, more like a storage shed with no windows. Four gray slab walls built in a rough rectangle, with a door presumably on the opposite side. Curiously, the only thing he could think of in this moment was how hot the doorknob must be.

As she got closer to the building, her sense of urgency calmed just a bit, and had she been older, would have known this was a dumb move. To see a structure in enemy territory, and head straight for it without scouting it out? Ridiculously dumb. She ran straight up to it, and turned the corner to see the front of it....

It was dull and boring. It appeared to be some sort of storage...? Or lookout? What it was, Blossom couldn't figure it out, but she did take note of the round sitting in front of what semis thought was the door. So.... the door was a round stone, er, slate that could be rolled away from the door, but what was inside, Blossom would never know. For the round door was far too big for her and Tiberius to roll away from the door.

"Hmmmm, too bad you're not a Kamarian. Or a Tenneth. If you were, we'd be able to see what's inside." It was a pointless comment that Blossom had spoken without thinking. Why did she mention a Kamarian, she didn't know, but perhaps... it was a type of wolf she thought was enigmatic???

Anyways, Blossom shrugged her shoulders and her wing, and motioned for Tiberius to follow her again. They didn't have time to sniff every inch if this building...

Tiberius gave up his fruitless search of a couple of tin crates near the door, and with a bit of effort caught up to his friend. There hadn't been much to see save a few recklessly discarded bones. Whomever had been up this way had clearly taken their lunch. Perhaps had been some forgotten guard post, or supply shack. Who knew.

"I'd give anythin' to be a Tenneth right now, Feathas. Best way to beat the heat. You think your target is a Tenneth? I can't see why a wolf of any other pack would want to hang out up this way," he commented, more out of idle conversation than a genuine attempt to pry information out.

As they put some distance between them and the abandoned structure, Tiberius noticed with a somewhat eerie observation that the heavens above were dark. Being able to gaze at the stars once again had been one his fondest wishes while he had been in that infernal mine, and here he was under ash-choked skies unable to distinguish it from cave ceiling. The only bit of consolation was the moon eeking out through the dust clouds, turning a strange yellow color as it peered blearily through the haze.

"You think we are going to find her tonight, Feathas? We haven't slept a wink since we left the cells."

"I'd give anythin' to be a Tenneth right now, Feathas. Best way to beat the heat. You think your target is a Tenneth? I can't see why a wolf of any other pack would want to hang out up this way." Blossom wondered at that too, but then again they weren't Tenneths and here they were. Walking straight into their capital. 

"You think we are going to find her tonight, Feathas? We haven't slept a wink since we left the cells." Blossom really didn't need to be reminded of yet another reason this trek was a miserable choice to have gone along with. "I hope we do... It made me sick to see those burnt trees... I really do miss the trees." Her eyes were sad at the memory of tripping over the stump, but she didn't cry... she couldn't afford to lose any more valuable liquid in this dry landscape.

Tiberius let a few minutes pass before he made any attempt to reply. He was knew he was depressed, and he hated it. Why should he have any excuse to be down? This little hike was nothing. He had just escaped from a season of forced labor! No more sleeping in a dank cell with hopeless wolves, now the sky could be his ceiling once again! It was a shame that there were so many left behind in that cave, sure, but that didn't mean he couldn't take a moment to celebrate his own life.

"What'd you miss most 'bout being free when we were down there?" Tiberius asked. Then, answering his own question while she thought, he continued, "I missed hearin' the birds. It was so strange waking up to the bark of guards rather than the tweet of birds. I bet there will even be a phoenix or too cawing in the morning even up here!"

His little attempt to spin a positive conversation did help a little, and grin tugged at the corners of his mouth at the thought of seeing the fabled fire bird.

Unbeknownst to our two, young, intrepid explorers they were about to face the most harshest test of their spirit yet! It all would begin with a chance meeting, as Fire Wolf comes walking up to the old storage building. A faint voice could be heard in the distance. "Oh flames! Why is it always poor Chaz that gets the short end of the stick?!" He sounded whiny and wimpy. Soon the sound of pawsteps followed as the voice grew louder and louder, he was heading right for them! "I mean, is there even a storage space up here? I bet there isn't! This all some cruel joke! I haven't even seen a building for awhile!" He complained. Soon he could see the old building as it's roof began to pierce the horizon.

"Oh, I guess there is...but, who seriously comes out here? This has got to be the most lamest detail one could get!! Besides I shouldn't be the one coming out here, it was that jerk, Petro's fault! He's the one that called the commander's wife a cow, not me!!!" He shouted up into the nighttime sky. "Those jerks are always getting me into trouble!!! Oh, one of these days, one of these days ol' Chaz is gonna get his comeuppance!" He barked. "At least...I think." He said in a measly voice.

Soon, he would come into view of Tiberius and Blossom, and then, well, who knows what might happen?

Blossom had been listening to Tiberius Twitter on about birds when somewhere in between his words, she heard a noise that wasn't Tiberius. Her pricked up ears, and her wide eyes rotated quickly, scanning the horizon when she pinpointed the direction it was coming from. Panicked and too wired up to tell Tiberius she jumped to the side and only turned to grab Tiberius by the tail and dragged him back toward the building from earlier.

Despite being on the verge of overexhaustion, Blossom's adrenaline had kicked and helped to give her extra strength. It was just enough to get Tiberius to the front of the building when, Blossom yelped urgently, "Hurry! Hide!" She bolted behind the structure, glad they had something to hide behind in this barren landscape... well there had been boulders but they had all been too far to get to. Her heart was beating wildly at this that she was surprised no one heard it or that it jumped right of her chest. "W-what do w-w-we do, Tiberius?"

It was probably not a good idea to ask him, but Blossom didn't know what to do for sure.

His dreamy thoughts being yanked back into reality by a tug on the tail,Tiberius soon found himself amidst the rummage that lay outside the storage shed. Not having seen the wolf himself, the Arlyne wasn't quite as spooked as as friend, although his imagination was working overtime to make the unknown interloper seem as menacing as possible. What if this wolf was from the mines? Doubtful, but they never did find out where they actual entrance to that prison was. What if it was nearby?

Desperate to glean information, Tiberius was uncharacteristically unresponsive to Blossom's fretting. He strained his ears to pick up the stranger's voice on the night air. Faint mumbles. Faint mumbles that were getting clearer as the wolf got closer. It sounded like...he was saying names? Were there more of them?

"We's gotta knows what he knows...what if he's from the prison? We could get the others out if he knew where to get in!" the young wolf said after a bit. Funny, he seemed to get more impetuous when he was weary. "Besides, there's only like four sides to this shack, and he can probably see two of 'em just by walkin' up. No way we can stay hidden. Best we find him instead'a da other way round!"

His voice raising to rather audible levels, he wouldn't have to worry for long about his words giving away his position. He would do that himself. Jumping out from behind the shack and shouting in the night, Tiberius exclaimed "Oi you! Yous from da prison?"

Tonight, for this unassuming Wolf, which already was bad was about to get even worse. Talk about a bad night. Chaz kept speaking to himself believing he was alone. "I wonder if anyone is going to relive me? Bet not. They plan to leave me up here all night! I bet someone from my unit is gonna come and scare me. They'll probably say-," That was then he heard a voice, or rather a shout. As he came into view of the structure he saw the young Arlyne jump out and gave Chaz quite a fright. "OH FLAMES!!!" He squealed. The Fire Wolf fumbled over himself and fell to the ground.

"AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!" He screamed. "WHO ARE YOU!? WHO ARE YOU!?!" He shouted. "NO ONE SHOULD BE UP HERE!!! Except." It was then Chaz went cold as if he had seen a ghost. "REBELS!!!!" He screamed into the nighttime sky. "REBELS, OH FLAMES, WHY DID IT HAVE TO BE THE REBELS!?!?!?!?" He cried. Chaz then cowered as he placed his paws over his muzzle. "Please, oh please! Don't kill me!!!! Oh, cruel fate!!! Why must you treat poor Chaz like this!?!? Of course the Resistance would be up here hiding out in some old shed!!! I bet Petro planned this!! For me to be killed by the Rebels!!!" He cried and wailed.

It was then he mumbled some sort of prayer to Phoenix, it wasn't very clear but it did sound like he was praying for his life. And there he laid, cowering in the dirt, definitely not a very flattering display. At the moment, it didn't seem like the Fire Wolf was going to get up from that spot. It was clear that he was paralyzed by his own anxiety and paranoia. He continued to mumble to himself.

Was Mai'ana, the Goddess of Nature messing with her? Blossom couldn't understand why this was happening now. Wasn't it bad enough to have been imprisoned, used as slaves and not to mention abandoned at as a pup? Blossom wondered what the heck the Goddess was thinking bringing all these things toward her and Tiberius? Did the Goddess dislike her for her abnormal wing? Perhaps she wasn't Aven enough or as nature loving as she thought she was... Wasn't she? Blossom couldn't understand. But perhaps, now wasn't the time to be thinking it all over.

Especially since she was holding her muzzle with her front paws while her wing was tightly folded into her side. It was while she was doubting her Goddess that she didn't notice Tiberius moving. "Oi you! Yous from da prison?"

Blossom nearly died.

Why!? Why!? Why couldn't Tiberius keep his mouth shut!? Why couldn't he just be a little bit quiet!? Blossom waited for the Stranger to come barging around the corner and roast them alive....

5 seconds passed by, followed by 10 seconds.... Any second now I'll die! half a minute...

Blossom couldn't stand the unknowing fear that consumed and opened her eyes. Tiberius was still standing where he had been before. The building was still there. And so was her unburnt body, that she still possessed. She was still alive! But why!? She tententively stepped behind Tiberius to where the Stranger should have been... and he was curled up on the ground.... crying out prayers and whining about his life....

Needless to say, Blossom was vastly disappointed, but happy such a cowardly Tenneth existed. And that they should be the ones to encounter him. Maybe Mai'ana was looking out for them after all? But... it was sad! Here Tiberius was probably expecting giant wolf of fire that could bring down forests with a cough. She ducked her head and sent a small prayer to Pheonix, the Gods of the Tenneths. I'm sorry such a whiner pup should be one of yours. She wouldn't know if the Strange God would hear her prayer, since she was not a Tenneth, but she felt it wasn't too bad.

After a small hesitation, Blossom stepped out from behind the building and shot pass the whining Tenneth. She only stopped to motion Tiberius after her. She didn't want to waste any time... especially since this stranger appeared to be in a.... fear stricken state.

Of all the scenarios that had flashed through the water wolf's head, this hadn't been one of them. Of course, fortune favored the bold and all that, but Tiberius was certain that if this was what fortune looked like...he should be bold more often! Any attempt to say anything after his initial salutation had been drowned out by Chaz's wailing, wailing that involved some rather colorful language that Tiberius was sure to note for later. Oh flames...that was a good one.

Not all that certain if he should approach the wolf closer, Blossom made up his mind for him by dashing ahead. Tiberius began a somewhat closer arc around the Tenneth as he walked to meet up with his friend. It was pitiful, and the Arlyne always had plenty of pity to spare. He felt like he should say something. Besides, they still didn't know if this was a prison wolf or not. Even if this wolf was just acting, it wouldn't be seeming to not play along with such a fine performance.

"Uh...we ain't gonna hurt you, sir. So long as you haven't been whippin' pups, anyway. The only thing we rebelled against was bein' locked up!" Tiberius said, trying to package his reply in a calming voice.

Not entirely sure if he was going to get through to the Tenneth, Tiberius backed up to where Blossom had been standing. He preferred to have at least a bit of closure on this wolf before they got running again. They had to know he wasn't just going to cheer up and jump them from behind later.

"Oh burn me!!! They're escaped inmates!?!? Oh why, oh why, must things be this way for poor Chaz!? They're going to tear me up for sure!!! I bet you're both murderers!!!!" He cried, completely ignoring what Tiberius had said. Then the blubbering Chaz was left completely unharmed much to his surprise. That is once he actually lifted his head off from the ground. He looked around to see the two Wolves actually walking off. He looked towards them and called out, "WAIT!!! You're not going to hurt me!? Or torture me at all?" Chaz said bewildered beyond belief. "Please, don't torture me!! I crack under pressure! Oh burn me!! I shouldn't have told you that!" He cried as he placed a paw over his muzzle."Wait! You're not playing mind games with me are you!? Please, I beg you, I'm no good at those! I'm easily duped and people call me gullible all of the time!" He cried. "Flames! I shouldn't have told you that either!!!" He moaned.

As the two young wolves continued to move farther away, the wimpy Tenneth then began to wonder just where they where going. Of course he probably wouldn't care but if two escaped prisoners did enter the city from where he was supposed to be guarding he could get into a whole mess of trouble with the commander. Oh he'd burn him for sure! "Wait, wait, WAIT!!! Y-You two can't go that way!! Hephaestus City is no place for outsiders!!! Especially for fugitives of the law like yourselves!!!" He wheezily barked. "Now if you'd two would walk the other direction...I'll pretend that I didn't see ya, honest I will!! Please!?" He asked.

Why would nightmare not end? On and on the whining wolf went. It was bad enough Tiberius wanted to make friends with it... It was enough to irritate Blossom. Why would Tiberius want to calm this wolf down? Maybe it was the exhaustion, coupled with the food deprivation and sense of urgency that Blossom snapped, just a little. She growled. She actually growled and it sounded like an actual Wolf's growl. Almost dangerous sounding. It surprised her enough that she spooked herself though.

"We should go now." She whispered to Tiberius, and prompted for him to start walking again. That is until the whiny Tenneth suggested otherwise. Why wouldn't this bad situation end already?! She stamped her paws angrily, and finally, she couldn't take it. She saw a rock and picked it up using her wing, which was really hard to do, but she did it and - threw it at the scaredy cat Tenneth. She missed of course, but it didn't stop her from throwing other things that she saw. Which consisted of another pebble, a stick and more pebbles. It wasn't aggressive, but more an act of frustration than anything else.

Guess her wing was more useful than she thought after all.

Either way, she started yelling, "You dumb fire wolf! Don't be gullible then and no one will call you that! Why didn't you just take us prisoner when you had the chance!? You couldn't even think of that!? Why! Why are you such... such a disappointment!? I bet you would have even been rewarded if you took us in!" On and on, her rant went and throughout it all, she was throwing things.

Content with the fact that the Tenneth was actually talking now rather than babbling, Tiberius halted his backward gait for a moment to listen to what he was saying. They were actually heading towards a city? Well that was a relief. Despite acting like a supportive pal, Tiberius knew full well that Blossom hadn't the foggiest where they were headed either, so learning that their strike across the ashen plains was leading somewhere was heartening. Besides, if they were up here to find some wolf, wouldn't a town be a great place to start?

As Chaz complained about their direction of travel, Tiberius quickly brainstormed a way to appease the fretting guard. A quick glance over his shoulder revealed that there was a peak on the horizon that they had been heading in the general direction of. If Chaz was right about their direction, then the city laid somewhere between them and that peak. So all they would have to do is change direction for a little while until the Tenneth was out of sight, and then they could veer back towards the mountain. Easy. But then, Feathers had to go and make it not so easy.

"Hey, come on Feathas, he bain't doin' nothing! Let's just take you and your wing and sail on outta 'ere." Tiberius interjected, taking his turn at pulling the other wolf along. The Arlyne wasn't sure why his friend was suddenly acting so bratty. Sure they were both tired, but goading a random guard for not capturing them was more than one kind of stupid.

"Don't mind 'er! She jus' gets over heated sometimes! We won't head towards your city!" Tiberius called to Chaz, wondering if his voice would be heard over the commotion. The situation was an odd contrast to the norm, where it would be his voice causing all the racket. Hopefully Blossom would cool her paws an they could say farewell to this random wolf.

Blossom was quite terrible at throwing things as shown when she attempted to throw another rock, but instead of being thrown toward Chaz, it somehow ended up going up and somewhere to the side of Blossom. It was a sign. "Hey, come on Feathas, he bain't doin' nothing! Let's just take you and your wing and sail on outta 'ere."

She ignored Tiberius and with her anger still fresh, picked up another stick. "Don't mind 'er! She jus' gets over heated sometimes! We won't head towards your city!" She stopped to really aim this time, focusing on Chaz when she somehow managed... to... let... it... fly.... into Tiberius. Oh no. Oh no. Oh no. NO!

Blossom froze, a small look of surprise and... something else. She hadn't meant to throw it at Tiberius, but it hit him... It hit Tiberius. The stick she threw, hit Tiberius. She hit Tiberius. With a stick. Tiberius got a stick thrown at him. By her. Blossom, his friend. Hit him with a stick. A stick. Hit Tiberius... her thought processes went on like this for quite awhile. It took a few minutes before she could properly understand what she had done....

"I'm SOOOO sorry, Tiberius!!!!!" Finally, she jumped toward him and frantically checked him over all the while muttering, "I didn't mean it."

Which was true, she didn't mean to throw it at Tiberius. She was just that terrible at throwing things. Though it was somewhat hilarious, especially from an outsiders perspective. Tiberius wasn't even really in front of her, was he? But then again she had thrown a rock backwards before... It really had been a sign then. Though it was pointless to assume Tiberius would notice and take care to protect himself from his traveling companion.

Though this all was something Blossom was too busy apologising to have even considered such details. She was merely sorry that she had thrown that stick at Tiberius. A hundred apologies later, Blossom finally remembered the target of her earlier tantrum, to whom she was now looking at. It was only natural for her to childishly assume it was his fault... right?

She glared at him, but finally, after a second or two, her calm and healing Aven temperament came back and she walked up to him. "I'm sorry I tried to throw things at you. My name is Blossom."

"OH FLAMES!!!" Chaz cried as he jumped for cover behind a nearby rock. Even though Blossom was a terrible aim, Chaz couldn't help but feel he was in mortal danger. "Please! Stop, STOP!!" He shouted over the rock. He could hear the pair yelling and as Chaz looked over to see, a stray pebble knocked his nose. "OW! I'VE BEEN HIT!!" He cried. He then came stumbling from out behind the rock, only to trip over his own paws. "Oof!" He grunted. It would seem the onslaught was over as Chaz looked to see the one-winged wolf apologizing to her companion. He was confused to say the least.

Chaz then cowered before Blossom as she walked up to him. "Gah!! Don't throw anything else at me please!!!" He cried. "I'm sorry I tried to throw things at you. My name is Blossom." His ears perked up as he looked up to see Blossom. "Y-you, you apologized to me?" He asked rather stunned at her change in behavior. "No one ever apologizes for the mean tricks they play on Chaz, not even the Pups!" He then looked over to Tiberius and then back to Blossom. "You guys aren't playing any tricks on me right now are you? Please say you aren't!" He pleaded.

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.

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.