Monsters and Maidens //Chapter Four: What's with this brat?!

 "WHO CUT DOWN MY TREE?! I will make you pay for that! You hear me?!" Osoroth bursting through the door with her body passing through the wood of the door. Moss patches along the floorboards when she walks inside, but later dissolve into the floorboards. "S-sir. I don't know how much longer I can hold it in.." Her toes were curling up as she placed her face further in the blanket.

"He-ey what? Alright, almost done Cherat. Calm down Osoroth, what happened?" Looking at her then to Osoroth. Cherat was under him gripping the bedsheet's with her face hiding in the blanket. Osoroth stares for a moment confused at what she was seeing. "Whatever you're doing it can wait. Who cut down my tree?!"

"BITCH! I'm the one that cut your tiny ass tree!" Jane called out from the living room stomping around flipping her hair to the side. "Besides it was in my way." Osoroth tensed up before turning around running out the door. "You know how long it took me to make that beautiful tree?!"  "Well, you put it in a bad spot. So it's your fault" The door closed behind Osoroth as a fight soon began in the living room. ".. Sorry you've been holding it for a while you can release now."

Cherat's legs buckled under her as she swirled her hips trying to keep her body up. His hands caressed over her back moving along to her sides. Her mouth opened as heavy breaths forced out of her mouth. Her eyes clenching tightly as her hands gripped the bed sheet even tighter, leaning her head down biting into the corner of a pillow. "Th-Thank you, S.AH-Sir. M-more? Please?"

Hellava's a place

 A pair of green, blue overalls covered a broad frame of a body as a tie dye hoodie was being held under the overalls by the straps. The arm sleeves of the hoodie inside the front pocket of the hoodie as two thick brown boots stepped upon the brimstone of hell's badlands far from the city of hell. The hood filled with darkness showing no face or eyes being full but empty at the same time. 

Making it's way to the city day turning to a dark night as the city started to come into view stepping over a mountain top stopping for a moment staring down at the city. Stepping close to the edge looking down at how far down it went. Hopping off the ledge sliding, rolling down kicking up dirt and dust all along the way.

 At the bottom laying on it's front with it's sleeves still inside the pocket in the front of the hoodie. Pulling its arms from the pocket helping itself up dusting off the dirt and dust from it's overalls. A few rocks being spat out of the hood with a shutter.

A puff of dust came out of the hood, looking around seeing nobody at the outskirts of the city. After dusting off the clothing placed it's arm sleeves back into the hoodie pocket. Walking into the city as a body was halfway in a dumpster blood and guts were handing out of the body. Stopping next to the dumpster as the hood tilted to the side some staring at the body for a moment. 

The streetlight flickered for a moment as they headed down the alleyway away from the dumpster as the dumpster was closed fully as the mess of the body, blood was cleaned up. Walking out the other side of the alleyway near a store showing televisions playing with news of an upcoming extermination. Stopping in front of the store and watched the news, commercials.

 A commercial for an agency saying they will kill anyone for the right amount of money. The hood tilted some, watching as another commercial came on talking about a hotel to help sinners, more commercials showed.

After the commercials it turned to a show, walking away heading down the sidewalk having no interest in the show. A feminine spider limped pass coming out of a nearby alleyway passing them looking as if they had no idea where they were or how to move their body. The hood tilted to the side watching them while walking down the sidewalk, they could barely keep their legs under them.

Walking a bit faster to catch up with them before watching them fall onto the ground legs shaking and arms curling up against their body. Stepping next to them watching them shake violently, they crouched down and with sleeves outstretched scooping them up in their arms.

"Don't fucking-fuck touch me. I didn't ask for your help. you ain't getting a fe-ebie either you fua." The spiders eyes having trouble focusing trying to stared into the dark hood before their eyes glazed over rolling into the back of their head. Arms closing close to their body shivering as the drugs in their system was soon effecting them.

Still holding onto them cradling them in their arms. The spiders body was beaten bruised, coughing as a bit of blood came out trailing down side of their mouth. The smell of their body decaying filled with multiple types of drugs either someone wished a hard existence or death for the spider.

The hood shifted to the left and right looking to find a place to put them. Soon glancing back at the television thinking of the commercial's a moment ago. Carried the spider in their arms looking for the hotel, the mouth of the spider opened up with a weak faint voice. "Hh-ee-" The bottom lip quivered their eyes overflowing with tears before the light faded out of their eyes.

 The hood looked down at them soon moving over the face of the spider shadows began slowly coming out of the spiders mouth, nose. The spider shuttered and shook as the shadows were being pulled from it's body. It took an hour before making it close to the hotel it was late as a deep voice came from behind. The hood still over the spiders face taking shadows from the body.

"Hey you! What the fuck you doing to him?" A feline with wings had landed on the sidewalk growling and glaring at them. Seeing that Angel Dust was in their arms shadows of darkness being drained from their body, Husk eyes narrowed filled with rage.

"GET AWAY FROM HIM YOU SICK FUCK?! Whatever your doing to him you better get ready for an ass beating! " The hood lifted from over the face of Angel Dust, showing he was beaten bleeding from the lip and bruised along the body. Angel Dust although laid quietly resting as their chest rose and fell slowly. The spiders body curled up and moved against their chest gripping onto the hoodie with two of their hands.

Husk's words were met with silence, the hood stared at Husk before tilting to the side some. "What? You stupid or something?" Hearing Husk before recognizing him from the commercial, walking towards him without hesitation lifting Angel Dust up some offering his body to Husk.

 Only to stop in front of him holding out Angel Dust to him, Husk raised a brow taken back some confused, before taking Angel dust quickly and grunted a bit. "For being puny.. you are heavy." Husk stared at Angel Dust checking to see if he was okay, although beaten and bruised he was breathing slow his body was worn and tired sleeping heavily.

 Husk look back up towards where the other was but they were gone. Husk covered himself and Angel Dust with his wings looked around holding onto Angel Dust closely. "What have you got yourself mixed in with this time kid?" Husk shifted Angel dust to his back before making his way to the hotel cautiously watching around him in case of a another attack.

"You got some explaining to do when you wake up.." There was a moment of silence before Husk glanced to him whispering.

 "You better wake up." A hood leaned out from behind a corner of an alleyway watching the two, before walking away going in a different direction. The arm sleeves slid back into the pocket as they continued walking around the town through the night watching the activities of the residents of the city.

Arriving at the hotel Husk walked through the doors with Angel Dust on his back, Charlie was pacing back and forth in front of her board with red strings in every direction center of the billboard was a picture of Adam. 

Vaggie was out in the city looking for Angel Dust, it had been a few days since he had been seen or heard from. Sir. Pentious in his airship with his egg-boi minions searching for Angel Dust being worried about him, by the command of Charlie and Vaggie. Alastor sitting on the couch drinking tea while watching Charlie a smile across his face seemingly enjoying the display. Alastor looked over at Husk walking in with Angel Dust on his back.

"My good man I believe you have a bit of a hump on your back." He cackled some before getting up from the couch, Charlie scratching her face out of frustration looked over as her eyes began to water. "..An-Angel? what what happened?!" She asked while rushing over to Husk wanting to touch or help.

Noticing how Angel looked she began to shake with a bit of fear, but more angry as she wanted to hold or touch Angel but didn't know where she could help. "What happened? Where was he? Is he going to be okay? What happened?!" 

Husk continued his way to the stairs, Alastor placed fingertips on Charlies back, nudging her with his smile seemed to widen more. "Shouldn't you bring in the Calvary? he is home now. Once everyone is back. Wouldn't it be a good idea to hear what happened?" 

Charlie stayed near Angel Dust before turning around and pressing her face into Alastors chest crying. Alastor looked slightly surprised before his smile widened wrapping his arms around her, but before he could Charlie pulled back and walked away taking out her phone.

 "You-your right.. he's home." calling Vaggie and Sir. Pentious telling them to return to the hotel Angel Dust has been found. Husk carried Angel up to his room once in his room, Husk looked around noticing a pig.

 "Alright move over dinner slice." Husk was careful placing Angel Dust into his bed, looking down at him sleeping soundly. "Wake up for us kid.. You're home." Husk stayed in the room for a moment longer as the pig cuddled up against Angel, before glowing it's eyes at Husk protecting Angels body.

 "Hey I'm not the one that did that.. but make sure he waked up." *Charlie stepped close to the doorway and stared inside at Angel and Husk.* 

"Please tell me he will be okay.. right? Tell me who did this.." *Charlie shook clenching her hands into fists her eyes flashed a bit red trying to stay calm but slowly losing her senses, before going back to normal as Sir. Pentious and Vaggie looked into the room.

 "We got back asss fasss-." Alastor stood in the doorway interrupting Pentious opening up his arms before gesturing down stairs.

"Well isn't this a warm family get together when your ready Husker tell us what you know." Walking back downstairs as the others would soon follow. Sir Pentious told two of the egg-boi's to stand guard at the doorway and not to let anyone other than them into the room.

Two of the egg-boi's saluted Sir. Pentious and stood on either side of the door inside of the room. "NO!.. out here." Stumbling out of the room and back to the hallway standing on either side of the door the egg-boi's saluting before looking at each other as everyone left.

Vaggie closed the door behind them, as everyone headed down to the ground floor of the hotel. Husk cleaned up his wings and shoulder from Angels blood and drool. "Something's got to be done with this."

( about the upcoming extermination day standing at a board trying to figure out who had done such a thing to Angel, although she couldn't help but have her number one target being Angels boss one of the Ves Valentino. Although Husk placed a drawn picture of the hoodie wearing stranger right next to Valentino. Vaggie)

 The morning was coming as the light was shining across the tops of the buildings. 

Angel woke up groggy, but feeling refreshed without a hangover. Rubbing his head some unsure how he got back to his bedroom. A demon pig was cuddled up against Angel's side, Angel petting the head of the pig trying to remember how he got home, remembering what he had taken the night before. "How did I get back?" 

Lifting up the pig and smiled softly feeling better than he ever had. "Those must have been some of the best drug's I've had." He smiled brightly, before placing the pig back down as it wiggled around and trotted around on his bed. "Maybe, I could get some more if I feel like this!"

Thinking to himself it wasn't anything different than he had before. "Maybe.. I'm just getting used to this way of living." *chuckling softly before getting out of bed. Walking to the bathroom as he began singing, mean while as Angel Dust sang Charlie was crying and shaking with anger and fear of losing her friend.

  (took a shower then getting dressed it was a day off.) For some reason he felt happier than he had been in a long while, but his body was still sore from the work he put it through. Making his way down stairs with a bit of strut laying down on the couch with his phone in one of his hands. 

Niffty jumping out from under the cushion of the couch stabbing at a crawling bug with a knife in one hand and in the other hand a duster.

"AH! HAHA!" Laughing manically, held her knife with pride in the air on the tip of her knife a piece of leg of a bug.

 "Come back here! Hold still! Let me get the rest of you!" Her eye burning with flame narrowing down towards a bug that was missing a leg scurried along the floor. Angel glanced over and smiled "Got one huh? Good job, Niffty."

Slowly moving the knife away from him as he stood up from the couch. "Well look whose awake.. You wanna explain. What happened to you last night?" Husk asked, as Charlie runs over to Angel.

 "I'm so glad you're okay!" *Her eyes were watery crying some as Angel Dust looked unharmed his bruises were almost healed. Angel raised his brow confused, Niffty blinked staring at Angel Dust.* "You found yourself a big bad boy... I wanna big bad boy!"

Niffty jumping up and grabbing Angel Dusts shirt shaking him slightly. "Huh? I'm fine. What do you talking about?" Angel Dust tried pushing Niffty off as she still had the knife in her hand with the big leg wiggling around slapping him in the face. Vaggie pulled Niffty off of Angel Dust before she squirmed around in her grip and jumped down to the ground.

Husk cleaned a mug, with a confused look upon his face as well. "I found you in rough shape in the arms of someone.. Figured they were the ones that messed you up so much. They took off once they handed you over.." The front door opened as Vaggie yawned walking tired having a stick in her hair looking overly tired before walking over looking at Angel then to everyone else pulling the stick from her hair.

 "Ah, so your awa- hey wait what happened to your injuries? What happened to your injuries?" Angel blinked looking at himself before shrugging.* "What is everyone talking about? I feel just fine. I can take care of myself remember." Trying to remember but everything was a blur, Husk leaned against the bar counter after putting away the mug.

A loud squeal along with a explosion as Cherry bomb came running into the hotel through the hole in the wall. "HAHA! Sup bitches!" Looking at Angel Dust as her eye lite up with a wide smile, turning on the tv. "You got to see this fucking shit! It's absolutely fucking crazy!" 

She giggled some moving away from the television, the news was showing before showing a video sent to them through mysterious ways. The video was from an old camcorder, the picture was fuzzy before focusing in. A small chalkboard showed as words began going across the board with a piece of chalk.*

'Greetings!' In the background there was muffled sounds and angry thrashing as a golden chain could be seen in the background rattling back and forth wildly. 'I have a question. Are you tired? Hungry? So drugged up you forgot your name? Well do I have a deal for you... but first.'

The words disappear as the camera pans over to the golden chain as 42 angels all struggles around on the ground, in the air  mostly unharmed. Trapped, gagged & bound as their wings were all bound by the chain's, some were hanging by their wings in the air. The camera panned over back over to the chalk board

'Now that I have your attention everyone.' Words began showing once more from the chalk board* 'As you can see I am someone that keep's their word. Now let the games begin, every 3, yes 3 days one angel will be either killed'

'Or let loose depending on how we are feeling at the time. We found theses darlings during the last extermination. they seemed to like it down here soooo much to come back again and again killing us for sport, well why not just let them stay here longer.' The chalk upon the board dissolved into the board.

'Alright so what does this mean to you? You might be asking yourself. Why should I care? What's going to happen to an angel? Where are you? Can I jump in on this? and much much more, the answer.' The chalk stopped and waved no to the camera.

 'You're getting ahead of us so please wait until after the video for any questions you may have.' The chalk dissolved into the chalk board as the words continued back at the top 'Now let's get down to business. first come first serve. The first one to find us will get 1, count it again 1 deal for absolutely free, but anyone else afterwards. You guessed it will cost you your soul until we see fit to release you from any deals you wish to have.'

'Got a boss? Coworker? Spouse? You want gone. Donezo. Want the contract you have to be over? poof say no more. Anything your heart desires? Please come and let's make a deal. Want to go to heaven?' The chalk dissolved as the chalk began writing once more leaving the last line

 "Want to go to heaven?" 'It's as easy as 1  2  3.' The chalk sat down on the bottom of the chalkboard, the camera panned back over to the 42 angels all bound. 

One of the chains that tied up an angel was pulled by the chain dragging it out of camera view. The angel was struggling violently muffled screaming out of camera view. Screams continued as pieces of body parts were thrown at the other angels. The camera rocked a bit the other angels were turning their heads as some tried to hide behind other angels wings to not see. They were still clothed with armor, their weapons were nowhere to be seen.

It was loud with screams before everything went silent a few second went by before the camera panned back over to the chalkboard splattered with spots of angel blood slowly leaking down and dripping off the board. 'Come find us heaven and hell, or we may just come find you.' Small hearts soon were drawn on the chalkboard with angel blood with a stick. 'Until next time.'

The camera was turned off as the video was done. The news cast was sitting in their chairs staring at the camera. "As everyone knows the last extermination was almost two days ago, and this is the only video received at this."

 "Meaning the next video should be coming to us soon. And if it is then what the fuck are you going at ending contracts there's no way that can be done are you crazy?!" 

"and hopefully we will find out more about this group and what do they really want, who and where they are." 

"What this reporter is wondering is. How are the overlords of hell dealing with this new demon?" 

"Claiming to be able to end contracts. Could we be seeing the start of a new demon overlord in hell?" 

"This and more so keep it tuned in to 666 news for the only updates to this bizarre story."

The television was turned off as Cherry bomb was at the bar counter rummaging through the alcohol. All the overlords were watching the television, some pacing back and forth in thought. "It could be anyone, multiple demons could be one of the overlords playing tricks, going up to heaven easy? HA! As if." 

Vox at his set up going through the video over and over again trying to match up the background to any other surveillance or video he could find. "End contracts?! What are you serious?! This is priceless!" Laughter came with a lump in his throat. "I'll find you as easy as one two three."

"Maybe a four and five but I'll find you. Try and hide from me?! I am everywhere! What a fucking stupid catchphrase eck kinda."

"Kinda catchy."

"Fuck you you piece of hoax shit! Now I'm going to get it stuck in my head!" A small digital number appeared at a monitor out of his view. A Four and Five was the only numbers that appeared.

All across the hellscape the same words were being murmured. "End contracts? Go to Heaven?"

Monsters and Maidens //Chapter Five:

Lifting his arm up to touch his chest making sure not to wake anyone. His fist clenched his chest as he could feel the pain rushing and pounding in his chest. Clenching his teeth, taking slow deep breaths glancing over as Lilian was still asleep. Listening to the house as it sounded quiet another alarm called out, quickly hitting snooze. Taking one more deep breath as he shifted in bed to his side, as Rain's body was soon pressed up against his back holding onto him. Her hair over one of her eyes as she was waking up. "Are you okay?" A soft voice came from behind him. "I'll be fine." he replied quietly as he laid on his side, slowly getting out of bed as the alarm was soon sounding out once more. "You sure, you're okay?" She asked as he hit snooze again, getting up to his feet and stood in the middle of the bedroom. Putting on his clothes, "I'll be fine."  He said getting ready for work while stumbling around. Every so often his speech was mumbled and slower than normal. "I can't miss any more work." 'I can't miss work.. We need the money.'

Walking out of the bedroom heading towards the bathroom. The rest of the girls were waking up and conversing with each other in the living room. A few of the girls had noticed him, "Good morning, have a good day at work." He smiled weakly waving at them, before entering into the bathroom as one of the girls followed in behind him. "Hm?" He glanced behind him seeing Sarah holding a erasable board. "Did you need something Sarah?" He asked, Sarah shook her head and scooted past him to the toilet. "Ah, okay I'll only be in here for a minute." He said at the sink making himself ready for work. A erasable board was placed on the counter with writing on it. Glancing down at the board, 'Are you okay?' was written close together. "Yes, I'll be fine." He smiled weakly before feeling more pain in his chest.

'You sure?' He nodded after reading what she wrote, "Yes, I'll be fine. I just need to take my medicine. I'll be fine." Walking out of the bathroom heading to the kitchen as his work bag was laying on the counter. Reaching inside taking out a small container holding it in his paw for a moment, 'Take one lay down and relax.. five to ten minutes. not better go to hospital. I hate the hospital, come on.. We got to do this.' Opening up the container and looked inside some of the pills had been crushed as others were missing small pieces from them. 'Well that's not good.. Oh well.' reaching inside taking out a tiny pill that was almost fully intact. Placing it under his tongue before closing the container and placed it back into his bag as the pill fizzled under his tongue.

Walking back to the living room as he sat down in his chair and reclined back grabbing his phone from his pocket and calling his work. 'I hate calling in.. Why now? We need the money dammit.. but if we do go to the hospital. Maybe work will forgive us and not put this down as a call in. stupid of course they will its a business a company. There is no heart in a company they only want to make money.' sighing softly before breathing slowly. "I'm calling work.. So please, keep it down." There was silence after he spoke, glancing around at the girls covering their mouths as he rolled his eyes. "Smart asses." His call was answered, "HR, What can I do for you?"

A females voice came from the other side of the phone, which some of the girls scooted closer to listen in. 'Hey, this is employee number 21B. I might need to call in today, I'm currently having a heart attack. I just took my medicine so I'll have to wait till it works to know if I need to go to the hospital or not.' Was what he wanted to say, but what came out was. "Employee 21B.. calling in today.. I'm having heart attack." His words were long winded, having a hard time making the words come out right. There was silence in the living room and on the phone. "Hello? This is.. Employee" He was interrupted by the female voice on the other side. "What?.. WHY ARE YOU CALLING ME?! Call an ambulance!" Pulling the phone from his ear for a moment from the yelling, "I'm suppose to call anyway.." 

"That's-that's... True, thank you for calling. Do you need me to call an ambulance? Is there anyone you want me to call?" Her voice was caught off guard and a bit nervous. "No, I took my medicine. If it doesn't work. I'll go to the hospital." His speech wasn't improving as he was taking his time to remember how to pronounce the words correctly. 'Am I having a stroke too? dammit! speak! we know how!' Thinking to himself listening to HR. "...Alright, take it easy, when you get off the phone focus on breathing.. You took your medicine, okay. Rest, relaxing and call me back before office hours close. so I know if you're coming in or not." Leaning back and resting his head on the cushion of the chair. "Will do.. Focusing wall painting" Taking his phone from his ear and looked at the time office hours was going to be ending in a hour. 'If I leave soon I can still make it into work and not get a strike against me.' "Okay, hanging up bye." He added reaching up and rubbing his chest slowly to try an focus on breathing "Bye. I hope you feel better." Ending the call and placed his phone on the arm of the chair.

The girls in the living room were all staring and surrounding his chair. Staring at them all, "What?" Parts of his body began to tingle, feeling numb. "I took my medicine, I'll be fine, girls.." He stared at them some had tears in their eyes and had to leave the room. He turned his focus on a painting on the wall as the girls stayed nearby every so often glancing at him, his phone to check the time. 'That should be enough time..' It had been twenty minutes, moving his fingers around closing his paw into a fist then back stretched out, slightly wiggling his toes to get his blood pumping. The numbness had died down and the chest pains were almost gone. 'If we leave now we can still make it in besides the chest pain is about gone.' Lifting his phone up and calling his work once more. It was answered quickly, "HR, What can I for you?" 

"Hey this is employee number 21B, I'll be able to make it into work today." "Oh hey.. You sure? You don't need to go to the hospital?" "I'm sure" "Alright well see you at work then. take your time." "Will do." 

()

Moving his arm around a bit before sitting up, taking a deep breath. Standing up for a moment moving his arms to his side. "I'll be fine, just one more day. It'll be a day off." 

Bags and whistles Chapter 6

"You actually got to be a hero like you've always wanted, but you were amazing as a villian. You were the second top ranked villian.. Number one in your own league haha.." spitting out some water from his mouth as he talked ,  "You never did tell me why you never went for the first spot.. you could have been number one of all time. But.. it looks like you made it to the top without me. I'd say you have out shined the heroes this time, number one in my books." Tep looked at the sign moving to his side facing it before wiggling his arms around the base of the sign. 

Water began pouring out of his back, a paw became a fist, flailing his arms at the sign. Stopping for a moment before slowly laying his arms down moving back onto his back next to the sign. "I just remembered something funny.." Teps head turned looking at the sign "Remember, the first time we met? You.." Skuleth began walking over leaving deep paw imprints pressed against the muddy ground, filling with rain. Walking over his paws imprinting in the mud, as he chirped with a high pitched squeal. Tep jumped a bit, turning his head noticing the bird, quickly getting to his feet.

 "Wh-what do you want?!" Tep glared at the bird, Skuleth walked slowly straight towards him. Tep stood in the same spot before stepping away from the sign. "You know for something, I could rip apart without even using any kind of energy on you.. You have a name that isn't yours!" Tep was glaring at Skuleth, stepping a bit further away from the sign. "You know what? I don't see you fit to even keep your own feathers on your body.. You will probably die in your sleep the way you take care of yourself! You should be ashamed of yourself! You are just a copycat! A NOBODY! There is no original about you! You'll amount to anything like, SKULETH!! YOU IMPOSTOR!" Skuleth was casually walking over to him before standing in front of him. Without hesitation Skuleth lifted his head some stopping to look down at Tep. In a instant Skuleth whipping his head down smacking Tep in the head. Headbutting him firmly sending Tep smacking into the ground making an teddy bear indent in the mud. Tep stood his ground as if he couldn't get hurt, Tep had soon found himself a few inches into the mud, his body being stuck in the mud.

His legs and arms shook from the impact into the mud, Skuleth huffed. He circled around Tep's body for a moment before sitting down next to him, still in the mud trying to get unstuck. Skuleth arched his wing out Tep covering him from the rain, crouched down on all fours Tep pulled three times before finally pulling his head out from the ground. Tep shook his head some scrapping all the mud off his face. His vision was blurred from the impact looking around as colors and shapes were slowly coming back into focus. Looking up at Skuleth for a bit, pushing himself back up onto his feet. Standing once again staggering around before falling onto his fluff in the mud. "Okay.. maybe you can.. hold your own." Looking up at Skuleth watching the water splash along his feathers. "I guess.. you're off the hook this time. But I'm not calling you by that name so best we just call things even how about it? For now." Skuleth didn't look down at him before a few rain drops touched his beak, making him look up slightly.

Shaking the raindrops that were stuck in his feathers away, his wing still arched over Tep shielding him from the rain. Tep kept watching the strange bird shielding him from the rain, "Skuleth?.. Oh have you found Mr. Tep and you're shielding him from the rain.. How thoughtful Skuleth, He never warms up to outsiders so quickly." The village elder said while walking in the rain with a feathered hooded coat made up of Skuleth's feathers. Her face was glowing with joy, but of sorrow as she had recently found out Skuleth was the other one Tep was looking for. "Mr. Tep.. I heard, my apologize. we.. if we would have known we would have told you from the start.."

The elder had a black and white muzzle with red and brown highlights in fur. Her fur was cut short but keeping the hair on her head between her ears long. Her soft hazel eyes looked down into Tep's button eyes. "Please forgive us." She would slowly kneel bowing down to Tep, Tep's eyes went wide seeing her bowing to him. Jumping back up and staggered a bit before catching himself touching her shoulder, "I forgive you but this is not your fault.. it's" Lowering his head some rubbing her shoulder some, "It's not your fault at all." He said stepping away from her with his feet scooting in the mud. "It's my fault.. I sent him here."

Her head lifted some hearing Tep confess to her, he was the one to blame her tail slowly started to straighten. "..You? Sent him here?" Her voice was shaken, Tep froze as he had just turned his back to her. His head lowered some before taking a deep breath. 'I deserve this.. this.. this shall be my punishment' holding his head high before turning back around to her. "Yes... I am the one who.. sent him here.. I sent him to his death." A heavy paw grabbed ahold of Tep it was the elders paw. "Why? Why did you send him here?" Tep froze feeling the power she was holding back from her paws. Her claws eagerly kneading against him. 'How powerful is this place?! Not only the stupid bird but.. She, oh god what the hell is this place? Skuleth, how did you survive for so long?! who? which one of these.' He was snapped back into the situation noticing the elders tears rolling down her face. "WHY?! TELL MEE!! OPEN YOUR EARS! CAN YOU HEAR ME WWWHHHYY?! WHY DID YOU SEND HIM HERE?!" Her paws gripping both his shoulders shaking him every so often.

"I.." Tep's mouth opened as words were lost to him as he tried to speak. Picking him up as her arms were shaking as every muscle in her body was getting tense as the look in her eyes were was sorrow was now, something much darker "Tell me, why?! Please..." Her claws digging into his shoulders slightly as Tep flinched a bit but kept his head held high, "Tell me why? Why did you send him here? Tell me.. why did one of my baby's had to die?" She began thrashing him back and forth, shaking him violently in the air she had a fire in her eyes. "He should be in your world! If my baby isn't back home. Where is he?!" She slammed Tep back into the mud as he fell right next to his other imprint having his full body submerged into the ground.

"WHERE!?" She demanded towering over him, gripping his back and pulled him from the mud. Her body felt like it was on fire with rage and sorrow. "Why did you send him here, why isn't he back home in your world?! You're suppose to be one of his friends right so how long has he been gone and where was the last place you seen him! THAT'S JUST COMMON SENSE!" She continued yelling at him before blowing out smoke from her nose from the chill in the night air as she growled waiting for a reply for any of her many questions. "Wow! I guess you do like being manhandled by a women." Jane said while standing in the rain her wings covering her head from the rain. She held the bag as it hung over her shoulder Tep lifted up his arm some flipped Jane off, the elder kept her eyes on Tep before tossing him to the ground.

"I believe, I can answer your questions Ma'am." The elder stood up showing her full height towering over them both with the mark of death in her eyes. "And you are?" Jane's eyes went wide and began looking away some a little more nervous now. "Oh uh... I am the princess of Hell realm of the 15th order hailing by king Mus. Jane Mus it's a pleasure in finally meeting Skuleths mother." Jane gulped a bit as she looking around at the mud, slightly lowering herself in a bow. Looking at the mud unfondly, a bit of mud splattered against her leg from a mud ball that went almost near her other leg. "LILLION! STOP IT!" Jane yelled running and stumbling around trying to dodge the mud balls. Lillion cackled grabbing mud and throwing it at Jane. Lillion came running over to see the elder with a bright smile on her face. She had grown a bit older although she was still full of energy.

"Are you really burn nuggets momma?!" Lillion looked up as she smiled happily, the elder looked over at Lillion and smiled happily. Lowering herself down some as the look in her eyes changed back to a soft brown. "Oh yes, yes. I am sweetie.. You can call me, Mama Cece.. You know, my little baby?" Lillion nodded looking at the mud kicking, sliding around on the surface of the mud. "Yup! Lillion stopped suddenly looking at Skuleth sitting in the mud as he turned his head to look at her. "Giant Chicken Nuggie." Skuleth watched her as she moved his head would following as if tracking her every move. Lillion laughing happily playing around in the mud. "Friends." Rain walked with a umbrella over her head. "Lillion you were suppose to stay with Tiger..." Lillion smirked a bit and cackled laying on top of Skuleth before jumping off and played in the mud with Mama Cece. "I don't know she said something about finishing up her upgrading before she came." Lillion said making a small mud pile, Jane was trying to clean off her leg. "Ugh.. a princess of hell should not be getting muddy in a place like this.."

Rain walked towards Lillion passing by Jane, "Didn't Sir. Ludo saying something about mud bathing. But if you can't get past that how will you bath with him.. Hmmm?" Jane's face went purple as her hair caught fire turning from a warm red to a pinkish purple. "W-w-where did you hear that? What? N-no.. I-I I mean he would.. mud?" Jane staring at the mud, envisioning Ludo in a mud bath. Her hands covered her face to hide her blushing. Her flame quickly left as she froze for a moment, slowly pulling her hands away from her face her hands had been covered in mud as she was trying to take it off. "A-ah-h.. m-mud.." Mama Cece smiled softly at Lillion, "So tell me everything you know.. I wanna know how my baby was in your worlds." Tep laid in the mud not moving but stayed still staring at the mud. 'You are above me mud.. you are above me mud.' He repeated softly to himself staring off into space.

Lillion smiled softly, "I gotta story I gotta storry! Mama burnt Nuggies" Jane and Rain yelled at Lillion. "Lillion that's not her name! Show some respect!" Mama Burnt Nuggies smiled happily. "Oh I don't mind at all, hahahaha. You must be the nuggie girl, he told me about haha. Yes, I will be Mama Burnt Nuggies." Her laugh was cheerful and happy, Jane and Rain both dropped their jaws before looking at each other. "Uh.. She knows about us? Mah.." They cleared their throats, Rain softly muttering some."Mrs. Miss.. M-mama burnt nuggies." Jane interrupted Rain "Mama Cece." They both glared at each other for a moment both talking almost in sync, "We came here to hear, to find him good or bad.. We would like to share stories with you." Mama Cece smiled happily with tears in her eyes nodding quickly.

"Yes yes please.. come come this way.." Mama Cece offered a paw to Lillion as Lillion was hesitant for a moment before taking her paw. Jane and Rain followed behind quickly. "Thank you.." Mama Cece shook her head rubbing her eyes some. "No thank you.. I hoped he would return like he promise he would.." Her paw shook with anger as the other was tenderly holding Lillions paw.  "So please anything I can do or.. If maybe you could do to bring him home? or.. well your world? maybe then he could come visit his momma.." She was having trouble with her words hoping there was a chance to see him one more time, or she would have to wait for the time she passes to see him once more.

Rain would huff, "I still doubt he is dead.. since the only way he wasn't able to go home was either one. he isn't dead and somewhere alive. or two.." She went silent looking a bit uneasy and cleared her throat. "He is just not fully dead... yet so we can either heal him or... Well finish him off so he can come back." Mama Cece stopped and turned her head slowly staring at both Jane and Rain. "You girls.. lovely as you are. Harm even one hair on his head if he is alive. I will rip you apart right then and there.. if I don't get to him first." She turned back around her face lit up with a smile and laughing, Lillion had drawn a rock in the mud with her stick, showing Mama Burnt Nuggies. "Oh that's very good, very good."

Bags and whistles Chapter 7

Walking to a tree showing Lillion around the area. Jane and Rain stood frozen in fear, Tep finally stood up and woddled his way silently following the others. Passing by Rain and Jane, "You don't want to get lost here.. better follow them." Tep said softly, Rain and Jane gulped a bit. "Ooooh this is going to be fun" Rain smile happily, but terrified as her umbrella shook a bit. "We.. will be fine if we die here right?" Jane with a piece of mud on her chin turned to Rain asking before turning her attention to Tep. "How should I know?" Rain whispered back to Jane, both quickly followed behind Tep. "Why are you wearing that? Tep.. Why are you wearing that?" Rain asked, Tep looked back then at his body before nodded. "Cause this is a place, I should have came here like I should have.." Tep lowered his head sulking his way dragging mud along behind him. Skuleth was sitting calmly in the rain, watched the whole event happen, his one side of his beak shifted into a smile only for a moment before going back to normal. He stood up stretching out his legs only opening up his wings slightly. After stretching he began walking around the village patrolling around through the woodlands. The cloak hung around watching from above lifting itself off and flowed up into the air.))

Tep cleaned himself off standing outside of the large tree home. Lilion and Mama Cece had entered into the large home as Rain and Jane panted a bit feeling the umbrella had done little for Rain, as Jane was covered in mud from head to toe her body trembling with rage and disgust. Rain stepped inside of the home after wiping her boots off by the door. "I'm sorry for the mud.. Lily get over here and get cleaned up.." Lilion was covered with mud laughing enjoying herself before noticing all the mud she had tracked into the house. Looking at how dirty she was and had gotten things dirty groaning some, "oh right ..s-sorry Mama burnt Nuggie. I made a mess in your house.. I'll clean it up." Lowering her head, as she tried to walk in the same spots to not track more mud around. Rain opened the bag when Lilion came near reaching her hand inside of the bag. Lilion pulled out a broom and some cleaning supplies and began working on the mud she had tracked inside as she did her body was being cleaned with small bubbles swirling around her body.

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.