《Held in the Quiet Night》 Arc 1, Ch 1: Within the forest... Arc 1: Seclusion A figure is surging quickly through the partially moonlit treetops, humanoid in shape as it launches forward in a gently roiling pulse. It''s body is using cargo fatigues and black uniform boots covering the legs and feet as it halts on a tree branch, revealing the white fur covering his entire body as it glows softly in the moonlight against the scars and tattoos, highlighting his'' wolven muzzle and slim but muscular upper body. His'' ears follow the design of feral bloodlines on his head as they shift towards a sound on the ground past a thick gathering of oak and elm trees, followed by an outcry of swearing in the silence. Crouching on the large branch partially hidden in the shadow of the trunk, he watches as another figure step out into a thin beam of light below and hold a paw up towards the faint moon shining directly down on a feminine face. Cautious beyond what is needed, she steps closer to the tree that he is in and leans against it, a crumpling sound echoing as the bag on her back slides against bark while she slowly collapses to the ground. Settling into a crevasse among the tree''s exposed roots, she sighs softly and curls up against a large root, laying the side of her head against the back of her paws. "..... I miss him." She says, the words curling up and around to the male above in a sultry yet crisp vocal rhythm that claws his hardened chest as she shifts against the tree, with soft, even breaths sounding out moments later. Maintaining his crouch, he looks down at her for several moments then silently grips the branch he is on within his digigrade paws and sliding his lower body off, placing his feet on the next branch below then releasing the branch above. He continues doing that until he is stretched low on the branch above her. Shimmying over to the trunk and planting his feet against it, he tenses his body and lunges off, landing within the wild flora a short distance from her. Looking up, he turns and checks over her face for any sign of waking as he rises slowly, brushing off his fatigues after noticing no sign of waking. Studying her features, he notes her black fur with blood red ends, the slim wolven muzzle, how the long sleeved sweatshirt and mountaineering pants fit along her attractively muscular figure and hightened the appearance of her curves and moderately-sized breasts. "... Damn it. You never should have come for me." He says in a rumbling deep voice followed by a sigh as he approaches her, kneeling down on one knee scant inches from her. He rubs his temples then slides his paws behind her head knees as he lifts her gently, easing her head against his bare chest as he starts walking deeper into the forest. The male holds her gently within his arms as he walks smoothly deeper into the forest, his upper body barely shifting with each step. She sighs while shifting her head closer against his chest then goes still, her breath heating up the already warm fur on his chest. He softly chuckles through his chest as he feels the gentle motion of her breathing against him, just as the trees fall back to allow glimpses at his humble abode. Widening his stride past the ring of trees, he quickly closes the distance between him and the surprisingly modern design home: single sheets of thick glass frame three sides of the building to reveal the inside, where the simple T-shaped structure wall dead center of the building blends almost perfectly into the treelines that it covers through opposing window, while a plain off-white table and chairs stand obliviously in the Northern space. The steel roof matches the pattern of the treetops in coloration from aerial view, while the solid but beautifully etched metal door reveals where the center of the structure is against the forest. Stepping up the three steps and the short width between the concrete base to the outer wall followed by opening a tab on the door and turning the intricate combination lock inside, several clicks echoing out before the door leans open with a faint sigh. Bumping the door open further with his hip, he moves into the little open space before the T-wall and balances on one leg while using his now free foot to close the door. Turning right to face South, he smoothly walks into the living area where several chairs and a couch are spread throughout, a mediocre desk with a quietly humming computer shoved in the corner of the T-wall left of the only couch. Crouching down on one knee gently by the couch, he eases the female down onto the cushions with soft movements then slides his arms out from underneath her, hoping to let her rest. The female moans softly then turns onto her side, capturing his arm against her chest by wrapping her arms around his with a firm but gentle hold. He tenses up and waits for her to open her eyes then scream piercingly against his overly sensitive hearing, but she nuzzles his arm and sighs again in contentment as she lulls back into full sleep, much to his surprise. Chuckling softly to himself in a low rumble, he gently slips his arm from hers and studies her features again in the soft wall edge lighting inside his home, raising his paw and setting it against her cheek in a wholesome caress. She sniffs and nuzzles against his palm softly in her sleep. "Hmmm..... White..... Please..." She calls out softly, forcing a deep sigh from him in response. ".... I guess you''re more honest with yourself when asleep than awake in my presence, Racheria." He says softly, rubbing her cheek with his thumb then leaning over and softly kissing her forehead, rising after the deed is done and walking into the opposite side of the wall. Running his paw along the it, he flicks a barely noticeable switch up and looks out to the North while a single thick metal slab rises up quietly from a slot in the center of the double window pane, locking into the ceiling with a subtle click from each of the large windows as the same happens all around. Sighing, he moves close to the window and leans down near the floorboards, pressing on one and sliding the hidden panel up into the open position to reveal a flight of stairs leading down into another floor below, faint light shining out from the mid-wall bars of lights all around inside. He gives one last glance towards the person on the other side of the breaker wall. "Good night, and dream of your magic Rach." He says softly, then descends into the shadows below. ----------------------------- "Overwatch, give us a fucking fire reference! Shit!" The voice and sounds of small arms flying overhead crackles over the radio as White scans the surrounding valley walls for any sign of the enemy position through the Bushnell scope on his M14 EBR, a burst of sand or dust from a machinegun firing or someone peeking their shrouded head up to look, anything to give a location. Another burst of machinegun fire echoes out into the valley just as he notices dust billowing out from a slight defolade hidden in the valley wall, doing a rough range estimate with the mil-dots on his crosshairs for the distance. He looks right and whistles then gives a knifehand gesture in the direction for his spotter. After a moment the spotter lifts up a hand with four fingers up, then fists and pounds the air twice.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. "Overwatch to Delta Actual, rock overhang bearing 3-3-0 from your location, range 400 meters. Blast it." White says smoothly into the microphone hanging off his ACH as he tabs the VORC button on the radio. Several rifles and the buzzing sound of the M249 is the reply a second later as he watches the overhang be chewed into through his scope, portions of the stone and sand blasting away with each impacting round. Shaking his head, he glances over to his buddy that is holding up a middle finger at the valley wall and blasting out curses in rapid order towards the most likely scrambling hostiles, should any survived the hundreds of bullets fired back at them. Sighing, he shifts his left leg back and continues to scan the hillsides for anyone moving down towards his squad below, both eyes open as he watches for movement. A form carrying an AK-style weapon sprints away from a hidden alcove that he latches his sights onto quickly, dialing in the scope for estimated range and squeezing the trigger firmly after shifting for lead. The thick thump against his shoulder gives a satisfying feel as the rifle launches out the 7.62 by 51 round, half a second before the person flies to the ground as a flash of blood bursts from his chest, the round piercing through center mass and continuing on. "Overwatch to Delta Actual, one times runner is eliminated. I say again, one times runner is eliminated." He says into the mic after tabbing the VORC again, nodding to his buddy who''s eyebrow was raised while looking at White. "How many does that make now, Phantom?" Asks the spotter, glancing down his own rifle scope at the fallen Taliban. "40, I think." White replies, opening his rifle bolt slightly to check for a round in the chamber. "Damn. Your snow-colored ass is climbing through the charts. And its'' only been a month since we''ve been out here!" He retorts, shaking his head at White. White opens up his mouth to reply then looks up, a faint high pitch whistling sound ringing into his ears from above... He quickly tabs the VORC. "MORTAR FIRE! TAKE..." His call is cut short by the falling round impacting a meter away from his buddy to the right, blasting them both into the air as everything rapidly fades to black. ----------------------------- White snaps up from his queen comforter as he gulps the yell in his throat down, panting hard as he swallows while cold sweat drips off his fur. Taking steady gasping breaths and removing his extended claws from the now torn sheets, he glances over to his left at a clock on the bedstand and notes the time of 06:07, then slides his legs to hang out from the sheets, his night vision kicking in swiftly. Leaning over his legs, he holds his face against his paws and rubs his forehead softly to remove the feeling of that memory. With a groan, he stands to his full height of 5'' 7", wearing only a pair of briefs as he walks past the end of his bed and opens a chest at the foot of it. Digging through the bed-width chest, he pulls out a pair of simple multicam dark ACU fatigues and slips them on, closing the chest with a noticeable thump. A sliding door built into the I-shaped concrete wall is on his right, which he pushes open and walks out from his large bedroom into the washroom. The room held an enclosed space for the shower, toilet, and sink directly on the Western side of the room, while the other side holds a massive washer and dryer with several hanging racks on the false wall space East. Passing through the room towards the open doorway on the Northwest side, he walks up the stairs that lead down into the subterranean rooms and closes the panel for it,. Turning around, he watches as the thick steel protectors release from the ceiling and slide smoothly down into a slot between the two glass panes, hidden once more by a small flip cover. Following the breaker wall, he moves around the wide top portion of the T-wall and walks to the sink just to the right of the doorway, flicking the cold on as he digs through the cupboard above. Pulling out a cup and a bag of tagless tea, he sets the tea into the cup then fills the cup under the cold water and shuts it off before it overflows. Moving carefully right with the cup, he walks around the fridge to the stove and opens up the microwave above it, sliding the cup inside, typing in a minute thirty seconds then pressing start. ----------------------------- A soft beeping sound echoes inside her head as she groans and pushes up into a sitting position on padded material, keeping her eyes closed against the shining ambient light. ''Wait.... am I on a couch? This isn''t that tree.... And what is that damned beeping noise?'' She thinks as her eyes open up, taking in the sight around her with a soft gasp. A massive window pane opens up an entire view into the softly glowing forest a short distance away, while in the corner of a short wall to her left is a moderately sized desk, while a softly humming and very modernized computer sits on top. To the right in the far corner sits a pair of comfortable yet modern single seat chairs, surrounding a small table without being crowded. A click and the halt of the beeping from beyond the short wall snaps her from the enticing view back into now. She quickly stands and begins a mental runover of herself while raising her right arm straight in front, palm facing out. She rapidly focuses on a burning sensation in her mind, then forces the feeling out in front of her paw as a small but dangerous ball of roiling flame forms inches from her palm. Turning left, she walks as softly as possible, though barely a difference is made against the hardwood floor with each firm thud. ''Damn these hikers. Should have worn the rubber sole ones.'' She thinks while stepping towards the opening between the short wall and the window, where the sound of metal clinking bounces out from. She eases against the short wall and bends her arm into a V-shape at about chest height, watching the opening as the clinking sound stops on the other side. ----------------------------- White finishes stirring the tea while listening to Racheria walk indiscreetly towards the spacer wall from the living room and kitchen, noting the soft swish and pop sounds of flame. ''She''s likely holding it with her right paw in a modified liverbuster. That damn old man taught her well.'' He thinks as he continues stirring until the liquid is a dark brown. Sighing, he sets down the spoon on the counter directly left of the stovetop and looks over towards the doorway opening. "You have a good rest Rach? Or at least something better than a tree?" He says teasingly, chuckling softly as he raises the cup and blows softly over the steaming liquid then sips it, savoring the flavors as they wrap and blend around his tongue. White waits for a few moments as he listens to the crackling sound fade away, just as Racheria walks into the doorway then turns left and crosses her arms over her chest with a snort. "Only a dick like you would bring a woman into your home while she''s unconsious. Asshole." She replies, raising one paw to flick a middle finger at White who just stands there chucklingand taking another drink. "It seems your temper hasn''t changed from two years ago. Your sleep mumblings made me think otherwise, but....." He says in a teasing rumble, lowering the cup to rest in both paws just above his mildly defined abs. "Well if I knew a certain asshole from back then was still just sitting back and watching quietly as usual, I might have burned down the whole damn forest and dragged his ass out. Some things are private you know." She replies after a few moments of staring at him then nods towards the cup in his paws. "Drinking this early already? I thought you had more physical stability than that." White merely shrugs then takes another drink. "If drinking tea in the morning is an addiction, I''ll point out the coffee stains on their clothes." He comments, nodding his head towards her as he sets the cup on the counter. "Anyway, do you want anything to eat? You are a guest within my home, as it is." ''And I hope she doesn''t try to encase it in stone like that month in Missouri...'' He thinks while taking a step back and turning to face the fridge, opening up the large double door appliance to reveal a variety of chilled food stored inside. Arc 1, Ch 2: The Draw of Isolation Racheria nods and walks around White to look inside the fridge, noting that almost everything found within the forest is stored in telling drawers while produced food took up the flat racks inside. Bumping his left arm out of her way, she eyes the larger eggs in a drawer at about hip height for her 5'' 4" frame as a rumble follows from her stomach. "So what kind of eggs are these exactly? They are obviously too large for chicken." She asks, crouching down and opening the bin firmly where a small wood box holds them steady while she studies them closely. White looks at her with a raised eyebrow, then crouches down and peers at the eggs and chuckles softly, the sound echoing out like distant thunder. "Eagle. An absolute bitch to get as well." He replies with a flawless straight face. "Bullshit." She comments then turns her head to look at him. "I thought you said that poaching is something you don''t like doing unless it''s a last resort for survival..... You''re fucking with me aren''t you?" She finishes with a slight snarl. ----------------------------- ''She fell for it. Again. Like teasing a kid.'' White thinks as she glares at him with those dark, blood red eyes, then smirks and chuckles deeply. "Damn right I am. I like watching the eagles around here grow and fly, not be fried. They give meaning to Freedom." He quips, shaking his head at her. "Those are only turkey eggs. A lot healthier than damn chicken eggs, but plenty hard to find if the turkey population is down or stressed. Been doing alright recently though." He snorts softly then stands to full height, turning and walking left of Racheria to the stove as she continues staring at the eggs. "I''m figuring that you want eggs for this meal considering your interest in them, so pick out about five for us while I get the rest ready." He says, opening up the stowage spot beneath the left-hand counter. He pulls out a medium sized flat pan and sets it on one of four hotpoints on the stovetop, tinkering with the control panel and setting the point to a high heat conduction. After a moment he reaches up on top of the fridge and takes down a pair of seasonings then flicks the top open on one, setting both down on the counter. ----------------------------- Racheria picks out the closest five and slides the drawer shut, rising with the large eggs situated against her crossed arm and chest. She walks smoothly away from the fridge and kicks it closed, then steps to the counter left of White and sets all the eggs gently on top. "What else do you need?" She asks, sliding the eggs away from the counter edge. He stretches out one arm and points to a glass slotted cupboard attached left of the microwave. "Grab me a bowl from in there, please. I''ll need something to crack the eggs into." He replies, turning his head to glance at her with his cold blue eyes that hold a bit of something else in their depths. She smiles softly and nods, setting the eggs down then stretching her arm to reach for the cupboard as she sniffs slightly, the permeating scent of the seasonings starting to flow around the room. Slipping a finger along the bottom edge, she pries open the cupboard and grabs the first bowl she could, a medium sized glass bowl stacked with six others below it. Lifting it from the stack and retracting her arm back, she yelps as two large paws wrap her hips firmly just as she tips forward a bit. Turning her head, she glares at White then snorts even as the feeling of his paws run little bolts of heat and electricity along her nerves. "What? Couldn''t resist touching me?" ''Though you should try and do it more.'' ----------------------------- ''You only wish I couldn''t. Prideful bitch with good hips.'' White thinks and sighs as he lowers her gently down to stable footing, then releases her and moves back to the stove. "No. I''m stopping you from bashing your head into the wall. It would suck to make this food and not have the first visitor have some too." He replies, dialing in the temperature then reaching over and popping the flip cap from an olive oil container, splashing it into the pan with a noticeable sizzling sound. "Though, it might fix your temper a bit." White picks up the previously opened seasoning bottle and sprinkles some into the oil, letting the little leaflets drift while they boil in it. He then reaches out and grabs one of the eggs then taps an empty spot on the counter with his other paw, where Racheria sets the bowl down softly. Rolling the egg within his paw, he presses on the surface of the mottled egg in several places then turns and holds it above the bowl horizontally. Flicking the bottom portion with his paw, a crack forms in the surface as he pinches it between his paws and peels upwards, the crack widening as it spills the yolk into the bowl with a splattering sound. Reaching over, he repeats the process again as Racheria watches curiously, leaning against the curved counter with folded arms. ----------------------------- Racheria gazes as he prepares the meal, discerning how carefully tempered his control is with each movement, each slow expanding and contracting of the muscles just below the fur. How every motion seems to make living art with a simple action, combining the fluid power and lethal calm she''s heard about in spirits'' passing whispers. "... So why do you live out here, far away from civilization?" She asks bluntly, shifting her mental focus from his physique. White pauses cracking open a third egg then continues to break it open, letting the yolk gather into the bowl with sharper motions. "...... Mainly, because I see awe within each person''s gaze..... And fear." He says with a thick rumble after a pause, dumping the bowl''s contents into the sizzling pan where the first two were being seared over-easy.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. "The stories that were spread throughout the insurgent information networks worked both for and against me. Some of them had me slaughtering whole platoonswithin their hell-hole caverns, then pulling out our targets while dripping blood." He chuckles softly, a deep rumble that holds no joy but an all swallowing darkness as he shifts the eggs with a spatula he pulled out earlier. "Eventually, word got out to the civilian population. You can imagine what the reactions were then." Racheria blinks at the picture that his voice and words create within her head, taking in how he looks now and thinking about what he went through to gain such marks. The battles, the loss of life, all blended into a form damaged by experiences and shunned by the things he fought, no, fights to protect with every living breath. ¡°Some say I am a monster, something to be slain in cold blood. Others say I am a hero, a knight from a forgotten age.¡± He says as he crack open another egg, letting the sound echo out softly as she nods at his words. ¡°...What do you say you are?¡± She asks softly, blinking away the stinging sensation in her eyes. ¡°¡­¡­ Something more." He replies, spreading the last egg into the pan and closing the trash slot on the side of the counter, then turning and walking to the sink on the far right. Moments later she pushes off the counter and follows him, holding back a moment as he rinses the egg off his paws. Wrapping her arms around his core from behind as he dries his paws with a towel, she presses the side of her cheek against his bare back and nuzzles it softly while he tenses from the contact. She holds him like that and shudders softly as the tears flow continually, letting her emotions balance out through the touch. ----------------------------- White slowly eases off his alert as he feels her shaking against his back, a telltale sign of her state. Turning around in her hold, he reaches down and curls her shuddering frame against his chest, rubbing her back with his paw to let her feel coccooned within his embrace. Lowering his head, he rests the bottom of his jaw lie on top of her head as he softly hums out a tune and lets the sound flow through his chest and into her. "All you scarred and dying of war, come and watch the falling of the light. Gaze upon the shadows, as they echo the sorrow within dead hearts. Learn the secrets torn within, find the core borne of mere cold wind. Travel through Night but lose no sight, for everlasting journey, Must not end by sharp yearning. Cornered and downed from the sights abound, Festering wounds turned black and cruel, Wander through ichor of gods long fallen, And seek to rise with a new mind strengthened. Bear with the Fate and care not for Mortal Rate, Shredding the Taint to part all Hate from the Gate, Rousing every faint heart''s Lonely Mate by following Echoes'' solemn gait." He recites the words to the poem easily, letting it roil and flow down along his throat into the peacefully quiet room. ----------------------------- Racheria softly presses her cheek against his chest and feels the steadily slow thump of his heartbeat against her head, the gentle pulse calming the turmoil inside with each passing moment. He just held her there for what seemed to be forever, then he eases one of his paws from around her to her chin, lifting her face to look at him while he softly gazes down at her with those cold but deep icy eyes. "Shedding tears for me is something I do not want to see." He says as he wipes a tear out of her fur with his thumb. "Rather, I want you to keep that anger of yours. It''s amusing to watch." She scoffs softly and releases her hold on him, sliding her paws up along his sides and chest then grabbing his shoulders as she steps back. Using the hold on his shoulders as a guide, she tugs his head down lower and kisses him softly then shoves him back, forcing a rumbling groan from him. She lets go of his shoulders and points at him, even as he watches her with his now fiercely dark blue eyes. "That''s just a taste of something better than my anger." She says with a grin touched by sadness while he folds his arms against his chest and leans on the sink edge. White chuckles demeaningly as he looks at her, then reaches out and pokes her in the forehead. ----------------------------- "I still have a lifetime ahead of me, so calm yourself. Besides...." He says, running the paw down along the side of her face and throat as she bared it to his touch. "You''ll still follow me, even if my heart becomes blacker than the moonless nights." He then lowers his paw from her neck and turns away, walking over to the stove and sliding the steaming pan off the burner onto a cooling one. Tugging open the cupboard left of the microwave, he pulls out a pair of glass plates and sets them on the counter, closing the cupboard with his elbow. Picking up the spatula from earlier, he lifts the over-easy eggs and sets them the plates with one having an extra egg. Turning the burner off, he lays the spatula down and picks up both plates then walks over to the staring Racheria, swinging one just below her nose as he passes by. "Hey. The food''s ready." He says, then walks quietly past her into the Northern room where faint streams of the rising sunlight brush against the hardwood table and chairs sitting in the center of the room. Setting the plates by each other on the closest corner of the table, he walks back into the kitchen and opens up the cutlery drawer again, pulling out two pairs of knives and forks. Just as he closes the drawer, a faint breeze from the entryway blows against his fur as he looks up. "....Damn it." ----------------------------- Racheria draws the scent of the seasoned eggs into her nose and down her lungs, prying her mind from the reverie of his words to reality. Turning, she follows White into the dining area where another massive window took over the outer wall, accenting the central wood dining set with faint tendrils of light streaming inside. Slipping off to the side as he places the dishes down on a corner of the table and walks back into the kitchen, she looks around for any sort of utensils but finds nothing to hint where they could be. Sighing, she flips her paw upwards and focuses the feeling of slicing wind within her palm, drawing the air into the physical form of a barely visible shifting line inches long. Moving her paw as she extends one finger and rests it just before touching the wind blade, she guides the edge down with flowing movements and brushes it against the surface of first egg, slicing through the well cooked texture without any resistance. Pushing out the left hand end chair and sitting in it, she continues to cut into the first of three eggs until it is made into smaller, manageable chunks then flicks her other paw, dropping her focus from the wind blade to let it disperse. A soft clinking sound causes her to look up at the kitchen entryway, where White leans against the doorway with two pairs of metal knives and forks in his paw as he gazes at them before his muzzle. "I thought you might like some utensils for the food, but your mastery of the elements seems to have grown quite a bit." He says, lowering his paw to lock his eyes with hers. "So, would you like a fork and knife to eat, or form your own? I promise you I don''t poison my eating tools." She chuckles softly at his mild joke. "I''ll take some of yours, if you don''t mind." ----------------------------- White nods and pushes off the entryway frame, walking over and laying down a set by her obliviously claimed plate. He pulls out the singular chair lodged in the end of the table and sits down on it, pulling the other plate in front of him and setting down his utensil set on the left of the plate. Taking the knife into his right paw, he slides the edge across one of two eggs on his plate and smoothly cuts the portion off, stabbing it with the fork in his other paw. "Alright, tell me why you really came here." He says, then raises the fork and takes the egg off the end while it''s unique mix of flavors pop and flow along his tongue. Chewing quietly, he looks up and at Racheria as she just sits there, surprise spread across her features while she gazes at him. "I understand you missing the closest friend you''ve ever had, but there''s more to it. Something''s off with you, and I don''t like it. You don''t do this without reason." He finishes after swallowing, studying how she reacts with cold, calm eyes that collect every motion she makes, from how she breathes to the hair rising on her neck. Arc 1, Ch 3: The Force of Honesty. Racheria sighs and slumps her head over the plate, dropping the fork back onto the table while tension courses along her veins and sharpens her all her senses down to the brush of air currents against exposed fur. ''Greaaat. He''s alert now.'' She thinks as she leans back in her chair, letting her head flop back against the headrest. Raising her head, she meets the empty ice blue pits of his eyes with her own, the pressure of his gaze sending a burst of adrenaline into her already tense blood. Time stretches out as he watches her impassively, moments compressing together to seem as if each second passes slower and slower. ''That''ll make it harder to get his help.'' "... Why I''m here is no need for your concern, White." She says, breaking the crushing silence as she turns her head to look out the massive window. "Bullshit." He replies, the sound of his voice no longer holding the soft rumble but a hard, savage growl. "Everything that happens in this place concerns me, from aircraft passing overhead to the collapsing of a tree. But after a year, you show up inmy territory. The freaking government doesn''t know or care I live here, not even my former squad knows this of place, but YOU did." He lifts and points one of his fingers at her, a savage three inch claw extended from the tip present in all his fingers. She shudders softly at the feral presence within his voice, the flow of his words directed straight at her without the chance to reply. ''... Wait. He hasn''t seen his old squad since service? ... He''ll not like what I know of them then.'' She thinks, turning her head to look at him with a confused and sad expression held in her eyebrows. ----------------------------- White lowers his arm back down flat onto the table, the plate brushed closer to the table center as he shifts his seating angle to face Racheria entirely. ''Something is definitely off....'' He thinks as he sets his bare, animal-like feet down on the hardwood floor, set slightly farther apart than his shoulders if he was standing up straight. "So tell me again. Why are you here?" He asks, leaning forward slightly in a ready position as his left paw folds around the chair''s backrest edge in a loose but firm contact grip. "And it better be worth the risk I''m taking." She jumps slightly at the word risk, a rapid glance at something well beyond the surrounding forestry then refocuses back on him. The flash of fear within her eyes as she locks gazes making him apprehensive and highly wary of the words, but still words he must hear. "... I need your help." She finally says the words that she never wanted to say with such depth at him. Sighing, she pushes her plate closer to the center of the table as well, her appetite apparently gone with his sudden questioning. "Fuck, I wouldn''t be here if I didn''t need you so badly, but I''m being hunted. You may not know it White, but times are changing rapidly. We''re in a losing battle with in the modern world." She sighs and shakes her head, a puff of chilled air escaping from her muzzle to show her emotional control slipping into her magic. "The worst of it? It''s not everyone. Only the ones that have ''dangerous abilities'' in their minds, Like my elemental magic, or supernatural strength. Hell, you might even fall under the veil of dangerous just because of your experience and knowledge." She sighs and presses her palms into her forehead, rubbing softly against the pressure there for several moments then lays her paws flat against the table. "There''s more as well...." White maintains his steady appearance while the anger he feels from Racheria''s attempt is drowned by the fear he feels radiating from her as she speaks.... and the rage that boils within his blood as she describes what else is happening. Silence fills the space as Racheria stops speaking, only to be broken as he slides his chair back with a thrumming vibration and rises off the comfortable but hard seat.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. He walks sharply towards the massive window and stands before the pane, his paws held against his back just above the base of the hips, while his legs are spread wide in the style of the Army''s parade rest stance. He holds that position for a time, a variety of thoughts coursing through his mind with each passing moment. Sighing, he drops his raised shoulders and turn his head over his shoulder to look at Racheria standing by his left side gazing out at the forest beyond. "....So you are asking me to protect you against an enemy among allies, some of whom I would die for? Of what made me into the creature I am, through pain and hollow nights?" He says softly, though the words vibrate through the air with the deep ringing turmoil that he feels. She turns her head to look at his, tears pinned to the edges of her eyes as she meets his. "White, I wish I could say that you don''t have to fight, that blood won''t flow because of this," Racheria says softly with her voice barely held together by more will to be heard than anything else. "But I would be lying to you, and I have no one else that I can ask or trust to help all the way. Please. Hel..." She continues until her voice cracks and a sob escapes, the tears flowing down her cheeks in crystalline channels. He turns and reaches out for her, guiding her shuddering form in front of his and wrapping his arms around her core. She sobs again then grabs hold of his crossed arms and follows them with her own as she cries out, releasing the emotions she desperately tries to hold back in her jerking sobs and shaking gasps. He merely rests his muzzle on top of her head, keeping her steady within his arms. ".... I will help you." White continues to hold her calmly against his chest, feeling her frigid tears fall against his fur-covered arms with each second that passes. She lets go of his arms after several minutes and brushes her right paw against her right eye, a soft shuddering breath filling the now quiet air. He lifts one of his own paws to her other eye and wipes at her left eye. The sub-zero liquid he feels freezing his finger forces a soft hiss from him, but he draws the tears away from her eye and flicks it off his numb fingertip. "You''ve asked for my help, and I swear upon my shattered soul that When you show Fear beside me, I will end your terror. When you cry out into the night, I will appear to brush away your tears. I only ask that when you see what I must be, you do not reject what I am." He says softly against her head in a quiet yet solemn rumble. To his surprise, she sighs and reaches out slowly towards his left paw with her right, drawing it back for a second then grabbing hold of his paw with a firm grip. ----------------------------- Racheria runs her fingertips along his, feeling the coarse texture of his marred skin below the thick fur along faint scar lines. His palm reveals more scars under her gentle touch, some too damaged to hide underneath his fur. She glides her paw to his wrist and guides it to rest just at the base of her throat, laying her paw over his to feel closer to him. Taking a calming deep breath, she looks up at their partial reflection in the window and sees the noticeable differences between them: Her blood red tips of black fur peeking from her neckline while encased within his white fur arms, as scattered scars show through his fur in places along his hard, uncovered upper body. Her narrow wolf muzzle overshadowed by his more crushingly masculine one. Their eyes hold the largest difference, hers being dark blood red and revealing of her emotions with a passing glance, while his icy blue stare holds no buried sorrow, no whisper of hidden savagery, nothing but a soul piercing depth within. ".... Sometimes, what we need to survive is the monster buried within. You know your other side, so I will believe in you to the end." She says, closing her eyes and leaning back against the warmth rising from his chest fur. ----------------------------- White holds her close against his chest as he feels her lean further into his body, never changing his gaze from the creature holding her within it''s reflective shine. ''The monster isn''t buried or locked away. I lose myself to that side more than I like to admit.'' He thinks as he meets the cold gaze staring back at him, then glances down at the female mirrored in his arms. How she holds her paw over his own, the peaceful image she radiates with the gentle resting of her head with closed eyes, bringing serenity against savagery in the reflection. With a sigh, he lowers his real sight down to the top of her head and blinks at what is marking the skin between her ears, blending in with the reddish color tips of her fur. The jagged scarring of regenerating skin blurs the smoothness of the healthy skin surrounding it, shattering the facade of her travelling unharmed. Raising his arm and shifting her fur with his right paw, he traces the wound across her head in a diagonal mark from just above her right eye to behind her left ear. A wound tract from something with jagged edges scraping harshly overhead. ''What hell have you gone through to get here?'' He thinks as he softly brushes his paw over the wound, elicting a soft moan from her. Arc 1, Ch 4: The Sensation of More. Racheria leans her head further into the pleasurable feeling on her head as she groans softly. The barely noticeable increase of grip on her chest, however, brings her attention to the tension within his hold, within his entire frame. She opens her eyes and looks up at his face, where a slight glimmer of darkness is held within his eyes as he stares at the top of her head, but not seeing her. "White? Are you okay?" She asks softly, raising her right arm and brushing her paw against his muzzle with a gentle stroke, watching as the darkness vanishes from his gaze while refocusing on her. "Sorry Rach. My mind was somewhere else at the time." White replies, rubbing his fingertips down along the back of her head to the base of her neck with a gentle massaging motion. "I''ll need to contact and build a network of people I know, including some combat brothers of mine that would love for a chance to roam around with justified presence of force." "White, this is going to be a shock to you," she says while looking up at his face and tightening her grip on his paws, "but your old unit.....They''re a key part in this. All of them." ----------------------------- White perks his left eyebrow as she speaks in a worried tone, then chuckles in a heavy tone and shakes his head softly. "I''m not surprised by that. Honestly, most of that troop was a bit twisted when it came to tracking targets, so I''m expecting some of them to join. The humans mainly, but other anthros.... Hmmm." He says, rotating his arm from her grip and bringing his right paw up underneath his muzzle, rubbing in a thought provoking manner. "I made ties through spilling blood with some of the gruesome people, but they had enough morality to keep from doing any sort of crime against unaffiliated civilians. If they are really part of this, I''ll sort them out." He says, then peeks at the table''s reflection in the window. He drops his right paw to his side while turning around, stroking his thumb digit over the back of her paw. "Well, either we can begin to gather gear and move now, or wait until after I at least warm up our meal. Your choice." ----------------------------- Racheria shakes her head as her rumbling stomach voices its'' opinion. Glancing sheepishly over at the table, she shrugs then nods her head at him. "Yeah, food is definitely a good idea. can''t go running around without some food beforehand." She says then walks around his front and pokes him in his solid chest. "But why microwave it when you can heat it with a touch?" White perks his eyebrow then looks down and shakes his head, releasing her paw and folding his arms across his chest as he raises his head. "Hell no. I like my table without burn marks." He replies, staring at her intently with his icy eyes that seem to shine with a glimmer of something warm behind the cold. She mentally shivers at that slight ember. ''If only he''d be a bit more romantically aggressive. Damn it! I don''t want to risk losing a part of him! ..... He already has something of mine though.'' She thinks, stretching her arms above her head and leaning back slightly to heighten her chest on purpose. "Oh? You haven''t had any friction burns scalded to the top yet?" She asks, lowering her arms and walking past him back to her seat. Leaning over the table, she reaches out for the plate near the middle of the table. "Crying shame." Turning her head to look at him, she grasps the edge of the plate and leans back slightly as his gaze glides along her curves. ----------------------------- White traces the gentle slope from her ankles all the way to the tip of her ears, blazing the shape of her into his visual memory. Sighing, he breaks his gaze and rubs his temples with his right paw as he walks closer to the table. He reaches out and grabs his own plate then slides it right in front of his prior seat where the utensils still lie, barely used and scattered a bit. "Well, I don''t exactly go bar-hopping and bring people out here. Heh, they''d most likely think I would kill them in the forest." This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.He quips, shifting the chair and sitting down on it as she stands just to his left. "Plus, I don''t like most people." He picks up the fork that was left on his plate and spins it around in his fingers, the sunlight reflecting off it into every direction. "Oh, and one more thing: It''s only about seven or eight in the morning, so you need a cold shower. Dirty girl." The look on her face as White speaks is all the more worth it, as he watched her eyes switch from surprise to anger then desire within the span of the second. Smirking slightly, he picks up the fork and slices into the cold egg then picks up the slice. As he opens his mouth and bites into the now cold egg, she stands straight up and grasps his left shoulder with her right paw then swings her leg over his lap, straddling his legs while facing him. Setting the fork down on the plate, he chews softly and looks her over as a faint scent rises into his nose, one that makes his blood run hotter as his mind freezes. ''Shit. This won''t go over easy.'' ----------------------------- Racheria shifts her hips and scoots further up White''s legs, latching onto the other shoulder with her left paw as she gazes at the rigid structure of his face. Studying how the muzzle thickens into a narrow line then broadens out to give depth around the eyes, how the outer line of the lower jaw is sharp yet flowing along. The dull ache she feels in her abdomen further strengthens her thoughts on his calm, sexy animal definition as she lowers her gaze down along his body, watching his chest muscles rising and falling with the rhythmic movements of steady, slow breath. Sliding her hips again, she grinds the heavy pulse throbbing between her legs against his to try and cool the heat rising up her blood, but only made it worse. Heat radiates from her fur, yet the press of cooler air makes it stand on end. She slowly leans forwards past his head and stops when her lips are near his ear, releasing her heated breath softly against the tender area. "White," she whispers in a flowing sultry voice directly against his ear, "I want to..... Give you something. Something of mine." ----------------------------- White breathes through his mouth to try and avoid the scent permeating into the air from her, even as the heat she radiates warms the air surrounding them. Focusing on his heart, he slows the increasing pulse through mental control just as she moves forwards and rocks the vee of her hips against his groin. He groans and grasps her hips with his paws to halt her movement, even as he feels the throb pulsing along the sensitive animal sheath there. "Be careful what you ask for. I may take more than you wish." He replies in a deep, heat-filled rumble at her ear, then softly succumbs to the temptation and nibbles on the edge of it with his fangs. She gasps and presses her chest against his, the tender globes spreading her radiating heat directly against his hard body through her clothing. He chuckles in a vibrating rumble from his chest, then draws his head back from her as he slides his paws firmly underneath her arms and stands up, knocking the chair back while his legs straighten out. Racheria eases her feet to the ground, a soft whine escaping her lips as White releases her and puts space between them. "But I don''t want to risk you, or have you risk yourself for me." He says, eliciting a groan from her. "You damn tease. I thought you didn''t like leaving your partners unsatisfied?" She quips at him, folding her arms beneath her breasts and raising them semi-consciously. He zeroes in on her movement then slowly raises his sight up to her eyes, where a sparkle of pure desire rests in the red irises. He closes his own eyes and chuckles softly, crossing his arms and palming his face in a paw. "I don''t. But who ever said we were that kind of partner?" He pointedly comments back, even as a fresh wave of her so-close scent bombards his nose and forces a throb from the erection partially exposed from his sheath. ''Though I didn''t clarify my intentions too well.'' He thinks, opening his eyes and watching her through spread digits. She scoffs and takes a step closer to him, raising her shoulders to give slightly more lift of her breasts. "Wasn''t that implied within your.... Promise?" She says, perking her eyebrows at him in derision while she drops her shoulders to create a slight bounce in her well sized globes. ''..... Hell with it.'' He thinks as he watches her then reaches out and cups her muzzle with his paw, casing it within the palm as he leans forwards and kisses her passionately, a demand without words. ----------------------------- ''Finally!'' Racheria thinks as she closes her eyes and responds in kind to the kiss. Wrapping her arms around his shoulders, she opens her lips slightly and draws the rich, wild taste in as he nibbles softly on her upper lip. He brushes the tip of his tongue along the edge of her lip, forcing a flare of fire to rise up from her core and into her chest to harden the nipples beneath her shirt. She cries out softly and rubs her covered chest against his, electric bolts of pleasure arcing through her body from the sensitive beads. A gentle rumble from his chest vibrates her mounds as he backs his head away from hers, a moan escaping from her lips as they tingle. "Don''t say I didn''t warn you." He says in a pleased rumble as he releases her muzzle and lowers his paw. "... I have a hidden comforter that begs for two on it. Ready?" He asks, gliding his paw down along the side of her throat down to brush her breasts, then removing it. ''Toying bastard.'' She thinks, opening her eyes and attempting to look pissed at him halfheartedly. "Only if you''re lying on top of it like a Roman god, you bastard." She says in mock dismay, releasing his shoulders from the hold of her arms. "Now, show me where you hide this bed. I think I hear it calling for me." Arc 1, Ch 5: Pleasures Dance (Highly adult content.) White chuckles and steps around both Racheria and the table, walking towards the far Western side of the large window as he gazes at the floorboards. "If you can hear it, you have better ears than I do. Ah, here we are." He replies, crouching down and pressing on a knot in a board then pulling the large panel into its'' vertical position. He glances over at Racheria and grins at the sight of her jaw wide open from surprise. "What, where did you think I kept it? In the walls?" He holds out his paw as he stands straight up with one footpaw on the first step down into the dark below. "Rather, it''s where I should be." Racheria snorts softly and walks with a steady gait to him, grasping his paw with her own. He nods and walks steadily down the multitude of steps with her in tow down, slapping a little panel on the small right-hand breaker wall with his paw. The rooms slowly brighten from lights mounted in the edge of the walls, revealing the simple descending stairs within a small, unmarked room surrounded by concrete on the South and West, an open but unedged doorway to the East, and a gray plaster wall to the North. Racheria passes White and walks through the doorway then stops, looking around the room at the washing machines and the foggy glass enclosure. "Just one more room, my dear." He whispers against her ear as he silently walks past her, guiding their way past the enclosure and washing machines to the Southwest corner of the washroom, where behind the sliding door hides a Westward room. He slides open the door and walks inside, releasing her paw to turn around and swing his arm out at the room''s occupants. A large chest lies at the foot of Queen size bed centered against the Northern wall, with a pair of bedstands on each side, one bearing a wood carved lamp. The Western wall holds a small desk and a large bookshelf filled with texts of various styles and sizes, while a solid door guards a portion of the Southwest side. The gray plaster wall to the South holds a massive clothing wardrobe with several pictures taped to the wood surface, most of people. ----------------------------- Racheria gasps softly at the scale of the room, approaching the bed with dark sheets lain flat over the mattress. She reaches out and almost touches the surface then stops, mesmerized by the material just beneath her palm. White reaches his own paw out from behind her and touches her arm, gliding up the long sleeve and down her side with ghost-like touch that leaves a trail of goosebumps along her skin. "We need to get this off you. It looks too restricting for our next activities." He says in a low, deep rumble, slipping a finger underneath the shirt edge then doing the same with his other paw. He slowly raises the shirt bottom up from her hips, brushing his paws softly against her sides with a blaze of heat following his touch within her skin. He shifts closer against her back and brushes his hips with hers, the firm bulge sending a jolt of lightning through her oversensitive nerves, followed by a heated moan as he shifts his grip to the front of her chest and brushes the material over her breasts. She raises her arms above her head as he pulls the shirt up faster, tilting her head back to slip through. She shivers slightly at the cool air against her fur, hardening her nipples until they could cut diamond with a touch as he drops her shirt to the ground. She turns and holds her paws behind her head while she looks up at him, arcing her unclothed upper body before his burning sight. "... Are you just going to stare?" She asks, jolting him from his reverie to reveal a sexy smirk. "I honestly should. The beautiful figure before me deserves to be seen, but sadly I have to move it." He replies in a rumbling mock sad voice, undoing the button and fly on his fatigues then dropping them to the floor, revealing his erection and taking a step towards her. She lowered her arms just as he stands right in front of her, staring into his eyes. The icy gaze holds a cold fire within as she steps back and bumps the back of her legs against the chest, falling back onto the bed. He slowly leans over her body and cages her within his wide spread arms on the bed, then drags his left paw through the center of her chest and cups one of her breasts with a feather light touch. The touch releases the floodgate of her pleasure as she cries out loudly, the heat within her belly spreading throughout her body as her belly tightens, her vision slowly blackening out. Aftershocks rattle through her body as the orgasm ever so slowly winds down, feeling her pulse through her petals without touching them. White glides his left paw down along her body, sliding it down over her pants'' waistline then cupping her soaking mound with his paw. She immediately lifts her hips and grinds against his paw through the material, a cloying dampness spreading over to his paw while a heady scent fills the air. She quietly moans as he watches her eyes flutter open slowly, a light red glow spreading from her eyes highlighting the features of her face. "It''s been a long time since you''ve felt this, hasn''t it Rach?" He asks, stroking her slit through the material with his index finger, feeling the throb of her pulse through the pants. ----------------------------- "Screw you." Racheria replies without heat, a groan of loss escaping her as he moves his paw to her fly. "Don''t stop. Please..." She begs, turning her head to the side with half-shut eyes as he slowly grips the fly and pulls it down with a rapid buzzing noise. She wiggles her hips to slide partially out of her now open pants, feeling restricted by the press of the protective material against her fur. With a groaning rumble, he leans back and drags his right paw back down to her waistline and curls his finger into the band. She turns her head and looks up at his, seeing the question within his eyes as he holds completely still. She slowly moves her paws down to his and nods, gently covering the top of his paw with her palm. "Come on White, don''t make a lady wait." She quips huskily, sliding both her pants and his paws a little bit further down her hips. He chuckles and slides his arms down with her pants until he reaches the base of her legs, stopping and leaning his head down to softly kiss from her belly to her mons. She writhes against his head as he continues to ever so slowly peel her clothing off, every inch further flaming up from his oral caress. She releases her grip on his paws in favor of his head kissing and blowing air against her folds, holding on his head to ground her hips against in a silent beg for him to dive deeper into her folds. He releases his grip on her pants and starts untying her right hiker boot, peeling it off with a steady slide and setting it down on the hard ground. He follows suit with the other one and massages her foot, then slips her pants off her legs completely and drapes them on the edge of the chest. With a rumbling growl he clasps her hips and teasingly parts her lips with a slow tongue stroke, tasting her flavor then drawing his body back up. "Now we can begin. I only hope you taste even better after another release." He says, glancing at her with a slow draw of his tongue over his lips. She shudders in anticipation, but finding the words to urge him faster fade away as he slowly slides his fingertips down towards her core. ''Damn tease!'' She thinks, her fur tingling as he grasps her legs and eases them apart while he leans down over her chest. A gasp escapes her as his lips press softly against the top of her slit, shocks of pleasure flowing from where his tongue touches just inside her channel. He swipes his tongue across her twitching, sensitive walls, teasing out and tasting her liquid desire then flicking her peeking bud with the tip as he draws away. ----------------------------- White nibbles softly on the side of her glistening folds, then captures her exposed clit within his teeth and mixes slow strokes with quick lashes against it with his tongue. Her soft trembling warn him of her approaching orgasm as he continues to lash her bud viciously, gliding his left paw underneath his muzzle then drawing one finger down along the line of her pussy. ''That''s it, come for me.'' He thinks as a heavy vibration rolls through her body while he presses his fingertip inside of her folds, releasing her clit only to plunge two digits into her channel. She bucks against him as her walls clamp down on the offending extremities, gripping against his now arousal-smeared digit and tongue as he drags them back then thrusts back in repeatedly. Each thrust brings a quiet moan until he slips in another, her moan growing into a wild, open mouth cry while her walls flutter along the length of his digits. Each pulse of her channel escalates her cry until it finally slows, her entire body going slack beneath his touch.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. With a slight tug of sticky resistance, he pulls his fluid-splattered face and paws away from her own drenched thighs to crawl up alongside her on the bed. She slowly turns her head to look at him with half-lidded eyes slightly glazed over, snapping back into clarity as she watches him lick his fingers. He merely chuckles and sucks softly against the tip of his pointer then releases it with a pop, laying it over his right arm as he grins devilishly. "I was right. You do taste so much sweeter." He says, a barely noticeable blush lightening the fur underneath her eyes. Racheria slowly shifts her right paw down along the edge of his body, sliding it over the hardened muscles hidden beneath his skin and fur. A vibrating groan encourages her further along his abs, running her paw down along his sheath softly. His animalistic member stands out against the white fur, a red spire of need and desire for her. She slides her paw up against his length and feels the vivid pulsing of his heartbeat through the flesh, enjoying the supple yet firm texture that covers the surface. He tenses as she rubs her thumb against his rounded tip, a soft intake of breath triggering her inhibitions to continue as he closes his eyes. She stops her movements and rolls over onto her right side, watching as he breathes slowly through his lips. "Does it hurt?" She asks quietly, sliding her paw down to the base of his throbbing cock. "... A bit." He replies, a rumbling moan sounding from his chest as she slides her paw back to his tip. "Do you want me to stop?" She rubs his tip between two fingers as a bead of pearly liquid forms, spreading it over the sensitive tip and her fur. He rumbles louder as his eyes open up, locking onto hers within moments. "Only if you want me to do something vigorous...." He says as his eyes brighten with a soft, unearthly blue glow around them. She grins softly and slides a finger down along his length, then pulls her paw up along his exposed side. ".... Maybe I want you to." She quips, sliding her leg and rolling them both over on the bed with her on top. Her paws run down along his chest to his shaft and grasps it softly, grinding her hips against it like a horny dancer in a strip club. ----------------------------- White grabs her hips and pulls her up farther, enjoying the heat he feels on his cock slipping underneath her slit. He shimmies his hips slightly and hooks the tip into her folds, penetrating deep into her hot channel. A moan passes through her lips as he lifts her hips with his paws, each nerve ending along his length flaring from the velvet grip encompassing it. He holds her in the air for a moment as she looks down at him, an animalistic spark within her eyes that grows as she rotates and presses her hips down. She leans her head back as her walls clench around his shaft, teasing the nerves as she starts to ride him with a fervor. He leans upwards and encapsulates her bouncing upper body against his, wrapping his arms around her back without holding tight. He presses ghost-like kisses down along her exposed throat, gliding down and teasing her bountiful globes with his lips as she clenches tighter and moans out loudly. He latches onto her nipple with his lips and blows against the bud, a wild cry flying from her as she grinds her hips in response. A rumbling groan passes through his lips to her breast, the nipple hardening from the flicks of his tongue against it. Her hips start to lose force as rings of pressure clamp around his erection, his wolf ancestry expanding the base of his shaft. With a growl, he rolls her over on the bed and lifts her legs over his shoulders by his elbows, holding onto her hips and pistoning into her hot, wet channel. Broken gasps and groans fill the space as his knot swells to the size of a small ball, her walls clenching against it while she grabs at the sheets with each hard thrust. He slips her legs down off his shoulders and leans forward, holding his chest parallel with hers in the air. She raises her arms and wraps them around his neck, tugging his head closer to hers. She lifts her head and locks her lips against his for a second then breaks off, dropping her head back down to the cool sheets as he growls softly with each thrust, his knot almost too much to pass through her petals. ----------------------------- A moan broken by his thrusts flows from Racheria''s lips as she glances up at his face, his eyes closed as from the tension that roils off his body. Sharp points of painful pleasure tease her at the edge of the cliff each time his knot brushes past her lips, only leaving her feeling unsatisfied with each draw back. She pulls up tight against his chest and wraps her legs around his hips as she feels his knot lodge just outside of her folds, pulsing with his heartbeat and her liquid need. ''My Regis...'' She thinks as she rests her lips just by his ear, taking a slow, heavy breath and closes her eyes for a moment then pulls back and looks at his, pure desire standing bold in the partially closed, lightly shining gaze there. "..... Do it. Make me yours," she says, pressing her hips slightly closer against his and clenching down on his bulbous knot, "And take what you want." ----------------------------- ''Mine.'' These words echo in White''s mind as he drives his hips forward in response, slowly pressing the swollen bulb on his cock past her engorged clit and tightly gripping petals, forcing her legs to spread farther apart. A soft cry escapes her mouth as his knot passes into her channel, expanding fully inside as her muscles flutter and clamp down on the sensitive tissue just behind it. Her cry grows in volume as she cums, wringing his length as he leans back and releases a cry that overshadows her own, while his shaft throbs as pressurized jets of seed sprays from his tip, drawn deeper into her channel by her rippling walls. They both ride through the waves of their orgasm as she is slowly filled with each throb of his cock, the swollen knot holding it all in as they glide down the sensations of their high. With a sigh, he rolls over onto his side and lies there on the sheets, unable to move away from her due to his knot. She sidles up and lays her head against his chest, a soft pleased sigh escaping as her eyes flutter closed. He calmly gazes down at her then reaches over and pulls the sheets back, slipping the material underneath their bodies then drawing it over them both, setting a large size pillow beneath their heads as a pleasant tiredness sweeps his consciousness away. ----------------------------- She writhes against the hard surface that presses against her firmly in places with closed eyes, shifting slightly and causing a scraping sound to echo around. Opening her eyes and glancing around as her eyes adjust to the darkness, she pushes up and leans into her arms while taking in the rough stone walls of the familiar cavernous space. ''Why am I here? I remember being against him then falling asleep...'' She thinks, slowly rising into standing position off the slightly damp bedrock floor. A sigh passes through her lips as she raises one arm above her head, focusing the feeling of heat as flames sputter into existence above her paw and light up the now visibly massive space. Pillars of stalagmites and stalactites litter throughout the area, bypassed by small streams of flowing groundwater snaking along the floor. A wide vein of something shines in a darker spot further down the cavern''s slight slope, reflecting the movement of the fire even from the distance. Continuing to hold the flame in her paw as she lowers her arm to directly in front, she moves with steady steps around the rocky pillars towards the reflective material in the wall as a light pulse grows in her chest the closer she gets. The occasional clattering or splashing sounds out as she walks to within a few meters of the silvery reflective formation, the dull yellow-orange of her firelight thrown back at her. A steady, vibrating pulse thumps through her body as she reaches out with her other paw towards it, watching as the wall crumbles and starts to compact before her in the air with a steady rumble. After what feels like minutes, the entirety of the wall is balled tightly together before her paw and reveals a monstrous, wolf-like figure behind it, bathed in silver metal as it lies there unmoving. Flicking her wrist to the side, she moves the massive earth clump off to the side and releases the earth with a thought, letting several thousand pounds of dirt break apart and scatter over a portion of the bedrock floor. The rumbling pulse continues to vibrate through the air, coming uninterrupted from the resting creature that was hidden away. Only..... "So the Inheritor finally comes. The bloodlines must be nearly purged by now to force the Alpha to send his firstborn female into this." An ancient yet powerfully rumbling voice sounds out, echoing within her head as the creature gazes at her with barely open eyes that glow a soft, encompassing blue. "And here I''ve lain for decades, believing that whomever comes next will not be of ancient blood." The creature shifts its'' massive head to look up at the ceiling with wide open eyes, the earthen cover glowing from the shine while it seems to watch something so distant. Racheria starts slightly at a faint resemblance the creature has to another she knows. It rumbles softly in the cavern, a sound that only vibrates in her head and not against her fur like a vocal sound would.... "Your thoughts are correct, young Dire Wolf. There are some in this world that bear a few slim traits from me millennium ago, locked far in the corners of their blood. The one near you seems to have a minuscule piece of that. But first," It turns its'' head and studies her with unfathomable wisdom, "I will teach you some of my power within your dreams, young Dire Wolf. Now wake, for he is rising." She blinks and opens her mouth to speak but the cavern is filled with black, the press of solid bands moving away from her bare back as heat radiates off a form shifting away from her. Slowly her eyes adjust to the darkness as a white shape takes up most of her view, a gentle pulse rocking her as her mind wakes up fully to the ice blue eyes that gaze at her. With a groan, she slaps a paw over her eyes and slides it down her muzzle slowly, ignoring White''s curious gaze. ''Freaking perfect. Now even my dreams are being ridiculous.'' She thinks, moving her paw from her face to the sheet, pulling it back up over her head. "Well good evening to you too, Rach." He says, leaning his upper body up slightly from the sheets. Arc 1, Ch 6: A Plan or a Dream? White groans and swings his legs out the side of the bed, sitting on the edge and stretching his arms above his head. Soft pops escape from his joints as he lowers his arms, releasing all the pressure that built up as he slept. The noise of shifting sheets opposite of him draws his attention, turning his head and watching as Racheria slips out from under the dark satin sheets. Soft muttering passes through her lips as she stretches her back and arms over her head while leaning back, posing like she is in a shower''s spray. He rumbles softly at the soft curves she exposes with black fur tipped in blood red, then snaps his head forwards at the blank wall. ''First, ensure Racheria''s life at all costs. Second, secure both allies and equipment, namely transport, armaments, and personal protection. Third.... Deal with any active threats against Rach personally.'' He thinks, imagining the checklist taking form on the wall as he mentally says the directives. With a sigh he stands up and walks over to the foot of the bed, opening the chest sitting there and revealing a multitude of folded pants inside, from multicolor combat fatigues to single shade dress pants. He picks a pair of dark earthen brown ripstop cargoes with six large visible pockets lining the legs, unfolding it partially and setting it over his right forearm as he walks over to the large wardrobe. He touches a panel to the left of the wardrobe that activates low-brightness lights within the room, then opens the wardrobe with his left paw and reveals a small, spaced rack filled with undergarments taking up the bottom portion, while at least fifty various shirts and other upper body wear hangs from a bar above. Grabbing a long sleeve sweatshirt with sleeves covered by some hardened material, he slings it over his cargoes then digs in one of the bottom racks for undergarments. ----------------------------- Racheria lowers her arms as she hears him shifting in the wardrobe, turning left and perking her eyebrow at the sight of his entirely bare back. A distinctly modified shaded iron cross with a pair of simple, three tip arcing wings spread over his upper back by pigment augmentation tattooing, nicked in places by fur-removing scars that riddle his entire back. Her gaze lowers to his solidly toned butt just as he leans forward, giving her a perfect view of his heavy looking sheath and balls before she could blush and look away. ''That was easy girl. Don''t think about how he felt in damn it!'' She thinks while bending over, taking her panties from off her mountaineering pants and shaking them straight. "I have a shower if you want to use it Rach. We''ll be moving rapidly once we''ve secured the things from here we''ll need, so I recommend that you do. It could be a bit of time before you get a chance." He says from the wardrobe with a pair of underwear briefs now draped over his arm as well. She lifts her right arm and sniffs, then huffs from the slight musky odor attached to her fur. With a sigh she lowers her arm and walks over to his side just as he drapes some medium size socks on his arm..... Well, medium size socks for his almost giant feet compared to the rest of him. "Can you tell me where? We didn''t exactly do a full homestead exploration from," she glances at the digital clock sitting on the left bedstand, "Over 9 hours ago. Damn, we slept that long?" She folds her left arm underneath her chest as her right paw rubs the base of her muzzle, slight confusion spread over her face. He lifts his left arm and points at the sliding door to the left. "You know that enclosure on this wall of the other room? That''s a full bathroom. Towels and some soap are inside there as well," he replies, his arm jutting from his hip as he stands and turns around to face her. "I''ll start gathering the essentials while you are in there, so take your time." She fights the urge to look down below his chest as he stands before her unbothered by his nudity, knowing that he hasn''t bothered to cover himself at all. Lifting her sight to meet his, she lowers her arms then presses a paw right over a unique tattoo just below his left pec muscle. The tattoo has three evenly spaced slashes at the upper left, upper right, and direct bottom on the outside edge, with three needle points leading from the spaces down to the sides of a concave edge triangle in the center. The triangle has an empty V sitting in the center, thick at the middle then tapering off at the ends. "... What does this mean?" She asks softly. He rumbles softly in his chest as he covers her paw with his, forcing a slight shiver from her due to his heated touch. "... It marks the vulnerable place on my body. A defect in my rib cage that leaves my heart closer to the surface." He says, then drops his paw from hers. "Now, you should go take a shower while you can. It''ll be a little bit before we''re ready." She nods then walks over to the door and slides it open, turning her head back at him for a moment then closes it behind her as she moves through. ----------------------------- White sighs and places a paw on his forehead after she closes the door, rubbing softly as he walks over to the bed. He sets all the clothing down on the sheet then starts to get dressed as he hears the sound of the shower starting, his sensitive ears picking up the slight pattering sound of water falling on the tile. With a chuckle he continues putting on the sweatshirt then sighs, fully clothed save for his boots. Crouching down by the foot of the bed, he reaches underneath and pulls out a large weapon case then tosses it on the bed, flicking it open via three heavy latches. Inside rests several slotted handgun models on the left side, with at least three full magazines for every pistol in the center. The right side holds ammunition boxes stacked in slots for the variety of calibers used by all the handguns there.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. ''Good. I don''t need to take more time to load some mags.'' He thinks, a devilish smirk taking place in the corners of his lips. ----------------------------- Racheria walks with a slight bounce in her step around the bathroom enclosure, softly humming a song as she opens the foggy glass door to reveal an almost gleaming bathroom. A porcelain sink stands centered in the large space, with a toilet and towering mirror to the right while a glass spacer separates the full shower. Four racks hang right of the door on the glass spacer, holding a gray towel on each one. She walks over to the shower and breathes in the mixed scents as she opens the door, looking at the black tile flooring and clear glass shelves with containers of soaps to the stainless steel shower head staring at her from the black-to-white gradient tiled far wall to the right, high above the water control dials. ''Damn. I wonder how much money it took to build this place, let alone the price for materials and transport.'' She thinks, reaching down and slipping her panties off then stepping inside as she closes the door. Carefully she walks closer to the tiled wall and turns one of the dials, unluckily activating the cold water spray onto her head. She growls and turns the other one slightly, warming the water up by a noticeable degree against her fur. A few more twists and the water warms to a steaming perfect temperature, a pleased sigh escaping her lips as she leans her head back while closing her eyes and lets the water spill down her neck all over her body. Opening her eyes and reaching to the right, she grabs what looks to be a bottle of soap and flicks the cap open beneath her nose, flooding it with the fresh scent of a strangely familiar early morning hardwood forest lakeside. A quick glance at the label causes her to giggle quietly, shaking her head to stifle it. "No wonder this seems so familiar. Same name." She says aloud, wiping away some moisture gathering over the ''Hardwood Lake Morning'' nametag. ----------------------------- White slams the M&P40C magazine into the grip then racks the slide with one fluid motion, flicking the safety on and sliding the loaded weapon into a hidden holster built inside the inner thigh of the fatigues. Three extra mags follow to the straps against the holster, each secured by a button strap. He zips up the opening and folds the cloth flap over the top, covering the zipper from view with two buttons. He pats the now hidden weapon then leans over to the weapons case, grabbing a belt holster and M&P40 from the inside then does a quick field stripping of the weapon. Satisfied with the maintenance level, he pieces the weapon back together and slams a magazine and battlechambering a round then reaches out, grabbing a rigger''s belt that was tossed nearby some time ago. He deftly fixes the belt onto his waistband with the firearm holstered on his right hip, partially hidden by the sweatshirt when pulled down. A sigh escapes his lips as his wrist cracks while reaching for a dark tan earth Glock 40 pistol, slipping an extended twenty round magazine into the grip then chambering a round. He closes the case and locks it with four more mags in palm, setting the case on top of the bedsheets then turning and walking through the sliding door into the bathroom. His eyes trace the form vaguely shown through the enclosure''s fog glass as he steadily moves into the wide open enclosure, setting the firearm down on the edge of the sink followed by the spare magazines. "There is a pistol and mags for you on the sink when you''re done. It''s loaded." He says as she yelps and growls inside the shower, then stands before the large mirror on the right and opens it up to reveal a decently sized bathroom supply closet there, filled with a variety of soaps, towels, washrags, and other washroom things. He grabs a pair of large towels and drapes them over his shoulder, walking out and shutting the enclosure door behind him. He quickly moves back up to the ground floor then lays the towels on top of the table, smoothing them out with quick but steady strokes across the surfaces. With a nod he moves away from the table and walks into the living room via entry gap, pressing against a board in the support wall then sliding the hidden panel to the side to reveal multiple metal ammunition boxes and medium-caliber rifles stored inside, some marked by heavy use, others seemingly polished enough to swallow light. He reaches out and grabs one rifle with each paw, drawing them out from the hidden alcove by the barrel guards as he retracts his arms back. A slight smirk forms on his face as he studies the two rifles, one a barely used 7.62 NATO H&K417 with a custom 22" blued barrel and Trijicon TA648H 6X48mm ACOG sight on the full length upper rail and Harris slap down bipod on mounted to the bottom rail towards the muzzle. The other is a battle worn M14 EBR-RI with a flip-down dual scope mount latched onto by a Trijicon TARS101 3-15X50mm in the rearward grip, while a Trijicon FLIR T75 ThermoSight sits in the forward flip-down set for low-visibility engagement. A foregrip sits close to the receiver and larger Harris bipod sits to the end of the bottom rail, utilized as a QRW system. He moves back over to the table and lays the M14 down on a separate towel, then turns and checks over the H&K''s receiver and bolt opening with familiarity. A quick flick and tug to the lock pins releases the upper receiver from the rest, separating the rifle in his paws and setting both portions down on a towel. He continues to remove the bolt carrier from the firing chamber as a subtle silence descends onto his ears within the house, followed by the barely identifiable sounds of the glass shower door opening up. ''Sounds like she''s out. Good. She can learn how to use one of these then.'' He thinks, chuckling as he pulls the bolt out. Arc 1, Ch 7: .... So it Begins. Racheria sighs as she reaches out the slightly open door and grasps one of the towels on the right, pulling it down into the shower enclosure with her and wrapping her frame within it while rubbing dry the fur beneath her breasts. she slides the towel over the top of her head and lightly rubs the scar there, tingling from sensitivity as she ties the towel edge together just underneath her arms. Reaching out to the door, she pushes it open and glances at the sink where the handgun lies, along with the magazines. Grabbing the firearm, she palms the weapon via the top slide and hefts it in her paw softly, adjusting to the weight of it within her palm. Placing it back down, she turns and walks out of the enclosure back into the bedroom, looking for the rucksack she dropped somewhere. A quick glance towards the foot of the bed and a grin forms on her face, walking towards the nondescript brown bag lying there and towing it to chest height with a yank. Opening it via top zipper, she digs in and pulls out a pair of cargo shorts and a dark red long sleeved shirt then tosses them onto the bed, followed by the towel from her body. With a coy grin, she looks inside the bag at the dark red satin lace undergarments lying inside, Gothic in style yet encompassing and covering. Pulling it out and dropping the bag to the floor with a thud, she begins to put on the bra portion around her breasts, cupping them within the soft material as she hooks the strap behind her, then hoists her globes within her paws to adjust placement slightly. Bending over, she lowers to her animalistic feet and steps one foot into the panties within her paw just as the sliding door opens up behind her. Turning her head to look back, she catches White staring at her with open jaws as if he was about to speak, his eyes focused on her bent figure. "Well? See something you like?" She teases, sliding her other foot into her panties and pulling them upwards with a slow draw, a low tone rumble barely audible to her echoing out the higher she goes, then removes her paws and turns to face him once her panties are effectively covering her. ----------------------------- White shakes his head from the solidly shaped form he saw then closes the door behind him, stepping to the side and leaning against the concrete wall as he folds his arms across his chest. "I was coming down here to get you for some weapons handling, but instead I walk in to you giving a pose. Shame. Oh well, guess I''ll go have fun piecing together some medium caliber rifles while you..... The fuck you doing?" He says, his left eyebrow perking up as she toys with her bra strap, teasing the lace edge down just enough to gaze at the bounty there without pulling it out. Shaking his head, he sighs and slaps his paw to his face then turns to the door. "When you''re done teasing, I''ll be upstairs." He grasps the handle to the door just as a burst of air whips around him, pressing his body in place. Growling softly, he shifts his weight closer to the ground then moves against the wind pressure and slowly, steadily opens up the door, stumbling slightly and slamming the door hard when the wind releases him from its grip. Releasing the door, he turns his head and looks at Racheria then grins devilishly as she stands with an arm raised, staring at him in surprise within her slightly pulsing red eyes. "How? How the hell could you resist that?" She asks, lowering her arm back down to her side as her head tilts slightly, giving her an aura of puppy like curiosity. "Simple. But you''ll just have to find out." He says with a wink, then slips out the door and closes it as a blush starts to form on her cheeks. ----------------------------- ''Asshole.'' She thinks as she watches him slip out, shaking her head and securing her bra as he walks away from the door. Snorting softly, she turns and grabs the long sleeved shirt off the bed then quickly rolls it from the bottom and slips her arms into the sleeves, followed by her head. Rolling it down, she reaches out for the shorts and undoes the waist button then bends down and slips her legs in, slowly lifting up in case White decides to step in again. Fixing the fly and that the waist button is closed, she sits down on the chest and grabs her boots lying nearby then slips them onto her feet without tying them yet. Rising into a standing position, she rolls her head side to side then lifts her right foot onto the chest and deftly ties the laces on it, doing the same to the other boot after setting her foot down on the ground. Grabbing the bag and zipping it closed, she slings the straps over her shoulders and walks over to the door, pushing it open and smoothly slinking through then walking into the open bathroom enclosure. Glancing at the firearm there, she slips off her shoulder one bag strap and swings it in front of her, opening and placing in most of the magazines inside. Closing the bag and sliding the loose strap back over her shoulder again, she grabs the remaining magazines and slides them into her left hip pocket while her other paw holds the firearm by the grip properly, studying the weapon closely. After a few moments she slides it into her right hip pocket while turning around and exiting the bathroom, pausing for a moment to actually study the rest of the room with more than a passing glance. A large washer and dryer sit on the East facing wall center left, a basket sitting on the open floorspace to the far left below several wall-mounted metal bars with worn clothing on them. The right portion of the wall is taken up entirely by five wood stowage racks from a foot off the ground to about six feet high, each with large amounts of different clothing types folded neatly on top. Shrugging slightly, she turns and walks through the open doorway to the room leading upstairs, taking the stairway steps two at a time. Glancing out the massive West-facing window once her head breaches the floorline, she squints her eyes to dull the light streaming through as she walks off the hidden stairway, turning her head left as a loud ca-chink sounds out in that direction. Staring back at her with an emotionless gaze stood White, piecing together what looked to be a modified assault rifle in his paws while a clearly different rifle lays near the center of the table. "The hell are you planning to do with those? Fight off a group of feral bears?" She asks, walking over to the table and pressing her paws on the surface, leaning onto her arms while focusing on the rifle in his paws. He just snorts and slams a switch on the side, the rifle releasing a loud clank as he sets it down on the table. "No, more like at least a platoon sized group of ex-military mercs. Honestly, I know enough of your power, and I fully believe that once they know of your location, a massive amount of troops will swarm in to try and neutralize you," he says, setting the rifle on a towel near the edge of the table. "I will not let that happen. I agreed to protecting you, so that is what I will do." ----------------------------- White could see how it would happen within his mind. Fifteen darkly uniformed troops running at a firm pace down an old hallway, sunlight streaming through the broken windows and damaged walls onto their gear as they pass by. Every few feet they would pass a doorway, some with a partially broken door, others skewing out from the frame or gone completely. The lead soldier holds up his gloved hand in a fist, stopping all the following men behind him as they approach a doorway sealed by a completely undamaged door. Lifting a finger and spinning it around then pointing towards the door, he lowers his hand back to his rifle and aims towards the doorway as the rest circle around quietly, muted sound coming from each of their movements as they raise their weapons at the door. A sound to his left pulls him out of thought and into motion as he turns his head to see Racheria sidle up near him, looking down at the H&K 417 lying there. Leaning over it slightly, she brushes her right paw over the foreguard then the receiver lightly, lifting her arm away from it as she rubs her thumb and pointer tips against each other.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. "Go ahead and pick it up. It won''t bite you when you hold it." He says, gesturing towards it with his right paw openly. ''The touch of cold metal might heat you up a bit though.'' He adds in afterthought as she grasps the foreguard and stock in her paws, lifting the weapon off the table with a soft grunt. "Damn, this thing has heft to it. How much does this M16 weigh?" She asks, turning her head to look at him. He chuckles and sighs in reply, shaking his head lightly at her. "That isn''t an M16. It does resemble it, but this isn''t made in Springfield or Rock island Arsenal. This is an H&K 417, a German-made combat rifle chambered for 7.62 by 51 NATO rounds. You can use .308 caliber rounds in it better though." He says, turning and leaning against the table with his hip as he places his paws behind him on the surface. "It''s going to be yours for the foreseeable future, so you''ll be getting familiar with it as we travel." ----------------------------- Racheria shifts her right paw from the stock to the pistol grip, keeping her pointer finger away from the trigger for the time being. "So, is this thing loaded? I don''t want to blow a hole through the window if I can help it." She asks, turning the rifle''s top side towards her to look at the ejection port on the right side. White snickers then laughs in amusement, making her jump slightly from the deep baritone sound vibrating into her chest. "Nothing short of a .50 BMG would be able to break through even one side of these windows, but no, it isn''t loaded. Pull the handle where the rail meets the stock, it opens up the chamber to check." He says, a sly grin on his lips as he folds his arms across his chest. With a snort she releases the pistol grip and does as he says, glancing into the open firing chamber of the rifle and seeing no bullets, in the barrel or otherwise. Releasing the handle, the bolt carrier slams forward with a sharp clank as she places her paw back to the grip. A smile slowly grows on her lips as she raises the weapon stock to her shoulder and holds it there, feeling the contained power within the carbon fiber against her shoulder. Glancing down the sight, she perks her eyebrow softly then lowers the rifle down from her shoulder as she looks at White. "So what''s with the crossing lines in this sight? Target size estimation?" She asks, forcing a slight snort from him in reply. "No, those are for longer distance shots. Each one of those cross points on the line has a number by it, correct?" He replies, flicking his pointer finger out towards the scope on the H&K. She shoulders the rifle again and notes the escalating crosslines with even numbers 8 to 4 within the sight, topped off by a red dot encompassed by a downward facing horseshoe of the same color. Lowering the weapon, she turns her head and nods at him to continue. "Good. Those are range lines, showing the predicted impact point of the round at a certain distance. The red dot is ranged for 150 meters, with each of the following numbers telling how many hundreds of meters away that impact point is. Understanding so far?" She nods her head slowly, then snorts and gives a self-deprecating smile. "Sort of. I understand that they mean where the bullet will hit, but past that I didn''t quite understand. Keep it simple, soldier." She says, a soft chuckle rumbling from his chest in reply as she raises an eyebrow. "Laugh all you want asshole, not everyone has grown up using firearms since they were three." ----------------------------- White goes into a bout of chuckling at her confusion, sincerely amused by a portion of her words. Leading the chuckle off into a yawn, he bounces his hip off the table and takes a single step closer to her, reaching out and grasping the weapon just slightly wider than she is. She looks up at him for a moment then releases her grip on the rifle, letting the full weight of it settle into his paws with only a slight shift of his arms. "I wasn''t laughing at you," He says softly, setting the rifle back onto the table with one paw, "But rather amused by an acronym that you unknowingly said." "And that would be what?" She asks as she tilts her head slightly back and to the side, revealing a small portion of her neck to his gaze. His eyes focus on the gentle curve of her shoulder leading to her neck, then glides a trail along her chin to her mostly curious eyes. He leans his head down closer to her ear above her exposed neck, tracking the slight shiver that flows away from her ear as he takes a breath near it. "Keep It Simple, Stupid. Kiss." He whispers, lowering his head and feather-softly pressing a kiss at the base of her neck then leaning away. ----------------------------- Racheria trembles softly at the feather-light touch of his lips against her fur in such a sensitive place, almost groaning out loud as he moves the encompassing heat of his mouth away. ''Damn seductive beast, teasing me without doing anything.'' She thinks and refocuses her eyes back on him. Coughing, she clears her throat then nods towards the table, eager to distract herself from the feeling that still tingles softly against her neck. "So what about that other one? It looks.... battle-tested." She asks, looking at the marred matte black aluminum framework and worn padding on the fore- and trigger grips. Noticeable deflection marks stream around every exposed piece on the weapon, evidence of flying debris from many encounters. Worn spots and other minor marks hold silent memories within the smooth surfaces, a testament to the worldly hell both it and it''s operator have been through. "It''s more than that. I owe my life to this rifle, just as so many others do." He says, turning and grasping the rifle on the table with his paws in a way that seems like it is a part of him. "This is an M14 EBR-RI, a modern day version of a rifle from the 60s. Same caliber as the H&K, but longer reaching and even more lethal." He opens up the bolt and locks it in place, then quickly does a check of the magazine well without any noticeable thought processing. "The attachments on this are set up for what I needed when it was issued: high-power adjustable scope and thermal imager on a flip-down sight mount, slap down bipod and straight foregrip for the bottom rail." ----------------------------- White looks at Racheria once finished with his explanation, studying the curious expression held on her face. Motion in the forest past the windows behind her draws his eyes over her head and into the woodline some distance away, the sunlight shining a dull yellow-orange onto the tree trunks and unkept vegetation in between. Slowly, he shoulders his rifle and pulls the high-power to the left then activates the thermal sight in front of it, switching the mode to white-hot imaging while walking past Racheria towards the window. All of his senses sharpen as all motion slow around him, hearing as Racheria turns around with a light sizzling sound and looks out the window with him, but smartly staying behind him as he steadily scans the treeline. The building and light wind dulls his hearing by a noticeable degree, enough to dilute the rustling of leafy vegetation just as feral deer walks into his sights. Snorting, he lowers the rifle and turns back to Racheria as he lowers his focused processing then blinks at the sight before him. Racheria''s red eyes glowing softly as flames encase her forearms to create a solid-looking gauntlet of roiling fire, holding a slowly rotating ball of fire within her drawn right paw while she holds an aggressive, low and wide legged stance. "Well? What is it?" She asks, her eyes snapping everywhere around him at various distances. He perks his eyebrow then shakes his head, releasing the rifle and waving with his left paw. "Merely a deer. Tempting to hunt, but I don''t need the food." He replies back calmly, then turns right and grabs a large, military looking bag from the wall slot in the opposite room, sliding it over his left shoulder with a quiet grunt. "My bag has several magazines for each rifle along with other supplies and light gear, but are you ready? This won''t be quite like you have ever imagined." With a nod, she clasps her right paw around the rolling ball of flame and snuffs it out, the flames on her arms dying away as the glow in her eyes dulls. Drawing her stance back into a steady but relaxed posture, she lifts her shoulder towards him where a small strap flows around to the backpack she brought with her. "If nothing else, I have you." She replies, walking closer towards him with firm, steady steps. "So I guess I am prepared for everything yet nothing." He chuckles, then turns around and walks to the door with her mere steps behind him. Stopping, he slides the other strap over his right shoulder and jostles it slightly then fiddles with the door lock until it releases with the soft sigh of released air. Pulling it open, he walks out the doorway and onto the forest ground then stops and turns, looking at Racheria as she stands on the very brink of the concrete base of his home. She glances back at the building then checks the forest around it, as if waiting for the world to come out and strike at her without a thought. ''A time''s lost Queen, distrustful of the world before her even within Nature''s peace, calmed by the solemn Phantom''s rumbling speech.'' He thinks, stunned by the saddened visage her face holds as she looks towards the sky. Moments pass until she looks at White, holding his gaze as she takes the small steps down to the forest floor with him. The wind whispers against his ears as she stops just before him, nodding her head in reply to his silent question. Without a word, he reaches out with his left paw and gently rests it underneath her jaw, brushing his thumb against her cheek to swipe the tear away from her fur then releasing her. "It''s time." Is all he says, then turns and walks intothe overlording trees as she follows behind him. End of Arc 1, Seclusion. Arc 2, Ch 1: Journeymans Freedom. Arc 2: Journey and Discovery White continues to walk with a noticably slower pace through the woodland brush, his fluid movements disrupted by thick undergrowth as Racheria follows behind him a short distance away. Pushing a tree branch out of the way with his empty left paw, he releases a relieved sigh then grabs the branch and snaps it off, revealing an unkept vehicle trail and partially visible doorless wood vehicle shed alongside it. A matte black and dark blue Ford Raptor rests within the darkness of the shed, barely visible from the trail with the thick growing flora in the narrow area. "Still here, just as I left it." He says in a deep but flat rumble, his ear rotating towards behind him as as falling footsteps in the brush disturb the quiet scenery around. He turns his head just as Racheria stops by his right side, a soft huff escaping her lips as she looks around the space before her. She turns her head and looks up at him, meeting his studious gaze with her own blood red eyes. "How often do you use this trail?" She asks, doing a sweeping gaze then snapping her sight onto the vehicle shed. "... Or even that for the matter?" "A decent amount, usually every two weeks or so." He says casually, shrugging his shoulders to adjust his assault pack then walking out of the treeline and heading straight for the vehicle shed. Walking into it''s protective coverage, he turns to his right and slings his M14 over his right shoulder then runs his right paw against the wood doorframe, lifting a small panel and grabbing the keys inside. Drawing his arm back, the slot clicks closed as he turns around and faces the vehicle, tossing the keys into the air and catching them in his paw several times then unlocking the Raptor with a button press on the keys. ----------------------------- Racheria walks into the shed just as White unlocks the pickup, blinding her for a moment as the lights flash brightly into her eyes once. Letting her eyes adjust back to the darker lighting inside the shed, she turns to her left and walks to the passenger side of the sizeable truck, slinging the H&K 417 across the front of her body then reaching out and opening the passenger door. She sizes up the firm and slightly large seats covered in a felt like material along with the custom dashboard and radio system for a moment then snorts softly, slinging the rifle into her arms and placing it against the passenger dashboard. "In such a hurry to be moving, already?" White''s quiet rumbling voice breaks the silence within the shed from the entryway, causing her to pause her footpaw from landing on the skidstep. Tipping her head down into her chest, she softly sighs and places her footpaw back onto the ground firmly then turns towards where his voice originates from, placing her forearms on the door''s interior then leaning into them. "....Maybe I am." She retorts softly with her silk like voice, gazing at White'' back as he leans against the front of the vehicle and stares outside. "It may not be high on your priorities, but dealing with the threats against me is high on mine. Especially when they wish to kill me..... or worse." White chuckles in response, causing her to push off the door and walk over to his side, confusion twisting her facial features as she stops besides him. "What, something amusing about that, mister Secretive, Lethal, and Sexy?" She quips, leaning the left side of her body against the vehicle hood. He chuckles softly again as his head slightly turns towards her, gazing at her from the corners of his the frozen cold blue eyes. "Just the hint of dread that crept into your voice as you were talking. But while I also rate eliminating any enemies extremely high, I don''t worry about if I will die from them in the future." He turns his head back to look out the entry, gazing solemnly out into the forest beyond it for a few moments then uses his hip to push off the truck. Using his left paw, he grasps the M14 EBR by the foreguard from where it leans against the vehicle, smoothly lifting the weapon into his arms as he walks over to the driver door with solid soundng steps. Reaching out with his left and grabbing the door handle, he pulls the door open a few inches then pauses, turning his head to meet Racheria''s confused and watching gaze. "Death comes for all, so I do not fear where it will come from in my future. There''s too much life to be missed if I fear it." Pulling the door open fully, he releases his hold on the door handle then slings the assault pack off his shoulder into his empty paw, swinging the pack then tossing it into the back seats as Racheria watches from the open passenger door. Taking hold of his rifle by the foreguard again, he places it in a small pressure clamp just on the inner chassis frame next to the seat, locking it into place but still easily accessible. Racheria clambers into the passenger seat then reaches out and grabs the inner door handle, shutting the door with a slam. He glances over at her as she settles into the seat with a click from the seat belt, then flicks his wrist and starts the truck with the keys in his right paw and shifts it into low gear, driving out of the shed and onto the barely visible vehicle trail with a low rumble from the engine. Minutes pass as they travel silently up the bumpy trail towards the looming mountains some distance away, a deep silence shrouding the vehicle cabin within its'' press of tension. A soft sigh passes through his lips followed by his eyes glancing at her as Racheria gazes at him, meeting his seemingly emotionless dark ice blues with a question in her own. "Just stay near me when you feel lost or afraid," He says softly while he faces straight ahead, the rumble of his voice barely detectable as his arm muscles flex to guide the vehicle through rougher terrain on the trail, "And I''ll shroud you in the strength to continue on."This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. She nods and turns her head to look out her side of the front window, a soft shudder passing down her spine as she realizes the meaning of his words. ''Damn sentinel of a wolf, more so now then ever.'' She thinks while absentmindedly raising her right paw before her and drawing the small particles of earth into a growing ball above her palm pad. ----------------------------- White continues to guide the Raptor up along the sparse trail, glancing over at Racheria in the passenger seat then focusing back on the increasingly rocky trail leading further up a slightly steeper hill. A soft hmm escapes his lips as he spots something faintly falling from the clouds some distance away, a slight dark red edge framing the body with long, black extensions from the figure as it plummets out of view behind very distant peaks. "..... Was that one of Va''hael''s people?" He softly asks to himself, turning the vehicle onto a well traveled stone road leading into the mountains. Racheria looks over at him and perks her right eyebrow, following his gaze with her own and searching for a moment then cocking her head to the side. "Why are we on the mining road? You have a secret cach¨¨ or whatever somewhere other than in your house?" She asks, turning her head to face him again while reaching her arm out and opening the closed paw against the dashboard, just above the radio. Retracting her paw, a small sphere sits firmly on three spindly rods the size of toothpicks where her paw was. "......No, this is the easiest way to reach the highway. No need to barrel through the forest when you could just drive to the miner''s roads and use them." He replies simply, glancing at the small sphere quickly then returning his focus to the road. "Besides, a secret cach¨¨ in the mountains? What the fuck am I to you, an ¨¹ber-SpecOp soldier?" Racheria snorts and turns her head away at his words, then does a double take at the hard center spacer where a noticeably large black feather lies on top when nothing was there only moments before. As she looks it over the feather shudders and rotates closer towards White''s hip as if a gust of wind brushed past it.... only the air conditioning wasn''t on. "Uhh, White? Where did this feather come from?" She asks, reaching towards it with her paw. A sudden burst of air lifts the feather into the air and sends it sailing onto White''s shoulder, who just glances at it before sighing deeply. ".....This is a feather from an ancient friend, and a small piece of him. Literally." He says, curling his right paw up towards the feather and stroking it softly with two fingers for a moment, a slight shudder passing through the feather as he places his paw back on the wheel. "From what he''s told me, there are tens of thousands of these feathers on his wings, each one individually sentient buthive mind-linked to him." "I''m sorry, did you just say, ''wings''? Is he a bird of some kind?" Racheria asks, confusion spread across her features as she watches the feather. White chuckles and shakes his head, slowing the vehicle down to a stop as they approach a T intersection of mining road and paved road. He turns his head and looks straight at her after shifting into park, nothing revealed within his cold blue eyes as she meets them, lowering her gaze to his lips after a moment. "Some days I believe he wishes so, but no, he''s not. He''s mostly human, but something that many religious people have at least dreamt of seeing in the flesh, hoping one day to be blessed by the grace of whatever God or Gods they follow." A horribly dark but amused chuckle echoes out of his chest as he glances out the windshield, looking towards the cloudy sky. "If they knew what he knows, they would never worship anything again." Racheria perks her eyebrow then shifts into shock as she connects the dots, or feathers, to the icon he mentions. A fierce questioning gaze is directed at White, who nods. "Yes, they are very real, and he is one who''s past is incalculably long. A second generation..... Archangel." ----------------------------- ''..... Holy fuck, he''s dead serious.'' Is the only thought that passes through Racheria''s mind as the weight of White''s words settle, leaving her speechless as he faces forwards and shifts the large pickup truck to something via a switch. She watches the feather on his shoulder as he moves hs head left and right to check the obviously clear paved road, easing the vehicle right onto the blacktop and accelerating rapidly to what she assumes is the speed limit. "Wait, ''Second generation?'' Archangels weren''t all made at once by the Christian God?" She asks as he reaches towards the intricate dashboard radio, one with a 5" square screen, several buttons underneath, and two knobs on each side. He presses on the top left knob and the screen lights up with a dark yet vibrant green, a black ''Power ON'' blinking in the center of the screen for a few seconds then several empty black lined bars show up parallel to the sides, followed by a selection menu with fifteen different names listed in the remaining space. Deftly he taps the bottom left knob then reaches to the top right one and twists it with a quick buzzing click sound, while the first name blinks rapidly for a moment then flashes an unknown album cover with scrolling text underneath the image. A quiet rock ballad song starts to rumble from hidden speakers inside the cabin, filling in the audio space with quiet background music. "I don''t know exactly what he means by that," He says, setting his paw on his thigh in a loose fist, "But from what he''s told me, he figures that he''s probably the oldest Archangel among humans. Something about a third war and decending.... I don''t know. He''s a historian''s worst living nightmare though." "Huh...." Is Racheria''s reply as questions pop up in her mind, but she feels that White doesn''t know the answers to them. "Hey, is it possible to," "Dunno. He could be anywhere, even places that we''ll never likely see alive." White says, predicting her question before she could finish it. "Damn it." She says, closing her eyes and sighing as she places her right paw on her forehead. "...Hey," He says after a few moments, a warm pressure settling over her left paw as she opens her eyes and looks at him. "He''ll come to us. I can assure you of that." Racheria softly smiles and shifts her paw within White''s, locking their palms together in a gentle clasp. The music shifts to another song as she gazes at the radio, one filled with a passionate piano and lonesome violin that remains as the vocals start to filter in. A strangely familiar voice plays from the hidden speakers, rumbling through her chest and sending a tingling chill down her spine as she listens to it. As the guitars start to play in the rock portion, White squeezes noticeably harder, drawing her eyes to his face and watching as he sings perfectly in tune. "And nothing shall ever hold, what I feel reflected in your eyes. A broken soul wandering, lost and affected by the world. So shroud me in a cloak and let me die, for everything I wish for.... Is buried before your eyes." Arc 2, Ch 2: The Strength in Knowing. White stops singing and half-listens to the music as it slowly peters out, changing to a softer song as he glances at the small tripod supported sphere sitting above the radio system. Focusing back on the road, he realizes how firmly he holds Racheria''s paw as she moves her paw within his, easing the pressure he''s applying with his fingers. She sighs softly as her paw rotates within his, the sound soothing to his ears as she curls her fingers around the edges of his paw. ''... And to think that the same paw that feels so gentle, can become so... Wait a minute.'' He thinks, remembering back to when they were just leaving his home. "Rach, how long have you been able to make armors from the elements?" He asks curiously, though relieved. She shifts in her seat after a few wordless moments, his right ear turning towards her as he continues to watch the road ahead. She slides the pads of her fingers against the back of his paw absentmindedly. White simply waits, letting her gather her thoughts as the subtle tension he feels in her grip slowly starts to fade. "... Ever since I had to start my arm on fire to melt through the chains I was caught in." She says, scratching at her left shoulder. "Chains? What the hell?" White says, glancing over at her for a moment then facing the road again. "...Is that part of how you got that scar on your head?" ----------------------------- ''Damn, he did notice it.'' Racheria thinks as she places her paw from her left shoulder to her right thigh, forcing her jolt from his question into a different movement. ''Now he''s probing.'' "That scar is from when I accidentally blew up an unmarked fuel barrel and a piece of shrapnel scraped over my head as I dove for cover. I doubt that it is connected to me melting away chains wrapped around my arms." She lies in a blunt tone, turning her head to look out the passenger window and watching as the thick, densely packed forest starts to transition into scattered and wind-battered foothills growth. "..... What made you think of melting the chains?" White asks, seeming to accept her lie and returning to his previous question. "I didn''t actually think of melting the chains at first." She says softly, focusing on a solitary tree in the distance. "My first thought was more along the lines of ''Fuckfuckfuckedyfuck!'' once I got caught. In hindsight, running through an unused industrial building wasn''t the best idea." A light but deep chuckle vibrates from White down into her paw, forcing her into clicking her tongue as she turns her head back to glare at White''s quietly laughing form. "Sorry that most people seem to believe warehouses that should have something left inside, are actually cleared out entirely!" She growls out, eliciting more, louder chuckling from him. "Sorry Rach, couldn''t help it." He replies, his amused chuckle dying out. "Carry on." "..... Anyway, I manage to sprint down into what must have been a spray-wash for whatever was being manufactured there previously, turn at the end and slam into a mess of overhanging chains. I don''t know if someone just forgot them there after removing the equipment there or something, but they were there and I got gnarled up into the bundle." She slowly removes her left paw from White''s and holds it in the air in front of her, staring at the palm as she focuses on the heat rising within it. "My left arm, part of my head, and some of my chest are tangled up in this hanging shit. I''m using my free paw to unwrap what I can from me and seem to get free, but I get jolted backwards when I start to run. A giant knot of smaller ones that seemed loose are still coiled around my arm, and I can hear the heavy thumping sound of boots running closer to me as I pull my arm against the metal." A small flicker of flame starts within her lifted paw as she speaks, the fire growing and coiling around itself in various swirling patterns within her paw as if dancing to an unheard song. "In my rush, I thought ''Fuck it, they want a piece of me, I''ll leave it in ashes for them.''" She says, slowly waving her digits as the flame flows between the gaps like a small feral snake. "Every time prior to then, whenever I touched the flames I called my fur would be burned. I figured that I could at least burn off my arm while freeing myself from the chains. Would rather live with a stump than suffer whatever would happen to me within that group''s attentions." "So I called fire onto my paw, thinking all the while to destroy what is restraining me then flicking my paw down towards the underside of my arm. To my surprise though, it billows out within my fur and starts to slowly encase my forearm in a gentle warmth, never harming me while the flame makes the chains glow red-hot and partially molten." She snaps her paw closed around the flame and it flares out, slowly growing out of her palm and flowing down over her forearm to the elbow as the flames compress into a single detailed gauntlet. Articulation is defined at key movement points while keeping a vicious presence, adding to the intimidating sight. If the flames were steel, a long singular piece would cover most of her forearm before changing into five wide rings around the wrist, sliding underneath the seamless piece of armor covering the back and base of her palm. The fingers are covered by three sharp plates, Each folds over the top starting from the tip of the finger, with the last covering the knuckle when the finger is extended straight. Racheria gazes at the armor with something close to gentleness as she slowly rotates her arm, studying the swirling flames that dance within the physically solid gauntlet, gliding her sight from one rushing curl to another as they move. ----------------------------- White glances over at Racheria in the space of her pause, noting how almost peaceful she seems compared to what she must have felt during the event. Returning his sight back to the ever-continuing road ahead, he thumbs the cruise control button on the steering wheel and shifts his right foot away from the accelerator, easing the ache starting to pulse within that leg. "So even the metal couldn''t burn you while the flame was covering your arm? Sounds like a damn strong armor to my ears." He says in a rough, low voice, the tone dropping even more through lack of use. "..... Strong enough to melt through the chains in seconds and burn a hole through the rest of the walls in my way." She ends the story while opening her palm up, the fire armor breaking apart and returning back into her palm. "Eventually I lost them, but by then I was in fields miles away from where I was living. The sun was starting to rise over the grains, painting them with the colors of the morning, but I couldn''t give a shit. Running throughout a night with adrenaline coursing through your veins from panic is draining."Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. White nods his head, knowing something similar as he parts his lips slightly, then closes them. ".....And then?" "I needed somewhere safe, somewhere I could control everything for my protection. So I did." She nods towards the sphere on the dashboard. "little things like that are nothing compared to making steps down into the earth and creating an earthen cavern at the end. I hid there for a while before moving on again." ".... You made your own underground hide." He says in a vibrating monotone, chuckling softly at the end. "Damn woman. Not only can you make armors out of fire, but you can reshape the earth to your needs... Sounds like something out of a Pagan legend." "Fire isn''t the only thing I can make armors from. All of the elements I use can." She says, forcing him to glance at her with an incredulous look then shake his head and face front again. ''Perfect,'' He drags out within his mind, looking over the skyline ahead of them as the crest a rising hill. As day starts turning to night, a town forms out of the wild fields miles away, barely defined due to distance. "That gives me a bit more peace of mind, know that you have some way to protect yourself." She nods, but looks him over carefully as he stares at the town ahead, slight tension within his arms as he grips the steering wheel tighter. "Don''t we all?" ----------------------------- "Va''hael, what are you doing?" A quiet but mystical soprano voice calls out within a large light-filled stone room, originating from a slim figure standing within the shadows of a doorless frame. Various rays of light dance within the center of the smooth floor, gently shining down from a massive stain-glass window upon the back of a large winged figure sitting motionless in a long but fitting robe. Short ink black hair covers much of the person''s head, with a single strand that drapes down over the left side of hardened facial features to the strong chin. A narrow nose bridge opens into firm brows, shrouding closed eyes that slowly open up and reveal striking silver eyes radiating wisdom within as they slowly sweep the room. Locking onto the entryway to the left, the person blinks once then starts to stand, legs partially hidden by the robe''s bottom strips upon his body. Rising to his full height, he stretches out his arms above his head while flaring his wings out to the sides, the massive length of each leaving about a foot of space between the furthest ink black feathers and the walls. Noticeable cracking sounds echo softly within the room as he sighs and lowers his arms, his wings retracting behind his back and folding at the joint. "Nothing more than check on that feather with White. It seemed a bit.... Perturbed." He replies in a soothing baritone voice, each rise and low of his words mixing together with a musical notation. "Hmmm. Did you see why?" The other figure asks as it passes through the entryway and into the variously colored light, revealing the slim and streamlined figure of a human woman with a similar pair of wings forming from her back. A simple white robe flows along the lines of her figure as she approaches him, looking up and presenting over a foot difference in height between them. "Of course. You remember when I mentioned some of the history he has with a certain Dire Wolfess?" He questions her while reaching out his right arm, opening his flank to her. She steps in and wraps her left arm around his back, standing close to his refined body as he gently curls his arm around her shoulders. "Yes. Racheria, I believe her name is." She says with detectable curiosity in her voice. "What about her?" A wiry grin crosses over his firm lips as he looks out the stain-glass window, turning his upper body slightly to glance out better. Quietly he chuckles as a wave of motion rustles the feathers on his wings, starting from the shoulder base and rippling each feather then shuddering back into place. "Well Aria, she is with him now...." He says, then turns his head back and leans down over her head, placing a soft kiss to the top of it then rising up. "And I''ve seen that she has drawn that recluse out of his solemnity and back into the world he wishes to fade away from." "..... I don''t know whether to be happy for him.... or worried." ----------------------------- Racheria studies White as he starts to slow the vehicle down, scattered roads emerging from the overgrowth on either side as the town comes increasingly closer. Turning her head away from him, she watches out the passenger window as they pass a gas station on the outskirts of the town. Only two vehicles were parked within the sizable location, but the few scattered individuals she could see stop and stare as they pass on. ''Okay...'' She thinks as they follow the one lane road along the main street, the seemingly calm town slowly becoming frozen as most people stop to gawk from the sidewalks and through business windows. ''This is more than just curiosity.'' "Aren''t you popular around here." She says, turning her gaze back to him and tilting her head slightly in curiosity at the sight. His entire body seems to radiate an unusual pressure even as he seems calm. "Hey. You alright?" She asks, reaching out and tapping his shoulder with her paw. A soft sigh passes through his lips as he nods once, quickly glancing over to her and drawing a questioning gaze from her. "Your eyes... They''re almost gray now." She states, leaning slightly closer to see. He quickly returns his focus to the road as the reach a four-way intersection, slowing to a stop as the light turns red. Several other vehicles pass in front of them for the duration of the light, the traffic slowing as the lights start to change. Proceeding on their way straight, they escape through the town''s industrial portion into the surrounding outskirts, eventually speeding up as they leave the town limits with a low rumble. A bored yawn passes through Racheria''s mouth as she stretches her arms behind her head, shaking her head to dispell the feeling of fatigue on her mind. Lowering her paws back down into her lap, she looks up towards the sky through the windshield and relaxes within the seat, knowing that he is right there beside her. ----------------------------- A soft sound perks his attention as the night steadily encompasses the sky, something separate from the gentle music of the radio system. Glancing over to Racheria, he blinks as he sees her asleep within the seat, arms crossed at the wrists and her head leaning on a shoulder. A soft snort and a slight but gentle smile form on his face as he focuses back on the road, pressing down on the accelerator to reach the destination ahead quicker. "Be at peace Rach..." He says in a quiet rumble while reaching out to the radio and shutting it down with a touch. "Dream of when it was simpler." With a sigh, he returns his gaze to the road while listening to the sound of her sleeping peacefully beside him. A soft ache grows within his chest as he absorbs the ambience, forcing him to rub the spot. Moments later he pauses, realizing the ache is not physical...... but within his heart. ----------------------------- The different, increasingly rich scent of buried earth draws her attention first, followed by the soft trickles and drips reverberating within a large room. Opening her eyes slightly, she slowly glances around the immediate area then rises off the ground, feeling something seeping into her fur. ''Ack, what in the hell?'' She thinks, brushing dark dirt off her uncovered fur then pausing. "..... I''m dreaming again. Aren''t I?" A chuckle rumbles out from behind her as small crystals embedded in the walls and ceiling starting to fill with a soft, golden light. She crosses her arms against her chest while turning around, looking at the huge feral wolf turning its'' gaze around the cavern from its'' own, smaller cave. Sighing, she lowers her arms and begins to walk closer towards it as voices start to whisper around her head, their murmurs making it difficult to focus. The closer she gets the more voices start to filter in, nearly drowning out her thoughts as she stops on a large smooth stone buried into the floor. The wolf focuses its'' gaze around her head and the voices cease to exist, leaving only the steady drip of water from somewhere else inside the cavern to dispell the silence. "So every time I fall asleep, I''m going to be here?" She questions, gesturing to the cavern behind her. "No. You decide that. I merely maintain the channel." It replies, its'' ear flicking slightly as the voice sounds in her head. "But you''ll keep returning here, simply because you feel..... Weak, Fearful, in your heart." Racheria growls slightly, hating the sting that came with realizing its'' words. "In that case then, we''d best get started. Some things don''t have eternity to develop." The wolf locks its'' eyes with hers, small amounts of gold mixing with the soft blue inside its'' gaze. "Yes, I assume we should." Arc 2, Ch 3: Lessons and Revelations. "Report." A person says firmly within the darkness of a large tower room, windows spanning the side right the desk where the individual sits. "Sir, we''ve managed to trace the female wolf mage heading North, but lost her trail somewhere past the South Dakota border." A digitized and unaccented voice says through small speakers surrounding a desktop screen. The image of an individual with a dark gray banclava and deep-set hood covering most of the face shows on screen, actively fed from some device on that end. "Damn. Anything else go back-asswards, Scout-201?" The first person says while lifting a metallic humanoid hand up and out of the screen''s glow. "No sir. We''ve RV''d with S&C and are proceeding towards Sector 7-31 at current moment." The second person says, a single dark blue circle flaring underneath the hood. "They report all assignments complete." "Very well. Carry on then." The first person says, the hand flashing in the screen light as it''s brought back down. The screened person does a quick salute then the screen blacks out, turning to a dark gray after a moment. For what seems like minutes the person sits there silently, the only sound a distant hum from the scene beyond the windows until the creak of a chair joins in, the solitary person standing up from behind the desk and revealing a trace of its'' body from the other tower lights outside the windows. A black fitted suit of high quality traces the right arm and torso with dull, silver-red light, leading up to a mid-age but rough human jawline bearing solid cheekbones stretching almost ghostly pale skin. Deep-set eyes are held in by visually thin but firm brows, edged with softly curling blonde hair. A low gutteral growl vibrates the window before him as his partial reflection begins to change, the jaw and nose expanding out while splashes of bright red-yellow feathers start to grow from every pore. Soon every inch of formerly human face is gone, replaced by a large but supple eagle beak and long feathers as small tendrils of steam rise off the yellow tip of each. Glancing behind him in the reflection a bulge distorts the frame of his shoulder before the jacket parts from pre-designed slots, the arch of flesh and bone expanding out as more feathers rapidly grow along its'' surface. Steam also begins to billow out from the wing in a wave as the feathers reach full growth, quickly blurring the reflection with the vapor. "..... Soon, we''ll be able to move again..... We must have that one though." He says in an almost rhythmic pattern of voice as he faces his mirror image once more. His eyes remain hidden by shadow even in the reflection as the city below carries on unknowing, or not caring for what inner dialogue he delves into out loud. "Big brother, they''re waiting for us!" A younger, similiar sounding voice calls out from across the room where a narrow light shines from. A gentle smile grows on his lips as he turns around, quickly fading from the window''s visible sight. "Then let''s not keep them waiting for too long then, you hatchling." He replies teasingly as the light opens wider, stretching the shadows of the two varying height figures into the office room. "Bro-oo!" Calls out the smaller figure as the door shuts, cutting off the rest of their conversation. ----------------------------- White pulls the truck off the highway and onto a smaller, nondescript road, the headlights streaming out into the late night darkness ahead. Every so often a small creek or river appears alongside the road through the grasslands, steadily growing wider with each appearance the further he drives. Eventually the river stays well within view as lights shimmer across its'' surface, curling around a well lit two story building with the elegance of a bygone era. He eases the truck off the road and into the small but well designed parking space before the building, veering into a space near another large vehicle but with enough space between to avoid crowding...... and hitting it with the slanted parking angle he stops at. Turning off the engine and unbuckling himself from the seat at the same time, he glances around through the windows at the surrounding area again, gauging distances and other various processes. After a few sweeps of the area he looks at Racheria, noting that she hadn''t awakened from his activity or the lack thereof. Quietly he unlocks his door and pulls the latch, swinging it open and stepping out of the cab with ghost-like motions. Gently he tugs his M14 from the clamp and pulls it clear of the vehicle, adjusting a sling hook to a rail hinge point and strapping it against his back. With a sigh he turns and hits the keylock as he shuts the door, the sound bounding out into the darkness as he walks towards the building without pause. ''..... Nothing has changed.'' He notes while pushing open the double doors and silently walking in, the thin carpet underfoot muffling the remaining noise his steps could make. An open entryway leads into the wide reception area, where a round desk takes up most of the furthest wall from the entry, along with a pair of stairs leading up on each side. Four worn wood pillars lead out diagonally from the entryway towards offshooting halls, along with faint, dull yellow lights pocketmarked along the edge of the inset carpet. "Welcome Sir. Would you like to see....." A soft voice sounds from the desk as he approaches, a seated vixen there dressed in a well-cut business suit as she works on a small computer screen, hidden within an alcove under the counter. A quick glance from her becomes a snap lifting of her head, gazing up at White from her seat. "White? You''re back?" White chuckles softly, a low rumble that seems to reverb everywhere within the empty room as he places his left arm on the counter, the rifle barrel peeking over his shoulder shimmering slightly in the lights. "Hello to you as well, Mara." ----------------------------- A column of earth into her chest sends her skidding backwards, lines burned into the ground as her flame covered claws drag through the earth to a halt. With a cry of rage she lunges out towards the enemy, blowing a hole in the dirt and incinerating the debris flying in her way. Her steady pace is halted as a mound of earth rises then falls under her feet, dragging her down into the emptiness and sealing itself. As the rumble of the ground collasping fades away, a slow sizzling sound rises out as steam wafts from the shattered earth, growing louder as the ground shakes vilolently with every moment. A large bubble forms in the center of the disturbance, glowing orange-red and expanding outward as it rises above until it bursts with a wave of molten earth. A whistling sound slices through the ambient bubbling as she seems to fall then steadily glide to a stop just above the ground, her head hanging down as she kneels on one knee and pants vehemently. A low chuckle echoes out from her enemy as it gazes at her with derision, almost as if amused at her attack like a parent watching a child run around. The frail, human body seems out of place compared to the destruction it had been spewing, chaining spells and spirit summons together into a devestating style of magic. "Tired out yet pup? I expected more vigor from you with that last warcry." The ancient wolf calls out from it''s cavern as it rests it''s head on the front paws, watching the ensuing battle passively. Racheria slowly lifts her head up and drags her sight over the area, sweeping over her enemy then snapping back to it''s figure. A red glow shimmers around her irises then expands out, brightening the fur around her eyes into a sea of shining blood. The sound of something crumbling beneath her grows, a soft gurgle growing louder until the ground seems to ripple and distort from a fine mist convalescing around her form. Water begins to gather and ease its way through her fur, flowing across her shoulders and spreading out over her arms and chest like a long sleeved shirt. Where the fire and water meet on her wrists steam rises, every slight motion of her arms as she stands up trailing the vapor. For a moment both her and her enemy stare at each other until a slight whistle of wind breaks the quiet. Racheria slams her paws together in the direction of the figure, a blazing funnel of superheated steam distorting the air as it clears the space between them faster than the opposition can react, sending it flying back into a wall with the crackle of incinerated flesh and material. Racheria opens her palms back up and waits as she pants with shuddering breaths, barely hearing the suddering breath of her enemy as it crumbles into dust against the ground. A soft yellow light flows out of it''s body as the dust billows away, the glow streaming back into the wolf''s body with a soft tingling of power filling the air. Slowly Racheria relaxes her arms and stumbles slightly, the fire swirling back into her palms as the gathered water drips off her fur and into the earth below. With a groan she places a paw against her chest while closing her eyes, gently easing herself to a sitting position on the ground.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. "Ugh. That was an earth specialized mage? More like a freight train without the horn, Teacher." She remarks, rubbing her chest gingerly as the ancient wolf chuffles from it''s spot. "A mid-range one at that, ability and power wise. Over time, a more powerful one can embue portions of thought and will into pressed forms to make golems, among other things of solely earth." It replies within her mind. "But a mage that can control multiple elements has an advantage in nearly every aspect over one with a single focus." Trailing off, it looks at a browned stalagmite standing off a ways from the prievious battleground, a small vine clinging tightly against the surface. As Racheria watches curiously, the wolf lifts it''s head while opening it''s mouth, power radiating out and tingling Racheria''s fur as the stalagmite is slowly engulfed by more vines rising out of the ground. The sound of earth crumbling is heard as a trail of gold energy streams from the wolf''s mouth into the mass, water spreading out through cracks in the stalagmite as it twists and reaches higher into the air. The vines stream around most of the stone as distinct limbs become arms raised above a head, uncovered from the stone as it crumbles away. Water rivulets etch smooth lines throughout the figure starting from the base, tracing out veins that pulse with power as smooth, gently curving legs are unveiled from the stone, followed by sleek yet shapely hips holding a toned stomach. Smooth, full half-globes are chiseled out and seem to become subtly soft breasts as shoulders are encompassed by vines, springing out from the cusp of the collarbone and draping down over the body with vibrantly green leaves. A soft chin seats lithe dark brown lips below her slim nose, deep set eyes powdering stone as they open to flash a rich mix of golden brown and sky blue irises. With a crackle on the back of her head water bursts out, spraying out a light mist that fades halfway down her back as the veins pulse dark blue all over her body. As her eyes open she lowers her arms, the leaves rustling with a rippling pattern down her body as she kneels down on one leg towards Racheria, lowering her head to face the ground. A low rumble of amusement draws Racheria''s attention back to her teacher as it closes it''s mouth, rising up to sit on it''s hind legs. A flash of something dark is partially concealed by the thick fur on it''s belly and a foreleg, seeming to curl through the fur as Racheria tries to visually trace it. "One that controls multiple elements can do more than just battle or change the world. What was once now mixes to create something thought long lost. This I say in reply, rise Nymfae, Daughter of both Earth and Water." It calls out, the kneeling female lifting her head up and standing with both her human hands folded over her belly. "Creator, what is thy will?" A gentle voice like the bubbling of a brook passes through her lips. ----------------------------- White unlocks the room door with the keycard and places his right paw on the holstered grip of his M&P40 as he opens the door, slowly opening a portion of it then tossing it wide as he shifts to the outer edge. The entry is clear, a simple short hall leading down into another space that shows no signs of any forced entry. The clean white walls have a mix of modern and traditional pictures hanging evenly spaced along the distance as he quietly walks over the firm gray carpet, stopping against the wall as he approaches a door. He quickly sweeps the back of his left paw around the edge of the door then grasps the knob, shoving the door open then drawing back his arm as he crouches down against the wall. After a few moments he draws his sidearm and glances around the corner, sweeping the inner edge with his paw and catching the light switch. Gentle yellow light brightens the room and reveals a small kitchen area, various small steel gray appliances adding to the dark wood cabinetry within. With a last sweep he walks out of the room, moving on down the hall and doing the same to the door just around the corner. The room is revealed to be a bathroom, a curtained shower on the far side while an encased sink faces the door, the toilet between the two. With a sigh he backs out, leaving the door open but shutting off the light as he studies the rest of the rather sizeable room. Two small darkwood nightstands edge the headboard of the King size bed, the both clearly preselected to match the inset wall depth. A thick white comforter is smoothed out over the bed, lined with a lighter, folded sheet at the foot as an alternate covering. A large bay window is covered in partially see through drapes, the view looking out over the river and at foothills beyond. A desk is nestled in the corner left of the window, a small plugin lamp set on the surface. With one last sweep of the room he turns and walks down the hall, feeling the edge of his belt for the keycard as he grips the doorknob. With a touch of the plastic card he turns the knob and leaves the room, turning left and smoothly traveling over the patterned carpet of the hall towards a large opening at the end. Light shines down into the space as he looks over the entrance from the stairtop, slowly sweeping the open area from his partically hidden spot. Mara sits at her spot in the front desk, the computer screen becoming visible as White silently traverses the steps. He glances at the screen and perks his eyebrow in curiosity, seeing several different images of what look to be blueprints and an automated design program actively being worked on in a corner of the screen. As he reaches the bottom step he taps the rounded countertop with his knuckles, causing her to jolt up and look around quickly. "Still working on those BPs Mara? Made any prototypes yet?" He asks while reaching over the counter and unlocking the swinging door as a yip escapes her, walking in and leaning against the back counter behind her after a moment. "Not yet. I''ve had to sell a few prints to supply the funds for my equipment and stock of materials, but nothing quite like these." She says after a moment. She gestures to the screen and rolls her chair back a little, letting him get closer to the screen. "Take a look. You''ve had a knack for these before I started, anyway." With a lift of his eyebrow he peels away from the back counter and crowds the front, leaning his right arm on the top as he studies the design drawings on screen. Several varied vehicle designs with focus on a three-stage electromagnetic suspension system are scattered about, a few meant as upgrades to civilian vehicles while one is built ground-up into a completely unknown vehicle. Hydraulic actuators control 110 degree range rotation disks at two points in each of the four heavy external limbs, settling a monstrous design many have tried but few made able to work in medium-scale. White grasps the mouse and maximises the windowed design, blinking a few times then rubbing his eyes. After a bit he sighs wearily and clicks to the in-process design program, studying the functions and actions of each part of the tool. With another sigh he steps away from the screen, rubbing a paw underneath his chin in thought as Mara looks at his with a questioning gaze. After a moment he snaps his digits and points at her with an index digit, turning to face her fully. "...On the XD-11/Limb Integral Traverse Heavy Engagement-Base, have you calculated the maximum range of motion per leg, including the Z axis, and power-to-weight ratio needed just for movement?" He asks, his mind splintering into various calculations. ".... Also balance point, maximum angle of climb, weight load minimums and maximums, power supply, crew, logistical ability, yada yada?" Mara''s slim nose and eyebrows scrunch up in distaste as she swings into place before the screen again, rapidly clicking on various drop-down menus and changing the entire presentation of the XD-11. Various angle radii, weight per module, engine data, maximum plate thickness, harness points, and more appear over the drawing in every nessesary area. She swings herself around and gives him a look that screams ''You asked, smartass?'' while folding her paws over her lap. "Heh, I should have known. Glancing at the data now..... I''d say it''s feasible. Cost of development will be a pain though." He says, glancing towards the front doors then giving a stout chuckle. "Anyway, I need to get someone into a real bed. My truck seats might be nice, but not for sleeping while sitting up." With that he turns and walks out from the counter towards the front doors, Mara watching him with a mix of curiosity that then turns to shock as she stands up from her chair and gawks at him. "You''re a parent?!" She calls out in a noticably higher pitch than before, White wincing from the sound as he stops and turns around. "Hell no. I''m not ready for a life-changing event such as that." He replies, turning back around and exiting out the door with quick steps. ''..... Even then, who would want to with me?'' He thinks as he walks out to his truck and unlocks it, opening up the passenger side to find Racheria still asleep but.... ''What the fuck?'' Her eyes seems to glow slightly through the lids, along with multiple colored lines visible through fur streaming along her veins. Caution triggers alarms in his mind as he grabs the H&K out and hangs it around his neck, letting it drape there as he eases his arms under her legs and back. With a gentle lift he holds her against his chest and out of the vehicle, closing the door with his foot and locking it once clear. Each of his steps ring out into the night as a sense of urgency takes hold of him, propelling him through the door and quickly up the stairs with Mara in tow. He manages to pull the keycard from his belt and unlock the door, passing through the hallway to the bedroom in quick order. Mara slows to a stop at the edge of the hallway as he sets Racheria down on the bed, the colored lines now not only visible through her fur, but through her clothing as well. Stepping back, he warily watches her as her veins seem to pulse with a mix of energy and color, power radiating from her body in waves and buffeting both of them with its'' force. After several tense moments the surges lessen as the colors fading from her extremities back to her core, converging into a bright shine that forces White and Mara to shield their eyes. The light fades away seconds later, leaving only a sleeping wolfess mage and two very confused people. "What the fuck is going on White?" Mara asks after staring at Racheria for a bit, locking her gaze on his back. He takes a deep breath and moves closer to Racheria, grasping her wrist softly and feeling her easy pulse through the tips of his digits. "Honestly? I have no fucking idea." Arc 2, Ch 4: Ally... Or Enemy? Voices bounce around her, slurred and fading in and out as if moving. After a few moments they clarify, feeding her information of two different individuals arguing a short distance away. ".... Dangerous." A soft, honeyed feminine voice says. "You''re preaching to the choir here. What''s the difference between the shit before and now?" The deep, baritone rumble of a male replies, annoyance present but underlined by a vein of something far worse. "This is very different. She has power. I''m not like the rest of my family, and even I can feel it from her. If she loses control-" "I have never seen a mage of any kind mold earth, wind, and fire in such a way as she can. Control is something I feel she innately wields, and that is what you can''t believe." The male interrupts, a growl slipping into his voice at the end. "I know enough about power, and what it does to a person. You''ve seen my grandfather, and he was once a great caster. Now he''s unable to do more than sit in a wheelchair as his body falls apart." Sorrow taints the female voice as it rises slightly in pitch. "...Your grandfather over-assumed his ability and tried to control a class five tornado. That''s power even warlocks don''t dare touch." The male says after a moment, his tone and volume softer as if comforting the female. "And what of her? What can she do? What CAN''T she do?" A sharp tone filters into the female''s voice as it swings in her direction, making her bristle at the aggression there. "..... She searched for me. That''s more than others have dared to do." He says with a rigidity straight from the core, filling the room with a certainty of intent that left silence in it''s wake. After a few moments Racheria groans softly and rolls, slowly opening her eyes as she sweeps her gaze around the dark room and locks on a built figure of white fur and dark clothing, a rifle strapped to his back as he gazes at her. After a moment he reaches over and clicks on a light, her memory catching up to her thoughts as she gazes at his face. ".... White?" She asks, her throat feeling dry and sounding that way. "Rach. You alright?" He asks, crouching down beside her on the floor as she rolls onto her side. "I feel like I''ve been starved of water, but other than that I''m fine." She says, shifting her body into a sitting position by the edge of the bed. White watches her closely, tension in his frame as his arms twitch slightly out towards her. "Take it easy Rach. I don''t know what happened, but something changed you somehow." He places his paws on her forearms and holds them with ease, a calming touch meant to sooth. "..... You glowed. I can''t describe it any simpler than that." She stares at him in wonder, studying his features for a hint of a joke or lie within. After a moment she nods, relief easing a tension that wasn''t noticeable in his face prior. He releases his grip after a moment and places his paws on his knees, a series of clicks sounding out from the joints as he rises into a standing position. "Okay, she''s awake. I''ll give you two some time to freshen up, then I''d like to ask some questions." The honeyed voice says from a small hallway, drawing Racheria''s attention to the vixen standing there. Her slim figure is defined by the fitted gray business suit she wears, her bronze colored eyes bright against the natural highlight of black fur. Narrow white fur pattern traces half her slim muzzle and cheek lines down her neck, vanishing from sight into the light gray undershirt. "Who are you?" Racheria asks, a faint but unnerving sensation from the female giving her pause. "My name is Mara. I''m the manager of this hotel, among other things. With that, I will take my leave." She replies, bowing once done and walking down the hallway. After a moment the click of a door echoes out into the room, sharpened by the quiet ambiance throughout. White moves over to a small desk in the corner of the room and leans his rifle against it then kneels down, pulling his large bag out from underneath it and digging inside. After a few moments he repeatedly pulls out polymer and metal magazines, separating each into their respective groups. Racheria rises off the bed and watches White for a few moments, blinking her eyes at the amount of magazines already by his side and growing. "Jeez, afraid of running out?" She asks, not bothering to count any more once she reaches twenty altogether. "Yep. Have had it happen too. Nothing worse than getting in a firefight and running out of rounds because no one else carries the right 7.62." He replies, turning his head and nodding towards the door beside the hall. "The bathroom is right there, with some cups as well if your throat is still scratchy." Racheria nods, waving her paw at him lazily as she passes over the bathroom threshold. After pawing at the wall for a moment she flicks on the soft lights in the ceiling, glancing around at the few utilities before settling her gaze on a pair of small, upturned and shrink-wrapped glass cups on the upper shelf above the sink but below the mirror. Two steps and she stands before the sink, tearing through the plastic with her claws and crumbling it up onto the shelf. ----------------------------- White zips open another section of the bag and checks over the boxes inside, several being 7.62 NATO while the heaviest pair being the sidearm calibers. Satisfied that no cartridges are loose or gathered in the bottom, he closes the section and moves to the largest one at the very top, dual zippers threaded with interwoven duracord that open half the entire bag. With a quick twitch of his arm he opens up the space, looking in at the various clothing and toiletries tightly bundled beside the heaviest thing inside the bag: a DWS ballistic plate carrier in OD green. Several rifle magazine pouches of similar color are weaved through MOLLE rigging, though all are empty and pressed flat against the 1000D nylon fiber of the plate carrier. He studies the plate carrier for a moment then starts returning the magazines back inside, steadily dropping the piles down to three of each mag. As he zips closed the bag Racheria steps out from the bathroom, the subtle click of the light shutting off mixes with the mags tapping against each other in his paws while he rises. "Your throat feeling better?" He asks, glancing at her from the corner of his eye as he places the magazines on the desk. "I can talk without feeling shattered glass pricking my tongue, so yeah." She replies, leaning her back against the doorjam and crossing her arms. "So tell me about Mara. You two seem familiar." White chuckles and straightens out the magazines with the edge of the desk, keeping each group closer to their respective firearm leaning against the wood. "You could say that. We went to high school starting sophomore year, when her immediate family moved to my home state. We became something of good friends, seeing as we had similar interests and tastes." "Yeah, in what? Silver tongues and weaponry?" Racheria questions with a snort, perking an eyebrow at White. "No. Literature and solitude. It may seem like a polar opposite, but I was quiet and read more than I spoke in those days. Hell, I barely knew anyone in my classes, let alone the social intricacies that would have announced a new arrival to the school." He says, facing her fully. "So when she had journeyed into one of the more secluded spots within the library where I was reading one day, she caught my attention."Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! With a sigh he gestures for Racheria to sit on the bed, plunking himself down at the foot of it as well. After a few moments he turns his head and catches her gaze, the slight furrow of her brow lending to the questioning look of her face. "I wasn''t quite the pleasant person I am now in those days. Most people avoided me, and rumors were abundant, though most were simply distant variants of some real ones. Add in my placid facial expression and various scars on my overly toned body for a sixteen year old, and no one would approach when I walked past." He says, facing forward and lifting up his right arm where a visible scar crosses his wrist muscles. "Thing is, I didn''t care to dismiss the rumors. Each one benefitted me by causing fear in everyone else, and they left me be due to it." "Turns out it was her first day in the school. She''d heard of a white Phantom within the building, but she hadn''t heard enough of the rumors to understand that they referred to a living student." He continues, lowering his paw to rest on his thigh. "So she slumped down in one of the small seats of the corner and started to read what I thought was an advanced book for her, ''Metallurgy and Dynamic Structural Integrity, Vol. 1.'' After a few moments though I just returned to my own, some metalsmith''s booklet on various steel alloy mixtures and the various forging temperatures needed to maximize strength retention." "Some time later on we''d both pass on our separate ways for classes, but it became a daily thing. We''d settle into the corner with a mechanical or technological book, read, and just simply never bother each other. After a while people started to follow after her for some odd-ass reason, but I think I became something of a safety net for her. If people were too aggressive, she''d walk alongside me in between classes. If bothered or confused in a class, she''d take a seat nearby me and ask for my assistance. And if some tried to force something of her around me...." A low chuckle vibrates out of his chest as he closes his eyes, drawing deep breath into his lungs then releasing it. "Well, people realized that I have certain morals about the use of force on others, and that they shouldn''t try to break it when I''m in the area." ----------------------------- Racheria turns her head back and forth between White and the hallway Mara went down, eventually settling her gaze on him. ".... Was she as loyal to you as you were to her?" She asks, folding her paws together within her lap. "Perhaps. I didn''t talk about my personal life much, so nothing could really affect me." He replies, pushing off his knees and rising. "Anyway, are you alright? Not feeling lightheaded or anything?" Racheria shakes her head, rising off the bed and rolling her neck until small cracking sounds escaped. White nods and walks past her, patting down the left hip pocket of his fatigues as he fades into the hallway. She gives quick glance at her rifle leaning by the desk, but jogs after him as she hears the door open up. Soft murmurs filter into her hearing as she clears the corner, fading away as she catches sight of White waiting against the doorjam with the door propped open by his boot. He waves at someone outside then looks over at Racheria, perking his eyebrow at her before standing straight. Racheria nods and walks past him into the softly lit hallway, looking down both sides as he closes the door behind her with a subtle click. After a moment he taps her left shoulder as he walks past, the uncovered fur on his body glowing as he passes under a light towards the well-lit opening. Racheria pauses for a moment then picks up the pace to walk beside him, having to nearly jog from the wide steps White takes to stay even. As they enter into the well-lit area he gestures towards a stairway just beside it, turning his body with a sharp but fluid motion towards it. ".... I don''t know all of what Mara''s going to ask, but there''s likely going to be something as to your intentions for here," He says while walking down the stairs, giving a quick glance at the raccoon male seated at the front desk. "So that''s the simplest thing to answer: We''re just passing through on our way to Denver. Anything else, keep short. The less she knows about you and what you hired me for, the better." "Why? If she''s capable, shouldn''t we try and invite her?" Racheria questions while staying a half step behind, gliding her paw against the guiderail on the right. "She''s capable of excellent design work, but her knowledge of underground living is limited. She''s too drawn in to the legality of everything, rather than morality." He says, turning his head to look back at her. "I don''t want to, but some things might have to be veiled from public eyes." Racheria stumbles at the base of the stairs from the sudden shift of color in his eyes, the chilling blue fading to gray with his last sentence. ''Damn those eyes of his are eerie.... What the fuck does veiled from public eyes mean?'' She quips mentally, steadying herself with a sigh as he turns around the right hand corner. As she turns the corner White gives a glance towards her then knocks on a door, Mara''s voice inviting them in after a moment. With that he opens the door and strides in, holding the door open for Racheria like an old style gentleman once inside. "Please come in and take a seat. I don''t bite.... hard." Calls out Mara from behind a worn wood desk, a vertical triple monitor setup towering on one side while various papers and plastic folders are neatly organized behind a brass titleholder. ----------------------------- White facepaws and gives a short groan at Mara, peeking through his digits at Racheria''s perplexed face. "Really? Of all the invitations, you choose that one?" He remarks, tugging Racheria clear of the doorway. "She''s joking, so take a seat." He shuts the door and stands beside it for a few moments as Racheria settles in one of the deep leather chairs before Mara''s desk, a small ceiling fan spreading a glaze of yellowish light over the entire room. Quiet sounds reflect into his sensitive hearing as he focuses on what is behind the shut door, filtering out the chatter from the females in the room. The soft click of someone typing a short distance to the left is nearly deafened by the music scourge known as country, blasting out of what must be earbuds based on the audio distortion. To the right is the enticing sound of pleased feminine moans somewhere further down the hall, along with the occasional groan of a male. Satisfied that no one is listening in, he turns around only to find both Mara and Rach staring at him with questioning and wary gazes respectively. He gives a dismissive wave of his left paw as he moves over to the other guest seat, easing his body in without the squeaking noise of unused leather. "Anyway, what is the extent of your magic?" Mara asks with fatigue, rubbing her forehead with her paw. "Not far. Maybe a hundred yards or so at best." Racheria replies, giving White a look from the corner of her eyes with an amused lift to the edge of her lips. "Not that extent." Mara quips, a sigh passing through her lips as she folds her arms on the desk. "I meant what can you control. Fire? Water? Wind?" "Yep." Is Racheria''s simple reply, shifting in her seat and swinging her leg over the other. White rolls his eyes as Mara buries her face into her paws, a drawn out groan from her nearly covering the subdued chortling from Racheria. The scene would have almost been something along the comedic lines of two friends meeting again, but he knows that Racheria is merely trying to get a rise out of Mara. After a bit of quiet muttering Mara lifts her head up, directing her agonized gaze at White. "I don''t know and didn''t tell her to do shit Mara, so don''t ask me." He says before she can get a word out, crossing his arms over his chest. "I wasn''t going to ask that White. What I am asking, is why you''re traveling so heavily armed. Are you even licensed for those rifles of yours?" She says, her tone going from exasperated to aggressive as she sits up straight in her chair. "I''d watch your tone Mara." He says in a low growl, flicking up the digit on his paw in succession. "One, I don''t have to answer that. Perks of my profession. Two, doesn''t matter to you because I''m not here to distribute or trade anything. And Three, and probably the most important: I''m a paying customer." "That you are. And like all other business owners, I can refuse service to anyone I feel. Including you." She replies, the barely hidden threat snorted off by White. "Then why bother questioning why we''re here, if you''re only going to try and call the police to remove us? Oh, and by the way, I''d keep your paws where I can see them." He says, pointing to the top of the desk where nothing lies. "If you want us to leave, I''ll leave peacefully. Either now, with my entire refund, or in the morning like I had paid your ridiculous price for." Mara perks her eyebrow then places her formerly sliding paw back on the surface of the desk, along with the other one. White sighs and leans forward in his seat, cupping his paws together as Racheria stares at Mara with a deadpan expression. "..... You know the feeling of an approaching storm as it dances on the horizon? The pressure as it builds in the air around you?" He notes, drawing a nod from Mara. "Well that feeling has been growing for some time, and it''s only gotten worse as people I once maintained contact with have gone silent. There''s a storm coming Mara. It won''t hit tonight, or tomorrow, but it will it, and I''m going to weather it. So I''m asking this of you: Is the price of your perceived security greater than allowing a security contractor a night''s rest?" Mara perks her ears up at the security contractor portion, blinking at White then sliding her gaze over to Racheria. After a few moments of visible contemplation she sighs and nods her head, shifting her focus to the three screens and quickly typing something on a slim keyboard in front of them. After a bit of silence save for the light clacking of the keys, she turns and gives them both a long gaze. "Alright, You''re set in the room for the next two nights as well. Also I gave you a bit of a discount, but in return I want you to check something for me White..." Author and Story Update Hello those that bother to read this probably mostly-useless post. I apologize for not updating HQN in a while, and I doubt that anyone believed that I hadn''t abandoned this. Well, I''m calling bullshit on that. I promise that no matter how long of gaps between updates of any kind, I won''t leave this until I feel satisfied with where it ends, or I become worse off than a vegetable in some obscure corner of a hospital. And that sure sounds like a waste of time in my book, so it won''t happen.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. In other news, I''m writing like a madman to bring the next chapter up for those that remember this slow starting story, so expect a fresh chapter within the week. Happy holidays, and may all you wishfully dream of in the dreariest of nights become real. Arc 2, Ch 5: A Deal for a Steal. White leans back in the seat with his left eyebrow perked, striking the image of aloof curiosity as Racheria glares at Mara. "What would this ''check'' entail?" He asks, the rumble of his voice ringing out from the steel like tone. Mara reaches over to some of the paperwork folders on the top of the desk, pulling one out and tossing in to the front edge in front of White. "Something simple, though something important to my family and I." She says, placing a paw to her forehead and rubbing. "Our home has been having a series of intrusions recently, and we''ve been trying to figure out the major Ws with little success." White props his head on his fist from the chair''s arm, blatent boredom in his features as he flicks through the papers. After a few quiet moments he grabs the pages with both paws, sitting up straight in the seat and drawing both female''s attention away from each other. He pulls out a series of photos taken from a security camera and sets them on the desk, tapping a digit on one capturing a blurred figure with a singular blue glow from the head. "Have you only seen it in one area, and has anything been taken?" He questions, all prievious notations replaced with no-nonsense focus. Mara shakes her head, spinning the folder around and digging into the papers stuffed inside. After a few seconds she digs out a folded sheet, opening and spreading it out over the desk to reveal the building diagram inside. "The cameras have found it focused here recently, but the security system has reported multiple breaches all over." ----------------------------- Racheria shifts in her seat at the sight of the photographed figure while Mara circles something on the sheet of paper, a large structure with all sorts of technical markings spread about. Some measurements on one blueprint draw Rach''s attention away from the image, the distances and lengths a fair portion larger than the other regular buildings. "What is this structure? Spare rooms? Guest quarters?" White asks, standing up and tapping on the same blueprint''s space. "Storage. Items my family brought from Japan before I was born." Mara retorts, leaning back in her chair and crossing her arms below the ample bust there. ''Greaaat. She''s not a vixen, she''s a kitsune. Fuck.'' Racheria thinks as she notes Mara''s shape, mentally comparing herself for a moment then focusing on the blueprint. "And you''re sure nothing has been taken?" White questions again as he circles the various smaller rooms marked inside of it with his digit. "I doubt repeated intrusions are happening just for shits and giggles." ".... I''m not sure. Most of the things important to the family uniquely marked, or are too heavy for less than four individuals to move." Mara replies, her following sigh disturbing the room''s ambience. "Anything else, I''d have to ask my father." White sighs and rests his hip against the desk, crossing his arms over his chest as he looks at Mara. "... Very well. We''ll stop by in the morning." He says, turning his gaze towards Racheria. "Anything else?" "Yeah. Mara, what did your family do before coming to the U.S.?" Racheria asks, looking at a secondary structure with a raised platform at one end. Mara folds her paws over on the desk, a glare cold enough to freeze oil directed at her. "What would that have to do with anything, she-wolf?" She asks, tapping a digit on her arm. Racheria looks up at Mara, returning the glare with her own fire. "More than you could probably imagine." She quips, returning her gaze to the map. Mara snorts softly and focuses on White, who nods and rolls his wrist in reply. After a moment she sighs and stands from her chair, walking to the covered windows behind it. "My family had been steelworkers, forging iron sand into various steel for numerous dynasties. In the 1930s, the head of our family decided to move to the U.S. in search of greener lands, so to speak." Racheria looks over at White as she stands straight, shaking her head to White''s perked eyebrow. "Thank you Mara. I have nothing else to ask of you at this time." She says, nodding her head towards the door. ----------------------------- White takes one last look at the blueprint then steps away from the desk, trailing after Racheria as she walks out the door. "White." Mara calls out, prompting him to pause and look back. "Mara?" He replies, holding the door open beside him with his paw. ".... How long have you been out?" You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.She asks, turning her head to look over her shoulder at him. "Almost a year and a half now." He says after a thoughtful pause. "I see. I''m sorry to have lost touch with you over the last few years." A hollow laugh sounds out from her as she faces the windows again. "Though, I guess we didn''t do much more than see each other in passing, or that time." "I did what I saw as right. It was better for you to keep distance from me and have a social life, than be a pariah for knowing me, even after that." He turns and walks out the door after speaking, pausing right at the cusp of the doorjam. "..... Enjoy the life you have. I am satisfied with mine." With those parting words he closes the door behind him and walks back up the stairs, his thoughts both scattered and yet defined as he habitually scans everything around him. At the top of the stairs he presses against the wall as he sweeps the far hallway, smoothly turning his head the other way as he peeks around the corner into the other side. Finding nothing he clears the corner and makes his way to the room, pulling the keycard from his beltline and deftly sweeping it across the digital lock. With a click the door allows his entry as he gently swings it open, soft light spilling into the hall from the bedroom. As he closes the door and sets the deadbolt Racheria peeks her head around the corner, a snarl scrunching her muzzle tight. "Easy. It''s just me." He calls out as he lifts his paws up and holds them up in surrender, stopping in his tracks. She her features smooth out as she clears the corner, her shirt removed and pants partially undone. A perked eyebrow is the only shift in his features as he approaches, the sound of the strong shower spray from the bathroom growing with each step closer. "Go on, get in there. I''m not stopping you." He says, passing by her while focusing on the bay windows then glancing over his shoulder. "Just don''t take too long. I know you''d hate for me to peek in on you." Racheria scoffs and flips the bird as she returns to the bathroom, shutting the door behind her as he chuckles. He leans on the left side of the window and looks out over the view for several minutes then hefts the EBR into his paws, removing the magazine and opening the firing chamber to ensure it''s empty. Satisfied he slowly shuts the action and replaces the mag into the magazine well, replacing the rifle back against the desk and returning to the outside view. The soft sound of a sigh reaches his ears from the bathroom, his right ear swiveling towards the original direction of it instinctively. A dark shape streaks in the dim moonlight through the window, pulling White''s full attention into the cloudless sky outside. He shifts back from the window to stand in the shadows, peering out and scanning the skyline for anything unnatural. Eventually he catches sight of a single light-bending spot amongst the myriad, closing in at a steady pace. A long light slowly forms several lengths ahead of it then flashes out of existence without a ripple as it flies into it, unnerving White as he stays still long afterwards. ''.... Hopefully that wasn''t something I need to watch for.'' He thinks to himself as the sound of the shower shuts off. ----------------------------- Racheria shudders as she pushes open the shower curtain and grabs one of the folded white towels hanging to her right, quickly shrouding herself in it and rubbing all the remaining water from her fur. Within moments of peeling the now damp towel from her body her fur fluffs up, making her growl slightly from the sight in the mirror. "Damn this thick fur!" She quips, draping the towel over the rack and rapidly redressing into her undergarments. She stands before the mirror and takes in her image for a moment then sighs, opening the bathroom door and looking around for the other occupant. The lights are turned down low but not enough to create deep shadows for him to hide amongst, though his form is not noticed by her sweep. Perking her eyebrow she steps out of the bathroom doorway and into the room, seeing his backpack and two rifles still in their prievious places but no sign of anything else related to him. A beep sounds out from the hall followed by a ka-chunk, drawing her attention to it. As she peers around the corner he appears from the other doorway on the hall, a steaming cup held within his paws while he walks silently towards her. "Pleasant wash?" He asks, locking his gaze on her then flicking towards the window. She nods as he walks by the windows, gazing out at the terrain by shifting the edge of the curtain from his sight slightly. After a moment he loses a bit of tension that was unnoticed on his frame until now, stepping away from the window and leaning against the desk. ".... I feel like the modern world''s advancing too fast for people to adjust." He says after a few moments. "Shadow ops capturing people, semi-sentient mechs being designed in hotel lobbies, and wormholes flashing in the lowland skies." A low chuckle sounds from him as he lifts the cup to his lips, taking a sip then looking at her. Racheria opens her mouth to speak but is interrupted by a low buzzing coming from White''s pocket, watching as he digs in and answers the unusually designed smartphone. "This is White.......... No, fuck that. I''ve dealt with that company before, and they can roast in a nuclear reactor''s runoff for all I give a shit................ Send Sunshine and Terris to assist Jad with his tasking then. Once the contract terms are completed, have them contact me for priority assignment. Anything else? ....................... Good. Keep monitoring that organisation as well, they''ve been gathering quite a few. Atlantis nostri in sanguinem." Racheria gawks at him as he speaks into the cell, his entire presence becoming commandingly sharp within moments. Though his focus is on the conversation he maintains his visual sweep of the room, no other motion apparent in his shoulder width stance. Once done with the conversation he taps on the phone a few times and returns it to his pocket, finally locking his hard gaze back onto her. "Uhh... You know what, fuck what I was gonna ask. I''m just gonna head to bed." She says after a bit, shifting her gaze from his. "Are you.... You staying awake?" ".... Yeah. I have some minor things to look over anyway, so get some rest." He replies, visibly drawing back in his forceful aura to become a sentinel once more as he kneels down beside the bag. Racheria watches for a second then moves to the bed and pulls back the sheets, sliding into them with subtle rustling as she adjusts into a comfortable position. After a while she shifts again, facing up towards the ceiling as soft classical music starts to stream from where White is tinkering. The gentle sounds create a pleasant lull to her senses, eventually closing her eyes and drifting into the darkness of sleep. Arc 2, Ch 6: Nightmare. White sets his phone down beside him after turning the playlist on then digs a bagged stone sharpener from the pack and setting it on the desk. Reaching back in and taking a sheathed blade from the pack, he draws the heavy tanto tip boar knife and lightly rubs his thumb down the width of the edge in smooth strokes. Each glance off is marked by the slight shinng sound, differentiated by barely changing tone in each little ring. He contines the act over the straight edged portion of the blade, following the wide shape to the fierce tip then back down on the opposite side. After repeating the action twice he draws the edge in diagonal strokes across the stone''s rough side, keeping fairly even pressure throughout the broad edge with each stroke. The coarse sound adds a unique melody to the already playing classical orchestra, a regular beat to the music for several moments before he pauses to check the blade. After flipping the stone over he digs in the cloth bag and pulls out a small oil container, dabbing some of the fluid on the stone then returning the blade to it. A series of smoother ringing strokes fills the air as the edge becomes razor fine, the small burrs sheared off with each pass. Testing the edge after several passes on each angle and side, he wipes down the blade and returns it to the sheath with a barely audible sound against the soft leather and canvas. The stone is wiped down afterwards and returned to the bag along with the periferals, the drawstrings tightened as he drops it back into the bag. The sound of shifting sheets draws his attention back to the bed, watching as Racheria settles on her side while cradling a pillow against her chest. A low sound brushes from her lips as she calms, creating a slight smirk on his as he is drawn back into a short memory of a younger her doing the same in threadbare sheets. With a shake of his head the memory fades, replaced by a faint clinking sound that his ears start to home in on. Quietly drawing his sidearm he rises from the chair and shifts his weight to his hips, moving down the hallway without noise as the clink repeats beyond it. Sweeping the entry he bumps against the doorframe as the clink repeats, only to be chased by the sound of cart wheels rolling down the hall away from the room. Sighing he returns to his usual stance while flicking the thumb safety on the firearm, holstering it back as he returns to the bedroom before slumping into the desk chair once more. ".... Damn it." He says quietly as he runs a paw over his head, looking out the window then back at Rach. "I have a feeling you''ve got a lot more attached to you than you''ve mentioned." ----------------------------- Racheria snaps up from her sleeping place while panting hard, the tingling sensation of electricity still fresh in her mind from the nightmare. Taking a deep breath she looks around the room, her gaze falling on White at the desk while cupping his forehead as she remembers where she is. Letting out a soft breath she takes in the image of him languid at the desk, shoulders rising and falling to the slow pace of his breathing. Shifting her legs to stretch out more one of his ears rotates towards the bed, following the slight noise made as she watches. ''Like a passive audio alarm. Another thing he''s probably learned to use.'' She thinks as her thoughts return to the prievious dream, an involuntary shudder coursing up her spine spurring her to move. With slow movements she slips from the sheets to the edge, though apparently not quietly enough as both his ears home in on her movements from the rustling sheets. With light steps she enters into the bathroom and closes the door behind her, seating herself on the toilet after dropping her panties. Several thoughts run through her head as she takes care of business, including the unusual figure that appeared before her dream turned nightmare. Tall compared to a human, the steam rising from around his red-yellow covered body revealed nothing other than body type- until the piercing eagle cry rang out within the dark area and she felt everything lash out with current. Shaking her head she rises off the porclain throne after fixing herself and quietly washing, her mind wanders off while trying to think of where she''d seen such a person to be found in her dream.The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. After drying her paws off with one of the supplied towels, she shuts off the lights and quietly steps out of the bathroom, watching White''s silently breathing form as she shuts the door behind her. The normally minor click of the door latch rings abnormally loud within the quiet room, making Racheria flinch as his ears instantly swivel towards it. A slight shift in his position and his ears return to passively rotating about the room, the bubbling tension released with her muffled exhale before she silently approaches. Once she is within arm''s reach she stops, bending over slightly to gaze closer at his resting face. ''..... What the- Holy fuck!?'' She yells out in her head as her throat is locked down, a slight gagging sound flowing from her mouth as everything whitens out and spins. In an effort to escape she tries to fling her hips only to realize her thighs are pinned under a solid weight, unable to do more than give a slight wiggle. "Rach? Oh, fuck." She half hears while the grip on her throat releases along with her thighs, making her nearly fold in half as she hacks and takes in air with heaving gasps. "Wh-" She starts to speak but is interrupted by another series of coughs racking her body as a firm palm rubs against her back. "White?" "Are you alright Rach?" He asks, drawing her tear-blurred gaze towards his face and seeing the focused caution in it as he looks her over. "Other than," She coughs once more then clears her throat. "Being thrown like a rag and choked, I''m peachy." She says, calming down under his close examination of her. After a moment he glances at her face then does a double take, touching her lower jaw and lifting her face closer. "...... Uhhh, is something wrong?" She asks after a few moments of meeting his eyes, seeing the slight shifts and tracing movements of his. His attention returns to her entire face as he drops his paw from her jaw, shaking his head then drawing it back with slow movements. "There was change in your pupils. Something I''ve never seen before." He says, rising and rubbing half his face with a paw. "Granted I''ve never nearly choked you out or put a blade through your kidney." Her eyeys nearly pop from her sockets as she watches him pick off a chunk of black strands, brushing a paw over her left side and feeling a thinned spot just below her rib cage as he returns the near-hatchet like blade back to the sheath. "Holy fuck." She mutters out, looking down at her side and palm to make sure she''s not bleeding. "That''s an understatement. You''re not bleeding or injured, so you can stop checking." He says, watching her with amusement as she looks back at him. "Anyway, you should try and rest some more. I might need you to feel about with your senses in the morning, and I would like you energized for it." ----------------------------- White stares at her as she struggles with something on her mind, perking his eyebrow once she sighs and nods. "Fine. But you should get some sleep in an actual bed as well." She says back, gesturing at the untouched side of the bed. "Because by all that''s ancient could I tell Mara was overly happy that you agreed." White snorts as he seats himself back in the chair, taking off his boots and shirt but leaving his loosened belt and fatigues on. "What makes you think so?" "Did her scent not clue you in? Jeez, I know you males are dense about things but come on." She quips while settling under the sheets, making him pause placing his boots against the bed mid-motion. "..... Her scent? Was there something wrong with it?" He asks as he walks to the other side, tugging out the tucked in comforter and slipping underneath. "Yeah, the flowery, heat infused kind." She says as she glances over her shoulder as he lies down. "I''m surprised you didn''t try humping her leg honestly, it was so rich." ".... I wouldn''t have known unless she was right against my face." He says after a bit of silence, his ear rotating towards her shifting in the sheets reaches it. "I can''t smell worth a damn, unless the originating place is by my nose." Arc 2, Ch 7: Closing In. Racheria props herself up from the pillow, looking at White with surprise clear on her features. After a few moments she sighs and drops back down onto the pillow, rubbing her face and groaning softly. "Well fuck. I suppose you carry a gas analyser with you just in case of a leak, right?" She snarks, uncovering her right eye as she hears him roll closer and chuckle. "No. I may be paranoid.... but not that paranoid." He replies while muffling a yawn and nestling into his own pillow. "And I can still somewhat smell, just not.... less than 30ish...." She sighs again after listening to his sleeping breaths, mildly annoyed at his dismissive attitude towards himself and most things around him. Shifting onto her back she gazes at the ceiling with thoughts running rampant in her mind, starting from the first panic-invoking dreams weeks ago to the most recent events around her. With a flash of curiosity she returns back to the dream that woke her minutes before, struggling to drag back the clearest picture of the figure or even details of the room. After a few moments she turns her head to look over at the other occupant, curious as to what triggered such a violent reaction before noticing. ''He''s in REM state already?'' She questions within her head, sliding closer as she continues to study his evershifting eyelids. After several long moments his eyes settle into a slow but still shifting pace, his features easing miniscule portions away from the fierce tension of before. Noting that his right ear was still slowly shifting she rolls onto her back, letting her thoughts settle into a comfortable state of happy serenity with the closing of her eyes. As her mind drifts into slumber a disturbance distorts the air beyond the windows outside, the very fabric of the world split by a deep but localized darkness only to close once more after a long moment... ----------------------------- "... And what of the strains you''ve managed to get so far?" An old, wizened voice says within a lavishly furnished conference room, the partially hidden speaker one of thirteen others spread around a massive circular stone table. "Exponential regenerative ability is present in all the remaining ones so far, but wildly varying aftereffects leave a lot to be desired to say the least." Mechanically replies one sitting lacklusterly in a chair, the white of his lab coat vibrant against the shadow from the overhead lighting. Shifting the papers within his silver hands he looks up and sweeps his gaze around at the other seats, pausing at a pair seated nearby with noticable swirls of steam billowing from their clothing before focusing back on the graphs and notes. "While the Phoenix clan''s DNA and the Vampyrs'' funding have been of immense help with research into creating an Omega-class being, we''re still held back by the host''s inherit capability. Even with the most recent powerful beings aquired for testing, it seems that without a minimum fully-rounded magical host the sub-atomic bonding is incomplete, the most mild cases of unfit hosts losing some inherit traits rather than converting the cellular makeup or enhancing the soul. This is a typical response." With a few taps on a small device on a small sub-level of the table, twelve screens lower down from above and flicker on with the beginning of a recording. Restrained to an operating table is a large bipedal drake, a medical mask and various tubes piercing dark orange scales on his arms and chest. Within moments of playback an off-colored liquid begins flowing thickly down the tubes and entering into the subject''s bloodstream, a sharp jolt of the subject at the same moment. As it begins to mix with his body tissues malignant tumors begin to form around the area of contact, spreading out over his body as he struggles violently against the thick metal restraints. As the mixture meets another injection point the tumors vibrate rapidly before exploding outwards, the splattering of various tissues and internal fluids drawing out clear lines of conflict within the subject as his body''s rejection slowly destroys him. Each large pop of the near-cancerous flesh exposes his internal organs, which also begin to deteriorate at a rapid pace. After a mere four minutes all that''s left of the formerly healthy male drake is a steaming mess of shattered bones, liquified tissues, and pieces of scales embedded within the table. With a sharp flicker the screens all shift to a still image of a red-black wolfess slipping through a molten steel wall, the focal point of twenty four various colored and glowing eyes. "Thankfully, the Scout section of our ''Code Lost'' project has marked a potentally high-value subject that could solve all our issues..."Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. ----------------------------- White snaps his head upwards and instantly sweeps the room half-awake, the sound of faint bird chirps and other noises somewhat calming him after a few moments. Looking down at his abnormally warm feeling chest he finds Racheria curled in against him, the soft puffs of her breathing teasing against his fur. Using gentle shifts and tugs he frees himself from her clasped arms, sliding out of the bed and silently putting on his boots as he digs in the assault pack nearby. Retrieving the small pouch he rises and makes his way into the bathroom, directing pressure on the door hinges as he steps into the dark once open. Closing the door using similar care he sets the pouch on the sink counter, refreshing himself in muffling darkness via contained toiletry items. Sealing the pouch and making his way quietly out of the restroom, he lazily drops it back into the pack before grabbing his shirt and sliding it on. Tucking the excess material down his fatigues and cinching tight his belt, he eases down onto the floor with his palms stretched in line from the center of his abdomen. Keeping his feet pressed together while extended out flat, he takes a deep breath then lowers his body until the very tip of his nose brushes the ground. Releasing the held breath he rises until his arms fully extend, lowering back down with the pushup at a steady but agonizingly slow pace. He continued on with the punishing variant of pushups until the natural light was bright enough to disturb Racheria''s sleep, standing up as she let out a muted moan. After a few seconds of shifting about she jolts upwards in the bed, looking around and blinking before her gaze lands on him muffling laughter. "..... Oh fuck off, ya bastard." She quips, throwing back the sheets and sliding off the bed. "Not everyone is silent and deadly." White shakes his head as he folds a paw over his muzzle, the rich baritone of his barely-muted laughter vibrant in the area''s quiet. Racheria scoffs then makes her way into the bathroom, closing the door firmly behind her to the continued amusement of him. With some trailing laughter followed by a sigh he grabs his cell phone from the desk, quickly passing through the multi-level security and scanning through the various datafeeds before shutting the screen off. With a quick wrist flick as he lowers his arm the device vanishes into his hip pocket, sealing it with the loop button on the inner lining. Patting the fabric he lifts his foot onto the chair and straightens the ankle tie of his fatigues, tucking the material down into the boot then tying it tight to blouse out the bottom. He repeats the actions with his other leg before Racheria walks out of the bathroom, turning his body to look at her as he lowers the now tied boot. A seemingly fitted gray long sleeve drapes over the dark brown cargo pants resting on her hips, blending the the earthen colored boots that have clearly seen better times. "...What? There something wrong?" ----------------------------- ''I swear, if he''s just fucking with me...'' She thinks as he shakes his head and rubs a paw over his eyes. "No. Just believed you''d take longer." He replies, reaching over and closing the assualt pack before lifting it onto his shoulders. "But since you seem all prim and proper...." She growls at the devil''s grin crossing his lips, making him chuckle while lifting his rifle from the desk and slinging it over. "Now we can get going." He calls out over his shoulder, picking up her rifle and holding it out towards her. "I''ll speak with Mara about the route there. She should still be around until 7-ish." Racheria grabs the rifle and slips the sling over her head, swinging it behind her and out of the way as he sets four polymer magazines on the bed for her. Wordlessly she copies White and stuffs them one by one into the large thigh pockets, the only containers large enough to hold more than one at a time. As she finishes buttoning the pocket a massive boom rattles the building, preceeding a momentary loss of light for her to process before she''s shoved roughly down to the ground. "Ooof. Wha-" White cuts off her vocal thrashing of his method of handling with a paw to her muzzle, clamping down with near-crushing force on her spawled out self. "Quiet. You can bitch later." He harshly but barely whispers out while watching the window with his sidearm, slowly letting go of her maw before motioning towards the bathroom. "Get your bag, we''re leaving now." She nods, slowly crawling back through the open door and gasping the strap while he shifts over to the doorframe. A moment after she tugs on the bag he reaches his left paw back towards her, flicking his digits softly until she gets the message and places hers in with a squeeze. He squeezes back, tucking her under his arm before crouch-running to the hall with his body between her and the window. "We''re finding Mara for location then heading out." He says to her as they clear the entry corner, unlocking the door then rotating her flat against the wall. "Mobility is the key now, so we''re staying that way." She nods, lifting her shirt slightly and revealing the Glock 40 tucked against her hip via inner waistband. "I''m ready." ----------------------------- White glances at the sidearm at her waist then nods, releasing his hold on her shoulder to grab the doorknob. A slow swivel of his ears filter in various voices a fair distance from the door, most in curious tones while one argues loudly with another individual. Discerning no noise directly around the door he pulls it open, sweeping the left side then right before moving out into the hall. Racheria follows close behind, a noticable chill sweeping against White''s spine as she whirls to face another direction. "I don''t care about how the military does things, I want to know why we, as guests, weren''t notified prior to our stay!" Someone yells out from within the lobby, perking White to glance down the stairwell and at the crowd gathering at the main desk. "Oh joy. A mob of people."