《Once a Soldier Always a Soldier》


 Chapter 1/Prologue Sh*tStorm

    Chapter 1


    Once again, I sat, mouth full of sand and ears ringing, with my back against a rock. The area had the smell of human waste blowing around. The days on end. In what I could remember, I¡¯d slowly had my friends and allies whittled away by these men called my enemies. Head pounding, I looked around. Clenching my teeth, as I locked eyes with a now empty shell one of my team leaders had been inhabitting. Seeing that I barely had 7 men including myself left - all rugged of breath and being beat to to hell by this infernal heat - I finally felt lost. This was to be my last tour, the end of my contract, a way out of this shit-hole of an existence of licking boots for promotions and being screwed over because I wouldn¡¯t throw my men under the bus.


    ¡°I¡¯m done.¡± I said to myself


    Hearing their leader speak one of the men gave me a curious gaze to which I answered by taking out a cigarette and lighting it, passing the few left in the pack to him.


    ¡°Well boys, it¡¯s my job to either get you out alive, or make the cost of your life hurt so high they regret taking it, so here¡¯s what we¡¯re going to do.¡±


    The men, though calling 18-21 year old boys men is a laughable matter, listened intently to their leaders voice, all ending up smoking and sighing, as if it lit the only ember of humanity they had left away. They would be suppressing the enemy with their uncared for, near empty weapons, pushing until they could turn tail and hopefully not take a round to the back.Myselfthough? I would be staying, laying fire until I was empty, hoping it gave them time to leave.


    As we finished discussing the plan a whistling sound was heard overhead, and our eyes widened.


    ¡°INDIRECT TAKE COVER!¡±


    The now meaningless words echoed among us, I laughed to myself, aren''t we already in the only cover we have? The explosion was resounding and large, ripping shards of rock and billowing bursts of sand into the air, bruising and blinding us in a painful silence after. I felt a painful stab in my legs as shards hit me and I feared my face was torn to shreds, as pain and wetness spread across it. The silence only lasted seconds though, as we could hear screaming from one of my men. As the swirling sand cleared I swallowed bile back down my throat, and wiped my friends remains off my face.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck they weren¡¯t supposed to have indirect what the fuck! Coughing up my lungs I crawled on my hands and knees, hands scrabbling for my weapon. Feeling my fingers bump into something I grabbed it, but¡­ it was soft¡­ and wet¡­ oh my. Seeing the dismembered leg in my hand i tossed it aside coughing more, well he won¡¯t be able to put that back on with how much is shattered off even if the man lives. My own leg was starting to throb, looking down I understood where the rest of the man¡¯s leg had gone. I ground my teeth pulling my friends bone shard out of my own leg. Putting a tourniquet on, I heard a language I didn''t understand, and desperately kept searching for my weapon.


    Finally finding it I rolled over in time to catch my men being slaughtered, the one caring for the now 3 limbed man had a round explode through his face, ending in the other man''s arm. 2 limbed man now. My best friend was shooting the one who had just helped our man of the issue of ever having to think again. Trying to protect him I shot the one coming up behind him before he could shoot, fuck this wasn¡¯t supposed to end like this.


    Kerchunk.


    No, nonononono not not you son of a bitch not now. He had no more ammo. Standing I saw my friend fall, multiple new breathing holes gracing his chest. Swearing vengeance that i would haunt these men even if i had to become a monster, i would devour their hopes and dreams, and crush anything they held dear. There was nothing left, nothing, as more men poured in, aiming their rifles at me, i wouldn¡¯t surrender, i wouldn¡¯t bow my head to any man with such a shameful display. So i grinned, i laughed, as if today was the greatest of days, as if a great seal had broken within me, i dropped my weapon and blew great gusts of laughter as these men stares at me probably thinking i had snapped, but they didn¡¯t understand, they didn¡¯t know that when i dropped my weapon i had pulled the fragmentation grenade attached to my chest.


    I saw their fingers tighten as they prepared to squeeze their weapons and empty my body of its rather vital and for the last moment functional parts. Until the world became heat, pain and silence. I felt light and free, i could smell gunpowder and rock dust. Still smiling even as i felt a tear fall down my face. I was still a coward who would rather kill myself then risk fighting fair. Why is the world spinning so much¡­ oh. I saw my own remains and with a rather panicking thought full of the most animalistest terror known to man, i know my head, and my body, were no longer in a happy physical relationship. These were my last thought as everything i saw turned black and empty.

 Chapter 2 ( Goddamnit)

    Chapter 2


    I could feel myself falling, no wind nor any sense of direction but falling, it was a rather nauseating feeling. My world exploded into dazzling brilliant light, surrounding eventhing and blinding me covering my eyes in pain i could only guess that my retinas were toast. Though as with all lights it slowly, oh so very slowly dimmed until i noticed i was laying on... well something. There was no color and its texture felt as if nothing was there, at a loss for words i tried to stand only to realize i had already been standing.


    ¡°Welcome to my domain young one.¡± i heard this voice echo in this world, and it shattered and solidified my sanity all at once, this imposing, yet comforting, indescribable voice that i knew yet would never know.


    ¡°You¡¯ve passed from your world into mine, though in a rather unique fashion i must say.¡± The voice continued not caring it seemed for me to grab hold of myself first.


    I was at a loss, my head spinning, the painful memory of seeing my own headless corpse shot back to the forefront, which reminded me, most people did not survive such things. Ah, that¡¯s what the voice ment. I crumbled, i had always been an atheist, being here, with this voice, i could only guess that such a view would only land me in hell. Well, worse than the hell i¡¯d been in for the last terrible chapter of my life. Wait, i am still alive, well in a way at least so that life not this life i suppose?


    ¡°So¡­ well¡­ who was right then?¡± i asked with the only part of me truly functioning being my dark humour i used as a coping method.


    ¡°Everyone and no one. The answer is simple and yet more complex than i¡¯d wish it to be. For you to understand think of it this way, if enough beings worship a sword, does not that sword have the power to strike fear into an enemy, even though it is nothing but metal? It is the same, i am nothing, and yet everything made by perceptions. All ¡°gods¡± are but facets of my face, its a rather strenuous task keeping up with every world, in every dimension, in every universe with their own unique laws governing how they work.¡± Said in such a factual tone i was left speechless.


    ¡°So there is life beyond earth! And unique laws? Wouldn¡¯t every law of physics and such be the same?¡± i was confused and this was the only way for me to keep some sort of control, by directing this conversation somewhere. Somewhere that me being dead did not matter.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    ¡°Infinite worlds with infinite rules, even infinite versions of you¡± The voice answered.


    ¡°So, why am i here then? Why am i not rewarded or punished for my action?!¡± I needed answers, if only to return to nothing, it was better than sitting here being left with no purpose.


    ¡°Every beings death, if their will was strong enough, is not the end, if that was so then each world would only die in stagnation, so they are brought here upon their end, and then sent to bring change, for better or worse.¡±


    ¡°So what this is a higher powers version of a videogame?!¡± I was outraged at being seen as a pawn.


    ¡°It is beyond your understanding, but if it helps you handle this, then yes, i will make it more like your video games.¡±


    My mouth hung open, well, atleast i think i had a mouth and i think it was open. People around the world had died, killed, loved and hated for some sick joke. Did it all really not matter even in the slightest?


    ¡°Now listen to me, because i will tell you who you¡¯ve shaped yourself to be, and that will shape your future.¡±


    I nodded dumbly, i had no answers to this, even to deny what i heard would be like saying gravity did not exist because i couldn¡¯t fathom it with my 5 senses. I would listen, i would go along with what was said, and i would find meaning in this, and if this was truly to be like a game, well hah. I guess i¡¯ll just have to gain true power that did not exist on earth, power beyond words and the movements of men. Something akin to the gods i knew, Like Zeus Hades and Poseidon, controlling all that is of man¡¯s plane of life.


    ¡°You are a ravenous beast, and as for much as you wish to be in a pack, you will never be able to make it work, for those above you, you hate, and those below you, you rarely see as more than tools. You choose to take others lives for power, and even sacrificed your friends, you never broke your word, but would twist the truth so it rarely had to be tested, you were greedy and full of pride, thinking yourself more worthy than any for positions you didn''t even understand¡­¡± This continued for far longer than i was comfortable with, the list of things i found to be good far, far below what most would consider ugly traits.


    ¡°So¡­ what now then?¡± i asked, my voice weak and sounding like a broken man.


    ¡°Now, now you go to where you may do my will by only your own personality.¡±


    I didn¡¯t understand a single part of what was just said, do my will, what? This confusion though, did not last long as i had little time before the darkness swallowed all around me. The only point of light was slowly blinking away and i felt fear, true primal fear at where i was to land from this fall. But wait, i wasn¡¯t done with my questions, i literally knew nothing more then morsels i wouldn¡¯t even care for!

 Chapter 3 (Every Journey Starts Somewhere)

    Chapter 3


    I felt weak. Terribly weak as if i had been with sickness for years and it had burned the strength out of my body. Trying to raise my hand i couldn¡¯t even manage that much, trying something easier my head tilted but even that exhausted me. All i could do was make pathetic little growling noises that even a child would find sad. Breathing deeply i decided i would calm my heart and do what i could, as i couldn¡¯t move, couldn¡¯t speak, hell i couldn¡¯t even see.


    But i could smell, and though it was weak i could smell dogs. Did i somehow actually survive only to be chewed on by mongrels? I tried crawling again only to painstakingly move, an inch at a time. Until i hit something soft. I felt a primal urge within myself growing, and it was more than i could contain before biting down on this object. Warm liquid flowed into my mouth and i greedily sucked it down. Whatever i had bitten was delicious and if this was the only way to show i wasn¡¯t going to go down without a fight then so be it.


    I don¡¯t know how long passed, time had lost its meaning in this soundless dark world of mine, all i knew was it smelled of dogs, was cold and hard. And that i would fight with whatever strength i had in me, as sad as that amount was. Suddenly my food and warmth were ripped away from me and i growled in frustration as my prey escaped. Next time you won¡¯t leave so easily, at least that¡¯s what I would say if I had the strength to stop it.


    I lost myself in this world of nothing, not knowing if I had died or if I was still alive. Then i heard the sound of something clacking against rock. I would let this beast know i would not be easy prey, I bared my teeth and tried to let out a growl, only to have it sound the whimper of a dying animal. There was strength in my limbs, I know not from where but i would use it. Boldly getting up, albeit with some wobble and shaking, i would face this beast in darkness.


    Lunging forward (falling forward) my jaws opened and sunk down on yet another soft target! Victory would be mine beast! Strength flowed into me from where i had bitten down, bringing a sense of accomplishment. It wasn¡¯t fighting back so i had undoubtedly struck it a mortal wound, and such i would drain it dry out of spite. On my side i felt pressure, it was another attacker! Swinging my hand I shoved it away. Letting go of my prize i turned to my assailant and growled to intimidate them.If only my eyes would work i could have a fighting chance! Getting no more resistance I assumed that it had left, so to the victor the spoils. I continued feasting on my trophy.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    This cycle repeated, how many times wasn¡¯t counted, as I had no care for the number. I could feel myself getting stronger each time, a sense of growing and power filled me. Until i woke up and I saw what had been my prey repeatedly. It was a giant wolf, a beautiful white coat with a majestic and elegant movement to it. I say giant, but the word does not give justice to this creature. If we consider myself an average height, this was obviously 5, even 7 times as tall as me!


    Looking for an escape i turned my head and saw wolf pups the size of myself! Where was I that such creatures nonchalantly ruled at this size? This was crazy, i slowly backed away from these monstrous beasts. Until the largest picked me up by the back of my neck! Did it¡­ as I was picked up my head was forced down, and i saw my lower body. I had adorable paws and was covered by fur, the color of storm clouds, the tips seeming to be lightly dusted by gold.


    It came back as if a bucket of ice water had been slammed on my head. The voice had said that i would be sent somewhere to bring change. As a wolf. How is a fucking wolf supposed to change the world? Am i to piss on every tree and back to ruin a towns sleep? Am i even a wolf, what wolf has gold flakes in its fur.


    Before i could finish all the thoughts buzzing in my head i was abruptly dropped into a pile of pups. I hadn¡¯t noticed before out of my fear, but wasn¡¯t i bigger than these others? It dawned on me then, i had been shoving and pushing my way to hoard the mothers milk. None of the others even had their eyes open yet.


    If this was to be my fate¡­ well i had no choice left now did I? Greedily I pushed past the other pups, though they were probably my siblings and took as much space as i could suckling strength. Occasionally one of them would try to usurp my position, but I was larger and I had the advantage of sight for now. If I didn¡¯t use it then when they could see i would be in a much harder position, so I decided i would take as much as i could now.


    Slowly over time their eyes too, started to open, and they came to realize fighting me for space only ended in them being pushed even further away and fought amongst themselves for what i had charitably left them. It had been I think a week¡­ or maybe two since my eyes had opened, and the others had grown considerably as well as myself. I would have to put them in their place soon or risk losing my spot at the head of this milky table.

 Chapter 4 (The Beginning of Change)

    Chapter 4


    With a grunt i felt paws fling me onto my side. A hanging tongue graced my vision as i growled bunching my hind legs I launched my competitor away from me. I stood in front of a motley collection of my siblings, all smaller than me, but their instinctual cunning and group methods had been driving me into a corner lately. The largest among them, a female, the one who was just standing up from being kicked was the dangerous one.


    I hadn¡¯t gotten any of them on my side, as I had been selfishly taking whatever i could for myself. She, on the other hand had rallied my brothers and sisters against me for the scraps brought back by our pack. I could not stand for this any longer, my pride would not allow it. Thinking such i began by launching myself forward towards her and the 3 who followed her.


    As i closed in, I sunk all my weight onto my forelegs, pivoting quickly before tackling to the side sending the smallest tumbling away. Using the inherent grace of wolf kind, though with a rather inelegant ass maneuver, I kicked back with my legs nicking another smallfry. I had thought myself clever, until my sister and other sibling took my legs out from under me. The ones i had send flying earlier joined in and their combined weight had me pinned down.


    Without true violence i could not win against such numbers. Shaking off my siblings and growling in frustration to their laughter I left. In my frustrations I did not return to the den, but i would slake my anger on prey. It had been long enough sitting and playing, I was almost the size of a adult wolf, though young as i was. We hadn¡¯t even been allowed to join the hunt as of yet, and eating scraps of others kills was driving me crazy.


    I kept my ears alert, my eyes scanning and my nose was searching for scents. These things came to me naturally, through my new births instincts I was guided in how to use my tools.Now you might be thinking, would not a white wolf not fit in a green luscious forest? Right and wrong. I don¡¯t blend in well, but most animals use smell and hearing over using sight, as its an omni direction sensory tool. Smell your prey, stay down wind, and don¡¯t step on any dry twigs and they¡¯ll never know you¡¯re there.


    Now, knowing this, i stayed low, no need to advertise my own beautiful coat for the world to see. My nose twitched. There was something near. Turning my head to catch a sound i searched, until i heard a soft thump, followed by another, in a rhythmic pattern. My prey was small, to few steps for a squirrel, to quiet to be near my size. I inched towards the sound creeping up, trying to find it with my eyes.


    I caught movement of a small rabbit feasting on the grass nearby. It stopped and its ears flicked around and i held my breath worried it may of heard me approach. But hearing nothing it went back to eating and i inched closer, getting within 10 yards¡­ 6 yards and it snapped up again searching for me. Knowing this would be my only chance i gathered power into all of my legs, preparing to rocket forward. Then I noticed something rather unusual about this rabbit i had not payed mind to while creeping towards it.


    It had a horn. Not even a jackalope horn i had seen mounted as jokes, but a deadly spear. I definitely did not want that inside of my body, ripping and shredding my rather precious and vital organs. My survival Was dependant on being able to get this monster from behind, and ending it within a single blow. Gathering my breath slowly, and building my courage to face such a foe, i locked my gaze onto the rabbit.You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    I launched myself like a bullet out of a barrel at my prey. My jaws ached to bring their full force down and my fangs cried for the blood of this creature. I wanted to conquer this beast and use it as a stepping stone to larger prey. It noticed my approach and it turned to face me, angling its death giving spear at my heart. But i expected any creature with a weapon to use it, it had only fallen prey to my trap. I had made sure that by getting close enough that it couldn¡¯t run, and knowing it¡¯s only chance at survival would be impaling me it would turn.


    I came straight at this life ending horn, only to shift my weight to the right, allowing my beautiful fur to be grazed behind my eye. In rage i grabbed this lowly animal by the neck as i passed. With my full force i slammed my jaws together, only to find that i couldn¡¯t even penetrate its skin! How weak must i be to lose in a contest of strength against a rabbit! It struggled in my jaws unable to escape, yet i couldn¡¯t end its life either.


    With it struggling in my teeth I pondered this problem. Well if I couldn¡¯t peirce its hide, I¡¯d just follow in the example given to me by medieval knights I figured. So I raised my head and slammed the rabbit against a nearby tree. Examining my work the rabbit was still alive, so I beat it a few more times against the trunk. This was more tiring than it was worth, it was still alive, if I had to put it in game terms, i¡¯d maybe shaved off half its life.


    That gave me an idea. Using game logic, I¡¯d just do something every character from a game does to kill. I trapped the rabbit under my paw and adjusted my grip with my fangs off its neck onto its head. Sending a prayer to this rabbits wife and kids I sharply twisted my head snapping its neck. Even if it survived it could no longer run. Inspecting the now backwards facing rabbit i decided It wouldn''t be shared.


    Clawing and biting at one spot repeatedly its hide was finally opened and i continued to tear it open from this weak point and devour its meat.


    [Trial Of The Horned Rabbit] [PASSED]


    What was that? I paused in my meal at seeing these letters appear in my vision. Wait, was this just as that bastard said? A game for the higher powers? So they are even going to use game logic in what I do here? More to the point they decided a rabbit was a trial, the same thing that decides a person''s fate, are they fucking serious.


    Shaking my head i went back to my feast. Devouring my own prey was immensely more satisfying, hell, i even felt stronger eating something i had killed myself! Soon i had the carcass pieces i didn¡¯t want splayed out over the forest floor, and all that was left was the heart. I¡¯d read that ancient warriors would eat the heart of their enemy to gain its strength, and for now this was my great battle. So I decided i would follow that example. Getting up from where i had been eating the marrow of its bones I tore the heart out of the rabbits corpse. Tearing into it was delicious. Then i felt a tooth slam into something hard and I yelped in shock.


    It slipped down my throat from my quick movements and made me cough. I may of just eaten a rock. But why was there a rock in a rabbit''s heart, i was dreadfully confused. Well, either way, it¡¯s not like I can do much about it now, and t¡¯ll come out one way or another. Finding a shallow pool of water I cleaned the blood off my jowls and rinsed my rather impressive battle scar from my fearsome opponent. Today was a day to remember, and a day i had proved my worth. At least to myself. Thinking such things i meandered my way back to the den, sure the pack was still out hunting, so I was safe from being punished by Father. Such innocent thoughts, how I still had them after all this time I¡¯ll never know.

 Chapter 5 (Stepping Up In The Food Chain)

    Chapter 5


    As i drew closer to the den i could smell more than my siblings scent. That wasn¡¯t good. It was a high probability that I had just shit the bed. Accepting my fate I continued my path to the packs home. The forest was still as lush as it had been when I first opened my eyes to this new world. Trees so strong and tall I could almost feel their very pulse beating through the overgrowth. Birds chirping in their annoying away, as usual annoying everyone around them.


    Letting out what I considered to be a sigh I focused on the problems ahead of me. I had almost arrived and i could start to hear the yelping and playful sounds of the others pretending to fight. The strength I had felt earlier upon defeating my fearsome foe had already left me, I felt drain and exhausted. I continued to slink Until I saw the entrance, with father staring at me.


    Those gleaming eyes of his, always so intimidating. If I could just be allowed to sleep I would deal with this tomorrow. Before I knew it he had pounced on me, laying my body on its side. I could see his teeth shine in the dimming daylight, their threat imposing itself onto me. He knew when I was fully grown that I would be larger. It scared him and I knew that he was trying to imprint now, that he was the dominant one.


    I would accept this, at least for now. As expected, being the bottom bitch on this totem pole did not suit me well at all. His claws were digging into my flank. It wasn¡¯t quite painful enough yet that I would be forced to cry in pain and accept submission though. I could feel my skin start parting from the pressure he exerted onto me, and it was all I could do to clamp my jaw shut and bear it.


    Suddenly, sweet release from the invading painbringers. He had released me and our eyes locked for only a moment. In that second I knew, that i would kill him. It may not be today, hell it may not even be any time soon but i would. I curled to lick my oozing wounds, the soft grass underneath a comfortable spot to rest. I would have to gain strength quickly to survive past this point.


    Feeling the bruise to my pride rather pointedly i dragged myself the rest of the way to the den we had in the cave. It was a decent sized entrance, maybe 4 or 5 feet tall and a little wider. Inside the light during the day gave enough visibility to see most of it, if not every nook and cranny. I had been sleeping here for quite a while now. Yet it only had a hint of home, not really feeling as if it was my home. Shaking my head to clear such useless thoughts I walked over to my normal resting spot.


    Mine was a corner, as I decided that the others of my generation could not be trusted. They all slept huddled together, keeping one another warm by contact. Accepting a warm enough sleep, for my own pride, foolish as it may be would not accept giving in to their weakness. Wrapping myself into a ball of fur i cuddled myself for the night. Tomorrow I would hunt again, Father be damned.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    I awoke to the sounds of steps leaving our hovel. The moon leaving its remnants on the land as the sun fought its way up gave me some ability to see. The adults were leaving, probably to go hunt down more prey for  the ver growing pups left in the den. Uncoiling myself from my slumber, I listened for the sounds of the adults. As they grew fainter until they couldn¡¯t be heard anymore, I crouched and slinked my way out of the den.


    Once I had fully exited I stretched my body. Arching my back and pulling my legs taunt to wake them up. Going to scratch an itch next to my ear I flicked my hind paw against it. I took a sharp breath in, noticing an odd lump next to my ear. Slowly moving my paw across my head I felt two strange growths pushing against the skin on my head. I don¡¯t think they were large enough to be seen, but this was without a doubt not a good sign.


    Not much I could do about it though¡­ I hadn¡¯t seen this on any other wolf though. Was it a tumor? Or a mutation? This was a rather strange world and for it to suddenly appear overnight felt strange, as they were symmetrical and the growth wasn¡¯t rough or unnatural feeling. There was nothing more I¡¯d gain from worrying about this


    Moving into the forest I took up the hunt from where I had left it before. I sniffed listened and searched for more of those delectable rabbits. Scouting the area I could find only one within a reasonable distance. Accepting this, I decided that I would use the same technique as before, albeit without almost getting my eye gouged put in the process.


    I tried to improve upon my earlier technique, getting ever closer to my prey. I had already gotten within my striking distance, yet I decided to take the risk and get ever closer. If I could get close enough to catch it completely unaware I would sustain no wounds at all. My claws started to dig into the ground, preparing for the force to be shot through them. Diving at the feeble creature before me it barely had the time to squeak before I had clamped it''s neck into my vice. I felt my teeth sink in further than they had on the other rabbit. But still even with full force I barely pierced its hide.


    Accepting my defeat I shattered the rabbits spine by breaking this one''s neck, as I had done before. As I ravaged its corpse I found another stone in its heart. Was this a feature of the rabbits on this world I pondered. Or just something every creature had, because if that was the case I would also have one. Gulping down the morsel to finish my meal I felt refreshed. Full of energy even, I would continue my hunt.


    Searching for what I thought to be hours, I found strange foxes with ever shifting coats, birds who shot their feathers as a weapon, which was quite a terrifying escape. Finally I happened across what looked to be an easy prey, unlike the tricky foxes, or the deadly birds.


    A rather large but still smaller than me salamander basked in the afternoon sun. It''s hide was an odd pattern of blues, it''s spindly legs capable of lightning quick movements. The rabbit may of Been fast but I never chased it, and this lizards feet had rather deadly looking claws. They would without a doubt slice my beautiful fur to ribbons if I got into an unfavorable position. Crouching and approaching my new foe I prepared myself for combat.

 Chapter 6 (Puns Are Worse Then Insults)

    Chapter 6


    I furiously dug my claws into the back of the lizard. It had been an aggressive start, lunging out from the high brush, I had launched myself at the lizard. The downside had been it ready and slithered out of my reach. I had been rewarded with a smack to my muzzle with its tail. We had circled each other until I faked a lunge at its head only to grab at its tail and barely tore skin. From there the fight had devolved into a rolling, tussling contest of strength. Coming back to the present i had finally gotten on top of the beast.


    My claws found purchase in its back and I sunk them in deep. My only chance of victory was to avoid its weapons and attack either high or to its rear. I found myself clever for gaining such a foothold and bit down into the shoulder of the lizard. Abruptly i found my world covered my stars and my body convulsing. Some of my perfect toenails ripped off into the monster as I flew off its back. What was it with this world and its freaks for animals my mind wondered, meanwhile my body was hitting the ground tumbling until I lost momentum.


    What in the fuck was that, it felt like every muscle and fiber of my body had been lit on fire. I could smell meat roasting and the sound of fur sizzling was crisp in my ears. Struggling to stand and my balance wobbling I assumed a what I hope is a proud posture. Eyeing my opponent I saw that during my little seizure that I had ripped open its back much further than I thought possible. Fair enough, I wasn¡¯t trying to rip my own paws apart to hurt it. Blood oozed down its flanks as i thought about this being, and with that I¡¯m going to call this an electric salamander, due to some rather shocking developments.


    How I was going to win with each toe screaming in agony and my body racked with minor convulsions and pain, I have no idea. We eyed each other, both weighing the risks of victory and the merits of retreat. I¡¯m glad it¡¯s giving me a chance to find a fatal flaw. I scanned its body once more, looking at its delicate neck, to the extreme gouges on its side. I started circling the salamander as if I was a shark in water. It warily kept its eyes on me, and I switched from circling right to left. That¡¯s when i noticed the limp and an insane plan crept into my mind.


    I had been willing to sacrifice my body for victory before. But this time I would live, even if i had to go home limping and sleep for a week. Mentally preparing myself for the upcoming pain and knowing this victory would prove my own self worth i closed my eyes and concentrated. I heard the wind whispering through the trees, leaking through the tall grass lovingly caressing my fur. I smelled my opponents blood, its rusty yet delicious taste promising me rewards for victory. My eyes slowly opening I visualed my path, knowing I had one singular chance at victory that i would have to seize with my own hands¡­ well paws.If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Finishing this little ritual the salamanders eyes seemed to ask me, if you do this you will die, so why? My only answer was to bare my teeth in a grin and grind what was left of my once flawless paws into the ground. The pain of it only filled me with rage i would use to kill this unworthy churl. Launching myself with a howl I embraced the wolf instincts, I let myself move without my minds commands. Time slowed as it answered my challenged with a hiss of its own.


    As we closed in i could see every speck of dirt fly from its charging feet, the flecks of spittle from its mouth. Right before we collided I saw sparks that brought my misery earlier start to sparkle on its body. My muscles bunched as I lowered myself coming up low on its throat, both of our forces pushing my fangs deep. Steeling myself for the anguish to come I felt a prick in my throat. I felt my jaw spasm, the lizard sealing its own fate by pushing the pressure of my bite beyond what my body would allow. I did not go flying this time, my body locking onto the neck of my foe in a death grip. I tasted sweet victory flow into my mouth.


    [Trial of The Thunder Lizard] [PASSED]


    [GROWTH ACHIEVED]


    The voice came again but I didn¡¯t care, the agony was over. My limbs still twitched and every molecule of my being ached with feverish exhaustion. But as I painstakingly released my jaws the corpse fell in a light puff of dirt. I had achieved victory, not by my own doing but, by the lizard killing itself. My limbs quivered, threatening to betray me and throw me to the dirt. All of my being was dedicated to breathing and standing, and slowly they obeyed me once again. Looking down at my trophy I felt that it was all worth it. The pain, The days of recovery ahead for my poor pelt, it was worth it for this feeling.


    Releasing a breath I didn¡¯t know I had been holding I took my spoils. And the spoils, they were the most delicious thing i had ever devoured. I tore apart its limbs, enjoying the feeling of flesh parting as I took out the remnants of my anger. I relished in eating every morsel of this being that had given me such pain. Finally getting to the heart again, I found yet another stone. Thinking, It only made sense that I would also contain one if every creature i had killed had one as well. And eating their flesh and muscle only made mine grow, so would not eating this also make me grow?


    Having thought it out I greedily swallowed it down. I felt the weakness that had been beating against my bones lessen, and the pain retreat some. Assuming my hypothesis was correct, I would have to hunt more to keep growing. Finished with my meal and still tired if not exhausted I made my way back home. I tried to wash off as much of the blood as I could at a stream on the way back. Yet the sense of burning still lingered. Giving up I continued my lonely path.


    It was much earlier this time I came back. No one was here, not even the pups. They must of went off to play or explore. Thinking such i found my craney and layed down. A contented sigh escaped my muzzle, and I expected I would be here for a few days before I was strong enough to leave again. With my thoughts becoming fragmented and faint I starting drifting into sleep. My last thought was of how delicious meat you hunted for yourself was.

 Chapter 7 (Change is Always Painful)

    Chapter 7


    I had been drifting between wakefulness and slumbering. I had no idea how long it¡¯d been since i¡¯d layed down, but I had seen the sun set at least 3 times. My body felt odd, as if it could not be the same one I had fallen asleep in. Lazily getting to my feet the cavern felt smaller, more cramped and confining than comfortable. Dragging myself out into the dazzling daylight, I felt refreshed from its rejuvenating rays.


    Shaking myself fully awake I noticed that all the pups were almost fully grown. They, along with our parents stood casting a semi circle around the entrance to the den. My gut murmured warnings to me. Our fathers elegant figure stood, his brilliant gold eyes piercing me. Uh-oh I thought, something was dreadfully wrong.


    He approached, leaving my mother who stood by his side behind. As he drew closer I noticed something interesting. I was larger than him. I had to lower my gaze to meet his when he was close, which would either mean I was going to grow arrogant, or I had to be stronger. His posture held a calm threat, daring me to make a move that would be swiftly punished. My choices seemed to be few, either fight for pack dominance, risk being torn down by all of them, or leaving.


    I did feel the urge to take his jugular in my jaws and crush his windpipes. But I never did get along with my siblings, so doing so would only lead to the pack being in a struggle for an alpha. If I turned tail and ran could my pride handle that, I wasn¡¯t truly afraid, but arrogance had already taught me much in this world. Looking towards mother, I saw a deep sadness in her eyes. Though there was no protection there. My litter mates would not be on my side, that was already a given. Frustration flared inside of me, what choices did I really have here.


    Father took a step to the side, Mother and the others also moved to make a pathway. Ah so I was given a respectful exiling for the threat I held. I angrily released a breath, crunching the grass underfoot as I walked past. I would remember this place and I would be back. I swiped my claws at an offending sapling, forgetting that I was missing some nails. Surprisingly they had grown back, as I left deep grooves in its bark. How long had I slept for anyway.


    Leaving this area I had known, for to stay near was to invite conflict. I wandered between trees, I could hear rabbits fleeing away at my approach. I would have to find a safe place to stay, but first came getting far enough away to survive. Approaching a pool of water I decided to quench my thirst. Looking down as I went to drink, I froze in shock. The reflection was completely different from my expectations.


    The nubs I had on my head had grown. Extensively grown, as they had become a pair of full length horns reaching in a gentle curve over my skull. Looking closer to find any other changes, I noticed my eyes had become different as well. My eyes that had always been a light blue in my previous life, had golden stars shimmering inside of an almost glowing blue iris. The scar I received from my first hunt was a small line, Straight from behind my right eye to a few inches back. I thought it was rather distinguishing myself. The fur covering the area was pale white, almost bleached of color. What a shocking development I murmured to myself. No wonder they kicked me out, to them I probably was the wolf version of the devil.The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Knocking some sense into myself, I left the watering hole. Looking up the sun still had a good amount of time left until it set. I had been heading west this entire time, so i figured I should just keep going that way. Lost in my thoughts, I started to think about this world. There were creatures that had never existed where I came from, yet they seemed common here. Going by that logic, and the hints I¡¯ve picked up, there were probably real monsters, along with humans here. Well, if a human could hunt a lightning bolt and a rabbit that causes more damage than an arrow.


    I would have to be careful to avoid all of them. Humans always have been afraid of wolves, and adding in myself it would only be worse. If they easily hunted what I¡¯ve risked my life to kill, then fighting would go poorly for me. And if there''s ogres, trolls and a slew of other beasts i would have to pray I could hide. I was starting to get a headache from all these problems and dangers I was going to have to avoid.


    Abruptly I froze at the sound of footsteps. Speak of  the devil and he shall come after all. Laying my rather soft tummy to the ground i focused on my sense of smell and hearing. It was light footsteps, to light for a human to make. Crawling close to the ground I moved in on the footsteps. Peering through the underbrush I caught sight of what was making the sounds.  A short, thin creature was rummaging around. It was green and wore rags of cloth over its frame.


    It turned enough so i could see its face. It looked like a scrunched human face twisted into odd proportions. Its mouth was to large, and its eyes took up an uncomfortable amount of space on its face. Ah¡­ it was a goblin. In games they were always pathetically weak, and were an infestation that had massive numbers. An idea struck me. If everything in this world had one of those stones that made me stronger, well atleast feel stronger, than a goblin would be perfect prey.


    But they were always in extreme numbers in the movies and games I had played. If it wasn¡¯t alone, then there may be a problem. Searching I heard no other sounds nearby. Maybe it¡¯s also an outcast then. Now do I wound it and hope it leads me to others, which may be dangerous. Or so I kill it now and check if it even has a stone in its heart. Pondering such matters the decision was made for me. I heard a strangle garbled sound from its mouth as it charged me.


    So be it then, I¡¯ll feast upon your flesh and see if you¡¯re even worth killing. Launching myself from my hiding spot the goblin looked surprised. The sound of a squirrel fleeing in terror could be heard from near where I had been hiding. Grinning at my luck I decided I would be more careful than how I had been with the lizard. As I got closer my legs hit the ground and I changed what I planned on tearing apart first on this goblin.