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Loki woke up in the middle of the night, with his heart beating wildly and his forehead beaded with cold sweat. He tried to calm down for a moment, convinced that he had had a horrible nightmare whose details he could not remember very well. However, would have sworn that, as many other nights, it was the memory of Ronod's cruel torture what had interrupted his sleep.

The lynx moved a claw to the scar on his face, tracing back and forth gently with his fingers and feeling a chill, as every time he did so. He couldn't stop thinking about that, if he had not closed his eye in time, at that precise moment he would probably be one-eyed. <<Or maybe, something much worse>> he told himself, repressing a shudder of horror. However, that had been many days ago, and he was sure that, with time, he would able to forget that episode. Or, at least, he held the hope inside that this would be the case.

Once he had managed to relax a little, still with one of his claws pressed against his forehead, he realized that he was completely alone in the tent. Puzzled, Loki looked for his clothes at the foot of bed and began dressing, wondering where Rukj had gone. He suppressed a smile as he smoothed the shirt's fabric, thinking that, despite his initial wariness, he had been able to sleep in the same tent next to the black wolf... without anything strange happening. Actually, he had forced himself to keep his eyes averted from the black wolf and repressed his thoughts on the matter while they both tried to get some sleep, but he was still able to remember that, just before falling asleep, he had wondered to himself how it would be to feel one of those strong arms of the wolf around his waist, and the soft movement of his chest when breathing, the heat from Rukj's body pressed against his own ... How it would have been to sleep with him, if only for one night, and make his deepest fantasy come true.

The lynx shook his head, somewhat annoyed with himself for being so carried away by those thoughts.

There would never be anything between him and Rukj. He had to assume it. The interests of the wolf black were different and, if he didn't feel anything towards him, he could not change that, even if he tried.

Loki could not help thinking, with some bitterness, while it seemed really easy when he repeated it in his head over and over, it was not so easy to carry it to his heart. It hurt knowing his feelings were unrequited, hurt to think that his fantasy, despite all the effort he put into it, would always remain that: a fantasy. The only possible solution was to forget everything, ignore his existence and pretend as if his attraction to the black wolf had never existed, if he didn't want to continue hurting himself. But Loki knew that, unfortunately, the memories one strives to forget the most are those that remain in the mind for the longest time.

Already dressed, he left the tent and with a surprised groan was buffeted by the frigid night winds of the Lands of the Beasts. It did not take long to spot Rukj, not very far from there. The wolf remained standing, contemplating the horizon and, from time to when, losing his gaze in the silvery moon that hung from the sky. He seemed lost in his thoughts, but Loki was convinced that he had heard him leaving the tent and had long since known he was awake.

Without saying a word, he slowly approached him, and stood by his side, trying to figure out what it was that the wolf watched with so much attention.

-You were right -Rukj said quietly, without giving him a single glance -. Neither you nor Raon could have survived for long traveling in this temperature.

The lynx nodded, thoughtfully, but said nothing.

The two remained in a silence only broken by the soft moan of the night wind blowing and, from time to when, the murmur of the snow shifting or of canvas tents shaking from a strong gust of wind.

Loki could not help thinking it was a beautiful night. There was not a single cloud in the sky and the stars shone with intensity, accompanied by the moon in the sky. If they had started the journey at that precise moment, they would have not needed a single light: it would have sufficed from the simple brightness of the celestial stars guiding them along their trip. And the snow, meanwhile, glowed with a silvery sheen, a magical, and mystical glow that seemed surround everything.

-Rukj -Loki gently began -, what happened to you?

The wolf did not respond immediately, despite that the lynx knew he had heard the question.

-I know that something happened to you recently -he continued, in spite of everything -. I realized some time ago, and if Raon was not so dependent on Jarek, he also would have perceived it already. Something is wrong, isn't it?

The wolf hesitated few moments, and when he opened his snout to respond, Loki could not prevent his words from disconcerting him:

-It is normal for Raon to be more dependent upon Jarek right now. I don't know if you've noticed, but the bond that Mother Kara wove between the two is much closer than any of us had imagined.

Loki blinked a couple of times.

-Do you mean... that there's something between Raon and Jarek? -he asked, hesitantly.

-Haven't you noticed already? -the black wolf responded -. They are much more united since our fight. I don't know exactly when it happened, but it is true that now the two of them are more attached... in some way.

-Yes. I knew that Raon really liked Jarek, but I had not realized that he had already taken the step of telling him -murmured Loki, perplexed.

He glanced sideways at Rukj, wondering inside what the wolf would think of that matter. After all, Raon was his protégé, and if Loki remembered the Human's words correctly, Rukj had never spoken about love nor of anything like that. Maybe he could not even have imagined that, at some point, his protégé would fall for someone. Would that have been a surprise to the black wolf? Would he mind the fact that his protégé had fallen in love with someone the same sex? Loki shook his head, not knowing exactly what to think.

He wasn't as worried about that, however. Rukj was an honest person, so he probably would understand the situation. He would be cold and serious, as in everything he did; but he would understand, and that was better than nothing.

-How much long you think that will take us reach our destination? -the lynx then asked, with a dry throat. He didn't want to continue thinking about that.

-We will arrive in the wilderness in little more than a day... or two, knowing that we are going with Jarek -Loki let out a small laugh -. But I don't know how long it will take us find those mountains that Mother Kara spoke of -. He paused -Loki, are you sure you can not clarify her words a little more?

Loki cocked his head, thoughtfully. The moon reflected from the depths of his blue eyes.

-There are several things that repeat with respect to her previous letters and writings -he commented -. For example, this is not the first time she talks about the destruction of the Web, the Links and of the Chain. But those terms already are quite well known... -he let out a sigh, frowning -. What surprises me the most is the mention of the Circle.

Rukj gave him a brief look.

-Why?

-Haven't you noticed? The most common thing in this type of symbology would be to speak of "closing" the Circle. But no, she says it must be put in its place. What does that mean exactly?

Rukj was silent.

-And then... that insistence that there are Links who must show us the truth ... seems almost like they have to teach us something -the lynx said, lowering his eyes -. I don't know, I guess we'll have to find out what she meant when we arrive there and we find it.

-...If we find anything -Rukj reminded him, beginning to walk.

Loki watched him move away slowly, without knowing exactly what to say, until finally he took a breath and began to follow him, before assuring him, with certain admonishing tone:

-We'll find something. I'm sure.

-Are you sure? -repeated Rukj, turning his head and giving him a brief look -. I fear that is not enough.

-The words of Mother Kara are clear in this regard -said Loki, striving to keep pace with passage of black wolf -. In one way or another, we will find the Vindicator.

Rukj did not answer him. This time, he did not even turn his head, and continued walking further and further away from the camp. Loki, was starting to feel somewhat annoyed, and accelerated his pace until he came just ahead of him. The wolf stopped, giving him a long look.

-Why is it so difficult for you to believe her words? -he asked, with a loud voice.

Rukj took a few seconds to answer.

-I'm tired of waiting for words to be fulfilled from someone whom I've never known -he finally said -. It is easier to believe that, no matter what we do, we will continue fighting for the rest of eternity. Or, perhaps, until one side totally annihilates the other.

Loki looked at him, with sadness.

-You really think that?

Rukj shrugged.

-I've been waiting fifteen years, Loki. I've lost half of my life hidden, a refugee, separated from all society by an ancient prophecy. I am tired.

-Tired? -repeated Loki, in a lower voice.

-Before, -began Rukj, and his voice trembled a little -I had no problem maintaining a burning hope. But now, and after what you've told us tonight, I just find it too hard...

Loki addressed him with a long gaze, diving in the depths of those amber eyes that, with the passage of time, he had come to love. He discovered then, that in their interior was housed a deep sadness, a desperation almost more bitter than life that they were living, a regret so great that it could have shattered the heart of the bravest men.

Those were the eyes of someone who had given everything for a dream, a hope, and still had not received anything in return. It was the look of someone who, despite being terribly tired of waiting, could not find another meaning to his life other than to continue waiting, day after day and night after night. They were the eyes of someone who was moving ahead just because they could not go back, or stop along the way.

Following an impulse, Loki approached a couple of steps towards Rukj, and still hesitating a little, embraced him gently. He was able to feel how the black wolf became slightly tense in his arms, but finally he seemed to relax. He wondered inwardly, if Rukj would worry at that time about the fact that he might feel something for him or if, simply, was too unaccustomed to a hug.

-There's always a spark of hope -he firmly assured -if you just believe.

The wolf black did not responded immediately. Loki hoped that he would return his embrace, but at no time did he feel the arms of the wolf around him. When they finally separated, he looked away and smiled uncomfortably. After everything, perhaps it was better that way.

The black wolf also looked uncomfortable. He cleared his throat and, as if not knowing exactly how to answer, and softly spoke:

-Thanks, Loki...

-You're welcome -responded the lynx, perhaps a little too fast.

-You should return to camp and try to sleep a while -Rukj then suggested -. I'll keep watch by here. I don't want anyone to bother us tonight.

• Are you sure? You need sleep too, Rukj -Loki reminded him, somewhat concerned.

The wolf seemed to sketch a hint of a smile.

-I will resist. Come, return to camp. I'll feel more relaxed if I know that at least one of us is resting properly. And I do not think you've recovered yet from what happened in Frostmoon...

Loki instinctively took a hand to the scar of his face, but smiled.

-Wow, look who is talking. You did not do more than receive a few blows and you are still here -he protested, with certain tone of mockery -. All right. See you tomorrow, Rukj.

-Good night -said the wolf, as he turned again toward the outside and continued to watch the moon, thoughtfully.

Loki stared at him for few seconds, before returning to camp, still something worried. After all, he not been mistaken in the least when, in the camp, he had dared to think that it was the wolf black that had suffered the most from the prophecy of Mother Kara ...

The wilderness of the Lands of the Beasts was a frigid and inhospitable desert.

As far as the eye could see there was no sign of life, not even the presence of smaller Beasts or of any type of vegetation, although generally, this was already considerably scarce in the Lands of the Beasts. Nor was there any nearby village within days of travel, as the steep slopes, the numerous frozen lakes and the deceptive heaps of snow, which could hide under the white mantle treacherous holes and any other type of dangers, made that place a bad place to live. The storms and blizzards were violent, and generally, they only ceased just a few days of each month. More experienced travelers claimed it was a place that they would only go when you wanted one thing: death.

That was what one counted about the wilderness and the truth was that at certain points the story had been reworked and adorned by imagination of informants. But, yet there was something not retreating from reality at all: this was not a good place to live. Not even for traveling.

Raon had never heard any story about the wilderness, nor knew what was to be expected about them. However, he did not need to be informed in this regard to find out for himself.

The absolutely frigid cold crossed his clothes of white furs, biting his skin and seeping into his bones, making him tremble with cold relentlessly. On more than one occasion he feared having lost another finger, besides the one the mercenary had ripped of with a bite, because he was incapable of feeling them. When this happened, he sought Jarek with a scared and frightened look and sank his hands into his dense coppery fur, taking refuge in the heat of his body until, after a few agonizing minutes that always seemed eternal to him, he began to recover the feeling in his fingers and proved that he had not lost them. Usually, he was no longer separated from him until night came and established their camp.

Loki also suffered the attack of the cold, but unlike Raon, he did not have anyone to take refuge with. However, luckily for him, he was a lynx which provided him with a thin layer of fur that retained some heat. Still, he did not have as many clothes as Raon, and moreover, was not used to the cold in the Lands of the Beasts unlike the young Human. He stood behind on several occasions, because of the cramps he felt all over his body prevented him from moving as quickly as the rest of them.

Rukj was advancing ahead, sure and determined. He was perfectly aware that this was a complicated trip; he had known from the start, and that's why he could not avoid occasionally glancing backwards with worry. When he did, he discovered Raon and Jarek embracing, moving forward together and sharing their heat to avoid freezing to death; meanwhile Loki, somewhat further back, returned his glance with a mixture of despair and impatience, as if he could not contain the urge to ask how much longer before they reached their destination but could not find his voice.

During the first few days, the black wolf wanted to believe, and hoped at some point, that Loki would realize that this trip could end up killing them all and that was better go back soon, before they had ventured too far in the wilderness and any of them ended up dead. However, the lynx barely opened his snout during the entire journey and spoke only when it was necessary. It seemed almost as if the cold winds that surrounded them had become a dense and impenetrable silence, which enveloped everyone in the wilderness as if it was the cruelest blizzard. Rukj was not as sure that they could take much more, and at first, remained watchful in case Loki, Raon or Jarek decided turn back. But none of the three changed their mind.

It was evident that Loki had embarked on the journey with a determination of steel and that, no matter what happened, he would not think of turning back. His mission was, at that moment, what compelled him to go on, ignoring the tiredness, the intense cold and silence, and trying to give his best despite the circumstances. Rukj was beginning to fear that this same determination to forge ahead would kill them all.

However, one evening, when night was on the verge of falling and they were already looking for a site to setup their camp, Rukj spotted something in the distance and could not help stopping, trying to discern it with his eyes, and recognize it through the curtain of fine snow which for the past few days had fallen interminably about them and was accumulating in his fur. The other three did not take long in reaching his position and stopped beside him, panting.

-What... what is it? -Loki asked, breathlessly. It was clear that the day's journey was taking a toll on him, as well as the others.

-There, in the distance -responded Rukj, pointing with his muzzle -. Can't you see that?

The others took a few moments to respond, not knowing what he meant. Only Raon, who despite being a Human had the best vision after the black wolf, realized what it was and what he had seen. Not too far distant, perhaps only a couple of hours journey, stood something that from the distance seemed be a string mountains, it was the first change in the always constant horizon of the wilderness that they had had opportunity to see since they'd traveled into it.

Straining to see through the curtain of snow, Raon realized that it presented a rather peculiar form.

-There something there... -he informed the rest, with surprise -...in the distance.

-Those are mountains -clarified Rukj, giving a quick glance at the Human -. Very steep, I'd say. Maybe too steep to try and climb them.

-"The Vindicator awaits the Links at the foot of the mountains that open like daggers in the depths of the wilderness of our World." -Recited Loki, with a steady voice.

They all looked at each other for a moment.

-That is the place -understood Jarek -. We have to go there.

Loki nodded slowly. Raon, who had already walked over with his hands snuggled deep in Jarek's fur to conserve heat, directed a questioning look to Rukj. The black wolf was watching the sky at that precise moment, with calculating expression and a frown.

-If we move quickly we will arrive there in three hours. It will be dark in little, over two... -he said quietly, to himself. Then he briefly looked at everyone present; his eyes lingering for a few seconds longer on Loki, but he ended up shaking his head -. We'll have to make more of an effort if we want to arrive in time.

Raon and Jarek nodded almost in unison, as if they both had the same thought at the same moment. Loki, however, took longer to answer and the wolf gave him a long look.

-Alright -he finally said, with a burning glow of determination in his eyes.

It was much harder than what any of them had expected. The first two hours of trip were already harsh in itself due to the weather, as it became ever more inhospitable and cruel. By nightfall the temperature dropped sharply and the frigid cold attacked them, stealing what little warmth that still remained in their bodies, seizing it and making it disappear once for all with its painful claws.

Loki struggled on as in a dream, without being aware of what he did. He placed one forepaw front of another mechanically and went ahead without stopping to think, as if lost in a kind of trance. He felt the cold weighing on his shoulders, biting through his fur, skin and bones, and waiting for the moment it could snuff out and finally extinguish the spark that bound him to life. Somehow that reminded him of the terrible poison that, not so a long ago, Ronod had forced him to ingest. Only this time, Rukj's voice was not there to guide him through the cold; he only had himself, and had to keep moving forward on his own. Completely alone.

Luckily for him, they reached the mouth of a small cave as the last rays of sun disappeared on the horizon and the blizzard was beginning to intensify with a dangerous new force. The lynx would have cried from happiness, if not for the fact that his tears had frozen inside of his eyes, and because as soon as he set foot into the cave, he slumped exhausted against the floor and sank into a deep unconsciousness.

He awoke several hours later, with the unsettled feeling that he was still struggling against the storm, out in the wilderness, and had not yet reached the shelter under the mountains. When he finally opened his eyes, the first thing that his eyes fell upon was the face before him, which he identified after a few seconds, as Raon. The Human watched him carefully, as if afraid that at any moment he might faint again or he was concerned about the possibility that the lynx had been injured.

Loki held his gaze for a few seconds that seemed to last forever until he finally asked in a small voice:

-What... what happened?

Raon let out a small sigh of relief when he heard these words, as if he feared that the lynx had lost the ability to speak.

-You fainted upon arriving in the cave -he informed him, while he approached a little to look him over more closely, squinting -. But it seems that you are well. Do you have a headache or anything?

The lynx took a paw to his head and slid up to the mark of his scar, pensively, and closed his eyes.

-A little -he admitted, gently -. But don't worry -he paused -. Where are we exactly?

Raon cast a nervous glance around.

-I do not know -he said, in a whisper -. Jarek and Rukj have gone on to investigate a bit, but... it has already been a while since they left -he bit his lip, looking worried.

-Do you think something has happened to them?

-I hope not -Raon murmured, pulling away slightly and sitting next to the lynx, while looking away in dismay.

Loki felt his concern and tried to sit up, with effort. It was not easy, although Raon had placed on the lynx one of the blankets that had been given to him for traveling and covered him with another, he noticed that the muscles all over his body were stiff from the cold, but finally was able to sit.

-Rukj will take care of him, so nothing bad will happen, don't worry, -he tried to reassure him, but he was not really convinced.

-We don't know what we might find here. Nobody's ever been in the wilderness -the Human reminded him, looking up -. And even Rukj is not indestructible.

-I know... -Loki replied, sighing.

Neither of them said a word for several minutes. They dedicated themselves to remaining silent, wandering in their thoughts, while outside, the blizzard continued whipping through the wilderness and filled the recesses of the cave with icy winter sounds and winter chill. The cold just penetrated into the cave, but the winds briefly slid inside, and Loki noticed and shivered as a breath of icy air ran through his fur. They thought in silence, wrapped with little more than a blanket.

He could not help thinking they were at the place where Mother Kara had told them to go and that, however, they had not achieved anything so far. What could they do once there? Inwardly, he prepared to recite again the strange words of the prophecy of Mother Kara, trying once again to find some hidden meaning in them:

"The Vindicator will be the one who opens the scar, and the Links of the Chain will be responsible for healing it. Without the action of any of them, the disintegration of the Web would be imminent, and like a fly struggling in a dense web, we would wrap ourselves in the disaster that we have created.

We must not despair, since the arrival of the Links is not far away. The seventh descendant of the Vindicator, a Human raised among Beasts, and a Beast raised among Humans will be those who, through their decisions and actions, save what remains to save our world.

Both will again connect to the Web returning in place the Circle and showing the truth to all of us with memories and vivid images, they will help us to understand once and for all our gray past, the origin of all things. They will be shown the truth about our minds.

Only this way will we be what we were again. Only this way will save the Web.

The Vindicator awaits the Links at the foot of the mountains that open like daggers in the depths of the wilderness of our world. He will be the light to guides you on your way. Without it, our future is black and our lives in peril.

If the Links fail to find him, there will be no hope for the world. "

Loki took a quick look around, trying to analyze where they were at for the first time.

The interior of the cave had a very peculiar appearance, which until then he had barely noticed. The roof of the cavern was lost in the darkness, and the faint light from outside only dimly lit the room, casting shadows in every corner. The cave was full of stalactites and stalagmites with razor sharp points, giving them a rather intimidating look. Some of these rock spires met at random points between the ceiling and floor of the cave, while others ended with a pointed end that did not convey the slightest confidence. <<I'd better not slip or I'll pay for it>> Loki thought, shuddering at the possibility of ending impaled on one of those rocky points.

They matched the description that Mother Kara had made of the mountains they had to reach. Loki hardly remembered what they looked like from the outside of the cave, but he could have sworn they were equally elongated and impressive, or even more so than the stalactites inside. They probably had reached the place that they were supposed to arrive at, but now... What should they do?

From the words of Mother Kara, the Vindicator should have been waiting for them there at the foot of the mountains. <<Perhaps he is inside the cave>> thought the lynx, glancing at the irregular path littered with needle sharp rocks, which opened in the back of the cave. Maybe that was the reason that Rukj and Jarek were taking so long to come back?

And what had Kara Mother meant when she spoke of "returning in place the Circle"? He had already asked Rukj, but just could not stop thinking about it. Loki had never heard of the "Circle" being used as a symbol within the Kara's Cubs Order. In any case, the term "close the circle" could be regarded as ending a cycle, but he had never heard anything like "returning in place the Circle."

Still thoughtful, he shook his head. It was clear that he was not getting anywhere trying to make sense of this prophecy. He would have to wait for it to be fulfilled in order to understand what she was referring to. << But then... >> He wondered to himself, still confused <<...Exactly what is the prophecy's point?>>

Raon jerked nervously, rousing him from his thoughts.

-They are already returning -said the Human, rising from his side and rushing to meet up with the sounds of steps that could be heard coming from deep inside the cave.

After a moment, Loki also reacted and stood. At first, the ground seemed to crumble under his feet, but eventually he got used to the feeling and followed after Raon, trying not to lose sight of him.

They soon came face to face with Rukj and Jarek, returning from the depths of the cavern and getting closer to them. The black wolf was first, dodging stalactites and stalagmites in the cave with his characteristic agility, while Jarek, trailed somewhat behind him, followed rather excitedly. His ears trembled slightly and his tail never stopped moving from side to side as if he was really excited.

-Are you all right? -Raon asked them, only seeing their shapes, unable to distinguish their expressions in the darkness of the center of the cave.

-Yes -replied Rukj, stopping just inches from them and directing a quick glance over his shoulder, not only towards Jarek, but also back towards the way they had returned from, as if something irresistible had attracted his attention -. But you must come with us. There is something...

-... It's awesome! -Jarek interrupted him, pouncing on Raon and taking him by the hand and pulling him inside the cave -. You're not gonna believe it, you have to see it!

-What is it? -Loki asked, not understanding, while looking to Rukj with a confused look -. Have you found Aron the Vindicator? -he dared to ask, hopefully.

But Rukj shook his head.

-This is something else -he replied, casting a brief look at Jarek, who trailed behind Raon into the depths of the mysterious cave. Loki felt a flicker of emotion in his eyes -. But the wolf is right. You must see it with your own eyes.

At first Raon followed the two wolves without wondering where they led him, but that did not prevent hundreds of questions that would came to his head as he noticed a small detail that had previously been overlooked.

-Don't we need torches? -he asked, noting that the light in the cave became dimmer and dimmer as they advanced further and further into the depths of the cave.

-No, we do not need them -Jarek replied, turning without slowing down to give him a mysterious smile.

Raon cocked his head, confused, but asked no more questions.

They continued to progress in silence as the echo of their footsteps bounced from wall to wall, lost in the darkness that, with every passing second, became more and more pervasive.

However, Raon soon found out why both Rukj and Jarek had left the torches behind. Not far from the place where he had lain for hours with Loki, he was beginning to discern a faint light. Initially, it appeared to the Human that the cave traversed the entire mountain and lead across to the other side, but he then ruled out that thought.

There was something strange in that light, something that Raon could not have successfully described, but it was obvious to anyone who noticed those small details. It was a cold light, electric, vibrant: it almost seemed as if ... <<Artificial>> Raon completed quite surprised, but immediately told himself that it was impossible. The only light he knew came from the sun, fire, moon and stars.

Raon looked questioningly at Jarek, without understanding anything, but the copper-furred wolf shrugged and continued on, still taking him by the hand and smiling broadly as he walked forward, careful not to collide with all the stalagmites and stalactites that populated the floor, ceiling and walls of the cave.

-Where are you taking us? -Loki asked, walking after Raon, with a slight tremor in his voice.

-Now you will see -Rukj said softly. Apparently he shared with Jarek the desire to keep everything in the utmost secrecy.

Not long after that, the walls of the cave opened up and the strange unnatural light became much more intense. Raon squinted against increasing light, somewhat annoyed, while behind him, Loki let out a gasp of surprise.

-It is... impressive... -he was heard to say, astonished.

And as soon his eyes adjusted to the light, he had to agree.

The cave had led to a huge room, submerged inside the mountain and lit by strange bright bars hanging from the ceiling, which hurt their eyes if they looked at them directly. However, that was not the most amazing thing about the whole scene.

The whole room was littered with gadgets that Raon had never seen: huge metal structures whose purpose was unknown, large boxes of black and gray surfaces and whole boxes full of small devices, rectangular, circular and cylindrical. He sensed that he was not the only one who did not know what those things were, on the contrary, not even Loki knew what they were facing.

-What... what is this place?-he asked in a timid voice.

-I also asked myself that same question at first -started Rukj, glancing around the dozens of rows in which those strange artifacts were stored -. And the truth is I'm not entirely sure I have found the correct answer. But once long ago, I was told a story that might have something to do with this.

-A story? -Raon repeated, without controlling himself.

-About our origins -Rukj replied, nodding -. It is said that, in the past, long before the Humans and Beasts existed, there was another civilization that was far more advanced than ours... in every way possible. They lived in harmony with each other, they devoted all their time to leisure while their creations did everything for them... It is said, they even were able to predict the future and alter their own world.

-I've heard those stories -Loki said, quietly.

-Let me guess, it has something to do with the Kara's Cubs Order too? -Jarek asked, flashing a sly smile.

-No... in fact, the Kara's Cubs Order has never paid too much attention to those myths. Our primary duty is to restore the Web, not to dig into the past before our races existed -the Lynx replied, shaking his head -. But my parents were traders and when you travel a lot, and visit so many cities, you will hear the most colorful stories from the lips of the most bizarre characters. And I remember that once, after we settled in a small village of hares, there appeared on the plaza a bard who talked about this topic several times a day.

-And he said what, exactly? -Raon asked, turning to the lynx.

-Not much, actually -Loki replied with an apologetic shrug -. Only that, despite how perfect it seemed their civilization was, it ended by becoming extinct -. He paused -. But I had never heard that any remains survived, much less here in the depths of the wilderness.

-I do not think it's a coincidence -Rukj said, frowning -. Your Mother Kara brought us here. We should... investigate this. But Jarek -he warned, as he perceived how the eyes of copper furred wolf lit up -, whatever happens, do not touch anything.

That said, the four scattered throughout the room and began walking aimlessly the rows of strange contraptions that had without any kind of order, been piled up in every corner of that secret cave.

Loki moved through a row of large gray boxes, a material unknown to him and that had a curious square of crystal or glass, of a slightly darker color on its front. He analyzed it for a few seconds, but finally concluded that they all followed the same pattern, despite having different sizes and shades, and sometimes being made of different materials. He also discovered that some had more thickness than others; while there were others that were barely an inch thick, others measured almost the same length and width, or even more. <<I wonder what these boxes are for>> he said to himself, thoughtfully, carefully stroked the glassy surface of one of those squares curiously <<and what are they intended to keep >>.

The strange ceiling lights also generated millions of questions. How did they work? What kind of light do they generate? Did they get that light from the sun or the moon? How long had them illuminated the cavern without anyone knowing? Unfortunately for him, there was no one to solve those questions and also the lights were too high to investigate.

He returned his gaze to the black boxes. For a moment he was tempted to try to open one to find out what was contained, if they contained anything, and how was the mechanism used, since he was unable to find a single crack with which to open them easily. Finally, he gave up, not wanting to take any risks and, after all, he did not know what would happen if he touched something he should not.

-The ancient civilization must have had an astounding productive power, if all that we see here is just a remnant of what once was.

Loki was startled to hear Rukj's voice behind him and turned, not quite understanding what the black wolf meant. However, he only had to take a fresh look around to understand his words.

This was, in theory, only one storeroom. The remains of what had been assumed to be a lost civilization. And yet, that room was completely filled with all their devices, which practically covered the walls and all across the floor. Loki calculated that if all those boxes had been filled with food, its contents would have served to feed all the villages and cities of the Beasts he knew for about a week. Rukj was right: the ancient civilization had not, of course, had any problems with producing those gadgets. Above all, knowing that what they saw was just a shadow, a ghost, a memory of what once had been.

-I wonder what its purpose is -he murmured, turning back around and dust cleaning the surface with a finger of one of the black boxes -. Why they were created. What they contained.

-There are many stories about what the ancient civilization could do -Rukj answered, looking away -. But we will probably never come to know the truth.

-Maybe Kara Mother did know -ventured Loki, cocking his head -. It is said that she was there when the Beasts and Humans began to fight.

-That's impossible -Rukj denied with a sigh -. Think about this... seven generations have passed since Aron the Vindicator tried to stop the war between Beasts and Humans. And when he was born, the conflict had already been going on for centuries. Do you really think that your Mother Kara was able to survive for that long?

-She died at the time of Aron the Vindicator, but we do not know when -Loki informed him, looking away -. I do not know... just thought she might have.

Rukj said nothing, but shook his head.

At that moment, a loud crashing noise was heard from one corner of the room, Loki's fur bristled and Rukj practically jumped at the noise. The two cast their eyes to where the noise came from, with a heavy heart, and perceived that some of those small, rectangular strange contraptions that had previously been seen at the entrance of the cave falling from a shelf.

-Jarek! -they heard Raon yell, not far from there.

Loki and Rukj exchanged glances before rushing in closer to see if anything had happened that they might regret. However, once they reached the place where the copper-furred wolf moaned in pain from under a blanket of black rectangles, they found that the accident had not been triggered by anything other than misfortune.

-Are you okay? -Raon asked, approaching carefully, casting a nervous glance at the black colored small devices, as if afraid they were going to attack him or something.

-Are you crazy? -asked Rukj in turn, letting out a serious growl -. I told you not to touch anything. We do not know what will happen if...

-I know, I know... -Jarek apologized, still reeling from the fall -. Thank you... for worrying about me, Raon.

The Human hesitated before advancing to the copper furred wolf, pushing through those strange objects littering the ground while being careful not to step on any, and offered him a hand to help him up. Jarek, still stunned, took a moment to shake those things off, and once he had done so, he reached out his paw to take Raon's hand.

As soon as his fingers touched, both felt the strange connection that existed between the two return again, like a warm tingling, that ran from head to toe every time they touched. The wolf looked up and fixed his eyes on Raon, who could not help blushing a little at the strange sensations that developed inside every time they both shared a moments touch. None of this went unnoticed by Rukj and Loki, who exchanged a look of understanding.

Raon pulled up Jarek firmly, but the wolf reacted badly, and before standing, he stumbled again on one of those rectangular gadgets, falling back to the ground, dragging along Raon, who collided one of those big black boxes that Loki had been analyzing seconds before, pressing a small switch with his back.

Neither had time to recover from the fall before they started to hear strange buzzing around the room, amplified by the echo that occurred in the cave.

-Careful! -Rukj exclaimed, hurrying on his way through that sea of ??black rectangles before catching Raon and Jarek by the wrists and pulling them away from the black box.

The four held their breath as they cautiously walked away a few steps. The strange electrical hum began to lose its intensity as they retreated, but its echo continued to ring from every part of the cavern as, gradually something strange began to happen.

The square glass front of the black box, one that had a darker hue, began to brighten. Jarek let out a gasp of astonishment, and Rukj stepped back further, putting his arms in front of the other three as if to defend them from any danger represented by this new threat that emerged directly from the mists of the past.

The square and the buzz continued brightening gradually became more audible, until, little by little, a murmur began to be heard in the room. Loki shivered and looked with suspicion at Rukj, who had frowned and with muscles tense, remained attentive to this strange contraption, as if afraid that at any moment it would attack them. However, during the following seconds, the murmuring was becoming more and more clear, until all four were able to distinguish something that, until then, they had not imagined. They were words.

And not only that.

As the dialogue that was stored in that black box was starting to become more and more recognizable, the strange black square began to increasingly glow brighter and change colors until gradually he began to see a moving picture on its surface. Loki had to look again, and rubbing his eyes, before daring to believe what he was seeing.

-No... it is... not possible -Jarek whispered, stunned.

Rukj let out a soft groan, and slightly lowered his arms while watching little black box still with some suspicion, but was unable to hide his surprise.

At that time, in the square glass black box they could see a curious scene. As if something was reflecting on its surface, the four were able to see images that they have never before thought possible, which, combined with the simple experience of watching it was breathtaking.

The black box showed them buildings that appeared to touch the sky, and huge metal monsters that moved on the earth's surface and through gray and black roads, sliding swiftly, as if they were no subject to the laws of the world, leaving behind a trail of dust and smoke.

There were also Human, but there was something that clearly distinguished them from the people of that time. They wore strange clothes, spoke in foreign languages, behaved strangely and moved with amazing speed from side to side, as if no matter what they did, they would be late somewhere.

-What... what's happening? -Raon asked, a little scared.

-It is the box, -Jarek said with a small voice -. The ancient civilization was not satisfied with all this and left this for us to remember them... and also part of their world was shrunk and is stored there.

-No -Loki corrected, on a hunch -. It is not part of their world. In fact, what we are seeing does not even exist.

Jarek gave him a questioning look.

-They are images -continued the lynx, increasingly astonished -. These boxes... store images.

The four returned to the box, which at that time was still showing images of that ancient civilization, from centuries before, of those who had filled this world, and probably had walked in this same cave, leaving behind all those devices.

Raon, meanwhile, held his breath. The human beings appearing in the images the black box conveyed were all like him. What did that mean? Had the ancient civilization that both Rukj and Loki spoke of only been composed of mere Humans like him? And, if so, why were the legends told that it had to become extinct? What had become of all those secrets, that... magic that they seemed to be able to perform? Where had it all gone?

However, at that moment, something changed in the flow of images that the black box was showing them. For a few seconds there was something like a blackout, a small cut in the transmission, before a new image took the place of those who had disappeared. The change was so abrupt that Raon took a moment to realize what happened, but as soon as he did and he knew what black box was showing them, he could not help but let out a gasp of surprise.

In the glass square was now the image of a middle-aged man, with somewhat graying hair, a serious expression and hard features that undoubtedly were the result of a long and hard life. He was sitting on a chair and, despite the strength his face showed, his extreme thinness and his breathing seemed to indicate that he was very weak and probably near death. But even in that state, his eyes, an intense golden color, seemed to hold a tiny glimmer of hope.

Raon felt a twinge of sadness in the depths of his heart to see the man in such a sorry state, but could not have been able to say why or where that feeling came from. In any case, he did not have much time to think about it, because a few seconds later, the man began to speak. And he said:

"Greetings, friend of the future," his voice, which he guessed that one day had been strong and solemn, seemed weak and brittle as a dry reed. "I do not know who you are, or if this message has reached, by some chance, the correct recipient. But in any case, if you're listening to this, it means that this message is not in vain and that, someday, someone will ever know the truth at last, and remedy the conflict that for centuries has divided us all." Loki let out an exclamation of astonishment and, at that moment, Raon realized what was going on.

The man, near death, was the same they had gone to seek to those wilderness.

He was Aron the Vindicator.