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The horizon was lit crimson as the sun made its descent, Gresh with a companion carried in buckets of water for the next day. "No matter how many nights I look at that sunset I never get tired of it. It is so beautiful here, so different," Gresh exclaimed as she looked into the dimming skyline. The Jackal walking with her didn't share the opinion, "This desert has always been a place of death to our people, how you see beauty in this wasteland is beyond me." "Where I come from is not a warm place like this, it is cold and though a desert like this it is instead made of ice and snow. It still is foreign to me how you see anything but the beauty in this place," she remarked in contrast. He shrugged, "You did well last night, I'm glad Anubis finally allowed you to join." "He only agreed due to lack of man power, he must still think I'm waiting for my time to strike against him. It's hard to believe that he still fears my presence after all I've done to help," she tried to keep from venting. Setting down the buckets inside the Jackal looked at her sincerely, "Do you think that many of us trust you? I do, my men do, but in the opinion of the entire tribe you can't be trusted. Try as you might it just seems as though the worry of one posing as an ally is much less far fetched as someone come to help."

"Gresh get the buckets from the south end, they are halfway through their surplus and will need more before the next raid," Anubis ordered while entering the room. The Lynx never sought to argue with the disgraced Pharaoh however would if needed, "Sir you know there is only so much I can make in one day, the moisture in the air hasn't accumulated enough yet." "I didn't ask about the moisture in the air I told you to fill more buckets for the soldiers," his tone was harsh matching his action as he tossed the buckets at her. She grit her teeth while staring him down, "I am working as hard as I can to help you, but if you won't understand that I have my limits there isn't much I can do. You can either cut me some slack for all I do for you without mention or give me some damn credit for it all. Four slaves freed and one of your own wounded I brought back last night yet you refuse to give me a break." "Kid I don't have time to let you take it easy. You might not be a Tiger or Leopard but your not one of mine so really I don't care if I work you into the ground because it keeps my people alive. As for any recognition for your work you can forget it, no one wants to hear one of your kind is to thank for anything,it won't happen so stop dreaming and get back to work!" Anubis shouted kicking over a full bucket before exiting.

Far beyond the desert the Pagans congregated before their master filled with jubilation as he began to understand his recent discovery. Paga would not speak instead rest solely on the presentation of his newly realized powers. Cutting into his arm allowed him access to his blood that instead of staining the floor would move about his arm as a vine does around a support. The blood became a fully realized and solidified blade in the creature's grip. He swiped it at a nearby follower but before impact allowed it to return into the gash sealing his wound. Opening another gash he commanded his blood to move as leaves in a strong breeze targeting them at a body without host. The creature was awakened this time however not at the expense of Paga losing his current form. His followers applauded the sight of such significant strength an ability from such inconspicuous of a source.

"My children within me is the key to our dominance, something I had forgotten or lost along the way through the darkness. All of you I will imbue with my might and no longer will we be defeated by the Lords or the gifts they possess," he announced to his army of demons. Paga then went to the Well of Souls and took from it one filled with much fury and dark strength, giving it the newly awakened Pagan it snapped to life from its idle state. "We will draw them from their place of hiding by raining down upon their worshipers famine and disease. Once they have revealed themselves we will destroy them and retake control over the world. Today we mark the beginning of the mortals' and Lords' downfall with the birth of the Worm Master. The Blood Worms will no longer simply act on instinct, you will guide them, find them susceptible targets, help spread the outbreak, and above all devour as many mortals as possible. I will release you into the southern Deer territories, move east from there and infect the Fox as well, after which move north," he addressed the new monster before sending it away.

"I'll expose you to everyone! There will be no more hiding and lies unless you help me!" Messam screamed at Imfay. He looked to him struggling slightly with Mes' boot on his throat, "Do whatever you will but I refuse to help you. Without your fear your nothing but a monster, if you don't fear what you do now imagine once you think you can get away with anything you want." A series of stomps to the face followed Imfay's response as Messam began to lose himself. "Don't you get it?! People are dying, cities are closing their gates, routes through out the territories have closed, and now some of our own are being found infected with the Worms!" the young Elk shouted nearly crying as he did. The old Elk faced away from him now to his feet as the young one walked about the cabin, "I can give you advice, hopefully courage, but to remove your fear will remove your end goal from sight. If I were in command, without the worry of what I do, there would be much blood on our hands and that is not something I can hazard to allow again."

The room was silent for far too long before Messam spoke cautiously, "Again?" "Before you were born the Worms were problem in the south. In an attempt to protect our people and cleanse those infected I led men south to towns such as Will. We didn't spare a single soul and when it was over all that remained were ashes. I should have been afraid of it all, the destruction and death, but not until I was confronted by ones more than mortal did I see what I was doing. Messam do what you think is right but don't make the mistakes I have, in the end you will thank me," Imfay spoke staring into the fireplace. Mes backed to door, "You are murderer. All this time I believed everything about you to be good, that you were a righteous man who protected life no matter the cost to self." "What I have done in my past is not what I live for anymore. I try to redeem those actions with every move I make but it will never return those lives to this world," he admitted grievously, his head hung low. The boy was leaving but not before one last comment, "Run, hide, hang your head in shame until the world's end, no action you make will any longer help a single soul. You'd better find a new rock to hide under though because you're not welcomed here anymore and if I find you here tomorrow when I return I will expose you to all those who once believed in you and your lies."

Imfay watched the door slam shut and though he wanted to pack up, turn tail, and run he knew that he couldn't leave Messam alone without any help. It wasn't going to be easy but he would have to return to society for not only Mes and his people but for himself. If he walked away it wouldn't change anything but if he shouldered his responsibilities he could help before the outbreak worsened. What would burden him worse than his own misdoing would be ignoring his chance to stop those in his position from doing it over again. That day the red-horned Elk returned to his people not hiding any longer or allowing his duty to be shackled upon another.

It wasn't a pleasant find when Imfay had finally tracked down Messam who was cornered by a mob of angry citizens. "Help us! The trade routes are closed, supplies are dwindling! There are infected among us! Why aren't you doing anything!? Why are you in charge?! You're half the leader of Imfay was, even less than half!" they shouted and screamed at the petrified man. Imfay stood looking into Mes' eyes seeing his terror, "That is enough! Return to your homes immediately until proper procedures can be enacted." The civilians shuffled home muttered in uncertainty as a man believed dead had simply reemerged without explanation. "Get up kid. Now is the time for action and neither of us are going to sit on our hands and watch as our world plunges into chaos over some dirty little vermin," the old Elk spoke with conviction, offering his hand to frightened young lad.

They returned to throne room where they alone plotted the actions they would need to take to minimize lose of life and to quell the outbreak. Messam sat broken thinking solely on his reputation while watching Imfay pace the floor. "They want me dead Imfay. I'm not so sure it's a bad idea at this point, all I've been good for is failing our people and being your mouthpiece," he spoke bleakly. Four knuckles slammed into his eye sending him to the floor, "You say another word like that you will regret it. Now be of use, we need to figure where we can get enough supplies to support the city until things can be stabilized." "Stabilized? How are we going to do that, won't we need some sort of cure or preventative measure?" Mes asked rubbing his sore face. Imfay scratched his head, "Ideally yes we would need something of the sort to make that possible." "And you said last time instead of curing it, you and your men simply burnt away anyone and anything that came in contact with the Worms," he responded flatly. The older man had more on his mind then earlier explained, "Not exactly, you see when I encountered those two who were more beyond mortal one of them presented to me a new solution. Maxinimus the Deer had a found a way to heal the infected and remove the Worms with minimal harm." "Wonderful, where do we find him?" Mes responded with a glint of hope coming to his eyes. Imfay's face could have said it all, "We don't, he's long dead."

Maxin stared into the viewing globe, his eyes wide and unblinking, Zero sat across tapping his fingers on the wall. "Do you have something to say?" the Deer asked with a shaky voice. Zero sat down next to him, "You and me we're going to find a way to get back to the real world so we can start doing good again instead of sitting here waiting to watch our kinds go extinct." "That's really noble of you but how do you think we're going to go about that? Sure you were able to make it happen, once, but you can't even explain how or why you were able," Maxin responded frustrated at his friend. The Wolf leaned back, "Listen I know what's happening to them, it's tough, but we need to try for them, for the Jackals, and everyone else we watched die without hope when we could so easily save them. I don't blame you for being mad, I am saying a lot and not able to do much for certain but that is why we have to work together. Maybe with the combined strength between us we could some how find a way to return before it's to late." "What about Siri or any of the others they have power why not join with someone more related to your own kind?" Maxinimus asked. The response was simple, "I don't quite think what tribe we belong to should matter to us here nor in a time of crisis should we put up walls and heavy offensives. I will see what I can do about recruiting the rest to our cause so long as you do your part to do the same."

"I don't know what we could do but we'll do whatever we can to help, I just really hope we can make this work before it's too late," Sirius agreed with Cerberus working not far from her. Zero nodded, "Very good I think there is someway we can channel our power to achieve this and I'm determined to figure out how." "Have you got anyone else to help with this, Amirot, Orion, Byakko?" Cerberus questioned looking up from his mending. The Wolf's face changed from optimism to rage, "I'm not bothering to ask that woman, you think she'll help then be my guest." "I was counting on you to say something like that," the Coyote replied before heading out of the sanctuary. The two stood together watching him leave, "Any idea what that was about?" "I really have no idea," Siri replied equally dumbfounded as Zero.

Her hands wrapped around his and turned him around to hold him close staring deep into his eye, "Have you possibly reconsidered?" He had thought on the idea but wanted to remain true to his earlier decision despite how he longed for more her to caress him further. Zero sighed, "Sirius truly if I had met you before Tirasha I would unquestionably love you until the end of time but what kind of man could I be to forsake my true love by claiming love for another. You are beautiful and tempt me so however I can not and no longer do I want you to believe I could in good conscious ever be anything more than I am now to you." "You are a very good man, honest, loyal, and brave but I'm a patient girl and hopeful too. I know you may think it bad of me but I still hold out hope that you could love me even just physically," she said with a sigh while embracing him.

"I wouldn't say she's quite on board with your idea, buddy," Cerberus returned abruptly still patting out flames that were scattered across his shoulders and upper back. Sirius let go of Zero and backed away, "Was Pulsar with her?" "No I thought I saw him talking with Maxin on my way back," he replied putting out the last bits of burning fur. Zero began to exit as quick as Cerberus had returned, "Good so long as they're separate I can actually reason with him. I'll gather everyone later to see what we can think up." "Zero could you come back later?" Sirius asked with a hint of desperation in her voice. The Wolf paused a moment, he knew why she wanted him back but had come back all too many times before, "After we all meet up."

"So he rejected you again?" Cerberus asked while still hard at work. The Fox became quite before stammering out a question, "What do you mean?" "You love him, it's not hard to see that much but knowing the type of man he is he'll never go through with it not if he found his mate already," the Coyote replied without malice in his tone. Siri wore a horribly depressed face, "Why do you say that?" "Most men wouldn't have thought twice about taking you when they had the chance, others might fight it say they are committed to the one they love, but very few actual can stand by this commitment and if I know him well enough he is exactly that," he responded looking up from his work. She sighed and sat beside her closest friend, "If it's so hopeless why do I feel so compelled to keep trying?" "Because no matter how old you get when it comes to love we are all like children; wanting what we can't have and not stopping until we get it," he laughed despite the girl boarding on tearing up.

"Where's the misses Pulsar?" Orion asked as the Leopard joined the rest in Zero's sanctuary. He shook his head, "Well she would have come but she remembered she hates Zero and he in turn hates her so she's not going to come." "Then we'll have to do it without her. Join up in the circle I have an idea but.. well it might hurt a bit if I'm wrong," Zero informed to the onlookers in discontent. Siri bit her lower lip before looking to the Wolf, "What is the plan exactly?" "I know we are all here because we have some sort of power or gift and my thinking is that if we can summon them all at once it might trigger a reaction and might even make it possible to return to the old world," he said somewhat nervously knowing what he said sounded bizarre. Amirot spoke for the rest, "Now I know there is much we don't understand about this place but you think that these powers we have can work together without say setting us all on fire or worse?" "Is that so crazy? We're here for a reason, it wouldn't be much of a stretch to say we're here to work together to help others such as the ones we left behind," Zero had confidence in his words. The Lion was not in his usual skeptical mood, "Well I'm not waiting forever let's try it, he might be right and it's not as though we have much to lose."

Together their energy surged and linked them together as though all were of one mind, body, and spirit. To each they perceived themselves in a world of light, beyond where they had just stood, their bodies now replaced with a hollow glowing figure. Around the circle the lights varied not in size but of colour coming in purple, orange, and green among others. The orb was removed from the center of their circle and replaced with a being who's form was hidden from those in attendants. It had horns and hooves, carried a staff that radiated with a visible energy, and was marked head to toe in ancient markings. None could speak only listen and witness this figure as it stood in the center gazing deep into them with glowing eyes seeing all that made them.

"You seek to aid your children, to end their strife, to protect all life you can, and in the process except to cure the world of all problems," the creature possessed but one mouth however its voice sounded to be made of many reverberating and echoing many times over. Her tone was blank not of anger or love as she continued, "All of you even those who have yet to join you exist because such courage and hope dwells within you, intending to use it to better everything you touch. Each and everyone of you I have chosen to be a Lord of Verillia, you are the protectors not only of the people but of the lands and the natural forces you possess. With such a title comes more than the service of a protector but the role of the warrior who will battle until their last breath to destroy the sinister creatures and mortals in the world. And finally you must witness the necessary tragedies that are out of the control of even your godly powers. Inside of you all there is a hunger to help, to find a way to be one with your loved ones again, and be the anonymous hero to all however this can not be. Instead I can only offer to you the ability to reach the minds of individuals who will hear your message even in moments of doubt. They may not be ones you love or trust or even have hope in but these disciples will be your only hope of contact..."

Pulsar smacked against the ground breaking the link causing the rest to fall back nauseous and drained from the experience. "I thought I told you to stay away from him, he isn't one of yours Wolf!" Byakko yelled at Zero who was on his knees in horrible pain holding tight to his head. There came no reply as all but the Tiger were in a state of shock following the abrupt break from their joint connection. She wasn't going to wait for anyone to respond and took her leave dragging Pulsar by the leg as she headed back to her usual place. However the Leopard kicked his leg free before struggling to speak, "Damn it Byakko this isn't the time to act like a selfish child! I'm your friend but that doesn't mean that I am only a friend to you. We aren't playing a game of who's side is right anymore and if you would have joined us you would know that we are in this together. We aren't special by some random chance we have been selected to keep our world together and protect those who dwell within. If you can't see that then find some lonely corner of this place to hide in and disappear because I'm through standing idly by while you try to fight all of our friends!" It was silent for a moment before the Tiger ran away leaving the rest to slowly recover and Pulsar to catch his breath after his devastating speech.

"Another group of tradesmen were attacked yesterday, we need to do something about this now," Mes ordered Imfay who was mapping out routes around infected towns. He look to him, "You said the same thing two days ago and since then I have busied myself on making the new routes remember? Supplies will be a bit short, the tradesmen will receive compensation, all will be fine." "We needn't worry about the supplies or compensation, whoever attacked them left the supplies largely intact however the tradesmen were not so luck. The few bodies the soldiers found looked like they had been devoured, possibly a demon or rabid Shren," Messam informed. Imfay thought for a second before returning to his work, "Likely the creature that attacked me before I stepped down, it must know that I'm back in charge here and wants to try at me again." "Let us hope so however I was shown one of the bodies and it would look as though the marks were made by a smaller creature or at least one with a smaller set of teeth," the young man said before leaving Imfay. The old king was not shaken or worried about what may be coming for him but concerned for what would come of the city's supply lines if the attacks continued.

Unbeknownst to the returned Elk king the sinister Pagan had turn the hungry Worms into a weapon far more diabolical than he could have imagined. The Worm Master had become the mother-brain to their hive mind after modifying them to serve a new purpose. Once reaching maturity the Worms would split in two allowing one to remain in the heart to feast while the other moved upward. The second segment would burrow into the brain and die after it had entered the brain. Over time the deceased Worm would release chemicals into the brain that would infect the host with a virus turning them rabid. These rabid victims became not only violent but cannibalistic and had begun to attack uninfected as well as those hosting normal Blood Worms.

The death tole was ever growing as the rabid infected began to branch out far from their towns murdering travelers and slaughter smaller villages along the way. Many were unsuspecting of these ill people until it was too late. Most looked well enough, not malnourished as those not rabid, however they seemed very much slow in the head. With the Worm lodged in their brains the minds of the hosts were very much gone only fixed on their own hunger. Word failed to travel when these rabid individuals would attack towns as all would be slaughtered if not infected by the Worms. As more mindless folk began to wander territories far from the reach of Imfay became effected by the burden.

The Black Current came ashore in the west needing supplies and time away from the sea however what await the crew would not be pleasant change of pace. Only a day before the last residents in the coastal town of Jojen had been run off by infected Deer. Kovu and his crew arrived in the town as all was silent and lifelessly still as though it had not been inhabited in years. It was suspicious to the Cougar as well as his company however they required supplies and would not allow their suspicion to keep them from their task. They split into groups some went to the tavern, others the market, with Kovu alone went to the small inn at the end of the street.

Arriving at the inn he found no one with only the sound of silence keeping him company as he waited for anyone to show their face. A smell hung in the air that became insufferable however familiar to the Panther so he followed the odor to its source. He made his way down the hall to find a door open only slightly however enough to see inside. Within there was blood and in such great quantity it had dyed the room almost entirely crimson. Kovu swung the door open to the find a horrifying sight, five bodies with only minor bits of fur and meat remaining clung to broken bones. They were strewn about the room as though attacked by wild beasts but more disturbing was the look of them, it seemed as though they were twitching and still moving only slightly.

As he stepped out of the room, forcing down his vomit, he caught a glimpse of the culprit out of the corner of his eye. The Deer was a nightmare; it's horns were broken yet sharp and stained with blood, an eye was missing and the other devote of color, open wounds and gashes decorated it's hide with one massive opening in what remained of its chest. It paused a moment where it stood staring as though analyzing Kovu while he produced his blades. With a snarl it charged the Cougar who nearly escaped the dangerous points of the antlers. Capitalizing on its mistake of slamming into the wall he made his escape before he would need to use his weapons.

Kovu ran down the street to the tavern wherein he found his crew members attempting to fend off more attackers. With agility he moves through the room slicing into the limbs of the Deer making certain they are immobilized. Though a thoughtful consideration to abstaining from murder it was fruitless as the Deer slowly pulled themselves back up. He wouldn't waste more time instead of killing them he called for his men to leave. Together he and his men proceed to leave but as they near the exit one of the Deer tackle a sailor. Kovu turned back to help but instead was forced to watch as the Deer did much worse than kill his companion.

The sailor fought and struggled however no matter how hard he hit the Deer it was unmoved as though without feeling. It began to shake rapidly as though a midst a seizure however still had the man pinned down. As Kovu neared it the infected Deer looked down and began to vomit in immense quantity onto the sailor. The Cougar pulled the Deer off and threw it to the floor to then stomp its head until it laid lifeless. Turning to his friend who gasped for breath he saw, only for a second, the dreadful sight of the Worm slithering up the sailors back. It was too quick to stop it so much so that Kovu wasn't entirely convinced it was real and brushed it off as a mirage, his mind playing tricks in the stressful moment.

"Are you ok?" Kovu asked the sailor unsure of what to make of the scene he had just viewed. He wiped the bloody vomit from his face and spit out a bit as well, "I'm not hurt if that's what you mean." "What was that thing that was on your back, I saw it crawl over your head?" he questioned skeptical still to what he thought he had seen. He looked to him confused, "What are you talking about I didn't see or feel anything?" "Must be my eyes than, come on we have to grab supplies and head out before they come after us," Kovu said before leading the way to the market.

Making haste they raided the market with ease finding not a single infected soul dwelling in the area. As his men worked to gather supplies Kovu could not help but focus on the Cougar who had been earlier covered in vomit. He acted as though it was nothing however no matter how he tried to believe him, Kovu could not shake the eerie feeling he had since it had happened. As the Cougar came near he tried to seem preoccupied with other things while still trying to detect anything that could be wrong. Moving to leave now Kovu waited letting the others go before him not minding him at the time he noticed a strange noise. He knew it could have been anything or really nothing but it was all too strange and coincidental that the Cougar had passed by him at the same time of the noise.

Beyond the world of the living Byakko sat and watched from afar as the others finally came to after their bizarre experience. "Oh my head it feels like I've slept on rocks," Pulsar groaned in pain. Byakko locked eyes with him however still was not ready to speak to him directly, "You all have been out for a few days." "A few days?! How long exactly?" Sirius asked astounded by the concept. The Tigress counted on her fingers, "I guess seven or eight maybe more, it's not like I was going to check on you." "What has happened since we have been unconscious?" Zero asked confused and concerned. Her response was less surly than usual, "Nothing as far as I know, I didn't check the viewing globe nor much else." "Than what did you do all that time alone?" Pulsar asked hoping to get a response from her directly. Slowly she made her way to him and offered him a hand up, "You left me with a lot of thinking to do and so that's what I did. I'm.. I'm sorry for the things I've done, the person I have been. I've held grudges against those who have wronged me, for all my life it's all I've really known is hatred for others. It's hard to move on and let go when all you can think of is evening the score and making things right. I haven't made things right I've made them worse and for that I don't deserve the gift I have been given."

All fell quiet as Byakko finished on a sincere note that none had quite expected her to ever deliver without great pressure put on her. Orion cleared his throat, "Brashness and stupidity are not things one can count upon forever however all the same they are not traits that one will possess eternally. You're recognition and regret shows that maybe you have matured from these ideals into a mind that can think of helping others than ones self." "What's important now is that we work as one together to achieve goals that advance the world, bring us closer to harmony with one another, and bring the fight to the monster that prey on us instead of fighting each other," Zero added seeing the Tiger in a new light. Byakko held her arm and looked down nervously, "That's all I really want is for everyone to get along and protect one another from the demons." "If your goals are truly that and you want to help build bridges instead of tearing them down then you do deserve what you have," Pulsar reassured her before embracing her. "Everyone get over here, we have a crisis!" Maxinimus hollered to the rest who hadn't noted the viewing globe.

The image showed the lands of the Deer in ruin with hordes of infected roaming through the cities and traveling outward. "Maxin what is happening?" Sirius asked as she came to the man's side. He swallowed hard before answering, "The Worms. It looks all to much like the Worms have come back but now far stronger." "I thought you were able to create a cure for those infected by them though," the Fox responded worried by her friends mortified expression. Maxin stumbled over his words, "I was.. I cured them, my powers were the cure. I worked as hard as I could to develop something to treat and repel them without my help however it wasn't possible. Over time I forgot about it as the Worms no longer were an issue but now I see that was my greatest mistake." "What does this mean for your people or any of the tribes?" Siri asked seeing infected Deer heading for her home territory. Zero interjected, "We must find one who will listen as the creature from the vision had said. Someone will have to listen and when they do we will tell them to send word to every town and city no matter the territory to seal the gates allowing no entrance or exit."

"Messam the time has come," Imfay admitted resting his brow in his hand. The younger Elk looked to his mentor uncertain of what he meant, "Sir?" "I need you to watch over things for a while, there are somethings I need to attend to privately," he informed while taking the Warblade from the table. Mes raised an eyebrow to the action, "This business wouldn't be of a violent nature would it?" "I'm hoping it won't be but most likely.. anyway I want you to lock the gates, keep them locked, and send a message north warning all to lock down their towns. The way things are right now no can allow any travelers or vagrants to wander in, in case they are carrying Worms," the old king ordered. Messam was uneasy with the idea, "What about you sir, how will you get back in if the gates are closed?" "I always find a way, just trust me things will be fine," he said before leaving while attaching the Warblade.

The massive gates locked behind Imfay and he breathed a sigh knowing he should be worried as to whom he left in charge of his people. He wished terribly he could still be afraid so maybe he would think there was a way out of it other than death. If he feared it at all he would try with all his might to succeed and come back with barely scratch but he would be lying to himself even if he did. Looking to shadows on the horizon he extended the Warblade, there was no looking back now same for the weapon knowing it would never be sheathed by his hand. This was his time and it was ending but worry he had not, all things must die even he must pass.

"Well isn't life out here all you would have hoped for?" Peram asked Gresh while catching his breath. The Lynx to was winded from the battle, "At least I can feel useful doing more than just collecting water or protecting a King that has no need for a guard with my abilities, but I'd prefer to be fighting Tigers and Leopards." "Likewise but this is an important job, these Scorpions will invade the temple if we don't fight them out here," he reminded as he scanned the heap of cadavers for a live one. She wiped blood from her ax, "It's good they don't like cold, if one got in Anubis would have me to blame and banish me if not execute me." "Don't worry about him, I've been taking the blame for everyone's mistakes lately so he doesn't pin them on you. If he comes to you about it send him my way," the Jackal spoke while focusing on a faint vibration in the pile. Gresh made a faint smile, "Thanks for that but I think it's he that should thank you, if he kept up blaming me I may have been liable for his disappearance." "Ready up I think I see a few more," he ordered quickly taking out his blades.

The duo move quickly past the corpses that they had felled just a few evening before as they charged the few remaining pests for the evening. Nearly in unison the Scorpions sprayed acid at the team which they evade with only a second between life and death. Harnessing what moisture she can Gresh fired a blast of ice that covered the three creatures' tails. Peram zipped past them slashing into the weakened portions of tail severing all three in one move. For a moment the two retreated allowing the wildly spraying acid to run out before making their final attack. The Scorpions were weak now with their shells worn down by their own acid however not defenseless as they swiped at the warriors with their pincers. Try as they might to get close the two were deterred by the speed and ferociousness of these claws. Peram knew their deadly and vice grip, still bearing the scars of an earlier encounter with the monsters. What little ice she could conjure needed to be enough to finish the battle else it would become a degree more difficult. Gresh was capable of firing three separate shots each of which hit however not ideal targets as they froze the face of one and both claws of a second leaving the third unharmed.

With ease the frozen two were taken down with one defenseless and the other attacking blind Peram made short work of them. All that remained between the duo and completion of their job was one last Scorpion however this would not be as easy as usual. This creature was massive by comparison to the others with it's stinger having stood higher than the warriors. It wore scars and breaks in it's armored shell that could have only been done by one thing, frost. They had fought this one before however it was far more meek and able to escape on that night but now it had grown in power and size. Gresh could pull no more moisture from the air and Peram was out of darts for his compacted bow. The final fight of the night and it was looking to be a tough one for the team.

"If you distract it, I'll go around and get on top, put a blade through the head," the Jackal whispered as he sheathed his blades and took out his long sword. Gresh bit her lip, "Damn it I was going to say that. Go quickly I hate having to look these things in the face for too long." She kicked up sand with her blade allowing her partner a moment to disappear without the Scorpions notice. With haste the Jackal made his way behind the creature while Gresh struggled to defend herself against the monstrous pincers that rapidly clamped at her. Dodging and ducking she did her best knowing any less than it would mean she would be in two. Peram scurried up the creature's back side and slid down it's smooth body trying to stop at the head. However he slipped all the way down and off into the sand right before the drooling mouth of the Scorpion while his blade flew past the Lynx. Gresh saw it all but before she could move to save him the creature was moving to bite. She looked away only to hear a horrid sound from the Scorpion followed by a massive cloud of sand stirring in the air. The Jackal rolled clear with one knife in hand and his other arm oozing with a mix of red and green blood. It was over the creature was down and the duo safe with the exception of a few new scars and bruises.

He was twitching hiding beneath a bridge watching blood run from his leg into the river and dissipate nearly immediately. Another few families found and successfully brought into a fortified town however how long could he do it, how many survivors would be enough? The Warblade was oozing with blood matching with the arm that bore it being stained with it as well. It was cold, winter was not far in the distance and the nights grew colder with every passing day. A reprieve from nights spent enduring the weather outdoors would still not come this evening as the infected would still be swarming outside the city gates. His distractions had been working only lately they'd become less effective cutting each run closer and closer, risking lives with even the most minute of error. Anytime he could go, at any moment one might grab him and bite straight into his throat and it would be over but the fear was null and his resolve was absolute.

In only a few weeks time Imfay had found a handful safe towns and begun trafficking what survivors he could find to them. It had been the most difficult time of his life but he was unrelenting as with each day he knew more lives would be lost. Each and everyday he would battle the hordes of monsters trying as he could to spare their lives only to have to take more than he thought possible. Holding out for a cure was his plan however as he saw the decay and destruction that was the bodies of the hosts he wasn't certain a cure could do any good. All he focused on was saving and protecting as many uninfected Deer as he could before it was too late.

"I've got start letting those soldiers help, maybe I'll be able to start sleeping inside these towns if I have some reinforcements help to clear a way back inside. Then again if I start organizing the Deer down here there is the slight chance of someone getting infected and spreading it to an entire town. A few more runs I think we should be fine, can't be too many out there anymore, even if I don't find them all the messages left about the towns across the territory should be enough to reroute anyone that sees them. I could go home then, Mes would be happy about that not having to worry about remaining in command. Just a little longer, I just hold out," Imfay paused from muttering to himself as he felt a strange sensation.

He looked to his left to find a massive Worm slowly slithering down his shoulder trying to enter into his clothes. As he rolled away from the vile thing he could see its origin being that of an even more monstrous being. Its flesh crawled, quite literally, as he could see countless Worms slithering against one another making a rough and disturbing hide. The face protruding from the hood was a skull with eyes lit much like candles nearing there time to flicker out as the last bit of wax burnt away. All was silent for the moment they looked one another over before the creature proceeded towards Imfay extending a had of Worms that grew longer extending as a tree's roots through the earth.

The Elk struggled to fight back as he swatted at the massive amount of Worms that were quickly replaced from a seemingly endless supply. If a blade wouldn't work, fire would do the job, was his following thought. He rolled beneath the reach of the creature to pull a half burnt log from his fire that he quickly threw at the mass of Worms. It was even more useless as it caught the log and threw it aside losing an even fewer amount of Worms in the process. The Worm Master was closing in on Imfay and there was little he could do to stop or even deter it from following him. There was a time to run and a time to fight, afraid or not Imfay would have to run in hopes to defeat the creature another time.

Making haste out from beneath the bridge he was confronted by an army of infected that stood together as a wall blocking his path. Turning back he saw the Worm Master taking its time to corner him and finish the job. Imfay had but one bold move remaining, he rushed the Worm Master knocking it to the ground sending it tumbling down hill while Worms flew and fell off covering the grass. He stopped short of the river's edge forgoing his original escape plan as he now could see the rest of the skeleton exposed with the Worms attempting to slither back to shield it from harm. With the Warblade ready he came to strike directly into beating heart that rested within the creature's chest but he was stopped just before impact. The Worms were clinging to him and becoming overwhelming, they covered his arm in a moment and were continuing across his entire body.

The weight of them all brought Imfay to his hands and knees allowing him to watch as the creature regenerated fully. It was a surprise to the Elk that the vicious blood hungry Worms had not devoured him as they wrapped around him and traveled all across his form leaving only his head exposed. He struggled as much as he could but all in vain while the Worm Master moved closer to his captured prey. Imfay sat waiting for death only to realize he was alive at the moment for one singular purpose that he had hoped would never be. Peaking at the creature he could see it taking a Worm from the mass slithering around as its neck. This Worm was much larger than the others, covered in thorns, and was painted in a sharp tone of green something of a chartreuse. Unbeknownst to Imfay the Worm was special beyond its look, it had been transplanted from multiple victims and a had voracious hunger like no other as it was a queen Blood Worm; capable of creating swarms of the Worms alone at a higher rate and volume than the average Worm. The crawling fingers pinched Imfay's face forcing open his mouth in which the Queen was allowed to slither before holding tightly the Elk's mouth shut until it had entered fully.

They all walked away into the night, even the Worm Master, as Imfay convulsed and spasmed on the ground while the Worm made its way through him. It was finished he had done as much as he could but now nothing he could do would improve situation. He finally could feel it coming, the end, his body feeling cold and heavy while inside the vile creature began to eat away at him. The time for rest was soon coming for him but at the end it wasn't the rest he was after, what he sought he still would not receive. As even the moon's vibrant glow grew dim in his eyes all the man wanted and had wanted for a time too long was to feel the fear of the moment that was soon passing him as he passed on.

"That was Imfay in the viewing globe wasn't it?" Zero asked Maxin who looked with concern at the vision. He nodded in agreement, "Well with his passing at least we will gain in power. We need to try harder to make contact with others to help spread the word and rescue any survivors possible." "Sirius has been working quite diligently, possibly has even made contact as far as I know," the Wolf responded as he stood. The Deer led the way, "Best go check for his arrival, he might be able to form a link to the boy who took his position after his leave." The two waited for the Elk in the place of arrival however Imfay's case was one more peculiar than the others'.

The Elk was visible however not entirely, his form was nearly transparent and though possessing an unreal feeling to it was not solid. He was unresponsive and for all intents and purposes merely an image set before them and nothing more as Imfay was and wasn't simultaneously. Unknown to the Lords, Imfay was caught between the worlds as his spirit was free his vessel still remained active. If he would have succumb to poison or been felled by a blade he would have joined them however as a walking corpse his entirety was lost until his vessel would finally meet destruction. The idea was far from their minds as they continued to investigate and examine the ghostly figure that had manifested and lied motionless waiting to be jolted to life.

"Trust in me child, what I warn you is of the most dire importance. A wave of illness will soon wash over these lands and will not stop until it has claimed every life in its path. You must warn the village elders of it, send word to neighboring villages, and spread the word north to Wolves, Coyotes, even the Lynx, and Cougars. If this infestation is allowed to take hold in our lands or any other it will destroy and destroy until there is no more. This will be much for any one person to believe without certain proof of your claim but bring these words to the elders informing them they are that exactly what was spoken by Lord Sirius," she spoke casting herself in a spectral form before a young Fox girl. She extended a hand, unsure of the result, and to her delight and surprise she marked the girls fur with the symbol of the Sun. "Go now this mark shall prove your message if nothing else, make haste young one," Siri instructed, watching her leave only to catch a glimpse of her form before disappearing. Her entire body was illuminated and shown in a golden tone brighter than the sun. The eyes she wore were of only pure white sticking out from the sunny fur and her tails extended wide around her as rays of the sun making her seem larger than life.

The Fox came to where she had only moments ago been mediating however as she returned to consciousness she felt lost and out of place in a strange sort of panic. Amirot was sitting quietly a distance behind her waiting to be acknowledged before he would speak. As she struggled to catch her breath she saw him only for a moment but all the same tried to ignore him. Her heart was racing as though she had battled an army alone and her mind felt scrambled as she attempted to remember what had happened. The Caribou walked to her with caution afraid she may be hurt but before he could say a word she began to scream at the top of her lungs as though in a moment of true terror.

Zero and Cerberus rushed in to see Amirot backed against an opposing wall while Sirius screamed and wailed out of control. "Amirot what did you do to her?!" Cerberus demanded coming face to face with the frightened man. He put his hands up, "I don't know, honestly, I was watching her like Maxin asked, she was meditating, and then just started acting strange like this." "Siri look at me, you know me, just take a breath and you'll be fine," Zero tried to comfort the Fox who looked to him with eyes wide enough to be a mirror. She was silent as she grabbed the Wolf tightly and buried her head into his chest while her nails dug into his back. He held back a pained noise before turning to the other two motioning them to leave.

"It is all going better than planned my children, the destruction of those mortals is soon at hand all by the slithering of a few little Blood Worms. And what makes this all the more sweeter is to see the fall of the one man who actually tried to fight the outbreak. That foolish Elk now all he will be is a breeding ground for more of the Worms until his body can take it no longer. Though there still remains those in the west, the Worm Master can only do so much, I will need another plan for those pests," Paga spoke before turning his attention to a mass and towering demon lying dormant. He slashed open both arms allowing two rivers of crimson to flow into it bringing it to life. The Demon King spoke slightly weakened from the wounds, "Thrall you will go to western world and destroy it. Your flesh is stronger than any armor they possess, your might greater than any warrior that lives, and your size superior to what challengers may come your way. Go now, you will not disappoint me!"

"Sire, why not send more than one of us now? With the entirety of a continent should we not bring more adequate numbers to circumvent any mortals who could escape Thrall?" Kreton asked bowed before his master. Paga looked in disgust, "You question my actions? Of all my children you are going to question me? ..Well perhaps you may be on to something, after all you have been quite useful in the past. It is possible you are right however we will allow time to prove you right or wrong and in the meantime I will stir up any who remain in the mortal world now to join to Thrall's cause." "And if I am proven right, sire?" the lesser demon asked timidly. His master leaned forward with a vile grin, "Then you will have your day in the sun while you prepare for my arrival."

"Keep an eye on the girl, Zero said Siri made contact with her," Cerberus reminded Pulsar who hadn't moved from his place when earlier assigned it. The Leopard looked to the Coyote a bit confused, "I told you I would watch the viewing globe and here I am." "Don't look at me I said keep an eye on it!" he scolded. Pulsar shook his head and stood up, "I've been watching diligently for longer than I should have had to, you take over if you think I'm doing such a poor job of it." "Come on kid, I'm just giving you a hard time and you've got nothing better to do," Cerberus reasoned ignoring the fact he wasn't busy at the moment. The Leopard knew this without having to ask, "Then why not you, Zero is watching over Sirius and you have nothing else with the Fox attended to." "How about this then, we do it together, maybe get to know one another on more personal terms. I don't even know half of what I should about you, where you come from, what you did, how you got to where we are now," the Coyote reasoned seeing he wouldn't have any way out of the obligation. Pulsar nodded, "You know that's not a bad idea, we've been here a long time but hardly do we talk about or past unless it has relevance. Well where do I begin.."