A Rebel's Pendant

_Three_

     "C'mon, guys! Keep up!" I linked my mind with the rest of the patrol as I trotted in front of them.

"Remi..." Ryker warned, making me slow down, "at least stay behind Colt, please."

"I would if you would hurry up!" I replied, but waited for a large ram to pass me before walking again. Colt was in charge of the patrols around here, you would think he would be a little faster. But despite my patrols sluggishness, this was so much fun! There were so many new sights and smells! At the moment, we were walking through a green forest, one that took up most of the Tontitrui land. I stared up at the sky to see a Peregrine falcon soaring above us. That was Quinn, who was looking above for any danger, "Hey, just letting you guys know, we're approaching the Outside soon," she informed us.

"Thanks, Quinn!" Colt told her.

"Oh boy, the Outside! You mean, I'm finally going to see the Outside?!" I exclaimed into everybody's mind.

"Yep! But, stay close. It's very-" Colt began.

"Dangerous," I completed his sentence, "I know. Ryker told me a million times!" After saying this, I noticed the grass below me has faded into a darker shade. We must be getting close! I wagged my red tail and yipped at Ryker excitedly. But, he seemed to be off in his own world, for he only flicked his tail and stared in front of him. I ignored him and stared up at the trees, which seemed much more taller than before. And the bark was a very dark shade of brown, almost black. Vines climbed their way up the trees, while roots were veins in the ground. In the distant forest to the left of me was foggy and gloomy. Finally, Colt halted and Quinn flew back down and stood on the ground with us. Ryker looked out to the eerie forest, "Here we are."

"Wow..." I said in awe as I shifted into a person. The rest of the patrol did the same. My mouth gaped open at the sight. It was so quiet. So... creepy. I gulped, feeling an uneasiness settle into my stomach, "This is what the Outside looks like, Remi."

"It's a lot gloomier than I thought it would be..." I murmured.

"Yeah... you definitely don't want to go in there!" Colt laughed.

"M-maybe we should start moving again..." Quinn whispered.

"Why? You scared?" I jeered.

"N-no! Well, I mean, yeah... but I have every right to be!" She retorted.

"Are you scared that a big, scary monster is going to gobble you up?" I teased while Quinn furrowed her brows.

"No! But... I don't want to stick around and find out..." She gulped.

"She's right, we should get a move on," Colt said, turning to continue on the path.

"You go on ahead. Remi and I need a moment, but we'll catch up," Ryker said. Colt nodded to us and Quinn followed him out of the area. I turned back to Ryker, "What's up?"

"Remi, look out into the fog," he pointed out into the grey wall, "see that shadow?"

"Yeah..." I squinted and noticed a large, tree shaped silhouette in the distance.

"In a few days, meet me there. I'll wake you up through a mind link. We can start our escape there."

"Sounds good!" I cheered, and began to walk in Colt's direction while Ryker followed me. I smirked at him and shifted, "I'll race you."

"You're on!" He shifted and sprinted off and I darted after him. Despite his longer strides, I caught up to the black panther easily. I was beginning to make my way past him, "I'm beating you!" I teased. Ryker didn't reply, he seemed very focused. All of a sudden, he leapt onto a large tree and swiftly climbed up it. He followed those actions by running across a thick branch and leaping off of it to land right in front of me, "Hey!" I growled.

"Not so tough now, are you?" He sneered. I flattened my ears and sped up from behind him. I leapt up onto his back, and was about to jump off until he came to an instant stop, making me fly off of him and tumble to the ground. In my mind, I could hear his laughter, "Yeah, yeah. Real funny!" I grumbled as I stood back up.

"Okay, okay..." Ryker padded up to me, "that's enough games for now. Colt and Quinn are nearby. Let's get going."

"Fine," I sighed and trotted after him.