Bags and whistles Chapter 5

A yellow and blue illuminating flower was shining giving the table across from the chair light showing more chairs and other forms of seating as it was all made out of the tree's roots and leaves. Looking around inside of the tree more as Tep looked at everything. He was still in shock soon stopping next to Husian and looked at him, as the cloak was gone only looked away from him for a moment. "Where the?" Tep turned around to see the cloak was hovering right above him. "Oh hey their bud." Looking up at the cloak having a very uneasy feeling, moving out from under the cloak as it seemed to follow him where he moved. "How ya doing? You ready to go home?" The cloak slowly lowered down beside Tep hoovering it's hood tilted looking down at Tep.

Husian turned to look at Tep and the cloak, "Oh good your both here, head on outside and you'll meet up with everyone." The cloak waved its sleeve before floating towards outside. Tep looked confused, but looked at Husian for a moment then turning around wobbling outside following behind the cloak. "Careful, that thing is more treacherous than you can imagine." Husian said softly, looking at the cloak not letting it out of his sight. Leaving the tree the cloak continued towards where more people were gathered. Tep was following behind quickly keeping a close watch on the cloak, 'Who is that? Why were they in the chest? More importantly, WHERE IS SKULETH!?' Tep softly sighed to himself, wobbling a bit faster chasing after the cloak.

Most of the people were gathered, as most of the males and females were cooking. Others were watching over the children playing with them, teaching them about crafting. Tep was soon staring at them all watching them helping one another. The cloak kept wondering about also watching the people of the village. A fight broke out with the children as the parents stood by and watched. They didn't break up the fight until it was getting serious. Taking the children away on by one as each parent seemed to take their child and tend to their wounds. Not a word was said amongst the parents although the children yelled at each other for a moment before it fell silent.

Tep rushing over to each child, parent. "Are they okay? Do you need anything?" He asked each parent but none took his offer of help.  "Thank you, but this is just a little rough play." One of the parents said with a chuckle, "We may not look it, but each of us would lay down our life for the other... We may fight each other, but all we have is each other." Tep stood there in silence for a moment trying to wrap his head around the reason, "You fight, your friends and family?" Two of the children that were fighting the most, "Of course? If we can kick their butts, then whoever tries to kick their butt! We'll kick theirs!" A grin and snicker came from Tep listening to the children as the adults agreed and laughed, 'Friends that fight sometimes huh? Sounds like a certain someone I know haha..' 

Tep looked at the child with a fang missing, as he chuckled some. "Ah, I see well, just a question.. but why not talk out with one another? I don't mean to be rude just curious." Husian stood behind Tep, "I will answer that one Tep." Tep jumped as he quickly turned around, looking past Husian. "How did you?" Tep asked before shaking his head some. "Oh yes, yes please go ahead." Husian raised a brow, "Anyways.. We do not commit to violence to solve everything, we do speak it out. One way is to talk it out while you both fight each other."

"Another is to talk it out first to find a way to solve the problem and if neither one can compromise then no other party shall interrupt their dispute. Once a agreement or a truce is made then the fight is over with. In some cases until the other party is knocked out." Tep stared at Husian narrowing his button eyes slightly with a eyebrow raised, 'I don't think you are one for failing in a dispute, I really don't want to fight him.' Husian tilted his head some noticing Tep's expression towards him, "What?"

Tep shook his head some waving his paw slightly, "Nothing, alright what if it's a case of just picking on and beating up the weak?" Husian sighed lowering his shoulders down some as if a heavy weigh was placed on his shoulders, "If that is the case, then I pray they find the strength to get stronger in both mind and body. But they will most likely going to keep getting hurt until they do get stronger some way." Tep looked in horror at the logic behind it, "Doesn't health mean anything?" Husian nodded with a soft smile, "Greatly, but look around you we are not in the city. Any form of healing is far away from us. So we must do what we must to heal those we have and try to teach what we have to the future." Husian gestured to each different species of the village that was nearby. "We are not welcome in any city no form of healing will accept us."

"Besides, a fight must be agreed upon by both parties.. so even if it was the case if one of parties goes to Skuleth he will make both parties sit down with him as a third party." Tep stared at Husian, "UH? what?! YOU SAID HE WAS DEAD?! WHERE IS HE!" Tep yelled out and began looking around, Husian picked up Tep quickly by the back of his head. "I told you he is dead!" Tep flailed around as he grew as large as Husian. "Tell me where he is then!" Tep twisted around standing eye to eye with Husian, a large teddy bear with a thick muzzle and fangs coming out of his laced mouth. His button eyes glowing a black flame, Husians paw let him go and stared deeply into Teps eyes. "I told you boy. he is. dead. do not make me say it again."

A tear began to form in Husians eyes icy blue eyes turning a little paler. Tep slowly started to frown his fangs going back into his mouth as he stared into the tears in Husians eyes before looking around everyone seemed to be very quiet with their heads hung low. "W-what? but you said they go to him to?" Husian gestured further into the village. "Fine.. we will go see him so you'll understand." Tep gripped his bag and nodded, "Yes.. I would like to see him soon as possible." Tep kept the bag close, as he followed Husian. The cloak floating around in the air tilting its hood curiously, following behind Tep. 

Tep looking back at the cloak, "Oh thank god.. I if I can get the both of you out of here.. the fastest the better.." His grip on his bag became firmer. 'And maybe, they will be happier' Husian walked along with Tep staying the same size as him, with a cloak following beside Tep. "Hey, when this is over wanna get something to eat? my treat the both of you, we will all really chow down. After this. don't worry You'll get something out of this, I'm not sue what but we can always work out something." Tep reached out his paw to the cloak, the hood leaned to the side before putting its sleeve over Teps arm. "Uh.. this.. is how you." Tep gently touched the sleeve, "There.. it's a deal than." The sleeve slapped, Teps arm lightly, "Ha.. I don-" Husian interrupted clearing his throat as he gestured to a sign. "We are here."  Tep turned to look at the sign quickly, "okay." Moving his arm away and took a deep breath walking a bit closer.

 

{Skuleth Hero and protector we honor your sacrifice}

Rereading the sign a few times falling to his knees staring at the sign. "They made a sign for ya bud.. You got to be a hero after all." Tep gripped the bag and held it in his arms, shaking not from the rain falling but from the last time they had with each other. "I'm so sorry... I'm so so sorry. Oh.. What am I going to tell them, I can't go home like this..." Tep shivered some in thought about having to talk to any one of his relatives. "Ugh, that's a scary thought to see any of those to show up.." A beak slammed into Teps head sending him firmly into the ground, making his body shrink down to a small size. Squank! came out of a large bird like creature with sharp talons. A soft pale yellow color with a warm red marking on the sides of it's head. Shifting its feathers a bit as he sat down with his feet under him. Squank.

Tep laid there on the ground. "I've been peaked by a bird.. chased after, threatened, humiliated, yelled at..." he sighed softly, "Finding out one of your best friends is gone.." Tep stared at the sky, "I'm fine with that.. sure more.. Why not lets pile on more for the day.." The cloak leaned its hood over Teps body looking down at him. "And then there's you.." The bag began to move some, Teps paws covered the hole. "NO.. no no no uh uh.. BUSY I'll talk to you later!" The bag stopped moving, his paws shook some as he sniffled some before flailing on the ground bouncing back onto his feet. "WHAT AM I WORRIED FOR?! haha oh oh that's a good one.. haha oh phew I almost believed it haha." Holding onto his bag as Husian shook his head watching Tep lowering his head some. "This is Skuleth.. he protects these lands.. he is not 'the' Skuleth.. but this creature has been protecting these areas for a very long time, so as did the Skuleth before he protects his home."

Tep looked at the bird soon standing back up dusting himself off. "Skuleth huh? Well if we are talking about the same one." Husian looked at Tep, as he stepped closer looking over the large bird, his eyebrows narrowed, "You have a lot of filling for those large feet of yours! I personally know a Skuleth. An let me tell you something, if you really are named after the one I know, then you have some big time shoes to fill.. You hear me Bird! Skuleth was a massive dragon one of the best! He could crush you with a flick of his wing! You are nothing compared to him you understand me! You protect his home?!" Staring at the bird hating it for having his name, stomping his way around Skuleth looking over the bird while insulting it before reaching its front once more.

"If so much as one thing breaks or someone die's on his home, you best watch your back cause I will show you no mercy. You under stand with the tiny brain of yours!" Tep was raging as he couldn't help himself, but he was also impressed and amazed wanting Skuleth to see this if he only could, they made a sign and have a guardian named after him. Tep shook his head and laughed a bit, "Oh right he can't be dead.. this just means my job just got a little easier, he should be home by now." The bag began to shake, Tep stood still before opening up the bag some with his head held high turning away from Skuleth with his head held high he walked around some talking to the bag.

"Hey I was about to talk to you al-" Tep was interrupted by Jane screaming out at him, "Where was the job located?" Tep leaned back some hearing the yelling "HUH?" Katt leaned over some looking at Tep,  "The job.. the job you sent him to where was the job located?" Tep looked at Katt and looked away some, "It doesn't matter he should be home soon." Almost immediately someone burst out yelling, "BURNED NUGGETS COMING HOME?!" a very excited child's voice came from the bag "HOW SOON?! SOON" A pair of paws were bouncing around excitedly, "Yes soon Lillion.. how soon Tep?" Rain asked trying to calm Lillion down.

Tep clearing his throat some. "Uh well, should be real soon he might be there already so rest as-" Autumn stepped forward looking out of the bag some "Where was the job Tep" Tep stared at Autumn for a moment then looked at the sign and then at Skuleth, "Take Lillion out of the room, and I'll tell you." There was silence before Tiger looked to Lillion, "Let's go greet him, if we are lucky we can surprise him when he arrives." Lilion's eyes lite up as she looked at Tiger before running to the door with Tiger following behind, out of the room.

"Skully's home!" as she had a burst of energy and laughing running down the halls running to Skuleths home in the swamp waters. Tiger closing the door behind them ran after Lillion, only to stop her at the waters edge. "Mrs... You'll need to come with me.." Tiger opened up her front end as Lilion jumped inside of her flailing around with joy. "Skully's home!!.. come on Tigerrrr Burn nuggies home!" Tiger closed around her cushioning her making her way down into the depths of the swamp waters to Skuleths home. Lillion smiled she had grown up some, Tiger carried her inside of her. The water was around them but Lillion was perfectly fine breathing and moving around with tiger mimicking the way she walked.

Lillions squealed, eyes widened seeing around under water. "So.. coool." She happily said trying to move Tigers legs faster. "Come on TIGER.. Fassster!!" Tiger smirked a bit as she moved a bit faster making their way to his home. Stopping at the seaweed door, "do.. we knock?" Tiger asked as Lillion bounced some, "GO IN GO IN!" Tiger rolled her eyes, "MR. SKULETH IT'S US TIGER AND LILION.. WE'RE COMING IN..." waiting for a reply before slowly walking into the home, as soon as it was alright Lillion jumped out of Tiger and began running around his home.

"SKULLETH! BURN NUGGIES!! IT'S ME LILLION!!" Tiger walked around his home looking at how it was kept during his absence. "..Perhaps a bit of cleaning?" Lillion began to cry in Skuleths room. Tiger ran into the room having a cold chill come over her frame. "LILLION WHATS THE MATTER?!" Lillion laid on the bed wiggled around, "His dent isn't there no more." Tiger sighed and fell to her knees thinking Lillion had hurt herself. "Oh.. well when he gets back there will be a dent in his bed again.. promise.. Why are you sad about that anyway?" 

"Cause, he's so cool and big makes all the scary monsters run away.." Tiger smiled tears began to fall from Lillions eyes. "he's not coming back is he?" Tiger quickly rushed over to Lillion crawling along the floor and held her in her arms. "Shh no no don't say that.. He's just not home yet.. Tep said he would be home soon." Tiger rubbed Lillions head lightly accidently pulling her hair with her mechanical fingers. "Sorry.. Remember he promised to come back so we just have to wait.. he works a lot so he's gone but I'm sure this will be the last time he will be leaving for a long time.. haha remember he still has his surprise when he gets back."

Lillion nodded wiping her eyes some, "Not home yet, right! but I hate waiting" Puffing out her cheeks annoyed to have to wait. Tiger picking up Lillion, carrying her into the living room area sitting down in his seat. His imprint was gone, "I hope he doesn't mind us sitting in his chair for a moment as we wait." Lillion leaned her head on the chair as Tiger leaned back rocking them both slowly. A few claws slowly emerged from the seaweed a parting it open. A dark shadow entered into the home, soon being cast near Tiger and Lillion.

Meanwhile "He's dead in this world, or it is someone with his name.. either way he should be home by now, if not then he is off running around somewhere." There was silence after Tep waited for Lilion to be out of the room to share what information he had. Jane hissed and began yelling at Tep, "What was the location Tep! If he was dead, we'd know about it." Tep growled roaring back at her, "Crystalis was the location now he'll be home it doesn't matter anymore so give it a rest!" Tep groaned rubbing his head some, "Why are you so obssessive with the location. it'll be fine it's Skuleth we are talking about.." 

Jane grabbed ahold of the liner of the bag staring daggers at Tep "Tep you're a idiot, a fool, a lousy friend and a FRIEND KILLER!!" Jane was ranting insulting Tep with everything she knew of in any and all different languages. "Tep this is Rain?.. please.. say the location again." Tep blinked in confusion staring at Jane and then to Rain, "The hell's Janes problem now?!" Tep throwing his arms up growling a bit, "Please Tep just say the location again?" Rain would stand in front looking at Tep, "Crystalis... I don't know what Jane is so-" Tep grumbled a bit throwing his paws in the air before slamming them down on the bag. "Tep.."

Rain spoke with a lump in her throat. "Yeah, what Rain? You alright?"  Tep looked at Rain a bit concerned, "Tep... that's his reign world. and we all know once you go back to your reign world.. the hero who slayed you will also be reborn and it will repeat over again." Tep stood there for a moment, "Yeah an-" like a light bulb clicked on in his brain, "H-h.. how was I suppose to know that? But this time he was suppose to be a hero and look!" Lifting his bag showing the sign and the bird to them. "So.. he should be home he was a hero!" Tep button eyes went wide thinking about it as he began to shake showing the sign and the bird over and over again.

"The job was a flop remember.. he's gone for real this time." Rain would said softly holding her shirt, as the others around were standing around with their heads down. Tep stood there froze staring at the sign and the bird. "S-skuleth.. h-he can't die, he's.. Skuleth." The cloak hood peeked over Teps body and looked at the bag and seeing the girls inside. Waving his sleeve some at the bag, "Whose that?" "Tep? What's going on over there? What's the bird for?" Husian leaned over some also curious about the bag, "The sign is a monument to Skuleth a brave hero who protected this land.. till his last. the bird, they named Skuleth cause it made these lands its territory, protects this area and these people.. so in honor they named the bird after him."

 There was silence before the girls stared at the bird. "Well I guess it's kinda cute.. What do we tell Lillion and Tiger?" Autumn asked while leaning against the bag some. The girls mutter to each other, before Autumn notices Husian, "Oh well.. hellooo.." She said looking at Husian with a smirk along her face. "Mhm.. miss.." He snarled looking away the bag with a grumble focusing on brushing Skuleths feathers. Autumn stared at him her tail swaying back and forth a soft growl in her throat. "MMmmhmm." Rain pushing Autumn out of the way. "Stop it, this isn't the time." Tep closed the bag on all of them, putting it back around his waist sitting on the wet ground, his head hung low.

 "I thank you Hus.. I think we will be leaving in the morning." He couldn't lift his head staring at the ground, as the cloak hovered above Tep sheltering him from the rain that was falling heavier from above. "I-i killed my best friend." Husian stared down at Tep. "I wouldn't say you sent him to his death sentence but you gave him what he always wanted. To be a hero even if it was once.. to the top. as he would say." Tep fell to his knees at the mention of that phrase as tears started flowing out of his eyes. "Skuleth.. I-i'm so sorry"

 Skuleth peaked at Teps head slamming him repeatedly into the ground. Tep didn't fight back as his body laid limp letting whatever punishment he was going to face he was due. Only ten peaks of Skuleths beak slammed Tep into the ground. Husian tried to hold Skuleth back, "Hey thats enough.. stop.. Skuleth!" Squank! Skuleth called out before settling back down into the stable. His head bending back as he began grooming himself plucking unneeded feathers. Tep laid there in the water soaking it up with his fabric's, "Are you alright Tep?"

 Husian asked while standing next to the cloak. Tep shook his head, "No.. I don't think I will ever be." "So he is gone, even through your world?" Tep nodded laying face down in the mud. "I guess I will be ending my day's here then.. Not a bad exchange I'd say.." Husian sat down in front of the sign. "Why don't we forget all that for this once and enjoy the feast." Tep slowly sat up, before picking himself up walking back to the others. The cloak followed Tep, as Husian stood back up with a groan, "I'm getting too old for this." Following them back to the feast as they were done and making plates. Children ran around playing once again in the rain slipping and sliding in the mud. 

Adults and bigger children were running around with food. Tep watched them all play around as if they had no care in the world. Tep stopped before looking up at Husian, "Is it peaceful here all the time?" Husian shook his head, "Sometimes, but if Skuleth isn't here and away, If I wasn't here there would be nobody else to protect when he is gone.. we all know peace doesn't last forever. There will be days of hardship, but each day we make the most of it." A plate was given to both Husian and Tep, 

"Even if you weren't here I think just those who live here will take care of them all well enough.." Husian chuckled softly, "I hope so.. they are a hardy people, but I guess what I'm saying is. When I pass away, nobody will continue to look after their safety.. Their peace is why I stay, maybe a few more years before I will have to return to my home, but if I so happen to die here I won't have any regrets on my time here." Husian slowly eating from his plate as Tep looked at the plate and the food, "Well.. luckily I don't need to eat, so I guess this will be for you." 

The cloak hung itself up in a tree, watching the feast going on in the rain adults and children laughing and dancing around in the rain. Tep watched everyone having a good time out in the rain. There were even a few couples that were seen rushing out of the rain to their own homes. Those that partied outside would howl and make random noises aloud. The feast continued into the late hours of the night Tep had joined in dancing with some of the villagers. 

Making odd sounds along with everyone, Husian sat in the rain his paw touching the sleeve of his shirt slowly touching along the fabrics. The feast didn't end until the glowing light mushrooms were a dim glow. Once the light was going out everyone had gone to their homes, Tep laid on the ground next to Skuleths memorial sign. Looking up at the sky rain drops falling onto his button eyes. "H-hey, it's me.. Tep.. you know.. ca-" Teps throat cleared as he coughed a bit "Tep the care bear." Skuleth ruffled his feathers waking up with a groan, stretching out his legs and wings. Standing up as the rain continued to fall it washed off the feathers and left him dry walked out of his shelter. 

Noticing some food had been left out for him. The rain rolling off his feathers each drop slid off his body, leaning his head down eating the food. "You were the only one I let get away with calling me that haha.. did you know that? I'm no care bear.. I don't qualify as one, besides they have more than enough. You always called me one though hah. You were the only one I let get away with it.. I ever tell you that?" He chuckled soaking in the rain into each stitch he had. Skuleth stood in front of the food, lowering his head down and ate the food left for him.

"Thanks for believing in me.. I-I never thought you'd actually die.. Like dead dead." Tep sunk a bit in the mud, laying still getting soaked. Covering himself in mud, his arm pushed some mud onto his body. "You're Skuleth! You've fought so many heroes, and villain's." He tried to smile letting the tears that were coming out from the buttons. "Who knew you'd have to climb both paths as a villian and look at you now.. you have helped so many here."  Skuleth lifted his head from the food swallowing the last bit. Having a bit of food hanging from the side of his mouth. Noticing Tep covering himself in mud.

Monsters and Maidens //Chapter three: Battery's are included

 Tigers eyes were staring blankly as he wrapped his arms around her slowly picking her up as her body was laying limp in his arms. "I got you Tiger.. don't worry, I'll fix you up." Pausing for a moment "Somehow.." Lifting her body up closer to him as her wires dangled against his fur, and her gears pinched against his scales. Pulling her from the closet she was in, and placed her in the middle of the room of the living room. Panting a bit and placed her down on her feet once more. "OO.. sweetie your a bit on the heavy side.. but that's alright." Rubbing his lower back, Jane holding Tigers bag having a recharge box and a console for electrical maintenance. He looked inside, "Ah, there it is.. Tiger, I don't know if you can hear me but excuse us while we look around and see what we can help you with,.. so if we accidently touch you in a wrong way. We ap-pologize in advance if any place you don't want us touching.. but we will need to find your charging port and.. Do some maintenance on you, you look a bit sickly.." He looked down at her and frowned slightly, his paws reached out and began looking around her head. Feeling around to see if he could feel a port that was perhaps somewhere hidden.

All the girls had been looking all around Tiger, confused about where the port would be. He was the only one touching Tiger at a point, touching along Tigers stomach area trying to find a latch. His eyes looking away, as a few of his fingers had grazed over tigers chest. His paws quickly moved away from the area, then moved towards her back. His eyes, widened feeling a spot upon her back feeling like a latch, gently fiddling with it with his fingers. "I think I found it.." With a soft snap and click, a small door opened in her back, with a outlet and a connector to be placed inside. "Heh.. well looks like we are about to get you all fixed up.." He said taking the cords and connected them inside the ports. Holding onto the console as it was connecting to the charge box and checking the programing. showing the last time charged in the corner of the small screen on the console. The box was set to the very lowest programing than recommended for her model.

Looking at the screen and began to look through instructions into how to maintain her model. "Oh.. there is a upgrade model available.." Looking at Tiger, "Well.. I guess that would be up to her. If she got the upgrade.. do you think it will still be her?" Asking the girls while they began to all talk about it, "I.. I know girls... girls... girls" Some of them were arguing about trading her in. "It will be up to her so.. Let's just give her some time to charge up and we can ask." Looking back at the screen and began inputting the charging sequence. Tigers wires sparked a bit for a second then stopped, making the front of her body shake for a moment before freezing in place. The box began vibrating as the console started at 3% blinking, placing the console against her back in a small tray for it to be placed with the charge box.

"Now we wait.." He said, everyone making Tiger some room to be safe and for themselves to be safe with some of her sparking wires that went off every so often. He looked over at Jane, "So.. How long does it usually take for her to be charged?" Jane smiled softly, "No Idea.." Sighing heavily before hanging his head a bit, "Oh.. well at least she is safe now.." Tigers head shifted to one side then the other for a short moment. "..Tiger? Can you hear us?" Tigers ears twitched and flicked a bit before head body shifted some lifting her head. Turning her body around to face him looking up glitching a bit as her arms jerked to the side. "I-i-i-i-i C-can HEar you-ou-ou." She spoke in a broken feminine voice, 

"Alright good, how long before your fully charged? Also, why did you hide yourself? We have been worried and looking for you.. Please tell us you are okay or need anything.." Looking into the robotic eyes staring back at him. "Ye-yeah as-hahs..calculating" Placing her paws out in front of herself clenching some and began slowly rotating her paws around. ".. Nine hours for full charge, software updates 5 days with good connection." Standing back up straight as her head shifted to the side. "I am in need of repair.. In multiple area's need maintena-" She seemed to freeze for a moment, as her jaw dropped a bit looking off in front of her. 

Blinked a bit. "Ah.." Rain looked over at the screen. "Uh, I think the charge box is out of juice.." Groaning some as he slouched over as he walked behind Tiger. Looked at the screen as it was blank as nothing was turning on from her whole frame. Taking a deep breath with a groan opening up the charge box noticing that it could be attached to a external plug, as the model of the charge box was just as old as the model she was. "Oh sweetie this is all? You need some work." Plugging the charge box in, then unplugging Tiger from the charge box but leaving it connected to the console. As soon as it was connected to the outlet, a small charging light turned on.

"Alright lets update, and charge up this first." Looking back at the screen as data input was shown. Using the screen on the charging box to input data. It wasn't long before the wifi connected to the modem of the house, soon multiple tabs began appearing one the Screen on Tigers back. "This should help, I hope this helps." Tapping the screen and inputting more data into the charging box. After entering all the data he could. Looking up at the screen on Tigers back for a moment reading all the tabs. He took the charging box, placed it down letting it charge and update. a small game popped up on the screen 'If you wished to play while waiting.' Raising a brow at the charge box. "A game in this?.. Alright.. Welp here someone play this and everyone plays trade off if you want but we all have to play." Little one's ears perked up as she bounced over. "Game?!" She said excitedly before he was able to explain she was already playing. "Uh oh, um you got?" He looked down seeing she was focused and quickly leveling up in the game. "Good girl.. there you go you got it.. get a whole bunch."

Each time a certain amount of levels were completed within a certain time limit, a item was gained in a small inventory box icon in the corner of the screen. Every few levels it got harder and harder to win, a list of top scorers was being recorded on the hard drive. Little ones eyes seemed to be glued onto the screen. "Well alrighty than, Lillion.. Remember to take breaks from the game, and let others play too... haha" Smiled softly as Lillion nodded playing the game. "Yes, get all the stuff's for Tiger's-sss." He sighed softly placing his paw upon Lillions head rubbed her head lightly, 'Glad to see everyone, it seems everything is doing alright today and Tiger would at least get a software update, hopefully charged soon.' Looking around at the girls they all seemed to be excited and impatient a bit wanting Tiger to be alright quickly. Walking out of the living room, to get something to drink having taken Tiger from the coat closet and into the middle of the living room. The charge box was up to 20% flashing red numbers on top of the box, when he checked it passing by.

 In the kitchen getting something to drink, he held his glass of water in his paws and thought about what Tiger was like, it wasn't long before a squeal came from the living room. Leaning over some to peek inside of the living room from the kitchen, "What's going on? Everyone alright?" He stared at the girls were all staying close to Tiger, examining and staring at her curiously. "Heh." He smiled softly seeing them checking her out. Another squeal came this time with more of the girls talking at once he raised his brow, walking around the corner into the living room. Looking at all the girls now surrounding Lillion, "Hmm.. What's going on?" he asked while standing behind one of them. Lydia called out, "The more levels we get done the faster it charges, and updates." Rain and Jane seemed to look excited as the other girls were more eager to play the game as Lillion was clinging to the game.

His eyes went wide, "Really? Alright, let me see." Gently making his way through the girls. "Excuse me girls.. Excuse me." He was soon in front of Lillion looking down at the game as she was playing it. "Oh.. hm." Turning his attention to the charge box 80% solid red numbers lit up on the screen showing the percentage on the software updates. Solid green numbers lit up on the screen under the updates showing how much it was at 90%. seeing it was almost done. "Hm. That is interesting way of making the time fly by and getting what you need faster." He reached out rubbing Lillion's head some smiling softly, "Good job Lillion." The girls seemed to be staring at Lillion, Jane stepping closer. "I figured out that doing more levels makes the charge and updates go faster." She was leaning her head against his side, looked up at him with a soft smile.

He looked down at Jane, "Oh? well thank you, for figuring it out." He said while rubbing Janes head softly as well. Her head leaned into his hand and smiled softly to him, but glanced to the rest of the girls grinning wickedly. "So when both are at hundred percent then we will hook back up to Tiger and we will see how well it does." He walked out of the living room and returned to the kitchen to finish his drink, and relax a bit. "At least they are all excited and enjoying themselves." Talking out loud Looking at his drink on the counter picking it up in his paws. 'Well I guess we will find out sooner than later.. I hope she doesn't think we ... or I dislike her in any way..' He would stare off while leaning against the counter, as Autumn came sliding into the kitchen soon scurrying around upon the hardwood floor, slowly slide up beside him. 'Uh oh trouble..' "Hello Autumn, coming to get your chocolate?" He asked as her face lit up, "OH! yes.. Of course." She would slowly lean over slightly brushing her chest, against him with her face soon turning towards him and smiled softly. "I like all the chocolate you have."

Her fingers touching along his arm, while reaching into the cabinet behind him. "Mhm.." Sipping some of his drink, before leaning over slightly as Autumn fell  against him stumbling only to be in his arm. Reaching his arm out quickly and grabbed ahold of Autumn holding her with one arm against him. "Mmmmmhhmmmm looking for chocolate huh?" He chuckled helping her get back to her feet, as she stared into his eyes some. "I-" She said softly before being interrupted by Lillion screaming in the living room as everyone else began screaming. He quickly looked towards the living room before quickly placing the drink down rushing around Autumn. "Excuse me.. Autumn one moment." He said running into the living room he was running through what it could be to have them all screaming like that. Running around the corner only to see, Tiger was sparking and making small burn spots every so often from her frame. "Don't touch her!..." He yelled out in a nervous tone, "Everyone in the kitchen.. uh also.. What happened?!" Stepping towards Tiger, seeing that Tiger was charging, and getting the update uploaded into her. 'Oh Tiger, please be okay..' Lowering his head to look into her eyes which were glowing off and on. Noticing her eyes were reflecting him, a bit of looking at his fangs, "oh... I have a piece of meat stuck in my teeth." Tigers eyes blinked some as they both seemed to go by instinct standing straight up in front of each other.

"Uh.. Tiger? You doing okay? Do you remember who I am?" Tigers body was calming down only sparking a little bit. He looked down at her body frame, looking back up at her smiling softly glad to see she looked to be getting better with a bit of time. "Yes, I am T-t-tiger-er. I am on ch-ch-charg-gi-ing mode. I can not move or do much-h. I am s-s-s-s-o-orry to be of a inconvenience here," Tigers eyes looked around some before going back to look at him, "This is not th-the closet. I will get in the way, when I ch-ch-charge..  I know who you are-are-aa and how I got here. If I could I would would would greet you properly." Everyone seemed to be slowly coming back into the living room crowding around Tiger. 

"WE MISSED YOU!" Lillion ran over jumping to pounce upon Tiger, Rain catching Lillion in front of Tiger. "You know not to jump on Tiger, be nice." Lillion pouted standing on her feet with her arms crossed in front of her, "I was the one who made Tiger all better now.. she can play with me!" Lillion smiled brightly to Tiger, she looked down at Lillion blinking, "You are the-the-the one, who made me be-bet-butter? Lillion." Hearing Tigers voice again she sniffled and smiled happily nodding raising her paws up curling her fingers towards Tiger to pick her up. "I am s-s-s-so-o-orry Lillion I canknot not not move or pick you up up up up up." 

He slowly backed up away from the crowd, leaning against the corner between kitchen and living room. He smiled, watching as they all seemed to be happier with Tiger around. Telling Tiger about all the adventures they have had so far, wanting to take her to join them. He turned away making his way back into the kitchen to have some of his drink. Looking at his drink, "Ah.. this turned out to be a good day." reaching for his cup as his phone began to vibrate. His hand froze and sighed heavily, 'I don't wanna take another shift.' Taking out his phone and looked at the caller Id, "Heualloo?" 

Answering it out of confusion, "You answered? Hello. it is me, Tiger." a familiar surprised voice spoke through the phone, "Uh, Tiger why and how are you calling me?" He spoke, slowly sipping some of his drink that had grown cold. "Yeah, and it's rude to call someone when your talking with others in another room... So... we can talk later if you want I know your going to be busy for a while." As soon as he was done talking she had no hesitation in her words or voice. 

"No. I called you using your Wifi's network I am able to make calls now. Jane has informed me that a upgraded model of my model is out. I have already agreed to the terms and conditions. I am in need of your approval for me to do this." Standing in the kitchen opening up his mouth some, unsure of what to say or how to process this bit of news suddenly. This was an important call and the decision was already made. "Oh, is there anything I need to do, or well everyone would need to do for this to happen? Other than giving you permission to do this... Wait, why do you need my approval?"

Sounding a bit worried while walking to the edge of the kitchen with his drink in his grasp. Looking around the corner staring at Tiger, she was still posed in the same spot not moving, as Lillion and Rain had began a tournament race on Muddy Rides 8. Most of the girls and Josh were waiting their turn for the tournament while doing practice runs. "This is your house, you have taken us in even when you didn't have to." Tiger sparked a bit, before her ears twitched a bit as her fingers were starting to move. "Oh well.. Yeah but I'm not sure how the remodeling?.. or upgrade will you be you afterward?" Her charge was complete, shifting her body a bit.

"I'm done charging." She said aloud Lillion was in the middle of a race. Jumping up on her chair, stomping her feet. She was torn between jumping on Tiger now that she was able to move Or she could continue to kick buttux in Muddy Riders 8. "Yes, I will still be Tiger but with a more sustainable body for these adventures of Lillion and friends." The race was paused, everyone would crowd around Tiger once more now that she could move around. "Ah, well if this is what you really want I will support you in this. You have my approval but if for any reason you don't want to do this you are free to do so." Each one got in line to give Tiger a hug. "Thank you." He met eyes with her for a moment, the call had ended sipping his drink gulping it down to the last drop. Placing the empty cup on the counter then headed to the living room to get in line for a hug.

Bags and whistles Chapter 4

 Tep gestured to the cloak to get in the bag, tilting its hood to the side. Tep moved his paws gesturing to get in to the bag over and over again as the cloak looked down at Tep with its head tilted. "Come on lets go, get in the bag. You'll fit promise so come on." The cloak waved in the air some in the same spot still over the child some. The child was soaking wet with barely any clothing on its body, coughing a bit as it spit out water from its nose and mouth. Shaking a bit, the cloak reached out its sleeve rubbing its side with warmth drying off the child in the matter of seconds.

Tep stood there slowly coming out of the bag, "That works too.." Tep nodded some, looking back and forth from the cloak and the child. The child stood up taking a few breaths before looking at both the cloak and Tep cowering some. "You aren't going to steal my soul? or eat me?" The child asked Tep stood in wonder tilting his head some. "Stea-? No, no we won't eat you or steal souls. but we are leaving now okay?.. So you didn't see us? got it?" The child stared and nodded frightened before taking off into the woods in a panic.

Tep sighed deeply, "Oh good look their okay now let's goo.. Got to get you to headquarters since your not giving me any information.." Tep looked back to where the Cloak was, staring at the spot it was. "...you got to be.." Tep looked around for the cloak only to see a glimpse of it chasing after the child. "NO! You stu-.. S-stop." Tep ran after the cloak as the bag rolled along the ground picking up Tep along it's way following the Cloak.

"I am revoking YOUR! license and going to make sure who ever they work for gives them such a harsh punishment for this.. this has to be against policy." Tep pointing and waving his stuffed arm at the cloak angrily, "The jobs a flop so we got to get out of he-" A thundering roaring howl came from the direction of the child running towards. As many more howls could be heard in the distance coming in quickly. A large group of large and small males and females searching for the child. Two animal like children called out and ran to the soaked child that was plucked from the waters. Soon each of the group. joined surrounding the children quickly, each one happy to see that the child was okay.

A larger female in a spry age as she looked at the child touching over them happily wrapping her arms around the child lifting them up and held them close for a moment before placing them back down on the ground. Her eyes looking at the cloak hoovering above the ground swaying around in the wind in one spot. She walked towards it pushing one of the bigger males out of the way to get a better look at the cloak. Looking at it straight in its hood, the cloak lowered itself down so the bottom touched the ground. A slow bow of her head to the cloak, Tep catching up to the cloak and stopped a bit away, as the female turned her head to see the leather bag and Teddy bear creature with his top half of his body hanging out of the bag.

"Oh great spirits of this forest we mean you no harm.. You have our thanks in finding, saving one of our own.. Please allow us safe passage back home through your homes." Tep watched, confused for a bit, but slowly stepped out of the bag. "We also mean you no harm." Tep announced looking at them all, "I'm here to retrieve this one" gesturing the Cloak as it hoovered above the ground some waving its sleeve some, "and another that I'm searching for.. and we will be going home once I find the other.." Staring at them for a moment as the group looked unfazed by the talking teddy bear or even at the words he spoke. 'couldn't hurt asking.' Tep stepping forward a bit more "You wouldn't have seen any large dragon's would you?" One of the male's laughed some. "Are you daft? Dragon or dragon folk dare not show their faces here." Tep stood there looking at the group confused as to the response, "The only dragon folk of any kind would be a far journey from here. She has a place there, but from what I know no one travels to her home come back." The large female added before turning around, gesturing to the children and the others to head for home.

She looked at the cloak, Tep and gestured to them. "Come we shall celebrate our meeting with a feast. And for finding one of your friends." She said aloud as the males and females groaned mumbling being tired having been looking all day for the child. Which was being carried off by its family back home, the cloak followed along, as Tep gestured back to the bag. "Hey stop ignoring me.. We need to go." The large female turned back around to see Tep, soon walking over slowly. Towering there beside Tep, "Please stay this once and then you can leave for your journey to the dragon folk." Tep looked at the her, "We would love to but.." Looking around some seeing that the cloak was nowhere to be seen as it was following those carrying the child back to their home. "I guess.. for tonight we could stay but only tonight we will be leaving early in the morning." glaring at the cloak but smiled slightly seeing that at least the child was still alive.

Tep picked up the bag by the leather strap, placed it around his waist as it shrank down to his size. Wobbling angrily mumbling to himself following behind everyone as the female walked beside him. "You remind me of a toy I had when I was a child.. tough old thing. So I am sure your journey will go smoothly as they say." Tep glanced up at the women. "I am hoping so.. This wasn't suppose to happen." Tep whispered the last part to himself, looking away from the women. Once the cloak was in view he narrowed his button eyes once again. "If your friend is dragon folk you may find they are not welcomed in most places.. Others it is best for them to stay away from." The large female added walking beside Tep leading the way.

Tep slowed down some in shock, "What? Ha no.. no my friend is very strong.. and sometimes smart so I'm sure they are okay.." Tep walked with the women following down the valley to small cabins built out of the lumber of the trees around, some were a whole tree naturally bending and built a home in the tree tops and near the base of the trees. Tree branches were bent and molded into stairways along the trees connecting the small community. Teps button eyes blinked as he looked around being impressed on how they were living. The village was made up of different kinds of beings some with multiple limbs or heads.

Walking along the women following to their cabin next to a stable where there was a small stone statues lined along the sides. Tep stared at the statues they were deformed from a long time in the elements. Tep slowly stared to walk around to look at everything. The clouds covering the sky as rain sprinkled down upon the leaves of the trees above then trickled down to the ground. As the rain fell the people gathered vases and large barrels putting them in certain places as the rain was dripping into the containers. The bag around his waist was rumbling making him jump a bit out of surprise. "Naphota!" He said in anger before clearing his throat, opening up the bag whispered down, "What is it?.." A devil cat statue's head came just outside the bag, "Have you found him yet?"

Tep grumbled seeing that she had popped in, "No.. I just got here." snarling down at the devil kitten, The devil kittens horns grew as she hissed back at him. "Just checking in you don't have to bite my head off for it!" She yelled Flames began to form along her forehead, mimicking her hair. A rain drop fell on his nose before looking up with a smug smirk on his face tilting the bag towards the sky. "HEY!.. FINE! I'M GOING TELL US, WHEN YOU FIND HIM!!" He chuckled some, then tilted it back. "Don't worry, I'm worried about him too.. he usually has a way of contacting one of us." She looked at him and narrowed her feline fiery eyes, "Not as much as us."

The feline looked around some seeing the area, sniffing the air. "I can smell him.. he has to be close..." Tep looked down with a eyebrow raised with a concerned look upon his face. "You... can.. smell him?" Her face lite up as flames began to flare up around her. "NOT LIKE THAT!.. I have a sensitive nose.. so what if I can smell him?" She scoffed a bit, "Just tell us when you find him, we're worried." Tep groaned, "I know, I know I've heard you repeat that a hundred times.. look I'm going so if i need your help I will ask for it.. Got it, Jane?"

She growled turning around entered back into the bag before it closed once again. Tep sighed rubbing his head some before looking back up. He was deep in the forest, he had completely spaced out while walking and talking with Jane. Looking around a little embarrassed, trying to see anything familiar. Walking around the trees, finding a opening in one of the trees. Touching some of the tree's bark a door creaked open "And.. this is the reason we don't walk and talk kids haha.." He nervously chuckled to himself. Stepping inside of the tree only to see the inside light up it on the inside. His eyes stared while walking down a hallway amazed by the mushrooms and moss. Illuminated different colors in the dark as he approached each one. "I will be sure to get some decorations like this in my home.." Tep smiled brightly as he chuckled to himself. "Hechum!" A harsh male voice came from behind him down a hallway, one large old canine. Filling most of the hallway with his broad shoulders that narrowed slightly down to the hips.

 His tail behind him wagging slightly but with a forceful wag snapping slightly like a whip every once in a while. Wearing a loose baggy stained shirt, with a patch along its side. His pants a bit baggy also patched but with a leather belt that wrapped around the pants twice. Walking on his hind legs, "Hechum." His voice softened slightly as he continue making his way to Tep. His eyes shined a shimmering blue, medium full of grey and white fur lined along his chin down along his underside. Along his back was ice blue tribal markings, both from his tribe, but from his own natural markings binding them in a pattern.

His markings were a faded shade of baby blue came walking down with a halberd in one paw keeping the point down pointed at Tep. The tip of the halberd began to give off a frosty aura, dripping a cold ice cycle which connected to the floor and froze it instantly. "Oh shit.. hey no no, If I'm trespassing I apologies." accompanied by two other large younger canines seemed excited running past the first one. "TEP!" They sounded excited to see him still breathing as they checked him over some. "Heh.. funny teddy bear Tep.. running off.. here this way.. follow us.." They both grabbed Tep and ran away from the other one. Tep flailed in the air some as the two had taken off, "HECHUM!" Tep's eyes went wide quickly running with the two, pulling them a bit with him not wanting to get lost again. "Oh yes, haha this way.. how silly of me."

He seen the outside and smiled seeing something kind of familiar, running quickly over to the edge. Stopping right before the edge and stared down. "Oh.. my." Staring down one of the trees, he has been running up far above the ground inside a tree. Staring down at the height, "Oh.. seems a bit high.. whoops ha ha." He said to himself, slowly backing up into one of the large canines that he was running with. It was very fluffy it's fur was soft and inviting, a warm brown, with dark patches against his back, sides. A large black muzzle covered his face with a dark hazel brown eyes staring down at Tep.

His body was much larger in both girth and height than the other that was beside him. Wearing a thick leather armor with a head of a canine metallic symbol a magical dark brown aura covering around the canine symbol upon the waist. The other canine was a solid white short haired female of the same breed as the other. Her ears back along her head as she growled at him, with a bit of a smirk crossing her fangs. Her tail curled up almost pointing and twisting itself some, as she seemed to be getting pumped. Her eyes a soft pink staring at Tep, wearing a leather armor similar to the males, as her symbol was glowing a bright pink.

Seeing them both better in the light, his eyes went wide. "You.. I haven't met you two before.. How did." The one that he bumped into picked Tep up by the back of the neck and dangled him over the edge. "Word travels fast around here something.. someone new comes in, of course we need to investigate wither you're worthy enough." Tep blinked and stared at them for a moment, 'They are either idiots.. or really, really... stupid.' Teps eye brow raised some. "Say what?.. say that part again? Sorry I was listening promise but just to make sure heard right."

They both blinked staring at him, then at each other, "Oh.. uh okay, well where do I need to start from?" The female asked, as the male nodded lifting Tep up higher and slightly nearer to both of their faces, so he could hear better. Tep smiled nervously, "At the beginning please I'm so very sorry." The female cleared her throat some adjusting herself some a bit nervous but growled. "I SAID!.. Word travels fast around.." She cleared her throat again as they both stared at Tep for a moment before she continued, "here something.. someone new comes in.. so we need to investigate. so if your worthy you get to stay if not then you get the hell outtat here!"

The male shook Tep some, "You get it that time?" his voice was much deeper with a annoyed sound to his question. "Oh much, yes yes thank you.. thank you very much" Tep looked at them and smiled softly, 'Aww, they are trying to be heroes of their home.. how sweet... I commend your bravery, and protective nature, foolish but brave... Or this is some way to get me to pay or give them something. either way these two seem to have some drive.' Tep Looked at both of them as his button eyes blinked then smiled happily, "I hope I pass, I don't wish for anyone to get hurt. I promise you upon my name I will not harm anyone here. You may ask of any task and I will do it to show my word is just."

Tep reached up and held his paws out, bowed his head some. Standing there it was silent for a moment as everyone stared at each other almost in a moment of shock. "Of course.. A test to show your true intentions here! We do not trust you like the others here. We will be watching. Know that if you hurt any of our family we all will hunt you down, to where ever you call home and we will not rest until each and everyone of you.." The male growled out, "Kira!.. You hurt us, we hurt you.. got it?"

Kira growled taking deep breaths her tail slowly swaying as she walked away leaving the room. The male still held Tep over the edge. "I get it, I'm not here to start a fight, just looking for some family of my own. Their lost somewhere here.. don't know last location but somewhere around here.. Know anything about anyone new around here? I find him and I'm gone easy as that.." The male brought Tep back over from the edge and placed him down on the floor. "Nobody comes here to be found.. If your friend is here it is for a reason, so best leave now.."

A heavy pant, deep growl was heard coming from behind the large male, "Bi'en! Out the way!" Bi'en's eyes went wide his body froze, a bit of chill blew through the room. Every hair on his body seemed to shoot straight up, although his knees began to shake a bit. "H-Husian. S-sir. We didn't harm him promise.. Just wanted to get a feel for him is all.." The Large canine from earlier at the bottom of the tree was towering over Bi'en, large paw reached out gripping Bi'en by the back of the scruff of his neck lifting him up into the air with ease. A halberd was soon lifted up as the bottom of the staff struck the floor, Bi'en's body seemed to curl up in submission. Husian looked at Tep his eyes staring right through him. "Uh.. I.." Tep seemed to stumble over his words, Husian walked over to the edge looking down at the height. His attention turned to Bi'en sitting him down on the edge. "Stay." Bi'en sat at the edge looking down at the height, his paws rubbing against each other. "Yes, sir." Bi'en head lowered down slouching keeping his focus on the ground below. Husian turned around wearing the cloak around him as he pulled the hood down to show his face better.

"Hechum, Or was it Tep.. I have been sent to retrieve you, seemed to have roamed around some." Husians paw gently reached out with a soft smile upon his face, his ear twitched and fell slightly to the side. "How do you know that word?.." Tep asked clearing his throat calming down and kept his eyes on Husian. "I am here to retrieve you, come follow me." Husian stood back upright and held his halberd to his side opposite from Tep and began walking back down the hallway tree. Tep looked at Bi'en with his head lowered down looking at the ground still looking as if he would become a statue before long. "What about him?" Tep asked Husian stopped glancing back at Bi'en, which seemed to stop breathing, as he was being pointed out. Bi'en seemed to slowly lower himself a bit more. "He's free to go-" Before another word could be said a flash of brown fur ran past them both heading to the direction Kira had walk off too.

Kira was finally calmed down some walking back almost stomping, "Tsk.. I'll come up with so-" Kira blinked only to find herself on the front of Bi'en as he was running down the hall with her now on his chest clinging for dear life. "WHAT HAPPENED?! AAAAAAAhhh!!! HELP!! RUN AWAY, BI'E! BI'E!" Bi'en panted running through, over everything he was in contact with, "HUS caught me! We gotta go!" Husian shuttered a bit as a cold chill went down his spine, "Ugh.. I have a feeling something's going to come back to haunt me.." Husian looked down as Tep was walking beside him in deep thought, but was staring directly at him with his button eyes. Coming to a flight of stairs Husian was leading the way.

"Yes, I know your friend.. but he has been dead for at least a few centuries now, so your search is a little late." Husian said without hesitation, walking down some stairs while talking. Tep stumbled a bit as he stood there almost laughed, "H-hw.. w-what did you say?" Husian didn't stop as he walked down the stairs. "You are looking for your friend right? not here.. most likely they are dead." Tep shook a bit as his mind raced, he hadn't thought about it, 'What? but.. he can't be dead.. like dead dead' Tep laughed some and shook his head catching up to him quickly.

"I'll have you know my friend is stronger than any army you send at him, he can destroy anything and anyone.. He is not dead, not here not now." Tep began to grow in size a bit, being half the size of Husian now. His eyes were in a deep glare into Husian's eyes as they both stopped at the staircase. Husian and Tep stared at each other, "Then I guess good luck in finding him." There was a bit of silence before Husian began walking back downs the stairs as Tep followed. "I will.. we will.." Tep grumbled before looking at Husian some more, before tilting his head a bit.

"You.. Hey what are you doing?! Get off him.." Tep pointed at the cloak, "What?" Husian turned around to look at Tep, Tep pointed at Husian, "Uh.. uh, was just-.. Where did you find that piece of clothing?" Husian looked confused before looking down at his shirt and pants. Husian stared at Tep raising a brow. "Uh.. a girl I knew. Once gave me this shirt and pants" Husian proudly showed off the pieces of clothing. "Why? Got something against my clothes?" His grip on his halberd tightened as the air started to get a bit chilled the staircase was getting frosted by the cold. "What?.. Oh no.. the shirt and pants?" Husian stared confused still, nodding "Yeah? What about them?"

Tep smiled some before placing his paws together beside him, "I just liked to know where I might find some nearby? Looks like she took a lot of care in making it, so looks like high quality." Husians eyes seemed to light up, as the frost dissolved with a bright smile on his face. "Oh well she's.." as quick as the smile came it left just as face. "She's no longer with us, but we will meet someday. maybe." Husians face looked far more serious at the statement, before continued to lead the way down the stairs. Tep bit his lips some, heavily sorry that he had asked but also confused as to why the cloak couldn't be seen by him. Tep touched his bag looking at it, as he wanted to tell them but shook his head followed Husian without question staring at the cloak confused walking down the stairs.

'Shit, maybe they can't see it. So I have been wondering around all alone this whole time.. wait.. the lady seen it, so maybe?' Tep's attention kept moving from Husian, to the rooms he had ran through with Kira, Bi'en. Thinking about everything that's happened so far in this world. 'I dunno, we shouldn't be here or at least they shouldn't be here.. I need to find him and get out of here soon. If he.. either way he's coming home.' Walking behind Husian and followed him down the tree, surprised at how far he ran, feeling a bit guilty for having this old male run up all these stairs after them all. Reaching the bottom as Husian continued on before sitting down in a chair on the bottom floor with a exhausted heavy sigh. His halberd stuck to the wall hoovering slightly just in his reach. The chair was built out of leaves and a few roots tangled against each other.

Once upon a promise:// Chapter 1: Spice

The moonlight shinned down upon the waters surface reflection the moon above. A flag flapping into the wind up in the sky as the straw hat jolly roger, flew proudly on top of the Sunny. Drifting along the waters, everyone seemed to be in high spirits laughing and dancing having a good time. A rowboat was drifting along the same waters, a lone hooded figure shifted a bit from laying along the bottom of the rowboat. Hearing the banquet going on, their head lifted up from the rowboat noticing the ship. Slightly shifting to the side staring at the sunny in amusement, hearing the music. Then looking up at the top of the ship to see who was coming his way. The Jolly Roger of a skull with crossbones with a straw hat upon the tip of the skull. The pirate group known as 'The Straw hats' or also known as 'The Mugiwara Pirates' were going to sail right pass the rowboat. 'The Thousand Sunny' was a large ship made out of legendary material called Adam wood. A large yellow lion head with a sun-like mane design face sits at the front of the ship.

The Sunny was coming up close, a thin pair of fingers grip along a rope. Standing up slightly as the figure swayed a bit, unbalanced in the rowboat before catching themselves standing still watching the Sunny getting closer. Tossing the rope with a curved metal piece tied at the end of the rope at the Sunny being attached also to the rowboat. The first time missing only making it just outside of the rowboat. Panting a bit using what strength they had to quickly pull the rope back into the rowboat and quickly spun the reop around before tossing it once more as the ship continued to sail pass. It took two more tries before the piece of metal attached to Sunny's backside. The rope quickly tightened carrying the rowboat with a heavy jolt to the rowboat. Sending the figure back into the rowboat having no more strength left, passing out from exhaustion.

The rowboat followed through the night, being dragged along. As the sun washed over the water splashing along the bottom of the ship. The crew were laying in their beds from the night before sleeping soundly. In the morning, Robin was heading to her chair in the back of the ship with a book in hand. Looking out into the water seeing the colors of the sky mixing with the water's surface. Brook walked up holding a small plate and a cup of tea. "Good Morning Robin." Brook smiled, with his skeleton grin. Robin smiled back, "Good Morning, Brook." Brook tilted his head some looking over to the side pass Robin. "OH?.. What's that?" Robin stared at Brook for a moment, "Huh?" She turned around to look at what Brook was seeing. A rope was attached to Sunny's backside a rowboat violently splashing against the waves far behind them.

"That's odd, Seems we have someone that tried to board the ship and kill us in our sleep.. Or at least tried to board the ship." Robin stared out at the rowboat, as Brook sipped some of his tea calmly. "Miss... you frighten me to the bones.." Robin smiled with a soft chuckle, "It has been a while since anything has happened.. Why don't we greet our guest? Might be fun." Brook placed the tea cup down into the railing of the ship shaking as his bones rattled slightly. "That is true we haven't had a problem for a while.. G-g-greet them?! If they are trying to kill us why would we purposely bring them on the ship." Robin turned to look at Brook, "You can always go over there and see if they are friendly since you can't be hurt. If they are a threat, we can just undo the rope and let them go." Brook stared at Robin before he laughed, "Oh ho ho ho! That's true.. Than I'll go check to see if they are friendly or not then. One moment.." Brook added walking to the wall nearby, sitting down as his soul came out of his body. Soaring through the sky with a soft laugh, Robin smiled softly waiting for Brook.

 Arriving at the rowboat the hooded figure was laying unconscious and covered up some with his cloak and hood. Brook swayed around some in the air before arriving back to his body. "Someone is there but doesn't look to be in good shape either." Robin looked a little disappointed but also worried, "I'll get Chopper, think you could bring them in?" Robin asked Brook, as Brook looked down at the rope it was attached to the very back of the ship hooked to the back side of the ship. "Of course... When I do, may I see your panties?" Robin looked at Brook in a moment of silence before walking away to get Chopper not answering Brook. Brook took off his coat and placed it over the railing near his cup of tea. Looking over the railing at where the rope was attached to Sunny. Stepping over the railing, climbed along the side of the ship making his way to the rope. Brook reached the rope, outstretching his arm to grab ahold of the rope. "Just a little further."

Meanwhile Robin walked to her chair placed her book down, before turning around heading to the infirmary. It didn't take long before finding Chopper working on some medicine's to restock his supplies in the infirmary. His tongue sticking out with tears in his eyes, it was a almost as sweet as candy. His eyes turned to hearts before shaking his head some. "Too sweet.." Robin opened the door seeing Choppers expression which made her smiled softly, walking into the room, "Chopper, do you have a minute? I believe we may be having a injured guest in a moment." Robin stood near the doorway watching Chopper, Choppers eyes widened with tears, "TOO SOUR!!.. WHAT?!" Wipping his eyes some from the sour taste, jumping down from the chair. He was using and grabbing his medical duffel bag, "Take me to them! Are they heavy injured?!" He smiled happily, glad to be of help, but also thinking of scolding who had harmed the individual. Robin would lead the way as Brook was running along the waters in a panic holding onto the rope. "I'm very light! Although, I should weigh a ton."

Chopper looked at the situation his jaw slowly dropping some in a panic, looking back at Brook. Chopper changed his form to climb down the side of the ship grabbing ahold of the rope as he unhooked the rope, having a firm grip on the rope climbing back up to the top. Chopper began to slip, "Brook! What happened?! Why are you way out there?!" Multiple arms grabbed Chopper and held him against the ship helping with his grip on the ship. Choppers eyes went wide for a moment before realizing it was Robin. He continued to climb up with the help of Robins multiple arms. Chopper began pulling the rope once he was back safely, "After Robin left I.. Slipped." Brook said while his feet quickly ran along the waters surface, holding his hat with one hand as the other held onto the rope.

Brook thought back of what had happened, Brook hopped back onto the rowboat, looking down at the skinny figure in rags. He stared at it for a moment and screamed. "Z-Z-ZOMBIE!!!" Robin and Chopper eyes went wide and pale, "Zombie?!" Brook stood there holding  his cane in his hand firmly. "A-are you sure it's a zombie, maybe its just a injured old man?!" Chopper called out, Brook stared deeply at the figure. It's lips parted and coughed some with a exhausted groan. Chopper yelled out at Brook, "IT'S A INJURED OLD MAN!" Brook turned to look at Chopper, "Could still be a zombie." Chopper glared at Brook waving his arm around, "Don't you dare! Get them up here now! Doctors orders!" Brook stepped a bit into the rowboat and picked up the old man, jumped off the rowboat and back onto the Sunny.

Chopper quickly ran over to Brook with Robin behind him, "Careful, Bro-" Chopper, Brook and Robin seen a sickly tiger like creature with horns coiled and twisted around itself. His colors were mixed giving each stripe a different shade of blue. The tigers eyes opened slowly looking up at Chopper making a very faint growl. It didn't last long as their eyes closed before passing back out unable to defend himself. Choppers eyes went wide, quickly helping Brook carry this being. "BROOK QUICKLY!! ROBBBBIIINNN TELL SANJI TO MAKE LOTS OF FOOD!!" Brook and Chopper sprinted off to the infirmary. It wasn't long before they arrived at the infirmary, laying the creature upon a operating table.

Chopper, was quick with his preparations as Brook was helping Chopper. "Do you need me to help with anything Chopper?" Brook asked while standing beside the tiger. The tigers eyes opened again laying on the table. The tigers growled weakly, trying to get up their tail hanging off the side of the table. Chopper held a pill in his hooves, "Here this will help with the pain to make you more relaxed.. don't worry you're safe here." The tigers growled narrowing his eyes at Chopper his head lifted up some as the hood fell from covering his head. The tigers face was covered in a few scars, Chopper stared at him.

"Stop, I'm a doctor! Lay down please!" Chopper waved his arms around some, the tiger growled sitting up some more with his arms shaking struggling to get up. Brook placed his hands on the tigers shoulder, "Please, listen to Chopper he is a doctor. lay back down, sir." The tiger growled more looking back at Brook, staring at him before his body seemed to go all whiter seeing the skeleton walking and talking. His eyes narrowed and roared out at Brook, Chopper stared for a moment frowning. Chopper made a loud roar, turning into a giant holding the pill inches from his mouth. The tiger turned to look back at Chopper, both their eyes meet before long a scoff came from his nose turning his head taking the pill.

Chopper smiled brightly, before noticing the sedative had worked as his body began relaxing upon the table. His rags began to get wet with a red substance, Brook and Choppers eyes looked on in horror. Quickly Chopper moved what rags they had on to see what was wrong. "That's.. A lot of Damage!" Brook said in shock, "This is like trying to give Zoro treatment." Chopper said almost cheerfully, only to turn his head to look at Brook with an annoyed expression on his face. "But there is no time for that now.. we must bandage his wounds. and then go from there." Chopper said a bit worried but began bandaging all he could. Robin made her way to the kitchen, passing by Franky. "Franky, have you seen Sanji? If so, could you ask him for a lot of food to be cooked, we have a guest and hasn't eaten for a while it seems." Franky raised his brow, "Huh? a guest? Oh that's, super. I'll be sure to tell him."

Robin nodded before walking the other way than Franky. It wasn't long before everyone on the ship had heard about the guest, curiously making it over to the med bay. "So, we have a guest? I wonder if they know some magic tricks?" Usopp, began imagining what their guest looked like along side Luffy. "Ooooo maybe they have a treasure map to meat Is-" Luffy staring at Nami after he said his comment, Nami slapped Luffy's in the side. "I will not draw you a meat island!" Robin walking into the kitchen along with everybody else, Sanji cooking as was in his own world in the kitchen a spark in his eyes as he prepared meal after meal.

Zoro standing guard nearby glancing outside of the window having a feeling of uneasiness. Luffy was grabbing at the foods being made and drooling. "So what's he look like? is he a rich stud with lots of berries to spend?!" Nami said with a cheerful attitude, Robin smiled with a soft chuckle. "No he seems to be either, a zombie from Thriller Bark.. Or a member of the animal kingdom pirates.. Or some kind of hybrid of Mink or either devilfruit.. It looks a little strange." Jimbei chuckled softly, "There are many different types of people." Robin then replied " A set of horns upon its head and a tiger like body." There was a moment of silence, as everyone tried to imagine all the different kinds of designs of horned tigers.

Each one of them began talking aloud about what kind of person they will be either friend or foe. Luffy laughing some stuffing his mouth of food from the plate Sanji had given to Luffy to satisfy him for the time being. "Well as long as their nice, and have a map of meat island." Nami's eyes opened wide and began shaking, "Is he blue shaded?" She spoke out in horror, before the air became tense. Nami, Zoro, Usopp, Luffy, Sanji all were staring at Robin with eyes wide, Luffy had stopped eating taking the food from his mouth. "Tell us Robin.. Did he have blue stripes?" Luffy standing up stepping away from the table. Smoke was coming from the kitchen as Sanji stood there shaking, for a moment correcting his delay cooking a bit slower. Nami, Usopp, Luffy, Zoro all stared at intensely Robin. "Wh-well yes. How did you know?" Nami, Usopp gasped as Nami covered her mouth with a look of horror covering her face. Usopp shook his knees shook frantically as he held his arms crossed his chest, acting like nothing was happening.

Sanji's rolled up cigarette fell from his lips as his hand began to shake some, slowly legs shaking walking outside to smoke. Zoro's hands gripped the handles on his swords pulling them out quickly, a deep rage came from his eyes. "Where is he? I'll cut him up into pieces chopper won't be able to heal him from." Luffy calmly placed the food back down on the table "Zoro.. that's enough.." Luffy calmly said with a cheerful tune, sipping some water before walking over to Robin. Zoro grumbled before putting his swords away his eyes still burning. A old headband was placed upon his head, Luffy calmly looked at Robin standing in front of her. "Where is he Robin?" Luffy was serious with no other emotion but a burning fire in his eyes. He was staying calm as he could around his friends. "We need to know, where he is?" Luffy waited for a second, "Where.. where is he?" Luffy smiled brightly as his face was turning slightly red and gently placed his hands on her shoulders.

Robin looked at Luffy, almost in fear seeing the look in his eyes, and how he was talking to her. "L-Luffy.." Luffy stopped smiling and looked seriously into Robins eyes. "We need to know where he is now Robin.." Robin shook a bit glancing around for anyone else for help, her words had left her. Franky placed his cola down upon the table, "He was in bad shape when we found him, so he's in medbay... Why do you want to know? He just got here hasn't done nothing to us.." Everyone except Jimbei glared at Franky with their emotionless eyes. "We can send him back out back on his rowboat with some food and small bit of supplies, be done with it." Sanji yelled out in anger walking back into the kitchen. "I will not be feeding him, there will be no food that these hands will cook."

Sanji stood at the doorway staring at Franky, in his 'Soba Mask' suit. "SUPPLIES!? What supplies are we 'giving' away to him? I would never let him ever touch anything that's on this ship!!" Nami began to rant and rave about having to give him even an ounce of supplies. Usopp stood behind Nami, nodding to her every word with his eyes closed and his hand up to his chin. Nami gripped ahold of her Clima-Tact as it extended sparking out with a large thunderous wave of lightning, as Zues, and Apollo came from the staff. Apollo was eating some of the hot air bubbles Nami was making. "I won't give him not a thing!" Luffy stayed calm holding onto Robins shoulders being very gentle, his hand shook a bit. "I'm sorry if I scared you Robin.. But this is for the best."

Luffy stared blankly into Robins eyes, before letting go of Robin began his walk to med bay as everyone began to follow. Robin softly asked, "What do you plan on doing Luffy?" She asked while following Luffy and the others not knowing what will happen, never seen the original crew act this way before. Luffy with a emotionless expression on his face, turned his head looking back at Robin, opening his mouth to say something. Meanwhile Chopper standing over the new guests body bandaging it up the best he could. Making sure to take care in bandaging and giving him a IV for hydration. Chopper looked him over once more checking his heart rate.

Placing a small disc-shaped resonator from the stethoscope onto the tiger's chest listening to a steady pace beating of a heart. Listening as he nodded with a soft smile. "Thank goodness, you're stable. Now with a few day's of rest and food you should make a full recovery."  Chopper smile happily, but narrowed his eyes some while thinking of how he has to treat Zoro. Wondering if the same method would work on Zoro for his treatments. The resonator was still on his chest before Chopper froze for a moment as he leaned his head down a bit more, turning his focus back onto the tiger. He gulped a bit, while listening as his eyes went wide. Pulling the Stethoscope down then around his neck, staring at the tiger. ".. He's stable now, so everyone will be so excited to hear our guest's doing great!"

Chopper smiled happily and hopped down from his chair,  Looking at the Tiger his smile turned to a frown before shaking his head, walked backwards out of the room closing the door in front of himself. He turning around, blinked a bit, everyone was standing outside crowded around the door. Although something was different about Luffy, Sanji, Zoro, Nami, Usopp. There faces were of emotionless stone face staring at the door he just closed, Chopper gulped a bit and stepped back being against the door. "He-hey Guy's! You scared me ha.. Ha, Oh good new's! Our guest is stable and going to recover." Chopper chuckled nervously, smiled happily, wiggling around some, in his smaller form. "Chopper.. Get him off my ship.. Now." Luffy said in a calm and cold tone. Chopper stood shocked hearing what Luffy said. "Lu-Luffy?... B-but he needs at least 24 hours to be able to get up. It seems he ha-" Zoro and Sanji both stepped forward heading towards the door passing Luffy standing in front of everyone.

Chopper grew into a larger form guarding the door. "Luffy?! ZORO, SANJI. What's gotten into you, he still needs to recover. He's in no-" Usopp walking closer reaching out to grab Chopper, "Come on.. out of the way Chopper, yeah know these things just need to be done." Nami stood there looking a Chopper following beside Usopp. Chopper's eyes began to tear up looking at them all, "Usopp.. not you too, please everyone he is still needs time to recover!" Chopper shook a bit holding his arms out barricading the door with his body. "Usopp. Nami. Please not you too."

Chopper stood his ground, looking to "Brook, Franky Robin, Booosssss! Help please.." Franky, Brook, Jimbei and Robin stood nearby Brook and Robin walked over and stood along side Chopper. "You've all been acting differently from the moment you each found out this person was on this ship.." Robin noted, Franky nodded crossing his arms, "Once Nami found out she got this horrified look on her face, then rage when we made our way here." Jimbei nodded in agreement watching them all. "So the question is Luffy.. Are they an ally or are they an enemy? From what I can tell they are.." Jimbei stood firm watching them all from the side with Franky, "Not an ally of the Straw hat crew." Jimbei said with a serious expression on his face "I believe the rest of us should know. We are part of the crew too." Robin said crossing her arms, ready to help defend the door along with Brook and Chopper.

"Are they really an enemy Jimbei?!" Brook shouted in disbelief, Jimbei sighed sadly, "Yes, a most sad turn of events for the one in that room." Jimbei turned to face Luffy. "So. Luffy? What drives such hostility to one that can't defend themselves from an attack." Luffy's fist clench as small bits of steam start to escape. ".. If we don't now, I don't know if we'll get another chance like this." Everyone's eyes went wide as Nami, Zoro, Sanji, Usopp, Luffy started to prepare as if they were going to war. "LUFFY?! Nami? Sanji? Usopp? Zoro? We are part of the crew too tell us... Why, why is this person our enemy?!" Brook gripped his cane, standing in a fencing stance, "I don't recall reading anywhere in the library of our adventures, about someone that could bring up this much anger from each of you. I believe the rest of the crew has the right to know all of our allies and enemy's." Robin said while keeping close to Chopper, and the door as the tension was growing between them all.

Usopp and Nami looked at each other before looking at Sanji and Zoro, everyone then looked at Luffy. "Their is an enemy to the straw hats. But after we kick his ass, he won't be any more." Luffy said simply and with fire in his eyes, while staring at the door. Zoro, Sanji, Usopp and Nami all walked to the chairs and sat down waiting. Luffy looked at Chopper, "Make it 12 hours then get him off my ship.. For you Chopper. I'll let him stay for that long but not any longer.. He will get one loaf of bread and one coin. This will be our one kindness to him." Luffy turned to look at the others, "This is captains orders." Zoro, Sanji, Nami, Usopp stayed silent for a moment before grumbling shook their heads. Zoro and Sanji had their eyes were fixed on the door staring at it from their seats. 'Loaf of bread...' Sanji was in pain after a memory in a flashback. When he was a child starving at the top of that island, his last loaf of bread falling to the watery depths below.

 He grew a somewhat wicked smile he was also thinking of all the ways it could poison the bread, "Sure, I'll fix him up a lovely loaf of bread." He seemed to smile cheerfully as he stood up from his seat tapping his shoe a bit, making his way to the kitchen mumbling about all the types of bread he could make. Zoro sat in his seat staring and wondering if he could cut around everyone if he could somehow get to him without fighting the others. Brook was staring at Zoro, still holding his cane scared by the look in Zoro's eyes, but stood with his knees shaking some. Luffy smiled remembering the food he had still to eat, "SANJI!! I want more meat!" Luffy smiled and laughed softly his face shined before running upstairs following Sanji wanting more food.

Usopp stood up from his seat his hands clenched in fists walking to his workshop without saying a word to anyone. Nami and Zoro were left as Zoro stayed and glared at the door, "Chopper!" Zoro turned his attention to Chopper, Chopper jumped and gripped the door frame using his body as a shield. "Yes?!" Zoro stood up having his swords back in their sheaths, "Don't let your guard down around him, no matter what he is not to be trusted." was all he said before walking away heading to his training area. "That twelve hours starts now. After that there will be no saving him. This is not something to play with, Remember captains orders." 

Nami was the last one staring at the door from her seat listening to everyone, "... I guess you could say that the person behind that door is on our bounty board.. The navy have their list of us, but we have our own. He is the top number one, alongside from the Black beard pirates." Sitting up a bit straighter with a serious and worried look upon her face. Franky Jimbei, Brook, Robin, Chopper eyes went wide in shock but also out of worry. "What have they done so wrong that would change you guys this bad?" Franky asked, while Jimbei followed up. "To know ones enemy, if they are our enemy. Then why this much distrust in your fellow crew?! Let us know what they have done, we will not understand if you don't tell us." Nami groaned heavily and lowered her head placing the Clima-Tact away holding her head, rubbing some.

"We failed.." Nami said as tears began to drip from her eyes as she began to cry, holding her legs up to her chest resting her chin on her knees. "We failed.. Now we will never be the same." She said having a mood change as she was being swallowed up by her own thoughts. Nami's eyes stared at the floor in horror while holding her head in her hands. Staring at Nami, before Franky and Brook both began running in the direction of where Usopp walked off to. "Usopp! Wait for us, we want to know what happened." Brook asked. Jimbei and Robin were watching everyone before turning their attention to Nami, "Perhaps some nice hot tea would help." Robin and Jimbei began helping Nami up to her feet and leading her up into the kitchen.

Nami's legs were shaking as Zues and Apollo were following behind soon dissolving away into her Clima-Tact. Chopper guarded the door watching and waiting for everyone to leave before going inside locking it from inside. Stopping as he turned back into his small form, soon his eyes went wide shaking a cold chill went up his spine. 'I-I'm locked in a room with.. one of our enemies?!' He thought himself panicking almost at every slow movement he made. "Twe-Twelve hours." He looked to his desk jumping up as grabbed some bowls and beakers to make some medicine. Chopper stood on his chair thinking about if he should really help if they were an enemy.

He shook his head, 'I am a doctor first no matter who the patient is.' Mixing a blend as a vial of highly poisonous material was on the shelf as he caught himself staring at the vial. 'No.. no I'm a doctor, I heal people.. not make them sick.' Turning his attention away grabbing other vials and poured materials into the mortar grinding them up with a serious look upon his face as he worked on a way to heal up the body quicker. His mind would come up with situations of them waking up, and get along with everyone. Hoping that maybe fighting could be avoided, Chopper frowned thinking about it shaking his head to get the thoughts to go away and smacked his cheeks to focus.

 A dark garnet red left and clear blue right heterochromia eyes stared at Chopper from behind, laying on the recovery bed. Claws slowly coming out the fingertips, lifting the top half of his body up from the bed. Chopped was focused on his work to notice, a arm outstretched towards Chopper claws extended.