Original Justice - Tales of Crimson Wolf

[Aerius Sygale]

Welcome, this is my first serious attempt at story writing, with my own characters complete with full bios (link to the thread for them is at the bottom of my sig, just click on it. ;]).

It is the first story I have written since I got into RPing nearly two months ago, and I realize Chapter 1 is pretty long, but read it as you have time, I have to give you all something to get a taste for it, and see if you like it.

Comments or suggestions are always appreciated, though I basically have in mind where I am going to be going with this, but you may mention what you like about it most, and perhaps what you dislike it, then I will do my best to make it as enjoyable to read for all of you as I can.

So without further ado, enjoy reading Justice - Tales of Crimson Wolf (title may make more since later. Hint: The Wolf Slayer...).
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~Justice - Tales of Crimson Wolf~

-Main Character-

Name: Crimson Wolf
Age: 17
Gender: Male
Species: Ferfnir, a Wolf sub-species with shape shifting skill allowing them to change freely from human shape to the normal Wolf shape at will. Ferfnirs cannot run at their top speed even when running as fast as possible on two legs in their human shape, and must run on all fours to reach top speed.
Personality: Generally calm and cool in personality, but he may become emotional when something personal comes up, or something of his past, they are sensitive subjects to him.
Other Details: Though not just any emotion, but some emotions he can turn to power in battle, sadness can be a motivator that improves his overall effectiveness in combat, while when anger reaches a very high point it can increase his shape shifting skill that comes with the potential to do even far greater damage to enemies, but only for a brief period of time; two minutes. This is called Emotion Channeling, though the fear emotion cannot be channeled into strength, however.
Appearance:

--Prologue--

This story follows through some of Crimson Wolf's past, and two other characters are of great importance as well, playing their roles in Crimson's life, one good, and one a most dishonourable and unforgivable being that always seems to be covered in armour from head to toe ( http://thelifestream.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Garland.png ).

A wicked, and mysterious foe after making an attempt to take Crimson Wolf's life, his name untold to him and it is known by no one else, he is a man that for some reason finds Crimson to be a serious threat, when the first attack he made that was intended to kill him had failed, he rethought things through and left the area, doing something most cold and heartless, to try lure him to come -to- him.

He went about with his huge and heavy sword, mercilessly slaughtering Wolves, unprovoked, and leaving a marking on a tree in the area of the packs of Wolves he has killed, a marking matching the one on Crimson Wolf's tail, as a sign to prove to him that he had been there and killed them, this would happen several times, and every time it would both deeply sadden, and infuriate Crimson Wolf everytime he witnesses this.

He had been through enough provocation from this mad man, after enough of this he dedicated all of his waking hours to pursuing him to put an end to his murderous ways. But on his travels, other things did indeed come up during his pursuit of the Wolf Slayer in a suit of cold, dark armour, and the journey begins now.

~Chapter 1: Revelation of Great Interest~

It all started when Crimson Wolf left from the pack of Wolves that raised him, to make a deal with the Hunters of a nearby village, to in return for his service, no longer hunt any more Wolves, then after fulfilling his part of the deal, returning to his pack to tell them this good news, only to discover they were all brutally killed, only being alive in the area aside from himself being a sinister looking man in a suit of cold, dark armour.

The mysterious one who had killed them all noticed his arrival, and gave him a cold stare, then noticed a particular marking on the two legged Wolf's tail, and spoke in a seemingly slightly surprised tone, saying "That marking, on your tail...!" he exclaimed, then became frustrated and after letting out a grunt, under his breath he added "I missed him...tch." With this he began to flee, to get outside of the forest to rethink things now that the target meant to be killed in his attack, was not among the pack during the attack, and lived.

But Crimson Wolf, furious, rushed after the man who massacred the Wolves in cold blood. "You're not going to get away with what you have done!" he cried out as he chased after the killer. But he started to turn around, swinging is huge sword, which extended way out with a chain, swiping at Crimson. He hadn't seen such a manner of weapon before, and was caught by surprise by this, and got struck by the heavy blade, knocking him back several feet, then crashing hard into the ground, bleeding from the cut from the blade that went pretty deep.

The enemy stopped for a brief moment, and with his back to him, he turned his head over his left shoulder, "When the time is right, Crimson Wolf..." he said suddenly, then ran off until he was out of sight.

"D-Damn it..." Crimson Wolf spoke, weakened from the heavy blow he just had taken. The killer had gotten away, for now at least, so he knew the first thing he should do is to get back to the village and get somebody to do something about the bleeding, he would grow slightly weaker with each passing minute.

On the way back to the village, however, he had grieved at the loss of the lives of the Wolves that raised him nearly his entire life growing up, when he saw them all lying dead in cold blood again. But during every moment his condition grew worse, he couldn't stay any longer, he dragged himself the rest of the way to the village, having little strength left by the time he got there.

Immediately one of the hunters he had just made an agreement with noticed him entering the village, and in a bad way. The man ran to him fast as he physically could, catching him from collapsing to the ground when he nearly had lost consciousness. "That is a nasty deep cut, damn... Who or what did this to you?" he asked Crimson Wolf, examining the slash in the lower left area of his torso.

Crimson Wolf tried to build up enough strength to speak, and slowly, he finally did. "A Wolf Slayer...man...in armour...killed...all of them...in...cold blood...he got...away...but the pack...of Wolves...they're all...dead......" he used up what strength he had to the point that he had now fallen unconscious after struggling to get these words out, his head had now lowered straight down.

The man was a bit disturbed by what he just heard, then grew more concerned when he fell unconscious. "Ah hell, he's out cold, and losing blood, he's needs a medic, nurse, or somebody, RIGHT NOW!" he shouted urgently, trying to get someone over to help, before long someone came over. But amongst all this going on, it naturally came to the attention of anyone currently residing in the village.

In the case of all but one, it was all humans there living within the village, the one who wasn't, the children liked being around and had fun playing with, so she was an exception, this being caught word that somebody just entered the village badly injured, being kind hearted as she is, she went through the village to seek out this person, but little does she know it isn't a person at all.

Eventually she ran into the one who was in bad condition, he was just about to be carried off to where the bleeding could be stopped, fix up the wound, and get the blood he would need to be able to make a full recovery, soon, with hopefully minimal time of recovery, otherwise he would go through more suffering of pain before getting all better.

She was set back when she saw what the wounded one looked like, then in a soft, but frightened voice spoke, "Oh, that cut, it looks so deep...he's bleeding bad!" she exclaimed, seeming shocked at the sight of it. "What happened to him to cause this?" she added, deeply concerned for the one with a very Wolf-like appearance.

"He said a man in a suit of armour, that killed a pack of Wolves, did this to him, but at the moment he is unconscious, he is going to be taken to where he can be cared for and able to recover..." after the man responded saying this, he looked over at Crimson Wolf, then back at her, and thought for a moment, "Sophia, you should let him be to rest for the time being, but I think you should meet him when he feels up to it, I'll mention you to him when he comes to, his name is Crimson Wolf." he added, as he thought they could be related, though keeping it to himself.

Sophia ( http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj27/ssbmaster_X/SophiaHumanShape.jpg?t=1268505807 ) was seriously concerned for this Crimson Wolf's well being, he had lost a lot of blood and was cut up badly. "This just happened? You're acting like you already have been told he's alright, he's still weak to the point of not being able to stay conscious, are you really sure he's going to be alright?" she urged him to not take any of this for granted, and just because he is going to be getting cared for to heal him up and get his strength back, not to stop taking this seriously, mayhaps his condition improve without much time taken, or it may be much longer.

The man was slightly set back by her pushing him about with these words, as if to suggest he was acting like he was indifferent about what becomes of Crimson Wolf. He responded a bit sternly, "I am not sure I care for what you are implying here...I know well that this is very serious, and he did all of us villagers a great favour when he had eliminated the bandits that kept coming back here and up to no good, always causing problems for us, he deserves better than this, but even so, he is strong, I have a good feeling he's going to be just fine..."

After hearing this, she felt an apology would be in order here, "I am sorry, I just misunderstood you before...he has shown to be strong, so he should be able to pull through okay given time... I can only take your word for it, I just hope you're right. Because yes, I would like to meet him once they have finished fixing him up in there, if at all possible I would like to be there when he...regains consciousness." she said, with a smile on her face. She wished to be the first thing Crimson Wolf would see when he would come to.

"An odd request, you've never even met him, and he has not met you, what reason have you for this?" he asked, curiously as he continued to speak, saying "I will do what I can because it is for you, but I have to wonder what has you...drawn to him like this, so suddenly?"

Giving a little chuckle before answering, she replied with "I am curious about him, he looks like someone I think I should know, I guess I just want to see what his reaction would be if he awakens with me being there." no trace left of the little chuckle just prior to these words, but rather a slightly more serious look.

"An interesting response, I'll be sure to make sure you are let in as soon as they are done with him and are leaving him be to regain his strength and eventually, consciousness, at which time you should be there, as you wish, Sophia." he answered, confident that he would be able to have let her in to be by him before he has come to. "I'm going to go ahead and let them know of this in advance, so they will be expecting you, and let you know when you can come in." He started heading off after this, to where Crimson Wolf is going to be kept for the time being. As he did, he thought to himself "She has said she is a Ferfnir, which I have never heard of, then that Crimson Wolf says the same...could they be related...?"

Sophia thanked him for this, then the waiting game would begin, waiting until it was clear to go in, then she would get to see him again for hopefully a moment before he wakes. She starred up at the clouds in the sky, as they were becoming more abundant and dark, it started to look like it could start raining at any moment, she liked looking up at a clear blue sky, but now she just hoped rain wouldn't start coming down, at least not until she gets in to where she would be sheltered from it.

With this in mind, she was all the more anxious to get to where there would be a roof over her head, but she wouldn't take shelter elsewhere for the time being, but wait close by to receive word she could enter. There was much on her mind, she wondered how he was doing, if he was really going to be alright, what he is like, his past, practically anything about him, she knew nearly nothing of him at this time, she would indeed ask a few questions after she would of course, introduce herself to him when he sees her there.

Meanwhile, Crimson Wolf, still out cold, having the bleeding from the cut stopped, then it being cleaned for any bit infected it may be, then stitched it up, fortunately he was only very weak from blood loss, this was just a flesh wound, though a severe one. Since he was unconscious, they just tested to see what type of blood he has, to give him how much he needed to get his strength back after a while. This was all a bit unusual working around all the fur, it required more delicate work to not have any of it in his deep cut when it was stitched.

They had finished working on him, taking care of the nasty wound that had gone unattended for a little longer than would be ideal, but he grew weaker the closer he got, so his progress eventually got to a point it was very slow, but did fortunately reach the destination in time, and had his life saved for it. Once they were all done and had just left him to rest and recover his strength, they let Sophia know, and gave her the ok to come in, but don't be loud, or disturb him in any way, he would still have to stay put for a while until he would have his strength back to be out and around on his feet, or rather paws, again.

"Thank you," she responded, "I will keep quiet, I appreciate your allowing me to go in already." At this, the messenger simply smiled and gave a nod. Rain had just began to fall, mild at first, then as she was entering the building it soon started to teem down, she was most grateful the worst of the rain being held off until she got to shelter, as she stepped into the doorway, she turned to face back outside, looked up at the sky, then gave a smile, as if to say thanks, but this was all, no words came out, she would save words until Crimson would wake up and meet her.

Once she got in the room, she had a good look at him, as he lay still, motionless for the moment. She noticed some unusual crimson colored fur and markings on him, but aside from this, he looked much like her father, whose fur was all black, and was quite strong in appearance, Crimson Wolf appeared to be at least as strong, if not stronger, yet he was still quite young, she was a bit surprised, why he would feel the need to strengthen himself so was at this time beyond her, she was unsure what to make of it.

She remained nearby, but silent, after half an hour or so he began to stir a bit, but not much. He still felt pretty weak, but he struggled to slowly open his eyes, light brown in color, and as he did he noticed a two legged white wolf near him, it seemed familiar, but it was something he hadn't seen in many years. "You...is that you, mother...?" after he heard himself speak these words he immediately snapped out of it and realized his mother has been dead for many years. "Ngh...sorry, you just look like my mother... Who are you? I don't know you, so what brings you here...?" he asked, looking slightly confused, but mostly weak.

"I saw you badly injured, after you had apparently fallen unconscious, as one man of the village told me. You looked like someone I should know, and I've been very concerned about your condition, no one should have to suffer the pain that deep cut must cause you..." Sophia said, in a soothing voice, yet as she spoke these words, there was a trace of sadness in it. "My name is Sophia, and in case you are wondering what I am, I am a Ferfnir. And I heard of your name, Crimson Wolf, from that man that told me what happened...how awful, who could do such a wicked thing..." tears did not leave her eyes at this point, but when she tried to envision what it would have been like when it was happening, they did trickle down her furry face after this.

Crimson Wolf was shocked to hear that she is a Ferfnir, aside from his parents, he had never met another Ferfnir in his life before, she was the first. And he was touched by the emotion she had towards the Wolves that had been killed, she genuinely seemed to care a great deal about it. "I...yes, it hurts deeply, and you haven't any idea just how much so it pains me personally...that pack of Wolves...when my parents got killed by hunters, they took me in and cared for me all this time, since I was less than a full year old...it was very emotional when I discovered them dead, even though I was very young, I knew, dead is dead, they were gone for good..." he answered, not letting himself get too emotional as not to potentially worsen his condition.

Sophia became more saddened when he explained this, she felt for him, he sounds as though to have had a tough upbringing, a difficult past. "No...how can you go on when you have been through so much? I am truly sorry, my deepest condolences for that whole pack of Wolves...they are in a better place now." she spoke faithfully, something Crimson hadn't experienced much of, he hasn't really been sure what to believe or not, so he has never truly chosen any belief.

Crimson was once again confused by her words. "They are...in a better place? What do you mean by that? ...Heaven...?" he asked curiously, it seemed at this time to him that this Sophia might be at least somewhat religious. "And you said you are a Ferfnir...huh. I myself am one, and other than my parents, you are the only other Ferfnir I've ever met in my life..." Between this and how much she looks like his mother did, from what he can remember, a thought now crossed his mind; could she be related to him, somehow?

"Yes, Heaven, they only have followed their God given instincts, adapting accordingly to the behaviour of humankind, which seems to be becoming more twisted all the time, I fear..." she replied, wiping the tears from her face. "And odd, none of the Wolves in that pack were Ferfnirs? And you've never met one outside of immediate family...Crimson Wolf, do you have any siblings? You know, like any brothers are sisters?" she asked slyly, with a bit of a grin on her face suddenly, she quickly shifted from very sad to cheerful in a moment's time, she always tended to be good at it, being playful and innocent as she is.

"Siblings? Never really thought about it, when I lost my parents, I always thought of that had no more family left, they were all gone, they had no other Ferfnir cubs that I know of...but when I look at you, speak with you, and listen to your soothing voice, I am reminded of that innocence I would see of my mother, she was a beautiful creature, as are you...what did your parents look like, do you know what happened to them? And you clearly ran off...why?" he wanted to learn more about this Ferfnir named Sophia, and he was pretty sure she was the same, wanting to learn more about him. "My father was a Black Wolf, he basically looked like me, but without red fur...which I have never known why I have these strange markings...my mother's fur was pure white, like yours, with sky blue eyes, they looked as deep as an ocean, but beautiful as a clear, sunny blue sky..."

When she heard him saying this, she could hardly contain herself, she was positive Crimson Wolf is her brother. "Oh, Wolfy, it's you!" she giggled happily, with a smile across her face. She started answering his questions. "Hehe, you basically just described my parents! I am certain our parents are the same, making you my brother, and me your sister!" she was excited about this now, but hadn't yet thought what that would mean the fate of her parents were. "I know this is going to sound selfish, but I ran away to this village that was nearby with children in it, I thought they were a lot more fun to be around than my parents, and got along well with them, the people there gave me my name Sophia. So one day when I went there, well, I stayed there. As for what happened to my parents, I... Oh, no..." it just occurred to her, if her parents are the same as Crimson Wolf's, that means they suffered the fate he said his parents did.

Crimson Wolf knew it right away, after what she said before this, that she had realized what would have happened to her parents, seeing as it certainly would seem they came from the same two Ferfnirs, sharing the same parents. "Come on Sophia, it's alright, now that I know there is some family left, that you are my sister, I don't want you to be sad again. Like you said about the others, they are in a better place now, isn't that right?" he didn't dare try get up to comfort her more, but he did as best as he could using words, and used his knowledge of her faith she recently had shown.

This appeared to cheer her up again. "Yes, you're right. Really, thank you, Wolfy." she wanted to just hug him now, but she didn't know if it would be a good idea under the circumstances. "Hug? Or would it hurt you with your wound...?" she asked, in a cute, innocent tone, looking almost pitifully at him.

"...Where did 'Wolfy' come from? But if like to call me that, then I am fine with whatever makes you happy..." he stated, and he liked the thought of being given a hug, he never really got one, but he could really use that comfort to ease what pain he still is dealing with, both physically and emotionally. "Never gotten an actual hug before, but I know how it goes, one's arms wrap around somebody, and the other does the same back...I think comfort to ease my pain would be good, emotionally, and even physically, perhaps I can try forget about that for some time and relax despite it..."

Sophia stepped to the side of his bed and leaned down to reach out to hug him, lightly nuzzling her head against the side of his as she did. "And I don't have to call you Wolfy if you don't feel comfortable with it, you just look cute, and you're my brother, as soon as I realized it I had to call you by that name, you're that Wolfy brother that I deep down inside wish I had, now I know I do, and I am very thankful for it, this happened to you so I would hear about it, then we could meet, now that we know of each other, we don't need to be apart any more." she had a sigh of relief at this, then paused, awaiting Wolfy's response...

Crimson Wolf was a bit caught off guard when she nuzzled his head with hers when she hugged him. "Wasn't expecting that little nuzzle, not part of a hug...but it still felt nice, element of surprise didn't hurt." he replied, with a bit of a smirk on his face as he spoke. "And like I said before, I have nothing against it if that's what you want to call me, it is also easier to say than Crimson Wolf, so I don't blame you, and someone of your personality may like to call me that anyways...but huh, cute...never really thought of myself being cute...more like tough, or cool, I guess..."

"Well, guess I am just going to have to get to know you a bit better then, huh!" she said, smile never having left her face. "Would love to stick around here for a while longer, but you already have been talking for a bit, guess I should leave Wolfy to get some sleep and get your strength back, so you can have this done with then you can get out of here before long, I'll be by again to see how you're doing soon, but it is bye for now, you just try and relax, and rest, alright?" she had kept Crimson Wolf up long enough, she felt it was time to leave him to rest up for a while now, saying good bye, but to see him again very soon.

He nodded his head once, layed it back onto the pillow then closed his eyes and said "Very well then, good night Sophia, my dear sister, I'll see you soon..."

After this Sophia left him to rest for the time being, then he thought to himself "So I haven't lost all my family...now that I know there is someone, and not all has been lost, it is a huge burden off my shoulders...I get out of here, I'm not gonna ever let anything happen to Sophia, the last of the family I have left, I must protect her..." he then let himself fall into a deep, and peaceful sleep.
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Some of this seem to be happening a bit too fast? Some things seem to go unexplained, and leave you wondering? This is strategy, it will be made more clear through flashback events during chapters to come. Next will be Chapter 2: A Noble Vow.

And once again, feel free to comment, any of them are appreciated, be it constructive criticism, suggestions, or just feedback.

Chapter 2: A Noble Vow is now up, enjoy reading.

 

[Aerius Sygale]

~Chapter 2: A Noble Vow~

Crimson Wolf had been asleep for hours now, but rather than dreams, it was one long flashback of a past experience that happened not long ago at all (a heads up, the flashbacks generally tend to have more dialog to some extent), it began with two days ago, when he was back with his pack of Wolves that he grew up around, who were all getting quite old now. This was that time, the time when he told them what he was going to set out to do, to convince the hunters of the close by village to stop hunting Wolves, so they wouldn't have to continue to live in fear of being hunted down and shot.

he wanted to show his appreciation for the pack taking such good care of him through the years, so he told them he was going to speak with the people in the village, and try get them to agree to stop hunting the Wolves in the forest.

They all warned him strongly to not do this, he'll get himself killed, but Crimson Wolf told them he has to do this, he has to do something to repay them for their hospitality.

He was in his human shape, as he drew close to the village. He clung to a tree, the side facing away from the village, so he stayed out of sight at first. He called out from there, and waited for a response.

As he heard somebody's footsteps drawing closer to him, he heard a man say "Who's there? Where are you?". At this time Crimson Wolf spoke out to the man, just loud enough for him alone to be able to hear, no one else back in the village.

"Now wait a minute, I must explain myself before meet face to face, and state what business I have here." he said calmly, but in his usual, confident voice, he was hopeful for this to turn out well.

"Alright, I'm listening, stranger." The villager replied, lowering his guard, becoming less tense.

"First of all, who am I, you must be asking yourself." he said, continuing to speak at a not overly high volume. "You will find even my name to be unusual, but that will likely be the thing you will find least unusual about me. My name is Crimson Wolf, I am of the Ferfnir race, a race of humanoid Wolves, with the intellegence of a human, and the strength of a Wolf, and, as you can tell, capable of speech."

The villager not far from the tree Crimson Wolf was behind was refraining from bursting out laughing. "You expect me to believe that? Wolves can't talk, you're just some bored guy, hidin' behind one of these trees, trying to take me for a fool." He said, seeming insulted.

"No, I speak the truth." Crimson Wolf exclaimed. "Listen, if you come out to where you can see me face to face now, promise you won't freak out, causing alarm to the other villagers in the process."

After the man heard this, he donned a more serious look. "Wait, are you really serious?" He asked.

"Yes, very." he answered. "Now, do you give me your word to remain calm when you see me? Know that I mean no one any harm, in fact, I would like to arrange an agreement with you and the other villagers, perhaps be of service, and in return grant a request of mine in exchange."

"Okay, we are having a bit of a problem that you may be able to assist us with, if you're able." he said. He proceeded to advance towards the tree, then eventually to where Crimson Wolf was in his sight.

"Good heavens!" he exclaimed, but trying to keep his voice down. "You actually are one of those Furnif things you had described." He was setback when he saw for himself he was indeed as he said he is.

"It's Ferfnir..." Crimson Wolf corrected him, as he was crossing his arms. "Anyway, moving on. You said the village was having a bit of a problem I may be able to help you with?" he asked, willing to do pretty much whatever he may ask of him.

"Yes, you look more than able to handle the ongoing problem we've had with...a particular group of bandits." he replied, "But you say you want something in exchange? What might that be? The villagers just want to be rid of these Bandits that keep coming back to the village and I am sure will accept whatever you request in return for taking care of them. And by taking care of them I mean eliminating the bastards, so they won't be able to return again."

"So the task here, in short, is kill the bandits next time they come to the village, making it that last visit." Crimson Wolf said, acknowledging the villager's request. "This will be my end of the deal, now what I want in return directly involves the cooperation of the hunters, both any that are already here, and any that settle in the village in the future..."

"These words coming from a Wolf-like being like yourself, I think I have a pretty good idea of what you're going to ask; the hunters agree to stop hunting Wolves, and any hunters that come along must agree to this to settle in the village, or else we must turn them away in honor of this agreement. Correct me if I am wrong here." the villager answered confidently.

"Precisely." he replied, "If you could direct me to the hunters in the village, I should ask them if they can agree to this. It's that, or the bandits continue to pillage your village, I'm afraid, so they should be agreeable to my request."

"Aye...we've had all we can stand of those darned bandits, I can just hope that the hunters here can come to an agreement on this, so you can go ahead with watching out for when they come, which is never very far off, then you can swiftly strike and put an end to their criminal activities for good." the man responded.

"But before that, and no offence intended here, but you look an awful lot like a Werewolf to me, and I don't think you oughta be going into the village looking quite the way you do now. I have some clothing that I never wear, nor do I have any use for, but I think they would fit you, and it would give you a more civilized appearance." he said, "If you would, wait here a minute while I go get them, then you can put them on before the two of us together head into the village."

The villager made his way back to the village, heading into one of the buildings, his own. A minute or so later he came back out of the house and headed back for Crimson Wolf with a long coat, sweat pants and a belt. The pants had clearly been modified in the past to allow for usage of a belt with it.

"These clothes? They don't look like something some villager would own..." Crimson Wolf said, after the villager arrived back with the clothing. "But they look cool regardless."

"Well I'm glad you like them. I never bought them, they were given to me as a gift, but I never wear 'em, so you can have them." the villager replied, as he handed the clothing over to Crimson Wolf. "Here now, put these on and you should be good to go, and I gave some of the villagers a heads up on what you look like."

He put the clothes on, all of which fit well except for the pants being just slightly big, so he used the belt, and so with it they fit rather well. Ready to head into the village, the two of them went there and Crimson Wolf met with the hunters there, explaining the deal he and the villager come to, asking if they would agree to their part in it.

Being as eager as any of the villagers to be rid of the bandits, they ended up agreeing to his request for them to cease to hunt Wolves.

That night, the bandits came out sure as the moon in the sky, and when they drew close, he struck them all down swiftly, and very effectively. This victory was for the pack of Wolves that took him in and looked after him when he had no where else to turn. After this was carried out successfully, the villager who first came up to him, same person who had earlier given him the clothing he now wears, and suggested he stay there the night before moving on. Since the offer was put out, he decided to do just that.

When he woke up the next morning, he headed back to tell his old pack of Wolves the good news, that they wouldn't have to live in fear of the hunters any longer. But when he reached their location, his gaze saw all of them lying dead, and a man in a suit of armour with a large and powerful looking sword. At this moment, he woke from his slumber realizing that he could still be near, and he knew Sophia had been away for some hours, he feared for her well being, but knew he wouldn't be up to getting up and around, and certainly at least couldn't do anything much if he were to go, and find her in danger, because of the weakened state he is still in.

Turning his head slowly from one side to the other, looking across the room, he made sure she hadn't by any chance slipped back in there while he was not conscious, as she did before. He never mentioned anything to any of the passerbys to go locate her and make sure she is safe, he just remained silent, but in his mind concerned.

He could see that it was that it was a clear sky, seeing the bright blue sky after the clouds and then nightfall was somewhat relaxing, but his mind would not be at ease until he saw his sister, safe. Beginning to wonder how long he will have to be in bed like so, recovering, he became a bit anxious, but managed to stay put and not go make an attempt to go out to find Sophia, laying still for hours, lost in thought, until she eventually got there and Crimson Wolf was greatly relieved to see her, but didn't get excited because firstly, she may just be a bit confused by why he would be so concerned about her already, and secondly staying as still as possible would be advisable.

"Sophia, I'm very glad to see you safe, I have been worrying about you from ever since I woke up." he said as she was entering into the room. "I had a nightmare last night...but no, it was like a flashback, a quite recent one, then when I woke up to realize the armoured man that killed the pack of Wolves, that wasn't so far away from here, I had feared if he had come and harmed you...I really can't stay in bed much longer, got to get out of here soon, then I can stay by you and protect you, Sophia." he stated, no intention to ever let anything happen to her, being all he has left when it comes to family.

Sophia was surprised, pleasantly of course, that he is already so protective of her and concerned for her well being, but it was just one night away, the night after they just met, two complete strangers that happened to be very closely related. "Oh Wolfy, you were really that worried about me? We only just met yesterday, and I was only away for a little while, but I'm glad you're so protective of me, never had anyone show they care about me as strongly as you have, it's terrible you've had to go through so much loss...I understand you would be so protective of me because I guess I'm the only family you have left, which breaks my heart...you're the only family I have left too, so you're right, we have to look after each other now, we're all we have." Sophia hadn't stopped thinking about Crimson Wolf since she had left, thinking about how he was doing, and if today he would be feeling much better.

Crimson was glad she fully understood the situation between the two of them, as she spoke he became a bit teary eyed, it would seem she was very good at making him become emotional. Between the strong resemblance of his mother that she has, and the innocence about her and the words she would speak, it was almost as if it was easing what pain he still had from his injury, which he was recovering from very well, his body itself remained intact from it, after making up for the lot of blood he lost, he already felt a lot better when he first woke up, but to rush this too much could be very bad. "Good...I have a very smart and caring sister in you, Sophia..." he said as a couple of tears left his eyes, "...if at all possible, I want you to be able to be near by my side while I must be in here, so I can see that nothing happens to you while I am bedridden for a short time getting my strength back..."

She didn't want to be away wondering about his well being either, "Don't worry, I don't have to go anywhere, I'm sure I'll be able to arrange to be here with you while you are getting better, we can be together now, they've been very understanding about this, I am confident they could allow me to stay, when you need to rest, I will rest and not disturb your sleep." she replied, in a soft, gentle voice. The sun shined through the window, the heat of the rays keeping the room at a fairly warm temperature as they exchanged their words. "I know this is going to be difficult to hear, but try to not get too upset by this. While I was away I ran into an 'Adventurer' who..." she sighed before continuing, "how to put this...he saw a man in some goldenrod colored armour mercilessly killing a pack of Wolves with some unusual sword, for seemingly no good reason. When he started to run he shouted out at him, saying 'HEY! What the hell do you think you're doing!?' God forgive the language, I quoted him word for word..."

Stunned by this, Crimson Wolf was beside himself, he was setback by this man's mindless massacres, "No...tell me this isn't happening...what the hell is he trying to PROVE!?" he spoke angrily, but getting worked up by it aggravated him slightly. "Nnngh... Grrrr..." he growled, annoyed.

"No Crimson, you mustn't get worked up like that, you'll hurt yourself!" Sophia replied firmly, it must be understood by him that he keep his blood pressure down, not get worked up over things like this. "There's more. When he began to chase after him, he turned around and swung his blade at him, which appeared to extend from some chain, he was caught off guard but managed to get his large sword up in time to block the attack, they both recoiled from the impact, but the one who has been killing these Wolves recovered from it quicker, as he was rushed and took off and out of his sight. But after he was gone, he said he noticed something written on the ground, which said 'To Crimson Wolf: The Wolf Slayer has been here', apparently he marked that on the ground with his blade." she explained to him, as his mood remained a bit snarly.

"Grrr...so he gave himself some title now...as soon as I am out of here, I swear I will bring him to justice, believe this when I say it Sophia, his actions are punishable by death, he is a twisted man of evil and the only way to end his senseless murders is to put an end to his very existence...I will do what must be done, I was taken by surprise by the reach of his weapon, but now I know, I can bring him down for his most unspeakable sins, as of now I do vow to protect Wolves from him, by eradicating the threat on sight, the 'Wolf Slayer' won't get away with this..." he vowed, at that moment, to cease this Wolf Slayer's crimes, he would focus on tracking him down and eliminating him as soon as he be released from the room he had to be in for a short number of days.

His sister was strictly against any kind of violence, she was more than a little worried when he spoke these words, "I know this is truly awful what is being done, but I am strongly against violence and believe things could always be resolved without fighting and death...please, isn't there another way, Wolfy?" she emplored, wishing he would reconsider his method of approach for this matter and try to think more of another way, but this man has clearly lost it, there would be no reasoning with him, there would truly seem to be no other way.

Crimson Wolf merely turned his head to a side, and closed his eyes before responding with words, "I am sorry, but this man is clearly a heartless, cold-blooded killer, who seems to be calling me out by infuriating me by slaughtering all these Wolves...including that pack of Wolves that...raised me and looked after me since before I was even a year old...damn him...he took so much away from me, and for what...why..." as he thought more about everything, it shattered him, more than a couple tears fell now. He would know peace, when Wolves are no longer endangered by the one calling himself The Wolf Slayer.

It hurt Sophia to see him so upset, she went up to him to comfort him, gently setting her right paw on the side of Crimson Wolf's head, proceeding to gently brush his fur, which was somewhat soaked by his tears, then spoke very softly to him saying "We'll work this out, one way or another..." Crimson Wolf then looked at her opening his glassy, sorrowful eyes, but he couldn't for the moment manage to get a word out, overwhelmed. His eyes said it, he needed a shoulder to cry on. Sophia hugged him, not letting go for a few minutes as he grieved over the many loved ones he has lost in his life already, and he has so much of his life ahead of him still, he knew he could continue to lead a hard, difficult life. He cried softly, quietly.

The two of them spoke no words for nearly half an hour, while Crimson Wolf slowly overcame his sadness and settled down. By this time, the bright shine of the sun through the window was a little weaker, and it was no longer shining directly through it, but partially. At this point, Sophia was seated nearby, she finally decided to say something once Crimson Wolf had appeared to be calmed down. "That adventurer, he was curious about the name that message was wrote to. I told him about you, and while he never mentioned his name, he said he'd like to meet you when you can come out. He seems like a pretty energetic young man, and strong enough to handle a large sword with considerable ease, seeing as it is quite big... So are you planning to meet with him then, or should I tell him to move on and not wait around here?" she asked.

He gave it little thought before replying, "Fine, I'll see him...once I am out of here. But he doesn't need to be in here, he can wait, find some place to rest a night or two until I can get out." he said, then taking a pause before adding "If you need to go to let him know to stick around, please come back quick, clearly the Wolf Slayer has still been nearby, whether he is heading elsewhere right now or not, can't afford to take chances on you, just return as soon as this guy gets the message that I'll see him when I get out, probably in a day or two..."

Sophia nodded and said "Yes, I'll be right back, Wolfy." before she headed out to tell the man Crimson Wolf would see him when he gets out. He was waiting not very far from the building, she went just as far as to tell him the message, "Crimson Wolf says he'll see you once he gets feeling strong enough to b released, which should be a day or two." she said, then still not knowing the man's name, she asked "If I may ask, what is your name? I guess you planned to wait until you met with my brother, but it is just a name, and I am his sister..." The 'adventurer' was slightly surprised by how she seemed to be pressing for him to say his name, and found it unexpected to come from her. "Whoa, easy there girl! I was going to tell you my name anyways, no need to be pushy, right?" he replied, taking a step back. "...I don't think I was being -that- pushy about it." Sophia retorted. "Well anyways, my name is Zekery..." the man cleared his throat, then said his name more clearly, "Zachary. Excuse me."

She found his behavior to be a bit odd, but at the same time amusing, "Certainly. And nice to meet you, Zachary. As you know, my name is Sophia." she reached her paw out to offer a handshake greeting as she spoke. "Yes, you told me you were Crimson Wolf's sister Sophia a little while ago, and nice to meet you too." he replied, as he reached out to accept the handshake. "Would you believe this is the first time I've ever shook someone's paw?" he joked, with laughter in his voice. "I might!" she answered, with a friendly chuckle back.

She remembered she told 'Wolfy' she wouldn't be gone long, so she bid Zachary farewell for the time being, "Ah, you seem fun, but I told my brother I would be right back so he wouldn't have to worry, guess I should head back, I may not see you again until he gets out, so goodbye for now, Zachary, stick around and I'll see you in a day or two." she said as she started walking. She turned around while she was walking off to wave back, but as she tried to keep walking, she stumbled a bit causing her to lose her balance, embarrassingly falling back on her rear, catching herself with her paws to at least prevent her torso from crashing into the ground. Zachary started over to see if she was alright, when she saw him coming over she said "It's alright, I'm okay now, that was just a little embarrassing..."

She stood back up, then expected some kind of a response from Zachary. "Nah, accidents happen. Don't sweat it, you got that?" he spoke encouragingly, not making some joke from it. "Alright, thanks." she replied. "No problem. And most people just call me Zach, rather than that whole seven letter name, you feel free to do the same."

"Okay then, Zach, I'll see you in a day or two. Until then you just take care of yourself. I think I'm just going to keep walking and not twist back around to wave this time, if you don't mind..." Sophia, even though Zach took it well, she was still embarrassed about the fall. "Haha, I don't blame you! See ya Sophia." Stumbling no more, Sophia finally headed back to where Crimson Wolf was being kept for a few days, relieved to see he didn't seem to have worried yet. "Hi Wolfy, I'm back. That guy's name is Zachary, or Zach for short, and he actually seems to be a really good guy! Although, he was a little touchy at first, if you ask him something, try word it carefully or he might think you're being pushy..." she spoke as she entered his room, looking cheerful as usual.

Crimson Wolf noticed a bit of dirt on her, "Did you fall trying to hurry back here before I would start worrying? You aren't hurt are you?" he asked, looking concerned. "Not at all, it was just a little stumble when I turned back to wave goodbye to Zach as I was walking back here, it's nothing." she replied, as she seated herself near Crimson Wolf's bed, as she had been.

He looked slightly nervous as she sat down, "You should have been sure to not get any of that dirt off on the seat, they probably won't like it." he commented, being his overly cautious self, not wanting her to do anything they may not much like. "And if I didn't emphasize so that you hurry back, you likely wouldn't have stumbled if you weren't as rushed..."

"Don't be silly!" she exclaimed, "I headed back here when I was done speaking with him. I didn't even run, just when I tried to keep walking over here while turned around and waving, I didn't end up multitasking very well, it seems." she said, with an embarrassed look on her face as she finished.

As Crimson Wolf saw the expression on Sophia's face, he couldn't help but chuckle a bit. "Why the funny face, Sophia? Ferfnir can stumble too." he remarked. "But anyways, until I am out of here, besides throughout the night obviously, I need to sleep for a while at least once during the day, not as long of a rest though, but still crucial for quickly getting my strength back fully, so if you don't mind..." he had his sentence interupted with a yawn, then finished, "I think I might sleep for a bit now, I feel like I could doze off... Just don't wander off, okay?" then proceeding to rest his head back, closing his eyes.

"Alright, you just get yourself good and rested up today and through the coming night, then maybe you can get out tomorrow!" she responded, with hopes that if he rests up enough throughout the day he would be out tomorrow. "So, I'll just um, rest right here for a bit then, I guess."

"Shhhh......" Crimson Wolf subconsciously shushed her, as he was fast entering slumber from just before she started speaking. Sophia's head perked up in an almost startled manner at this, then after a short number of seconds she leaned a little closer to his head and called to him; "Wolfy...?" in a soft, fairly quiet voice. He had no response, aside from a flick of the ear that she spoke near.

'He's already out cold...' she thought to herself, as she slowly leaned back into the seat, being careful not to make much noise as she did. Less than an hour later, Crimson Wolf still fast asleep, he began to snore mildly, while it wasn't loud, it was noticeable. Sophia had been able to successfully stay asleep for little more than half an hour of the time between when he first started dozing off, and now. She was currently awake, and noticed him snoring a bit suddenly, 'Aw, he looks so cute!' she thought, as she watched him as he was in a deep sleep. Her eyes continued to stare right at Crimson Wolf's face, his mouth just slightly open, enough to see a bit of his fine white teeth. Bored, she continued to think to herself, 'Wonder how long he'll stay asleep like this.' she eventually just nodded off to sleep, not to wake until after Crimson Wolf would awaken.

Five hours later, he came out of his siesta, to notice Sophia was asleep at the moment. She was leaned back in the chair fully, her head not back, but facing directly down, suggesting she may have nodded off. No matter if Crimson tried to hear any snoring noise come from her, it was just the faint sound of ordinary breathing, she didn't snore at all as she slept, and her mouth was fully shut. He simply watched her, admiring as it was a silent, peaceful slumber, she looked very innocent, and cute. He had plenty of time to wake up quite sufficiently before Sophia woke up, likely watching him sleeping so heavily made her become so sleepy.

"It is dusk..." he said, looking out the window, and as Sophia began to stir, opening her eyes. "Sophia, sorry if it is a bit intrusive, but I've been awake for a short bit of time now, and have mostly been watching you sleeping. You looked very peaceful, and you barely made any noise while you were asleep, it was almost oddly relaxing, it is just nice to see you right here, knowing you are safe."

After having seen him in a deep slumber before, she was slightly surprised he was awake some time before her, and that so much time passed that the sun was now setting. "I don't mind really...because I did the same thing!" she said, with a sly grin. Crimson Wolf wasn't overly surprised, his expression remained unchanged, which was a relaxed look, but still plenty alert to any going ons. "And I'll take your words as compliments, so thank you. Wanna know a bit about the results of my little sleep study on you?" she asked teasingly, putting her two paws together by the right side of her head, then tilting it.

Crimson was indifferent about it, seeming like a rather dull topic, "It's a pretty boring subject, why not come up with a more interesting topic? All the same to me, if you want to say it and then move onto something more exciting, feel free, my ears are open..." he replied, as he propped himself up slightly more on the bed.

"You probably think this is pointless, but I bet you at least once have wondered if you ever snore in your sleep, Wolfy." Sophia made a soft little chuckle after this comment, continuing on to give the 'results'. "I could first tell you were drifting off to sleep after you shushed me going 'shhhh...', which-" "I shushed you while you were speaking? Sorry, I mustn't have been very awake." Crimson Wolf interrupted apologizing, "It just startled me a little, think nothing of it." she answered, giving a warm smile before proceeding, "I tested to see how awake you were after that by getting closer to you and saying 'Wolfy' just once, you had no response other than the ear I spoke near giving a flick. You were out like a light, from my observation you don't have much trouble just shutting down and falling asleep when you want to. And you can be quite a heavy sleeper, I fell asleep myself for a short time early on, then woke up to notice you were snoring, you looked so cute so fast asleep..."

At this point, he was becoming a bit embarrassed, "Uh..please Sophia, it's embarrassing." he turned his head to a side slightly, shifting is eyes a bit more towards the same direction. "Aw don't worry, I'm almost done with it, I just need to finish." she said, with a mischievious look on her face, which Crimson Wolf did not see. "Your mouth was open a bit when I woke up to you snoring, but don't worry, the snoring was just noticeable, it wasn't very loud. I could see your nice, white teeth, some good chompers you've got, and in your mouth through those of course I could see your cute, slobbery pink tongue, you looked really adorable, then I just nodded off while I leaned back in the chair, watching you in a deep slumber, I guess it made me really tired for me to fall asleep and not wake up for several hours." she laughed quietly before adding "That is all for my report, now are you gonna blush Wolfy?"

He rolled his eyes before replying, "No... Just a little creeped out." he said, looking directly at her, also noticing to the side that the light outside had become quite dim by this time. "That Zachary guy should have found himself some place he can stay overnight, I have every intention to be out of here tomorrow morning, I feel quite strong, pretty normal, so another full night's rest, which apparently you know I should have no problem with sleeping through well, I should be more than ready, and good to go. It was only a flesh wound after all, replace the lost blood, stitch it up and I can make a quick, full recovery." spoke one confident Crimson Wolf, sounding tough. "After the obligatory meeting with Zach, I will hunt down the Wolf Slayer, and ease the fears and so forth of any Wolves along the way. Stick close to me on my travels and I will keep you safe. I know how you feel about violence Sophia, but sometimes fights are inevitable. I have the strength to protect you, and keep myself in good health."

"But why...there must be another way, that doesn't have to bring about the end of lives!" Sophia exclaimed, becoming only mildly upset. Crimson looked directly into her answer-seeking eyes, and reasoned with her, "Listen, some situation where some wild creatures encounter you, and they have set in their minds it is either they kill or be killed, and changing that mindset is something of an ordeal, one has to do what he has to do...surely you would not rather I let myself be killed?" "No..." "Look, believe me, I try to minimize unnecessary losses, there has already been far too much, I know... Even when I was within that Wolf pack, I knew I wasn't the same, and would live much, much longer, so I would strengthen myself regularly, for I knew one day I would need to have the strength enough to make up for lacking the advantage of outnumbering as a pack. Now I can only hope it was enough, enough for me to take down our kin's biggest threat; The Wolf Slayer, by myself, face to face..."

Sophia could understand what he was saying, but still strongly believed there to be some way around the fighting and conflict, and resolve things in a more peaceful manner. The two of them continued to speak back and forth for a few hours before they both agreed to go to sleep for the night. But Crimson Wolf had a little request for Sophia. "Sophia, after tonight it is going to be a very long road ahead, the rest of our lives. I ask if you would bring the chair up to the side of the bed, and if you would rest your head near mine, so that we may closer to each other, comforting each other for the night, for who knows what nights to come will bring, we may even not be able to settle in one place long enough for a good rest very often..." he said, speaking quietly as the hour was fairly late now. "You're probably right... Either way, I'd be happy to rest by your side for the night, Crimson Wolf, I know you have to have so much on your mind..." she answered, as she shifted the chair over.

"Thank you, Sophia. I hope that chair isn't too heavy..." he spoke, as she was finished moving the chair over to the side of his bed, and near the head of it. "Nope, quite light actually, but thanks for your concern." she replied. Now seated by his side, she gently laid her head down on the bed near Crimson Wolf's head, feeling considerably tired, enough so to go to sleep at any moment. Her eyes looked lazily up at Crimson's face, but warmly. He noticed some of the fur on top of her head looked a bit ruffled up, he gave the fur a few gentle licks to straighten it out, grooming it, "There..." he spoke softly. Sophia appreciated his kind gesture, but didn't say anything, just closed her eyes and smiled, though Crimson Wolf did notice this, so he took it as thanks. He laid his head down by hers, and whispered with a humorous comment; "I'll try not to snore..." before he closed his eyes, and put an arm around her. The two of them then went to sleep for the night, not knowing what might await them ahead.

 

[Aerius Sygale]

~Chapter 3: Fateful Encounters~

The next morning, after the sun had long since risen over the horizon, dawn having come and gone, the two Ferfnir siblings awoke. Just as they were when they went to sleep, their heads both still near each other, giving a feeling of comfort. Crimson Wolf began to slowly wake up by sluggishly opening his eyes half way, while Sophia quietly let out a tired whine as she yawned. "Sleepy...you still tired? You look like your eyes aren't even fully open yet, you look tired Wolfy..." she said, looking directly at Crimson's eyes, her eye lids for the moment feeling somewhat heavy. "Yeah...but nothing I can't shake off in a minute." he replied, as he pulled his head back a bit, then shaking his head to try wake himself up more, eyes now fully open after shaking off some of his sleepy feeling.

Sophia heard someone coming, so she leaned her head back over to the chair, then finally one baring the news Crimson Wolf had been anticipating for the last while came in. A young nurse, her name was Emily, she must have been quite smart and a quick learner to get into such an occupation at her age. "Ah, you're awake now," she said, as she came to a stop at one of the corners of the bed, at the foot of it, "you should be glad to hear that you are clear to go now, Crimson." Even though this was expected, he still perked up when he heard it. That little room was a very dull place, and there were things to be done, places to go. "Thank you Emily, for everything. You helped make it possible for me to be to this point already." he thanked her most sincerely, grateful for her nursing him back into good health over the recent days.

"Certainly. It is my job after all." she replied calmly, brushing her fingers through her hair, then added "You know, you're really fortunate that it was only a flesh wound, it could have easily been a lot worse. Any more than that flesh wound, and you may well not have been here today." She spoke these words, giving a smile as she finished, and with hopes he was in good spirits to be going back out into the world. Crimson appeared to be anxious to get going, but she asked "So, if you'd like you could have some lunch before you leave, but I understand if you don't," then she said more quietly "I admit the food doesn't taste all that good." Crimson got a quiet little amused chuckle out of her comment before replying, "I appreciate the kind offer, but I think I should get going soon. So thank you, but I think I will pass on it." he answered, sounding pretty relaxed, as he was actually thinking of when he gets out, he'd be meeting Zachary. He wondered just what he would be like, meeting him in person.

Emily simply gave a nod, and said "That's no problem, I can understand how you must be anxious to get out and take in some fresh air again, it will be good for you. Well, there's things to be done, I must be going, I'll leave you to get up and on your way. You two take care, let's hope nothing like that ever happens to your sister Sophia. See ya!" She then proceeded to make her way out of the room, leaving them to get up and get going, wherever life takes them. Crimson's ears dropped to behind his head momentarily, as he let out a yawn suddenly, a slight whinning noise slipping out of him as he did so, still somewhat tired.

Sophia glanced out through the window, admiring a clear, sunny sky, a leaf suddenly falling from a tree a short ways off as a gently breeze blew outside, tugging it from it's branch. "Guess there's nothing holding you back from going out there now, huh? I'm looking forward to you meeting Zachary. We're going to now, right?" she asked excitedly, hoping he would like him too, and that he would start to get up then they would be making their way out to meet with him. "...Yeah, I'm getting up. As the nurse said, I'm just looking forward to getting out and taking in some fresh air, and even feel a refreshing breeze." Crimson replied, as he slowly got out of bed.

As the two of them got outside, Sophia spotted Zachary nearby, then notified Crimson Wolf, "That's Zach right over there, you want me to stay here and you go meet him yourself, or may I come with you?" she asked. But before Crimson got a chance to answer her, Zach already saw them both and was coming over to greet them. "Hiya! Already met Sophia here, you must be Crimson Wolf then, huh? You sure look different for being her brother, but coming from the same parents, that's what counts." Zach spoke, then reaching out his hand towards Crimson to offer a handshake as he continued to say "I'm Zachary, or Zach for short, pleased to meet ya."

Crimson reluctantly reached out to shake his hand, as his mind was elsewhere, he remained silent. Zach figured his mind was probably on the Wolf Slayer, then after crossing his arms casually, he spoke directly to Crimson, "I guess your sister probably told you all about the 'Wolf Slayer', so you're probably thinking about that. Sorry about what's been happening, didn't want to believe it myself when I saw it. It was already too late to do anything about it, I'm afraid. The wolves around him were all dead... I imagine you probably wish to hunt him down now, huh? Just don't go getting yourself killed." he said, warning him not to get too careless. Crimson remained silent for a few seconds, as he was now looking up at the bright blue sky, thinking. He looked over at Sophia for a couple of seconds before facing between her and Zach, taking a deep breath, then letting out a deep sigh before looking directly at Zach to speak.

"I...have too much to lose, I have her..." he spoke, looking over at Sophia as he finished, then returning his attention to Zach again. "For her sake...no, it's bigger...for the sake of Wolves around the world..I have to see to it that his murderous ways are stopped." Zach, uncrossing his right arm, proceeding to lean his elbow on his left arm, with his hand to his chin, thumb to the right side of it, other fingers to the left side of it, pondering what Crimson Wolf just said. "You seem pretty confident there, buddy." he replied calmly. He hoped Crimson wasn't going to get in over his head, he didn't know him or how strong he may be, but the Wolf Slayer is clearly serious trouble. Crimson Wolf lowered his head and set his right paw on his forehead, then responded saying "Overconfidence is a weakness, I'm just...determined..." Sophia hadn't seen Crimson do this before, she looked somewhat concerned, "Are you feeling okay, Wolfy?" she asked, looking at him with his paw still to his head.

Zach couldn't help but say something after Sophia finished speaking, "Sophia, you call him Wolfy?" he spoke, followed by an amused little chuckle. She didn't find anything wrong in it, but she got the feeling Zach thought it was silly. Facing him, she explained "Yes, he's the cute Wolfy brother I always wished I had, and now I found him, when a few days ago I didn't even know he existed." She then turned back to facing Crimson, as he now had his eyes closed, and began to speak. "I'm fine...just a lot on my mind..." As Sophia spoke, he began to slowly wave his tail from side to side in a mildly agitated manner, and thought to himself 'Ugh, again? Is she going to go on about how cute she thinks I am like this to everyone...?' and tempted as he was to mention it, he decided against it, figuring she's free to say it if she wants. It was better than if she goes about saying how ugly or creepy she thinks he looks. At least it was positive, even if he doesn't see it as all that accurate.

He removed his paw from his head, returning to a more relaxed position, his tail hanging down lazily as it often did, before speaking again to Zach. "What did you want to see me for, specifically? Does it concern the message written on the ground...?" he asked, to make some progress and get on with the point of this meeting, as he didn't want to waste any more precious time with idle chatter than necessary. "Getting right down to business now, eh? Right then, to answer the question, or maybe I should call it the guess you ventured, yeah. Why would he do this, then write in the ground a message specifically to you, saying he's been there? The idea seems pretty sick, if you ask me." he replied, shaking his head at his last comment. Crimson took a moment to take in everything he just said, and to think of just how to word his answer, as he wasn't quite sure on it either.

"Don't know, when he first saw me he said something about the marking on my tail..." he spoke, as he raised his tail up and to a side so he could see the marking of which he had been speaking of. "Any of the markings on me, I've never understood them... Unless that Wolf Slayer knows something about it that I don't, then he was just identifying me by them. I don't know why then, would he be out to kill me..I had never seen him before in my life, I never did anything to him. Somehow, it would seem he knows how I feel about Wolves, and when he failed to eliminate me from the pack I had grown up in, because I was gone at the time, he is probably continuing doing likewise elsewhere to lure me to him, instead of pursuing me directly, leaving a message that he was at the scene of where a pack of Wolves lie dead... I know he's not stopping now, he will cause more death the longer he goes of not being dealt with..." he explained his take on it, from what he could gather of the events, this is the killer's basic idea.

Zach, even knowing how serious this is, nearly clapped at this, "Very impressive analysis, Wolf." he replied, with a pleased smirk on his face. "You seem to have a very good head on your shoulders Crimson, and I might add you don't look too shabby in the fitness department either!" he said, with a brief laugh afterward. As there was a gust of wind, Crimson took a deep breath of the fresh air before responding, "I had been raised from before I was an entire year old by a pack of ordinary Wolves, each of whose lives at best wouldn't exceed 20 years. So I knew, one day, that I would be moving on from them as I go on to live far longer, on my own. I, over most of the years, had kept very active. I ran for good lengths of time, extending as I grew older, and stronger. Doing this, I hoped I would have the strength to make up for possibly being on my own in the future. Yes, to make up for not having the advantage of being in a pack, outnumbering others, which helped ensure survival." he elaborated, giving his reasoning.

At this, Sophia was actually the first to respond to it, as she didn't yet know very much of Crimson Wolf or his past, just some very important details concerning both of them. "Aw, that's really sad..all those years, you were preparing for a long life of loneliness..." she spoke, as she had her head lowered down and eyes closed. She reached her paw over towards her brother, setting it on his shoulder and spoke warmly to him saying "You'll always have me, Wolf." with her head still lowered and eyes closed. Crimson looked over at her for a second before raising his other arm around in front of him to gently set his paw on hers as he replied softly "I know that now, thanks to you, Sophia." giving a little smile, but not overly noticeable, as Sophia opened her eyes and looked over at him. When she acts affectionately towards him like so, he could almost forget about the hardships. But they wouldn't be going away on their own, a smile will come easier as some of them have been overcome.

Zach looked curiously at the two of them as they seemed quite close, despite what Sophia had said of not even knowing he existed a few days ago. "Whoa, you two just met a couple days ago, but you already seem inseparable." he commented, as the two of them redirected their attention back to the matters at hand. Crimson assumed the position of having his arms crossed as he answered Zach. "In the cases of both me and my sister, we are the only family we have left. We have to hold on to that, and not let anyone take that away. I am not selfish. If I have no one to help, or comfort, then aside from my very life itself I would have nothing..." he closed his eyes before adding "I am strong, but I don't know if I could go on if I lose her too..."

"Well uh, say no more then, my furry friend." Zach responded nervously, as he thought 'Man, that was deep...' as he looked down for a moment and attempted to kick some dirt off of his boots down onto the ground. But if anything, he ended up getting more on them. 'Smooth, Zach. Very smooth.' A slightly flustered look donned on his face as that responsive thought entered his mind. Sophia took notice of this, and replied "The ground is probably still a bit of a mess from the recent rainfall." giving a soft chuckle as she spoke. Crimson Wolf had other matters on his mind, and in all honesty couldn't care less for listening to the two of them engage in rather pointless chit chat at this time, but didn't want to come off as rude either... After letting out a sigh, then giving a brief pause after, he asked "...Zach, any leads on where the Wolf Slayer is going? Did his..message..point to any particular destination?"

"Beats me." he asnswered, shrugging his shoulders as he spoke. For a moment, it seemed Crimson Wolf and Sophia didn't have a place to start... That is, before Sophia came up with an idea of somewhere to go that might at least lead to some answers. She suddenly placed a paw on one of Crimson's, to be sure she had his full attention. "Wolfy! I think I know where we should go, but as the inhabitants there will tell you, you can't speak of it's existence to anyone, so keep that in mind." Sophia looked at Crimson before continuing, with the usual warm smile on her face. "About a year ago, a- ..oh..." she caught herself before saying something the inhabitants of the location in question would not want her to be saying publicly, then shifted her head over to one of Crimson Wolf's ears, and whispered the message she had to say.

"About a year ago, a red Ferfnir creature by the name of Xenith snuck by one night while the villagers were all fast asleep, but I happened to be awake outside, looking up at the moon and stars shining in the sky that night. He, um, looked intriguing, and convinced me to come away with him for a week at the place he was raised in, and that's how I learned of an out of the way place inhabited by numerous other Ferfnir creatures. My point is, maybe one of them will know some useful information about the one going about slaying wolves, it isn't like we have anywhere else to go." Crimson found what his sister just said to be causing him to become somewhat curious himself, partly of that she found this Xenith individual to look, in her own word; intriguing.

"Intriguing? Hm. I think 'interesting' would have been a better word for you to use, judging by your behavior." he replied, with a sly grin now apparent on his muzzle. Once Sophia noticed this, she remarked "Very funny, Wolfy..." before she pulled her head away, then glanced over at Zach, her eyes distracted for a moment getting distracted as a leaf blew by her snout. "Well Zach, I think we have somewhere we have to go, so I guess we'll get going now?" She asked, hoping Zach wouldn't be disappointed they're meet altogether wasn't very long. "Yeah, damn right you'll get going now!" Zach said playfully, as he waved them on a bit with his right hand.

Sophia had a bewildered expression, then started chuckling suddenly. "That was..sudden." Crimson commented, as he was observing his sister's behavior, amused. "We'll be going, then, Zach. Its been interesting meeting you, you're an interesting, energetic individual." he said, then giving a nod of his head before wrapping an arm around Sophia's back and starting to head off. She was slightly caught by surprise as he did so, however, and nearly jumped, "Oh! Um, okay, bye-bye Zach, it was a pleasure meeting you. Take care!" she said as she gave a wave behind her at Zach, before giving a flustered look at Crimson. "That was sudden, Wolfy, I didn't plan to really leave that suddenly, you know?" She said, at which one of Crimson's ears twitched as her breath reached it.

He merely shrugged his shoulders as Sophia got just ahead of him, but then looked bewildered when she halted his advancing forward with her right paw. "Why are you stopping me? Is this not the right direction, Sophia?" Crimson asked, tilting his head to the right side slightly as he spoke. "Nope, it is in the complete opposite direction!" She chuckled, still holding a grin on her muzzle as she stopped chuckling. Crimson placed a paw on top of his snout, then shook his head in embarrassment. "Well thanks for the wake up call, better start heading in the right direction..." He decided to let Sophia take the lead now as they headed to their destination, but Crimson stayed very close behind in case anything were to happen that he would have to try his best to protect her from, even if not quite yet at one hundred percent health from his injury not very long ago at all.

The two siblings strolled further from the village now with each step they took, finding themselves some place between that village and their destination. Suddenly, a white wolf with wings and blue markings descended at blazing speed in front of them, somehow landing gracefully. Crimson Wolf quickly switched to being in front of Sophia, then his sight locked to the wolf's icy blue colored eyes, as it sent back merely a curious stare, then challenged "Test yourself?" in a quiet voice, expressing itself with just two words. Crimson was slightly confused by the wolf's words, "...Test myself? And just who are you?" he asked. The wolf's wings lowered down for a few seconds, as the air became slightly chilly before he responded. "Skyler Frost. And test, in preparing for your journey..."

After a moment, Sophia tapped Crimson's right shoulder, asking "Wolfy, um, do you think this is safe?" Then before he got out an answer, Skyler replied "Know that I mean you no harm, I wish to brace the crimson wolf for some hardships. If you think you have the time to spare..." Crimson sighed, crossing his arms, and right leg over his left, with that right foot paw tapping the ground a bit as he contemplated. "Tch, I just..ugh, alright, I didn't plan for this, but the day is young. There -is- time, isn't there Sophia?" His words seemed to carry out determination, but also possibly a trace of slight aggravation. "I guess so, yes..." she said, a bit reluctantly, as she gave her head a nod, then distanced herself from the others safely.

"Crimson Wolf, before I test your abilities, a different start... I wish to make certain you are fully aware of what you may face out in the world." Skyler stated, sitting down on the dirt ground, then sweeping his tail over to his left side, brushing away a twig along it's path. Crimson proceeded to sit down as well, but leaving his tail laying lazily directly behind himself. "Calm, good... Crimson, are you prepared to have to endanger your sister's very life, and have to risk your own to protect her, as you travel seeking to accomplish what you set out to do?" Crimson lowered his head for a moment, fearful for a short number of seconds, but eventually brought himself to accept the danger involved in doing the right thing. "I am. I will be ready to protect her with my life, so nothing will happen to her. I cannot allow it, so I am prepared to do what I must."

Skyler nodded his head in acknowledgement of Crimson's statement, then proceeded to ask another question. "Then, for each friend you may make, there may be many more enemies. Some, yes, wield weapons. Some can fly, as I can, but I am not an enemy. Few may even breathe fire. Hope that you never face an enemy that fits all of these...but are you prepared to face an enemy, no matter how different they are from yourself, and how great?" Crimson rolled his eyes partially at the question, "Of course, I won't let anybody stand in the way of what I must do. Criminals must pay for their crimes, whoever they are..." he replied, at which Skyler momentarily lowered his head and shook it about him rolling his eyes.

Sophia meanwhile looked on upon them from a little distance off, merely wondering what the two of them are up to, as she assumed there would be some attacking and evasive movement going on, not conversation. "Right... No one can protect something all hours of every day, what if something happened to your sister while you are asleep?" Skyler asked, all this time holding a very calm mood. He suddenly caused a thin, five foot tall spike of ice to stab into the ground in front of himself, which he then went about licking at to get the moisture and water from for his thirst. "How did-..no, it doesn't matter, there is that worrisome question..." Crimson replied, with a very concerned and serious expression, as he lowered his head significantly and placed his right paw on top of his snout.

"Have I asked a question you are unsure of the answer to? Hmmm..." At this, Crimson made a low growl, returned his right paw to his side and raised his head. "No, I know... I would reach her, kill the bastard, then return her to safety..." he said, sounding dark for a moment. "Easier said than done, wolf, but I must respect that resolve, how you go about the problem should it arise, will be up to you, not I." Skyler replied, slowly rising to all four paws again. "I could go on, but I'm not much for this much talking... I think it is time to now test your abilities. Arise, Crimson Wolf." he announced, as he awaited Crimson to stand up again and ready himself for action. After doing so, he asked Skyler a question before they would begin...

"Skyler, what exactly are you about to do?" Skyler merely shook his head and said "No, part of this is to be ready for anything, to telegraph it all would be too simple." as he flapped his cold wings through the air and rose up to about ten feet off the ground, then held his height. Suddenly, out of thin air, eight small icicles appeared in a perfect ring formation around Skyler, that rotated around him consistently, until one by one, they would start to launch towards Crimson Wolf, about a second and a half apart. Sophia's ears perked up once this began, bringing her right paw up to her heart, just hoping her brother wouldn't end up cut or more seriously injured as a result of this encounter.

As the first icicle came rushing in Crimson's direction, he knew his focus would be to avoid being struck by the icy projectiles, then readied immediately for evasive movement. The first icicle just grazed the right side of his coat as he dove directly to his left side, but would have practically no time to reposition himself to dodge the next icicle. Realizing this as he was about to touch down, he rolled aside a bit further along from the dive's momentum, leaving the second icicle to miss it's mark and strike the ground. The third followed soon after, at which he leaped straight up over it, then for the time he would be in the air for his six foot high jump, he would just fall below where the fourth fires at, effectively dodging two more of the icicles, with four to come.

By the half way point, Crimson became slightly annoyed at the little time between launching each projectile, but it was so far so good, overall he kept a cool head, icicles not included. Fifth icicle en route to Crimson Wolf, he decided to start to try dodge without very exaggerated movement away from it from what is necessary, swiftly taking a side step clear of it, never stopping facing forward for the next soaring icicles. Once the sixth was about to fire, his posture changed to something that is visually quickly readied for more fancy, energetic, almost dancing type movements, with a slight bounce to the stationary stance. After it got about half way to him, he swung his right leg around behind himself, pulling his entire body back and to the left side as his feet momentarily left the ground, dodging the projectile with agility.

It did, however, also require a very brief moment to regain total control to dodge the semi-final icicle, which when the time came, he ended up having to throw himself aside of it, sliding along the ground afterward. By the time he was coming to a stop, the last icicle was already on it's way and headed for his right shoulder. Finally, instead of attempting to outright dodge it, he quickly flung his right arm at it at the moment it got within range, deflecting it away. It did end up catching his paw slightly, causing a little, chilling cut, which he kept for the moment facing down toward the ground so Skyler wouldn't notice it. Skyler gradually lowered down toward the ground, slowly moving toward Crimson's direction as he did, his expression remaining unchanged from a seemingly emotionless face, on which it couldn't even be easily detected that he was at all pleased with Crimson's display of evasiveness.

Crimson was breathing only slightly more heavily than normal, but somewhat noticeable for a watchful eye, or an open ear. "Hm, very good, Crimson." Skyler announced, "I would test your readiness further, but there are other places I must be... Pardon my sudden departure, brave wolf..." After he started to turn his back to Crimson, Crimson went to stand up quickly, grimacing slightly as he did from the cut on his paw. He tried to ask a question, but he got too far away too fast. "Wait, what are- ..Damn, gone already. Can't believe how fast he took off. Huh..." he said, as he looked off in the direction from which he last saw Skyler, before he went out of sight.

His right paw stung from the icicle cut, just enough that he would let out a quiet little whimper as he dragged his tongue of it a few times to try and sooth it. Sophia began heading in his direction, and he in hers, to meet back up, since the unexpected encounter was done with. About the first thing Sophia noticed was the cut on the right paw of "Wolfy". "Oh, no! You're bleeding, Wolfy!" she exclaimed, overly worried about a small cut. "Relax, Sophia, I'm fine. Look," he replied, as he brought his right paw up closer for her to see, "you can barely notice it, so don't worry, its nothing. We both know there are far bigger matters to be dealt with..." Sophia nodded her head in acknowledging Crimson's statement, seeming to be a bit more relieved, but at the same time troubled, as she thought about the being calling himself the "Wolf Slayer".

The sibling pair would continue on toward the out-of-the-way village that is inhabited by Ferfnir creatures only. They would now be hoping the travel there would not become any more interrupted, for if something were to come up again, that time may not be so much of a friendly encounter.