Quest for Life and Death

[Felypsa]

Ammolite bolted through the entranceway as soon as Phoebus allowed. She ran alongside Akuma and Yoshika, but eventually surpassed them, though she arrived a beat behind Phoebus did. Her eyes switched to blue and orange and purple and red and all of the above when she saw her friends in such a horrible state. Istariel looked tired and pale as death, but Hawk was dying. She could feel that much in her bones. All fears of using her amulet since the tornado episode vanished. She drew its power, and applied it to him. Images of trees and plants healing sprung up in her mind. She was in control of time itself, manipulating it to speed up the natural healing process and slowing it to keep Hawk alive. Nothing bad happened. Not yet, anyway. Ammolite’s eyes leaked tears as she worked; she was filled with a series of emotions too strong and too complex to identify.

Istariel breathed a sigh of relief when she saw their friends approaching. Home had indeed come to them. At least for now. With detached relief, she watched as Ammolite worked her ability on Hawk. Her beloved. Oh, she was so glad. Hawk would live. Hawk had to live. That was all that was important now. Dimly she realized that there were strangers among them. She did not know the other two wolves. She looked at them with an empty gaze, wondering in the back of her mind who they were, but was too tired to inquire. She wanted to close her eyes and fall asleep forever. But no. That longing was over now. She had everything she wanted again. Didn’t she?

[Relairah]

Akuma wasn't surprised when Ammolite surpassed he and Yoshika, and didn't say anything, yet he arrived just behind her. He gazed at Hawk a moment, as if in shock at the other's condition. Before Phoebus had blocked their path, Hawk had been a handsome, strong wolf with a beautiful golden pelt. Now, it was bloodied and he looked faint. Akuma shook his head, bringing himself from such a state. There was no time to waste... but, Ammolite was still one step ahead of him. He mentally sighed and let a smile ease onto his lips. Well, he was glad that they were alive, had made it, and now that healing was being applied it appeared all was well, for now. He hoped they would all make it home without anymore mishap, at least until Hawk and his mate could recover. Speaking of Hawk's mate, his gaze trailed over to Istariel, and he watched her a moment. Although she was rather weak looking herself, she was indeed a lovely wolfess. He was happy for Hawk, although he really didn't know anyone around him well yet.

He glanced at Yoshika, certain of the fear that was in her heart. He glanced toward Ammolite once more, busy in what she was doing. He bit his lip, and then spoke slowly, "Uhm, I could be of asistance in healing..." he said giving a slight grin, "that is, if anyone doesn't mind..." He glanced at Istariel, then Istariel, quietly and patiently waiting for a response, or a say so telling him he was given permission to aid. He just... was shy about doing anything too quickly.

[Monkey Monk]

Slowly, ever so slowly, the wound began to close in on itself. The flow of blood was cut off as the threads of flesh connected together. It took several moments, but soon Hawk's wound was healed. Atleast the physical ones. He was still fatigued to the point of passing out. The only thing that kept his swaying form upright was the need to be there for Istariel, for the others. Somehow he sensed that something was not right with his beloved mate. He wanted nothing more than to ask her what was wrong. However he did not have the strength and a part of him told himself that even if he did, she would most likely not answer him. Weakly he extended a wing and sheltered his lover within it, the very feathers were trembling in signs of his weak state.

Yoshika watched with relief as her brother was healed. Slowly she let his lavender eyes flit over to Istariel. She too thought that something was not right with the cave-demon princess. However, like her brother, she remained silent. After all, Istariel had been through a traumatic ordeal. No doubt, if she had suffered the same she would be in a similar state. However the femmora felt compelled to do something at the very least to aid them. When Akuma offered his aid in healing, she looked over to him. After a moment of thinking, her warm voice rang out into the air. "Can you restore energy to them? They both look as if they are about to collapse onto the ground which they stand upon.."

Phoebus was silent throughout the whole goings on. He looked on anxiously and only relaxed when Hawk's wounds were fully healed. Suddenly he spread out his wings and flew over to Istariel. He landed upon the princess' back and looked at her for a moment. His golden feathered head leaned forth until his beak was as close to her ear as possible. The bird of prey spoke softly in a voice only she would be able to hear. "You have suffered much my friend. However you have prevailed. Do not be modest and place all the glory onto the others. Everything they did would be for naught had you given in to death. Yet here you stand, alive, with those who love you around you. Do not give in when all has been saved. Your people need you, Ammolite needs you, Hawk needs you, and those which you carry need you." How did he know of her pregnancy? And easy question to answer. When one spends several life times protecting a family it becomes nearly instinct to tell when one bears children within.

[Felypsa]

To Istariel’s great relief, Hawk’s wounds were healed with great efficiency. She meant to thank her dear friend Ammolite, but lacked the strength. Everyone was looking at her, she saw; she was not so far gone as to be unobservant. And she was attracting attention by her fatigue, a fatigue which went deep beyond her bones and into her very soul. One of the strangers, a male wolf, offered his aid in healing, and the other stranger, a female, suggested he restore energy to them. Istariel nodded; she did not doubt that she needed energy. But it would not be enough, she knew. “Please,” she said. She bowed her head and tried not to think. Thinking only caused more damage. And then, Phoebus was speaking to her, and he seemed to know. Everything. His words were all she needed to hear; yet at the same time she could take no joy in what he said. True, all the ones she loved surrounded her, and she could feel their love for her emanating from them, and it was enough to allow her to move on. She was pregnant. Lives thrived within her. She would make sure they would see light. “For you, I will.” Her voice was quiet but full of conviction. She trembled beneath Hawk’s wing, drawing warmth from his nearness.

Ammolite silently watched and rejoiced when she succeeded in healing Hawk’s injuries. Yet she had not done enough, she saw. He was weary, and Istariel was weary, and their tiredness was one and the same. They were linked in their near-death experience. And, though their bodies were healthy, their minds were still on the brink of death. Ammolite saw this, but she could do nothing about it. “Akuma, if only you could,” she said, looking gratefully at the other. “Yoshika’s right. They need energy more than anything right now.” She watched as Phoebus fluttered over to Istariel, and spoke words none of them could hear. She inspected the princess, her good friend, and knew. Ammolite had never seen pregnancy before, but somehow…she knew. Perhaps it was the leftover magic of her amulet that told her the medical conditions of both Hawk and Istariel. Regardless of how, Ammolite suddenly had the conviction that Istariel held the unborn pups of herself and her lover within her belly. The realization hit her like she had run into a stone wall. At once she felt joy, compassion, excitement, sorrow, hope, and defeat. Oh, this is the best and worst thing that could have happened…

Azarak, whose awareness was greater than any mortal, had also known of Istariel’s condition. The little lizard closed his eyes and felt what Phoebus was saying to the princess. He did not hear the words, but he felt the sentiment. To his great sorrow, however, he could see further than even the hawk could. The present was only temporary. The future was malleable and fixed at the same time. But of course Azarak would not dwell on things beyond his control. In his true style, he impatiently said, “Yes, yes, let’s get them enough energy to get home. There they’ll be able to truly rest and regain what they’ve lost. But for mercy’s sake hurry. I dislike this place; it stinks of everything dead and rotten. Let’s not linger like carrion crows.”

[Relairah]

Akuma's gaze turned toward Yoshika when she asked about him giving energy to Hawk and Istariel, if only to make it home, at the very least. He gave a slight nod, and though he said nothing, in truth he wasn't all that sure. He hadn't ever really used his power before all that much, except a few times to heal others that he had crossed in his journey. That power he had used when trying to help in calming Ammolite had been from somewhere he didn't know. He had much about himself to still discover, especially his power. Yet, somehow, he just felt what was right and how to do it in situations that needed it. And, he wanted to help. He turned to Istariel and gave her a reassuring smile.

Without saying a word, he closed his eyes. His amulet began to glow a soft blue and white, first dimly then growing brighter and brighter. A soft wind began to swirl in the air around them, rippling through the pelts of the wolves. A small image of the moon appeared above the group, and from it showered down a large, pale-blue beam. It shone gently down upon Hawk and Istariel, and began to brighten steadily. As it did so, the golden warrior, and the cave-demon princess would begin to feel energy being restored to their weakened bodies and minds. The beam grew brighter and brighter, until at last it was a bright silver. At last, it faded into the air, the image of the moon disappearing and Akuma's amulet returning to its normal state.

He opened his eyes after a moment and smiled. However, he hadn't just given out energy without a price. He felt rather weary. What a day this had turned out to be. However, they had no time to be resting right now, especially not in this mountain. Neh, Azarak was right, they should get out of this place and start heading home. "I hope that helps..." he murmered with a smile, wagging his tail slightly. He wanted to get to know the princess better, but now was not the time. He turned slightly, beginning to move back the way they came. It was better to get out of here sooner than later, and besides, he was hoping they would get to rest soon, and the sooner they got moving, the sooner they would get home, and the sooner they could rest.

[Monkey Monk]

Istariel...are you ok..? Are you safe..? My love...please be safe...please don't die..I need you...I can't go on if you die...you are the light in the dark for me..."Istariel.." At last he managed to speak. It was due to the fact that Akuma had restored his energy. However, the golden warrior still felt cold. The whole world was cold, dark. He could see blurred images of the others, however he felt such a powerful cold. The only part of him that was warm was his side. When he looked over drowsily to see what was keeping him warm, he saw Istariel. His princess was safe. A dreamy smile formed on his lips as he looked at her. "Istariel.." Quite suddenly his legs failed him. Everything slowed down, the world was spinning. Then it was all still and he was looking to the far wall. Istariel was safe. Now he could rest. Was this the end for him?

Yoshika watched with horror as her sibling fell. It was horrible, watching him collapse onto the ground. Quickly she dashed over to him, nudging him softly at first. Hawk's chest was motionless, unbreathing. The femmora whimpered and began to nudge her brother more forcefully. He had to live! He couldn't die! She had just been reunited with him. Here he laid on the ground, clinging to his last thread of life and she could do nothing. It was a horrible scene. After a moment she fell down to her chest and sobbed openly. Weakly she beat her paw on Hawk's nearly still chest. "Don't you die on me! You coward! Don't you die..." The rest of her words were lost in his tears and cries.

Sorrowfuly Phoebus watched as Hawk fell down. He had suspected such a thing would happen. The poor boy had suffered so much. And so had Istariel. Was there nothing he could do? Of course there was, but should he? He had to..Hawk and Istariel needed him to. The bird closed his eyes and took off into the air. For a moment he was held suspended over the two creatures. Someone was going to die, it was and obvious scent in the air. Quite suddenly a bright light began to emminate from Phoebus. Unlike when Hawk had performed the miracle he had to rescue Istariel, this one wasn't as prolonged. There was a blinding flash as the bird ignited into a bright light. The sphere of energy that formed forked out into two prongs. One tendril soared into Hawk, giving the mascu a new life in a sense. The other shot towards Istariel and would sink into her chest. When it was all over, hopefully the two lovers would be fully healed. Phoebus had split himself into two, binding his immortal life to the ones of Hawk and Istariel. With a dull, metallic clatter the bracelet that had held Phoebus fell to the ground. However it no longer housed the spirit guardian.

[Felypsa]

oOc| Agh! Monkey, what's your problem?! -clings to Phoebus- don't leave...stupid bird...-bursts into tears-

Istariel felt the energy from Akuma, and felt renewed enough to make the journey. Her spirit, though, was as deathly tired as ever. She could tell Hawk felt the same way. The way he spoke her name, he seemed relieved that she was okay—yet she was not. How could she tell him that she was on the verge of death, despite everything? He would die from such news, she knew it. She could not kill him. Yet it seemd that he already knew, and was dying anyway. “Hawk,” she said weakly, wanting him to live. I survived so you could live. Don’t die and leave me alone in this world! At that moment, though, a flash of light nearly blinded her. She choked, but then felt in her a strength greater than before. She felt…alive again, not the half-dead she had been since Kenei took her. She looked over at Hawk and saw that he glowed with the same brilliance of life. Joy like nothing she knew before filled her soul, and tears of happiness leaked from her rosy eyes. But grief cut into her bliss. In horror she saw the bracelet, devoid of life and light, clatter to the ground. It was just an inanimate object again, holding no magic. “Phoebus,” she whispered, her throat clogged with emotion. She was so grateful to him, but so sad that he had to give up his life for them. Tears coursed in streams down her face, mourning for her friend, their guardian.

Azarak watched sorrowfully as his fellow guardian gave up his immortal life for those he guarded. It was unexpected, yet Azarak was unsurprised. Phoebus would do anything for those he protected. And the life of an immortal was all that could save Hawk and Istariel, who were as near to death despite all the efforts of their friends. And now Phoebus had saved them, but at the cost of his own life. Azarak looked up to the sky, knowing that the birdbrained guardian was returned to his god and probably to the spirits of those he had used to guard. “Goodbye, my friend,” the lizard murmured. “I can only hope I will be as good a guardian as you were.”

Ammolite’s eyes became a deep intense blue as she watched the empty bracelet fall on the cold stone. Like the princess, she wept for the selfless guardian. “Phoebus, oh Phoebus, thank you so much,” she said, her tears falling on the bracelet. “I wish it did not have to come to this…” She looked up at the lovers, now rejuvenated thanks to the sacrifice of the hawk. “Oh Hawk, Istariel,” she cried, “I am so glad you are alive.”

[Relairah]

Akuma watched in both horror and sadness as the next events would unfold. At first, he wanted to run to Hawk's side and help, if he could, the other who was faultering. What was going on? Had he made an error? Hadn't he just given the other energy? This was all wrong... something wasn't right... and yet Akuma wasn't all so sure. Then Yoshika was weeping, as if Hawk had already died, and began her cries of trying to save Hawk's life. He wanted to go to her side and comfort her, but something held him back. Just as he began to move toward Yoshika, suddenly a bright light surrouned them all...

He squinted, and at the sound of the now ordinary bracelet clinking with the stone beneath their paws, his ears twitched and he would mentally gasp, staring at the now empty bracelet for a moment. His gaze moved to Hawk and Istariel. They seemed to be okay now. But... Phoebus. He hadn't really gotten to know anyone of the group that well, but he remembered when he had first ran into Ammolite, Azarak, and Phoebus. The bird had been quite amusing. What was this? It was both joy and grief at the same time. Something lost for another gain. Why did things have to turn out this way? Questions swirled through Akuma's mind, though they were unspoken by his lips, kept to himself for he alone to ponder them.

He sat back on his haunches, his shoulders slupped slightly. "Phoebus..." his voice was quite soft. Blue and purple gaze shifted toward Hawk and Istariel. "It's good to know you both are... okay now," he said with a slight smile, his voice still a bit soft, and a bit shaky. He hoped that at least until they could all get home and restored, no other troublesome events would befall them. One could only hope...

[Monkey Monk]

Hawk found himself dwelling in a foggy land. He looked around slowly, feeling free and unchained to the earth. Was this the afterlife? No it couldn't be. He had been dead before and this did not seem familiar in any way. Quite suddenly Phoebus appeared in the fogs, pearched on a rock. Slowly the golden wolf approached his guardian. "Phoebus..where are we?" The small bird seemed almost to be smiling. He shifted on the rock. "We are in the Higher Plain boy. This is where every spirit I have protected spends eternity when they die. But don't get too comfortable, your time has not come yet." The golden wolf blinked in confusion. However, before he could speak, his guardian was once more talking. "You see Hawk, I gave my life. I made it so that my life force was split between you and Istariel. True, if I had given it to just one of you, that one would be immortal. However I had to split it to save you both. So instead you both will live an extended life. I do believe that unless one of you dies from un-natural causes, you will both expire at the same time. Either way Hawk, I am dead. We do not have time and I wish to explain many things to you. And know this, Istariel has something to tell you. There is also one thing I must keep secret from you and everyone else, but everything will explain itself." The bird smiled and began to explain much to the golden wolf.

Even though the whole thing seemed like hours to Hawk, when he awoke it was just in time to see the bracelet fall to the ground. Already he had wept for his guardian and had no more tears to shed. Slowly the golden beast began to rise up, slowly walking to the bracelet. After motioning to Yoshika to take the trinket, he strode to Istariel. Gently he nudged her with his snout, speaking softly. "Lets go home."

Slowly Yoshika went to look at the bracelet. Phoebus was gone. He was really gone. Tears flow freely from her eyes as she slowly placed the bracelet on. Slowly he looked to the others who shared her sorrows. With a sigh, he continued to keep her silence. The shock was too great for her to form words in his somber mind.

[Felypsa]

oOc| I am so mad at you right now, Monkey. >:[ No, not really...but damnit, that was a craazyy twist!

Ammolite eventually ran out of tears, but her eyes retained an entire intense blueness, and it was clear she was still mourning for Phoebus. She could not imagine having immortality, and then having to give it up and die. But at least he saved the two lovers, who deserved so much to live; Istariel and Hawk were okay. Physically, at least. Emotionally, it might take a while to heal. Ammolite herself wasn’t going to recover anytime soon. But at Hawk’s suggestion of home, she nodded glumly and began to leave that cursed cavern of death and anguish. They were not leaving unscathed; they were leaving behind a piece of themselves, a part that they had all invested in Phoebus. Ammolite had not felt this much sorrow since her mother had died. “If only…” she began, then stopped herself.

Azarak had nothing to say to anyone. He would miss the birdbrain, no matter how many times Phoebus threatened to eat him. He also felt there were so many things he was going to tell the other guardian, back there on the path towards this mountain. So much left unsaid. But, curiously enough, Azarak felt Phoebus probably already knew them, and much more. The lizard knew the hawk was not suffering, except perhaps from not being able to be by his friends’ sides anymore. Phoebus, I know you can hear me. You will be missed. But you made the right choice. If I accomplish half as much as you have, I will expire happily. This is a thank you, my old friend. But not a final goodbye. Not yet.

Istariel wept until she could weep no more, but her cheeks were stained with dried tears. She followed Ammolite at Hawk’s side, just wanting to be close to him. She had almost lost him. He had taken a step into death, she felt, but was able to step back, thanks to his guardian Phoebus. He’s already died once, she thought. I am glad he did not die again. She nuzzled him sorrowfully and peacefully. But she felt plagued with her condition, which she had until now kept secret. I will tell him. I must. She took a step into the outside world, which she had previously never been before. But the sun had set, and cool night embraced the Surface, the cold light of moon and stars shining down. She soaked in the refreshing cool air without suffering from her allergy. She walked on, wondering how to bring up the subject to her lover. “Hawk, I have…something to tell you,” she said quietly. Where there is death, there is also life.

[Relairah]

Tears did not fall from Akuma's cheeks, but that was not due to him being strong or anything of the sort at all. He would miss the bird, but he simply hadn't known him that well. He felt that grief wasn't weighing down upon his heart. But, his throat was dry and he did feel like he could have cried. At Hawk's mention of home, he rose from his seated position, giving a slight nod. He glanced at the bracelet that now was in Yoshika's hold for a moment, and then followed after Hawk and Istariel. As they stepped out into the night, he gazed about him a moment. He had not learned of Istariel's allergy to sunlight, but perhaps he would soon enough. The moon shone down upon the lands before them, accompanied by the millions of stars that adorned the night sky above them.

He glanced at Yoshika for a moment, watching her just briefly. He couldn't really imagine the true feelings of anyone around him, not like he wished he could. With her brother having almost died, and then losing a dear friend to them. He could only silently hope that everyone would eventually heal from such wounded emotions, and be able to be joyous and such once again, for one can be themselves and yet still hold a lost one in their hearts and memories. He was sure that this was how it would be. His gaze turned to Ammolite. He wanted her to go back to her normal self too, eventually, or at least, the optimistic personality that she seemed to carry with her. Right now.. she seemed to have lost it. That was understandable. Besides, one can't be expected to be happy all the time, especially in a time like this one.

He mentally sighed, looking toward the path ahead of them once again. Despite the fact that he knew none of the others around him very well yet, he still felt like he'd be sticking with this group for a long while. He felt that with time, they would become close comrades to him. He had much yet to learn and discover.

[Monkey Monk]

As they stepped outside, the golden wolf felt a chill run down his spine. Inside the mountain had been so warm and hot that the transition to cold was a considerable one. He looked up to the stars silently, knowing that somewhere within the vast heavens was his guardian. That smart mouthed bird who he had considered a friend, no...family. With a sigh he brought his gaze down to the night lands as he walked besides Istariel. When she spoke, he looked over to her and smiled gently. "I know. Well I know you have something to tell me. Phoebus said that you had a secret to tell me. And that something that will come from this secret will make us all happy."

Yoshika too shivered when they walked out into the world. Had they been in there so long? Had it not been mid-morning when they went in? I guess time flies when you are battling evil and having friends die. Slowly she looked over to her side, to gaze at Akuma. By luck of timing, her eyes looked into his. For a moment she simply looked at him, trying to see what he felt. The one thing she saw was no large degree of sorrow. How could anyone be happy with Phoebus dead! Even if it was unjust of her, she felt a sudden anger at Akuma for not being grieving to the point of depression. Quickly she tore her gaze from him and began to move quicker so as to be level with Ammolite.

OOC: You both are too assuming

[Felypsa]

As if sensing that her mate was not very comfortable in the cool night air, Istariel moved closer to him, so her warmth would overlap with his. She was not cold, she was refreshed, for it had been deathly hot in her torture chamber, and this was a great relief. She smiled nervously at Hawk and took a deep breath. “How can I say this eloquently?” she asked rhetorically. “Hawk, I’m…I’m pregnant,” she whispered, not wanting the news to be broadcast so soon. She would let the others know when it was time. But now was her moment, Hawk’s moment…she smiled at him, her rosy eyes sparkling.

When Yoshika drew level with Ammolite, Azarak fell back, departing from his position by Ammolite’s neck. The lizard instead scuttled up Akuma, should the other wolf allow him. On this new position, Azarak murmured, “Don’t mind the others, for they suffer from grief you do not know. You need not feel you are supposed to mourn with them. So much of this must still be strange to you. Yet do not worry; I feel you will have a role to play later on. I hope you do not leave us anytime soon.”

Ammolite was a little surprised when Azarak left her back, but she did not think of it too much. Instead she looked over at Yoshika, who seemed to be as griefstricken as Ammolite was. It struck Ammolite that even though she had known Phoebus longer, Yoshika was part of his family. It was still very strange to think of Yoshika as Hawk’s sister…Hawk had always been alone, independent yet sorrowful. Still, Ammolite was glad for Hawk’s sake that one of his family members had survived…especially now that Phoebus had left them. Ammolite’s eyes were unwavering blue. She opened her mouth to say something to Yoshika, but choked and closed it. No words could be said, no words were needed.

[Relairah]

Akuma was rather surprised when Yoshika caught his gaze. He could see the grief in her own eyes. He was understanding of it, but... what he didn't understand was when she suddenly looked away and moved toward Ammolite. He looked at the two curiously a moment, wondering what had crossed her mind, but, instead of pondering on it, he instead turned his gaze ahead, his thoughts moving from Yoshika when Azarak skuttled upon him. He was a bit surprised, but said nothing. What did the lizard want? Then the other spoke to him.

He smiled slightly, the words bringing worry from his mind. He glanced back at Azarak, briefly wondering if the other held any grief within him, but reassuredly telling the lizard, "Don't worry, I won't be... at least its not in my plans." He wondered what it was Istariel and Hawk were talking about, for unlike Ammolite, who'd known Istariel her whole life, or Phoebus who'd guarded a family his whole life, he knew little about the whole matter and thus it wasn't so obvious to himself.

[Monkey Monk]

Hawk felt his heart stop for a moment. He halted in his pace and looked to Istariel. Was this for real? Was he dreaming or did he hear the truth? It had to be real, it had to be the truth. Slowly a loving smile spread across the golden wolf's lips. He moved as close to her as he could, gently rubbing his muzzle along her's. This was perfect. For a moment he forgot the cold. For a moment he forgot the death of dear Phoebus. He continued to embrace his love, gently nipping and licking her cheek. After a moment he pulled back and smiled at her lovingly. "This is wonderful Istariel." And then his balloon popped. He remember the cold, he remembered Phoebus. He then began to think of what would have happened had he not saved her. Gently the golden warrior pressed against her, shivering roughly.

Yoshika was too perplexed when Azarak left. However at the moment she didn't care all too much. Slowly she let her gaze fall down to the bracelet around her leg. The bracelet that used to house a smart mouthed guardian. Now it was nothing more than a band of metal. An insignificant trinket in the world. No more did magic gleam within the metal. No longer did one get a marvelous feeling when looking on the object. However, the femmora still wanted to keep it. Even if it was nothing special in the magical way, it meaned something to her. It was a link back to her family. A way to remember her guardian. The bracelet no longer glittered with wondrous properties, but it was still magical in a sense.