Hidden Within

Chapter Three

~Another week went by and Oxen continued to make progress. Athena learned it was really metal upon metal sounds that set him off. Staying away from those sounds he now chased after and tracked her with her special headphones on. It took a while but soon he mastered that as well.
Another week went by and Athena was progressing him towards the city. They would just sit in trees above everything and watch together. He wouldn't last long with the random horns and people shouting but it was progress.

One night three weeks later Athena was at home studying her PTSD books with Z when someone knocked at their door.
Z stood up and smiled at her.

"You are jumpy tonight. It's fine."

"Shut up."

Z went to the door and pulled it open. Athena was surprised to find Alpha Tay standing in the doorway. Z stepped back allowing him inside.

"Alpha...what a surprise."

"Sorry to intrude."

Tay stepped in and Z shut the door behind him.

"I've come to speak with you Sky."

Athena nodded standing up with them.

"Alright...I'll go make us some coffee."

Z muttered going off into the other room. Tay came over to Athena gazing down at her books.

"Studying?"

"Yes Alpha."

"For our Elder?"

"Yes Alpha. It's working I've gotten him to come closer and closer to the city."

"Progress is being made?"

"Yes sir."

Tay nodded his head and picked up a book.

"One of the Lycans on the Council is coming to visit tomorrow. Check on our progress with our Elder. They have asked to speak with you."

"Me?"

"Yes, he wants to know why we don't have our Elder yet and my words apparently are not good enough."

Tay tossed her book down and met her eyes.

"Tomorrow I want you to come and explain to them why we cannot just run out and bring him in."

Athena nodded.

"Okay, can I bring Z with me. She is older and her word will be taken with more weight than mine."

"Sure, she's helped you during this I'm sure anyways."

Tay sighed heavily.

"Just be prepared with any and all your info on him."

"Yes Alpha."

He nodded and took his leave. Z returned with two mugs have her hands.

"He gone?"

"Yes, we get to go talk to a Lycan Council member tomorrow."

Z settled with her frowning.

"Really?"

"Really. They want to know about Oxen."

"Well that's not bad. You know all about his condition now and he is well on his way to becoming stable. You have nothing but good news to tell them."

"Yeah I'm just nervous. You know how I hate public speaking."

Z smiled and held her hand.

"I know. You'll do great."

"Thanks Z."