A long walk

[Dargan]

Pain.

Pain was all the fire Celestial could feel. The ground under him felt unreal, as if it was just a dream. His eyes were glazed over from the agony that enveloped him. He wanted to go to the place where he was his strongest, no he needed to go there, to one of the only places where his element surrounded him. He felt bad for leaving Seina, but he could not help it. He did not want her to see him like this, defeated and in pain. Every step was painful and the fires that usually wreathed his paws were so faded they look like old blood-stains. He did not have the energy to purge his coat of the water that soaked it, trying to do so would cause him to pull from the energy he used to heat the earth. He should have been strong enough to get rid of it, but somehow it clung to him.

It was him or the earth, and he chosen to let the earth keep its power. Heating himself with the drying water would be too much for him, and he knew it. The water that fell on him by Arria felt so painful, and he could not compare his pain to any other time in his life. Each of his pains was different, but this felt like death. He knew he had to be getting close to his haven, but it seemed so far away.

He was heading towards the closest volcano he knew of, for volcanoes were his most powerful strongholds, they were purest of all fires. The only bad think was he had to cross through Adair to get there. Usually he could have just went by way of smoke, but he was in too much pain. He was forced to travel there like a normal wolf, because he did not want to become that bodiless spirit ever again.

He felt the ground slope up under his paws and hope sparked in his eyes. He knew once he got out of the mountain hills of Adair, he would find his volcano. Leaving his volcano, when the packs split was his biggest mistake and how he regretted it. When he left the volcano, he thought it was no problem, but now that he was hurt everything was different. He needed his volcano more then ever.

The only thing that could stop Dargan was Arria, but he hoped she was tied up by Seina still.



'ooc:
Here you go, Kyle. The weak and tired Dargan is in Adair. xD

[Kyle]

He glided quietly across the rocky land, placing his paws neatly so as not to tear the bottom of his pads. He had meant to go hunting, but somehow ended up in a quiet walk across the land of Adair. Jey was enjoying the bright sunshine that warmed him through his thick fur and the cool breeze gently tossing about. He looked up to the sky which was clear and beautiful. The bright colors of the world shone out in all their glory. This was truly a great day.

Jey had been enjoying it all, but then something very strange began to happen. The breeze that ruffled his fur suddenly stopped. It became completely silent, a strange silence, as if everything had stopped to wait to see what would happen. The sun's bright rays seemed to grow cold. The earth became silenter still waiting to know what was going to happen.

All this seemed to blow away as Jey spotted a shape off in the distance slinking through the territory. He could now tell that it was indeed a wolf. He had to know who it was to protect his pack. He slunk low to ground, his unwavering green eyes watching the wolf.

Suddenly, he darted. He didn't use his power much, but it did come in handy most of the time. It seemed to him as if he was flying through the air, the scenery blowing past him. He pushed his paws into the dirt and landed right in front of the wolf, blowing a cloud of dust through the air.

He could see now that this was a loner, a vagabond. He lowered his head and asked, quite nicely, "What are you doing in our territory?"

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[Dargan]

The climb up the steep hill was quite a challenge for the tired brute. His breathing was shallow and the sun offered no comfort for his tired muscles. All the warmth he loved was fading. He did not have the energy to keep the his body temperature as high as he would normally. His eyes were half closed as he climbed higher.

Dargan stopped, he could smell another wolf nearby and he growled to himself silently. He felt the wind rush past him and he could see the wolf running, but he would not let the stranger know that. Dargan did not want the wolf knowing who he was, but this mortal seemed to be trying to frighten the god. How ridiculous, the thought of a mortal wolf even trying to scare me! The male fought back a weak laugh as he watched the newcomer come to a stop before him.

The male was an oddly colored wolf, but that only made Dargan more tense. He eyed the mortal wolf over with keen eyes and his worry lessened. He could tell this wolf was not a Sequs, as he did not have the markings of Trigo or Arria. Still those odd markings along his face were quite unusual and made the brute wonder about this mortal.

Your territory? Better not let Arria hear you, mortal. A slow smile slipped on to Dargan's face as he looked at the loyal pack member. He could tell this wolf cared for his pack. I am just passing through, little one. Do not worry, I am leaving right now. Unless you want to come with me to make sure I leave? Dargan did not really care if this wolf came with him or not, but he knew he had slipped up with his words. Dargan's body only appeared three years old eternally, while the wolf before him looked quite old. He cursed his own mistake and hoped his wet fur would hide his body's true age.

[Kyle]

Jey suddenly felt like he' bent dealt a full body blow as the recoil from the dash came up. He felt tired as if a heavy weight was pushing him down. His muscles felt stiff, as if back from a really long unsuccessful hunt. He hid this pain from the wolf though, as not to make him seem weak.

He now took a good look at the wolf in front of him. He watched as the vagabond's bright yellow eyes studied him, as if he was looking for something. He could see now that this wolf had been on a long trek too. He must have felt the same as Jey. But something very curious struck Jey, why was the wolf wet? He looked like he had been swept off the Wavern Ledge. His smoky black fur was plastered to his side, and drops of water dripped from his coat. He wanted to ask why, but something held him back.

The wolf also had a strange scent floating about him. It wasn't a normal smell you would find among wolves. Jey couldn't recognize it. Of course, if he had ever had a run in with a wildfire he would have recognized it as a smokey sort of smell, mingled among the normal scents of a wolf.

He lifted his head as the wolf spoke. This is a Milede's job. He thought more for a moment. Then spoke, "I will escort you to the border." he said more to himself than the loner, truly wishing he could just let him pass through.

[Dargan]

Dargan could not help wonder what this wolf had seen in his life, and what he has not seen. His eyes were steady as he watched the enemy's mortal wolf. Dargan was in more pain then he was showing, but he would not let this wolf know it was from water. Water had done more then weaken him, it had left him tired and needing.

He did not miss the male's muscles stiffen, but he pretend not to notice, after all what does a god miss? This male was not a warrior, but he did seem to have some strength, which was good. After all, Dargan would not be caught dead with a weakling. How much has this wolf noticed about me and what does he know? Does he know who I am? Maybe I should start telling him lies about myself. Dargan sighed as he tried to remember his oldest name, a name only Seina knew. The name was so old, he only hoped the wolf would buy it.

I thank you for escorting me to your border, but I wish to show you something. It is not far past the border and it is something that was passed down through my father's side.

Dargan threw Jey a smile and his eyes soften. He could not let this wolf think he was a cold unforgiving monster, as the stories lead some to believe. Is there a name, that I may call you? You may call me Arsen Rutilus or Arsen. The smile was painful for him, every movement was painful. The border was close, but he was not sure he could make it in time.

Dargan slowly walked around Jey and began to lead the way towards his old home. Home was a place that he knew, no matter how long he was way.

[Kyle]

Jey still thought there was something strange about this wolf. Something he didn't know, and probably would never find out. He truly was curious of this wolf, about who he really was, and where he came from.

He slowly, very slowly began to become more comfortable around the wolf. He thought the wolf wouldn't attack in the state he was in. Then again the wolf wanted to take him somewhere off the border, where he could have a group of vagabonds waiting to attack him. He wasn't sure if he would follow him past the border. Then he saw the smile. It was a stiff, painful smile. It still didn't comfort Jey a lot, but it brought some peace to him.

"I am Jeyka Tarkan, or Jey." he said. Then he saw the wolf stiffly walking around him and heading for the tall mountains of the north, where a rather huge volcano sat. If they did go that way it would take a long time with both wolves tired. "If we go that way we have to walk far out to go round a range of mountains. We should go through the mountain pass, this way." He pointed himself to the right.

[Dargan]

So that it is it? Jey Tarkan, not a common name, but not unheard of. Dargan smiled as his lies were bought by a sucker. He was just glad this wolf did not have the smarts to question him further. Dargan had never been the type for questioning and he might loose his mind, if he was asked too many things.

Dargan was not sure why, but this wolf was becoming more relaxed around him. What was it that had done this for Dargan? Was luck on his side today? No, it was not. This must be luck trying to make up for all the water. Well, it was a started, but it had a lot to make up for.

Dargan stopped and dragged his eyes off of the volcano and looked a Jey. Is it possible to have a quicker way or is this a trick? There was so much to lose for Dargan, but he had no other choice, but to trust this stranger. Lead the way, Jey. I have no idea how to get through the pass and I trust you can get me through there safety. Dargan nodded his head at Jey to lead on.

Dargan was not sure what was in this mountain pass, but it sounded open and cold. It was not safe for him if Trigo and Arria, happened to appear. He need to get to the volcano and fast.

[Kyle]

"Follow me then." Jey would have preferred Arsen to be in front of him, but this would have to do. He began walking, placing his paws neatly on the ground again. He noticed now that one had been torn in his dash. He now felt less stiff able to make better use of his strides.

But this walk would not be as enjoyable. He could tell it was getting colder still. He looked up. The sun, which had been bright and cheery before was now cold. It look faded, as if were dying. He also noticed it was getting darker, as if the sun has slowly disappearing over the horizon.

Ahead of him a large rock, with a very sharp point rose from the ground. The pass was hidden by the rock, you had to know it was there. He sat and turned his head round seeing how Arsen was doing. He really wished he wouldn't have to help the wolf the rest of the way, as he still seemed to be weak.

[Dargan]

Dargan knew what was wrong, but he could do nothing to stop it. His power was fading, but if he took the heat away for his needs, then something bad would come out of it. The wolves might freeze to death in a second or he might start an ice age.

He could hear Seina and the others already, blaming him for the this. Dargan could not help what was happening to the sun. Just like him, it was fading and his fur was not drying out. Something is not right here. What did that female do to me? Dargan coughed and as he coughed the sun flickered out for a second. He was getting worse and there was no possible way for Jey to carry him.

Dargan started to force him legs into a jog in hopes of getting to the volcano faster. He was not sure how quick this way was, but he needed to get there soon. He could already feel the opening to the core of the earth nearby, calling to him.

[Kyle]

As soon as Jey saw Dargan begin to jog forward he moved on. He spun around the large rock till where you would think it would hit into the wall of rock. There was a large crack in the wall, large enough for any wolf to slip through with ease.

"This way." He said hoping that Arsen had caught up to him now. He quickly ducked through the crack. He came out to a long narrow passageway, with sheer rock cliffs on both sides. It was lit only by a few rays of sun the were caught and bounced down. It was cold. Everything about it was cold. He thought they would have to jog through it or Arsen might freeze. He waited till the shape of the wolf appeared from the crack.

[Dargan]

Dargan blinked in shock. He was sure Jey was going insane and trying to run into a rock. He was confused, when instead of hitting the rock, Jey went through it. As Dargan go closer, he saw a large hole in the rock and slipped through.

This way of travel is quite different from what I use to, but I must say, I like it. In truth, Dargan was use to appearing where he wanted and not walking for long distances. This was a good experience for him and it made him think of how the mortal wolves' lives were. No wonder they sleep so much, if they have to walk like this all the time. Dargan did not notice the cold really, as he was colder than the air already and only his misty breath told him, the what was happening. The world was getting colder. He nodded to Jey to show he was ready to continue. Lets run, we need to get to the volcano as soon as possible.
The god's eyes glowed with determination.

[Kyle]

Jey watched as the black wolf emerged from the entrance to the long passageway. He shivered seeing the puff of smoke rise from Arsen's mouth. He doesn't normally travel this way. Jey found this statement to be quiet peculiar. He soon discarded the thought from his mind. Surely he meant traveling on the mountain terrain.

He still seemed very curious to Jey. "Volcano!", he said shocked at the thought. "Why would you go to Dargan's volcano?" Suddenly, it all came toppling down on the Jey. The fur color, eye color, wet coat that didn't dry, sun dying, weak wolf, everything seemed to crash on him at once. He took a step back. "Are you really... Dargan?" He asked.

[Dargan]

Dargan eyed Jey with eyes that was searching. He wanted to know things, but it was not his place to ask them. After all, he was the one who asked for help, not Jey. What does this wolf think about when others are not around? Why did he care enough to help me? His eyes held so many questions, but his lip's remained silent.

Dargan smiled as Jey was taken aback by the idea of going to a volcano. To Dargan the volcano was home, but in his current state of mind, he could not think like a true mortal might. He did not see how the idea could be a bad one and was a bit shocked that Jey did. The Caelestis smiled as his current name was spoken. He loved the way it sounded and how it rolled off the tongue. Dar-gan! He could just listen to someone call his name all day without caring why they called him.

Reality hit Dargan as he noticed the other male take a step back. So what if I am? Are you afraid? You promised to take me to the volcano, now take me! Can't you see the trouble this place is in? If Dargan was not so weak he would have used his powers, but right now he couldn't.

[Kyle]

Suddenly, the mood of Dargan changed, just with the sound of his name. The name that stuck terror into the world. All the names, stories, and fables came to Jey's mind. This was the god of fire, the god of the sun, the feared god, the dark god. The story of his hatred of the two gods of the earth. And now that powerful god, stood weak before him. He had to have help to reach his volcano.

But Jey knew the severity of what would happen if the god were to weaken even more. The whole world would be torn, ripped apart by the loss of heat. Jey's green eyes shot a cold glance at the god. He nodded his head and began to run forward, slowly at first. Wishing to get out, of what was about to begin.

[Dargan]

Dargan's eyes were hot with anger, but he would not hurt Jey. In truth he was going to help him with his injured paw. Dargan knew it was his fault Jey's paw was bleeding and he knew his paw had to be hurting him in some way. But right now Jey's paw was not the thing that needed attention. In truth the way Jay looked at Dargan, told him, he knew the stories. God of fire, the god of the sun, the feared god, the dark god. The names went through Dargan's head and each one felt like a slap to him.

You know that sometimes you have to be what others want you to be, no matter how terrible the thing is. Dargan spoke with a weakened voice and it broke halfway through. His eyes met Jey's cold green eyes and he knew Jey hated him. It seems my fan-club is everywhere these days. Finally Dargan stopped glaring at Jey and ran after him. He was not going to let this wolf get away from him. He might tell someone he was here after all and secondly Dargan had no idea where he was.