Chapter 14: "The Wolf Who Cried Brother..."
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"Brother?" The mysterious animal asked.
The word echoed in my head as somehow, some way the guttural growl from the creature turned into a word. I had thought that someone else said it but there was no one else other than the two of us in this small clearing.
"Brother?" He growled again, it's menacing gaze completely contradicting its concerned filled tone.
""You...you can understand me?" I questioned, not quite believing the phenomenon that was occurring right in front of me.
"Yes..."
"H-h-how?" I couldn't help but stutter as it moved closer towards me. His large body got more and more intimidating as its sharp claws and teeth flashed right in front of me.
"We...are...brother..."
"You and I are siblings? That is how we can talk to one another?" I asked to which he nodded affirmatively in response. Not sure how that works but I guess I can only accept it for now.
"How can we be related when we are nothing alike? Hell how can you tell that we're family?" The only reason I called it brother was because of my instincts.
"Me...not...understand? You...brother..." Despite its fearsome physique and gruff tone, the way it speaks is rather...what's the word? Basic? No...it spoke like a toddler or a baby.
"How? What makes me your brother?" Was it the similar colored eyes that we share? Or the essence of darkness that lies within us?
"?" Its response this time was to tilt its head in confusion.
"Do you not understand the question?"
"Not...make...sense..."
"Oh...I uhm..." I was at a loss as to how I can better phrase the question. I mean it cannot get even more basic as it is.
"You...are...child...Luna"
"I am a son of Luna? Wait do you mean that thing in the sky?" I slowly pieced together, to which the creature nodded.
That...how do I say this? That is simply impossible...
"What makes you say that?" I asked not really seeing how I was birthed into existence by something so far out of my reach.
"What?" Unfortunately the creature tilted his head in confusion again, donning an almost innocent expression on his terrifying face.
"I do not see how something so far away can give birth to anyone, let alone someone like me. To be fair I do not know much about it but surely that broken being in the sky cannot be our mother, could it?"
"Is...joke?" The large creature let out what I assumed to be a small chuckle but it sounded more like an exaggerated snort.
"I...uh..." I really did not know how to respond to that.
"Funny...brother...you...good...not...like...others..."
"Thank you?" Not sure if it was being sarcastic but hey, I will still take the compliment.
"I do apologize if I sound rude but why are you saying that I was joking?" It was a serious question, there is nothing funny in what I was saying at least from my point of view.
"All...know..."
"Everyone?"
"Legend...know...Elders...know...Warriors...know...Pups...know...Dummy!" I ignored its mocking tone in favor of the names it threw out. Legend, Elders, Warriors and Pups it sounded like different classes of a society. This can mean that this creature was not alone and it is highly likely that there are others like him.
"Sorry for being a dummy, I had no one to teach me." I gave a light chuckle while scratching the back of my head in mock embarrassment.
(Pat) (Pat)
To my surprise the creature's eyes softened before gently patting me on the head.
"Sorry...hear...no...teach...Dummy" I am guessing he meant 'Sorry to hear that no one taught me anything'. While he crudely said it, the sympathy or pity in voice was rather genuine.
"Uhm...well would it be alright if I asked you a few questions?" I requested feeling a little confident that such a compassionate creature would agree.
"Okay! I...help...Dummy..." He excitedly yipped.
His enthusiasm was refreshing to hear but it mattered very little in the end. It became apparent after a few basic questions that he did not have much knowledge to give. The only thing that I got was that we are in the territory of some Legend. Not sure what he meant by Legend because from what I understood that word is for a story or an epic.
"When you say Legend? Do you mean leader?"
"Legend...is...Legend..." To be fair it was an answer, just not one I can work with or build on.
I could only sigh in frustration as my only source of information was not really helpful in the slightest. His piecemeal way of speaking made it difficult to understand what he saying, he was essentially useless. A harsh term, I know...but irritation tends to bring out the worst in people.
"Dummy...okay?" It did not help that it kept calling me dummy again and again, guess that is the name he associated with me.
"My apologies I just got a little frustrated. It pains me so much that I lack so much knowledge that I am starting to hate myself for it."
"It...okay...I...like...you...dummy..." Well that makes one of us at least.
"Thank you again...uhm..." It just dawned to me that I never asked for his name.
"..."
"Uh..."
"What...wrong?"
"Sorry, I know it seems late but I forgot to ask your name."
"Ah...I...Remus..."
"Remus huh? That is a nice name..." Wish I remembered mine...
"Hehe...Mama...gave...name..."
"Mama? Do you mean Luna?"
"No...Mama..." He reiterated.
"Are you saying that you have a mother other than Luna?" That is going to be confusing...
"Mama...is...Mama...Luna...is...Luna..." As strange as it sounds that kinda make a bit of sense. It means that his mother and Luna are two different people.
"I see...So Remus, did your mother teach you everything that you know?" I am silently hoping that this is someone we can meet.
"Yes...Mama...smart...Mama...teach...Remus...hope...be...like...Mama..." He yipped proudly while wagging his long black tail.
The way his eyes sparkle when he mentioned her almost made me crack a smile. Looks like he really loves his mother which is to be expected between family members. Its rather strange seeing such as scary looking being act in such a way, heck this whole interaction just shattered my first impression of it. I hope the rest of his kind is like him because a plan just popped in my head.
"...Uh...Well...Remus if I may, could I meet with your mother? If she is as smart as you say she is then maybe she can teach me what she taught you?" I was hoping to not sound too pushy but I could only cringe when the words came out.
The large creature seemed a bit taken aback by the question. He looked a little unsure, like a child that was faced with a difficult problem. Definitely not a good sign...
"Remus...not...sure...Mama...said...not...trust...strangers..."
It was sound advice, if I had children I would tell them the same thing. I did not want to push Remus given his look of distrust but I was desperate for any shred of information.
"I need help Remus...I...I lost my memories and I have nowhere else to go. I am literally at my wit's end..." I pleaded as I put both my hands together.
"...I...I...no...I...sorry..." It answered with a tinge of regret.
"Why? Do you not trust me?"
"No...I...like...Dummy...but...I...need...do...something..."
"Something? You came here to do something?" Hmm, it did seem like he was going somewhere when I first spotted him.
"Romulus..."
"Romulus?"
"Big...brother..."
"You came here to see your big brother?"
"Yes..."
"I see, perhaps you can lead me to your mother once you are done visiting your brother?"
"I...uh..."
"Please Remus...I really, really need someone to teach me."
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"Okay..." He relented as he crouched down on all fours.
"Thank you..." I let out as I sighed in relief.
"But...you...come..." He stated abruptly.
"I beg your pardon?"
"Dummy...must...come..."
"You...you want me to come with you to your big brother?"
"Yes..."
"Oh, okay, sure!" I was going to suggest that since it would be best to stay close to my first companion. There is no telling what might happen so I wanted to at least have someone who I can trust with me.
"Its a deal then! I shall accompany you to your big brother and once you are done you will lead me to your mother." It is a win-win situation because either of those two can help me.
I sent out an open palm waiting for Remus to shake my hand.
"Hmm?"
"Uh...Remus?" Oh come on surely you would know that it is customary to a seal a deal with a handshake.
"What...that?" It asked, curiously inspecting my right hand while constantly sniffing at it.
"You are supposed to shake my hand to seal the deal." That is how it is done, right? At least I think its supposed to be done that way.
My newfound companion gave me a skeptical look before moving closer. I half-expected him to hit it with its paw but instead he licked it, covering my appendage in saliva.
"Taste...funny..." Better funny than delicious, not sure if I wanted to stick around you if you said the latter.
"I suppose that will suffice for now." I answered as I wiped the drool on the nearest tree, trying not to gag at the foul odor it exuded.
"We...go?" He questioned as he turned around to face the forest in front of us.
"Yes, we can go now."
"Yay!" He howled excitedly before entering the forest with surprising speed.
"Hey! Wait for me!" I cried out as I sprinted to catch up.
"Ha! Keep...up...Dummy!" He taunted with wicked looking grin before jumping over a fallen tree.
"Remus!" I called out in vain, hoping that I could catch up to my reckless guide who just did one big somersault over a big rock.
"Hahaha...this...FUN!"
This is my only option...this is my only option...is what I keep telling myself.
Haa...well at least things are moving forward.
"Watch...this...Dummy!" He said as he cut through a tree that was blocking his way with his claws. The poor plant had no chance as it toppled over and almost crushed me.
This might be a problem...
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(Unknown Location)
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"Who dares disturb me?" A booming voice echoed within a cave that didn't seem to end. There would have been nothing but darkness if not for the a small white gem that was attached to the ceiling, illuminating one spot at the center.
(Shuffle) (Shuffle)
From the shadows came a large figure, a beowolf that was as battle hardened as they come. It had several white spikes and armor of varying sizes. The hundreds of scars that adorned those features showed the wear and tear of a warrior that has survived for a long time.
"Forgive me Great One for interrupting your slumber but I would not have done so if it was not urgent." The fearsome creature cried out before bowing its head in reverence.
"What...is...it?" The hidden one asked clearly annoyed at being awakened.
"I was patrolling the southern outskirts of our territory and came upon a familiar scent." He shuddered as he felt a small sudden gust of wind from behind, sensing a massive presence that was circling him like prey.
"And?" It inquired wanting the new arrival to not dilly dally with his report.
"I...uh" The Beowolf took an audible gulp as its shifted uncomfortably on its four legs, looking quite unsure as to whether or not to answer.
"Cursus, you are wasting my time. Get straight to the point." The now-named Cursus sighed exhaustively before saying...
"...Remus..."
(CRACK)
The whole cave shook as something slammed into walls shaking everything in its place causing various rocks and gems to fall down to the floor. The messenger tried to maintain its balance but ultimately failed as there was another collision that brought down a large boulder nearby.
"Remussss..." The unseen being slowly stated its voice full of raw hatred.
"..." The poor Beowolf was shivering in its place as the sounds of angry growling and huffing could be heard.
"That pup has tested my patience for the last time." The screeching sound of claws scraping the wall resounded all throughout the cave.
"I understand that you are upset but..." He said as he tried to stand up without trembling too much.
"Cursus! I hope that this is not the only news you bring to me. While the silly escapades of this traitorous wretch have been quite a nuisance, it is neither significant nor noteworthy enough to bring my attention to."
"O-o-of c-c-course, Great One! Ther...there is more!" He stuttered quickly.
"Out with it! Before I release my frustrations on something a little more...alive." The unknown being threatened as two big red eyes suddenly appeared in front of the messenger. Two crimson orbs that glowed in darkness, their burning gaze were burrowing into the panic stricken creature at the center.
"There is a new scent that is accompanying Remus." He let out immediately.
"A new scent? Surely you jest, you are one our oldest Trackers. You have cataloged every scent since our Great War with those accursed humans."
"It is not a lie Great One! It is an unfamiliar scent I swear it!" It begged as it bowed its head to the ground, silently praying to the Goddess Luna.
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"G-g-great One?" The creature hesitantly asked as it looked up only to see those giant glowing eyes suddenly disappeared.
"..."
"..."
"..."
"Great On-" The tracker's eyes widened as a snout at least three times his size appeared to his right. One gleaming red eye shining down on him.
(Sniff) (Sniff)
There was a small vacuum of air that almost pulled the beowolf off its feet but luckily it stopped almost as soon as it started.
"Hmm...I do not smell a lie...fair enough. Be quick with your words." It said as the humongous creature slowly disappeared into the darkness once more and those eyes returned to their original position.
"This scent is that of an ancient, similar to your own Great one. I had thought that it was one of the other legends but it does not match with any of them." It immediately explained not bothering to add any other details.
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"A Legend here in my territory? That is absurd no legend is permitted to enter my domain. There is a pact that is maintained by all of us, if one were to visit they would have to announce it publicly. To not comply is to declare war on us...unless..." The voice trailed off.
"..." This time the tracker remained silent so as to not interrupt it's leader's thinking.
"Could it be? Has he awakened?" It mumbled.
Despite the fear it was feeling the Beowolf could not help but wonder what his superior was talking about.
"Hmm...that could be a possibility...It would be best to consult 'Him' about this. Hmph! Well done Cursus it seems that time has not dulled your senses." It said as the tracker sighed in relief.
"I live to please you Great One." He stated as he eagerly waited to be dismissed.
"You have an opportunity to do so again. I want you to deliver a message to a few packs in the north to be wary of the accursed Witch. There is a rumor going around that she is vying for more allies from different Legends. We best be prepared should she come visit us."
"Your will be done."
"Oh and in case I forget, send three packs to deal with Remus."
"Three? Remus is a crafty pup but a pup nonetheless. One pack is enough to subdue him."
"Did I stutter?"
"I-uh...forgive me for saying but is three packs really necessary? It is a little excessive for such a little threat."
"That nuisance has been plaguing us for far too long. I want this problem child to be dealt with as soon as possible."
"W-w-what did you have in mind?" He asked feeling a small amount of sympathy for the kid.
"I plan on having one of our warriors give him something that will last for many, many cycles. I am sure you know what I am talking about."
"But Lupa might no-Gurk!"
"Do not mention that traitor's name in my presence!" The voice roared as an enormous claw scooped up the wolf and started to slowly crush it. There was a small tremor that caused the light gem to crack causing a small flash of light that illuminated everything, just for a few seconds.
In that moment the mysterious figure appeared.
Fangs the size of small boulders, grizzled fur that crackled with hidden energy and a gigantic white mask that had a grey scar that cut in between its right eye.
"I-I-I...s-s-so-ry-rry!" Cursus managed to let out.
"I do not want an apology!"
"Y-y-yes...I-I-I...no-not...again! I swear!"
"Grrr..." He growled before relaxing his grip making his victim fall to the ground.
"Haa...Haa...Haa..."
"If you want to keep on living I suggest you obey without question. Am I understood?"
"Y-yes..."
"AM I UNDERSTOOD!?"
"YES!"
"Good, remember what I have told you and go..." He ordered as the Tracker nodded his head quickly before immediately scampering away.
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"Huff...A witch in the northeast...A gathering of all Grimm Legends...A pillar of Light in the south and now an unknown legend in my territory."
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"It has been a long time since things have been this hectic...not since...their time."
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