Durandel's Story

Fox sighed and looked down at the ground. "Look, paw prints..." She says. Yes there were paw prints that had been made not to long ago, and the faint smell of wolf too only this smell was unfamiliar to Fox. "You fire wolf." She says to Rokunam. "Is it safe to venture into these tunnels?" She asks. "Surely there has to be someone that could help..." She speaks blandly.

---Summanus/Durandel---

Summanus still holding the Kita wolf up saw two wolves suddenly appear deep from within a nearby cave. He had no idea wolves where inside the cave but if they were why didn't they help sooner? Summanus was confused but he watched them he wasn't entirely sure if they were hostile or friendly.

Durandel stood up once more and began to walk slowly but surely he could move without tumbling over. Durandel made indistinguishable sounds with his mouth trying to speak coherent words. All though his speech sounded slurred, he could make out some words. "It looksh l-like I can shtand again." Durandel spoke as he heard something from behind. He slowly turned around to see two large wolves come from deep within the nearby cave. Durandel noticed one of them speaking towards Rokunam, Do they know each other? Durandel thought. He then spoke towards Rokunam, "Are thesh f-friends of yoursh?" Durandel asked trying to speak as clearly as possible but it was difficult as he felt numbness all over his tongue.


---Schemeko---

Schemeko actually made himself comfortable and accidentally dozed off. Schemeko didn't believe at first he could sleep but then again he really hasn't slept in days. Thanks to sleep deprivation Schemeko was more injured than he thought himself to believe. Although there were no physical wounds his body was greatly weak from the lack of sleep and now it has begun to heal. Schemeko could hear Cerise and Nova's voice in the room but he was so drowsy he could not distinguish the words and therefor continued to slumber. There was a nagging feeling in the back of his mind however, he is too tired to care at the moment. So in his moment of vulnerability he silently hoped that these wolves he has found himself with will watch over him for the time being. Sure he isn't used to relying on others considering his behavior towards others. Still the wolves have miraculously tolerated him, even though he caused or was about to cause some trouble. Still that was in the past and for the time being he will have resist the urge to do some mischief.

Schemeko watched Nova trying to support himself upon his shoudler but ended up failing. "Becareful now we don't want you making things worse for yourself." Schemeko said melodically as he looked over to "WarriorDemon." Nova asked more about Blue Team until the copy wolf spoke up. Ever since meeting this wolf he sounds more crazier than Schemeko. Always talking as if there were other people in the room. Then he split into four different wolves. "I guess I spoke too soon." Schemeko thought to himself as he gave a chuckle. The Seti Wolf spoke towards WarriorDemon but yet referred to her as Keta. He asked why we weren't running or hiding. This situation became rather strange for Schemeko. Here he had Mishaa yapping that this wasn't "Demy" and then the Sedi called her Keta. What's going on here? As Schemeko thought to himself. There seemed to be this evidence piling up suggesting that the wolf right here isn't WarriorDemon but this wolf looks and acts exactly like her. Intriguing. Was all Schemeko could think of.


---Durandel & Summanus---

Durandel nodded as Rokunam spoke relatively light-heatedly with these wolves. The she-wolf however seemed rather unpleasant as she ordered them to follow her. Durandel wasn't sure if he would folllow strange wolves into a cave even if they are Rokunam's friends. Then Durandel saw Fox and Mydnyte beginning to follow them Durandel then turned to Rokunam. "Well ifsh your following themsh I shallsh come." Durandel numbly spoke stating he has his back if he needs it.

Summanus wasn't exactly comfortable with so readily entering a cave with strangers. Not to mention he doesn't like being inside for too long. Electricity doesn't like to be grounded and neither does he. Still he saw a couple of the other wolves following them and heard the lava wolf would go if the Tenneth did. Then he saw Fox lead the wounded wolf and she was having trouble standing on her own. Summanus really didn't want to enter the cave he had a bad feeling in his gut if he did. Still watching the injured wolf being dragged made Summanus feel guilty, although he had absolutely nothing to do with them and him leaving wouldn't make them feel any different about him. He can do it he has done it before, after all he was used as a mercenary from time to time. A soldier of fortune, no true allegiances. He looked towards the wilderness then back at the others. His guilt however was rooted in what he has done to the Kita's people. He couldn't rectify the mistakes he's made but he could at least help her to the cave. Summanus pondered this before acting.

Summanus

Summanus walked up to Alina as he slightly nudged her. "Come on now." "Please don't die on us." Summanus called out to her hoping she will live. Summanus could hear the sounds of other wolves as he watched Alina walked down into the cave. He wasn't sure what was going on but it didn't sound good. "Come on we should head back to the others, it's much safer back above ground." Summanus spoke trying to reason with the injured Kita wolf. So far it seemed to be a hopeless cause, Summanus may as well be talking to a wall. He wasn't quite sure what to do. He could heal her, he was no Aven. The best he could do is shock her to restart he heart if she goes under but that won't stop the bleeding. Not to mention if it was internal as well. Summanus then heard a voice from the other side. "Hey!" "Is everything alright down there?!" The voice belonged to the lava wolf Durandel whose voice was no longer slurred from the electrical shock. "No!" "Things don't look good from here!" "We need that Aven back down here!" Summanus called back. "Alright." Durandel called as he left.

Durandel

"Hey Fox." Durandel called towards the Aven. "The Borak says the Kita wolf isn't doing so well." "I heard you weren't much for healing but it sounds really bad." "Can't you do something?" Durandel asked. So far Durandel has had nothing but bad luck since leaving the mountains in search for food. He should have stayed and done the patrol he believed to be boring at times. He has no idea how those wolves on the front lines deal with this everyday.


Schemeko

Schemeko listened to Nova as he gave the layout of things before the sudden dust storm appeared all around them. Schemeko tried to see what Nova spoke about but the dust was too prevalent and surely it would harm his eyes if he opened them up to wide. Before he could respond to Nova he caught a glimpse of Mishaa about to fall. With out thinking Schemeko rushed towards where he last saw her and grasped he scruff with his mouth before she dropped out of his reach. Schemeko lifted her up and went back to Nova and placed her on the ground next to him. "Sorry about that!" Schemeko yelled. "I saw the pup about to meet her maker." "I had to save her, no one else could with the toxins on her fur." Schemeko spoke as he looked over to BattleDemon. "I don't know if I'm noticing this right but Warrior or BattleDemon isn't doing too good." "She looks conflicted while...unconscious." Schemeko spoke as he tried to find Cerise. "I can't see Cerise any where with out opening my eyes to wide!" "Do you think she got away?" Schemeko asked Nova.

Fox

Fox took a minute to ponder what was happening. They had followed the others into the dark gloomy cave and had mistakenly fallen into some kind of trap. The Alva they were following seemed to have left, and beyond the stone walls sounded like a real commotion. Fox's ears flicked toward Durandel as he suddenly spoke.

Her eyes slowly drifted on the ground before reaching Alinas body. Fox sighed as she continued to stare at the Kita's almost lifeless body lying in her own pool of blood. "Well...I guess I could try something..." She says before sitting down on the soft clay to think. After a few minutes she had an idea that has helped countless of Aven soldier during battle.

She stood up. "I do know one solution that has helped my people when they were facing death...But it will be a bit difficult to grow in such a narrow cave as such...That, and I've heard that such a strong medicine as this has took its toll on those who are willing to grow such a tree..." Fox pondered a bit longer. "I could try..." She says finally before stepping back a bit from the group.

If the cave did end up collapsing, they had a powerful Dimitrios to move the rubble aside if that were to happen. And as for Fox? Well, she was strong. Or so she hoped. These wolves could endure without her if she were to pass out and she could find her own way through the cave or out of the cave. As much as she hated to admit to herself, she would miss this very unlikely group of wolves if they ever were to part...

Fox snapped out of her thoughts and began to concentrate on the earth in front of her. She looked around her neck where a vine of some sort wrapped around. In its pods it held various seeds used for medicine, energy, or battle-like uses. She studied each pod until she came upon a golden brown pod that hung from the vine in the center of her neck. She cleared her throat. "I would advise that everyone step back..." Fox says with the usual emotionless expression. Carefully, she takes the pod in her maw and cracks it open. Immediately, a seed falls onto the ground.

The unimpressive thing had a dark brown cover and was the size of an adult wolfs nose. The Aven begins to concentrate a bit more carefully, infusing her powers into the seed and throughout the earth. Soon enough, roots tour from the brown cover, embedding themselves in the earth. Some reaching the other wolfs feet. This surprised the Aven making her loose her focus only for a second before regaining it back again. Quicker than what she had in mind, the seed had already sprouted and was already fanning out limbs. Its trunk reached to the top of the cave and stopped when it could grow no more. Its branches slowly began to dip toward the earth as leaves suddenly flourished among the branches. No sooner had the leaves appeared the fruit had too. One of the fruits already ripened and fell to the ground. Its hard shell cracked splitting the oval produce in two. Its redish-purple juices flooded the ground.

Fox just stood there. Everything was a bit fuzzy...Did she make it through it? "Uh...Er...I may not be an expert at what all of these things do..." She says referring to the pods on her neck. "But I do know that this...is a very...very sacred...fruit...Used to cure internal and...and...external...wounds." Immediately after she said this everything went black.

Durandel

Durandel sniffed at the wondrous fruit, mind filled with curiosity and doubt. Durandel has heard of the Aven's way of healing those who are injured but he assumed they used herbs and not fruit. Sure fruit may cure hunger but not certainly drastic wounds. Well maybe not hunger either as all Durandel can think about at the moment is meat. "Well I'll get this piece of fruit over to the Kita." Durandel spoke as he picked up half of the fruit with his teeth. He quickly reached Alina and Summanus and placed the fruit near Alina's maw. "Here the Aven said you should eat this fruit." "She said it is scared or something and can heal your wounds." Durandel instructed as he moved back towards the cave entrance. "Oh." Durandel blurted as he turned around. "Also tell us if she needs more, that's only half of the fruit." Durandel called at Summanus. Then Durandel moved away from Summanus' sight.

Summanus and Schemeko

Summanus looked at the fruit as reddish-purple juices came out of the fruit's flesh. Summanus had never seen such a fruit but then again it's probably only found amongst the Avens. Summanus looked with concern for the Kita wolf as he hoped she will eat. "Please you must eat...what sense is their in dying so soon?" Summanus stoically spoke as he heard footsteps coming from the opposite direction. "Hm?" "What is it now?" Summanus grumbled as he turned his attention back down the tunnel. The footsteps grew louder as someone was going about an abrupt pace. Summanus sniffed the air down below and recognized as another wolf. "Now who could be down here?" "Is it that rather large she-wolf?" "No this air smells foul." Summanus spoke as he took a defensive stance. Summanus began to growl to warn any potential enemies that he is ready to fight whoever is coming.

Schemeko heard voices coming from before him. None of the voices he recognizes but one thing is for sure one of them is growling. Of all the luck! Schemeko cursed in his head. Of course there had to be guards up here too.
Schemeko groaned at the thought. He contemplated running the other way but that would defeat the purpose. Perhaps there could be away around them but so far this tunnel has ran pretty straight. So chance of finding another tunnel seemed slim. Running out of options would seem Schemeko would have to fight his way out of here. Formulating plan he decided to use the darkness of the Tunnel to his advantage. If he could conceal himself enough in the shadows then the enemy wouldn't be able to tell right away that he is a Hemlock. By the time they do however it would be too late and Schemeko would be too close. He was sure if he could give, even these wolves, a full dosage of his toxin they would go down like any other wolf. Well you got a plan Schemeko I suggest we use the element of surprise. Schemeko thought to himself as he slowed down. I'm going to have to leave the pup here if this to work. Schemeko said as he was bout to drop the pup but then he caught another familiar scent. Wait...do I smell....blood? Yes it is blood! Somebody's injured. Schemeko then had another flurry of thoughts swirling in his head. Who could it be? It wouldn't be the bear and I am certain that none of the others made it before me otherwise I would have ran into them by now. Schemeko came to another conclusion, Maybe these are different wolves? Maybe there were others attacked by SkyDancer as well? Schemeko decided to make a gamble and dropped Mishaa gently and called out. "Hello!?" "Are you friendly?!"

Summanus heard a voice call out to him and was surprised by it's words. Why would anyone reveal themselves and ask if I was friendly? Summanus thought as he tried to figure out the mystery wolf's agenda. "I don't know that depends if your friendly!" Summanus called back.

Schemeko heard a response, he gambled and won. Schemeko smirked as he called back, "Yes I am." "I'm not lying either, and I have a pup with me to prove it." Schemeko responded knowing that the wolf would take interest in this.

Summanus listened. "A pup you say?" "That seems a little too out of the ordinary if you ask me." "Why would you have a pup with you?" Summanus asked.

"Because I do." "I'll be more than happy to prove it if you allow me to come near you." Schemeko called.

Summanus looked back at Alina and then down there. Summanus sighed. He didn't want to risk Alina but if the wolf speaks the truth he doesn't want to abandon a potential pup. "Fine but I'll be watching you and trust me if you do anything funny...you'll be dead before you could blink." "That I can prove to you as well." Summanus warned without hesitation in his voice.

"Yes of course." Schemeko cooed. He picked up Mishaa and brought her and himself into Summanus' sight. Summanus could see the puppy and then looked at Schemeko. "It seems your were telling the truth." Summanus spoke as he looked at the pup. "Is she alright?" He asked concerned. Schemeko brought Mishaa before Summanus and laid her down. "See for yourself, she's fine just worn out." Schemeko said reassuringly. "It doesn't seem she's alright though." Schemeko motioning towards Alina. Summanus looked over at Alina. "No she isn't but that fruit by her mouth should heal her." Summanus said not taking his eyes off her. Schemeko noticing the tension casually commented, "Well I don't think eating is going to help." Schemeko joked. "No the fruit is special it has curative properties or something." Summanus said trying to comfort himself more than anything else. "Well whatever you say but she's going to need more than a bite to eat." Schemeko casually mentioned. "Is there way out of this tunnel?" Schemeko asked. "Uh...yeah it's just right behind me." Summanus motioned behind him. "Ah excellent, I've been trying to get out of here all day!" Schemeko said with glee. "Yeah well you should know there are others too, so uh tell them I said it was okay." Summanus mentioned before Schemeko took off. "Oh and I should tell you that there are others too besides me." "There just straggling though because of injuries." "So just to warn you look for an sandy-pelted Asui, an white Avira by the name of Cerise, or an large Alva she-wolf."

Summanus' ears perked up at the last description. "An Alva she-wolf?" "Do you mean the one that was looking for Rokunam?" Summanus asked. "Uh, probably, she went by WarriorDemon but now it's BattleDemon I think." Schemeko tilted his head in confusion. "So you met her already?" Schemeko asked. "Well if you and I are still thinking about a large, mean, and aggressive she-wolf then yes." Summanus summed up. "Yep, that would be the same." Schemeko nodded as he walked by Mishaa. "So before I leave what's your name?" "So I can tell your friends?" Schemeko asked. "Summanus." He said. "Summanus." "Alright, thank you very much." Schemeko said as he picked up Mishaa. Schemeko walked by Alina and looked at her. Poor girl. Schemeko thought. "Wait." Summanus called. "What's you name?" "For your friends?" Summanus asked. "Schemeko." Schemeko spoke his voice a bit muffled. "Alright I'll send them up if I see them." Summanus said as Schemeko went on his way.

Schemeko moved up the tunnel as he smelt the air become fresher. I hope the others made it out. Schemeko thought.

Summanus

Summanus notice that the new wolf coming from up the tunnel was lost in his own thoughts, otherwise he would have made some notion of aggression before coming so close to Summanus. Naturally he would be aggressive towards a newcomer as he had been with the green wolf before him. Yet, Summanus did keep an open mind about other wolves possibly passing him by and he intently looked for Schemeko's descriptions. While he tried to analyze this wolf, he already spoke.

"Well go on then. Throw me in the arena. Take me to her ladyship. Beat me. Just make it quick."

"Well I don't know what your talking about but I'll be happy to oblige unless you answer me this," Summanus paused, "Do you happen to be an Asui?" Summanus asked in a no-nonsense tone. He noticed the sandy-pelt and hopefully wished he would answer yes to his question, otherwise being this close to Alina he would have to use his sword to cut down his enemy.

Schemeko and Durandel

Schemeko noticed the small whimper from Mishaa was she was coming too. "It's alright." He mumbled as he continued to walk on. He hoped she would remain cooperative a little while longer as he knew he was about to reach the surface. Schemeko walked further up nearly reaching the exit as he saw the light at the end of the tunnel being blocked by a couple bodies. "Please don't shoot or whatever you can do." Schemeko jovially called as he placed Mishaa between his front paws to protect her.

Durandel turned around to notice a different wolf appear from the likes of the Kita or Borak. "Hm?" "Who are you!?" Durandel barked as he protective instincts kicked in.

"Oh I'm just a simple wolf who is of no consequence." Schemeko whimsically spoke.

"Then I guess no one will miss you!" Durandel aggressively replied.

"Wait Summanus said it was fine, let me come into the light." Schemeko quickly responded as he picked up Mishaa and to his surprise he would see a couple of familiar faces. Schemeko saw three wolves and two of them he recognized, the shadow wolf and the lava wolf. Placing Mishaa down before him he spoke, "Why your the Kamarian and Tenn- I mean Canicus from earlier." Schemeko spoke in a very relaxed tone. "You I don't remember." Schemeko commented as he looked towards Fox. "If I didn't know better I would say your were a fox." Schemeko playfully spoke.

"Oh I do remember you, your that rather odd Hemlock from before." Durandel spoke as he eased his pose. "Don't worry everybody this isn't an enemy." Durandel said relaying the message to the others.

"Ah I can see the exit, you won't believe the day I've had." Schemeko spoke lacking seriousness.

Summanus noted what Nova said. What he said made some sense as to why he was so defensive and covered in injuries but luckily Summanus had information as to which are friendly. Summanus watched Nova passed by as he then heard him call back to him.

I am sorry, but what did you call yourselves again?"

Summanus looked back at Nova, "We didn't." Summanus mentioned. "My name is Summanus." The Borak answered as he look towards Alina. "If you want I could introduce you." Summanus offered as he was unsure he should speak on her behalf. Already Summanus felt uncomfortable being around her now that's she gain consciousness. In fact Nova's warning actually gave Summanus incentive to leave this tunnel. He really didn't want to be in here in the first place and seeing wolves come from the other end, he didn't want to press his luck and meet an aggressive wolf.


Durandel

Durandel continued to hear voices coming from the other end and wondered if it was the Kita and Borak. If it was then the fruit must have worked. That's good to know if in any case they could be injured at least Fox has some way of healing. Of course that process did noticeably tire her. It would be wise not to rely on that. Durandel figured they were probably ready to move onward but before he moved he recognized another voice from the past. Wait a minute-is it? Durandel thought he heard another voice but was unsure of who it belonged to. Durandel began to wonder how many wolves were actually in these tunnels. Whoever it is he could hear them coming and when he can catch a glimpse of them he will tell who it is.

Cerise

Cerise continued to drag the Alva's limp body across the arena. It seemed as if the wolf was getting heavier and heavier. Cerise stopped a couple of times to cough up some dirt. The minute she had dragged BattleDemon lasted for what felt like an hour. Everything was just happening to sudden. Cerise stopped moving completely. Exhausted from the attempts. Some voices could be heard in her head, or so she thought. They were angrily shouting harsh things at her. Cerise however, did not fret and instead pondered on why she was having these voices. Most sounded like her friends and family while the other sounded much like SkyDancer and another wolf she had never even seen before. Maybe it was from stress? Sleep deprivation? Whatever it was, it made the Avira frustrated. Cerise snarls and with one flap of her wings, the sand suddenly settles. A moment of relief passed upon the she-wolf but it quickly vanished when she realized what she had done. In one swift movement, Cerise took BattleDemons scruff and frantically scratching at the bear cage doors. Eventually, she used a powerful gust of wind to open the doors. Cerise runs in, dragging Battle behind her, before closing the doors.

She stops for a second longer to catch her breath. Eyes scanning the environment around her, she carefully takes Battles scruff and moves on through the tunnel. After what seemed like a long time, voices pierced the silence. She instantly walked over toward the nearest cave and peered over the side.

Mydnyte

Mydnyte fiddled with his tail in the boredom that was being with this group. But as time passed things started to unfold. The Kita wolf wasn't doing so well and then all of a sudden the Fox wolf planted a tree inside the cave with some amazing smelling fruit. Mydnyte licked his lips but restrained from eating since it could be for the seriously injured. Mydnyte watched as a...Hemlock! Yes, Hemlock wolf came out of the shadows. He did look familiar but for now, he wanted to be left alone. Another wolf came. An Ausi and was able to pass through the tunnel. Mydnyte sighs and follows Durandel deeper into the cave. Curiosity flowing through his mind at the wolf who seemed to be interested in something in the back of the cave. His red eyes flicker for a moment before he snarls at a movement near the cave wall.

Content with his discovery of Summanus' name, Nova would have been satisfied if he had gotten out of earshot without the Kita's. After all, he supposed that with her injuries introducing herself to a strange. However, before he could make any more progress in his escape, more wolves seemed to have joined the fray from further up the tunnel. And strangely enough, he recognized them. In fact, the further he had progressed in this cave the more a suspicion grew inside him. He had been in this cave before. This was the cave, or at least one cave of a network, that Hero had once occupied, had the old wolf known about the entire civilization beneath his paws?

Putting a bit more thought into who he was looking at, he realized that it was Mydnyte the Kamarian and that one Cancius wolf who's name escaped him. He had met so many wolves, should he really be expected to remember them all? The Kamarian proceeded to snarl at him, but Nova realized that Mydnyte was growling at something beyond him, and Nova turn his head to view the source of the trouble. Had those goons finally gotten through the sandstorm and stalked him up the tunnel?

"Cerise?" Nova asked in astonishment, as he instantly recognized the face peering around the corner. He had figured that he was the last one out of the arena, and now it seemed he had only been second to Schemeko. Seeing a friendly face outside of hostile circumstances was almost too much for the Ausi, and he would have grinned from ear to ear had not the depressing figure of unconscious BattleDemon tempered his high.

Summanus & Durandel

Summanus noticed the snarling coming from behind and looked over to see a face by the cave wall. Summanus took a defensive stance ready to strike. While he wishes to use lightning being in such a enclosed area it would be like a double-edged sword. "I don't know who you are but reveal yourself otherwise you won't live much longer." Summanus warned as he heard a voice from behind.

"Cerise?"

The voice belonged to Nova and immediately Summanus perked his ears up. "Cerise?" "Your Cerise?" Summanus asked toward the figure as if he knew her. Summanus then saw a body lying next to her and was worried this was an ambush. "Who's that behind you!?" Summanus barked as he saw BattleDemon's body.

Durandel followed Mydnyte to encounter yet another familiar face. "So it wasn't just the Hemlock, your here too." "So uh where's the others?" "The...um...Avira?" Durandel asked as he noticed Mydnyte growling. As if instinctively Durandel growled too sending a warning towards the cave wall. Then he heard Nova speak up. He said Cerise and that brought back a memory. "Wait, wasn't that the name of the Avira?" Durandel mumbled to himself. He heard Summanus speak and when his tone changed Durandel feared the worse. "We better be ready for a fight." Durandel suggested as he began a low growl.

With a cursory glance at Durandel's remark, Nova then turned his full attention to Cerise and BattleDemon. It was quite obvious that BattleDemon's wounds were beyond the skills of anyone present to repair, unless one of these wolves had a profoundly hidden talent. Nova didn't want to try and figure out if Cerise's pleadings were simply out of being naive to the gravity of BattleDemon's situation, or if she was just trying to comfort BattleDemon with the fact that she was trying. Nova hoped for the latter, even though it seemed that BattleDemon didn't want to be helped. As usual.

For the first time, Nova was able to limp over and get a better look at his parties state of injuries. Moving closer to examine BattleDemon's open wounds, he knew enough about medicine that wet wounds never ended well. Nova decided to provide a rather weak suggestion. "I think that it would do everyone good if we all just got a breath of fresh air. Breathing in cave mildew for hours on end can't be helpful to healing" he said, looking at Cerise with a question in his eyes. Should they try to help move BattleDemon out of here?

Summanus & Durandel

Summanus was relieved to know that the wolves here are friendly but judging by their injuries they're in bad shape. Summanus heard the plea and was about to say to Cerise he was unsure of what to do until Alina surprisingly stood up. He didn't expect the fruit to work so quickly and effectively. No wonder the Aven are considered the greatest healers of Nigerius. Even more surprising was Alina's forcefulness with BattleDemon as she took it upon herself to shove the fruit down the wolf's throat. Obviously she wasn't going to play the pity role and is determined to help BattleDemon whether she wanted it or not. Then BattleDemon stirred and shook Alina to the side and spat out bits of the fruit. He didn't know why she was being so defiant to being assisted but Summanus spoke up. "I don't know what you've been through and what you have done but Alina was only trying to help." Summanus spoke with seriousness in his voice. "There is no need to be so aggressive with someone who just wants to help." "She obviously cares about you and your friend cares about you too but how come you don't care about yourself?" Summanus asked. Although he asked the question, Summanus already knew the answer. He understands what it's like to never be cared for, that one has to suffice with being alone just to survive. If one were to know Summanus' background he would be what you call a Lone Wolf, but even then that's just a romanticized term. What he really is, is a stray. A wolf without a pack, without a family, and without a home. A wander forced to live on his own and trust no one but oneself. He wasn't sure if BattleDemon is a stray herself but she must have been forced to only rely on herself and no one else. Summanus sighed and turned away. "Your right Nova, being down here isn't healthy," Summanus paused, "I'm going for some fresh air." Summanus said as he moved outside of the cave.

Durandel looked at BattleDemon struggling with Alina. It would seem crazy not to receive health but sometimes wolves do wish to die. It mainly has to do with honor for the wolf as if the wolf was disgraced in battle or some other reason. Sometimes a wolfs greatest treasure is their pride and if that is decimated before them, many do not wish to go on living. It's a warrior's pride and a warrior without pride is not a warrior at all. Durandel can see this wolf has been through hell and back and now wishes to rest in solitude, preparing for that final journey. The only thing keeper her here he supposes are her friend's determination. These wolves are surprisingly sentimental and do not wish to see their friend give up, it's moving to say the least. Durandel saw that all of the wolves, with the exception of Schemeko, came from out of this tunnel with many wounds and he heard the attackers could be following them. Not hesitating Durandel looked at Nova. "Asui, you said there are unfriendly wolves down there, tell me is there a chance they could have followed your group?" Durandel asked. "And they are the ones who injured you correct?" Durandel said as he looked down the tunnel intently and then back to Nova awaiting his answers.

"I would say there is more than a possibility that they are following us. In fact it is probable they will be here sooner than you would think. And yes, they would be the primary source of our injuries, I am sure they would be happy to dole out a matching set to every wolf here." Nova stated, shifting his glance to Durandel just long enough to respond to his query. Nova was as surprised as any wolf present at BattleDemon's violent reaction. If that fruit really did have any curative properties, it certainly cured BattleDemon's temper long enough for her episode. He considered trekking out of the cave into the outside world, after all, sunshine and flowing air was certainly more invigorating than trying to deal with a wolf more stubborn than any mule.

He took a minute to honestly consider if they should endeavor to heal BattleDemon. After all, with all that effort to save her from the arena, why should they stop short of the home stretch? It was clear that at the present BattleDemon didn't want to be treated, and in fact was being rather childish about it, but was this just a phase brought on by stress and fever? Or was her soul really set on the goal of eternal rest. As BattleDemon's...acquaintance?...companion?...friend?...he did not know what the best route to take was. With a sigh and without another thought, he concluded that it should be their duty to try their best to help her, mentally and physically. And once she was healed, if she still wanted to throw herself off a cliff, he wouldn't try to stop her. But how could he help?

Durandel

Durandel nodded as he looked down the tunnel. He then looked over to Nova, "Then how about we slow them down?" Durandel asked as he looked at the tunnel. "I say we take the initiative." "If they're coming to get us then let us prepare." "Even if we don't fight we can at least do something that will give us enough time to run." Durandel said as he looked back at Nova. "Do you agree?" Durandel asked. He was prepared to do something even if Nova said no. He wasn't going to let some wolves get the drop on them.

Schemeko & Summanus

Summanus breathed the air as Schemeko walked over to him. "Nice day huh?" Schemeko asked. "Yeah, could be worse, but you don't need me saying that." Summanus spoke mentioning what happened in the cave. "Heh, sure...but I feel that we're not out of the woods yet, no I feel there's more to come." Schemeko spoke a bit ominously. "What do you mean?" Summanus asked. "Oh, just saying that I'm sure there will be retaliation and, well, I'm not going to stick around for it." Schemeko said as he looked towards the woods. "It sounds like everyone made it." Schemeko said not even looking at Summanus. "Yeah, everybody you said there would be." Summanus responded. "That's good...then I'll be off." "Your leaving?" Summanus asked a bit curiously. "Why?" "Oh nothing that would interest you but it's time to take off before...everything takes a turn for the worse." Schemeko casually responded. "Aren't you going to go say bye to your friends?" Summanus asked a bit dubious of Schemeko. "Oh, they won't miss me, besides," Schemeko turns and grins at Summanus, " I'm not good with goodbyes." Schemeko said as he chuckled. Summanus wasn't sure what to do, he had no business in trying to convince Schemeko to stay, why would he care what he did. Still he figured he should at least tell them he's leaving but...Summanus sighed as he looked back at the cave. "I say you should do the same besides I'm sure your not interested in having your tail handed to you by a bunch of mole wolves." Schemeko said mockingly.

Nova couldn't agree more with Durandel's assessment, as in his current state he couldn't exactly high tail it out of there, so there would have to be some way to slow their would-be pursuers down. Scanning the walls of the cave as he explored for something useful, he happened upon a particular cave formation in a narrower section of the tunnel. It consisted of many wonderful little stalactites and stalagmites, all freshly moist and comparatively recently formed. An idea forming in his head of a particular activity he enjoyed in his youth sprung up as he traced his eyes up to the wet ceiling of the cave. Any young Ausi knows how to split a fair size rock with seemingly little effort, all it took was patience and a little bit of water.

Finding a particular crevice on the ceiling filled with moisture, Nova went to work willing the spot to freeze. As soon as the ice formed, it quickly melted in the stale air of the cave, but not before leaving a wider crack of where the ice expanded. With several minutes of persistent temperature control, the great crack began to spread on its own. Nova's quick reaction saved the young wolf from being crushed, for as soon as he jumped back, a large section of rock caved in, setting off a domino effect further down the cave as supporting rock gave way. The end result? Several meters of rubble between him and SkyDancer.

As he had not traveled too far from the group, he limped back over to Durandel to report his progress. "You're up." Nova said simply, before making his way out of the cave and onto the soft meadow grass.

Schemeko

Schemeko looked at the little pup and gave a very, hysterical laugh. "Oh...dear child...you really don't want me to leave?" Schemeko laughed again. "Heh, I don't know what type of preconceptions you have but look around you!" Schemeko sneered. "This isn't what you call a pack!" Schemeko laughed. "No this is just a collection of strangers, brought together under very strange circumstances." "I'm sorry little pup but we ain't exactly one big happy family, no were wolves that just strayed way too far from home." "In case you don't know we're not even suppose to like each other...after all this is war time." Schemeko chuckled. "Allow me to tell you what a pack really is," Schemeko paused, "A pack is a collection of wolves of the same breed that live together." "They care for one another, they fight for one another, and they die for one another." Schemeko chuckled once again. "We are hardly any of those things, sure we maybe the nicest wolves you've had the fortune of meeting but trust me we are not what we seem." "We are not a pack in fact if a pack looked upon us they would either laugh at us or try and kill us." "We are not care givers obviously ever since we've come together, we've had nothing but trouble hardly a family-safe environment." Schemeko continued to speak. "Even if your like me or like Nova do you honestly think either he or I are the family you deserve?" "While we are different in ways, we are similar in others." "Like myself, Nova wishes to leave as well." "He is an intelligent wolf and knows what's best for him." "He knows, what I know, and that is staying in this group is hazardous for your health." Schemeko sighed and the gave a crooked smile. "I know your young but trust me...we'll just let you down."

Durandel

Durandel looked at the work that Nova caused and it seemed adequate to halt them but Durandel set up a counter measure. The Canicus, if needed, can too use lava with more precision than just allowing it flow like a river. Durandel took a deep breath as he gently blew into the crevices of the rocky barricade. The cracks of the rock glowed a bright red as the rocks became superheated and started to mend together. Once he finished the lava gurgled and hissed as it soon began to dry. "There hopefully that might slow them down even more." Durandel spoke to himself as he moved at the cave's mouth.

Durandel, Summanus, and Schemeko

Summanus walked up to Schemeko with a serious scowl. While Summanus maybe many things he wouldn't say such hurtful things to a pup. Summanus spoke out to Schemeko, "You know you did have to be so mean," Schemeko looked at Summanus, "Even if it was the truth you didn't have to say it so callously." "And above all, you don't even seem to care." Summanus spoke disappointingly. "Hah! As if I care what you say." "Listen to me, I have my reasons as does anybody but I have absolutely no problem telling the hard facts." "In fact I find rather funny how people react to words...as if they ever made a difference." Schemeko sneered. "To think us wolves could be so easily manipulated by anyone's choice of words." "Why do they bear so much weight on our minds?" "If people cared less then there wouldn't be any trouble." "So someone made a snide comment, laugh at it!." "If someone threatened you, laugh at it!" "I figured any situation is laughable." "So place on a smile and forget you worries." Schemeko chuckled. "Not eveything can be laughed off, what if someone you cared about died or what if they were lost or sick?" "Is that something laugh at?" Summanus argued. "Pfft!" "As if my words would make a difference...wolves die every day...why should it matter if it's someone I know...heh they should be smiling that there leaving this wretched world!" Schemeko chuckled as he turned away from Summanus. Summanus sighed as he shook his head.

Durandel was disgusted with the Hemlock. If anyone thinks like that they should leave, in his opinion. He watched everyone from the mouth of the cave as his mind drifted back to the tunnel. He hoped the barricade would hold, he didn't like this lying around when the enemy could come at any moment. Durandel looked on and decided he would give the others time to rest and then he would have to convince them to leave. He took a deep breath and then something alerted his senses. Durandel sniffed and he could smell the scent of other wolves besides their own. Durandel went on the defensive and walked up to Summanus. "Don't panic but...we're not alone." Durandel spoke in a hushed tone to Summanus. Summanus discreetly sniffed the air and could tell that Durandel was right. "We should warn the others." Summanus spoke. "Yes but don't try to be too conspicuous as of now they don't know we're on to them." Durandel spoke as he moved away from Summanus. Durandel took it upon himself to tell the wolves by the trees. Durandel walked up to Nova and spoke to him calmly as to not arouse suspicion. "Asui." Durandel nudged Nova with his paw trying to wake him up. "I need to speak with you."

Summanus thought it best to warn Schemeko, despite his displeasure with him. "Hey Hemlock." Summanus called out to Schemeko who halted and turned to him. "Now what, another lecture?" Schemeko mockingly responded. "Why yes, it is." Summanus nonchalantly spoke. As he got up closed to him he whispered. "There are other wolves here, be on guard." Summanus warned Schemeko. Schemeko quickly sniffed and caught the scent of another wolf. "This is why I am leaving...nothing but trouble." Schemeko mumbled as Summanus left his side. Summanus was worried about the wolves down by the river and decided to walk down there. Before he could speak to BattleDemon another wolf was there and immediately Summanus ran to Battle's side. "Stay back!" Summanus barked at Drais, believing he was one of the ambushers. Summanus noticed the pups and was taken aback by their appearance. "What in the?" Summanus said to himself obviously confused.

Schemeko looked around and saw the Canicus trying to wake Nova and Summanus went down to the river where BattleDemon, or whatever she goes by, is. He noticed that the Kamarian was no where in sight. Schemeko figured him to be in the cave. While warning him would be in good nature, Schemeko thought where he is, is actually safer considering him being in the darkness and all. Instead Schemeko prepared his defenses. The best part about being a hemlock is, unless you have inner knowledge about them, it's hard to tell when they are secreting toxin. Well at least those advanced enough to discreetly secrete it.

As much as he hated to leave the fantasy world that only dreams provided, Nova willingly left his light sleep as he listened to the familiar voice of Durandel. As it was, Nova had not gone through any of the usual waking rituals that most wolves perform, standing, stretching, and yawning, for he expected to go right back to sleep after hearing a quick comment or question. Thus, to an outside observer, it would appear that Nova was still asleep. Curious as to why he was woken, Nova mumbled the phrase "What is it?", before flicking his ears to see if he could just hear the answer for himself. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. There was a cool breeze and the occasional song of a cricket. All he could smell was the dirt he was laying on, but perhaps that was because he had slept with his snout in the mud. Not wanting crack open his eyes, Nova resigned himself to wait for an answer.

***

Tiberius could only make out trace bits of the conversation coming from the other bank over the sound of the river current. From the facial expressions of the dark wolf on the other bank she seemed to be threatening something harsh. As frightening as the wolf was, she really wasn't all that interesting to the mind of the young Arlyne, nor was her mate that appeared. He was more interested on the things that were more his scale, namely the strange pup that he had first observed. She did try to approach them once, but before she even got to the bank of the river she ran back and huddled behind her mother, saying something he couldn't hear.

Tiberius was not totally blind to what was happening around him forever. He had duefully noted that the warrior wolf's mate was one that Tiberius had seen before, during that battle in front of that faraway cave. He could tell there was something amiss in the forest, even though his sense of smell and hearing were not yet fully developed. Tiberius decided to ask Feathers if she felt that way as well, not altogether sure what her response should be.

Durandel
Durandel's ears perked up at the sound of mumbling taking the cue to speak. "Whatever you do don't draw attention but I'm here to warn you that we are being watched." Durandel spoke in a hushed tone. "Before you get wounded up, it's not from within the cave, I would have known if they busted the barricade behind me...these are different wolves." Durandel paused as he looked up the tree. He wasn't sure how to call Cerise without yelling up the tree. "Be on guard." Durandel spoke before he moved away from Nova as gained a better view of Cerise. He really wished to warn the Avira but being so high up...maybe they don't notice her, perhaps she could gain the element of surprise. Not thinking much on the subject Durandel decided to prepare himself. If they were to be in a fight, he was ready to give it.

Summanus
Summanus heard the wolves speak. "It's true, she-wolf, we are not alone." Summanus spoke in hushed tone to BattleDemon as he backed away a few paces to give the Alva her space. He saw Mishaa hide behind her, she too senses danger upon them. Summanus placed the hilt of his blade within biting range, not unsheathing it but loosening it up from it's strap. A fight could break out at any moment and he worried for the pup's safety. "Stranger!" Summanus called out to Drais. "You should be more careful with pups around." "If I were you I would guard them." Summanus spoke as he began to give a low growl towards Drais.