Mission To The Unknown

The Red Wolf (4)

As he ran through the forest, Second's heart pounded in his chest, the sound of his own heavy breath echoing through the dense trees. Clutching his navy-colored sword tightly, beads of sweat dripped from his forehead, the warm drops mixing with the mud that clung to his cheek. He glanced back over his shoulder, the Warden in pursuit loomed large, its angry roars inciting panic in Second's heart.

"Please, just get lost!!". He murmered under his breath, ducking and waving his sword at the Warden while running around the trees, desperately trying to evade the creature's blind, aggressive swipes, and without any other choice, he swiveled and sprinted in a different direction.

His legs seemed to burn, but the surge of adrenaline kept him going. Spotting a fallen hollow tree, Second's eyes widened. Without a second thought, he sprinted towards it, diving headfirst into the trunk's dark embrace. Though his heart was still thumping fiercely, Second muffled a breath, his hands pressed against his mouth as the creature drew near. Its footsteps, heavy and menacing, shook the earth beneath him, rattling his entire body.

Suddenly, the steps grew fainter. Slowly, Quietly, Second peeped out from his hiding place. The Warden had moved on, believing its prey to have fled. Relieved, Second slid out of the trunk. He plopped down on the forest's lush grass, dizzied by fatigue, allowing himself a small smile of triumph. Wiping the perspiration from his forehead, he took a deep breath. It was then that the reality of his situation became apparent. His powers were useless. He couldn't use his fire ability in the thick of a forest, and mind-controlling was hardly helpful in this dire situation, especially since half of the forest creatures can easily lift up trees and Rocks like baby toys.

"Ugh! Now, what do I do? I'm completely lost!". He said annoyed and frustrated, trying to calm his ragged breaths. Lost, disoriented, and miles away from home, he couldn't help but feel vulnerable. Unfolding his map, he attempted to locate his whereabouts. He puzzled over it, but it only proved frustrating.

Hugging his knees close to his chest, Second tried to hide his fear, but the tremble in his voice betrayed him. As his tears began to fall, he whispered softly to himself, lamenting his solitude.

He felt alone and scared here, as he'd never been away from his brothers for so long in his life, and after this life and death chase he was in he just wanted to lie on his bed and close his eyes and take the best nap for who knows how long. Suddenly, a faint noise startled him from behind. Second whipped his head around, expecting the creature's reappearance, but instead, his gaze met with something else. Second's eyes dilate with amazement, his pupils bouncing with excitement at the sight in front of him.

"Wow...". He utters, his voice holding an admiration. He can't tear his eyes away from the stunning creature before him, a red-furred wolf unlike any he had seen before. Its coat was like a universe in motion, stars scattered across its rich crimson pelt.

Barely breathing, he observes its distinctive eyes, fixating on the intense crimson orbs. Those eyes, so full of depth that looking into them felt like staring into the heart of a red giant star. There was a tranquility in his core, his entire being felt an inexplicable sense of calm. Second tilted his head, his eyes momentarily leaving the striking eyes of the wolf to the dark red circular mark on its head. His breath catches in his chest while he marvels at how the spot, amidst the stars in its fur, was a striking anomaly, something unique to the lively creature. Quizzically, the wolf tilted its head much in the same way Second did, a sight which made him giggle.

"Hi, there". Softly, Second greeted the animal, extending a friendly hand. Surprisingly, it took a small hesitant step closer and woofed, its tail waggle as it caught the silly humor in  Second's tired gaze. The entire encounter felt like a hazy dream, perhaps a result of his exhaustion, second guessed, but he couldn’t shake off the feeling that the wolf was truly understood him in some unexplainable way.