Hey everyone! I'm back with a new update to this story. This is the second part to the story. I hope you all enjoy this first part, enjoy!

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Book II

Chapter one: The Shopkeeper

Time passed. Weeks became months and I learned how to live in this new world alongside my best friend…the arboreal creature…the squirrel known as Hoodwink.

Our friendship grew: living as an anthropomorphic fox has helped ingratiate me with Tomo'kan and more importantly…Hoodwink. She taught me how to forage, make shelter…most importantly how to travel above the ground. Despite the hope that perhaps I might end up returning to my own world, the squirrel figured I would need to know these skills because when autumn came…it became apparent winter would soon shortly follow.

Consequently, trees all around us began changing color more akin to the fall season. Leaves fell and flooded the ground wherever we traveled to. We usually spent our days collecting whatever we could find to take back to our den. Unfortunately, most of the time it was easier said than done, for the threats of the Misty Woods was just as prevalent as ever, most notably the untamable, and intrusive, monster known as the Primal Beast.

The reptilian monster continued its unrelenting rampage through the forest as it always did for centuries, and we'd always get caught in the middle of it. Most of the time, Hood and I could only watch as creatures/Wizards (mostly Kobalds or Hellbears) became snacks for the interdimensional beast. As we watched these horrors from the branches above, the squirrel next to me would always see the determined look on my face…my desire to somehow end all this carnage once and for all.

"There's nothing we can do" she muttered as quietly as possible while the screams and cries fell to silence. Like she told me the first time I came to Tomo'Kan, she tried many times to rid the forest of the Primal Beast, but it never ended in her favor.

"Something I don't get, Hood" I said, my fox ears dropping, "something brought him here…surely there has to be something that can send him back?"

She eyed me carefully in response…considered the possibilities (despite the fact she thought the same way years ago.) However, she knows that magic would be the only way. Still, the anthro HATED magic-wielders…at least most of them, she didn't hate magic necessarily, but it was still used to corrupt this place long ago. Despite this fact, she decided to listen in to whatever I had in mind…no matter how ridiculous it sounded…it might just amuse her anyway.

"If we can't kill them, maybe we can banish them?" I asked sincerely.

"Ya think I didn't consider that notion" Hoodwink retorted in her Kiwi accent with a raised brow…her tail flicking behind her at the same time.

Even if they could…where would they start? There's not really anything or anyone she knows that can be used to imprison the beast.

I looked down as if defeated, but we had to cut the discussion short, for the Primal Beast continued its feral rampage toward us and we were forced to flee. We decide to return to our home…the branches offer a highway in the sky for us both.

By the time the usual fog of the Misty Wood set in, we entered the den…Hoodwink's self-made home. There, we unwind for the day: Hoodwink throws her stash on the ground next to her bed as I collapsed on the couch (which has pretty much become my bed.)

I heaved a much-needed sigh as Hood went searching for something to eat in her cabinet. Upon finding what she wanted, the squirrel offered some to me which I accepted. She gobbled up her meal real quick…so quick that she went to play her lute for the night (she went from eating to playing in only 30 seconds!)

After tuning the wooden instrument, she began playing a song unfamiliar to me. As I slowly ate my food, I listened intently to the chords and her words. It had a sort of "jazzy" country feel to it, to say the least. Most of the notes were plucked.

You don't know

You don't know

You don't know my mind…

You may be thinkin' that I'm laughin' but I'm just try'n to keep from cry'n

You've been gone, you've been gone almost all night long…

This one was new…hell, I could have sworn I heard it from somewhere…sounds like a song from my world. Oh well, it's interesting, to say the least. She had one eye open, and it was glancing over at me. The girl had a soft smile creeping up upon realizing she had my full, undivided, attention.

Now you can tell me that you love me

But I can't love 'ya when you're gone…

A few minutes later, she finishes as I applaud her. The squirrel places the medieval instrument down beside her. With a clawed finger, she motions me to come to her, "your turn" she said.

I sit up from the couch and nodded, "alright."

I hopped over to the squirrel, took the lute/guitar, and walked back to my turf. After a minute or less of tuning, I began.

I listen to the wind, to the wind of my soul

Where I'll end up where I think…only she really knows

I sat upon the setting sun

But never, never, never…never

I never wanted water once…

No never, never, never

Hoodwink listened to this new song by me which is by Cat Steven. She smiled a bit as I really got into the song for a bit.

I listen to my words but they fall far below

I let my music take me where my heart wants to go…

I've swam upon the devil's lake

But never, never, never

I'll never make the same mistake…

No, never, never, never

I finished and she clapped slowly at my performance, "That's a new one" she said, pulling out an acorn to toy with.

"Thanks, I do miss actually listening to it, though…" I sighed, setting the stringed apparatus down beside me.

"As I said before, Caleb…we'll get 'ya home…"

"Looking like this?" I bluntly said, ear twitching, as the anthro went silent in response, "n-no! We'll fix that too!"

"I'd like to know how…I mean…we've searched but we haven't really searched outside these woods."

"I'd like to think maybe Uncle or Auntie could help us…but seems like they're busy…been a while since they've been 'ere."

"Meh…I mean…being here…being a fox…things have changed. We've been pretty busy these past few weeks and I haven't thought about it much…but it does BUG me at times."

This is when the squirrel stood up, walked over to me, and placed a paw on my shoulder, "I get it…I do…I can't imagine how it must feel. I really dunno how I would adapt to another world."

I looked up and nodded, "you surely would surprise everyone…that's for sure" I just had to chuckle at that thought.

"They'd be busy danglin' from the trees and I'd be long gone, mate."

I rolled my eyes and laughed, "it's funny because I totally believe you."

"Come on then, I got some tea brewin…" she patted me on the back as I stand up to join her.

"Tea will do…coffee I guess hasn't reached this world yet, heh" I finished.

…

A few days later, Hoodwink and I made our usual "supply run" for the impending winter season. Something I didn't want to admit out loud…I hated the fact that I ended up carrying most of her stash everywhere we went, oh well. Anyways, after getting what we could for the day we both rest on a thick branch beside a small lake. It's nighttime and the stars are out tonight. The double moons hang just above the horizon. I enjoyed these moments, especially with my companion.

As much as I miss the modern age…seeing the lights of a skyline…my heart now felt more attached to this view instead. Maybe it's just my fox mind…who knows, but I love it regardless.

"It's beautiful tonight" I sighed softly, putting my arms behind my back.

"Every night is" she gave me her signature smile to me as we lay on the branch.

"Before I ended up here…I've never really seen so many stars before in my life…"

"Aren't they just…magnificent to look at…I could just stare at 'em all night" Hoodwink asked. The way her accent crept in her words; I just adored it…especially as of late.

I look over to her, staring into her bright blue eyes…a warm grin runs down my face as I examine her, "yeah…" I said softly in response before looking away to see my tail swerving back and forth, "my tail certainly feels happy about it."

The squirrel scoffed playfully at this, "ya honestly like being a damn fox, don'cha?"

"It has its perks" I grinned at her, "it's certainly fun being one."

"That 'be the fox talking?" She pulled away amusingly as I shrugged, "nuthead" she scoffed…soon taking out her wooden pipe to smoke. Hood blows out a stream of vapor before handing it over to me. Unlike the first time I tried her tobacco, I'm able to smoke from it without much trouble…except for an occasional cough here and there. The rodent gave a short smirk back to me, still amused by my inability to handle the tobacco like her. Instead of making banter, she suddenly said, "ya come a long ways, mate. Proud of 'ya!"

"T-thanks…oh, I mean…chur!" I said in a terrible imitation of her native accent. It was atrocious but she is entertained by my attempt regardless, "showing off the new lingo, proud of 'ya!"

I nodded and I soon thought about what she said though as I stare at the clear skies above. She HAS taught me so much…maybe it's time I return the favor? But…how?

After a bit of silence, I turn to her slowly, giving a side glance, "Hood…all things considered…I'm happy to have met you." I just had to move a bit closer to her…just a WEE bit, "I've…never felt more at peace with myself and with the world as I am now, honestly. Despite the dangers around us…I…I couldn't have imagined…" I stopped. We stare at one another; she sat up from her resting position…and it's like she was expecting something significant to happen.

Unfortunately, it didn't come to pass.

Just before the moment can really flourish, the forest suddenly shakes softly around us, and we both quickly pull away! It's not long after that we hear an unearthly roar in the distance.

Having been here long enough, I know what it is and so did the female next to me. We look at one another with dread overcoming the both of us, "the Primal Beast!" We both exclaimed in unison.

Hoodwink's ear was pointed toward one IMPORTANT direction…she knew where the beast was headed. The squirrel began to panic, for she knew it was near the den!

"Come on!" She shouted, springing to her bare feet.

We had to leave immediately afterward, making our way through the dark forest: hopping from tree to tree. When we arrived at our destination, what lays in front of us is nothing but destruction…more importantly the remnants of her home. Our ears drooped at the terrible sight before us. The mound that contained Hoodwink's precious realm had been trampled on…destroyed by the Primal Beast. Not long after, as the monster's roars faded away, Hood fell to her knees…her face now filled with misery.

I had no words…I can't imagine how she felt: to have the place she lived in be utterly destroyed…much of what belonged to her is now unrecognizable debris. Items such as the lute, for example… are nowhere to be found or are trapped under the wreckage.

The anthro shook her head, muttering soft words to no one in particular, "t-that…bastard!"

I almost placed a paw on her shoulder…but instead, I walked forward closer to the carnage and looked back toward the red squirrel, "this has to end…" I murmured, *sharp* teeth gritting.

The crossbow-wielder simply scoffed in my direction, slowly standing up. For her, it's just another bad event to sweep under the rug. She lost her home, but it's not as bad as losing everything she had in life. Like all the other times in her life, the squirrel will have to pick up the pieces to survive…it's what she's always done.

Yet…she had been in this residence for the longest…for a couple of years now. The others she had didn't last this long. Hood is just surprised it didn't happen sooner.

"Ya know there's no stopping that cruddy scaly, ye?"

I huffed loudly in response, unable to accept this any longer, "bastard has to pay somehow…" I growled silently. Still, for the moment I had to be there for Hoodwink, "Hood…I'm sorry this had to happen to you…can we salvage anything?" I asked softly.

The girl turns to face me and shook her head. Sure enough, she dusted herself, "just another day in the Misty Wood, mate."

"No kidding…" I looked away, folding my furry arms in return.

"If we're gonna do this, we better hurry."

And so, we spent the next few minutes searching the wreckage for anything we can take with us, but not before making sure the coast was clear first.

As we salvage…deep inside me I felt dread. Isn't winter coming? What will we do? I asked these things to Hoodwink and she shrugged (quite nonchalantly, in fact.)

I sighed as I continued helping her put some things in her bag (or as she calls it…her stash) and it was not long before we run into the remnants of her lute…

She just stood there, utterly distraught by its appearance…such a beautiful instrument that we both enjoyed playing…now gone. Hood could have just broken down right then and there, but her resolve to continue flourished.

Thus, we left…but not before I gave one last glance at our former home: we both disappeared into the dark forest in search of a new one.

Now came a tremendous and dangerous task for the both of us: to find a temporary shelter for the night. Again, it's easier said than done, but thankfully, after an hour or so of trekking through Tomo'kan (while avoiding the terrors hidden in the dark) we found a glade not too far from a lake. It had a hole in its trunk that appeared unoccupied. For the time being, this was to be our new dwelling.

We stuffed everything we had in the back (since the inside of the tree was big enough for both of us) and then we positioned ourselves appropriately to sleep.

…

That night…something strange happened to me. I was in a black void…I could not see a blasted thing, but there was a voice. There were several voices in the background, in fact. I tried to look around for the source but they all surrounded me. Sure enough, I clutched my head in pain and irritation…what is going on…what do they all want!?

"G-go away!" I growled loudly.

Funny enough, as soon as I shouted: they vanished…all except for one…

The voice is male and deep with a distinct accent to it. Soon they fill my head with instructions on how to find them and it's not long before the "dream" ends. I wake up and quickly get to my feet. Hoodwink is still asleep and it's still dark outside, but I had the urge to follow the voice. And so, I quit the forest glade in search of somebody: scurrying through the woods until I see lights glowing in the distance. It appears to be a campsite…

I slowly approached it with caution, getting ready for whatever awaited me there…

Upon arriving, I see a rather large green tent with two torches lighting up the small camp. From inside, I see a "Turkish" rug that welcomes my naked (clawed) feet. All around me are items…artifacts that I am strangely drawn to. They are all unique in their way: swords, bows, even things I am not sure what is used for…

I look around, finding myself entranced by the colorful bazaar: clothing and accessories *obviously* for warriors of all shapes and sizes. One such item I found quite pleasing to the eye (more than the others.) I felt like it was pulling me closer with its strange, magical, allure. It's a shield, green and white in color with a strange insignia engraved at its center.

My new blue eyes shine at the sight…I could swear this piece of equipment was calling to me…begging me to hold them.

I stretch my paw out in an attempt to reach for the shield, but I soon heard a voice call to me, "why, hello there…little friend!"

I jumped in surprise, eyes widening. I snap my head around to be met with a stranger. It's a human…I haven't seen another member of my kind for so long! They are wearing a green-like tunic/poncho and on their head is a green fez headpiece. They are adorned with jewelry and other strange items. In their hand is what appears to be a staff with a strange blue bird kept inside its "cage."

This is strange…where did they come from…they appeared out of nowhere!

"You found me! Welcome to the Secret Shop!" They proclaimed in an overly pleased fashion. I gave a confused look back at them; however, my fox ears rise at the realization of what's happening, "it's-it's you!"

All they gave was a wide, welcoming, grin back in my direction. Their bird squawked back as I moved an inch backward in retaliation.

"Please, help yourself…young hero!"

Hero, I thought to myself, yeah right…

I went around the shop, looking at all it had to offer, but soon my interests turn to the human towering behind me, "you know you're in the Mistwoods, don't you?" I asked, brow raised.

"Why yes, and its dangers are exactly why we have come for you" they retorted.

I backed away a bit, stuttering nervously, "m-me…why…why did you…reach out to me?"

"Young man…" they placed both hands on my tiny shoulders in response. I shivered in response…completely at their mercy, "you needed guidance. I simply answered." The man moved away and took a teapot: pouring its contents into a small cup for me to drink. I hesitantly took it as they poured one for themselves. I figured that there was no ill intent…why would there be? I doubt this person is of any threat whatsoever…what purpose would a traveling merchant have by killing a customer…heh…many reasons, actually.

Anyway, we both drank the tea before I finally spoke again, "well…you see…"

"The Primal Beast destroyed your companion's home" they interrupted as my eyes widened, "h-how did you know…were you watching us!?" I blurted out, spitting out the contents of my drink. The stranger immediately shook their head, "I need not do such things. I study my clients when I reach out to them. I sense desire that folk, such as you, require to overcome…obstacles on their journey…"

I thought to myself…why did I come here after all…because I had a feeling that I could find something that could stop the Primal Beast!

"You know a way to stop them…the monster that terrorizes these woods?" I asked in earnest, ear twitching as my tail soon did the same.

"The creature cannot be destroyed…but imprisoned it can be!" The shopkeeper took out something from inside his tunic and I moved closer. I squinted my eyes to see what it was: it turns out that it was a primitive brown piece of paper…it was a drawing with instructions etched on it. The image was a mace-like weapon with a chain at its base. I looked up at the strange human with a puzzled look on my snout: all they did was smile as always, "this, young friend, will aid you in stopping the Primal Beast."

I finally take the "recipe" from his cold hands, and I read the name at the top. I am surprised that I am actually able to understand the alien language, "Gleipnir?" I muttered.

In my head, the name sounded familiar but I'm not sure how. Either way, the man explained to me that it's a supernatural weapon forged by a god-like entity. After many years it was dismantled and remade into other items that were scattered across the land. If needed again, the parts can be obtained, but only those "worthy" of its power can use it…

"And…you think I'm worthy?" I folded my arms as the bird in its cage squawked as if it scoffed directly at me.

They simply chuckled softly at my question but soon they moved a bit closer, "that, my furry friend…is for you to decide." I looked away but very shortly after I eye them with such intensity…as if I need to know, "will this thing work?" The shopkeeper gave one nod and that's all I needed. Still, I had nothing to give him and I soon made this clear to him.

"It is yours to keep."

I am shocked by this, and I just had to mutter, "f-free? Come on…there must be a catch."

"For you…consider it a gift."

I am flabbergasted, but even more so when he pulls out the same shield I liked from earlier and gave it to me.

"I-I don't understand…why?" I shook my head, holding everything in my paws.

"It called to you and will serve you well on your journey, great hero."

I almost say something back along the lines of: "I don't deserve it." Instead, I said nothing, but the man gave me a reassuring grin back to me as if it was all I needed.

Still, one thing I didn't understand…why didn't they go to Hoodwink all those years before? Could it be because she never bothered reaching out? Is it because she couldn't do it alone? Ugh…I should ask.

Unfortunately, I wouldn't be able to, for barely a second later, I heard Hoodwink's voice…a concerned cry that rang in my cone-shaped ears, "Caleb!?"

I shake my head and turn to face her. Sure enough, I looked behind me though to find that the tent, its contents, and the shopkeeper had all disappeared.

"Why you have to run off like that!?" She scolded me…scolded me hard. She ran up to me and slapped my side with her ringed tail.

"I…I…"

She stopped, looking at the items that I now had with me: the shield and the brown recipe for the Gleipnir. I noticed this and I immediately raised an eyebrow at her, "you didn't see them?"

"See what, what ails you?" She folded her brownish-reddish fur in retaliation.

"The tent…the man in the tunic…"

All she gave was a scrutinizing gaze back at me and I sighed in return, "someone guided me here…gave me these. I found a way to stop the Primal Beast, Hoodwink!" That last bit, I gave an encouraging tone in my voice to her.

I brandished the recipe to her and after reading the contents and its purpose, she began to get excited, "is this real, bro?"

I nodded, "it has to be…it's worth a try."

"Mate…so you wouldn't mind making a long journey to find something that may not even exist?"

"Sounds like a good excuse to go see what your world is all about" I grinned, leaning toward her as she pushes me away.

"Or maybe a good way for us to end up as snacks for Air Dragons…"

"Come on, Hood…this is our chance to end this…don't you owe it a try?"

She looked away, thinking to herself. The squirrel DID want to end the Primal Beast…or at least banish them…heck if they could send him to Krimwohl that would be a treat to watch. Just imagine: the bloody drongo stomping through the streets and destroying everything that kingdom had done to destroy her early life. A smile consequently grew on her maw and she rolled her eyes at me, figuring that we could use a new adventure together, "I hope 'ya like walking, 'cause it's a lot of it, bro."

I chuckled back, "oh come on, how bad could it be?"

…

I hope you readers enjoyed this recent chapter. I'll see you all in the next update!