The Magic Wilds: Episode 6: Unity Day

By Terrarian Pony

WARNING: Content of this story may include violence, gore, romance, same gender romance, swearing, and probably references to several video games and TV shows. This series is also written in script format. If anyone is offended by any of the content listed above, than please turn back now. You have been warned. (Also, crossover warning!)

Introduction: Welcome to a world of magic, but humans are few, and are mostly undead. In this world, there are magical creatures who are just trying to survive, and endure the terrors of the undead, and the bureaucracy of the Pride's Alliance. But not all is bad, for in the Magic Wilds of Mythrolhia, you will always have friends to defend you.

Episodes

Previously

...

Story: Terrarian Pony presents... The Magic Wilds

A Fiction Mythology Series

Episode 6

Unity Day ...

It was Unity Day, and the Lion Hearts Guild was big on celebrating. The guild was working hard to prepare, Gunnar leading the festivities, Avery leading the hunt, and a brown rabbit named Rue leading the feast. Terran was teaching Hannah about the meaning of the holiday itself, even though she was only half listening.

Terran:" Over 500 years ago, humans were at war with the dragons, who were in hiding for a long time. Soon after, magic was released back into Mysticia, giving creatures like us, magical abilities, and expanding our minds to be able to communicate with humans. With our help, the humans fought back against the dragons, and won, earning us magical creatures citizenship in Mythrolhia. Around two decades later, we started celebrating the unity between humans and creatures. And we didn’t celebrate because of our victory, but the result of it that brought us together. Humans would give us their gratitude for our help in magical advancement, and we would give them our gratitude for technological advancement. And even though they mysteriously disappeared, around seven decades ago, we still celebrate Unity Day every year with a feast, usually made up of plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as meats from various beasts in the wilds. Though, as years went by we eventually integrated pumpkin pie into the holiday feast somehow. But the main dish is always a snallygaster.”

Hannah:” Snally-who-ha? That sounds like some gnarly monster to clash with.”

Terran:” Yes, it’s extremely dangerous. Giant, bird-like beast, with reptilian skin, and tentacles from it’s beak.”

Hannah:” How does that sound anywhere near delicious to you?”

Terran:” It’s become tradition every year to hunt them, and bring them back for the feasts. Thankfully, they’re flightless, so catching up to them isn’t the hard part.”

Hannah:” And let me guess, we’re going to be hunting for one today?”

Terran:” Well, you are. I was part of the hunting party last year, so I won’t be able to go this year. But you’ll get to go with Wags, and meet some of the other guilders as well. I hear this year’s hunting party will be great.”

Hannah:" You mean like the skinny-looking poodle?"

Terran:" Hey, the last time I underestimated a poodle, I had a black eye for two weeks."

Hannah:" You're smaller."

Terran:" He didn't have magic."

Hannah:" Sounds like you're just a weakling."

A bouncy teal fish cat came between them.

Zippy:" I wish I could go on a hunt!"

Hannah:" Why can't you?"

Zippy:" It's a long story. And I'm not the best one tell it."

Terran:" This is Zippy, one of Rumor's 'siblings'."

Hannah:" Oh yeah, I heard about you guys. From what I hear, you guys are the like, the toughest on the team."

Zippy:" Well, I dunno about toughest, but I'm definitely the cutest!"

Hannah:" Don't be so modest. After all, power is pretty much everything in the wasteland. Respect."

Terran:" Honestly, I'm not sure weather to be scared of you, or... yeah, I'm kind of scared you."

Hannah:" As you should be."

Wags:" Welp, the hunting party is raring to go. You ready, Hannah."

Hannah:" Yeah yeah, keep your head on."

Hannah and Wags made their way over to Avery, who was sitting with the hunting party. One of them was a male wolf, at least three times the size of Wags, with a missing right eye. Wags referred to him as a "werewolf" as he had the ability to "shift" into a two legged beast, but Hannah was pretty sure he was beastly enough as is. He was wearing a black fur cloak as well. Another was a female poodle with white fur, and wore a pink fur cloak around her neck and back. The third one was a male serpentine creature with a "hood" attached to his head, called a cobra. The last member was Avery. Ever since she and Hannah met, they'd both agreed on one thing. They don't like each other. So naturally, they'd be spending a lot of time together from now on.

Avery:" I hope you both are ready. We have quite a hunt this season. Wags, Hannah, these your partners. This is Vagidon, Fifi, and Fade."

She pointed to the werewolf, then to the poodle, then to the snake. Vagidon gave a grin towards Wags.

Vagidon:" Heh. Who's the shrimp?"

Wags:" Uh... I'm actually a grey wolf. Uh... my name is Wags."

Vagidon:" Hah! I've never seen a grey wolf that small. Heck, you look like chubby cub."

Fifi:" Honestly Vagidon, have a little decency. Perhaps he was just the runt of the litter is all."

Vagidon:" That's possible. Hey kid, what's the thing you got there?"

Wags:" Oh this? I call it M.E.A, short for Magical Essence Amplifier. It's a little complicated to explain."

Fade:" Let me guesssss. It amplifiesss magical esssence?"

Wags:" Err... well, yeah. I guess that's a no-brainer. Heheh. Well it it let's me use elemental magic."

Vagidon:" Sounds like we got ourselves an egghead here."

Vagidon and Fade laughed aloud, making fun of Wags. Fifi was making a disgusted face.

Fifi:" Ugh. Men."

Hannah:" You two should learn to keep your mouths shut."

Vagidon made a face at Hannah.

Vagidon:" You say somethin', rat?"

Hannah:" You must be losing your hearing, old man. I said watch your mouth."

Wags:" Hannah, th-that's not necessary. I think you should let it go."

Vagidon:" You best listen to the shrimp, rat. Or you might be missin' an eye soon, too."

Hannah:" Try it, buster."

Avery:" Now now. There's no reason we need to raise tensions. It's Unity Day after all."

Hannah and Vagidon grunted at each other before dropping the fight.

Avery:" Now fair warning. We have received a contract from the Pride's Alliance to assist in a hunt."

Hannah:" Why do they need us?"

Avery:" There have apparently been undead sightings in the hunting grounds. The Horde of Hunt will likely make a move on the Pride, and anyone who supports them. Some of you may not like the Pride, but many of these hunters are good soldiers, fresh from training. And if the Pride's Alliance loses those good soldiers, those are less good creatures in the world. The Alliance has graciously agreed to give us a good portion of the spoils. You can all participate in the hunt if you wish, but remember, your priority is to keep an eye out for the Horde."

Lost:" Avery, I think I should come along on this mission. I used to be a member of the Horde of Hunt. I know Lee's every strategy."

Avery:" I know, but the Alliance has been on edge since the assassination attempt on their king."

Lost:" Which is all the more reason for me to come. I want to let them know that we aren't all flesh eating zombies. I want to do my part, not because I'm an undead, but because I used to be one of them. I saw what they were becoming, and I said nothing, I did nothing."

Avery:" I understand. But you've proven yourself time and time again, that you are a reliable, and courageous individual. Besides, we don't want this party to be too big, and you participated last year. You've no need to worry. Besides, we could really use you here while I'm away. There have been Horde sightings near Spring Borough, and any help at the wall is most appreciated."

Lost:" I understand. I'll do my best."

Avery:" Alright everyone. Then we're off!"

...

The hunting party had reached the hunting grounds. The land here was toxic, and harsh with geysers. Despite the wetness, it was excruciatingly hot. On the upside, there were no trees, so it would be relatively easy to spot spot undead here.

They finally reached the rendezvous with the Pride group. There were three young adult lions, including one female, one young adult male tiger and one female, and lastly there was what looked like an older, high ranking lion of the Pride. With them were two buffalo, both lugging large carts behind them, to hold any game the hunters catch.

Avery:" Colonel Raker. What a pleasant surprise."

Raker:" Captain Avery. It's been quite a while, hasn't it?"

Avery:" Yes it has. How is the old squad?"

Raker:" Old."

Avery chuckled at the colonel's joke.

Avery:" I'm glad to see old age hasn't swayed your sense of humor, but I'm no longer a captain in the Pride anymore."

Raker:" Perhaps, but as an inspiration to the younger lions, we salute you as such."

He brought a paw up to his face in salute, and the other soldiers followed.

Avery:" Thank you. But we are here as guilders with a contract."

Raker nodded.

Raker:" I understand. Seeing as we don't have all day, it's best we skip introductions for now. I'm sure we'll all get acquainted as we go."

Avery:" Very well."

Raker:" Normally we would let the rookies survive on their own, as is tradition. However, under the circumstances, we cannot afford to be careless. Team 1, that's my squad, will focus on the hunt. Aside from snallygasters, we'll be hunting fresh chimera, as well as any imps we come across."

Avery:" Right, and team 2, that's us, will focus on watching for undead. We'll keep our distance, and hunt any game that come our way, but remember team 2, our priority is to be the lookouts. If you see any undead, raise the alarm."

Hannah:" *Whispers* Psst, what do undead look like?"

Wags:" *Whispers* Anything with rotting flesh, or an exposed skeleton."

Raker:" Ready then? Off you go, rookies. I want to see five dead snallygasters within the next two hours."

The soldiers responded with a "Yes sir!" and went off to find their quarry. Team 1 went ahead, sneaking up to any prey they found that couldn't talk back. Team 2 followed at a distance, looking out for any undead, while also hoping to bag some game for themselves. Hannah noted mentally that the lions and tigers would prowl up to smaller prey, and pounce at the right time to catch them. The most common beasts around here seem to be large rodent-like creatures called "imps". They stand up to about a third of the size of a lion, but about an inch taller than Hannah, a full grown Eevee. They are hairless, with red skin, yellow sclera with tiny, black pupils, long, red tails, and they spit fire. And yet, the lions and tigers seem to catch them with ease without using any "magic".

Hannah:" Hey Wags. How come they don't use the... you know, the magic to hunt?"

Wags:" Hmm? Oh, well they don't have any."

Hannah:" So not all creatures in your world have powers?"

Wags:" Nope. Why? Do all creatures in your world have powers?"

Hannah:" Well yeah. It's how we battle."

Wags:" Battle?"

Hannah:" You know, like fighting, but competitively. No one actually gets hurt... unfortunately."

Wags:" Oh, so kind of like a magic duel."

Hannah:" I guess. What, your magic isn't lethal?"

Wags:" Actually, magic is extremely dangerous if not taught to control properly. But trained enough, magic users can learn to suppress the power of their magic to make it less likely to mortally injure someone."

Hannah:" Well that's no fun."

Wags:" Anyways, there are lots of creatures who aren't born with magic, but can learn magic."

Hannah:" Is that what that thing you're wearing is for?"

Wags:" Well... sort of. I have a condition in which I don't have the ability to use magic at all. So that's why I created this!"

Hannah:" And you named it Mea."

Wags:" It's more of an abbreviation."

Hannah:" Right."

Vagidon sniffed the air.

Vagidon:" Someone or something is following us."

Hannah's ears twitched, trying to listen to where they might be, when she felt something breathing down her neck. Slowly turning her head, she saw it, looming over her like a giant. The first thing she noted was the bird beak, with long tendrils, similar to that of an octopus or squid, snaking out of it, along with with the one eye on it's face. It looked like a bird, but it had no feathers, instead some reptilian skin. It's torso was big and plump, likely the reason it's so coveted for the unity feast, followed by a long, slender tail. It's wings were much smaller than it's body, but big enough to make it all the more intimidating. Hannah tried to say something before it grabbed her with it's tendrils, pulling her into it's beak. Everyone else took notice, and went to help her, as she used all four of her legs to delay being eaten alive.

Hannah:" GUYS! GET ME THE HELL OUT THIS THING!"

Vagidon's body began to shift, his bones and muscles making cracking sounds as they moved to accommodate his secondary form. At the end of his transformation, he looked way different. His body was still covered in fur, his eyes were angry red, and his claws and teeth grew much larger. The werewolf now stood on two legs instead of four, and his howl had reached the Pride hunting party.

The werewolf lunged at the large beast, digging his claws into it's long neck, forcing it to let go of Hannah. The snallygaster made a comeback by attempting to choke Vagidon with it's tail, but the werewolf was relentless, using his weight to pin the snallygaster while Fade and Fifi bit into it's tail, attempting to free Vagidon from it's grasp. Wags went to check on Hannah, as Vagidon pressed deeper into the snallygaster's through, forcing it to hack and cough up blood through it's tendrils. It started become weak, and let go of it's grasp on Vagidon. The soldiers arrived just as the beast was going limp. Some of them seemed disappointed not to have beaten the thing themselves.

Raker:" My goodness. It seems your team, Avery is well coordinated. Unlike these sorry saps."

Wags:" Hannah, are you alright?"

Hannah:" Just peachy. Hey Vagidon, thanks for the help back there. You sure took your time, though.”

Vagidon’s eyes were still blood red, and he was growling angrily.

Hannah:” H-hey man, it’s just a bit of criticism. Chill out.”

Vagidon let out a loud roar, and lunged in Hannah and Wag’s direction, and they both dodged out of the way. It didn’t look like he was targeting Hannsh or Wags specifically, though. It was as if he’d just gone into a rage.

Wags:” Uhoh. I think that fight put him into berserk mode!”

Hannah:” Say that again, in Pokish please!”

Wags:” A werewolves’ temper is extremely low in their beast form! Sometimes during a fight, they go berserk, and they go blindly attack anyone near them, friend or foe!”

Hannah:” That would have been nice to know before!”

Vagidon began to rush towards the soldiers, who had their spears ready. He was about to strike them, when all of a sudden he went stiff, and slowly collapsed on the ground, Fifi on top of his back. The soldiers looked at her in awe, unable to speak.

Fifi:” It’s alright, everybody. He won’t hurt anyone.”

Hannah:” That was awesome! How did you do that?”

Fifi:” Vaggie taught me how to calm him when he gets like that. He doesn’t mean it, it’s a defense mechanism. But a little pinch, in just the right spot does the trick.”

Raker:” Should we be concerned?”

Fifi:” Of course not. It doesn’t happen as often as before. It was just a bit of a surprise is all.”

Vagidon awoke, grabbing his head as if in pain.

Vagidon:” Oh, did I do it again?”

Fifi:” Afraid so, dearie. But don’t worry, no one got hurt. Are you alright?”

Vagidon:" Grrr... I think I sprained a muscle or two putting that thing out of it's misery. But I’ll be fine.”

Avery:" Are you sure? We don’t want any accidents here.”

Fifi:" He’ll be alright, ma'am. I’ve known him a long time. He can hold his anger.”

Fifi approached Vagidon and nuzzled against his muscular arm.

Avery:" Very well. Make sure to load it into the wagon. Shall we continue, colonel?"

Raker:" Indeed."

...

Back at the guild, Terran was helping Gunnar with the activities when he'd been asked to drop what he was doing to aid the cooking team.

Terran:" I'm not sure what I can do. I'm not a good cook, as my colleagues would remind me."

Rue:" Oh no. We have all the help we need on that. But we're running out of kitchen material. Mainly we don't have enough sugar to make enough pumpkin pie for everyone."

Terran:" Why not just buy some from the market?"

Rue shook her head vigorously.

Rue:" No no no. My grandmother's recipe requires a special type of sugar that is grown on Rusher's Island."

Terran:" Rusher's Island? That all the way in the Duke Isles. You expect me to run all the way there and back?"

Rue:" Of course not. There's a shop in Roaran that deals in imported goods. I know the shop keep, just mention my name, and he'll know what you're looking for."

Zippy:" Can I come!?"

Terran:" Zippy, you know Roaran is guarded by Pride soldiers, and you're technically still an outlaw."

Zippy:" But you have all those cool illusion spells! And I'm dying to get out of here! Pleeeease?"

Terran:" I don't know."

Rue:" Zippy does got a real good knack for cookin'. She might be able to sniff out other things we'll need."

Zippy:" Yeah! I can do that!"

Terran:" Alright. But you need to do what I say, when I say, got it?"

Zippy:" Understood!"

...

Back in the Wilds, the hunters continued their hunt, catching three more snallygasters on their own. Raker decided it was time to head back to Law City with the spoils.

Raker:" That's enough, hunters. Time to go home."

The hunters nodded. It used to be that lions would send their male children out into the Wilds to survive when they become two years of age. Now they are sent at the age of three to four, and mainly males are sent, although some females join the Alliance to undergo this rite for equal opportunity, many of whom enjoy it, even if they must die for it. But when one of them falls, their friends, and their colleagues take time greave, but they always push on in the end.

Avery:" Are we ready to leave?”

Raker:” Indeed. As per agreement, upon arrival to Law City, you'll be compensated with a fair amount of spoils from the hunt, including the snallygaster you killed."

Avery:" That's very much appreciated, Colonel. I am surprised, however, that the Horde hasn't made a move."

Raker:" I was thinking the same thing. I think they were waiting for us to gather our spoils, tire out before attacking. With that, they can kill an Alliance hunting party, and gain a whole load of meat for a feast of their own. I don't like it."

Vagidon:" We will continue to provide aid until we arrive at Law City."

Fade:" And we'll bite the legsss off anyone who comes near."

With that, the party began to move, towards a forest, finding their place on a road as to stay out of the trees. As they walked, Wags struck up conversation.

Wags:" I can't wait for the feast. Some creatures say it's the most redundant part of any holiday, but I say Unity Day is the perfect day have one."

Hannah:" Have a what?"

Wags:" A feast! Because it's the one day a year where everyone comes together to celebrate with friends and family. People and creatures of all kinds unifying, and giving gratitude for everything their peers contribute, and everything around them."

Hannah:" Okay? And what exactly are you grateful for?"

Wags:" Well, I've been having a great time with the guild! Meeting new creatures, and working with awesome talents, and even being able to share and contribute my own talents. What about you? Anything you're grateful for?"

Hannah looked down at her paws as she walked, looking sick to her stomach.

Hannah:" I... lost everything I could grateful for."

Wags gave a look of concern.

Wags:" Oh. I'm... I'm sorry."

Hannah quickly snapped back into her normal, serious self.

Hannah:" Just don't bring it up again."

Wags:" Okay... but, if you ever wanna talk about..."

Suddenly, something exploded on the side of one of the carts, tipping it over, along with the buffalo pulling it, and pouring the contents of the wagon all over the ground. One of the male lions, and the female tiger were hit with arrows. They screamed as Avery and Raker started barking orders for their teams to form a defense, pulling them behind the wagon. Undead soldiers came out of the trees, wielding bows and guns. There was about seven of them, and more behind the trees. Fifi rushed to the wounded lions, in an attempt to keep them from dying. She yelled as Vagidon went berserk, and rampaged on the undead. The tipped buffalo had taken several arrows and bullets, and died within seconds of the fight after the explosion, and the other buffalo ran away with the other cart.

They then used the tipped cart as cover, while Wags summoned a barrier of fire on the other side. Hannah was shivering, her mind going back to her world, and the wasteland she'd came from. Except this was way worse. Even through her panic, she wandered how such small, metal devices, could make so much noise, as the projectiles whizzed past her. She felt as if the world around her was being torn to pieces.

Avery:" Raker! We need to call reinforcements!"

Raker:" All of the flares were on the other wagon!"

Fifi:" Oh! Hannah! Grab into my bag! There should be a big, red potion inside, "

Hannah reached into Fifi's bag and pulled out a large bottle with red liquid.

Avery:" Brilliant idea! Wags, use your fire magic to light the bottle, and Hannah, throw it up in the air as high as you can before it goes off!"

Hannah:" I hope you all know what you're talking about!"

Wags lit the bottle, then focused all his attention on the barrier again. Hannah got on top of the rolled over wagon, and threw the bottle into the air as hard as she could. After a few second, the bottle exploded into a red smoke, in hopes of alerting any Alliance patrols. Hannah felt a bullet hit her shoulder, and she fell back behind the cart, into the pile of beast corpses. Vagidon came back, limping in wolf form, and collapsed on the ground next to Fifi, who already had two patients to tend to, full of bullet holes, cuts and arrows..

Fifi:" Oh my goshes! Vaggie! Don't move! I'm gonna make it better! Just hold on! Please, just hold on!"

Fifi was panicking, crying, trying to think rationally. But Vagidon was bleeding from almost everywhere.

Vagidon:" Just... *cough cough* just leave me. I've done my part. I can die, knowing I've fought hard to defend... those I care about."

Fifi:" Don't say that! I can... I can fix this!"

Vagidon:" You can't... fix everything, my love."

Wags:" Guys! I can't hold this much longer!"

Fifi:" Please, don't leave me. I can't go on without you."

Vagidon:" Yes you can. You're the strongest girl I know."

Hannah watched as Fifi embraced her mate with tears. It reminded her of something she once had. Something to fight for.

Hannah:" Damn it, Vagidon! You idiot! You're not dying today, and I'm gonna make sure of that!"

Vagidon:" I'm done. There's nothing you can..."

Hannah:" Shut up, and let me focus, you big fur ball!"

Hannah's long ears pressed together, and her body began to glow. She focused all of her strength into a strange, but soothing pulse. Her ears hovered over the werewolf's body, closing gaps in it's wounds. Both he and Fifi looked in awe at this miraculous healing magic they'd never seen before. Suddenly, the undead stopped firing at them, and started firing in the air. Above them, a bunch of large creatures, Some with the body, tail, and hind legs of a lion, and head, wings and talons of an eagle. Some of them, instead of an lion body, they would have the body of an equine. These are known as griffins and hippogriffs. A bunch of lions and tigers came out of the woods while the winged creatures distracted the Horde of Hunt. After Hannah finished healing Vagidon's wounds, he looked up at her.

Vagidon:" Thank you."

Hannah huffed, blushing in embarrassment.

Hannah:" Sh-shut up."

Fifi:" Thank goodness. Vaggie, how do you feel?"

Vagidon:" Like I got my tail kicked by a bunch o' road hogs."

Walking over to the two wounded soldiers, Hannah used her Healing Pulse on them as well. She was too late save the female tiger, however, and she died. Hannah couldn't help but feel an emptiness for her failure. She collapsed to the ground, having spent much of her energy on healing the wounded, and getting shot at. Soon after, the Pride had won, and the undead began to retreat back into the forest. There were a few casualties, but the hunting party was mostly saved.

...

Terran and Zippy had entered Roaran. Terran was using his illusion magic to make Zippy look like an average ginger cat. Once they'd found the shop that Rue mentioned, a shop called "Import-ants", they went in, and immediately their noses were assaulted with a blend of delectable scents they had never smelled before.

Zippy:" Mmm! This place smells amazing!"

Terran:" Y-yeah. Let's focus, though. We shouldn't be here long."

Terran walked up to the front desk, which was manned by a male Opossum with white and black fur, and dark glasses.

Terran:" Excuse me, sir. I'm looking for a special sugar from Rusher's Island. Rue sent me."

Opossum:" One moment, please."

The Opossum began sniffing the air, then pointed in the general direction.

Opossum:" Ah, there it is. Try aisle 3."

Terran:" Forgive me, but what was that about?"

Opossum:" Ah nothing. I'm blind, so I can't see at all. But I have an excellent sense of smell."

Terran:" I see. Uh... no pun intended. Thank you, sir."

Opossum:" Oh it's nothing. Feel free to browse as well, if you're interested in anything else."

Terran and Zippy found what they were looking for and grabbed a couple bags. Zippy sniffed around a bit as well, and picked up a few things she thought might be good to add to the feast. After paying for everything, they left the store with a big bag of goods.

Terran:" That was pretty expensive."

Zippy:" It'll be sooo worth it, though! And I'm sure Rue will be more than happy compensate us for our services!"

A couple of a kittens were playing in the road, and bumped right into Terran, knocking him over.

Kitten 1:" Oops! Sorry mister!"

Kitten 2:" Yeah, sorry!"

Terran:" Ow. You kids should watch where your going. You're lucky it was only me. Some other pedestrian might not be as forgiving."

Kitten 1:" We'll be more careful, sir!"

Kitten 2:" Yeah, promise!"

The kittens continued to run along, and Terran shook his head.

Zippy:" Uh, Terran. My illusion!"

Zippy's illusion dissipated, revealing herself. Terran silently cursed himself for getting distracted.

Terran:" Uh... I can fix it..."

Guard:" Hey, you there!"

A guard approached them. Terran cursed again at his slowness. Zippy looked nervous as the guard stared directly at her.

Guard:" Haven't I seen you before?"

Zippy:" U-umm..."

The guard's eyes went to one of the posters on the wall, which showed a drawing of Rumor and all four of her siblings.

"Wanted" it said. "Shifting elemental feline, Rumor. If you see any of these faces, report them immediately. The guard's eyes went back to Zippy, and now she was even more nervous. The public has noted each of their faces, but everyone believes that they are one entity.

Zippy:" I-I was just... umm..."

Terran:" She's... used to come here before. With her grandma. She passed away recently, and... my friend wanted to visit some of her favorite places."

Terran was using his charm spell, but as long as the guard didn't notice, the lie would work. The guard's face turned sympathetic.

Guard:" I see. I'm... uh... sorry for wasting your time, ma'am. Apologies for your loss."

Zippy:" O-oh. Uh, it's alright."

Terran:" We should be going. Your grandmother wouldn't want you to stay too long."

Zippy:" Y-yeah."

As they left, Terran made sure no one was looking as he cast the illusion again, and one on himself, making his green intead of purple just to make sure no one would recognize him.

Terran:" That was way to close."

Zippy:" I'm sorry. I didn't mean to blow our cover."

Terran:" N-no. It's my fault. Getting tripped by those kids... I lost focus, and the illusion dissipated. We should move before anyone figures us out."

Zippy:" Okay."

...

As the hunting party made their way to the guild, with a wagon of spoils, Hannah looked very crushed. Wags attempted to comfort her.

Wags:" Hey, it's okay. You did your best."

Hannah:" I don't need your pity!"

Wags:" Whoa. Hey, I'm just trying to help!"

Hannah:" Well, I don't need help! I'm perfectly fine on my own!"

Wags:" Why are you so agitated all the time?"

Hannah:" I'm agitated, because this place feels just like home! My home, which was crappy to begin with! Everyone is talking about how Unity Day is day of coming together, and giving gratitude! But so far today, I've nearly been eaten whole, almost killed by a werewolf, faced with an army of undead with loud, metal weapons, and I've had bugs in my fur ever since we started this outing! I wasn't fast enough to save that soldier from dying! So what do I have to be grateful for!?"

Wags:" Well, you're still alive aren't you?"

Hannah:" You think I care about me? Don't make me laugh! I would embrace death in a heartbeat!"

Wags:" That's not what you said earlier when you were being eaten."

Hannah:" I... you... so what? It's not like I was taking a knife to the heart! I was going to be eaten, and digested alive, which would be really freaking painful! I don't want to go out like that!"

Wags:" Then why didn't jump in front of those weapons? You would died instantly. Face it. For some reason, even if you don't want to admit it, you've found a reason to live! What is it?"

Hannah:" Nothing!"

Wags:" GOOD! Keep telling yourself that lie!"

Hannah tackled Wags to the ground, barring her teeth.

Hannah:" You don't know a THING about me!"

Vagidon:" I swear to the gods, I will turn this party around!"

Fifi:" Calm down, dear. I think we should let this play out."

Avery:" I agree."

Hannah:" You want to know why I'm so ungrateful? Why I am so resentful? Huh?"

Hannah began to tear up, dropets of water sliding down her cheeks as she struggled to keep them in.

Hannah:" I lost the only thing near and dear to me in my world. My reason for caring."

There was a moment of silence, as Hannah used all the strength she had not to flood the ground beneath her and Wags.

Hannah:" I hate everybody so I don't have to care about them. If I don't care, I have nothing to lose."

Hannah stood up with a sniff, and walked in the direction of the guild. Wags sighed heavily as he stood up.

Fifi:" Poor dear. It sounds like she's been through a lot. Do you think she'll be alright."

Avery:" Only she can answer that, I'm afraid."

...

Terran and Zippy had returned with the ingredients almost at the same time Avery and the hunting party did. Rue was pleased with the haul.

Rue:" Oh yes! This will be all be ready by dinner!"

Avery:" Are you sure your team couldn't use a break?"

Rue:" You kiddin'? They've been itchin' to get workin' on the snally! And a beauty she is!"

Vagidon:" I think her eggs are somewhere in there. Fair warning, though. One of them might be damaged. Not my fault."

Rue:" And thank you as well, Terran and Zippy. These ingredients will be put to good use."

Terran:" Oh, you know. It's nothing. Just doing our job."

Rue rolled her eyes, Terran's modesty not fooling her one bit.

Rue:" Okay, tough guy. Here are your embers."

Rue transferred a substantial amount of embers from her own flask to Terran's.

Terran:" Thanks."

???:" Mother! Am I late?"

Avery looked back with a smile, and opened her arms to hug a big, white female tiger. She was a couple inches smaller than Avery, and her eyes were bright yellow.

Avery:" Alice, darling. I'm so glad you could make it."

Alice:" We might operate from different guilds, but I wouldn't miss spending time on Unity Day with the lioness who raised for the world."

Wags:" Ah, hi there! Heh. I don't believe we've met. I'm Wags!"

Wags' face was flush with red as he extended a paw towards the large kitty.

Alice:" Nice to meet you, Wags. I haven't seen you around before."

Avery:" Alice, this is Wags. One of our newest. Wags, this is my adopted daughter Avery."

Wags:" Eh... daughter? I mean, of course! Hehe. That makes sense."

Terran:" Are you okay? Your cheeks are turning red through your fur."

Wags:" I don't know what you're talking about."

...

It was almost time for the feast. Rue and her cooks were making the final touches, as everyone in the guild sat in the mess hall with much anticipation. Hannah, however, was looking out at the view of Spring Borough from Avery's office balcony. She watched as the sun was going descending on the horizon. She sniffed, attempting to hold in tears against the cold wind that blew past her face.

Terran:" You know, this is Avery's office. She won't like it if we're in here without her present."

Hannah didn't answer. Instead she ignored him.

Terran:" You wanna talk about it?"

Hannah:" Fluff off. Or whatever you stupid creatures say."

Terran shrugged, almost indifferently.

Terran:" Okay."

Terran turned around and started walking back through the office.

Hannah:" W-wait."

Terran stopped, pricking an ear to listen.

Hannah:" Please... don't go..."

Terran walked up next to her. She looked like she'd been holding in her emotions, and they were just pounding to come out.

Terran:" Of course not. What kind of friend would I be if I just left you like this? I heard about your outburst earlier. Anything you want to get off your chest. If you need to cry, you can cry. If you want to yell, you can yell. It's what we're here for. It's what we do for each other."

Hannah sniffed again, allowing herself a few tears to slide down her cheeks.

Hannah:" Have you ever lost something... that gave you a reason to care... that after it was gone, you just couldn't take it anymore?"

Terran nodded.

Terran:" Yes."

Hannah:" Who were they?"

Terran:" A human. He was a human."

Hannah:" I thought... humans disappeared a long time ago."

Terran:" They did. Over seventy years ago. My kind live a long time. I'm a hundred and twenty three."

Hannah:" Dang."

Terran:" He found me as an egg. And he took care of me. He was like a parent to me, but different. It's difficult to explain, but we were best friends, he and I. But then..."

Terran looked somber.

Terran:" Ken was a soldier for the human military. The dragons were tearing things up again, and he was chosen to fight. But... this time, they had a weapon. Something they didn't have before, that would wipe out humanity. Once again, magical creatures had to come to their rescue. They used a... spell of some sort, the way I here it. They couldn't save all humans, but... well the spell... they just vanished. No one knows where they went. And now... very few humans live in our world today. I don't think think Ken was one of them. I searched... all over. Not even a trace. He didn't come home, either."

Hannah:" How did you... deal with it?"

Terran:" I didn't. At first. I was so angry at the world, for taking him away from me. Angry enough to make some very poor decisions."

Hannah:" You killed someone, didn't you?"

Terran:" I... No!"

Hannah:" Hey, I'm not judging. If you killed someone, you killed someone. No use crying over spilled blood."

Terran:" You and I need to have a serious talk about ethics."

Hannah:" Kidding. So what happened? How did you end up dealing with it?"

Terran sighed.

Terran:" Well, I... made some mistakes. And I payed for them. Eventually, I was welcomed in to the guild. Previous guild leader was complete jerk, and almost got us shut down, before he died of natural causes, and Avery took control, and made everything different, better."

Hannah:" In my experience, people who die from "natural causes" don't die from natural causes."

Terran:" He was an really old goat. Honestly, it's surprising he even made it so long."

Hannah:" Heh. Let me guess, he started thinking about his sins, donated all his wealth to charity."

Terran:" How'd you know?

Hannah:" Seen it happen all the time. But ain't no paradise gonna take you just for giving away your money."

Terran:" So... what about you? Who did you lose?"

Hannah didn't answer for several minutes. When she was ready, she spoke.

Hannah:" My son. Remus. He was... a good kid. The biggest, brightest eyes you would ever see."

Hannah sniffed, and more tears made their way out. Terran put a paw on shoulder to comfort her.

Hannah:" I was so proud of him... when he took down his first hellhound. We mounted it's head on the wall. And he said 'Mommy. When I grow up, I want fight bad guys, just like you.' I told him that I was a soldier. A member of a group called the Enforcers. I lied to him... because I was too much of a coward to tell him that his mother was a cold-blooded mercenary."

Terran:" So what happened?"

One night, Remus followed me in secret. I guess... he wanted to see what I did. I was landing a gig with a local gang, operated by an old Zoroark called Sallus Aritino. One of them caught him snooping and... let's just say it took a lot of convincing, and a big share of my job earnings to get them to realize he wasn't a spy. I took him home that night, and we had a big fight. He... didn't take it well. I told him to stay put in the house until the job was done. After I finished the job... I went back home... before collecting my pay. I don't know why, but... I felt I should. But when came back...

Hannah was breathing heavily now. Tears came bigger and faster.

...

Flashback...

''The house was burning. Hannah didn't hesitate. She called out Remus' name as she burst through the weak, wooden, burning door. As debris was falling around her, she made way upstairs, and into his bedroom, where Remus lay, coughing underneath a a fallen plank from the ceiling, the teenage Eevee calling for his mother to help him. Hannah rushed to his aid, lifting the plank off of him.''

''He couldn't stand. He'd been beaten and battered before the house started burning. She picked him up, swung him over her back. As she attempts to leave the room, more debris falls in front of the door. The door is blocked, and there was now only one way out. Cradling Remus in her front paws, she stood on her hind legs, not very easily, and she kissed Remus' forehead, before jumping out of the window. It was about ten meters, felt like an eternal fall before they hit the ground, Hannah cushioning the fall with her back, in attempt to spare her son. They both lay there for a while, Hannah fighting hard to stay conscious, for Remus' sake. He needed help, but she couldn't move.''

Remus:" M-mom. I-I'm sorry."

Hannah:" It's okay sweetie. It's mommy's fault. I should have told you everything. Just... keep breathing. Don't stop."

Remus:" I... feel dizzy."

Hannah:" Remus. Don't close your eyes. Please. It's gonna be okay. I'm going to... I'm going to get you help."

Remus:" Mom? Can we... still fight bad guys?"

Hannah:" Yes honey Anything! I'll do anything!"

Remus:" And... can we save good guys too?"

Hannah was still struggling to move from the fall, but she managed to hug Remus tight, crying into his fur.

Hannah:" Yes. We can save lots of good guys! I promise! But you have stay with me, please! Mommy can't do it without you!"

Remus' body went limp as she held him.

''Remus? Baby? Remus! REMUS!"''

...

Present day...

Hannah let loose everything she had into Terran's chest. He held her tightly, letting her spill out all of her emotional baggage at once.

Terran:" I'm sorry. You had to hold your own son in your arms while he died."

Hannah:" I told them he wouldn't pose a threat, but Aritino was paranoid. He expected me to collect my earnings, just to fall into a trap. But I got to him first. I beat him, and beat him, until I was caked in the old mon's blood. I didn't stop until my paws gave out. But it didn't satisfy me. He made me bury my own child, and the only thing I could do was kill the bastard!"

Terran:" I can't imagine what that's like. I've never been a parent. I wish there was something I could say to take away the pain, but... I can't. But we can help you get through it, and help you accept that pain, maybe even ease it a little. But only if you'll let us."

The Eevee's lips quivered behind her tears as she looked him in the eyes.

Hannah:" I... I would like that."

Terran pulled her into a comforting hug.

...

Hannah and Terran made their way downstairs. Wags saw them, and approached Hannah cautiously.

Wags:" Um... Hannah. I hope I'm not bothering. I just wanted to say I'm sorry for..."

Hannah wrapped her paws around the wolf, causing him to blush, both in embarrassment, and in surprise.

Hannah:" Thank you, Wags. For caring about me. I'm... I'm very grateful to have you as a friend."

Wags returned the hug.

Wags:" You... called me a friend."

Hannah:" Would you rather I call you tiny turd?"

Wags:" No. No, friend is good. I'm grateful to have you as a friend, too."

Hannah broke the hug, then leaned in, and connected her own lips with Wags', causing him to blush even more, it almost seemed as if the fur on his face was turning red. She broke the kiss with a grin on her face, then walked by without another word.

Vagidon:" Ha ha! You must be quite the charmer!"

Wags:" I'm never livipng this down, am I?"

Terran:" Probably not."

They heard a small bell being rung by Captain Avery. She was standing in the back of the mess hall, trying to get everyone's attention as the feast was being set on the tables, and everyone took their seats. Alice stood next to her excitedly.

Avery:" Thank you, everyone, for joining us in this years Unity Day feast. I am proud to have every single one of you here today. My adopted daughter, Alice, would like to take a moment, to say a prayer, and you may join us, regardless of what gods you worship. If not, than I would ask that you be respectful, and wait until the end to eat your fill."

Almost everyone in the guild bowed their heads in silence. Many of them closed their eyes, some of them kept them open. Others simply sat quietly while Alice made her speech. She closed her eyes, and held her left paw to her heart.

Alice:" We would like to take this moment, to show our gratitude, for a great harvest, and a thrilling hunt, that allows us to have this feast today. We are grateful for the many friends we have here, in this guild."

Avery:" We pray for a future, where we are strong, and are able to endure any challenges we come across. That we continue to thrive, to become the best we can be. For we are lion hearts, and we are one with each other. Let the feasting begin."

Everyone in the guild, big, small, tough, weak, differences and all, begun to eat their fill, and chatter happily among themselves. There was enough food for everyone, and afterwards, even leftovers for tomorrow. The snallygaster was stuffed with the tentacles from it's own beak, which everyone enjoyed the taste of. Everyone had a good time, with fun activities, and simply hanging out with each other. Even Hannah enjoyed spending time, stuffing herself, and getting a little bit drunker than she intended with the rest of her guild mates. All was well in the Lion Hearts Guild.

...

The knight of shadows took his time. It was with great care, that he wove his enchantment, summoning multiple rifts in the same area. The shadow demon would have to wait, of course, as he needed to regain his strength from his last encounter with the Shadow Lord's champion. He didn't show his demon form then, likely out of fear of exposing himself to his allies, but the knight knew what sort of power he held, and he wanted it for himself. Nearby, a curious, red fox, with six tails was watching with great interest from a tree branch.

Drak: ''So... this is what's responsible for all those little rifts popping up all over the place. I must say, I'm impressed with the display of power.''

The knight raised his hands in the air, grunting from exertion as he summoned another rift. Drak inched a bit closer on the branch, unknown to him, a shadow hound had climbed up the tree he was hiding on. It growled, earning his attention, and then snapped at him, causing him to flinch and fall from the tree.

Knight:" I thought I felt a stalking presence."

Drak brought himself to his paws, growling at the knight, showing the maws of his tails, which hissed dangerously at the knight, as he was surrounded by shadows on all sides.

Drak:" Do you know who I am? I am Drak, advisor to Undead King Lee, and he would not be pleased to hear you attacked his favorite pet."

Knight:" A pet you are. Not only are you a filthy creature, with undeserved magic, you are an abomination."

Drak:" I'll take that as a complement."

Knight:" Give me one good reason I shalt not kill you where you stand?"

Drak:" How about six!"

Drak lunged forward, attacking the knight's left arm with his mouth tails, and craning the knight's neck, to bite into it. The taste was less than desirable, but the power he felt from absorbing black shadow essence was well worth the bitterness. The knight grabbed the fox, and with all his strength three him off, sending him rolling. He quickly recovered to his feet, and hissed again as a shadowsite snuck up behind him, and consumed the mutant fox. The shadowsite began to take on a larger form of the fox creature, a beastly figure with six mouth tails. The knight shook his head in disappointment.

Knight:" Amateur."

As the knight turned away, the shadowsite began to screech in pain, rolling over onto it's back, flailing about. It's stomach began to ripple as if something was attempting to escape it, and sure enough, a fox paw burst out of it's stomach. Drak tore his way out of the parasite's body, leaving behind a shadow corpse. But now he was different. Not only was he bigger, and stronger-looking, part him was actually covered in shadow essence.

Drak:" What's this? I've gotten a boost from shadow blood before! But this... this feels... good!"

Knight:" That power... it does not belong to you!"

Drak:" It does now. I wander..."

Drak looked at the rift next to him, the clapped his paws together twice. A shadow hound came out of the rift, and looked at him.

Drak:" Bow to me!"

The shadow hound bowed, and so did all the other shadow creatures around him, apart from the knight. The knight looked at his minions in realization. With his power drained, he no longer could control them. Drak grinned ear to ear at the knight, who stood in shock at just how royally screwed he was.

Drak:" Hehe... hehehe... Now. Kill. That. Knight."

The shadows began to attack the knight, but the knight quickly opened a rift and hopped through before they could reach him. Once on the other side of the rift, he took note of his surroundings. He was in the palace of Ara'Khan, where the Shadow Lord himself sat on his throne.

Ara'Khan:" You seem to be having trouble, knight."

Knight:" Make no mistake! I will regain my power, and put an end to you and your realm!"

Ara'Khan:" Until then, you cannot harm me. And I cannot harm you. You may as well give up this petty quest for revenge. It will do you no good."

Knight:" Enough! I am tired of being told what to do! I know about your new champion. Does it know that you are using it, for your celestial gain? Like you used me, and betrayed my loyalty all those years ago?

Ara'Khan:" You questioned my authority as a god. It was not your place."

Knight:" It was not my place to question my purpose!? You could have protected her, and yet YOU DID NOTHING!"

Ara'Khan:" Begone, traitor. Out of my realm!"

With that, the knight disappeared, leaving the Shadow Lord alone in his throne room.

To be continued...