*Deep in the Mountains of Serian (Did you know, Serian, is a name based from my country's Oil&Gas Production place.)*
"Warwolf, this is Arc Caster, do you read us, over?"
"Roger, Arc Caster, I read you loud and clear."
"Intel reports that one of our birds crashed, North-east of your position while carrying sensitive data. Recover it or destroy it if necessary. We do not want it to fall into enemy hands."
"Copy that, Arc Caster. Warwolf will track the site hunt any down any prey that stalks the area."
"Good hunting Warwolf, Arc Caster out."
(Warwolf's POV)
I sighed heavily before I jumped down the tree branch, landing on the soft snowbed below. With my M98B ready, bolted and loaded. I began to trail towards the North-East while looking on my compass, moving along the snowy treeline.
I began to walk into a clearing. Smoke and light was seen illuminating towards the cold sky from the thick snowy foliage ahead.
As I jogged through the thick dense snowy forest, I began to take in the dark scenery of the nightly snow forest. The distant howling of a wolf and the moonlight illuminating through the dense foliage.
I sighed as the thought of war going through here. Sooner or later...it will anyway. The crashed bird is just a step to it.
I can smell burning gasoline and heat radiating from the crash site, and the strong iron metallic smell of blood. It's been years since I've smelled such a thing. Before I was transferred into the Airtrooper division.
I wonder how my old squad's doing, bet that they're doing one fine job of beating those Verans down. Life ain't that hard in the Airtrooper division, all I do is fall from the sky, and assist nearby allies if needed or observe enemy movements behind enemy lines. Though I miss facing the Verans eye to eye.
I don't know why I'm still fighting, there's nothing left for me to fight for. I've lost my family because of them, I-I was fueled with rage, revenge. I never should've let them stay, I should've sent the-
Bleh, what am I saying? It's too late. Why the hell am I remembering the past now and not la-
I quickly dropped to the ground. A lone Veran soldier. Ah why of all times.
"Arc Caster, come in. This is Warwolf, site location reached. Veran soldier spotted. Looks like a single scout. Cannot confirm if there are KIA's, over." I said through the radio awaiting for a response.
"Roger that, Warwolf. Use of deadly force authorized. Secure the site and recover the data if found, over."
"Wilco, Arc Caster. Warwolf, out."
I crept from tree to tree closer to the downed heli. I slung the sniper rifle on my back and pulled my M9 out. I slowly crept towards the scout. I froze as he stopped and stood up, saying "Huh?" along the way.
He crouched and picked up a.. Shit! The database recorder!
"The databa-" I cupped my mouth as I stood up, mentally slapping myself over and over and over again. He faced me, both of us were speechless. He then took a step back while I took a step forward. He then turned and sprinted off.
I quickly chased him, hot on his heels I fired my pistol rounds, missing him everytime. We both entered the thick snow forest yet again.
I fired a few more rounds before ejecting the 9mm magazine and pushed in a new one into the pistol. I ran and I felt smething hit my foot. I tripped, rolling over the snow. At least the snow gave me a soft 'Thump' on the ground.
The scout now was getting distance and I wasn't about to lose him...no...not by a long shot. I scrambled back up the forest floor and continued my chase.
I felt some sort of light blinded my frontal view as I close in at the edge of the forest.
As I left the thick dense forest, I felt horribly dizzy as I lost balance of myself. I picked myself up and noticed something, I wasn't under the protection of the darkness, the coldness of the snowy night was quickly replaced with something hot. I looked up. The sun. Great.
In front of me, just a hundred metres away, the scout...he...
"AAARRRGGHH-" the scout shrieked as he was shot by an arrow on the neck, dropping to the ground and dropping the database. Wait...an arrow? What the hell?
The man who shot the arrow walked up towards the dead scout and began to...
"NOOOO!" I screamed as I ran towards him. I tackled him down and quickly picked the database up and began to check on it.
"What in the hell?! Who are you? Are you one of them?" the man asked, aiming the crossbow at me as he bolted a new arrow. I quickly stood up and looked at him through my marksman glasses.
"Ah damn, thing's broke. Least command did mention of destroying it..." I said as checked the fried database. I began to lower my weapon and turned to walk from where I went...
"Wait!" He shouted. I turned my head around. "You should stay in my home for tonight, it's almost evening too."
I hesitated at first, and might have a thought or two about what he's about to do, but in the end... I agreed.
He smiled and began to lead my to his home.
I placed my M98B on the table, pulling it's bolt up. I took it's magazine off and placed it down. I took off my light kevlar vest and the greyish white scarf I wore over my shoulder and neck, picked my radio and started to call in command.
"Arc Caster, Arc Caster, do you copy?" I said a couple more before placing it down again. It's hopeless, I dunno where the hell I am and I've no backup. I sighed, at least I'm armed.
*knock knock knock*
"Yes?" I called out.
"The master awaits you in the dining room." a feminine voice said. I thought this man lived alone? It appears I was wrong.
I opened the room to see an animal? No no. That doesn't sound right as she had a human figure, save for the legs, feline ears and tail. Not too mention she can speak too. A hominoid? Yeah that sounds about right.
"The dining room is this way, sir. Please follow me." she said as she moved. I followed her and we went downstairs and went left into the dining room.
"You've finally arrived! I thought you wanted to stay up in your room. By the way, I've never gotten your name and please take a seat."
"Warwolf. A name I've been assigned to after I was transferred elsewhere." I said as I took a seat.
"Warwolf? That's an odd name."
"I guess being in the snow for too long time gave me that name among the ranks. I've told you mine, now you tell yours." I said as the cat lady placed a plate of veggies on the table.
"Oh right. Where are my manners, I am Terran, a slave trader." The man, Terran said politely. I was quite shocked to know that this man is a slave trader, he seemed nice. I'm glad I can hide my expressions very well. Thank god.
I closed the door and sat on the bed. I didn't expect that those... uhh... people were slaves. I don't like the whole idea of slavery or mind control.
"We use mind control spells to keep them from misbehaving. I usually keep them in the cellar."
Though I'm not sure if this 'spell' is 'Magic'.What Terran said and showed... It was wrong... Yet it didn't even affect him one bit. These people, they were beaten, tortured... They didn't deserve such a life. Even with mind control spell... I can tell that they were in pain, I could feel it, even through those empty eyes. I lied down on the bed and stared at the wooden cieling slowly drifting into sleep.
I have to do something. I have to free them. I just hope that they'll wait and can hold on.
"Have fun, Artic. Meet me back here in an hour." Terran said cheerfully as he brang the slaves into a building. I'll get them out by today.
As I walked, people looked at me curiously. Some were fascinated and courageously greeted and chat with me for abit. All's quite alright.
I entered the first shop, a weapons shop. A man dressed in brown leather armor leaned on the counter.
"Greetings mercenary, see anything you like?" I smiled and greeted him in return. I looked through the selection of weapons hooked to the wall; Maces, Axes, Swords, Daggers.
"Mind if I see that?" I pointed towards a sword that had some sort of symbols embedded along it's blade.
"Ah yes, this sword was finely crafted by both me and a few Templars. The wielder will be Magic-resistant to any magic, unless it's dark magic. The sword would only stop a fraction of it's power. Other traits would be that this sword is sharper than a Kiedran's sword and is quite light, considering the length of the sword." the man said as he swung the sword a few times in the air.
"How much would that cost?" I asked.
"Oh-ho. I'm sorry, but this sword can only be bought if you're related to the Templar." He chuckled. If I'm right...people tend to be greedy during those times when it comes to money.
"Well how about I offer you this?" I pulled out a small strip of goldbar from my pocket. I noticed the man hesitating on whether he should take my offer.
"...And I have another full of those in this." I took out a small pouch filled with gold strips and placed it on the counter.
The man was awed at the small pouch of gold. "I've never seen a strip of gold in my entire life...and a pouch full of them..."
"Then I'll have the sword?" I asked to which he nodded quickly. I picked the sword up, placed it in it's sheath and put over my back.
"Have a great day! You've made me a happy man!" The man shouted as I left. I entered another shop, I bought a napsack and medical equipments and stuffed them up in the napsack. Once I stuffed the items I began to take a walk around town.
"Step right up! Step right up! This female Kiedran might suit your needs!" The man shouted to the crowd. It's time. I walked along the crowd, constantly getting 'Hey!' and 'Watch where your going, bud.'
As I reached the slaves line, I looked at each one of them, a few different species, a few were the same. They all looked feline and canine. Both male and female.
I looked into their eyes, nothing. No sadness or anger... Just empty. They've lost hope. And I hope I can change that.
I walked towards the back where no one was around. The female 'Kiedran' entered, even she looked empty. I walked towards her and whispered. "Hey, I'm gonna get you people out of here."
"Why are you helping us human?" She asked as she looked down on the ground, the cuffs on her neck and hands jingled as she shifted her position.
"Just trust me. Where are the guards at?" I asked as I saw a hint of hope in her eyes.
I walked to the edge of the town, towards where our meeting point is.
"Guards will be disposed of. Run with your friends when you hear a very. Very, very loud bang. Got it?"
I climbed up a tree and leaned my back on the tree, I'm glad the branches where both on my sides. I aligned my M98B and looked through the scope. Two guards, one auctioner. 3 shots will do. Take a deep breath and...
*Bang*
I pulled the trigger, releasing the hot 308. Lapua Magnum round. I pulled the bolt out, releasing the magnum round catridge and pushed the bolt in.
*Bang*
Down goes the other guard. The auctioner panicked. I'll just leave him, he might be scarred for life. The 'Kiedrans' are making a run for it.
*Bang*
Another guard who emerged from the buildings went down. Kiedrans entered the evac site. Time to move.
I dropped from the tree and pulled back with them. Man, they're fast! Those kiedrans make running look like a walk in the beach! I pulled my M9 out and I fired back as blue bolts went past me.
The kiedrans stopped as I issued the order. I think we're deep enough. I turned and aimed my pistol, scanning the hedges.
"Where are we now?" I asked, as let my arms rest on my lap while standing.
"Judging from how deep we ran and the direction we went, we might be a few more miles till' the border."
"Okay let's just res-" a loud howl was heard from behind me "...on second thought. Let's move. Now."
I counted a total of 15 Kiedrans including me. I heard barks.
"DOGS!" I screamed as 4 emerged from the hedges. I fired a 9mm and it precisely hit one of the 4 dogs head, causing it tumble to ground.
"Any of you know how to use a sword?" I asked as I looked at the group while pulling my Templar sword from it's sheath(Since it was crafted by 'Templars').
"I know how to use one!" The Kiedran from before said. I threw her to which she grabbed it and slashed on an already pouncing dog.
I turned to see a dog, jumping at me. Great.
I was tackled to the ground as I held the dogs mouth from reaching for my bloody neck. I'm really glad that these dogs don't have claws! I'd bleed like hell if they did!
"RUN TO THE BORDER! GO! I'LL DISTRACT THEM!" I screamed as I struggled with keeping the dog teeths at bay. I growled and began to tighten my hand to better grip the dog's head and with one swift motion...
*Snap*
I jerked it's neck to one side. The cracking sound of bones filled my ears. Killing the beast instantly. A stabbing sound came in just after my kill. I look to my left. Bloody hell. She's still there.
"Why...are...you still here, Kiedran? Shouldn't you be with the others?" I asked as I panted, slinging my sniper rifle over my back.
"I wouldn't want to leave you alone, besides, they'll need a distraction." she said as she swung my sword a couple of times. I smiled a bit before hearing more rustling sounds.
I picked myself up and looked at the corpses. "C'mon, let's go." The Kiedran nodded and followed me.
As we walked past tree to tree, silence lingered around. I had my M98B on my shoulder, 4 shots released, 6 shots left in it. Good thing I got another extra 7 308. magazine.
"Say... I haven't gotten your name. And are you really human?" I took a quick glance at her and then stopped, she followed.
"Hmm... Warwolf. The name's Warwolf and yes, I am a human." I said as I fumbled around the rifle's bolt.
"Warwolf, huh?" She asked, which I simply nodded. Now I noticed something. Her fur was off a greyish white colour, sky blue eyes. Her fur becomes a pinch bit darker along her back and on her arms. I can confirm that she's a Canine. A Wolf, to be exact.
"I've been called an Artic wolf, Bear, Hunter, the list goes on." I said as I counted the names with my finger. "All of those names were triggered as my kills increased; hunting the injured, tracking the runaways, helping another pack to get it's kill and so on. In the snow." I said as I looked at her "Anyway, what about yours?"
No response. I looked at her, she had her head hung low, her ears behind her, her sky blue eyes looking down on the ground. I began to feel uncomfortable as I looked at her. I feel like somehow... This is my fault.
"Hey, what's wrong?" I asked as I held her shoulder. She looked at me with saddened eyes.
"You aren't telling the truth." The Wolf Kiedran said as she looked away from me again. "... Your name."
I gulped as I sighed. "Warwolf is my name, I'm not making this up."
She looked at me. "Your real name. I know that Warwolf isn't your name at all." I kept myself silent as memories flashed back until she stood up. "If you're not comfortable to let me know you, then I'll leave." The wolf began to walk away with her ears behind and her head low.
"Wait..." I said as I bit my lip. "M-my real name is..." I just couldn't let her go alone again. I can bear with the pain of the past. "Miles Tytan..."
She turned her head towards me and smiled. "My name's Azure Amula and I am no Kiedran, I am an Artician."
Man, this is getting really really uncomfortable. My lower regions felt really weird like something is dying to get out. Seriously.
"Hey, uhh. I gotta do some stuff. Just wait here. Don't go anywhere. Don't peek or anything." She nodded and I began to go elsewhere. I stripped my kevlar and napsack and then undo my belt and pants. I felt a hell of relief when I pulled those pants down, but that feel of something...being there... I turned and...
"HOLY GOD WHAT THE SNIP SNAPS?!" I screamed as turned my head around to look at my behind and there it is. A long fluffy twitchy... Tail..
Azure then ran into my business area.
"Hey, are you o-" She paused as she stared at my tail...I guess...it is mine..right?
"Eeeeeek! TURN AROUND!" I blushed hard as I pulled my pants u- "ACKH!" I shouted in pain when I pulled my pants up, the back part hitting my base tail.
I bit my lip as I held the pain. I think I cut it off. Poor tail, poor poor ta- Oh wait... It's still there. This is a lot to take in. Seriously.
I pulled my combat knife out and began to cut up a hole on the back of my pants. My tail twitched as the pain from just now began to numb.
"Why do you have a tail?" Azure asked, her back facing me. I slowly inserted my tail into the hole and zipped up my pants and buckled my belt.
"I don't know how the hell I got myself a tail." I said as I wore my kevlar vest. "You can turn now."
I looked at my newly formed tail. It has greyish white colour, much like an Arctic wolf. I sighed. What's happening to me..
I noticed Azure was about to say something but i cut her off and said, "Let's go, if we move now, we might reach the border by evening." I said as I walked past her as I ignored the questioning face plastered all over Azure.