The Not So Human Maximoff

Six

Slowly I eased into a comfort with Peter, his presence no longer bothering me.

After a couple days he began meeting me at that spot, bringing food for me and Sam. Tho I was cautious I continued, careful not to display any emotions to him. Nor lead him to my home. I managed to teach him the basics of what berries were safe. His mask could tell him but he may not always have it and this forest is unique.

I licked my snout as he entered the clearing that has began to form. Hm he seems bored. Imma change that.

Standing up I grabbed him by the scruff of his shirt. He screamed and kicked, panicking and begging to be put down. Sam squeaked in confusion as I headed for one of the hidden lakes. Peter eventually fell silent, accepting his fate finally.

After a few minutes I finally got to the lake. Well, the entrance. See it was in a cave.... That you need to be kiiinda small to get in-

I gently set Peter down and shifted, grabbing his wrist and pulling him in. He stumbled, clearly not used to the pure inky blackness.

Turning a corner I heard him gasp. The tunnel lead into a massive cavern, a semi large whole in the top of the ceiling that had sunlight beaming in. The area was big enough that I can be myself again. I let Peter go and shifted, heading down to the crystal clear water. Sam squeaked in panic. I stopped, allowing him to climb to my snout. I lowered my head to a fairly flat rock with moss and several bugs. Sam seemed very happy.

I turned back to the water and slid into it, my fur quickly becoming heavy. I turned to look back at Peter who was still in shock. I let out a booming bark that made him jump.

He scrambled to take off his jacket and jeans, jumping in with a tank top and some type of shorts. He popped back up and laughed.

It felt nice seeing him happy.

Deciding to enjoy the water without the drag of my fur I once again shifted, carefully rolling onto my back and looking up at the hole above.

"How'd you find this place?"

He paused as if waiting for a response before realization hit him. He took a breath as if about to speak.

"Running." I whispered, slowly raising a hand so the sun shines through my fingers and onto my face.

"...what...?"

"I was running." I flicked my eyes in his direction, his mouth was hanging open. I smiled and chuckled. Tho it was quiet, my voice would always be quiet. I hadn't used it for several winters after all.

I bent back and dove under the water, easily swimming to some of the deeper areas of the water. I looked around for the item I set out for. A glimmer caught my attention but my lungs were starting to sting. I swam back up and took a breath, immediately going back down. I waved some of the soot away and grabbed the metal. I swam back up and was face to face with Peter.

He seemed genuinely surprised. I grabbed his hand and placed a metal necklace in his hands, smiling.

I know I'll have to leave soon. Hunters and people have been getting too close to my home. I can't stay much longer without risking my life. This...this will be the last time I see him.

"Protect my siblings please." I managed to get out. Words were always hard, always.

With that I pinched a point that forced him to fall asleep, his body dipped but I grabbed it, snagging the dropped tag as well. I dragged his body through the water and to the ground, shifting to more easily carry him. I grabbed his clothes in my jaws after tossing him over my shoulders, leaning down to Sam. He immediately clung to my neck, a bug in his mouth and his belly round.

Peter wasn't paying much attention, there were pillars that lead up to the hole in the ceiling. People can't make the jumped but a giant wolf can do so easily. And that's what I did.

I knew there was a tracker in his coat. The smell was familiar so it was easy to tell. They'll find him.

I headed to my cave, gently pulling him off and setting him on the hide bedding. I set his clothes over him and left. I'm gonna miss this place.

A lot.

I glanced back, my heart sinking.... I can't do that to him.. ugh I hate consciousness.

Letting out a huff I shook out my fur outside the cave, shifting into my human self I headed to the other side of the cave. Sam worriedly nudging my neck. I rubbed his head and sat down, putting my head in my arms I waited to his team to arrive.

I know I'll regret this. But the boy doesn't deserve it.

Tho I want them here faster. They should have the location by now. I got up and smelled where the tracker was located, grabbing the jacket I applied some of my strength and the tracker broke immediately. I set it back over him and headed back to my spot in the coldest corner. Shivering a bit due to the cold I closed my eyes, waiting for them to come and find me.

If they kill me so be it, if they do what hydra did? ... So be it.