Chapter Two- The Wolf Guard
Author's Comments- We now have a bit of a time skip in the story. As you can see, six months have passed. The kind of curse placed on Ingrid is a type of Dissociative Amnesia, where she forgets family, friends, who she was etc. but remembers her skills of survival, magic, sword fighting etc. And yes, I had to look this up to make sure I had my facts straight. It was a fascinating read.
Six months later:
Running as fast as she could through the jungle was a young woman with middle of the back length onyx black hair, wearing black jean pants, a blue shirt and blue hooded leather jacket. Her boots had made trudging through these woods easier, and the sword she had made her cutting through certain thick shrubs and ferns better than with magic. Since in this jungle, magic appeared useless against nature. She had so far only been able to use magic to make shelters for herself from the down pouring rains and to keep herself out of sight from the tiger that kept on hunting her.
Her sword was sheathed currently, however. It was broad daylight and she quickly learned that this tiger in particular didn't like daylight hours. In her right hand was a compass she'd found in her bag and upon inquiring of it that she needed to find help to get out of the jungle, the arrow started spinning, sending a magic trail in certain directions. This had been going on for several months now, whenever she had a spare moment.
On this day she found herself atop a hill overlooking this seemingly endless jungle. Gasping, she sat down on the spot because that is where the trail ended that day. Shaking the compass, she groaned then sighed.
"You're supposed to lead me where I want or need to be… I need help to get out of here." She grumbled at it, letting her arms fall in her cross-legged lap in disappointment. Looking around her, she used her magic to check trees for traps or dangerous insects. The clearing she was in appeared to be safe. At least her magic was reliable in this sense. There were no threatening jungle creatures or insects near here. So she set up a protective barrier that would let her know ahead of time if anyone were approaching.
Leaning against a good, sturdy tree she put her compass back in to her bag now that it had stopped glowing and pulled out both a canister she'd made out of giant fern and palm leaves, with twigs and some magic to keep it from leaking, she took a long swig of her water that she collected. She had also pulled out a book. Signed by someone named Henry.
She gained comfort from the book as she was reading in the evening jungle light, listening to bird calls, wolf cries or monkeys in the far distance.
She finished reading a chapter about the Savior and her beloved Pirate, Captain Hook and sighed.
"Oh Savior… if only I could get out of here and find you. Maybe you could help me." She muttered. "Great… Now look at me… I'm talking to myself out here." She sighed, looking around again at her surroundings when she heard a series of branches breaking. Like something was approaching her. Slowly she put the bookmark back in her book and indiscreetly set the book back in her bag. Then she stood up quietly as she could with her left hand near the hilt and handle of her sword.
She didn't ask who was there. But she kept quiet. Was it a jaguar? A bear? She'd seen those creatures walking around as well. A flock of cockatoos started their evening screaming sessions, as she stepped slightly forward, her right hand now reaching for the handle of her sword.
Whipping around she unsheathed her sword and the point of the blade was right at the neck of a man. But this wasn't the usual man that was hunting her. This was someone different.
"Woah, easy there miss." He said at once, holding up his hands to show he meant no harm. He had sky blue eyes, and shoulder length white hair. He looked to be a little older than she was, and he was indeed taller than her. He definitely looked as though he lived his whole life in the jungle with his garb of an earthy brown green cloak. Though the rest of his clothes were similar to anyone else who would've been from the Enchanted realms. He wore a black vest over a brown v-necked well worn shirt, black cotton pants and well muddied hiking boots. He bore no visible weapon upon him that she could tell.
"Who are you?" She asked cautiously.
"I'm Ray. A guardian of this jungle. I've been tracking you for months, miss." He said.
"Really? Have you now?" She brought her sword under his chin. "You wouldn't be in league with the tiger, would you?" She asked, her deep blue eyes narrowed in distrust.
"Why would I harm an innocent young woman trapped somewhere she doesn't know anything about?" He asked.
"I dunno, because I'm a strange intruder? I've not met a single friendly soul since I've been here. What's there to make me believe you intend no harm?" She retorted.
"By the fact that you're still alive, miss?" Grinned Ray. "Really, if I wanted you dead you'd be on the floor and I'd be rummaging through that handy little nap sack of yours. Now if you please, lower your blade…?"
She stared at him long and hard. Everything about him told her that she could trust him. Her super power had never failed her yet in this jungle, and she'd been able to avoid quite the variety of mishaps because of it. She wasn't perfect with her magic except for protection spells now, but this seemed to be a born ability of hers. She finally lowered her sword.
"I'm sorry, I'm just not used to seeing someone who intends no harm." She said, looking around again.
Ray looked concerned at this.
"It seems you've been through a lot these past several months, miss." He looked at her.
She chuckled as if to say that was an understatement.
"The name's Ingrid, by the way. Ingrid Snow." She told him.
"Ingrid Snow? That's a cute name. Bit unusual, but cute. I hope I don't sound imposing, but maybe I could take you to my pack? You could bathe, get some proper food, and some good company."
Ingrid sighed in relief at the sound of a bath.
"That all sounds wonderful." She said.
"You really trust me? Just like that?" He looked surprised.
"I have a way of knowing who I can and can't trust." She explained. "It's come in handy a lot in this jungle… But it's a bit annoying too at times." To which Ray chuckled.
Nearby, a large bengal tiger lurked among the palm fronds of the jungle. His huge paw making no sound as it set down on the jungle floor, watching its prey. When he saw who she was now with, a low rumble escaped his throat. Sher Khan wouldn't be able to attack her while she was with this wolf in particular.
Ray paused in his steps, causing Ingrid to nearly bang into him. He held out his hand to stop her as well. He heard the low growling of a tiger in the distance that she with her human ears did not.
"I take it the one pursuing you is a tiger?" He asked quietly.
"Yeah, how could you tell?" She asked in the same low voice.
He looked back over their shoulders.
"I can hear him. You say you trust me, right miss Snow?" He looked over at her with sincerity in his eyes, she nodded.
He stepped a few paces away from her.
"Yes, why?" She blinked. Then her eyes went wide.
He transformed into a giant wolf right before her eyes. She'd never seen magic like this before, or at least didn't remember if she had or not.
"Get on my back, and hold on tight. We'll be safest and fastest with just me. I'll take us to my den." He told her.
She heard what sounded like movement behind them. The tiger must be getting ready to attack. She didn't need telling twice. She rushed over and got onto the wolf's back.
"Lean low over my neck, wrap your arms around it. And hold on." He instructed.
She did as she was told, then he took off. Streaking through the jungle at a dizzying speed in silence. All she could see were trees, ferns and shrubs with the occasional bright patch of color of a bird or flower. Over a hilltop, she saw the sun was setting. She knew this Tiger liked moving at night time the best. So she was ever more grateful to finally run into a friendly soul that wanted to actually help her after all this time.
Finally he started to slow down when she felt them pass through a wave of warmth and comfort.
"Did you feel that?" He asked her. "That was Mother's protective barrier. She's allowed you to come to our den."
"Why? She doesn't even know me?" She wondered out loud.
"My mother is very good at seeing people's true hearts and intentions." Chuckled Ray.
He finally came to a stop at what looked like a wall of jungle vines against a cliff wall, where he asked her to dismount. She did so, he returned to his human form.
"Follow me," He said gently. Offering her his hand, she hesitated, then took it. He then led her through the vines. Not into the kind of den she was thinking of. Or one normally thinks of when you consider most wolf dens. Beyond the veil, was an entire clan of Ray's people living in a vast open cave system that could've fit an entire city. Holes from the cave ceiling miles above let in the sunlight from outside like beacons of light. The sound of rivers echoing in the distance told her there was a river or system of rivers which these people thrived on. Houses and other buildings were scattered throughout the caves on different levels. Various people said hello to Ray, though Ingrid felt rather awkward as he guided her through like she was an honored guest of this village.
"Welcome to my home. Here in these caves my clan has lived for generations." Ray explained.
"This is beautiful." She said out loud, to which he smiled.
"Come, Mother is this way. She is the leader of the clan and has been anxious to meet you." Ray quickened his pace through the village as children ran past them, transforming into pups before her very eyes like it was as normal as the sunset outside.
As Ingrid passed a house, there was a family playing outside in the evening light of the cave. Two pups were pouncing after bugs on the rock floor with the parents watching in their human forms.
Ray led her to one of the larger houses at a spot where the cave suddenly opened up to the skies above. The skies were shocked with pinks, violets and indigo as the sun set and stars were twinkling into existence. It was hard for Ingrid to imagine they were still deep within a vast jungle until the saw briefly the edges of palm trees leaning over the hole and moss over the rocks. This led her eyes to a curved valley and the mansion that sat at the far edge opposite them.
"My Mother is the leader of the clan. I am next in line to inherit the responsibility." Ray didn't look thrilled at the idea, but Ingrid didn't think it was her place to pry as he led her to the door and knocked three times, finally letting go of Ingrid's hand.
The door opened after a bit, and Ingrid saw a beautiful woman with long, flowing white hair wearing violet and gold robes.
"Ray, you're back!" She hugged him without much hesitation.
"Arjana! Is Mother in the chamber?" He asked. "I found the guest she spoke of."
June looked over at Ingrid.
"Oooh… She's the one Mother was anxious to bring here?" She smiled. "And yes, Mother's waiting. Along with everyone else. I dunno why she had to call the whole council, but-" Arjana shrugged.
This home was like a miniature castle, with crimson carpets lining the hallways. But it wasn't imposing or threatening to Ingrid. In fact, she felt warm and comfortable here. Ray and June led the way to a grand double door which seemed to open on its own.
"I love magic…" Muttered Ingrid.
The room she entered was circular, with dozens of poofs and cushions rather than chairs to sit in. Roughly twenty cloaked and hooded people were scattered around, looking at her. There was a woman sitting in the largest cushion wearing silver and black robes. Her long hair was silver and waist length, and blue eyes shone in the gentle darkness of the room. Silver hair seemed to be a trait in this family, Ingrid noted privately to herself. Nearby was a man with black hair that had a gray streak in the sides.
"Well done, my son," The woman in silver and black robes said, standing. "Everyone, don't be shy. We have a distinguished guest." She stood up gracefully and smoothly, walking over to Ingrid. "I am Bahati. The Alpha Female of this clan. My mate here is Ati, short for Atieno. He is the Alpha Male." The man offered her his hand to shake, so Ingrid did so while bowing her head to them in respect.
"You've had such a long trial in these jungles." Bahati said, brushing Ingrid's black hair gently out of her face. She leaned in, breathing softly. "You've been touched by terribly dark, black magic. And have become enemies of the Tiger who terrorizes these jungles."
There were a few in the group who gave low growls.
"We should throw her out! Before she endangers us all!"
"Or we could kill her and leave her for the bears and monkeys to devour…" Another hissed as others chuckled when Ingrid looked over at them.
"Shame to you. No need to scare our guest. That's enough." Ati snapped, and they fell silent.
"Pay the poor fools no mind, they have little trust of outsiders." Bahati smiled gently, turning the young woman's head back to facing her. "Now… about this black magic…" She raised her right hand to Ingrid's forehead. "Yes...This is the Tiger's doing… He targeted you when you were innocent of whatever blame he placed upon you. Foolish beast."
"Can you lift this black magic?" Asked Ingrid, her heart racing.
"Unfortunately, I cannot…" Bahati placed a pitying right hand on Ingrid's head as she spoke. "Only true love can break the memory curse that was placed upon you by the Tiger."
Ingrid's eyes fell to the ground. She felt like she'd been so close to figuring something out about herself.
"Then… If you cannot help with that… Could you help me find a way out of this jungle? I need to find someone who can. I don't know anything about true love, I don't even know who my family is or if I even have a family." It all came pouring out of her in a rush.
"What do you know, dear?" Asked Ati.
Ingrid thought for a moment.
"All I know is that one day I woke up in the middle of the jungle. I just know my name is Ingrid Snow. All I can do is use my sword. I can do magic, but I'm not very good at it. I can only so far do protective spells really good, and concealing enchantments. I have books and everything I need to know about other bits I'm not strong in yet… But that's all I know."
"The Tiger placed a cruel curse on you indeed." Bahati sighed.
"Why don't you stay here for a while. Rest up, gain back your strength in peace for a time. Then, when you are ready you can set out. Ray- When the time comes, how do you feel about being her escort out of the forest? You know these lands better than any of us." Ati suggested.
Ray blinked at his parents.
"What are you getting at?" He asked. To which his parents only smiled before turning back to Ingrid.
"Arjana, dear?" Bahati called to her daughter.
"Yes Mother?" She asked, stepping forward.
"Take our guest to the baths. There she can refresh herself. Then escort her into the innermost of the guest sleeping halls. She's human, therefore her rest is at night." Bahati smiled, letting her hand fall down to her side at last.
"And I will send for some proper food," Ati nodded to their guest as Arjana escorted their guest away.
Ingrid looked back at the group of people, then over at Ray who nodded encouragingly at her to go on ahead with his sister.
At once the other members of the council turned on the Alphas.
"Why are we allowing her to stay?" Demanded one male. "She could threaten the entire village!"
"It is more of a threat to us not to have her here," Ati explained, silencing him with a look of warning. "She is powerful, but lacks confidence in her magic and own fortifications due to the plight of black magic the Tiger placed on her. If she were allowed to continue to roam without any help, she could accidentally burn down the entire jungle while trying to defend herself."
"What if she recovers her memories and destroys us all, though?" Another asked, only quieter without raising her voice.
"I do not think that will happen." Bahati shook her head. "I looked into her heart when I touched her forehead. She is more innocent than any of us standing in this room and has never spilled any blood out of venom. Only for pure need for survival. I sensed she has incredible magical potential in her veins. But because of the Tiger's curse put upon her, I cannot tell who she's related to exactly. We should be open and helpful to her. Ray… I'm sure we can count on you to look after her? You of all people should know what it's like, to have that curse on you."
He once had the exact same memory curse put on him, and after what felt like many years it took an act of true love from his sister- a kiss on the forehead when he'd been knocked unconscious- to break the curse.
"Yes, I'll protect her while she's in the jungle with us." Ray nodded, to which his mother smiled.
"Excellent." Ati smiled proudly at his son.
It had been a refreshing, soaking bath. Ingrid made sure her hair was squeaky clean- a bit of a challenge with her black hair being almost beyond the middle of her back- and was in some fresh clothes. Now she just longed for a hot meal and rest.
"So you really have no idea who you are beyond your name?" Arjana asked. She seemed rather bouncy compared to her other family members.
Ingrid shook her head, following Arjana.
"It's like I said… All I remember is waking up on the jungle floor one day, and being attacked by the Tiger. Been on the run ever since." Shrugged Ingrid.
"Well don't you worry, you'll be looked after while you're here. Mother and Father have taken quite a shine to you." Arjana smiled reassuringly. "Here is where you'll be staying," She opened a door to a room with a window overlooking the village. "You're next to the family rooms if you need anything else after eating."
Ray was seen coming down the hallway, carrying a tray of covered food.
"That was fast," Commented Ingrid.
"Our chefs are quite efficient." Ray explained, handing Ingrid the tray. "I'll be standing guard outside your room if anything happens, give a shout."
"Thank you, both of you." Ingrid nodded her head, walking into her room, closing the door softly behind her.
She felt so out of place here, as with the rest of the jungle. But at least here there were people she could trust. Even those she felt were less than welcoming of some random outsider with a curse placed on her. Looking around at her room she was offered, it was fairly large with a bed at one end away from the light coming from the window. A couch was set next to the window so she could look out from it, and a table near the arm rest of the couch which was where she set her supper tray. The details of the room, to her were stunning with velvety violets and deep blues throughout the walls looking like stars. With the floor being a soft purple carpet all around.
She had even forgotten what it was like to have a room of her own, if she ever even had one. Taking off her shoes, she got onto the couch where she ate her food hungrily and drank her water slowly. She then took off her bag, and dug through it, finding what she was looking for. The book dedicated to her by someone named Henry. It had been a great source of comfort to her as she read it during her breaks from being on the run so long.
Now with a full belly, clean body and head she was able to relax and rest at last. Even if she didn't know who she really was anymore.
After some time, Ray quietly opened the door to see the young woman asleep on the armchair bathed in moonlight with a book falling out of her hands. She had her face pressed against a small pillow from the bed so he grabbed a blanket, wrapped her in it then carefully picked up the book. There was a ribbon bookmark in the place she'd been reading at so he closed it quietly, looking at the title. Once Upon a Time then saw the first page inscription by the author. Could this be a clue as to who she was? Now was not the time to pry when she was sleeping so soundly. He put the book on the table, quietly picked up the now empty tray and let her be.
Closing the bedroom door behind him silently, he thought how strange for someone to be under such a plight to be able to sleep so soundly.
In her dreams, Ingrid was outside of a large farmhouse spinning and dancing with someone. She couldn't see his face, but she could hear his voice.
"There! You're coming right along." A woman with short black hair commented regarding her dancing.
"Now you're dancing like a proper princess." The tall, medium built man who was instructing her said as another man whose face she also couldn't make out approached them.
"I see today's lessons are going well?" He said with a heavy accent.
"Your daughter's a natural dancer, just like her mother and grandmother-" The man teaching her commented.
"I hope it'll be enough to impress my friends at the school ball. My cousin says I have two left feet." She said.
"Yes, well, he's a book worm so unless the lad's had secret dancing lessons we haven't heard about from his mother I wouldn't worry about what he says because you're dancing wonderfully-" The man said with a chuckle.
When Ingrid woke, it was well into the next day. She had a warm blanket over her and her book was on the table with her bag still being between her and the cushions of the couch. She didn't know if the dream was real or not, but it sounded so peaceful. She sat up slowly, and as she did she forgot about the dream when she grabbed her book to put it back in her bag.
Warm light filled her room giving it a natural warm glow. Taking her bag she dug around for the beautiful hand mirror she had.
Now that she was more wide awake, she found there was a dresser drawer with brushes and other daily needed preening tools. There was a large mirror on the wall the dresser was up against, but Ingrid preferred her hand mirror as she brushed her long black hair, making sure she looked decent and could pass as human again. She checked that her sword necklace was on straight, then put her shoes back on.
Just as she tied the laces on the boots there was a knocking on the door.
"Come in," She said, walking over to grab her bag. She was putting her mirror back into the bag when Arjana walked in.
"Oh that's beautiful." Arjana commented.
"Thank you. It's one of my favorite things." Smiled Ingrid.
"Can I see it closer?" Asked Arjana.
Ingrid smiled awkwardly, but let her hold it. Look it over and touch some of the finer details of the mirror.
"Yes, this really is lovely. And enchanted too, I suspect?" Arjana looked over at Ingrid, who nodded. "What does it do?"
"Well… I can show you…" Ingrid held out her hand to take the mirror back. Then she spoke to the mirror. "Show me the Savior."
The mirror seemed to glow with a golden energy before an image of a blond haired woman, wearing a white cloak and robes, trudging through a forest somewhere came onto the mirror itself.
"So it shows you what you want?" Asked Ingrid eagerly. "Is that really the Savior?" She added.
Ingrid nodded.
"I think it must be. I have a book that shows what she looks like, and whenever I've asked to see the Savior, this is who the mirror focuses on." Ingrid replied casually.
"I've heard stories about her magic and bravery. But never thought I'd see her. Who are those other people with her?" Ingrid inquired.
"Well, I think that man with the hook for a hand must be her husband, those two her parents Snow White and Prince Charming, and that's Regina, formerly the evil queen according to the book." Replied Ingrid.
"Something interesting come up?" Asked Ray, walking in with a tray of breakfast foods for their guest.
"Yes, this hand mirror of hers. It's enchanted. See brother?" Arjana showed him as he set the tray down on the table by the couch, and leaned over to look.
"The Savior?" He blinked.
"Maybe she can help our friend, if this is who it is." Arjana suggested.
"Maybe… I don't know…" Sighed Ingrid as the image on the mirror faded away.
"Well, in the meantime, I brought you breakfast. So eat up, then we go to meet Mother and Father. My sister and I will wait out the door." Ray commented, showing her the tray.
"Thank you," Ingrid said again feeling a bit like a broken record as she put her mirror finally back into her bag. Once the two had left, she went to eat in peace. And hummed a little tune that came naturally to her. She didn't know it at the time, but it was the same song her mother sang to defeat the Black Fairy. And her mother sang to her when she was a child. All she knew was that it was a tune that brought comfort to her as she sat there, alone eating breakfast in a realm that belonged to the wolves of the jungle.
Outside the magical barrier, a tiger loomed in the shrubs, a low growl escaping his throat. He would have to wait. This was one of the areas with such a strong protective spell that he wasn't able to get inside. But he was patient. He waited decades to exact the first part of his vengeance on the pirate. He could wait longer to resume the hunt for the child as soon as she left the realm of the Jungle Wolves.
"We would like you to stay a while longer, miss. Rest, build up your strength." Ati said.
"Thank you, but I don't think I should stay here for longer than I need to. I have to keep moving. Until I can find out who I really am." Ingrid told him with as much respect as she could.
Ati and Bahati looked at each other.
"We have an idea that we think might tempt you, Miss." Ati continued.
Ingrid raised her eyebrows.
"There is a friend of ours. He lives in the realm of the Enchanted Forest. He is a great sorcerer who can teach you what you need about your magic and lack in confidence in it. He erected the barrier that has kept us safe and hidden for hundreds of years." Bahati explained.
"He's a friend of the Sorcerer, Merlin. You may have heard of him." Ati said.
"Merlin? He's in this book that I have from some guy named Henry." Ingrid quickly dug into her bag and pulled out the book. She'd already read the novel so many times over the last six months, she had it pretty well memorized where everything was at. Flipping through to the Merlin arc, she found a good picture of him. "This Merlin?"
Bahati chuckled.
"Yes, him. If you would stay but a couple of days, we can send a message along to his friend, to see if he is willing to take on an apprentice. For as long as you need to gain your confidence in your own capabilities. We unfortunately are not magic experts." She explained.
Ingrid thought for a moment.
"Well, I would like to learn more about my magic before I really set off on trying to learn who I really am." She said.
"Then it is settled! You will stay until we can arrange for your meeting." Ati clapped with a smile, as though tense negotiations had been a success.
"Dear, you can have free run of the village while you're here. Just make sure to return here by nightfall before we do our patrols." Bahati smiled sweetly.
"Don't worry about safety. I'll be by your side the whole time." Ray said. To which his parents gave small grins at each other.
Later, Ingrid found herself on the back balcony which overlooked the green fields, ferns and jungle trees. And had an opening to the skies above. She was reading her book, the parts with Merlin as Ray approached with something to drink.
"Anything interesting in there?" Asked Ray, inquiring about the book.
"Yes… Loads… And there doesn't seem to be any mentioning of Merlin having a friend outside of Nimue, his apprentice, or the Savior and her group of allies." Ingrid said, flipping to a new page after taking a drink from her cup.
"Perhaps the story book only contains so much history about the characters. Not all written records retain the entire history of someone. Especially if it's a lengthy history such as Merlin's." Ray suggested.
Ingrid thought about these words a moment.
"True. I've read this book so many times, I don't know why I didn't think about that." She put the bookmark at the place she left off on, and flipped to the front where the inscription was left by the author named Henry Mills.
As she read this, a parrot landed on the railings of the balcony they were standing on. She looked curiously at the bird. Who stared right back, as though waiting for something.
"What?" Asked Ray, looking from her to the bird.
"I can communicate with animals, and so can Snow White. If she is in the Enchanted Realms again, maybe we can get a message to her?" She walked over to the parrot. She recognized it as a Mollucan cockatoo.
"Why would Snow White be brought up all of the sudden?" Blinked Ray.
"Because she is the mother of the Savior. If I can get a message to Snow White, then maybe she can pass it on to the Savior." Ingrid's heart was racing as she knelt down to instinctively put her fingers in front of the claws and legs of the parrot, who stepped up like a well behaved bird.
With her free hand, Ingrid put the book into her bag and pulled out the enchanted mirror she had.
"Show me Snow White and the Savior," She told it.
The mirror glowed and showed the two in the group of people she only recognized from the book she read so often. They were currently sitting down, gathered around a campfire.
"You see Snow White here, my friend?" She whispered to the bird, who blinked to confirm that it did. She then started whispering to it.
Ray heard what sounded like parrot noises coming unexpectedly from this young woman. Before she abruptly switched back to proper English.
"Can you do this for us?" She asked. "I know it's a lot to ask."
The bird let out a screech to confirm that it will, only because she asked so nicely.
She walked over to the steps of the balcony where Ray watched her give thanks to her new friend and lowered the arm it was perched on before raising it to give it a good liftoff as it flapped away. It's large, white wings gleaming in the sunlight.
"What did you tell it?" Asked Ray curiously.
"To find Snow White, so she can give the Savior a message for me. That I need her help, and to find me if all works well, I'll be in training an old friend of Merlin's by the time they can reach me." Ingrid's blue eyes looked up to the sky, watching the bird fly off into the distance.
The Enchanted Mirror's image faded to look like a regular hand mirror once again as she gripped it at the handle.
"You really think she can help you?" Ray continued.
"I do. She's helped save so many people, even helped in the battle against the Black Fairy. Surely she'll be able to help me recover my lost memories?" She looked over at Ray as a sheer helplessness came over her. She didn't like this. Not knowing who she really was, where she came from. She could hardly stand to look out at the families as they went about their business.
Arjana came out from nowhere as Ray was about to reach over to hug Ingrid. Arjana's arms went around Ingrid's neck in an almost strangling embrace.
"You're such an intelligent, smart little cinnamon roll." Arjana said through Ingrid's yelp. "I don't care what grumblings may be grumbled in the council. No way that parrot would've helped you if you weren't a nice person. I'm sure Philoctetes will agree to train you."
"Really? You think so?" Asked Ingrid, recovering herself rather quickly. She wasn't used to how Wolves express their feelings towards one another.
Arjana nodded.
"Uh-huh, to both things." She said with a reassuring smile.
"We know how you feel," Ray added. "I had to go through this curse a few years ago. If it weren't for my sister's support, I wouldn't be here today."
"She did briefly mention that you had been cursed by the Tiger too. How did that happen? Why'd he target you?" Asked Ingrid, putting her mirror back in her bag.
"Because our parents refused to let him and the snake have free reign of the jungle like other Tigers. But he does not respect the eco system, and loves terrorizing people who are merely passing through. There are other villages who have great wealth and treasure he'd love to get a hold of." Explained Ray.
"Really?" Blinked Ingrid.
"Yeah, like El Dorado. He'd love to get his hands on some of that gold in the city. But there's been a long standing tradition between them and our village that our patrols keep the city hidden and secret in exchange for commerce and trade." Nodded Arjana.
"And thus, when our parents refused to let Sher Khan have free reign of the villages, he targeted me for revenge." Shrugged Ray.
"What are you two doing?" Came a male voice from behind, startling all three. "And why are you sharing our secrets with a stranger?" Demanded to cloaked and hooded man.
"Oh quit being such a stick in the mud, Bujune." Snapped Arjana as Ray stepped forward.
"I don't care what Mother and Father say, I don't trust this human one bit." Snarled Bujune, walking right up to her. "I don't like you sharing our village secrets with her. For all we know, she could be in league with the Tiger." They were practically nose to nose as he glared into her blue eyes. "What if when she gains her memories she's a completely different person and comes back to terrorize us? What then, eh? Loosing your memories can sometimes completely change a person from who they really are, after all."
"That's enough, Bujune." Ray pushed Bujune away from Ingrid and Arjana after seeing a frightened look come across Ingrid's face. "You have no right to judge. You've never been through what she's going through right now."
"I know you two are generally good judges of character, but be careful. This could be the one time you're completely wrong and off base." Bujune snarled.
Now it was time for Arjana to look angry. "You have no idea…" Arjana put Ingrid between herself and Bujune as she could sense danger as Bujune wasn't backing down. "What a sweet person I can scent she is."
"That doesn't matter. I still don't want her around you, and I DON'T want you spilling our secrets to her!" Growled Bujune.
Arjana was now growling as Ray pulled Ingrid back and away from them. This triggered it. Bujune transformed into a black wolf. Moments later Arjana turned into a cream and white wolf and put herself in Bujune's path.
Ingrid was terrified at the dog fight that ensued as Ray sighed.
"Bujune has always been stubborn and mistrusting of everyone. Sooner or later, he gets into fights." He said quietly. "Normally he is on patrol. But he had a disagreement with a different clan member, so Mother and Father pulled him away temporarily."
The yipping, growling and biting were more than Ingrid could take at the moment as the wolves tumbled. In Bujune's blind rage, he saw an opening to bite and quick as lightning he bit Ingrid's right calf.
"THAT'S ENOUGH!" Shouted Ati as Arjana forced Bujune away from Ingrid who didn't strike out or move even though she would've been in the right to do so.
Bujune had a strong grip on the leg, as Ingrid was taking in deep breaths.
Ati saw that his son wasn't letting go, and turned into the biggest wolf she'd yet seen- white with black markings.
"Bujune, you dare defy your clan Alphas?" Demanded Ati.
The Wolf Bujune's blue eyes looked over at his father who was twice as large as he was.
"Release her, and I will not strip you of your Beta status." Ati was now showing his authority as Arjana limped over to Ingrid and Ray.
There were several tense moments as Bujune thought about this demand, weighing the consequences. Slowly, he let go and Ingrid about toppled over Arjana, but was caught by Ray.
"I know you have a mistrust of everything and everyone, Bujune. But this time you must curb your temper and worries." Ati instructed more calmly, as the two turned back into their human forms. "It is important that we protect this young lady until we can see her out of the jungle."
Bujune looked at his father, calming down. Wiping the blood from his face. As Arjana could sense things through scent, he could sense things through taste.
Ati was staring at his son with intense eyes.
"How long will that be?" Asked Bujune.
"Until we can get word from Phillip confirming that he'll take her in." Ati answered.
"Fine. I'll tolerate her until then." And Bujune stormed off.
Ray helped Ingrid into the couch on the balcony as Arjana turned back into her human self, sitting next to her friend as Ray knelt down to examine the wound on Ingrid's leg.
"I apologize for my son's behavior. He normally isn't this intense about displaying his emotions." Ati said.
"Don't need to apologize." Ingrid winced as her leg was lifted up.
"I will fetch some water and ointment." Arjana said quickly, seeing the state of the leg bite.
As Arjana hurried to the medical wing, she saw Bujune standing there.
"How is she?" Asked Bujune.
Arjana's response was a swift punch right in Bujune's face. He let out a cry of surprise and was shortly sporting a fine shiner on his right eye.
"That's for Ingrid. She didn't even lash out to you even though she had every right. Now if you'll excuse me, she needs treatment because of the antics you pulled." Snarled Arjana.
She came back out of the medical wing with medicine, leg wraps, water and plenty of gauze for cleaning. "You should be grateful Father didn't banish you right on the spot." Snapped Arjana, leaving one last sting on her brother before returning to the back balcony. "How is she?" She asked.
"Well, she managed to use her magic to stop the bleeding." Ray commented with a small smile as Ingrid shrugged.
"Good. Now for clean up." Arjana set the supplies down near the leg.
Ati stood guard as his children cleaned up the wound caused by Bujune which took some time.
Ingrid was back in her room, late at night resting now in the queen sized bed. She rolled over in her sleep as tears fell down her face.
The door to her room opened quietly and soft paws made their way to the bed. The black wolf seemed to regret his actions from earlier that day, though he wasn't the type to outright apologize. He gently nuzzled her face, licking the tears away before he laid down next to her. To him, actions spoke more than just simple words. His brother Ray had let him through based on experience with this, and continued to stand guard at the door. Bujune glanced over at her as she subconsciously reached out to touch the soft fur. He'd never seen another human this up close before. Normally he kept his distance. But after the confrontation, he felt he owed it to her to make it right.
Ingrid's dream felt like it was a good one. She was sitting in a room with a bed by a window overlooking a town, reading her book Once Upon a Time. The bed was comfortable and she didn't really want to leave it. But she heard movement downstairs, and decided to check out if someone else was home.
So she put the book down, and walked down the stairs. She didn't sense anything threatening. So she made it to the landing.
"Hello?" She called out. There were family photos on the mantelpiece above the fire place and on the walls, but the faces and any defining features except for her own were all blurred out. She made it to the kitchen area where she saw a man sitting on one of the bar-like stools.
Only he looked completely unfamiliar. With short hair, and Greek looking robes. His sandaled feet touched the floor lightly.
"Hello there, Ingrid." He said with an ethereal sounding, deep yet calming voice.
She gave him a shifty look.
"How do you know who I am?" She asked.
"Oh I've known you for a very long time." Smiled the man. "You could say ever since you were born."
"You know me? Does that mean you can help me find out who I really am and get my memories back?" She asked.
The man chuckled.
"Unfortunately, I cannot take a direct hand in your request." He sighed.
"Then why are you here, if not to help me?" Asked Ingrid, now annoyed.
"I'm here to tell you something. It may or may not be what puts you on the path you're meant to go on." The man told her. As he walked around, Ingrid saw the laurel wreath crown on his head. And a belt around his waist with lightning bolts instead of a sword in a sheath.
"You… You're Zeus…" She gasped.
The man smiled.
"Smart little lady." He nodded. "Yes, I am. The man you are going to be sent to for extra training in fact taught my son, Hercules. He is a stubborn man, though, Phillip. But more than qualified."
"I'm not going to go all buff out like Hercules, am I?" Ingrid looked warily at Zeus, causing him to laugh.
"No. Your training will be different. But you must insist upon the full year. It will give you what you need to strike out on your own. Only after the training will you be able to look for your family properly." Zeus replied. The dream felt like it was starting to fade.
"Wait… Why me? Why a year? You know my family? Where are they? Are they ok?" She asked hurriedly as it felt like Zeus was zooming away from her in slow motion.
"I've watched your family since before you were born. They are doing just fine, and in fact are searching for you. But it will take time to reunite. For certain things must come to pass first in your journey of learning who you really are."
The dream faded away completely, and Ingrid woke with a shock.
She didn't sit bolt upright, but felt her tears flowing down her face, so she took a moment to compose herself. She didn't realize it at first, the huge wolf laying next to her on the bed. But when she looked down, she let out a yelp, jumping backwards in surprise. Which in turn caused the light bulbs to flicker, and many to explode.
The door was flung open as Arjana and Ray burst in as Bujune sat up, wondering what in the world was going on.
Then Ray gave the annoyed older brother sigh.
"Really?" He said with a raised eyebrow at Bujune.
"What?" Blinked the wolf.
"Calm down, Ingrid, it's ok!" Said Arjana, hurrying over to the other side of the bed where Ingrid was now at. "Guarding you like that was Bujune's way of apologizing." She knew exactly why Bujune was there like that.
"You mentioned a name in your sleep," Said Bujune.
"A name?" Blinked Ingrid as Arjana sat next to her, starting to straighten Ingrid's long, wavy black hair.
"Zeus I think?" Bujune looked at Ingrid.
Then Ingrid remembered.
"He told me my training with Phillip is important. That I should spent a year with him, because in the long term it will help me to learn who I really am." She said quickly in excitement.
"Wait… Zeus… Isn't he the big cahooney of the Gods on Olympus?" Blinked Ray.
"Yeah, that's what my book says." Nodded Ingrid. "Hold on-" She added. She waved her right hand and her clothes appeared instantly, and she was fully dressed without being all awkward around them anymore.
"Wish I could dress like that," Said Arjana enviously.
Ingrid smiled, a little sheepishly as she then used her magic to summon her book to her lap. She couldn't quite walk on her leg for a few days yet because of the bite. She flipped through the book till she found the page where Killian was visited by Zeus, who rewarded him for ensuring the defeat of Hades.
"Here," She showed her friends what Zeus looked like.
"And who's that fellow with the hook on his hand?" Asked Ray.
"Killian Jones, the reformed Captain Hook." Ingrid replied. "He helped the Savior defeat a misguided Hades."
"Well, you learn something new every day." Said Bujune, who transformed back into his human form. "I'll go get you some breakfast and some fresh light bulbs for the room." Bujune added, looking up and around to count how many he needed.
"Oh… right… sorry about that." Ingrid raised her right hand. Her warm, magic aura could be felt by all three as she used her magic to repair the lights in the room. "There. One less thing for you to bring up."
Bujune gave a strange look and jerk of the head before taking off.
"So you think you can trust this dream you had?" Asked Ray when Bujune was gone.
"I think so… I can't recall ever having one like that. At least since I've been trapped in the jungle. And it seemed so familiar where I was at in the dream." She sighed, looking over at Arjana who was now braiding her hair into a knot at the nape of her neck, with a single large braid hanging down.
"There," Smiled Arjana, picking up a mirror- which wasn't Ingrid's Enchanted Mirror- to show her.
"Neat, thank you." Said Ingrid.
Over the next several days as Ingrid's leg healed, the four forged a strong bond. She felt like somehow, outside of her family she maybe never had this kind of bond before. If she had a strong bond with her family. When her bandages finally came off and she was able to walk again, Ingrid said she felt like she needed to go that day.
So they went before Bahati and Ati, where Ingrid thanked them for everything they did. Word had come that Phillip would see her at the very least, so she had to leave.
"Not without protection, however. Bujune, Ray, Arjana." Ati said sharply, and the three looked over at him.
"Yes, Father?" Asked Arjana.
"How would you three like to have your own adventure in the outside world?" Asked Ati with a mischievous grin.
"What? You mean… go with her?" Blinked Ray, catching on right away.
"She will need protecting on her way to meet Phillip. And I'm sure during her training." Bahati smiled as well. "And Ray, you were talking just before Miss Snow arrived how you wished for your own adventure out there."
"You mean it? We can go?" Asked Arjana, positively brimming with excitement.
"Only if you want to," Interjected Ingrid. "I won't force this on anyone."
"I'll go," Said Bujune at once. "You'll need someone of a practical nature with you on this journey."
"Well I'm coming too," Said Arjana without hesitation. "We're friends. And friends stick together." She gave Ingrid a neck-strangling hug.
"That's right," Nodded Ray.
The parents smiled, while the rest of the council remained respectfully quiet.
"Then it's settled, you'll have your very own Wolf Guard," Said Ati.
"One last thing before you go… Miss Snow, a gift for you." Bahati signaled for someone behind her. A cloaked and hooded person came forward. "One of our cloaks for you, to hide you from the prying eyes of the Tiger. Or anyone who may wish to bring harm to you, when your Guard cannot be there to protect you. Please, come forward."
"You don't have to…" Muttered Ingrid, feeling embarrassed and highly out of place.
"But I desire it, for someone who has brought such joy to my pups deserves our high praises, and then some." Bahati insisted.
Arjana let go of her friend, and Ingrid walked forward, kneeling as instructed. Bahati wrapped a hooded, indigo blue cloak around Ingrid.
So that morning, Ingrid, Arjana, Bujune, and Ray gathered their things.
"Our scouts are reporting the Tiger is patrolling the northern entry, so you'll have to leave through the south." Ati said as the four gathered at the front entry of the house.
"Thank you again, for everything." Said Ingrid as the other three put the hoods of their cloaks over their heads. She did the same, before they departed.