“Vulpix!  Vul!” Vulpix happily licked Anita’s face as the morning Alola sun streamed through the window of her bedroom.

“Mmm…” Anita wiped her eyes, before smiling up at her friend.  “Good Morning to you, too, Vulpix.” She giggled, reaching out to pet her… before she realized her bracelet was missing.  “Where…?!”

Her bedroom door opened, and an agent walked in.  “Ah, Miss Anita… finally awake.  Good.  Can’t have you being late for your first day of class.” He moved towards her desk, setting her bracelet down.  “You didn’t report to your Father last night… so I took the liberty of doing it for you.  Just this once.”

Anita sprung up from bed, glaring up at him, “I sent in my report before you arrived to pick me up last night!”

“I see… was this before, or after you managed to capture a snap-shot of that lovely little Silver Eevee?”

Anita stood dumbfounded.  She knew she should have deleted that photo!  She wasn’t even certain what had compelled her to take it in the first place!  “I…”

“When I showed the image to your Father,” the agent interrupted sternly, “he seemed rather… well, displeased.  You hadn’t mentioned finding such a rare, special Pokemon in your report… how naughty to withhold such crucial information…”

“It was dark…” Anita argued, falling back weakly onto the bed.  She gripped the bed-sheets tightly in her hands, “and he was sitting under some streetlamp… I could have just seen it wrong… it could have been a regular Eevee…”

“Pictures don’t lie.” The man snarled, curling his hand into a fist.  No doubt Father had granted them permission to punish her accordingly for any tiny misstep like back home… fine.  It wouldn’t do them any good; the boy was probably long gone by now, she wouldn’t be seeing him again, ever, if she could help it!

Anita turned on her bedside lamp, shining the bright golden light on her Vulpix, its red fur shining from the light.  “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say I have a Shiny Vulpix right there… shall we send a photo of that to Father as well?”

The agent smacked the lamp off the desk, shattering it into pieces against the wall as he snarled down at her.  “Don’t.  Get.  Cute.  Now it seems to me like you were already getting pretty friendly with its trainer… find the trainer, you find the Eevee.” He clasped the bracelet tight to her wrist, “We will be watching.  Daddy installed lots of lovely little toys for us as well in this device, not just your communicator and pictograph.”

Anita wrenched her hand free from his grip, though he could no doubt see her shaking.  Satisfied, the man finally left her in peace, closing the door behind him to allow her to get dressed and ready for school.  Her Vulpix rushed to cuddle into her lap.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~  

Well, Father had been right… one of her classmates did indeed possess a Z-Ring–two classmates in fact–more importantly, one classmate, whose name she quickly discovered was Kiawe, even possessed a Firium Z Crystal to go along with it. 

Lucky her.

She hardly paid any attention to the lesson, merely doodling in her notebook as Vulpix gently napped beside her on the desk, Anita eyes drifting on and off towards Kiawe… her gaze lingering perhaps just a bit too much as the boy began to blush, becoming far too engrossed in his own notes for the lecture.

It wasn’t until the Professor began announcing the arrival of a new student was Anita’s attention finally drawn to the front of the room… her eyes widening. 

It was him! … but… no Eevee… but a Growlithe…

As much as Anita adored Growlithe, this particular change in Pokemon partner was severely anxiety inducing… not only in the fact that she had promised herself she would never set eyes upon this particular trainer again, but now, his Eevee was nowhere in sight!

It wouldn’t be so terrible if her Father’s agents had not discovered her photo… if they had not seen what he looked like… now she would have no excuse not to pursue him…

Well… at least she now had a name to go with the mysterious, brooding face.  Allen. 

@jaydenxcoyote

"Allen," Professor Kukui pointed to a desk between the green haired lady with shorts and the blonde he had met the day prior. "Have a seat."

"Thank you professor... C'mon Growlithe."

The pup barked and followed, trying to hop onto the chair but only wagged his tail. Jayden picked him up and placed him on the desk. Jayden then pulled out a notebook and proceeded to take notes. The lesson was regarding Z Rings.

"Hey..." The green haired girl whispered to him.

He ignored her intentionally, but it must have come off as 'not being heard'.

"Hey!" She repeated a little louder.

Jayden gave in and turned his attention to her.

"My name is Mallow." She said with a smile. "Nice to meet you."

She was at least kind. Jayden at the very least granted her a smile. "Likewise, Mallow." Jayden couldn't help but notice the odd leaf Pokemon that sat beside her. "I've never seen that Pokemon before. Is it specific to Alola Region?"

She smiled. "This is Steenee. She is a Grass type!"

The grass Pokemon yipped and released a sweet subtle fine that calmed Growlithe down. Jayden sketched a quick picture of Steenee before jotting its abilities down.

"Wow! You can draw?!" Mallow exclaimed happily.

"Its not that great," said Jay. "Thanks for that though."

He began jotting notes about Steenee's abilities as well. Then he began jotting down notes and doodles about Z Rings.

Then he turned to Anita and her Vulpix. Then he began to draw her as well. Next to her, he put a question mark.

Let’s not.

@jaydenxcoyote

Hey look. It's biscuit

Welcome to Alola!!!

Jay held onto Eevee tightly as the cargo bay creeked. It was dark and Jay could barely make out the straps that held the cargo together. Some nights, he thought the straps would finally snap, and him and Eevee would be crushed underneath the crates. Thankfully, they held.

Both Jay and Eevee hadnt had much of a good time sleeping. Their dreams were plagued by nightmares of the Eevee ranch. Eevee having to go through the torture from Fang’s hands. She knew just how to evolve the Eevee to the best Eeveelution. She was one of the most corrupt Eevee farmers there was. She had a ring and Jay had witnessed first hand what would happen if you were to double cross Fang. So he knew his days were numbered.

But then he saw the prized Eevee. He was hatched with a Silver coat… The one that would’ve been purchased by the infamous Giovanni. He had witnessed all the Eevee trainings first hand as well and he could not stand to let that happen again. He hated his farm, but more than that, he hated Team Rocket.

That’s when he took the silver Eevee, along with his faithful Growlithe and Machamp, and ran. He ran to the place everyone knew he disliked the most. He snuck on board the Cargo Ship to Alola.

Suddenly bright lights filled the cargo hold. The docking bay was opening.

“Eevee. Let’s go!”

Eevee stretched and shook his tail before standing up, but not without head bunting Jay.

Together, they sprinted past the security and headed towards the school. They turned every corner at the docks, grabbing and stealing food wherever they could but it was nightfall soon enough. Soon they were lost.

“I guess I don’t know where I’m going after all…” He sighed but Eevee still remained close, happily nuzzled in his lap. “But as long as we stay together Eevee, we’ll be ok…”

That’s when he noticed a blonde girl staring at the silver Eevee. He glared back. “Is there a problem?”

@princess-of-eldin

“How did your orientation for the Pokemon School go today, Anita?”

“… Fine.  Not much to report… just a school.”

“Don’t forget,” Giovanni spoke over the communicator, “I will want daily reports on your progress in Alola.”

“I understand.” Anita spoke meekly.   

“There is one item in particular I wish for you to procure above all else; a Z-Ring, along with their Crystals.  I propose acquiring a Firium Z for your first Z-Crystal.  The crystals alone possess ample power that would be very valuable to Team Rocket’s cause.”

“Yes, I’ve read about them…” and she knew very well how her Father intended to use them.  Not that there was anything she could do about it… she had no more choice but to do exactly as he bid to the best of her ability. 

She had not been successful in any of her past attempts at foiling his schemes, though she had always been careful not to let him catch her.  She had been successful… until recently.  Her leash had grown tighter and shorter with every task that had followed afterwards, and her punishments for failure harsher still.  It was a wonder and a surprise when he had announced her enrollment to Alola’s Pokemon School.  Perhaps it was his way of keeping her far away and preoccupied from her sabotaging efforts at home base.

“Keep an eye out.  Who knows, perhaps one of your fellow classmates might have one readily available… We have had other operatives landing earlier today as well, while they have their own missions to carry out, they will be reporting on any of your activities as well…” Her Father’s voice became firm, “Stay in line.”

“I’ll be a good girl.” Anita promised, hugging her Vulpix close.

“An agent should be there to pick you up shortly.  I’ll be looking forward to your next report.”

Anita sighed with relief as the communicator switched off.  She retreated from the dark area underneath the stairwell, moving to the outside of the school to the courtyard.  No car yet… A part of her was anxious to run… another part however was even more anxious about what would happen when she was inevitably caught…

“Well, Vulpix…” She set her Pokemon down gently on the sand, kneeling down to pet her gingerly on the head.  “At least I still have you.”  She reached for a Pokeball from her bag, staring at it curiously.

A special parting gift from her Father when he had sprung the announcement of her new school upon her.  Though he had not specified just what type of Pokemon it contained, only that it was from Alola.  She had not yet gained the courage to release it, yet she could not deny that her curiosity was a bit piqued.  No doubt he believed that granting her a special Pokemon would help to bring her over to his side…

Vulpix sniffed the ball curiously, before cuddling against her trainers hand, licking it affectionately.  Anita smiled, putting the Pokeball away for now.  “We’ll meet our new friend later,” she promised Vulpix, rising from the ground.  “Right now let’s…” She paused mid-sentence at the sudden sight of a Trainer nearby on a bench.  Though it wasn’t the trainer himself who initially caught her eye, rather the Pokemon curled up in his lap.

A silver Eevee.

It can’t be… Just a few days before her Father’s shocking announcement, he had gone on a tirade over some lost purchase of an Eevee… A precious Silver Eevee… It just couldn’t be…

She had kept her gaze fixated upon it for too long it seemed, as the trainer suddenly snapped at her, bringing her out of her daze.

“… I… N-No…” She had to tear her gaze away from the Silver Pokemon, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.  “It’s… just your Eevee… it’s so cute!” She knelt down to get a closer look, “I’ve never seen one that color before…”

“Vul!  Vulpix!” Vulpix spun in circles, trying to get the Eevee’s attention before placing her paws up on the bench, sniffing the Eevee curiously, wagging her tails.  “Vul!”

“I think Vulpix wants to play.” Anita giggled.

@jaydenxcoyote​

Jayden looked at the girl and then the Vulpix. Then to his Eevee. He took a moment to assess the situation around him.

It was dusk, and they were near the beach. The mall is about a mile east and the grocery market is a mile west. Jay is going to need a place to stay or he’s gonna be sleeping in alleys or benches. There was no way that he’d be able to hide Eevee if he was asleep, and Eevee himself wouldn’t stay in his ball.

Eevee looked like she was enjoying the company of the Vulpix. He seemed happy, in comparison to how he was when Jay freed him from the cruel farm.

Despite how harmless the girl looked, he knew his mom’s spies, as well as Team Rocket’s spies, were everywhere. He gently bumped Eevee’s head with the remaining bit of his apple and held it above him.

“Eevee!” Said the silver Pokemon as he took his attention off of Vulpix and onto the apple. He jumped on his hind legs and held the apple in his paws and began taking a bite.

Jayden put his arms under Eevee as he was eating and holding the apple, and lifted him up.

“Come on Eevee… We’re leaving…”

“Eevee?” He said with the apple still in his mouth.

Jayden turned his head to the blonde girl. “Dont follow us.”

Anita frowned as the boy stood up from the bench, the Eevee held protectively in his arms.  She remained silent as he trudged away. 

“Vul!” Vulpix squealed with delight as the boy rose, thinking for a moment he might put the Eevee down to play… but then he turned and spoke harshly to her trainer… turning away, walking away briskly with her new friend.  “Vul?!” She stared from Anita to the boy sorrowfully.

Pursing her lips, a hand moved to play with the golden bracelet at her wrist (an inconspicuous Team Rocket comm device), pressing against one of the jeweled hearts, snapping a photo of the boy and just barely catching a glimpse of the silver Eevee in his arms before he dissapeared into the shadows. 

Her ears pricking fearfully at the sound of a car pulling sharply up behind her in the courtyard.  “Miss Anita.” A stern voice spoke from a rolled down window of the limousine.  “Get in.”

Anita picked up Vulpix from the ground, begrudgingly getting into the back of the car, sitting next to another tall, muscled henchman.  He removed his shades as the car began to move, glancing down at her teasingly.  “You find yourself a boyfriend already?”

“What?!”  Well… if he were only mentioning the boy… perhaps then, hopefully, he had not noticed the Pokemon as well?  He had just gone out of her own line of sight before her Father’s men had driven up… “N-No, No!  We barely even talked.”  Only about three or four sentences or so… hopefully that would be the last they would meet, or speak to one another.

@jaydenxcoyote

Jayden waited at the corner of a building as the car came around. He kept his eye peeking, looking for any particular signs of the car. He knew the girl was being suspicious now. Whether she was with Team Rocket or not is left up to interpretation. Best to avoid her at all costs.

Jayden made his way through the alleys and up the hills of Alola. Right at the edge of the forest, he could see the majority of the town. Even the school, which he'd have to go to tomorrow. If the girl was there, it'd make things more difficult. The only person who can help him is Professor Oak's cousin. Oak must have told him at this point.

He sighed and let Eevee down.

"Eevee?" Said the Pokemon.

"Hey bud," he said. "We're sleeping here tonight."

Eevee smiled and yipped as he followed Jay into the trees.

--------------

The next morning, Jay walked into the school where training battles were plaguing the school yard.

He saw one in particular with a Pikachu battling... What looks like a black Pokemon with a wooden shell that had engravings. Everyone was enraptured and gasping. He even saw the blonde he confronted yesterday.

Eevee moved around in the duffle bag, making noises. Luckily everyone was paying attention to the battle so it made it easy to sneak by.

Once he made it to Samson Oak's office he knocked on the door.

-------------

"I see..." Oak said as he poured more tea as Eevee sat in Jay's lap, resting. "So you need someone to protect him."

"I can only protect him so much, professor." Jay said as he took a sip. "As a Pokemon enthusiast yourself, surely you understand."

"It's a smart move that you came to me," he said. "A dangerous one too. You do realize that by coming here with Eevee, you have put everyone here at risk."

"No one has to know what's going on," Jay replied. "Eevee has only been seen in public by that blonde girl on campus."

"I see..." Oak said as he sipped. "That presents another problem..."

Jay looked up at him. "The girl?"

Oak stood with his hands behind his back. "I'm sure you have heard about the Team Rocket Attacks all over Jhoto region. Especially since... Your background."

"I'm aware," he said. "What does it have to do with her?"

"I can't trace her background. Everything about her is... Smeared. All trails stop."

"... I see... You think she's with Team Rocket?"

"Its possible. I don't have proof so I can't arrest her."

"I see... Then we can't make sure Eevee is safe here."

"Shell be safer here than anywhere else though..." Oak sighed. "How about I take you both under my wing? That way I can be sure you're both safe."

"Me?" Jay asked.

"Yes. You can't be walking around saying your name and having a Silver Eevee with you. I bet Eevee is already plenty attached to you anyway."

Jay looked down at Eevee. He finally had it. A chance to break away.

"Okay. What do we do?"

----------

"Class!" Professor Kukui exclaimed. "We have a new student with us today! His name is Allen!"

Jayden stepped into the room, his Growlithe standing close by.

Welcome to Alola!!!

Jay held onto Eevee tightly as the cargo bay creeked. It was dark and Jay could barely make out the straps that held the cargo together. Some nights, he thought the straps would finally snap, and him and Eevee would be crushed underneath the crates. Thankfully, they held.

Both Jay and Eevee hadnt had much of a good time sleeping. Their dreams were plagued by nightmares of the Eevee ranch. Eevee having to go through the torture from Fang’s hands. She knew just how to evolve the Eevee to the best Eeveelution. She was one of the most corrupt Eevee farmers there was. She had a ring and Jay had witnessed first hand what would happen if you were to double cross Fang. So he knew his days were numbered.

But then he saw the prized Eevee. He was hatched with a Silver coat… The one that would’ve been purchased by the infamous Giovanni. He had witnessed all the Eevee trainings first hand as well and he could not stand to let that happen again. He hated his farm, but more than that, he hated Team Rocket.

That’s when he took the silver Eevee, along with his faithful Growlithe and Machamp, and ran. He ran to the place everyone knew he disliked the most. He snuck on board the Cargo Ship to Alola.

Suddenly bright lights filled the cargo hold. The docking bay was opening.

“Eevee. Let’s go!”

Eevee stretched and shook his tail before standing up, but not without head bunting Jay.

Together, they sprinted past the security and headed towards the school. They turned every corner at the docks, grabbing and stealing food wherever they could but it was nightfall soon enough. Soon they were lost.

“I guess I don’t know where I’m going after all…” He sighed but Eevee still remained close, happily nuzzled in his lap. “But as long as we stay together Eevee, we’ll be ok…”

That’s when he noticed a blonde girl staring at the silver Eevee. He glared back. “Is there a problem?”

@princess-of-eldin

“How did your orientation for the Pokemon School go today, Anita?”

“… Fine.  Not much to report… just a school.”

“Don’t forget,” Giovanni spoke over the communicator, “I will want daily reports on your progress in Alola.”

“I understand.” Anita spoke meekly.   

“There is one item in particular I wish for you to procure above all else; a Z-Ring, along with their Crystals.  I propose acquiring a Firium Z for your first Z-Crystal.  The crystals alone possess ample power that would be very valuable to Team Rocket’s cause.”

“Yes, I’ve read about them…” and she knew very well how her Father intended to use them.  Not that there was anything she could do about it… she had no more choice but to do exactly as he bid to the best of her ability. 

She had not been successful in any of her past attempts at foiling his schemes, though she had always been careful not to let him catch her.  She had been successful… until recently.  Her leash had grown tighter and shorter with every task that had followed afterwards, and her punishments for failure harsher still.  It was a wonder and a surprise when he had announced her enrollment to Alola’s Pokemon School.  Perhaps it was his way of keeping her far away and preoccupied from her sabotaging efforts at home base.

“Keep an eye out.  Who knows, perhaps one of your fellow classmates might have one readily available… We have had other operatives landing earlier today as well, while they have their own missions to carry out, they will be reporting on any of your activities as well…” Her Father’s voice became firm, “Stay in line.”

“I’ll be a good girl.” Anita promised, hugging her Vulpix close.

“An agent should be there to pick you up shortly.  I’ll be looking forward to your next report.”

Anita sighed with relief as the communicator switched off.  She retreated from the dark area underneath the stairwell, moving to the outside of the school to the courtyard.  No car yet… A part of her was anxious to run… another part however was even more anxious about what would happen when she was inevitably caught…

“Well, Vulpix…” She set her Pokemon down gently on the sand, kneeling down to pet her gingerly on the head.  “At least I still have you.”  She reached for a Pokeball from her bag, staring at it curiously.

A special parting gift from her Father when he had sprung the announcement of her new school upon her.  Though he had not specified just what type of Pokemon it contained, only that it was from Alola.  She had not yet gained the courage to release it, yet she could not deny that her curiosity was a bit piqued.  No doubt he believed that granting her a special Pokemon would help to bring her over to his side…

Vulpix sniffed the ball curiously, before cuddling against her trainers hand, licking it affectionately.  Anita smiled, putting the Pokeball away for now.  “We’ll meet our new friend later,” she promised Vulpix, rising from the ground.  “Right now let’s…” She paused mid-sentence at the sudden sight of a Trainer nearby on a bench.  Though it wasn’t the trainer himself who initially caught her eye, rather the Pokemon curled up in his lap.

A silver Eevee.

It can’t be… Just a few days before her Father’s shocking announcement, he had gone on a tirade over some lost purchase of an Eevee… A precious Silver Eevee… It just couldn’t be…

She had kept her gaze fixated upon it for too long it seemed, as the trainer suddenly snapped at her, bringing her out of her daze.

“… I… N-No…” She had to tear her gaze away from the Silver Pokemon, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.  “It’s… just your Eevee… it’s so cute!” She knelt down to get a closer look, “I’ve never seen one that color before…”

“Vul!  Vulpix!” Vulpix spun in circles, trying to get the Eevee’s attention before placing her paws up on the bench, sniffing the Eevee curiously, wagging her tails.  “Vul!”

“I think Vulpix wants to play.” Anita giggled.

@jaydenxcoyote​

Jayden looked at the girl and then the Vulpix. Then to his Eevee. He took a moment to assess the situation around him.

It was dusk, and they were near the beach. The mall is about a mile east and the grocery market is a mile west. Jay is going to need a place to stay or he's gonna be sleeping in alleys or benches. There was no way that he'd be able to hide Eevee if he was asleep, and Eevee himself wouldn't stay in his ball.

Eevee looked like she was enjoying the company of the Vulpix. He seemed happy, in comparison to how he was when Jay freed him from the cruel farm.

Despite how harmless the girl looked, he knew his mom's spies, as well as Team Rocket's spies, were everywhere. He gently bumped Eevee's head with the remaining bit of his apple and held it above him.

"Eevee!" Said the silver Pokemon as he took his attention off of Vulpix and onto the apple. He jumped on his hind legs and held the apple in his paws and began taking a bite.

Jayden put his arms under Eevee as he was eating and holding the apple, and lifted him up.

"Come on Eevee... We're leaving..."

"Eevee?" He said with the apple still in his mouth.

Jayden turned his head to the blonde girl. "Dont follow us."

BotW RP (Pre-Calamity)

Link turned, eyes wide in surprise at the old man who stood before him.  Of course he knew how to properly train for a fight–he had been besting fighters since he was merely ten years old–the training dummy had simply been a tool for him to safely release his frustration and confusion over the day. 

He certainly wasn’t going to pass up an opportunity to take this man on in a duel.  Anyone strong enough to halt his spin attack was more than skilled to take him on in a battle.  It would be an honor to test his skills against this fellow warrior.  Link nodded, backing away from the stranger to raise his blade.

Let’s do this.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Anita, I’m sure Jayden’s fine.”  Urbosa quickly tailed Anita as she rushed through the palace.

“It isn’t Jayden I’m worried about… it’s…” Anita rounded the corner, slamming open the doors… having just enough time to clumsily catch Link in her arms as the boy suddenly came flying backwards into her.  She sighed heavily.  “Link.”

Link shook his head, before realizing where he was… he looked up, a sheepish grin forming upon his lips.  The young knight quickly regained his footing, picking up the Master Sword from the cobblestones before rushing back into the fray, trading powerful blows with Jayden.

“Impressive.” The Gerudo Chieftess smiled wide as she watched the battle unfold.  “Just how strong is that warrior of yours?” She glanced down at Anita curiously. 

“Don’t tell me you’re wanting to get in on it.” Anita teased.

Urbosa shrugged, leaning against the wall.  “He looks as if he would make a worthy opponent.”  She would certainly be asking for a match of her own.

“He’s got the strength of a Lynel.” Anita responded.  Though her comment was one of respect.  “However he has the hot-hotheadedness of one as well…”  He always seemed ready to get into a battle of some sort.  Always eager to demolish his opponent.  It seemed age had done little to hinder him.

@jaydenxcoyote

(Jayden rolls 9+2. Link takes +2 sparring harm. Jayden takes +1 sparring harm because sword is 2 damage.)

Jayden rushes in as Link approaches. Links sword comes down first, dodging the deep downward swing. Jay responds with a roundhouse kick, landing on his face, and nearly forcing Link off his feet. Instead he twirls and sticks the landing.

Jayden follows by swaying left, then right, trying to fake Link out. Link swings as Jayden nears and throws a fierce haymaker.

The blade cuts deep into Jay's chest, just as the haymaker smashes hard into Link's solar plexus.

(Jayden rolls 7+1 for harm. He misses noticing something important)

The smashing of the Link's solar plexus sends him flying backwards with enough force to knock the wind out of his chest and leave a nasty bruise.

He flies into the air and knocks into Anita with a lot of force, sending her barrelling away with him.

Anita hits the wall behind them before they both drop to the floor, unconscious. The impact was so strong, it left a crack on the wall.

"Oh shit!" Old Jayden rushed to the pair, not even bothering to glance at his bloody chest. He leaned in close to both of their noses and sighed with releif. "They're alright..."

BotW RP (Pre-Calamity)

It was a bit unnerving to say the least.  Anita found that she could hardly even look him in the eyes as her friend stepped forward through the trees.  One would think that by now she would be used to the ever-fleeting mortality of humans, but even after living what must be now hundreds of millennia, it was a fact she was still having to consistently remind herself about.

She could only nod her in head in response to Jayden’s compliment of her wings, the comment surprising her momentarily.  Had she truly never shown them to him?  Sensing her unease, Urbosa was quick to step between the two of them.  It wasn’t hard to picture the challenging gaze no doubt set upon the Chieftess’s features.

“That… is rather a long story…” Anita admitted, her wings beginning to dissipate before his eyes as they returned to mere elegant shining markings onto her back.  Her attire changed as well with a flash of light and glitter as her wings dissapeared; the alluring little white and golden decorated dress of her fairy form reverting to a more modest light pink and flowery ensemble.  “It all started about 10,000 years ago, really…”  She moved to tie her hair back with a pink ribbon.

“Ugh, don’t get her started!” Revali rolled his eyes. 

“I always love hearing your stories of the past.” Urbosa smiled down at Anita, although this was one she had gotten to be quite familiar with herself.  All of the Champions had.  It only felt right since they were now following in their ancestors footsteps.  “Besides, we have a long way back to Hyrule Castle… The Princess must be back from her Field Survey by now.”

Anita nodded, before whistling for Amalthea.  The white mare trotted happily to her mistress’s side, as did Urbosa’s steed.  As Anita hoisted herself up into the saddle, she looked down to Jayden, offering a hand.  “You can ride with me if you’d like.”  As she helped him up into the saddle behind her, she began the tale.  “It all started with the Sheikah really… and their creations to combat Ganon; The Divine Beasts…”

“Here we go again.”  Revali murmured, before using his Gale to soar high into the sky.  “I’ll meet you back at the palace!” He called gleefully as he flew hurriedly in the direction of Hyrule Castle.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

As they entered Hyrule Castles gates, Urbosa leaped down from her steed to the ground.  “I will never get used to these things.”  She commented, before turning to pet the horse gingerly on the nose.  “No matter how cute they are… give me a Sand Seal any day!”

Anita tenderly pet Amalthea’s neck before assisting Jayden down beside her.  “If you want any further details, I’d be happy to explain further later.” She offered. 

“Finally!” Revali flew down from the wall, crossing his arms.  “I’ll never understand how you Hylians can stand being constantly grounded!  So slow!”  He huffed.

Before anyone could reply, a large boulder came rolling quickly towards them, halting just a few inches away.  It unfurled itself, revealing a large bearded Goron with cheerful eyes.  “Hey!  You’re back!” He laughed, “About time!  How did the special training go?”

“How did Divine Beast Training go?” Urbosa was quick to change the subject, noting Lord Daruk’s unease at the sudden inquiry.

The Goron rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.  “Eh… ha… Still trying to work out some kinks…  But don’t you worry!  I’ll get the hang of ol’ Rudania in no time!  You’ll see!  Mipha decided to stay back at Zora’s Domain.  Spend some time with that cute shrimpy brother of hers.” He beamed, before noticing Jayden, and his smile grew.  “Who’s the new guy?”

“Hm?  Oh…” Anita seemed distracted, “This… he’s Jayden, an old friend.” Her focus was drawn away once again, and Daruk followed her gaze, glancing over his muscled shoulder at a blonde boy in a light blue tunic, armed only with a sword and sheath on his back, who was busy whacking mercilessly at a training dummy.

“Little Guy’s been at it ever since he got back.  Didn’t say anything but… well…”  It wasn’t often that the Little Guy opened up.  The Goron sighed heavily.  “I’m sure they’ll work it out.”

It was obvious something had happened.  Urbosa and Anita exchanged worried glances, as a white steed suddenly came charging through the gate behind them.

“Zelda!” Urbosa called out to the Princess as her horse hurtled past, the girl leaping from the saddle, ignoring them all as she hurried towards the palace.

Link’s eyes grew wide, and he hurried to try and get to her side; only for the Princess to suddenly turn, holding out a firm hand, “Don’t!  I told you before!” she scowled, before slamming the palace doors in Link’s face.

Link stepped back, his shoulders drooping.  As he turned dejectedly away from the door, he saw Anita and his fellow Champions watching him intently.  He scowled, averting his gaze, unsheathing the Master Sword, returning quickly to the training dummy.

“I wouldn’t want him following me around all day either.” Revali smirked at Link’s distress, only to elicit a firm glare from Urbosa.

“I’ll go talk to her.” The Chieftess sighed, taking a moment to glance down at Anita, nodding her head in Link’s direction.

“Urbosa!” Anita hissed, before catching Daruk’s eye.  “Well, he didn’t talk to you, did he?!”

“You are pretty good at getting him to open up…” Daruk rubbed the back of his head.  “Even better than me.  Whatever happened, Little Guy looks like he’s taking it pretty rough…”

“Fine!”  Anita sighed.  “I’ll try… something.”  She knew that battling usually helped Link to open up.  It allowed him to get out his frustrations, and clear his mind.  It was always that way with Time as well… She moved towards the stables, watching from afar momentarily, waiting for a pause in his flurry of attacks. 

He was now opting for a more personal tactic, rolling behind the training dummy to clasp it from behind, his sword at its neck.  Anita shook her head.  It was usually best to have an in person target for such personal attacks.

“Good,” Anita complemented the Hero on his skill as she walked up, startling Link; "this time, though, try grabbing out with your arm around the torso,” as she spoke, she demonstrated the attack on him locking his arms behind his back, “this will keep your opponent from being able to attack you properly.”

He nodded, drawing the Master Sword from its scabbard, carefully making his way towards the training dummy, attacking with a vertical slice, horizontal, upper-cut, down-slice, ending with a perfect 360 degree spin-attack.  Anita watched with satisfaction.

Without warning, Anita jumped into his attack, easily blocking the Blade of Evil’s Bane with her Sword of Power.  The Hero looked momentarily dazed, not expecting the surprise attack.  He blocked the blade of light heading his way, back flipping a few feet away from his attacker; sidestepping around her, his own weapon now raised and poised to strike.  

“Hold your ground until the last, possible moment….” She repeated the battle tactic again for him to hear for the thousandth time.

I’m guessing you won’t be giving me a signal then… The Hero smiled, knowing the strategy by heart now, having struck swords both against and with this talented warrior time and time again.

They continued to circle each other, neither one wishing to relinquish their dominance over the other.  Smiling mischievously, Anita suddenly snapped her fingers, and a flurry of fire surrounded her; whisking her away into thin air.  The Hero of Time gawked at the now empty spot ahead of him, not entirely confused, yet baffled all the same. The Demi-Goddess/Demon had rarely ever used this attack on him.  She could appear anywhere in a matter of seconds wherever she pleased.  

Come on! Not fair! He thought irately.   He heard her voice ring out from nowhere yet from all around him in a small, delightful, almost devilish chuckle.  

“What’s the matter?”  She chided softly, “scared I’ll get the upper hand?“  He could almost see her sneering playfully at him, flipping her long blonde hair tauntingly.  Those lovely golden curls bouncing lightly in the air for a mere second before falling back lightly upon her shoulders, silhouetting her gorgeous face.  Her lovely light-brown eyes, her…

Goddesses!  He gasped in surprise as he felt a hand wrap around his chest, pulling him close to his captor, a golden ruby-encrusted blade held firmly to his neck.  

"Guess who…” Her lovely voice rang in his ears.

He sighed in relief, his body relaxing at the sound of her voice.

“Hmmm… You let your guard down…” she removed the blade from his neck, "Never a good idea!”

He frowned apologetically, turning to face her, finding himself looking straight into those beautiful eyes he loved so much.

Anita mistook his distraction for something else entirely however.  “You know… if something happened with Zelda…” His eyes widened in surprise in her mention of the Princess.  “You can always talk to me…”

Link frowned, raising his sword.  A stern, determined gaze upon his face.

She laughed softly, “Alright…” it was obvious he wished not to discuss it at this time.  To merely avoid it altogether as Zelda was.  “This time pay attention to your surroundings! You can’t afford to get distracted in a real fight. Got it?”  

He nodded, stepping back a few paces raising his blade again.

She raised an eyebrow tentatively at him, “are you ready?”

Link nodded, getting into a fighting position.

Once again she snapped her fingers, fire swirling about her, then… Nothing.  The Hero was ready this time… He looked around himself carefully taking in any possible changes in the area around him.  

Even the smallest shifting detail; a leaf falling from a tree, a pebble scraping the ground just an inch away gave away her position for the moment.  Of course that’s what she wanted, however.  The half-shared Demon blood flowing within her veins couldn’t resist toying with her prey… Confusing it… Disorienting it…

She watched as he looked around cautiously, jumping and turning quickly when she had purposely kicked a pebble across the stone just to mess with him. You are so predictable… Silently she strode up behind him, attempting to perform the battle maneuver on him a second time.  

She wasn’t expecting what happened next…

He visibly tensed slightly, then back-flipped into the air, landing behind her.  He quickly locked her arms behind her back, instantly canceling out her magic the moment he touched her.  

She gasped slightly as he pulled her closer to his body, feeling his firm chest against her back.  "Good job… I guess you were paying attention…“  She struggled slightly in his grasp, surprised when he didn’t let her go, but instead pulled her even closer wrapping both his arms around her, burying his face in her golden hair.  

Anita stiffened.  The action far too familiar.  "Something… Wrong, Hero?”

“Call me, Link…” He finally spoke, whispering softly, almost pleading.  It occurred to Anita that, while she did call him by name, the term “Hero” had always been the norm.  

“Something wrong… Link?” a nervous laugh escaped her lips, the words they spoke to one another now far too reminiscent for her personal comfort.  "You know we’re supposed to be training…“  

"I know…”

“Then why don’t…” Anita cut herself off, already able to picture the next possible move in her mind… Link cutting off her teasing remark as she found herself quickly spun around to face him, the Heroes lips against her own… She bit back tears that threatened to spill from her eyes.   It would be best to change the subject.  “Is it Zelda?” She asked sternly.

“No!  …. Yes… I don’t…” Link fell silent once again.  It was always the easiest for Anita to get him to open up.  It still was a simple task to read his mind from time to time… the two were so similar to one another… But lately it had become even harder with the way he and Zelda were responding to one another so crudely.  

Link’s grasp tightened around her, holding her as if afraid to let her go.   Anita was quick to pull away.  She shook out her hair, turning to face him, “Zelda will come around.  Don’t worry.  Just give her some space.”

Link frowned, shaking his head, falling mute once again.  He reached for her, taking a step forward, only for Anita to draw back.  “I have to go.”  Anita apologized the tears already beginning to flow, before she hurried quickly into the palace.

Link’s shoulders slumped as he sheathed the Master Sword.  What was wrong?  Every time he seemed to get close… she would just bring up Zelda, or retreat away entirely.  Why couldn’t he just say what he felt?!  To both of them!

“Heh, heh…”

Link scowled at Revali as the proud Rito stepped forward.  There was no doubt in Link’s mind that the Rito was taking great pleasure in his latest failure.

“That’s twice today you’ve struck out.  Doesn’t surprise me, your very presence seems to irritate everyone around you.   You and that silly sword on your back.”  He wrapped a wing around Link’s shoulder, drawing him close.  “You’ll never get a chance with that one, you know.”  He was surprised to see Anita interact with him for as long as she did.  Usually, Anita could hardly bear to look at him.  Best to just put the boy out of his misery now.  He was just hurting himself.   “Way out of your league.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Urbosa knocked gently on the Princess’s door.  “Zelda?”

“Please, Urbosa, just leave me alone!”

The Chieftess pursed her lips, before gripping the doorknob, pushing the door open firmly.  She entered the Princess’s Chambers, a hand on her hip.  She stared the Princess down from across the room as she sat at her desk.  “Brooding alone in your room isn’t going to help matters.”

Zelda ignored her, pretending to be heavily focused on the Shrine documents on her desk.  She jumped as Urbosa laid a gentle hand upon her shoulder, kneeling down beside her.

“What happened?”

Zelda was silent, and determined to remain so… but she could feel Urbosa’s gaze fixed intently upon her… and the Gerudo Chief wasn’t one to be ignored.  She slammed the Sheikah Slate onto her desk, “It didn’t work!  I thought I had made a breakthrough with these Shrines but…”

“That isn’t what has you so upset.” Urbosa stated factually.  “While you have some understandable disdain towards him, you’ve never treated him this coldly before.”  She wasn’t going to let the Princess make excuses or ignore the problem.  It was something she had to face.

Zelda was silent, her body tensing.  Before she finally sighed, falling into Urbosa’s touch.  “I just… I snapped at him.  He followed me… after I told him not to, and when the field research with the Shrine failed… he showed up.  With that blasted sword and… I don’t know what came over me.”  It had begun with her simply snapping at him when he had attempted to follow her again, simply following her Father’s orders she knew… but it had ended with harsh words and Zelda finally gaining the solitude she had craved when she sent him angrily riding back towards Hyrule Castle.  Yet she had felt none the better for it.  “He must already despise me as it is, but now…”

“He doesn’t despise you.“ Urbosa spoke firmly.

“How would you know?!” Zelda cried.  “He never speaks to me!  I never know what he’s thinking, I never know what’s going on inside of his head!  And after what has just happened… For all you know…”

“He doesn’t despise you.” Urbosa repeated, even more forcefully.  “Surely he knows as much as anyone the struggles you’re facing.”

“No.  He wouldn’t.” Zelda scowled, pulling away.

Urbosa sighed heavily.  “You must not beat yourself up over this.  Not when there is something you can do about it… unlike your Sealing Power, this is a situation you have control over.”

Zelda shook her head.  “I cannot face him.  Not right now…”  She just wanted to get away… Surely word of her actions towards Link would reach her Father… “Couldn’t I go back to Gerudo City with you and Lady Anita?” She suddenly asked.  Link wouldn’t be able to follow them there.  All the better.  It would give her time to do more research study on the Sheikah Shrines as well as a chance to clear her head.

Urbosa rose.  “I… shall think about it.” 

“Princess?” Two Sheikah women came through the door, Impa and her sister, Purah.  “Well?” Impa inquired calmly.

“How did the field test go?” Purah exclaimed, rushing excitedly into the room to grab the Sheikah Slate off the desk.

Urbosa smiled down at Zelda, “I shall leave you all to it.” She gave Zelda a quick hug before retreating out the door, closing it behind her.

On her way back out to the courtyard, she couldn’t help but catch a glimpse of something out of the corner of her eye.  She paused, gazing up at a regal portrait of a face she recognize all too well.  The Queen, Zelda’s Mother.  Gazing back down at her with the look of kindness that had always seemed ever present upon her face. 

Oh, how she missed her.

“She needs you.” Urbosa sighed.  “Wherever you are… I hope that you can somehow find a way to grant her your guidance…”

As she passed one of the windows in the hall, she couldn’t help but notice Link training down in the courtyard.

Alone.

“Of course.”  Urbosa shook her head, making her way to Anita’s chambers.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Anita’s gaze glanced away from her reflection in the glass, looking over as the door to her chambers opened.  She lowered her brush.  “How did it go?”

“I could ask you the same thing.”  Urbosa smirked, taking a seat on one of the cushions, gracefully crossing her legs as she leaned back.

Anita turned away from the mirror, giving the Chieftess a teasing smile.  “I asked you first.”  After all, Zelda was the priority at the moment.

Urbosa was silent.  “She’s still got a lot to figure out… she wants to come with us back to Gerudo City tomorrow.”

“Hmph.”  Anita stifled a laugh.  “Still trying to avoid him…”

“She just needs some time alone.”  Urbosa defended the Princess in her absence.

“Right after a little scoff with her Appointed Knight.” Anita retaliated.  “Whom she despises.” Urbosa opened her mouth to speak, only for Anita to hold up a hand, rising from her chair as she continued sternly, “Whom she wishes to just get away from… please, Urbosa.  I used the Gerudo’s sanctioned No-Men Law for quite a number of years in the past to my own advantage.”

Urbosa pursed her lips.  “Alright, so there might be a little motive behind her actions…” Urbosa had to admit, “but you cannot expect me to just force her to talk to him.  It’s out of the question!”  She was too far wracked with guilt at the moment for any drastic action to be taken effectively.  Before Anita had a chance to respond, she was quick to turn the tides.  “How did your talk with Link go?”

The confidence drained from Anita’s face, her eyes falling to the floor. 

“You are pathetic, you know that?”

Anita opened her mouth to retort, yet could find nothing to say in defense of herself.  “I did manage to talk to him a little…” She finally managed.

“Well, let’s give you a prize!” Urbosa smirked teasingly.

Anita sighed, rolling her eyes.  “I don’t usually have this trouble you know…” she hadn’t had this trouble with any of the past Heroes after Time but… this one was… different, somehow…

“Well you’re going to have to learn to deal with it sometime.  This one isn’t going away any time soon.  Neither am I for that matter…” she strode over to pull Anita into her arms, leaning in for a kiss… before she paused, all too quickly.  “… Where is your friend?”

“What… oh Thistles!”

“Great.” Urbosa giggled as Anita rushed to the door, “Leave the new guy alone with Daruk and Revali.  That’s sure to turn out well.”

@jaydenxcoyote

Jayden scurried away quickly once everyone had arrived at the kingdom. He took the time to scale the walls of the town, jump from roof to roof. He made sure to leave Spark somewhere where he wouldn't be of trouble to anyone.

Hyrule was definitely different from when he was younger. Somehow it seemed bigger. He managed to steal some apples and meat from the marketplace and run away with them. He saved the meat for Spark especially. His age hardly stopped him at all.

He sure by now his presence was forgotten so he snuck around the castle (which was really easy to infiltrate. He didn't need to try to be stealthy). He saw Link in the Courtyard swinging that blasted sword at the training dummy.

Just as link charged his attack and nearly swung to decapitate his enemy, Jayden blocked by grabbing Link's wrist before the sword went all the way through. The grass beneath them fluttered from the force.

"Training dummies don't fight back." Jayden said with a smirk, and a cigarette in his mouth. "If you want to truly learn how to fight, you need to fight someone who's alive.

"How bout me? I may be old, but I can still take you on."

Holy Land

She traced the doe deeper into the forest, following the footprints and blood droplets from it’s wound. She bent down and touched the blood. It hasn’t yet seeped into the soil. The prey was near.

She ran, the footprints gradually decreasing in interval. Suddenly, the footprints we’re overtaken. Pawprints. She knelt and pressed her hand against the print. The paw was slightly bigger than her hand, indicating that if a huge wild beast.

She contemplated abandoning the hunt, but her camp had not had any fresh meat for weeks. They could not love on berries alone, especially when half of them are poisonous. And whatever beast was lingering these woods was no doubt dangerous. She had to find the beast and put it to rest.

She followed the trail, noting the continuing blood drops. Must’ve been from the wounded doe.

She finally came to a clearing, hiding behind some brush. The beast was that if a giant wolf. Underneath his jaw was her prey. Beside the doe was another woman, red clad and blonde. She had been unconscious.

Coyote acted, drawing three arrows and placing them on her bow. The wolf caught scent of her and growled in her direction. But it didn’t sound like a deep menacing growl. But more of that of a whimpering growl. Coyote knew as her hunting dogs were injured often.

She returned her arrows into the quiver and wrapped the long bow around her torso. Slowly, she stepped into the open. The massive wolf kept his eyes fixated on her, but stepped backward as Coyote approached.

“Im not here to hurt you,” she said in her native tongue. “You can have the doe.” She stuck her hand out to the wolf. “I’m your friend…”

The wolf reluctantly stepped forward and sniffed her hand. There was a faint familiar smell, a smell of a familiar person from months ago that hasn’t completely dissipated through numerous washings.

The wolf leaned forward into Coyote’s embrace and she began to pet his ears. She smiled before pulling her hand away. His fur came off onto her hand. She then looked at the blonde lady. They were both emaciated and wounded. The lady had taken an arrow to the chest and was still breathing, to Coyote’s surprise.

She needed to be taken back to camp.

“Friend?” She asked the wolf, who whimpered worriedly in reply. She reached into her pack and pulled a bottle of fragrance, a scent strong enough to wake anyone up from the deepest of sleeps.

The woman coughed, opening her eyes. “English?” Coyote asked.

She was too weak to respond. She only closed her eyes. The scent should keep her conscious for a while.

Coyote turned to the wolf, then to the doe. She picked up the dead doe and dragged it, putting the carcass on the wolf’s back. She then proceeded to carry the woman. “We’ll get a doctor.” She said with a kind and assuring smile. “She’ll be okay.”

———-

Coyote stood from kneeling when Coyote’s father, the Chief, returned to their tent, followed by Coyote’s younger brother, Wolf.

The Chief constantly had a stoic expression, so it was difficult for Coyote to read him. Wolf, however, has expressions as clear as sunlight.

“What were you thinking, little sister!?” Wolf snapped. “Bringing that… monster into our camp!”

“Wolf…” Chief said.

“The villagers are on worried!” Wolf said. “The hound could be dangerous!”

“He’s not,” Coyote tried to interject.

“You’re to naive to understand! Monsters are monsters! They need to be killed immedi-”

“WOLF!” The Chief snapped, causing both Coyote and Wolf to flinch. “You are not to belittle your sister, do you understand?”

“But father!” He said in stubborn retaliation. “Last time she brought outsiders, we were forced to leave the Valley! The savages chased us off our lands! We cannot have that happen again!”

“There was no guarantee that what happened in the valley would’ve happened if I wouldn’t have found Jayden the way he was,” Coyote retorted. “It may have been only a matter of time before we were forced out anyway. Nothing would’ve stopped those soldiers from encroaching.”

“It’s how it started!” Wolf said. “They were after Jayden!”

“And they would burn anyone who didn’t hand him over. We would’ve lost even if we didn’t have him,” Coyote added.

Wolf tilted his head at his sister. “You still defend him even though he betrayed you…”

Coyote stayed silent.

“That is how naive you are, sister.” Wolf muttered. “I’ll take care of this, since you are blind. I’ll kill the hound.”

“Don’t you dare touch him…” Coyote growled, giving Wolf the most menacing look he’d ever seen.

Wolf turned to the Chief, and the chief shared a glance between the two of his children. “The hound lives,” the Chief said, and Coyote’s eyes lit up.

“Father!”

“Thank you Father!” Coyote bowed respectfully.

“But… If the hound turns on us,” he turned to Coyote. “You will be the one to kill it… Understand?”

Coyote paused as a look of sadness washed over her face. Then she bowed. “Yes father…”

“Good.” The Chief proceeded sit down cross legged. “I’m under enough stress as it is. I have to worry about the entire village already. I don’t need to worry about my children as well… I wish that you two would make peace with each other already.”

Wolf grimaced and turned away. Coyote remained focused on her father.

“There’s gonna be a time when I’m dead, which may come very soon. And when that time comes, I need you both to put aside your differences and stand up for the tribe. The tribe cannot stand without leaders.”

“Yes father…” Coyote said while Wolf only scoffed.

“Now go,” the Chief said. “Make sure that everything is okay with the tribe.”

———-

Coyote entered the tent where the massive wolf was happily chewing on an old rubber boot. In with her, she brought a plate of fresh corn, barley tea, and some jerky made from the doe. Flow would have done it, but she did not want to go anywhere near the wolf.

“You must really like that boot,” she said with a smile. Then she set down the tray of food beside the bed and the blonde woman began to stir.

“Hey!” Coyote said in English. “I brought you food. Stay still. You need rest. My name is Coyote. I found you and your wolf out in the forest.” She handed her a slice of jerky. “Who are you?”

@goddess-of-power

She should have known it was a trap… it was too obvious.  To have the gall to come sneaking into her sanctuary, to steal what she held most dear… As usual, she had allowed her emotions to cloud her judgement, to cloud her reasoning… but King Gregor’s Knights had always been so foolish, so inept… so easily persuaded… even if it had to come down to a fight (which it had…) her magic could have easily overpowered them!  (It should have…) it was not just her unbridled emotions that had stolen her victory, someone had aided them… both in the King’s act of thievery, and in their attempt to capture her.

Although Anita had not been able to see who had fired the nearly fatal shot to her chest, one thing was clear; the arrow had not only been infused with their dreaded Holy Water, but with Magic as well. 

Ice Magic.  Someone had aided them!

“Hey…” A soft voice spoke up, drawing Anita out of her thoughts.

“Mmm…” Anita began to stir slowly at the familiar sounding voice; the woman who had rescued her in the forest.  Slowly, she opened her eyes, blinking to try and clear the blurry haze from her vision.  She hesitated a moment, looking the food over warily.  It wasn’t that she was ungrateful, far from it!  Anita did not mean intentionally to be rude, however, she wasn’t very used to having people care for her; lest they were merely intending to get something out of her for it.  Even in this Realm, which had been meant to be her Safe-haven… though she had Gregor to thank entirely for that.  More often then not, trusting the kindness in any of her past ‘saviors’ (moreover partaking in whatever food or drink they had to offer to the ‘benefit’ of her health) had always been one of her most fatal mistakes.

Even if the meal had not been drugged, it would still not assist her.  It wasn’t as if she had the strength to take it anyhow… She had not been fortunate enough to Feed from even a few meager drops of the deer blood… it was a miracle that she was even alive, and Anita knew that she had this woman–Coyote–to thank for it.  

Though she was beginning to wonder whether or not the deed was worth Coyote’s time. 

Warily, a hand moved to grasp the large crystal hanging at her breast.  She sighed, feeling warmth emanate beneath it at the touch of her fingertips.  “That’s something I thought I was finally beginning to know…” her voice was barely above a whisper. 

“You should have left me…” She raised her voice.  “It would have been better for both of us…” Anita glanced up at Coyote apologetically, “I may not have strength yet to walk, but my ears still work perfectly fine.”  She paused, noting movement at the entrance of the tent, before lowering her voice once more.  “You aren’t exactly being praised for your kindness…”

If her suspicions were correct about Gregor’s possible new ally… Anita was positive that she would prefer death over whatever might now befall her, along with these people should they be found attempting to harbor her. 

Spark whimpered, nuzzling against her hand.  “You should have let me die.”  Anita sighed softly, hardly even aware of her own words as she began to fall back into unconsciousness, tears beginning to fall down her cheeks.  “Everyone would be better off that way…”

@jaydenxcoyote

Coyote sighed. It was pretty evident that the woman was not going to eat the jerky. She set the jerky back down on the plate.

“You remind me of someone I used to know,” she said. “When I first met him, he was severely hurt. Not unlike yourself. He was also untowardly rude. I will always remember the words he said to me.”

She sighed before continuing. “‘Why did you bother saving me?’ and I told him: ‘Because the world is cruel. And for cruelty to end, one must be the kindness the world needs’.”

She turned to look at Anita. “I saved you because you needed to be saved. Letting you die would not have been easy. I’ve seen the choice between letting someone die and live change a person beyond ways I didn’t think we’re possible. I’ve seen it change a person into some immeasurable amount of kindness. I’ve also seen it turn a person into a complete monster.

“Cruelty breeds more cruelty. Kindness inspires more kindness. And I’d rather my heart be pure than tainted.”

She smiled at the woman. “Everybody knows who they are but won’t admit it. And if you don’t know how to find who you are, all you need to do is ask for help. How about we start with a name?”

A hint of a smile graced her lips.  “You sound like my Beloved…” she muttered under her breathe, before scoffing at the woman’s request.  She lied back against the pillow as Spark seized the opportunity to snatch the jerky from the plate, snarfing it down. 

A name… to think a simple request could feel so complicated at the same time… it had seemed she had been living a lie for the longest time… and yet the lie was the one she was still so used to. 

Her fingers moved to linger against the large crystal at her neck once more.  “… Anita.”  She finally conceded.  “This handsome little thief, is Spark.”

@jaydenxcoyote

She smiled at the wolf. “Handsome is an understatement.” Then she turned to Anita. “My name is Coyote. I’m the Chiefs daughter.”

She nudged the food closer to Anita.

“I must say that your garb must have been quite elegant before this happened. We’re you… How you say… A royal?”

“Chief?” Anita rose a brow.  She was unfamiliar with the term, though she supposed that it must be of similar standing to perhaps a Lord, or a King.  “I have not had the pleasure of meeting him yet…”

Coyote had truly been the only one to enter the tent.  Aside from one crude visitor who had snuck a peak inside momentarily, before Spark scared him away.  Anita had to admit she was pleased with the fear Spark seemed to strike within any passerby; she personally knew they had nothing to fear from him, lest one might wish to cause her harm.  However, she did not do well with strangers… and no matter how well intentioned their curiosity, or how irrational her fears, any sudden surprise visitors would merely increase her anxiety–especially in her weakened state. 

A flush of embarrassment crossed her cheeks as Coyote mentioned the wretched state of her attire.  She was so used to having to look presentable… only now did it occur to her the amount of blood and dirt among the large gashes that littered her gown.  She wondered if it would be too rude to ask for a new set of clothes… or at the very least, needle and thread so that she could fix her gown herself. 

“I was.”  A small smile crossed Anita’s lips, “for a short while…” For a moment she had actually started to believe that everything she had dreamed would have come true… freedom, love… she and Aalok had even considered possibly starting a family… and within an instant, it had all been stripped away from her…

Anita wiped away a tear, only for more to fall quickly afterwards.  Spark hurried away from Coyote’s side to lick her hand, though it took Anita a moment to register his touch.  “I am sorry…” her free hand moved to touch the gem at her breast, gripping it tight as a steady warmth spread beneath her fingertips.

@jaydenxcoyote   

She smiled gently and looked away, knowing that Anita was in a tender and humiliating moment. "You don't have to apologize for anything. Everyone has their own journey, therefore their own struggles."

Coyote knew she was an important role in her village. She wouldn't know what she would do or how she would help if that role was stripped from her. She knew that her ability to fight effectively would've been greatly strained as anyone of lesser descent. To have everything stripped away in a matter of seconds...

Actually, she knew how that felt after all. She had lost their home. The Holy Lands. If there was paradise, that was it. Soil was fertile, the weather was forgiving. A constant stream of fresh water, trees of fruit and animals to hunt.

Then Jayden arrived. And the fire not long after. He left without telling her much but she knew. They were after him. What he did, she would never know...

But when he left, he had stolen her heart. That's when she vowed to live only for her people.

All that she had left was just a bullet from a rifle that she had managed to tie around her neck.

She removed the necklace and showed it to Anita. "I know what it's like to lose everything."

“AH!” Anita fell back, clutching her arm in fearful surprise.  The wound stung, and she hadn’t expected such a cute little creature to harm her like that… then the yelling started, and Anita covered her ears.  It was loud, too loud… Even though, logically, the yelling wasn’t directed at her, it certainly felt like it was… just like the scratch, it was because she had done something wrong–because she had been bad.  Amidst her panic, Anita did not even think to be surprised to hear the creature speak.

Her eyes grew wide with fear at the sight of Serene’s eyes glowing as she neared her.  “I’m sorry!  I’m sorry!” She cried, drawing away fearfully as Serene raised the rag, “Please, don’t…!”  Yet when the woman spoke, it was with a gentle, reassuring tone–and the substance upon the clothe caused her no further pain or discomfort, quite the opposite;  the stinging ceased, and when Anita turned to look down at her arm, it looked as if there had been no wound there to begin with.  Anita even began to fall gently against the woman’s touch as she continued to gently scrub the sweet-smelling substance–which she now recognized her favorite fragrance of roses–upon other various parts of her body, healing her other wounds as well.

“A-Anita…” She answered softly.  “Serene… Serene…” she repeated the name in a whisper, surely this would not be a person she would want to forget.  A kind soul was always a rarity for her to find.  “That’s a lovely name.”  She complimented, before slowly rising from the floor.

She moved towards one of the bedside tables, picking up a large tear-drop crystal necklace which glowed with a rainbow light at her touch, and a watch with a long chain.  Slipping both accessories over her neck–allowing the crystal to hang at her collar-bone and the watch to her midriff–Anita glanced over towards the bed, where Serene’s bag lay open atop the mattress.  “I… don’t suppose you would have an extra gown you could spare?” She asked meekly.  It felt rude to ask… but Anita rather missed the feeling and security of clothes upon her back.  She had been fortunate enough to be able to grab the two trinkets of hers as it was before she had made her escape.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Hmmm…” The beast, Morfran, glared at the circular crystal hanging from his wrist, before shaking it in irritation.  The soft pink light emanating from the center was enough alone to enrage him, but the fact that he was unable to track his prey was worse.  The fairy was hiding her magic, hiding her wings… it was obvious from the crystal that she was in the area, but he could not pinpoint any trail to her location… 

He leaned back against the wall, drumming his clawed fingers against his arm, about ready to hurl the useless charm across the street!  Before a sudden flash caught his eye, and he peered into the crystal once more as the soft pink was overtaken by a dark shimmering purple hue, bright enough to nearly blind him!

“Witch!” He sneered gleefully, rushing forward to bang his large fist against the cart, harshly startling awake his Hench-Goblins as he thrust himself up into the drivers seat, sharply cracking his whip against the Stalhorse in front.  “WE HUNT!” He exclaimed gleefully as the cart sped down the street; the glow becoming brighter and brighter as he neared his prey’s destination. 

It may not be his escaped prize… but with a Witch’s equally valued Magic at his disposal he would soon find his Fairy as well.

It wasn’t long before he pulled the cart to a stop in front of a tiny inn.  “Get the cage!” He bellowed, stuffing the crystal–now hot to the touch–into his pocket.  These humans would prove of little delay, but he knew not to underestimate a Witch’s magic… he shoved one of the goblins ahead of him towards the front door.  “You first!” 

@jaydenxcoyote

She smiled as she reached into the bag for her spare outfit. It wasn’t as neatly folded as it was at the beginning of her trip. It was some black bottoms and a frilly top. “I’m sorry. It’s more of my nightgown but it should fit you just fine.”

Sibyl peaked his tiny head from underneath the bed. “We have trouble!”

Serene’s head turned to Sibyl in a fright and she grabbed her bag. “Oh no! Is it Hammond?”

Sibyl shook his head. “Someone else. It’s a demon. No… Demons. More than one… But None like I’ve seen. I don’t think salt will work on this one, Serene.”

“Then we have to move,” she replied with exhasperation. “Damn me for not using a concealment charm!” She grabbed her broom, hoping she didn’t have to use it. She wasn’t that good at fighting herself.

Her free hand grabbed Anita’s hand, Anita herself having a quick second to put on the garb. “Let’s go.” She opened the door. “Lead the way, Sibyl!”

Sibyl dashed through the door into the hallway, where the demons could be heard slaughtering the staff and travellers downstairs. He made a right, and Serene and Anita followed through. Another right and another left, down a flight of stairs. Sibyl was moving so fast that Anita could barely keep track of him. Luckily, Serene had a very good memory.

They ran past the horde, taking the long, quiet, and dark way around the bloodshed.

“WAIT!” Serene screamed.

Another flight of stairs down and into the basement. Other humans were seen rushing into an opening into the wall. A secret pathway. The door was closing.

“HURRY UP!” The innkeep yelled.

They made a mad dash, with all three of them barely making it in. Once inside, Serene withdrew her hand from Anita’s and reached into her satchel. She couldn’t see but still she pulled her post it notes and stuck it to the wall before scribbling an inscription. A concealment charm. Followed by another for warding off evil.

“Safe at last…” She said with a heavy sigh.

“Not quite…” Sibyl said. “He’s here.”

————

“Should we do anything sir?” The guard as Captain Coern Hammond.

“No,” he said. “Wait for the slags to bring her out. Then we will raid them.”

“Oh, thank you!” Anita sighed gratefully, though she hardly had time to slip them on before Sybil popped out from under the bed, alerting them to danger. 

Demons?!  Anita was paralyzed on the spot–they’d found her!  Oh no, oh no…. The feeling of Serene’s hand within her own snapped her quickly out of her thoughts.  Though she hardly had time to dwell on anything further before she suddenly found herself being dragged behind Serene at a brisk pace through the inn, finally finding sanctuary within a hidden passage within the walls. 

The darkness was safe but it was also frightening… the only light available being the faint shimmering of the crystal hanging at her collarbone.  Anita was tempted to call upon a flame, but even a tiny one she feared would directly alert Morfran to their location. 

So long as Serene’s concealment spell stayed strong, Morfran might know of them hiding out here, but he would not be able to track them right to this location.  It gave them time to think of an escape at least…

Anita felt along the wall, trying to find some sense of security within the space, breathing slowly.  She winced at the sound of the loud Demon’s voice that could be faintly heard angrily barking orders from the outside.

“This… Hammond,” Anita whispered softly to Serene through the darkness, even if only to hear the calming tone of her new friends voice to still her own fears.  “Is… is he your Master?”  She had heard the fear that had struck her tone back in the room upon even the mere thought of him. 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Morfran growled, wrenching his falchion from a corpse.  He looked around the room, the floor painted red with the blood of the slaughtered humans, an angry snarl forming upon his lips.  He pulled the crystal from his pocket, glaring into the orb.  A mixture of pink and purple mist swirling within the charm. 

His eyes grew wide.  “So… Fairy and Witch!” He smirked, “they’re here!  Find them!“ He growled to his goblins, rushing towards the stairs, only for his horns to get caught in the rafters after taking a couple of steps, his large foot falling through one of the steps.  He roared angrily, trying to tear himself free. “Stupid tiny human hovels!  GO!  FAN OUT!  I want my prize!” The goblins hobbled up the stairs as quickly as they could, hurrying off in different directions.

“Fairy, Witch!  Fairy, Witch!” The goblins chortled, upon reaching the upstairs proceeding to stab their spears through walls and tearing down doors, scattering throughout the various halls, stairwells and rooms.

Morfran finally managed to climb the stairs, having to duck his head, he peered into the crystal.  Still only mist… the Witch must be hiding her magic now as well…  He snarled, sniffing the air for any trace of magic… catching a sickeningly sweet scent of blech!  Roses.  It was revolting stench, but he could endure it long enough to find his prey. 

“Come on out my pretty thing…” He growled, slowly following the trail of the scent.  “I know you’re here!” He bellowed, crashing his fist through a wall.  “I’m through playing games!”

@jaydenxcoyote

“No,” Serene replied softly, making sure to be quiet enough so the innkeep can’t hear. “Captain Coern Hammond. Greed runs his mind. He’s bent on dominating resources for money and feels that it is God’s will for people like him to control the land. The only people who were strong enough to stand up to him were the Witches, who above all love the earth. They were Earth’s protectors. But one fell swoop and he annihilated them.”

“All Witches we’re executed because of him,” Sibyl added.

Serene looked at Sibyl. “Not all. Sibyl, what do we do now…”

Sybil remained quiet for a moment. “Wait… 3… 2… 1…”

————

“Sir!” Hammond’s general Seamus Lovehart came in on his horse. “Permission to stop this madness!”

“In a minute general…” Hammond replied. “Wait for the Witch to be found.”

“Sir, innocent lives are being murdered. How bad would you look if you just stood by without doing anything?”

Lovehart was right, Hammond thought. If anything happened, Hammond would lose control of his party, and the opposition will gain the upper hand. He cannot have that happen.

“Very well then,” he drew his sword. “Men! Into battle! Let’s hunt some demons!”

The charged into the inn, smashing their holy swords into the necks of the demons. Hammond saw the leader and immediately swung his sword hard, clashing blades with the demon. Left and right they swung and swung. The demon was strong, but Hammond was faster.

“You fight well for a beast!” He mocked Morfran.

Morfran followed the trail down a flight of steps–the stench of roses becoming more nauseous with each step; and he nearly found himself gagging as he felt along the wall.  The scent was strongest here.  Yet there was no door…

He scratched his long claws along the wall, until the sound became hollow on the other side.  Beneath the scent of roses came the strong scent of blood–the scent was always strongest when humans were afraid, their life-force pumping heavily through their systems. 

Clever prey.  But not clever enough.

“So, here you are!” He bellowed triumphantly, raising his fist, about to smash it through the wall…

“AGH!!!” Before a sharp stab left him keeling over to the floor.  He glared back to find a man wielding a holy sword behind him.  The Demon picked himself up as he raised his own blade, trading blows with the sudden foe.

He could not help but smirk at the mocking compliment.  This human was not so bad himself… quite good actually.  “I’m not used to such bravery from your kind…” Morfran stated, far more used to humans running in fear of him than choosing to fight.  “Nor such skill….” He would have to take this one as well.  This human warrior would thrive wonderfully in his fighting arena.

“Still… as worthy an opponent you are…” He snarled as Hammond drew a sharp attack, nearly sending the Demon falling to the floor.  Morfran raised his hand, dark magic swirling about his palm… “I TIRE OF THIS!” He fired the dark spell at Hammond–the spell knocking him back and holding the captain to the wall.  “You won’t keep me from reclaiming my prize.”

Seizing the momentary opportunity, Morfran punched a large hole into the wall, his large fist grasping tightly around Anita’s body; hauling her from the wreckage.

“NO!  L-Let me go!!!” Anita shrieked fearfully, her arms pinned to her side within his grip as she flailed and kicked her legs to no avail.

The Demon ignored her cries, pulling her close.  “So…” he studied her, noting the lack of wounds upon her flesh.  “Fairies heal quickly… to think I was worried about being even harsher with you!  HA!” he laughed, “These will have to go…” he raised a claw, tearing down the front of Anita’s shirt as she struggled–only for his gaze to fall behind his captured prize, glowering down at a purple-eyed beauty–as fair and alluring as the fairy he now held within his grasp.

“Mmmm…” He growled, remembering the captive human just behind, no doubt already breaking free from his bonds.  That damned holy blade would have to go as well… Morfran would have to work quickly.  With his free hand, the Demon began to reach down for the Witch.  “You’re mine!”

@jaydenxcoyote

It all happened incredibly quickly. Serene had heard it all from behind the wall, Hammond attacking and behind shoved against the wall by magic. Then suddenly, the enormous hand of the beast smashing through the wall and wrapping it's digits around Anita.

Serene had attempted to grip Anita's hand and pull but to no avail, as the beast was too strong. "NO!!!" She yelled as she lost her grip.

Just as the beast was about to grab her, he was struck from behind, releasing Anita. Seamus then kicked the beast to the side and stood between the women and the other civilians.

"GO!" He commanded Serene, just as Anita was seized by the entourage of demons flooding in the door behind them.

Serene looked around quickly. They were outnumbered. The soldier and Hammond would not be able to handle the beast and their minions. Anita was in grave danger...

"Don't do it, Serene." Sibyl muttered.

Serene saw the civilians who hid with them. One of them was a scared girl.

Serene was that little girl at one point. Hiding from mass execution during the Witch Hunt. No one had helped her or her family then, except for one little boy. She had that little boy to thank with her life.

She wanted to help her family... She didn't want them to suffer for her...

Serene lifted her sleeve.

"SERENE NO!"

"Take care of Anita, Sibyl." Serene stepped between Seamus and Morfran.

"SERENE!" Sibyl dashed to Serene, already knowing what she was doing through his powers.

Serene, her eyes glowing purple, bit into her wrist so hard that blood was drawn, and as quickly as Morfran's fist smashed through the wall, the world around them was suddenly engulfed in a hurricane. Everyone was lifted off their feet and began flying in a circular fashion, even the beast himself.

Sibyl hopped into the nearest body, who wasn't Anita, but Seamus. His claws gripped the cloth of his armor as they span in what seemed like another dimension.

Seamus positioned his body to try and maneuver himself as he avoided the flying debris. He spotted her, the blonde woman accompanying Serene, and shifted himself in the cyclone. Just a little to the left... A little more...

He quickly wrapped his left arm around her and held her tight just as a blinding flash encompassed the dark cyclone and their bodies thrown onto grass, rolling them for a second and Anita falling on top.

Serene was nowhere to be seen.

Seamus took a minute to breathe before shaking the woman. "Hey. Are you alright?"

Sibyl struggled and slipped his head out from between them. "You guys are crushing me!"

“I cannot believe you are even considering his proposal!” Impa glowered down at Zelda. 

“Hyrule is in dire need of assistance…”

“He is not offering assistance, what he is asking if for the complete control and reign over your Kingdom, Your Grace!”

“I have not agreed to anything yet…” Zelda frowned.

“Yet you have the nerve to even entertain the possibility!” The Sheikah scoffed.

“To give up my throne would be a last resort indefinitely!” Zelda rose, “I would never give up Hyrule lest I was given no other option.  We can negotiate with King Daemon…”

“Not all Kingdoms desire peace, Princess.” Impa seethed, “Others desire destruction, control, over any nation they can get hold of!”

“If King Daemon wished for that, surely he would not have come to make his demands in this manner.” Zelda argued.

Impa rolled her eyes, placing a hand to her temple, sighing heavily.  “You fall for his ploy…” The Princess was wise in many regards, but in the tactics of battle, persecution, and war, she knew very little.  “I do not trust this ‘King’.  If it is even true that he is one.” Impa stated plainly.  “I sense dark intent within his heart.”

Zelda frowned.  She had never gone against Impa’s council before.  She was usually always right.  Yet she was reluctant to turn away even the slimmest hope for available aid for her Kingdom.  “All right.  We can discuss any further available options with Daemon.  See if he is willing to negotiate some other deal…” she offered.

Impa kept a firm grip on her blade.  “Fair enough.” But if things went array, or if this so-called ‘King’ made one single move out of line, she would personally see to his removal herself.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Link was silent, lost in thought before he realized that Ahni had asked him a question.  “I… Yeah, yeah…” He looked back towards the palace, gazing up at the shining high tower window above.

He’d made a promise to Ahni… and he always kept his promises.  He couldn’t betray her now.  Even if abiding by his word now was beginning to feel like an even worse betrayal…

He swallowed the painful lump in his throat, turning away from the palace, pushing down every desire to turn back running to Anita’s side… he just hoped that whatever task awaited him in Ahni’s Kingdom would be taken care of quickly.  He prayed that he would not return to Anita’s side too late…

“Everything’s fine.” The words stabbed at his heart like a knife.  He held out his hand, forcing a cheerful smile onto his lips for Ahni’s sake as he nodded his head towards the carriage.  “Shall we?”

@jaydenxcoyote

Dan had a little reconnaissance room within the castle. On the ground we're pictures laid out, taped to each other and connected by string taped to the center of the pictures.

Lana and Rose were on one side, taped together. A green string in the center of their pictures tying them to the center picture. Beneath them was their testimony that they had provided the day prior.

Clockwise from their picture was Link, who had constant contact. This one used red and yellow tape linking to the center picture. Underneath, Dan had written their relationship dynamic as 'friendly'.

Going clockwise again, the other picture was Anita. Who had an antagonistic dynamic with the woman in the center picture. Attached to her was yellow string leading to a picture on the side off. Ghirshim. And then another yellow string linking him to an index card just saying simply 'Agni'.

In the center was Ahni. The woman in blonde who looked strikingly similar to Anita, if not lankier. She was in the middle of this somehow. If Lana is correct, she will bring down the kingdom, but he doesnt have the necessary evidence to believe them.

There was only one card left to play. The final picture left in his hand.

Zelda. She fit into this somehow. He couldn't put his finger on it.

And yet, he felt that even if he knew, his board was incomplete. Somewhere, he's missing a piece.

If only Jayden were here. He'd know what to do.

------------

Once their debate had settled, Daemon was allowed back into the throne room. "I trust you had enough time to consider my offer, milady. As an Ezrian king, I never go back on my word.

"Though to clarify, you need not give up your kingdom. You will be added to the protection Ezra has to offer, in exchange for the kingdom belonging to Ezra. I trust you have made a wise decision."

-----------

Although she was happy that Link had chosen to come with her, Ahni could not help but sense a deep sadness in his heart. Once inside the carriage, the little pup she had purchased earlier jumped into Link's lap and sat, giving him the cutest puppy eyes.

Ahni smiled and leaned in to nuzzle his shoulder. "I know you're troubled Link. I'll open my heart to anything you have to say."

BotW RP (Pre-Calamity)

Anita grit her teeth, glittering rainbow specks of fairy dust flitting off of her wings as she soared higher into the sky to dodge as the Lynel aimed his bow in her direction.  She flew out of the beasts reach, twirling through the air as she raised her arm, shooting a fire ball out of the palm of her hand towards the large beasts head.  As the Lynel recoiled from her attack, Anita landed gently on a pillar of rocks overlooking the beast from above. 

“You could at least try to get a hit in, Revali.” Anita turned to face the Rito Champion.

“You know,” The Gerudo Chief and Champion, Urbosa spoke up as she raised her Day Breaker Shield to knock back the Lynels oncoming arrow.  “Actually take this training seriously?”

“Hmph!” The proud Rito Champion ruffled his feathers, sticking his beak into the air.  “Some training!  I break more of a sweat training at my Archery Course!”

“Maybe because you actually work at the training in that course.” Urbosa spoke under her breathe.  The Rito had not even moved from his perch since Anita had riled up the Lynel for them.

Anita shook her head, watching from above as the Lynel stamped its hoof angrily, rearing its head back and letting out a roar.  It wasn’t just training for battle and skills; none of the Champions really required tests of skill.  Rather, more of a bonding exercise of sorts.  A way for them to be able to practice battle as a team.  While Goron Champion Daruk and Zora Champion Mipha were busy training with their Divine Beasts, Anita thought it the perfect opportunity for Urbosa and Revali to get some special bonding training of their own.  She had hoped the aspect of battling would stir some response from the proud Revali, but so far it was proving futile.

“Phew.” Anita sighed as the Lynel shook out its thick mane, turning away from them.  It had given up it seemed.  She stretched out her wings to flutter softly to the ground below, Urbosa leaping down to the ground at her side. 

“Revali’s irritability aside,” Urbosa drew Anita close, “I rather enjoyed this little outing of ours.” She pulled Anita in for a kiss, “Next time though,” she whispered as she pulled away, “can we just ditch the bird?” 

“Urbosa!” Anita giggled, only for the woman to scowl, her gaze suddenly directed to something else.  “Urbosa?” Anita turned around to follow her lover’s gaze, towards a creature crouching within the bushes.

Anita moved forward slowly, her ears twitching at the sound of Urbosa drawing her Scimitar of the Seven.  Anita squinted into the darkness of the leaves, her eyes widening in surprise as a beast suddenly lunged forward–knocking her to the ground!

A clash of metal against metal, and the distinct sound of Revali’s Gale coupled with the pull of a bowstring caught her ears.  “Stop!” She called out to the two Champions amidst ticklish giggles, “it’s alright!  It’s alright!  Ha-ha!  Spark, stop it!”  She pushed the large wolf off of her chest, his tongue lolling and tail wagging.

Revali landed to the ground, crossing his wings as Urbosa sheathed her scimitar.  Slowly, Urbosa approached Anita and the wolf, kneeling down to give the beast a hesitant pat upon the head.  “You’re friends with all the animals, aren’t you?” She teased Anita as Spark happily licked her face.  “Spark is it?  I like it.”

“This little one and I go a long way back,” Anita chuckled as she rose to her feet, looking back into the trees.  “You might as well come on out.” She called.  “This little one seems to have a terrible habit of giving away your location.”  She smirked.

@jaydenxcoyote

He stepped from his cover boots first, revealing his jumpsuit and holsters. He always travelled light, bringing very few rations and ammunition. A primary rifle strapped to his back, and a secondary in his holster.

He threw the remnants of his cigarette onto the ground and smeared it as he stepped further into view. As he came closer, his appearance becoming more clear, Anita's look of happiness turned into confusion. The man Anita had once known had turned drastically different.

Jayden slicked back his gray hair, his forehead creased as he smiled. His body was still quite toned, but not as nimble as it used to be.

Jayden the Warlord he no longer was. He had become Jayden the Old.

"I only bring him on two occasions. Hunting is one of them. You can guess what the second occasion is."

He slowly twisted his body until there was an audible crack before heaving a sigh of relief.

"I see not much has changed in your style. But your wings are a nice addition."

He reached into his pocket, and instinctively, the Garudo Chief stepped in between the two, hands on her weapons.

Jayden pulled a cigarette slowly from his pocket and handed it to Anita for a light. "Do you mind?"

Once Anita had lit the cigarette, he took a puff. Then he looked at the Chieftess. "Easy. I'm not gonna hurt you. If I was going to, I'd've done something by now. Besides. What is an old man compared to a Garudo Warrior? It seems there's a lot I've missed. Care to catch me up?"

“AH!” Anita fell back, clutching her arm in fearful surprise.  The wound stung, and she hadn’t expected such a cute little creature to harm her like that… then the yelling started, and Anita covered her ears.  It was loud, too loud… Even though, logically, the yelling wasn’t directed at her, it certainly felt like it was… just like the scratch, it was because she had done something wrong–because she had been bad.  Amidst her panic, Anita did not even think to be surprised to hear the creature speak.

Her eyes grew wide with fear at the sight of Serene’s eyes glowing as she neared her.  “I’m sorry!  I’m sorry!” She cried, drawing away fearfully as Serene raised the rag, “Please, don’t…!”  Yet when the woman spoke, it was with a gentle, reassuring tone–and the substance upon the clothe caused her no further pain or discomfort, quite the opposite;  the stinging ceased, and when Anita turned to look down at her arm, it looked as if there had been no wound there to begin with.  Anita even began to fall gently against the woman’s touch as she continued to gently scrub the sweet-smelling substance–which she now recognized her favorite fragrance of roses–upon other various parts of her body, healing her other wounds as well.

“A-Anita…” She answered softly.  “Serene… Serene…” she repeated the name in a whisper, surely this would not be a person she would want to forget.  A kind soul was always a rarity for her to find.  “That’s a lovely name.”  She complimented, before slowly rising from the floor.

She moved towards one of the bedside tables, picking up a large tear-drop crystal necklace which glowed with a rainbow light at her touch, and a watch with a long chain.  Slipping both accessories over her neck–allowing the crystal to hang at her collar-bone and the watch to her midriff–Anita glanced over towards the bed, where Serene’s bag lay open atop the mattress.  “I… don’t suppose you would have an extra gown you could spare?” She asked meekly.  It felt rude to ask… but Anita rather missed the feeling and security of clothes upon her back.  She had been fortunate enough to be able to grab the two trinkets of hers as it was before she had made her escape.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Hmmm…” The beast, Morfran, glared at the circular crystal hanging from his wrist, before shaking it in irritation.  The soft pink light emanating from the center was enough alone to enrage him, but the fact that he was unable to track his prey was worse.  The fairy was hiding her magic, hiding her wings… it was obvious from the crystal that she was in the area, but he could not pinpoint any trail to her location… 

He leaned back against the wall, drumming his clawed fingers against his arm, about ready to hurl the useless charm across the street!  Before a sudden flash caught his eye, and he peered into the crystal once more as the soft pink was overtaken by a dark shimmering purple hue, bright enough to nearly blind him!

“Witch!” He sneered gleefully, rushing forward to bang his large fist against the cart, harshly startling awake his Hench-Goblins as he thrust himself up into the drivers seat, sharply cracking his whip against the Stalhorse in front.  “WE HUNT!” He exclaimed gleefully as the cart sped down the street; the glow becoming brighter and brighter as he neared his prey’s destination. 

It may not be his escaped prize… but with a Witch’s equally valued Magic at his disposal he would soon find his Fairy as well.

It wasn’t long before he pulled the cart to a stop in front of a tiny inn.  “Get the cage!” He bellowed, stuffing the crystal–now hot to the touch–into his pocket.  These humans would prove of little delay, but he knew not to underestimate a Witch’s magic… he shoved one of the goblins ahead of him towards the front door.  “You first!” 

@jaydenxcoyote

She smiled as she reached into the bag for her spare outfit. It wasn’t as neatly folded as it was at the beginning of her trip. It was some black bottoms and a frilly top. “I’m sorry. It’s more of my nightgown but it should fit you just fine.”

Sibyl peaked his tiny head from underneath the bed. “We have trouble!”

Serene’s head turned to Sibyl in a fright and she grabbed her bag. “Oh no! Is it Hammond?”

Sibyl shook his head. “Someone else. It’s a demon. No… Demons. More than one… But None like I’ve seen. I don’t think salt will work on this one, Serene.”

“Then we have to move,” she replied with exhasperation. “Damn me for not using a concealment charm!” She grabbed her broom, hoping she didn’t have to use it. She wasn’t that good at fighting herself.

Her free hand grabbed Anita’s hand, Anita herself having a quick second to put on the garb. “Let’s go.” She opened the door. “Lead the way, Sibyl!”

Sibyl dashed through the door into the hallway, where the demons could be heard slaughtering the staff and travellers downstairs. He made a right, and Serene and Anita followed through. Another right and another left, down a flight of stairs. Sibyl was moving so fast that Anita could barely keep track of him. Luckily, Serene had a very good memory.

They ran past the horde, taking the long, quiet, and dark way around the bloodshed.

“WAIT!” Serene screamed.

Another flight of stairs down and into the basement. Other humans were seen rushing into an opening into the wall. A secret pathway. The door was closing.

“HURRY UP!” The innkeep yelled.

They made a mad dash, with all three of them barely making it in. Once inside, Serene withdrew her hand from Anita’s and reached into her satchel. She couldn’t see but still she pulled her post it notes and stuck it to the wall before scribbling an inscription. A concealment charm. Followed by another for warding off evil.

“Safe at last…” She said with a heavy sigh.

“Not quite…” Sibyl said. “He’s here.”

————

“Should we do anything sir?” The guard as Captain Coern Hammond.

“No,” he said. “Wait for the slags to bring her out. Then we will raid them.”

“Oh, thank you!” Anita sighed gratefully, though she hardly had time to slip them on before Sybil popped out from under the bed, alerting them to danger. 

Demons?!  Anita was paralyzed on the spot–they’d found her!  Oh no, oh no…. The feeling of Serene’s hand within her own snapped her quickly out of her thoughts.  Though she hardly had time to dwell on anything further before she suddenly found herself being dragged behind Serene at a brisk pace through the inn, finally finding sanctuary within a hidden passage within the walls. 

The darkness was safe but it was also frightening… the only light available being the faint shimmering of the crystal hanging at her collarbone.  Anita was tempted to call upon a flame, but even a tiny one she feared would directly alert Morfran to their location. 

So long as Serene’s concealment spell stayed strong, Morfran might know of them hiding out here, but he would not be able to track them right to this location.  It gave them time to think of an escape at least…

Anita felt along the wall, trying to find some sense of security within the space, breathing slowly.  She winced at the sound of the loud Demon’s voice that could be faintly heard angrily barking orders from the outside.

“This… Hammond,” Anita whispered softly to Serene through the darkness, even if only to hear the calming tone of her new friends voice to still her own fears.  “Is… is he your Master?”  She had heard the fear that had struck her tone back in the room upon even the mere thought of him. 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Morfran growled, wrenching his falchion from a corpse.  He looked around the room, the floor painted red with the blood of the slaughtered humans, an angry snarl forming upon his lips.  He pulled the crystal from his pocket, glaring into the orb.  A mixture of pink and purple mist swirling within the charm. 

His eyes grew wide.  “So… Fairy and Witch!” He smirked, “they’re here!  Find them!“ He growled to his goblins, rushing towards the stairs, only for his horns to get caught in the rafters after taking a couple of steps, his large foot falling through one of the steps.  He roared angrily, trying to tear himself free. “Stupid tiny human hovels!  GO!  FAN OUT!  I want my prize!” The goblins hobbled up the stairs as quickly as they could, hurrying off in different directions.

“Fairy, Witch!  Fairy, Witch!” The goblins chortled, upon reaching the upstairs proceeding to stab their spears through walls and tearing down doors, scattering throughout the various halls, stairwells and rooms.

Morfran finally managed to climb the stairs, having to duck his head, he peered into the crystal.  Still only mist… the Witch must be hiding her magic now as well…  He snarled, sniffing the air for any trace of magic… catching a sickeningly sweet scent of blech!  Roses.  It was revolting stench, but he could endure it long enough to find his prey. 

“Come on out my pretty thing…” He growled, slowly following the trail of the scent.  “I know you’re here!” He bellowed, crashing his fist through a wall.  “I’m through playing games!”

@jaydenxcoyote

"No," Serene replied softly, making sure to be quiet enough so the innkeep can't hear. "Captain Coern Hammond. Greed runs his mind. He's bent on dominating resources for money and feels that it is God's will for people like him to control the land. The only people who were strong enough to stand up to him were the Witches, who above all love the earth. They were Earth's protectors. But one fell swoop and he annihilated them."

"All Witches we're executed because of him," Sibyl added.

Serene looked at Sibyl. "Not all. Sibyl, what do we do now..."

Sybil remained quiet for a moment. "Wait... 3... 2... 1..."

------------

"Sir!" Hammond's general Seamus Lovehart came in on his horse. "Permission to stop this madness!"

"In a minute general..." Hammond replied. "Wait for the Witch to be found."

"Sir, innocent lives are being murdered. How bad would you look if you just stood by without doing anything?"

Lovehart was right, Hammond thought. If anything happened, Hammond would lose control of his party, and the opposition will gain the upper hand. He cannot have that happen.

"Very well then," he drew his sword. "Men! Into battle! Let's hunt some demons!"

The charged into the inn, smashing their holy swords into the necks of the demons. Hammond saw the leader and immediately swung his sword hard, clashing blades with the demon. Left and right they swung and swung. The demon was strong, but Hammond was faster.

"You fight well for a beast!" He mocked Morfran.

Breathe of the Wild RP

“It would be a lot easier for me to get readings on these events if you happened to be present during them.” The scientist commented, watching as Anita nervously moved her hair to the side.  He couldn’t help but notice her hands shaking as she revealed the large blackened scar shining on the back of her neck.

“I am lucky enough to have any strength left today.” Anita sighed wearily. 

Hino jotted down a note, before leaning down to get a closer look.  “I have given you my charts of the Blood Moon Cycles.  I know that they are not always completely accurate…The magic of the Calamity is still something we don’t understand…” 

“You know I can’t.” Anita fiddled with a strand of loose hair to distract herself.  “It’s too dangerous…”

“Do you feel any pain right now?” Hino inquired, gently prodding the dark mark at the back of Anitas’ neck. 

“Ever present…” she scowled out the window at Hyrule Castle looming in the distance–Calamity stirring all around it.  “Ever since that day…”

“The Calamity.” Hino breathed.  “But you haven’t been having any black outs like this until…”

“They just started a few of months ago or so…” Anita frowned, glancing at Link out of the corner of her eye as he tended to the horses outside the stable.  They had started right after Link had awoken from the Resurrection Chamber.  She hoped for now that it was merely coincidence…

Hino’s hand moved lower, to trace along the middle of her back, feeling along the shimmering curling marks along the sides of her backbone.  “These are of a different magic…” he stated what she already knew, “I can tell by just the texture alone…” he paused as Anita’s breathe hitched, taking note of a redness in her cheeks.  “Sensitive?”

“I’m sorry…”

“Don’t be silly,” but Hino removed his fingers all the same, catching the Hero’s curious gaze that suddenly darted in their direction.  “It’s very interesting.  You say that the Blood Moon affects your wings as well?” 

Anita nodded her head.  “They’ve always been sensitive but now… it almost hurts to summon them… at least until my strength returns.”

“I would be pleased if you could come by for more testing and observation…” his voice lowered as Link began to stride forward.

“We’re traveling to Zora’s Domain,” Anita frowned, hurriedly fixing her hair so it cascaded down her back; covering up her mark.  “I don’t know if…”

“That’s a long journey on foot…” Hino frowned, “You certainly don’t seem fit for a trip like that right now.  Besides, I doubt you’ll make it there before the next…”

“Is this guy bothering you, Anita?”

“No,” she was quick to rise from her chair–perhaps a bit too quickly, as a bout of dizziness and fatigue hit her, both Link and Hino had to hurry to try and catch her before she fell. 

Link scowled harshly at the scientist, prompting Hino to hurriedly make his way to the other end of the stable.  Without another word, Link scooped Anita up bridal-style in his arms, carrying her to one of the beds. 

“Link… Link, I’m fine!” Anita tried to protest. 

“I think it would be better for us to save our trip for another hour at least.” Link offered to compromise, “or at least until mid-day.  If you’re fainting just from standing then you’re certainly not fit for a long ride…”

Link had lost her mid-rant, her gaze having fallen upon a familiar face standing sternly in the doorway of the stable.  By the Goddesses, what was he doing here?  Her confusion and displeasure turned to cheerful surprise, however, as a giant wolf bounded gleefully through the doorway.  The beast ignored all the cries of fear and shuffling of paniced feet around him as he made a bee-line straight for Anita’s bed, leaping onto the mattress to happily lick her face.

“Spark!” Anita exclaimed, giggling, “down boy, down!  Oh, Link, put your sword away, it’s alright!”

Link grit his teeth, before sheathing his sword, turning to glance back at the figure in the doorway, before raising a brow down at Anita.  “Friend of yours?”

@jaydenxcoyote

Jayden had been standing there with his wolf, Spark, smoking a cigarette and deliberately disobeying any ordinance against smoking, if Hyrule had any.

He eyed Link for only a fraction of a second. The boy never changes, and it’s been over a millennia in Hyrule (in Jayden’s realm, it’s been only 10 years).

Jayden tossed his cigarette on the floor before crushing it with his foot. He ignored Link’s question and approached Anita.

“It’s been a while,” he said to Anita. “It’s been a thousand years, and yet every time we meet, one of us is always hurt.”

He kicked over to him a chair and sat down. “No need to be sorry quiet. It’s good to see you, especially under such circumstances. I trust you’re doing well enough…”

“Well enough…” Anita concurred, “But I am not hurt,” she stated defensively.  The less he asked questions about her situation the better.  “I’ve been through way worse… and I am perfectly fine to travel.” She looked to Link.

“I never listened to Zelda…” Link smirked, tucking her further under the covers, “you’re staying put.”

Anita stuck her tongue out at him, shoving the covers off–a stab of pain striking the back of her neck at the sudden movement.  Alright, maybe an hour or so of rest would do her a bit of good… at least she could catch-up with Jayden.  “Fine.” She scratched Spark behind the ears, his tongue lolling and tail wagging happily as he snuggled into her arms.  “Just until mid-day… Don’t you have a Shrine Trial to complete?” Anita inquired.  He might as well be doing something of use.

Link rolled his eyes, before sprinting towards the stable door.  “I’m jumping off the water fall!” he called over his shoulder.

“Nayru’s Love, Link, don’t jump from the waterfall!”

“I’ll use the para-glider!!!” Link promised in the last second as he rushed out the door, sprinting to the lake near the stable.

Anita rested her chin in her hand, turning her gaze away from the door to glance up at Jayden.  “He’s not going to use the para-glider.” She sighed heavily, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.  “Honestly, and I thought Time was reckless…” She just knew that he was going to return with a thousand thorn wounds–his Hylian Tunic torn to shreds like the last time.  It had taken her hours to re-sew all of the patches for him.

“So you’re back…” She treated the affair as if he had merely been gone a day, rather than a millennia.  Anita leaned back into the pillow, propping herself up with an elbow.  “That usually means trouble…”  

@jaydenxcoyote

He laughed as he leaned back in his chair. “Somewhat. It’s hard to say at this time.”

Somehow, there had been natural disasters plaguing the other side on Jay’s universe. Angel City took more than it’s fair share of natural disasters in it’s years. Mostly fires. The great plains suffered from the usual floods and the south suffered from severe storms. But when Angel City was nearly decimated by repeated natural disasters in a frequency that can only be described as pattern-like, he set his team out to discover what the cause was.

When he couldn’t find a link between anything in his world, he read into a theory that intrigued him a long time ago: the butterfly effect. If nothing in his universe was causing the natural disasters, it must be coming from somewhere else.

And this was happening on top of trying to contain MARIANNA, who had only narrowly managed to escape because an earthquake destroyed the tech building before the firewall was set up and she gained access to the net once again.

Luckily, all nuclear arms had been unplugged from the net. So had all of their military equipment.

It was honestly a short lived commendable moment in Jayden’s life. For once, the entire world is coming together to fight a common enemy. The only thing hindering them was the natural disasters and finding where MARIANNA was.

“I take the past thousand years treated you well…” He remarked. “At least you no longer have to deal with those insufferable monsters.”

——–

At the base of the waterfall, a red haired native, Coyote, had a spear with a diamond blade in hand. She had cleared the monsters from the area and was preparing the meat when a boy fell from the top of the trees, nearly spraying twigs and dirt onto her kill.

Startled, she cursed in her native tongue as she rushed to the blonde boy.

“Are you alright!?” She asked.

“Usually…” Anita smirked, “if I can manage to keep Link from riling them up.”  Which was easier said than done.  Though the monsters as of late seemed to prefer grouping together in camps along random areas of Hyrule, in fields or in forests, or old ruins of villages or sanctuaries.  One could avoid detection from them easily if you tried, but Link was always just itching for something to fight, and Calamity Ganon’s monsters were always eager targets.

“The Guardians are what you really need to watch out for these days…” Anita frowned.  No matter how skilled the warrior, even just a single Guardian was deadly and basically indestructible.  It was practically suicide to pit yourself against one of the Ancient Sheikan machines.

____________________________________

“Ugh…” Link shook his head, removing any stray leaves and twigs from his hair, before looking up at the woman who had rushed over to him.  He blushed bashfully.  “S-Sorry…” He gripped the edge of the trunk to steady himself as he rose, dusting off his tunic.  “I saw the campfire smoke and thought another horde of Bobokins had showed up.  But obviously you’re not–I mean… you don’t even look like a Bobokin!  You’re… hah… much prettier than a Bobokin…” he stammered nervously. 

Goddesses, Link, just stop talking!

He thrust out his hand to offer a hand-shake, smiling perhaps just a bit too widely, “Good day! er…” he tried to remember the proper Gerudo greeting Anita had taught him, “ah… Sav’aaq!” He probably didn’t pronounce it properly but it was no doubt far less embarrassing than falling in on this woman uninvited.  “I’m Link!”  He beamed.  “I didn’t expect to find any Gerudo traveling out this far…” he tossed his head towards the Riverside Stable in the distance, “Are you staying at the stable too?” Maybe if he got her interested in the men–er, Voe–over at the stable, then he could nab that lovely slab of meat she had cooking on the fire.

@jaydenxcoyote

"Guardians?" Jay asked as he pulled out a cigarette. "Are they a part of the whole thing that's going on with Hyrule Castle?" He struggled to light it, but the lighter wasn't behaving properly. He instead thrusted the cigarette to Anita. "You mind?"

-----------

"Garudo?" She asked, tilting her head slightly. "My name is Coyote, not Garudo..."

She giggled. "No stable for me. I'm on a quest to vanquish the best... The Calamity, they call him..."

“AH!” Anita fell back, clutching her arm in fearful surprise.  The wound stung, and she hadn’t expected such a cute little creature to harm her like that… then the yelling started, and Anita covered her ears.  It was loud, too loud… Even though, logically, the yelling wasn’t directed at her, it certainly felt like it was… just like the scratch, it was because she had done something wrong–because she had been bad.  Amidst her panic, Anita did not even think to be surprised to hear the creature speak.

Her eyes grew wide with fear at the sight of Serene’s eyes glowing as she neared her.  “I’m sorry!  I’m sorry!” She cried, drawing away fearfully as Serene raised the rag, “Please, don’t…!”  Yet when the woman spoke, it was with a gentle, reassuring tone–and the substance upon the clothe caused her no further pain or discomfort, quite the opposite;  the stinging ceased, and when Anita turned to look down at her arm, it looked as if there had been no wound there to begin with.  Anita even began to fall gently against the woman’s touch as she continued to gently scrub the sweet-smelling substance–which she now recognized her favorite fragrance of roses–upon other various parts of her body, healing her other wounds as well.

“A-Anita…” She answered softly.  “Serene… Serene…” she repeated the name in a whisper, surely this would not be a person she would want to forget.  A kind soul was always a rarity for her to find.  “That’s a lovely name.”  She complimented, before slowly rising from the floor.

She moved towards one of the bedside tables, picking up a large tear-drop crystal necklace which glowed with a rainbow light at her touch, and a watch with a long chain.  Slipping both accessories over her neck–allowing the crystal to hang at her collar-bone and the watch to her midriff–Anita glanced over towards the bed, where Serene’s bag lay open atop the mattress.  “I… don’t suppose you would have an extra gown you could spare?” She asked meekly.  It felt rude to ask… but Anita rather missed the feeling and security of clothes upon her back.  She had been fortunate enough to be able to grab the two trinkets of hers as it was before she had made her escape.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Hmmm…” The beast, Morfran, glared at the circular crystal hanging from his wrist, before shaking it in irritation.  The soft pink light emanating from the center was enough alone to enrage him, but the fact that he was unable to track his prey was worse.  The fairy was hiding her magic, hiding her wings… it was obvious from the crystal that she was in the area, but he could not pinpoint any trail to her location… 

He leaned back against the wall, drumming his clawed fingers against his arm, about ready to hurl the useless charm across the street!  Before a sudden flash caught his eye, and he peered into the crystal once more as the soft pink was overtaken by a dark shimmering purple hue, bright enough to nearly blind him!

“Witch!” He sneered gleefully, rushing forward to bang his large fist against the cart, harshly startling awake his Hench-Goblins as he thrust himself up into the drivers seat, sharply cracking his whip against the Stalhorse in front.  “WE HUNT!” He exclaimed gleefully as the cart sped down the street; the glow becoming brighter and brighter as he neared his prey’s destination. 

It may not be his escaped prize… but with a Witch’s equally valued Magic at his disposal he would soon find his Fairy as well.

It wasn’t long before he pulled the cart to a stop in front of a tiny inn.  “Get the cage!” He bellowed, stuffing the crystal–now hot to the touch–into his pocket.  These humans would prove of little delay, but he knew not to underestimate a Witch’s magic… he shoved one of the goblins ahead of him towards the front door.  “You first!” 

@jaydenxcoyote

She smiled as she reached into the bag for her spare outfit. It wasn't as neatly folded as it was at the beginning of her trip. It was some black bottoms and a frilly top. "I'm sorry. It's more of my nightgown but it should fit you just fine."

Sibyl peaked his tiny head from underneath the bed. "We have trouble!"

Serene's head turned to Sibyl in a fright and she grabbed her bag. "Oh no! Is it Hammond?"

Sibyl shook his head. "Someone else. It's a demon. No... Demons. More than one... But None like I've seen. I don't think salt will work on this one, Serene."

"Then we have to move," she replied with exhasperation. "Damn me for not using a concealment charm!" She grabbed her broom, hoping she didn't have to use it. She wasn't that good at fighting herself.

Her free hand grabbed Anita's hand, Anita herself having a quick second to put on the garb. "Let's go." She opened the door. "Lead the way, Sibyl!"

Sibyl dashed through the door into the hallway, where the demons could be heard slaughtering the staff and travellers downstairs. He made a right, and Serene and Anita followed through. Another right and another left, down a flight of stairs. Sibyl was moving so fast that Anita could barely keep track of him. Luckily, Serene had a very good memory.

They ran past the horde, taking the long, quiet, and dark way around the bloodshed.

"WAIT!" Serene screamed.

Another flight of stairs down and into the basement. Other humans were seen rushing into an opening into the wall. A secret pathway. The door was closing.

"HURRY UP!" The innkeep yelled.

They made a mad dash, with all three of them barely making it in. Once inside, Serene withdrew her hand from Anita's and reached into her satchel. She couldn't see but still she pulled her post it notes and stuck it to the wall before scribbling an inscription. A concealment charm. Followed by another for warding off evil.

"Safe at last..." She said with a heavy sigh.

"Not quite..." Sibyl said. "He's here."

------------

"Should we do anything sir?" The guard as Captain Coern Hammond.

"No," he said. "Wait for the slags to bring her out. Then we will raid them."

Serene and Sibyl

The moon was full as Serene Widows entered the inn. The innkeep had told her all the rooms had been taken, and that the only remaining spot was a shared space. She reluctantly took the key after she was told that the innkeep cannot specifically verify the gender of the other person. If anything happened, she can either kill the other or at least put him to sleep with a spell.

Once she entered the room, she noticed there was a person in the shower. She began to unpack her things before something rustled in her sack.

“Let me out!” Sibyl snapped.

“Yes yes,” Serene replied before unzipping her satchel and the cat stuck his face out for some fresh air.

“Why did I have to travel in the sack?” Sibyl asked. “I have a perfectly working set of legs.”

“Safety,” Serene said as she put her broom aside. “Hammond probably sent out his lackies to find us. I’m sure he’s out capturing every single cat he can. It was better to keep you hidden.”

“I could’ve handled it!” Sibyl replied. “I am an Oracle!”

“Sibyl.” Serene knelt, getting at eye level with the cat. “What did we say about your powers?”

Sibyl groaned and looked away.

“Sibyl…”

He refused to answer.

“Sybil…” Serene repeated.

His contempt grew.

“Sybil!”

“Using the powers takes years off my life!” He finally replied.

“Thats right… So?”

“So I should only use my powers when I absolutely need them…”

“Thank you.” She smiled as she pulled some kibble. “Rest. Or feel free to explore the room. If you must, only peek out the windows.”

Sibyl stayed silent as he chomped on his kibble.

The showering stopped. Sibyl looked up from his food, and Serene grabbed her broom. As the doorknob twisted, Sibyl began to growl. When the door opened, a nude blonde woman emerged.

Serene relaxed and threw her broom down. “Hi!” Was all she could muster.

@goddess-of-power

Anita winced at the feeling of her own nails digging far too deeply into her skin, frowning down at the array of red marks that littered her body with her harsh washing.  They were nothing compared to the savage wounds she already bore thanks to her former captors, but they were rather unseemly all the same.  Yet even after all of it she could still feel their harsh touches upon her skin…

She shuddered, before her ears perked up.  She grit her teeth behind pursed lips at the sound of the door opening past the sound of water rushing around her.  Had she not been good enough to satisfy that inn keeps desires?  One night of safety–moreover his silence–surely her administrations had been enough to satisfy, she had done all he had asked! 

Anita supposed it was her own fault for leaving the door unlocked.  How foolish!  With a shaking hand she turned off the water, stepping from the bath.  She wrung out her long hair as best as she could, forgoing the towel–no doubt that would please him.  Just get it over and done with as quickly as possible.  Perhaps she might even be lucky enough to persuade the man to ignore any payment the trader Sir Morfran had to offer should he track her here, wishing to take her back–possibly.

Anita opened the door wide, allowing him to take in all he wished–only to open her eyes, and found herself posing for yet another woman’s gaze!  Her eyes appeared as surprised as her own as Anita found herself relaxing at the woman’s soft voice.

Anita blushed brightly, before shakily nodding her head.  “G-Greetings.” She finally managed the formal salutation past her lips.  She had not been expecting to be rooming with a stranger… if at all, anyone.  She pursed her lips, turning to look towards the door, finding it ajar.  Quickly, she rushed to firmly close it–making certain this time that she locked it;  before glancing to the window–just checking to see if the curtain remained closed.  Sighing with relief, her gaze fell upon a cute little black-furred creature sitting atop the mattress of the other bed.

A bright smile suddenly beamed across Anita’s lips, the hesitation and anxiety in her eyes replaced now with bright and cheerful excitement.  She rushed over to kneel on the floor, scooping the little night-colored creature into her arms, cuddling it close to her chest.  “Ohhh!” She cooed, “it is so cute!  Does it have a name?”  She looked up expectantly at the stranger–altogether forgetting the courtesy to ask the woman for her name, let alone introduce herself.  

@jaydenxcoyote

Sibyl squirmed and hissed multiple times before finally delivering a deep scratch to Anita's arm. Once he was freed, he made a mad dash underneath the bed.

"SIBYL!!!" Serene exclaimed. "WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH YOU!"

His head popped out from underneath the frame to bark, or at least how a cat would bark.

"You're in big trouble!" Serene yelled before grabbing a vile of rose water and a handkerchief from her satchel. She sat beside Anita and took her bleeding hands inside her own. "Ooh the goddesses... See what you did!?"

"IM A CAT!" Sibyl replied. "WHAT DID YOU THINK WAS GOING TO HAPPEN?"

"Except you're not! You're a human in a cat's vessel! You get to have a choice! This is not an argument!"

"No one gets a choice!" He replied. "If they did, oracles would be useless. The future is unpredictable."

"SIBYL! NREG!"

Sibyl hissed as felt his body tense immediately and was slammed into a sitting position.

"... I hate when you do that."

Serene sighed and looked back to the blonde. "You'll have to forgive him. Despite being an Oracle, Sibyl is only 12. He still has a lot to learn about the world."

She doused the napkin in rose water before her purple eyes began to glow. She slowly carressed the damp handkerchief across Anita's wounds, and upon wiping the scratches, they immediately disappeared. She had noticed the other scars on her body as well and added more rosewater to the handkerchief before rubbing it on the scars of the blonde one.

"I'm Serene, by the way." She looked up at the blonde, her eyes still shining purple. "What's your name?"

Holy Land

She traced the doe deeper into the forest, following the footprints and blood droplets from it’s wound. She bent down and touched the blood. It hasn’t yet seeped into the soil. The prey was near.

She ran, the footprints gradually decreasing in interval. Suddenly, the footprints we’re overtaken. Pawprints. She knelt and pressed her hand against the print. The paw was slightly bigger than her hand, indicating that if a huge wild beast.

She contemplated abandoning the hunt, but her camp had not had any fresh meat for weeks. They could not love on berries alone, especially when half of them are poisonous. And whatever beast was lingering these woods was no doubt dangerous. She had to find the beast and put it to rest.

She followed the trail, noting the continuing blood drops. Must’ve been from the wounded doe.

She finally came to a clearing, hiding behind some brush. The beast was that if a giant wolf. Underneath his jaw was her prey. Beside the doe was another woman, red clad and blonde. She had been unconscious.

Coyote acted, drawing three arrows and placing them on her bow. The wolf caught scent of her and growled in her direction. But it didn’t sound like a deep menacing growl. But more of that of a whimpering growl. Coyote knew as her hunting dogs were injured often.

She returned her arrows into the quiver and wrapped the long bow around her torso. Slowly, she stepped into the open. The massive wolf kept his eyes fixated on her, but stepped backward as Coyote approached.

“Im not here to hurt you,” she said in her native tongue. “You can have the doe.” She stuck her hand out to the wolf. “I’m your friend…”

The wolf reluctantly stepped forward and sniffed her hand. There was a faint familiar smell, a smell of a familiar person from months ago that hasn’t completely dissipated through numerous washings.

The wolf leaned forward into Coyote’s embrace and she began to pet his ears. She smiled before pulling her hand away. His fur came off onto her hand. She then looked at the blonde lady. They were both emaciated and wounded. The lady had taken an arrow to the chest and was still breathing, to Coyote’s surprise.

She needed to be taken back to camp.

“Friend?” She asked the wolf, who whimpered worriedly in reply. She reached into her pack and pulled a bottle of fragrance, a scent strong enough to wake anyone up from the deepest of sleeps.

The woman coughed, opening her eyes. “English?” Coyote asked.

She was too weak to respond. She only closed her eyes. The scent should keep her conscious for a while.

Coyote turned to the wolf, then to the doe. She picked up the dead doe and dragged it, putting the carcass on the wolf’s back. She then proceeded to carry the woman. “We’ll get a doctor.” She said with a kind and assuring smile. “She’ll be okay.”

———-

Coyote stood from kneeling when Coyote’s father, the Chief, returned to their tent, followed by Coyote’s younger brother, Wolf.

The Chief constantly had a stoic expression, so it was difficult for Coyote to read him. Wolf, however, has expressions as clear as sunlight.

“What were you thinking, little sister!?” Wolf snapped. “Bringing that… monster into our camp!”

“Wolf…” Chief said.

“The villagers are on worried!” Wolf said. “The hound could be dangerous!”

“He’s not,” Coyote tried to interject.

“You’re to naive to understand! Monsters are monsters! They need to be killed immedi-”

“WOLF!” The Chief snapped, causing both Coyote and Wolf to flinch. “You are not to belittle your sister, do you understand?”

“But father!” He said in stubborn retaliation. “Last time she brought outsiders, we were forced to leave the Valley! The savages chased us off our lands! We cannot have that happen again!”

“There was no guarantee that what happened in the valley would’ve happened if I wouldn’t have found Jayden the way he was,” Coyote retorted. “It may have been only a matter of time before we were forced out anyway. Nothing would’ve stopped those soldiers from encroaching.”

“It’s how it started!” Wolf said. “They were after Jayden!”

“And they would burn anyone who didn’t hand him over. We would’ve lost even if we didn’t have him,” Coyote added.

Wolf tilted his head at his sister. “You still defend him even though he betrayed you…”

Coyote stayed silent.

“That is how naive you are, sister.” Wolf muttered. “I’ll take care of this, since you are blind. I’ll kill the hound.”

“Don’t you dare touch him…” Coyote growled, giving Wolf the most menacing look he’d ever seen.

Wolf turned to the Chief, and the chief shared a glance between the two of his children. “The hound lives,” the Chief said, and Coyote’s eyes lit up.

“Father!”

“Thank you Father!” Coyote bowed respectfully.

“But… If the hound turns on us,” he turned to Coyote. “You will be the one to kill it… Understand?”

Coyote paused as a look of sadness washed over her face. Then she bowed. “Yes father…”

“Good.” The Chief proceeded sit down cross legged. “I’m under enough stress as it is. I have to worry about the entire village already. I don’t need to worry about my children as well… I wish that you two would make peace with each other already.”

Wolf grimaced and turned away. Coyote remained focused on her father.

“There’s gonna be a time when I’m dead, which may come very soon. And when that time comes, I need you both to put aside your differences and stand up for the tribe. The tribe cannot stand without leaders.”

“Yes father…” Coyote said while Wolf only scoffed.

“Now go,” the Chief said. “Make sure that everything is okay with the tribe.”

———-

Coyote entered the tent where the massive wolf was happily chewing on an old rubber boot. In with her, she brought a plate of fresh corn, barley tea, and some jerky made from the doe. Flow would have done it, but she did not want to go anywhere near the wolf.

“You must really like that boot,” she said with a smile. Then she set down the tray of food beside the bed and the blonde woman began to stir.

“Hey!” Coyote said in English. “I brought you food. Stay still. You need rest. My name is Coyote. I found you and your wolf out in the forest.” She handed her a slice of jerky. “Who are you?”

@goddess-of-power

She should have known it was a trap… it was too obvious.  To have the gall to come sneaking into her sanctuary, to steal what she held most dear… As usual, she had allowed her emotions to cloud her judgement, to cloud her reasoning… but King Gregor’s Knights had always been so foolish, so inept… so easily persuaded… even if it had to come down to a fight (which it had…) her magic could have easily overpowered them!  (It should have…) it was not just her unbridled emotions that had stolen her victory, someone had aided them… both in the King’s act of thievery, and in their attempt to capture her.

Although Anita had not been able to see who had fired the nearly fatal shot to her chest, one thing was clear; the arrow had not only been infused with their dreaded Holy Water, but with Magic as well. 

Ice Magic.  Someone had aided them!

“Hey…” A soft voice spoke up, drawing Anita out of her thoughts.

“Mmm…” Anita began to stir slowly at the familiar sounding voice; the woman who had rescued her in the forest.  Slowly, she opened her eyes, blinking to try and clear the blurry haze from her vision.  She hesitated a moment, looking the food over warily.  It wasn’t that she was ungrateful, far from it!  Anita did not mean intentionally to be rude, however, she wasn’t very used to having people care for her; lest they were merely intending to get something out of her for it.  Even in this Realm, which had been meant to be her Safe-haven… though she had Gregor to thank entirely for that.  More often then not, trusting the kindness in any of her past ‘saviors’ (moreover partaking in whatever food or drink they had to offer to the ‘benefit’ of her health) had always been one of her most fatal mistakes.

Even if the meal had not been drugged, it would still not assist her.  It wasn’t as if she had the strength to take it anyhow… She had not been fortunate enough to Feed from even a few meager drops of the deer blood… it was a miracle that she was even alive, and Anita knew that she had this woman–Coyote–to thank for it.  

Though she was beginning to wonder whether or not the deed was worth Coyote’s time. 

Warily, a hand moved to grasp the large crystal hanging at her breast.  She sighed, feeling warmth emanate beneath it at the touch of her fingertips.  “That’s something I thought I was finally beginning to know…” her voice was barely above a whisper. 

“You should have left me…” She raised her voice.  “It would have been better for both of us…” Anita glanced up at Coyote apologetically, “I may not have strength yet to walk, but my ears still work perfectly fine.”  She paused, noting movement at the entrance of the tent, before lowering her voice once more.  “You aren’t exactly being praised for your kindness…”

If her suspicions were correct about Gregor’s possible new ally… Anita was positive that she would prefer death over whatever might now befall her, along with these people should they be found attempting to harbor her. 

Spark whimpered, nuzzling against her hand.  “You should have let me die.”  Anita sighed softly, hardly even aware of her own words as she began to fall back into unconsciousness, tears beginning to fall down her cheeks.  “Everyone would be better off that way…”

@jaydenxcoyote

Coyote sighed. It was pretty evident that the woman was not going to eat the jerky. She set the jerky back down on the plate.

“You remind me of someone I used to know,” she said. “When I first met him, he was severely hurt. Not unlike yourself. He was also untowardly rude. I will always remember the words he said to me.”

She sighed before continuing. “‘Why did you bother saving me?’ and I told him: ‘Because the world is cruel. And for cruelty to end, one must be the kindness the world needs’.”

She turned to look at Anita. “I saved you because you needed to be saved. Letting you die would not have been easy. I’ve seen the choice between letting someone die and live change a person beyond ways I didn’t think we’re possible. I’ve seen it change a person into some immeasurable amount of kindness. I’ve also seen it turn a person into a complete monster.

“Cruelty breeds more cruelty. Kindness inspires more kindness. And I’d rather my heart be pure than tainted.”

She smiled at the woman. “Everybody knows who they are but won’t admit it. And if you don’t know how to find who you are, all you need to do is ask for help. How about we start with a name?”

A hint of a smile graced her lips.  “You sound like my Beloved…” she muttered under her breathe, before scoffing at the woman’s request.  She lied back against the pillow as Spark seized the opportunity to snatch the jerky from the plate, snarfing it down. 

A name… to think a simple request could feel so complicated at the same time… it had seemed she had been living a lie for the longest time… and yet the lie was the one she was still so used to. 

Her fingers moved to linger against the large crystal at her neck once more.  “… Anita.”  She finally conceded.  “This handsome little thief, is Spark.”

@jaydenxcoyote

She smiled at the wolf. "Handsome is an understatement." Then she turned to Anita. "My name is Coyote. I'm the Chiefs daughter."

She nudged the food closer to Anita.

"I must say that your garb must have been quite elegant before this happened. We're you... How you say... A royal?"