Calm... Rest... Unwind...
Day after day
Fight after fight
We give it all we've got
But only so much can be given
It's time to take a breather
Do nothing for one day
And let us enjoy ourselves and just relax
...
Dark and cold in the confines of a depressing, unappealing imprisonment two werewolves slumbered surprisingly peacefully. Two females, two warriors, each had black on their pelts. One, larger, held an amazing, unusual blonde hue on her 'wolf hair. A trait from her human side, a side never revealed thus far.
Their acute hearing, on the 'wolf's behalf of their, "condition" one might say, picked up the sound of footsteps before they even arrived at the metal door at the end of the long hallway that their new home resided in.
With no surprise the door was opened and familiar scents came to their senses with pleasure and displeasure as the heavy door created a light and quick, longing, breeze down the musty hall. Though those who possessed the sweet fragrance normally brought no good news their presence was generally liked simply for the refreshing smell they brought to the foul stench of the cells, but none would ever admit it. Their business was to be made quickly, but not for urgency or worry of a schedule needed to be kept, but mere excitement and anticipation of their own rather than their superior.
A man in his early twenties recognized by the smile he almost always wore and the stunning blue eyes he possessed almost happily ran down the hallway with excitement and regular happiness. Aidan was his name, a nice, caring, always content young man who only thought of others and didn't think of the differences between man and beast, but welcomed those monsters who were shunned, despite their reputation. A good deed that very wrongfully could get him punished by his boss or any other, and not to be paid with a mere fee of money greedy men like today lusted after but his very life.
Still, he did not mind the consequences he might face, the hurt he might experience.
He was rather childish, unusually they say, and especially odd given his lifestyle.
His "condition" was unknown.
The second man looked and acted more mature than the other caretaker whom he followed. This one was called Damien, a more, if only slightly, serious and peculiar man. He was also cocky, would jump to conclusions and has a wild temper (and perhaps a perverted desire as well).
Damien knew more about Aries than anybody else it appeared and seemed close, at least at one point of his life or another. The man didn't like thinking of the past, where who-knows-what he went through in the crazy, dangerous, murderous world. Thinking of a brighter future was his plan.
His "condition" was that of being spliced with the DNA of a dragon, giving him immense strength to handle the might of wild beast, better senses all humans could long for, and other abilities yet to be unlocked.
The duo arrived at the werewolves' cell, each wearing a smile though the sizes were drastically different when compared. The 'wolves continued their seemingly undisturbed slumber; at least for a moment or two. In time, a pair of vivid yellow eyes opened as stern and emotionally lacking as ever. Gaze slowly traveling onto those before her, her expression didn't change the slightest.
This was Ebony; a cold, merciless, intelligent, antisocial, and often blunt werewolf who though was a skilled fighter didn't care much for battle. An opponent was just another brick wall she had to tear down to continue going forward, never stopping or caring for others. Her motives for fighting were what you might call standard, that being she was fighting to survive, though what point was there to survive if she had no reason, she had often questioned herself. She had a reason now, though, to pay back Aries for keeping her alive when at Death's door.
Her age was unknown and couldn't very easily be guessed when in her werewolf form, which was every hour every day. Was she even capable of turning back human was a never answered question. The same just as why was she a 'wolf 24/7.
A change in her attitude was rare; normally she just remained emotionless, clam, cool, and collected. Some things however would almost effortlessly anger her; those things were rare but did happen. She did get embarrassed as well; it was about as rare as her showing anger but happened all the same. Laughter and a smile were thought by some to be impossible for the werewolf and so far seemed true. Though compassion wasn't any more common she did give concern and kindness to another werewolf, her best friend Ariain. Their history is unknown to the others, and neither has any reason to question why they became friends in the first place or explain why when others might. Somehow they make it work out and have always been there for each other.
Ebony said nothing, expecting an explanation from the pair of caretakers. It wasn't odd at all for them to come to them for a match, but something seemed different, and neither barged in and hooked them up with a leash. They just watched and slowly all eyes turned to Ariain who still remained sleeping, that too was odd, how she wasn't awakened. The pitch black werewolf was about to question it when instead the supposed sleeping 'wolf spoke, "You can all stop starring now," the mixed-colored 'wolf could feel their eyes locked on her. "If you're not going to do anything then just leave us alone." Arian added with eyes still closed.
Finally, this is Ariain, another werewolf who possesses the peculiar ability to remain in wolf form rather than be forced back to a mere, weak human when the full moon departed. She had a quick temper and wouldn't let someone get away with an insult to her or one of her friends even if she had to hunt them down. Ariain was all about strength, she didn't calculate as much as Ebony and didn't care to, a good twist of the enemy's neck was all that she planned. It was quick and just about effortless, no thought needed. When the time called for it she'd give her fair share of thought and came up with good plans.
Ariain was a good friend for Ebony; she brought her the kindness and compassion that Ebony now shares only with Ariain in return. She views the pitch black werewolf as a younger sister and would protect her at all cost. Ariain was incredibly loyal.
Her age was unknown as well and she didn't give much hint as to what it was. Sort of like how Ebony made herself seem older with her intelligence and as some occasionally said wisdom, but it was more that Arian didn't want to get close to anyone else no matter what. No one, not even Ebony knew why she was so defensive about herself and pushed everyone away. Ebony didn't care about others and generally let people be, she'd simply ignore them. Ariain however almost went out of her way just to make sure they steered clear of her and never came close. Ariain couldn't stop Aidan since he was her caretaker but made sure not to reveal anything else about herself than her name.
"We have to take you somewhere," Damien said.
"Where would you be taking us?" Ebony questioned, a bit surprised when the arena wasn't the answer.
"You'll see," This time Aidan replied. His quiet happiness was a bit disturbing and puzzling to the werewolf, but she said nothing, for once the slightest bit glad to have the pervert as her caretaker.
She wasn't sure how Ariain could go through with it, though. Ebony could imagine Ariain easily becoming enraged the way he always smiled and was always kind and nice. Ariain would then try to make him find some kind of fault in her or someone else or problem to make him at least change his attitude for once but to no avail. It was a bit humorous to the imagination and might be even funnier to watch. Because no matter how made she got she wouldn't harm him, she'd really have no reason to. Though to the eyes of the coliseum Ariain showed only a bit more heart than Ebony, at least in the killings, she was just as ruthless. She didn't believe in harming those that had done nothing wrong though. Aidan might be annoying, but it was no crime. Ariain would most likely tune him out or tell him to shut up but wouldn't physically harm him as she had done to Aries. Aries had done wrong, Aries deserved to feel pain and be punished.
At last the incomplete black were' lifted herself up and yawned, revealing the large, white, partially red tinted fangs of her massive jaws. Stretching her back with a few cracks she dully looked to her caretaker then almost looked away with disgustmorning people.
Now that both were awake, more or less, the cage's door was opened and Damien and Aidan went in. Then, with leashes attached, the four left their imprisonment. The walk appeared no different, they left the hall, went up to the stairs but then when they met the large wooden doors they didn't go through them, instead they turned right down a hall that curved with the perimeter of the arena. The werewolves had each seen it before but never well with no torches illuminating its presence but still neither cared to question it until now.
"Why are we going this way?" Ariain's voice was too soft to sound like a demand with her grand curiosity but she was expecting an answer and quickly, possibly suspicious.
"You'll see," Aidan replied as vaguely and mysteriously as before, that grin still on his face.
A few minutes later and the four exited a door that led to a beautiful land of fresh green grass, blue skies and sparkling rivers.
Both werewolves starred in perplexity but awe at the beautiful scenery. It was anything but empty though, all the other creatures that were under Aries' command were allowed to roam free in this patch of land often referred to as a little piece of paradise. The bright and warm sun hurt the 'wolves eyes at first but they didn't mind. The wind ruffling their fur was a warm spring breeze that heated up their cold bodies.
Ebony turned to look to Damien and asked why they were here.
"Aries gives all the fighters a day to just relax and take it easy, and this is where he lets them do it."
Ariain almost couldn't believe, that was actually nice of Aries, something had to be up. "You can't honestly expect me to believe that he just lets us go and do whatever we want."
"You're not free to leave this area. No one's sure how, but Aries always knows when someone tries to escape. No one's been successful at eluding him."
Ebony briefly looked down either out of thought or actually peering at something. "But so we can still do whatever we want?" She questioned looking back to Damien.
"Pretty much," he said.
The black-and-blonde werewolf had another question, "Do you guys have to be with us?" She had taken note that there were no other workers out with the creatures and was looking forward to being away from their own personal caretakers.
"Yes."
Arian groaned but Ebony didn't seem to mind, the news wasn't good or bad in her opinion. Before another word could be said Ebony began walking away, Damien's hand was still grasped onto the leash and at first he was pulled along with her but soon just followed. It was her day off, and even though he still had to be with her she was allowed to do as she pleased.
The other werewolf watched Ebony leave without a word, it was surprising in a way that she just ditched her but it's not like they had to be with each other. Ebony probably had something planned anyways, she figured.
"So, where to?" Aidan asked with a smile and all Ariain could do was sigh again.
Ebony and Damien were strolling through the luscious fields of green seeming to have no sense of direction or location in mind what so ever. The others starred at them awkwardly or surprisedno one ever saw a wolf walking during the day.
"You're lost, aren't you?" Damien was becoming cocky again.
"Not at all," Ebony replied emotionlessly but did in fact notice his smug tone.
"Then where are you going?"
Nothing was said at first, instead Ebony stopped and Damien made it to her side, "Here."
A large lake at the base of the hill she and her caretaker stood on was her destination, it was crystal clear and sparkled beautifully while reflecting the sun's image perfectly on its surface.
Ebony carefully descended down the grassy, somewhat slippery hill, but had nothing to fear. Damien followed suit but was confused as to why she'd want to come here.
"Why'd you... What are you doing?" He stared at her oddly, eyes wide, mouth hanging.
Ebony's back was to her caretaker as she was removing the top part of her uniform. "What does it look like?" She said and dropped the top to the ground at her feet near the lake's edge.
Damien looked away as she began removing the little that remained of the uniform.
"You're undressing... but why?" He heard the water's surface being disrupted and turned his head to see what it was, Ebony had placed herself in the lake and was already beginning to lightly comb through her hair. Fortunately the leash was long enough so Damien didn't have to be close enough to see anything,
"I may be an animal but I enjoy hygiene same as any human." She was rubbing the dirt out of her fur as she spoke.
Damien had nothing to retaliate with and he was still shocked that she had undressed in front of him; he didn't see anything but a woman shouldn't go around doing that. So he sat down on the hill and just kept an eye on her as he was supposed to. "So, you call me a pervert and yet you go around just undressing yourself before me?"
"Everyone or everything with human or near human thought is a pervert, in a sense, since human thought is based off of instinct and desires just on a higher level. What earns you the label is just how you act based on those desires... Why do you even care? I'm not you're type nor do I have anything you could possibly like." Ebony was rather wrong about that though. She may have been covered in fur but her fit and curved body would be alluring to man or beast. Ebony just seemed to be oblivious to that kind of sexual attraction though. Or perhaps it was just so obvious and inevitable that she no longer cared or worried about it. Even possibly, perhaps she was just trying to cover up her real self with this hard, callous and cold mask; someone who didn't care about anythingan animal who had no human connection, to hide the real fragile humanity lying beneath. Once more Damien had nothing to say and whether he did or not, Ebony didn't wait to hear it before submerging her head beneath the water. Her long black hair flowed freely and restlessly in the liquid that was almost new to feel on her skin and fur again. As she was getting close to running out of air she brought herself back up and broke the water's surface almost silently.
Damien was lying on his back now, enjoying the warmth of the sun, much like any traditional reptile would. He clearly heard Ebony resurface and didn't waste any time in asking, "Why don't you change into your human form?"
Instead of becoming angry, though it did strike another nerve, she had realized it'd be best to put up with him than fight, or perhaps it was just about image; Ebony went on with her back toward her caretaker and cleaned her fur saying, "There's no point in cleaning just the skin when the blood and dirt is in my fur."
"Well, when are you going to show me?" Damien lifted himself to gaze at the werewolf, porpping himself up on his elbows.
"Why would I do that at all?" Ebony turned and faced him.
"Our deal, remember, if I caught you then you'd have to show me your human form."
"I remember, but I don't recall you ever catching me." The 'wolf went back to cleaning herself.
"What are you talking about? Of course I did." Damien was becoming a bit upset and angry with her attitude.
"You didn't catch me. You tripped like the idiot that you are." Ebony struck a nerve in return.
"I'm not an idiot!" The half-dragon roared in a quick stand.
Ebony looked back at him questioningly, "You look like one to me."
Angrily Damien approached almost forgetting the situation Ebony was in but before he could touch her she slashed the water at him that hit directly in the face and drenched him almost completely.
He stood completely still, his wet hair and bangs fell over his eyes and what could be seen of his face was blank behind the drops of water and ridiculously messy hair. Everything was silent for a moment. Then almost out of nowhere, laughter erupted. It wasn't coming from Damien, no one else was near, and the only other person there was Ebony. It was indeed her. She was laughing, not hysterically, but rather softly and stifled. It died down rather quickly and her lips curled into a sly smirk. "Just like the idiot that you are."
...
BbB's dieing. If anyone does read this and wants more let us know.
