Dragon tree Chapter one: Podding me? (Wip)

"Remember this a story."

"Long ago, when dragons roamed from realm to realm through secret methods, migrating from place to place."

"Only places they found worthy would they, stop and rest upon the land. Giving the land they took rest on, amazing gift's for their joy."

"One thing that seemed to always draw them to a place, was a tree. The dragon tree of course is what I'm speaking of, a tree of amazing wonders."

"What makes it draw them in? They only come to life every few hundred decades or so and dragon tree's they say used to be all over the realms as were dragons scattered around living with those that had them. Now, they are in great decline. Almost none."

"What happened to the dragon tree's? If there is still a dragon tree upon this planet. What happened to it?"

 The window fogging up slightly from the steam of a hot brew, pausing for a moment to take a sip from a mug steam slowly coming from the liquid. Letting out a soft sigh from a worn, but hopeful grin looking down at the mug. "I don't know if, I have one myself sadly. Since, I don't own the land nor the home, I reside in."

His attention was turned back to the window a single tree growing in the back yard near the back end of the land, with a mount of grass clippings near the base of the tree. "I don't know what tree it is, and I don't want to know.. but if it grows into a dragon tree and dragons come to see..." Pausing a moment again as he hung his head some looking down at the lowest part of the window frame. "Well not mine.. but to see if the tree is worth coming and taking a rest in the yard, would be fine with me." Chuckling lightly taking another sip from his mug, looking back out the window, "Being careful of the house's of course, I don't want them to get hurt or to hurt the neighbors... but to see dragons resting in your yard, would look amazing, I would think.." Grinning happily at the images of the different kinds of dragons there would be, and where they would find the most fitting for each of them that came. 

"maybe scary.. but still cool no matter what type of dragon it would be.. If this was my land I would make sure they had a safe place to rest." Glancing at you and smiled softly. "I know childish but.. it is still a cool though. Although I would hope they were nice dragons that wont eat me or hurt the house but just to chill with them. Even for a few moments before they would disappear where ever they may go. Would be amazing to me." Lifting my drink up to my lips sipping slowly while looking out at the backyard. Looking around gesturing to the outside near the side of the property line, "Like a sea dragon could lay right there it is usually muddy so it could be like a water, earth bed. A type of place for it.. and maybe a fire dragon could coil up around the burn barrels for warmth." Glancing out another window in the wide room. "and maybe a bit of a snack for it having ash and maybe when I burn they would want to help with making it fire up." Smiling as he turned his attention back to the backyard  gesturing to more and more spots, each dragon could be on or around. "But at the end of it all it's up to them." Sighing some, "Although if I get some toxic dragons or parasitic dragons, I might have to get some special equipment to make sure they are resting safely. and everyone would be safe." Smiling happily with a chuckle drawing a long sigh, "But hey that just means my dragon tree was so good it made them notice it and so I call it a special 5 star dragon tree with rare and awesome dragons." laughing some at the thought, "But I'm sure the shrine would like to have more gods and goddess's demons devils spirits and all other being of the supernatural visiting it." Lifting his mug up and pointed over to the mount of grass clippings and branches. A bit of a compost pile mixed in with the grass clippings. "It's been here before I got here, so I like to think of it as a shrine the best shrine amongst shrines. Of course it isn't fancy and it doesn't really resemble a shrine, but I like to think that a shrine is a shrine no matter what it looks like. I'm the keeper of this shrine, but I guess all shrines have a meaning to them and to whatever deity and such those keep it worship. I don't have any specific deity so I guess my shrine is where any and all are welcome. I only have a few rules. No fighting in this house or on this land you want to fight you do it away from here where you don't break anything. If two deities have beef here is safe ground for them to be neutral. No matter who you are, or what you are. Your welcome to my shrine.. of course I'm not immortal and I can not make anything or anyone do anything. I am mortal and these are my rules, when I pass to where ever I may be taken to. Everyone can continue to come and enjoy themselves in this safe place for all. All I ask is to, please behave and relax. This is a place of being safe and relaxation, if your relaxation is to destroy something you may do so, but I would kindly ask for it to be repaired if you do the damage. I will do, what I can for the shrine and dragon tree, I am not good at taking care of others. I seem to always do something wrong, but I will do what I can." Pausing for a moment in thought thinking of all the deities and other worldly beings he knew of, "Beings like medusa, they would be safe here.. Ya know? Even if she turned me to stone hah. long as she was happy and comfortable. Knowing she was safe here that would be enough for me.. haha long as she doesn't kill me, I think we would be good too" Laughing a bit, taking a sip from his drink and a heavy sigh came from his throat. "You know I had a dream I found a dragon egg over there between the shrine and the dragon tree." Chuckled softly with a small smile, "It of course looked different than it does now, it was while they were passing over us migrating. One of their eggs had fallen and landed in the cushion of the shrine." Chuckled softly and smiled. "Of course I didn't notice until a while after I felt the thud.. haha.. I walked outside and just so happened to go out to the back yard and there it was the shrine looked like it was blanketing it." Leaning to one side against the window frame looking at the shrine, "It was a beautiful egg, and I don't say that word much and when I do say it I mean it. It looked like something out of a dream." chuckled to himself as it was a dream, "Even if it was a dream.. it had markings and writing all over it, which was cool but the markings kept moving around although the egg stayed still under the grass clippings, compost. Of course this is where my dream went sideways as it went multiple ways... but each one I'd do again haha." chuckling a bit with a soft smile, before looking down at the drink in his mug was gone. "Ahe.. Looks like I'm out. Oh well." Looking back at the tree and shrine holding his mug with both his hands, "I know my offerings aren't plentiful. I can only give grass clippings and compost. I don't really have much else to give, besides who made the rules it had to be this or that?" Looking back down at his mug noticing the small drop sized liquid in his mug still. "It's my shrine I'll offer what I want.. but I'm sure it would love to have fresh everything, and taken care of or build into a large building and be fancy.." "I just can't do that for the shrine or the dragon tree, but then again it's not mine so.. well right now, maybe one day I'll make something of the shrine and build it into a better shrine haha.." Heavily sighing loosening his grip on his mug, "or maybe just build a shed out there so, I can smoke some weed with the gods and goddess too. If they smoke as well, if not that's fine at the shrine we can do smoking and non smoking haha." Leaning his head against the window, "Ladies of the Galaxy, goddess's of all things no matter your species type or build.. please don't fall for me.." laughed a bit, "Like they would.." Rolling his eyes at himself, "Anyway all beings are safe here.. although any snake or spider deities male or female please announce your presence to me so I will not attack you." shuttered some. "I just..." holds breath some and gestures all around. "I would need time to compose myself to both greet and see what it would be you wished of me. If it were just to tell me that you will be at the shrine for how ever many days etc.. or in the house.. please give ahead notice if you plan on being in the house. So I will not attack.." Taking a deep breath for a moment, "But otherwise I would hope and wish everyone got to enjoy their stay. Oh I guess that would have to be a rule too huh? If I need to go to work, please do not harm my truck. I need that to keep working to stay here in this home." Looking at the window frame before turning around full, a small empty room with a few foldable chairs and a small toolbox next to one that was unfolded. "It's also my home, out of curtesy I would not go around your homes and trash the place or break anything. Although I am clumsy sometimes so, my apologies if I do break anything in anyone else's homes." Walking away from the window. down the hallway out of the room. The walls were bare with few posters and pictures hanging from them. Into the living room a incense burning as the smoke slowly swirled up into the air. "I don't think me, the tree or shrine is worthy yet, but maybe one day we will be. I'm not sure when the last dragon tree was grown here on this planet, but I'm sure even if one did grow they wouldn't come here.. With all the destruction and fighting it seemed to bring.. Why are we always fighting everything? Goblins, ghouls, ghosts, banshee's, vampires, werewolves, gods goddess's, devils, demons, etc.. All are welcome here, I don't see in black and white, I guess. black people white people I don't care, everyone's a person and everyone has choices either be good or be bad, do good or do bad, men, women other it doesn't matter to me. Long as your good to me. I'll be good to you, plain and simple. Yes, there have been those that have wronged me and I am still good to them.. It's my choice to be good to them, could I be mean or bad to them." Walking past the incense burner and waved his fingers around the smoke, making it dance around each of his fingers before moving his hand away. "Yes.. I could, some say I should but I don't want to." Moving away from the incense burner and into the kitchen. "It's that simple. But when that straw breaks the back that carries the world on it's shoulders. Heavens will shake, and Hells will tremble when that happens. Nobody.. will be safe then.." Walking to the counter with mug in hand, placed it near the coffee maker, waiting for the next pot of tea to get done brewing. Watching as it bubbled, "Finding peace somewhere called home is an amazing thing and I know too many people who take that for granted.. How I wish I could build my home and call it my own. renting is good and all but to be able to say. Hey I got this.. this is mine.." smiled happily, "Would be amazing.. I cried a full week when I got this house and said.. 'I'm home' for the first time and it felt like home.. someplace I belonged.. my own place to be at peace and I wouldn't have to worry about where I was going to sleep or where I could go store food.. ha here I do it here and its not fully mine but I get to stay here. So I want everyone that's a fairytale creature or mythical beings, gods & goddesses, demons & demonesses any and all being or not that this is my safe place, and I am offering it to them as well if they so wished to join me. Its not much and I am not rich by any means and I can't really do anything for them, but its a safe place to rest and hide out if they wanted to. just don't destroy my home please. also please reframe from trying to turn me into one of the undead or whatever. I rather not .. at this time. Thank you." Smiled some as his head hung low touching the counter slowly feeling the soft and hard surfaces. "Sounds a bit. Crazy. huh? Not to me thou. If by chance a supernatural being came here for a safe place. I highly doubt my rules would mean anything to them. They would still be welcome to stay for a time before leaving. with myself and whoever may live with me at the time still alive and well."

The pot of tea steamed up, as he looked down and watched it bubble. A small pipe carried water from one end to the other in small squirts. Damping the ground up and packaged herbs slowly overflowing into the pot, mug at the same time. Once the mug was full the coffeemaker turned off, leaving the pot full of tea. "Coffeemakermon used tea attack, it's super effective." He said with a chuckle, placing a small spoon of sugar and stirred it into the tea. "I say dragon tree, it has a name.. But I can't say it properly so I will not butcher it out of respect of those that gave it such a name." Lifting up the mug taking a sip. "Hmm.. that's good stuff alright heh.. best I can do." Stepping away from the counter and held onto his stomach with a grunt. "Uh.. okay ow.. okay, you're okay." placing the mug back on the counter quickly. Breathing slowly holding his stomach, "You're okay.. you're okay.." Softly saying out loud to himself before taking a deep breath, standing back up slowly. "Okay.. see you're okay.." Shaking his arms some, "alright.." before taking the mug into his hand once again with a soft breath. Sipping the tea leaning his nose over the mug to smell the aroma of the tea. "Hmm.. I might get this again." Sipping some more of the tea before putting it down on the counter. Grabbing the broom and started sweeping, each room, sweeping up the dirt and dust into a spot in front of the walkway to the side door. Only taking a break to take a drink from the mug. "Almost.. done.." He said each time taking a breath before going back to cleaning the house. Kitchen, living room, then the bathroom lastly both of the bedrooms. Leaving his bedroom last as the other room was right next door. The room had a good view of the shrine, tree. . Sitting down in his folding chair, looking out the window up at the stars in the sky. "I guess the day goes by being a busy bee.. ha." sighed softly while staring up at the moon. "Oh sweetie your looking lovely tonight." Scooting his chair up a bit to the window. "I know others say it, but you are always so beautiful. No matter what you will always shine the brightest." Softly smiled leaning back in his chair before falling asleep

Only jolting awake looking around as he quickly grabbed ahold of his chair. "Oh.. I'm home, I'm home it's okay." Looking up seeing the moon had past a distance from the position he last seen it. "I guess, its late huh.. Well I'm going to head to bed now.. sweet dreams, be safe moon sweetie, Shrine and dragon tree.. Sweet dreams and stay safe, your keeper is going to lay down." Standing up from the chair taking a few steps from the chair, stumbled a bit to his bedroom. Taking a few steps into his room, closing the door behind him, stumbling over falling to the floor. Landing against a mattress laying upon the ground under him. The mattress was a queen size memory foam air mattress. A side of it held a imprint of a body.  "They'll be here tomorrow." He groaned to himself, his body laying limp in the bed before passing out from exhaustion. The loud ringing of an alarm echoed through the room. Reaching over and calmly dismissed the alarm sitting up from the bed now laying upside down wrapped up in the blanket. Sitting up his head popped out from wrapped around the bed covers. "That's what happens when you dream you're a goffer." Tossing his bed covers off of him, before standing up still wearing the clothing he had on the previous day. Dusting off his hoodie with a tye-dye touching all around the hoodie, slipping on a baggy pair of swimming trunks adjusting himself a bit before walking out of his room. Slipping on his slippers along the way, from the bedroom to the hallway. "Got an hour or so before they get here I suppose I should get something to eat and drink for breakfast." His ear twitched a bit hearing a car door close, his body froze for a moment listening around as he could hear the footsteps walking along the property. His eye opened up wide, 'You're not suppose to be here yet.' His eyebrow raised some walking over to the side door, following their footsteps with his eyes. A knock at the door as he was soon in front of the door opening it up. "Yeah?" He asked as three teens with an adult jumped back against the truck in the carport. "Oh jes- we're here to start setting up for the interview." He nodded, "Alright well we will be having it in the backyard." Leaning against the frame some looking down at them at the bottom of the stairs. "Oh, Uh well we were informed it would-" "It will be taking outside, it is a nice day so why not." "Well we can't-" "Yes you can, cause its happening out back. If not then looks like my day opened up to relax." Waiting for a moment looking at them all looking at each other confused as to what to do. "I'd probably reschedule then, and get in touch with your supervisor's or someone whose in charge.. tell them the news and then communicate them them." The cameraman groaned looking at the others, "I don't have their numbers." One of the old females, "It's just outside what's the big deal? outsides fine." She said looking around at the others. "Right?" The group mumbled some, turned around to the vehicle and began taking out their equipment for outdoor interviews. 

()

("You don't choose a dragon tree it chooses who what when where how. One tree can bloom from the second year, it's rare to find/grow a dragon tree that only blooms when a dragon is nearby. A dragon tree's trunk is hardened through surviving the environment it grows in. The bark if taken off will grow back within a few days, it's bark is durable and flexible. The lifespan of a dragon tree depends on the environment some live from two to one hundred plus years. A relative of the dragon tree is the Cinnamomic Camphor tree outstretching its branched protecting the area under it. One seed from a tree can, but rare sprout more than four tree's. Although each seed has a possibility of becoming a dragon tree. (There is no guarantee.) The seeds come from small pods along the top of the tree. A single pod holds up to three seeds, each seed is coated in a gel-like substance. Which once the pod is read it can either (Fall to the ground digging itself up to five foot into the ground) or the pod launches the seeds up into the air sending them miles away. The gel like substance is thick, hard like armor with nutrients that it needs to grow. A pod can produce seeds every three years the pods that fall from the tree are done producing seeds as they fall with the last seeds it has. As long as the tree is healthy, pods will continue to grown back within a year of the last pod that fall from the tree. Some trees have fruit that grows along each branch the fruit comes in three different colors each having its own taste. The fruit is harmless to consume but has a lot of perks consuming one fruit once a week.")

(End)

Gripping the back of the foldable chair and picked it up, folding in on itself as it was being lifted. Pulling it over his shoulder before turning around and headed back outside to see the fireworks.  Noticing the time as the fireworks could still be heard all around, "Got a few before the big stuff begins." Exiting the house from the side door, then headed to the middle of the backyard. Looking around looking at the tree and shrine. "Imma sit right here and watch the fireworks with ya." He said softly before unfolding the chair putting his drink in the cup holder. Stepping in front of the chair before sitting down slowly. Leaning his head back slightly, while looking at the full moon. A soft smile comes across his face, "Well hello, up there beautiful. it's good to see you again sorry I haven't been around much work has been keeping me busy." Staring up at the moon and frowned, "No.. just couldn't bring myself to come out here and look at you like a nightly reward from all the day brings." leaning his head back letting the back of the chair hold his neck. A few fireworks began going off in the distance, some getting high up into the sky. Glancing at the sudden lights and colors, "... Would you like to watch the fireworks with me?" Asking the moon, then looked to his side. Staring at the tree as the branches and leaves lite up from the moonlight. "..." His jaw dropping a bit as a smile crossed his face as his eyes began to water. "Dragon tree..." The wind blew the branches on it tussling the leaves, as the edged of the leaves glowed. Each branch looked as if it were a dragon roaring out in the fireworks display in the sky with the moons light shinning down on the tree. "Dragon tree.. You are so beautiful.." Tears were slowly dripping from his eyes as he sat up. "It.. dragon tree.." almost in disbelief with a large smile on his face he began dancing around. "OOOooo come on.. Yes yeah got a dragon tree hell ya.." Looking away for a moment while dancing around in a circle before looking back at the tree as it wasn't glowing anymore. ",,no.. I.. did I do something wrong?" Stopping himself from dancing before as he rubbed his face some. "..Was just seeing things again..." His smile disappeared quickly before sitting back down in his chair. Looking back up at the moon, "Sorry.. I got excited, thank you though for the little bit of happiness." smiled softly, looking back over at the tree waving softly in the wind. "That was really cool though." Leaning back in the seat having his head rest on the back of the chair. Noticing the fireworks had slowly began to stop.

"I guess, its over." His eyes closed, still wet with the happy tears a single sad tear fell rolling down his cheek. Rolling down his beard weaving in and out of his beard hair only to land atop of his shirt.

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.

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.

Bags and whistles Chapter 3

 Sleeping deeply, for fourteen days and thirteen nights unmoving from where he had fallen asleep. Slowly lifting his head with a annoyed grumble of a roar shaking the whole room, only to yawn out smacking his lips together and looked around with his head raised. Slightly in a daze, "Huh?.. Where am I?" Looking around and then noticing the chest he was holding. "Oh right.. must have fallen asleep.." Wiping the small bit of drool from his mouth.

Looking up at the ceiling and then back at the ground. "... I have no way of telling time.. Welp, that's going to be fun." Stretching out his body some as he began walking around. "Welp, this is going to suck.. good thing, I came prepared." Taking out a deck of cards from his back pocket, the cards were written in a different language as he began playing with them. He also pulled out some dice and began using the dice and cards in a game. Some time later hanging from the ceiling with his claws digging into the stone.

"Fourteen bald people all making a light beacon off their heads!" He sang in a bored and tired tone on purpose out of tune. "Waiting for a hero to come and saaaave them." Slowly swaying his arms out stretched dangling freely before letting go of the ceiling. Smacking into the ground with a thud kicking up dust around him. A pressure plate was pressed with the weight of the base of his tail. A trap was activated sending multiple needle like blades over the length of his body from both walls. His eyes sprung open as the blades flew over his body, laying froze for a second before his horns coiled back as he smiled, surprised and amazed at the trap, "oh? Oh!? OOOOOOHOHOHOH!!"

Laughing to himself as he began scurrying around on the ground feeling around for more pressure plates and traps along the floor. "Okay let's see how you work we will need more for those hero's." Cackling with glee as his devilish mind. Using the same pressure plate he began taking it apart, and seeing how it worked. He had forgotten about the heroes and everything he had to do while in the room. His focus was on the traps and how to set them up and make them better. He hadn't eaten or drank any of the food that was stored for him. Only when one of his own traps went off smacking him in the head with a heavy hammer did he stumble around.

Rubbing his head a bit, before seeing the chest. "Oh right.. how long have I been here?" He asked himself marking another daily mark, unsure of the actual time. Walking slowly around grabbing some of his rations, but his paw felt nothing. Opening up his ration box, "Oh.. it's been that long huh?... How long has it been since we've eaten?" Looking at his paws as they were thinner than they had been in a long time. "Ha.. look at that, we failed again I guess.." He said softly before leaning his back against the wall, all his traps he had done were complete and were ready to go off at any moment. His body barley keeping the overalls up. "Ha.. it was a trap.. that's right keep the evil guy out of the picture.. good will win when evil is gone."

 He lowered his head putting his claws over his face. "I haven't done anything to anyone.. everything I do fails, I'm not a good guy and I have to be a bad guy." His eyes were getting heavy, "I wonder, if the girls got who they love?.. lilone better take her baths, haha be nice and clean ha.. Everyone better be doing okay.." He thought of everyone he ever been around and with for a moment, thinking back on his memories with them. He even smiled and laughed alone, he had finally fit in somewhere but like a rude awakening as they all left barely coming by anymore. Happy memories turning to the unpleasant endings all those that he ever come in contact with. Scratching his face out of frustration cutting into his scales.

 His blood began to boil with rage cutting into himself. "Don't hurt nobody." Looking at his claws then touching his head some looking at the piece of scaled flesh, cut from his forehead. "... I am the evil one.. This is what I deserve.." He blinked a bit as he took a deep breath. "Tep... Did you sell me out? Why did you betray me?" He sniffled some, his paws holding his head, "I.. Thought we were friends?.. I put on not scary clothing. I can't help it, I'm sorry." He said to himself as his eyes began to water feeling very tired as his body leaned heavily on the wall.

Chuckling softly, "Soon as I'm done with this job.. I'm going on vacation to my home for a very long time.. haha.." Taking another slow breath holding his chin a bit. "At least I had a place called home.. by the looks of things, I have already lost my place, and maybe more of the sanity I once had right?" Sighing softly. "Ugh.. I think I give the job a D+ no gold stars or even a ribbon for it. heh, I'll Lousie the hell out of the job review." Looking at the piece of himself before tossing it into his mouth as he began chewing.

"Ugh.. This is what I taste like this time?.. eh not bad could use some.. heh sauce." Moving claws down to his lips, four slender but worm like creatures come out of his mouth soaking up the blood from his claws to his palm. A saliva trail covered his claws as he rubbed it against his head as he growled in pain. Repeating this process for a second time as the wounds slowly healed up. "Welp, here I am.. back to square one.." Looking at his body, "I guess I've been kinda out of it for a while.." Blinking his eyes like it was the first time in a long time he had used them. "Oh.. I guess since I failed being a good guy.. I am curious since its been so long.."

Glancing up at the ceiling. "I think I can make a way out.. I don't think were too deep." Getting his balance making sure to lean against the wall. "I'm taking a shortcut, Tep sorry and if you ever do come.. visit.. I will be the last one you will ever want to see.." Pointing to the ceiling, "Hey you.. out my way." Part of the ceiling gives way immediately coning out as light can be seen from up above. "Oh.. thank you.." Stepping out over rocks and dirt, "Oh, I hope. They have something good to eat, I'm hungry."

Day unknown year unknown

The chest was covered in cobwebs still closed, the door was sealed shut as it was from the beginning. Cobwebs coating the ceiling and walls, droplets of water came from the ceiling near the door. The sound of water dropping echoed all around the room with each drop. Days turned to weeks, weeks to months to years. It seemed endless time changing but the room stayed the same slowly the chest began to rust. along with the door as the moisture was growing slightly, more water dropping down until a steady stream was falling down into the room. The lock rusted into the chest, wielding itself against the chest.

 The water making the ceiling cave in on itself, a rush of water came from the ceiling above. The chest remained on the platform high enough away from the water. A leather bag fell from the ceiling only to splash down into the water and floated up tot he surface. Tep bursts out of the leather bag in his teddy bear form and waved his arms. "You did it! Congrats!!" Opening up his eyes and began looking around. "See.. what happens when.." staring around at the disorder, condition of the room as his jaw drops to inside of the leather bag. "WHAT HAPPENED YOU WERE JUST SUPPOSE TO WAIT!!" Looking around noticing he was alone, "Skuleth? where'd you go?" Looking up at the opening, in the ceiling.

"Oh .. that's not good." Noticing the chest hadn't been touched. ".. Hey no no.. no." Looking down over the bag seeing that there was a large amount of water. "What happened here?" Confused patting the bag some as it began to slither along the surface of the water then climbing up onto the platform. ".. alright that's better I guess.." lifting his arm up walking around the platform while looking around the room a bit more before smacking the chest with his paw. "Hey you in there?! Anyone home?!" Smacking the chest some more with each strike the chest budged just a bit.

He grunted a bit leaning his head against the chest. A trap was set off by the leather bag stepping forward towards the chest, on its way to follow Tep. A spear came soaring from the wall, towards the chest and Tep. The spear went right over the chest and snapped once it hit the wall. Lifting his head up from the ches looking at the broken spear. "Hmm, I don't remember that trap being there.." Lowering himself back down on the floor as he looked around. "What did you do to this place while you were here?" Grumbled some, "The job was to help the hearo's... Not to Kill them!" Gripping one side of the chest as it began to crack, quickly letting go. "oops.. fragile excuse me so he's not here.. but why didn't the hero's come? I don't get it."

Rubbing his head some in thought "Well I was going to congratulate you for helping the Hero's.. but they never showed.. did they?" A moment of silence before looking around at the carnage his head hung low, glancing over at the chest "I guess.. I should at least put all this to use, or put it back." stepping back a bit, walked around the chest to the lock. Staring at it for a moment. "Oh." His paws reached over taking the lock as it broke into pieces in his paws. Lifting the lid of the chest which snapped some and creaked open. Inside was gold jewels as Tep looked inside and began taking out the contents of the chest, placing them into the leather bag that waddled itself over to Tep.

Reaching near the bottom noticing a cloak laying neatly under all the gold and jewels. Looking down at the cloak, "Oh. I'm sorry, didn't realize someone else was already here." Staring at the cloak confused, 'Should have double checked the work order.' he mumbled to himself. "Wait there, I'll get you out in a Jiffy!" He would say using his paws to quickly take out everything on top of the cloak in a rapid pace. Its hood would shift and wiggle around some soon, The leather bag jumping left to right catching everything he was tossing out. The cloak lifted itself up from the chest stretching out its stitches. The fabrics on the cloak stretched out almost covering around the whole room, before shrinking back down into a small cloak that had twenty four small empty slots making a design along the inside of the cloak, as well as two small pockets on the outside.

Tep watched, stunned for a moment as his jaw dropped a bit. "Sorry, the job was a flop, what's your name? Where you here before? Do you know what happened to Skuleth?" he asked as the cloak floated up around in the air looking around the room. "Like I said.. Job was a flop.. Hey! Are you listening to me?" Tep watched the cloak, "Its probably changed a lot since last you seen it, don't worry we ca-" He stopped himself seeing the cloak floating out of the room through the ceiling. "HEY! I'm talking! wah'wait! It's dangerous!" Tep ran to the edge of the platform and jumped as the bag was rolling quickly and scooped up Tep while he was running. "Hey! GET BACK HERE?!!" He shouted the bag bouncing off the waters surface and began flying up following behind the cloak., "STOP! STAY!... SIT?!"

The cloak was fast shooting out of the narrow ways only to come out our of a mountain side. Tep quickly looked around at ground level before the bag flew up higher into the sky. "Where? Where!?" He kept softly repeating to himself, frantically looking for the cloak in this world. Flying up higher as he looked over the edge of the bag, "Where? Oh please where?!" he muttered. Soon seeing the cloak coming out of a lake and flopped a bit on the ground. Tep sighed heavily. "Oh thank. The stuffing stuffers." Lowering down to the lakeside the bag landed on the ground as Tep stepped out of the bag. "If you wanted to take a dip, I know this fountain does wonders for the stitches."

He chuckled some seeing the cloak as it looked larger than before, "You may need to cut back on the extra water.. Or did you catch something?" The cloak opened up as water spilled out along with a child. Teps button eyes went wide, staring in shock and horror as his jaw drops. "Oh.." quickly running over to the child checking if it was still breathing. "Oh sh...tuffing.." Saying in a panic, "Their alive okay we're safe.. come on lets go before it wakes up." closing his mouth and looked around before climbing back into his bag.

Bags and whistles Chapter 2

Skuleth huffed and leaned back looking at the gift, reading the note turning away with a grumble but a somewhat smile coming across his face. 

"Ugh, fine. I'll do it." He rubbed his head some before, taking the slip in-between his claws.

 "Go, now come back home.. 

sooner." Twisting the slip between his fingers in deep thought. 'I could just go in and rampage around before going back to the spot.. 

might bring in some ext-wait.. 

its one of his kinds job. How can I do this better than him? This smells like a trap all of it does.' Staring at the slip before lifting his head from the table then stood up trying to think like Tep. "Good guy stuff.. 

The hell would they need? them?..

 it, they, them, whatever doesn't matter."

Walking out of the room and to the hallway passing by his reflection as he looked at himself. "Good guy..

 stuff, I'm not the good guy." His reflection deforms once his eyes locked, closing his eyes walking away moving into a small room enough to have a bed a soft pelted blanket with soft furs. Near the bed a beaded closet with very few clothing options as one hung on a hanger still new and untouched.

 Looking at the clothing, lightly touched it with his claw feeling the softness of the fabric. "One day, I'll maybe try you on and look good too... 

Maybe when I'm worth trying you on." His claw accidently cut a hole in a sleeve. "No-Nh.. 

okay sorry, sorry." Quickly taking his claws away from it, before carefully moving them out of the way. Taking a hold of a pair of overalls of silver and dark green designs all along the sides.

"This will do.. 

besides comfortable.,

 and many pockets haha." Chuckling to himself while posing in front of his closet without a mirror to show how he looked, back to himself. "..Well at least this outfit should allow me to blend in if there are any agriculture prospects around, well what do you think?" He asked looking at the beads, as they blew softly towards him. "Heh..

 thanks, I know it probably looks foolish.. 

but how else do I not frighten others away?" Exiting out of his room and passed by the mirror once more stopping for a moment in thought looking at the mirror behind him.

"... Do I look approachable?.. " not able to see his reflection before looking down at the ground. Walking to the front door, stopping at the moss curtains as he turned his head to the side as he looked down at a stump cut out with moss covering under and all around the stump. "... I'm going to work, be good. I don't know when I'll be back. So stay alive till then, okay?" He said leaving his home through the moss curtains a wall of murky water stood in his way. Walking along the bottom of the swamp heading back to Naconorton, stepping out of the swamp and continued along the pathway his mind in deep thought as he walked alone with the slip in-between his fingers gripping it tightly. Reaching the entrance to Naconorton his eyes went down to the ground, taking a slow and deep breath.

Walking through the middle of town keeping his eyes on the ground, only glancing up every once in a while. To keep track of where he was going, "Skuleth!" A demonic females voice came from one of his sides, a feline demoness was scurrying along his side. "Where you going?" She asked with her feathery wings spread open in front of him as she tried to keep up, hopping a bit. He would glance down at her, as he slowed down some. Letting her lean on him some, "I have work so.

. I'll be leaving." She froze some and held his paw in hers, "Oh well uh .

. you.. uh..

 If you ever need a demon princesses help.. 

with anything - I I'm only a call-" A loud hiss followed by, "SKULETH!" A purple hairs cat running over in a hurry with a pair of glassed over her muzzle.

Her tail puffed up as she quickly joined, her friend. "Jane.. 

What are you doing here? Skuleth?! Hello..

 Hi..

 heh." Her face was flushing with different colors as her eyes began to change in color. He looked down a into Rains eyes and smiled softly. "Hello Rain. you're drooling again haha." Offering her a napkin as Jane began cackling with laughter, both seemed to stare daggers at each other, but smiled and looked at Skuleth. 

"Skulettthh." they say at the same time.

 "SKUEEEEETH!!" A small kitten ran out of a doorway having a Black and gray female tiger metallic animatronic chasing after the child. The child was laughing as Skuleth softly smiled as his face softened slightly showing a bit of sorrow and joy. The kitten jumped up towards him as he reached down grabbing a hold of her.

"Careful.. 

I have horns little one do not harm yourself on me.." Slowly holding onto her carefully hugging her to not harm her.  Jane smirked "I know someone that wouldn't mind being impaled.." and Rain huffed with a moanful sigh "Impalement would be bad" her head darted towards Jane with a deadly glare.

 "... shut.. uup..." She mouthed to Jane. Skuleth lightly rubbing the back of the kitten before lowering down to her feet. 

"Skuleth she's after me. make her go awaaay!!" She began crying suddenly, "It's bathtime isn't it?" Skuleth smiled lightly, the kitten began looking around.

 "N.uh..

 dunno, maybe but.. 

I don't wanna.." She began to throw a fit as, a female animatronic with glowing lights along its polished tiger feline model. "She refuses to take a bath.. it was my turn to do it but she keeps running away.."

 Skuleth looked down at Lilone standing up a bit straight, placed his paws on his waist line and shook his head. "Well then I guess there is only one way to fix this... 

we must eat the child.." Skuleth crouched down and playfully nipping at the kitten as she screamed with laughter. He chased her around for a moment before she fell over, pouncing on top of her carefully and tickled her. 

"I got to tenderize the meat. Yup, yup almost on n-ho a-ohh." Being very careful and trying to be as gentle as he could. A soft chuckle came from his lips as the kitten laughed and wiggling around on the ground. He let her go, stood up, "Alright you played, now go clean up." 

She flailed on the ground a bit and huffed in a tantrum laying on the ground with a limp body. Groaning with a bottom lip quiver. before getting up and held the animatronics paw. "Fiiine." She said while going back to her home with the animatronic leading the way. "Thank you again, Skuleth."

He would nod his head some giving her a wink, "Your welcome Tiger, anytime." Tigers tail wagged violently as her lights began to change color to a soft pink. 

"Y-yes, Of course! ye-ye ye..

 hehe." She glitched a bit while walking a bit more excitedly. He looked back at the others, "Does this look scary to you girls?"

 Opening up his arms up showing off a bit in a t like pose. A red and white fox snickered a bit her tail swaying back and forth her eyes look up at the night sky. "Scary? No.. 

Handsome mmmhmm." Skuleth sighed and rolled his eyes to her comment. "Yeah, sure..

 I got good work.." The girls stood in shock looking at him, confused. "So.

. I need to know.. 

Do I look scary?.. 

Or do I look like a good guy?" The girls looked away some not looking him in the eyes. "... You look less.. 

scary."

Skuleth sighed softly. "I guess that will be good enough. Thanks girls." He patted them in the head softly as he walked by. Rain was staring as he walked by drooling as she leaned over some. "Some girls like the scary.." 

She whispered wiping her mouth before, they all walked back to their home a cat mansion with three stories, and two towers. Their land spread far as Skuleth was allowed to venture through such land to arrive at his destination. The red and white vixen stood at the gate leaning against the gate post having very little clothing on.

 She smoked out of a long pipe letting the smoke bubble up to the sky, watching him as he was soon out of view. Watching for a bit longer before turning around as she went into the mansion as well. "Handsome as ever.. 

you fool. When will you learn that?" She sighed some, her ears falling to hear sides, along with her tail. Skuleth continued his way down passing by a hoovering carriage was cruising by slowly.

"Need a ride Skuleth?" Another cat female waved her paws at him as they passed each other. 

"No thank, Got a job to do but maybe some other time." A large breasted cat feline leaned out of the carriage. "I GOT A JOB FOR YOU TO DOO!" she said her tongue out as she fanned herself winking at him. Skuleth rolled his eyes once again before shaking his head. 

"Maybe some other time, Cherat." Walking down the pathway making it soon to the ruin stone post. Taking a deep breath as he looked at the slip. "Lets see." Walking over to the stone pillar and placed the slip into a slot. 

The stone began to vibrate as lights were spreading out from the top of the stone pillar. A ray of light shined slowly creating an image. "Skuleth accepting work.. 

starting immediately." A mirror image showed of himself as he looked away from the hologram. Accepted, please proceed. A messaged showed as the hologram dissolved as a replica was created out of shadow and light. The darkness showed along it self in a form of a picture frame.

 It absorbed into the picture frame with the light changing around showing name of the place along the top of the frame as it glowed in the different colored darks and lights. Inside the picture frame a scenery shot of the spot the portal would take him.

Standing in front of the portal, looking back up again at the name above. 'Crystalis' 

"You have got to be kidding me.. this is the place that." Staring at the name, with great disgust. "THIS?!" He roared out angrily, his tail whipping back and forth behind him, smashing the ground into a small crater. Standing in front of the portal as his claws were balled up into fists, his whole body shaking out of anger.

 "W-why here?!" He grumbled to himself before, unwillingly taking the slip that turned into a colored crystal like shard, from the stone. Placing the slip in his pocket, walked through the portal to the other-side, "No, wonder. Why it, wouldn't matter.

 If I'd rampage around, they all deserve nothing but to suffer." Stepping onto ground as his claws dug into the stone path with each step. Noticing a single chest on a platform, "You're what, I'm suppose to be around, huh? 

At least. It won't annoy me while, I do this." His claws entangled with each other as he stood in front of the chest before turning around and sitting down on the top of the chest. "I'm here again. Imma kill him next time, I see him rip apart each limb, he can muster."

Sitting upon a chest, "Hero's.."

"Ugh nasty vermin, killing things all the time. Always messing up my lives. Why do I have to help them now?!"

"change of pace bah.."

"we'll see." Glaring at the entrance to the room, his eyes burning with rage. "I hate waiting!!" he yelled out with a roar, "What's taking so long, I want this done and over with!" Growling as he grumbled to himself. Closing his eyes for a moment, before passing out, as he hadn't slept in decades. Snoring, before coiling himself around the chest resting, his head along the platform and chest. "... I'll have my revenge.."

"good guy?" He slept heavily as his chest rose and fell, time stood still as he slept for the first time in a long time. His body seemed to relax this was the part of the job he enjoyed, finally being able to sleep before wrecking havoc. His eye twitched, 'must do a good job.. I can't fail.' He spoke softly holding onto the chest with a tight grip. His wing slowly outstretched covering up the chest as if was about to cling to it for dear life.

 'We lose our home if we fail..' His voice began to change, having a conversation with himself in his sleep.

  'I'll get us through this..' 

'You?' there was a long pause as his breathing increased for a moment before his last breath came out slow and easy. Laying on the chest his body froze in time guarding over the treasure chest, almost like a statue, his body didn't move an inch.