Home Again

[WolfieIsCrazy]

As she ran, the walls around Brooke began to form faces. Their distant, high pitched screams echoing in her head. Suddenly the different faces began to form into one distinct face. The faces dragged off the wall into the face. A paw raised up in front of her, seizing to continue running. All the voices, booming into one, spoke loudly and clearly, questioning the two wolves presence. Her chest rose and fell quickly, both from running and fear. A body began to form behind the face, it gleamed different colors before settling into grey with a rustic looking brown. It's eyes were pale, finding Brooke's and looking down upon her. She shivered at it's cold gaze. Never in her life had she seen such a creature.

Its voice boomed again, rumbling the rocks on the floor. Brooke loosing her balance fell in front of the mysterious presence in front of her. She could hear Aurek's out of breath voice just behind her. He seemed as confused as her, as to what the creature was. Or maybe, he knew what creature it was, but was confused to it's being here. His words confused her, "Now reveal yourself." So this this wasn't his true form? As scared as she was, she wasn't looking forward to see it's true form. She hobbled up into a stand, backing away from the creature, and towards Aurek. Once she reached him she asked the question that had been bugging her, "So that's not its true form?"

[Relairah]

Aurek glanced at Brooke when she moved toward him, asking him about this other's true form. Well, he wasn't sure for certain, but he did have a feeling that no, this wasn't it's true form. Needless to say, that wasn't what he had meant. More of looking for an identity and explanation from the creature. Either way, though, he hated to be deceived. "I'm not sure, Brooke," he stated.

Turning his gaze upon the creature once more, he chose to answer the question it had asked. "I am Aurek and this is Brooke of the Shinkou Packlands. It is none of your business why we are here except that we found this cave with no sign of habitation - as I already told you - and decided to explore. Now. I have answered your question. Answer mine," he demanded.

The wolf-in appearance seemed to smirk. "Bold one, aren't you? It's gotten you in trouble a time or two, hasn't it?" It spoke matter-of-factly, as if it knew for sure. "Bah, very well. I am Gaugeh ((pronounced g - ah - g - eh)), a demon spirit - and I inhabit this cave. It is mine." It's eyes seemed to glimmer. "You certainly chose the wrong place to simply explore."

Aurek ignored this Gaugeh's first comment. So, that explained why there was no sign of habitation - no markings or wear on the cave itself. As a spirit, it had no need for physical things a normal wolf would... but as a demon, he knew there was more to the story. Something had to keep it sustained in order to remain here instead of being banished to the spirit realm forever. What was it's tie to the physical realm? Aurek was more than familiar with these sorts of creatures and occurances. But he could easily see Brooke didn't know what to make of it. "And what is it, Gaugeh, that you feed on?" he asked pointedly.

"So you know a bit about creatures like me, do you?" Gaugeh responded, avoiding Aurek's question at first. Aurek knew he could cause this creature no real threat, but that was hardly the issue. His eyes were bold and threatening. "I owe you no explanation," Gaugeh continued, "For it is my home which has been violated. Especially if you're so far off from your precious Shinkou lands. Such a pity for you, but so great for me when some traveler gets lost and finds themself in my abode." It chuckled.

Aurek scowled, growing impatient. "We have told you everything you have asked, and you have no power to remove us. We will stay until we get the information we seek. Aside from that, what is it to say you have not violated us - or particularly my friend here?" Aurek wanted to know just what had Brooke all in a tiffy.

Finally Gaugeh seemed to give in, being as it could in fact not remove them. It hoped if it answered they would leave. "I feed off of fear and confusion. Your friend, there, as you say, has provided me with plenty! It will last me quite a long time more - until some other fool wanders upon me."

Aurek growled upon this response. "What have you done to her?" he questioned darkly, glancing at Brooke and back at Gaugeh.

Gaugeh seemed to smirk once more. "I think she could tell you for herself," he stated. Perhaps Brooke might have figured out the blood was an illusion, by now, or perhaps not. In either case, her fear still lingered and he relished in it.

[WolfieIsCrazy]

Aurek didn't seem to be threatened by the demon spirit. He stood his ground and didn't show any signs of backing down. The demon spirit spit out insults to Aurek, who ignored him and asked a question of his own. The demon spirit avoided his question and suggested Aurek having knowledge of his kind. Maybe he did, but Brooke sure didn't. All she knew was the fact that they could scare you silly-well crazy.

He sure was cocky, avoiding questions and spitting out insults. Aurek was begging to grow impatient, growling and demanding answers more forcefully. The demon spirit seemed to give in, giving Aurek the answer for which he asked. But it shocked Brooke. Yes she feared blood, for that meant the death of someone. But, not to where it scared the very living out of her, and made her hallucinate.

Aurek glanced at her for a second, then back to the demon spirit. He was obviously annoyed, anyone could tell at this point. The demon spirit smirked and set it's eye upon Brooke, who took a step back, and returning the spirits glare.

She drew her eyebrows together in confusion, she didn't have any idea what he was talking about. She didn't know anything of his power, but the power of it. Yes, he could make illusions, but where did they come from? She had never seen so much blood in her life. So, where did he get these horrid visions from. Still confused, she took a step forward, to where she had stood before. "Where did you get the visions from? I have never seen so much blood in my life, and you said yourself, that you got the visions from past or fears." She lowered her stance, showing she would fight the answer out of him if he refused to tell her. A growl rumbled in her throat, and emerged, echoing in the cave.

[Relairah]

The demon spirit focused its gaze on Brooke when she seemed to challenge it in her question. She grew bolder, though it could sense she was confused and some fear still lingered. Perhaps her friend was the one giving her this strength. Bah, these two were growing annoying, demanding so much information from it. And this one wasn't too bright, it thought to itself, of course meanly.

Its gaze flickered between Aurek and Brooke, and an eerie smile formed upon those wolfish lips. "Well, dearie, your fear of blood enhanced and exagerated the illusion itself... but the original memory - well... if not from you, who else then could it possibly be?" He was toying with her mind. She had only one companion, did she not? He chuckled.

That was all it took for Aurek to catch on, and he was not happy to say the least. He wondered if Brooke understood also, now. Whether she did or didn't, he wanted to be rid of this creautre. "I've heard enough," he growled. "Enough of your jib. You've gotten what it is you wanted - your fill of fear and confusion, as you said. Leave us as we will also leave you. I will not stand by as you attempt to drive my friend's mind insane for your gluttony and lust."

Gaugeh laughed at Aurek. "Such harsh words, wolf. As if you could do anything to harm me, a spirit." It paused. "Yet, I suppose I have gotten my fill. I need nothing else." It glanced once more at Brooke, and slowly started to fade until all that remained was its glwoing eyes, zooming deeper into the cave's darkness.

Aurek would then turn to Brooke, "Let's get out of here before it changes it's mind."

OoC: Hey so if you want to make Brooke say anything to Gaugeh like before he left or whatever then you can still I'm just posting it for the progression of things xD and I can still say his response and stuff lol

[WolfieIsCrazy]

Brooke growled louder as an eerie smile formed on the spirit's mouth. What did he mean, the original story was not from her? Then, where did he get it? It had to of come from somewhere. Brooke didn't understand at all, but Aurek sure did, and he had had enough. He growled and snarled threateningly, defending himself and Brooke. But, the spirit spit it right back at him, and laughed. He glanced at Brooke, commenting on his fullness. She scowled as it started to dissappear. "Wait," she growled. "Where did you get the visions from?" And with that he was gone, not even a trace left behind. She growled in frustration and turned to Aurek, "You don't have to ask me twice." Though she wanted to stay to aske the question, she didn't want to meet the spirit when he wasn't full.

As they began to make their way out of the cave she stopped, "Aurek?" Her voice was tired, and sounded as if she could break any minute. "Do you know where he got the visions from? I just, I just can't remember seeing that much blood, and he said he could get the memory from someone else." She paused, beginning to put together the pieces. "Could they of been from you?"

[Relairah]

Aurek felt torn a bit. At first, he was a little glad Brooke hadn't figured out where the memories came from. But then, he didn't want her to be so tormented in her mind either. He supposed he'd just have to tell her. As he was thinking about these things, suddenly her words reached his ears and sank in. So, she had somewhat figured it out for herself afterall.

He was silent a moment, and then let out a small sigh. "Yea..." he stated finally, "they came from me." He wasn't sure what else to say and thus remained silent for a few moments afterward. He felt somewhat guilty, as though her pain were his fault. Although, he reminded himself that he had never tried to burden her with such. It had been only the fault of the demon spirit lurking somewhere behind them.

"I'm sorry," he said. "I never would have meant for such pain to be inflicted on you." As he said this, they reached the mouth of the cave, the back of the waterfall pouring before them and glistening in the light of the night still. He stared at it, wondering what Brooke's reaction would be.

[WolfieIsCrazy]

Aurek seemed so down as he led Brooke to the waterfall. Once he was done talking, she was going to ask him why he seemed so sad. He surprised her when he began to apologize. She walked to stand next to him, rubbing her muzzle in his chest. "It's not your fault at all, I don't blame you for anything that's happened. If it's anyone's fault it's mine for being so vulnerable." She pulled her muzzle back to look at his face, then to comfort him, licked his cheek before pasing through the waterfall and into the pool of water. It made a splash as she landed, swimming down to touch the bottom, then bobbing her head up, out of the water. She swam the rest of the way to the shore, and shook out her pelt. She stood by the edge of the pool and waited for Aurek to emerge. She didn't know he would react, but she hoped it would make him feel better.

[Relairah]

She nuzzled and licked him, reassuring him and telling him she didn't blame him. Well, that was a relief. But, he had to admit he was surprised. Briefly, the words Dynan had spoken before flashed through his mind. Once again he wondered just what it was Brooke felt for him. But how could she love him? There was so much she didn't know... so much he wasn't sure he wanted to share. He was terrified of her learning his deepest, darkest secret. Of what her reaction would be. Afraid she would reject him forever. Besides that... he didn't know exactly what he felt for her either. But he pushed it from his mind. What was he thinking? Him? Aurek? Afraid? Bah!

He'd take it one step at a time.

He leaped forward, bobbing up also in the pool beneath the waterfall and swimming over to the bank, climbing out and shaking himself out also. He looked at Brooke and smiled. "Thanks," he murmured.

"So, if you're feeling better, want to walk with me? It'll help us finish drying off," he said cheerily. It seemed, at least on the surface, that his usual self had returned.

[WolfieIsCrazy]

Brooke could tell that her comfort had made him feel better, but he still had something on his mind. Whatever it was, it was beyond her. She smiled back at Aurek when he thanked her. "Well I'm not walking by myself." It was still night when they had left the cave. Although the sun was slowly rising, it was still dark, and she didn't want to find any more surprises. The owls hooted and the bats screeching. As Aurek stepped out of the pool and shook out his fur, she headed towards him. She stopped in front of him, nestling her muzzle in his dripping chest. She didn't mind the water, all she cared was that he was here.

[Relairah]

She wasn't walking by herself. Well of course, he thought but smiled at her, knowing she was joking. "Good then. It's settled," he replied, beginning to walk into the tree cover nearby. He decided to head toward the lake, though they would have a trek through the trees before they actually arrived. As he was moving, she ran up to him and nuzzled him once again. He stopped, his previous thoughts returning to his mind.

Oh, bother!

He released a soft sigh and touched her forehead with his nose briefly before pulling away. He supposed he needed to deal with this and it was better now than later. "Forgive me, Brooke," he stated, hoping she wouldn't have misunderstood his pulling away. "I am not quite sure what Dynan was indicating when he spoke earlier... however, whatever you feel, I am not sure of my own heart." This whole situation was new and strange for Aurek. He had had met other females in his wanderings.. but it had always been different. None of them had ever loved him, truly, or had the potential for something serious, everlasting. She was so innocent to him. He didn't want to tarnish that.

"I've been away, here and there, for most of our lives. I just think we should take things one step at a time... slowly... at least for now. I know we were pups together. But I think we should spend time to re-get to know each other. And rebuild the friendship."

He attempted to look into her eyes as he said these things, showing he was speaking in sincerity from his heart. "Is that okay with you?"

[WolfieIsCrazy]

Brooke was taken aback when he pulled away. She began to blush a little when he spoke of Dyran's words. Well of course she had been heart broken, she had lost the only friend she had. Plus, he was the only male that would speak to her. She watched as his eyes found hers, showing he speaking with kindness of his very heart. She could understand his reasons, they had been apart for a long time. She appreciated the fact that he liked to get to know someone before he committed to them. In truth, she felt as if she hardly knew him. Even so, she still felt attached to him, and respected him to much to decline. So she agreed, "As long as I can be with you, it's fine."

A swift, strong breeze blew through the forest, startling her. She gave a little jump before realizing that what startled her was in fact the wind. She gave a soft chuckle a turned to Aurek, waiting for him to lead them somewhere.

[Relairah]

He felt a bit of relief come to him when she seemed understanding and gave her response. He was a bit wary of her words, though. It was in his heart to travel, see places, learn new things. Would she want to follow him away from Shinkou, just to be with him? Or did her heart truly lie in the lands of her birth? He pushed the thoughts from his mind. They could get to that later. She could decide for herself once she knew more. For now, it was as he said. They were to slowly re-develop their friendship.

He smiled when she jumped at the wind, and wagged his tail. "C'mon, I think you'll like what I have to show you. That is, if we reach it while it's still dark," he said with a chuckle and a wink.

With that, he put a paw forward, and began moving through the trees once more toward the lake, setting the pace to a steady one though leisurely. "So, I suppose since we're going to learn things about each other, it should start with a bit of questioning." He grinned, his golden eyes glimmering showing he meant no harm by it. He didn't think she'd take it as him trying to impose in any way. "What's your... favorite color?" he asked teasingly.

For now, he was being light about it, not getting into the more serious things. There were some questions about her that pressed on his mind. Such as what had happened with her after he left. But for now, it was banter as they walked.

[WolfieIsCrazy]

Brooke could see the relief wash across Aurek's face. Although, he still seemed to have something else on his mind. She kept pace with him as they started through the trees again. "I thought it was obvious. Anyways it's blue, like the color of a lake on a sunny day." She enjoyed this casual talk. It had been a long time since she had been able to talk with him at all, so it was nice. The wind gave another burst, as if to scare her again. She didn't budge, only continued to walk next to Aurek.

She hadn't a clue as to what he would show her. Maybe it was the lake, shining under the moon. Or maybe a spot that was good to hunt at. The possibilities were endless. As she was thinking, she wasn't watching where she was going. The path began to slope down and the trees became closer and closer before there wasn't a trail to follow. She stumbled over a rock, tumbling down the hill. She finally stopped when she tumbled into a bush. The thorns poked and scratched her as she tried to escape it's grasp. When she finally got her head loose, she found that the land looke different than she had just been. The scene was breathtaking, she couldn't find a word or sound to describe it.

[Relairah]

"Well, of course," he responded with a grin. It was perhaps the most simple and obvious of questions. But it had been something to open the conversation. He started to say something else, when all of a sudden she tripped and tumbled, ending in a bush and working her way out. He leaped after her, calling out her name although by the time he reached her she had already discovered their destination.

Before her was the lake, glimmering in the moonlight, flanked by tall trees casting a shadow on the far side. It stretched on, fireflies dancing above its surface and to her right would be the grove, small shrubbery thickening to the distance with echoes of different creatures enjoying what was left of the night. The water rippled gently, and the leaves of one weeping willow whispered as they dipped into its surface.

Aurek was always captured every time he saw it. He glanced at her, gauging her reaction and finally asked softly, "Are you alright?" and after her response, "What do you think?"

[WolfieIsCrazy]

Brooke couldn't think of a more beautiful place. All that was on her mind was enjoying the view ... and getting out of the bush. "Yes, I'm fine, just stuck." She wriggled from side to side, but her fur was tangled with the thorns. "How am I going to get out of here." Her voice was more panicked now that she knew she couldn't just wriggle free. She looked to Aurek for reassurance.

Since she was stuck, and couldn't get out of the bush on her own, she decided to enjoy the scenery. She couldn't see the lake, but she could see the rest of the beautiful place. The trees lightly glowed from the fireflies that danced around, enjoying their nightly routine. They didn't seem to mind that two wolves had appeared. To Brooke, they all bight glowed brighter.