The nasty rats were everywhere, It took hours before the passageways cleared. Shivering as the wet cramped passageway had soaked his fur.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAQqBH05P4wB
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.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAIOQm0783kZ
Crawling through it his paws chilled from the slick muck. Ugg, pitooy, blea. He slid belly first down a ramp that jettisoned him outside.
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"Wheee!"
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He rose in an arc before falling on top a prickle bush.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAMwHrHUNt1X
"Yi-yoo!"
909Please respect copyright.PENANAJtm8ArNfaZ
This was different from the cage.
And weird pink goo room. So many snells, mummm!
909Please respect copyright.PENANA0ghd9AfhzO
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.
909Please respect copyright.PENANA7vDsPnvZpm
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.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAKUmC44JUQW
And for Mama too. Leo sniffed. Big tear drops spilled over his The snout. He wiped it off on the back of his paw.
909Please respect copyright.PENANANV0jkSCntH
He sniffed again. What is that?
909Please respect copyright.PENANAFsQwh2GfIz
"Snifffff!"
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Not human, no more woodsy and peppery.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAMllIyUREnV
The scent stretched off in the distance, he followed it for a good few hours.
909Please respect copyright.PENANATqBkboKZcJ
Houngry, wish some of those meat cubes were around here. He kicked a rock, it rolled into a small hole.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAaz6iV7mI7i
"Squeek!"
909Please respect copyright.PENANAuGXfUARsnN
His ears tilted forward. Hey, meat? He drooled while dropping back on all fours and dug his claws into the soft earth.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAFdjvf8kLJh
A mouse jumped out. He snapped it up gulping it down. Not bad, crunchy.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAVrWZFjZz3S
There it is again. Another wiff of the scent passed by, he trotted after it.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAAQuiq6bbPC
####
909Please respect copyright.PENANAppbhWC4gau
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.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAibsdpxe1hc
In a cave, he found several cages, each a dead bugbear. Far in the back one was whimpering.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAyQKworNyV1
He crouched down on his haunches next the cage.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAmFf8rEdJdl
"You alive?"
909Please respect copyright.PENANAzIZay05qIy
"If I wasn't would I be making any sounds?" The bugbear sat up, her grey fur matted and dirty.
909Please respect copyright.PENANABoEGqqeeAH
"Well? Get me out all ready."
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"Okay!"
909Please respect copyright.PENANA5lyzJ0bpBO
A heavy thing smacked the back of his head. Annoying!
909Please respect copyright.PENANA0baZxCDjEU
Turning, he caught the handle of a shovel held by a human male mid swing.
909Please respect copyright.PENANA3iIzG1LEIh
"Dummy!" He shook the handle, then let go. The human made a weird noise and backed away.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAgoH6zYKRWu
Leo turned back and pounded on the cages latch. The door swung open then fell off with a thud.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAHxn2qzTUfI
"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.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAHF5ryqbDtS
"Yup. Got it!" It was great to find someone, another bugbear.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAfmvqy1UEO9
"I'm going home. We'll have to come back later to bury them."
909Please respect copyright.PENANAr36O1kZ8t4
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.
909Please respect copyright.PENANASqhNqk4bJv
"Take care not fall, it's a long drop." She said then went down it.
909Please respect copyright.PENANALveEBBVv6v
He looked over the side, a fast river filled with jagged rocks sticking out all over.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAjA8D0z70Fk
"Wait up, granny!"
909Please respect copyright.PENANAzpbzcB29Tq
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.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAZeI0zwK7A9
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.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAd6c4KTJaKb
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.
909Please respect copyright.PENANA8estTf62Nb
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.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAr8ZjUDAUxE
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.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAs0Sbrelbei
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.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAbVAu53PhUd
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.
909Please respect copyright.PENANA7lah28b7d7
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.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAd4xpvNZDPs
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? 909Please respect copyright.PENANA162YVuXXvx
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? 909Please respect copyright.PENANAbZ0cmXvYi6
909Please respect copyright.PENANAt6dbYIf7yT
Inching closer he patted the creature's shoulder.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAaNzOGPEXK3
"Can you help me?"
909Please respect copyright.PENANAeP2IXAMMWj
The creature cracked one eye open. "What is it pest?"
909Please respect copyright.PENANAOupCbLn9On
The creature raised its head sitting up on it's haunches, looming over him.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAXa6rpGKZ41
He swallowed. "How do I get out of here?"
909Please respect copyright.PENANA8ipHpqeX9q
"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."
909Please respect copyright.PENANAEFTJG6EKda
He flopped over onto his side; snoring.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAGktcmQty64
"Thanks!"
909Please respect copyright.PENANAWlrGF2tdVL
"Go away pipsqueek-sleep-" The creature muttered. It's snores started again.
909Please respect copyright.PENANATW0wAplIW3
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.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAFl92UMkNoI
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.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAqG94e0VdiO
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.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAOW7qQ5YKoP
It was interesting watching them move almost like they moved on their own. He shook his head, na that's silly.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAnG0MlNBjBK
A sign hung from a tree's branches:
909Please respect copyright.PENANAjKMPCGBKuy
Great Silver Forest
909Please respect copyright.PENANAUGldQC53LH
Under these words it said in thick lettering:
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Evil dies here.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAwSoLXRH4Hz
He stepped closer to the sign a sharp shock darted over his back, the fur puffed out. Errrg!
909Please respect copyright.PENANAk1Ke0HlRZI
Backing off the sensation left. A warning? He stepped over to the sign again. Not the sign.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAGFNBDMDdFg
Am going in there traps or not! He took two steps onto the forest.
909Please respect copyright.PENANA0SWhS9rYHZ
"Ah ha! Ha!"
909Please respect copyright.PENANAxtOafWgmE3
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.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAYafYXq9TqH
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.
909Please respect copyright.PENANA65WiPikzSj
Leo sniffed again, while taking a few steps closer toward the sparks.
909Please respect copyright.PENANA2Rw2jC9yLk
"Elanener." No. No. "Elemental." Ya, fire smelled just like this. The sparks had gone, but the warm scent remained.
909Please respect copyright.PENANALUfz0RpMTN
The sparks stoped as he closed the distance.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAfttZhC8OW4
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.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAJRXLXzp6WQ
A rabbit spooked from behind a tree and the creature turned its striking blue eyes his way.
909Please respect copyright.PENANARoaBfBf73n
"For your sake, you had better not try it."
909Please respect copyright.PENANA0izeQvEn7a
"Try what?" He shook, trying not to look tasty.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAayn7IuehpE
The look on her-definitely a female it was in her tone of voice.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAaMtvKq5nQ7
"I ... I want to find my way out of this forest, O grand one!" Shifting his feet onto the dirt.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAVhaKzK7In4
She chirped for awhile before the sound clicked. A laugh.
909Please respect copyright.PENANA8xAxhGQsN0
"You don't need to be quite that polite. All right then, you're not after my eggs?"
909Please respect copyright.PENANA08YbcCxORC
"No, no! I'm trying to find someone. Granny said this was my journey. Whatever that means."
909Please respect copyright.PENANAEluPAtb3KP
He relaxed a little, but kept ready in case the creature attacked.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAKiVxIv8DrZ
"Come up here, it's time to eat, and have a chat shall we? Tell about Granny and your someone."
909Please respect copyright.PENANAMpCux1se0T
He eyed her. To eat with or be eaten?
909Please respect copyright.PENANA46QOsvQyGv
She taped the edge of the nest with a rose colored talon.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAAqxl4glLCb
He gulped. So sharp.
909Please respect copyright.PENANASssfclONvj
"Don't eat me!" He sobbed and cried. He rubbed his eyes with the back side of his paws.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAIlwSumzCH7
"I didn't mean to frighten you. Are you a child?" Her voice was softer and way less scary.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAz5lMKWTOG0
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.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAg8jiE7rBk8
She chirped again. "Here you look famished."
909Please respect copyright.PENANAwD99fVthrj
She bent her long swan like neck down over the side of the nest. A dead rabbit landed at his feet.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAxPdoomErre
"Yum! Thanks!"
909Please respect copyright.PENANA2Qtj47EPlP
After a few bites he looked up again. "What are you?"
909Please respect copyright.PENANAusjPml7GKD
She waited for him to finish.
909Please respect copyright.PENANA9KhCotWdYe
"Now little one, where is your mother? You should not be out in these dangerous woods alone!"
909Please respect copyright.PENANAZLNrqnGrKq
His stomach became sour and he started sobbing, the baby tears streamed down his cheeks wetting the fur.
909Please respect copyright.PENANA8ghcQf3H8Y
"Mama! Is gone!" He sucked in great gulps of air and sobbed harder.
909Please respect copyright.PENANARiQZiWBriT
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.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAvBjZU5xb5B
"My fault. I ran off."
909Please respect copyright.PENANAdVBCbIdAxc
The ground disappeared under him as a wing scooped him up. He froze. Gona' die.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAQ18ptUnkWw
"I don't wanna'!" Can't even call for mamma.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAZB0ka4wGTd
He shivered. Then landed on some soft straw.
909Please respect copyright.PENANA8qWnmhwlX5
"Look at me."
909Please respect copyright.PENANASKJ0ZXJRVr
"No!"
909Please respect copyright.PENANA86MwE4ItCZ
He grabbed his tail and curled up tighter.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAOymP8YkpdJ
"I'm not going to eat you."
909Please respect copyright.PENANAaOyiNxcaN8
He peaked at her between paws. She wrapped a wing around him.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAUG8qXGAiyM
"I'm a bird ... of sorts."
909Please respect copyright.PENANARsIYeKbs1u
"Okay? A big one!" He spread his hands out.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAt1IDttUUEv
"I did not mean to upset you. Here come closer. A nap will do you good."
909Please respect copyright.PENANAFpnUVYlzqG
He cuddled up beside her drifting off under the warm feathers with her chest rising up and down.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAqGjqa01SzZ
####
909Please respect copyright.PENANA2qq8U8H4om
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.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAb0U9WBwQU4
Mama Blaze had adopted him and even gave him a name.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAb6pmiHkrnX
"Hi mom, look what I can do, I've been practicing!" said Leo.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAAX2aBOkrZR
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.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAp1fYhqMR1a
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.
909Please respect copyright.PENANA17dNt8g5k5
"You did well and remembered each step, very good."
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"I finally did it right!"
909Please respect copyright.PENANA87SxEumSEk
"You would have been a good Phoenix." She preened the top of his head.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAv5X5E71doY
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."
909Please respect copyright.PENANAmOAXuqK1K3
"Why cryptic?"
909Please respect copyright.PENANAj796VfzSlP
"It's tiring for them to talk, at most three words is all they can manage."
909Please respect copyright.PENANAx6ocHxb326
"Take these before you go." She pushed over a flat piece of bark covered in molted feathers.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAUznxaRcB8H
Bending down, he picked them up and stuffed them in his pack.
909Please respect copyright.PENANA7j35lQHQa2
"I'll come back."
909Please respect copyright.PENANAs4V3FwDR3Y
She shimmered and shook her head, she opened her beak painting.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAZ4oQ8npEgX
"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."
909Please respect copyright.PENANA1YNWSb52tl
"May the sun follow you," he said.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAmAK2iF2wUS
"And warm your journey," Mama Blaze replied.
909Please respect copyright.PENANABq2yDPOp3y
Hugging her burned his paws some, don't care. He left the forest and headed West.
909Please respect copyright.PENANA6vY776xxKs
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.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAGS74GffX3p
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.
909Please respect copyright.PENANAttpqHbx2wM
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.