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Chapter Three: Broken Threads.

The residual sound of a hawk came far in the mist of the morning. Hato woke up from the sounds of shuffling. He brought his body up - why didn't he have his shirt on? A clink touched his ears and he became aware of the weight on his wrists - they were chained together. "Awake are ya?" The otter chimed in with her usual happy tone but it was unnerving that she was sharpening her claymore as she spoke. Hato peered over at the rock nearby him where she was sitting and looking down the hill-side. Shuffles touched his ears - everybody was awake but he didn't take much notice to it. Ahead of him was the cloaked giant scanning the area - as if ensuring everyone was doing their job. "Well you better get on up or you're not having anything to eat before we leave." The mention of food was more than enough to get Hato up and running.

He was wearing light-brown leather pants but he wasn't given any shirt, Likira brought up the fact that he was half wolf and that he wouldn't really need one at all. The sun was full and it hardly touched the point of mid-day. Hato instinctively knew that it was going to be hot. "Detail" The giant called out and immediately one of the light-green cloaks jumped to attention. It made Hato think about the Rangers - but they wore dark-sage and sometimes grey or black. Unlike them, these soldiers seemed entirely uniform with the exception of Likira and the giant. "We've had two injuries in total from the ambush yesterday, and we figure that they seem to be a team for hire somewhere off of the coast of Hovishira." "Mercenaries?" "More like a guild sir, given their coordination and tactics; they all seemed to know each other." "Their goal was the Lunaria; that much is obvious. Did we catch any on their retreat?" "We have no prisoners; they planned for the retreat as well, wherever they went off to our scouts can't seem to find them. At least since this morning when we last spotted them" "The quicker we move the better." At that point Hato was already snacking on a loaf of bread, the male that handed it to him seemed hesitant to let him eat. Being chained and practically denied of food; Hato was finally starting to feel like a prisoner. Shortly after he was given only a little bit of water and they were on their way. He never knew how long it took them to set up camp originally but it came down in a matter of minutes.

"Everything's clear." One of the members called from the back. Suddenly Hato was struck from confusion they obviously should know about Silver by now... but the group traveled in silence "If it weren't for our scouts running into them we could've left early, as planned." "Quit yer whining!" A grizzly older voice called from the front - Hato noticed the archer turn back around after passing him a scolded look. Was that intended for me? Being handcuffed and on horseback wasn't his definition of comfortable but he definitely wasn't whining about it. Hato couldn't shake of the beat of his racing heart, being suddenly terrified of his situation. Calm down... calm down.... Calm down... breathe... Constantly repeating the words Hato noticed the sounds of clopping in the air. He looked down Cobblestone - they cut through the woods and landed onto a cobblestone road. Likira adjusted the reigns. Hato was sitting behind her, linked to a single cuff on her right paw. She told him that he was actually supposed to be chained to her the entire time but she didn't want the extra luggage.

Luggage. Hato knew being called that was ultimately better than Lunarian. "You there." There was a group of soldiers nearby a wall. Said wall cut all the way through the forest from the trail both ways and disappeared into the horizon. "What is your business here?" The giant pulled out, what looked to be, a letter. "Executive order, Prisoner is told to be brought to Turith." "Ah. The elite class, I won't waste any more of your time." The soldier read the orders and checked a symbol on the giant's cloak. A gold triangle with an emblem... It looked different but Hato knew that it was like the one on his tunic - right at the tip of the hood and wearing it downwards.

Chains rattled as the heavy steel gate opened vertically, giving them all passage into the city. As they passed by the two guards - being dressed in simple chest-plates and leather garments stared sharply at Hato as he went by. The young dog wanted to feel small again, being 18, Hato didn't even want to think about what could happen but he couldn't fight it. The pup was way out of his league. They all traveled through the small town. Serfs crossed by them followed by younger kits and pups at times. Eyes narrowed on Hato as they all went by after all The cloaks were definitely out of place by now... But the eyes narrowed on him, the prisoner between all of them. People either paid all their attention or no attention. The people who ignored Hato were a saving grace. "Stop acting so nervous." "Eh!?" The sound was involuntary. "You keep fidgeting and its bugging me that's all." The sound was still happy and bright but the voice made him freeze in fear. Swallowing the young dog submitted and kept still for the rest of the trip, watching the world narrow on him. Other than that Hato watched and was enveloped into a world unlike most. Turith being the center and the most important political city in all of Curia was home to a variety of cultures - as Sophia said before. Hato was surprised to notice that there were working steam factories just as London had them, of course this didn't look like England at all - there it was only slums or country-sides. Here it was open, unlocked; free. Mixing together industry and people here wasn't a difficult task as Curia. Trees lined some of the streets letting the leaves fall and rest on the cobblestone behind them. "How large is Curia anyways?"

"Largest country in the west" Likira responded promptly "We are also one of the wealthiest trade centers as well. Kalini can't keep up with us at all." "What about Gyriva?" "They control the waters but they don't have the largest variety of trading partners unlike us. We've been trading with many countries for a very, very long time now. Merciataea is one of our largest trade partners as they control the entire south." "Leairia controls most of the north right?" "All of it technically" The otter replied promptly as she studied the oncoming traffic. A caravan trader strolled by with his cart and horse. Happily tipping his hat to the otter and Likira responds with a gentle nod and a smile. "See that Maned wolf go by? He's from Merciataea. We have many desert dwellers in our country as it's quite warm. A northern wolf-dog like you may need to be groomed to deal with the heat..." Hato looked back to the fox-like creature; his tall, thin legs were something that really drew in his attention. Hato looked around again - she wasn't lying about the variety. Passing by a trade-store was a desert hare accompanied by a Hyena yet passing right by them shortly after was a Racoon who adjusted his light wool jacket and kept on his pace the opposite way they came. "You should look to the far left, that's our guild in town." Hato nearly forgot about the chains around his wrists and he wondered if that as Likira's goal, to calm him down for the time being. Large shadows suddenly swallowed him whole. The city went higher... built upon stones it continued to a whole different platform. "The highest point is the emperor's castle. At the opposite side of the mountain and stone is the ocean, yet we have a harbor too, I can't forget about that." Likira spoke again and Hato was taken back in awe.

Two guards held there armored paws out at them. "Halt! We must see your pass and certifications." The giant pulled out his letter once more. The guard skimmed over it and Hato watched the two soldiers read through them. The armor was a black-grey color, sharp and devious looking. These people were definitely trained and loyal killers. "A prisoner transfer? I'm assuming that pup is suspected of being Lunaria?" The giant stayed silent. "I take that as a yes. Bring him to the main hall immediately." "We were requested to bring him into holding when we arrived." The giant rested his gloved hands onto the edge of a sword that was concealed within the thick fabric. "Those were our orders." The two guards exchanged dangerous glares between themselves and him before resting their paws up. "Alright, alright. We were given different orders. Go to holding then." The giant rested and walked promptly along, the two guards stepped away, watching the rest of the group walk by. "Fuck me..." Hato caught onto the words from the other guard.

The city was as extravagant outside as it was inside the walls that they passed. Suddenly the horses stopped and Likira dragged him off of the horse. "Time to walk." The travels left Hato's legs weak - he wasn't used to riding on horseback at all. At points he felt like he was being dragged behind Likira and the others. Swallowing something touched his eyes.

A shadow? The pup curiously stared at the shingled roof above him and those around him. "Keep moving kid" Likira gave him a motivating shove and Hato kept up his pace ignoring the tricks that his mind was playing on him. That little shadow burned in the back of his thoughts. Was that... a bat? The little shadow darted around so quickly that Hato couldn't really tell at all. If anything it was a robin or a different bird. Crossing by an alleyway, the young pup also noticed a few cubs running around. They stopped dead in their tracks when they saw him walk by. They all went white, as if they'd seen a ghost. That feeling Hato could never get over.

It only took a few minutes of walking for him to really feel dehydrated. The effects were suddenly starting to kick in - nausea, dizziness and even the feeling of blood pooling in his throat. Why am I suddenly? Caught in his thoughts he nearly tripped forward, the chains yanked back to keep him on his feet. Immediately he kept on the move, like it never happened to him at all. This doesn't make sense; I was completely fine just a second ago A few moments of walking passed and for just a second Hato could swear he heard a whisper *I'm sorry...* Rayne.

Hato swallowed and called out his name gently, keeping his voice in his mind but there wasn't any reply. Just silence and the sounds of rattling chains echoed through his head.

Hato lost track of time. At one point Likira actually had to stop because he fell over and threw up "Hey you dumbass, you were fine hardly an hour ago. Don't you dare start fucking around?" He keeled over again and tried to breath. The pup could only raggedly swallow down air. "We're almost there idiot just stand and move!" Hato forced himself to stand Why am I so weak? Tunnel-vision started to kick in but that didn't matter when he felt like blacking out. Suddenly the sunlight was gone and a cool airy-shade swallowed him whole. A guard cut them off. "You lot were supposed to go to the main hall." The giant cut in front of Likira "I told the men at the gate my orders, don't you dare question them." Hato could only feel the tension in the air, the guard flinched back and cleared his throat. "Alright but the lord isn't going to be happy..." "Do you take your orders from our King or the high lord?" "Damn loyalist..." The guard went to his post and stood attentively "Cells three and seven are open, leave him there." They all walked by.

"Loyalist?" Hato spoke for the first time in a long while. "Those who listen only to the King, rightful ruler of Curia, as a member of the royal guard I only take orders from the King." "The high lord is just a military adviser; most of the basic foot-soldiers tend to take orders from him more than they do the King." Hato felt a clicking and the chains were pulled off of his wrists. Likira damn-near invited Hato into the cell and he stumbled in without question. "That's a first..." She shut the heavy wooden door rather quietly. "Well I'm thirsty, let's go get a glass of cider or something." "Rum..." The giant said and Likira's laugh slowly disappeared from Hato's ears. There was a dripping sound echoing from somewhere inside the prison. A gap in the stone showed the outside world hidden behind a row of thick iron bars. The wooden door had a smaller opening that was closed off, leaving an entire section of the room in darkness. He curled his legs up to his bare chest and rested his muzzle between his knees and waited. ... ... ... The echoes of some distance fight made him look up. He figured it was some different prisoner being dragged in ... Probably just some thug that stole someone's satchel... The pup assumed and went back to waiting in silence ... ... ... Footsteps echoed in the hallway from time to time but somehow these were different. They were following in a line. The voice was gibberish to start but slowly he could hear the words. A glimmer of hope sparked in his eyes and he looked to the door. Food. ... ... ... The footsteps took long enough and they stopped at the cell across from him. "Prisoner rise. To the door." That was all he really said. Hato licked his maw; the scent came in the air but left. ... Obviously they'd leave me ... ... It was surprisingly accommodating for him. Hato always liked a damp scent although the hint of mildew and moss made him sneeze from time to time. Shuffles would come from the walls around him. One person was scratching against the stone with a pebble a few cells over. Hato finally looked around the room again; a plank bed was to the left of him. There were no covers or bedding obviously - it sure as hell wasn't an inn. ... ... The knocking on his door scared the shit out of him. Meekly he responded with a "Hello?" "Prisoner rise. To the door." Hato sprung to his feet and casually walked over. A small slide on the door was pushed to the left. Letting Hato see a gauntlet hand over a bowl; the pup took it promptly with a "Thank you" and the guard scoffed? Maybe chuckled from that. ... ... Well the food didn't last long. Stale bread and gruel never tasted better. He was even given water. As he swallowed down the food that he ravenously shoved in his mouth he caught onto his thoughts for a moment. It's like I haven't eaten anything for days, what the hell is going on? Polishing off the water Hato looked past the bars of his cell window and saw people outside. Nearby was an archery range - they were practicing. Further off in the distance Hato could hear an officer calling out orders, the wind carried the sound through his cell letting it howl through the cold barren walls. He shivered. His cell was freezing cold as the sun was going down. Hato curled up against the corner and breathed, watching his breath make icy plumes in the growing darkness. Softly he clasped his paws together and rubbed them, blowing warm air into them. How long had it been already? He'd lost track of time. A pair of knocks came to his door. "Room service!" The overly ecstatic voice rang through the stone. ... Hato knew the voice in a heartbeat. "Someone order a prison break?" Sylcion... "What the hell are you doing here?" Hato whispered coldly. "I'm letting myself do this remember!?" "I don't think those black-coat fellows walking down the way are interested in your chatter." Hato could tell she crossed her arms. "In fact those military members are ordered to kill you. They're part of the mercenary group that attacked us." She unlocked the door and took him by the paw. "This is Curia, there are two factions - loyalists and militarists." Hato was dragged off to the window down the way - the door broke open from behind them. Hato turned but not as fast as Sylcion did, she swung a dagger back nailing one of the males to the wall. The knife punctured through his paw. Sylcion shoved Hato to run but there was nowhere to go except for the window. He didn't have the chance to hesitate as she shoved him out of it. They were only two floors up but that wasn't the point. Once they landed in a pile of hay nearby the prison Hato wanted to wring out her throat. "Are you insane!? You could've -" she grabbed him by the paw and was already running again. "Shut up and move!" Something cracked in the air, breaking a section of a wall beside them. "Great... Flintlocks..." Another pocket of shots echoed through the air, lead pellets struck at the stones nearby and somewhere in the distance was somebody yelling at them. Hato didn't care to look back.

Somewhere outside a torch was burning. Hato could see the lights flicker from beyond a wall but couldn't see the stem of wood that was lit. "Since when were people running around with flintlocks?" Hato whispered, keeping his eyes on the growing lights. "They're not common but they're not uncommon." Silver tried to explain "Guns are expensive, especially some of the self-loading firearms. Not to mention they're feeble and easy to break." "But why here!? I haven't seen a flintlock before..." Hato felt something warm touch his cheek - one of the pellets got a graze in. "This is Curia. They have one of the best military's; it's only natural that they'd have rifleman and artillery in cases of real battles." "..." There was a long moment of silence. "Have you been following me this whole time?" "Every step of the way." "Then that shadow I saw before, from the rooftop?" Hato implied "What? I was around the back roads and alleyways. They have guards all over the roofs of some buildings." Silver gave him a look "Someone else is following you?" "I don't think so, I guess my minds been playing tricks on me." He slumped over and Silver replied with giggling "I always try to figure out what goes on in that head of yours." She tussled his hair and took in her surroundings. "It's gotten too quiet, let's move." Silver led the way. Hato traveled behind her being as quiet as he could be. Something flashed from the corner ahead of them - Hato felt his blood run cold. "Silver!" His body moved without any thought as he pushed her out of the way; something cracked. His shoulder suddenly became engulfed in pain. He hit the floor - succumbed to the shatter of skin and blood. He looked up, trying to move his arms; he couldn't put any weight on his right side for the pain was too much for him. A shimmer flung through the air and down the alleyway was a body - a dagger sticking out of her. Silver dragged Hato to his feet, he could feel his world darkening. "Shit - the bullet may have gone right into your collarbone..." She hoisted his left side onto her - it stunned him that she could carry the dead weight easily. "I feel tired..." "You big idiot! Don't you dare pass out!" She snarled at his meek voice that slipped past his maw "It's one bloody pellet - it didn't even hit your vitals!" Her yelling shook some of the sleep off of him - but he was more worried about the footsteps that suddenly ignited in the streets nearby. Silver picked up the pace and Hato tried to match hers. She seemed to be counting for the whole time - calculating and changing her route. Down one alleyway - through a road and to another dark corridor She was making a straight - diagonal line. "There are walls surrounding the inner city - the outer city should be more open..." Silver was constantly muttering to Hato - keeping him awake. After a while the pain slowly started to dull down but the sounds were still dangerously close by. Staying awake was a priority but getting away was more than essential. The sounds began to pick up and Hato began walking instead...

"Listen Hato." Silver was moving again - he was putting pressure against his wound for the entire time. Every single moment they stopped he could feel himself shake. It felt all too familiar for him, the clouds were blocking out the moonlight. "If we must fight here, then fight, but do so with spirit and grace." "I don't think this is the time for a pep talk." Hato whispered in reply and she smirked back at him. "How else do you find beauty in a world like this?" She looked up to the sky, drawing in a variety of scents. That's right... Hato nearly remembered. Silver held in her heart a lust. She always longed for the sight and taste of blood. That was what made her indiscriminate but... she was never a true killer. Hato smiled from the irony of his thoughts and picked up the pace - letting his paw drench in the blood which stained his white-furred chest red. Silver stared at him with some newfound perspective. "Your strength..." "What?" "It came back so fast? That's not like anybody really." "I feel fine" That was the problem - Hato couldn't feel the pain surging through his shoulder anymore but it was clear that the bullet probably shattered the collarbone. She seemed to be catching onto the scent of his blood and her cat-like eyes sharpen. One exhale and Hato knew they were in trouble.

"I still have seven daggers left... There are at least fifteen of them." Her eyes skimmed around the roofs and the corners ahead of them. "Not to mention." She tossed Hato something - a short sword. Not his, but just a simple thin blade with no guard. "I have two of those." Silver flung her robes back, making a heavy hooded cloak that concealed her face in darkness. "Where are they?" "All over." "Do they all have guns?" "I wouldn't be surprised." She adjusted her paws, Hato hardly noticed the daggers she held in them - when did she even draw them? "And we begin..." For Silver the world slowed down, to the point that it nearly stopped, but for Hato everything happened too fast for him to even think. A crack hit the air, matched off with a thud somewhere behind them - the bullet whizzed past his ear. At that same second another crack came from above and another small thud matched the sound; hardly a cry passed by. A third crack - Hato saw the shadow dart out from the corner ahead of him and he hit the floor after a gleam of silvery steel shimmered through the night. Another crack echoed through the air and Hato turned to face it. His eyes widened - two of them. One struck by a passing dagger and the other met with a swift motion... And a blade that stuck through and through. His sword just missed Silvers skull - cutting her cheek as she smiled with glee. Hers went straight into his chest and tore out in the same split second. Footsteps echoed to his left. Hato jumped back instinctively, drawing his only good paw upwards. He missed his only chance to block his attacker. The only thing that saved him was the fact that he jumped back out of range. Another swerve danced through the air and something cut him off - Silver was already in the mix. Her blade sparked with the opponents and in the darkness her dagger dug into him, tore out and she rotated her body over to strike down the soldier behind the figure. He blocked the sword that slammed down against the hilt of his, nearly cutting his paw down. "Don't underestimate me you bitch!" He swung her blade upwards and took a full swing from right to left - she darted back with a shimmer of a motion and the male hit the floor - another dagger sitting out of him. By now the scents long flooded Hato's nose and his heart raced. Feeling sick to his stomach he suppressed the urge to run and tried to hone in to the sounds around him. Something was right behind him - Hato just managed to tilt his head when a shimmer touched the corner of his eye. The senseless body suddenly slumped over top of him, pushing him to the ground. The texture of the clothes... fine wool? They weren't dressed for an actual attack, just a simple in and out situation. "Last of them..." Silver went to collect her knives when a shadow skimmed above Hato. "Silver! Above!" It was all he could groan out as he was trying to throw the body off of him. The dark cloak filled the sky and fell before Silver. She darted backwards - it looked as if she performed a Ukemi. Silver darted her body upwards and landed - crouched with her blade in a reversed grip for defense. In that split second a massive sword blocked out the alleyway. "You've got to be fucking kidding!?" Silver rolled right - narrowly missing the giant claymore-like blade. She right crossed her sword across after a quick lunge forward when she knew she was clear... Another row of cloaks tapped off the moonlight and Silver was cornered off. Her sword was parried away... "Silver!" He tried to move again, scrambling to his feet the moment he could. "Close your eyes." He shut them immediately and suddenly a thick scent filled down his lungs. He was coughing bitterly - the sounds of coughing echoed through the alleyway. "Damn..." Likira's voice echoed past all of the coughing, she was hardly affected. "She used a very, very old tactic to get away. I wouldn't be surprised if she's trying to cry out the fine glass shards that got into her eyes too." "What was that?" "It's an ancient tactic from a collection of islands past Gryvia." "What?" "I guess you could call them "dust bombs." They are generally filled with sand and glass; she filled this one up with glass, sand, and gunpowder. " "She pulled out an egg that's what she did." Somebody was still coughing "That's the traditional way of making them... you can't just buy these "Dust bombs" afterall." "She threw like five or six of them at least..." she was about to rub his eyes "Don't you idiot! The glass will embed itself into your eye sockets!" Likira snapped at the cloaked figure. "I knew I should've grabbed my team instead of the trainee's..." Likira gave her attention to Hato, he slowly tipped his eyes open. "Lucky your friend saved you when she did, we should've realized that those militaristic pigs would try something." "You're... not here to kill me?" "Not unless you give me a reason to." The otter sighed and started to walk back, urging Hato to follow her "Now if you act like you did before, I'll make the walk easier for you - you give me trouble and you're not going to like me." Hato swallow and nodded. "Great... Has anybody seen my cloak?" Likira paused "She took your cloak off!? Are you kidding me!?" The soldier put his paws up defensively. She sighed bitterly and turned to Hato "Your friend is going to me more trouble than I thought. Hurry along pup - I want you in our personal protection immediately." "Where are we going?" "We're all going to be staying the night at our barracks." Likira kept a quick pace and Hato found it challenging to keep up with it. Feeling something warm trickle down his arm he realized that he was still bleeding from his injury. The pain was numbed and he clasped his paw to his shoulder. Likira seemed to notice. "We can deal with your injuries after we get to a safe place." Keeping the distance close, Hato took his time listening to the city. Every step on the cobblestone made his heart stop. From time to time the group would stop and take a few seconds to gather in their surroundings; Hato would stop and look up to the night sky. Every star caught his eye with the same wonder that the next one would. "Get moving." Likira said quietly and Hato picked up the pace, staying between her and the next guard. The walk there was long and quiet, it was enough that Hato's legs were starting to burn but he didn't dare say a word. The next time he turned around was when they made it to a door inside the inner wall. It appeared like a large wooden manor with lanterns on the outside and a guard or two stationed. When Hato turned, nobody was there. It was just him and Likira. "This is the officers barracks, I stay here and a few of my closer friends." "L- Like that giant?" She started to laugh "Yes, like that giant." A guard came to a rigid stance as she walked by and the otter replied with a smile and a nod, Hato kept close hardly leaving Likira's side. The night was surprisingly cold all of a sudden...

As Hato stepped past a doorway the Otter told him to sit. He obeyed and took a seat on a wooden chair next to a small corner table by a bed. Once the Otter came back he noticed that she was holding a needle and thread. "Don't move pup." She pulled out a small knife and held Hato's arm firmly. He squealed painfully it felt as if she was going to shatter his arm. Soon the sharp burning pain of metal split the wound open further, he yelped silently - clenching his teeth as she dug into his shoulder. "Stop squirming, I've almost got it." She drew the pellet out and it flicked off to the side. It was whole and Hato sighed painfully but relieved that it didn't break apart. Soon she started on the sewing, every single pierce made his whole body quake from the pain and the feeling of flesh closing together didn't help at all. He skimmed to his shoulder and the adrenaline spiked through his body he was feeling faint but the pup couldn't take his eyes away from the wound. After a few minutes she dressed the wound, wrapping a light cloth around it. "I- Are you done?" His forehead was burning and the pit in his stomach felt like he was going to throw up. "Yes, you're lucky that the bullet didn't fracture anything... in fact it wasn't as deep as I thought it would be." "I - is that a problem?" "Odd, yes, but I'd say you're lucky for now." She looked about the room. "This room is vacant, stay up for a while and let the bleeding stop. I'll change your wrapping before you go to bed." Hato nodded and watched as she started to walk off. After the door closed his forehead landed on his forearm and he started to pant. His whole body felt like it was on fire, the sudden sick feeling consumed him for a while. Footsteps passed by the hall and disappeared after a while. Outside he could hear an owl hooting and his ears twitched from the sound. The wind picked up and howled by the small curtains. The house was wooden and creaked with an eerie sound. Hato's eyes were still closed and he could hear his heart in the room. Beating. Racing. It began to slow and he could feel the color return to his face. After a moment longer he opened his eyes. The clouds were scarce letting moonlight beam through the light cloth curtains. Stay up for a while... I couldn't sleep if I tried... He slumped slouching in the chair for a bit before getting up slowly and walking out of the door. A person came up from behind him. "I'm assuming that Likira didn't tell you to stay in your room." Hato turned and for a second he was confused. It was the Stallion from before; his hair was loose though and the strands slipped right to his shoulders. "Y -You again?" He grinned for a moment "You really didn't think that Curia wouldn't investigate a Lunarian before bringing them here?" "Uhm..." He tried to think back, he had seen glimpses of the horse before. "For a big horse I can hide rather well in crowds." He was studying Hato's face "I'm sure you've seen me a few times but you just didn't care at the time. How else do you think Sophia got her reports?" His accent was different from before, his blonde hair matched well with his white and brown body. "S - So you're the giant from before?" "Yes, I reckon so." Hato didn't know what to really do. "You should help me cook again sometime, just don't cut yourself." Hato was quiet and only nodded in reply. The horse took a moment to notice the smaller dog's injury "Looks like Likiria's handywork, she should've just brought you to the mage..." "I don't know if I should..." He tried to say anything "I mean the wrappings are fine and the bleeding stopped" Hato turned to the window and again there was something hovering about, immediately he walked up to it. "Did you see that?" "Probably just an owl or a bat, we have plenty of them fly around at night." The horse took him by his good shoulder "Come along, we'll get that injury entirely healed. After all you'll need to look your best tomorrow." He nodded and followed the horse down a hallway. The place made Hato think of a large inn, the wooden doors and the walls - a few paintings and huge windows to let in light. It was all marvelous. "This whole building used to be a manor for the old king before the castle was built." He went downstairs where there was a collection of chatter mixed in with the sounds of laughter and mugs banging together. "Then to the King!" One voice shouted and the place all agreed with the same words. The smell of rum and other drinks brushed against Hato's nose, it was strong and rather bothersome for him. The Stallion tapped somebodies shoulder. They were wearing a thick navy tunic layered with a few leather straps tied around their waist and chest. "I figured you'd be here." He said with a chuckle and the person turned Hato's jaw dropped It was a dragon. His wings fanned a little behind him and his thick yellow eyes glowed. His purple-blue swirly scales reminded him of marble stone like the floors of a palace - something he remembered from an old story book, long, long ago. The dragon wiped some drips from his maw and put his tankard down "Ah, how can I help you?" He grinned and the Stallion presented the pup. "Work your magic wizard. Think you can heal him?" "I'd prefer to be called anything but a wizard, but I'll see what I can do." He let Hato sit on the chair beside him and after another swig from his red-colored drink he clapped his hands together. From it a low green colored skimmed over him. The dragon closed the wound nearly instantly. "That should do it." Taking away the wrapping Hato looked at his shoulder. There was nothing but the faintest line. He was amazed. "I've never -" "Shhh" He put his claws to Hato's lip "I'm great with working my magic, I know." The dragon went back to his drink and started to chat with a few other people in the main hall. The horse grinned and handed Hato a cup filled with something. "Uh, I - I'm not -" "Let's try something; we're going to have a little arm wrestle." Hato went silent and looked at the horses biceps. They were larger than the pups head. "You're kidding... right?" He tilted his head nervously and the Stallion went to the other chair, putting his elbow onto the table. "Far from a joke." Some people cheered him on and he was pushed a little "Aren't I supposed to be a prisoner?" "So?" Hato sighed and went onto the other side, he swallowed. This guy was going to snap his arm in half! Sitting down he put his smaller paw into the horse's huge hand, the sweat started to bead from Hato. "Here's the rule, you need to last ten seconds - you don't, you take a drink." "What happened to being at my best for tomorrow?" The small crowd counted from three, the second one was hit Hato flexed his thin arms and the horse pushed down on it. He closed his eyes and clenched his teeth together.

The pups arm didn't move at all. He opened his eyes noticing that the horse was pushing with a lot of force. Lost he continued to hold it. The horse let go of his arm. "Like I thought." He got the dragons attention. "What do you think?" "He's using too much of his friends power." "Friend?" Hato looked at his arm. "Magic is something that lets one understand everything and how it flows together. We've all read the report on you." He shrugged and flexed his wings. "I know that you have two other forms in you and one of them is giving you a little too much power." "Too much power?" He's not talking about Rayne? "It explains quite a lot in your report actually, but if he keeps giving you power you'll run him out." Instinctively Hato's paw brushed against his stomach, he could feel the energy emitting from inside him. "So you're going to have to learn how to balance that power. Try not using it." Hato didn't even know he was using it. Rayne? He tried to say *Yes, let's not use it for a while...*_The voice seemed weak _How do I not use it? *Trust, you aren't using it now* Hato nodded and the dragon looked to the horse. He got back into position and the Stallion took his paw again. The moment he started... Hato lost no question about it. The horse chuckled "Take a drink." Reluctantly Hato sipped on the drink it tasted terrible for him. *Is that Elderberry Wine?* Hato flinched for a moment I wouldn't know... *It definitely is, I remember that taste. It used to be used with offerings to me...* Hato took another drink "You haven't lost yet!" The horse started to laugh and put his hand to the table. "Again." This time the horse let Hato try to move his hand, he had no chance in it and the horse turned around and pinned the pups paw down. "Another drink." Hato took another swig *I love that wine* Rayne's voice rang through his head again. The dragon was smiling and Hato noticed the grin. He opened a book and was reading through it. "What are you two doing?" Hato stopped and put the cup down onto the table. The dragon looked up "I'm reading through some history books and you're playing a game with him." That smartass "No, you're both doing something." Suddenly Hato felt a deep pit-like bite his stomach; it was a sharp pain that faded nearly instantly. Hato turned around after hearing a collection of gasps. Rayne was sitting there.

The large wolf with nine tails and fur black as midnight with eyes that beamed like a blood-red moon stared at him intently. The dragon laughed with glee. "So it did work!" He brought forth a saucer, metal like the tankards and filled it with wine. Rayne started to drink from it and Hato (Still dazed from the pain) took the only defensive he could take but his growls were quieted as the dragon simply breathed out sharply - sending a small plume of fire his way. "Calm down dog, even demons, gods, and magical beings need food and drink." "I didn't know Rayne could - " "I always could Hato." Rayne looked up, his maw lightly splattered with a thick cherry color. "I just didn't think I'd need to... You're all an interesting group of people; most would only try to draw a demon out to kill them." The dragon closed his book. "I study Lunaria I know a little of your past. Anyways." He flicked his wings about "I take interest in magical beings." "That is a risky gamble." "I don't think a god would be upset by it." Hato paused for a moment and Rayne looked at him. He felt terrified in truth, seeing the creature inside him was something different. Hato looked into the shimmering waters of his tankard and put the cup down. Rayne stayed quiet and stared at the Dragon. "I'm not a god." He replied "Not anymore at least." Rayne went back to his saucer of wine, as if dodging the conversation "How does a god turn into a demon?" The dragon pushed further. "By being forgotten by the people that once praised it." Rayne replied. "Think of it like a pet, people keep it for a while and then release it. It's only natural for the same thing to happen to gods as well." The horse stepped over, offering bread. Rayne nodded in reply, the feral wolf taking small parts of it. Hato took a moment and stepped out of the room. "I'll talk to him." "And say what?" Rayne replied and followed the pup from the room.

After a while of walking, mainly outside of the manor Hato turned around. Rayne was there, sitting behind him. "Here I was thinking that I was going crazy and it turns out that you're real!?" Hato sighed "What's this thing about you being a god? Who are you even? I don't know anything." Frustrated he sighed again and put his head against a nearby tree. "What's happening?" Without much of a warning Hato felt Rayne's nose against his leg, the pup felt his whole pelt flinch. "Those are easy questions with difficult answers. You are a Lunarian to start; I think you've learned that by now. To put it short you're the last person who can embody a god, at least for the Lunaria." Rayne looked to the night sky. "Many, many moons ago after the Great War had started there lived a Pup on a farm. Now this Pup I watched grow as he lived in the most sacred forest of Leairia; The Valley of Crescent, where it was said that two brothers had fought in that same Valley for control over the mountain. Now the Pup grew while working around his house with his grandfather before one day he was taken away by a group of strangers - soldiers who forced him to work in the mines of a mountain very far away. He wouldn't have survived if I didn't take the time to go with him." "He was a Lunarian?" "Pure but he was an outcast from the city. They didn't believe the Pup was strong or worth harvesting." Rayne continued "Now every day the Pup spent in the mines I spent with him, helping him, giving him strength because I felt as if it could redeem my title as a god... but people didn't believe in me any longer." Hato looked at the wolf and couldn't find words to say. "When the Pup was seventeen he defended an elderly, a very old and poor soul. He defended him and begged for them to punish him as he caused the accident in the beginning. I couldn't believe him as he talked but the people took him instead and spared the older wolf." "What happened?" "Well I spent many nights talking to the bats of the cavern, one of which was a Solarqui. In the time the Pup had spent offering food to even rats that scurried about the dungeons they agreed to help him and as he was tied to the basin of rock about the ocean they stole the guards key." "The Story of Shilan?" "Exactly Hato. After that adventure I was allowed back into the council. Instead of becoming a god and never being able to talk with the people again I agreed to stay a monster, a demon if you will... just so I could be closer to something sentient. When I returned to the mountain, the war was finishing and I realized that my brother Relinian had gone out of control. I stated that if there was any good left in him he'd let some of his people live... I just didn't expect to see Shilan living back in my forest again. Yet this time..." "He had a mate..." "And was about to have a newborn child. Yet Relinian wouldn't stop there. He granted a boon as all the gods did for Shilan... He instead granted one for his child and before any of the gods could protest against it Relinian created the next vessel for himself and his dead subjects..." Hato swallowed "Yet again the story doesn't stop there. There is another key to it." "Fylakas..." "So you remember the visions... The last and final part comes from words that made the gods confused, Reapers and Strazhi. Fylakas was said to be an element, one that many of the Strazhi worshipped." "An Element?" "Yes a Creature of Time, an astral being that keeps it in balance. Or so the legend goes. Now that he isn't a being of balance any longer his powers are diminishing. So he is trying to find his way back to the Astral plain... but he needs to find a vessel of his own, or at least create one." "So that's why they've been after me? To create some other carrier for him?" "Yes, somebody who can withstand the travel between plains. You can't but if he were to find enough vessels he might have the power to create one of his own." "There are more people like me?" "Yes, there are... there are also many gods and lesser gods too. It's possible that they could have allowed themselves to be carried by mortal" Rayne sighed "Possibly to prevent themselves from turning into a demon." "Wait... there are lesser gods?" "Well you can consider them as great spirits that dwell within nature." Rayne took another look at the sky watching streams of moonlight skim through the leaves. "As Mana and Ceruleaum thrives through all things it constantly creates beings that exist on different plains as much as this one... Unfortunately there is only so much of both. It creates more life than it can create itself" "Is that why sentient beings can use magic?" Rayne stared at the pup "That's why you are a Lunarian. Using Mana and Ceruleaum slows the creation of life, somehow balancing this life mineral until it recreates itself once again." "It would've been nice if I knew all of this before..." "You did, once." Rayne remarked and continued to look into the night. Hato stared with him for a while watching dark clouds roll far in the distance. Stars echoed their light past the moon and color sprung across the skies and the horizon. A light blaze of blue and green hovered over them. "It's the color of Keirikia it happens every year before the festival." "It looks like an Aurora..." He said, captivated by the lights that suddenly ignited the night. "Quite, but this one is more of a collection of Mana filling the skies, it means that this year will be a grand one." Hato continued to stare at the lights for a while and noticed that everything was melting away after a while. "Usually the lights linger for the next few days; they're the brightest on the day of the festival so you shouldn't miss them at all." "If I'm not dead by then..." Hato sighed looking at his paws "If the king deci-" "If the High King decides anything it'll be to research more into the problem at hand, it's not common that people have gods living in them, let alone pure-bloods." Hato looked to the stars once more, the river of dust flowed around the moon as the trees rustled across the wind carrying leaves into the night sky. The grass waved like the ocean and he looked back for just a moment staring at the Manor. He nearly forgot that he was sitting in the largest city in the entire Curian Empire. He took a moment to walk and think, noticing lights further against the mountain. Looking for a higher plain he took a trail which brought him to a hilltop overlooking the manor, a guard was there.

"Where are you going?" "I just wanted to see the city at night..." Looking behind him he noticed that Rayne was gone. *I'm here.* Rayne said and Hato couldn't even begin to explain. "Just don't wander." The guard said and stayed at his station. Hato continued a little up the trail trying to get a good look of the city. *Further up, the trees get scarce*_Hato went further up the cliff-side realizing that it was actually the incline to the mountain wall. The moment he touched the top and one more step he was standing at the edge of a stream of lights, torches from the city feeding into the ocean. The water spanned as far as he could see to his right and in front of him was the towering castle overlooking the city below it. Right past it seemed to be a wall that followed across the oceans ledge, as if it were a patio surrounding the top of the mountain behind the castle. He looked to his left and it was nothing but mountains and the forest, his heart fluttered and his mind was entirely in awe. Splashing came from behind him and instinctively he turned to notice somebody in the water. Two stone-like arches hovered behind him mixing marble and water together and surrounding the oasis was a set of trees allowing a ring of moonlight to overlook the water. In the center was Likira. For the moment Hato froze watching the otter rise out of the water in a slender rhythm that allowed her nude form to shimmer with the moonlight. His face went red and his body was white as a sheet she flicked the hair from her eyes and it only got awkward from there... "..." Likira stared at Hato for a second and he had already turned around "What the hell are you doing here!?" "I - I was just trying to see the city..." He stuttered his face entirely red. He closed his eyes and swallowed nervously as the picture of her still burned in his mind. He heard the water splash to the rock side, she was getting out. "Pervert!" She recoiled and he assumed that she was drying off and getting dressed. "You can't just waltz about this is a private spring for one!" She practically growled and he felt a shiver run throughout him. Suddenly he yearned for her happier tone... After a few footsteps she passed him and he cautiously opened his eyes to look at her face. "You fucking stupid kid!" She shook her head left and right and walked off, leaving Hato to stand at the edge of the cliff alone. He looked into his paws for a while, his face burning before he finally decided to walk back to the manor. Hato was never the best at telling time, all he knew was that the moon was high in the night letting the clouds glow as if to create fog that lingers in the sky. The stars would beam through twinkling and sparkling with every few seconds. Again something caught his eye above him, he looked up. _Alright I know something is following me! He looked around, trying to spot it out and as he was right at the corner of a tree was a small puff of sleek grey and amber fur. Suddenly staring at him with bright yellow eyes was a bat. Its stone-leaf like ears twitched on a small frame softly it folded them back showing off its large eyes before swinging away, staying close towards the lights.Was that a Dusky? It was long gone, flying away into the night. It must've been one Hato knew the look of it anywhere. The thin fox face with large eyes and wings that spread across its body as it disappeared into the dark. When he couldn't see it he decided to make his way back, watching the lights of the city flicker across the gaps in the leaves in front of him. With a long sigh he stepped into the large wooden place and made his way to the room he was given, checking his wound for a moment. He forgot that the dragon from before had healed the wound shut. Opening the door he looked inside for a moment, the light from the window lit up the bed and he looked at the curtains and the wall. Tomorrow, that was all his mind was fixed on What will happen tomorrow?

The question burned in his mind and he rested his head on the pillow. He felt his eyes close and the next time he opened them it was morning. Bitterly the pup yawned and stretched as the sleep still stung him. Throwing the covers aside he adjusted his pants and got up. Sunlight was caught in the curtains covering the small wood-slit that acted like a window. His room was cold... Somewhere far off in the distance were the sounds of the city. Every noise was chained to the other making a rhythm of life that echoed past the walls of stone that surrounded Turith. Yawning he pushed his head past the window of his room. The sun was high but it wasn't before noon, Hato knew that he wouldn't have slept in that late. Three loud knocks came to the wooden door. He stared for a few moments before barely opening it "Yes?" He sluggishly spoke watching the soldier behind the small slit. "Get dressed, your presence is required." Hato nodded and closed the door before noticing the folded set of clothes on the other side of his bed. A white ruffled tunic with gold trim and green highlights stared back at him, promptly Hato dressed - the size seemed a little too snug for him. It rested past his knees and the wool felt rather uncomfortable. With a deep breath escaping from his lips the pup opened the door. "Y - yes" He nervously let the words flow by and the guard began to walk along, urging him to follow. He took the steps down to the center of the manor and was suddenly met by the sun when the doors swung open.

Hato assumed that Tirith always looked as beautiful at night as it did in the morning. Far off in the distance beyond the castle were white caps of mountains that he hadn't noticed the day before. The temperature was high and the northern wolf-dog couldn't stop himself from panting. "I suggest you don't do that in the throne room, it's quite disrespectful." "I'll be sure not too." The guard, a person that Hato hadn't seen before smiled. "You'll be fine." "Easy for you to say..." A small smile broke his frown. "I'm just worried I guess." The guard continued to watch the dog as they set up onto horses. The reigns of the one in the back were tied to the saddle in the front. "Don't be." The lizard replied and sat up onto the horse. Hato climbed onto the one in the back and eyed the coyote suspiciously; there was no other guard with them? "Everybody else went ahead and they've informed the High King that you're going to be arriving soon." "What is... the name of the king?" The lizard laughed in reply "High King Morathen. His sons are named Walliven and Will." "Sons?" "One is adopted, Walliven, the youngest, is a Shikoku from the Island Colony. The Kings wife Velisthia died many a moon ago from childbirth complications with William. Will is a German Shepherd as he takes after his mother."

"You seem to know a lot about the royal family..." "I am one of the Kings right hands. I've taken care of his family and sworn my life to him." Hato looked into his paws they had already started on their journey to the castle. The pup took a moment to notice the sword that the Lizard had. It was a silver, thin fencing blade... Alywin had much the same. Young cubs were playing around in one of the streets as they passed by. Hato watched them run around for a while and smiled when one of them noticed and waved. A blacksmith also waved as the two passed by his shop. The lizard waved at the large dog and Hato did the same. Traders of all sorts were passing by and they all seemed to tip their hats or smile as they walked trotted bye. "Everybody's oddly... happier today." "I know many of these people." The lizard waved and said hello to a passing Maned Wolf "I actually own a shop in the town square." "What kind?" Hato said, watching the stilted fox pass by them. The creature was simply captivating. "I own a bookstore actually, spell books, history, potions. I have somebody run it for me most of the time but I get the chance to drop in." "I'll have to see some time." Hato replied and looked at his paws. He realized, just then that he wasn't cuffed at all. Large shadows swallowed their forms as they pushed further, past the first gate with hardly a guard question. The sudden chill from the shade made Hato breathe easier, he gave a giggle and the lizard looked back at him, half-smiling at the Collie-Wolf. "It'll get even colder as we go further up." The Lizard said and bundled himself up with his cloak. It was snowy white with gold embroidery. The incline was steep yet comfortably gradual, and as the walking became more difficult for the horses... they were suddenly stopped by two guards standing by a huge rock staircase. "This as far as you can take the horses; we can relinquish them from you Sir." The guard bowed as if he were talking to royalty itself. "Thank you friend" The Lizard nodded and got off, Hato followed his paws still free and unchained. "Please, this way young one."

With a nod Hato kept close, following up the stairs that seemed as if they were an eternity. After a while with the castle slowly becoming larger, Hato looked behind him. As if it were framed from where he stood, Hato could see the town center and the further walls dividing the forest from the stone. With no guide he took a daring look by the ledge. The ocean rocked below him, crashing against the stone and he stared for a moment as boats were just entering and leaving the harbor. "Yes, yes it's all quite magnificent but we must hurry, we can't keep the High King waiting." Immediately understanding Hato picked up the pace, there was only as few more thousand steps. The puppy's legs were burning. It was much more difficult than he had ever figured. "If you're wondering why these stairs are here, it's a test of true strength to see if one is worthy of speaking to the king." The Lizard was hardly affected by the walking. "I have to do this daily."

"D-Daily?" Hato responded between pants. The beauty that surrounded him was more than enough to keep him walking. The pup wanted to see everything from the top. Step upon step he continued to try his best to keep close to the lizard. Wait, why don't I just turn into a Solarqui? Those words finally echoed into his mind as he touched the final step. Suddenly he felt the sudden rush that everything he just did was for nothing at all. A small slouch came to him, his legs were burning then he looked behind him. Hato swore that he could've seen Redwater from there. The cold breeze slipped through the strands of his fur and it was chilly enough that his breath made plumes of white mist. Who in the right mind would make a castle up here!? Before him were two huge doors, steel and from the inside, hot air seemed to seep out. Above them were large arch-like windows - made of glass and tinged yellow. The windows seemed to flow up to the towers and the highest sat with a large flag fluttering about it in the head-wind. It was the lace of gold and shimmered with a tinge of sage. A tree rested within the middle and wrapped around it was a dragon of light. A roar of hot, almost steamy air slithered and swallowed Hato whole. The center room beyond a large arched hallway was the throne room. Tables were set around the front - huge rectangle slabs with beautifully crafted designs rested across the center ball-like room. Against the far wall, as the pup passed by two white cloaks upon entering the room, was the king. The dog wore a dark linen tunic with soft white embroidery, when Hato first noticed the older dog he had to think twice about it. The sunlight from the row of windows lit up the room enough that there wasn't a single torch in the room. Somehow it was warm, even though the windows above them weren't glassed. The dog seemed to be a mixture of breeds, his sapphire eyes seemed to sparkle in a friendly manner as they met with Hato's amber eyes. "Hello Pup." He said and immediately Hato froze and bowed his head. It had shot down so fast that he was worried he'd fall over. "You asked of my presence, my king?" He said the first thing that came to mind. "I beg your pardon?" The giant had walked by the pup and he hardly looked twice. "This is the Lunarian my lord, you asked for him to be brought to you immediately." "Ah, yes, yes. Please spare me the formalities." Hato froze again and hesitantly lifted his head. Sophia had given the King the report and he skimmed over it. "Hato, is it?" The two white cloaks were suddenly standing behind him. Softly his fur stood on ends. "Y - yes sir."

Morathen spoke to Sophia after a few moments and then to the stallion. He then looked at the puppy. Hato swallowed nervously and watched as the king unfolded the tunic - his father's tunic. "Can you explain where you got this?" Silence... "I..." A soft whisper echoed through the room. "It was given to a friend of Lord Shakshira's for a safe-keeping. A Ranger named Kieai helped me find them... in exchange I had to give proof that I was the son of Shilan. I complied and gave them an old token of his. In doing so, they handed Kieai his cloak, sword and bow." "A token of his? What may this token be?" Hato thought long and hard about it "Well?" "I've had some complications with black magic. Kishervira has gained the alliance of a powerful person named Fylakas... I had fallen under a spell placed by a magician known as Livrythi in order to utilize some... gift." "What does this have to do with my question?" "Fylakas used a counter spell that caused terrible hallucinations and when I finally woke I couldn't remember anything... I've been slowly recovering since." Morathen looked at Sophia. "I had sensed a presence and so did the Royal Guards magician. It could've have very well been an after-effect of black magic." "Noted. So you can't remember anything yet you have Shilan's final possessions. The stitching is very much from Curia along with the design hidden within the fabric." The king held the tunic to the light and suddenly Hato felt his mouth open. The symbol from the flag was there. The tree with the dragon coiled around it. "This symbol was the first to represent Curia and was given to Shilan as proof of his loyalty and valor."

Hato nodded and Morathen looked over the thin, small Collie-Wolf. "What was your mother like?" "M - My mother?" "Yes." Hato took a few seconds remembering the cottage in the woods from before. How the sun would peak in early morn during the summer and how the winter always brought the frost early in the year. A scent simmered through his mind. "Well, I remember that her pelt is white as snow and that her eyes were as blue as the sky... she also loved to cook foods with cinnamon. She always smelled like it and my dad... he would always come home whether he was out in the town or coming back from somewhere... he never told me where... But he would always bug me about it when I got home." "Is that all?" "She always stayed home with me, so we usually decided after the chores around the cottage we'd start cooking. It's partially where I learned." He smiled letting the small token of lost appreciation echo throughout the room.

"Hmm..." He stared for a while at the pups face and then his eyes seemed to shift. "Execute him." A gauntlet grasped the back of his shirt viciously and his knee was kicked in. A small painful yelp drove his leg to the floor. "Wait what!? Why?" "I've never heard so much bullshit in my life." The sound of a sword unsheathed and one of the white cloaks reached the blade over... suddenly there was the most conspicuous sound. A crunch, a loud one seemed to echo from the top of the room and then, as if one were slicing into an apple before taking a piece, another crunch rang through. "You know." The voice said - male, rather young yet filled with the sound of age... Hato tried to dart his head behind him but he was held between a gauntlet and a sword. Another crunch, they were eating. "I reckon it would be good advice to listen to the Pup." Finally Morathen gave a gesture and the grip on Hato was released. He immediately spun around and looked at a window-sill high, high above that neared the top of the room. A white snowy cloak blocked out the sun and like a wizard's gown that was tied over all parts of the stranger's body, the fabric narrowed onto him. The hood slipped down to cover the persons face, enveloping it in shadows. Their hair just slipped by, the color was white - maybe with a silver tinge. Their eyes simply glowed over Hato.

The color amber glimmered over his form. Before hardly having the chance to speak the cloak fell back and was replaced by a thin, furred dragon that beat its silvery wings against the sky. "A Jinodra?" Sophia cast her wings and took off, trying to watch as the small, winged dragon-dog creature disappeared. ""My king... Shilan was suppose-" "I know." He gave a glare to Hato and his ears flattened as best they could. "It's been nearly five hundred years since the start of the Great War and nearly two-hundred since Shilan disappeared..." Hato swallowed and Morathen looked him over with new-found curiosity. "You are the son of Shilan... Which means you are our property." "Property!?" "Shilan offered us a weapon of power, great power, as payment for our alliance during the War that ravished our land many, many moons ago. In other words you, Lunarian, are our weapon of war." "T - That's absurd!" Hato finally found the courage to blurt something out. "I don't know anything about fighting; I've never even killed anybody!" The cloak had turned about, forcing Hato onto his knees. "You don't have much of a choice. After all we know you possess a demon inside you and in speculation we believe a god too. That means you can control it, you are the weapon he promised." Control it!? This guy is insane! "I can't control that power; I've never been in control of it." "Then you better learn quickly. Find him a permanent residence here." Morathen turned about, taking the pups travel bag away. "What of my father's possessions?" "Rightfully they belong to us; the tunic was standard issue and his sword... that's something you lack the talent to wield." He said "Instead you'll be issued something more uniform. Now, guard get him out of my sight." Hato was dragged off and even though he stated that he'd walk, the guard simply pulled him away. He was being brought further into the castle. After a while they came by a hallway with huge windows, the wall to the ocean seemed to be one glass pane divided by pillars of stone. Regal curtains, red and light gold in color swept to the floor and a carpet continued throughout the castle. "You will be given a room with a cot and a desk; there will no leaving the room for any reason after curfew or any other part of the day except for training, eating and any examinations." The cloak opened a wooden door at the end of the hall. "Congratulations and welcome to the Royal Curian Guard." They remarked and pushed Hato into the room before closing the door with a rather harsh slam. He stood staring at the wooden portal for a moment before going to the cot that somehow hung from the wall. The sheets were wool and the bed was stuffed with hay - that was expected. There was no window but instead an oil lamp that sat on the desk, it wasn't lit so the room would've been pitching black if it weren't for the small portal on the door to let sunlight in.

Hato lay down onto the small cot that hung from the stone wall. The room was surprisingly hot - along with the rest of the castle. He closed his eyes and listened. There was a hiss and a surge of running water. Hato realized that he had been hearing that the whole time. The hissing was between the walls... Steam. Hato looked about, there had to be a vent but if there were then the room would've been damp... I know there has to be steam somewhere in here..._The idea beat through his mind and eventually he simply rested his body. The pup's legs were throbbing and after a while he caught onto the sound of footsteps. A knock touched his door and he sprung to life. He opened it "Hello?" A tiger was on the other side, she was huge... and immediately Hato thought about Serviath. The build of a fight yet seemingly lean enough to move quickly. "Come with me, you're first exam is now." He nodded and followed her. "So what kind of... exam?" _How the hell... They were walking for at least fifteen minute before he was pushed into a ring with her inside a room that hung sparring equipment like swords and shields. The tiger cracked her knuckles and Hato felt his ears drop. "Bottom line you're going to be sparring with me every day throughout your training and you won't be able to finish for the day until you improve or impress me." He swallowed nervously as she took some foreign stance - he'd never seen anything like it. A different solider walked by, sitting down to watch. "It's an unarmed fight, no safety words or giving up. You both go until one of you is defeated." "I - I can't fight her! This is impossible!" Suddenly a blow to his temple flung Hato back, his head nearly slammed on the concrete... There was no pain so he stood back up. "..." She stayed silent "How the hell!?" The solider was on his feet and Hato looked about confused. "Don't use his energy." "R - Raynes?" "Yes." "I don't know how to or how not to..." Hato felt his paw brush against his stomach

"Trust him but more importantly trust yourself. You're giving into fear and you believe that the enemy you have to face is one you can't defeat." She responded and took her stance again "That in itself is what is leading you to drain his power and what is making you weak. Take stance again." Shaking Hato stepped back into the ring as her punch launched him back. Hesitantly he drew his paws up. "You're stance is off." "I - I've never fought without a sword and even th-" "Stop thinking in reality for a moment and stop thinking about your boundary's. Take stance!" She roared and Hato snapped to a position. His legs were parted and his paw rested low, to his hip. That one remained open as his other was closed, resting higher to cover his chin and side. The guard in the back started to laugh "That is the stupidest stance I've ever seen!" He was howling from laughter and Hato snarled softly. She took her stance again; her legs were tightly knit yet spaced. They held solid as her paws remained by her side. "You're expecting me to kick and strike low." "Y - yes?" "Its good instinct, my style of fighting depends solely on my legs; my fists are more for counter and different maneuvering." She stood and grinned "You're in a comfortable style correct?" "Yes..." "So do you trust yourself?" "I think so." She nodded and took a stride, her leg suddenly swayed as if it were a melody and it swung over. Hato bolted back, rolling out of the way. He dodged one kick and was out of the way for the second. On his feet again his eyes barely caught onto a fist directed for his face, he ducked low and stepped it... Her punch missed somehow and he struck in, hitting her side. He brought his paw back "T-Th- That hurt..." He yelped sharply and looked at it, worried that he bent something. She hung her head back and laughed "You don't know how to punch and you're surprisingly slow for your size. I hardly threw any of that as fast as I could have." He swallowed. "Oh and..." She shoved him back and he toppled over, landing on the floor after a few seconds of being airborne. Another sharp yelp slipped from his maw. The massive tiger leaned over him "Your footing is way off, you have no support whatsoever." Nervously Hato smiled and she grabbed his paw and dragged him up. "So... are you teaching me anything? I mean showing me how?" "No, we're going to keep sparring until you understand." She stepped to her side of the ring again and Hato took his position again. He tucked his legs in some more, keeping the shoulder length apart. The tiger bolted and took a high kick forward, he barely stepped out of the way and suddenly he slipped to the floor expecting another high kick. She swung low and tagged him in the thigh "F-fuu..." His paw clasped against his leg, the pain shackled through his entire lower half. A small whine slipped from his lips and she pulled him back up. He was limping on the one leg. "Again." She took stance and Hato forced himself to. She dove for a punch and he dodged the one that was aimed for his face only to be hit by the one aimed for his solar plexus. The air forced its way from his body and he slumped to the floor from the pain. She dragged him up and tears stung his eyes. "Again." She let him stand; wobbling on his injured leg and he took a moment to breath before forcing some kind of stance. Her body seemed to twirl and suddenly he was kicked straight to the chest. The blow knocked him back and he instinctively curled up on the floor, tears stung his eyes and he yelped out painfully when she grabbed his hair.

"Again." "I can't..." he whined but she only growled bitterly and pushed him to her side of the ring. His leg gave way and he hit the floor again. The pup whimpered and started to stand. She simply grinned and stepped in again delivering a full roundhouse punch. Hato somehow ducked under it in time and was able to turn delivering a kick that hit her side... or he had hoped. She grappled it and suddenly pushed his leg up and took out his other one in one fell swoop. He hit the floor but it wasn't over there, she was on top of him and, without missing a single beat, punched him clean in the snout. The blow bashed his head against the floor and he was out cold. After twenty minutes he finally came to. He awoke in the same room sluggishly, barely moving before noticing the tiger sitting next to him. He felt something soft rubbing against his ears and he started to drift off again. He felt himself being picked up and watched the world fade into color before drowning itself into darkness. A heavy wooden door opened and he was gently rested onto a bed. When he finally woke up, he was in his room alone. The porthole allowed a warm golden glow - the sun was setting. The puppy sat upright and felt the pain rush throughout his body. A loud groan broke up the silence and he heard knocking, a large surge of pain rang through his head but he fought it and opened the door. "Y-Yes?" "If you want food I'd suggest you come now." Somefur spoke and urged him to come along. Hato hobbled along, his thigh still hurt like hell. The stone stairs were murder and by the time he got to the bottom he was rewarded with a collection of scents. Bread was the first thing he caught onto.

"E-Excuse me." He asked the guard who told him to follow "I - Is there anything special we need to do for food? A-any formalities?" "Only on very important dates or if the king joins us for dinner; then we'd need to say the king's grace and be told to be seated." He replied. "O - Oh..." He kept following the solider. "W - what is the grace?" He seemed to snap about and Hato's eyes widened. "Oh, you must be the Lunarian... Hato was it?" "Y - Yes..." "Well then, I'm pleased to meet you but unfortunately you won't be joining us for food." "I figured... I'm sorry..." "You're still getting dinner but you'll be in the king's private quarter. That's where only the elite guards stay." "T- The white cloaks?" "Quite. If you just follow to the front of the room and take either the left or the right, it's in the room after. A large oval table, dark-red, you can't miss it." "Thank you." He graciously replied and kept out of the way as much as he could. He was met with a door and he swallowed before barely knocking on it. The door opened and he was met with a white cloak, fully hooded and a mask covering the face. His eyes went wide with fear and his ears went flat. "I-I-I w-was told t-that I-I'm supposed to um... eat in here..." Hato stuttered out and practically whimpered as he spoke. The guard simply stepped to their right and let Hato walk into the room. He was slow and after a moment the guard to the blunt end of his pike and whipped softly at the pups rear, urging him to move along before he closed the door behind him. "There you are, I was about to send one of the guards to get you." The tiger from before was at the table too. "It appears the examination went well." "Y-Y-Yes my king..."Hato swallowed nervously and bowed his head immediately after. He cursed himself for forgetting to bow. "Spare the formalities Pup, they make me edgy." "S-Sorry sir..." He nervously stuttered and the older dog sighed. He wasn't dressed like a king - hardly nobility. He sighed. "Sit." Immediately Hato took a seat and put his paws onto his lap. Somebody came from one of the rooms dressed in an apron. "Fresh game sir, from your hunt early this morning" They had put the plate onto the table and filled his cup with some dark colored wine "Thank you and please bring in some bread when you have the time." "Of course sir" They replied and disappeared into the back room. Hato patiently sat at his chair and looked at the tiger a moment. She suddenly met his gaze and he immediately looked at his paws. Footsteps came from outside of the room. "Young lord you can't-" The door opened and a rather charming German Shepherd stepped into the room. Hato stared at his short brown hair and his yellow eyes. He had a sword resting at his side. "Father." "Ah William, what brings you? And your adviser? Have you chosen your Ensemble?" "That's just it father, none of the males you or your adviser have recommended are of interest." "Not even Sturviaquin from Merciataea? He was so anxious to meet you..." "Yes quite, the Fennec was one of the more intriguing ones... but we just don't connect." The German Shepherd suddenly eyed Hato before standing beside him. "Who is this? A guest?" The king laughed heartily. "No, no, this is the Lunarian, I'm certain Jilliah has filled you in." "I have not... my king." He dropped his ears and nodded apologetically "We were quite booked with the potential Ensembles today." "Justin didn't enjoy the idea." "Yes Learia has been rather cold-shouldered..." The Shepherd eyed Hato with some peeked curiosity. "A Lunarian you say." "And the son of Shilan, in fact he made an unexpected visit." The Shepherd angled his paw, the one that rested closest to his sword hilt. "So this... pup is the weapon?" The Shepherd stared and Hato lowered his ears, without really realizing it Hato was shaking. He couldn't tell if it was from the pain or stress. William wasn't too much older than Hato, suddenly there was a row of knocks on a door and it opened before the cloak could even respond. A Shikoku with a small curly tail and slightly folded ears bounced into the room. "Hey daddy!" The king gave the Shikoku a scolding look before laughing again and taking a sip of his drink. "And what brings the Valiant Walliven to my presence?" "I finally learned that spell my tutor has been teaching me!" He said with a bright smile "I'll show you!" "The levitation one right?" "Yes, yes! I can finally lift that quill in his laboratory!"Walliven pulled out a feather and put it onto the table. After a small quiet moment the feather was lifted and fluttered about. "Excellent work!" The king spoke with admiration "You'll make a great magician yet." "Wonderful work brother." William smiled brightly and Hato simply sat and stared. Walliven lowered the feather onto Hato's nose and he scrunched and shook his head - it was ticklish. "Who are you?" Walliven asked with big brown eyes "Yes I'd like to know your name friend." Hato hesitated and looked at the king. "Well tell them your name Pup you don't need my permission to speak." He swallowed and looked at William "M - My name is Hato." "Hato?" Walliven said. "I've heard a name like that before... I think..." "It's quite abnormal but it has a rather nice touch to it." The Collie-wolf nodded and then softly sat as the male from before put some bread towards the king "My apologies my lord, there has been a rather unexpected shortage of members today"

"No need to apologize." He said and finished his meal "Everything has been quite delicious tonight." The king then looked at Hato "Did you even want something to eat? You haven't said a thing." Hato froze, blushing bright red. "I - I -I'm quite alright my king." He nodded his head but his stomach betrayed him by growling bitterly. The silence in the room made him blush even harder from the embarrassment. The king then laughed again before staring at the young Collie-Wolf and nodding "What kind of host would I be if I didn't feed the people within my home?" He sighed and looked to the male on his left "Bring in a warm plate and a glass of mead." He whispered to the male and he was on his way. "Honestly pup, if you were hungry all you needed to do was ask." "I - I - I'm sorry..." he replied sincerely and stared at his paws again. The older dog sighed "Either which way at least it has been corrected." A plate came by and Hato stared at the array of meat and the bread. Not to mention the vegetables that sat on the plate all lightly sauced over by some form of gravy. "T-Thank you." He replied loud enough that anybody could've heard it. Hato ate slowly and as politely as he could possibly muster. The first bite landed him among the clouds he then took a sip of the mead and softly cringed. Morathen chuckled "Not much into mead?" "I - I don't drink much..." "Oh?" "... Yes" He finished the food and by that time fought through the rest of the mead. "Than what do you do?" Hato thought for a while "Well I like cooking and I practice playing music. That and I like to travel, especially when I find the heart of a forest - I lived in one for most of my life after-all" Hato chuckled nervously and watched the king closely, he seemed unamused. A person came by and retrieved the plate from Hato. "Thank you." He nodded with a smile and they promptly went back into the other room. "And what of sword-fighting?" "Oh, I don't fence often if that's what you mean... but I do like archery. I'm a little talented with a bow, not amazing, but I can hit a target."­­ He seemed to grunt "Magic?" "I've never used a spell in my life... aside from me being a Solarqui" He batted an eye "Yes Sophia's report did mention that, what kind of magic? Elemental perhaps?" "No, no, Illusion. I believe that's all I can do, simple illusion magic." He nervously smiled "I don't know anything other than that and Alchemy confuses me..." "... So you can cook, play music, do minor magic, and you know a little archery?" "... Y - Yes..." He swallowed, the king didn't sound happy at all. Morathen frowned and put a paw to his forehead "Then we have a lot of work to do. Get some rest; you have a full day of training tomorrow." Hato stood up from the table and bowed "Yes sir." With that he left the room and finally breathed, the air flooded his lungs and he stared at the array of cloaks. There had to have been at least a thousand people within the single huge room. Hato started to walk up the stairs and then turned the corner and... there she was The tiger. Hato bounced back in fear. "W-w-what did I do!?" he softly whined and she simply rolled her eyes "Nothing you fool, I'm going to bed. You have your uniform on your desk. You also have a sword waiting on your cot. I made sure it was a short blade." "O-Oh... thanks...." Hato bowed and promptly slipped away before darting into his room. From the window in the door that kept him from the hallway he could see the large arch-like window illuminate the sea and the horizon. The moon was in full bloom and the colors of Keirikia glittered in the night sky. The swirling and flow of lantern-water made Hato feel calmer and he put the sword by the desk in his room - it was a simple steel blade, dual-edged. He curled under his covers after undressing. Sleep came more quickly than he had ever expected it to and suddenly his world became a weary peacefulness.

End.