Nothing But Snow and Ice

[Relairah]

As they ventured onward, Varick found himself growing a liking for Julie. He wondered how it was she had ended up here... and what her story was. But when he thought about it, she seemed just a little bit crazy... like she'd lost a bit of herself here. Well, perhaps she was just trapped in her youth. She obviously hadn't learned some life lessons many normal wolves would have at her age. He was certain it had something to do with this world. All the more reason to leave it.

But that was just it... the closer they got to the volcano, the more he felt a rising feeling in his gut. Water was the way they had gotten here. What if fire was the way out? He didn't like it... Still, perhaps it would be the same as the pool in their world... how they were in the water, and yet somehow not.

He glanced at Julie when she was talking about a cave higher up. He looked up the mountain side himself, scanning its surface. Even if there was a cave, he highly doubted it would have a pool of water to jump into to get back home. He didn't think it would be very smart to step on the surface either. It was probably hot beyond their abilities to handle. Well, at least for Remy and Julie. It was then Remy was asking how they would go about getting up the mountain. Briefly a smile came to his lips.

"I believe this is my part to play, ladies." He paused, giving a wink. "Hope you aren't afraid of flight..." He closed the slits that made up his eyes, a wrinkle forming in the rock of his brow. The sound of rock rubbing together could be heard and out of his body grew enormous formations, the smooth layered rock taking on the shape of feathered wings. "I suppose you might think that as rock, these wings would never fly. But as a spirit, I have a few powers. All aboard," he told them.

Julie's eyes grew wide with surprise and excitement and she let out a squeal of glee, running around and finally leaping on Varick's back. Varick hoped Remy wouldn't have any issues... but there wasn't any other way he could think of. He waited, and once everyone would be settled, he would give a few test flaps before his body began rising slowly. It was not the swift and agile flight of the winged wolves in their own world nor of the birds, but it was strong and sure. It was true that as a rock, Varick could not really fly to great heights, but he could get to where they were going.

It would take some time, but they were ascending along the volcanic slope and finally, they were nearing the top, Varick having to swing to the side now and then to avoid a falling ball of ash and flame. But finally, he saw the cave entrance and headed for it. Upon reaching it, he peeked in. It didn't look very promising. There was a shadow toward the back seeming to be a tunnel leading into the depths of the mountain. Glowing veins ran along the walls and the floor toward a gathered small pool of lava. "I don't think this is it," he said, glancing at the others for their input.

Julie seemed caught up in awe, having never seen such a sight. But it was clear she didn't really want to go near the lava. Well, no one wants to get burned. But they would probably have to face it to get home. Varick was growing more and more certain.

If the others wanted to explore the cave more, he would proceed, but if they were okay with it, he would proceed to the tip of the volcano, where it opened into a wide crater, a huge lake of boiling lava within it and smoke rising into the air. There was enough space on the edge to land. But he waited, hovering above the earth there. "What do you think, Remy?" He had a feeling it would take them home... but if he were wrong... it would be the end of all of them.

[Oki]

Remy was unsure of this fiery mountain that loomed above. She tended to stay clear of fire or mountains that spewed it for that matter...like the rest of the 99.9% of the world population. Looking at the other two, she wanted to know how the others were reacting to the possibility this was the passage back home. Julie...well she was probably happy with the fact she would finally be returning home, but the way to take it made her nervous, and Remy didn't blame her. Then the thought of her being here for so long came to mind, how she appeared not to age and retain the same immaturity of a pup. Remy wondered if once they passed into their old world, she would instantly age or retain the same age, appearing to others as if she was frozen then thawed after so much time. Interesting as it may seem, Remy felt sympathy for the young wolfess. Her whiskers twitching, eyes glanced at Varick. He seemed equally as worried, but confident at the same time. He may have an idea, she thought to herself. Looking up once more, she just hoped they would find the pool soon...if there even was one.

Perhaps...I could make a tree grow and we could ride it up, Remy was brainstorming of the way the three of them could scale up a large mountain. However, the idea was shot down by another thought; she didn't know if she could even manipulate the trees here and it could take hours or even days re-teaching herself. Just as she was about to offer, Varick spoke up, insinuating he had a plan...of flying? Since when was he able to fly? Remy was confused and couldn't help but look at Julie, who had a just as perplexed look. By that time, Varick began to transform and stone wings spread across his back. As he explained, both her and Julie nodded heads, thinking that definitely a rock can't fly. Still a little unconvinced, Remy watched Julie bounce around, over excited at the fact Varick transformed and the idea of flying. Meanwhile, Remy continued to sit, look over Varick and weight the possible outcomes. She supposed it was the quickest way. Standing onto all fours, her tail flicked around, "I was going to suggest perhaps I could make a tree grow and we ride it up...but still don't have a full grasp on the plant life here so it could take me hours or even days for me to figure it out...I suppose this is the quickest way, however...fine", Remy didn't like the idea of flying much. But nonetheless, she climbed onto his back with whatever room was left behind Julie and held on tight. Soon enough, they took off and Remy closed her eyes and tried to focus on her grip. Having the feeling of being high up, she peeked an eye open to find they were. Gasping, Remy gripped even tighter and both her and Julie shrieked when they felt Varick jerk to the side. Opening her eyes, she realized they missed a falling clump of flaming ash, Julie noticing the same. However, she laughed afterwards, seeming to enjoy herself while Remy was not.

They finally reached a cliff and the cave Julie saw. Hovering there for a little bit, Remy looked at it once Varick said it wasn't it. She was too busy shivering with shock and her fur too poofed to respond. Meanwhile, Julie studied it and spoke, sure of herself,"I dunno...I'm sure this is the one I saw... I mean, its the only one up here", she then looked around. Though in awe of the cave and the fascinating sights it held, she felt a little hesitant of going inside. But before either females could say much more, Varick continued to the very top of the volcano and they all peered inside. It was bright and very hot up where they were. Remy had snapped out of her shocked state and twinged at the thought that might be the way back home. "I-I-I...that doesn't look like a glowing pool of water", she stated like a reluctant child. Remy stared at the liquid fire, bubbling thick viscous liquid. A twang of certainty came like an epiphany; she could feel something similar to that pool they got here with in the first place, almost as if it were alive, but yet not. Becoming more mature, Remy spoke again, "I feel something similar to the pool we got here with...I can sense things that are alive or even things that have good intentions. It has to be it..."

At that time, Julie became firm herself and sounded determined, "I'd rather die by fire than live here another minute..."

[Relairah]

Varick had turned his attention to Remy when she had offered another suggestion... and upon hearing what it was, if he were human he might have smacked himself in the forehead. He also had the ability to work with the earth and with plant life, but then, she brought up a good point also. Even with the two of them, they had different styles, and it might take ages to actually accomplish this feat. Of course, they could be wrong and figure it out swiftly. But none of them wanted to wait and find out.

Thus it seemed they were all okay with his idea of flying - however reluctantly. Varick could tell his snow-leopard companion was quite nervous to say the least. He couldn't blame her for just wanting to get home. In truth, he was not so objective to a little adventure, but he also remembered that time in his life was over and he had settled for peace in order to remain on the earth. Afterall, he had already lived a full life.

At the cave, it seemed there was some hesitation. Perhaps the females wished to explore it? Julie kept turning her head and talking about the cave. "... I mean, what else could there possibly be?" she said. It was then Varick took off to the top, saying he would show her.

And then that was when the girls really seemed unsure. At first. Julie sat back and glanced between Varick and Remy. "I think you guys are nuts." And she nodded her head emphatically. ((I think this is funneh cause Julie's a little nuts! XDDDD)) It seemed that as time went on, she could sense the others growing more and more comfortable with the idea of jumping in the big lake of fire. She frowned, and then finally released a sigh. She supposed in her years of being here, she had witnessed many strange things and she supposed this really wasn't so far fetched in comparison. Now that she thought about it, it somewhat made sense to her.

It was then she affirmed she'd rather die than live here another moment. It was worth the chance. She was so ready to be home! 'Mom... Dad... please be there waiting for me.. she prayed silently.

Varick nodded after hearing Remy's take. "Yea... I have this weird feeling like this is the way too. I'm sure it will be fine," he said, somewhat to reassure himself as well. He knew first hand the dangers of lava... but this world was different. He hoped.

"Shall we go on three?" he asked, glancing at the two others. Julie nodded, growing a confident look in her eye. Varick looked at Remy, awaiting her confirmation. If she gave it, he would proceed, "One... two... three..." and then would leap, finding himself submerged in an instant. If she didn't, he would wait, but he was sure eventually they would be sinking into that pit of steam, and smoke, and ash, and fire.

Once submerged, they would discover something similar to the pool. The fire was warm, but not unbearable by any means, and they would find there was no need to gasp for air. Bubbles floated up above them and they seemed to fall through air, seemingly slowly, then faster and faster.

Finally, they would find themselves falling through clear sky, the ground coming up fast! Varick was glad he had kept his wing formations in tact and spread them, hoping to help their fall. He could take a lot more collision than the others, he was sure. "Jump off of me when we get close to the ground!" he shouted. Julie looked terrified, but nodded, closing her eyes.

Finally, he shouted, "Jump now!"

Julie obeyed, just leaping off and finding herself landing safely in lush grass. If Remy didn't jump, she would find Varick absorbed most of the shock from the collision and laid still for a few moments, a loud grunt escaping his lips. Soon though, he would slowly rise, shaking his head. "Everyone okay?" he would ask.

[Oki]

((I laughed when Julie thought everyone was nuts. I could just imagine Varick and Remy just yelling back at her that she was the one who was nuts xD lawl))

Everything had become more shadowed as the ashes that billowed from the maw of the volcano clouded the sky above them. It had made everything appear much more malign and dark, as if the Earth was trying to pull the three of them into a death trap. The sudden change in atmosphere and intensity of the situation was unnerving. Before they could fully decide upon entering the cave below, Varick had taken the both of them higher to where the molten rock could be seen within the huge crater. The idea frightened her and Remy was paralyzed with the thought. They continued to hover above the lip of the crater, and they stared at the thick bubbling liquid earth. Unfit for the idea at first, Julie flatly stated that the two of them were nuts. Turning her head over to the small female, Remy's eye twitched, "You're the one who's the nutjob", her expression resembled much like one that said 'You're joking, right?' The only reaction Julie gave was a scowl and a glare to the snow leopard.

After a while, it had seemed that the other two were thinking hard about this and Remy couldn't help but be more rational. Stating what she felt through her sensory abilities, it seemed to give Varick and Julie more certainty. Then, Julie stated her resolve and Remy couldn't believe how serious she sounded. Just a short while ago, everything was like a game to the pup, either that or always whining to take her home or how much she believed her parents and family were dead by now.

To her, it made no more sense in jumping in the fire to live in this dimension another minute. Julie found that it a risk she had to take, like the risk of living every day here. She wanted so badly to return back to her home and see her family and friends and parents and just to live how she knew it to be the right way to live.

Varick looking up at Remy as he agreed with her judgement, it made Remy feel a little bit better as they all peered over the edge into the boiling lake of lava. By now, Remy decided the same. Considering it their only hope, she hoped they were making the right choice. Varick then prepared, asking on the count of three, they go. Hesitating, Remy slowly nodded her head, "Yea..., swallowing, she closed her eyes, knowing that calming one's self is the best way to prepare for any tense situation. In fact, she calmed herself to gain better connection with the earth and her abilities. Silent prayers of safe travel echoed in her mind as Varick counted to three. They jumped on the third count. Timed felt to slow for Remy. Her limbs felt constrained and the pool came to her slowly. She slowly submerged and to her surprise, it was warm, but nowhere near melting the sinew off her bones. They all fell rapidly through the ethereal liquid, sinking. The feeling of weightlessness came over Remy until she could feel air passing by her. A chill came to her as the cold air felt like a blast of wind.

The three of them falling from a clear sky, it came up fast and almost dazed for a moment, Remy heard Varick yell for them to jump when the ground was close. Blinking, Remy focused and waited until the right moment. She thought of creating a tree to catch them, but with how slow they were falling as Varicks wings were spread, it seemed more safe. Yelling, Varick commanded for them to jump and Remy saw Julie jump first. Hesitant as always, Remy spotted a tree to jump into. Leaping off of Varick, she was sure to land safely. Though realizing in mid-jump, Varick would crash right into the ground. "Varick!", she called out his name as her tail began to materialize into a square wood beam. Extending it, Remy shot it out towards where Varick was falling. Wrapping around him a few times, she pulled him in so he would fall with her into the large evergreen tree.

Colliding with the foliage, Remy caught a branch and made the branch grow to catch her and hold her as she held tightly onto Varick. If Varick hadn't slipped out or changed his course, it would have seemed they landed safely. Recovering from the panic, Remy would then reply, "Yea, I'm fine...you?"

Then a loud voice came from outside the tree, "Let's do that again!", Julie shouted from the spot she landed, still lying on the ground. Flailing her legs in the air before she got up, she ran over to the other two.

[Relairah]

At last, they were back somewhat safely in their own world... that is as soon as everyone recovered stability from the impact. Varick was grateful to Remy for saving him, although in truth, it hadn't really been that necessary. Being a rock, he wouldn't have suffered much damage. In any case, it was the thought that counted and he showed that to her with a smile on his lips. "I'm fine also, thanks to you, Remy," he told her.

Ears shifted on his head as Julie came bounding over, obviously speaking from her rush of adrenaline. He couldn't help a light chuckle. Since Julie was also okay, he moved to set his paws on the ground once more and looked around, trying to figure out where they were exactly. Portals could be tricky... He was glad they weren't in Yokusei anymore... but he didn't want to be lost either. He could see they landed not too far off from a mountain: he gathered that was because of the volcano in whatever dimension or world they had just come from. In the opposite direction was a mass of trees and then some sort of thick clouds hanging in the air beyond.

He sniffed the air. Wolf scent. A pack was not too far off if they headed in what seemed like the direction of east. He once again turned his attention toward Remy and Julie. "Well, girls, I think we should attempt to finish this adventure and return Julie to her home. Who's with me?"

If they agreed, he would proceed in said direction, hoping it wouldn't be too much longer...

[Oki]

The wood of the tree's branch creaked and moaned, not only under her weight but Varick's. Remy groaned as she tried to hang out tight, claws retracted to cling to the tree better. Peering down her body to look at Varick, he seemed alright. Her expression showed her struggling, though it also showed a happy response to Varick. For once, she smiled a little, whiskers moving upwards as she did so. "Alright...I'll let you down now...", with that, her tail extended more until his body made contact with the ground. The grip of her wooden beam would loosen and stay where it was. Breaking the wooden beam off where her tail would be, it began to grow back with the wood sprouding from her rump, then materializing back into her tail. Swishing it around just for good measure, Remy climbed onto the branch.

Looking for a way down, she hopped from branch to branch until one was close enough to the ground where she would then fall onto the tall grass on all fours. All's she could do was shake her head from Julie's exclamation. Walking up to Varick, she began to look around with him, "Where are we?" Remy thought aloud. She didn't recognized anything about where they were currently. Then again, being in that alternate dimension probably didn't help. She then sniffed the air after Varick did and concluded the same as he, though grimaced a little at the smell. The scent of wolves really didn't appeal to her.

Meanwhile, Julie stood by, not sure what to do. She too could smell the wolves, but wasn't sure if it was one she recognized, nor the landscape was familiar to her. "Yes, yes! I want to see my family!" She shouted at the other two and bolted off in a random direction. Then she realized something and came to a skidding halt. Confused, she looked back at the others, "Wait... which way... Should we go towards the others that I smell?"

Looking at Varick, she awaited his answer, not really knowing how wolves behaved in a pack nor if was the best idea to approach another wolf pack casually. "I'm ready whenever you come up with the best option... I'm not familiar with wolves or their behaviors so I'm not the best to ask of where to go... Though she does have a point. I guess the best thing to do is ask around."
[/color]

[Relairah]

In response to Remy's question of where they were he shrugged slightly. "I'm not sure, but I think the wolves here might be able to answer that question and also point us in the right direction." He paused, glancing at Julie as she got all excited, not sure if he should warn her that her family might not be where they were heading. Well... hope was good. Although he felt she should be prepared. So he voiced his concern. "Julie... your family may not be there." He paused as she looked at him, her eyes wide. "But we may be able to gather information. Just don't get your hopes too high."

Julie grinned, giving an emphatic nod and began trotting off ahead as Varick started heading in the pack's direction. He understood Remy's uncomfortable feelings... she being a leopard, but they were trying to help Julie. He found he had a new respect for the feline, putting herself aside in such a manner.

Soon, the field widened and Varick lowered his head as the scent of wolves got stronger. "Just a reminder, keep your stances nonthreatening." It wasn't long before the figures of other wolves could be seen approaching. Both were male, one larger than the other. Probably with border patrol duties. The smaller one spoke first, asking their business here.

Varick stepped forward slightly, "We are somewhat lost and seeking information. Not just on whereabouts..." he pointed his nose toward Julie before facing the two wolves again, "but also for this young wolfess' family. It would have been a long time since she last has seen them." Or at least Varick made that guess based on how long Julie said she had been in the other world. Who knew how long Julie had been there based on the time in their own natural world. There was only one way to really find out.

The bigger wolf moved slightly, gesturing for them to follow and the smaller wolf began leading them further into the pack-lands with the bigger wolf bringing up the rear: to make sure they didn't try anything funny. Soon, the trees became more dense and finally they faced a rock structure where a few wolves sat, seemingly discussing something. Two of them sat on the rock structure, above the others and they looked in the newcomers' direction on approach, rising in a dominating stance: obviously the Alpha pair. The wolves below turned in a guarded stance, wary of the others. The smaller wolf that had been leading them moved forward through the group, telling the Alpha something, probably the newcomers' purpose as Varick had told them. The Alpha spoke clearly, "Come forward."

Varick did as told, his head low and tail submissive. The pack didn't seem hostile, though perhaps weren't so used to others coming around. The rock wolf was ready for anything should they attack suddenly. He guessed Remy was also on guard.

Up until now, Julie had been quiet, staying low behind Varick and observing. She now peeked from behind Varick, eyes anxious and stance nervous.

Varick spoke, "Will you have the kindness to tell us where we are?"

The Alpha was silent a moment, his gaze drifting to the little wolfess behind the rock wolf - as weird as it was to see a wolf made of rock - and a leopard traveling with two wolves - there was something particularly interesting about her. But he couldn't quite pin point it. "You are in the Kovan Valley, home to our pack."

Varick nodded deftly, though the name wasn't exactly familiar to him. "How far from the Shinkou Packlands?" With how famous the Shinkou Pack was, he was hoping the Alpha would at least be able to point them in the right direction.

The Alpha kept glancing between each member of the group - especially Julie, though continued to answer this wolf's questions: only because he was hoping it would get these newcomers to leave once they had the information they sought. "Several days journey to the west," he answered simply. Finally, the Alpha leaped from the formation on which he stood and moved through the wolves toward Varick and his companions, his stance still dominant, but also curious. He moved past the rock wolf and stood before Julie, his golden eyes searching over her form. "Taku... summon the Betas."

The little wolf who had met them at the border gave a brief nod and was gone.

The Alpha dipped his head slightly and sat back, something perhaps uncommon for an Alpha to do in the presence of strangers. "Tell me your name."

Julie glanced between Varick and Remy before returning her gaze to the Alpha, a strange feeling coursing through her. Nothing seemed familiar, yet somehow there was something she felt she vaguely remembered. It was difficult. It had been seven years in her mind, after all. "I'm Julie," she voiced, hardly timid though a bit anxious.

"How have you found us? This valley is not often visited, nor is it extremely well known." Indeed. This place had been chosen by the pack for its being somewhat isolated from all the supernatural activity that occurred within the lands surrounding it. They had chosen it to be left in peace and free of war. Particularly after what had happened several years before. But that was past and in a land some distance away.

Julie shrugged, moving closer to Varick and smiling up at him. "Varick and Remy found me in my prison and helped me get out. We just ended up here sort of. Which was why we were searching for information... we were all a little clueless after escaping that dreadful and very strange place. Can you believe I was there for seven years?!" she exclaimed suddenly, bounding up to the Alpha with her childish nature returning suddenly. "I don't look it. That place was very weird." She nodded emphatically, her brown eyes shining.

The Alpha stepped back slightly, glancing between the rock wolf and the snow leopard, so many questions arising in his mind. Before he could ask them, however, Taku returned with the Betas, one featuring a gray color similar to Julie's and the other a mixture of grays and browns. He turned his gaze toward them, "Darnell... Etsu..." he turned his gaze toward Julie once more, as if not sure how to say something.

The two wolves moved forward, glancing at each other with a bit of uncertainty before looking at Julie, their faces appearing to be in shock for a moment. "Julie?"

Varick had stepped back at this point toward Remy. "You'd think they'd be a little more curious to the reason for a snow leopard and a rock wolf traveling together and rescuing a random wolf supposedly," he said with a slight chuckle, however quiet between just himself and Remy. In truth, he was beginning to want to get out of here. This pack seemed somewhat strange... perhaps they were in shock of some sort. As if they never got any visitors.

At the reaction from the Beta pair when they arrived, Varick had a feeling they had reached their goal: which was better circumstances than could have been hoped for or expected. That was of course, assuming this was all real. Julie seemed wary, as if she were suspicious - even hesitant to believe all this were actually occurring and that these wolves could be her family.