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"How could she do this to me?" he lifted his gaze to the cold stone ceiling, "I, who have been at her side for so many years now, just cast aside like old potatoes..." he placed a hand across his eyes dramatically, then scooted over, his wrists now free of the shackles - albeit a little rough from the act of squeezing them free. "She must have put Her Ladyship under a spell...the witch. There is no other reason Lady Tigress would accept such...riffraff!" he leant an arm through the bars, knowing he was safe from any assault due to Viola being so weakened and of course restrained... "They say you have magic." he brushed a hand down Fire's face, drawing out a streak of her coloured hair and admiring it before letting it drop, "So young, yet in so much trouble..." he straightened up at the sound of a door and flitted back to the shackles which he loosened before slipping back on, "Oh Woe Is Me!" he cried out, "Mistress! How could you have forsaken me so!"

"Shut up back there!" a grunt from one of the guards turned his gaze, then he flicked a glance towards Viola,

"Shut up?! I will not Shut Up until this Injustice has been Justified!" he shouted at the top of his voice, then narrowed his eyes with a smirk as the guard advanced,

"I said be Quiet!" Someone appeared at the bars, hitting them with his halberd before glaring down at the little man,

"You will have to be making me!" Filous spat, "Lady Tigress does not know what she has done! I will not be quiet until I That Evil Witch at her feet is in my place! Or Worse!"

The guard, unappreciative of Filous' shouting hit the bars again, reaching for his keys to enter and beat the little man, but a questioning call from his comrade stopped him in his tracks and he turned, "Well if I don't beat the crap outta him, who will? Besides, He's doing my head in!"

"Just let him shout, he'll tire himself out eventually!" the second guard advanced, leaning towards the bars before turning his colleague away, "Come, we've still got to finish that game of cards,"

"Fine! Just Walk Away!" the little man continued to shout, waiting until they were far enough away before turning to face Fire and pulling his wrists free again, "I almost had him..." he smirked, having clearly been winding up the guards deliberately, "Don't think that because I am half of his size that I cannot take him down," he leant through the bars again to pet her hair, but wouldn't react any differently should she choose to pull away, "With the key, I can escape...maybe I'll let you out too...then you can teach that Witch a lesson...how dare she enchant my Mistress..." he frowned, sitting down again, folding his arms as he mulled over what he would do when he got out.


"The tests are proving more fruitful than not, but interruptions from old allies demanding I stop what I'm doing and help them is slowing me down." he said this in relation to Cyrus, who had called him at least twice more before Silver had phoned, "Something about a missing girl...I don't know why he thinks I can help her, but I guess old habits...Always was a Martyr that man." he peered down a microscope as he spoke, adding a little solution to a blood sample he'd acquired from the Owl, "I've heard nothing about new shipments...you know how I like to check those out for supplies..." he hummed quietly as he worked, "And you know you worry too much, Silver." his voice softened slightly as he listened to the man's fears, "Sure, she is reckless, but I shouldn't think she would be foolish enough to try anything so rash so soon..." he hadn't made the connection that Hunter was in fact Cyrus, but his interests were more on his work at that moment, "You need to stop worrying about the others, at least until you are on the mend...or better. You have a man in control, am I right? Then I'm sure he is capable of keeping her in line, at least for the moment."

He would listen to any other concerns before advising Silver that if it would help set his mind at ease, he should look through the prisoner files and that unless things went downhill, he would have the safer serum ready for administering by the end of the week.


Lobo didn't like the idea of a replacement for Brynjolf, but he had to respect his Alpha's plans and agreed to allow Bryn to suspend his duties with the squad in order to watch the male. "I shall inform Brynjolf about his new assignment immediately." he would take his leave, exhaling a sigh once he was out of earshot before heading off to find the man in question.

"...I went down to the City," Tala held an air of excitement around him, "Not alone, obviously, but we had breakfast from Brennan's bakery and then went to visit Gunnar at the Forge." he seemed a little more alive after his excursion, even if it had only been for a short while, "I've no idea if or when it's going to happen again, but I feel so much better for having done it." he certainly seemed more alive this afternoon, finishing his meal completely, rather than leaving some unfinished like he normally would... "What about you?" he would listen to what Crystal had to say, engaging in conversation with her right up until they had to split up and continue their duties.

Tala would go to bed that night quite exhausted, he was tired, but his day had felt more than fruitful and he could only wonder what the next day would bring.

"That was some stuff they gave you." Filous had watched as she'd tried to rise, "I know where they hid it as well." he had been curious upon stowing them away and had sniffed a vial which had left him feeling a little woozy... "Nasty stuff." he shook his head, then took a moment to watch her as she tried to motion for his attention, "I am curious as to how you are so murderous..." he followed her gaze and presumed they had 'muzzled' her for a reason, "But how can I know you are not just going to fry me when I release you?" He was all for making an ally of the female if it got 'Lily' out of the way and returned him to his rightful place beside Tigress, but after realising Tala was more than he seemed, he had grown understandably cautious...

There was no real way Fire could show him she wasn't going to do him harm, but after a few minutes, Filous exhaled a sigh and made his way over, feeling a little sympathetic towards the female, but also finding he had an unhealthy curiosity tugging at his mind - seeing as though the guards had gone to such trouble to restrain her, there had to be a reason - and he wanted to see. "I will only loosen these. I'm sure you will be able to work your way out. I have to keep my innocence." he reached through the bars, loosening the straps and chains that held the muzzle and shackles in place before returning to his place and sliding on the manacles again. "Now we wait..." He knew she was still recovering and that it would take some time before he could wind up the guards again, so he started to make plans, talking to himself, even chuckling at times as he thought of all the things he could do to repay Jesse for her injustice towards him...


Word had passed along the guards about a maniac at the gates insisting upon seeing Lady Tigress, a guard higher up had mentioned about questioning whether or not the guy had proof, but after the scuffle which had caused more than a scene, the guards had dragged the individual through the gates and inside the castle, their initial decision to dump him in the dungeons to 'cool down' before someone suggested actually calling the man's bluff and dragging him before Tigress herself...

Having grown bored with the entertainment, the Owl had actually granted the young guard who had insisted on bringing Fire's Weapons, an audience. She sat back on her throne, watching as Jesse advanced, taking the seemingly 'trashy' objects and bringing them before her, kneeling down at her feet to present them for her to see... Obviously, Jesse was hating her role but she had to maintain her act in order to not raise any suspicion...

Tigress lifted the first of Viola's weapons by the end, mildly disinterested in the objects before listening to the male's explanation. "It would be interesting to see these in action." She presumed nobody had any idea how they worked and so gave it back to Jesse, "Maybe keep them aside for now...On view, but unobtainable." she would be quite surprised if the Murderer was actually able to find her way out of the dungeons, but they would be kept under lock and key just incase.

She opened her mouth to speak again when another guard burst through the door. Narrowing her eyes at the group as the pursuing group marched in with Trumpet in their grasp, she sat up on her throne, calling for an explanation as to the sudden intrusion before waving Jesse aside. "You had better have an reason for disturbing me?" she hissed, glaring at the first guard,

"This man claims to have been sent by Lady Snake to meet with you." he bowed respectfully, hoping he wasn't standing too close to risk a beating from the Owl...

"He does, does he?" Tigress tilted her head, "Were you aware of this Fil..." she had turned to ask Filous if he had heard anything, cutting herself off when she realised she'd sent him to the dungeons... She breathed a discontented sigh, then turned to look directly at Trumpet, "I have received no message regarding such a meeting." she now rested her chin on her hand, "What makes you think I have time to listen to Fable spinners?" Having no knowledge of such a meeting, she believed the male to be lying, but decided to hear his explanation first before passing judgement.


Tala was pleased for Crystal when he heard how she'd followed his lead and started standing up for the Omegas, the more the lower ranks did that, the more respect they would eventually earn, but he would be sure to remind her to be careful, knowing that sometimes the others wouldn't take kindly to retaliation... Overall though, he was quite impressed.

When eventually they would disperse, Tala would head off to complete his own chores before inevitably making his way back to Lord Wolf's room to rest.

As before, he would take on his wolf form before finding his way to the Owl's chambers, greeting Lord Wolf as he entered before taking his usual place on the cushions that had been turned by the staff, ready for him to sleep that night.

Tala lifted his head, tilting it curiously, "Sir?" Once again, only the man himself would be able to hear anything human from the wolf's mouth, "You mean?" he sat up, a little excitement noticeable in his voice before he remembered he still had to maintain a standing before his Alpha and relaxed, "If you are happy to allow me such freedom, Sir, albeit gradually," there was a clear wag in his tail as it wafted two and fro across the laminate floor, "Then I'm more than pleased to accept," he didn't want to sound too eager, but after Bryn had whetted his appetite for the world outside the castle, he couldn't wait for his next opportunity, especially after so long inside...

He would remain awake and chatting for a while if Lord Wolf wished to talk, but if not, he would settle down and soon be asleep - Much of the time in the past, he'd lain awake at night, listening as the Alpha drifted into slumber, but tonight, he held a mixture of excitement and exhaustion and this seemed to help him easily into sleep.

Tigress took the paper, reading it through before lifting her eyes with an unamused, yet questionable look, "How am I to know you haven't forged Lady Snake's signature and aren't just here to break out your little friend and go on another killing spree?" she would listen to his explanation, then point out that regardless of what he had thought he'd read, the document stipulated that Viola would only be released if they were in fact, in Her domain, namely Sistan - Which although unstipulated, made the contract and his request, null and void. "You are correct that I don't as of yet have any plans for her, but to have such audacity to demand my audience and then attempt to bargain with me...I am not amused." she continued to speak calmly, but it was clear she was only being tolerant of his aggressive manner. She had overheard the older guard at this point and knew that she was being more than a little lenient with this individual... and it was time for a change.

Jesse started to feel a tingling in her skin and looked towards Tigress, it seemed the guards were also aware of the change in the room as they shifted to take a position as though to brace themselves, using their halberds to ground their bodies like they were preparing for a storm...

"You may have guessed by now that you have made a serious error in judgement by coming here." she cleared her throat and rose to her feet, standing level with Trumpet and meeting him eye to eye, "You have also proven yourself foolish enough to have assumed you can trust an Owl like Snake." she dropped her defenses slightly when the guard mentioned a trade, turning her gaze towards the man, then looking back with narrowed eyes towards Trumpet. "You look afraid." her lips curled up into a smirk "Does the thought of an exchange scare you?" She had no intention of giving away that which was originally gifted to her, but if she could make a bargain that would end in her benefit... "You, step forward and explain." she pointed to the old guard, curious as to what he had to say.


"Sir?" Filous liked the sound of that, but nodded when she mentioned about getting the stuff out of her system... "Sleep is a healer." he sat down beside the bars of Viola's cell, listening as she introduced herself, "You are not just fire though, are you?" he respected that after saying she needed to rest, that she should actually want to get some sleep, but he was curious - practically everyone of importance had heard of the dual magics that had been discovered at the Owl's demise... "I did not know of one who could wield two powers..."

"...Tala?" her eyes widened at the thought, the static sensation in the air dissipating almost instantly as she thought of the boy, then without warning, she reached forward, gripping Trumpet by the front of his shirt, "He is no cat!" she hissed, the air becoming charged once more. She listened as the old guard mentioned he was probably a shader, looking into the male's eyes as he seemed to grow more fidgety beneath her grip, "Shader or not. If you get him back, then you can have the Girl." At the mention of her Pet, all other plans seemed to flow out of her mind, she wanted Tala back more than ever - With his abilities, she could use him for so much more - and if the worst should come, she could easily set him on anyone who dared to attack...

Upon hearing Tala's name, Jesse had stiffened. It was good that everyone was so preoccupied with Trumpet because the thought that the Owl was still after the male whom she still considered her comrade, left her feeling more than a little uncomfortable...


"Ice..." Filous pondered over that for a moment, "Then you can break the locks," he smiled twistedly, "And you can burn the guards...You might even be able to freeze the Witch." he rubbed his hands together, glancing back as she mentioned that her parents had been test subjects of Lord Dragon himself... "Sounds like he had it coming...but without him, you would have nothing..." he rose to his feet and returned to the shackles as the patrol started to pass along the cells, tapping his heels together innocently before stopping and glaring at the guard as he peered through the bars,

"...Lysin?" he tilted his head as he heard the man's name, the guard had continued on by now and hadn't heard the female's mumbles, "I could always check the scrolls for him after we get out." it felt fit to assist if she was willing to help him get his place back by Tigress's side. He opened his mouth to speak, but noted Fire had fallen asleep, "You rest then." he nodded, "I will be thinking over our plan."


"What say you?" Tigress had maintained her grip on Trumpet's shirt, the air still charged around them as she awaited his decision... It seemed to have been only Jesse that heard the sound as she was more level with the male's pocket, she saw the glow and lifted her eyes, noting the expression on the male's face before wondering who would have the necessity to want to contact him at such a moment... Her eyes glanced around the guards, but they seemed not to have noticed and so she decided to keep quiet...for now.

If Trumpet agreed, Tigress would release him and step back, retaking her seat upon the throne before waving forward a servant who would give the male his instructions on where Tala was and how she wished to receive him - Alive. If he refused, she would push him forcefully backwards down the steps, unleashing a bolt of electricity into the chest of an unsuspecting guard and launching the poor man across the room in her frustration.


Brynjolf would come for Tala bright and early the next morning. They would leave Lord Wolf's room quietly so not to disturb the Owl, then after a good breakfast in the hall, the older male would lead Tala from the castle, walking confidently towards the guard station - there was no need to hide from the men now Tala's leave had been granted.

The guards straightened up as they saw the pair walking towards the gates, all four men would advance, their weapons ready as they prepared to turn the pair back, that was until Brynjolf produced a paper stating their permission.

"It's signed by the Alpha." the guards looked between each other, then back at Bryn, "Guess you're good to go then." he looked towards Tala, narrowing his eyes slightly before rolling up the paper and handing it back. "Don't go making trouble down there."

Tala could feel them watching as he and Brynjolf passed the gates, but as soon as they reached the city below, he relaxed, even pulling down his hood - no longer feeling the need to hide his face.

Gunnar had already been informed and was already warming up the forge when they arrived. He nodded to Bryn, then advanced towards Tala. "You're gonna hafta lose the uniform, else you'll melt." he took hold of the collar of Tala's jacket, assisting the male in pulling it off before hanging it up across the other side of the space.

He returned with a leather apron which he helped Tala put it on before walking him to the firepit. "I kept that dagger you started." he drew the blade from his belt and held it out, "I've got a few hours before I need to start getting things done, so if you want to take that time to perfect it, then away you go." he planned to show the male the ropes later on, start him on a few small small projects before setting him to work whilst he focused on taking orders for new tasks.

Brynjolf would stand by and watch the male work for a while, have a little chat with Gunnar whilst Tala finished up the blade before pulling on an apron and getting involved himself. He would start by sharpening some of the dulled blades before Gunnar set him on polishing some of the shields.

Once he was sure the pair were busy, the Blacksmith would open the store, taking the first orders for repairs and improvements before starting his own work for the day.

"I will not harm her, provided you return my Pet in an equally unharmed condition." she had no idea of Tala's health, but after her assassins had failed to obtain him - she had heard of their failure from a scout who had seen them rematerialise outside the city walls - she had been forced to set her wants aside to focus on ruling her kingdom... "...But if you fail." Tigress knew this would make him pause, "She will be used as an example... Anyone foolish enough to attack an Owl, will be Executed with the scenes broadcast throughout Aphelia." she smirked a she said this, drawing her lips back to reveal a sharpened canine tooth as she did so.

Jesse's jaw dropped at this and she looked up at Tigress in shock...then averted her eyes, knowing she was also taking a great risk just being there. Being a mole amongst the Owls was a dangerous feat, if she was found out, she too could risk execution...but she shook the thought from her head, watching Trumpet's reaction whilst holding her tongue until their visitor, and the guards had left them alone.

"...Are you really going to execute her?" She finally spoke up, knowing it was a risk to speak out about the Owl's decisions...

A hand slid down the side of the throne, brushing the side of Jesse's face before lifting her chin so the pair made eye contact. "That all depends on if our little friend can come back with the goods." she drew Jesse's hair from the side of her face with her free hand, then rested the female's head against the side of her throne as she stroked her face, "He'll either fail, or he'll perish...I couldn't care which." she was still working on some way of getting Tala back, but couldn't help wondering if Trumpet would actually be successful...Or how Lord Wolf would punish him for trying to steal away something he was protecting...


Although the dungeons were one of the least comfortable places to sleep, Filous would actually be fast asleep when Viola stirred those several hours later. The man would only be awoken when the guards made their rounds, striking the bars as they tossed in a bottle of water and a piece of stale bread - which just so happened to bounce off the man's side as he was jolted awake by the sound... They would cast both items into Viola's cell, then chuckle amongst themselves as they remembered she was unable to move, or eat for that matter...

"Vile Dogs..." Filous gave a growl as he sat up, sniffing the bread before casting it aside and taking a sip of water instead. "You're awake?" he looked to Fire, shuffling over once he was certain the guards had moved on, "How are you feeling?" he saw how the men had thrown the bread and water into her cell, narrowing his eyes at how sick their idea of humour was... He would listen quietly, then lean in through the bars of her cell and pick up the bottle that had been thrown inside, "They think they're so amusing." he frowned, loosening her muzzle just a enough to turn it to the side and allow her to drink if she wanted to when offered. Keeping it on would enable them to return it to its original position quickly should the guards come back around...


Tala seemed to have taken to the job rather quickly, over the following few days, Gunnar would leave the Brynjolf in charge of the forge whilst he brought Tala up front to help him deal with the customers...

Understandably, the male was initially unsure, but a few of the citizens really took a shine to him, eager to see the New Blood and what he could do. A lot of requests were simple, restringing bows, sharpening blades and the occasional rebuffing of shields, but when it came down to the forge, there was always a little group gathered around to watch the young male work.

There were always going to be those who saw little amusement in an outsider being able to forge a blade and they would pass comment about the 'Scrawny Youth' struggling to tend to their larger weaponry, but Tala always tried his best and Brynjolf was inevitably there to lend a hand where needed.

"Got a little surprise for you today, Kiddo." Gunnar always perked up when he saw Tala and Brynjolf making their way down the road towards his forge; today it was raining, so he would wait until they were beneath the shelter before producing a blade which he handed to Tala. "It's like the one you made, but I've added a little something to the hilt." When Tala turned it over, it would reveal a small slot, capable of holding something...

"Hey, thanks," Tala wasn't quite sure what exactly the slot would accomplish, but drew the dagger he'd made himself before comparing the two together - both were equally balanced and could be used together in close combat should the need arise.

"I haven't been totally truthful with you, lad." Gunnar reached for a pouch on his hip, producing a small gemstone which glinted in the light of the forge when he held it out.

"Oh! Is that...?" Bryn's mouth dropped open when he saw the stone and he looked at Gunnar, in some amazement, "Where did you...?"

"We got a shipment of coal in the other day and this beauty was rattling around inside...almost went into the firepit." he chuckled, taking back the dagger for a moment before sliding the stone into place and handing it back. "It's elemental," he watched as Tala sheathed his own dagger again before turning the man's blade in his hands, "It draws on magic which breathes power into the blade," he'd seen smiths in far off citadels working with the same kinds of gemstones, but to procure one was a rare feat and often cost great amounts to buy...

"I don't know what to say," Tala was more than grateful, but suspected that with the amount of time he'd spent in Omega already, it was highly unlikely the weapon would see any action for a long time,

"Just use it wisely." the man ruffled Tala's hair, then turned towards the firepit. "Right!" he clapped his hands together, "Let's get things up and running!" he seemed quite chipper this morning and that spread to the pair who set to work immediately.

Filous knew he couldn't change what foods they were given, but at least they were fed... He nodded eagerly when Viola asked if he wanted to see - he was more than interested in witnessing the Magic that she claimed to have, not that he doubted one labelled a Murdered had anything less. His eyes would light up as she demonstrated both fire and ice and he would start to clap his hands quietly with excitement.

"I have plans," Filous grinned, "I also have a few alternatives to those plans...but whether or not they work will need to be seen." he paused to listen for a moment, then continued, "As you may have guessed, I have a voice that which is of both Angels...and Demons," he had a sneaky look in his eye, "I can cajole many people into doing things for me...and I can also scream down the house and cause much annoyance for those who have to listen to it." She had no doubt witnessed a demonstration the day before and he was willing to do it again.

"I am well dressed as I was once a tailor for her Highness...that was until that boy came..." he huffed, slumping down, "Such a thorn in my hide, yet I worked with him, covered up his bruises, found him all the finest wears...those most comfortable for someone who is to be a Pet of such a fine Owl...Then he ran. It was only once he reappeared later I was forced to pursue him...and I failed." he held a hand over his eyes again, used to showing his emotions in such ways, "I found myself at her beck and call, one above a slave, yet still treated as such...then she turned up." it was clear he hated her from the start, "Pushed me from my seat at her right hand, then assumed my place." He took a moment to think when Viola mentioned that Tigress might just have taken a preference for females more, but he shook his head, "She hates the disrespect of the guards, treating women like they are items rather than human beings." he was certain of that, but with this new possibility in his mind, he wasn't entirely sure, "Either way, she does not belong. I fear she is a spy, sitting beside her Highness and listening to all that is said...A rat for another Owl I believe...also a threat. She has weapons, I'm sure of it!"

He didn't quite take offence at her claim that he was one who seemed to switch sides to suit his benefit, because in all honesty, should Tigress fall, he would waste little time in kissing up to her successor... Instead, he chose to answer her next question,

"The only thing I know is that she is not who she claims to be." he recalled how the Owl had spied him seated upon her throne and had become more than a little controlling of that which was hers, "Her Ladyship is quite possessive of things...and when I found Lily and her guard friend talking about murderers I planned to alert Tigress to the risk...that was when she attacked me," he clasped his throat, "She tried to kill me! But her guard pulled her away." he dropped his gaze with a sigh, "Lady Tigress saw me upon her throne and instead of listening to the truth, she listened to Her and had me thrown down here..." he seemed deeply regretting, but secretly knew he shouldn't have touched the Owl's throne... "I have been loyal to her for so long! How can she do this to me?" his voice started to rise from his frustration, but a grunt from the guards at the end of the corridor quickly silenced him as he realised he might just be getting a little loud...

Gathering himself, he breathed a sigh, recalling her question regarding who might have ratted her out... "I would only suspect a friend would have such knowledge..." he frowned, trying to think, "Unless you have a well informed enemy?"


Creed would indeed make his appearance at the end of the week - On the final evening, he would pack up his equipment and set his destination towards the Owl's Palace. He would greet the servant with a more formal approach this time - there was business to be done and although it may have been fun to poke a little amusement at the man's expense, Skylar felt he might just have already been prepared for an altercation, so he intended to catch the Butler off guard and do nothing at all.

He was surprised to see no other guards in the palace and presumed it was for their own safety, they knew exactly what he was like now and perhaps knew better than to be in the same location at the same time as he...

When allowed entry, Creed would greet Silver respectfully, setting his bag down before waving off the guards and taking a moment to ask the man how he had coped with the week. He would once again offer the proposal of going over Silver's arm with a new tattoo, explaining how the tests he'd performed had gone swimmingly, with the serum taking to his system with positive reactions. He had no idea how long it would last for, but he seemed confident that the man wouldn't have to call upon his services for some time...


As the week progressed, Tala had started to get used to Brynjolf picking him up in the morning and accompanying him to breakfast before taking him down to Gunnar's Forge for the day's work.

Today was slightly different, Bryn would meet him outside Lord Wolf's chambers, but instead of taking him down into the city after breakfast, he would lead the male out into the courtyard which had been cleared as though preparing for something.

"I wouldn't want to jump the gun," he turned as Tala opened his mouth to question what was going on, "But with everything that's been going so well these last few days, I wanted to step things up a little." he held his confident smile on his face, urging the male forward before explaining what he planned to do.

Tala was a little wary, but accepted the offer for a little sparring - he'd received training from Cyrus in the past and thought there would be little difference between what the Hunter had taught him and what the older male could show him now. He would be more than a little surprised.

Bryn would start off with allowing the male to make the first move. Although reluctant to actually attack his comrade, after some coaxing, Tala would charge in with a hit...and inevitably end up on his butt.

"Would you really do that in real combat?" Brynjolf offered the male a hand, helping him to his feet before taking a stance as Tala stepped backwards, "Try again, but don't get mad when you end up on your butt again." he chuckled, clearly attempting to wind the male up.

"I won't get mad." Tala made a face, taking a leap forward before feinting to the side in the hopes the distraction would allow him to land a blow... This was of course not going to happen as when the male lunged in to strike, Brynjolf gripped Tala's arm, twisting him around and planting him on his back, on the floor.

"Bet you're pissed now." Bryn smirked as Tala winced from the impact with the ground, "C'mon, up you get." he took Tala's hand and pulled the male back to his feet, dusting him off before giving him a playful shove backwards. "Really come at me now, alright?" he clapped his hands together, then rested them on his knees, leaning forward like a rugby player would when preparing to charge.

Half expecting to find himself on the floor again, Tala felt there was little option but to give it his all. Charging towards the older male with a roar, he aimed low, but let out a yelp of surprise when Bryn suddenly stepped forward, catching hold of him and twisting round, lifting him up over his head before letting out a roar of his own.
In the following seconds, Brynjolf brought his arms down, giving the impression he was going to slam the male down hard onto the ground, but mid-drop, he stopped, ensuring his grip was firm before letting go and allowing Tala to drop the final foot.

The move had startled the male enough that he remained flat on the floor for several seconds afterwards just staring up at the sky above as his heart beat vigorously in his chest...

"Got a little carried away there...Sorry," Bryn's face appeared to the side of his vision and the older male crouched down as his young comrade caught his breath, "Good thing I stopped, eh?" he watched as Tala sat up, rising to his feet before offering the male a hand.

"Yeah." Taking the offered hand, Tala rose to his feet, dusting himself off this time before turning to face his older comrade."Where did you learn to fight like that?"

"I've had a few teachers." Bryn took his jacket off, revealing the black tank top Tala had seen before, "You ready to go again?"

"Only if you start this time." the male, although perhaps a little bruised, was eager to continue, hoping the 'ace up his sleeve' would prove fruitful.

"If you insist." Bryn ran a hand through his black hair and then got himself ready, "Brace yourself! Cuz here I come!" Brynjolf had clearly battered down a few doors in his time as the male charged towards Tala like an ox with a grudge.

Tala became focused, watching as Brynjolf rushed at him, full pelt. He took a stance, but as the older male came within striking distance, he would be thrown off guard when Tala's vision disappeared into thin air.

"What the?" Grinding to a halt, Brynjolf was stunned, turning to look for the male before smirking as Tala suddenly appeared from nowhere above him... "We're playing that game are we?" With a smirk, he lifted his arms, catching the male by his feet before swinging him around and letting go... His smirk soon faded as he felt eyes upon him, Tala proceeded to skid several feet on his back before coming to a stop across the courtyard at the feet of a more than surprised Sentinel...

The guard peered down as the male sat up with a groan, offering Tala a hand as Brynjolf jogged over to see if he was okay.

"Sorry Kiddo..." he could still feel a glare from across the courtyard, but he relaxed when Tala held up his hand for assistance in rising.

"I thought I'd got you then..." the male didn't seem overly upset, but he did ache a little and took a moment to stretch before looking back at Brynjolf, "Now you have to show me everything." he smirked, taking the attack in light.

"He's alright!" Bryn turned round, waving at the solitary figure watching them from the upper walkway before turning back to Tala, "I think we'd better take a break for now," he had seen enough for the time being and intended to work a little training regime into the male's daily routine when he had the chance. "Let's go see if Gunnar needs a hand with anything..." wrapping an arm around Tala's shoulders, he led the way from the courtyard, hoping he hadn't pushed his luck too far on this first session...

"People do strange things..." Filous was at a loss, "...Sometimes for those they care about, they move mountains." he couldn't think of any other reasons, but even so, it would have been very strange for someone who likes someone, to want to rat them out...

He knew they would have to wait for Fire to recover fully before they could put their plan into action, but in the meantime, Filous proceeded to come up with further backup plans should their main idea fail.

"I'm glad they helped." Creed nodded, glancing over the drawings Silver had created to help relieve his stress levels... "I find doodling often helps...colouring in too, like childhood." he started to go off subject, then remembered why he was there and started getting his equipment ready.

He took the male's arm, inspecting it before mixing the serum with the dye that would fade when the medicine wore off. "Very little in my life really," he started working, aware it was probably going to sting more than a little, "Found an old favourite in the market, a confectionery I haven't tasted since I was a kid, might bring some next time if I have any left, but apart from that, nothing really, well, except from the fact I'm still receiving calls from everyone's favourite Hunter...So many it's become a daily annoyance, I'm that close to blocking him...I just can't understand why he's being so persistent." he frowned, dipping the needles into the serum before going over the faintest outline of the original tattoo design. "I've told him I had other priorities, but he just won't give up."

Brynjolf would work with Tala over the next few days, running him through all the best moves he'd learnt whilst growing up and even showing him a few tricks which he'd perfected himself. Sure, Tala would end up a little bumped and bruised, but he took each session with a fresh mind and rose each day eager to better himself.

Tala still made time for Crystal - even though with all the work he was doing, their time was becoming more brief and rare... He would meet her when he had some spare time between training and working at the forge, filling her in on how he was getting on and telling her tales of things that had happened during his time there - He recalled a recent day in particular where someone's pigs, which they'd brought to sell in the market had gotten loose and one found its way into the forge, running around and knocking things over before he and Bryn were able to corral it into a corner where they got a rope on it and lead it back to the market.

He knew Crystal had more chance of getting to the market than he did, but Tala would talk her through all the stalls he'd seen, the array of different fruits and vegetables, the wares everyone had to sell - having been kept away from the bustling cities, outside the walls it was all a new experience to him and he was more than willing to share what he'd seen... He would have continued on, but Bryn woudl appear across the hall and he knew it was time to head off...

"I guess I'll see you next time," Tala flashed her a smile, feeling bad that their time for meeting up was growing less and less - he was still grateful for all the help she'd given him on his first few days there, but knew there was a chance that soon, he would perhaps see her only once in a long time...


Brynjolf would lead him down to the forge like normal, waving to Gunnar as the man worked the forge, before leading Tala past and further down the path.

"Bryn?" Tala cast a glance behind them, "The forge is that way," he would stop, then jog to catch up as the older male continued walking, "What's going on?"

"Change of plan today," Brynjolf kept his gaze on the road ahead, glancing briefly at the male as he flanked him close, well aware that Tala didn't really like plans changing so quickly...especially without him knowing beforehand.

They would pass with a good pace through the market, past the vast array of stalls as the tradesmen set up for the day's trading, past the hunters as they spread out their wares before eventually approaching the main gates... Those very gates which held the Hunters back at the start of the Festival...

"Bryn." Tala ground to a halt, watching as the man crossed the threshold before turning back to face him, "I can't." he shook his head, glancing over his shoulder as though looking for a route back,

"It's not the Wilds," Brynjolf flashed his trademark smile, spreading his arms before taking a step back into the sunlight as the clouds seemed to break overhead, "Look, there are houses back here, so we're still technically within the boundaries...It's still safe,"

"I figured you'd try and lead him past the wall eventually." A voice from behind made even Brynjolf jump as Lobo stepped out from behind the perimeter wall, standing between the pair and folding his arms as he leant his back against the gates, "I know the hunt calls to you, Brother, but even I know this Whelp won't leave voluntarily. He's bound by that damned bracelet." he pointed, narrowing his eyes as he spoke,

"I planned no such thing." Brynjolf frowned, watching as his superior pushed away from the gate and advanced towards Tala,"I just wanted to expand his boundaries...little and often like Lord Wolf said... And I can live without the hunt!" he stiffened as he realised Lobo was headed straight for the male and took a step forwards before realising several members of his own pack were now standing either side of him,

"Sure you can." A somewhat playful punch to the shoulder made Brynjolf turn and he looked into the bright, green eyes of a young, sandy-haired male as he stepped past, acting as a barrier between him and his leader,

"If The Alpha was going to let him out, don't you think he'd have done so by now?" Lobo looked Tala up and down, his arms remaining folded as he scrutinised the younger male as though assessing his capability for such a feat, "He's not as scrawny as when I last saw him," he walked around Tala now, "But I doubt he'd put up much of a fight against an Aurok."

"I've been training." Tala frowned,

"So I've heard." Lobo snorted, "And I'm sure Brynjolf's been going all out on you too!" The group seemed to laugh at this, the remaining members of the pack appearing behind the male now to create a circle, "Can't harm the Whelp, Alpha may beat me." he glanced back at Bryn who had gone from a playful manner, to one of growing anger...

"Back off!" he stormed forward, meeting his Leader face to face, almost chest to chest as he tried to stare the Delta Leader down...

"Did I strike a nerve?" Lobo tilted his head, "You don't actually care for this Whelp do you? ...Oh? You do!?" There was a look of surprise on the Delta's face, then it quickly turned to a frown as he shoved Brynjolf back into the arms of his comrades before turning to face Tala. "Let's see what you have, Kid." he stepped towards the youth, intending to grab him by the jacket, but grasping nothing but air as Tala's vision disappeared.

"Where did he go?" one of the younger males, who had been standing behind the youth was equally as surprised, looking about the crowd before shrugging to his comrade who returned the shrug and looked towards his leader,

"He's run off." Lobo turned, "Why am I not surprised?" he smirked at Brynjolf who had dropped his gaze, "You wasted your time, Bryn." he took a step towards his pack member, turning back as a cry rose up from behind and the crowd split. "What the?!" The sight of a large bovine thundering towards them scattered the group, leaving Brynjolf and Lobo well within range of attack; Both leapt aside as the cow charged through the gates, rolling to watch as it disappeared before turning back to see where it had come from.

"Where the heck?!" closing the gap around Brynjolf, the group returned, circling the male who now pushed himself up from the ground,

"You need to drop the kid," Lobo shook his head, "Rejoin the pack! Just look at you! You're going soft for damned sake!" he moved to strike the male to make a point, but flinched as something bounced off the back of his head, "Who threw that!?" he gave a snarl as his eyes settled upon the small pebble as it landed a few feet away,

The squad looked between one another sheepishly, all shrugging before letting out a yelp and scattering as a barrage of tiny pebbles showered down upon them from nowhere...

His smile returning, Brynjolf lifted his eyes, scanning the rooftops before spotting a single figure seated upon the upper vestibule of the clock tower.

"You have some nerve! Boy!" Snarling, Lobo glared around his gang, "Don't just stand there!" he snapped, his clothing bulging as he started to transform, white fur sprouting all across his body as he took on a Lycanthropic form, startling more than a few villagers as he let out a roar, scattering the livestock which fled in all directions.

The marketplace would be filled with snarls and roars as several members of the squad all took on their animal forms, each one a Werewolf with their pelts each of varying colours that seemed to match their hair... Another roar from their leader and the group would start towards the clock tower, the young male set firmly in their sights...

"Tala! Run!" Brynjolf gave a shout, trying to push through the scattering crowd as people started running. He knew exactly what the pack was like and knew he needed to get to the male before they did or risk losing everything...

Tala didn't need to be told twice and sprung from where he'd settled, leaping onto the nearest rooftop before scrambling up the side as the first of the pack clawed their way up to grasp for him...

He knew it was only a matter of time before they caught up with him, so Tala resorted to several tactics to slow the WolfMen down, knocking roof tiles and chimney pots off as he went, he glanced behind as the Alpha started to gain...
Noting a gap up ahead, Tala aimed for it, jumping down and watching as Lobo sailed overhead. It would take just minutes for the man to recover, but that was all he needed.

Drawing up the shadows, Tala took on his wolf form, darting out from the alleyway, straight into the path of the red-haired male, whose coat was a dappled maroon - great for hunting in the forests. The Werewolf seemed to jam on the brakes as the large, black wolf shot across infront of him, turning to watch before lifting his head as Lobo gave a shout.

"It's got the Damn bracelet on!" the Delta leader snarled, cuffing his comrade as he jumped down to ground level before pushing him out of the way so he could resume the chase.

By now, The Guards had heard of the incident and begun to gather, clearing the marketplace of citizens before blocking off all routes and closing down the scene. Nobody had expected the large, black wolf to rush out into the centre, in fact several guards leapt aside before scrambling towards the edges as the Pack charged up behind...

Being slightly smaller Tala was just able to maintain a distance ahead of the squad, but as he entered the square, he realised the majority of routes had been sealed off and saw no choice but to chance the gate...
Flattening his ears as he felt he was breaking Lord Wolf's rules, he put on a burst of speed, shutting his eyes tight as he charged towards the threshold.

"Gotcha!" Something snatched him up mid-step and Tala gave a yowl, whirling round upon his assailant and proceeding to struggle - oblivious to the thunderous footfalls of the werewolves, followed by the creaking sound of the gates closing behind them... He continued to fight, opening his jaws to bite as he was pushed to the ground and promptly laid upon with someone struggling to hold his jaws shut without being bitten... "Hey! Calm it down!"

It took only a moment to recognise the voice and Tala's ears flicked back as he turned his head to confirm his suspicions before allowing the shadows to disperse... Returning to his human form, he started to roll, ending up on his back as Brynjolf sat back,

"Bryn?!" he was stunned, but there was little time for relief as a heavy pounding upon the doors, followed by furious growls reached up over the walls...

"We had better get back to the castle..." Bryn helped Tala to his feet, nodding to one of the guards who nodded back and proceeded to deadlock the gate... "I'm so sorry." Brynjolf felt terribly guilty as they jogged back towards the castle, "It was just going to be a walk outside...I had no idea they were lying in wait..."

"It's alright, I'm sorry I bit you..." he noted the blood that ran down the older male's arm as they finally reached the guardhouse...

"I'd call it evens, but I think the Alpha will have words later..." he couldn't believe Lobo had acted in such a way, transforming infront of the citizens was scowled upon, pursuing a protected pack member was even worse... He just hoped that although he was part of the same squad, people wouldn't tar him with the same brush and accuse him of being part of the plan...

Only once they were safely back inside the castle did they come to a halt, doubling over in the courtyard as they tried to catch their breath...