The Breeders

Chapter 21.1 Guilty

~Hegan~

By the time we made it back to the gates I was struggling to keep from vomiting. There had never been a time I was known for having a weak stomach. Things like gore were something I was used to; it was my job. At the pit of my stomach there was a churning hole starting to form. No matter what I did the feeling would not go away. It was like the feeling of impending doom that seemed to loom over me.

The gates opened and I got off Hawke releasing him of duty. For all I cared he could to whatever he wanted, there was no way I could lock him up now. I felt the contents of my stomach making its way up and fast. I got to a building before leaning over and heaving everything up. My mind was unable to wrap around what I had seen at the base. It's aftermath only proof that it had actually happened.

I shook my head not wanting to remember what I saw, I wanted to put it behind me forever. No one and nothing could ever make me squeamish but everything about Groves and Zay made me want to tear my eyes out.

Composing myself I walked away from the building deep in thought of the grand Masters plans. It was one thing letting out experiments but another to test them out the way he did. What they were capable was way more than they could handle. Something as powerful as they were should never be created, it was only a matter of time before they figured out just how powerful they were. If that day ever came, we all would be wiped from the planet, I feared that soon there would be more of those experiments running around. I just hoped I was wrong because this could potentially end humanity for good this time. There had to be a way to get to that scientist and his pupils to kill them. It was the only way to stop them from using these weapons in this way.

All the men, women and children walked around without knowing the monsters that walked among them. Here they were fearing the wolves, yet instead should be fearing their leader. The mess he and his brothers created for everyone could kill them all off. They were loyal to a man that no longer shared their likeness. It was a shame because I too was blinded by the rights and wrongs of this war. I felt that I was on the right side of things saving humankind, but I was wrong.

Until I saw what they had done at the base it hit me, I was no different than they were. I was a monster too. I killed thousands of men, women and children and somehow felt justified. Brainwashed to the point of ignorance and I had only noticed it now. The academy had done a number on me. But, how could anyone not see through the lies?

It was time to get to work and figure out how to stop this whole thing before it was too late. I needed to find Hawke and soon, those experiments were running around and they were up to something.

~Hawke~

It had taken longer to get to the old one, many humans were running around in a sort of panic. Whatever it was they seemed to be frantic getting it done before a deadline. To whatever that deadline was I had a feeling it had something to do with the experiments they were doing. My body was hidden away by large bales of hay and the longer I stayed there I risked being caught. There never seemed to be a good time to sneak away. There were humans everywhere. Not to mention my head was in constant turmoil making me feel like dropping to the ground in exhaustion.

There was no other way I needed to get out of there fast otherwise I would ever get this message to her. The message was heavy and weighed on me in more ways than one.

Finally, a chance to bolt I was able to finally get to her but my movements were slow and it took all the energy I had.

'You have a message for me, one that is not easy to bear.' Avis spoke, leaning her head down to mine as the message seemed to flow out of me a blue light jolting out of my body. Instantly my strength was returned to me and I felt normal. 'It's always hard your first time, but you did well.'

'I do not think I will ever be used to that, it drains me. I worry in the future if I needed to flee or defend myself, I would not be able to fulfill his request.' I was a powerful wolf and rarely had times of weakness, this new role I would have to get used to.

'Ah, yes, but you would be alright. Carrying a royals message comes with certain perks.' She seemed amused by the whole thing and I wanted to know why. 'What makes you so sure that I would have made it here? These humans have many ways in which they control us, taking me on in that state would have been taken on a cub.'

The old one flapped her wings and I could hear her chuckle, only it coming from a dragon of her massive size was intimidating. I hated to see what it was like for a dragon to laugh.

'The power he gave to you along with the message helps. It can make you invisible or even stun those around you who threaten your mission. The Royal's powers go beyond what others can only imagine. You have much to learn about yourself and what you represent, you must not fight it.'

She sensed unease in me and although I would never turn my back on who I was, it also scared me. It meant I had a bigger role in life than I had imagined, I never wanted to be someone's savior. I was known as the destroyer, the one who killed all no matter who they were.

I let out a puff of air as I thought over what had changed in me and the only thing that made sense was because of her, Mei. She had been the reason for this change within, I'd never thought of others before.

'I don't wish to run from it, it's as you said before I have big shoes to fill and I want to fill them right.' Although I wanted to save all the wolves, I wished to also save her and protect her from all harm.

'You'll fill them, all guardians do it's in their blood.' She said with confidence. Yet all I could think about was how I was the opposite. The lives I took and that of my own kind I never blinked an eye until now. I thought back to those pups in cages and how they cried to their mothers, I wanted to comfort them. Whereas before I never thought of them being anything more than a problem.

'I hope you are right, Old one.' Lowering my head showing my utmost respect. 'Is there a message I must pass on for you?'

'No, but I will give you one of invisibility to find out all you can about those experiments. I know one thing I sense something out there that is coming undone. You need to find out all you can to ensure the Royals' next step.'

She began to release her purple light upon me and it was then I noticed her coloring was coming back to her scales. They were no longer black but turning a light shade of grey, she would soon be the pure white dragon from my memory. Maybe more memories would return.

The light continued but it was not a heavy feeling nor overwhelming, it was gentle and kind like her soul. Avis pulled away her eyes ablaze with purple instead of the red I was accustomed to.

'Now you can go on and sneak past them, but it will not last long so use it wisely.' She stated warning me. 'How long do I have?' Her eyes narrowing, seeming deep in thought. 'I do not recall I have not done so in many years. An old mind like mine seems to fade.'

Well of course, but it didn't change the fact I had to figure out what was going on. I bowed my head and set off to the room I had seen before. Soon they all will be freed.