Chances taken away Chapter ://

'Are we really here?' 

"Is this it?" 

'This seems a little.' 

'Okay maybe a lot worse than it was in the past.' 

"Excuse me! Hey, where is the nearest temple?"

 ''Temple?"

"Yes, we are in need of help, I. There should be a Chima temple somewhere close by."

"The nearest one is behind you."

'Behind me?' turning around seeing nothing but vines and stones along what looked to be a path.

"I don't see any-"

"It was destroyed a long time ago."

"There was a temple here?"

'What? it was destroyed? That's..'

"Yes" 

"Told you."

'Wait.'

"What Chima temple was it?"

"I only got to see inside of it once.." 

"You got to see inside of it? When? I have known you for years, going to a temple without me."

'This has to be a mistake or something. Why would a temple be destroyed, that makes no sense.' 

"It was a long time ago I was very small then, but I got to see inside of it."

 'This is the temple? They seen it being destroyed?'

"Wait what? You mean you were in-?!" 

"Oh, right that. That was. This temple?"

 'They were inside, the temple as it was being destroyed.'

"Yes."

"I'm glad but what Chima temple was it?"

"The DragonTree temple."

"The other nearest Chima temple would be in that direction. Follow the path past the village, you will get there."

'I need to know about who would destroy the temple! and when, how!'

 "I would like to know how it happened."

"Why?"

"It caught fire and burned. Burned everything, and once that was done. Everything around it was dug up and anything that survived. Was burned again it continued until nothing was left."

"How. how did. Can you tell me all you know on how it burned?

"Hey back off"

"I don't mean any offense but I would like to know."

"It'll cost ya."

'It wasn't just burned it was destroyed.'

"It's-s why nothing will ever grow here now. It was as beautiful outside as it was inside. Plants grew to the size, I've never seen before."

"Aawh! What else?! Wait shut up don't tell them nothing they haven't given anything yet." 

"That was free you want anymore and It'll cost ya."

"It is something I will never forget. You want to know about this temple, then I will tell you it's what they would have wanted."

"We are on our way to the other temple outside of the next village from here."

"We will escort you both for free."

"Ha nothings for free whatcha wanting?"

"Just to know what happened. that alone to me would be enough to take you to the next temple."

"There was objects all along the walls. Each Chima had an alter some, were along the walls."

"The smell was." A bit of drool coming off the side of their mouth as memories of the smell came back.

"Food all across tables in the middle of the temple. We could eat all we wanted. I've never felt so full in my life."

"They do I always fill up on the food it's so good."

"I wasn't alone. Others little ones were there too. Even smaller ones"

"One by one everyone were laying around everywhere on the floor after eating and drinking." 

"But that was soon the end of the best parts of my life."

'Is that when everything burned?'

"Take your time, no need to rush."

"Is that when it burned?"

"It wasn't the first thing but the burning was later.."

 "It should have been the first. What happened next was.." their mouth open trying to think of a word to describe what happened.

"I'd like to know.."

 'Please.'

"Something very bad happened. I can't remember much more after" 

"More and more came inside pushing shoving. Arguments yelling and fighting everyone was either standing or crawling around as they began stepping on each other."

"What stopped them from getting out?"

"I was one of the few that was picked up and held up in the air. Some didn't get back up. A few people tried to open the door but the doors wouldn't open." 

"I remember someone saying something but I don't remember what it was but everyone began fighting more. I was placed on an Chima alter, there were other small ones were placed on other Chima alters out of the way from the fighting, smoke."

"Some made it some were not so lucky to make it. I saw everything.."

"The Keeper was there trying to stop the fighting. So much blood shed that day. It felt like eternity watching everyone "

"There was smoke" ..

"But smoke that wasn't smoke."

"Did you feel tired? sleepy?"

'Smoke that's not smoke?'

"I have an idea what your talking about. But please what happened next?"

"I don't remember much after the smoke but the screams-I I fell asleep and woke up far down the path in the next village. I don't remember ever making it out of that horrible but beautiful place."

"Why would someone do that to a beautiful place?"

"May Chima's and The DragonTree show mercy on us for allowing something like this to happen."

"But they destroyed the temple. I want to see what's inside! Isn't there another one?"

"Yeah but that's even further, than where we're going."

"Excuse me, but do you worship The DragonTree?"

"Yes and No"

"Why do you worship The DragonTree?"

"The DragonTree shelters those who needs shelter, feeds those that are hungry. Heals those that need healing. Me and my family are alive because of The DragonTree."

"You don't worship The DragonTree? Why not?" 

"The Dragontree isn't a god to be worshiped, its a place where all are welcome. No matter where you come from. I only wish The Chima's and The Keepers of The DragonTree forgives us. And find out what happened to make such a special place be destroyed."

"But I doubt The Keepers now will do anything about this. They haven't done anything."

"Who are The Keepers?"

"If I ever find out who or what did this I will make sure they pay for everything they took away from me that night."

"Excu-"

"We all will. It wasn't just the DragonTree that got destroyed. All Chima altars were destroyed in the destruction."

"There are other Chima temples right? Why not go to a new one?"

"None of the ones i've been to feel.." 

'Felt like what?'

"Home."

"If you could have stopped it would you?"

"I was small I was useless then but now I am old I am even more useless. I would have tried to save someone anyone if I would have been bigger stronger smarter. I could have saved everybody."

"No, no no it was never your fault. If you would have known you would have never got to go inside and see and eat all you did."

"You got something special."

"Special?! What do you mean? What can be so special about watching ev-"

"You got to see what real love and family is like. You got to see the smiles laughs smells and taste the foods and drinks."

"You saw only a very few get to see." 

"You got to be at peace and filled with joy and happiness."

"Keep that in your mind and in your heart."

 "The pain of those that didn't make it. Remember them smiling and laughing dancing around as they were. It's going to be hard, but don't forget about the other part."

"If you ever smell that again. Run don't look back don't turn around just run get away as quick as you can."

"You know the smoke?"

"Yes, I know that smoke you speak of."

"I'm so-so sorry."

"You mentioned The Keeper. Where can I find them?"

"Who is The Keeper of The DragonTree?"

"Do you not know who The Keeper is?"

"I don't know their name. But a word of advice don't ask for their name." 

"Nobody I know, knows."

"We only know them as The Keeper nobody dare ask their name."

"Why haven't the other temples rebuilt this one?"

"I don't know, but I remember when the temple here. It brought so many togethers I remember there was once a few buildings here, but now."

"You can see nothing was saved."

"I remember The Keeper of this temple. They were so kind."

"Why do you come back?"

"Because for a moment it was the most beautiful place. I have ever seen. Everyone ate together, laughed sang, danced."

"Do you know where we can find The Keepers?"

"Find a temple of The DragonTree and you'll find The Keepers"

"Do all of them have the same Keeper?"

"Yes."

"What happened to The Keeper of this one?"

"I see"

'So they didn't make it out either.'

"What do you mean they have the same Keeper?"

'How can someone be at all of them at the same time?'

"They might look different but they are all the same. So we call them The Keepers."

"This one."

'Yeah?'

"Was different."

'Different?'

"They were warm and kind."

"Just something about them."

"What would they do, if the other Keepers find out about a temple being destroyed?"

"Far as I know. Nothing, I don't think they know. If they do, why haven't they helped? Why would they do nothing?! Don't they care that one of them is.."

"I don't know but I will be finding out, and see these so called Keepers."

"Be warned The Keepers are not fools or weak in any sense."

'Let's hope not.'

"Why do you care so much? You are a stranger here."

"You say it was beautiful?"

"Very."

"I care cause something I can't help but do. I don't need to think about it I do."

'I want to see what you got to witness. The laughs smiles, dancing.'

"You will find it in every, Chima Dragonstree Temple you come to."

"From all the ones I have been too there isn't one that isn't."

"Are you going to one now? If so you can come along. I am sure we have room and enough supplies to last until we arrive at the next temple."

"Oh! come on free ride come on."

"Is it free?"

"Yes."

'We are on our way to one anyways so better to have someone that knows the way to the next than run around looking.'

"Come please journey with us, tell me all about these Keepers and temples."

"Yes we will join you."

"What? You? your going to.."

"Alright. didn't expect you to accept help from anyone. Especially someone you don't know."

'That's true, not everyone is as friendly as I am. But I'm glad they will be joining.'

"Would appreciate your help greatly for doing this. I think we can find the others once we get to the nearest one." 

"I'm sure we will be able to find the others if these Keepers will guide us to the next one and maybe more."

'Hopefully find out what happened here. If this was the place.'

"I will take you to any of The Dragontree temples you want."

"WHA-aat?! But we just got back. Why are we going back?"

"Wasn't there a certain someone you been wanting to see again? Weren't you ju-"

"I mean I'm not complaining."

"We can just deal with it whe-when it comes."

'Ha haha ha. Oh I'm sure. Well I hope that is a good thing, but at least we will have some guides with us.'

"Plus I have been gone for a long time, tell me about the Chima? Maybe they could help?"

Chances taken away chapter :// K

 "We kept it untouched for you.." The door creaking open as a cold wind blew from inside frosting the door on the inside doorway. Pushing the door fully open with their head down not looking inside only at the floor. The darkness was only brief as light shined in touching a frosted and ice scattered room.

"We."

"Did what you always said."

"Kept it on ice." 

Laying lifeless ice wrapped around its body every part frozen in place. A large puff of smoke came from his mouth as he coughed slightly. Slowly stepping into the room the frost melting away as he stepped making footprints towards the body.

"I.."

"should have-" 

"There is nothing you could have done.."

"They fought well and gave it their all You'd be proud of them both." he was interrupted by () holding the door open for him. Their head stayed lowered eyes closed, their grip on the door soft.

His feet touched ice, walking into the room as it melted making a permanent footprint. Lifting up his arms hesitant to touch the iced body. Stopping next to the body, kneeling down his knees touched the ground. The frost, ice began melting and dissolving in a matter of seconds.

 "I."

"Could have." Lowering his head down bowing down in front of the body.

His words in a tone rarely heard, deep with a growl, his hands forming fists out in front of him. His hands opening and closing still hesitant to touch the body as it was soon freed from the ice. Wooden objects in the room began to crackle, before turning into petrified wood. Taking a deep breath as tears began to fall still bowing.

 "I-I would have just got in the way, just like always."

"Probably, but you are here now." lifting his head after wiping away his tears. 

"I .."

"need a moment could you?" His head glanced over towards the door. 

"Of course, sir." The door closing as they exited out the room waiting outside.

 "Now we are outside I would like you all to ignore anything you may hear from that room." Turning around with their back to the door, "Move along please when everything is finished we will come and get you all."

"Now if you don't mind." They gestured away, standing in front of the door blocking it from being opened.

"What?"

 "Hey, watch it." 

"What do you mean?" 

"What was that thing?"

 "What's going on?" More questions began to come up. 

Each from someone different, "Silence! I thought you were his friends, if you don't know this much about him then learn something now!" 

Their eyes glowing with rage, "One question and I will answer it.." Their eyes shined softly glancing at the door. "If.. that is okay with you. sir.."

"I can still hear you all behind the door.. 

Yes it is fine..

 please.. 

go further from the door so I can concentrate on this please.."

 "B-but?"

 "No buts. you too.

. just lock the door and keep the key on you..

 okay?" "Okay.. 

but should you need me sir.. 

I-I am only a yell away.." Looking around at the others before locking the door and holding onto the key tightly in their palm.

"Now.. I will answer your question." they slowly began scooting their feet on the ground hesitant on walking away from the door. Gesturing everyone to move as they turned around and began walking away from the door. A few stared behind them at the door for a few steps, walking back down the hallway. "One question.. only one so ask when you all decide on it." It was silent during the walk before coming to a corner at the end of the hallway.

Some murmerred to each other thinking of what to ask. "I thought you never called anyone Sir."

 "calling it a word of great insult calling someone Sir. Why did you call him that then? Insulting your-"

 "He is more of a man, than any of you could ever hope to be."

"He has given me the honor of calling him Sir! Calling another Sir! WOULD be an insult TO HIM!" Interrupting them, while standing firmly behind everyone fire in their eyes staring at them all with a mix of admiration and lust. A bit of drool coming from their lips before wiping it away.

Clearing their throat, composing themselves for a moment before looking back at them. "That was your one question now leave."

"I will not allow any to interrupt him." walking back before turning around halfway down the hall. 

"Now please leave us." 

(Narrowed her eyes before turning around the corner her paws clenched into fists stomping away. Her fur standing up high on her body as her tail swelled up as her fur bristled out.) 

"FINE! CLEARLY! HE IS IN BETTER COMPANY!" (a growl in her voice as her face was flushed a deep purple. Running past everyone going back to her room, passing by everyone flames were flaring from her eyes changing colors. Matching the purple of her face, her eyes closed tightly.)

 Sarah running behind following trying to keep up as she exhaled sharply. "A..Aa!" Sarah panting in the hallway chasing behind her. Her feet trying to keep up with her. "Aa!" Waving to come *

Chances taken away Chapter ://U "windswept" my version

Looking up at the stars in the sky, "On that night under the staircase." taking a soft deep breath. "Our arms drifting do-own." moving his hands down from in front of him. "Your kiss made me a believer." wrapping his arms arm himself.

"Cleansed my sins somehow." closing his eyes, holding himself a little tighter. "I'll be what you need." a small smile upon his face. "I'll keep you inside my fortress." lifting his arms up and spreading them open in front of him. "Hand you the keys." holding his arms open to the stars above.

"Leave you to roam these halls." The clouds above stayed still for a moment. Shifting around before forming into ghostly beings. A large building came into view made of clouds, "But you tore down the keep." The cloud shot a lightning bolt across the sky with a soft rumble. "I returned to find ruins."

The beings and building colliding together with another lightning bolt webbing out before disappearing into the clouds. Thunder rumbling along as the clouds parted drifting apart. "You left all my love." A lone cloud being drifted around looking around "In the rubble with these walls."

Taking a deep breath as his hand reached down picking up a guitar placing it on his stomach. "But in my head." Strumming along the strings, the cloud grew slowly. "I am still there." The cloud being began building and shaping another large building,"I can still feel you."

The cloud being, stared at the building floating around it touching the sides every so often. "Breathing slow." tapping of leaf's nearby along with the melody, the wind began to pick up slightly. "I've known this dream for a long time."

Closing his eyes for a moment as the wind blew across his body, "In the air." Opening up his eyes seeing the cloud being lowering itself down onto the ground. "Suspended here."

His eyes widen picking himself up from the ground to stand, continued to strum the strings. "With thousands of words we've spoken." Each being a few feet apart, the cloud being taking a step forward. "Can I soar?" Each one slowly stepped towards each other, stopping only to stand infront close to each other.

 "Up through the clouds?" He looked at the cloud being and smiled softly as the moonlight shined down highlighting the ground around. "Leave all of this beh-h-h-i-i-ind?" The cloud being scooping him up as they both flew up into the air. His grip on his guitar slipped as he held onto it tightly shaking for a moment before laughing happily. Slowly opening up his arms flying through the air in the night sky. For a moment he was up in the air before reaching land once more.

Adjusting himself before strumming on the guitar once again. Clearing his throat softly smiled, "But in my head." The cloud being sitting themselves down upon the grass, listening. "I am still there." bowing some as the cloud tilted its head slightly.

He swayed slowly to the melody, "I can still feel you." the cloud being watching as it begins to sway with him. "Breathing slow." Strumming the strings softly "I've known this dream for a long time."

Closing his eyes, as bit of smoke came from him mouth. "All alone." blowing his smoke up into the clouds above. The cloud building became expanding "I feel your breath." thunder rumbles in the clouds "I hear your whispers."

The cloud being looking up at the clouds above."Dark like storms." his eyes opened staring softly at the cloud being. "Telling me, 'Dear, I'll never leave your mind' " He was silent for a moment.

"Greetings, I hope you've enjoyed the song so far, stay if you wish or stay you are free to do what you'd like." bowing his head slightly as the cloud being continued to sway. "Uh.. can you understand me?" He looked at the cloud being and tilted his head the opposite way it's head was.

"Well I guess you think this is part of the song.. my apologies" He smiled softly hopping from one foot to the other. as he continued strumming. stepping up like stairs moving upward towards the sky as the cloud being followed floating beside. "And you've been there all along." He smiled at the cloud being,

"Tugging me, pulling me down." something tugging him back as he stumbled for a moment looking back. Nothing was there confused he continued up the air-stairs. "Touching him, holding him close." Looking up at the cloud building, expanding across the sky.

The cloud being following him before moving up to it's cloud building. "You've made your home." More cloud beings floated close to the building entering in. "And I see your face through his eyes." Once the cloud being entered into the building it began fighting with the other cloud beings as they were destroying the inside. 

"With every move of your hips." Looking up at the building as the lighting bolts thundered through the sky. He stopped for a moment standing in the air looking up at the clouds. "You're breaking my bones." the cloud being was thrown out of the building and began dissolving some falling towards the ground. "While holding me hostage."

His eyes widened as he took off running across the sky. Catching the cloud being in his arms as he let go of the guitar as it fell towards the ground. Catching his breath for a moment taking a deep breath, his voice was soft. "Could I still love you?"

Looking over the cloud being slowly dissolving in his arms. "Though my arms are breaking?" His arms shook, the cloud being moved its head towards him as his voice was shaky but continued singing. "Could we still be alone?"

Pulling the cloud being close, closing his eyes as a tear began forming, "Do I still know you?" opening up his eyes seeing the cloud being shift their face as they smiled. "Are you still my answer?" He smiled back softly as a tears rolled down his cheeks, as the last bit of the cloud being dissolved before his eyes.

"To the question. I've asked since I was born?" Standing there looking at his empty arms. Moving his arms back top his sides stepping upward to the sky. His head leaned back looking at the clouds above seeing the building being torn apart as the sky cleared. Stepping upward as his pace quickened.

"S..STOP!" He yelled running upward to the clouds. His guitar broken in pieces along the ground, he continued towards the clouds. It wasn't long before the building was gone as the clouds dissolved leaving him standing high up in the sky staring up at the night sky. "Why?" was the only thing he could say before leaning back and falling back down to the ground with tears coating his eyes and cheeks.

A splash as he landed in the lake, letting himself slowly sink. his body soaked in seconds from the water. 'Why? everytime..' His arms slowly lifted up as he stared at his arms memories of those he has held in his arms began to flash before his eyes. Keeping his eyes open while sinking. His tears mixed with the water bubbles coming up to the surface of the water.

His head turned slightly before his vision began to blurr and everything slowly turned dark. A figure was swimming closer to him, 'This is it, I'm going to be eaten. ripped apart. I guess it's my turn to die too.' he thought to himself closing his eyes feeling light, everything that hurt slowly began to fade. The last bubble came from his lips, his body finally reached the bottom of the lake. His body laid motionless at the bottom.

Chances taken away Chapter :// M

Sitting at the edge of a cliff looking out at the world below, the land below was filled with trees and wildlife. A ray of light began shining against his face. "..I've been waiting for you my old friend.." A pair of golden hazel eyes stressing to open to look at the horizon. "Yes.. My answer is yes." A gleam of light went across his eyes the colors of his eyes began to change.

Closing his eyes and covering them with his hand, "But why you always gotta blind someone with that light of yours.. I work nights remember. careful with the sun in the eyes." A small smile strained to appear on his face before chuckling to himself. "Ha.. I know I messed up, I always mess up. I really do try." lowering his head down looking at the ground below. "... I guess, at least can I maybe if it's alright.. keep all my skills, knowledge, abilities this time?"

 Lowering his hand down into his lap, "E-everything, anything I can do here I could do there.. I-I really could use them a lot there." slowly lifting his head from looking at the ground to the horizon once again to see the sky filled with fire along the clouds. "I could help so many. Plus I could use it all to make things better for everyone. sure I want to make things better for myself too, but somehow it doesn't feel like that's in the cards for me.. Is it?"

The smile slowly began to fade, "Yeah.. I know that's selfish of me, but I want to have fun too." Fighting to smile closing his eyes and feeling the warmth upon his eyelids. "I want to laugh dance sing play around I want to be able to catch up with everyone and know the joys they do." Inside his mind he was laughing dancing around singing along to the music that was playing. The air shifted as the image was quickly gone as soon as it arrived. Froze in place for a moment before slowly leaning back laying his back against the ground as his feet dangle over the cliff.

"O-okay." His voice was soft and disheartened "Alright.. I got no choice then." Sitting himself up tears wanting to form as he kept his eyes closed. "Alright. sorry. sorry" Lowering his head with a nod. "Okay." The light shined against his face more, reaching up wiping his face. Taking a deep breath, before getting up onto his feet and turned walking away from the cliff. Arriving at a small pond looking at his reflection which he seen nothing no matter how much he stood over the pond.

".. why can't I see my reflection.. I guess this is my who am I pond huh?" Looking around some as the light shown the landscape more. "I .. beautiful as always." His eyes teared up at the scenery a large smile grew on his face. "Okay this is cool.." A large structure was nearby covered in vines and tree's were sprouting from the sides. "Heh, that is one big tree house."

 Stepping towards the structure with a long staff following along side him, stepping away from the staff. "Oh hello your new.. oh-oh gotcha okay." stopping for a moment to look over the staff better. The wood was etched along the lower half with ancient markings. The top of the staff a piece of cloth wrapped around the top. "Oh no you didn't.. my.. my" His hand reached over to grab it, a faint light shined zapping his hand away from the staff. "Ow what the why.." Pulling his hand away rubbing it hand, flexing his fingers, "Alright, go ahead finish describing it then..dam.." He waited awkwardly humming a tune.

The staff was naturally curved, only forked at the base of the staff as a half point. Atop the staff under the wrap was pulsing with energy. The etches upon the staff glowed softly near him. Looking at the staff, "This is cool, oh this-s c-cool." Waiting for a moment before slowly reaching out his hand again. "Oh.. come on. one little touch?" 

Another strike to his hand. "Ow ow.. ugh taunting me that's what your doing.." Looking at the staff and shrugged a bit. "Fine.." Throwing his arms up in the air and walking away continuing on to the structure. Lowering his arms down to his sides while walking, the staff followed behind. "I'll have a cool looking staff but I can't even use it.."

The staff floated by his side, while he made his way around to the front of the structure, or at least to where a place that looked like a door would be. "Hm.." Looking along the doorframe before walking over to the door pushing it open with one hand.

 "Hmm.. Helll-oooo!!!!???" He asked aloud as it echoed with a rumble. Blinking hearing the rumble, "Huh.. must be the stor-mage" chuckled softly looking around. "Of course nobody around.. that was a good one." shaking his head with a sigh. "No. it was not a good joke haha."  Walking into the structure alongside the staff following inside. Once inside the structure began lighting up as all the electronics were activated at once. "Whoa.. Ooo.. HA! Okay that's kinda creepy... but cool.."

 Looking at the staff moving his hands away, "Well uh, I won't force you to do stuff for me or anything like that.. You can do whatever you like, but please be kind at least?" The staff glew dim then bright. "I'm going to assume that you agree.." Looking around while talking to the staff that continued to follow him around. "Well, I just got here and you just got here. Looks like, we are both new." turning to look at the staff.

"So let's try and get along? Cause. I'm willing to give this a shot if you are. Can you even understand me?" thinking about it now as he rubbed his chin. "If you can understand me please give me a sign that you understand. Glow brightly."

 Looking at the staff watching it carefully as the light grew brighter almost. Lifting up his hand to shield his eyes from the light. "Oh shit, okay yea  yea yea.. okay good awesome.. so.. uh" The light dimmed as he removed his hand from his face. "Okay I can communicate with you sweet, alright that makes things easier.."

"Uh.. but what to ask you.. I doubt you can tell me." Staring at the staff for a while, "Why, I can't touch you?" Slowly reached out to touch the staff, "You're my staff right? I should be able to defend myself with you." The staff flew up to the ceiling then moved around erratically. Staring at the sight slowly tilting his head some.

"...Are you mad at me?! What did I do?!" He exclaimed as the staff flipped around and continued moving around erratically. He stared at the staff, "My staff hates me.." lowering his head staring at the floor, "You're taunting me.. aren't you?" The point of the staff jabbed him in the stomach. "Ow fuck ow okay ow ow.." stumbled back holding onto his stomach feeling around. "ay.. okay okay.. i'm okay.."

His attention back on the staff holding his stomach nearing a wall. "Are.. we cool now?" He asked, stepping out of being between the staff and the wall. The base of the staff slammed on the ground making the ground shake slightly. "Alright.. Imma assume that's a no, can you at least keep the lights on.. please?"

The staff shifted some before lifted itself from the ground following beside him keeping the lights on nearby making it easier to get around. "Thank you." smiling softly, "Alright, since we are together and here.. Can you give me any information on you? or any kind of communication would be good."

The staff swayed back and forth slightly, staring at the staff as he stood in place. "..." Waiting a while before drawing a heavy sigh. ".. I guess not.." Hopping on top of a metal container, rubbing his chin some in thought. "Well what do I call you? What's your name? Do you have a name? What else can you do other than fly and turn on lights? Any details or instructions you can give me would be helpful.."

Silence echoed through the building as metal creaked slightly in the distance. Waiting for an answer but with each question there was no answer only the staff swaying back and forth slowly in front of him. Drawing another heavy sigh he placed his cheek in the palm of his hand. ".. So this is going to be information when it's needed kinda thing huh?.."

 The staff tapped the ground, he jumped up staring at the staff. ".... WHAT?! NO! I-I give-give me something w-w-will ya? Ah-at least one more thing a-a-ah name a destination a..a.. s-so-something.." studdaring in excitement and hopes of getting some more information on what was going on. Waiting more as he stared at the staff.

"Please? I'd like something to go off of.. am I suppose to go somewhere? or do something?" Waiting on the staff as it swayed back and forth. "Answer me this then.. If I ask the right questions will you answer?" The staff lowered itself on the ground standing upright alone and without assistance.

He froze breathless. "Yes, okay.. okay" His brain seemed to go blank with questions only staring at the self standing staff stood a few feet away from him, "I.. um wasn't expecting that to happen but okay. we're okay." Closing his eyes and rubbing his head trying to think of a question but nothing was coming to mind at the moment. 

Then he froze having a random though before fixing his hair opening up his eyes to stare at the staff still standing in front of him

"uh.. Do you have any questions for me?" He asked sitting up straight placing his hands in his lap twiddling his thumbs. He sat waiting and keeping his posture unsure on how if anything the staff would answer. A few moments went by as they both seemed to be staring back at each other. "You got nothing.. You went brain dead when I asked you about asking me.." 

The staff lifted up into the air quickly, he flinched covering his head with his arms "whoa.. whoa sorry sorry." His eyes were closed tightly before opening up his eyes moving his arm some to see the staff. "Hey hey." The staff stayed its distance from him. slowly lowering his arm down looking at the staff pulsing with light near the base and top.

"Didn't mean to-" a loud crash came from the room nearby. He quietly climbed up more onto the metal container. "O-okay" he whispered crawling along the top of the metal container to look through a nearby window frame. Creeping his head near the window frame to see what was going on in the room. The staff stayed in place glowing, he looked from one side of the room to the other. A bit of dust blew off the window frame, a creature hopped into view.

 His eyes went wide staring at the creature, his jaw dropped a bit speechless as he stared in awe. "Oa?" was the only sound he could think to make. The soft tap of hooves stepping around inside the next room. He gulped a bit of saliva whispering as he spoke. "H-hey st-staff you-you seeing this?" Turning his head then lowering himself some looking at the staff.

 "This?" The staff was no longer there a hatchet like weapon was twisting and twirling around. "..hey.. Hey? N-now there's something in the next room.. I rather not" pushing himself against the wall, staring at the weapon. "Calm down, it's okay. Bud hey staff.. uh hatchet weapon.. thing. it's okay calm down no worries it's... It's" 

Lifting his head up to quickly peek through the window again. "It.. it's leaving going away.. Se-see" turning his head back around and the staff was glowing softly.

"See.. their going we don't have to fight it.. we can go around." clearing his throat and slowly getting up off of the metal container. Stretching his legs some rubbing along his sides a bit. "Okay okay, alright. I'll show you how we can go around without fighting." The staff tapped at the ground,"Yeah, sneak around.. if I fail we.. could alway run." 

The staff stomped on the ground at the last comment. "Fine, but its a last result." The staff tapped lightly into the next room, he took a heavy breath following behind the staff before looking around for anything of interest. "Hmm. I'm sure, we will find something.. somewhere." 

The shelving laying on the ground from the creature knocking it over. A bushel of fur knotted up at the corner of the shelving. Stepping towards the fur, "..There's no way.." he whispered crouching down to get a closer look at it. Reaching into his cloak pulling out a clear container, opening up the lid and moved the container under the bushel. 

The fur was sucked in almost instantly, once the container was closed hoof marks began to appear along the ground. "..Oh noice. I'll have to keep you. She'd be upset if I didn't." Placing the container back into his cloak. "I guess I could get some souvenirs for everyone. Wonder what they'd like from here.."

The staff stomped on the ground multiple times. "Hm? What? Do you want something from here too? I can hold onto it for you if you want." The staff stayed still for a moment before floating over to a door on the other side of the room where the creature had gone. 

".. You want that?" The staff tapped on the ground as he groaned heading towards the door. "O.. okay but if that's what you really want.. I'll grab more of this" Taking out the container with the bushel of fur in it swirling around in a circle, with the lid on before placing the container back into his cloak

"When we think of a plan we can take it on, but I.. don't really like using violence. So I don't think. I'll be much good in a fight like that." The staff glowed brightly and stomped on the ground. Stepping back some looking at the staff before nodding with a  sigh, "Alright but only if, I have no other choice.." 

His hands rubbed against each other slowly taking breaths while walking through the door. "Only .if. I have no other choice.." he said softly to himself walking into a hallway the echo of his steps were softening. "Only ..if.." Stopping as a sound of hooves tap along the floor further down the hallway echoed through the hallway.

Lowering himself down to the ground and slipped behind a container halfway down the hall. His footsteps were quiet and quick stopping behind the container. Keeping his eyes on the container with slow breaths coming from his mouth. His voice barely audible.

 "Can we catch it? we could catch it so we don't have to kill it right... you want to catch it right?" Glancing over at the staff only to see the hatchet-like weapon was steady floating next to him with the handle pointing towards him. ".. I. we can catch it.. capture.. we-we can have it without killing it." 

The weapon pulled away as it bent and contorted its frame making into a bag. The handle wrapped around his body pulling him close. The bag hung off of him at his side. "Ah! I'm sorry! I don't." He pulled and tugged on the bag some. "Okay, okay.. We're-we're okay." lightly touching the bags corners and strap that was wrapped around him. 

"Okay so.. I'm okay to touch you like this right?.." the bag slaps his side with the strap. "Ow. ow okay not to much got it.." removing his hands from the bag. Looking down the of the rest of the hallway. "I'm going to assume you need me to pull stuff from you right?" Glancing at the bag as it gave a soft squeeze. "Alright.. that's good enough for me, please let it be something that'll help."

Down the hallway at a corner room a bushel of fur was stuck in the doorway into a room far at the end of the hall. Holding onto the bag close stepping around the floor his focus was on the doorway. There were other doors leading to different rooms broken down doors some collapsed onto themselves as others had holes in random places piercing through both sides of the doors. Glancing at some of the holes, "These.. look.. familiar I've seen things like this before." His finger tip grazed along the outside of one of the holes. "Tickets' Please." 

Another voice sounded from a room he had just passed, making him almost stumble before catching himself. Lifting his head up some in shock looking around. "Tickets' Please." The voice was from a automation activating suddenly, it was only a few seconds before footsteps were being made around inside the room the voice came from. Large and heavy equipment sounded inside of the room. His pace quickened reaching the doorway slowly peeking inside. The sound of hooves on the ground was replaced by machinery running nearby

Reaching up and taking off the bushel of fur from the doorframe with the container. Looking at the container in his hand, soon placing it back into his cloak. "Tickets' Please." was louder than before as the mechanical voice was coming at the door to the room it was in. The steps stopped at the door, "Tickets' Please." a mechanical arm reached out of the door. 

The hand felt around the door, his eyes stared at the arm his body froze in place. His whole body went cold, he heard the voice. 'We gotta go, now!' pushing his body running inside of the room. Running into a large open area, crates stacked on one side of the room. "Oh. this looks like a boss room." He said softly as he continued to run holding onto the bag. Only stopping to pick more bushels of fur storing each one into the same container.

"Tickets' Please." called out still through the other room as a loud metal crash suddenly came from the room. A moment of silence, as he turned his head to look at the doorway. Stepping backwards towards the other end of the room focused on the doorway. Clenching the bag closer, "Tickets' please." footsteps and metal scrapping came from the other room.

Chances taken away Chapter two://Double portions

His eye opened slightly getting the feeling, of heat approaching his face, the feeling of eyes staring intensely at him. A child's face was inches away from his staring curiously at him. Quickly jumping back to the other side of the wagon. Placing a paw upon the boards pushing himself up with a groan.

 "Hey kid.." 

"Where am I?" Asking with a grumble from the exhaustion of everything has happened so far. Being physically, emotionally and mentally exhausted trying to do as little thinking as he could. Staring at the child in front of him, vision blurred still as he closed his eyes. 

Lifting his paws up on his face with a groan, his whole body felt it was on fire. "Ugh.." 

"Too.."

 "soon" Opening up his eyes once more before passing out once again from the pain, his body falling back onto the floor.

His eyes were still changing as his eyes looked as if they were on fire small flames glowing along his eyeball. Once his eyes closed the sparks stopped, staring at him the child smacked his head with a club. His body jolted some to the hit,

 'Holy shi-' 

'What has happened to this place? Has everyone gone mad?!' He laid in the back of the wagon as the child held the club close, while staring at him the whole ride only to wonder off at the mention of food being hunted. A roar came out each wagon's hunter was hopping out of their wagons as the others continued on finding a place to rest for the meal.

 Opening up his eyes feeling the wagon slowing down, looking around before lifting his head up to look around outside of the wagon. His eye sight was blurry still as he couldn't see much of anything, his paws touching along the wagon. 'Uh..'

'still not ready, I guess..'

Leaning back touching his forehead feeling around along his body. 'I can at least feel how I look..'

 'somewhat.' Feeling around his body touching the warmth of his fur around his body. 'Oh this will suck during heat seasons and areas.'

 He chuckled to himself, feeling his face a bit. 'What is this?..'

 'two ears,..'

'long ears huh? okay well a nose...' 

'some eyes..'

'not done apparently but hopefully soon..' Touching along his rags tarring off his sleeve. Feeling along the ground in front of him laying them long ways. Using his fingers to touch along the fabric folding it a few times.

 Taking both ends and placed them over his eyes tying it behind his head. 'Heal..' 

'heal completely..'

'focus.' Taking a few deep breaths in trying to focus hearing the sounds around camp being made. People talking, walking around some carrying items to the middle area where. The lead large female was giving orders to both male and females.

He couldn't help but smile some hearing voices again they were only feet away he could talk with them interact with them. He sat by himself and shook his head lowering his head down. 'I.'

'don't belong here..' 

These people were the first group of people he had been around for a long time. Gulping some dry saliva down his throat, "I'm in all your debt.." He said in a faint whisper, "HEY! IT'S AWAKE!" A child cried out before running off, his head tilted to the side. 'Oh..'

'Uh please be kind..'

'I mean none of you any harm.' 

His paws felt around touching the wagon some looking for the opening. His tail slithered along behind him before wrapping around his legs which made him jump a bit. "Oh.."

 "My tail.." 

"My tail.."  Gripping his own tail with shaking paws, 'I'mma have to really check this body in quick. I need time to recover.' 

His paws touching over his tail feeling the texture of the fur along his tail. The texture was rough but soft at the same time, something to lay on but not to rub against.

There was a rush of footsteps on the ground coming towards him. Spinning around in the wagon as he moved his paws around the floor, looking for the exit. Finding a cornered edge to open the gate as his arm was soon caught by a much larger paw. A heavy voice spoke, "You here to cause trouble? Or you here to do good?"

 He froze some looking around having a blindfold over his eyes. "I.."

"I wish no harm to anybody.."

"Thank you for your kindness, but I must take my leave.." A large dark brown bat like creature with dark brown eyes reached out one of his arms as his wings tucked in against his back.

 He lifted his arm up pulling him from the gate slightly looking at his skinny body, "With these puny things? You are no trouble here. Eat with us if not then you can leave now if you want, simple." His arm was let go, sitting up a bit more holding his arm with his paw, unsure where to have his head looking.

 "Can.."

"I leave after I eat?.."

"If not." Laughter came from the crowd that walking around hearing that the stranger had woken up. Gathered close-by peeking around to look at the one in the wagon being curious, "Fine.."

"Oh great creature of the forest.."

"you can leave after you eat.."

"but allow us safe passage through your domain."

 His head tilted to the side some a smirk crossing his face. "Safe passage.. for a good meal, I accept." Reaching out his paw slowly moving it around in the air to seal the deal. The large bat male looked at him once more before laughing grabbed his paw in a pawshake, "Aye, it's a deal creature of the forest for safe passage we will give you a good meal."

 Gripping his paw tightly, "Deal!" A red and ebony chains wrapped around both of their arms, for a moment binding them together. "What the no no-no!!! I.." 

"I didn't mean it hey!" The bat was pulling back with all his strength, the chains tightened their grip in a pawshake, not letting either party move.

Lifting his head a bit looking straight into the bat's eyes. "Safe passage for a good meal is the deal and now." A small scroll and parchment floated above symbols grew along the parchment. Rolling up and placed onto the chains were they both freed. "Approved" The large bat arm was let go. "A deal is a deal, I will hold my end of the bargain if you hold up yours. Are you a man of your word or not?"

 There was silence, he slowly backed away deep into the wagon, 'Crap.. Why does this always happen?! Why'd it have to be a deal?' The footsteps were slow at first but each one ran off in a rush, listening to everyone running away. 'They'll probably try and poison me or try to do something to try and kill me.' His head lowered and shook his head covering his ears with his paws.

 'I don't want to have to kill them all, this sucks. Why do I always get set up with this shit! I just got back. I don't want to kill the first people I meet.. They've been so nice up till now.' He continued talking in his mind while outside the people were rushing around the kids were taken to the back wagons with food to eat. 'Oh please, oh please. Don't break our deal. Don't do something stupid.'

 He could smell the food, his ear's were heavy as he tried lifting them with the strength in his ears. Reaching up with his paw lifting his ear some. 'I'll have to get used to this body.' listening to everything he could around him. Clearing his mind, with each sound that he could hear made his ear twitched towards it.

 'Got the kids away, with some of the smaller males and females."

"More of the larger females  and males are coming closer now. So ambush attack then? Poison the food or drink whatever you want me to eat or consume. I don't hear much weaponry.' His ear twitched to the side a small commotion of who was going to come get him. The large male still rubbing his arm some standing by the burning flames of one of the fire pits, "Monster of the forest!.."

"What curse did you put on me?!"

 A elderly couple were examining his arm. 'Monster?.."

"I'm a monster?"

"but I help people.."

"I I'm a good person. Well..."

"we did make a deal.' "You wished safe passage through my lands." 

"You made a deal in exchange for a good meal you will have safe passage in my lands. That was the deal."

 The elderly couple began chanting spell after spell they could think of for freeing his arm. Time seemed to continue on while resting in the back of the wagon listening, watching the couple try time after time to take the chains off.

The bat held his arm after four of the spells didn't work, began walking towards the wagon. "AND if we refuse?!" his arm raised up showing him the chains that flowed along his arm. "If we accept and do as you say."

"Will everyone be safe?" 

He took a slow deep breath holding his arm in his paw staring at him with a flame in his eyes, "Breaking the deal we made nobody's safety would be a issue as they will all die along with yourself.."

"that is the punishment for the deal you made there is no negotiation..." 

"Be careful who you make deals with." 

There was silence as a large amount of people began making more food. Others stood there in shock, "You lie!" One shouted out from the crowd. Once the larger male stopped at the end of the wagon. "M-monster.." 

"If the food is not good.."

"What will happen? Is there no other way to make up for it?" 

The Bat reached up with his arm that was bond in chains, touched the wagons gate pulling a bolt from the gate letting it slide down to open. "We.. have females.."

 "or m-males if that is more your tas-." His head lifted up staring at the bats face reaching out to touch him but pulled his own paw back, hesitant for a moment "Would you lay your life and soul to me? If the meal is not good." 

He crossed his paws in front of him as he moved around sitting on his legs with his tail coiled up beside him. "If you put all those things on the line. I will only come after you and everyone else may have a safe passage." The large male stared at his blindfolded eyes shaking in terror at the sudden feeling throughout his body.

 "M-h.. Y-yess yes, I agree.." 

"If that will grant them safe passage.."

"Will I have to make the deal again if we come back through?" Reaching out his paw as the red and ebony chain slowly moved to the large males arm once more. "Then a exchange has been granted.. If the meal is not good you will be the only one that will be torn apart. Along with your soul will be mine." 

The bats eyes stared at his arm as it shook, turning his attention to the ground. Taking a large gulp as he climbed into the back of the wagon. "...You heard him.. Food good  food!" He yelled out his body shook, sitting close to the gate.

 No words were spoken as the bat sat with his arm shaking. the wait seemed like a eternity, staring at the floor. "What's your name? Why lay your life on the line for these people?" He asked as the bat rubbed his arm nervously, "They call me 'Zeke' These are my people, I must protect them no matter what." 

Glancing up at him before looking back down at the floor. "Who or what. I'm not sure, how good you can hunt but protection and feeding are my main concerns for them all."

Zeke took a deep breath before moving from the chair to the floor of the wagon. Outside there were people rushing around as fires were crackling. While the children were eating, the adults began singing and dance like it was their last meal. Games were made up between families while they ate and music began playing from those that could play. 

Zeke could only stare down at the floor. "Why don't you join them? It sounds like their having fun." Zeke closed his eyes listening, his eyes tearing up listening to the sounds of their laughter. Nodding his head, opening up his eyes and slightly lifted his head. 

"Yes they are, which is why I do what I do. So those smiles stay on those faces. as much as possible." He closed his eyes and began picturing inside his head everyone singing and dancing, before smiling happily. "*You don't know, what you have until. It's gone.* It's a saying from a place, I know of.." 

Zeke froze slowly opening up his eyes looking up at him. "It means don't take your loved one's, your victories surviving another day for granted. They may be here today but who knows what tomorrow will bring." Zeke nodded as he lifted his head to looking off at the games and music being played, meals being eaten. 

Their laughter and music was filling the air, the elderly couple were dancing around each other singing a song.  "These are my people.." 

"We may not look the same. But I will give my life for them over and over again until I know they are safe.."  Zeke took a deep breath his chest fur began to stick up. "Making another deal already?" 

Zeke quickly let out his breath coughing as he choked on some of his own saliva. He watched and frowned slightly, "Breathe. Everything will be fine, I was making a joke." Zeke nervously laughed a bit sitting up the scent of food drew near. A large plate of food was brought to the wagon, Zeke looked over seeing who was bringing the food.

 Zekes eyes went wide as his forehead began to get warm. "Ayame?" Whispering to himself, Ayame one of the experienced travelers recently had a child. Her body curved looking as she did while carrying. Her green eyes shined with her black short fur, having very little to covering her body.  "Ayame.." 

"I can't do it, Please help me." 

A younger female held onto the other side of the plate shaking, Ayame held her side of the plate. "Ruby.." 

"Shh. This is for the best for us all." Ruby stared at Ayame her red eyes quivering as she froze in place. Her grip on the plate started slipping her long ears shot straight up. Her lapine frame was covered by a large fabric, with a few pieces of black fur lining the coat.

 "Ruby.." 

"Stop staring, look at the ground watch your step" Ayame tried to reassure her, as they made their way to the wagon. Ayame noticed Zeke, trying to smile a bit as Zeke stared before looking away nodding a bit. The females were carrying the large plate together, Ruby's eyes couldn't help but to stare in terror. 

Their grip on the plate was shaky being extra careful not to even spill or fumble a piece of food. They were chosen as they were shaking in fear, Zeke stared at them. Ayame tried holding her head high as her tail was quivering behind her against her leg. Zeke couldn't help but stare at Ayame before getting up undoing the gate and lowering down to move out of the way.

 Zeke and helping the girls into the back of the wagon. "Th-thhe.. Foods here.." 

"And our-aar gi-gift to you for tonight." Ayame was posing herself trying to cover Ruby's body and to keep his attention on her. Her tail lifting up covering Ruby as Ayame slowly picked up the plate by herself.

"...Thank you.." Zeke looked away and tried to use his wing to slowly move Ruby further away. "Why?! Why am I being punished?" Ruby holding her clothing blurted out almost in tears. "Punished?" His head tilted around as his ear turned to listen to the female. 

"I was the on that found you.."

 "And you turned out to be so mean!" Ruby sniffled with her lip quivering, shaking as she clinging against the other female. Zeke and Ayame both frozen in shock unsure what to do. Zeke wrapped his arms around them both and jumped out of the wagon wrapping his wings around them just incase.

Sitting there in the back of the wagon, reaching up and gave a clap. "Very nice.." Zeke unwrapped his arms, wings from around them.  "Get over here don't go off saying stuff like that.."  Ayame was stunned for a moment laying in Zekes arms staring up at him with sadness in her eyes, "Get Ruby out of here you want his meal to be ruined?! And everything everyone's done will go wrong." 

She whispered to him, quickly got back onto her feet climbed back into the back of the wagon. "I.. I'm sorry.."

"we-we got in-interrupted." She returned to his side sitting along with the plate of food. Her paws were a little shaky, his paw reached out gripping her arm. Sighing out softly, "Your na?" His head hung low his nose twitching leaning over and smelling the food. 

"Oh.." 

"foods here..." Ayame's arm was shaking even more her voice had left her only for a few seconds, "Ye-yes s-sir let me food." 

"feed you.." His grip on her arm loosened before letting go. "Thank you, but I would like to feed myself now go.. enjoy the food and drinks games and songs.." 

Ayame gulped with a quivering lip, "Then.. le-let me be of s-service for you tonight." Zeke covered Ruby's eyes and began escorting Ruby away. "Come on." 

"let's go eat." Ruby looked up at Zeke. "What about." Zeke covered her mouth. "She'll be fine, lets go quietly." he whispered to her.

Ayame had glanced back to see they had left only to turn back around and his face was inches away from hers. His ragged blindfold covering his eyes, "Ah.. ah." Ayame tried to smile softly. "S-sir.. Is everything to.. Your liking?" 

Her paws shook touching along his thighs, "Leave.."

"I will eat this food which was part of the deal I will not be bribed or cheated..." 

"Now go." His voice changed to a soft tone. "Go eat.." 

"Dance, sing, enjoy the time." His paws touched hers lifting her up to her feet slightly and gestured to the sounds. "Go.." Ayame stood there in front of him slowly making her way out of the wagon.

She grabbed her clothing and quickly clothed herself running back to get something to eat, stopping next to her mate and her child. His stomach growled deeply, using his claws as he began scooping up what he could, eating every bit on the plate. 

He lifted up the plate and began drinking the juices from the plate licking it all up. "Oh that was good.." Sighing softly and smiled happily rubbing his belly. Looking at his wrist with a smirk, turning the red to a soft green glowing along Zeke's arm. 

"AH!" he screamed out holding out his arm shaking as everyone stared. A moment went by as everyone looked around the glowing soon dissolved Zeke's arm was back to normal again. A cheer and laughter yelled out before silence when they all stared at the wagon. 

"The Mighty Creature of the forest.. you gave us safe passage." He sat in the wagon in thought, 'What should my name be here?.'

'Although monster of the forest does sound kind a' cool. I'll need to pick a name soon let's see. How about we go down the list...' It wasn't long before the child from before was running along the wagons jumping a crossing one wagon into the back of his. 

A large club smacking into his forehead, 'It's that little mother-fu' The club cracked along the wood grain. There was a long pause as everyone was staring terrified at what just happened. Flicking his head up sending the child up into the air before slamming his head into their stomach sending them out of the wagon. "Stop, picking fights or you're going to end up dead kid!"

 The adults stood their jaws dropped at what was going on, unsure what to do before the leading female stomped over taking the child in her arms.  Her loving caring smile quickly turned to a face filled with rage. She threw the child to its parents loudly barking at them, before turning back around with a warm and friendly face staring at him. 

"Please forgive our children."

 "they are."

" wild sometimes.. you- you know how kids are." She chuckled nervously, "That was a good meal, you all are safe while in my territory. I will stay in here until it is needed for me to come out of here." 

The leading female looked around some, then to the two that were still close. "The meal was good everyone." "WE-WE have safe passage." A heavy sigh of relief came from them all, the leading female looked up at him and nodded. "Thank you.."

 "please if you need any." She would glance at the two before looking back at him. "I want to make another deal." 

She held out her paw standing firm, "What are you doing?! Your going to get us all killed?" His ears twitched as his head looked directly at the lead female. "What is the deal?" He asked tilting his head slightly.

"Will you join us? Protect us and in return we feed you.." 

"If you fail to protect us you will not be fed ever from any of us." Sitting there staring at the large female extending out her paw to him firmly leaning her paw towards him fully, her side was leaning against the wagons gate. "I will not protect you from death when it is your time.."

 "You will die in time like your family lines.."

 "But remember this deal will only be where my territory begins and ends."

"Once you are out of that area all of your safety is not my concern, only to you and four others within you all.. so choose wisely what four will go on safely with you. and who will be left behind when their time is come?" Staring at her as she opened her mouth as everyone began walking over to the wagon. "Four only four?!" 

"We want to make a deal, too!"

 "Why can't we all have safe passage?" More and more people began to hold out their arms wanting to make a deal. "Silence all of you.." everyone's voices left them as they were moving their mouths. "One at a time.."

 "each of you will have to decide who will be saved and who will be left behind. I will not negotiate this.."

 "Talk amongst yourselves.. Pick straws.."

 "But four is the limit I am willing to do. For your kindness and for the food this is a generous offer." The adults looked at themselves then to the children playing with each other.

The large female was in shock as she was whispering to herself, "Me.. four.. four others?" Staring at him, "Do you get to pick or can we pick?" He nodded. "You choose four of you and those four will be safe along with you. I will not take any other deals for now." 

His ear twitched a bit leaning around, hearing the whispers of who should be one of the four. The lead females paw was soon shaking paws with him. "The four have been selected and I accept this.."

 "From now on, I will accompany these wagons and protect those upon it as agreed..

 So everyone rest easy tonight the deal is made and now.."

 "You will be safe." 

A red chain sunk into both of their paws as she closed her eyes looking away. Her arm held his paw for a moment before slowly letting go seeing the chains sink into her fur before disappearing. "Now.. I must rest, so rest easy you will be safe here." Laying back down in the wagon, as he stared up at the top of the wagon saddened by he had to do, wanting to fall asleep quickly.

 The lead female stood there looking at her arm, touching along where the chains were. "Okay, we will be safe now." Everyone crowded around her looking at her arm. "Does it hurt? are you okay? who did you pick?" Their questions were hushed as his voice rang out from the wagon.

 "Next person that asks who was picked will be killed and eaten on the spot in front of everybody..." 

"This will not affect the deal I have now. This is your one and only warning." Looking up at the ceiling with his arms out wide almost in prayer. '... Please just agree, You seem like actually nice people.' It was silent as whispers started to rise above the sound of a breeze passing by. 

One of the large females burst into flames screaming in horror as she kept asking. The moment only lasted a few seconds before her body was dust in the wind before dissolving into the ground. "Wh-what happened?"

 The crowd scattered after seeing one of their own was burned alive from the inside out. "What have you done?" The lead female stared up at the sight of the female only a few steps away from her had burst into flames. "If you leave. Your safety will not be guaranteed." 

He yelled out as two families continued to run grabbing their things and children taking off back from where they were leaving. Lifting his head up some as he looked from the back of his wagon, "Please spare them!" 

The lead female stood in shock shaking in her legs nobody needs to know who would be safe. She turned her attention back to him and held her arm up in view. "Allow them to leave.. please! I'll come up with a good trade for their safety."

 She began taking off her gloves placing them down on the ground. Her throat pulled at every bit of her saliva she could muster. "You must be weary.. please s-sir.." Her shirt was already gone her eyes were closed leaning against the gate. "Trade their lives.." 

"for my body for as long as you guard these people.."

She said whispering her offer to him as her paws began touching along her hips slowly pushing down her pants. His attention went to her seeing the look on her face he shook his head. "They can leave.. anyone can.."

 "but I won't look after their safety if they leave." 

"They will be safe once back with us till the end of my territory otherwise.." 

"I will not help unless they make a deal within the next few days." 

"As agreed I will protect these wagons and those in them till the end of my territory." Resting his head back down on the wagon as his tail gently pushed her shirt back towards her, "Your offer has been declined." She put her shirt back on and then the rest of her clothing. 

His tail slithered over locking the gate closed, before slithering back away from the opening of the wagon. The lead female hopped up onto the wagons railing, pulled a piece of fabric that rolled down closing off the open end of the wagon. 

"As I said before you are all safe, I will not go against my part of the deal." Closing his eyes once more with the cloth hanging off his face some. The lead female looked around to see who had noticed what she was doing, glancing at her arm. 

"Deal's a deal." she whispered to herself shakily before gesturing to those that were coming towards her. "We are safe."

 "If you want to leave go ahead"

 "but if not then we continue on."  The word was getting around the wagons as the adults and adolescent's were all restless. only the children, elderly seemed to sleep carefree.

Chances taken away Chapter one:// Chill

"...Hey..."

"Hm wah?"

"Hey wake up."

"Why?"

It was silent for a moment, before a light would flash over his eyes. "Hm? What?" Slowly opening his eyes staring slightly at the light. "What's going on?"

"You have to come back."

'That voice... I know that voice. I think.' He thought before shouting out, "WHY SHOULD I?! Weren’t you the one that wanted me gone! You're the one that said, I didn't belong!" There was silence to his questions and acquisitions, the response was a cold hand touched upon his back. Pushing him towards the light floating towards it unable to move away. 

"They need you." 

Was the only answer he was given, "What?! NO! I refuse! Not like this!" Reaching up to cover his body, but the shackles on his wrists weighed his arms down at his side. "NO-noo!" Screaming out, before closing his eyes in-coated in darkness a tear ran down his cheek.

As sudden as he closed his eyes, he felt something he hadn't in ages. A single droplet of water fell upon his forehead, feeling the cool moist ground under his body. He could feel the water slowly stream down his face caressing down to the ground. Keeping his eyes closed, as his ears twitched with the sound of rain drops like a parade of applause falling around him. "No."

His bottom lip quivered as the tears he was soon shedding mixed with the rain drops falling upon his face and body. Bending a finger some before touching the ground below feeling the blades of grass, moist ground. Reaching over his body, feeling that he was free of the shackles that held him for so long. "Why?" asking in heartache gripping his chest as memories of the past, feelings flooded into his mind.

"I don't belong here!" Yelling out towards the sky repeatedly, as the tears ran down his cheeks. The rags he wore kept him covered as he laid in the dirt turning into mud around him. Tears continues rolling down as memories were coming back. Stomach rumbled with a angry growl, as if he hadn’t eaten in weeks.

Putting his hand upon his stomach with some strain, 'Shut up you, don't you start too.' Sniffling his nose, the smell of the water mixing with the plants around him. The smell of a landscape celebrating with joy, the sound of rain colliding with leaves and the ground. 

The splashing of water from the raindrops and the warmth of each raindrop embracing his body and soaking into the fabric of his rags. Covering in mud along his back as he stayed still for a moment silently listening to everything with his eyes closed. He slowly smiling with a chuckle.

"Ha!" lower lip still quivering he was overjoyed but deeply saddened. Opening up his hands and reached out slowly feeling the raindrops along his fingertips and against his body. Heavy footsteps in the rain were getting closer indenting into the ground leaving large footprints behind.

The rain halted for a second as the footsteps came to a stop on opposite sides of his head. A whining cry came from the other in the rain, close to his face. Listening as his eyes slowly opened as the figure was towering over him, there breath panting. Four pale, thick tentacles came from its mouth shaking as they stretched out from its mouth.

Looking up at the figure as his eyes focused more having his head blocked from the rain drops, 'Crash?' the figure whined once more to him. "Crash?" He asked in a unexpecting joyful tune, soon as the name was said. The tentacles stopped inches from his head, a panting whimper sounded from Crashes jaws.

Crash leaned in closer smelling his head with a low growl. "I know, I've been gone so long I'm so sorry, but I'm back now." 'Please, forgive me for leaving.' His finger slowly clenched up before opening lifting slowly up to touch Crash's head that blocked the rain.

Once he touched Crash head they cried happily. "CRASH! AHA! CRAAAASSSSSS!" Slobbering and lapping up at his face with it's tentacles, "Crash! ew aaaa! ow careful ha hahaha!" Each tentacle was rubbing aggressively lovingly against his face. Crash's head moved out of the way as he quickly wiping off the slobber from his face as he gripped the ground to sit up.

Crash could only stay away for a moment before jumping upon his lap like a puppy seeing their beloved family for the first time in a long time. Crash was a (), more commonly known as a ().

Crash was not light weighing in at over six hundred pounds (272.2kg), thankfully the mud was helping cradling his body from the large weight being lovingly smashed into him. Looking behind Crash seeing all ten of it's tails that could split apart or coil around each other to give them a large strong tail. 

Each tail looked the same before becoming one large tail, the horns upon its head was formed into a broken crown. Wounds were riddled all over its body some seemed recent as others looked much older. Most of its horns had broken off and were more fragile than when it was an adult. Crash was an elder, only a small few make it to an elders life span.

 The slime, saliva were two different liquids that came from it's mouth. It was raining heavily as it's paralyzing smoke that it could let out by will of Crash. Crash was heavily knowledgeable of how to use its toxic smoke, slime. Crashes body was ten foot long (3,048mm), standing tall at six foot six inches (1,981.2mm).

It's scales were a soft sunburnt green and fur was a faded gray. A hardened armor encased around its head, shoulder along the middle of its back. Five tentacles with hooks and suction cups along each tentacle were happily flailing around both inside and outside of their mouth. The hard armor plating was part of its body, as was the scales and medium length soft warm fur that covered Crash.

Crash was excited as they both began playfully wrestling around in a lush muddy meadow near a tree line both filled with joy and pain as his arms wrapped around Crash. Trying not to be impaled and squished, being carried and played with by Crash. 

Keeping close to him with it's tendrils happily holding him the best way Crash could. Crash squealed out loud with joy as the rain stopped for a second around them, before falling back down even faster for a moment. 'I can't believe your here.'

He watched before slowly getting up to onto his knees. Crash putting him back down on the ground panting, jumping. Running around as if it were still a hatchling although it was much bigger than normally stopped growing.

Watching Crash as he panting a bit as his body felt stiff, hard to move trying to join in on the joy. 'Your here..'

 

"You're such a good Crash!"

 'Aren’t you?'

 "Who missed me?" 

'Who missssed me?!?!'

 "You did! You did!" Pushing himself up from the ground his legs shook and stumbled around. Only to slip on some mud falling back onto his knees. 

He was walking towards Crash wanting to join in their happiness "I missed you so much!" 'Yes I did! Yes I did! I missed you all so much!' Flashbacks of happier times with Crash, with a sibling of the same kind but opposite markings upon its body.

Crash was running around the meadow showing off to him. How fast they were now, rushing from one side of the meadow in almost an instant. "Heeee yeeaa!!" Cheering for them "GO! BOY GO! WHOSE?! THE FASTEST AROUND!! THAT'S YOU!!" Yelling out excitedly.

Crash smacked into the side of a large tree with it's horns. Bursting a hole in the side then ran into another tree and did the same. Each strike breaking the tree's into pieces that Crash was crashing into.

"Ha! careful bud, don't hurt yourself! I see! I see your so strong now!" A loud roar came out of Crash making the trees begin to fall along the treeline. He couldn't help but smile happily. "You've gotten so STRONG, I'M SO PROUD OF YOU! GOOD BOY!" 

Crash was busy showing off how tough they were that they didn't noticing him fall. Heavily wheezing as Crash slowed down stumbling a bit before turning around and rushing over to him cried out in pain, as its body fell into the mud halfway. 

Crash slid a bit in the mud as its legs began pushing against the ground in a pained panic trying to get over to him. Whining cries came from its mouth pushing itself on the ground to get to him. Looking in horror at Crash collapsing to the ground, his heart seemed to stop as his mouth opened up in fear. "CRASH!"

Crashes wounds were starting to open leaving a bloody trail. Crashes body was thrashing around trying to get to him. He was froze for a moment in time, before a splash of rain landed on his eyes making him blink for a second. 

Opening up his eyes his legs and arms didn't work fully at the moment gripping the mud only to fall over onto his stomach and quickly crawled on his hands and knees, "Crash!" 'OOooh! No! You do not! get to do that.'

'Get up! HEY CRASH!'

 "Ge-get u-up.."

 'GET UP!!'

 He yelled trying to move quickly, as pain was being sent all over his body, "What?!.."

 

"NOo no-no.." 

"Crash!!" 'Please don’t noo! nooo!"  Reaching to Crash as they both start panting and breathing heavily in pain.

"Not now we.." 

"I-I just got back. why?!" Reaching along it's side, his hands shaking covering it's wounds in mud that seemed to be slow some of the wounds, that were opening up from Crash's movements. "It's okay we'll close the wounds.." 

"Don't worry this. I-I don't have much energy left.." 

"This isn't that bad.."

"I will not lose you. I WILL NOT! NO!" 

'WE need to ..'

'To cover them..'

 The hairs on the back of his neck began to rise. His hands covered in a mix of blood and mud, desperately trying to close each wound. 

"Crash has been waiting for your return." 

"Defying death, now that isn't an easy feet."

 A voice called out nearby. 'That voice again..' Looking up quickly in the direction of the voice "YOU."

 

"YOU DID THIS!" Looking around quickly moving his arms over the body of Crash.

"I have done nothing, Crash made a deal and now." 

"It's fulfilled and now your here aren't you?"

The voice was calm while speaking, as the figure appeared nearby as the rain like a curtain bent around protecting them. He continued to cover Crash with his body the best he could. Panting and whined out crying in pain pushing its head against him.

 "Crash, no.." 

'I always warned you never to make any deals h-h.' cradling Crash's head in his arm, being careful as Crash shook every so often out of trying to stay awake. One of the tentacles weakly tapped against his back. 

"It.." His lips quivered trying to talk but nothing seemed to want to come out. More of Crash's tentacles slithered out touching his face wiping the tears away. Sqwank! Crash called out weakly, each Sqwank faded.

'It's okay I'm here now I'm here. please don't. I-I need you here with me.'  His arm raised up along Crashes side some lightly touching over the scales, fur. Looking horrified tears rolling down his cheeks trying to form words. 

'Re-remember, when we would look up at the stars and you'd roar at the shooting stars? huh? Or-or that time you kept snatching the meat from the spit roast? Ha ha, everyone.' The tendrils slowly one by one slowed down their movements. Leaning heavily onto his shoulders.

'E-everyone had got so mad and chased you around.' Tears flowing from his eyes holding onto Crashes body shaking his mouth open as a silent scream poured out. 'I was the only one that could catch you, I guess you were mad I was gone huh? I missed you too!' The figure waiting patiently watching over them.

He sat leaning against Crash. trying to comfort his beloved friend, a family member. His voice cracking every so often. Listening to its heart beat getting slower "I.." It's body let out one last Sqwank with all of it's might for one last time.

'I wanted to go on more adventures with you..' The noise it let out a sound that stopped the rain from falling down. Crashes tail sending out a large piece of mud towards the figure. Crashes whole body stiffened up leaving more of an imprint in the dirt, and mud. 

'Please not like this.' His hand shook gripping its paw tighter it wasn't long as the heart stopped. Crash's mouth opened up and let out a joyful screech as its tendrils touched him only to go limp on its way to touch him. Staring at Crash trying to smile, seeing what was Crashes happiest smile he could remember.

'Or the first time we met, with your littler cracking out of your egg shells.' He was in the middle of having a memory only to feel the lifelessness in his hands. His mouth open slightly unable to think of words, "It was the first day you were alive, everyone was so scared of you.'

'You were so hungry, ha.' Trying to laugh but came out as a cracked chuckle, with a lump in his throat. He stayed next to his loyal companion gripping their massive paw, his other hand gripping his stomach as it rumbled. Staying beside them as the rain was slowly washing away the mud from their wounds. 

'You all were the most amazing creature's I had ever seen..' 

'Like something out of a dream..' 

'You two were the best one's there ever will be.' 

The smell of food nearby was strong as he held the paw tightly. His voice was soft, "Let's go on one more adventure." 'I-I haven't eaten in so long did you know. I would be starving if.'

'When, I came back? That's my Crash ha, always feeding me even in the end.' He paused hoping and wishing for a response. "Like the good old"  'days.'

 Slowly laying Crash's head down into the mud biting his lips. The rain mixing in with tears against his face. His hand shook hesitantly fueled by sorrow and rage. Touching against Crash being as gentle as he could, placing his hand upon the stomach holding the paw in the other.

 A warm sensation went throughout his body "Please forgive me.." 

'I don't want to do this..' 

"Don't hate me." Crash's body was being torn apart, each piece forming into a small glowing bubble. Each bubble began merging into on small bead size before colliding with his body. Absorbing it into his body, tears couldn't stop rolling down his face a silence scream came from his mouth. 

"Feel better now? Good. So there is something you can do for me."

Looking up into the sky as he leaned back some letting the rain cover his face. His eyes closing soaking himself in the rain. 'Of course, there is something you need.' 

"Trust me this will have both of our best interests involved." 

A scroll appeared with words of different languages switching from one to another. 

"I'll even start with what benefits you'll get. So first on the list, all your powers and everything you once had will be granted to you. A generous gesture on my part, I think."

 "Anywa-a-ay, Oh and as requested last time no small print, no hidden deals, nothing but the truth of this deal. Isn't that kind."

"Oh right, you must still be grieving, the poor thing.."

 "Whelp, I will leave you alone then but I'll come back when you've settled in a bit more." 

"Oh I almost forgot to mention everyone is still alive, but I will warn you some may not like your return. Remember a lot has changed since you last came here."

 

His body shaking, all that remained was the muddy imprint in the ground that was slowly filling with the rain. His legs shook some in place for a moment "I'm sorry"

Staying still, staring at the imprint when his eyes opened after everything was completely gone. Tears mixing with the rain seemed to stream down his face. Slowly lowering himself down to the ground touching the imprint with shaking hands. 'I'm sorry.'

 'I'm sorry..'  

His attention was turned to the figure overlooking him. His fists clenched together as mud began to run out from between his fingers. "There happy now?! You should have just left me alone. Let me just disappear from this world, again!” The figure scoffed at his words before turning his gaze away. “Why am I needed! Huh?!" He said sprinting off towards the figure jumping out to tackle them.

Fires filling his eyes feeling nothing but hatred. The moment his hand touched the fabric, he dove through the figure only to land in the mud. Laying there in the mud in defeat, slamming his fist into the ground in rage. Sending water and mud splashing up. It took a moment, feeling the mud covering his body from head to toe.

Cooling him down from his anger, lifting himself up to his feet. Dusting off his clothing of mud, turning around being face to face with the figure. The figure fading out of sight, with a grin forming from one side of it’s face to the other. 

His foot was submerged into mud as he sighed. "Great!" Leaning his head back some to look towards the sky with his eyes closed feeling the rain drops on his face, "You like tormenting me so much. Don't you?" His hands dangling to his side with a heavily sigh.

The water washing away the mud from his face, lowering his head to look back down to the ground. Lifting his hands up in front of him. "What now, huh?" questioning himself, flexing his fingers in front of himself. 

He had his freedom, but at what cost? "Back again." Lifting his leg to walk, it had been some time, lifting his head to look ahead, "Alright.." 

"Back again then." Walking in the rain, It was a strange feeling to have all these sensations back again. Only stopping every once in a while as he walked to simply feel around with his hands and toes the muddy terrain made him slip and slide some as he made his way, "Ooph, haha almost fell."

The clouds covered the sky above, he had not seen the sun in such a long time. 'It's bright enough to be early morning? Or perhaps it’s getting darker?' looking around more taking in his rainy surroundings. The feel of the mud slipping between his toes the coolness of the water upon his body made his clothing which were tattered and torn sticking to his body showing his form. 

'Alone again.' Sitting down in the mud letting the rain fall over him. 'There has to be a town or something nearby, right? Should be.' Staring down at the ground the mud covering his feet.

'Maybe a road?' Looking up towards the sky gesturing to himself and then all around, “Couldn’t give me at least a direction to go?”

He exclaimed making his way through the meadow, coming upon a small pond. Looking at the water some standing at the edge of the pond. Leaning down, kneeling down on one knee.

"Hm?" Staring at his own face, touching along his cheeks and over his head. 'It’s been so long since I’ve seen you. Hello me.' Standing back up dusting off his knee of the mud.

'I guess I should, try to change into something else or there will be some trouble.' Thinking for a moment as he looked down to the ground 'Besides, I doubt they want to see me again.' 

Placing his hand under his chin, "Lets get started then, I think I remember how to do this." Reluctantly standing back up straight, closing his eyes for a moment thinking of what he needed to do to change.

 His body began shifting, twisting slowly as he groaned a bit trying to keep focused. It didn’t take long for him to fall to his knees in agony. It was something he knew all too well, but it had been such a long time. 

From his head to toes were changing, the color of his skin turned to multiple colors. Once there was skin, turned to fur with a long tail forming along tailbone of his spine. Reaching down, gripping the mud at the pond side.

His mouth opened being speechless, through the pain. Passing out shortly afterwards falling upon the ground his arms out reached as his tail laid out of his rags, along the ground. His fur along his back light baby blue with silver tips along the back of his body to the tip of his tail, which at the tip of his tail was puffed out.

Along his sides were patches of jade green, his chest tribal blue markings making their way down to his thighs. The rest of his body held a light brown tint around the stomach area, laying unconscious upon the ground. A bit of time went by beside the pond, the ripple of a fish coming up to catch food.

The clouds over head moved along with soft rays of sunshine coming through as the clouds parted. Two pairs of light footsteps grew closer, one turning back leading away from the pond side. The other footsteps stayed at a distance, before getting a little closer stepping ever so slowly.

A long stick was slowly lowering down shaking before a quick jab to his shoulder with a sharp part of a stick, made him groan and twitch some. The feet quickly stepped back as more footsteps came up much heavier than the others rushing towards them.

Hearing muffled voices calling out, talking among themselves, near his body. Soon surrounding him as he could hear only muffled group of voices talking. His eyes opened briefly seeing blurry visions of shapes, figures.

Slowly closing his eyes from the small ray of sunshine blinding him for a moment. There was only one word he could bring himself to say "Hhee" 'Help?' It was not long before the voices had quietened down.

 After the silence there was little talk, before his arms were lifted then his legs being carried away from the pond. His body being lifted a bit higher then laid carefully onto a hard surface. His body jolting some while the surface moved, crackling of metal against rock, wood creaking as gears and objects moved.

Soft voices could be heard around him, half of his body hanging off the edge. The voices from what he could hear were far away. A sudden hard smack to his head, made him groan with pain. His eyes twitched along with his fingertips, 'Ugh.' Sitting up slowly holding his head with a groan. Opening his eyes seeing what he hit or hit him. 

His head smacked again into the side of the wall, rubbing his head slightly. He was on a rickety old wagon being pulled down a dirt road. Looking around rubbing his head more seeing more wagons behind.

Staring at awe, watching the wagons following along the dirt road. Each wagon had a cover over it, although they were all connected by a purple bolt from both the top and bottom of each wagon. Each wagon had people sleeping and resting. Children running along the sides of the wagons playing as the adults were gathered together two wagons down.

 Each one seemed to argue with the other about what seemed like nonsense to him. 'O' well, I guess.. I don’t have to find the road anymore.' thinking to himself as the tip of his tail flicking along the dirt of the road. Laying back down to rest, curling up against the side of the wagon. Sleeping soundly as the wagon jerked back and forth as the wheels bumped over rocks and slammed into holes.