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Code Oblivion Rebellion: Second Interlude- A Win and a Goal

You know, I never thought I'd be getting into situations like this when Bryon brought up the Light Festival. I thought it was just going to be a fun little vacation from the stresses of college and a way to blow off steam before the Winter Term started. That was the plan at least but things had a habit of not going to plans like the city being attacked by Unsealed... that certainly wasn't part of my vision for our vacation. And now standing in front of this massive monster made me wish we never made this trip. Maybe then Bryon would still be alive...

But even though I went through everything I certainly met some interesting people like Lt. Hart for example! He was certainly a hunk and a badass to boot! Prime military doggy! Dolan himself was interesting as well. He wasn't that friendly though but it was a stressful situation we were struck in. Loni was friendly also but she looked sad, obviously she lost someone as well and then there was the kid. He was a strange little bugger, obviously smitten with the lieutenant judging by his awkwardness around the elder wolf. But I was shocked when he started to glow! Never seen anything like it!

The Kid himself look surprised at the turn of events but once he looked like he got over his shock he quickly started chewing Hydra out before he charged at the beast... turns out the kid was completely mad! I wasn't the only to come to that conclusion. "Kael! Get back here!" Aidan yelled out loudly. However Kaelan just ignored him and continued charging toward the beastie. Swords in hand Kaelan rushed towards the beast continuously dodging several attacks until he got close enough to strike the beast, directly slashing it's body with his blades causing Hydra to scream in pain.

I could only watch in shock as Kaelan continued to dodge Hydra's attacks. As if coming to his senses Aidan quickly started yelling out orders. "Why are you standing here! Help him out now!" He ordered. Giving him a salute I quickly grabbed my hammer and went to town trashing everything I could hit. Loni and Elena were also helping in there own way, Loni throwing her fans to slice up the Unsealed while Elena smashed things with her naginata. And lastly Aidan and Dolan to hold off invaders with their guns.

Things seemed to be going by smoothly though it was obvious we had a ways to ago. Kaelan was still flitting around the area like a blur. The fight was still grueling though and we had to be mindful of where Hydra was attacking so we would be able to move out of the way of those attacks or else get crushed. The battle continued to go on for hours and I'm sure we weren't making much progress and everybody was starting to tire out. Everybody except Kaelan who looked like he was hardly trying. Crazy he might of been but he certainly had my respect.

Sadly Hydra looked hardly phased from our attacks and blasted us all away in a fearsome energy attack. I landed with a grunt several meters back from where I was standing. 'That really hurt...' I thought to myself as I tried to get back on my feet. When I finally did I looked around. It looked like everyone was recovering from the blow with Aidan helping up a still dazed Kaelan looking very much displeased with the kid judging by his unhappy expression.

"What were you thinking! Only an idiot would charge a high level Unsealed!" He roared at the still glowing wolf. Kaelan just gave him a sheepish grin obviously embarrassed. "Dad told me to protect you and how can I do it when you keep running into danger! If I'd known you would've pulled that stunt I would have made you stay back with the others!" He said trying to calm himself down. "Stupid kid... can't believe you did that!"

"I didn't mean to worry you, but I felt I had to! That monster is responsible for the death of hundreds of people! I couldn't just let that slide!" Kaelan stated, chest pumped out in pride. "But I know I'm supposed to be here! I think being around you might help me regain the memories of my past!" The young wolf said.timeI'm right, my name being Jacob Reaper... I never heard myself be called that before but it feels right... is it my subconscious remembering my birth name?" Aidan could only shrug, not having a real answer. Unfazed the kid swiftly moved his focus to matters at paw. "But enough talk, we need to figure out what to do about Hydra! If he escapes who knows how much damage he'd cause!"

"How do you think we should go about it?" Dolan spoke out. He had been the only one who hadn't been knocked down but he looked like was barely standing up. "We just attacked it and barely made a dent! I think we should retreat, maybe get back-up!" The Doberman said. "I'm not dying here! I got a son waiting for me back at the base." He said drawing the ire of the still glowing wolf.

"We can't just run away to save our hides!" The kid snarled, glaring at the startled Dobie. "You heard the exact same story I did! If Hydra escapes he'll continue his path of destruction and will kill who knows how many people! I can't allow that! If I'm to die, I'm dying to try and stop Hydra from bringing any more suffering to innocent people! If you want to be a coward fine! But keep in mind if we fail there is no guarantee that you and your son will make it out alive!" Kaelan said coldly before turning towards Aidan. "Any ideas?" He asked the wolf. Aidan looked surprised at the question, obviously not expecting it but his mind seemingly started mulling over everything.

"Not really, I'm actually not sure how they sealed Hydra away the first time, I was but a pup at that time so I don't remember the destruction firstpaw." The older wolf stated wanly. "But given enough tibmight be able to find his weak-spots." He matter of factly added in a confident manner. "I'll just need you guys to run a distraction if possible." He said gesturing towards the rest of us. Elena nodded, being the first to agree with Kaelan and Loni close behind and not wanting to look like a coward I followed suit leaving the grumpy Dobie as the only one who hadn't volunteered.

"Are you seriously asking us to be decoys while you just sit on your arse? And all of you are agreeing with him!?" The man hollered out. "You are all completely and utterly mad!" He mumbled. "Can't believe I volunteered for this madness... I'm far to old for this!" He muttered before he saw the multitude of glares aimed at him, Kaelan's being the nastiest, it seemed he didn't quite like seeing his idol disrespected in such a manner.

"You've got any better ideas?" The angry teen rebuked icily. "You've done nothing but bitch and moan the entire time! I don't know why you volunteered either! You're nothing but a coward!" He spat out venomously. Being called the C-word twice obviously affected the Doberman to a degree because almost immediately his furs shot up and he growled angrily towards the kid.

"Don't you dare call me a coward!" He snarled. "I served in the military before any of you brats were even born! I earned my retirement! I've been in wars and saw things even worse than this! And done by other Furs no less! So don't you ever call me a coward you ignorant little brat!" He and Kaelan continued to bark and snarl at each other before Aidan swiftly intervened by stepping in-between the fellow canines.

"Enough! Both of you chill out now!" The stern lieutenant ordered coolly. "This is not the time for squabbles! Hydra is right there watching us! We need to work together or else we'll lose! If you don't want to play decoy you don't have to Dolan, you can help me search for weak-spots." He said diplomatically. "And Kaelan show respect, like him or not he's a former soldier and you should respect him for that reason. Plus calling him a coward was uncalled for! So put any issues aside now and focus on the now understood?" He asked in a commanding manner. Kaelan was quick to nod his understanding while Dolan was far more reluctant.

"Good, now, let's get started! Kaelan and Flint, you attack from the front. Loni and Elena attack at opposing sides and Dolan, stand by me!" He said while placing his headset on and switched to scanning. We quickly did as we were told with me and Kael attacking from the front and doing our best at distracting him while the girls whittled him down as much as they could.

It was pretty exhausting, our attacks still did very little actual damage to the Unsealed. If anything, it looked more bored than anything. Which was becoming frustrating. How were we supposed to take the damn thing down when we couldn't scratch the bastard? My focus was taken when I heard Hydra begin to charge another attack which quickly drew everyone's panic. "Get back!" I heard Aidan yell out and everyone was quick to follow... everyone except Kaelan who stubbornly stood in his place. "Get out of there kid!" Aidan yelled but he stood firm.

When Hydra finished charging he let out a massive burst of crimson light which Kaelan only responded to by placing his right sword up in the air. I was fully expecting him to get fried by the assault and I could hear Aidan scream his name out while the girls turned away, not wanting to see him being fried but then something miraculous happened. Almost by magic the beam got absorbed into the sword until it started to glow. I could only stare in surprise... I had no idea they had weapons that could do that and even Aidan looked surprised!

"A Shade-stone weapon? How did he get one of those?" The wolf asked himself in shock. "I didn't even know we stocked them here..." Now I knew what shade-stone was, everybody did! A crystalline stone that effectively absorbed all the light energy around it until it released the energy in a dark energy. The stones were prized by many because they made excellent solar-panels since not only did they absorb sunlight in the day and made there own energy at night from the absorbed light. I had heard they had managed to weaponize it but I had never seen a Shade-stone based weapon until now. Kaelan himself seemed oblivious to our shock however.

"Awesome!" Was all he said, a cocky smile split across his muzzle. "Guess he was right! Now, let's see how you like getting a taste of your own medicine!" He shouted before swinging his blade while letting loose the stored energy creating an absolutely MASSIVE dark energy arc spreading towards Hydra and cut through part of the beasts body like a knife through butter causing the Unsealed to scream out in pain. Seeing that action seemingly gave Aidan an epiphany because he immediately started barking orders towards everybody.

"I have an idea! Everyone huddle!" He ordered. Quickly as we could we all did so... Even Dolan reluctantly joined the huddle session. "I think I figured out Hydras weakness! It's vulnerable to Shade-Stone based weapons!" He reasoned. "Almost all his big attacks are light based which means Kaelan can try and keep absorbing the attacks and attacking back! It's dangerous, very much so... Shade-stones can only take so much energy before they shatter. But it's the best we got so far, any objections Kael?" He then asked. Kaelan just nodded seemingly happy that he managed to get a key role in the fight. "What about the rest of you? This might be our last shot but I think it's worth the risk."

"If it's the best we got I guess we don't have much choice." I lamented, not all happy at the proposal since it put the kid in serious danger. Quietly I looked around trying to get everyone's reaction. Kaelan beamed at me, obviously happy that I agreed to Aidan's proposal. Elena just nodded reluctantly, agreeing to the proposal as well. Loni herself looked quite torn however, seemingly torn at the idea while Dolan obviously looked completely against it.

"Are you mad!?" The Dobie called out in a disgusted manner. "Bad enough you let him tag along in the first place but now you propose using him as bait!?" He continued hollering. "And you call yourself a lieutenant!? Letting a helpless child risk his life to save your own hide?" That evidently crossed a nerve for both wolves. Aidan glared angrily at the doberman, seemingly furious at having his honor questioned while Kaelan snarled at him, taking offense at being called a helpless child. And once again Kaelan was the first to speak.

"I'm not a helpless child!" He shouted incensed. "I've fought the same enemies you guys have if you've forgotten! I believe I handled myself well enough thank you!" He growled before sighing, obviously trying regain his lost composure. "But Aidan's right, it's the only thing we have that can possibly take Hydra down! That monster is directly responsible for the attack! My father and countless others were killed needlessly because Hydra led those Unsealed here! I cannot back down...if I die I die fighting!" He let out solemnly. "It's the best bet, I'm fully aware of the risks but I'm doing it anyway."

"Kaelan has a point Dolan," Loni said softly. "Hydra's the leader, he's the one who commanded the Unsealed to attack the city." She reasoned. "Countless have lost their lives because of Hydra's actions and they need to be avenged! If Kaelan fully understands the risk I cannot fully stop him, especially if Kaelan's swords are the only thing to fully damage him." She finally said before she turned her attention towards Elena. "Do you agree? Elena? You nodded your head but how do you really feel about everything?" The kindly young lioness asked.

"I don't like the idea, not at all but you are right. Kaelan's the only one who can work the blades, if he can attack by reflecting it could actually reduce the risk possibly." She finished, then everybody's eyes were fixed on me. That made my ears twitch in surprise. I wasn't expecting giving my input. I had already given it earlier and I wasn't sure what else I was expected to say. Thankfully though everybody's focus turn back towards Aidan, waiting for him to explain his plan. He was a surprisingly good tactician, something he probably learned from growing in that environment.

"It's simple, we'll anger Hydra enough so that he'll use his big attacks, we'll have Kaelan then step up to take the blow and redirect it. So this will take all of us to pull off! Constant aggression is needed if we want to succeed. It won't be easy, but I'm certain we can pull it off! Now, separate!" He ordered. Just as we broke off we all began to rush towards Hydra all of us brandishing our chosen weapons. I smashed the draconic Unsealed's armor actually making a few dents with my hammer.

With Aidan fighting with us he seemed to be doing far more damage than I was and we actually started to see tiny cracks in Hydra's armor as we continued our assault on it. Seemingly enraged at our actions the beast turned it's tail-cannon on us and began charging. With that Aidan motioned towards Kael to make his move. "Now!" The wolf shouted out right as Hydra unleashed his attack. Like before Kaelan's blade absorbed the attack though this time it knocked him back a meter or two from the recoil of the attack. With a vicious gleam the kid unleashed the charged up attacked and unleashed a massive torrent of dark energy which exploded right as it reached Hydra covering the entire area with pale smoke.

"Is it over?" Loni asked, her voice bordering on relief. I certainly hoped it was over, I was exhausted! But before we could celebrate the ground started shaking and the smoke dispersed into thin air. Hydra was still alive though it looked like the vast majority of his outer armor was gone, leaving the beasts mechanical innards open to view. It's wings and tail were also destroyed but Hydra himself just looked right out pissed since he quickly started getting more aggressive then he was before as if fully intent on taking us out.

"Holy shit! It's still alive!" I hollered out in fear. We were forced to all go in different directions trying to avoid Hydra and his attacks. "Aidan what do we do!?" I yelled towards the wolf who was only barely managing to dodge Hydra's assaults himself. This was looking bad... how could we finish this thing if we couldn't fight? I was just about to lose all hope before I saw Kael rush forward once again... I swear it seemed like that kid had a death wish or something!

With an utterly surprising amount of grace Kael managed to easily evade all of Hydra's attacks. Once he got close enough the young wolf swiftly started sending bursts of dark energy at the monster. Not satisfied the kid began to climbed up the monsters body before he reached the head. "This ends here!" He shouted as he stabbed his other blade right into Hydra's eye. The monster just let out a loud, long bloodcurdling scream at Kaelan's action as he started flying up into the sky trying to shake Kaelan off while his body was quickly starting to rust as Kaelan's sword started glowing.

Hydra continued to desperately try and shake Kaelan off, all the while his body continued to rust and decay to the point his body was starting to fall apart little by little. I was shocked and almost horrified at what was happening in front of me. It's as if Kaelan's sword was having an almost vampiric effect on Hydra, draining it's life energy away. Aidan however seemed to recognize the effects. "A time-eater? I know for a fact we didn't stock those!" He exclaimed. "How did he get one of those AND a Shade-stone weapon?"

"Time-eater?" I asked, my interest peaked. "I never heard of such weapons before and judging by the name I say they're time based obviously!" Aidan just nodded but didn't say anything else. "What do they do then?" I questioned further, both fully curious and desperate not to continue watching Hydra rust away into nothingness.

"It's exactly what the name implies, the blade is imbued with powerful spells during the creation process. These spells enchant the blade so that it drains the time from any object that touches the blade and when something has it's time drained it accelerates the aging of the victim until it turns to dust. That time is stored within the sword and can be used in a variety of uses." He explained. I just nodded, both fascinated and horrified that such a dangerous weapon existed. Seemingly oblivious to my horror Aidan just continued. "It's not Immediate but the effect is cumulative. The more times something is striked the more time is drained. Or if something is impaled the effect continues."

"That's horrible! Why would MODD create such a weapon?" Loni said seemingly squicked out about the implications of the weapon. But before Aidan could answer I heard Hydra let out one incredibly loud whine. Turning around I saw the last bits of Hydra fall away until there was nothing left. Unfortunately he was about thirty stories up and Kaelan started plummeting down rapidly. I just heard Aidan cry his name out before he rushed in to catch the kid. I was about to join him before I noticed something gold and shiny fall out of Kaelan's pocket before it literally exploded! Almost immediately Kaelan's fall stopped as if he was frozen in time!

Then something even more spectacular happened! The shadows around Kaelan actually started to condense into mass taking a vaguely lupine shape. Then the mass began to solidify until I saw the shadows turn into bright white fur and finally I got a full glimpse at the newly arrived being. It... he (the creatures musculature implied masculine organs) was beautiful. His fur almost seemed to radiate light and his body was covered from head to toe in black and gold armor and his great wings were pitch as night, add in the massive scythe on his back and he looked like some angel of death, beautiful, elegant, graceful and horrifyingly dangerous.

"Tha... Thanatos..." I heard Kaelan murmur. He seemed to have fallen unconscious from the fall. Silent as the grave the angelic wolf flew towards Aidan and gently deposited the sleeping wolf into his arms before he vanished leaving only a pocket-watch which hovered into Kaelan's paw.

All anybody could do was just gasp in shock. What the hell just happened? Did the kid actually kill Hydra? And who was that? Thanatos... was that his name? What was he? Some kind of spirit? I probably would've continued asking these questions if Aidan hadn't sighed and decided to speak up ay that moment. Before we left however Aidan quickly started making a makeshift funeral pyre, setting Kaelnn down for a second he gathered up his father and placed him on the pyre. Oddly his seal had vanished, as if it was never there... but Aidan, not even saying a word quickly lit the pyre and bowed his head as the flames swiftly consumed the former Commander's body.

"We should head back to base and let the kid rest, he has to be exhausted." Aidan said in an almost parental manner as he faced away from the flames and picked KaeIan back up. "But you did good kid, I don't think we would've been able to beat him if it weren't for you." He said to the sleeping younger wolf. Kaelan just let out an incomprehensible murmur in reply which made Aidan smile a bit. It looked sincere but I say all this took a toll on the lieutenant... his hometown was in ruins, his sister and father had both died not to mention his fellow soldiers who died fighting the Unsealed... he lost practically everything tonight.

"You okay?" I asked him. "You've been through a lot, let me carry the kid, you deserve rest." I urged, but he just shook his head and kept hold on the wolf, as if he didn't want to let him go. "Are you sure? It's a good walk to base after all... and it wouldn't be too much of a problem to carry him, he's a beanpole, tall but super skinny... probably just got a growth-spurt recently and hasn't had time to grow into himself yet. But still, poor kid, not being able to remember his own name and losing the only person he considered family."

"I'm fine. I can grieve back at base but right now we should focus on getting Kael safely in bed. He's got to be tired and I need to know the next step on what to do, I need to protect him. If Fransisco really is after him I'll need to get him out of the country if possible." He said calmly as we started to walk towards base. "It's not safe here, the unit is probably going to be moved to Sinra and I doubt they'd let me keep him, he's underage and a foreigner and I have no link to him legally or biologically."

"True, but you're just going to take him? Isn't that technically kidnapping? I mean like you said he's a minor and you have no true connection to him." Aidan just shrugged as if he had already made up his mind. (And probably already did.) "Then I'm going with you, I can't just return to my own life knowing you two are all alone... And my boyfriend... the husky you saw me taking pictures with. He died in the attack also and I can't go back home."

"I'm sorry about your loss..." He started slowly as if to turn me down gently. "But I can't put you in danger, especially if MODD comes after us. I appreciate what all of you did, even you Dolan." He said humorously to the doberman. "But you guys all have lives to return to and I can't just put you all in even more danger." He said firmly. "I'm going to help him alone, I promised my Dad that much after all." He said sadly. "But you guys were a huge help and I'll always be grateful to you all."

"My boyfriends dead, we shared a flat, I can't just return home without him. And I have a feeling helping you two is a bit more important than college! You both might need my help, I'm not afraid of MODD. I can't forgive them for locking up the kid in that faculty. They did something so horrible to him that forced that Alistair guy to wipe his memory!" I told him firmly as I could. "I'm going with you, I can't let you two put yourselves in danger while I sit on my arse at school."

"I agree with Flint," Elena offered. "It's undoubtedly going to be a dangerous journey you two and frankly you two will need all the help you can get if you want to survive!" She said kindly. "I'm perfectly fine on putting my education on hold if it means helping those in need!" The pretty vixen just stared at Aidan as if daring him to refute her. "Your intention on leaving us out of it is noble, but I'm coming to, lord knows the kid will need a woman's presence especially at his age! And I doubt he's had much maternal influence in his life."

"I'm with them as well!" Loni spoke up just as we reached the base. Soldiers were out everywhere in various states of relief. It seemed that while we were fighting Hydra the soldiers managed to reclaim a large portion of Eldra back and without their leader the remaining Unsealed vanished to who knows where. I smiled a bit as I saw Dolan run up to his son and scoop him up into a hug which made me smile. I missed my Mum and Dad...I should write them later, tell 'em I survived the craziness.

I then turned my focus to Aidan, he was talking to the sergeant guy... who's name I couldn't really remember. They seemed to be having a serious talk amongst themselves, Kaelan still sleeping in Aidan's arms. Being the curious cat I was I eagerly snooped as to hear what they were talking about. "Are you sure about this?" The doggie Sergeant asked the wolf. "About taking the kid away from here? It's not going to be easy, where will you go anyway? You can't exactly go to Sinra and if they are searching no way would you be able to use Central to get around." He had a point... how exactly was he planning to get out of the country when everything was controlled by MODD?

"I'll figure something out." The wolf lieutenant said dismissively. "It won't be easy but I'll manage to find something that will work." He said proudly. "But I want you to take over, You're the new Elemental Lords after all!" He said while gesturing to the glowing seal on the Labrador's forearm. "The seal chose you after all, and I'll need you to watch over things while I'm gone, get Eldra rebuilt okay?" The Labrador could only nod. "Good, now I'll need to get the kid to rest... We got an open cot?"

"We do actually, follow me!" He said, and so we did. Once we entered the tent I saw plenty of people were still being treated for their numerous injuries, a large portion had actually lost limbs which made me shudder. One of my uncles had lost a leg in an accident and he was never the same afterwards. Drank himself to death about three years afterwards. I could only hope that those poor people would handle it better. While I was off in my own little world Aidan and the Sergeant had continued their conversation. "So where do you plan on going? And when?" The Sergeant... (well possibly Commander now... if he was indeed the new Elemental lord of Metal he would automatically aquire the rank of Commander) asked.

"I don't know" the wolf answered as truthfully as he could. "I think Greasham, try and seek council with the Elemental Lord of Earth since he and my Father were always close." Aidan mumbled. "It's the best I got, he's always been suspicious of MODD and I'm sure Xavier would be willing to help, especially when a kid is involved. He runs an orphanage you know." I had heard of the orphanage myself, and the Elemental Lord of Earth, they called him the Pious Mountain. From what I heard he had been a Military Champlain before he was matched to the Earth Seal.

"You know the Pious Mountain? Enough to be on first name basis with him?" I asked amazed. I mean sure he might've been the Iron Soldiers son but to think he actually knew another Elemental Lord was incredible! He just shrugged,seemingly impassive about it as if it was no big deal. "What's he like? Is he as pious as I heard he is?" Aidan just nodded once again, in the same impassive manner. "How do you know him if I may ask? I'm honestly curious! I never got to meet an Elemental Lord before!

"It's simple really, I used to spend summers in Greasham when I was a pup, he had a son around my age, Jeremiah Stone, we had always trained together and went to academy together also, last I heard he was assigned to his Dad's unit much like I was. It'd be nice to see him though, it's been years since we've talked." He said while strolling down memory lane before he snapped himself out of it. "But as I said it's the best lead I have so I'm following it through, actually getting into Weleshna will be tricky. But we'll get in."

Eventually we reached the empty cot and Aidan gently laid the kid down and covered him up. The Labrador who had been silently watching Aidan decided then to speak up. "Looks like you two have bonded..." he observed lightly. "Just what happened? Who attacked base? Were there any survivors?" Aidan just shook his head no and a shot of pain went through the other dogs face. "That means... Oh god..." He said sadly. "How did he...?" he inquired reluctantly while gripping the glowing seal obviously not comfortable with his own question but Aidan took no obvious offense and answered calmly as possible.

"Hydra... Hydra was the one who lead the attack, somehow he managed to escape his prison. Dad tried fighting him by himself but he wound up being crushed by rubble. But before he died he told me to watch the kid, apparently his given name is Jacob Reaper though he doesn't seem to remember it. The man who took him in worked for MODD at a faculty that he was experimented on. The man eventually decided to take the pup and raise him as his own. For some reason Manx wants Kaelan, Dad said he had changed over the years." He offered. "Not sure what he meant but he made me promise not to let the boy fall into MODD's paws.

"They experimented on a o?" He squawked out, obviously appalled at hearing that tidbit. "I knew MODD was fucked up but how can they justify doing such a thing to a kid!?" He snarled. "Did he say anything about Jacob's parents? His birth one?" Aidan just shook his head. That was one interesting tidbit that was omitted...the identity of Kaelan's? Jacob's? Whatever name he decides go by his parents. Where he came from? Did his sudden sprouting of that tattoo looking thing have something to do with it?

"No, that's another reason I want to go see him, if Kael is from Rillotia Xavier might be able to find them, if they're still alive... hopefully they didn't kill them when they took the pup." He said flatly. "But I'm going to make sure he is protected, MODD be damned!" he said firmly. Once again I was shocked how handsome he looked, no wonder the kid was so obviously smitten, though he seemed to have a borderline savior complex about Aidan as well which seemed to reach almost worshipful levels of admiration.

"You know... you shouldn't talk about people as if they aren't there Aidan." A groggy voice spoke up catching us all by surprise. Kaelan just glared at us from where he had laid giving us all an annoyed look. "What? I've been awake the entire time!" He exclaimed. "I know you promised your dad but are you sure about this? You'd be facing the entire brunt of MODD's military might if they are indeed after me. Plus you'd be branded as a traitor. I don't want you ruining your life because of me... I'm afraid you'd begin to resent me for it..." The young wolf said shyly.

"I could never resent you," Aidan said, voice filled with warmth as he gently rubbed the kids golden hair. "I promised you that I would look after you didn't I? I don't go back on promises! I wouldn't be a good man if I did." He said firmly. I could only watch as they started bonding, it was kinda cute how close they were getting in such a short time. "So don't worry about me resenting you alright?" Kaelan just nodded then yawned causing the elder wolf to chuckle lightly. "Get to sleep kid, we'll probably be heading out by morning."

"What about the signal block? Did we get communications back on?" Kaelan inquired. Aidan only shook his head which made the boy frown. "Why not? Isn't that the entire reason we went out? To get communications back on?" I had actually completely forgot about the communication thing! The intensity of the battle had made me completely forget about it. I briefly took my gaze and looked around at the massive tent. This one seemed to be reserved to those who had either been treated already or had remained unharmed. About everybody here was asleep while others were talking in hushed tones while some looked like they were playing cards. But my focus was back on the duo when Aidan spoke.

"I had Todd send a unit to do exactly that, my main priority was getting you here after you passed out. Now, get to sleep we'll probably have an early morning." He said before once again mussing up his hair before he walked away while beckoning me to follow. I gave Kaelan a small wave goodbye before following him. We passed through the sleeping area and then back into the packed infirmary. It was still packed and I noticed that several beds had white sheets draped over them. I stopped walking to watch one particular sheet covered body being carried into the makeshift morgue while a crying zebra woman just wept at the now empty bed which made my heart lurch for her.

I quickly shook myself and returned to follow Aidan until we were at the still burning funeral pyre. I wondered if Bryon's body had already cremated before I shook that thought out of my head. Gathered around the fire was everyone, even Dolan was there holding his son close to him. "Now that we're all gathered I wish to inquire some things." He explained. "Are you guys really sure you want to go through with this? You'll be fugitives, you won't be able to return to the life you had prior! I want all of you to understand that."

"It doesn't matter," I said first, causing me to get everyone's attention. "I don't think any of us would be able to go back to our previous lives. I lost my mate, I have nothing to really return to back at my flat." I said solemnly. "I think helping you two would be a grate way to honor his memory. So I'm staying!"

"I'm staying as well!" Elena said calmly. "Let's face it, you boys would be hopeless without a woman's touch... and the kid could use a females guidance to show that humping everything he sees isn't a good idea." She joked lightly.

"What's that supposed to mean!?" I protested face blood-red under my fur. The girls just giggled to each other before Elena spoke her voice still lightly teasing.

"Oh come on, you're men! We all know what you think about twenty-four seven! Sex! It's how your mind works, which is exactly why you need a woman to keep the horny teenager at bay." She explained. "Someone to teach him how to restrain his sexual urges which I doubt you men would do."

"Very funny Elena!" I mumbled, still blushing. "What about the rest of you? You guys wanna join us?" I asked curious if the other two people were interested in joining our adventure. Loni looked like she was seriously considering it while Dolan only looked at his son, obviously not wanting to leave him behind. I knew for a fact it'd be far too dangerous to let him tag along. I doubt that Aidan would let him come. However the kiddo surprised us all when he put his little paw on his dads cheek and spoke.

"I'll be fine Daddy!" The boy spoke with a surprisingly high amount of maturity for his age. "Mr Todd and his wife will take care of me! But they might need you." He said solemnly. "I'll miss you Daddy but I will manage." Dolan just looked at him in a stunned manner before hugging the boy tightly into himself. He stayed silent for several minutes while everyone else just watched the touching moment.

"Are you sure Dylan?" The man asked. The boy just nodded and hugged his father close. Dolan just held onto the boy for dear life before he finally turned towards Aidan his decision seemingly made. "Very well, I will join you on this crusade. What MODD has done to Jacob is utterly unacceptable!" He said firmly. "I'll fight with you as long as my son wills it. If he wants me to return I will do so. Is that acceptable to you lieutenant?" Aidan just nodded and offered his paw out to shake. Once Dolan took it he welcomed the Dobie into the fold once again.

"Glad to have you Dolan, your experience will be pretty helpful!" He said while still shaking his paw. "You can stay with us as long as you need to but hopefully you'll stay till the end." After that he turned towards Loni. "And you? Are you willing to join us as well?" Loni just nodded, not even needing to answer with all of us accounted for. Aidan smiled and thanked us before turning stern. "Right, all of you get some rest, we'll be leaving early. Ideally before MODD sends aid. I'd rather avoid conflict!" With that he dismissed us and we split up each thinking of the impending adventure having no idea what it might hold... 'But that's what makes things exciting!' I thought to myself as I entered the tent looking forward to the new day.