Artemis's Story

Cerise whimpered when her friend collapsed due to a sudden migraine. She knew what it felt like. But every Hemlock has its own unique venom. She had no idea what Schemeko's was like, but it seemed horrible. She knew it was horrible. It made her feel horrible just watching her friend. She had some more medicine left but she didn't know whether to ease Nova's headaches now or to wait until it starts taking complete affect. She walked beside the ice wolf and softly patted his back with her paw for comfort. "I could quickly find an herb for migraines if you want..." She then began to think of any herbs that her father had taught her and were abundant in the forest.

Schemeko had no other feelings but annoyance. Normally, Schemeko wouldn't mind other wolves playing into his folly, but the problem isn't the amount of wolves its who the wolves are. First he hears a bark, Schemeko did get some what excited that a new competitor has entered, but once he got a whiff of the wolf's scent he knew it was Dimitrios. He knew well of the distinct scent Dimitrios posses more than he would admit, but he knew that this wolf would ruin everything. Next WarriorDemon appears and if that wasn't bad enough she brought a dying pup! She could have at least brought a healthy one! The Alva could potentially ruin everything if she decided to kill them all right now. Then another wolf appeared, it had white fur, possibly another Asui. If that was the only wolf to show, then things wouldn't have been a problem. Luckily Rokunam took the initiative and laid down the law with these interferences. Hopefully they would take the hint otherwise Schemeko would have to waste time convincing these wolves to take a hike, but he is far too excited to worry about that. He was going to start the game and now it has been put on hold because of these wolves.

Then Nova did the smartest thing and ignored them all; by getting up and leaving. Cerise soon followed in behind, at least someone is looking forward to what he has in store. Schemeko grinned as he saw the white wolf take notice of the pup then ran off and left. Why did she lick Nova? Schemeko thought, Do they know each other? If they do it would make the game more fun. Schemeko chuckled to himself as he turned his attention towards the other wolves, Well it would if we could ditch these nuisances. Schemeko bitterly thought. Schemeko then walked up towards Nova and Cerise and saw Nova slumped against a tree.

"Ah, kinda hard to walk when your body is trying to fight back against the Toxins." Schemeko spoke, "I suppose you feeling feverish, maybe even feeling headaches?" Schemeko asked.

((OOC: Just for future reference Schemeko really isn't a big wolf. He's kinda of mangy and is more of a medium-sized wolf if there is a size class.))

Schemeko noticed heard one of the newcomers growling at him. He glanced to make sure it wasn't WarriorDemon luckily enough it wasn't. Instead it was that white wolf, he definitely had no interest in what her problem was, he never even met her in life before. Whatever her problem was it can't possibly having anything to do with Schemeko, maybe its something to do with Nova he wasn't sure. Schemeko decided that the best thing to do at the moment was to ignore her after all Nova's condition had more relevance to what he is planning. He did hear her say something even though it was quite faint. He didn't hear his name or Nova's maybe Cerise? No that can't be true either. Whatever the problem is the wolf should look for a better way to deal with it than growl at Schemeko. It's not like he ever hurt her, or anyone here for that matter...yet.

((OOC: Hey BlueWind are we able to see Acheron? I'm not sure.))

Schemeko was a bit surprised of Nova defending him, and what was even more surprising is that he complemented him. "Well they did call me Pretty Poison back sometime ago." Schemeko said jokingly. "The name never stuck though when I grew up, instead they called me that wolf who would die laughing." Schemeko laughed. Schemeko then heard the white wolf introduce herself and judging by how freindly she was with Nova, she was an Asui. "Yes, you are right my sickly friend we have to get you that antidote soon, otherwise the symptoms will get worse." Schemeko said as he moved to the front of the group. Before he could do anything he heard the explosion and looked to see the Rokunam had left. That was little bit disappointing since the Tenneth seemed like a sturdy competitor, oh well. He lost one and gained another in the female Asui, she will make for better a game anyway. Schemeko really had no interest in their cargo that is in the form of a weakly pup. Schemeko worried that this would slow them down after all, Schemeko needed to reach the cave soon. Thinking of the cave he turned his attention to the nervous Dimitrios. Schemeko really needed this wolf to get lost for a couple days and judging by his look he was. Thinking of some way to be rid of him he spoke up and delivered the perfect opportunity.

"Oh, you need directions huh?" Schemeko called out to the Dimitrios. "Yeah I could point you in the right direction of the Onatah Cliffs, I was near there not sometime ago." Schemeko then gave a grin as he called out to him. "In fact the direction where going will take you some what closer to the Cliffs." "If you wish to come along I will point towards the Cliffs and from there we will go our separate ways." Schemeko said offering to help the lost wolf.

((Sorry didn't realized it started a forest fire, lol))

Schemeko for once was thoroughly agitated. His plans were going up in smoke like the forest itself. He couldn't let these wolves be dragged off by WarriorDemon and her little buddy here. He knew he should have said something to send them on their way, but with WarriorDemon's attitude she would have likely bit his head off, and not figuratively either. He had no patience to hear of another supposed cure, he was confident he had the true cure, how could this healer WarriorDemon mentioned possibly have the solution? They continue to underestimate his creation, and they continue to go off their experiences with other Hemlocks! Do they not know that Hemlocks, especially those in the Alpha's family, are to develop their own signature toxin!? Sure if he could speak he would admit that many of his fellow wolves have been rather lazy, and they have created a mainstream venom. Nearly every Hemlock he knew had this standardized venom and those in the Alpha's family are lazy as well. His cousins have decided to only tweak the mainstream venom some, calling it original and unique. What they made is only a little different and could easily be treated once the symptoms are known. Those more closer to the Alpha have actually took seriousness in the creation of Toxins and actually have developed special venoms unique to each other. Yet, Schemeko knew his was the first of it's kind. The toxin itself is still in a experimental stage and has not yet fully matured. Yet, his prototype is already the most deadliest in all of the Hemlock Pack. It is ingenious, to think that the Bacteria could be weaponized.

In the swamps of Nazar, there are many dangerous bacterium that carry deadly diseases. Which is why few wolves venture there and actually survive, and it's not because of the Hemlocks but because of careless wolves cutting themselves and the Bacteria growing within them; killing them with their diseases. Although the Hemlocks are used to the bacterium they did not have the means to actually weaponize them, but Schemeko does. He really shouldn't get upset though, after all Nova never did fully infect himself. In fact he barely pricked himself on one of Schemeko's quills, and lucky enough for him that area was not yet doused with his Pathogenic Bacteria. No he would need to return to the Swamps to completely become deadly. His research was not yet complete, besides the Pathogenic Bacterium, the pack has one more secret they have yet to share with him. So in the mean time Nova is no real danger as he only infected himself with a simple but effective poison. The only reason Nova hasn't gotten over yet is because of Schemeko's clever planning to keep him moving. Even though it is a standardized poison it has some side effects from his actual toxin, this includes the fevers, the paralysis, and the muscle spasms. Yet, without the bacteria it will not remain. All Nova really has to do is take more medicine and rest for a couple of days and his symptoms will disappear. Then his immune system will finish off whatever is left.

Schemeko watched the wolf called Acheron pushing everyone along to escape the fire, will eveyone except for himself. Figures, a friend of WarriorDemon with the same old prejudice. Schemeko though to himself as he remembered his encounter with WarriorDemon. She tried to kill him just because he wasn't pure?! He had no intention of killing them! In fact his game would not have him harm them, it would have been up to themselves if they lived or died. Besides he wouldn't claim that he was pure anyway, he did enjoy the more darker things in nature. Schemeko has rarely killed any wolf though and if he did it was in self-defense. He has not outright murdered any wolf...yet. It's not like Schemeko never had any murderous thoughts, but he never felt like he had the means to perform murder. Once he has finished his project however, then there are some wolves he would like to see gone. Schemeko watched the fires draw closer and he became worried. Are they actually going to leave me behind? Schemeko thought.

Schemeko wriggled out of Cerise's mouth fearing for her own safety. "CERISE!" Yelling at her only made him cough louder. "Do you really want to end up like Nova!?" Schemeko said scolding her, "If you become infected..*coughs*...your as good as dead!" Schemeko said his words not harsh but more or less concerned. Schemeko made his way out of the fire helping Cerise along the way, knowing she wouldn't be able to survive in such a noxious environment as well as him. He did this by nudging her along with his nose, making sure that none of his quills poke her. Once he made way out of the fire while helping Cerise he noticed the white wolf blow ice into the mouth of the inferno, and it did help die down the flames some. Schemeko looked around and saw that almost all of them were accounted for except Nova. "Nova!" "Where is Nova!?" Schemeko shouted at the others. Schemeko turned back not to see Nova anywhere that Artemis shot her ice.

Durandel, who'd been silent for a long time, watched the smoke rise around him in the middle of the cave he was in with the rest of the wolves and smelt the foul smell of its burning ashes. It was far worse smelling than the smoke produced by the Vulcan Mountain volcanoes. He cried out in a hoarse voice, "I think I can get rid of the flames and smoke. I'm going to need to fight fire with fire and super heat everything so it burns out quickly." He hoped everyone could hear him.

He'd been silent for a while following the group and trying to make sure Nova and a few of the others would get properly healed. In being so focused on this task he'd unfocused himself on the events around him. Thus causing him to be unable to realize a good number of the newcomers. Perhaps age had made him tired. He wasn't really sure, but his mind definitely wasn't it in it right now, however, the fire around him had woken him up to a mass problem that all the wolves now seemed to face. He'd help them as best as he could.

Although Schemeko wasn't a big fan of WarriorDemon her option for salvation seemed to be the only one. He looked all around him and the fire was encroaching upon the trees and just like Warrior earlier they too would end up being crushed. Schemeko unfortunately did not see many options outside of a painful death and when Nova decided to move forward, he might as well. Schemeko worried somewhat about the others as heard what might be Artemis or Cerise. In fact he could have sworn he heard Cerise above them. He looked up but it pained his eyes for there was smoke, but something did look familiar. Once he saw a clear line though the smoke it was Cerise! Unfortunately though his voice hasn't the energy to call out to her as his coughing became worse. Seeing this as his only opportunity for survival Schemeko reluctantly jumped through the flames WarriorDemon and Nova went through. It was like a gateway as Schemeko miraculously passed through them. Using whatever energy he did reserve went into a full sprint as he soon caught up with Nova. "So you survived too?" Schemeko spoke to Nova referring to the jump through fire. "I hope we are not leaving one hell and literally jumping into another." Schemeko said as he only muster a slight chuckle. Schemeko could see some figures up ahead, but they where fast, faster than any wolf he has seen.

It didn't look like they had heard her seeing that both had darted off after Warrior but she had caught a glimpse of Schemeko looking in her direction. Next thing she hears is Artemis's voice. She awkwardly turns around slowly using as much energy and mind focused on keeping her mad wing up before heading off in the female Ausi's direction. Once she saw her, she was horrified to see Artemis with her back being lapped up by the flames. Cerise thought quickly and dived to the river and landed with a splash. Using her good wing, she flapped at the water below her sending water to the Ausi's body. She did this a couple more times until the flames were finally doused. She shakily made her way over to the Ausi. "Artemis? Are you alright?" She asked as she examined the burnt patches of fur on her body and back.

"Stay still. Yes, the others are alright... There making their way out of the fire. They may even be out of the fire as fast as they were going." She says with a weak smile in an attempt to make the mood around them a little less down. "Uh.. I'll go make some medicine for your burns..." she says before running off. She stopped and looked back at the she wolf. "Oh! And put your burns in the river for the meantime. At least until I come back." she says before once again making her way into the woods. She knew a lot of herbs that could help with the burns. She looked around the woods until coming across the plant she needed. Witch Hazel. She took the needed amount of leaves from the plant and also taking some nearby berries. The vitamin C will promote good wound healing by producing strong collagen. Which is the base material for new skin to develop.

Once she had collected these things she made her trek back to Artemis and the pup.

Once Cerise had returned she set the leaves on her left and the berries on her right. She then put a big leaf in the middle to act as a... surface of some sort. She took the Witch Hazel's leaves and precisely cute the leaf open with her claw and put the leafs gauze on the surface leaf. She did this until she had a good amount of gauze on the middle leaf and a good amount of Witch Hazel leaves left over. She then added a bit of water to it and spread the medicine over the leafs surface. She then turned to Artemis. "Alright Artemis, I'll help you out of the water then I'll add the medicine." she says.

"Uh... They ran off. But they didn't leave us! No they wouldn't do that. Nova nor Schemeko would. They were only following their instincts and were trying to make it out of the fire." She said trying to make it to where they were coming back for them. To be honest, Cerise had no idea where they were at or if they were coming back. They were headed in another direction from where they were. Cerise sighed. "...I tell ya what. Once these burns are all good and taken care of, I'll lead you and the pup to where they were headed." She promises before taking the gauze and spreading some on her back, legs, and sides. "That should do it... Oh! Also, eat these." She says before handing over the berries. "It gives you Vitamin C which is great for new skin to grow quicker so that the dead skin will be off sooner and it wont hurt as long." she says before dipping her own paws in the river.

Cerise looked over at Artemis. "okay..." she says quietly while taking some of the Witch hazels leaves and stuffing them in her bag for the others before picking up the small pup from the scruff. She then looked at the burning woods one last time before looking into the brush. She hesitantly darted into the forest. She wasn't at a fast run nor a slow run. Just in between.

Cerise slightly looked down at the pup but continued running, fighting her own pain on the bottom of her paws. She ran for a good ten minutes gradually getting faster and faster until stopping. She carefully put the pup down. "Alright. They should be around here. I saw them heading this way... We'll have to wait..." She says tiredly as she examined her surroundings.

Cerise sighed as she tiredly made her way over to a tree. Like the trick she did last time, she used wind to lift her bad wing up and started flapping. She gradually made her way up until she was at a sturdy limb. She set her paws on the bark and felt at ease. Cerise laid her head down on her paws. A soft breeze passed through the leaves making a hush noise. The noise was like wind chimes to the Avira's ears as she fell into a soft sleep.

Artemis was so happy that she found the others. She had been so worried about them. But then she remembered the scary looking wolves that were also in their presence as well. She turned and looked at one and saw that she was becoming enraged and growling fiercely at her. Artemis as scared by the wolf and did not want to fight for she would surely loose being with her vulnerable burns and what not. Artemis took a step slightly behind Nova but then she felt something against her back leg. She turned her head and saw Mishaa scared hiding behind her. Realizing that the puppy had followed her and was now among vicious wolves who were strangers, she didn't know if they would harm the pup but she was not going to let them hurt her. Artemis stood her ground and growled loudly back at the other wolf protectively. No one would harm the cub as long as she was around. "You better back off before I make you, stranger..." She snarled. She looked at WarriorDemon and said in a low voice. "fine..."

Cerise's eyes fluttered open at the sound of nearby commotion. She dazily looked over the edge of the limb and had found that both Mishaa and Artemis were no where to be seen. After realization hit her, the sound of growls and snarls behind her caused Cerise to jump to her feet and jump to one branch to the other until she made it to the ground. "Mishaa! Artemis!" She calls and runs to the growling and snarling. Once there she jumped out and on to the scene with her tail up and ears forward panting. Her eyes darted to every stranger wolf around her. Brine, Blue Bird, Mrala. None were familiar. Just as she was about to speak a quick look at the familiar face, Battle or warrior came into view and she relaxed a little. Looking around a bit more she had found Nova, Artemis, Mishaa, and Schemeko. "W-who?" She managed to breath out.

Artemis saw that Mishaa was happy when she mentioned food. "I promise I'll go hunting for everyone soon." She said with a smile and licked the pups nose happily. She stared at the wolves for a long while and slowly picked Mishaa up by the scruff, and proceeded toward the entrance to the tunnel. She stopped and looked back at Nova and Schemeko looking them in the eyes, her eyes were trying to say yes? Should she go in?

Artemis saw Nova ponder the idea of going with the scary looking wolves. Artemis looked around her and so far she was the only one who was on the side with the strange wolves. She felt uncomfortable and unsafe with them. She started back to the others with Mishaa slowly.

The situation didn't make Schemeko anymore trusting of the strange wolves. Then when things couldn't become any stranger another special wolf appeared from below the surface. He had a strange accent but that wasn't the problem. They wanted us to follow them underground is some deep dark hole. Who do they think we are? A bunch of moles!? Schemeko has entered long, dark caves before and those can become unsettling. Yet an underground tunnel sounds just as bad or maybe worse. Still WarriorDemon has been truthful and has pointed the way out of the fire and controlled her cohorts from attacking them. Still the situation was undeniably strange. Schemeko noticed Nova look at him probably wanting some sort of answer or suggestion. "I'm afraid I have nothing on the subject." Schemeko said defeatedly. "I have no idea who they are or why this is happening." Schemeko was flabbergasted, never before had he encountered such things as demons as Warrior puts it. "I guess we do whatever they want us to do." "I don't see much good staying out here with a whole forest burnt behind us." "Of course the choice is up to all of you." Schemeko spoke as he looked at the tunnel. Still he didn't like the idea of going underground but he turned his attention towards the others, "So uh what's everybody going to do?" Schemeko asked before he jumped down into any strange holes.

Artemis walked back with Mishaa in her mouth. She was unsure of whether to follow what Nova and Schemeko were to do since they seemed to know the Warrior best. Also, she was scared of going into the dark tunnel weak and vulnerable. She didn't like the other wolves for they seemed to outweigh her like most wolves and seem like ruthless killers. Artemis ran back and hid behind Schemeko She put Mishaa down and asked, "Schemeko, Nova, Cerise.. what are we going to do?" She stared back and forth between them all worriedly and curious.

Cerise kept silent all the while, watching as her friends were making the decisions of either going with the wolves or staying on the trek they were on. Her eyes looked over her friends. Schemeko was confused and unwilling to go with these strangers. Artemis was also confused and relied heavily on each others opinions. Mishaa was, well, innocent beyond all means. Nova? he looked willing to go with the foreigners and a bit stressed... and when she saw him heading into the whole she was not at all surprised. Cerise soon fell in a bit of a slum. Nova had always been someone close to where she could talk to but as everything had went by, there was no time for chatting or making a quick conversation. Schemeko? well, she didn't really know him but he was certainly smart in picking his words but she had never really 'talked' to him before. Artemis? Well, she looks really nice and would be a joy to hang out with but not now. Mishaa? A little to young but she could always watch the pup.

Another thing. Mishaa... She felt a tinge of jealousy around the small pup. She knew why. It was the feeling of innocence and unknowing of any danger going on around them. Not having to fight or hunt. It was practically paradise but she knew the fate of the pup. Eventually, the pup will grow up. Desensitized by the war, fighting, killing, just as she... It was beyond horrid. She will be pup in special combat programs if she is strong enough and if she is, she gets sent away on the alphas command. One of the good things about being an Omega is that people degrade you and don't think much of you. One of the bad things is that the Alphas feel as if they can toss Omegas in a gas chamber... They don't care. Just like everyone else on this sick terrain. On this sick world. They don't care. Maybe, Cerise was being a bit too negative on the war and Alphas... Some Alphas were great some were nightmares.

Cerise looked up at Warrior and smiled slightly as the pup licked her nose. She looked around the small band of wolves and sighed heavily. Fatigue, hunger, frustration, thirst, pain all seemed to pile one on top of the other atop her neck causing pain to shoot through her spine when she looked around. A few days of rest doesn't seem like such a bad idea... She thinks as she dazedly walks over into the hole.

Schemeko heard WarriorDemon's words and they were not filled with anger unlike earlier. The conversation circled around everybody and then Nova decided to speak up. It seems Nova is going to follow there wolves. Schemeko thought to himself. "I don't believe you have to apologize Nova after all she was the one that made a bad impression." Schemeko pointed out, "Calling us impure and what not." "Being judgmental over wolves who she doesn't know personally...or at least in my case." "You guys seemed to know WarriorDemon before she became WarriorDemon, so I can't exactly say all of us." Schemeko spoke as he looked at WarriorDemon and knew she meant what she spoke of. " Still these wolves offer us hospitality, and as long as they don't try and bite my head of again I shall graciously accept." Schemeko said as he bowed and gave a smile. He noticed Cerise making her decision as well. That was good for Schemeko, just in case they needed to be talked down again from aggression. Even though he knew it was the Tenneth that accomplished such a feat, perhaps this ordeal will make them more...agreeable. Schemeko then walked over to the hole, "Well ladies?" Schemeko said with a smile as he awaited for the she-wolves to descend before him out of courtesy.

Artemis was confused and slightly nervous. She looked around for Mishaa, but she had walked over to Warrior. Artemis walked over to the hole and followed Nova and Cerise, hoping that they all knew what they were doing. At least if they trusted to wolfs then maybe they weren't so bad. But that didn't mean that she was about to let her guard down and act all nice and happy.
Artemis was about to turn and grab Mishaa when suddenly Warrior decided to carry the pup. Artemis let out a loud growl at the wolf. Why was she carrying Mishaa, she didn't do anything for her, she didn't get her out of the fire or make sure she was fed. mishaa was her responsibiltiy and she did not like to see her in the care of someone else. She snarled giving Warrior a death stare, raging with anger.

Schemeko was relatively happy that the others were crazy enough to follow other-worldly wolves into a ditch. As Schemeko prepared to descend he heard a voice. Hm, that doesn't sound like the voices in my head. Schemeko thought as he looked over one last time before disappearing. Whatever it is I hope it isn't one of those wolves that are supposedly after Warrior and her allies. Schemeko thougt as he disappeared into the hole. The others seemed to have heard a voice as well. This made Schemeko defensive as he kept track behind him as he was the last one in. Well if there is anyone I would notice them coming in from behind. I wonder if Warrior understands there may be a stranger amongst us? Schemeko thought as he followed them to the end. What he discovered on the end was...surprising to say the least. It was a grand landscape with unique architecture and furniture, items Schemeko has never seen before. To think a whole civilization existed beneath us. Schemeko thought to himself in amazement. He then noticed other wolves come towards them. He could have done without the contact but he didn't complain. When they attached some flowers on his fur most of them began to wilt from his toxic exterior. The rest were able to survive since they were placed on more inhabitable areas of his fur. He hopes the wilted flowers won't upset them judging by WarriorDemon's outburst anything might set them off. Schemeko kept to himself as they passed by trying not to attract so much attention, which was hard considering these wolves probably never saw his kind or the others. Schemeko continued to follow the others just trying to stay casual as not to upset anyone.

Durandel observed the destruction left by the forest fire. It was unusually extensive following the recent rainfall. Despite the circumstances he and Rokunam were able to produce a counter-fire that ended up destroying the original one. As Durandel peered through the smoke he could see that only he and Rokunam where left alone. "Hm, Rokunam it seems your friends have left you behind." Durandel spoke towards Rokunam. "Heh, I suppose I was given more than I bargained for when I left the mountains." Durandel said a bit jokingly, "I was only looking for some better game then I stumbled upon all of this fine mess." Durandel sighs then turns his head towards Rokunam. "Where have you been lately Rokunam?" "I haven't seen you in the Vulcan Mountains for quite some time." "I figured you might have been captured or worse, considering the war and everything." Durandel spoke inquisitively. Durandel wondered about his story as he spoke again. "I heard last you where fighting some Hemlocks...right?" Durandel asked unsure of his sources. Durandel hoped he wasn't prying too much into Rokunam, but if he did survive such an ordeal it might help Durandel understand imminent enemies to the fire packs.


-------Schemeko------


Schemeko was surprised of the hospitality of these wolves. Judging solely by WarriorDemon he expected them to be more hostile. Noticing that there much more friendly and welcoming Schemeko doubts how Warrior could be one of them. He certainly hasn't heard any of these wolves calling him or Nova impure. Still maybe that was WarriorDemon's personality maybe she is more high-strung than the others. Although it wouldn't be unwise to still be a bit weary of the others just in case. It wouldn't be the first time Schemeko was wrong about others, he never was the best judge of character. Yet his cautiousness and resourcefulness made up for that. Schemeko looked around the area and it was still all just too magnificent for him. It just seems highly unlikely that a whole civilization could live underground, wolves aren't moles. Schemeko though wasn't going to question it after all everything was questionable, including what Warrior and her allies can achieve. Schemeko kept to himself anyway as he merely surveyed the area just trying to absorb it all. Schemeko then heard a voice coming from behind him. He looked over his shoulder to see what appeared to be a fire wolf. The wolf claims he was Rokunam, Who was Rokunam again? Schemeko thought to himself. He remembered someone just mentioned that name but he wasn't really paying attention. Schemeko waited for the others to respond hopefully he could just act upon their claims and make it sound that he knew him. Schemeko pondered there where others with them. He must have been either the Tenneth or the "Canicus". Schemeko really doesn't know how to tell the two apart, he wasn't exactly familiar with the fire packs.