Disclaimer: I don't own the shows in this story! Don't sue! I only own
Madeira and Rain. I also own the characters Rukomi, Tirane, Aztalan, and Meji.
(Aztalan and Meji aren't in the story yet, but they will be soon!)

Author's Note: When Rain and Madeira are in their Great Wolf forms, they
growl. They aren't mad, but they just ... growl when they talk.

Rain awoke to the sounds of Madeira packing their belongings from the
cave. Rubbing his eyes, he asked, Where will we be going?

I don't know. We'll find some place, don't worry, came Madeira's
distracted answer. Do you have enough energy to change your form? We won't be
able to carry all of this in these forms. Rain nodded silently, helping
Madeira to finish his packing.

10 minutes later, they were dragging the heavy packs out of the cave and
down the steep slope. Madeira closed his eyes, and he began changing his
shape. In a few seconds, he had gone from a boy with black wolf ears and tail to a
young black Great Wolf with golden eyes. Rain became his white furred, blue
eyed Great Wolf form shortly after.

Grabbing the packs with their teeth, they set off through the thickly
wooded area that had surrounded their previous home.

After a day of traveling with no breaks, Rain collapsed on the ground.
I'm tired, he growled softly, panting. I need some water.

Madeira's ears pricked up, and he growled in response, There's a stream
not too far from here. Can you walk?

I think so. Rain tried to get up, but one of his legs wouldn't hold
his weight. He tried to get up again, looking panicked.

Stay down. We'll have a look at that when we get back from the stream.
Change back and I will carry you.

As Rain changed back, Madeira noticed blood on Rain's leg, but he
couldn't see a cut. Not a very good sign. Maybe they could clean it in the stream. Madeira crouched down for Rain to climb on his back, then ran off in the direction of the running water.

When they reached the stream, Madeira let Rain off his back. The air by
the water burned Madeira's eyes.

What is that smell? Rain asked, sniffing the air around him. It
smells almost like... He didn't have to finish the rest of his sentence; Rain just looked at Madeira and they both knew. It was the scent of burning human flesh.

Madeira reached the clearing by the stream in time to witness one of the
most horrifying sights of his young life. One that could not be forgotten, no
matter how hard he tried.

The metal chain the demon held lashed out, catching a human in the
temple, crushing half of their skull. She tugged it back up, coiling it around her hand, then lashing it back out again, coiling around the throat of another
human. She tugged it towards her, tightening it until his head was severed from his body. His blood splashed on her giant black wings. She licked it off, her red eyes dancing with laughter. Her dark hair was matted down with blood from the many humans she had slaughtered previously. She had started a large fire to throw their bodies in, dead or alive.

Another winged demon darted out from the chaos of the village; a younger
girl with dirty blond hair cropped at her shoulders, as covered in blood as
her partner in crime. She was small enough to go in between the people, slashing this way and that with a large knife.

The chaos died down as the duo killed the last of the villagers. They
then set fire to most of the huts in the village. Madeira silently padded over to the two winged demons, staying just out of striking range of the metal chain.

I am Madeira, of the Great Wolves, he growled. Please let us pass
through. We do not wish you any harm.

One of the Great Wolves, huh? The demon with the black wings asked,
stepping forward. I heard that they were wiped out a decade ago. Well, isn't
this a treat? She smirked at them. Why should I let you pass? Why shouldn't I just kill you?

Madeira stared at her in shock. We mean you no harm, so please let us pass.

Oh, you mean us no harm, do you? Then why is it you killed off our friends? Her red eyes burned with anger.

What? I've killed no one, you harpy, now let us pass! Madeira growled, baring his teeth.

I have heard about you. Your village was wiped out by the winged wolves of Athseria, wasn't i? Rain struggled to speak.

The demon looked startled for a moment, then replied, Yes. It was.

We are nothing like the winged wolves. We do not kill for no reason. Please let us pass, Rain whispered.

Tirane, please, Rukomi, the younger demon said, her grey eyes pleading. One of them is hurt. We should help them.

Madeira stared at her, surprised. He had heard that the winged demons were very good healers, which was exactly what Rain needed.

Tirane gave Rain a critical look. It doesn't look like there's much
life left in him. I don't know what I can do, Rukomi.

Just try, please, Rukomi, the younger demon, pleaded. Tirane studied Rain for a moment, then nodded silently.

Rain gave a soft groan and started sliding off Madeira's back, which was now covered in Rain's blood. Tirane caught him just before he hit the ground.

If I do this for your friend, what will you do in return for me?
Tirane asked as she carried Rain into the only hut in the village that hadn't
burned down. She stared up at Madeira, who had changed forms, patiently. I could always let your friend die, you know. I won't help him until you answer me.

I don't have much to give you, Madeira protested, sounding panicked.
He looked around nervously.

We're waiting, Tirane said, and Madeira could hear a hint of amusement
in her voice.

I don't have anything to give you, but if you save his life, I will be
indebted to you.

While Madeira had been looking around, Tirane had already started on
healing Rain's wound. Sounds good to me, she said.

Rukomi said, giving him a bowl filled with liquid,
drink this. You'll feel better.

Rukomi, you better save some of that for this one here, he's going to
need it, Tirane said over her shoulder, smirking.

Will he be all right? Madeira asked, slurring his words. He felt so
tired.

Yeah, he'll be fine. You had better get some sleep, you look
exhausted, Tirane said, finishing the last stitch on Rain's leg.

Madeira closed his eyes for a minute, and promptly fell asleep. When he
opened them again, it was morning and the two demons were gone.

Author's Note: I hoped you liked it! Please R&R! Thanks!