x
The nasty rats were everywhere, It took hours before the passageways cleared. Shivering as the wet cramped passageway had soaked his fur.
697Please respect copyright.PENANA2lhPUw8pmQ
Just as he was about to step out the awful human Kar called out. Heart racing he jumped out, then shot into the small tunnel right below.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAKowS3vFHcn
Crawling through it his paws chilled from the slick muck. Ugg, pitooy, blea. He slid belly first down a ramp that jettisoned him outside.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAyebifufTdN
"Wheee!"
697Please respect copyright.PENANAzwi32wboLi
He rose in an arc before falling on top a prickle bush.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAIYEfWjbLID
"Yi-yoo!"
697Please respect copyright.PENANAi5vhU4TZhe
This was different from the cage.
And weird pink goo room. So many snells, mummm!
697Please respect copyright.PENANA0cjQKXWxzF
A bird! I missed your pretty chirps. He moved and a burr poked into him arm. He hissed. He sat on his rump removing them, the icky things tangled even worse when pulled on.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAez3dLjzy0W
Good smells out here. Kar and the rats, so mean poking me with scary needles all day. Going to eat you some day, can't poke me then! He growled deep and huffed.
697Please respect copyright.PENANA7siHBuqmeM
And for Mama too. Leo sniffed. Big tear drops spilled over his The snout. He wiped it off on the back of his paw.
697Please respect copyright.PENANArDLXKKNhgi
He sniffed again. What is that?
697Please respect copyright.PENANAhLWWDEatXG
"Snifffff!"
697Please respect copyright.PENANAS5WksCxtYZ
Not human, no more woodsy and peppery.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAOxfhRSyOHC
The scent stretched off in the distance, he followed it for a good few hours.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAxO6JDaktu6
Houngry, wish some of those meat cubes were around here. He kicked a rock, it rolled into a small hole.
697Please respect copyright.PENANALQ8DuiHNf6
"Squeek!"
697Please respect copyright.PENANAzUaL9HedGN
His ears tilted forward. Hey, meat? He drooled while dropping back on all fours and dug his claws into the soft earth.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAly6fZ4B3Oy
A mouse jumped out. He snapped it up gulping it down. Not bad, crunchy.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAfD0sVRaYvZ
There it is again. Another wiff of the scent passed by, he trotted after it.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAsynOACPZbH
####
697Please respect copyright.PENANA41XowCz2lm
Several weeks pass, the scent long gone, but he kept going anyways. On the rare occasion when a stinky human didn't run away, he asked them about the pointy lady.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAcF7lWjHJrZ
In a cave, he found several cages, each a dead bugbear. Far in the back one was whimpering.
697Please respect copyright.PENANA5Kpy8s4WUI
He crouched down on his haunches next the cage.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAHDGGpfsHaf
"You alive?"
697Please respect copyright.PENANA5nk5FbRe4F
"If I wasn't would I be making any sounds?" The bugbear sat up, her grey fur matted and dirty.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAxjqZLDj9U0
"Well? Get me out all ready."
697Please respect copyright.PENANAN2HRuvP8Zy
"Okay!"
697Please respect copyright.PENANAavCrkyZHEC
A heavy thing smacked the back of his head. Annoying!
697Please respect copyright.PENANA7WnQsU26ad
Turning, he caught the handle of a shovel held by a human male mid swing.
697Please respect copyright.PENANALnE0Tm8ZrS
"Dummy!" He shook the handle, then let go. The human made a weird noise and backed away.
697Please respect copyright.PENANALBgAVFZwoI
Leo turned back and pounded on the cages latch. The door swung open then fell off with a thud.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAxri6UsG8TP
"Boy, your head made out of rockwood?"
"No." He shook his head several times.
I'm, Granny got it?" She pointed a claw at her chest.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAEknyWh1Znz
"Yup. Got it!" It was great to find someone, another bugbear.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAwratIfp7mW
"I'm going home. We'll have to come back later to bury them."
697Please respect copyright.PENANAc7K8oOEJtv
She took him out to the outer edges of the city nearby, then lead him down a steep cliff. On the southern side was a old carved stairway.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAIbB4nKJHXK
"Take care not fall, it's a long drop." She said then went down it.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAJTuLaHbTK3
He looked over the side, a fast river filled with jagged rocks sticking out all over.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAT5GTrJSuoK
"Wait up, granny!"
697Please respect copyright.PENANAmK54LMJ4zx
He jogged behind her.
He stayed with her for a month. One morning she just didn't wake up. Could just pretend not to know.
The tears were worse then last time, and his nose ran too. He wiped his snout on the blanket before wrapping her in it. Better, way better then the cold ground. Goodbye.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAIFO07dbl8A
He took the pack she'd made him and headed north outside. After a few days he found a snow covered pathway that winded up a mountainside.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAq063mlm8QL
A few hours later a small crack in the mountainside drew his attention. It smelled thick of human and of cinder. Yuck human, they smell like rotten fish! He rubbed his nose trying to clear the stench away.
697Please respect copyright.PENANArAYgUZ3Sjq
He dug his claws into the cold rocks, fighting to climb up the mountainside. The harsh winds buffeted on all sides, its howling winds yowling.
697Please respect copyright.PENANA4K61eDlAXC
The brave human said a party had headed this way, after that he didn't know where they went. Have nobody left, maybe she would know. It was a long shot, but better then being alone.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAWmNoyGMqcS
He scrambled down and dropped in front of another cavern. This one had a bridge inside that stretched across spanning both sides. The waters below smelled faintly of her. Have to hurry must be catching up.
697Please respect copyright.PENANA7VKpIS3KR9
His skin tingled with each breath, magic had been cast here. He sniffed, breathing in deep. Holy magic? He sniffed again. Ya, it was. Her scent was definitely above the water. Weird as most scents vanished around water.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAS7n8lbOURg
Hate baths, hate being wet. Turning back, he climbed off the bridge, then sank his claws into the supporting stone pillar, gorging large holes into it.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAzzFkHFqLWO
A moment later he dropped down into the water, then swam to the edge of the cavern lake off ahead.
Pulling out was thankfully easy. The cavern floor wasn't too slick, he braced his footing before shaking out his fur.
He stopped. A light snoring. A shadow on the floor moved and stretched. He patted over. Shadows didn't move, so? 697Please respect copyright.PENANAs0buC5qpgy
The shadow grew in shape and color, it was a purple cat-like creature with horns and long claws. It was sprawled out in the middle taking up most of the cavern room. Talk about pretty. Leo stood tall and strained his neck. Where was the exit? Was it laying on it? 697Please respect copyright.PENANAaTz0lCdkTs
697Please respect copyright.PENANAFkcUDOc1rI
Inching closer he patted the creature's shoulder.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAJcCMz1Z0Cb
"Can you help me?"
697Please respect copyright.PENANApGj4pQPK5G
The creature cracked one eye open. "What is it pest?"
697Please respect copyright.PENANAYIqBgQxIRv
The creature raised its head sitting up on it's haunches, looming over him.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAa0VjMhS3WZ
He swallowed. "How do I get out of here?"
697Please respect copyright.PENANAmNYn3DK6Z6
"Whatever it takes to have some peace first annoying morsels cut my nose-" He pointed to a healing gash- "And now you! Go back under the water and through the tunnel."
697Please respect copyright.PENANA0qyPwvwu9g
He flopped over onto his side; snoring.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAigExqQsgnW
"Thanks!"
697Please respect copyright.PENANANQjh4GMADA
"Go away pipsqueek-sleep-" The creature muttered. It's snores started again.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAJWgA8iqBLy
He slid into the water diving deeper until a tunnel cavity appeared. It was just wide enough to pass through, he kicked hard swimming up, the exit above him.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAuQ2GFRdT4d
It was a tight squeeze he pulled and wiggled out pushing up with his arms. That's enough baths for a year. Ah, outside again. The morning sun warmed his fur, he sat there until it dried.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAFJsSKqrocm
A days walk later he found a forest made of silver trees that had crystal droplets hanging from the leafs. The thin lines laced over the nearby leafs connecting from top to bottom.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAmH32ouQ3Rd
It was interesting watching them move almost like they moved on their own. He shook his head, na that's silly.
697Please respect copyright.PENANApLnEcHzgGS
A sign hung from a tree's branches:
697Please respect copyright.PENANAKFT6hz7v6f
Great Silver Forest
697Please respect copyright.PENANAcZTJxbQnya
Under these words it said in thick lettering:
697Please respect copyright.PENANAygsaHqvf9x
Evil dies here.
697Please respect copyright.PENANACIwOsBUp3f
He stepped closer to the sign a sharp shock darted over his back, the fur puffed out. Errrg!
697Please respect copyright.PENANAnHiQjZngAg
Backing off the sensation left. A warning? He stepped over to the sign again. Not the sign.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAqctkvckxfL
Am going in there traps or not! He took two steps onto the forest.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAqa5oUcRmfM
"Ah ha! Ha!"
697Please respect copyright.PENANAlSPzo2edQ4
It didn't shock this time. He sniffed. Small sparks lit up a darker area ahead, the warm scent of brimstone tickled his snout; of home and peace.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAHzstm6wZsj
A light shock danced over his skin, as did a whole new sensation that had no words. This was much like last time, but richer. Magic again a different kind.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAHRihaXT6JF
Leo sniffed again, while taking a few steps closer toward the sparks.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAL3WvdO6EOp
"Elanener." No. No. "Elemental." Ya, fire smelled just like this. The sparks had gone, but the warm scent remained.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAkqqHl6Xl1E
The sparks stoped as he closed the distance.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAI6lDNbxphz
A strange creature sat on a massive nest. Atop the creature's head a large crest that that thined as it reached its neck. The long golden feathers shimmered orange that ended with deep purple at the tips. The rest of it was also this coloration.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAci6bTeBnAb
A rabbit spooked from behind a tree and the creature turned its striking blue eyes his way.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAdrv5eneXhY
"For your sake, you had better not try it."
697Please respect copyright.PENANAvAg6DpFJwD
"Try what?" He shook, trying not to look tasty.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAYvnLLjSoEw
The look on her-definitely a female it was in her tone of voice.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAqI1x1o3884
"I ... I want to find my way out of this forest, O grand one!" Shifting his feet onto the dirt.
697Please respect copyright.PENANASN8CUpeQhF
She chirped for awhile before the sound clicked. A laugh.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAikch6cRog9
"You don't need to be quite that polite. All right then, you're not after my eggs?"
697Please respect copyright.PENANAzKP3qESs48
"No, no! I'm trying to find someone. Granny said this was my journey. Whatever that means."
697Please respect copyright.PENANA2z2fZZyh66
He relaxed a little, but kept ready in case the creature attacked.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAWGeYPIQGxm
"Come up here, it's time to eat, and have a chat shall we? Tell about Granny and your someone."
697Please respect copyright.PENANA4UPpNA1usa
He eyed her. To eat with or be eaten?
697Please respect copyright.PENANAry8nCTKUrt
She taped the edge of the nest with a rose colored talon.
697Please respect copyright.PENANA04S5o5W0uK
He gulped. So sharp.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAWLtbqhgaUU
"Don't eat me!" He sobbed and cried. He rubbed his eyes with the back side of his paws.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAWlP6Dg2Lfi
"I didn't mean to frighten you. Are you a child?" Her voice was softer and way less scary.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAw4hsPEQDah
He sniffed, nodding. "Ya, I'm almost two. Next year ill be as big as my brother!" He held out his arms out wide and then up high.
697Please respect copyright.PENANA9NLKIBYzNf
She chirped again. "Here you look famished."
697Please respect copyright.PENANAZIrGNFlSs5
She bent her long swan like neck down over the side of the nest. A dead rabbit landed at his feet.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAoorxL1OY86
"Yum! Thanks!"
697Please respect copyright.PENANAARmDHi9OXZ
After a few bites he looked up again. "What are you?"
697Please respect copyright.PENANAdAGDykyb86
She waited for him to finish.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAF93LyOBTyS
"Now little one, where is your mother? You should not be out in these dangerous woods alone!"
697Please respect copyright.PENANA4Axm9AexGE
His stomach became sour and he started sobbing, the baby tears streamed down his cheeks wetting the fur.
697Please respect copyright.PENANA0QyIQZoeau
"Mama! Is gone!" He sucked in great gulps of air and sobbed harder.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAOUO2c6T63K
That bad, horrible day. It all came back. He curled into a ball and pushed his paws into his face; hard. My fault mine, mine, if I been good mama would be here.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAMrrRHOW9Si
"My fault. I ran off."
697Please respect copyright.PENANAsYMGWZIBX7
The ground disappeared under him as a wing scooped him up. He froze. Gona' die.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAcCsf0pCGT6
"I don't wanna'!" Can't even call for mamma.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAgC1V4PhAZ0
He shivered. Then landed on some soft straw.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAZpMiuZ7JI6
"Look at me."
697Please respect copyright.PENANAbdOajH7kl3
"No!"
697Please respect copyright.PENANADZV3maqO6S
He grabbed his tail and curled up tighter.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAUa7Wc7i8hu
"I'm not going to eat you."
697Please respect copyright.PENANALMHtcPrS1r
He peaked at her between paws. She wrapped a wing around him.
697Please respect copyright.PENANA3zTJ2CKy5o
"I'm a bird ... of sorts."
697Please respect copyright.PENANA6ywMith80L
"Okay? A big one!" He spread his hands out.
697Please respect copyright.PENANACWSd1Q1PeT
"I did not mean to upset you. Here come closer. A nap will do you good."
697Please respect copyright.PENANAony4b7Z3ka
He cuddled up beside her drifting off under the warm feathers with her chest rising up and down.
697Please respect copyright.PENANA33T56u3DXH
####
697Please respect copyright.PENANAJpBgGrOoBV
The bird's chicks hatched a month later, he tossed the deer over his shoulder watching them play. Their gray fluffy down was almost gone and the colors of flame poked through.
697Please respect copyright.PENANACB6B7V4ZHE
Mama Blaze had adopted him and even gave him a name.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAN3xPpQdaGT
"Hi mom, look what I can do, I've been practicing!" said Leo.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAApw68HhxzC
She turned around as he placed the dead deer on the forest floor. He had a handful of her feathers, and assorted herbs in some small pots.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAIan5Xw8auK
Smearing the crushed herbs all over it, then placed one feather on its side. He sang, it was choppy as his new fangs messed up the tone. It didn't matter as after a while the feather glowed a bright red. The deer sprang up and bounded away.
697Please respect copyright.PENANATpHx2FpZaH
"You did well and remembered each step, very good."
697Please respect copyright.PENANAMImZTFs9Wy
"I finally did it right!"
697Please respect copyright.PENANAGQXJNexiJu
"You would have been a good Phoenix." She preened the top of his head.
697Please respect copyright.PENANANC7lz82NYF
She straightened. "It's time you finished your mission. The spirits that travel in the ebb and flow if time whisper of disruption, chaos and an eclipse."
697Please respect copyright.PENANARFmetNc93y
"Why cryptic?"
697Please respect copyright.PENANAaOw61DqnA2
"It's tiring for them to talk, at most three words is all they can manage."
697Please respect copyright.PENANA6VDDWriQUF
"Take these before you go." She pushed over a flat piece of bark covered in molted feathers.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAWQaBUH4K7l
Bending down, he picked them up and stuffed them in his pack.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAp3SphqyRox
"I'll come back."
697Please respect copyright.PENANArlemuGdwn0
She shimmered and shook her head, she opened her beak painting.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAhMBwj0bsNN
"Try not to for at least two moons. It is the time if offering that I told you about. It'll be far too hot here."
697Please respect copyright.PENANAVO3zLW7zzu
"May the sun follow you," he said.
697Please respect copyright.PENANA3ogXZzQzhX
"And warm your journey," Mama Blaze replied.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAlQOZHFydIP
Hugging her burned his paws some, don't care. He left the forest and headed West.
697Please respect copyright.PENANA3rD3zc14bZ
He slipped past the town of Badgervill careful to avoid the mass of stinking humans. A small shack just past the town was near the road. He spotted a large rusted wood axe lying in the grass beside it. Bending down he picked it up, looking at it. This will not be missed, it is pretty old.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAQYopGJLNrW
There it was again, her scent lead him back near the Great Silver Forest. Several days later he found upon a waterfall with a lake and a winding river; only stopping to swipe some fish out and sleep.
697Please respect copyright.PENANAAK545uD0Ua
A long deep canyon was at the forest's end. Its bridge split and broken in two on both sides. He went over to a part of rope cable that was caught on a pointed rock and pulled out several blue hairs. Definitely was going this way.