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Matt tried to get the images out of his head, the ones of Tierie at the spring. That confident grin of his only made him wonder even more if all demons were as open about themselves as the wolf and Nashiri. Both seemed to have no problem or shame about their bodies, but, he imagined, that it would be easy if one was as powerful as either one of them. He brood upon it as he looked into the crackling fire.

The entire tribe, if that is what you'd call them, plus the human had gathered in a larger space within the cave. In the center of the room radiated outward warmth from the fire, whose licks of plasma had been built so high that it almost touched the ceiling. Matt half wondered what kind of tricks the wolves applied to the otherwise meager fire to get it to grow to such extent, and also found just a tad harder to breathe. It wasn't the fire alone, but all the demons in the room with him. He could feel their curious stares on him, their wondering eyes and minds appraising him. He had already heard a few jokes about eating him, but he was assured by Tierie that everyone was just trying to be sociable. He thought otherwise.

The entire day had been a mess. He couldn't get it out of his head how fucked up this all was. What was supposed to be a simple day out with Nashiri had turned into this, he had met shadow creatures and some sort of witch and now finds himself sitting around in a cave with gritty looking demon dogs. They didn't even have a sense of decency about them! All of them were in skins that showed off way too much of their bodies, or were just plain wolves sitting about. He didn't know which was more unsettling, the stare of a wolf of that of the actual demon. They seemed to be the same thing here, one have no different an intensity than the other.

A stone platter was waved happily in front of his face. The act caused some of the contents to roll on the ground, but atop the flat stone was a variety of fruits and grasses and leaves. Some of it looked like it was plucked right of the regular joe-smos lawn, while others looked like cleaned roots and juicy berries. Some of them he had never seen before, and he wondered silently about some of the root-looking things. Is all of this really safe for a human to eat? He guessed he would have to make his best judgement call as the wolf that sat down next time seemed to have no idea.

"For you," Tierie said proudly as the area to Matts right was overtaken by the wolfs presence. The platter of 'food' was sat down in front of the human with one hand while another arm went around Matts shoulders and pulled him closer to the demon, "Isn't this great?" He asked, to which the human nodded placing a hand on the stone floor of the cave behind Tierie to prevent himself from totally being dragged into the wolf. Before he could say a word though a hush settled throughout the room and Tierie even released him, that playful smirk of his vanishing. The wolves attention centered on the being who had entered the chamber, a giant feral looking wolf, Tarven.

He was different from the others, and based on what Tierie said he was a very powerful demon as well. Matt too couldn't help but be drawn in by the magnetic presence the wolf seemed to possess. It commanded attention and exuded authority, and as it walked the human felt smaller and smaller compared to the beast. As it walked Matt felt his heart sink as he realized that the demon was headed straight for him, his eyes locked with the beasts and he felt an intelligence and saw a fire within those amberish eyes that unsettled him. The boy visibly shivered and looked away.

However his attention wouldn't be drawn from Tarven for long as the giant sat in front of him. His amber eyes appraised the boy, and his maw parted in what looked, or Matt hoped to be, amusement as he looked back up at the great wolf. He could feel the giants eyes on him, and he could feel everyone elses undivided attention, it all centered on him. It made him wish he could disappear, that he could grow so small that they wouldn't be able to see him, but such wishes were not granted. Instead he sat there, shaking a little with nerves, he found the air in there even harder to breathe than before, his world was closing in around him. He could feel anxiety and panic start to set in, and there was nothing he could do about it. He felt lost, adrift in his own feelings, a prisoner in his own mind as his thoughts started to race. He could feel his heart beat, ba-bump ba-bump ba-bump, faster and faster. It was torture here, sitting there being inspected by the entire pack of wolves.

His vision started to get a bit blurry as his heart raced even faster as if in some sort of competition with his mind.

"Calm yourself, child," he heard Tarven's deep voice echo throughout the chamber. Even his voice dripped with power and authority, but strangely enough it caught Matts attention. Then it seemed like the only people existing at that moment were Tarven and Matt. It was strange, unexplainable, but he felt his mind and body ease up. Usually when an episode like that started the boy was forced to wait it out, to ride out the anxiety and emotion, unable to control his own mind and body, but it seemed this wolf could do it with just a few words. It amazed him.

His shaking reduced and thoughts slowed Matt dared to look at Tarven who sat directly in front of him, the great wolfs body covered most of the floor between Matt and the fire, and even laying like he was the wolf was still taller than the boy. Where there was doubt before, there was some confidence. Where there was anxiety, there was stability and calm setting in. He felt empowered sitting by the wolf. Though that did not stop Matt from jumping a bit when Tarven moved, craning his neck downward so he could properly look at the boy. The wolfs head was positioned at eye level for the boy. When nothing else happened the human felt like a fool for jumping, and hoped that no one had noticed. His hopes were dashed by a few faint snickers from the crowd behind and around him.

"I am Tarven, Alpha of this pack," The wolf formally introduced himself. When he talked the jaw of the wolf did not move. Instead it seemed like his thoughts were pouring from his head, communicating telepathically with the boy. Though it wasn't just him who heard the wolfs voice, it echoed in the cave itself. "Who are you?"

The question itself had more implementation than simply asking one's identity, but the human mustered up an answer, "I-I am M-matthew." The boy felt it appropriate to use his full name when addressing the wolf, but he sank a little down, "But my friends call me Matt." He said with a stupid smile to wolf.

"How did you get here, Matthew?" The next question came with little room between Matts answer.

"I.." He paused, feeling compelled to answer before he even had an answer in mind. Such was the strength of the inquisitor in front of him. Gathering his words he took a sharp intake of air, "I don't know exactly," he admitted averting his gaze from the wolf, "I," he looked back at the wolf, "was with Nashiri. He brought me here."

After the short explanation there was silence. Tarven just stared at him unblinkingly, not a word uttered or said. From the answer to the last question he provided to the next question he had been asked Matt had expected something to be said. Instead, he came to the conclusion that his answer was not satisfactory. His mind stumbled to elaborate, "W-well, you see..." Nerves shot through his voice, "We were spending the day together, and Nashiri said he knew a fun place for us to visit, but it was going to be a surprise..." he nodded at his own words, "My house has some forest on the land surrounding it, and when Nashiri led the way in there I thought it was just going to be some kind of secret spot."

The human opened his mouth to say more but was cut off by a snort coming from the wolf, "I knew I smelled fox on you. Nashiri always overcomplicates things."

"You know Nashiri?" Matt asked.

"Unfortunately," the wolf replied, "I do. He is a pest who has a bad habit of only showing up when he needs something." The wolf appraised the boys lover in a light that Matt hadn't seen before. He immediately regretted announcing his association with the fox. "How do you know Nashiri, human?"

The question made Matt nervous to answer, but he knew that he had to answer, "I, uh," he looked to Tierie who, for once, avoided any sort of eye contact with him. Feeling no support there he swallowed hard and faced the wolf once more, "we're friends." He said simply. The wolf did not need to know the depth of their relationship. Especially when he had such a negative view of the fox already.

"'Friends'..." The wolf did not seem amused by the answer, "I'd advise you get new friends, human. That fox is no good. How did you meet?"

Matt wanted to retort to the wolf that Nashiri was good, and that he was a loyal friend, but he couldn't bring himself to question the wolf here, surrounded by the entire pack. He let his emotions bubble down inside him. Nashiri has been nothing but good to him, why would the wolf think any differently?

"Well," Matt started, "we met at school. I usually eat lunch alone, but one day I was joined by a little fox." He said, recalling their first meeting, "I shared some of my food with him." The story wasn't all that profound. It was simple, but it was the truth. The rest, as they say, is history.

"So, he just happened to find you?" The wolf didn't seem at all convinced, or perhaps the suspicion in his voice was for some other reason. Though before Matt could answer the wolf went onto another question, "That woman in the woods, do you know who she is?"

"The woman with the shadows?" He asked, only getting a nod from from Tarven. The boy shook his head, "No." he said.

"She is a witch, and the most vile kind." The wolf said, "She was drawn to your light, Matthew, the magical ability within you. Her aim was to ignite your ability and then consume your very heart." The wolf explained, "She wants your light as her own, as do many demons."

A chill was sent through Matts heart when he heard what the wolf proclaimed. He nervously looked around only to get an amused sort of sound from the Tarven, "You are safe here. We have no interest in your magic light. We are beyond the petty power struggles between demons."

"She was a demon?" Matt asked, "And the magic, I dont even have magic!" The boy sounded confused, "I'm just a normal kid trying to make it through High School." He told Tarven, "I've never had any sort of magical experiences beyond meeting Nashiri."

"And isn't that enough?" The wolf asked, "You were able to see and perceive Nashiri in the human world. You were able to feel that he was different from the average fox." Tarven pointed out a fact that Matt didn't even share, "And you were able to pass the divide between the Human World and this one. Normal humans, even with the aid of a demon, have difficulty traversing the realms. Your ability to function here, to see and communicate with us, that is proof enough of your latent talents."

Matt hadn't considered that. It made him pause and really think about his situation here. He looked down at the stone filled with berries and roots before him and picked up a berry, blue and bumpy, but also soft with a bit of fuzz. It reminded him of blueberries but with something extra there. He considered the fruit for a minute, using it as a distraction for his thoughts. He was beginning to feel a bit overwhelmed. Nashiri got hurt because of him, and still the fox was nowhere to be seen... He slowly placed the berry in his mouth and bit into it, breaking the skin and allowing the juice to fill his mouth. It was bitter tasting, almost sour, but not. Probably not all the way ripe yet. He swallowed the small moresol.

"Matthew, I'm telling you this so you know." The wolf said, "It is dangerous to walk around being a shining beacon for demons without knowing the light within you exists. You have been lucky so far that you hadn't been attacked or found earlier."

All this was not making him feel any better. He just wanted to be away, to go away, far from this place. He missed home and the safety and the warmth of his sheets. He missed the comforting embrace of the Nashiri, and his stupid smile whenever he had anything devious planned.

"Where is Nashiri?" Matt asked, looking up at Tarven, "Where is Nashiri?" He asked tears forming in his eyes, "I-I came here with him, but I haven't seen him since I met you wolves." He said.

"I dont know where Nashiri is," Tarven answered.

"I want to go home..." Matt said as he wiped his eyes to prevent any tears from falling as he remembered how the fox protected him, "I want Nashiri." His voice cracked on the last request. He felt like his world was falling apart. He wanted to accept that he was normal, but everything was proving to be different for him. His body started to jitter a little with the emotions boiling over, the sight of Nashiri bleeding filling his mind with images, stills of the scene that played out.

It was obvious that now wasn't the time for more talk; that Matt needed some time to absorb all that was said. Humans were so fragile. The wolf shifted, moving his massive body to stand, "Finish your meal, human." He said, "You will go home tomorrow, after you've rested and..." The wolfs face got close and sniffed the shredded fabric which clothed Matt, and looked upon the torn up jeans, "after you've given me those clothes. Ill repair them, while you rest."

Matt looked down at the platter of food and sparingly ate some of the more appetizing looking berries. Tharven made his leave further back into the cave. When the giant wolf was gone the human saw Tierie sit in front of him. The wolfboy offered the human a small smile, to which Matt didn't respond. He just sat there and ate more of the berries until they were gone. He then picked at the root looking things, he was weary about eating those, but hunger drove him to at least try what was offered.

When he was mostly finished with everything but the grasses he looked up to see Tierie. Even though he had been ignoring the wolf the entire time the wolfs full attention was on him. It reminded the boy of a dog. When Tierie knew his presence was being acknowledged his tail batted happily back and forth and his smile grew, "It'll be ok." He tried to reassure Matt. The human had no words for that and shakily got up.

When he rose to his feet Tierie jumped to his, and faster and with more strength than is human, Matt found himself enveloped in warmth. Secure arms and hands wrapped around the boys body as the wolf held him close, pressing their bodies together while the boy felt a hand rub his back. Another one held the back of his head, and he heard the words, "It will be ok." again, the phrase was repeated, but this time it held more significance. It forced from the boy the insecurity and doubt that had been plaguing his mind.

Matt felt himself respond to Tierie's words and actions with not only his feelings but his body as well. He felt himself grab ahold of the wolf, feeling the strong able but kind body, and embracing him as tight as he could. Matt wouldn't be able to see this, but the wolf would be grinning stupidly from the response he got. The tail swayed behind him happily as the serious tone he had taken before melted away by the thoughts going through his head.

A hand came around from the wolf and pushed lightly on Matt's chest, forcing him to break the contact. Matt, however, didn't want the hug to end. He craved for just a little more contact, but he found himself repelled by the strength of the wolf. Tierie had to break contact...

However, noting Matts disappointment, the wolf quickly slung an arm around his shoulder and started to lead him through the caves again, "You must be tired!" He proclaimed, almost dragging Matt along with him, "Lets get you some sleep."

Matt walked, nodding, wiping more tears from his eyes.

Soon enough the two found themselves back to where Matt had woken up. The same bed of grass and animal pelts awaited him. "There you are." Tierie exclaimed happily, having showed the boy safely to the small outer chamber in the cave complex. The boy took a seat on the pelts and looked at his clothes. Tarven wanted them so he could fix them.

He tugged at the torn up shirt, taking it off carefully without doing anymore damage to the fabric. He placed it on the cot with him, and started to unbutton his jeans when he looked and saw Tierie staring, "What?" he asked.

The wolf smiled, "Ill give your clothes to Tarven for you." He said, "And Ill get you something warmer to sleep with." He nodded, liking his idea, scooping up the shirt quickly from the floor, being less gentle than Matt had been. In fact, it was quite the opposite. He didn't seem to care about damaging the clothes further. He held his hand out, waiting for the pants. Matt kicked those off, and gave them to the wolfboy.

"Thank you." He said, sitting there in his underwear.

"Yeah, yeah," The wolf scuffed as he walked out of the chamber, taking the dirty and mangled clothes with him.

Once out of sight of Matt the wolf indulged in the guilty pleasure of his. Holding the fabric up to his nose he sniffed and intaked the scent of the human. He filled his nose and lungs with air filtered through the fabric as he walked. The boy smelled so good. The boy felt so right... Tierie imagined himself holding the human again, his skin getting goosebumps where he pictured Matt touching him. He shivered with guilty pleasure as he padded off towards Tarven.

Matt rested in the cot. Feeling the cold cave air over his exposed body made him shiver as he curled up and wished he could just melt into the furs that surrounded him. Now alone, he felt those feeling coming back to him. Guilt was the strongest one, sadness, but also a good dose of doubt. Did Nashiri know that he had magical talent? Why didn't the fox tell him so? What was the real purpose of bringing him to this strange place? Why did Tarven dislike Nashiri so much?

The great wolfs words echoed in his head, warning him that he should get a new friend; that the fox is no good. He wanted to question the wolf about it, and he hated himself for not doing so when he had the chance. The questions circled his mind and he felt himself being swallowed into the world of his own thoughts and feelings. The cold didn't bother him much, even though he was shivering in a tight ball upon the furs. What bothered him more than the cold, more than this place, more than anything else was his doubt in Nashiri and how easily it was placed into his head.

He brought his arms around his legs and wrapped himself tighter, holding himself. He tried to fight back the tears, but he could no longer as the dark monsters, the shadows, appeared in his mind. Their forms were ungodly, and scared him to even think about, but yet they still were there, burned into his mind by fear itself. He closed his eyes and squeezed them tight trying to banish the images from his brain. He let out a choked cry, a sob, as he felt more alone than he had ever been. He wanted to be home in his own bed. he wanted everything to make sense again. He wanted Nashiri, to be held by the fox, to have some sort of explanation. Though those wishes didn't come.

He cried for he didn't know how long, but sleep was one thing he couldn't find. He wiped more tears from his face, a spot on the furs was getting soaked. It was then he felt something drape over him. The something was warm and soft and covered him completely. It had a nice weight to it, and made the boy look up to once again acknowledge the outside world.

Kneeling over the cot was Tierie, and he tried his best to smile at Matt. However the human could tell that it was a forced effort. "My mom made that for me." Tierie explained, "Its made out of all sorts of furs from different animals." He said, "It will keep you warm tonight for sure."

The wolf watched the boy sniffle and grab the blanket to firmly pull it around him. Tierie was just glad he could help.

"Th-thank you, Tie-tierie" Matt said trying to gather his words and catch his breath. His voice was shaky and he was a little embarrassed that the wolf got to seem him like this. He didn't like people seeing him cry, but sometimes it couldn't be helped.

"Ill see you tomorrow, Matt." He said, turning to walk out of the room, but before he could get very far he heard a small 'wait' come from Matt. The wolf looked over his shoulder and he nodded when Matt said he didn't want to be alone.

Tierie sat down at the edge of the cot, sitting crosslegged as he watched Matt, "Ill stay right here then."

"Would you sleep with me?" The question came from under the furred blanket, muffled and strained. Matt didn't want to be alone, not right now. Without an answer the boy felt a shift in the blanket that covered him, and a warm body beside him. Tierie wasted no time in joining Matt.

"Sure," he whispered but there was no playfulness in his voice. It was a serious tone, one that meant he could tell Matt was in pain, that he needed companionship. Matt sniffed, trying to stop crying as he jumped a bit at the sudden touch. The wolf had wrapped an arm around the boy, and brought him close to his body. Matt could feel the otherworldly warmth of the wolf. He was very warm, it reminded him of actually snuggling with a furred animal, even though there was hardly any fur on the body that held him.

The human couldnt help but blush a little bit, but he didn't reject to touch either. Instead he melted into it the best he could. His body visibly relaxed, his muscles relaxed letting go of the tightened energy they had once held. He liked it, the feeling of the wolf against him. It reminded him of when Nashiri would just hold him. He felt safe and secure...