Chapter 10

I woke to the feel of soft fur on all sides. Legs, arms, even my neck felt the softness of moving fur, as if I were given a breathing pillow. Judging by how my neck felt raised yet warm, I can only assume…Yes.

This was a wolf pile. The Gem Wolves surrounded my form like kin, and laid against one another like a pack of sardines. Their colorful coats glittered with their simmering gemstones. Their body warmth was enough for the cold air, leaving me to stare at an open sunrise sky, no longer cloudy. I could almost pretend I was back in the States, right by the house on the hill. Laying on the grass and watching the clouds.

The rhythmic breathing around me inspired my numb fingers to twitch in warm-up.

I breathed in, breathed out. Alive. I’m still alive.

A low whine reached my attention. I turn my head to a pure white wolf with dull murky eyes. Far older than Ruby, but younger than Opal. The color is what brought me to pause.

“…Ivory?” There was no gemstone to be found, and those ears are the same.

With a shuffle came Ebony from the right, offering a slight smile as he stood a distance away from my laying posture. A green fuzz laid in his hands.

“Ivory felt terrible and couldn’t find it within him to face you in any other form.” Ebony resolutely reported, reaching over and replacing the wet moss on my head with a fresh batch. “How do you feel, Shepherd? Any lingering pains?” The questions were as if I had been ill.

I don’t remember a fever? Yet the wolves under and next to me are closely cuddled as if I needed the support to survive. Their body warmth was quite comfortable. And their fur felt better than wool could ever be.

“We successfully escaped?” I inquired back, shifting my arm to raise a hand and pat Ivory’s head.

A fluffy white tail flicked slowly. WorryConcernGuilt flooded the tips of my claws. I merely offered a tiny smile, Ivory looked adorable like this. Ivory, as if reading my thoughts, gave a pouty wolf-huff and pushed into the touch.

I said nothing and continued to gently pet him. His fur is similarly soft like the Gem Wolves.

“There was a chase, but nothing we couldn’t handle.” Ebony replied smoothly, ears raised in pride. “I’ll admit, it was a challenge to dodge arrows with someone on my back, but it was a valuable experience.” Ebony joined me in sitting by the wolves. “Ivory is fairly skilled at a gun, he found his calling. Would you like to talk about what happened?”

The petting ceased as I paused. “No, but where are we?”

Ivory grunted as a reddened blur barreled into him.

Ruby is a funny pup, I admired their courage.

Ebony kept a pleasant grin as I watched the two young wolves argue. “We traveled quite the distance since you took a needed rest. I’d say…The next kingdom over.” His confidence shined like victory. “The Guard can follow us, but it will take a considerable amount of diplomatic delegation to step foot here.” Ebony proudly raised his head. “With your permission, Shepard, I would like to take the time to train you properly as we decide on where to settle with the Gem Wolves.”

There’s a shift under me, and I let myself be moved as Opal slipped out from the wolf pile, calm and proper. The rosy canine sniffed at my face before turning away with what I assumed to be a satisfied analysis.

“Can’t we make our own place?” I kept my eyes on Opal, the wolf padding away to join the other wolves keeping watch. It looked to be a social check in. “Having to live in constant fear of being found,” I kept memories firmly planted in the present as a sigh dragged from my lips. “I wished for safety the most as a kid. A place where only I and my family could go. So we wouldn’t be located by…”

Cold. Grass. Nighttime, and the slow steal of needed oxygen.

“It’s not an impossible plan,” Ebony’s ears twitched warily.

“But?” I pressed, blinking hard and watching Ruby climb Ivory’s back. The white wolf seemed disgruntled but unwilling to shake the pup off.

“It requires magic from the most skilled of this world.” Ebony clicked his tongue. “Kazo bestowed magic upon you, but yours is physical based. We don’t know your spell casting ability. I’m sure we could test it with old magic books… This nation is known for hoarding knowledge,” Ebony trailed off, eyes thoughtful.

“Also, Ebony, I have a question. And demand.” I reached for Ivory, who stilled at the feel of my fingers through his snow-white fur. I am reminded of the first day I came to this world.

“Always, Shepard.” Came Ebony’s quick reply.

“Call me Big Sister when it’s just you, the wolves, or Ivory around.” I told Ebony. “You too, Ivory. I didn’t mean to cause worry. From now on, I’ll trust in your abilities to keep safe.” Teams did not work when trust wasn’t abundant.

This world is dangerous, full of greedy, unsavory, unkind people. Eerily similar to my own world. There was no room for budding resentment while bonds were still new.

“As you request, Big Sister. As for your woes, I wasn’t completely worried,” Ebony admitted with a sheepish rasp. “Dishonorable as Queen Wizir was, her nation did not have any magical weapons. A faceless fool shot at the wolves with an arrow, yes? To you, it wouldn’t have done more than felt like a thrown stick.” Ebony glanced back at the Gem Wolves.

I grinded my teeth. “Who else has that kind of advantage?”

Ebony shut his eyes with a respectful bow of the head. “You, Ivory and I.”

I nipped at my claws. “Thought so.” I’m glad to have moved back then. It had been impulsive but the thought of those I protect, injured, was unacceptable. “Ivory?” I gently blew onto his ear.

Somehow, it was still too much for the white wolf. Ivory rolled onto his side with a louder whine of surrender. I witnessed Ruby hop off in time, then paw at the downed wolf’s back.

“…I’m sorry,” I kneeled down to get closer. “I didn’t mean to treat you like glass. I would’ve been angry too. Would you join me and Ebony in training? I want to see your gun skills. I heard you were quite the shot.” And remembering the shattered cross bow, Ivory must’ve had genuine talent.

Ivory’s tail gave a light wag.

My heart felt lighter.

I finally snuck out of the wolf pile, stretching my legs and rolling my claws. “Alright. So the wolves are going to rest, but we’ll also move around. I don’t want to stay in place. You said this nation is known for its magical knowledge?” Perfect for research.

“They greatly value the past,” Ebony informed. “Which is why they collected many books deemed worthless by most. If you cannot cast the spells, why have it?”

“I might be able to do it.” I clenched a claw. “No, I have to. A life of running is exhausting and terrible. I promised these wolves freedom and a life without hell constantly at their paws. I will continue to hold onto those words.” A promise was a promise. A bond of trust.

“…As Shepard wishes.”

“Ebony.” I warned.

“Big Sister, much apologies.” Ebony lightly replied.

He’s cheeky.

I don’t mind it one bit. Yes, this showing of personality between the twins was a blessing. They weren’t mindless puppets as I subconsciously feared.

With this, I can relax.

“About your training…” Ebony drawled on, with a glint to the eye.

Ahh, good bye, peaceful resting. Hello bruises and taxing misery.

It would be several hours later, when most of the wolves slept, and Ivory approached in his humanized form.

I had been busy washing my hands from the bloodied experience of punching boulders and wood raw. Ebony was a strict teacher, and Ivory had been absent until now. I had thought he was still too upset to join us but…What’s in his hands?

“I’m sorry too.” Ivory whispered, voice hoarse. “I did not mean to add a crack. I want to help. I don’t want to cause you hurt. Back with Niko, I meant what I said. You mean the world to me. You and Ebony.” He quivered in place. “I worked up the courage to make this, a show of my resolve.”

My eyes are locked on the curved object in his hands, soon pushed into my hold. My claws can feel the rough texture, nail-curved and rough in all the ways a hand-made object can be.

“A true Shepard needs a crook.” Ivory turned away.

Let it be known, it is absolutely Ivory’s fault for my reaction of jumping his back and ruffling his hair. I didn’t know Ivory could squawk like a strangled parrot but you learn something new every day!

“I’ll cherish it.” I vowed.

“…As long as you cherish yourself as well.” Ivory allowed.

I rubbed a knuckle into his hair again, and his grumbling growl only brought on my laughter.

Yes, this showing of personality was a blessing, indeed.