The nasty rats were everywhere, It took hours before the passageways cleared. Shivering as the wet cramped passageway had soaked his fur.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAtgD4T9uqxk
Just as he was about to step out the awful human Kar called out. Heart racing he jumped out, then shot into the small tunnel right below.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAU9Dqwqaan7
Crawling through it his paws chilled from the slick muck. Ugg, pitooy, blea. He slid belly first down a ramp that jettisoned him outside.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAREVk4MKCTr
"Wheee!"
712Please respect copyright.PENANAru4OhE5UE8
He rose in an arc before falling on top a prickle bush.
712Please respect copyright.PENANANVMIHFCOiU
"Yi-yoo!"
712Please respect copyright.PENANAwJvjK1D7Gh
This was different from the cage.
And weird pink goo room. So many snells, mummm!
712Please respect copyright.PENANA8iXRHQVLyG
A bird! I missed your pretty chirps. He moved and a burr poked into him arm. He hissed. He sat on his rump removing them, the icky things tangled even worse when pulled on.
712Please respect copyright.PENANA0buobAP3Uw
Good smells out here. Kar and the rats, so mean poking me with scary needles all day. Going to eat you some day, can't poke me then! He growled deep and huffed.
712Please respect copyright.PENANATSXkjxwoC6
And for Mama too. Leo sniffed. Big tear drops spilled over his The snout. He wiped it off on the back of his paw.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAVvTBYrnMoT
He sniffed again. What is that?
712Please respect copyright.PENANAHeYJUZPmzf
"Snifffff!"
712Please respect copyright.PENANA9tJnD7mC7x
Not human, no more woodsy and peppery.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAAM0WLYoqEc
The scent stretched off in the distance, he followed it for a good few hours.
712Please respect copyright.PENANANyHRm4b8yZ
Houngry, wish some of those meat cubes were around here. He kicked a rock, it rolled into a small hole.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAFtOqoSPRTE
"Squeek!"
712Please respect copyright.PENANAv8pIn94821
His ears tilted forward. Hey, meat? He drooled while dropping back on all fours and dug his claws into the soft earth.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAhW52kr4LSd
A mouse jumped out. He snapped it up gulping it down. Not bad, crunchy.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAMSjJFTNXJW
There it is again. Another wiff of the scent passed by, he trotted after it.
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####
712Please respect copyright.PENANASlHYwdkYr9
Several weeks pass, the scent long gone, but he kept going anyways. On the rare occasion when a stinky human didn't run away, he asked them about the pointy lady.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAVvws3dPqPS
In a cave, he found several cages, each a dead bugbear. Far in the back one was whimpering.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAph3Xbv02bk
He crouched down on his haunches next the cage.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAoOzY3MxOHu
"You alive?"
712Please respect copyright.PENANAf2gEG4sUet
"If I wasn't would I be making any sounds?" The bugbear sat up, her grey fur matted and dirty.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAyfoeEmMGqB
"Well? Get me out all ready."
712Please respect copyright.PENANAqokBFUd1XS
"Okay!"
712Please respect copyright.PENANASXCaBsJ0ea
A heavy thing smacked the back of his head. Annoying!
712Please respect copyright.PENANAvKmvCxFoPa
Turning, he caught the handle of a shovel held by a human male mid swing.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAVe2kA4Axvt
"Dummy!" He shook the handle, then let go. The human made a weird noise and backed away.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAzS9jQLqAPX
Leo turned back and pounded on the cages latch. The door swung open then fell off with a thud.
712Please respect copyright.PENANATb1VuZJwmp
"Boy, your head made out of rockwood?"
"No." He shook his head several times.
I'm, Granny got it?" She pointed a claw at her chest.
712Please respect copyright.PENANA2NrHS2t443
"Yup. Got it!" It was great to find someone, another bugbear.
712Please respect copyright.PENANA2aVd99E55r
"I'm going home. We'll have to come back later to bury them."
712Please respect copyright.PENANA5lxFXzCbRy
She took him out to the outer edges of the city nearby, then lead him down a steep cliff. On the southern side was a old carved stairway.
712Please respect copyright.PENANANMCVzghhEf
"Take care not fall, it's a long drop." She said then went down it.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAEprmP4VBTn
He looked over the side, a fast river filled with jagged rocks sticking out all over.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAiceBPRwMuQ
"Wait up, granny!"
712Please respect copyright.PENANACWPZF6IG6a
He jogged behind her.
He stayed with her for a month. One morning she just didn't wake up. Could just pretend not to know.
The tears were worse then last time, and his nose ran too. He wiped his snout on the blanket before wrapping her in it. Better, way better then the cold ground. Goodbye.
712Please respect copyright.PENANA7ehY140gTN
He took the pack she'd made him and headed north outside. After a few days he found a snow covered pathway that winded up a mountainside.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAdg0CqTnmag
A few hours later a small crack in the mountainside drew his attention. It smelled thick of human and of cinder. Yuck human, they smell like rotten fish! He rubbed his nose trying to clear the stench away.
712Please respect copyright.PENANA3yl1fKGSOp
He dug his claws into the cold rocks, fighting to climb up the mountainside. The harsh winds buffeted on all sides, its howling winds yowling.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAtT1dIItAga
The brave human said a party had headed this way, after that he didn't know where they went. Have nobody left, maybe she would know. It was a long shot, but better then being alone.
712Please respect copyright.PENANA3BEAmFi15g
He scrambled down and dropped in front of another cavern. This one had a bridge inside that stretched across spanning both sides. The waters below smelled faintly of her. Have to hurry must be catching up.
712Please respect copyright.PENANA9NipK9IHe9
His skin tingled with each breath, magic had been cast here. He sniffed, breathing in deep. Holy magic? He sniffed again. Ya, it was. Her scent was definitely above the water. Weird as most scents vanished around water.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAr95n33jBMZ
Hate baths, hate being wet. Turning back, he climbed off the bridge, then sank his claws into the supporting stone pillar, gorging large holes into it.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAxNtLIwYrts
A moment later he dropped down into the water, then swam to the edge of the cavern lake off ahead.
Pulling out was thankfully easy. The cavern floor wasn't too slick, he braced his footing before shaking out his fur.
He stopped. A light snoring. A shadow on the floor moved and stretched. He patted over. Shadows didn't move, so? 712Please respect copyright.PENANANMCLQ77ReG
The shadow grew in shape and color, it was a purple cat-like creature with horns and long claws. It was sprawled out in the middle taking up most of the cavern room. Talk about pretty. Leo stood tall and strained his neck. Where was the exit? Was it laying on it? 712Please respect copyright.PENANAjD0LAcwRbK
712Please respect copyright.PENANAjxT1z0OULn
Inching closer he patted the creature's shoulder.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAiqQwvqjy8k
"Can you help me?"
712Please respect copyright.PENANATrWyplmURt
The creature cracked one eye open. "What is it pest?"
712Please respect copyright.PENANA0m2vFdIBX0
The creature raised its head sitting up on it's haunches, looming over him.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAk6RF10BmW1
He swallowed. "How do I get out of here?"
712Please respect copyright.PENANAtni1vGGHs4
"Whatever it takes to have some peace first annoying morsels cut my nose-" He pointed to a healing gash- "And now you! Go back under the water and through the tunnel."
712Please respect copyright.PENANAr5krP3L4Ys
He flopped over onto his side; snoring.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAvxJE1mq6K4
"Thanks!"
712Please respect copyright.PENANAzNRbHeiKqA
"Go away pipsqueek-sleep-" The creature muttered. It's snores started again.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAtUw5aqO4fR
He slid into the water diving deeper until a tunnel cavity appeared. It was just wide enough to pass through, he kicked hard swimming up, the exit above him.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAduVYbMPkGw
It was a tight squeeze he pulled and wiggled out pushing up with his arms. That's enough baths for a year. Ah, outside again. The morning sun warmed his fur, he sat there until it dried.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAXQmrzSq4mi
A days walk later he found a forest made of silver trees that had crystal droplets hanging from the leafs. The thin lines laced over the nearby leafs connecting from top to bottom.
712Please respect copyright.PENANADGtHCEhzt2
It was interesting watching them move almost like they moved on their own. He shook his head, na that's silly.
712Please respect copyright.PENANA6i0M8s8yTJ
A sign hung from a tree's branches:
712Please respect copyright.PENANAZl9Rt1eXAS
Great Silver Forest
712Please respect copyright.PENANADP2xjRs9yy
Under these words it said in thick lettering:
712Please respect copyright.PENANA08qZ9M7WZA
Evil dies here.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAagAjeazsAW
He stepped closer to the sign a sharp shock darted over his back, the fur puffed out. Errrg!
712Please respect copyright.PENANAos2D2scdcp
Backing off the sensation left. A warning? He stepped over to the sign again. Not the sign.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAoGhbjZeX4c
Am going in there traps or not! He took two steps onto the forest.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAOjdU1BVHrF
"Ah ha! Ha!"
712Please respect copyright.PENANA83AxWCPJEL
It didn't shock this time. He sniffed. Small sparks lit up a darker area ahead, the warm scent of brimstone tickled his snout; of home and peace.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAmi1gzaqojy
A light shock danced over his skin, as did a whole new sensation that had no words. This was much like last time, but richer. Magic again a different kind.
712Please respect copyright.PENANATOn391JOsl
Leo sniffed again, while taking a few steps closer toward the sparks.
712Please respect copyright.PENANA3m2g6a35nY
"Elanener." No. No. "Elemental." Ya, fire smelled just like this. The sparks had gone, but the warm scent remained.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAeHHJK7357W
The sparks stoped as he closed the distance.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAByOZMYyOyj
A strange creature sat on a massive nest. Atop the creature's head a large crest that that thined as it reached its neck. The long golden feathers shimmered orange that ended with deep purple at the tips. The rest of it was also this coloration.
712Please respect copyright.PENANA8YSjX62CEz
A rabbit spooked from behind a tree and the creature turned its striking blue eyes his way.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAvJIoPsyB0s
"For your sake, you had better not try it."
712Please respect copyright.PENANAXHEHOA2V4B
"Try what?" He shook, trying not to look tasty.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAUpv9ZuLDOE
The look on her-definitely a female it was in her tone of voice.
712Please respect copyright.PENANABRQZXh1rYR
"I ... I want to find my way out of this forest, O grand one!" Shifting his feet onto the dirt.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAvp7EMqiVlA
She chirped for awhile before the sound clicked. A laugh.
712Please respect copyright.PENANANovFxguoMd
"You don't need to be quite that polite. All right then, you're not after my eggs?"
712Please respect copyright.PENANAS2suZzfH3i
"No, no! I'm trying to find someone. Granny said this was my journey. Whatever that means."
712Please respect copyright.PENANABiEIUWhVum
He relaxed a little, but kept ready in case the creature attacked.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAZ7CGxVCdqE
"Come up here, it's time to eat, and have a chat shall we? Tell about Granny and your someone."
712Please respect copyright.PENANAqyxrsvWvFz
He eyed her. To eat with or be eaten?
712Please respect copyright.PENANABFS8dfjDBd
She taped the edge of the nest with a rose colored talon.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAyRQsByds6O
He gulped. So sharp.
712Please respect copyright.PENANApndxhgKYA4
"Don't eat me!" He sobbed and cried. He rubbed his eyes with the back side of his paws.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAwYdEvEwGus
"I didn't mean to frighten you. Are you a child?" Her voice was softer and way less scary.
712Please respect copyright.PENANALPQ1fVPXlU
He sniffed, nodding. "Ya, I'm almost two. Next year ill be as big as my brother!" He held out his arms out wide and then up high.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAGEgdxGLFSd
She chirped again. "Here you look famished."
712Please respect copyright.PENANAXmIaBwLixY
She bent her long swan like neck down over the side of the nest. A dead rabbit landed at his feet.
712Please respect copyright.PENANARXY3qyMNAf
"Yum! Thanks!"
712Please respect copyright.PENANAL5pmxUQqfa
After a few bites he looked up again. "What are you?"
712Please respect copyright.PENANASbT81y8s4S
She waited for him to finish.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAXdMsaYZQyB
"Now little one, where is your mother? You should not be out in these dangerous woods alone!"
712Please respect copyright.PENANA6Iypcsyjrm
His stomach became sour and he started sobbing, the baby tears streamed down his cheeks wetting the fur.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAxJ2B5hXdwo
"Mama! Is gone!" He sucked in great gulps of air and sobbed harder.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAP6QUkabC1D
That bad, horrible day. It all came back. He curled into a ball and pushed his paws into his face; hard. My fault mine, mine, if I been good mama would be here.
712Please respect copyright.PENANA5HaceDIuVw
"My fault. I ran off."
712Please respect copyright.PENANACVKOaMXPCm
The ground disappeared under him as a wing scooped him up. He froze. Gona' die.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAI1ADIcFwhC
"I don't wanna'!" Can't even call for mamma.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAcYFwP9qSKi
He shivered. Then landed on some soft straw.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAKc24AseRC2
"Look at me."
712Please respect copyright.PENANAbgErBEf8G5
"No!"
712Please respect copyright.PENANAe1TKQ65RA8
He grabbed his tail and curled up tighter.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAV1FMWUuUH2
"I'm not going to eat you."
712Please respect copyright.PENANAfiObPkNdeP
He peaked at her between paws. She wrapped a wing around him.
712Please respect copyright.PENANA1PFdHLz1VY
"I'm a bird ... of sorts."
712Please respect copyright.PENANAF13MwwJHPh
"Okay? A big one!" He spread his hands out.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAgBmBZOcXD7
"I did not mean to upset you. Here come closer. A nap will do you good."
712Please respect copyright.PENANAJNgGZi93zp
He cuddled up beside her drifting off under the warm feathers with her chest rising up and down.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAjpHyrgAQqu
####
712Please respect copyright.PENANARfwgOv5KK1
The bird's chicks hatched a month later, he tossed the deer over his shoulder watching them play. Their gray fluffy down was almost gone and the colors of flame poked through.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAznubJpG8vW
Mama Blaze had adopted him and even gave him a name.
712Please respect copyright.PENANA8ABus27Pve
"Hi mom, look what I can do, I've been practicing!" said Leo.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAyuY6ZdI2TR
She turned around as he placed the dead deer on the forest floor. He had a handful of her feathers, and assorted herbs in some small pots.
712Please respect copyright.PENANA8iryJuszXO
Smearing the crushed herbs all over it, then placed one feather on its side. He sang, it was choppy as his new fangs messed up the tone. It didn't matter as after a while the feather glowed a bright red. The deer sprang up and bounded away.
712Please respect copyright.PENANA1CcoNSUOzz
"You did well and remembered each step, very good."
712Please respect copyright.PENANAsUKYhxlzaw
"I finally did it right!"
712Please respect copyright.PENANA9lg2rpaJQO
"You would have been a good Phoenix." She preened the top of his head.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAWbnNCuq6xr
She straightened. "It's time you finished your mission. The spirits that travel in the ebb and flow if time whisper of disruption, chaos and an eclipse."
712Please respect copyright.PENANAM7bgmH3set
"Why cryptic?"
712Please respect copyright.PENANAXq1Xf0zity
"It's tiring for them to talk, at most three words is all they can manage."
712Please respect copyright.PENANAm3L1wQYro5
"Take these before you go." She pushed over a flat piece of bark covered in molted feathers.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAjN4AXdlRSd
Bending down, he picked them up and stuffed them in his pack.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAoyDQihKDxE
"I'll come back."
712Please respect copyright.PENANAoQaeJrF1AG
She shimmered and shook her head, she opened her beak painting.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAwfjSTwav89
"Try not to for at least two moons. It is the time if offering that I told you about. It'll be far too hot here."
712Please respect copyright.PENANAmpegjT4BFy
"May the sun follow you," he said.
712Please respect copyright.PENANADw9qtpfChi
"And warm your journey," Mama Blaze replied.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAlPPHeEt4Ss
Hugging her burned his paws some, don't care. He left the forest and headed West.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAzcQa4TQQQo
He slipped past the town of Badgervill careful to avoid the mass of stinking humans. A small shack just past the town was near the road. He spotted a large rusted wood axe lying in the grass beside it. Bending down he picked it up, looking at it. This will not be missed, it is pretty old.
712Please respect copyright.PENANAFGvEOhDpsn
There it was again, her scent lead him back near the Great Silver Forest. Several days later he found upon a waterfall with a lake and a winding river; only stopping to swipe some fish out and sleep.
712Please respect copyright.PENANADaijUc7qS6
A long deep canyon was at the forest's end. Its bridge split and broken in two on both sides. He went over to a part of rope cable that was caught on a pointed rock and pulled out several blue hairs. Definitely was going this way.