Now that Heart has been introduced to the land, now it's time to meet the big man himself.
Ch 3: Lord Alastor
Heart had basically seen everything. Chicka led her through the lands to make sure she knew it. It would take a while to remember but I'm sure she could manage. It was just a little sad that they haven't met Alastor along the way.
Chicka was worried about it. At the same time Alastor seemed to always be moving. Then he'd appear when you least expect it. He could be mysterious like that. The Lord also had powers not many demons knew about. A cloud of darkness no one could look through.
"So, if Lord Alastor is so mysterious and not many see him, how do they know what he looks like?" Heart asked curiously as she led the bird back to where she slept last night.
"We have a meeting every month." Chicka answered. "Well, every full moon. We all meet at Alastor's cave and we discuss if anything has been going wrong with the territory. Plus, he informs us about things as well that have been going on."
"Oh, that's good to know." Heart said, glad that today went well. "When is the next one?"
"Actually it's tonight!" Chicka chirped excited. "Even though you couldn't meet him when we were walking, we can at least see him tonight."
The two had made it back to the hollowed log and Heart sat down not far away from it as Chicka landed on top of the log.
"Oh, that is wonderful!" Heart was excited to meet the Lord of this land. "I think for now I might rest. My left paw is hurting a little bit after walking all day." She said picking it up and giving it a few licks.
"Your paw? Are you ok? Did you get a thorn stuck in it?" Chicka wondered as she sounded worried.
Heart gave a small chuckle. "No no, I hurt it during my fight last night. My half-sister got a good bite on me. It's mostly healed but it still hurts a little bit.
Chicka was silent for a moment as she looked at Heart with sad eyes. "Do you miss your family you had in your pack?"
Heart stopped licking her paw and looked at the bird. She put her ears down a little and put her paw down as well. "Yea, but really the only one I miss is my adopted mom, Ceil. She was one of the betas of the pack. She took me in when no one else would, she raised me from a pup. If it weren't for her...I wouldn't be here." She smiled thinking about Ceil and was hoping she was doing well. "Everyone else in my pack...never liked me from the start. I was always treated differently because I was technically a bastard to Alpha. My dad never saw me as his own daughter, Lizzy was his pride and joy...not me." She sighed as she looked away from Chicka, "I'm sure they were all happy when I left."
Chicka flew down from the log and in front of Heart. The bird surprised the wolf when she wrapped her wings around her front paw. That made her smile, and she appreciated the gesture very much. Heart took her other paw and put it to the back of the bird.
"Heart I'm sorry you had to deal with that for all your life. Don't worry, I'll make sure you have a better life here. I'll make sure to convince Lord Alastor to keep you here. I already consider you a friend and I want you to stay." Chicka told her and then took her wings back from her small hug.
"Thank you Chicka. That means a lot to me. I never really had friends in my pack." Heart admitted and her tail started to wag. "It makes me happy to hear you consider me as such."
"Of course." The bird had a small smile on her beak. "So, if you don't mind me asking, why did you have to fight your half-sister in that battle you had? That seems unfair."
"The Alpha chooses the fighters and who they will go against." She said with her ears down. "Me and my sister were of age. To be honest, I think he did it all on purpose. He knew Lizzy was a good fighter, she had a lot of better training than me. It showed. She is a strong wolf, and she earned her spot in the pack. One day she will become Alpha of the pack." Heart gave a chuckle. "I'd never be an Alpha and I don't know if I would want to be. I'm not much of a leader."
"You never know, you could be surprised."
"I don't know. I feel if I tried, I would be really bad at it. I've better off helping. I like helping."
"I'm the same way. I helped you today."
"You did, and I am forever grateful for that. I would be so lost. I probably still will but I'll get the hang of it." Heart laughed.
"Don't worry. It will take some time." Chicka also said laughing.
As the two stood there they heard static fill the air. Heart was very confused a moment from the sound. She has never heard anything like it. Was different and hurt her ears a little bit. Chicka seemed frozen in place a moment. Heart looked around the area and she didn't see anything, but the sound got louder. The flickering sounds of different songs could also be heard in the small area.
Heart stood up and went over top of Chicka and got into a defensive stance. She twisted her head from left to right, scanning the area. A low growl was building in her throat. Soon the sound stopped all together. Heart's ears went up in surprise and kept her eyes to the trees.
"Heart." She heard Chicka whisper below her. She looked under her to see the bird. "Stand down. It's ok. Trust me."
Heart was hesitant for a moment, but eventually she stood off to the side of the bird and got out of her stance. She shook herself to flatten her fur and sat back down. Chicka flew up and around the small area till she stopped. She looked into the woods and stood aloft there for a moment.
As Heart looked at her, she saw a shadow in the tree line. The shape was hard to figure out as it seemed to almost move. Heart had to blink a few times to try and see right. It was walking towards the bird. As the shadow hit the opening it stopped for a moment. It then stepped into the light.
It had dark red hooves with red fur. As it stepped out more, Heart noticed the lighter red fur that it had on its underbelly, a black marking in the shape of a bowtie on its chest. It had antlers that stood up tall with two points, ref tuft of hair on top of its head. When in the complete opening and in the light its smile was weird but interesting. Sharp yellow teeth lined its mouth and he never let the smile down. Heart then realized that it was a deer, but he seemed very different. A strange aura around him. Very strong and intimidating.
Chicka seemed to be bowing to him. "Lord Alastor, it's nice to see you."
Heart's eyes went wide, and she looked at the deer surprised. This was the Lord of this land and the young wolf was very surprised to see that he was a deer. She was stuck there in shock a moment from all this. It was not expected. At the same time, she found him to be very handsome even for a deer. He even stood a little taller than her.
Finally, the deer spoke. "It's good to see you as well, my little chickadee. I hear that you have been showing a guest around today. Is that true?" He asked as he looked down at the bird, his smile never leaving.
Heart saw Chicka's feathers fluff up a moment and then nodded. "Y-Yes sir I have." She then flew over to Heart and landed on her horn. "This is Heart, Lord Alastor. I was showing her the land so she could be familiar with it since she seemed lost. She almost walked into the waters of the bayou, but I stopped her before the gators could nab her."
Alastor hummed as he looked at Heart. "That was a nice thing you did dear. Very well done looking out for others." He said as he looked back to the bird.
"Thank you, sir." She chirped happily.
Alastor's attention turned back to Heart. He walked over to the young wolf and stood in front of her. He then bowed his head and tucked in his one front hoof. "It is nice to meet you young Heart. As you probably could tell I am Lord Alastor. Protector of this forest." He straightened himself after.
Heart bowed her head in return to him. "Pleasure to finally meet you."
The deer stared at her a moment, "Stand up and put your wings out." He spoke.
Heart hesitated but realized that was more of an order then a request. She stood up and did as told unfolding her wings from her back and making them stretch out. Alastor then started to circle her. He hummed to himself, most lightly in thought. Heart was nervous as the deer circled her. What was it he was looking for? She heard him sniff her a few times as well. She stayed still as best she could.
When he got back around to the front of her, he stood tall. "You are definitely not from around here. I saw you arrive last night. I didn't say anything because I saw how tired you looked. I figured I would meet you eventually today." Alastor told her and Heart was surprised that he said that he saw her. "I have my ways around this forest so please don't question my actions. I need to keep everyone in my territory safe."
"Y-Yes sir. I understand." Heart responded back. She felt a little threatened under his gaze. "Lord Alastor if I may interject?" The wolf started and the deer nodded, giving her the right to speak. Heart cleared her throat and stood straight. "I would be grateful if you let me into your territory and make this my new home. I was cast out of my pack and my old home and I am in search of another. After seeing your land and becoming friends with Chicka and many others I met along the way. I would love a chance to live here on your land as long as you let me."
Alastor was silent a moment as Heart finished. The wolf-dragon was a little on edge now with this silence. Her ears turned backwards but she still tried to keep her strong stance.
Finally, he said. "I don't allow canines of any kind in my territory." He started, this made Heart feel downhearted at his words. "But-" Her ears went back up and she felt a spark light up her spirit again. "I have been watching over you and I noticed that you are very different from others that have come through my land. You're not as aggressive and very kind." Heart felt her ears get hot with a blush. "I have never done this before but...I will allow you to stay here. At the same time I will be watching over you carefully to make sure I didn't make a bad decision."
Heart's tail wagged with excitement as her wings gave a flap, "I'm ok with that decision. Thank you. Thank you, Alastor. I appreciate it so much. I promise you won't regret a thing."
"I surely hope I do not." Alastor said. "I expect you to be at the meeting tonight."
"I'll be there absolutely." Heart answered.
"Splendid!" The deer said in a happy tone. His attention then turned to Chicka. "Little Chickadee please make sure to inform every one of the meeting tonight. I don't want anyone to be absent again."
"Of course, Lord Alastor. I'll go do that right now." Chicka said and jumped up and flew over to Heart. "I'll come back tonight before the meeting and take you there, so you don't get lost."
Heart nodded, "Thank you Chicka. Till tonight then."
The bird gave a small salute and then flew off.
Heart was then alone with the deer. The more she stood with him the more nervous she was but at the same time she felt the whelm of protectiveness too. It was honestly strange. Even with his red eyes staring at her so intensely, there was just a small hint of softness to them. It made her relax ever so slightly.
Heart shifted on her paws a moment as the silence was getting thick. "So... Alastor, mind if I ask you a few things?"
The deer just smiled at her. "Unfortunately, questions will have to wait little wolf." Heart felt her ears get hot again from the nickname. "I have some things to take care of before the meeting tonight."
"Y-yea, till tonight." Heart shuttered.
Alastor bowed his head again and then walked past her, their fur brushed for just a moment, but it sent a jolt of electricity up into her spine and then her wings. She held her breath from the contact and her heart picked up a minute. Heart looked over her shoulder to see the deer had gone.
What was that? And what was that feeling? It was so weird and new to her. It honestly didn't make any sense. She just tried to push the thought away for now. She figured she could rest in the sun a little and take a nap until the meeting came around. Plus, she needed to rest her paw for a little bit.
She made sure there was something comfy to lay on in the sunny opening before laying down and she let out a sigh of relief to finally rest. Her mind went back to the conversation she just had with Alastor and her tail wagged again. Besides the conversation her mind seemed to wander to the deer himself. It was strange but she couldn't get him off her mind. It was weird.
Heart shook her head and tried to pull out of those thoughts, "Stop it. What is wrong with me?" She whispered to herself.
The wolf-dragon gave a huff as she put her head down and closed her eyes to get some sleep.
When Heart opened up her eyes again it was during the sunset. The colors of the sky turned different shades of reds and oranges. She gave a yawn and got up from her small makeshift pile on the ground. She gave a stretch to get her out of her sleeping state. She looked around the small opening but saw no one around at the time.
She tried to remember the way back to the lake so she could get a drink. She started walking and hoped she would find it eventually. As she walked the forest got darker with some light still shining through. Eventually she found a small stream and tried to drink from it for a small bit and then followed it still.
Soon the little stream started getting bigger and she was hopefully going the right way. She soon saw an opening ahead and walked faster and soon popped out to see the lake. She was so excited and jumped in excitement at being able to find the lake by herself.
She walked up to the lake and drank a little more before giving another stretch. Not far off she saw a squirrel on the edge of the lake by a tree. Her stomach rumbled. Then she realized that she didn't really eat all day and was starving.
"A little snack won't hurt before the meeting." She thought to herself.
She got into a low stance and stalked forward. Usually, the pack would bring back the kills they had, but now she had to hunt on her own. It was a good thing that her adopted mother taught her how to hunt on her own if it ever came down to it.
Circling around the small rodent and trying to get as close as possible. She waited a few moments and held her breath. Soon she ran at it and managed to get her jaws around the back of the animal before breaking its neck. She gave a sigh of relief as she picked it up and she started her walk back to her makeshift den in the log.
Heart got back no problem and sat down outside the sleeping place before digging into the squirrel. She didn't realize how hungry she was until she started eating. It was something small, but it was better than nothing. The sun was close to going down and she knew it would be time to head to the meeting soon.
As she was licking blood off her muzzle, she heard the flapping of wings. She looked up and saw Chicka flying in the tree's over towards her. She got rid of the remains and looked as Chicka landed on the log beside her.
"Hello there again Chicka." Heart greeted.
"Hello, are you all ready to go to the meeting?" She asked her.
"Absolutely. Let's get going." Heart answered.
The bird nodded and then took off, heading in the direction they needed. Heart followed close behind them. She tried to remember the way to Alastor's cave, but it was all still a little foggy. Up ahead she saw a small bit of light through the trees. Once they got into the opening, she was surprised to see all groups of animals around the entrance of the cave. They were all on the other side of the small creek though.
The sun was gone now, and the moon was starting to shine brighter in the sky. Heart looked around the area and spotted Jazz not far off as well as Olivia, but she was more toward the tree line. Even saw Veronica in the front of the crowd. She saw many others around. Alligators, birds, deer, and many other big cats plus more. She was surprised to see so many different varieties of animals around.
"I have to go help Lord Alastor. I'll see you soon ok. Behave yourself." The bird said and then flew off.
Heart looked around and put her ears back as she felt shy being around all these new demons she has never met. She just stayed close to the edge of the tree line. She just wanted to be out of the way for the most part. She would have walked over to one of the animals she met today but she didn't know them that well to be close to them.
As the moon shined and came out from the clouds Heart looked at the cave and saw the red glow of eyes. Soon enough Alastor walked out of the cave standing tall. Chicka sat on a small stump not far off, she was mostly the one that helped Alastor. Being his eyes in the sky most likely. Alastor put his head down and then snapped it back up. In the process of doing so a small fireball flew up into the air and soon fizzled out into nothing.
That gained the attention of everyone around. No one was talking. All became quiet.
Alastor walked forward more until he was at the edge of the small stream. "Welcome creatures to the monthly meeting. Its lovely to see you all again!" He gave a small bow. "Now there is nothing major to report at this meeting. As usual I will take any questions or requests you have at the end of everything." He turned back to Chicka on the stump. "Little Chickadee if you please."
"Yes, Lord Alastor." The bird flew up and landed on top of one of Alastor's antlers. "The land has been kept clean as we have liked. No enemies have crossed the borders at all this month either." Alastor started to walk around the small area as the small bird talked. "It's nice to know that the dragons have decided to stay on their side of the mountains this month. As for those who have entered the swamp, well only the gators will know about them."
Alastor stopped and turned to everyone. "It has come to my attention that things have been the calmest right now then they have been in weeks. I don't want to raise anyone's alarms, but I still want everyone to keep an eye out for anything suspicious. Especially close to the mountains because of the dragons." The deer looked down to Veronica in the front. "I am sure my snowy friend will keep me most informed about that."
The fox nodded. "Of course, Alastor. You know I'm the best."
Alastor nodded in return and turned his attention back to the crowd. Soon his eyes seemed to meet Heart and the wolf-dragon felt her heart skip a beat. Her tail wagged from it as she got lost in his eyes for that moment. Soon she snorted and shook her head. "Stop it." She whispered to herself.
Alastor talking again snapped Heart back to look up front. "Other than that, nothing new has taken place and I hope it stays that way."
Chicka then piped in. "Lord Alastor, would you like to introduce the new arrivals?"
The deer took a moment to think before nodding. "Yes, I guess I should." He looked up at the bird the best he could. "Go ahead and bring her forward darling."
Chicka nodded and flew off of Alastor's antler. She went right over to Heart. This surprised the hybrid as her ears went up. "Lord Alastor would like to introduce you. Can you please come to the front?"
Heart's ears went down, and a feeling of fear went through her quickly. She knew that she probably shouldn't disobey an order, so she stood up, gave herself a quick shake and made her way past the crowd. They all were whispering to each other, questioning why there was a wolf on the land. Chicka flew ahead of her and went back to sitting on one of Alastor's antlers. Soon she got to the front of the group.
"Cross the stream." Alastor said.
Heart did as told and jumped the stream and stood before Alastor. She wasn't sure what he was going to say or do. She kept her guard up non the less.
"Turn around please dear." Alastor told her nicely.
The hybrid turned to face the crowd and sat down. It was weird since the deer was behind her, but she tried not to mind it. Although soon she felt his front legs touch her back and her ears got hot again with a flustered state. Why did she react this way every time he touched her? It was a weird sensation but at the same time...comfortable. She looked up to see the deer looming over her.
"We have one last thing to discuss tonight before we depart. New arrivals." Alastor took a pause. "Not much has been happening this summer as far as children are considered. Although we have a new arrival from up North. A demon looking for a new home." The deer took a step beside Heart now. "This is her. I know what you are thinking, why have a canine in my land. Well after some observing I see that she is different, not because she is part dragon but for other reasons I will not talk about." Heart was then confused about what he meant by that but didn't want to drown herself with it. "Even so I will still keep an eye on her for a while before I make any kind of decision. For now, this is her home. I want you to welcome Heart and treat her kindly like you would anyone else."
The crowd didn't seem to keen on the whole thing but still cheered a little bit from the announcement. Heart was starting to feel that maybe she wasn't going to be welcomed here. Again, Alastor went and stood behind her.
"That is all for this meeting. Unless others have questions?" Alastor voiced out.
The crowd was silent until there were a few voices calling out from the crowd. "Lord Alastor we don't want the wolf here!"
"Yea wolves are nothing but trouble!"
"Cast her out!"
"Rotten dog! Go home!"
Heart sat there as she heard all these words being said. Now she knew that she wasn't welcomed in this land and it made her heart hurt just to think of it. She thought she was getting along with everyone. Her ears fell flat against her head as her tail curls around her form. She put her gaze to the ground and gave a small whine.
Alastor would not stand for this. As he looked at Heart her reaction to all the words definitely hurt her. For some reason, the deer was upset to see the hybrid like that. Something tugged on him as he heard her whine, but he didn't understand why or how. Even so his word was law, and this outburst would not stand.
"Silence!" Alastor screeched, his voice filled with static. His body got bigger and his antlers larger as his eyes glowed. It scared Chicka and she flew off of him and down to Heart instead. "I will not stand for this! My word is law! What I say goes! So, you will obey or suffer the consequences!"
Soon the crowd got quiet again as they were all afraid and in shock by Alastor's reaction. Alastor then stood over Heart with his now larger form. "Heart will be welcomed here." He growled. "I will personally be keeping an eye on her. If something goes out of line I will know. Even so I expect you all to be respectful of my decision. It is final!"
Heart was surprised as well when he stood over her. She looked up at him and her gaze was soft. It honestly surprised her that he was defending her like this. She was grateful.
Chicka then whispered to her. "I've never seen him act like this with someone new. He must see something in you that we don't."
The wolf's eyes went up and she looked back up at Alastor with a small smile.
Alastor then finished. "I will hear no more of this! The meeting is over. Go home." He hissed the last part as white noise filled the air.
No one said a word as they quickly disappeared back into the woods. The opening was then quiet as they all went to their homes. Alastor soon calmed down as he went back to normal and stood in front of Heart.
"I will apologize for the outburst of myself and the actions of others. I promise it won't happen again my dear." Alastor said with a bow of his head.
Heart was quite a moment as she looked at him but then glanced to the ground. "Maybe I should leave. I don't want you to be on bad terms with everyone."
Alastor walked up to the wolf-dragon and took his one hoof to put it under her chin. He made her look back up at him and he noticed the tears that threatened to fall. "Do not listen to them. This is all new to them as it is new to me. They just have to learn to accept it. If anyone gives you any problems, you can come to me and I'll take care of it." He told her.
"Are you sure? I don't want you getting in trouble." Heart said as she held her tears back.
"I'm positive." Alastor answered her with a big smile. "Now, why don't you go back to your den and sleep. I'm sure you are tired after today." The deer took his hoof back.
All Heart did was nod. "Thank you, Lord Alastor."
"Until tomorrow, little wolf." Alastor walked past her and towards the cave.
Heart gave a dreamy sigh and looked to Chicka. "Goodnight. See you tomorrow hopefully." Heart said to her and went to walk on her way back to her hollow log.
"Goodnight." Chicka said back and watched her go.
Before Chicka flew off Alastor said. "Chicka, come here please darling."
She looked over to see the deer at the entrance to the cave. He was facing to look out and it looked like he was watching Heart leave. The bird obeyed the Lord and flew over to him. "Yes Alastor."
"Please keep an eye on her the best you can for me when I'm not around." Alastor said as his gaze was still on the hybrid. "I don't want the others to treat her badly. I want her to feel welcomed."
Chicka was surprised to see the deer act this way. Never had she seen him this way towards anyone. Usually, he kept to himself and wanted the demons of his land to solve things on their own. The bird wondered what the deer saw in her that made him like this. She didn't question it though.
"Of course, Alastor. I'll make sure to keep a close watch." Chicka said with a nod.
"Perfect. You may go now. Have a good rest my Chickadee." Alastor said, smiling at her.
Chicka bowed a little and then flew off. Once she did Alastor was left on his own as he looked into the night sky. He laid down just at the entrance to his cave and watched the stars dance.
"I don't know why I feel this way. I hope it all becomes clear soon. She is stuck in my head and I don't understand." He gave a sigh. "This might be harder to ignore than I thought."
Oh boy, Heart met Alastor, but it seems the deer might actually take a liking to her. Even Alastor is confused. The poor thing.
