FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Crownless By Bartan Tirix

Chapter 0

They mentioned a darkness was coming, looming over the land and reaching further every night. But the cub never expected it to cover her home, to swallow all of the evening's light overhead. The stars she once looked up to no longer seen within the pitch black of the clouds and smoke, the only light source being the flames they were fleeing from.

It was a living nightmare, one that she was being dragged through. Never expecting the coldness of the dark to sting the kitten's lungs with every breath, her thin clothing barely providing any protection against such a thing. Yet, any cry she called out was ignored by her mother, carrying her little sister in her arms as they headed towards the wheat fields.

The cries from afar... Ones that which reminded the cub of stories of war within her village could still be heard. Terrifying screeching and the horrific screams of farmers attempting to hold the line ached her heart, even if she didn't fully understand what was going on. The only thing she knew was fear, covering the surrounding land like a thick blanket of fog.

A sudden jerk to stop caused the kitten to whimper at her aching shoulder, wondering why her mother suddenly stopped. Barely seeing the rows upon rows of golden suits, armor made to look like dogs as they carried halberds. Standing information and overlooking the feline with two children, but only for a moment.

"Advance!" One of them ordered, seeing the soldiers march in formation towards the burning village. Not looking twice at the survivors, but at least not considering the felines enemies. Something the cub didn't think of, instead was once again lead into the darkness by her mother. Causing her to whimper at the strain of her grip and the pain it was causing the younger one's shoulder.

Soon though, she started to feel the itches of the wheat fields. Being dragged inside for several long moments until the mother couldn't run anymore. Nearly dropping the younger kitten in exhaustion, causing all of them to stay low to the ground. Panting heavily as the older one pawned off the youngest to the other kitten for the time being, only to have her whimper between breaths. "Hold onto her. Hold onto your sister!" The mother whispered harshly.

The cub whimpered in denial, worried that her mother with leave her alone here. Especially when she started to stand up, then massive wind was felt in the darkness as the older feline screamed. The space that once occupied their mother now completely vacant replaced by the echoes of rips and tears, along with monstrous growls and hisses.

Not long after, another scampered through the fields after the commotion, startling the two young ones and causing them to yelp for their lives. Only to hear the monster growl in pain as a blade seemed to pierce it. Struggles in the darkness echoed with the sounds of wounds and bassy hisses, until the large one passed the kittens once again. Fleeing the fields with heavy wing flaps and then... The aching silence.

Before the older sister even realized it, the other creature was standing over them. Extending a paw to help them up and causing the kitten to panic. "Hey, it's alright... You're safe for now." The voice was muffled, but that of a female. Soon seeing the spark of flint and the light of a torch that was being held above the wheat. A warm glow that the older one never thought she would see again, omitting over a rather small rodent of sorts that was covered in crimson robes.

Not the most friendly of faces, but the feline didn't have much for allies. Still trying to scan the area overhead to spot the monster, but the rat just gestured her paw once again. Helping the smaller ones up and leading them out of the fields a ways. "What about Mama?" It caused the red one to slow to a stop, not looking at the cubs.

"...She didn't make it. I was too late." The rat stated, knowing herself just how hard it was to hear that. How it put those who were still too young to understand it into a state of shock and confusion, but the red one kept leading them. Finding a large old tree that made a bit of a shelter, big enough to fit the two cubs in and stopping in front of it. "Hide here for now."

"But what if the monster comes back?"

"It won't. It's wounded but I need to find it before it hurts someone else, okay?" The older sister whimpered at that. "You will be safe here, as long as you don't leave this spot until sunrise. The King's Guard will likely have the village defended by then, but do not leave before morning unless you have someone to protect you, understood?" The cub nodded and the rat gave her a small pet. Empathizing with them, knowing how much harder the rest of their lives will be from here on out.

But it will make them strong if they can survive it, just like how it made her strong too. Taking the torch with her and hearing the painful wail of her mark in the darkness, the rodent pulled out a short blade and followed it a ways. Putting out the torch and disappearing into the black fog once more.

Chapter 1

The smell of smoke was alarming, but not uncommon in the mornings. Leaving the hare to almost daydream while staring out into the distance, leaning against the ledge while the sun pierced through the clouds from time to time. Able to see the distant rains start to approach, the pressure pushing much of that white fog down along the grounds.

Yet, he could still catch that rough scent, knowing very well that the creatures once again came out when the world went dark. Able to see a few glimpses of gold through the white mist and almost wishing he was down there during the night. Buuuut as luck would have it, he still needed to fix his breastplate. Half disappointing the hare as he waited for the furnace to heat up, the crackles of the coal as the cool breeze touched them made his ears flicker and return to the bench with his tools.

He loved working outside, regardless if it did make the job slightly harder to deal with the weather. Putting on a set of goggles over his golden eyes and a set of gloves, the breath of the cold season was slipping through every morning just a little more. Telling himself that he should get all his work done before he was forced to relocate off of the palace walls and into their actual smith. A place he still dreaded even going in to obtain such tools that he observed.

The tremendous heat bothered him, as well as the noise. Even though it made an echo out here, it was still easier on his long ears somehow. The peaceful silence, the fresh air, and the feeling of working alone with his own thoughts. It was all part of a zenful process that the orange furred rabbit was getting into, not sensing any movement in the bushes behind him.

Soft cushioned brown footwear slowly stepped across the cobblestone and approached the hare from behind. Slipping out a weapon from the red robes with a single rodent-like hand and keeping the other one free. Stopping any advancement when those long ears flicked a little, then a slight breeze reduced their guard again. Only to soon feel that vacant paw grasp over the rabbit's whiskers and pull his head back, starting a struggle until the point of a blade was felt against his throat.

His heart raced with instinct, demanding the orange one to fight or flee against his composure. Yet, willpower still remained in command; dropping his tools on the table and raising his gloved hands in surrender to the intruder... That was honestly about his rather short height. "Don't move." The armed one whispered, getting the rabbit to silently curse under his breath. "I am Don Karnarge. You killed my father." A noise in question from the orange furred one as that paw moved from his whiskers to his chin, allowing him to speak.

"Your father...?"

"Domingo Montoya." The clearly female voice stated a little louder.

"Montoya... So, wait. Your married?"

"Don't change the subject!"

"Montoya... Montoya..." The hare pondered, rather calmly given the situation. "Wasn't he a lumberjack?"

"Indeed he was-"

"That was killed by a falling tree?"

"Yes."

"After he tripped over a nearby stump?"

"...You seem to know a lot about that fateful day." She grumbled.

"I still don't see how this is my fault."

"You're the one who sent him out there to begin with!"

"What do you mean? That was his job."

"One that you ordered-!"

"The king ordered."

"But you paid him to work!" A long standstill until the rodent burst into chuckles. Releasing her grip and her threatening 'blade' away from the rabbit's neck, even getting him to almost laugh at it as she shook her head. "This clearly spiraled into the realms of absurdity." She shoved him forwards playfully, letting the orange one finally turn around and realize he was being threatened by a twig the entire time.

"I killed your father." He quoted, as the rat in the red clothing sat down on a nearby bench. Tossing the stick back into the garden and covering her eyes in shame. "That was the best you could come up with?"

"It seemed like a good idea at the time!" She grumbled, sighing loudly and almost yawning.

"You've been up all night, haven't you?" Only a groan in response. "Don't lie to me, Zhoja."

"Fine, fine. I've been out, yes. But it's not what you think." A less than pleased look from the rabbit. "I mean it, my thieving days are behind me."

"And contracting? Spying?"

"Markus." The hare raised his hands at her grumble.

"You're the one who came to me, Zhoy. If you want to start a new life, you need to put those habits behind you."

"I know, I know." She looked off to the distance. "It's hard, especially when it's what I'm good at."

"It's also what's been getting you into trouble. Always has been, ever since we were little." Only a faint nod from her, watching the rodent pull down the face rag and pull back her hood. Letting the beige coat and mane of hers finally breathe in the morning air. The rabbit sighing at her and just turning around before barely asking. "Then what were you doing."

"...I was with the Guard." Zhoja finally admitted, getting the attention of the hare's golden discs. Attempting to seek out her blue ones to sense if she was telling the truth... Not that he could ever tell anyway. "Just... Not in formation."

"You mean the ones that went after the village?" A nod as she kept staring out into the distance.

"It was another Bane attack." She mumbled sadly, instantly knowing something hit the rat's heart. Looking at his workbench for a moment before dropping his tools and sitting beside her, an orange paw on her clothed shoulder.

"I believe you." He stated, almost getting her to look at more than just his sitting position. "The guards... They have been very 'concerned' about how some of the Banes have been killed lately." No response from her, but the rodent could tell where this was going. "They were debating whether or not it's humane to-"

"They're monsters, Markus."

"I know, I know." He raised his hands up in surrender. "I'm not arguing that... They have just become more frequent, and I'm... Surprised you didn't start hunting these things down sooner." A light shrug from the red clothed one.

"It's... Not satisfying, honestly. I've killed a dozen or so Banes over the past few months, and I don't really feel better-" A light squeeze on her side triggered a faint ticklish giggle from the rodent's muzzle, double taking at Markus who was gazing at her in surprise. "What?"

"You killed... How many? Without protection?" She rolled her eyes at his questions. "I'm serious, Zhoy-"

"For the last time, the Gold thing is just a myth. It doesn't protect you from the 'Maleficent Rot' or whatever." She air quoted with her hands, only to interrupt the rabbit's next speech. "-And before you start! Rot doesn't exist either. It's just some tall tale to keep people from grave robbing."

"You don't know that-"

"And neither do you. Odds are it's the king's excuse to decorate his soldiers in those gold armors. If you want to be suspicious about something, be concerned where he's getting the coin to do that-"

"Frakk, Zhoy! Say that louder and get arrested by your employer, will you!?" The hare whispered harshly.

"The king didn't employ me, his Lieutenant did."

"And his name is...?" A careless shrug from the red one that made Markus sigh in defeat. "Zhoy..." He grumbled, almost in frustration. "Can you please take this job more seriously? I went through a lot to give you this opportunity! I'm still doing favors for them."

"And I appreciate it, but no one's going to catch me dead in one of those golden deathtraps. I do things my own way, and considering my kill count is starting to rival the top five in the kingdom, I wouldn't be complaining."

"That kind of defeats the purpose of an army; soldiers that work together-"

"I'm a ranger, Markus."

"You're an assassin that has just changed its targets to unnatural wildlife." He said a bit thickly, getting her crossed look to stare at him back for a few moments. But sigh soon after and nod. "They have these rules for a reason. You don't have to wear gold plate like many of the frontlines, but consider... Even a light chainmail. I'll make it for you myself if it means you'll wear it."

"I don't need it, Markus-"

"Maybe not yet, but what's going to happen the day when you do?" A grumbling sigh from her, but those blue eyes showed a bit of guilt. "What? What is it?"

"They... Have been getting a little harder to kill lately."

"See? All it takes is one wrong decision to end your life, and I don't want to see the day when they deliver me your bloodstained rags." That guilt amplified, but she nodded. "Try to stay out of trouble until I can gather enough materials and finish these requests. Practice with a standard chainmail for now, find a measurement that works for your size, and get your body used to it. Deal?"

"...Fine." Zhoja grumbled, seeing an orange and white paw stick out as if to demand to shake on the promise. Tossing her snout, but shaking it regardless. "Deal."

"You've been up most of the night, have you? The barracks does have a bed-"

"I'm not sleeping with the dogs." She grumbled, getting him to chuckle.

"Okay, okay. Do you have enough for a room then?" He asked, checking his belt for his coin pouch and not finding it. Getting up and seeking the workbench to see if he placed it there instead, swearing he had it with him this morning. Only to feel a purse of small metal coins hit him in the back of the head; his very own brown one with the brass colored lace.

"Do now." The rodent's voice said, completely disappeared from the bench and beyond the wall by the time the hare looked for her. Smiling and just shaking his head before taking the pouch back and returning to his work.

Chapter 2

The busy streets of the town were much more to her liking, finally out of the shade of the kingdom's high walls. Once again with her red hood up and a satchel, buckled and secured, she moved about the marketplace. Though the noise was slightly giving her a headache, the rat always felt... Safer in the crowds. It was much easier to hide in plain sight as she walked between people, both upper and lower class.

Such atmosphere honestly reminded her of the olden days of living like an orphan in a town much like this one. Pickpocketing anyone with colorful or shiny clothing, ones that were likely from the north because they had the strange instinct to apologize when you_ran into _them. It was a bit cruel to take advantage of such kindness, but it was either starve or survive. Days that Zhoja really didn't miss that much, now that she thought back to it.

However, exhaustion soon took over the moment those blue eyes spotted the sign of her favorite tavern. Favored mostly due to the lack of questions they tend to ask, and how often it remains quiet aside from the noise in the street. Feeling a yawn coming on, the beige rodent nearly staggered through the crowd, until a large furred brown thing stood in her way. "You've recently encountered them." She stated at the red one, hearing Zhoja grumble in response before letting out that tired reflex that kept her from speaking for a moment. "Yet... You're quite resistant to their taint."

"No idea what you're talking about, bear." The red one grumbled, attempting to walk around her only to have a rather fancy wooden staff get in her way. Causing those blue eyes to glare upwards at the beast that was at least three times the size of the rodent, and likely a dozen times the mass.

"Can I buy you a tea?" She asked Zhoy, getting those smaller discs to study her brown body for a moment. The only thing the large one was wearing was a green cloak that had seen better days. Though a strap of a bag was nearly hidden by the clothing and fur coat.

"No offense, but you don't look like you have the coin to spare."

"No need to judge from appearances. Please, it's important to your health, I assure you." A gesture to enter the tavern doorway was taken after a grumble, the bear's heavy steps soon following the rat to a booth. Sitting across from each other and ordering two teas while the red one released another yawn. "Long night?"

"You could say that." Zhoja grumbled. "And before you start, I'm not at liberty to discuss doing what-"

"You were hunting Banes." A sharp look at the bear's rather calm expression, the two remaining quiet as a weasel brought over their drinks. Getting out a few coins, the rodent handed them over. "I'll take a room too."

"Of course." A gesture to leave them privately, and the employee did so. Once again facing the bear with a thick gaze as the large one took a sip.

"It's pretty good-"

"How did you know." It was barely a question, but one that got those yellow rings to look over the smaller one. "Have you been following me. Who sent you."

"No one did. I can simply sense the Rot within you."

"Rot is just a myth-"

"It is not, young mouse." A near growl from Zhoja was trying what little patience remained. "You hunted a Bane last night, but didn't take it down."

"...They're getting stronger."

"Yes and no." The brown one stated, finishing her tea rather quickly in disappointment, but the red one slid over her own full cup. "Thank you. I am Savah, I am a Forest Sister-"

"I know what you are." The small one interrupted. "You're from the far north, explains the lack of clothing here."

"I thought it would be best to ensure that I have nothing to hide."

"Aside from that bag you're carrying." Another somewhat aggressive statement that didn't get to the brown one in the slightest.

"I will get to that in due time. But first I must convince you that the Rot is real, and it is a threat." A low grumble from the rat, but she didn't respond. "Rot is a darkness that can get even stronger when it is around more Rot. Those who are uncorrupted or untainted are at an advantage against those who embrace the Rot."

"What are you getting at-?"

"They were easier to take out at first, yes?" Zhoja's jaw stiffened as she studied a near understanding gaze of those twin suns. "At first, the killing blow was nothing but a well-placed attack in a vital spot. Lately, it's almost as if they've grown a thicker pelt? That their talons are sharper than a freshly made axe?"

No response from the smaller one, as Savah took another sip. "It is not your imagination. It is not that some Banes are significantly stronger, though a few are." A gesture towards the rat as if to ask her name.

"...Zhoja."

"Zhoja, Rot favors the strong. It favors corruption and bloodlust. Those who have taken an affinity towards it can manipulated it to their advantage." Another calm drink. "When you slay them, there's always a risk of that veil essence finding a way into your body."

"Unless you wear gold."

"_ That _, I assure you, is the real myth." No response from the small one as her blue eyes drifted off in thought. "You have become tainted over the battles, and that is why your hunts have become more difficult of late. There is a cure, however. A way to remove the Rot, though it might take a small toll on your health as a whole."

"I'm fine-"

"You have felt weaker in the mornings, have you not?" A faint growl. "Gained strength at night? You've grown a sense of where the Banes are, even in blackest of nights. Yet, they always know of your presence, no matter how silent or hidden you are." A look of disbelief from the rodent. "I know it too well."

"...Because you've been through it."

"I have not. But my brother has. He documented it very well, confirming similarities from those who did the very same in the past. That's what happens when you take the path of the Spirit Walker; sometimes you get corrupted in the process." Some silence as Savah finished the second tea. "The purging process... It can only be done with success if it is done early."

"And if I do nothing about it?"

"Then you will become more and more aggressive. Obsessed with bloodlust, unable to tell friend from foe and..." The large one started to open her bag. "Apart from that, those who survive your frenzy shall become infected as well, spreading the Rot like a plague across the land. The only way to truly cure it..." She pulled out a stone with dozens upon dozens of symbols carved into it, one about the size of Zhoy's head. Very faintly glowing in the shade of the booth. The familiar, yet interested gaze of those blue discs gave quite a bit of information to the bear. "You know what this is."

"...No." The rodent replied.

"But you've seen it before." No response, but those smaller eyes glanced in the direction of the rat's own satchel. "It is called a Rave'lith or Mystic Stone in Tradestongue. They are very rare, and only come during a time of incoming peril to the lands. When the Rot is growing deep within the world's core and starts to surface."

"What does this have to do with me." Zhoja resisted another yawn.

"That Bane you hunted during the night. You followed it into its lair, correct?" No response other than a thick stare. "You found it within the ruins underground. And with all the possible treasures that could've been found down there," A growl from the red one. "you chose the glowing rock-"

"How do you know all of this." The rodent growled, trying to keep composed but she was getting cranky. "Answer me."

"Nature talks." A toss from that beige snout. "Especially about those who are a danger to others-"

"I'm only a danger if you make me." A peaceful paw from Savah, requesting Zhoja to calm down.

"You don't trust me, nor believe. I understand that." That thick blue stare didn't let up. "So in return, I'm going to trust you with something that could get into a lot of trouble for." A noise in question from the small one as the bear checked their surroundings, ensuring they were out of earshot of everyone. "I believe that your King is corrupted. His recent decisions-"

"The king." It was barely a question. "The one that put an end to the 50 year war against the four tribes?" A nod in response. "Who ended a poverty of thousands of people, swore to protect them from evil and has been in power for the last twenty years?"

"Yes-"

"On what grounds." Another growl that immediately got a shhh.

"His recent decisions have been unlike him, they've hurt many of the towns under his control and guard. The increased Bane activity is a sure sign of this, and... Nature talks to those who listen-"

"So your plan is to confront King Lorince to tell him he is infected with an imaginary disease," A crossed look and slight grunt from the large one. "and claim that you have the snake oil cure? All because you heard a fern whisper to you?"

"I don't expect you to completely believe me, ranger." The bear placed the rock back into her bag. "I am only here to help. But in order to do so, I need that stone. Your stone." Another long stare from the rat before she took her own satchel and left the booth, hearing the bear squeeze out of her side and once again block the smaller one's path with that staff. Only to this time meet the aged wood with the blade of a hidden dagger, placing them in a deadlock for a few moments as they stared each other down.

"We're done here." Zhoja thickly whispered.

"You do not understand, you're placing the world in peril all for the chance of a little extra coin-"

"And you are wasting my time with fairy tales." An actual growl from Savah.

"There are only so many of these stones that appear in these times!" She whispered harshly. "Yours is the last I need in order to complete my quest!"

"You're not doing a very good job of convincing me that this is just some invaluable rock."

"Then I will pay you for it-"

"Not nearly enough. Your pouch is practically empty-"

"Then I will pay you later-!"

"I'm not falling for that, nature walker." Another growl that was challenged by one that was not nearly as intimidating. Only to hear the weasel shout at them from the bar.

"H-hey! No fighting in here!" The two didn't relieve their stares. "Take it outside!"

"...I'm going to bed." Zhoja growled, pulling her weapon away and walking around the brown furred one. Taking her key from the counter and heading upstairs.

"It can't hide in the moonlight!" Savah shouted at the rodent, actually getting the small one to stop for a moment. "The marks resurface when the sun falls! It's a sure way of telling!" But the red one ignored her. Finding her room, locking the door and taking the much needed rest her body demanded.

Chapter 3

The breeze caressing her beige fur sent slight tickles and warnings, eventually causing the rat to awaken within the soft innkeeper bed. Actually falling asleep in her clothing and hide armor underneath, keeping her warm as the temperature outside seemed to drop. This tavern was nice in the summer, but the poor insulation really did hit hard when winter approached.

Zhoja supposed it didn't help that the window was opened, the curtains nearly flirting with the cool winds as she stared at them. Swearing that the shutters were not opened when she entered the room, but the rodent was honestly so tired at the time that everything was a blur.

However... That conversation with that bear still echoed through her mind, wondering if it was her duty to even report any suspicion against the king. Be it slander or even threats against the lion's life. Yet, was some nature walker really that much of a threat to begin with? It honestly just seemed like a waste of time to her.

The very thought of getting up was against her body's demands to just stay and rest, honestly reminding the beige one of becoming ill in the past. Almost tired of sleeping on her left side, but it was an old habit from darker days. Constantly on her guard, even after she fled across the border. Like a simple wall was really going to stop anyone from getting revenge, considering the dozens upon dozens of lives Zhoy's taken in those past years...

The thought of redemption resurfaced to her once again, wondering if that guilt could ever truly be satisfied. Taking out creatures deemed as 'Pure Evil' when hardly anyone else around had the skills to do so seemed like a good plan at the time, but what if that Sister said was true? That she was becoming infected with Rot? And if so... What would that lead to?

Stories the rat overheard in the past only assisted in her worry, recalling tales of even the kindest of people doing unspeakable things to those they loved. Murder mostly, rampages that seemed surreal. Over-exaggerating their durability with claims like it took dozen or so wounds to finally put them down.

A bit of tender swelling was felt in her tail, nearly choking it where it pierced through her clothing. A sure sign that something was off in her body, very warm to the touch as it curled around her body. Zhoja was indeed falling ill, but against her body's demands to just stay in bed and sleep, she sat up. Almost finding it a difficult task against her exhausted limbs.

Crossing her legs and keeping that back straight, the rodent took a few breaths. Keeping those eyes closed as the breeze once again searched the room, disturbing her enough to adjust the hood and concentrate. "Rin... Hyou... Tou..." Every syllable accompanied by a unique paw gesture and a deep breath. "Sha... Kai... Jin... Retsu... Zai... Zen..." Several more breaths before repeating the chant again, helping her body relax and better fight the illness.

However, that wouldn't do much against hunger. Being quite a while since the rat last ate; sometime last evening. Perhaps not the best of ideas to go so long without, judging by the late afternoon sun, but Zhoja just didn't have the appetite. Officially get off of the bed and taking her bag, something felt... Off. Like it was missing. Feeling through the satchel and easily identifying the rock was still there, along with all her gear, the rodent shrugged it off. Shutting that window once and for all before looking into her sash for a moment, making a mental list of things she needed. Then closing the door behind her and heading downstairs.

The tavern was getting fuller as many groups of people gathered for evening drinks. Glancing over at the nearly full bar seats, she caught eyes with the weasel from before. Sending her a motion to come over, getting a slight sigh but heading over regardless. "I know you turn it down every day, but you do get a free meal with every night you..." A paw interrupted him, knowing very well her upcoming answer.

"I can't, Reese."

"You know our quality is good, right? Our cuts are fresh-"

"It's not about that." Zhoy half chuckled. "I'm just on a strict diet, is all. However..." He gave a solid nod after.

"You can use our kitchen, yes. But it's closing at sundown. Get back her before then, or you're doing the dishes."

"Fair enough." She tapped the bar before heading out to the busy streets. Just barely catching most of the other merchants as they were closing up, buying several different ingredients from each one. Including a few eggs, a wax candle, finely grinded pepper, and very specific foods. Then, there was the big cash in that remained in that satchel...

A bit on the shady side of town, the rodent carefully opened a wooden door that creaked loudly, closing it behind her. "Didn't you read the sign!?" A badger in the back room growled, passing through a curtained doorway while speaking. "We're closed-!" A double take at the red hood instantly converted his anger with surprise. "Zhoja...?"

"Ugh, not this guy..." She whimpered under her breath, covering her eyes with a paw.

"It really is you!" The badger nearly chirped. "Everyone in Vulnara [Rat Territory] said you perished!"

"That was... Kind of the plan." Zhoy grumbled, still not relieving that paw from mask duty.

"This is great news! Lady Melnaria will be excited to hear of your survival-" Those blue eyes suddenly shot up and she quickly moved to the other side of the counter, across from him.

"Say, Jaquan. We're... 'Friends', right?" She nearly choked out those words, at least the naive badger was not savvy enough to detect the sarcasm.

"I imagine so, yes!"

"Then can you do me a _friendly_favor?" A curious noise in question from the larger brown one. "Don't tell the Lady was here? ...Or that you met me?" Those ears perked up as his head tilted. "...Or that I'm alive."

"But why?" Jaq asked quite sincerely, getting a bit of a sour face from the rodent in response. "I can keep your secret, yes. But...? Wasn't she your master?"

"It's... Complicated."

"Zhoja, anything in this room, stays in this room. I promise-" A guest of wind blew the door opened, and a few loose sheets of parchment suddenly flew outside before it closed. Getting the two to stare at it as the badger released a sigh of relief. "At least those were blank!" She raised an eyebrow at him, as the brown one cleared his throat. "Anything _ said _in this room, stays in this room. I assure you."

A moment of study, and she sighed. "I can't go back there."

"Why not-?"

"Because I can't keep making a living from killing people. Or their families." She quietly said, nearly detecting the blood drain from his sad face. "I... Can't give you names or reasons either, for your own safety. I got out. I'm staying out."

"The kind Lady Melnaria...?" A faint nod from her.

"She can be quite the... Vindictive one."

"But-?"

"Jaquan." Zhoy interrupted, looking over him with a bit of worry. "The less you know about this, the better. Melnaria thinks I'm dead and dead people can't talk. I'm only working here to get enough coin to make it further out."

"No one is looking for you, that I know of. You should be safe-"

"Lion Country is not far enough away. I'm not to be considered remotely 'safe' until I've crossed the ocean."

"To the outer world?"

"Yes, and I'm hoping you can help me with that." The badger's face lit up with curiosity. "Have you heard of a Mystic Stone in your travels?" A bit more surprise in his green eyes nearly made her chuckle.

"You_ found _one!?" A slightly proud nod from the rat. "Oooh, they are a terrible omen, but I...!" He took a rather excited breath. "I do have a buyer that's wanted one for quite some time, back in Rat Terr..." He trailed off, meeting those worried blue discs. "E-every transaction is indeed anonymous. You must not worry."

"But you can sell it?"

"That I can, and for you, friend: his highest price." That made her smile. "4500 coin." That actually stunned her for a moment, double taking and staring at the badger in disbelief. Seeing him nod slowly and just smile at her.

"4500...?" Zhoja whispered.

"4500 coin. Yes. 2500 up front, which I can have for you by tomorrow morning. The rest when it's delivered. Do you have the stone on you?" A nod from her as she dug through the bag, pulling out the stone but double taking at it for several moments. Getting Jaq to stare at the rather normal looking rock. "That... Looks like a stone."

"It... Does."

"Doesn't the legends say that they glow?"

"...They do." She slightly whimpered, studying it for a few moments before coming to the realization that it was definitely a different rock. The shape was identical, but with no carvings and even an indent that wasn't there before. Letting the gears turn in her head as she thought back to the Forest Sister that wanted such a thing before Zhoy went to sleep. The opened window in her room she swore was closed before. Nearly growling in anger and making the badger whimper.

"Z-Zhoja...?"

"That damn _ BEAR _!" She threw the rock on the floor and bolted out into the streets, leaving the merchant to once again whimper and see the original store keeper return. Watching the red rodent tear down the streets while coming indoors.

"Goodness, Jaquan. What was all that about?"

A few small kittens scampered out into the woods, doing their best to make sure they were not being followed by anyone else. Getting confirmations from others in the trees before heading up a small hill. One that overlooked the town.

On top was a large brown figure in a green cloak, resting with her staff close by. Flicking an ear to her approachers, but calmly asking aloud. "Did you retrieve it?" The three Strays looked at each other for a moment, sending the smallest one up to the bear with a worn sack in his hands.

"Y-yes." The feline whimpered.

"Show me." He glanced back at the group.

"N-not until we see the coin!" The kitten tried to sound brave, getting a thick stare from those larger eyes, but a nod regardless. Pulling out several coins and shifting them one at a time; from one paw to the next. Letting him count them, before looking back at the group. Sharing a group of nods before uncovering the bag, letting the glowing stone finally breathe.

The bear stared at it in wonder for a few moments, then extended a paw for the kitten to take the coins. Seeing him whimper as he approached the massive creature, setting the bag down at her feet a ways before taking the coins carefully with both hands. A few steps back to recount them and nod at the others. "Thank you." The Sister stated, getting the pickpockets to scamper off. Looking over the Mystic Stone for a moment, glowing brighter in her hands before those eyes shifted to the castle...

Chapter 4

Furious didn't even come close to describing the rodent's mood, nearly giving the civilians on the way to the kingdom an intense look of murder. Like an irradiant aura of rage was being projected from the red robbed ranger, one that nearly caused everyone in the tavern earlier to flee while she made her meal.

As much as she just wanted to hunt down and slaughter that bear, Zhoja's teachings kept her in line. Those chants from earlier echoing through her mind being the only thing to currently keep her blades clean from bloodstains of the people who decided to get in her way at the wrong time. Of course that damn conscience overpowered that urge, one of a thick sternness and nearly demanding the small one to just stop. Climb up to the rooftops and calm the whirlwind of rage. Taking a breath and doing just that, shielding her eyes from the sunset and unsure if it was the actual light that was making her see red when she closed them, or was it her anger?

"_ Emotions make you_ _ predictable ." She could almost hear his voice in the faint wind. "_Before you proceed with any mission or task; you must still your young mind. Running in distracted by anger or love, worry or desire, will always lead to trouble and poor performance. _ In A Fogless Mind No Mistakes Are Made. And Ninja cannot afford mistakes._"

Ninja... It's been so long since she was called such a thing. Was the rat even considered such at this point? After the trail of blood and murders she's left behind? At least not leading to that school, but Zhoja couldn't help but still be a disappointment to her Sensei. Still keeping the name and clan hidden, yet going against so many of his teachings in order to complete tasks for that Mistress...

At least at this point the rodent was more calm, trying to think what that bear wanted the stone for again. Something about King Lorince being ill with some fairytale disease? There's no telling where the Sister would be though, in order to cast such a ritual. There were some 'Mystical Grounds' past the plains and mountains to the east, but those were just a series of rocks placed in a circle. Mysterious maybe, but magical? Unless you consider Gravity magic.

The least the red one could do was warn the king's guard to be on the lookout for such a thing. Maybe even ask Markus about any possible staying or hiding places nearby for nature walkers. Climbing down the rooftops and heading towards the castle gates... Only to find them completely unguarded.

A very bad feeling overcast the rat as she carefully scouted around. Finding heavy tracks of that canine armor, run up to the main courtyard and carefully following them while keeping low and to the shadows. They were not taken out nor lured specifically... They were called. Alerted.

Zhoja stopped for a moment, soon placing pieces together and that anger returned. That damn bear...! She was so desperate to be proven right she made her way into the castle!? Bolting down the dark and empty halls, seeing a few burn marks along its ivory walls as a loud roar was heard. Towards the lion's chambers!

The rat bolted towards the sounds, not stopping in the slightest when those covered ears recognized Markus' voice down the hall far behind her. Attempting to navigate the old castle was like being trapped into a dark maze, opened door after opened door only presented more options. More pathways for the red one to take, attempting to follow the sounds of growls and occasional sharp... Energy snaps? Weapons slamming against something unnatural? Until she spotted a gold suit on the floor.

Not moving, the scent of burnt fur pouring out of the canine's armor as the evening light attempted to censor it. Mask the damage in a veil of shadows as the cold winds were felt, giving flight to a damaged tapestry that doubled as a curtain. Magic... It had to be. Something Zhoy's rarely encountered, but heard many stories about.

Yet, the growls continued. Abandoning the corpse and following the damages of the castle like a trail of dense blood. The shouts getting louder, like a large pack of dogs barking at a single cornered fox. Ready to tear it apart by a single command, then the lion's roar shook the building. Nearly convincing the rat to flee for her life and not enter the next room!

A wall of golden suits kept their back to the doorway. The several lower ends of polearms pointing towards the red robed rodent as barely saw the shape of a large bear through the darkness. Trapped within a green bubble that shined with a wilderness protection, keeping the large brown one safe for the time being as Savah caught her breath. Identifying her target, Zhoja quickly climbed over the wall of soldiers and landed before their threatened circle of half spears and axes.

Surprising the squad of canines, for sure, but as soon as the rat pointed a small dagger towards the Nature Walker they understood her intentions. "YOU." Zhoy exhaled nearly pure rage. "You have something of mine...!" It took a few moments for the bear to even get enough breath to talk, never looking so exhausted or stricken with fear.

"Mouse!" The hefty feline shouted, actually getting the red one to flinch a little. Seeing the shadow of the lion almost tower over his golden wall of protection, several of them within the middle lightly stepping aside and forming a small path between King Lorince and Zhoja. "Who are you!"

"She is a Ranger, Sire." One of the canines near him spoke. "Mercenary, hired to reduce the Bane population-"

"The Banes are not an issue in this land." The lion growled at his subordinate. "And by Ranger, you mean Assassin!"

"Not sent for you, my lord." Zhoja stated loudly, a thick glare focused on the bear's weakened gaze until they noticed the glowing of the stones. A semi-bright cyan light flowing from the runes as the hovered around the large brown one, letting the rodent's blue discs shift back and forth between them and the Nature Walker.

"Please..." Savah whispered to the red one. "You must believe me...!" The rat's stare started to become weakened, glancing over at the king until her eye caught one of the tapestries moving. Sending a cut of light through the darkness via that very breeze, letting Zhoja look over the bear one last time. The stare of desperation in her large discs as her words from before echoed in the rodent's mind. It can't hide in the moonlight!

Quickly taking a small spare blade from her red robes, Zhoja threw it at the rope that was holding up the tapestry. Allowing it to fall and let the light shine through; over the king who hissed at the sudden action. Letting them all see the dark purple vines that crept through his mane and golden fur, the very same color that stained those plagued with the Rot. The very same glow that irradiated from Banes themselves.

Such a sigh stunned Zhoy with disbelief until the lion roared in rage! "_ TRAITOR! _" He cursed, once again causing those soldiers to tense up and be ready. " Seize Her! Seize Them _ Both _ !" Before the rat's gaze could return to the bear, the Nature Walker was devoured in a green light. Morphing into a bright string that flowed out the window and disappeared, escaping from the castle entirely and leaving Zhoja surrounded.

She couldn't stay here, there was no convincing otherwise that the rodent was an ally, especially with her instincts screaming at her to flee! Taking one of the eggs she bought earlier out of her packed robes and throwing it at the guards blocking the doorway. Holding her breath and shielding her eyes from the irritants that exploded on impact, for once thankful for a canine's sensitive snout as she broke through the wall of plated armors.

The terrible scent of pepper, ashes, and spices lingered in a small cloud. Distracting most of the guards and their instincts to stay away from such a thing in case it was toxic, allowing the red one to make it down the hallway and close the large doors behind her. Taking a nearby large sword used for decorations and sending it in the door handle, blocking it for the time being while she made her escape.

Turning a corner too fast, the rat ran into the orange rabbit blacksmith. Practically bouncing off his rather sturdy set of armor and hammer as she scampered back into a defensive position. Calming her instincts enough to finally recognize the face within the grated full-helm's visor. "Markus-"

"Zhoja? What's going on-?" The two heard the lion's nearby roar once again, as well as the red one's cowering instinct towards it before giving her a sad look. "Did you try to...?"

"It's not what you think..." She whispered in a plea, only furthering that sorrow felt gaze of his. "It's not what you think, Markus! I didn't...! I swear!" What felt like years within that dark intersection before finally getting a curse from the old friend.

"...Go._ GO _!" He growled at her, picking up her thanks as the door down the hallway split opened. A heavy breath from Markus before he pushed himself into a nearby suit of armor; one used for decor and toppling it over. Staggering to get up as the golden canines caught up to the rabbit with caution. "I'm fine! She went that way!" The orange one growled, pointing in the opposite direction of where the red one escaped, watching dozens of soldiers follow his suggestion.

She ran down the dark halls, as fast as her legs could take her. Straying from the blades of light that pierced through the shadows until she reached door after door. Like living through a nightmare, navigating a maze that never seemed to end. Only having the occasional roar of anger and frustration, barking orders to split up and find the red one. The marches of heavy platemail getting closer to some of the doors the rat passed, closing in on her location.

Until the door she was heading towards was split opened by a single golden suit, leading outside where the moonlight would easily reveal her location. Quickly spotted by the soldier, Zhoja didn't have a choice to turn and run. Instead dashing towards the armored one and sliding under his polearm swing, between the parted legs and snatching his back ankle. Twisting it while pulling back to cause the dog to fall forwards, she quickly took a dagger and stabbed between the plates in his shin, cutting into the flesh deep and hearing him howl.

Abandoning the alarm as it wailed in pain, unable to continue pursuit, the rodent bolted through the outside gardens. Trying to find a safe area to climb down the outer walls, but it all seemed to end in cliffs and ledges! Far too high for her grappling hook to reach down safely, but taking it out just in case. Along with a small oval with a fuse on it, coming near one of the braziers and lighting it before throwing the object into one of the nearby bushes.

Finding a bench to hide under as the small, home-made bomb started to snap loudly. Getting the attention of many of the suits for them to rush past her hiding spot and giving Zhoy time to slide back out and continue her escape. Soon hearing them panic when the bomb began to light bushes and plants on fire, giving them something else to worry about over the red one.

The walls were giving her no such aid to escape, the only thing was a possible waterfall that would still be considered too dangerous for her to consider jumping. The only route was back inside the palace and maybe near the front gates, ones the rat knew would be guarded. Coming up to another armored canine that attempted to block her progress, throwing the claw of the grappling hook at his plated snout. Disorienting him enough to mis-time that halberd's swing just enough that it attacked before Zhoy was in range.

Still holding onto the roped length of the grappling hook, the rat jumped off the polearm and snatched her claw from the ricochet off the helm. With the rope still under the wooden shaft of the long weapon, she continued over her shoulder and used her body weight to yank the gripped halberd backwards. Pulling it over the canine's head and bending his upper body backwards enough for a small blade to slide under his neck protection. Silencing him other than a few gags as he struggled to get the rodent off his back before the blade was ripped out of his throat.

Several droplets launched out into the opened moonlight, shining with a deep red with a hint of violet as he finally let go of his weapon and grabbed his neckwound. Allowing Zhoja to retrieve her tools and continue onto the closed door nearby, double taking at the slight purple blood on her dagger while she had the light to look at it. Were... They infected with the Rot as well?

But the wooden doorway burst opened violently, lead by a deafening roar and a bastard sword swing aimed at the rat's neck! Barely getting the dagger and it's hilt caught into the most threatening part of the blade, but the lion's strength was just too much. Launching the red robed one against the stone guardrail built around the castle walls, cutting into her clothing and giving a faint gash against her neck.

She hit the stone wall hard, but not enough to neglect the pain in her wrist; likely sprained and unusable for the rest of the encounter. Having no choice but to abandon her weapons and flee away from the massive feline and his backup, Zhoja threw her last egg at the approaching king. Seeing the white powder explode on contact directly into those purple tinted eyes, driven by madness and now temporarily blind for her to escape. Continuing down the outside pathways, doing her best to avoid and evade any oncoming threats.

But she was running out of paths to take! Throwing the last of the rodent's resources into a nearby brazier; a smoke bomb, to create a cloud to cover her escape. Opening a nearby door with a shove, but taking a different path while she had the white smokescreen. Hoping it would deceive the majority of the guards while she discarded her red robes off the cliffside.

Trying to keep to the shadows along the wall, she started to hear more armored marching ahead. Scampering and climbing up the wall the best she could to hide against the castle decorations as the patrol passed, not bothering to look up above their normal vision. Especially when beckoned by the others to follow the opened door. Finally giving the rat an honest break to catch her breath, until she started losing grip.

At least the patrol passed. Keeping a cautious eye and ear out for any other golden suits as Zhoja stuck to the darkness. Finally on the other side of the castle where the moon didn't act like a searchlight, and allowing her to search for safe way down. Nearing the water area which seemed like her best bet for the moment, unsure if she wanted to risk her life.

That is until she heard another roar from within the castle, something within her feeling like it was being... Pulled towards King Lorince. In what felt like a matter of moments, the nearest doorway burst opened with unreal strength. Actually ripping the fine wood off the hinges and nearly coming in contact with the rodent while being sent off the kingdom walls.

The looming hulk of a lion stepping in the outside shadows, staring directly at the beige rat's prone stance. Slowly getting up, trying to find a way to distract the dark eyes of madness. Yet, she found herself both frightened and enthralled by the pulsing purple veins peering out of his fur and mane. Growing brighter and drawing strength from Zhoy's every breath as he slowly took heavy steps towards her.

"Please, Sir Lorince...!" The beige one started, not getting a single reaction from the large feline as she crawled backwards. "This is a misunderstanding! I'm not Shadow sent after you! I'm a Ranger! Hired to slay the very Banes that plagued your land-" A loud growl from the lion triggered her fleeing instincts once again, scampering up to dash away and escape!

But the king leapt in front of Zhoja, while the army finally caught up and surrounded her. Getting those blue discs to carefully scan any possible way out! Any weakness within the threatening golden wall, soon gaining a second barrier behind it. And past the railing was at least a two-hundred foot drop...

Unarmed. Out of resources and distractions. No tools left to help her climb down or land safely, it was still her best bet. If she surrendered, the rodent would be tortured and made an example of. However, before she could make the decision to jump, the large feline growled and swung at her neck! Barely ducking underneath the surprisingly quick swing for something his size, but losing the very tip of her ear in the process.

Scampering back, but not far enough to get out of danger. Seeing everything in slow motion while the blade came down on her left shoulder, reflecting the light of the moon and Zhoja could see herself in the masterwork crafted blade... The same purple vines coming up from her sleeveless black undershirt and up her neck.

The pain hit far faster than she expected, as her left arm was cut clean off. Trying to hold back her cry of pain as her body started to go into shock, yet those instincts still remained! Spotting the now tainted blade coming in for another neck swing, the small one once again evaded with a skittish scamper. Until her back was against the stone railway, unable to focus on getting over it before a large stab was felt on her right side, just below the ribcage.

The sword went clean through, lightly scraping against the smooth rock design that had several holes within set as a pattern. Such a thing was both cool and warm to the touch, especially after it started to slide out. Grasping her body along with the weapon's movements as the lion held them both up with remarkable ease. Watching the beige one attempt to slide the weapon out of her middle with a single hand, but it was no use...

Placing a golden greave [armored boot] against her other side, the king kicked the rodent off and into dark forest below. Leaving behind an appendage with a red stain, one that got his attention as he examined the blade closely. A shimmer of black and violet found within its form before a lime green light launched from below, where the rat likely landed. Arcing into the forest and getting the large feline to growl loudly. " Find. Her. The Wyldcaster _and_the corpse. Behead them both or bring them to me."

"Yes Sire!" The canines saluted, organizing search parties quickly as the orange rabbit looked from atop a balcony. His heart aching from within his golden breastplate, still able to hear her vocal struggles, but just couldn't watch. Yet, seeing severed arm down below told him everything he needed to know.

With a heavy breath, Markus turned around. Only to be met with a golden suit waiting in the doorway, one with a silver collar. "We need to talk." The Lieutenant whispered quite loudly, his vocals echoing through his helmet and waiting for the rabbit's nod before taking it off. Revealing the Wolf underneath, beckoning with his head for the orange one to follow him and the rabbit agreed worryingly.

Chapter 5

"You knew." The wolf stated a bit harshly, staring at Markus while he was stripping off that breastplate. "You knew what she was before you asked for a job for her."

"I..." The rabbit sighed in defeat, but nodded regardless. Placing his equipment on his indoors workbench and sitting on a nearby stool. "Yes, Sir. I did." A scoldful growl from the tall canine. "But she told me-"

"She lied-"

"No, listen to me!" Markus spoke up, taking a breath before changing his tone towards his superior. "I know... Back in the ratlands, Zhoja was an assassin-"

"Is-"

"Was!" The orange one whispered harshly. "I've known her for most of my youth! She used to keep several of us orphans alive through stealing food! I owed her!" The wild dog remained quiet and listened. "After we were old enough to find a job ourselves, she disappeared. When I moved out of the territory, there were rumors spreading that there was several assassins taking out political parties... And I recognized her as being one of the suspects."

"So she was-"

"Zhoy admitted it to me years later. After fleeing the area, faking her own death and by _coincidence_finding me!" A suspicious look from the Lieutenant. "She wanted to start over... She just needed a pull."

"And so you suggested her to me. Claiming she was a ranger."

"...Yes sir." A sigh from the canine. "But that was not far from the truth! She showed me that she could hunt! Track! We even encountered a Bane out there, and Zhoy made short work of it! I knew you were going to hire someone capable, regardless of her size!" The canine's eyes gazed over the workbench for a few moments before taking a breath.

"Markus." A sad look from the rabbit. "I will not tell Sire Lorince what you have told me tonight. You are too valuable to us to risk his response." A sigh of relief from the orange one. "However, if you are going to suggest anything else to me, I want the full story from now on. Written out in report form, understood?"

"Yes Sir." The dark wolf turned about to leave. "Sir?" He stopped in place. "...What happened tonight? Did she attack the king?" A few moments of silence before the Lieutenant spoke up.

"No. Not directly. She merely proved what we have all suspected..."

"What... Is that, Sir...?"

"...Our King is Sick."

A sudden gasp and a massive pain shot through the beige rat's body, specifically a phantom one on her left side. Though, a stronger hand caught her other attempting to comfort the missing limb. Groaning loudly and shifting from the constant barrage of bodily warnings that something was terribly wrong. The largest two sirens being from her left arm to the hole in her belly, as she attempted to open her eyes and concentrate. Vision starting with a dark cloud, but slowly focusing on a much larger shadow looming over her.

"Stop!" The large one growled, sounding warped within the nightmare of agony. "Do not touch it!" The rat attempted to free her only arm from the grasp of the large creature, but couldn't. Resorting in attempting to claw at the hefty shadow with her other-! Only to instead see a bright green appendage, slowly forming into an arm that matched her own. "I know it hurts, but you must not touch it! Leave your wounds be! Or else they could be seriously damaged!"

The voice... Started to leave the nightmarish realm. Sounding deep still, but feminine, making out the round grizzly face through the illuminance of such magics. Finally recognizing who it was and trusting the brown bear. Not like Zhoja had very much of a choice, just having to just endure the pain for the time being. "Here." The large one offered, something that honestly smelled like strips of bark. "Bite down on it, it will help."

The sandwiched objects were placed within the rodent's maw, but she soon spit it out. "I'm trying to help you, but you need to listen to me. It will help you deal with the pain." The large one growled, getting the object and attempting again. Only for the rat to refuse it once again. "Zhoja-"

"Rin... Hyou...!"

"What?"

"Tou... Sha...!"

"Stop speaking. You're wasting your energy."

"Kai... Jin...!" The beige one growled, yet her breaths slowly began to regulate. "Retsu... Zai... Zen...!"

"I can't understand you..." But the rodent just repeated the words, like a cryptic message the bear was supposed to memorize. "Zhoja. I need you to speak in Tradestongue-" But the smaller one ignored her, once again going through the strange words a third time. Fourth. A fifth, but this time with her free hand doing several gestures.

It wasn't a language, Savah finally understood. It was a chant of sorts, helping the smaller one deal with the pain and stress. Keeping an eye on the rodent to ensure she didn't start scratching at her wounds while they healed, gathering a nearby bowl of water and slowly bringing it over. "Zhoja. I need you to drink." The brown one honestly didn't expect a response so soon, but a nod came. Feeling the bear carefully hold her head up and dip the pottery into her muzzle for a few moments before taking a break. Of course still expecting the grunts of pain, but honestly expected more.

A few more drinks and the beige one nodded. Carefully letting the rat's head down to rest and watching over the wyld magic as it continued to reform her arm. Piecing together bone and muscle within the green light, then skin. Slowly regrowing her fur in the areas as the pain reduced enough for the rodent to fall asleep. Covering the smaller one up with the green cape; the only clothing the bear had, she watched over her through the night.

The nightmarish roar of a lion caused the rat to spring up in a series of heavy pants, ready to defend herself within the sea of early morning shadows. Unable to recognize the cold forest that surrounded her, let alone the large brown rock that remained just beyond Zhoy's feet. Taking a moment to scan her surroundings and sensing a calm presence within the rock, but that was it. No threats.

Several breaths as the previous night came to her. Remembered being caught off guard and unprepared, chased by what felt like hundreds of armored dogs lead by a mad king. Then her arm, instantly gazing over it and giving it a few touches. Though the memory of the pain of it being severed still remained, it was... Fully functional. Able to follow every command, every hand gesture flawlessly. However... Around her shoulder-

"...I was a fool." The 'rock' spoke up, getting the attention of those blue eyes and finally seeing it was just the bear without that green tablecloth around her back. Something that was soon found covering up the rodent's lower half. "A naive fool... Thinking they would just allow me to walk in and cure their king without resistance. Even after I told them that I would not be leaving until such a deed was done."

No response from the rat, though her blue gaze was not that of hate. "It got out of hand so quickly. After obtaining your stone and sensing the powerful magic within them... I knew it was my duty to cure Lorince of his Rot. So focused on my destiny that I took a life of a soldier that was only attempting to protect his leader... Nearly got myself killed... Nearly got an ally killed."

"...I don't blame you." Zhoja spoke, getting that brown head to look back, but halted half way. "It's not uncommon for people to follow their destiny blindly. To achieve their purpose, even if they could perish in the process." Silence. "...I too was a victim of believing my destiny to a foolhearty amount. It took a lot of dangers, a lot of lives... Even those who I once called friend to realize such a thing."

No response once again, as those blue discs slowly returned to her new shoulder. Already starting to see the dark vines of violet begin their growth across the fresh flesh, the slow dawn already making her chest feel weak. "...There's a cure, yes? For the Rot?" That time, Savah looked behind at the beige one. But not for long.

"...Yes. But you are too weak." A stare of sorrow. "Your body is too wounded and too corrupt for you to survive such a thing. It will surely kill you at this point." The rodent's heart sank as the very light started to fold over the mountains. "...It's the same with him as well."

"...The king?" A slow nod. "...I seen it. Even the soldiers are being exposed to it." No response, like the Nature Walker could sense it. "The gold never did protect them... It just hid the infection from the public." Again, silence. "Everything you've said before has been correct... I should've listened." The large one remained quiet as the rat got up, grunting at the illness in her chest. "What do we do?"

"...Nothing."

"What?"

"There's nothing that can be done."

"That cannot be true-!"

"You've seen how powerful Lorince has become!" The bear growled, still not looking at the smaller one. "The only thing we can do is wait for him to perish and _ hope _that the next leader is weakened enough for the cure to work!"

"But the stones-!"

"Take too long to perform the ritual. It's not instantaneous like battling Banes, by the time he realizes it's happening, I will be too vulnerable." A paw on that brown arm. "My task is a failure, I am returning home." A long silence as the beige one suddenly felt parched, looking to find the small bowl empty and taking it.

"...I'll be back." No response as Zhoja looked through the dark morning. Finding it rather easy to walk after being recently impaled, however there was still a heavy pain in her chest. Needing to take a few breaths against sturdy trees as she looked at her bloodstained clothing. Clean cuts soaked in a still damp maroon, proving that the previous night was no nightmare.

Carefully making her way down the hill to a nearby water source, something caught her eyes in the trees. Getting the beige one to immediately take cover, slowing her breaths down and scanning her surroundings. Was it a large shadow of sorts? A spy!? Staying completely still and observing the rodent from above carefully, keeping herself covered and out of line of sight...

But the shadow didn't move. Remaining in the trees for a few moments, perfectly still even after a breeze started to move through. Causing the red rags to float loosely in the air like a flag of sorts. No shadow would have clothes that loose, let alone red-

Right then, it came to Zhoy. It wasn't a spy or a ninja after her, breathing a sigh of relief as she stepped out in the open after another scan of her surroundings. Setting the bowl down and getting a firm grip of the tree the flag was caught in, taking a few breaths to ease her aching chest before climbing up the nearly dead looking totem of wood. Branches easily snapping off, even the thicker ones that got in the rat's path before reaching near the top and taking hold of the rags.

A few pulls caused the old cloak to break free and float down to the ground. Resting still and waiting patiently for the rodent to make her way down safely, then a bit longer as those blue eyes stared at it. Slowly picking up the colors she's worn for so long, and hearing her master's voice echo in her head. "Blue is our color of choice. Those who assume black would be will easily be spotted within the night sky. So, we wear dark blue and keep to the shadows. Unless you are hiding in plain sight, any other color will only bring ruin to your mission."

...She just couldn't though. Especially after being forced to rely on the very blade that the Mistress forced on her. Starting with sabotage at first, but eventually came the day when she couldn't keep the red from staining her steel... Or her clothing.

Zhoja sighed heavily, the cold breeze once again getting under her beige coat and piercing her already ill body. Flicking the debris out from the red cloak before putting it back on. Wrapping it tightly around herself, almost apologizing to her old friend that's cared for the rat for so long. Keeping her warm against the harshest of days, carrying even the most fragile of tools in its compartments without complaint. Never screaming in pain with every cut that came too close to her body, even if she rarely stitched up those wounds.

Yet, she was forced to abandon it in hopes that someone would be fooled that she threw herself off the ledge. That perhaps they would be so fixed on looking for something Red that they wouldn't look twice at her black underclothing. Wishing at that very moment she was wearing the protective blue her master demanded so often, as the rodent took the bowl to the nearby water pool.

What would Zhoy's Sensei think of her now? Well, if he knew she was still alive? Becoming a Bloodletter was enough to disgrace his teachings long after she switched robes, but now she was sickened with Rot. It seemed no matter what was to be done the color red was always going to stain the rat in some way or another. Be it the deserved or the innocent, what she was going to be convinced was a threat's... Or her own.

...Maybe it was the most honorable thing to do at this point, before she became berserk like in the tales. Knowing very well her instincts no longer need a weapon to really do some harm. For Zhoja to take her own life before she took the lives of countless others, and finally redeem her now tainted soul. Or would the Mystic Stones be a better choice? Submit herself to their purity and perhaps cleanse her?

Funny how Redemption seemed to take many forms for her now, considering it was never found when it could restore her life or honor to her clan. Having a hard time to swallow down the near freezing waters without choking, and having plenty of time to look over those massive castle walls.

What would life be like without her in it? What would happen to the king? His people? Would the Rot continue to taint the land? Everything within the boarders? Until those outside were forced to cleanse these plains of opportunity with fire? Even then, there's no telling how powerful the corrupt king will become. There's always the possibility that he won't just perish... If that were the case...?

The bear remained quiet, sitting down at the edge of her thick blanket holding her makeshift cloak in her paws. The green reminding her of the flag back home, old and tattered but still containing a deep sense of Pride. Responsibility to those who were adept in the ways of the Wyld. Yet, Savah didn't deserve to wield such a power, did she? Unable to look at the staff that she was gifted to aid this harsh journey, ashamed to hear the whispers of the ancient ones within.

Those brown ears suddenly flicked, detecting a presence very close, but breathing a sigh of relief when it was just the rat. Now once again clothed in the color of war. "...There must be a way, Savah." No response as Zhoja looked over the red cloak, as if to see through it and witness the corrupted veins that marked her beige shoulder. "There must be something we can do."

"There is no We." The large one stated coldly.

"You're the one who started this! You dragged me into this damn mess!" Again, silence. "And now you're going to give up? Because you under-estimated your grand plan-?"

"All I was sent to do was to retrieve the stones." Savah admitted with remorse. "I was never assigned to purge the King of his corrupt ways. I was only given the orders to find the stones and bring them back to the Forestlands."

"Why." The rat's thick tone got no reply, even after placing a paw on her large brown arm for the brown one's focus. Saying quite a bit with so little words: The bears were saving the stones for themselves. When the Rot itself would reach their lands. Getting the rodent to exhale heat and look back towards the castle walls. "What did you say before...? The Rot Favors The Strong?" A shocked look from those golden suns for several moments.

"...No."

"Then what was it-"

"We are not risking that." The brown one demanded, returning her gaze to the wilderness. Only for a small paw to pull it back to meet a set of determined blues.

"You cannot tell me that I have no other fate but death by madness, then claim that there is no hope for this kingdom." Zhoy growled. "You said before that I had some kind of resistance to the Rot! That it favors the strong in some way-!"

"What you're planning is unthinkable-"

"_ THEN WHY DID YOU SAVE ME!!? " The rat roared loudly, causing all the wildlife to flee the area. " WHY SPEND WHAT LITTLE MAGIC YOU HAD LEFT ON A LOST CAUSE-!!? _" A few coughs interrupted the smaller one's strength, grasping her chest and panting heavily to endure the pain of the morning light. Feeling the golden eyes of the bear just stare at her for several moments before speaking.

"Zhoja..."

"I am _ crownless _..." The rodent panted. "No longer in control of my own life. Regardless of what is done at this point or not, you claim that my fate is sealed... That the only future I have left is either Seppuku or to cull everyone I meet in a blind rage!" A sorrowful look as the blue discs of desperation looked back at the bear. "Tell me... Is there any way my death can be used for good? No matter how dark the path?" A long stare from those rather shaken yellow eyes before a sigh of defeat from Savah, slowly nodding at her and looking through the wilderness. Placing a paw on Zhoja's own and heavily saying...

"You will need a blade."

Chapter 6

The crowded streets honestly felt colder to him, having difficultly to tell if it was the actual winter starting to sink in or the fact that the rabbit just couldn't get any sleep. The previous night playing over and over in his head, wondering if he did the right thing. Wondering if she would still be alive right now if Markus did a little more for her. And, of course... If she actually did attempt to assassinate the king.

The orange one wanted to believe her, and his instincts were usually reliable. Yet, that doubt still clouded his mind. Distracting him so much that he accidently ran into someone, apologizing like it was second nature, yet not getting a response from the other person.

Regardless, he just needed to get out of that bunker. To pick up a few things and get some air, regardless of how surreal this all felt to him. Almost going on autopilot, picking out things from a nearby market and carrying them to seller without a second thought while his mind was still busy in the clouds. Getting a price that seemed to be expected for the materials and reaching for his coinpouch...

Only to find it missing on his belt. Replaced by a small sheet of parchment. Snapping him out of his thoughts and unfolding the paper that just had an address on it made the rabbit sigh in a grumble. "Pickpockets?" The otter booth owner questioned.

"Yeah..." The two exhaled in disappointment as the clerk started to gather his things to return them. "W-wait. I always keep a spare, there should be enough for all this." A puzzled look as the orange one undid his belt buckle and reached down the outer side of his leg. Getting a bit of a blush from the otter as Markus pulled out a small coin purse, placing it down on the counter then double taking at the owner's expression. "What? It works."

"Don't... Most people just put it in their boot?"

"Have you ever tried walking with a boot full of coins?" The otter shook his head. "Trust me, inner pockets are a lot more secure regardless."

"I'll... Take your word for it." The booth owner said, counting and taking the amount of coin and returning the rest while the rabbit packed the materials. Sighing in both relief and stress as he looked over the paper once more, recognizing the street as a back alley one that rarely got much traction. A good spot for ambushes. Planning to just cut his losses whereas the orange one was currently unarmed. However...

It had a familiar scent to it. Faint, like it wasn't held onto very long or was written rather quickly, but it reminded him of... Could it be? Markus quickly headed towards the area, passing through some of the makeshift barricades that blocked between the buildings before reaching the rather quiet streets. Empty of life and only occupied of several hiding places used for thieves, causing those long ears to scan until picking up something-!

A rather heavy pouch hit him in the back of the head, getting the rabbit to growl and turnabout. Defending himself against the... Fallen coinpurse? His coinpurse? A look above just as something red landed before him, making his heart flutter in disbelief. "Zhoja...?" The beige rat pulled off her facemask to confirm his suspicions.

Before they knew it, Markus gripped a hold of her with his tight embrace. Surprising the rodent at first, especially with the hare's strength, but chuckling when he meant no harm. "Thank goodness you're okay! They told me you perished!" Another faint chuckle from her and a few taps on his back. Feeling the rabbit slide down in both near defeat and disbelief, looking over her for a few moments. Then taking hold of her left hand to examine it closely.

"There, there."

"S-sorry, it's just...!" He even pulled up the red sleeve to make sure it was the real thing. "They found your arm! This arm! How...?" Markus nearly whimpered looking up into her eyes while grasping that single paw with both of his. Getting his ears to flick when an older woman emptied out a trashcan from her window above, double taking at the two and hearing her grumble.

"Don't do that here! Take her somewhere nice first!" The elder one hissed, making the hare blush deeply and almost study his position and realizing it looked like Markus was proposing to the rodent. Releasing a yelp before hopping backwards as the woman let them be, sending Zhoja into chuckles.

"I-I-!" The orange one whined in embarrassment, just waiting for the rat to calm down. "Zhoy... What happened? Why are you here? They're still looking for your body and some... Wizard?"

"A Wyldcaster, yes. I'll explain that later, but..." A sigh from the red one as she scouted her surroundings. "I need your help, Markus." A whimper from him, sending those tall ears to his shoulders.

"Everytime I hear those words, something bad happens." He sighed. "What is it?"

"...The King is infected." A sad look from him.

"He's ill?"

"With Rot." A stare in disbelief from the hare's golden discs.

"...You don't believe in the Rot." A sigh from her as she pulled back the hood from her neck, then the beige fur underneath. Finding black fissures marked through it, raising an orange paw to observe it for himself, but she gently stopped him.

"Just in case... You better not touch it." Zhoja whispered to him. "How it's passed is still a mystery."

"Zhoy..."

"That wyldcaster was trying to cure Lorince of his infection using Mystic Stones-" An instant groan of defeat from Markus as he tended to his eyes in stress. "Yes, those exist too."

"I can't believe this..." He took a moment to think. "Didn't... You said they can 'cure him' of the Rot?" And there it was, within those blue discs he could see a heavy weight within as they fell slightly.

"It's too late." She mumbled. "...For both of us."

"What?"

"The corruption is too far gone, the ritual would kill us if it was cast." A breath from the rat. "But he needs to be stopped before it spreads further, and to do that I need your help."

"But...?" His heart sank again, giving him a few moments to process it. Placing a paw on his shoulder to comfort Markus before feeling him go into another hug, not receiving any complaints from her. "...What do you need?"

"Several things, but right now... I need a blade."

"A specially made one?"

"Just... One that can get into a Bane's hide." Such a statement worried him.

Night almost came early, as dark clouds loomed over the lands. A heavy violent storm devouring the sky and it's sacred light as the rat started to move within the woods and forests. Stopping once in a while to scan for the signs in the dirt and any scents, catching a few but not what she was after.

Moving further into the deep woods as the lands nearly turned black from the lack of light. Making it hard to see, but it was not uncommon for Zhoy's previous line of work. Yet, still somewhat nervous about the choices she was starting to make. Taking a few deep breaths while scouting the deep forests, her mind kept drifting back in time. "I don't understand." The bear stated, looking over the sheet of parchment that had a list of strange things on it. "Why do you need all of this?"

"Just trust me. That pouch should have more than enough for everything." Savah looked at the rat with concern as the red one overlooked the blade. A bit thicker and longer than she was used to, but will definitely do the job. "Make sure the eggs are fresh. Get my equipment from my room, and return the key to the weasel. Tell him Zhoja thanks him for everything."

"Fair enough." The brown one stated quietly, looking over the list again and taking a breath. "...It's not too late-"

"Do not try to talk me out of this, Nature Walker." The rodent half snapped, sighing after a few moments. "Sorry, but... It's our only shot to save this land. Even then, it won't be the final battle, it'll just be the turning point." No response as the rat put the kodachi away, taking a few refreshments before crossing her legs and once again whispering those strange words. The hand gestures along with them.

"...What is that?" The bear asked after watching them a few times. "A hymn? I've heard it before."

"It's..." Zhoy started, trying to think of how to explain such a thing. "A form of meditation. We were taught to do it in times of extreme pain and stress, it helps us focus." A long silence as she let the smaller one continue, studying her breathing motions, the foreign words to the point of memorization. The hand movements, however...

"Where did you come from?" Savah asked after the red one was silent for quite some time, getting a look from those blue discs.

"People can't know."

"That doesn't mean your story should remain unheard." A long stare before Zhoy sighed in defeat. "You are ninja, aren't y-?"

"No." She nearly snapped at the bear, once again taking a deep breath as if to apologize. "No... Not anymore."

"But you were trained as one, yes?" The large one sat down beside the rodent, setting her staff across that brown lap. "I took a journey into the rat lands before, heard many rumors about spies around every corner. Many of them trained within the lands, be it in the mountains and the streets."

"But you were told not to seek them out."

"Because of my more bulky form-"

"Because you were an outsider." A noise in question from the Wyldcaster. "You stand out in the crowd too easily, and that makes it very difficult for you to hide." Zhoy took a faint breath. "Outsiders are often known to talk rather easily as well, and the clans like to keep their practices private." A paw on the smaller one's shoulder, getting the rodent to look up at the bear.

"I am not asking their secrets. I am asking for your story." A sad look from those blue eyes, ones that almost felt a little shaken. Even when returning to the present, within the dark clouded forest. Still unsure if she even wanted someone else to know of such a thing... And wondering if the rat would regret telling Savah.

"...We were orphans." Her own voice echoed through her head as the red one continued to search for any tracks within the dark maze of large trees. Finding a few large gashes in the bark of a log made by large talons. "I remember my parents trying to defend my siblings from banes when I was young, and one by one... They disappeared into the darkness. All I was told to do was hide until the morning came, while they all went out to find the others."

"Only to meet their end." A slow nod from the past beige one.

"In ways that only a mad person would consider to be 'Artistic'. Within a single night, I was left alone. Thrown into an orphanage that didn't take care of anyone. So I escaped and for several months, I learned how to survive on the streets of-"

"You do not need to tell me." Another slow nod.

"One cold night, I remember someone ended up starting a fire, and it soon spread to a nearby building. My navy rags, much like that green cape you wear, was the only thing that kept me alive during those dark times. However... This night, it wasn't enough to protect me. I never felt such pain, and neither did much of the homeless. So when we seen such flames in the distance, we honestly considered it a blessing. Running towards it, not to save the building or those trapped inside, but to save ourselves with its warmth. It turns out... It was an orphanage. _ That _orphanage."

"...Did anyone survive?"

"A few, but most ended up burning in their sleep. Fatigue, cold, and hunger will all make you delirious after a while... And like savages, we thought of only ourselves." A sighing breath of remorse from Zhoja, both the past and present as she continued her hunt. "In the morning, I ended up spotting four of the orphans that escaped. A few I meet the days I was in there, now detained by a local soldier for stealing. I ended up distracting that soldier and letting the others get away."

"I found them again later that day, scrounging for food. I think that's the very first time I felt true guilt, because I was one of the many who used their burning shelter to survive a single night. Now they were left with nothing but their lives, starving with no one to look after them."

"...You helped them."

"For the next few weeks, I kept them fed. I stole a lot of food while they attempted to pickpocket many of the outsiders that came to visit the city..." A faint chuckle from the rodent. "One of them even came up with the idea to make a sign, _ warning _others to beware of the pickpockets around there."

"How... Is that helpful for their cause?" Savah questioned, giving the smaller one a puzzled look.

"Because many of the outsiders would read the sign, then check to see if their own coin pouches were still on them. Telling us exactly where it was on their bodies." A grumble from the bear, only making Zhoy chuckle. "I know, but... It was how we survived. For years, at that."

"One day, I ended up stealing off a food stand while some elder rat was shopping. I was using him as a distraction, but he caught me. At first, he was just tapping me with his walking stick everytime I reached for something, but eventually the booth owner spotted me as well. I tried to escape, but luck wasn't on my side, as I ran into a patrol of soldiers who knew of my acts... The punishment for such a thing? They were going to cut my hands off."

The bear remained quiet. "But that elder one looked at my rags... That deep blue almost aching his heart, he told me. So, he ended up paying for what I was trying to steal, and whispered something to the soldiers. They let me go, under one condition: that I was given to the old rat."

"As a slave?" The beige one didn't answer.

"I was taken to a brothel-"

"No..." Savah interrupted, taking a deep breath knowing where this was going. "How old were you?"

"Not mature enough-"

"Then no...!" Another exhale, one of near anger. "That old rat did not take advantage-!" A paw stopped the large one from jumping to conclusions.

"It was a front." Zhoja nearly whispered. "Below it was a dojo, meant to raise ninja. That elder one... My Sensei, told me that he would train me in the arts, and I would gain a profit for any jobs I would do." A heavy breath from the smaller one this time. "Soon after I started, some of the brothel's income started to go missing." The bear's expression went cross. "...Yes. It was me. And my Sensei soon found out. Following me out to my old shelter, but realizing that I wasn't keeping the money for myself..."

"You were using it to feed the others?" A slow nod. "And he...?"

"Instead of punishing me, he forced me to admit to the theft. Then started paying me on a regular basis. Stating that I when I was able to earn such coin back, I could pay my debt to him... A few months later, one of them got caught. I broke them free without consulting my Sensei again..." A deep breath of remorse from the beige one. "And that orphan fled out of the city. I never heard from her again, but as usual..."

"Your Sensei found out."

"...Why he put up with my insubordination all these years, I don't know. Neither did many of his students, often resenting me in the process. But things started to look up after, one of the orphans got a job at a local forge, becoming an apprentice to the blacksmith and eventually being transferred."

"Blacksmith...?" The bear repeated, looking towards the castle. "Is that the same...?" A slow nod from Zhoy.

"And the other..." A faint chuckle from the smaller one, getting a puzzled look from Savah. "Have you heard of a traveling group of dancers called Hoshizukiyo?"

"I have. I've seen them a few times. Those girls are very good."

"Do you remember a Ferret being in the group? I'm not sure if she's still there."

"Yes, the last time I seen them, there was." A solid nod from the beige one. "She started out as...?"

"Mmm... Now, can you keep a secret?"

"Of course."

"That ferret was actually male." A rather surprised look from the brown bear. "They came to the city one day when we were young, and after seeing them Bijin wanted so much to be a dancer. He was just so terrified that they would say no, that Markus ended up asking them for him." Almost a laugh from the rat. "The poor guy was nearly hiding behind me in embarrassment, as Markus brought them over to meet Bijin."

"And?"

"He came clean to them..." A heavy breath from Zhoy. "I'll always remember how brave he was then, the look in his eyes... Even when he expected them to say no. But they..." Another chuckle as a small tear left the blue eyes. "They honestly thought the idea was thrilling. However, they wanted to slightly change his name to conceal such a fact."

"Why?"

"Bijin in our language is along the lines of 'Beautiful Person', they wanted to change it to Bijyo: much closer to 'Beautiful Female'. He loved such an idea... I think deep down, he wanted to be born female, but... At least he held the look of one. Still one of the groups most popular members as well."

"Still, it's hard to believe..."

"I know, but I've never seen Bijyo so happy. What Markus ended up doing for her that day..." The voice faded into the dark forest, as a familiar scent was caught by the rodent. Leading her to several dark feathers that were shed from a nearby tree branch. She was getting close...

Chapter 7

It was like a heated wave that was left behind, the scent of sulfur and burning tar. Always making it harder to breathe when tracking one of these monstrosities, like the odor was somehow thickening the air behind it. Getting closer, the rodent could almost feel the creature far off into the distance... Like a sixth sense, one reminding her of... Hunger. "We're getting off topic." The bear's voice echoed from the past, lingering through the woods and causing those covered ears to flick regardless. "This story is about you."

"Yes..." Zhoy remembered, taking a deep breath before continuing. "My point is... They moved on in their lives, while I remained to repay my debt to my Sensei. I was never his best student, let alone a rather popular one, but I took the studies seriously-" A brown paw on her beige one, getting their eyes to lock onto each other.

"You did the right thing." Savah whispered. "They were not for selfish reasons. They were to help others."

"Others I took advantage of, remember." That blue gaze fell, but a tighter grip on her smaller hand returned the rat's attention.

"They got an opportunity for a better life because of what you've done. If your peers knew, they would understand." A slow nod from the small one, as she sighed.

"I... Took the studies seriously, the teachings to heart. I was trained to survive, just like the name intells. Ninja: A person who Survives. Endures. Is Patient and Careful. Reliable, and quick thinking."

"Many people called them deadly as well. Assassins." A slow head shake from the rodent that seemed to have some heavy weight to it.

"We were taught not to kill." Zhoja whispered a little harshly. "I want to stress this because it is very important: Killing someone is an absolute _ last _resort. It did nothing more than make our tasks harder; it made a mess, left a body- left a _Trace_that we were _ there _. Our tasks, our missions? They were to gather information and intel. To help people escape by providing non-lethal distractions for pursuers. On rare occasions to steal or swap something, perhaps even sabotage." A large nod of understanding from the bear.

"We were taught to be invisible. To remain in the darkness and become the stories that people told about the night. The term Shadow fit us well... Fit me well, at first." The rat took a look around, as if to make sure they were alone. "Have you heard of a Mistress known as Lady Melnaria?"

"I have. Even had the pleasure to meet such a wonderful person." A bit of a sour look on the smaller one, confusing Savah. "What is wrong?"

"Lady Melnaria had something against my Sensei. I will not say, but at the time I did not know what it was. Regardless, he was being blackmailed by her. Demanding that she sent one of us to aid her with several tasks. As much as Sensei did not want to..."

"Because he treated you as family." A slow nod and a bit of a hard breath from the beige one, attempting to keep herself composed. "And to lose one of you..."

"Our best volunteered, but our master did not want to do such a thing. Instead, I told him that I would... I had a debt to our Sensei regardless, and even though he attempted to talk me out of it..." That large paw moved to her shoulder again. "...So I went to work for the Mistress, and learned just how horrible of a person she was deep down."

"Lady Mel...?" A slow nod interrupted the bear.

"She... Didn't believe or understand what exactly a ninja was. Like many, she wasn't looking for a spy, she was looking for a hidden blade. A contract killer... An Assassin. My first few missions, I... Did the deed in round-about ways. Sabotage, setting the rooms on fire, baiting wild animal attacks. But Melnaria was not pleased when one of them survived. She threatened me that if it ever happened again, she would expose my previous family."

"Expose...?"

"And spread slanderous rumors about them. Causing arrests and public executions to any of them that were caught." Zhoja carefully took out the kodachi; a steady but small straight blade about the length of her forearm. Sighing heavily at such a form. "She then tossed a blade much like this one at my knees... That night I took my first life. One of hundreds." Another snap back to the present, as those blue eyes spotted a moving shadow in the darkness. Making out the faint glow of violet along the many cracks of its avian body... And soon, the purple rings of madness within its skull-like face as it looked directly at the rodent.

"He was some mouse Merchant... One that really didn't mean much harm, but he scammed the Lady with some fool's gold." The dark trees whispered in Zhoja's voice as she climbed them. "Bags were already packed, constantly looking through the curtained windows as if waiting for a wagon to take him far away from here... But he made the mistake of keeping a light on in the room, allowing me to easily find it."

A leap from strong branch to strong branch, trying to stay out of sight from the terror that was scouting for her. Catching her sense and feeling that same... Pull as before, with the lion. Hearing the creature prowl towards her. "All it took was a single dart to put the flame out, making the merchant look away from the window for a moment, before I climbed over it and quickly took him down. Nearly hesitating before stabbing him in the neck-"

Another jump across to a larger tree caused the branches to shake, getting the attention of the dark vulture. "...It was the hardest thing I've ever had to do at the time... To the point where it put me into a state of shock as I pinned him there. A blade in his neck, still struggling to get out of my hold." A heavy breath from the past rat, getting that paw of comfort to upgrade to a half-hug as the bear moved closer to her. "Only to rip it out and force it back in... Again and again. Until the struggles started to fade... Until my arms felt wet and warm..."

A few breaths as the smaller one composed her past self. "I swear I was holding onto his body for years. My muscles hurt from stressing them so hard, still hearing his heartbeat within my hood... Eventually finding out that it was just my own. Dropping his lifeless body onto the floor, leaving signs of a struggle. A mess. A trace while covering half my navy clothes with that dark stain..." The creature slowly walked towards her tree, scanning it through the darkness with several rattles and hisses.

"I returned to Melnaria that very night and told her the deed was done. In the morning, they found the body and confirmed it was the right target. She was pleased, but after that... I could not call myself a Ninja any longer. So, I replaced my garments with that more of red, it was easier to hide the bloodstains... Not even two hours later, she came to me with another name." The hisses and screeches grew louder and louder, until that pull was once again felt and the Bane looked directly at her with violet discs of madness. "The most terrifying part of it...? How easy it was to take the second life."

The rodent jumped from one dark tree to the next, while the Rotten beast swung upwards with its wing. The very contact with those dark feathers caused the fresh wood to become wounded while severing several twigs. Attempting to follow Zhoja as she moved from one small ledge to the next, roaring at her in frustration as if it couldn't quite see her movements through the domain of shadows.

Tossing a pebble far on the other side of the monster, it's attention turned towards the bushes that it landed in. Hissing aggressively before attacking it, masking the noise of the rat's leap down onto its back. Stabbing the weapon into the creature's back, one twice her size, and hearing it roar in slight pain. A light spray of the dark and violet fluids coming out of the wound, but it wasn't quite enough to cause more than a cut.

The malefactor spun wildly, spreading those sword-like feathered wings outwards and cutting into the trees with deep gashes. Swinging the rodent around until she finally lost her grip on the weapon caught into its upper collar. Getting her to roll upon landing and slip back into the shadows, behind a large tree while the Bane was distracted. "I took several lives after that, but it wasn't enough for the Lady to merely kill them. She wanted me to do it more... 'Creatively' in her words. Melnaria wasn't looking simply for an assassin... She was looking to be feared."

Eventually the beast slowed down to a prowl, still feeling the wound on its back but not its attacker's hold anymore. Scanning the area much more furious than before, and Zhoja could feel that pull again. This time, concentrating on it as if to pull back and disperse it. Hearing the vulture hiss loudly in a different direction away from her as the red one moved silently out of cover. Staying directly behind the Bane and its line of sight as it prowled around... Unable to really detect where the damn rat was hiding! "What do you mean by that...?" The bear asked, getting the past beige one to remain silent for a few moments. "Zhoja...?"

The rodent jumped when the malefactor was lower to the ground, focused away from her. Landing on its back and slamming that kodachi's pommel, driving the blade deep into its body like a stake. Causing the beast to arc upwards and throw her off, this time with the blade, swinging another bladed wing in frustration that barely missed her snout as she rolled back onto her feet. Vaulting over the deadly beak's bite attack and using that wound for leverage while stabbing into its shoulder, ripping apart the tendon deep within its carapace.

"She wanted me to make examples of them..." Her past voice echoed through the dark woods over the Bane's painful roars. "Totems out of their bodies." Another deep cut rendered one of the wings useless as the rat was once again thrown off. "She ordered me to gut and hang them by their entrails." A rake from one of the dark one's talons was barely dodged, grappled and then cut cleanly into the muscle. Causing the bladed claws to jerk and become unresponsive as it made the mistake of attempting to walk on it. "To spread messages over the walls with their blood." The beast staggered and tripped, growling in pain as it attempted to lunge at the rodent! Feeling her evade under its bladed wing and attack it's flank. "To hide pieces of their bodies across their homes for their loved ones or partners to find."

The cut wasn't deep enough for a wound, but the creature staggered up swinging. "Through experience... I was taught how to disable someone with nothing more than an edge." Throwing itself off-balance in the process, unable to keep the ranger from climbing on its back and sever a few more muscles in its shoulder and wings, then around its neck. "To leave them alive and unable to completely move." The only thing the Bane had left was a series of talons, but they did little work on their own. Just a few scratches on her clothing as she rolled the vulture over and cut deeply into its tendons. "We were taught pressure points in order to defend ourselves... But nothing as inhumane as this..."

"Zhoja..."

"...Lady Melnaria got what she wanted. Though my murders could not legally be traced to her, every family in the land knew which hand such strings were attached." Her past self took a heavy breath while the present rat loomed over the squirming beast, the scent of Rot irradiating from it... And Zhoja feeling herself almost absorb such a thing. "...My Sensei's debt, whatever it was at the time, was paid in the blood of her enemies. Their partners, loved ones. Their children, both very young and grown up..." She gripped the weapon's handle tightly. "And I couldn't take it anymore."

A comforting stroke that held such strength was still felt within those red robes. "So I... Did one last large mission for the Lady, and purposely sabotaged it. The target did die in the flames, but I also dressed another body with my old clothes too..."

"You faked your own death?" A slow nod. "Then you came here..."

"Because I thought I could escape such a forced past. I made sure they thought I was deceased before officially leaving the ratlands. I tracked down Markus, who ended up moving and finding a good job here..."

"But word spread quickly." A slow nod from the small one. "Did you tell him the truth?"

"...I did." A faint sob from Zhoy. "He didn't believe me at first... I don't think he wanted to. I honestly didn't blame him, but... Markus deserved to know. He kept it a secret towards the other guards, and got them to offer me a job as a ranger to hunt the Banes." A moment of silence from the beige one as she looked at Savah's stone expression with wet eyes, ones that were still strong. "I... Can't be redeemed. I know I can't, even though I want to believe I..." A heavy breath from her. "I'm so... Terrified of what happens after death, especially with someone as tainted karma as my own."

"...We..." The bear started. "Have stories of Gravewalkers. Those who come back from the embrace of death due to unfinished business." No response from the rat. "Zhoja... Did you enjoy such acts?" It was a heavy question to hear, one that almost made the small one choke on her breath. Shaking her head in response.

"No... I just became numb to it."

"Then you have a chance at redemption." Such a statement nearly made the rodent break what composure she had. "However... I am unsure if this is the correct path to take for such a thing, Zhoja."

"I know." She whispered back, letting that uncertainty echo through her present self. Standing over the malefactor before kneeling down on its lower underside. Looking at the kodachi just like she did in the past. "What must I do?" Those golden suns looked at her with a heavy burden.

"I need you to find a Bane." The red one plunged the sharp blade into the vulture's collar, hearing the bone snap and crack under such an attack while the creature wailed in pain. Dragging the bladed side through the chest heavily, the scent of the Rot nearly driving the rodent vicious and giving her the strength to break through such an armored carapace. Dark misty fluids flowing out of its chest as she pried open the ribcage. "Keep it alive." Exposing the thumping muscle deep within. "And eat it's still beating heart."

Hesitation overcame her, as the beast struggled underneath. Attempting to fight against its own muscle's denials of movement as the rat grasped its core, feeling it twitch faster and jerking against her wet grip. Severing the heart from the body and ripping it out of the still squirming soon-to-be corpse... She'd gone too far to stop now, pulling down her face mask with the muscle still in her hand. Zhoja brought it to her maw, and slowly took a bite into the still jerking core.

The foulness of burning tar and warm powdered metal coated her tongue as those small teeth bit into the flesh. Causing several oils to squirt out with every pierce of her fangs, leaking down and around her beige muzzle as she ripped off a piece. Struggling to chew what almost felt like eating a soft rock, one that was still moving faintly as the rat swallowed it. The thick liquids coating her throat like ash, as her body nearly rejected such a thing. Taking a few breaths before another bite... Then another... Then another...

Chapter 8

"Would it kill someone to light a lantern in this place?" The male rat grumbled, being escorted by the canines in plated armor. Getting an uneasy feeling as soon as he spotted the castle past the border walls, and it's only gotten worse since he's been inside. Regardless of his own hired escorts, there was something... Off about the Lion's land and the soldiers within. "I feel like I've been down this hallway before."

"We get that alot, but you have visited this place before, Ambassador." The Lieutenant stated rather calmly.

"No..." The high class rodent replied, examining the corridors closely as they passed through. "There's something cold about these walls."

"That's just the winter setting in. It's going to be a harsh one this year." The leading wolf informed, stopping when he realized the three rodents were all nervous about going further. "My offer still stands, sir. I can deliver your message to the King-"

"No." The lead male stated rather firmly, but a hint of worry was in his green eyes. "I've met with Lorince everytime I've visited and I will continue to do so..." An uncomfortable breath from the rat. "No matter how... Foul the weather is." The Lieutenant stared at him, the golden mask hiding the concerned look of the wolf within. Yet, such a helm brought frightful shadows to his gaze and body language, hearing the Ambassador swallow loudly and carry on regardless of his instincts demanding otherwise.

"This way, we're almost to the Throne." The canines moved along, escorting the three rodents through the dark halls. Each door having two guards that seemed to remain like golden statues until they approached, giving their salutes to the silver collar before he opened the door to another dark hall.

"You've..." One of the hired rats started, still feeling really tense about the atmosphere. "You've improved your... Royal Guard since our last visit." No response from the others, but a glance back from the leading wolf. "Are you expecting an attack? Or are you-?" The Ambassador cut him off with a sharp shhh.

"The King was attacked a few nights ago. Twice in fact." A whimper that was barely caught in each of the smaller one's throats as the Lieutenant continued. "A bear, Wyldcaster. As well as a Rat." That made the lead rodent's whine leak.

"I-I hope you don't suspect that we had anything to do with such a thing." Another look from that dark, emotionalless helmet. "We've been at peace with Lorince's lands for decades-"

"It was a ranger I hired. She came from your lands." The lead canine studied all three of them. "Does that sound familiar to you?" A head shake from the three rats, not getting a response for a few moments. "There's also a lot of recent Bane attacks here. We must be on our full guard if they decide to prey on the city."

"Hence the full plate." One of the hired ones stated, giving a tap to the nearest dog and hearing it growl loudly from within. "Why gold though?"

"Gold..." The wolf started. "Gold prevents the Rot from infecting us."

"Prevents...?" The other hired hand whispered in a question, seeing the first one just shrug at him. Following the Lieutenant to a door guarded by four other suits, giving their salutes and opening the door for them. Walking inside to see the lion out of his chair and reading in the faint light, not noticing the guards kneel before him until several moments.

"Your Majesty." The wolf stated, still not getting his full attention. "Ambassador Yuivak has returned for his yearly visit to your lands, he hopes to-"

"Lorince! It's been too long-" A heavy growl interrupted the lead rodent, making him take a step back and slightly cower at the large feline.

"That is how your address a King, mouse?" The lion grumbled, getting a shocked look from the Ambassador.

"M-my most humble of apologies, Sire." He kneeled down. "I've... Recently heard of the attempt on your life, a-and I assure you it was not us-" Another loud growl made the rodent swallow loudly. "Let us perhaps find out who-"

"State your business and begone."

"...Sir." The lead smaller one started again. "We were hoping to reinstate and discuss our trades once again-"

"No."

"P-pardon?"

"I've gotten all I need from your lands, I no longer need your resources _ or _foul currency." The thick statement even surprised the wolf.

"But your majesty-?"

"Lieutenant! Escort these Rats out of my Kingdom! Ensure they are removed from my lands by sunrise tomorrow!" The other canines immediately stood up and saluted, seeing their commander take a moment before doing the same. "Execute them if they resist."

"Lorince, please...!" Yuivak stared only to get a roar from the large feline, silencing him and motioning a surrender. Looking back at his hired protection and nodding at them faintly to leave, seeing a look of relief on their faces as they were lead out by the many golden suits. The doors behind them slamming shut and making their fur stand on end as the Lieutenant looked over them.

"...I apologize for his..." A raised paw from the Ambassador, telling him it was alright. "It seems the recent attacks have taken a toll on his patience."

"No..." Yuivak started, looking at the many canines that surrounded them. "That... That is not the same person I once called friend." No response from them, but the wolf did glance back at the Throne doors. "We... Have many... Preparations to take." A nod from the lead golden one as he started to guide them through the halls, only to be approached by another pair of soldiers.

"Sir!"

"What is it?" The Lieutenant responded.

"We've gotten word about the Ranger's whereabouts. She was spotted in the trees to the south of the kingdom, sir."

"Who made this claim?"

"Markus did, sir." A quiet moment from the wolf. "How would you like to proceed?"

"Sir?" A glance back at the others guarding the Ambassador. "We can handle things from here, sir." He observed the two for a moment and nodded.

"Gather three dozen and follow me."

"Three dozen, sir?" One of them questioned. "It's just one rat."

"Yes." The wolf answered calmly. "...I know who we're dealing with."

"It's more of a mix between a spear and an axe." The orange hare explained, keeping up with the bear over twice his size as they made their way into the forest. "It keeps the reach and distance of the spear, while though not quite as deadly or hard-hitting as an actual axehead..."

"It can still deal quite a bit of damage." Savah finished his explanation, patiently waiting for the rabbit clearly not used to hiking. "And you invented such a thing?"

"Yes, but it wasn't as hard as you think."

"For what purpose?"

"Well..." A few breaths from Markus as he rested the heavy bags down for a moment. "There's been quite a bit of talk about mounted combat spreading across the lands. Hare territory, wolf, even some rat armies are gathering what they call a Calvary; taming horses or large beasts to ride into battle."

"That seems like it would make them a bigger target."

"Yes, but they're also higher up. Give them a reach weapon like a spear, and..." The orange one shrugged at her, once again taking the heavy bags and carrying his way through while they still had daylight. "My Halberds are made to combat such a thing from the ground, or at least make it easier."

"One would think that just using arrows would do."

"Archery? Well..." A few breaths, getting the brown one to almost chuckle. "Sorry, I'm just not used to walking like this. I usually just have a trolley to help me carry gear from place to place."

"It is fine, we're almost there."

"But yes, Archery is a warfare game-changer, no doubt. However it requires a lot of skill to master, especially long distances. Platemail is made to resist many piercing and slashing attacks; claws, swords, arrows and the like. Even if you do get the arrow to pierce the plates, there's no promising that the target will stay down."

"Is that why you're using a mace instead?"

"Hammer, yes..." He trailed off, this time with a worried expression over his face when he seen the sleeping rat in the distance. "Savah was it?"

"Correct."

"I'm... I'm no warrior. I'm not a fighter, I just learned the art of war for smithing... To help protect others from harm." He looked into those golden suns sadly. "I'm... Not sure what you want from me. What she wants..."

"You will likely have to ask Zhoja. This is mostly her plan, after all." A saddened, almost defeated look from the hare as his gaze fell and he nodded. Almost being able to read his very thoughts as they approached the smallest one, now without those red robes and just in her black underclothing. A sleeveless shirt and pants, still damaged from a few nights ago via a hole in the back and blood still staining such a thing.

"Zhoja?" Markus called softly, approaching behind the rodent sleeping on her left side. Reaching out to tap her awake, only to get the end of that staff to suddenly appear between them, dividing the two and making the rabbit look at Savah in question. Studying the serious look on her face as she motioned for him to step back... A motion that didn't quite register.

Instead, the bear lightly poked Zhoy with the end of the walking stick, only to barely see the beige one move in a blur. The sound of a violent cut from the hidden blade under a blanket as the ranger rolled away from the two in one fluid motion. Such an attack actually startled Markus for a moment, now seeing the progress made along her light brown neck. Black vines with an uneasy violet moving within, as well as a much less humane look to those blue eyes. Hearing his friend almost snarl at the two, crouched down with that kodachi still ready within her straining paw.

The motion of surrender from the bear wasn't enough, as those blue eyes shifted between the brown one and orange one. "Kneel." Savah whispered in a command, hearing a whimper in question from the male as she repeated it again. "Kneel! Do not look her in the eyes, do not challenge her!" A little harsher, but soon seeing him follow her lead. "Zhoja." The bear slowly stated. "We're not here to hurt you. Come back to us." But the rat's growls only became a little louder, as she started prowling around them. Soon, the bear came up with an idea. "Rin. Hyou. Tou. Sha."

"What?" The rabbit whispered, only getting a shhh from Savah immediately.

" Kai. Jin." A response from Zhoja finally as she started to say the words with the bear. "Retsu. Zai. Zen." Several deep breaths followed, one next slower than the previous as the rodent shook her head. Setting the blade down on the ground slowly while trying to concentrate.

"The nightmares have gotten worse." The bear stated, faintly seeing the beige head nod before looking at her two friends with a cautious gaze. The once blue discs were now being cracked and damaged with that same violet as the rotten fissures along her body. "...You probably don't recognize us."

"...No." Zhoy muttered harshly. "You're... Twisted with the shadows." A slow and calm nod from the bear. "...Who was my master." She growled at them, barely asking a question.

"Master?"

"Your Sensei?" Savah answered, getting the harsh attention of that thick gaze. "You never stated his name." Several moments of silence and Zhoy nodded again, seeming a little more relaxed as she rested once again on the heavy blanket.

"You...?" Markus started, unable to look away from the effects of the Rot this close. "You really... Don't recognize us?" The beige one shook her head, taking a drink out of a nearby bowl of water before taking a heavy breath. Looking over the two for a few moments sadly, but with caution.

"Shadows..." She started. "They're... Shifting... Vibrating constantly."

"Shadows...?" The rabbit whispered.

"I can also See... And hear your blood moving. Through your fur... Your muscles." A few pants from the beige one, never looking so stressed to the hare. "Nothing... Looks the same anymore. I feel like I'm in a nightmare." Several more breaths as the smaller female attempted to keep herself composed, those ears flicking around as if picking up echoes that the orange one couldn't hear. Letting his gaze move towards the large bear's and recognizing the look of guilt over Savah's face, looking over the staff that had a gash in it.

"...You knew." Those twin suns slid over to him. "That's why you stopped me, you knew how she was going to react." The hare whispered angrily, only seeing the remorse thicken. "You did this to her-!"

"Markus..." Zhoja started, feeling his own negative emotion within herself as if to be influenced by it. Making it more difficult to keep calm.

"...Yes." The brown one admitted sadly. "Our clan has studied the Rot closely, as well as how it effects the minds of those afflicted." A near furious grumble from the rabbit that also caused the rat to do the same thing. "You need to calm down-"

"What are you after, exactly!?" Markus snapped at the large one. "Why did you come here!? Why did you do this to her!? Hasn't Zhoy suffered enough-!?"

"_ MarKus _...!" The beige one growled, almost inhumanely. Actually intimidating the orange one before a brown paw held onto his shoulder. Making him look into those golden eyes once more.

"You_Need_to calm down." Savah whispered to him, getting no response until Zhoja spoke up again. Still pausing for several breaths at a time while her muscles strained.

"It was my fault." The rodent admitted, getting the male's attention. "I was already infected before she found me." A study at her crossed sitting position while those beige paws moved from gesture to gesture. "Savah gave me the opportunity to cure this and survive, but I didn't believe her." A breath of remorse. "I got greedy, thinking the money from that stone could change my life."

"Zhoy..." The rabbit mumbled.

"This is my decision. I need to do this...!"

"But why? Why _ you _...?" He almost whimpered, getting a head shake from her and detecting something wrong. Just unable to tell exactly what.

"...Did you get all that I asked for?" A subject change, one that ached Markus' heart as he nodded. Searching through the bags, the two set out several items that were on that list. Many of which were ingredients, but the main one was a long chain with two longer weights on the ends. Seeing her pick up both ends and examine them closely before looking at the blacksmith in irritation. "I thought I told you that I needed a hook! What happened to the double dagger-"

"I know, but..." He started, those long ears falling to her growl as he took a breath. "I'm worried about you, Zhoy... And I can take a guess why you wanted this for." A thick stare from those cracked blue eyes. "They're wearing _Plate_armor. A blade isn't going to do anything against that, and a hook is only going to get snagged." He kneeled down and offered a paw to observe a single twenty pound weight. "This however... It'll be much easier to knock them out with." A small moment of study and the beige one nodded, nearly in defeat. "Everything else is the same. Down to the exact measurements."

"...Alright. I need to prepare. Until then, I need you to send your Lieutenant a message." A very worried look from Markus. "Don't worry, I'm not going after him. But I have found a way inside..."

Chapter 9

"Spread out!" The wolf shouted into the darkening forest, his helmet unable to mask his commanding voice. "Fan the area and keep on your guard!" Watching the dozens of golden suits start to search every area the rat could be hiding in.

"Permission to speak freely, Sir." One asked from the few who stayed behind, getting the leader to overlook them for a moment.

"Granted." The group overlooked each other.

"This is ridiculous." One of them grumbled loudly. "It's just one rodent, who cares?"

"Your Majesty does, for one."

"Then we should be back at the palace _ Protecting _him instead of being out here looking for a corpse!" The wolf overlooked the soldier, remaining quiet for several moments and actually intimidating the group.

"How much do you know about the ratlands, Cadet?" No response other than an uncomfortable grumble. "...Before my years serving under Lorince, I was a guard for a royal family from the wolflands. One year, they decided to pay a visit to another family for business within the Rat territory. Something the Lady Melnaria didn't approve of." The Lieutenant gazed back into the woods, his voice still stern. "She sent out her shadow, and out of the thirty-five guards that were sent to protect that one family, three survived."

"...And the family?"

"Did Not." He stated thickly. Taking a breath to exhale, but not out of remorse or anger. "You think I'm being over cautious, Private? I'm not being cautious enough against this _ One Rodent _."

"But that night at the castle-"

"She wasn't fighting back." The wolf took a deep breath. "Zhoja was never our enemy. The king just made her into one." An uncomfortable silence as a cold wind started its way through the bare trees, getting several shouts from the frontlines. Coming in like a wave from the ocean as messages overlapped from one row of suits to another.

"Sir! They've found her!"

"Very well. But stay alert!" The group made their way deeper into the woods, holding onto what little sunlight they had left. Barely being able to make out those red rags within the trees... And a makeshift noose around her neck. Displaying the rat's limp body about a dozen feet off the ground. "...Cut her down."

"Yes sir." Though it was difficult for them to reach such heights, taking the canines several long minutes before doing so with a polearm and letting the corpse fall into the leaf covered grounds below. Several soldiers still keeping their halberds at the ready before carefully rolling the body over. Unable to make out the rodent within the shadows until the Lieutenant took it upon himself to unhood her.

Only to find a body made out of wood and straw, puzzling several of the suits and actually causing a few of them to take their helmets off to make sure they were not seeing things. "Sir? What is that?"

"A decoy." He stated, almost too lightly. Thankful for the full helm able to hide his slight smile before getting up and looking at his command. "We keep looking. See if you can find the bear as well, but I doubt she's even within the lands any longer."

"Yes sir!" They saluted, continuing on into the dark forest while several kept guard around their leader.

"Sir...?" One got the wolf's attention. "...What are we really doing out here?"

"There's the door." The orange hare whispered, carefully walking along the kingdom walls while leading the others. "Hopefully the steward kept his end of the deal." His voice still twisting to her numbing ears as Zhoy remained in the darkness for a few moments. Seeing him try the door and feel it remained unlocked, beckoning the others to come over after a peek inside. "Never underestimate the power of a bribe." Markus smiled, his face morphing within her dark vision. Sending her instincts into near terror, but her will was still strong enough to resist.

"Indeed." The bear stated in monstrous growls, at least to the rodent. "And the rest inside?"

"Should be back at their homes by now. Lorince recently told them that only the soldiers and himself are allowed to remain inside the castle walls after sundown." A sad look towards the beige one, still in the shadows and straining to control herself. "Zhoy...?"

"I'm... Alright." She panted. "But I can't go with you."

"But you said-"

"I know..." She interrupted Savah, almost growling at herself. "And I will... I will provide a distraction so you can sneak inside." A heavy breath and a swallow from her, lightly stepping out into the moonlight and feeling the Rot inside her flesh and fur illuminate. Some even through her black clothing. "But I'm too much of a danger to remain with you." Another sad look from both as they gaze at each other. The brown one soon taking a large vial from her bag and handing the glass full of red liquid to Zhoja, receiving a puzzled look in return.

"Take it. Drink if you find yourself overwhelmed."

"What is...?" The rat whispered, getting interrupted by a slight pain in her chest. Not liking the heavy silence from the bear before she spoke almost coldly.

"...Cub's Blood." A shocked look from Markus, as well as what remained in those blue discs.

"You cannot be serious..." Savah shook her head at the smallest one. "Where did you get this...?"

"...You don't want to know." Another cold silence as the wind started to blow between them. "Banes are attracted to it. The Rot is..." A long silence as the beige one stood up.

"Get those stones ready." A nod from the two as the rat started to leave.

"Zhoja." The large one lightly called, getting her attention. "Thank you." A faint nod as she heard the hare approach her from behind. Almost grunting at the golden breastplate Markus wore as he gave her one last hug.

"I always hated that damn thing." She grumbled, getting him to chuckle.

"Thank you, Zhoy. For everything." A grip over his own armored paw was felt, along with a tight squeeze.

"You too, Markus... You've risked a lot here. Be careful." A nod was felt against her neck and shoulder, grumbling when some of her messed up fur was getting caught in his visor. "Protect Savah. At all costs, understood?"

"Yes ma'am."

"Even if it's from..." A tight squeeze from the male half interrupted the rodent, nearly begging for her not to say it. After a moment, she tapped his glove and felt the embrace break. Sneaking back into the shadows as the rabbit attempted to follow her movements with his eyes.

"Markus." The bear called, almost sadly. Grabbing his attention for a moment. "We won't have much time."

"R-right." He mumbled, looking back at the direction of his lifetime friend before heading back.

Friendly warning: If you are a dog lover or are sensitive to violence You might want to skip to chapter 11.

The shadows of the trees shifted and jerked against the moonlight's rays, almost swiping at the small rat everytime she got close. Avoiding them just in case, unable to tell what was just darkness or an actual threat. The walls she was running along started to crack and split into fissures of black as she approached them, nearly seeing the soothing violet she so desperately craved.

Along with that vial of red that red hanging just off her belt, a glass cork still in its mouth but Zhoja could still smell it. Wanting to let the warm liquid to just dance on her pink tongue as if she'd been parched and stranded in a desert for three days. Her throat so dry and the only thing that could quench it was just a paw away...

Yet, enduring for just a few more steps finally caused her attention to snap elsewhere, feeling some Rot within another body close by. Practically seeing it through the very stone barricades as those wailing senses attempted to scout further within the night. Making out the walls that the shadows danced and taunted her over, the gate up ahead where the Rotten one resided... Along with another very close by.

A heavy growl left her throat as the rat thrust to get closer to that strength, hearing them speak aloud in grotesque vocals. "What was that?"

"I heard it too." The essence started to move, making their way outside the iron gates covered in shadowed thorns as the rodent quickly climbed the wall and balanced on top of it. Spotting one of the golden canines begin cautiously searching the shadows as she dropped down on the other side. Quickly moving behind the other soldier and grappling his leg, causing him to fall forwards before giving that greave a sharp twist-!

The ankle snapped loudly, surprisingly easy as well for what Zhoja was expecting. Hearing the canine howl loudly in pain before ensuring that he would never walk again, the other guard calling to him as the beige one once again trailed the wall and leapt over the other side. Unsheathing that short blade before grappling the unharmed soldier from behind, locking one arm under his jaw while her own leg kicked down at the back of his upper shin. Her body almost absorbing the Rot within him just before hearing that leg bone snap loudly within the plate armor.

Another cry of pain echoed through the night sky as that blade went through his arm, possessed by such strength that it pierced through the soft metal. Ripping it out of the appendage and shiving under the lower ribs a few times before twisting the weapon, letting the soldier scream loudly before being dropped. Moving on inside as she sensed a few more up ahead coming towards the commotion and hiding within the garden that lined the path to the castle.

Once again, she could almost see it; the Rot build-up within the dogs that rushed to the gates. One clearly lagging behind while the other two passed, waiting for that third tardy one to reach the rat's position before she slid into his legs. Tripping the canine onto his side and back before getting a sharp blade deep into his chest, then a slam against its hilt for good measure. Nearly nailing him into the cobblestone as his Rot was absorbed into the beige one, but his sharp gasp got the attention of the other two.

Rolling over the grounds to close the distance while ripping that blade out, the rat parried one of the axe blades and giving the soldier wielding it a rotation kick in the snout. One that still seemed to hold a lot more power as it sent him into spins before landing hard in the stone path, while the other nearly panicked at such a close enemy within the night. Sending out quick jabs with the speartip in order to keep the rodent at a distance, but her blade eventually locked under the axehead.

The two were in a faint stalemate for a few moments before the rat pulled herself around the polearm, leaping onto the armored suit's upper body and nearly knocking him backwards. A sheltered metal arm got between them, but it wasn't enough of a defense to prevent the blade stabbing into his neck. Once again causing a canine to howl loudly in pain as the kodachi was ripped out then forced into his forehead, the immense strength of the smaller rat piercing both the protective plates and the skull of the dog. Absorbing his Rot before jumping onto the prone soldier.

The two rolled a few times down the path until the beige one remained on top, feeling the golden guard struggle for his life. Attempting to hold back against the dulling blade but was completely overwhelmed by some unknown force, as the weapon was driven into his shoulder. A cry of pain and frightful growl as he attempted to grab the rodent by the neck, only for his good arm to get stabbed in the wrist. The short sword twisting and dividing the many bones within the joint before painfully being slid down his forearm, gutting the appendage directly between the twin bones that kept its structure until reaching the elbow.

The metal and flesh screeched loudly with the dog's wail until he was finally silenced with a pierce to the brain. Ripping the now dull long-dagger out and almost feel it nearly fall apart in her intense grip, panting heavily in adrenaline as Zhoja attempted to focus on her plan. Something that was so clouded by rage at this point she barely noticed the damage done to her weapon as the hounds at the gate continued to call for help.

It should provide enough of a distraction for the other two to make it in unseen, but more senses of that Rot approaching fueled her desire greatly. She couldn't keep using the kodachi though, such a thing was not made to pierce their heavy plates in the first place. How it was actually doing such a thing was a miracle to anyone with any logical sense; something the rat couldn't keep straight anymore.

Yet, she held enough to put the thing back in its sheath for now and use the chains Markus made her. Placing the blade in the back of her belt, her paw touched the vial of Cub's Blood, instantly getting her to crave such a thing. Attempting to resist with a few breaths, but she just couldn't! Ripping the glass of its strap and nearly biting off the fragile cork to it before downing the warm fluids inside, coating her maw and throat like a hard drink. So lost in the fresh metallic taste that the rodent didn't even hear the next three guards shout at her.

Zhoja's vision turned violet, intensely seeing the small amount of rot within the moving fogs of yellow within the darkness and roaring at them with a rage. Slamming the bottle down onto the stone path before charging at them, chain in hand and starting to swing it behind her small body. Actually intimidating the guards to stand and protect themselves instead of advancing as the intruder quickly moved through the darkness, not seeing the weighted chain until it was thrown into one of their muzzles.

The rectangled weight snapped heavily into the armored helmet, causing it to crack loudly and the canine to yelp. Stumbling backwards and tend to his very sensitive snout while the rodent spun around, swinging the chain's both ends landing one weight against his side. Powerful enough to actually break his rib while the lower one whipped just below his knee, snapping the bone with such an impact that it pierced the opposite side of the greave and exposed the white and red to the air.

Prying the weights out of the dented platemail, the rat spun the other direction and caught the thrusting halberd with the chain. Entangling just below the axehead, pulling it away from the soldier enough to force the weapon lower to the ground. Stepping on the wooden shaft before giving the metal chain a powerful yank upwards, severing the weapon of its threatening head! A quick overhead swing sent the broken polearm to go flying, halting the third guard's attack as Zhoja increased the chain's momentum with a roundhouse; one designed to miss the nearly disarmed canine.

It caused him to step back regardless, putting him in a sweet-spot where the weighted chain snapped around his neck. Almost stunning him enough to let go of his wooden pole and attempt to hold onto the chain, feeling it get tighter as the rat pulled him forwards with tremendous strength and a vicious growl. Hearing him whimper in fear as one of her feet kicked under his jaw, throwing a heavy impact against his senses, but the foot remained there. Pulling on the chain harder and harder until his spine cracked loudly and his arms fell limp.

The rodent released the pressure from her leg and flicked the flexible weapon a few times to untie around the dog's neck. Holding onto his head for a few moments as she took a deep inhale, as if draining the life from that dying body before shoving it backwards and glaring at the only remaining soldier between her and the castle doors from afar. Hearing him whimper in that helmet while taking a few steps back, the first one attempting to stand up not realizing just how bad of shape his leg was. Soon getting the chain around his neck and a grip on his dented muzzle before coughing out. "Sound... The Alarm...! Sound The-!" And another loud snap.

Chapter 10

"What's going on out there...?" One of the interior guards nearly whimpered, staring out towards the direction of the front gates where the cries were coming from. Soon hearing another and looking towards the other three in the dark room, save for one that was lighting lanterns. "Sire does not want us to light those-"

"Do you expect us to fight in the dark!?" The other whispered harshly. "We're under attack! The shadows will only give them cover!"

"And staying in the light will only make us easier to spot!" Another guard grumbled, hearing the main doors open and tensing them all to aim at it. "Formation!" He commanded, getting the others to stand beside him and aim their polearms at the archway. Barely picking up rabid pants and snarls, the draggings of loose metals across the floor as a small figure lingered into the doorframe. Dozens of violet markings over its messed up fur and dark clothing, those cracked eyes spotting the only lantern lit then hissing at it. Throwing one end of the chain to shatter the glass casing and extinguish the flames quickly. "Attack! Surround him!"

A swirl of flexible metal cut through the dark air as the four guards advanced, their eyes too used to the light to see the dark figure evade around the attacking front canine. Keeping the other three attempting to flank her at bay with the overhead swings of the chain, a few actually gashing their metal protection before it snagged the first guard's arm. Crushing the soft metal gauntlet around his wrist along with the body of the spear before being pulled back to his neck by the unreal strength behind him. Now realizing where the shadow moved to and confirming when more of that chain wrapped around his neck, a quick yank collapsing the metal that was made to protect him and closing the airway in his throat.

However, an attack from a polearm was sensed incoming, getting her to vault over to the bound soldier's front and ramming her knee into that golden snout. Causing it to completely cave while thrusting that muzzlebone into his brain, the sound actually making the others sick as she quickly untangled the now corpse and threw one end towards another guard. That beige hand entering a blade of moonlight and just barely saving the soldier in time to evade such a thing, as it just scratched his shoulder plating and knocked into the chandelier winch. Sending the heavy metal circle in the center of the room dropping to about torso-height on a canine, startling the three even more.

A quick pull of the chain soon followed, snapping at canine's polearm but not quite latching onto it. Swinging the flexible threat around overhead for momentum before sweeping it across the floor, feeling it snare around the first guard's ankle it came acrossed and giving it a powerful yank. Knocking the dog on his back with a heavy thud as the rodent rolled towards him to close the distance.

Attempting to get up resulted in the prone soldier getting a kick in the snout as his leg was suspended upwards by the chain and the intruder. Hearing her growl monstrously before stomping on his knee at full strength, breaking the entire leg and it's metal encasement with one grotesque snap and an ear shattering scream of pain from the golden one. Especially when she did it a second time on his shin before releasing the tie around his greave, getting ready for a coup de grace before the nearest canine slashed at her with the axehead.

Zhoja dodged the main blade of the halberd, but didn't quite get far enough away from the speartip at the end. Getting a very slight cut through her clothing and a scratch that only caused more of that rot to be barely seen through the darkness. It was enough for a step and rotation backwards while building up the force of that weighted chain-whip, swinging one end towards the metallic snout as a faint. The thick snap as it nearly created a blade out of the very air, causing the soldier to lean back to evade such a close attack then curse when a sudden grip was felt at the end of his weapon.

The two pulled for control of the halberd, feeling his gauntlet grip nearly carve into the fine wood as it was ripped out of his hands and sent to the far end to the room. Going for his backup shortsword, only to feel that snare against his wrist! The chain being illuminated with the night's gleam, causing those bright violent purple eyes to look like they belonged to the very darkness, dragging the canine forwards as he whimpered at the increasing tightness on his arm, the metal links almost sawing into the protective plate metal.

The unharmed soldier came to her side with a downward chop, only for the bound one to be pulled inbetween them and nearly causing some friendly fire. Tripping over that broken leg and hearing the prone soldier scream in agony as the snared one fell to his knees, that leashed arm being pulled outwards before a chain-wrapped palm slammed heavy against the elbow. Breaking the joint loudly and once again filling the halls with painful howls. Loosening the chain so the arm could be tended to by its owner, she wrapped the metal rope around his neck and stomped at his lower back. Once again causing another spine to break and the only soldier standing to nearly be sick.

Cries of the canine with one functional leg were starting to be heard, once again calling for assistance from somewhere deep within the kingdom. Only to be interrupted by that metal whip, sliding out from the grappled soldier's neck and the weight at the end snap into the prone one's skull. Letting the dog with the broken back fall onto the ground and slowly go into shock as the last two standing stared at each other, fear leaking out of that golden armor but slowly being reduced with every breath.

Even with the glow of the intruder's every breath shining in a dim purple light, it was still somehow masked with the black. If it wasn't for the heavy breaths, borderlining snarls, the soldier wouldn't be able to recognize the rat was there. His heart beating faster and faster, but if he could just hold out until reinforcements came...

Yet, through the darkness, he could nearly make out a pattern to the intruder's fighting style. As the growls got louder and got ready for an attack, the guard stepped forwards with a quick snap of the halberd, followed by a swift cut length-wise. Only to feel the polearm's head get snared in the chain, but that's what he was expecting! Immediately letting go of the long weapon and rushing forwards while drawing his shortsword, he slashed at the eyes that reflected madness!

A flash of that flexible metal was barely seen raising up to deflect just in time, actually seeing small threads of whiskers follow just behind the blade. But the canine didn't stop there, going with the flow of his strikes and aiming towards the rodent's middle. Hearing a rip in the clothing, but not quite the tug of flesh! Another lower swing around the knees, but his footwork became obstructed by the bodies of his comrades.

The armored dog rolled over the broken leg, not wanting to give the berserker any distance but he didn't have a choice. Hearing one end of the chain become separated from his polearm, the whipped wildly in the soldier's direction. Cutting through the air in a large arc and once again scraping against his protective plating when he ducked. Hearing the weight itself actually cut through the chain that was holding up the chandelier, dropping it to the floor behind him. Nearly distracting the golden one as the metal whip came full circle again and again! Until in changed direction, listening to his instincts and dodging to the side-!

Soon hearing the weighted linked rope come slamming down at his previous location, breaking into the stone floor and actually creating a small fissure along its striking path. Retracting the weapon for another quick snap across the ground, forcing the canine to retreat further and further back into the room to stay out of its wicked range! Eventually feeling the weight at the end land on the end of his foot, instantly breaking through the greave and causing the soldier to growl in pain.

But it was still functional! Using the nearby wall to help himself up to a standing position, finally out of range of that accursed weapon! If he could get this rat away from his fallen brethren and once again get up close to it, he could likely win a duel. However, he would need to close the distance in some way once more-

Suddenly he noticed everything become quiet. Attempting to peer through the blades of light that entered the room, trying to find any source of that purple glow while keeping his sword handy. Swearing he could still hear the mad-creature breathing! Just unknown as to where! No chains or metal links rattling or dragging onto the floor... No footsteps or significant sounds of breaths that could just be his very own. Just the occasional jerk from the one with a broken back, likely still into shock... If only he didn't have this damn helmet on! Diminishing his senses!

The tension increased the longer the silence remained. Instincts that were once driven to fight with caution were now demanding that he flee! For the guard to survive the evening! A cold shutter ran down his spine, making him feel like that demon was right behind him! A quick turn and a slash only caught space, but the sense... The detection was still there! The presence still lingered! The constant low growls of madness! He just couldn't find the source-!

In a panic, the dog started to unstrap his helm! Attempting to do it with one hand encased in protection was even harder! Placing the shortsword under his arm to take a gauntlet off one hand, always having troubles getting these damn buckles undone! Struggling with it to the point where his blade fell to the floor and echoed through the dark room. Making him hold his breath when he felt the eyes of madness were watching him... Somewhere in the darkness.

...Above! It had to be! Reaching for his weapon on the ground, a small body landed on him with a series of snarls! Struggling to get it off before the chain wrapped around his neck, but it was too late! Those sharp links locked under his snout! Being pulled heavily back against his neck! Locking his airway a little as he attempted to reach for his blade on the ground! Feeling a stomp on his injured foot, making the canine flinch before his blade was pulled away from him! Lost in the darkness until he felt a cold sting of metal plunge into his side!

The soldier howled loudly in pain, even when the chain's grip grew tighter! Another stab into the side- A third! Fourth! Each followed by a roar from the rat that remained on his back! Twisting the steel within his body before ripping it out across the room! His warmth leaking over the floors as he curled forwards to attempt to keep it all inside! Another yank from that chain caused the metal plating from that damn helmet to bend further and further into his throat! Cursing the soft metal and it's durability as the demon pulled harder! Harder! Every shift of his body to throw the rodent off balance only causing more pain to his wounds until he felt the berserker shift a little-!

Only to feel his snout get a brutal kick to the side! Stunning his senses and causing them to become overwhelmed with a daze, then even deeper when that foot returned to stomp on the top of his head! Anchoring there, the roars getting louder with every heavy pull! The metal plates cutting into his neck! The sharp chain ripping through his flesh as the soldier's consciousness grew darker and darker. Until. One. Final...

"This way!" One guard lead the other two down the halls with a torch, following the horrible howls that seemed to travel down as if they were in a dark nightmare.

"I haven't heard anything for a while, sir!" One of the called from behind. "Should we have really abandoned our post to guard the king?"

"That's our brothers out there dying!" The third growled. "We can't just stand around and hear them get killed!"

"Silence! Both of you!" The sergeant growled. "Stay together and keep your eyes opened! They could be around any-" He slowed to a stop after coming up to a room with some reflection off the floors. Dense and yellow, knowing exactly what it was as he walked into the dark area. A deep red pool was soon stepped in as the three scanned the walls, having a hard time to look away from their fallen brethren, until the one holding the light source spotted something. "Up there! On the chandelier!" He nearly barked before slamming the release winch and making the object quickly fall to its lowest height-!

Only for another golden suit of armor to drop in its place, silhouetted in the moonlight, but lightened by the torch. Mangled, held up by a single ankle and hung upside down, clearly seeing something missing on its shoulders as a large stain of red replaced most of its neck. Such a sight terrified the guards into stumbling back and yelping, the one furthest back actually tripping and falling prone. Accidently letting go of his polearm and attempting to scamper backwards, only to see a glimpse of purple far above him. As well as a pair of discs driven by madness...!

The demon dropped and landed heavily on his chest before the canine could call out! The sharp sounds of a sword driving through plated gold got the other's attention, once again howling in terror as their comrade's throat was ripped out! Let alone so close to them! Before the nearest soldier could get his weapon up in defense, the rodent leapt onto his chest, only able to get a single arm between them.

But he just couldn't throw her off! Struggling to get the rabid animal away as she scratched against his protection, getting a firm grip on his gauntlet. Pushing away from that armored chest and sending the two into a spin until the soldier fell frontwise, the rat still attached to his arm. Feeling a great force pull outwards with a foot against his ribs, getting stronger the more the canine resisted until his entire shoulder popped out of its socket. A painful wail filled the halls, then another one when the demon twisted it to a near full rotation, feeling the muscles in his arm rip from within before a sharp point underneath the dislocated shoulder.

Pressure was applied to the shortsword as it pierced through the weak spot within the armor. Sliding inside his chest with near ease compared to the rest and invading the very heart of his body with a cold steel before another twist and rip out. The beige one getting up with her weapon retrieve as the whimpers of the last dog alive got her attention, still stricken with fear as the torch was dropped into the spill of blood on the floor, not quite putting the flame out.

It was enough to almost cover the mad one in shadows, hearing the rat nearly roar at the light but the soldier's movements were demanding her attention; attempting to slowly back away until he ran into the hanging body. Yelping and turning around, realizing what it was and attempting to get away from such a totem only provoked the demon to pounce on his upper body in a berserk snarl. Screaming at the mad creature to get off him as he struggled, easily getting disarmed and forced to rely on his gauntlets to grab her and throw the rodent off into the puddle of red! Scampering to get up but it was no time at all before the demon pounced, this time looking even more nightmarish!

Attempting to grab the smaller one again only resulted in his arm being locked by her, bent backwards further and further while warning signs of pain echoed through the gold plating until the bone inside snapped loudly! Not stopping until the very white and red started to pierce through the wounded gold plates before taking hold of the other flailing limb attempting to defend the canine! Twisting that gauntlet by its thumb and hand until the wrist's tendons were torn! The elbow dislocated and ripped out of its socket! Breaking the marrow-filled whites into jagged edges and sending those to cut through the sinew as the soldier screamed loudly!

Slamming his head against the flooring a few times to silence such noise, the rat inhaled his inner rot. But it wasn't enough...! Taking his shortsword sidearm and stabbing it into his collar directly, only scratching it a few times before hitting the weapon's hilt so hard that the blade shattered in half! However, actually piercing the thickest part of the chestplate, the scent of that power driving her desires even further as she twisted the blade. Warping the protection enough to get her own paws between the cracks and rip the gash into a fissure down the soldier's torso! Then clawing into his clothed chest, bare hands seeping into the gaps between his ribcage as she slowly pried it opened! Snap after snap of the bones within breaking at her sheer strength before it exposed the contents to the very air!

It was the beating heart that was the core, and the very thing she was driven mad over! Taking a bite while it was still pumping blood rapidly, ignoring the constant jerks of and painful noises of the dog while her teeth sank into its muscle. Soon tearing it out of the cavity, still devouring it with many strings and other pieces attached- "_ ZHoJa...? _" A monstrously grotesque voice caught her ears, seeing another figure in the doorway... And that same shine of gold.

The rodent roared at it loudly, picking up the broken sword's upper half and leapt savagely on top of that reflective metal that defined enemy! Regardless of how small it was compared to the others! Feeling its defense in the form of a much denser bar move between them as her jagged blade slipped into the grated visor of the full helmet! Stopping just threads away from his eye!

Around the corner another dense light appeared, one that actually stunned the rabid creature with its light blue glow. Causing the rat to retreat back and snarl loudly as the light engulfed her smaller prey, shielding it as the beige one prowled just outside of its radius as the large figure spoke. " TaKe oFf yOuR hElmET."

" W-WhAT?"

"_ TaKe oFf yOuR hElmET. " The large one demanded, almost in whisper. " SHe wOn'T Be aBle To reCoGNize yOuR fACe, But SHe mIghT reCoGNize thE SHaPe Of yOuR hEaD." A sad look from the small one as he did. " SlOWeR. _" Several more growls as the rat tried to circle around them, even starting to climb back up the walls, but still feeling the glow surrounding the two. Eventually seeing those two spires come from the smaller and slowly something came back... Recognizing the ears of the rabbit and once calling it friend. Maybe more.

Regardless, they were not here after her hunt, returning back to the exposed soldier and once again feasting on his muscle as the glow moved a bit closer. Not enough to disturb her after a loud snarl though, ignoring the two as the glanced around the slaughter. " WhAT... hAs SHe dONe...?"

" ThIS IS thE WOrK oF OnLY One." The large figure stated. " ImaGIne aN eNTiRe aRMy..." Carefully approaching the rodent to get her attention. " ZHoJa." A low growl in response as the large silhouette extended an arm out in a wide direction, getting the rat to look... And sense it..." I nEEd yOu To FoCUs oN yOuR mISsiON." A much larger fog of Rot deeper within the maze of darkness, and the smallest one rushed towards it.

Chapter 11

It only half concerned him. The constant wails of pain from the front end of the castle. Not the soldier's themselves, but how they've grown silent. How the marching of heavy footsteps had cease while the lion remained in his throne. Not sitting, but kneeling. Deeply panting to endure this illness that agitated him greatly, relying on his masterwork blade as a Krutch as those ears continued to scan.

Footsteps were heard. A pair of them made out. One large, one small but metal. A captive? Such things didn't interest him in the slightest, already making up his mind as soon as he seen the intruder to have them executed. And if the guard attempted to change his mind, the king would have him executed as well-!

His heavy heart pulsed with a rage as he once again attempted to restrain himself. To keep his thoughts from running wildly and destroying another room! That's why he was here this night and not in his chambers, a place that has been forbidden for at least seven sundowns by now. Regardless if the walls were now dried of their fresh paint, a color his Lady wasn't fond of, he recalled. Once again gripping that hilt with fury as his mind returned to that first night the black could be seen under his very mane. She didn't like the color, so he used her instead.

A growl left his lower mess of a mane as he thought about delicious she was when she was warm, so much so that he didn't even notice the stench of Rot within his chambers. The footsteps getting closer as Lorince gazed at the doorway and the glare of a blue light further fouling his mood. But he's seen such a light before...

It all came back to the large feline when that bear was seen through the archway, four glowing stones hovering around her center and the lion growled loudly. Especially when he recognized her escort, that damn rabbit! "What is the meaning of this-!?" He started, but something caught his attention... There wasn't a single trace of the Rot within that golden armored hare. Where was the stench coming from-?

The chandelier above him suddenly jerked, getting the king's attention with a growl in question as a dark figure landed on his head with savage cry. A massive jolt of pain as a blade was forced into his eye, instantly making the lion much more furious as the kodachi was ripped out. His loud roar shaking the entire building, possibly the entire land as he fought to get the rat off him. "Quickly! While she has him distracted!" Savah called, rushing in closer and directing the stones with her staff.

The glowing rocks parted away from her and surrounded the feline in a large area, finally getting the beige one off him but not without losing some of that brown mane. Attempting to see out of his wounded eye and examining the deep red on his paws just for a moment before slashing wildly at the small rat, seeing her crouch under the blade as she advanced towards Lorince. Able to see the shadow move from the dim light surrounding them as Zhoja once again leapt onto his lightly armored torso.

A few scratches on his face was nothing the large lion couldn't handle, as they fought against each other in more ways than one. The rabbit hesitating beside the bear as she focused on guiding the power of the stones, though getting his attention when Savah shouted to him. "Assist her!"

"What? But-?"

"She can't do it on her own!" The brown one growled. "I can sense their struggle...! Zhoja can't overpower him like the others! He's gotten too strong, even with her advancements!"

"But I..." The hare started, getting interrupted by a massive roar of rage as the rat was thrown away against the wall. Rolling to recover and hissing violently at the lion as he swung against one of the stones, knocking one of them out of position while Savah growled at it. "I can't stand up to-"

"Listen to me!" The bear nearly hissed in a whisper as the rodent distracted the king once again. "Rot can only become overwhelmingly stronger against other Rot sources! You are pure! Vacant of any corruption! They cannot draw power from you, and you cannot be harmed by this ritual!" A growl in concentration as the stones started to become brighter, those twin suns gazing at Markus for a moment sternly. "This is our only chance! If he shatters any one of these stones then our attempt fails! _ Defend _ Them! With _ Everything _ You Have!!"

A gaze at the battle for a moment, then back at the large brown one who continued to stare thickly at the rabbit. "Can I... Really be any sort of help to her?"

"Right now, you have a better advantage against him that she does." Such a statement was hard to believe, but it gave the hare courage. With a deep breath, he returned the words with a solid nod and slapped down his visor. Charging in just as Lorince was swinging at both the rat and a floating stone and catching the king's blade with his hammer, hearing and feeling that intense anger of the lion now directed at him.

The feline had great strength still, but not nearly as much as Markus expected. Able to hold up against the pressure of the deadlock against the beast nearly three times his size! "Another traitor in my mists...!" The lion growled at the armored hare. "Must I purge my entire lands to be rid of your vermin!?" The large blade slid up against the rabbit's golden gauntlet, but the glove stood strong against it. Long enough for Zhoja to stab him in the shin, forcing his vocals to shake the entire kingdom with a roar in both pain and anger.

However, it was soon interrupted when Markus parried the large blade to the side and slammed the lion's lower jaw with the large hammer. A blow that got the feline to stagger for half a step the retaliate with a heavy swing of his lightly armored paw. Blocked once again by the rabbit, but the power behind it did send the orange furred one off his feet, rolling backwards to recover in one fluid movement.

That free hand of Lorince's attempted to snatch the damn rat at his flank, barely escaping his grasp as the beige one used his cape to climb up. Instantly getting him to reach behind at the cloth and rip off its elegant craft from his pauldrons and throw it against the wall, making the rodent slam into it with a loud thud before attacking the clothed lump with the claymore.

Only to feel the hammerhead to crack against his knee, throwing the attack barely off balance enough to save Zhoja while she threw the ruined cape off her. Along with an eggshell that exploded on impact with the king's breast, getting the two to hiss loudly at the cloud that burst opened as irritants covered the area. Making the lion swing wildly to get the two away from him as the mysterious powder stunned his wounds.

The brightness of the stones grew, piercing the fading fog and almost burning the two corrupted ones with its light. Instantly getting the attention of the feline, as well as its roots: the chanting bear. Wielding the staff with a firm grip and trying to resist the intense hatred of that violet disc, nearly demanding for her to retreat until the rabbit got between them. Thumping the hammer on the floor as a warning and once again grabbing the attention of the lion's sword.

Markus did duck under the wide swing, but the end of the blade did manage to strike and reset one of the stones. A blade of light piercing through the smooth teal wound as the bear growled, wishing she could tell them to be more careful but Savah required focus! At least the returning swing was caught by the hare, but his grip on the smooth flooring couldn't quite stand up to the feline's power. Sliding him up against the wall with a couple of steps and pinning the armored rabbit with the deadlock, Lorince peering through the very visor to see those brave golden circles. Growling in order to shake them before extending his large offhand to catch the rodent advancing nearby.

Dragging her over the floor by the snatched leg, gripping her upper body and throat with one massive paw. A great strength surged through it, filling it with rage as she fought to get under the light plates with her kodachi as it started to close off her airway and crush her chest against the floor. Releasing his lock against the hare and kicking him across the room while lifting the rat up to the air; aiming the armored body for one of the stones but Markus slid underneath it. The blow shifting his helm oddly so he quickly took it off, only to see the two's near silhouette from the nearby window. Their king holding up his best friend's body, and then impaling her with one strike.

A cry of pain was denied from the lion's sheer grip against her throat, as Zhoja attempted to struggle to get the large blade out of her middle. It's warm steel from the deadlocks still feeling slightly cold as her own liquids started to leak over it and her body going into shock. Her hold on her own Rot was loosening, yet that beige paw still gripping that long dagger intensely. "How many times do I need to kill you, mouse-?" As soon as his paw was released from her neck and his greave started moving in place to shove her off his sword, the rat savagely hissed at him. Pulling the sword in deeper, but herself closer to the feline's head and driving that blade into his other eye as he spoke! Feeling the very hilt of it finally snap off as he pulled back in an earthquaking roar!

The sword was dropped, still embedded deep within her body as the king swung his paws wildly from side to side. Trying to get the blade out of his eye in hopes to save it, but it was beyond such a thing. Still feeling the intense light from the stones, nearly searing his exposed insides as he started to slash at their direction with his claws and getting dangerously close to one. Hearing the bear call to Markus as he scampered up and charged the feline from behind.

A sweep from the heavy hammer struck the back of Lorince's greave, enough to make him fall backwards from his desperate swings and lack of balance. Keeping the momentum up with an overhead swing directly onto that plated ankle of the lion's, hearing him roar loudly while the bones inside snapped. Likely crippling the king in the process as he remained on the floor, struggling against his wounds and aching the hare's heart. "Forgive me, Sire..." Markus pleaded in a heavy exhale. "But you-"

Within a moment a massive paw struck his breastplate, knocking the rabbit over and soon the dark figure was over him. Pinning the orange one down as another attack banished the hammer from his grip! A swipe clawing against his now unprotected face, scarring his muzzle with a deep gash as the lion went in for another attempt! Only to stop when the rat behind him screamed in a mix of rage and pain, along with a massive pull of Rot. Turning to hiss at Zhoja who was cutting the sword through her entire side and swinging it upwards after a rotation. One that indeed made her wound that much worse, but severing the king's attacking arm in the process!

Another world shattering roar of pain as the lights started to grow brighter and brighter! Swearing it would cauterize their wounds with the intense heat as the stones exploded with a bright beacon one by one. Shielding his eyes in hopes that he didn't go blind from such a thing, a heavy weight fell on Markus. Large but soon limp as the world went dark and silent. Yet, he was still conscious. Able to feel himself move within the heavy armor as he started to make his way out of the organic shelter that he once called King, now responseless like a corpse.

Slowly the hare's hearing came back, picking up the exhausted pants of someone nearby. Deep and heavy breaths, but ones of relief. "Savah...?" He called, a little louder than he wished as the ringing was still overpowering his senses.

"It's over..." He managed to translate after a few moments of hearing such vowels.

"I... I can't see anything."

"Neither can I..." Such a statement made him almost whimper. "It... It might go away after a little bit-" The bear started to cough while retaking her breath.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes... It just took..." Several more pants. "A lot more out of me than I expected." A moment of silence. "I'll... Be fine." Some movement was heard, and soon he felt a large furred hand start to touch his ears. Slowly making its way down his arm and paw, squeezing his gauntlet tightly. "The land owes you a great debt for what you did today."

"...I don't know about that. This feels... Too heavy, Savah."

"All turning points in history do." Slowly, the darkness started to fade from Markus' eyes, and he could start to make out that round grizzly face. Greeting him with a sad smile as she panted, her breaths slowly becoming more and more calm. His gaze then moved over towards Lorince's lifeless body, complete with a wounded green disc. Now vacant of that violent violet as the moonlight seemed to stare at it just as they did.

Eventually, the bear started to get up. Reaching over to the late King's head as the rabbit watched closely, his chest once again filled with worry as that paw reached for the crown... Only to slide Lorince's eyelid down in a sign of respect for the dead before once again being seated beside the hare. Almost double taking at his questionable gaze. "You..." Markus started, getting a noise in question from the large one. "You really aren't going after the crown...?"

"That was never my intent, no."

"Then what was?" She didn't answer, seeing her eyes shift to ask the question to herself. Likely still in shock by the event, and he left it as that. Not even he knew why he committed such treason, other than to do it for...

Though his vision was still recovering, Markus staggered up. Walking around the late Lorince and spotting the body of the rat still laying on the floor. No longer moving, residing in a pool of deep red. As terrifying as it was to step into, he did so. Slowly and carefully moving her body to face him and see those eyes closed. Unable to open them to make sure they no longer possessed such corruption, but the markings that once invaded her body were gone... And so was she. As heavy as such a statement was for him to truly think, it was the truth.

The hare gently placed Zhoja's body back down, he would have plenty of time to say his farewells later. Instead he got back up and looked over Savah, who wasn't looking for confirmation. Who knew very well that the rat was never going to survive such a thing, and was nearly waiting for Markus to grieve by blaming the bear for such an outcome. Once again, the hare walking around the late King's body and slowly decrowned him. Looking over the heavy object in his gauntlets before moving to the wyldcaster... And handing it over to her.

Those golden discs of hers looked directly into his own for a few moments before she spoke. "I don't understand."

"Whoever culls the King in this land gains the crown." The rabbit stated, though still no movement from the brown one. Looking over the golden circlet another time with both hands before exhaling. "It was never going to fit me anyway." He half quipped, unable to fully commit to it before his heart sank. "I'm... Not much of a leader." Another long stare from the grizzly as he gestured once again for her to take it.

Epilogue

He never felt comfortable in the woods. Likely due to his kind being hunted out here from way back when. Before the civilizations and the shelters. Before the communities and territories. Yet, those instincts still kicked in those long orange ears, rotating at every little noise that was being picked up as Markus waited patiently within the woods.

It was cold, but quiet. The autumn weather was definitely shifting to its end for the year, but it was at least giving them sunny days with a little bit of cloud. It all seemed peaceful in a way, like the weather knew the tragedies of the past few days were harsh and gifted those caught in the whirlwinds calm days to grieve. Or at least, that's how he wanted to believe such a thing.

The marching of suits were heard from afar, and soon were spotted within the path to the woods. Escorting the now crowned bear as they approached the orange rabbit, Markus giving them a salute and getting one in return. "Sire." He greeted Savah in his town clothing, while the bear still refused to wear anything but that old green cape and the walking staff.

"You could've waited by it." She stated, watching him rub the back of his neck in slight discomfort. "What's wrong?"

"I... Couldn't quite find it." That made her chuckle. "I'm afraid I am not very reliable when it comes to forests."

"That's quite alright. I suppose when you haven't grown up in them..." She shrugged, starting to move forwards and hearing the several guards start to move with. Getting a brown paw to halt them. "It's safe, do not worry about me."

"Sir. With all due respect..." One of them started, getting that paw to gently touch the armored canine on the shoulder. "At least let the Lieutenant come with." A sigh from the large one in response.

"Alright. But only him. It's not far, so you can either wait here or head back to the castle." They saluted their Queen and she carried on, waiting until they were nearly out of earshot before whispering. "I am not used to having... Company everywhere I go."

"It is for your own protection, My Lady." The wolf stated.

"Yes, aside from any mercenaries or bandits, there are still Banes about-"

"No." Savah interrupted the hare. "There are not."

"What?" The two double taked at her.

"Are they... Gone?" Markus asked.

"They are not, but are dormant. And will remain so for a very long time." She stated calmly, feeling the worried looks of the two males but nodding gently at them. "They are no longer a threat to this land until the Rot returns once again."

"With all due respect, your Majesty: That is no reason for you to publically announce what happened to Lorince." The Lieutenant grumbled, seeing Markus double take at him, then stare at the bear in question.

"It is better if the people know that such a thing is still a threat."

"But with no proof-"

"The Banes themselves are proof enough that the Rot exists." They slowed to a stop as the bear faced the soldier. "If there is one thing I will do differently it is to educate these lands of such things. And how to defeat it."

"Does that mean...?" The rabbit started to ask as she turned to face the orange one. "You told them about...?" A heavy sigh from Savah as she shook her head.

"...Some things are better off unsaid. No matter how great her sacrifice was for this land." A moment of silence between the two before the canine spoke up.

"Who are you talking about?" The two stared at him before that staff gestured into the woods. Making out a specific bed of stones with a makeshift marker at its head. As Markus started to head towards it, she kept the wolf behind for a moment.

"Can you give us a few minutes? Lieutenant... I actually don't know your name."

"It's Lieutenant Clayon, your Majesty. And of course." A soft nod from the bear as she caught up with the orange one, seeing him struggle to keep calm as they remained silent. A paw on his shoulder and Markus placed his own on top of that, gripping it tightly in a form of thanks.

"...I still don't understand why we couldn't bury her in the graveyard. Or why she must be forgotten-"

"She won't be." A heavy breath from him as he fought to hold back his tears. "But... If I told them such a tale, it would only mark her as a traitor or an assassin. Something she didn't want to be remembered by." Another heavy breath and he nodded. "...She also died once already, as you know. To hear that she still existed past that could only make things worse within her lands... Within her family, outside of you." Savah kneeled down, giving the hare a half embrace while adding another nearby stone to the pile. "If you need some time off, you may take it Markus."

"I'll... I'll be fine. I just..." A slow nod from her as the bear stood back up. "I can come back later, when I've finished some repairs."

"Take as long as you like." She took a deep breath. "I have..."

"A lot of work to do." A slight groan from her made him chuckle a bit. "Go ahead, but thank you." A nod as the two left the rabbit alone to grieve, taking almost an hour to think of anything to say as the wind started to pick up. Sighing heavily as he finally spoke. "Remember that time we were laying low in the warehouse? We thought of all the places we would go once we got enough money? Thinking that a few coins would get us out of the ratlands and into the Free-... Lion Country?" A heavy breath. "We thought we were going to be together forever. You, me, Bijin, and Hailith. That we would all make it out here together, build our own house. Never have to steal or fear being caught again. No rules to follow, no harsh winters... A land where the grass was always soft and green. The nights were always warm enough to sleep without blankets, and the days were still comfortable with a breeze."

"We talked about all the things we wanted to see. Things we wanted to get, places we wanted to explore... But we all wanted different things in our lives, and we all... Took different paths to get them." Some silence. "Did I ever tell you that I found out what happened to Hailith? After you broke her out of jail? I met a merchant a while back, and we somehow got talking about his wife. Making some remark about his bullheaded mistress, and I mentioned it sounded like someone I knew named Hailith." A chuckle from the rabbit. "Turns out, it actually was her. They ended up meeting out in the wolflands somewhere, the canines unable to communicate with some merchant at the time because he spoke gibberish and was hoping that she knew the language..."

"She has kids now, can you believe that? Three of them. Two boys. And the girl is just as hot-headed as Hali used to be." Another sad chuckle from him. "Bijin is still dancing and is still getting proposed left and right... She's gotten amazing over the years. Likely going to start leading the group around the tours pretty soon, I imagine. And I... I'm happy where I am, Zhoy. I always have been. Even though I don't have my villa in the perfect woods, where the sun always shines and the lettuce is always crisp and fresh... I'm still happy. Because of you. We all are, because of what you did for us." With a heavy breath and wet cheeks, Markus stood up. Wiping his eyes as he overlooked his friend's grave. "Thank you, Zhoy."

A few minutes later and his throat started to become parched, causing the rabbit to finally leave the area for the time being and head back into town. Like Savah, he had a lot of work to do. Especially after getting the requests to melt down most of the soft armors back into golden bricks. Maybe... When all that is over, he would make her a proper headstone. Perhaps an entire epitaph of what she did, whereas a statue would likely be a little much. Walking through the streets and getting himself a small drink before heading back up to the castle gates, still weary of the carnage that he'd seen a few nights ago.

The streets were very crowded, once again finding people almost shoulder to shoulder with each other during the afternoon rush. The occasional bump into him was expected and not even thought twice at, until a heavy sack hit him in the back of the head. Bursting into a shower of old brown leather, brass strings, and coins that once belonged to him. As the crowd went wild, scampering to collect such metallic rain for themselves as Markus looked through it, stopped and completely stunned. Paying no mind to the loss of coin, but swearing that he seen a red cloak in the crowd.

"Zhoja...?"