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Benjamin looked dourly out his bedroom window, wincing occasionally as heavier chunks of hail smashed against the glass. It had been three days. Three days he had been living with another being in his head. Three days since he returned from the spirit world, the Indicia's realm. It was something he was used to now, having Atlas in his mind, knowing his every thought. Though...there were times he wished they were his own private thoughts again.

[Sorry, Ben. That's the way it is. If you think about it, it isn't so bad, after all. Especially considering your issues.]

The sight of the large ursine appearing next to him, like one of the apparitions from his books, was becoming bland. It was now just a regular part of his life. Ben looked quizzically up at Atlas, waiting impatiently for another comment from him. When none came, and the large bear quietly walked over to his bookshelf, the human just rolled his eyes and let out an exasperated sigh. Since he had gotten back from Atlas' home, Ben had begun to have doubts about the decision they had made. The task that now lay before them seeming more daunting than it once did. In the heat of the moment, it seemed like a fine idea. An exciting adventure. But now...

The unexpected surprise of a Collar appearing at his doorstep earlier that morning hadn't helped matters. In the end, Atlas had to coach him in how to talk and how to act while the Collar asked a series of questions.

"Do you think he knew?" Ben asked, voice shaking, his hand rising instinctively to the scarf wrapped around his neck.

"He did not. He would have had to of seen that mark there on your neck. Or me. Neither Indicia, nor their humans, can recognize another Collar by simply meeting." Atlas replied as he pulled one of Ben's favorite books off the shelf and began to leaf through it. The Dragons Embrace. When Ben saw Atlas pick it up, he wanted to voice his concerns. The bear might tear a page or the spine with his sharp claws.

Rolling onto his side, Ben got a better look at the large polar bear he was now bonded to. Visibly soft and as white a cloud, adorned from head to toe in beads and leather, ornamented like a holiday tree. He had to admit, the creature was desirable indeed. On the other hand, he was much larger than Ben, in height and width. The boy couldn't help but be a little frightened. A little frightened and a little attracted, both at once.

"You know I would never hurt you, Ben." The bear said, and then he paused, smirked, and growled teasingly. "Unless you really piss me off."

"I.... I know that Atlas" Ben sounded defeated.

Turning to face the wall, he closed his eyes tightly and pressed his thumbs against his forehead. His head had been hurting quite a bit lately, making it hard to think clearly. His turbulent emotions never stopped being an issue, no matter how much he tried to keep them under control. Atlas had tried to teach him a technique to quiet his thoughts, but it made no difference. It didn't matter how many times he tried, it was as if the emotions had a mind of their own.

I dunno what I want to do now. It all seemed so simple before. When I made the pact with Atlas. Now everything's...different. The Collar at my door, the looks from my neighbors. And there's nothing for me here. Just this room, these books, the memories. I just...I don't know if I'm strong enough for this. What's the point?

A hefty paw on his shoulder brought Ben back to reality. He snapped his eyes open and looked at the creature who was sitting next to him.

[We can do it together. We made the decision before we made the pact. Neither of us want to follow the beaten path. We want to forge our own way. We swore that we would do everything in our power to avoid that fate. Even if it means making the ultimate sacrifice. We will find our own way.]

Ben nodded and turned around. He sat up in his bed before pressing himself against the large Indicia in a warm embrace. He heard Atlas growl affectionately to him as he was wrapped in the bear's large arms. The scent of mint, and pine, and snow in the fur. It calmed him.

Then that's what we have to do, Atlas. There's nothing for us here, and we won't join the Registry. We have to leave, to run. Today. And we can't look back.

[No regrets.]

Coming later this year-

Unrestrained

A Collared spin off written by Drait Hope and edited and overseen by Shep Otterpaw.