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 Sylvie scratched at her neck, using what little flame she had left to keep her plume of spacedust flaring brightly. Her eyes flicked across the ocean, only glancing at the upcoming mainland when it seemed safe to do so. Cherry, on the other hand, had been busy whispering to her on a myriad of topics.

 “You know I’ve always wanted to explore! Lyla made it sound so fun and Amber always loved going on and on about famous adventurers— I adore our village but after you live in the same town for so many years… well, it can get a little boring.” She picked at her fur, brushing out what salt she could. 

 Sylvie chewed the inside of her cheek, finding herself staring at where Trench’s head would be if he wasn’t keeping look-out underneath the waves. A paw hesitantly rubbed her neck, whatever had been stuck to them had dried out hours ago but the vile pressure of those jaws still lingered. Batting around the scene in her mind, the attack felt so… targeted. Of course the territorial merruffs were an oddity, but they wanted Trench.

 Why? It didn’t even sound like he knew those merruffs, unless he was an even better liar than I thought. It sounded like he didn't even know a town existed! But…

 “Hey Sylvs,” Cherry shook her, raising a brow. “ did’ya hear me?”

 Blinking rapidly, she locked her attention onto the nebulruff. “I—”

 “She’s ignoring you because any sensible being would!” A growl snapped from the back of Trench’s shell, Maddox piping up. “Have to respect her for listening to your pitchy howl for as long as she has.” 

 “No, she is not!” Cherry snapped, hackles rising as she twisted her head to glower at the fox. “If you don’t lighten up we might as well send you overboard, you didn’t even help with directions!”

 He snorted, not using the energy to turn his head to meet Cherry’s glare. “Why would you need directions when there's only one direction to go?” Maddox shook his head.

 Sylvie’s eyes darted between them, tensing her jaw as Cherry refused to turn her attention away. “I was just… zoning out, I’m sor—” She snapped shut as Cherry glanced at her, eyebrows still arched in irritation. Heart fluttering she lowered her eyes, rubbing the grooves of the shell.

 After a few seconds Sylvie heard her sigh, though her voice was now tinged with anger. “You’re fine, I know you can get a bit… spacey.” Sylvie winced at the remark, Cherry continuing. “I just asked why you never stuck around long, it was nice having you work around the shop.”

 She thought for a moment, picking her words carefully. “I didn’t really… enjoy the hustle and bustle, I’m not like you… I’m not really any good in groups.” Seeing Cherry’s expression change, Sylvie quickly added. “I am excited to move back though, sand-lice aren't really any good for talking to.” She managed a small laugh.

 Fortunately, the nebulruff mimicked her, Cherry nodding her head in agreement. “I am too… sucks that you just got there only for all… this to happen.” A more genuine smile grew. “I’m glad you’re here.”

 The words rolled in her mind, guilt weighing her down. She didn’t deserve this, not if what Cherry said was true. “Cherry?” Her claws clicked against the carapace.

 It’s better that she knows about the daughter and— oh, I can’t mention that only two of us are capable, she’ll just get competitive! 

 “Yeah?” She tilted her head, so… unassuming.

 She’ll immediately tell Trench, and he’ll tell Maddox and of course there's gonna be a fight, there's four of us! Maddox is gonna get mad, Cherry’s gonna be mad and Trench is going to be too busy separating them—!

 “Sylvie?”

 Why didn’t I just say it before!? It would’ve been so much more easy if I had. Oh, but they’d never keep it to themselves, why did that lady have to say anything!

 “Sylvie!” Cherry shook her again, the phoeline’s claws unlatching from the claw as she looked up at the nebulruff. “What did you want to say?”

 She opened her mouth to say more but Sylvie interrupted. “I just wanted to say I’m happy to be here too!” She blurted much too loud, wishing she had her scarf to hide in. “I… I don’t know what I’d do if I was stuck at the village— not knowing how you all are doing.”  Glancing around she noticed Trench’s head breach the surface, immediately looking up as they reached land. A small town bustled, only a short walk from the shore.

 With a small bump they hit the sand, a small splash sounding after. Cherry hopped down with Sylvie in tow, a now canine Trench shaking the water beaded on his pelt. “Alright, seeing as it’ll be dark in a few hours we should hurry up and see if we can gather any supplies.” He eyed the town. “Keep close and don’t lose each other, got it?”

 Cherry scoffed, bounding ahead. “We’re not pups, Trench. Now hurry up before all the good stores close!”

 Sylvie stuck by Trench’s side, the merruff rolling his eyes before perking up. Maddox dragged himself from the water, completely soaked as his growl caught their attention. “Next time warn me when Cherry’s being serious about tossing my overboard.” The fox shook out his pelt, rogue spacedust melting into the sand with a hiss. “I personally think we should let her wander, it’ll be much more peaceful.”

 Left to do nothing but follow, Trench padded behind Maddox with Sylvie keeping close. She couldn't help but look up at him, questions circling her mind as his attention was on the two in front of them bickering into town. Sylvie attempted to clear her throat, only to sound as if she’d caught a hairball. The merruff was still fixated ahead, part of her wondering if it was on purpose before guilt quickly washed the thought away. As they trotted under the arch welcoming them to Caylido, shacks decorated in colorful seashells and marine life lined what one would call a street. A jaw lined with rows of teeth hung over a parlor, a stached merruff advertising all sorts of meals that made Sylvie feel queasy just thinking about it. A small pool full of pups splashed around giddily, covered in seaweed as one took the role of a ferocious beast, screechy giggles erupting from the school.

 Another screech, somehow more pitched from ahead, Syvlie puffing up until she watched as Cherry glued herself to the window of a store. Pacing ahead, Cherry squealed. “We have got to go in here! Look!” She pointed into the shop, rows of gleaming armor hanging on walls, some decorated with gold lining, fur, shells, all sorts of patterns etched into their surface. Cloaks hung on racks, dyed golds and blues similarly with fur and shell additives. Before anyone could argue she rocketed inside, Trench muttering annoyance as he followed. Sylive caught Maddox in the corner of her eye, the fox glancing around the town with a permanent grimace souring his face. The two entering, Cherry was already ogling over armored cuffs.

 “We don't need this, we need non-perishables and supplies for living out in the woods!” Trench took a helmet in his webbed paws, looking down at the price tag. “Eugh! It’s going to be hard enough working with what little we have, do you think we have the money to buy this frilly nonsense?”

 “We could just steal—” Maddox suggested before being quickly shushed by the pair, Cherry quickly piping up.

 “A girl can dream! Plus if Sylvie can buy us these nasty little bracelets I’m sure they sell other supplies here.” The phoeline’s heart dropped at the mention of her name, hoping to not have to explain how she didn’t have enough or worse— it's all been a fib. “The sign said something about traveling gear, that can’t just be cool armor.” Cherry stated quite matter-of-factly despite the fact anyone mentioned seeing food or gear. 

 Trench tensed his jaw, Sylvie watching as the gears turned in his head to somehow drag Cherry out of the store without causing a fuss until a pale nebulruff snuck up behind them. “We do sell gear here if that’s what you’re looking for, and have fishing grounds if you need food.” The group jumped, for such a quiet voice it seemed to echo in the shop. Her fur dragged against the ground, almost like a wispy mop with bits of grit and sand stuck to the very edges. She scanned over them curiously, seeming interested in the small fox still dripping water onto the boarded floor. “I haven’t seen you around, you must be travelers. I’m Lily.” The nebulruff bowed her head, a crown of small shells clinking as she did. “My daughter overheard you were in need?”

 “Now we’re alright, my friend here is just—” Trench began to try and hush the inquisitive shopkeeper but she called deeper into the shop.

 “Fleck!” For once Lily spoke above a whisper, but now it seemed she was just speaking at normal volume. Soon after a short merruff wheeled her way around the counter, nose wiggling as she used her forepaws to cart herself around the racks of clothing. As she reached them, the merruffs nose still explored, hovering over each of them. “She loves dressing customers up, somehow my lovely Fleck can pick just the right set!” Lily cooed pridefully.

 “No, we're fine.” Trench attempted again, stepping back as the wheels threatened to roll over his paws. “We don’t have the money for anything in here, I’m sorry but your daughter’ll have to wait for the next—” He paused, staring out the window.

 Following his gaze a pair of soldiers marched down the street, barely able to turn their heads before Trench had dove underneath the window sill. Lily squeaked as she turned her head back to the remaining three, mouthing words that never sounded. Sylvie couldn’t peel her eyes away from their pikes, only turning her head when Fleck bumped into her side. Fleck mouthed something but all Sylvie could focus on was her severe lack of a tongue. Just as quick as they appeared the soldiers walked pass, only when the coast was clear did the shopkeeper speak up.

 “Nasty, nasty dogs…all of them.” She shook her head. “I don’t blame you for hiding, they planted their soldiers here just a few weeks ago, they’re all cruel.” Lily looked to her daughter, though no words were spoken, an untold story hung in the air. “Our poor town has been blighted since then…” After a few moments of silence, she shook out her fur and moved on. “I did hear you didn’t have the funds… but I’d be willing to take in favors as it’s been so long since my lovely Fleck has been able to dress anyone up.” Lily chuckled, the merruffs tail wagging at the mention. “I have some friends who need assistance, older folk, those tyrants won’t help.” Her voice barely hardened but the anger was there.

 Before Cherry could squeak an excited “Really!?” Maddox interrupted. “Woah, woah, woah. Who are those tyrants exactly? I for one am not risking my neck for some flea-bags just for some fancy armor when I have much more to do like find the boys?” He glared at Cherry pointedly.

 Despite the rude interruption, Lily only nodded. “I understand, these ‘officers’ belong to Queen Mira, she’s been crawling her way up the coast on a war-path for anything that may even be tied to Luana… though she doesn’t seem to wander too far into the mainland.” All this information rattled Syvlies brain, from what she noticed it sent a ripple through all of them.

 Another Queen? One on a warpath for Luana?

 Noticing the change Lily quickly added. “I’m not sure why, we didn’t see ourselves under either as we aren’t avid ocean-dwellers but her people won’t listen to us. Here,” She turned to Maddox. “ if you help Marie and Swab, I’ll give you whatever my daughter picks out, a way out of here and directions to a fishing hole.”

 He narrowed his eyes at her, seemingly unconvinced but Cherry pushed him to the side to the spotlight. “Deal! Trench and I call dibs on Marie.” She hopped, ignited by the prospect. “Where are we heading?”

 Lily chuckled, amused by the wily display. “I’ll take you to her, Fleck will bring your small friends to Swab, I think your little cat friend will be quite fitting actually!” Syvlie attempted a smile, hoping what the hound said was true. Lily pressed her nose against Fleck’s head. “You be careful now, once you pass them on to Swab come back here immediately, alright? The tunnels are no place for my daughter.”

 Fleck nodded, her mother pulling away as she guided Trench and Cherry toward the changing rooms. Maddox inquiring about tunnels being ignored as Fleck wheeled around the shop, expertly maneuvering around the one or two customers and boxes of fresh stock. They slipped behind a counter, Sylvie looking around anxiously as the merruff dipped into the closet, a click ringing before a ramp leading downward fell. Fleck carefully padded down, Sylvie careful not to bump into her wheels as they slowly rolled down at the merruffs pace. The looming darkness didn’t seem to bother Fleck, Sylvie grateful her flames dimly lit the walls, seeming less and less finished the further in they went. After a seemingly short walk, Fleck stopped in front of a wooden door, knocking until a shuffle could be heard inside. Another merruff opened the door, much older with long whiskers draping from it’s face. 

 “Hrm? Oh, Fleck! How are you doing, my little anchovy?” It patted her head with a webbed paw, sand popping off of its arm with each pat. It’s eyes slowly made there way to Sylvie, only a small glint tell her they were even open. “Oh, you bring me guests?” 

 Fleck tapped her feet at random, sometimes bobbing her head. Being lost to them, it only seemed like Swab understood. “Helpers! How lovely, how lovely. Well, come in, cat! Fleck go run along to your mother, I’ll send ‘er back when it's done.” She gave Sylvie one last smile before wheeling herself past Maddox.

 It wobbled into the room, Sylvie following with Maddox close behind as Swab closed the door and lit a few candles. As her eyes adjusted she noticed they were in a basement chock full of barrels, Swab’s long eel-like tail rubbing up against them as it lit the last candle on the wall. “I’m ashamed to say that I have a bit of a vermin-problem, nasty little things.” It dragged itself onto the stairs, turning as its tail slithered to safety. “Whenever I come down with fresh supplies those furry little bandits nip at my whiskers! Those Mira’s goons won’t help, so I’m more than glad you’re here. When I close the door, just hop up here and stomp down the steps so they think it's me then get rid of ‘em! Don’t care how you do it…” It turned back, continuing up the steps. “Oh and if they do run, dont let them the walls, they’ll burrow into the sand and never come out again. In the case you get overrun just squirm around, they’ll follow eventually.” Before Sylvie or Maddox could question, Swab had crawled up the stairs and slammed the door behind them. Only their hums told their pair it’d walked into the house above.

 “Great.” Maddox rolled his eyes, picking a barrel to hop on. “Alright, go smush some bugs or whatever it is.” He brushed the sand away, curling into a ball. “You ran off to a beach, I believe in you.”

 Sylvie only gave him a desperate glance but the fox had already closed his eyes, clearly unwilling to help her. Sighing, she made her way up the stairs, using all the force she could to hop from step to step without tumbling over. As she hit the boards… nothing happened. No scuttling, no darting blobs, if anything it’d become more deathly quiet. Sylvie tried again, hurriedly running up the steps and stomping down to no avail. After the seventh attempt she heard Maddox groan and slide off the barrel. He slid past her and up the steps, waiting expectantly.

 After a few moments, he rasped: “Get up here, we’re doing it together seeing as that's the only way we’ll even get close to that clam-muncher's weight.”

 I can see why Cherry didn’t like bringing you around…

The thought flashed through her mind as Sylvie joined his side, Maddox counting down before the pair hopping down in unison. The thumps did echo louder, but doubt still wormed in her mind as they reached the bottom of the steps. After the final hop they stood still, Maddox’s ears flicking around as he snorted. “If Trench were here this’d be so much easier.” He took a few more seconds to listen before stomping around the barrels. “In my opinion I think this fish-brain’s whiskers keep getting caught on these gnarled floorboards.” Maddox kicked away a loose nail, it skipping somewhere between the barrels. “I don’t even trust that Lily, her or her creepy daughter. Oh but of course Cherry’s interested because she gets something for free instead of working for something for once in her— YEOW!” Sylvie’s heart dropped as the fox wailed, sprinting out from behind the barrels with a pale form attached to his tail. Maddox kicked and bucked, whatever had attached itself to his tail was holding firm, gnawing at his spacedust. “Get it off, get it off, get it off, get it OFF!” He threw himself into a barrel, Sylvie unable to get close without getting slapped by some flailing limb. 

 The fox ran in circles, snapping at his tail and missing most shots as Maddox spat spacedust into the ground. Finally he clamped down on something that wasn’t himself, a shrill holler filling the room as the louse squirmed in his teeth. Its beady rat nose wriggled while its mandibles gnashed angrily, armor crunching under Maddox’s crooked teeth. Sylvie looked away, screwing her face shut as she heard him shake it around before spitting it into the ground. After a few pants he spoke up. “That is vile.” 

 Sylvie cracked an eye open, Maddox poking the vermin's body. “Sylvie, don’t tell me you actively dealt with these things.”

 She shook her head wildly at the accusation, horrified at the thought. “No! Mine were so much smaller and… didn’t have teeth.” She peaked over from behind him, the sight making her stomach churn. “I understand why Swab wants them gone now… how many more do you think there are?”

 Maddox turned to face her, jaw open to speak but his eyes continued past her, grimace falling to shock. “There's ah…” He nodded toward their right. “Y’know, why don’t you count? You’re a smart girl.” Before another rat could leap at him Maddox clawed up a stack of barrels, hopping from lid to lid as he left Sylvie stranded.

 Turning, it took everything for Sylvie not to shriek, a horde covering every inch of the ground as they advanced. She was able to slip under the first few but seen felt teeth pierce her spacedust as they affixed themselves onto her tail. She rolled against the ground, only seeming to pick more up as they crawled over her body to target the flames bursting from her flared tail. Trying to do as Maddox did, she nipped at their ends, the pests only dropping for two more to take their place. She could only watch as her light slowly die the more that they gnawed, a light-headed sensation staggering her movements. Sylvie looked around for something— anything to help her and could only see Maddox watch helplessly from atop the highest barrel. What could she even do? Thrash until she was all out of flame? Sylvie did not dare attempt to shift into her form, for all she knew it’d just snuff her out faster! Cherry, Trench, Fleck, Swab, none of them would know what happened, not unless Maddox somehow had the strength to… strength? Quickly she pawed at the dust around her neck, feeling around until her claws wrapped around a small bracelet with a pink iridescent amulet.
“Maddox!” She staggered, using her tail to bat the jewelry up to him. “Put it on— your form!” Sylvie had do idea what the etched in pattern entailed but it had to be better than this, even if it just gave him the courage to do more than watch.

 The fox grabbed onto it, Sylvie clawing at the lice around her chest. He took the time to examine, raising a brow. “What does it do?”
“MADDOX!” She snapped, kicking as a trio crawled up her leg.

 He squawked, quickly slipping it around his wrist. “Fine, fine! Now… right…form.” Maddox shifted his weight, brow furrowing in concentration. 

 After a few moments of Sylvie doing whatever she could, tears welling in her eyes at the sheer panic of the situation, her voice broke. “What are you doing!? Maddox, help!” She couldn’t even flare up her spacedust, it became harder to crush each and every louse.

 “Do you understand how long it took for me to work up the heart to use my dragon form!? Last time I did I was put in jail!” He tightened his eyes shut, whispering to himself things Sylvie didn’t have the power to strain and listen to. After a few moments, a small poof of glitter and he was… gone? She whipped her head around looking for any sign of her would-be savior. “Maddox?” Sylvie winced as a rat bit into her wounded shoulder. “Maddox!” She felt her body crumble, hitting the wooden floor as even more crawled over her body.

 Sylvie swore she heard wings flap, rapid little movements as the pressure of hundreds of tiny claws leave her back in one smooth movement. For a moment she debated if she was even alive but the ache around her joints proved that she was indeed. Lifting her head she watched as the louse gathered in a tight circle, whiskered snouts peering up at a glimmering form. A small fluffy moth with yellow buggy eyes glanced around, Maddox’s new antennae twitching. Wherever he flew the rats followed, Sylvie taking the chance to limp her way toward the door and open it.

 “Lead them away…” She rolled out of the way, using the rest of her strength to climb on top of a barrel and grab for a candle.

 And so Maddox did, his small shimmering form veering out the door with the colony in tow, Sylvie barely able to watch knowing what they were capable of. Instead she pressed her paw against the wick, the candle dying out as she stole what little flame it had left to hold herself over until she was able to produce more. Slumping over, Sylvie rolled off the barrel, taking no care while she walked up the stairs one final time and shouted.

 “The vermin are gone!” She questioned if Swab had even heard her but pawsteps followed soon after, the merruff opening the door and quickly slipping down the steps as all Sylvie could do was follow.

 “Oh delightful! Good job little one!” Its praise barely lifted her spirits, feeling a small clamshell be shoved into her paws. “Here, give this to Lily and she’ll do whatever you need, you’ve earned it, doing it all on your own!”

 Well… it’s not wrong about one thing. The spiteful thought entered before an overall numbness silenced her annoyance, not having the energy to bring up what had happened.

 It ushered her out the door. “I’m sure you want to go see your friends! You remember how to get home, don’tcha?” Before Sylvie could answer, it slammed the door closed behind her.

 Now with barely any spacedust to guide their way, Sylvie tottered down the caves. At some point Maddox had joined behind her, following the weak torch until the ramp was visible. Fortunately for her, her spacedust had grown enough to not be worrisome, if luck was really on her side no one would question what had happened. Sylvie clambored up and around, turning the corner. Cherry and Trench were already chatting with Lily.

 As soon as Cherry saw he she squealed, Sylvie catching leather strapping armor against her neck. “Look Sylvie, look!” She hopped in circles, giggling to herself. “Doesn’t it fit me so well? Look, I even have pointy bits!” Cherry lifted her paw, spikes on the cuffs of her wrists. “Trench was lame, he only took some hand-me-down armor from one of Luana’s guards, why not something new, right!?” Her tail wagged, Sylvie barely able to muster a smile.

 “Thats amazing Cherry, you look ferocious!” She slipped by, offering the token to Lily as she turned away from her conversation with Trench.

 “Oh good job! Pretty easy work, hm?” Lily chuckled, Fleck already having pale cloth draped over her back. “Fleck knew you’d make it, your friends told me all about their little adventure!”
Trench puffed out his chest, taking the opportunity to chime in. “Ay, Marie had us search for some treasure in a shipwreck he marked out, turns out it was chock-full of some jewels! Reminded me of my early years exploring n’ such.” He pushed Sylvie’s shoulder playfully, almost knocking her over. “He let us keep some extra for the next town, what did ya’ll do?”

 “Clean out some rats.” Sylvie answered flatly, wanting nothing more than to just pass out forever— or at least until all the aches were gone. “We did good according to Swab.”

 Trench nodded, clearly glad Cherry had chosen Marie first. “Good… good. Why don’t you get those on so we can get goin?”

 “Ah, yes!” Lily piqued, tapping the cloth coat. “This is actually enchanted— the coat has the ability to mimic your environment when you recite the incantation on the tag. Your pink friend told me you can get in quite the pickle so I threw in some silks, they can soothe aching sores but don’t expect them to heal it fully— I'm not that versed.” She chuckled lightly, finally turning toward the purple fabrics. “She also said you lost your scarf… this can’t do anything special and it doesn't really fit… but both me and Fleck think you should have it. For good luck!”

 Sylvie only nodded along, idly soaking in the information before she staggered into the changing rooms. The coolness did help the burning sensation over her wounds, laying on the layer of fabrics before wrapping the scarf around her neck. It did help somewhat, while it wasn’t her old one it was better than having nothing and the thought did warm her up a bit. 

 When she exited, Maddox was nowhere to be found, Cherry and Trench standing before a large mirror. “I can tell we’re in for some greatness!” She chirped, Cherry pulling out as many poses as she could. “I’m ready for it! Aren’t you Sylvie?”

 When Sylvie nodded, joining her side, Cherry looked over to Trench. “Are ya feelin’ it, Trench?”

 “Greatness? I’m not sure greatness is what this feels like, we have a long journey ahead of us with barely a direction to go… thankfully Fleck here even glimpsed the beast.” He nodded toward the smaller merruff, Fleck’s tail wagging as Lily ushered her out of the way.

 “Don’t be such a sourpuss.” Cherry rolled her eyes, dancing on the tips of her feet. “Maddox is feeling great, aren’t you?”

"Fantastic."

 “Don’t you think you should be in bed? It’s what the doctor–”

 “Oh don’t worry about me Yippers! I got much to do now that I’m back!” Amber chirped happily, threading through alleyways with Yippers on her tail.

 “Like what? We have two nebulruffs missing and practically all our friends are out in the wild looking for them!” Yippers scrambled over a pile of boxes Amber had leapt over with ease. “I know you’re wanting to go after them I’m sure but we need someone here to watch over the town! Veronica is in no state to take Cherry’s place of babysitting, you can’t even mention Cherry to her!” He shoved himself under a hole in the fence, grit and mud covering his chest while Amber was simply able to carry herself over with the use of her paw companions. “Why aren’t we using the roads?” 

 “It's a short-cut, I just have some errands I need to run, you can…do whatever!” She glanced back, a sweet smile planted on her face.

 “Wait– this isn’t about Cherry and all our friends? Percy? Kip?” Yippers stopped in his tracks.

 Amber mirrored this action, turned away from Yippers. Even from this angle he watched as her cheery expression faltered, eyes flickering in search of a response. “They’re…” She chewed her lip, tail falling to the ground. “Kip…”

 Yippers stifled, worry edging his voice. “Hey, I didn’t mean–”

 “They’ll be fine! I’m sure of it, Trench has adventured before, and Cherry is brave enough for anything!” A plea of hope bolstered her voice. “They’ll find the boys, and I’ve taught Kip all that I know, he has a good head on his shoulders!” 

  Guilt trickled into Yipper, why had he said such a thing? Of course Amber was worried about their friends! “You’re right Amber, it’s good to hear you’ll be staying in town, everyones been missing you.” He joined Amber’s side. “I don’t have any plans, I’ll help you out with whatever I can.”

 Her mood perked immediately, relief washing throughout her expression as Amber continued her trek through the dark alley, Yipper’s mind more at ease. Her trot slowed as they reached their destination, an extravagant theater-inspired casino glittering in lights and gold. Amber slipped through the curtains, the bouncer paying her no mind but gave Yippers a squinted glare as he followed behind her.

 “Ambah! What’re you doin’ here?” A slurried phoeline called out, soon followed by a wave of greetings and surprised yowls.

 “Feeling lucky.” She dipped her head, another wave of caterwauls and laughter following.

 Once again Amber slithered through the crowd with ease, some making way while others remained blind to her appearance. Buzzards ringing and the clattering of billiards filled the air where the clinks of glass and mindless chatter ran thin, a perplexed look permanently stuck to Yippers as once again he was lost in Amber’s plans. Though… he’d given her enough trouble and she looked extremely confident in whatever ‘errand’ she was currently working her way through, no point in asking questions that’d be answered in time. It wasn’t too out of her comfort zone and she did confess to wanting to try her paws at some of the games here, Yippers was just worried for when she—

 “Vegas!” Amber ran up beside his podium, the line at his front grumbling as the nebulruff turned to face her.

 “Amber? What are you doing here, shouldn't you be at the doctors or something?” Readjusting the cards in his hat Vegas continued. “I’m a bit busy here, payday for a lot of nebs—”

 “Oh I’m actually here for the same thing!” One of her companions floated up, dropping a hefty bag of startokens on the table.

 Eyebrows flying up Vegas bit back, both he and Yipper’s struck with shock. “Oh…well why didn’t you say so, come to the front of the line!” He waved her over, snarls cascading from the waiting patrons.

 “Hey what about my chips-!” A horned nebulruff stomped up, Vegas had been working on his reward before Amber interrupted.

 “Eugh, whatever. You get-” Vegas looked underneath his table before picking a grimy startoken off the floor and flicking it to the unsatisfied customer. “-one startoken, maybe don’t be a sourpuss next time.” It bounced against their head with a tiny click.

 Amber took the head of the line, Yippers waiting beside her with an anxious itch running up his spine. Vegas opened the pouch and began counting through the tokens, tail flicking behind him. “So… been busy since you got out of the infirmary…?”

 “Oh yes! It was quite easy moving in with Laylah when there's nothing to transfer.” She chuckled, no one daring to laugh along. “But it was quite nice of her to bring me some books, hopefully I’ll be able to build my library back up. Though my copy of Tarragon’s Chronicles might take a few more letters to the museum, hopefully they’ll be able to mail it to me this time.”

 Vegas snorted, shaking his head while pocketing more tokens. “Maybe you should take a break from those fairytales, good to read something written by a nebulruff for once.” He gave her a pitying glance. “I shouldn’t have to remind someone of your standin’ that there's hundreds of lies in those ‘books’. I’m surprised it isn’t labeled as fiction.” He pushed the pile of startokens to the side, starting a new one. “I know it’s better to get both sides but half of that nonsense can’t even be backed with proof! It all got lost to time!”

 Yippers recoiled at those words, preparing himself for an explosive reaction of Amber defending the validity of such things she’d been studying for years. Though, she remained silent while simply listening to the nebulruff.

 “Plus we know what those dragons did to us no matter how you see it, why do you think they’d be honest about anything that pertained to that?” Vegas sighed. “I just wish you would get your head out of the clouds, you’re gonna get yourself even more hurt acting the way you do. Even someone you care about could get caught in your nonsense and you’ll have no one to blame but yourself.”

 Amber nodded along and once again, to Yipper’s horror, responded thoughtfully. “You could be right, but there’s nothing saying it’s wrong either.”

 Vegas paused, brows knitted tightly together. He’d finished counting her startokens and slowly slid a dozen chips to her. “I… I suppose…?” 

 Amber took the chips and bowed her head in farewell. “Thanks, I’ll be back sooner than later!”
Vegas and Yippers shared a befuddled glance before he scrambled to his paws to follow her bounding form. She settled herself in front of an open Token Booth, sliding each red chip in one by one as a variety of items quickly ejected out soon after.

 “Mind grabbing some of them?” Amber continued entering chips, glancing over at her hoard as the exceptional statue or pink potion clattered into the bowl.

 Jumping to work Yippers took a Shell and began stuffing the smaller items inside. Most of it was small purple bags with the occasional collection of beans or small plastic capsule, what would Amber even want with this junk? Having most of it fit he balanced the weighty Shell on his back, grabbing another glittery bag between his teeth.

 “Oh, delightful! Thank you Yippers.” Her companions grabbed the remaining items, Amber trotting out the door with her newfound loot.

 Once more they slipped through alleys, Yippers now struggling with the obstacle of carrying something that was as heavy if not heavier than himself. He grunted with effort shoving the Shell over a fence, struggling to keep up with the larger nebulruff. She was already swerving around dumpsters while he had even yet to claw his way over the last trash heap, too wrapped up in her own world to notice most of her prizes were getting lost behind her. Determined, the nebulruff bucked the Shell over, using his rest from the weight to wade through the foul pile before sliding it back onto himself. He pushed down the rising irritation, this was just another day and Amber was probably too excited to pay actual attention to anything else. Lucky for him she came to a stop, eyes gleaming as they traveled up a much cleaner, more cubical building.

 “Here we are, the bank!” She yipped, tail wagging as Amber once more left a shocked Yippers.

 How in the world had they traveled across town so quickly!? It felt like an eternity just traversing the alleys but even he knew it should’ve taken longer, was he just that focused? Yippers ran across the street, bumbling into milling nebulruffs as they took no heed to him. A merruffs tail slapped into his side, the Shell ejecting from his back along with the contents. 

 “Come on, Yippers!” Amber called behind her, slipping into the building as he scrambled to shove the items back inside and catch up with his friend.

 She was already waiting for him at a sweatered phoelines desk, ‘Eleanor’ etched into the golden plate sitting beside a bowl of candies. Seeing his return, Amber grabbed the Shell from him and slid it to the phoeline along with the few potions she had carried. “I would like to return these, I purchased them last week. Merchants are Cherry, Maddox, Sylvie, and Trench.” The phoeline nodded, taking out a stack of papers as she referred to the transfer amounts.

 She tapped at the glass bowl, voice soft and sweet. “Would either of you sweethearts like some candy? I bought another bag but can’t refill until these are gone.” She flipped through more pages, clicking away at a small calculator. “I have all sorts of flavors, apple, mango, blueberry-” Eleanor continued on, adjusting her glasses as they slipped from her nose. “-or if you want something else I’m sure there's some chocolate in there.”

 Amber nodded thanks, sticking a red lollipop in her mouth, her pile dwindling as Eleanor unlocked a small drawer and began dropping startokens into Amber’s coin pouch. Her ears perked at each small click, eyes fixated on the fattening bag.

 “That should be all.” Eleanor purred, pushing the bag forward, it was nearly twice the size it had been before.

 “Oh, delightful!” Amber latched onto the pouch, allowing one of her clawed companions to pick it from the desk. “Have a nice day…Ellie!” She hesitated on the name before glancing at the plate, turning tail as once more, Yippers was following her.

 “Lucky rolls I suppose.” He tried to engage Amber in some sort of conversation, it felt like she’d forgotten he was even here. “Is…there a reason you’re doing this? I know you wanted to try a few gambles at Vegas’s casino but that was a pretty large amount, nearly looked like your entire wallet!” He laughed, falling flat at her next words.

 “It was.”

 Yippers opened his mouth before closing it again, at a loss for words.

 Noticing his hesitation she added, “High risk high reward, right?” Amber chuckled. “It’s no big deal, I got nearly double so I’ll have more than enough to pay him.”

 “Pay…who? Who’s him? Are we going back to Vegas?” Yippers pressed, growing a foul distaste for having been in the dark all day. It was the norm for her to always be on her feet, running from one place or another when she’s not in her studies but this?

 She laughed again, waving at the notion while shaking her head. “Oh no, you’ll see! He lives quite far from here but it’s worth it if you want some real mystery!” With a pep in her step she began speeding up to race toward the towns entrance. “C’mon Yippers!” She called behind her, who in turn began to chase her glowing tail.

 Fatigue weighed on his legs as he dragged himself through the tall grass, they’d ran across the entire prairie and Amber barely looked like she broke a sweat.

 “Sometimes I wonder if its just long legs…” He inhaled a sharp breath, tugging against the buckeye that stuck him to the bushes. “...or some black magic. Are we almost there or do we have to cross the forest too?” He couldn’t help the sourness on the tip of his tongue, staring a hole through the back of Amber’s head.

 Seemingly, amazingly, she was oblivious to this or at least was kind enough to not say anything about it. Instead her tone remained its cheery self, eyeing the oaks around them as she veered to the left. “Oh we’re almost there actually! Just around this corner and—” An excited squeak left her, the maw of an enormous mineshaft billowing cool air over them.

 Perhaps he hadn’t left town in a while, perhaps it was always here and he never noticed, but why on earth had Amber brought them to an abandoned mineshaft? Yippers opened his mouth to ask as such before two glowing eyes slowly opened from within, glinting against the weak light that filtered through the trees. A large furred head adorning a set of curved horns and webbed ears slowly raised, his pale snout peeking out. Yippers could barely make out the colossal body that resided further, only a black silhouette against dark walls.

 “Hello! I’m back!” Amber skipped forward, dropping the pouch of startokens at her feet. “I have the money, may I have one now?”

 The…outsider responded with a snarl, a sharply clawed talon digging into the dirt as he dragged himself further from his home. “Money or buzz off, otherwise I’ll snap you into two and your mutt’ll become a new rug.” He glared down, warm air billowing around them with each word. The smell of decay stung Yippers’s nose.

 Yippers was surprised his jaw wasn’t flat on the ground, fur brushing back as the dragon let out a rumbling growl. Questions flickered across his mind before he puffed out his chest, standing by Amber’s side. He tilted his head up, “Who on earth is this? Do I need too—?” Yippers whispered harshly.

 “Oh this is the guy!” As if reading the glowering dragon's mind, she opened the pouch to reveal glittering startokens. “I’ve been dying for one of his statues, they’re special.” She flapped her paws about, as if ending a broadway musical. Her companions lowered into the bag, taking out two pawfuls and placing them somewhere deep within the cave before quickly joining her sides, shaking. She turned her attention back up, the shopkeeper much more interested in counting than listening. “Any of them would do, thank you so much.”

 After a few grumbles he arched his long slithery neck behind him, bringing out a small dark box, chintzy wings of cardboard flared out at its sides. He opened his jaw, a fang protruding from his face as the dragon pierced into the box. Blue smog immediately erupted, Amber crouching down as the dragon released the belching object. The folds rippled as it tore in two, a set of nasty teeth gnashing together as it fluttered into the air, its movements janky. Yippers tried to get in front of Amber but she leapt before he could, catching the enchanted beast before sticking a paw inside the box to reveal a now tarnished statue, moss coating its surface. Startled, he watched as the once polish head crumbled, falling to the ground in a plume of dust as the once brightly shining orb died into a weak pulse.

 “Now, get out of my face before I flay you alive.” The dragon snarled, fang still dripping with the toxic sludge he’d injected.

 As quickly as they came Amber ushered Yippers away, still chuckling praise at such an accomplishment. Yippers twisted his head around to give a final growl of defiance but the dragons expression stopped him, immediately untwisting his hardened features a sly grin grew on his face as he focused on something in front of him. He tried to push back, not only to give that brusque…nebulruff… a piece of his mind but also to get any clue on what in the world he was looking at. Yippers instead earned another set of paws against him as Amber practically shoved him all the way until they reached the open prairie once more. 

 Patience finally snapped he whirled to face her, a hurt twinge echoing in his voice. “What was that about? Who was that guy?” Yippers stepped forward. “How long have you known he was here why didn’t you tell me before?”

 Flinching at his harsh-tone, Amber answered evenly. “He’s just another shopkeeper, well— sort of. If you bring him a form box he’ll—!”

 Yippers cut her short, not allowing for anymore distractions from the seriousness of the situation. Seriousness he wasn’t sure she was ignoring on purpose or not. “Amber, you clearly saw that— that person was dangerous! He threatened to snap you into two just for showing up!” As she tried to walk around him, Yippers jumped in her path. “You didn’t even warn me, what if he actually did try do it and now I’m having to defend you from a complete stranger!”

 Her gaze hardened, knitting her brows together. “I don’t need you to do that, Yippers.”

 “Yes, you do. Last time I wasn’t with you when you got attacked you went missing for months and came back hurt! For all we knew you could’ve died at any point, I can’t even trust you would have been safe in your own home because it exploded! You can’t even say he was a friend, you never even told me about him!” He growled, trying to get through to that thick skull she had a history of coming into harm. “I don’t want to see my best friend alone, scared, hurt or whatever you may be because I wasn’t there. It was already enough trying to comfort Kip,” Biting his tongue he paused, thinking his words through yelling at her wouldn’t be of any use, she was much too stubborn for that. Allowing the words to settle he pressed further, softening his voice. “We all missed you so much, Layla was so distraught over you, just like Veronica is now. Your friends didn’t know what happened, I’m sure if the boys weren’t gone they would be at your side at all times just as I am.” He held his tongue again, watching Amber’s changeless expression stare right back as he took another reluctant step. “I just don’t want to see you put yourself in harms way, not after everything. I promise I’m not asking much I just need you to be more honest with me, I can’t keep up with these games when everyone is gone.”

 Amber blinked, eyes flickering as a sequence of micro-expressions flashed across her face before a scowl took control. She lashed away from Yippers, statue still clenched by one of the companions. “If you don’t trust me then I don’t need you to defend me, I don’t need you to be distraught or follow me around like some useless child.” Her words were stern, as if she were just disciplining a disobedient pup. “I can take care of myself, I have been for the past while. I survived without you.” She turned her back to him, voice low. “I’m going to Laylah’s.” With that she broke into a run, heading back for the village without even a glance behind her.

 Yippers felt…he didn’t know. It wasn’t numbness, he was definitely feeling something but it was so foreign. He could imagine his stomach doing flips as he sat down heavily, watching her form become a small speck as she broke a line through the tall grass. Was that…really how she felt? Yipper’s knew he trusted her, he followed her all around town with no questions! He helped her any way he could and kept his mouth shut just as he always had, why was this any different? His lip twitched at such a concept, all he had asked for was a little honesty, for her to realize she was doing just as Vegas had warned her not to and she was mad at him for pointing it out. He couldn’t ignore the hurt however, no matter how much he tried to work up his anger it always wilted before its peak, pushing him all the way back to square one. She was right in some sense, she had survived even if just barely, she had made it all the way back home and he didn’t need to do anything. Something about that thought didn’t sit right with him, still quarreling with himself he rose back to his feet to start the trek back before something wormed its way into the back of his mind. Confused he began the chore of listing down everything that had happened, trying to pinpoint where this hesitation was coming from. They walked to Vegas’s casino, she won items and returned them to Eleanor, they left town with the money and ran all the way over here. He thought back on that dragon in the mineshaft, he hadn’t said much, but something about his behavior, apart from the threats, seemed off. His demeanor had completely changed as soon as Amber began to leave. For someone so snappish, so cruel, a toothy grin would see out of place—

 The wallet. 

 They forgot the wallet.

 All of Amber’s tokens, everything she had in her name. It was in that wallet.

 Filled with adrenaline, Yippers broke through the forest, taking the same twist and turns as Amber had to save that wallet before Amber suddenly ran out of funds. He broke into the clearing, eyes darting around as he was met with…nothing. There was no hidden beast hiding within the mineshafts shadows, there was no snarls of challenge or towering figures but more importantly; there was no wallet. He trotted up to where she had placed it down, hovering his nose over the area to attempt to find a scent trail but once again, nothing. Looking up into the inky abyss, he took deliberate steps forward, waiting for his eyes to adjust to the darkness before continuing further. An enormous pile of boxes decorated either wall, a large bed of tree trunks and foliage making an admittedly uncomfortable-looking nest just a few feet further down the tunnel. Not daring a “hello” he traveled further, large claw marks were embedded into the dirt around the opening but none were placed past his nest as the tunnel shrunk in size. He stood at the foot of one of the piles, digging through to see if anything lied underneath to no avail. Scampering to the bed he buried himself in the dead leaves, feeling around for anything other than scratch, splinter-filled wood but once more, there was nothing. Not one to be caught he slowly exited, still eyeing around any nooks if the culprit had set it aside for later, of course nothing being note-worthy. He kicked at the dirt, another thing to add to both his and Amber’s reasons to be sour with one another. He checked the perimeter, a question of where had this nebulruff had even gone in such a short amount of time, and if he was even a nebulruff at all.

 With a few more rounds of walking himself in circles, checking every nook and cranny he could, with a sigh of defeat Yippers started the long, long walk all the way back home.

  Sylvie followed Cherry absentmindedly, the enchantress’s words ringing through her mind.
Two of us? Did that include Maddox? Who was she referring to? Not just that… why did she ask us to bring her daughter home?

  She hadn’t even provided a description and Sylvie was too awestruck to ask for one before the enchantress had receded deeper into the sycamore. Sylvie scrunched her nose, her tongue pressing into the roof of her mouth to hold back an outburst of frantic questions. Why on earth did she decide not to confide in Trench? Even Cherry would have tried her best to help and yet… part of her attempted to reason it was for the better. What would they have even done? Argue who the two capable members were? Find someone with no description? No hint? No lead?

  Her thoughts were interrupted as she collided with Cherry’s backside, peeking around the sound of waves lapping a sandy shore filled her ears. Cherry inched forward, bending down to check the scent trail, a small wave crashing forward sending water up her nostrils. She jerked up and sneezed the salty contents out.

  “He definitely barreled straight through, there's nothing suggesting he waited even a second.” She rubbed her nose.
  “Not just that, look ahead.” Trench tossed his head toward a significant wave, even Sylvie could see the thick oily spacedust floating above the water’s surface, the patch was much too big for someone Maddox’s size. “I assume he used his dragon form to make the trip easier, as should we.”

  Cherry furrowed a brow, eyeing Trench as if he’d grown an extra head. “Trench, I don’t know about you but I can only become a horse which, in all honesty, isn't well-equipped to traverse the ocean.” She gestured toward Sylvie. “And I’m sure whatever beast is hidden inside Sylvie’s doohickey is just as waterproof as she is, not at all!”
  “It’s…a chicken…” Sylvie’s voice faltered, overpowered by Trench’s scoff.

  “You act like I can’t carry the both of you with all my fins tied behind my back.”

  “What I can tell you is that landing on your back nearly popped a disk!” Cherry snorted, fluffing up her fur. 

  “Maybe you should’a thought before jumping down headfirst after seein’ what happened to me! Are you sure that haunted house fella didn’t knock a few screws loose in there?” Trench cuffed her ear. “Besides, I can figure it out just hold on a moment.” He trotted towards the shore before Cherry could return the blow, eyeing the amulet wrapped around his wrist.

  Cherry turned to Sylvie, utterly unamused with Trench’s experimentation. “Maybe I was wrong about that shopkeeper’s wares, what can some stupid horse do a dragon ca- YEOWCH!” She jumped back, landing with a solid thump while lifting her right paw. “What is the world!?” 

  Sylvie, after having a mini heart-attack at the sudden noise, quickly glanced at Trench who only gave an exasperated snort before continuing his endeavors. Clearly not open to helping, she took it upon herself to rush forward and glance along Cherry’s body, searching for any noticeable wounds. “What happened? Are you alright?”

  “That stupid amulet bit me!” Cherry snarled at the jewelry, fully expecting Sylvie to join in her berating of the inanimate object. The confused hesitation must’ve caught her attention, looking up at Sylvie she explained: “I tried to yank the stupid thing off and it hurt, a lot!” Still not receiving the reaction she wanted, her eyes darted to Sylvie’s amulet as she reached out and gave it a firm tug. “Look!”

  The pain was instant, nothing compared to the searing pain that shot through her forearm, it felt like Cherry was trying to tear her bones out. “OW-”

  “See!” She pouted at the object, tapping a claw against its shining surface. “I don’t think we’re getting these off anytime soon…not unless we’re chewing off our paws!”

  Still nursing her arm, the pain quickly subsiding as Cherry let go, Sylvie could instead feel a knot forming in her stomach.”Why would someone do that? Do you think the shopkeeper cursed these items? Do- Do you think she knew?” Sylvie stammered.

  “How could she not! A good shopkeeper knows everything about all of their wares! How else can you sell them if you don’t even know their purpose? Their actual worth?” Cherry rolled her eyes. “And to think I was so polite to them and I can’t even get a small warning in return.” Her brows furrowed, pausing in her rant to face Sylvie. “She didn’t tell you anything else, did she?”

  This was her chance! Though…only a squeak escaped, an invisible force kept her jaw taut and a lump formed in her throat. She tried to swallow it down but it held fast, a trickle of dread weighing down her heart. Blinking hard, she shook her head, voice dry as she confirmed with a: “No, she didn’t.”

  Cherry fluffed up her fur, dusting herself off. “Rude, reminds me of Mad—”

   “Girls! Hop on!” Trench called from the water, his once large canine form replaced by a gigantic sea turtle, spikes running along his jaw and the split of his shell. “It’s not too different from my leviathan…just a set of flippers in the back and a lil’ extra weight.”

  Cherry rolled her eyes, snorting. “Finally! Come on Sylvie, I’ll help you up and make sure you don’t get too soaked.” Sylvie followed hesitantly behind, Trench inching further into the sand to allow them an easier passage.

  With a small shove, Cherry lifted Sylvie onto the carapace, allowing her to get adjusted before clawing her way up. The pair settled near the middle, Sylvie gripping onto one of the spikes anxiously.

  “Alright…it’s gonna be a bit bumpy before I’m fully submerged…fins an’ all that.” Trench warned them mere seconds before lurching forward, Sylvie scratching at the spikes to keep steady while Cherry could only let out a surprised yelp. In just a few bumps water splashed along Trench’s sides, a few more and a consistent rush passed them by. A decent amount of shell was left above the surface, along with Trench’s eyes placed just high enough to be unreachable by a foreign splash. He veered to the oily patch, rushing through the abandoned dust Cherry took the role of captain and called out the next sign of Maddox. Sylvie simply chose to fear for her life in a death grip at the very center of Trench’s shell, of course water wouldn’t kill her, but just as the same she’d be even more helpless than she is now, prey to any carnivore that may lurk in the great big blue. How could Trench have ever lived in such a place? With such expanses of…nothing? It made her stomach churn.

  It had been what…an hour? They hadn’t seen any sign of Maddox for an entire hour, and tensions could only rise as Cherry became more brave with her stability on their tempered craft. 

  “Can you go any faster!? You know his trail was becoming more sparse. It's going to be a while before we see another sign!”

  “Another sign? Cherry I’m quite positive that ‘patch’ you saw was just a figment of your imagination! I didn’t feel no dust anywhere last time. Are you sure you ain’t too dependent on that nose of yours?”

  “I’m not blind Trench! I’m not the one with saltwater in my eyes!” She barked, her hackles standing on end.

 “You will if I figure you just lead us into the middle of the ocean! There are no scent trails out here Cherry, you could get us—” He clamped his beak shut.

 “Get us what, huh!?” Cherry stomped her feet, scooting closer to the edge of Trench’s shell she reached out to slap at his head. “Lost!? I’m an expert tracker, Trench!”

 “Cherry quit it.” His voice dropped, looking around above the surface he submerged his head underwater.

 “Get back up here, I'm not done! What is with you two and just hiding away when I’m in the right! Trench!” She leaned over the edge, snarling at the water’s surface.

  Sylvie looked around wildly, something changing in the air.  Trench, what did you sense?

  Only the bright shine of the waves caught her attention, not a single shadow, a fin, nor an exceptionally large wave. Cherry was still shouting a call for war, Sylvie opening her jaw to ask for silence before suddenly… they were all airborne.

  It felt like she froze in time, her paws leaving Trench’s shell as he too was sent flying into the air, Cherry’s snarl turning into a frightful scream as she flipped over the side and landed into the ocean. Enormous waves rose away from the knucker dragon who had leapt from under Trench, claws extended to wrap around his neck and drag him under.

  They landed before her, Sylvie expecting to be washed away by the oncoming wave made by the dragon but felt scaled paws reach around her, forming a shield as her captor dived into the water. Cold engulfed her as a brightly colored lamprey-like creature was stuck onto her throat, fluttering her eyes open as they passed the fighting dragons. Trench thrashed around only for his opponent to wrap her body around his shell, his flippers useless to the onslaught of claws wearing him down. As they shot past Sylvie craned her neck back, as soon as his movements became more labored a small slim merruff grabbed onto the same neck the knucker dragon held firm. Squinting she could’ve sworn they injected something before Trench shrunk to his former self, the dragon soon following after.

  Sylvie attempted her own flailing but was immediately met with claws digging into her shoulders, her wounded one exceptionally persuaded to fall limp. She looked up at the large merruff, his face neutral as the pair from before struggled to catch up, being tugged back and forth by a hissing Trench.

  Sylvie’s captor glanced over at his struggling companions and spoke up in clicks, the three merruffs instantly fixated on his movements. He spun Sylvie around until she was belly-up, pulling her closer to his face he opened his jaws and a smaller set of fangs lunged out, gripping her neck. The sudden pressure caused her to squeal, a stinging sensation growing from the puncture. These were no average, perhaps territorial merrs…but she could…breath?

  Trench fell limp immediately, though his eyes glared daggers at the neutral merruff, a growl rising in the back of his throat. Seeming satisfied, Sylvie was flipped back over with only a small nick to enunciate the fact these ruffs were willing to take specific measures. The merruff who had incapacitated Trench earlier snickered, her companion soon following.

  “I’d watch it, we’ve already had to deal with another half-brained nitwit.” She scoffed, as if thinking fondly on the memory.

  Sylvie perked up, sharing a glance with Trench.

  “Does that sound familiar to you?” A voice rumbled above her, even more gravelly than Trench’s which Sylvie thought impossible.

   Sylvie bit her tongue, Trench clearing his throat. “No, we’re just surprised others are out here.”

  “Is that so? Strange, from where you were coming from you should’ve passed one of our developing settlements.”

  The corner of Trench’s maw flicked down in a frown. “I don’t remember any settlements being built this close to the shoreline.”

   “Luana’s kind wouldn’t, would they?” He interrupted, glancing over at Trench with a look of pure boredom. “It’s quite brave to wear something of her kingdom’s making, especially around these parts.”
Sylvie’s heart spiked as Trench’s face dropped, unable to recompose himself for more than just a few seconds. She gave him a quizzical look but he was focused on the smug merr.

   “It’s even more idiotic for you to show your mug around here, Trench.” He now turned to face him directly, his captors giggling playfully amongst themselves.

  He was silent for a few moments, swallowing hard before he could meet his opponents eyes once more. “What do you want from me?” The forced growl in his voice giving away to Sylvie he was not confident in this situation at all. 

  “It’s not what any of us want, Trench.” They reached a small town, only a few buildings had their outer shell complete, workers of every shape and size carrying supplies or building up the marble homes. No one looked civilian, if they weren’t wearing helmets and gloves they were donned in shining armor wielding weapons of steel. Her eyes caught sight of two large buildings at the edge of the makeshift village, one built extravagantly, depictions of serpents and sea life etched onto its doors  and just beyond that…a small square building. No markers, no signs, nothing to hint at what it was.

  “It’s what she wants of you.”  They dove through the opening at the top of the building, swerving through a collection of claustrophobic hallways before stopping at a barred door with a guard at its side. The armored merr took their trident and shoved the ends into three holes, twisting the weapon as a door began to slowly rise. As soon as they could swim under, Sylvie’s neck was shoved into a clamp, feeling its icy touch squeeze around her still aching wound. Similar cuffs locked around her wrists and ankles, hearing Trench struggle beside her they took much more care into making sure he was firmly in place. The only addition to his restraints being chains wrapped around Trench’s tail, the three merruffs exited the room and with a loud thump the door was quickly snapped shut.  A click sounded as the clamps around their necks were given chain to work with, Trench jerking his head only to have it snap to a halt. That however, didn’t seem to stop him, as he continued to yank his head this way and that, trying to twist around to bite at the chain.

  “I am not playin’ this sick game again!” He continued his attempt, the guard only glancing at him before reaching for something Sylvie couldn’t see, another click sounding before Trench’s chain shot down, his jaw cracking against the ground.

  A chuckle sounded from the guard as he returned to his upright position, now Trench was completely immobile, and Sylvie was seconds from losing it all. She didn’t dare bring attention to herself, instead moving her head slowly to try and get a look around the room. She couldn’t see anything of note, they were quite literally in a stone box, the walls not yet finished being carved into. Two more sets of chains lay beside her, and beyond that—

   “Maddox!” Sylvie gasped, the small fox’s head pressed into the floor, he must’ve upset the guard just as Trench had.

   Both the merr and nebulruff jumped at her excitement, Maddox not being able to twist his head to face her but she felt his eyes focus on her. “Sylvie!? Wh-wha on earth are you doin- doing here!?” His voice slurred, thick with exhaustion.

  “We’re here lookin’ for you ya old catfish!” Trench laughed, seemingly dropping the naive act. “What do you think yer’ doin’, tryna cross the ocean all on your own?” 

  “What do you think!?” Maddox’s voice harshened as he blinked awake, chains clinking as he shifted. “Instead of wasting time at the village I followed that thing that took Percy!”

  “Well what’re you doing now? Wasting time in jail?” Trench pointed out, Maddox stammering for an answer until he ultimately ended his lack of response with an annoyed growl.

  “Not my fault these fish-breathes can’t mind their own business, I didn’t even know they were in this area nor did I even try to take anything from ‘em!”

  “Wow, high standards ‘round here huh?” 

  Maddox snorted at the jab but couldn’t hide the smirk crawling up his face. “Guess so, why are you in here? Picked a fight with some other meathead? Sylvie burn some fish-face?”

   Trench chuckled but his jovial attitude quickly died down, instead replaced by a look of stressed concentration. He worked his jaw, the gears turning in his head to come up with some explanation, Sylvie couldn’t help but be weighed down by the tension the simple tease had caused. Maddox remained unaware, only a cocked eyebrow hinting at his notice of Trench’s odd behavior.

  “I—”

  A groan wailed from the door as one of the merruffs from before shot in, a squirming Cherry in their grasp. Just as quick as they’d come in, they left, Cherry now trapped beside Sylvie.

  “There you guys are!” She turned to Trench and Sylvie, a bruised eye plastered on the right side of her face. “I got swept up by some lunatic! Turns out having hooves is pretty helpful for knocking some teeth out but then they stabbed me with something and—” Her eyes swept around the room, examining every crevice until they reached Maddox’s form. “-oh, it’s you.”

  “You sound so happy, nice to see you too.” Maddox bared his teeth, a look of disgust tainted his expression and words. “Can I get my own cell!?” He shouted to the guard who, blatantly, ignored him.

  “Will you quit it!? It hasn’t even been a minute and you’re trying to start a fight!”

  “Oh would you rather me wait like you did!? Wait until everyone's oh so enjoying their lives and then send it all crashing down around them!?” He yelped, thrashing around in an attempt to face Cherry. A small cloud of dark smog formed around his spacedust.

  “It wasn’t my fault you wouldn’t listen to me the day before!”

  Sylvie glanced at Trench for some sort of support, though once more his attention was turned elsewhere, specifically to the cloudy commotion Maddox was stirring up.

  “The day before!? Oh is that so much better?”

  Cherry rolled her eyes, shaking her head as she gave Sylvie a can you believe this guy? glare. 

  “Keep rolling your eyes, maybe you’ll find a brain back there.” Maddox hissed.

  “I didn’t even roll my eyes! You can’t see me your head is too far stuck up—”

  “ENOUGH.” The guard shouted, everyone snapping to face the merruff who stood in the doorway. The small trail of dust had reached his feet, following some sort of current. “Keep yapping and your tongues’ll be separating from the rest of your maws!” With a snort he leaned back against the wall, fiddling with the symbols etched in his trident.

  The group paused before, if they could even move their heads, lowering them.

  “What’s the plan?” Cherry whispered, eyeing the guard as he continued his mindless plucking.

  “I don’t know, but I got the start of one…” Trench gestured toward Maddox’s billowing tail, the wispy clouds it had created had either slithered its way out of the cell, or disappeared into the water completely. “...not sure how much you got left in you but a cloud big enough could catch the attention of the guard, maybe even lure him in.”

  “Trust me, if I have to hear one more benign word leave that woman’s tongue we’ll all be choking on stars.” He snorted, spacedust flaring as Cherry stuck her tongue out at him. “That still doesn’t answer how we’ll get free of these chains.” Maddox hissed between his teeth, struggling to readjust his paws. “I can’t even lift my head up!”

  “That’s what I’m stuck on, knowing… knowing merrs these chains are fit to keep a whole Royal on lock-down.” 

  A spike of fear shot through Sylvie’s heart. “That’s it?” She turned to face Trench, swiveling around to find a lack of reassurance between Cherry and Maddox. “There’s no way to break out of these chains?”

  “Don’t give up so easily-!” Cherry attempted to hush the Phoeline, interrupted by a shrill squeak.

  “What about our magic!? Trench!” Her head flickered back, voice growing in volume. “Use your turtle-thing! The enchantress said it’d give us power!” 

  The merruff lowered his eyes, “That won’t work Sylvs, if any of us tried these chains would strangle em.” Trench finished with an apologetic glance.

  “It has to be different! I don’t want to die here! I don’t even know how I’m still alive!” She jerked her head up, claws digging into the stone beneath them. “She promised!” Bubbles shot from Sylvie’s flames, curling around her to the ceiling above. “I didn’t even want to leave Hometown! I miss my home, I want to go home!” Sylvie thrashed, adrenaline and fear churning waves in her stomach, her heart felt like it would jump out of her chest at any moment. “Let me go!” Tightness grew around her throat, whatever they attached to her squirmed against her roaring flames.

  “Sylvie stop! Calm down!” Trench hissed, attention split between the panicking phoeline and the leaning guard.

  “I don’t want to be here, I don’t want to get hurt again, please!” The bubbles only grew in volume, a collection forming against the roof of their cell.

  Cherry stretched over, trying to beat the distance between her and Sylvie. “Sylvie look at me! Remember your exercises!” Squinting against the flames she leaned closer. “You’re okay, I won’t let them hurt you.”

  Whirling around Sylvie faced Cherry, her expression a strained calmness as she gave Sylvie a small smile. “We’re gonna get outta here, now stop burnin’ so much or you’ll ruin your scarf–!” 

  Sylvie let out a pitched yelp, lurching back as Cherry’s chain shot into the ground and her head bounced against the ground. 

  “Great Augustus! Are you alright Cherry!?” Trench scanned the nebulruff, a plume of red escaping between her teeth, even a look of fearful shock etched onto Maddox’s face.

  It took a moment to recuperate, Cherry scrunching her nose as she licked her teeth. “Yeah just…bit my tongue I think.” 

  None of this could pierce Sylvie’s thoughts as a hurricane of dialogue stormed through her head. Had she…caused that? Why did he do that? Did Cherry blame her? Was she mad? Why did she do that? Why had she yelled? When was Maddox going to lose his temper? Would Trench yell at her? Scream? Did they think she meant it? She didn’t, she was sorry they knew she didn’t mean it they had to. What if they didn’t? What if they did blame her? They wouldn’t be wrong to do so would they? It was her fault she hurt Cherry! If she hadn’t acted out none of this would’ve happened! Cherry told her to stop talking, why couldn’t she just do something right for once and shut up!? Even after all Cherry had done for her and she hurt her! Where was the screaming, why wasn’t it there yet? Had they not noticed, were they so upset then couldn’t put it into words? She deserved it why wasn’t it here already?

  Heat rushed around Sylvie as her silent form stared ahead, lost in her thoughts until…

  “Maddox, I'm fine, will you shut it!?” Cherry’s groan caught her attention.

  “What if it gets infected? Or attracts parasites? Sharks?” A bubble ran along her rib, it tickled.

  “Do you really think they’d let sharks just roam around their town? What's with the change in tune you numbskull?” An itch twinged under Sylvie’s pelt as the bubble left.

  “Well sorry I don’t want to get worms from you again!” She shifted her weight, kicking out.

  “You never got worms from me in the first place! You literally swim in dumpsters!” There was no jingle of shackles, no force keeping her pinned down. Sylvie shifted her weight to kick out her other paw…it was loosened. Using her free paw she kicked off the melted cuff, only three more held her.

  Trench, who had been watching Cherry and Maddox with a grimace, had finally glanced at Sylvie. Furrowing his brows at her focused expression. “Are you…alright Sylvie?”

  “I melted the chains.”

  “You— what?!” Eyes widening his chains jerked to a halt as he attempted to twist his head around. “That’s great! Think you could do it a couple more times?”

  “Sure.”

  Trench clicked, when that didn’t get their attention he let out a growl. Cherry and Maddox quit their bickering to glare at the disrupting merr.

  “Got a plan now, Maddox?” His voice dropped, the fox’s ears perked at the mention of his name. “Think you could work up enough dust to give us some cover?”

  “Like I said, this hag’ll make that easy.” He snarled, Cherry mirroring the vocal disdain.

  “Sylvie, once that happens finish what’cha got and we’ll be waitin’ for ya. With luck he’ll open those doors.” Sylvie nodded, she was going to have to work herself up all over again just for this to work. “We’re waitin’ you on Maddox.”

  “What about me?” Cherry piped up, beside her Maddox squirmed under the restraints, lashing his tail to and fro.

  “We’ll just wait, knowing you, you can take a few hits if anything gets wild.” He chuckled, glaring at the clueless guard with ill-intent.

  It took quite a few wiggles for Maddox to form a decent cloud, its added weight slowing its path out the barred door. Cherry sneezed at the contents, though as soon as it washed over Sylvie she focused on her downward spiral of thoughts, imagining all the scenarios she had concocted in her head, guilt and fear charging her flames. Stretching forward, as if to scratch her chin, her hind paw inched onto her wrist cuff. It melted under her touch, the seering metal barely affecting her as she did the same with the other side, then the one clasped around her neck.

  The cloud had made its way, Trench buried in it’s mist she took the chance to swim over, the sudden floatiness a shock to the system until she grabbed onto Trench’s tail and pulled herself over its restraints. Pushing away, she pressed against the clamp until it widened enough for Trench to slip out, repeating this for each restraint until he shot from the floor.

  Maddox had stopped, his dust cloud had made its way to the door as it followed the current. Now noticing the enormous black cloud behind him, the guard let out a surprised hiss and placed his trident in the lock, opening the door.

  “What do you think you’re doing in there! Quit it!” Pulling it from the lock he swiped it through the cloud, Trench grabbing the end and yanking the guard into the inky abyss with nothing but a helpless yelp.

  Sylvie had worked Cherry from her restraints, assuming Trench was saving them more time the nebulruff floated before clumsily swimming towards the open door. “It’s going to take forever to dry out!”

  Maddox next, it was much harder to save him from the smoldering metal, Sylvie wincing at each flinch whenever she wasn’t careful enough. Mumbling an apology he shook his body out, sending more blotchy spacedust Sylvie’s way. “Good work, cat.”

  Following the fox feeling completely burnt out, Trench appeared from the other side of the cloud. “I suggest swimming high if you don’t want to hit a bump,” As they made their way around he nodded toward the slithering trail of spacedust that left the cloud. “ grab onto my shoulders Cherry, you two find a holding on her and I’ll swim us out of here. Keep holdin’ ‘cause I want another round with that turtle.”

  They did as ordered, Maddox allowing Sylvie to grab onto Cherry before finding his place. 

  “Wait, round with what—?” Maddox’s perturbed question was cut short as Trench hurled himself down the hall, almost giving Sylvie whiplash. Each turn whipped the passengers around, Sylvie hearing Maddox thump against the wall making a part of her glad she wasn’t on the end. A light shone ahead, a passing guard yelping as Trench zipped by. 

  No one could stop them as they made their way out the door, another pair of guards covering their heads as the canine form twirled through the water, leaving a draconic turtle making a break for it in its wake. Risking a glance below, she saw the small makeshift town underneath them, a few workers looking up in shock as their shadow flew over them. It almost felt like flying, Trench waving his flippers in rhythmic beats, at least it was some sense of familiarity.

  “Where to now?” Trench called over his shoulders as soon as he was sure they hadn’t been followed.

  “Keep head’n straight, that raggedy dog in the marshes said she saw the beast fly this way so we’ll keep goin’ until we find it and bring my son home.” Maddox puffed out his chest, having crawled his way from the back to hang on to the edge of Trench’s shell beside his head.

  “Kip too? Y’know Amber’s boy was also involved-” Cherry interrupted only for Maddox to return the favor.

  “Yeah him too, whatever. With all those books he had shoved under his nose I’m sure Kip can smart-talk his way into some pity.”

  Cherry gave him a hard scowl but thankfully kept her mouth shut. With luck they’d have better chances on the surface, maybe even another sighting…and Sylvie could get herself a new scarf.

2024 NEBULRUFF MYO EVENT

Image drawn by Ramofthearth

MYO EVENT RULES

By default you are granted one common ticket with three uncommon traits! It can be any subspecies free of charge!

UPGRADING YOUR MYO

Join the Discord Server: +1 Uncommon Trait

Tag 3 People/Make a Bulletin: Upgrade to Rare MYO

INVITE REWARDS

Invite 5 People: +1 Uncommon MYO, 2 Rare Potions

Invite 10 People: +1 Rare MYO/+1 Mutation MYO (your choice!), 3 Potions of opposite MYO Rarity

Invite 15+ People: +1 Unlimited MYO, 3 Limited Edition Potions

---

What if I dont want to join the server?

Thats fine as well! You can also get your MYO design approved at the TH post! Just comment on the post and it'll be approved and added to the masterlist! :>

 Percival staggered to his feet, a splitting pain echoed throughout his skull. He squinted against the sun's harsh rays, where was the welcoming shade of Maddox’s tent? It took a few moments, waves of ache washing down his body before Percy could even begin to recall what occurred last night. There was…Sylvie, Sylvie, and Trench, he and Maddox had been sent to accompany them back into town and get them adjusted. They hadn’t been able to because of an explosion, the forest… along with Amber’s home, had been eviscerated. He didn’t want to spiral trying to dwell on Amber’s situation, all he noted was that wouldn’t have caused him to be stranded…what else happened? He froze in thought, only picking up the sound of wind whistling over his head and the occasional scurry. Percival’s eyes flickered as if the answer would appear before him, as if thinking about it hard enough he could will it into existence. He looked up, nothing but crags surrounding him, gravel making getting out of here normally impossible. Percival bit the inside of his cheek, the gears turning inside his mind before a sound cut off his train of thought entirely.

A croak.

His ears swiveled this way and that, where had that come from? Who had that come from?

Another croak, followed by a small trail of pebbles falling from a nearby ledge high above Percival.

In a few bounds, he reached the cliffside, raising to his hindlegs to get a better view. His sudden movement caused whatever was up there to freeze or at the very least stop vocalizing. Scrunching his nose, he bit back his better judgment and reached out a paw, his digits lengthening to resemble claws as he dug them into the earth. Wings sprouted down his arm as his wispy tail formed into a more serpentine build, his snout becoming armed with pointed fangs until he was fully shifted into his wyvern form. It sent chills down his spine, it made his skin feel itchy and uncomfortable…but it was necessary to traverse the steep terrain. Scrambling up the cliffside, his claws caught on an edge and he was able to pull himself up, it barely took seconds before he discovered the source of the croaking.

 A frog companion settled itself beside Kip’s unconscious form, as soon as its beady eyes had caught sight of Percival it escaped into his spacedust. The sight sent another flash of pain through Percival’s head as he shrunk back into a fox, he had chased Kip onto that… beast, holding on for dear life in hopes it’d land soon but Kip’s grip had begun to slip and-

 He clawed at the side of his head, they landed at the bottom of the chasm, Percival had rolled to the bottom while Kip got caught on this shelf. It took a few moments to recuperate before he could stumble his way to Kip, fatigue aching his muscles Percival rolled Kip to face him. Other than a large inflamed bruise running down his side and a few scraps etched into his skin, he wasn’t bleeding profusely, and there wasn’t a knot on his head thank Augustus! He pressed an ear against Kip’s chest and to his relief, a rhythmic beat calmed his churning stomach.

 “Now, what’re we gonna do Kippy Kat?” Percival mumbled, somewhat to Kip but mostly to himself. He knew changing forms would work but after that? What if he poked his wyvern head out and got shot down immediately? If others were around…wouldn’t they have helped them, however? Maybe not if they were clinging to that horrific beast, but even if there was a risk of being harmed, it’d be worth giving Kip at least a chance of being safe, Kip wasn’t him, they wouldn’t hurt Kip. 

 It was a tight squeeze but he fit his draconic body onto the ledge, gently clasping Kip in his talons, it only took a few beats before they were airborne and Percival could get a full view of their surroundings. There was…nothing. Just rolls of mountains as far as Percival could see, not even trees decorated their faces. Flying higher wouldn’t help, should he just pick a direction and go? No direction led to a change in scenery, they’d hit something eventually and it was better than standing around waiting for home to find them. Just as he was about to start a large form collided with his wing, knocking him off balance he flailed to catch himself before catching sight of what had hit him.
“Sorry!” The stranger called behind them, Percival was awestruck at their fleeting appearance. It looked like a dragon but…with no legs? 

 His brain couldn’t even process what it had just seen before a giant winged deer flew past him, following the first. Then a dragon came soon after, all seemed normal until he realized they were carrying a giant draconic turtle. He shook his head, what were those dragons? Were they dragons at all? Why had they not gawked at his wyvern appearance? The first one even apologized to him! Filled with excitement Percival quickly followed after the group, riding the wind’s circulation he had caught up with the dragon and her turtle companion.

 “Hi!” He called, the dragon turned to face him and slowed to match his pace.

 “Hey?” Getting a good look at her face she had three sets of horns, all spiraling outward like sunrays. Her scales glimmered yellow in the light, navy freckles peppering her cheeks and ears. A row of scales ran from her head all the way to her tail, which ended in a rounded stump.

 “Uhm, where are you guys headin’?” He suddenly felt embarrassed, about how quick he’d been to chase after this group just because they’d been nice to him, maybe they hadn’t even realized he was a wyvern.

 “Oh uh, Franny!” She shook the turtle dragon who snorted awake, blinking wearily. “What’s this place called again?”

 “Whu- huh?” A shaky, gentle voice billowed from his jagged jaw, Franny stretched his neck out, twisting his head to face the dragon. “Whaddya say?”

 “What’s the place we’re going called!” She yelled, having to beat the sound of the air rushing around them.

 “Oh uh…Lingmell!” Franny responded before retracting his head back into his shell. “Should only be a few moments!” His voice echoed from inside.

 The dragon turned to Percival, a warm smile had grown on her face. “Lingmell, we’ve heard that, while it's one of the smaller towns, they got killer roasts!” She licked her lips. “Haven’t had any since Porthcrawl, but it was way too fishy in my opinion.”

 “You just don’t like seafood!” Franny piqued, earning a small laugh shared between the pair.

 “Whatever! Anyways,” Her attention turned back to Percival. “ where are you headin’? Same place?”

 “Oh uhm, yeah I guess.” He shrugged, the question tickling the back of his throat.

 “You guess?” She copied, only for a few seconds after to gasp. “Are you like us!?” Her head bobbed excitedly, a foreign trill singing through the air. “Goin’ wherever the wind takes you? It’s great isn’t it?” 

 Percival was taken aback by her explosion of excitement, just like us? The phrase warmed his heart. He took on an apologetic tone. “No, I’m just trying to find our way back home…”  

 “Our-? Oh, heads-up-” The dragon started before cutting herself off, looking forward Percival yelped as the face of a mountain stared them down.

 While the rest of the flock was able to gracefully curl around its edge, their wingtips hovering over its stone surface. Percival on the other hand shot upwards, clawing up the mountainside before launching himself over the edge to join back with the group. The dragon didn’t say anything, but a curious smirk tugged at the corner of her mouth.

 “As you were saying- our way? Where’s your partner?” She looked over his back as if expecting another dragon to have been following him.

 “Partner? Oh, nothing like that.” He blinked, clearing his throat. “He’s my uh- friend, he’s hurt though…” Percival gestured toward his talons that still gripped Kip’s resting form. “Do you know if there are any doctors in Lingmell?”

 The dragon’s eyes followed to his talons, an indistinguishable emotion washing over her face before being quickly covered by one of curiosity. “I’d have to assume there’s at least one, but I don’t know if they have the tools to care for someone like him.” She shrugged, tossing her head toward Kip. “Lingmell wasn’t built with dogs in mind, you’ll see when we get there.”

 Percival bit the inside of his cheek, not built with dogs in mind? It couldn’t be primarily phoelines, he was sure only nebulruffs could be dragons, and that a species like phoelines wouldn’t have a form built for the aquatics. And what was this about not having the tools? What about Kip wouldn’t warrant their assistance?

 “Wow.” The gasp caught him off guard, the dragon’s maw was agape as her eyes locked on the far side of his head. “Did whatever get him get you too? You got like- a huge gash on your head.” She winced for him, but as soon as shock plastered into Percival’s expression she quickly backpedaled. “It’s not that bad! I know some Faes could get in there and clean it up for you. Put some salve or gel or whatever it is in there.”

 “Why are you being nice to me?” He blurted, Percival had more questions but this had been the one nagging him the entire time. “I’m a wyvern, we don’t even know each other, how can you be so kind to someone you can’t trust?”

 The dragon looked confused, but it quickly shifted to insult, her brow furrowed. He could see the questions flicker through her mind, but she drawled out a simple question of her own: “Why shouldn’t I be?”

 He wished this question had stumped him, but Percival had heard the answer over and over again in his puppyhood. “Because I’m a wyvern. I’m…not like you.”

 The dragon shook her head, absolutely taken aback at such a statement. “So? Franny’s not like me, should I just drop him?” She gestured toward the doe flying a few paces ahead of them. “I’m not like her, should she have turned me away from her flock?” 

  “Well, no but-” Percival quickly began but was cut off even faster.

  “Then why does that matter?”

 This. This stumped him, he had tried to reason with himself why others looked down on him for being different. For being like Maddox. Why did they care so much? Why was a wyvern so much different than a dragon? What had wyverns done that warranted such a fear?

 “I-I don’t know.” He mumbled, trying to come up with an actual answer.

 The dragon’s harsh stare softened, her voice following suit. “I don’t know what you’ve been through, or what’s been done or said to you, but I’m sorry. I’m sorry that it happened… it makes sense why you’re no professional flyer.” She joked lightly, he didn’t even know her name yet this one dragon had said what he’d been dying to hear for so long.

 She added, her voice more chipper to lighten the mood. “No one deserves to feel unsatisfied with a part of themselves, but to answer your question…I’m nice to you because you look like you’d fall apart if I pushed you over.” She giggled, scrunching her nose.

 Percival couldn't help but smile, being pulled from his spiraling thoughts, he looked ahead and the flock flew in silence, only broken by the occasional comment. If he was being honest with himself, it still felt strange to be in this form, but he wasn’t fearing for his safety, and it did feel good having the wind rush over him. As he pondered about what could’ve been, what could be if he wasn’t stuck in his hometown, the leading amphiptere called to the rest of the group.

 “Lingmell ahead! Prepare for landing!”

 Watching the rest of the flock, they began to glide downward, using their wings to buff against the draft they had created and slow to a much more controllable speed. They all, except for Percival who more-or-less faceplanted into the earth, landed with little issue. The dragon gently placed Franny down before landing on her claws. Releasing Kip from his talons and resting him carefully on his back, Percival followed the group along the dirt path, soon becoming a stone path as they passed a sign welcoming newcomers to the town of Lingmell.

 To his surprise, all the buildings were massive, no nebulruff would be able to push any door open or even walk across the road without being smushed by a passing dragon.  Percy did not need to bow, slink, or watch underneath his talons as the group made their way through the entrance, giftshops and merchants were planted on either side of them, only diminishing as they got closer to the heart of the town. It felt magical to him, all the scales, feathers, fur, all the bright or desaturated colors that shone in the light, how different they all looked to him. A basilisk skittered by, a collection of faes ridding atop its back. A drake and zilant shared gossip outside of a cafe, a trio of young snallygasters following their leviathan parent. Any pairing could be made and seen right before his eyes, and not a scathing remark could be heard. Percival walked freely among these townspeople, earning only passing glances at his facial wound, he relished in this sense of normalcy. As the group reached the town center, they slowed and Percival could tell that if he was departing, it had to be now.

 “Thank you, I’ll try to see if anyone can help my friend here.”

 “No problem, it was fun flying with a new face!” The dragon stepped forward, letting out another trill, though this one much quieter, more polite. “Maybe we’ll meet again, you never know.” She winked. “Good luck and safe travels!”

 Percival bowed his head and turned from the group, who had already headed down another route, hopefully that roast was worth it. Peering around he picked a street and started his search, glancing at each sign in hopes of finding one that belonged to a health center, or any service that could check over Kip’s wounds. Continuing, there was nothing of note but every once in a while, a dragon would stare at Kip’s resting form, a few children pointing up at him before being swatted at by their parents. It was slightly off-putting, especially when they sneered or whispered to each other after, but as long as they didn’t make a fuss about it, all would be fine.

 As if on cue, a dragon walked- or hopped- up to Percival, resting on their strong hindlegs they towered over him. “You’ave a tick on you.” They pointed at Kip, to which Percival straightened his back, inching away from the wandering claw.

 “It’s not a tick, he’s my friend.” This earned a snort, but Percival continued. “We got into a little trouble, is there a place anywhere that has medical services?”

 The dragon shook his head, a scar ran down his throat all the way to his shoulder. “No, not for him. Anything they’d give you would probably kill him.” He cut himself short, as if to add a snark remark but decided against it. “I’d beat it to next town for that unless he gets up and decides to join the rest of us.”

 “That’s…not possible. I’ll just look around some more, I’m sure I’ll find someone-” 

 “You sayin’ I’m a liar?” The marsupial cut him short, his hackles raising. “No one is gonna help that pest. Unless you’re lookin’ to kill it, move on. We don’t need no dogs taking over another town.” He stomped forward, a cloud of smoke billowing from between his fangs.

 Percival started to snarl before feeling movement on his back, Kip was beginning to stir. What was he thinking? Starting a fight in the middle of a town where everyone knew each other would not be one of his smartest ideas, especially when these folks were much more experienced using their draconic halves.

 He lowered his head. “Sorry, I got it.” Turning back, Percy looked around where the buildings became sparse, he didn’t have any tokens on him, if these folks even took Startokens, and clearly they weren’t open to helping Kip. Trudging away, he shied away from judgemental eyes, suddenly self-conscious about the cargo he carried on his back. Just as he’d gotten comfortable, it was the exact same as his hometown, if not more cruel.

 So that didn’t work, so much for that dragon’s “good luck”. When Percival was a safe distance from Lingmell, which just happened to be a few mountainous ranges, he settled Kip onto a bed of moss and transformed back into a fox.

 Kip was definitely more awake, giving small kicks as if he were stuck in a dream. Percival prodded him with a paw, careful not to antagonize the dark bruise that still decorated the side of his body.

 “Kippy, you alright buddy?” He spoke softly, trying not to frighten the hyena.

Key word is trying, as soon as the hyena blinked awake Kip shot into the air, eyes darting around wildly as he circled for a full view of his surroundings. Percival could tell the regret was instant as Kip crumpled to the ground with a groan, holding his ribs with a paw he raised his head to look at Percival.

 “Did you find Amber? What happened with that beast?” He looked past Percival and to the ranges. “Where are we?”

 Percival clicked his tongue, despite Kip’s stressed demeanor he was finally glad his best friend was up and moving. “All I know is we’re…north? I think, north from Lingmell.” He lowered beside Kip, allowing the hyena to lean against him as he struggled to his paws. “We fell off that beast, I’m not sure where it went nor-”

 “You lost it!?” Kip jerked away from Percival, unable to catch himself he collapsed back onto the ground, this time denying the foxes assistance to instead force himself to his paws. “What do you mean you lost it!? That was our only lead to Amber!”

 Percival straightened his back, hiding his shock with a cough. “Well we both got knocked out from falling through the sky Kip, maybe we should be more worried about where we are? And where home is?”

 “We can do that later!” Kip snapped, Percival jumping backward as the hyena jerked around to face him. “We need to find Amber! What if she’s in trouble, Percival!” He snarled the name, Percival stammering to keep up.

 “Kip, we have more important things to worry about! We’re lost, there's not even the smallest hint of where home is or could be! You’re hurt, I’m hurt! We need to find somewhere to rest and come up with a plan instead of you breaking bones falling down another chasm!” His confidence had been hanging on by a thread since he had awoken and even now with Kip here, he was still his foreign self. “Please listen and relax, we’ll get through this.”

 Kip paused, Percival hoped in realization but watched as Kip’s hair stood on end, a growl rising in the back of his throat. “More important things? More important than Amber? When we haven’t seen her in months? When it's clear she’s in danger and needs our help there are more important things than that? Finally, a chance to ask for forgiveness and you think running back home is more important? It’ll always be there Percival! It’s not going anywhere!” The words left his mouth like toxic sludge, Percival flinching at every bark.

 “Kip you don’t understand, I don’t think Amber-”

 “What is there to understand, Percival?” Kip’s eyes widened in fury, despite being wounded he was able to limp closer, his stocky form inching forward in challenge. “Amber is in danger, that beast has her I know it! Whoever those nebulruffs are, they need to be stopped! It’s what Amber would do-”

 “I don't think Amber is even alive, Kip!” The words seemed to echo through the air as the range fell silent, Kip’s persistent glare made Percival want to shrink into his fur.

 “You don’t think…what?” Kip wrinkled his muzzle.

 “Kippy…you saw it. Amber’s house wasn’t even rubble. You really think she survived the blast?” Percival swallowed hard, his voice becoming more meek by the second.

 Kip was dead silent, his focused gaze falling to the ground as he battled the idea. Still as a statue, Percival crept forward, speaking in a hushed tone. “We have to get home. We can’t survive out here. Not like this. Kip, please-”

 “I don’t believe you.” He stopped him, his voice a forced calm. “Amber wouldn’t give up on anyone, So I’m not giving up on her.” He turned from Percival, hobbling away. “If you want to scurry home, do that. I’ll find a lead somewhere, a beast like that can’t hide.” Kip twisted his neck to face Percy. Silent, his eyes pierced through Percival before he hissed:

“If you’re not going to help me, get lost. I don’t need dead weight, Percival.”

With that, he staggered off.

  “Are you sure we’re going the right way?” Sylvie piqued from atop Trench’s shoulders, for once she was much more well-off than her companions as Trench yanked his foot from yet another mud hole.

 Cherry shook her head, sneezing out a beetle as Maddox’s trail led deeper into the murky waters. “The nose never lies Sylvie, plus we don’t really have anything else to go off of so…yeah.” 

 Sylvie bit her tongue, eyes wide as she scanned their surroundings, searching for a way to continue the mind-numbing dialogue. Only the fireflies could calm her nerves, flickering in their winding trails around the moss-laden trees. Her ears swiveled at each twig snap, each ripple of water, each chitter or chirp. The sky had finally begun to lighten but it would be at least another hour or so before the sun peeked over the horizon, why was she taking so long? Had something happened? Was she just as fearful? Why did these shadows seem to reach out to Sylvie’s light? Sylvie cowered at the gnarly trees whose knots were enunciated by her flames, their branches reaching out like talons to take what was hers. Trench’s interruption of her spiraling thoughts and questions almost toppled her off of her perch.

 “Hey- can you loosen up on the claws? My shoulders are still sore y’know.” His face scrunched as her grip tightened trying not to fall off.

 “Oh, yeah…sorry” Sylvie’s voice was barely a whisper as she tugged her claws out, feeling Trench relax once her death grip was loosened.

 Attempting to lighten the mood, Trench cleared his throat and spoke thoughtfully. “Too bad this here is all freshwater, otherwise traversing would be easy-peasy.”

 Cherry scoffed at the notion, swatting aside an especially nosey reed bush. “Yeah right, with how you ‘traverse’ we’d be smackin’ up against every submerged log and trunk in this entire marsh!” She rubbed the bruise on her head, regretting it as soon as her paw touched the irritated area. “Me n’ Syvlie would know.”

 “Sylvie can be argued, I think you’re just a clutz.” Trench let out a hearty laugh, Cherry rolling her eyes despite the smile growing on her face. “Speaking of, how’s the battle scar holding up Sylv?”

 She smiled meekly, the bandage’s trim had curled as the threading came loose but for the most part, it was doing the best it could. “I’m fine, It’s fine.”

 “Good, good…sure it’s doing better than Cherry’s fat nose, I’m surprised she can smell anything after that butler freak bopped her with an entire door!” Another string of laughs and chuckles soon followed with Cherry quickly spitting back a defense.

 Sylvie tuned them out as much as she could, only catching a single word here or there as she closed her eyes and allowed her shoulders to sag.

 Cherry circled an exceptionally large sycamore, doing a double-take she raised a brow. “Okay…the trail ends here but…there’s no Maddox? Or anywhere he could have gone…” She leaned down once more, there was no doubt he was here at some point, and quite recently. “Do you think he went up? Why would he do that?”

 Trench stepped forward, examining the bark for any scratches. “Maybe to get a better look of the surroundings…or for all we know he was just so mad that only climbing a tree could calm his nerves.” He forced a laugh, no marks were etched into the trunk. “What do you think Sylvie?” He twisted his head to the side to check up on the small phoeline. “Sylv?”

 Trench circled, unable to get a clear view of his back. His thrashing even caught Cherry’s attention, looking up from where the scent was fixated the most. “Where is she?” Trench turned his back to the sycamore, had she gone off for some reason? The yelp behind him caught his attention as he whipped around, Cherry? The nebulruff was absent, the only clue left behind being a ripple where she just stood. It led nowhere, had she gone under? Above? Before Trench could call out either of them a vine wrapped around his ankle, whipping him from his feet it dragged him up the entire tree. Momentarily airborne,  tossed above the treeline Trench could spot a shoreline just past where the marsh ended, had they really traveled that far? He felt gravity tug him back down, twisting in an attempt to catch himself as he was sent flying down the middle of the hollowed-out sycamore.

 Anyone would expect the landing to be harsh, splintery, and maybe a little fatal, but instead Trench was welcomed in the warm embrace of a bed of lush greenery. Feathers twice his length lined the nest, looking around the only way out being a doorway with a tacky patterned blanket hiding the other side. Slowly, still entirely not sure why he wasn’t dead or at least extremely maimed, Trench lifted himself from the bedding, crawling forward and listening for any sign of movement. Using a webbed paw he pushed aside the blanket by just a sliver, peeking into the other room he spotted Cherry…and Sylvie! Slightly more confident Trench entered the emporium. Identical shelves lined the walls, knick-knacks, pickled organs, and items of mythical descent hid in the shadows, with only a meek warm lantern saving them from eternal darkness. Where there wasn't a pricetag there were plants, mostly those belonging to much warmer climates than what was expected here, but by some miracle, their leaves were a perfect healthy green, not a single rot in sight. 

 “Ooh! And that one?” Cherry’s coo brought Trench back from his thoughts, her voice squeaking with interest as she eyed an array of shiny jewelry.

 A third party joined them, at first to Trench’s shock but in all fairness they were drowning in the shadows, their form seeming to drain the adjacent lantern of its already flickering light. Their voice was aged, and scratchy, that of a nebulruff who inhaled nothing but pure ash and smog.

 “This ring protects you from those of avian descent.” A gnarled claw spun the ring around, its ruby facing Cherry’s glimmering eyes. “This-” They pushed forward an anklet. “-has the ability to give you the strength of a dozen dragons.” Their words were followed by an array of oohs and ahhs from Cherry as Sylvie’s eyes were glued to the hood figure's rotting talons.

 She squeaked as Trench shouted from his corner of the room. “Cherry! What in the mother of pearl are you doing!?”

 Cherry whipped around, flashes of surprise and embarrassment crossed her face before she twisted it into a haughty glare. “I’m trying to get us some supplies!” When that didn’t seem like enough she quickly added: “And I’m seeing if this wonderful fellow shopkeeper saw Maddox.”

 “Looked like you were googling at some questionable trinkets.” He snorted, eyeing the shopkeeper cautiously, the last time he trusted a hooded figure in the wetlands it did not go well.

 “They’re not questionable! They’re enchanted.” She waved her paws around to enunciate the ‘enchanted’ aspect. “I thought maybe we could use some of ‘em in our travels! We got more to do other than find Maddox after all.”

 Not amused at the slightest Trench slithered over beside Cherry, glaring at these… ‘enchanted items’ before turning his attention back to Cherry. “Have you even asked for any proof? How safe these things actually are? Do you even know what you’re looking for or have the money to buy it?”

 “I mean this lovely lady was telling me her stock before you rudely interrupted us and insulted her-!” She glanced at the silent figure apologetically before continuing. “-and of course I have the tokens! They’re in my wallet at…my…house.” Her boisterous tone shriveled away as the realization struck her.

 “Fantastic.” Trench rolled his eyes. “Now, seeing as we have nothing to offer to this…” He gestured at the keeper who lacked any physical or verbal response. “...shopkeeper, let’s get a move on.”

 “Wait! Maybe they take I.O.U’s!” Cherry halted Trench in his tracks. “I haven’t even had the chance to ask about Maddox-!” They continued to bicker as the hooded figure leaned down from their podium, nearly knocking all the jewelry from its surface.

 Sylvie stepped back, eyes still wide as the figure spoke directly to her. “You don’t have much, but I know you have enough for some of my cheaper items.” The shopkeeper reached below where she stood, taking out a small wooden box. Picking a key from under her shawl, it popped open, Sylvie had to crane her neck to peek at what was inside, even if hesitant. The nebulruff reached around the lid, picking out an orange amulet to drop in Sylvie’s paws. “This is fit for you.” She picked out three more identical amulets, however, this time they were colored red, teal, and purple respectively. “These are for your friends, the teal,” She clicked its gleaming surface. “ for your aquatic friend specifically.”

 Sylvie nodded, her mouth dry as she dared a question. “What will they do?”

 The old enchantress winked, her scarred face once hidden in shadow now visible against Sylvie’s glowing spacedust. “Wear them and you’ll see, they’ll make you strong inside and out.”

 Not expecting a more specific answer, Sylvie asked another. “Have you seen a fox nebulruff? His spacedust isn’t like ours, more…drippy? He has a scar over his nose, maybe you heard him complaining?”

 The shopkeeper let out a breathy laugh interrupted by a cough. “Yes, yes, I saw him, brought him in here.” She shook her head. “He wasn’t interested in my wares, much like your friend there.” She flicked a claw towards Trench, who was still arguing with Cherry. “Told me he had to keep chasing some beast, had his son. Said I saw some beast fly towards the ocean, after that he immediately took off in that direction.” Another chuckle. “Sure the fall didn’t feel good.”

 Her mood brightened, she saw Maddox! And he was okay! Well, he had to be at least a little ok, otherwise, they would have seen his body at the bottom of the sycamore. Still, a worm of doubt slithered and squirmed in her thoughts. “Why are you helping us?”

 “Smart head on those shoulders…” The nebulruff complimented warmly. “I guess it’s due to the fact I need assistance, and I’m well aware two of you are capable.” She leaned closer, whispering. “I give you these amulets, free of monetary charge. In return, you show mercy to my daughter…and bring her home if you can.” Sylvie was taken aback, jaw agape as the shopkeeper turned her back to her, exiting the room through a hidden trapdoor. Only the amulets remained on the abandoned podium, Sylvie still clutching the one given to her in her paws.

 “Hey! Where’d she go?” Cherry called just in time, padding back over to Sylvie who stuttered before Cherry or Trench could interrupt her.

 “She saw Maddox! And…” Sylvie thought for a moment, tightening her jaw before making the ultimate decision. “...and I had some leftover Startokens in my scarf.” She handed them their respective amulets, keeping the extra for when they found Maddox. “The shopkeeper said that these protect us and make us strong.” Cherry put hers on excitedly, Trench was much more hesitant and only pressed to do so when Cherry gave him a deathly glare.

 “And Maddox?” He raised a brow.

 “She said she saw him head toward the ocean from here, she tried to help him but he wouldn’t take it.”

 “Sounds like Maddox.” Cherry chirped, Trench nodding in agreeance. “Well at least we have an actual lead, and he can’t be far so we better hurry!” Scanning the room she bounded towards a hollow that led to the outside. It was quite a ways up, Sylvie questioned how Maddox survived such a fall, maybe he used his dragon form?

 Before Sylvie could bring it up Cherry beat her to it. “I think we should use our dragon forms to get down at least, it's much too crowded to fly but it’s better than a leap of faith.”

 Trench took the lead, hanging off the edge of the hollow before scales rippled underneath his fur, growing in size as spines grew from his back. Or…it should’ve stopped as spines, they grew upward but a carapace emerged from their base, a hard shell forming as his once lean forearms shrunk to more stumpy, clumsy claws Trench scrabbled for any catch but it was all done in vain. He let out a shocked caterwaul as his grip slipped, falling toward the ground instead of a slithery, serpent-like figure catching itself the result was stuck on his back.

 “WOAH! Trench!” Cherry shot forward, attempting to shift into her own dragon form. “Are you alright-!?” Instead of expert claws digging into the bark hooves scrabbled against its course surface as Cherry too launched at mach speeds directly towards the earth. “Hey hey HEY- woah- no- NO!” A thud echoed as she landed on Trench, bouncing off and crashing into the murky waters.

 Sylvie looked on in absolute shock, barely peeking over the edge she made sure they were still moving and- well- alive before eyeing the amulet the enchantress had given her. Its stone gleamed mischievously, a chicken etched onto its surface.

October 1st: Cosplay

 Tons of Nebulruffs, Merruffs, and Phoelines alike wandered the spacious mansion, either creeping around anxious or gawking at the multitude of tapestries depicting foreign lands and even more foreign beasts. What once was a glorious ballroom sprinkled with glitter and gold shrunk and faltered into a living area that could barely fit a handful of Nebs. Edward attempted to shoo those unsure of his validity into a much nicer setting, one not covered in layers of dust and ancient debris. The once well-kept head mount of a deer sagged down, its proud upright posture hunching over, its head just a few feet from the stone floor.  A timid phoeline dressed as her favorite action hero approached the head on account of a dare, reaching up to tap it on the nose with a shaking paw. Just before she could complete the task a gaudy wooden bucket fell from one of the buck's antlers and into her paws, the deer opened its mouth and...regurgitated wrapped candies into the bucket she was holding. Upon further examination, there didn't seem to be any residue on the treat and with a taste-test...it was delicious! Her favorite! In fact, it was an entire assortment of her favorite candies! Another phoeline, presumably one of the formers friends ran up in excitement expecting his own collection of treats but the buck only squinted at his lack of costuming and kept its mouth shut. No costume, no candy!

 For this prompt, draw your Nebulruff cosplaying as their favorite character in any sort of media! Or if they don't have a favorite, any average costume will do! 

October 7th: Phobia

 Edward led them down a seemingly neverending corridor, stopping at the 27th door. Entering it was a room fill of mirrors, though instead of clean-cut standing mirrors it looked like large shards of glass. The gigantic shards dug into the floor and walls of the room, assuming you brushed up against one a bit too harshly you'd receive a dire wound. Edward told you those who succeed have a special prize waiting for you if you complete three tasks, make it to the end of the maze and you'll complete the first task! Some run in eagerly while others are much more slow, a merruff looked into one of the mirrors and came face to face with a nasty set of jaws as a shark swam up to the mirror's face. Letting out a warble of fright he fled deeper into the maze, more fearful screeches following. 

 For this prompt, draw your Nebulruff's facing their greatest fear/phobia! Whether it be abstract, reality or fiction, a dream, doesn't matter. If you're unsure or they don't have one feel free to just pick a common phobia/fear and their reaction to it!

October 12th: Grave-Robbin

 Congratulations to those who survived! Edward informs those standing the next task is to gather some parts for a beast of your own making. Leading them to the backyard, a vast expanse of graves adorned with rusted bells and rotten vines await them, ripe for the picking! The ominous ringing fills the air as each Nebulruff is handed a shovel and ordered to pick any, its all just for amusement and spooky times after all! These aren't real beasts, right?

 For this prompt, draw your  Nebulruff's picking up some monstrous groceries! Do they have the job complete in 10 seconds flat? Are they too anxious to act at all? What sort of bits and bobbles do they find? Maybe they'd rather admire the scenery, who knows!

October 17th: Make-A-Monster

 After you pick from the garden of corpses, Edward leads you back into the mansion and up several flights of stairs that logically shouldn't be able to fit inside the mansion but after carrying twice their weight up 24 flights no one seems keen to ask questions. Each ruff is given a work table and a set of rusted medical tools, scalpels, wire, forceps, a chainsaw... the works. He gives a strict time limit to put together your spooky creation, and prances idly around, either complimenting the creativity or giving helpful tricks to those less confident in their abilities. A devilish grin plastered permanently across his chest.

 For this prompt, draw your Nebulruff creating a terrible beast! Are they any good at it? Do they create the beast in their image? Are they a DIY master or believe hot-gluing is the savior to all? Maybe they work smarter not harder and decide to "borrow" some components of others' work? Give it a shot!

October 25th: BANNED!

  A mildly inconvenienced frown passes over Edward's face followed by a "harumph", every room was completely trashed, dozing nebulruffs strewn about furniture, ledges, and by some supernatural force the walls and ceiling. The kitchen...guh, he didn't even want to think about the burnt batter still sticking to the walls when someone combusted all seven of his ovens. The guest rooms... gracious, Edward swore someone flooded at least half of them and lit the remaining ablaze in some cruel chemistry experiment. At least the rotten boards and lounges drowning in  cobwebs had been aesthetically pleasing to look at but this was ridiculous, and Edward wasn't having it. He made sure all the doors to every single room was open before slinking to the basement, jingling keys held firmly in his tails jaws. A growl rumbled throughout the floor as he stopped just before a trapdoor, a cartoonishly large lock keeping whatever was below trapped.

 "Alright Fifi, I have some new chew-toys for you to play with!" He chirped, using the key to unhook the lock before dragging it to the side.

 Black smog trailed from the cracks in the boards before the door burst wide open, a freezing chill winding its way throughout the entire home as a canine figure formed before Edward's eyes, three heads armed with ferocious tusks scrunched their noses in a guttural snarl. It had to crane its neck down to fit underneath the ceiling, though despite being able to behead Edward in a single chomp, it paid him no heed as its billowing, ever-changing form washed over him and to the same stairs he'd just come down from.

 Edward shook his head, he had a lot of work laid out for him as soon as these..."guests" were dealt with one way or another. The iron gates outside which had once been locked tight now swung open freely, beckoning to any poor soul who found themselves being chased from a tarnished mansion who's caretaker had had enough of their nonsense.

 For this prompt...sorry but you're being evicted! Well, your nebs are at least, with a cerberus wanna-be nipping at their hides, how do they fair? Are they some of the first to turn tail and get outta there or does it take a snarling mass of death and destruction gnashing its teeth directly in their face to get them a'movin? Do they try and fail to befriend the beast? Maybe they succeed? This is the final prompt before Howloween and the last time we'll be seeing Edward, we're nearly there folks!

  “Amber!” Sylvie shot forward despite Trench’s warning, her eyes wide with disbelief as she stood face to face with the beloved Neb that had been missing for months, why was she so calm? Her house just blew up! Percival and Kip were literally carried off into the night! “Where have you been?”
  Amber lowered her eyes, hunching her shoulders in a shudder. “I had just planned to leave for a few weeks but something happened and I got into this whole…mess!” She squeezed her eyes tight as if remembering the horrific event. “I’m so sorry I was gone for so long–”
  “What did you have to do?!” Maddox growled, his eyes wide with rage. “What exactly took you weeks to do, without telling us, without even warning us you’d abandon us!?” With each new question, he lashed his tail, spreading infected spacedust onto the scorched ground.
  “Maddox-!” Sylvie hushed, trying to silence his aggravated questioning.
  “Maddox nothing!” He jerked his head to face the bristling Phoeline, turning his attention back to a wide-eyed Amber. “You didn’t tell me, you didn’t tell Cherry, you didn’t tell Yippers, and you didn’t tell Kip. After what you pulled you couldn’t even bother to give him some closure before you just up and disappear!? Give my mind rest trying to persuade my son that no, Amber would never purposefully hurt Kip! No, Amber had a reason! Just for you to not even give that hyena a second glance and just leave him without a word!” His voice cracked, all his energy drained as he slumped to the ground.  “You just left us. You left him.” Maddox’s brow was still furrowed, but he held his tongue and allowed Trench to voice his concerns in a much more palatable, gentle tone.
  “Despite Maddox’s welcome, we’re so happy you’re back. You wouldn’t believe the ranting I had to read in Cherry’s letters.” He forced a small chuckle. “But, he’s right in his worries, at least from what I can understand. Where did you go? What happened? Are you hurt?”
  Amber paused for a moment, seeming to ingest all the information and emotion that was thrown at her all at once, her eyes flickering as she built her words. “I’m sorry, I was trying to find the Phoenix again, I felt that something was off… seeing as what happened last time I didn’t trust myself to keep anyone safe and decided the best option would be to just go on my own.”
  She sighed, her eyes pleading for them to believe her. “I really thought it was for the best seeing as it seemed like Bullet was gone…but as you can clearly see the opposite was true. He did attack me, but I was able to get away and heal myself.” She rubbed her head as if remembering the brutal assault. “It took a few days and I could do nothing but try not to strain my magic. I lost my way after the attack, I wasn’t really paying attention to the direction I was going.” Amber formed a weak smile, looking up at Trench. “That’s when I saw a magnificent beast, made of the night sky and armed with powerful wings and talons, I assumed they were an ally of the Phoenix and followed it here.” She frowned. “I now realize, again, I was incorrect.”
  Amber walked over to Maddox, helping the fox to his feet. “I’m sorry, I tried to do what was best for all of us but it wasn’t enough. I never meant for anyone to get hurt.”
  Maddox shook her off, being the first to head back the way they came toward the village. “No one ever does.” He muttered.

  Sylvie and Trench stood by Amber for a few moments, neither entirely wanting to say anything until Sylvie worked up the courage to clear her throat and suggest: “I think we should follow him, I’m sure everyone would love to hear you’re back.”
  “And we should probably be the ones to tell them what happened to Percival and Kip before Maddox does, then we can form a plan to get them back.” Trench added, ushering the other two into a quick trot.

  “WHAT!?” Cherry screeched, her eyes red from the tears that fell when she spotted Amber across the field.
  She had evacuated all of the village residents to the adjacent prairie. At first, a loud cheer had been heard as whispers of excitement chattered of Amber's return buzzed through the air… before being overtaken by hisses of disbelief and suspicion. Trench could barely read Cherry’s expression in the dark as she processed the information, only the faint glow of Syvlie’s flames lit their view.
  “Kip just ran towards the big giant death bird!? And Percy followed him!?” From what Trench could tell her eyes were wide with horror, she tried to keep her voice low to shy from pricked ears.   “Where’s Maddox!? He must be worried sick about his boy!” She paced around, turning to Trench for answers.
  Trench set his jaw, from Cherry’s reaction she hadn’t heard the story yet, and he’d bet that if Maddox were here you’d be able to hear his raving and ranting from a mile away. “We hoped he’d be here…” He admitted, an uneasy churn growing in his stomach.
  “M-maybe he’s in town!” Sylvie piqued, feigning a hopeful tone. “He could’ve thought that everyone returned, or is looking for any stragglers.” She turned west, squinting at the blurry imagery of the town as it melded into the midnight sky. “It doesn’t look like the blast reached the town…or that beast tore it down.”
  Cherry and Trench shared doubtful glances but neither disagreed with her assumption of Maddox’s whereabouts. Cherry took a deep breath and puffed out her fur, finally getting a grip on her emotions. She turned toward the still uneasy crowd, lifting her head to peer through the mass. “Yippers!” She called, her ears perked. “Yippers!”
  “I’m here!” The small Nebulruff squeezed himself through the crowd, panting as he trotted up to join Cherry's side.
  “Where’s Amber? I thought you two would be conjoined at the hip!” Cherry bowed her head, lowering her voice.
  “Well, that’s the thing…-” Before Yippers could continue a wave of yelps and gasps roared from the far side of the crowd.
  A small…shed? house? was rapidly approaching the collection, how had they not seen or heard it before? A small lantern hung off one of the doors, illuminating six stumpy legs made of wood as it scrambled almost desperately toward the crowd. The house swung dangerously from side to side, looking as if it’d tip over at any moment before grinding to a halt, digging its talons into the ground.
  Trench shoved past the crowd followed by Cherry and Yippers, the legs slowly disappeared underneath the building, a gentle green light shining between the boards, and a rapid collection of thuds sounded behind the doors. Cherry raised her muzzle, inching closer before being hit square in the face by a swinging door.
  “WELCOME!” A gray nebulruff popped out, arms spread wide in an enthusiastic greeting. Stitches lined half his face and torso. “I see you lovely folks are in quite a pickle!” Despite talking quite…loudly, his mouth hadn’t even twitched in the slightest. “I can give you sanctuary! Tis’ the season of giving after all!”
  Trench reared his head, first at the swinging door and again at this stranger’s…strange…demeanor.      “Wha-”
  “How? You ask?” The nebulruff interrupted, cackling. “Why, I have a few tricks up my sleeve! Edward, if you would?” The gray nebulruff nodded and reached down, pulling some hidden lever before wooden boards, iron poles, succulents, framing, marble pillars, colorful shards of glass, nails galore shot from behind the shed. Ear-splitting cracks and screeching could be heard as a glorious mansion was built, surrounding the entire crowd, some inching away in fear as others stared slack-jawed in awe.
  After but a few moments they were in a well-kept garden, with roses, bush sculptures, and twin marble stairs leading to grand oak doors at least two stories tall that hung wide open. Looking around, they were completely surrounded by an iron fence, the gate leading back to the village was locked shut with no visible means of opening it. The mansion itself was…overwhelming to say the least. Best described as following a neoclassical look, balconies hung on either side with a gigantic clock ticking ever-so-slowly square in the middle, twice as wide as the doors. Foliage was planted purposefully wherever it could fit, perfect green leaves shining against soft orange lanterns that hung from the eaves. Where there wasn’t a door there was a large glass-stained window depicting the phases of the moon. A rumble shook the ground beneath the paws of those in the middle of the crowd as a marble fountain broke through the earth, depictions of beasts, mages, warriors, kings, and stars were etched on its surface.
  “Room for all, and then some!” Edward appeared from the arched doorway, tidying his bow as he gestured for them to enter.
  It didn’t take a second for some to enter immediately, giggling excitedly as they welcomed themselves inside. As the trickle started the rest were soon to follow minus Trench, Sylvie, Yippers, and an unconscious Cherry.
  “I don’t like this,” Trench growled through gritted teeth, Sylvie and Yippers nodding. “did anyone see Amber enter?” He looked around, it truly was only the four of them.
  “I didn’t, but where else could she be?” Sylvie mumbled, her fur standing on end as Edward’s voice called to them.
  “Come folks! My master would feel so sorry if your souls were out here…in the cold. Step in, I have bowls of treats with your names on them!” Despite the booming vocals, Edward’s face stayed a calm, unmoving expression. “Fish for your gilled friend!”
  “No thanks, we’d rather stay out here.” As the words left Trench’s maw a vicious chill ran through the group's fur despite wind being unpresent the entire introduction.
  “Beggars can’t be choosers! Step inside.” The voice became pouty, unnerving when compared to the stillness of the nebulruff’s stone-like, upright posture. “C’mon…I have prizes! Treats! Tricks! Edward is so excited to finally give newcomers a tour, aren’t you Edward?” The nebulruff nodded, calmly smiling.
  “I’d love a tour.” Yippers stepped forward, giving Trench a knowing look. “Amber needs me, but they need to find our friend.”
  “Oh, that ratty old fox? You’re wasting your time, he’s probably dead as we speak.” The voice chuckled. “No one’ll miss him, probably be grateful to finally ransack those potions of his…” Edward trailed off wistfully before clearing his throat. “...but it is good to here at least one of you holds some sense!” A chair ran out from behind Edward, galloping to scoop Yippers off his feet before bringing him into the mansion without a single hesitation.
  “Hey!” Trench snapped, baring his teeth at the enchanted seating arrangement. His eyes darted to the still figure eyeing them from afar. “Quit with this…act! Open those gates or else-”
  “Ha!” This laugh was mean, almost…monstrous. “Open the gates? And let what’s out there in? Those….beasts would tear the fur from your hide before you could even blink! Which… to be fair does sound fun to watch.” The voice harrumphed. “If anything I’m protecting your filthy hides and honestly I’m not feeling very appreciated!”
  “Then you’re not gonna appreciate this!” In a flash Trench’s leviathan form was unleashed, he scooped the gang up on his back before using his forearms to launch himself towards the gate.
  “H-hey! Get back over here!” Nearby trees lunged toward Trench, a branch catching his tail before snapping off. The once pristine fountain shattered as chains shot from its crumbling form, narrowly missing as one sliced Sylvie’s shoulder.
  As they reached the border and leaped over the iron gate the booming sound of glass shattering screamed through the air as an invisible barrier broke, an iridescent light flashing through the sky before the once glorious mansion quickly showed its true colors. Glowing a sickly green hue, its boards snapped and bent out of place, the stairs crumbling, and plant life withering away into a dead dry brown. The house slumped to the side, and a tree cracked and fell just a few feet from the entrance as the rope hanging the lanterns snapped and sent the burning lamps throughout the garden. The voice yelped as Edward grabbed the door handle and calmly closed and locked it shut, unmoved by the sudden circumstances that befell them.
  Sylvie was wincing in pain, holding her wounded shoulder with a paw. “What about everyone else!?” Her throat was dry with anxiety, her eyes flickering from Trench to the decrepit mansion.
  For once Trench was at a loss for words, just as suddenly as the stranger had come they had left, he wished he could assure Sylvie they’d be fine but with the magic that nebulruff held…he wasn’t completely positive.
  “We can’t go back now…we should head to the village and see if Maddox is there. If not…we’ll track him down. I’m sure he would have stopped at his shop for supplies if he skipped town.” Trench had to shout as the wind coursed through their fur as they made leaps and bounds toward the town.

  To say they landed was an overstatement, more like Trench slid into the nearest cottage after failing to halt the momentum they’d been traveling at. He lay resting for a moment, shrinking back into his usual canine form. Looking up he noticed two things; One, he had launched Sylvie through a thatched roof and Cherry into an open dumpster. Two, the thick scent of charred feathers hung in the air.
  “Oww…” Cherry rose from her trashy throne, rolling over the edge and onto the ground. “I can’t feel my nose.”
  Sylvie stumbled out of the poor cottage she had been sent flying into, struggling to stay on her paws, and sat heavily next to a still-laying-on-the-ground Cherry. “I see why…you Merrs never use your Leviathan forms out of the water.” She rubbed her bad shoulder, a bruise forming around the prior wound.
  “Sorry…” Trench bowed his head before looking around the ghost town. “...if we can make it to Maddox’s tent we can get supplies, I know he has supplies even if they are few and far between. C’mon, hop on.” He allowed Sylvie to clamber onto his back before giving Cherry a good nudge to get her on her feet. “Best if we hurry, I don’t want to figure out how truthful that nebulruff was about beasts…or Maddox.”
  Cherry groaned, following Trench at a much more labored pace. “Didn’t you, y’know, travel to get here?” The further they walked the better her condition became, even if there was a knot on the side of her head.
  “Yes but even I knew better than to stay out at night, and for the most part I was traveling in well-known territory.
  “I just wanna know why me and Sylvie here are all beat up while you're walking like you just made a huge sale.” She snorted, her eyes lingering on exceptionally dark alleys.
  “Scales, and I’m attempting to ignore my bruised ribs right now so if you could not mention it that’d be great.”
  Soon they reached Maddox’s tent, or what remained. For being a shabby tent it somehow got worse, mutation potions lay shattered, tubes of sunscreen flattened, crates of crystals smashed, the tent looked like it’d been stomped in and then some. Cherry’s shoulders sagged as she padded forward, letting out a pitying sigh.
  “If Maddox saw this…” Her paw ghosted a wooden board jutting from the flattened sheet. “...he’s definitely going to need some leftover supplies from my shop.”
  “That's not important right now.” Trench slid Sylvie from his back, digging through the debris before pulling out a small medical kit, the plastic covering was covered in scratches but seemed for the most part untouched. Opening it held little, just a half-used tube of dried-out ointment and a thin roll of bandage. Better than nothing he took the bandage, ripping a piece off to wrap around Sylvies wounded shoulder.
  “Cherry, do you think you could pick up a scent from here?” Sylvie flexed the muscle, leaning most of her weight against Trench’s shoulder as the Merruff made the request.
The nebulruff hovered her nose over the ground, letting it lead her in all sorts of directions until the familiar piney scent ran up her nostrils. Tail wagging behind her she quickly focused all her attention on keeping the trail, Trench and Sylvie following behind as they headed toward the marshes.

 Kip leaped over another fallen tree, black with ash. The grass simmered, the tips glowing a faint orange hue as he ran toward the explosion. Yippers had evacuated most if not all of those who resided in the village, hopefully, Cherry would be able to keep it together, Maddox and Percy had yet to return from their retrieval of Trench and Sylvie. The smog grew thicker the closer he got to where Amber’s house was, her well-kempt cobbled path was now strewn across the forest floor, small heaps of soot gathered in the pits. He was nearly there.

 Sylvie had finally caught up to her much larger, faster company. Heaving, she stuck close to Trench as they picked their way through the once lush forest, the ground still warm underneath her paws…it felt like it was breathing. The group was wary of groaning trees, leaning precariously over them, embers still hungry for their much flammable fur.

 “Look like it’s your day Sylvie…don’t you Phoes love this stuff?” Percy joked dryly, his ears swiveling this and that way to hear any signs of life.

 “Not like this we don’t…” She trailed off, this felt wrong, the embers sickly sweltering. Her tail bushed out, something deep down was making her stomach turn with guilt and horror. “...we need to hurry up, please.” She squeaked, barely audible.

 “Sorry.” Percival whispered as the group picked up their pace, this time Sylvie was more than compliant, even if it would risk singeing her companion’s fur.

 Sylvie turned her face to where the moon should’ve been, hoping for some light, some sight of fresh air but the oncoming smoke and ash hung tightly to the leaves of the trees, strangling them. Thin tendrils wrapped around weak, new branchlets… quickly deciding looking down was the safer option she focused on her paws moving forward.

 Maddox would occasionally enter a coughing fit, quickly reassuring the group he was fine in a way only Maddox could. The smog above had become less of a blanket and more of a ceiling, Trench lowering his head to stay out of its suffocating grasp.

 “That’s strange, her house should be—” Maddox stumbled forward, stamping his feet on charred boards to catch himself, the edges falling away to join the heaps of ash around and below their feet. “—here.” 

 How had they not noticed? Looking closely at the heaps, Sylvie could pick out multiple boards of what once was, bits and pieces of Amber’s items laid out in the field.

 “Amber!” Trench called out, his voice echoing a few times before disappearing. He inhaled, a mistake he’d soon realized as he found himself in a coughing fit. “Amber!” He yelped again, this time weaker.

 “Say something!” Percival joined Trench’s call, his once pure white fur now black with ash. “Amber!”

 “I can’t see anything, how are we going to find her—?” Sylvie began to whine until, as if by magic or pure coincidence, a strong flurry of wind tore through the party, the smog dispersing from above and around them.

 She could feel Trench press into her side, keeping her from flying away until the harsh winds ceased, looking up Sylvie could finally see the moon shine upon them. Inhaling the clean, fresh air she looked excitedly around, surely Amber must’ve heard them and used her magic! Though…there was no Amber, the entire clearing had been cleansed of its litter, and yet…there was a final pile left. Maddox stalked forward, brushing away the grit and dust the wind had kicked up from the top, pushing away a few wooden boards. 

 “Amber…?” Maddox leaned forward, his nose twitching at the acidic scent that lay below.

 “What, Maddox!” Trench warned before the small fox suddenly jerked back. Thick, pristine white claws pressed around his throat, shoving him into the dirt as large, draconic wings unfolded to reveal the assailant.

 “Bullet!” Percival hissed under his breath, remembering the stories Amber had told where this low-life had tried and luckily failed to trap the Phoenix. Why was he here? Where was Amber? What did he do?

 “Bullet—?” Sylvie tried to question the fox before Trench snarled, his hackles rising.

 “Let him go.” Trench barked. “I’m not in the mood for pickin’ fur out of my teeth, Stranger.” He growled through his fangs.

 “That’s quite a rude thing to call me, a stranger.” Bullet lashed his tail, running his tongue over his protruding canines. “Why haven’t you introduced me to your friends, Maddox? I thought we were friends.” He sniggered. “What? Cat got your tongue?” A laugh bellowed from his jaws as he pressed the fox— the weak fool— into where he belonged. “Choked up?”

 Maddox squirmed until he was facing the Bernard, making a strained gurgling noise before spitting straight into Bullet’s face. “Get off me you freak.” Maddox nodded toward his forearms. “It’s hard to take you seriously.”

 Bullet, eyes wide with rage lifted his paw and slammed it back into Maddox’s throat, a wheezing breath emanating.

 “Dad!” Percival shrieked, rushing forward before Trench stopped him.

 “Just let him go, we have no business with you.” Trench stepped forward, well aware of the leverage this stranger had over them.

 “Oh, but I have business with one of you pathetic hairballs…” He scanned the group. “But it seems the coward hadn’t even shown up.” With a yawn, he shrugged. “I’ll just find that pipsqueak later, speaking of pipsqueak…” He lowered his eyes to the struggling figure below him. “...it’d be easier to finish you off here.”

 “No!” Percival shoved against Trench, trying to clamber over the Merruff.

 “BULLET.” A voice roared from above them, followed by the sky shaking above them.

 Or… it wasn’t the sky… Sylvie squinted, a massive form took only a few steps before it was nearly on top of them. Large soaring wings flapped as taloned feet spanned on either side of them. Even when she threw her head back could she barely see the face of the beast.

 “Bullet. We have what we need. You can play later.” A hooded figure levitated beside the beast’s elbow. “Time is of the essence.”

 At a closer look, she realized it was the figure they had met earlier, Trench to have clicked the pieces together before Sylvie had, his face contorting in silent anger.

 The Bernard huffed, releasing Maddox from his grasp the fox shot up and staggered away from him, back arched. “Maybe next time Maddox.” He grumbled, clearly annoyed at the disruption. Standing on his rear paws and extending his forearms, Bullet took off from the ground and joined his companion, landing somewhere on the… griffins?...back.

 “Get back here!” Trench roared, raising his fin. “Get back here and fight!” His calls were in vain as the hooded stranger found their way to the same area Bullet had gone. Sylvie swore she spotted more figures shifting around up there.

 The griffin turned its back to the group, its long lion-esque tail swaying above their heads. The group stood in shock until a cream blur sprinted past them, frog hat still in tow.

 “Kip!” Percival immediately shoved past Trench and shot forward, chasing the hyena toward the lifting-off beast.

 “Percy! Stop!” Maddox and Trench yelped in unison, Maddox failing to trip his son as Percival leaped over his recovering body.

 The young Nebulruffs caught onto the griffin’s lowered tail as it took off, first Kip then Percival, their bodies barely visible under the sea of midnight feathers and fur.

 “No!” Maddox stumbled over himself, chasing the griffin for just a few feet before collapsing again. Trench and Sylvie ran to his side, helping the disheveled fox to his feet. “Percival.” His voice faltered, his eyes following the griffin until it merged into the starry sky and could no longer be distinguished. “Percival.” His eyes flickered from side to side, his weak demeanor turning to one of anger. “Percival!” He snarled, stamping at the ground. “PERCIVAL.” His muzzle scrunched up, gum and fang barred.

 Sylvie didn’t know how to react or help, Trench could only attempt to lead Maddox away only to get shoved or snapped at.

 How could things get any worse!? She thought frantically, cursing herself for even daring a jinx.

 “Maddox!” Trench found his way in front of the enraged Nebulruff. “Maddox, we need to go back and form a plan. It seems at least one person knows who that Bullet guy was and we still have no clue where Amber is—” Trench’s reasoning was interrupted by a snapping branch.

 From out of the foliage, through the ashen, fallen trees, another figure emerged. Horns grew tall and upward, tufted tail swaying behind her, floppy ears bouncing with each step. Amber picked her way over the pebbles before stopping in front of the group, her eyes wide with naivety. Even the forest seemed to fall silent, each second felt like days waiting for her to speak. She opened her mouth and out came a joyful. “Did I hear my name?”

  Maddox trotted down the moonlit path, sliding seamlessly through the brush as Percival yelped behind him, another burr clinging to his snout. He shook it off, wiping his nose;

  “Are we almost there? I don’t see why we had to leave the village just to meet Sylvie and Trench…” Percy glanced over his shoulder, his brows furrowed in a worried stare.

  “You’ll be fine you overgrown fluffball, it’s not like the whole valley will burst into flames.” Maddox rolled his eyes, even if Percy had grown, his childish whining had yet to retire. He shook his head, unable to hide his smirk— “You remind me of myself when you first came into my care, every time I looked away you’d be off somewhere doing who knows what.” —he shook his head. “I still remember when you and Kip got Amber’s staff, don’t you, Percy?”

   Fortunately, Percival faced him, treading faster to match the fox’s pace. “Heh, yeah...” He raised a brow at Maddox. “...you looked super weird without your messy tail…I don’t know about you but I prefer your current over the former.”

   Maddox rolled his eyes, scrunching his nose. “Of course you would, you know how hard it is to get spacedust out of merchandise?”

   Percival laughed, bumping Maddox’s shoulder he almost knocked the fox over. “Can’t be any harder than somehow dropping an entire box of fresh Essence!”

   The older nebulruff huffed, flicking a burr onto Percival's head. “The only reason I dropped that crate is because you—” A branch snapped, and the pair threw their heads up to look further up the path. Percy puffed up his chest, his jaw tightening as the rumble grew closer.

   “...Maddox? What are you doing out here you ol’ herring!” Trench appeared between the spruces, a ruffled, mud-covered Sylvie at his tail.

   “Walking all this way to make sure a certain fish-faced behemoth doesn't hurt himself.” Maddox met the pair, inspecting their current status. “What did you do? Drag yourself through thorns, swim through the infested rivers, and finish off rolling in some onions?” He reached Sylvie’s side, the phoeline trying desperately to pick a rather large branch entwined with a knot in her pelt.

   “Mm, basically.” Trench shrugged. “Sylvie can handle it can’t you?”

   “No!” Her yelp made Maddox and Trench burst into laughter, Percival rushing forward to help clean the foliage.

   “...I thought the onions bit was just a joke…” Percival scrunched his nose, the already chuckling pair falling into another fit of howling. “Poor Sylvie, suffering the cold, vicious outdoors. “He feigned a pouty lip.

   “Ah shhh, she’ll naturally clean off as we make our way to the town.” Trench waved a paw, him and Maddox matching paw steps as they swapped insults and stories.

   Percival and Sylvie were left to follow, the only sound being Sylvies creaky, hanging-by-a-thread wagon until she cleared her throat.

   “So…how’ve you been? Last time I saw you you were barely up to my shoulders!”

   He chuckled. “You sound like a grandma.” His smile faltered, his expression falling into solemn. “I’m not sure… I don’t think anyone is, to be honest. Well…anyone minus Amber.” His voice hardened with annoyance.

   “Hm? What happened?” Her voice pitched with curiosity and worry.

   “That’s the thing, no one knows. Amber hasn’t left her house in months and Kip hasn’t been talking to anyone. Even when I get him to say anything it’s always dry like I say ‘Hey how’re you doing?’ and all I get is a ‘Fine.’ or ‘Okay.’ or ‘I dunno.’!” Percival shook his pelt, fluffing it up against the cold. “It’s not like either of them and nobody knows what happened!”

   “Hey, relax.” Sylvie hushed his raising voice. “I’m sure it’ll work itself out…if Kip really wants to talk I’m sure out of everyone he’ll turn to you. You’ve got to trust that he’ll find you when he needs you…not you chasing him trying to make him want help.” Her reassurance seemed to help a bit, though worry was plastered on his face. “Amber is her own grown self as well, she has Cherry, Yippers—” She nodded toward the fox ahead. “—Maddox…Trench and I now too since we’re moving in.”

   “Yeah, yeah…you’re right.” Percival sighed, “Moving on, how’ve you been?”

   “Oh y’know, trying to build a business isn’t really the easiest thing to do nowadays.” She softly smiled. “I still love doing it though, even if I’m not the most perfect at it.”

   “Well I’m sure Cherry can—” The ground shook with such force it nearly sent Percy toppling, Sylvie dug her claws into the loose soil, and her wagon screeched a painful metallic rattling pitch.

   Maddox rushed back to meet them, Trench keeping Sylvie steady as Maddox used his body to keep him and Percy on their paws. The rumbling lasted for just a few seconds, ending abruptly a warm breeze whipped through their fur before the scenery settled as if nothing had happened.

   Trench took to first steps forward, dashing up the hill he stood still. The group waited, Percy opened his mouth to ask what in the world was going on before Trench stumbled back, turning back to the crew.

   “It’s a fire! Near the village!!”

   Maddox’s eyes widen, Percy and Sylvie following him as they stood at Trench’s side. Percy felt his heart drop, a rhythmic thrum echoing through his ears. Oh no…

   “AMBER!” Maddox sprinted down the hill, bounding over stones and leaping over fallen debris. “That’s Amber’s home!”

   “What!?” Sylvie gasped, looking on with new-found horror.

   Trench barreled down the hill, quickly followed by Percival and Sylvie as they made a mad dash to save their friend before it was too late.