A Soul Ripe for the Reaping {Tagged}

[Rykett]

Jelack was out hunting. He’d never dream of taking on anything larger than a fawn. An adult elk would easily trample him before you could say, “Jello is secretly a squirrel.” Luckily, rabbits and squirrels usually were enough to keep him, Kit, and their little pup from starving. Both his mate and pup had been pretty quiet lately. Jelack wondered if there was something wrong. Due to his lack of skill in hunting, Jelack was gone from the den more than he would’ve liked and hadn’t gotten the chance to ask Kit about it. Jelack supposed he could ask her when he got back.

Jelack fell into the usual routine. He’d walk for a while, smell the air, smell the earth, and if there was nothing to hunt he’d keep walking. When he did stumble upon an edible morsel, Jelack would do his best to capture the unfortunate creature. Today, the forest seemed remarkably barren of meat. Perhaps another large predator had scared them deep into their burrows. This boded for an unremarkable day for Jelack. Not one to have his mood weighed down due to boredom, Jelack amused himself by planning up some pranks as he plodded along. ’What if I caught a bunch of frogs and trapped them inside the den? They’d be croaking like crazy! It’d drive Kit up the wall!’ A smile curved Jelack’s lip as he thought of Kit. She was usually forgiving when it came to Jelack’s pranking tendencies. It was in the aftermath of such a prank when they’d bonded after all.

The small male paused to sniff the air. Finally, a scent! Jelack fell into a hunting crouch and followed his nose to a clearing where a wobbly legged fawn stood alone. It looked around with terrified eyes. Something had separated it from its mother. With no doe to protect, it wouldn’t take much strength to take it down. Jelack smiled, thinking of Kit’s joy when he brought back such a large meal. He prowled closer. His green coat helped him easily blend into the forest backdrop. With a calculated pounce, Jelack sprung from hiding and landed atop the baby deer. His jaws closed around the fawn’s throat.

Calypso

[Calypso]

Reaper;

Before this moment, Reaper had been stalking through the woods. He was never one to pay attention to hunger or regular needs. But his stomach was really upset, growling quite loudly and making his torso ache more so than it normally did. He could only assume that this was what major hunger was like. At first he had just smiled widely and ignored it, but now it was just pestering him.

He was walking, looking for any creature, regardless of what it was, that could get rid of this feeling. As a matter of fact, at that moment his lower legs were bleeding from where his teeth were digging in, trying to get rid of this feeling. He knew that eating himself wasn't going to do anything, but it was worth a shot, right? He had tried for a little, like usual, but chose that heading out to hunt something would be better.

Now he was once again stalking, looking for anything. He then caught the scent of another wolf and an evil, angered smile crossed his face. At first he continued to stalk, being careful about his steps. But as soon as the scent of wolf grew stronger and was now mixed with deer, he began to sprint. Most would look at him and think that his legs were too weak to run much and his body was too small to get much strength into his run. But he was bolting, his smile glued to his face and his eyes wide and mad.

He found himself running through bushes and between trees. Finally, he burst out of the bushes, going straight at the other wolf as it bit down on the fawn. His jaws were wide open and his long, sharp claws her outstretched, going right for whatever was there.

[Rykett]

((Since we know the outcome, we’re fine to rp without a fight mod. (: ))

As Jelack crushed the fawn’s throat, a rush of movement made him jerk upright just in time to see a terrifying wolf lunging at him. Ribs stuck out from underneath its ragged fur. Awful burn scars marred its flank and side. Jelack didn’t notice the creature’s scraggly appearance, however. His attention was rightfully focused on the wolf’s razor sharp teeth and claws as they ripped through the air, aiming for Jelack’s flesh.

The small green wolf hardly had the chance to yelp before the wolf was upon him. The wolf’s larger bulk easily flattened Jelack to the ground. Its claws tore into the skin protecting Jelack’s shoulders and sides as if it were as thin as a leaf. Jelack’s front paws flashed out to push against the wolf’s neck, barely keeping those snapping teeth away from his vulnerable throat, his limbs quivering with the effort.

Jelack jaw was clenched as his panicked eyes met those of his terrorizer. Crazed, yellow eyes were fixed on him. They seemed glazed with the excitement of fighting and possibly killing another wolf. A single thought at the back of Jelack’s mind wondered what caused wolves to devolve into this rabid animal. The rest of his thoughts were fixated on figuring out how to survive, how to escape or win, and how to get back to Kit alive and unharmed. The unharmed part was already impossible. Blood from the deep gashes on Jelack’s side soaked the earth beneath him. Jelack didn’t want to acknowledge the wounds despite the immense pain that attempted to cloud his mind. He had to be able to provide for his family. He couldn’t be hurt, not now.

Deciding on a course of action, Jelack gathered his back legs. He attempted to kick the ghoulish wolf off with all the strength he could muster. Even that might not be enough, considering how unmuscular Jelack was, but that didn’t stop the small male from trying. He hoped that at least the kick might throw the other wolf off-balance enough for Jelack to roll free. Jelack was ready to stumble back to his paws, if he was able, whatever the case.

[Calypso]

Reaper;

The wolf that Reaper found himself on top of wasn't very large. It also didn't take very much effort to topple the male over with one leap. Regardless of what gender, size, alliance, or personal life this had, he didn't care. He just wanted food. He wanted meat. He wanted blood. And in that moment, that moment of pure madness and insanity, he would do anything to get it.

He felt his claws cutting through the male's shoulder and side, which he hadn't felt in a little while now. The feeling filled him with joy that could only be achieved through what he was doing. As he landed on the male, he began to rake his claws in every direction, almost as if he was digging into the male like dirt. He then felt a pressure against his stomach suddenly, pushing him upwards from the male. The action didn't do much to him, but it was just barely enough that he had to catch his balance for a moment. Unfortunately, that could have given the injured male a chance to wiggle his way out. But, if the male had managed to get free, it wouldn't even be seconds before Reaper would be on him again, beginning to chuckle and laugh as he snapped his jaws every which way towards the male.

[Rykett]

There was a chance! Jelack rolled to the left as the wolf’s balance wavered slightly. He leaped to his feet in triumph. He could flee! Before Jelack could even take a step, fangs dug into the side of his skull. The teeth agonizingly scraped against his skull. The monster’s canines failed to catch on a ridge, and Jelack was able to stumble away. Blood flooded half of his vision. He couldn’t catch his breath, however, due to the unpausing onslaught of attacks.

A lethal dance began as Jelack dodged and ducked to the best of his ability while desperately looking for an escape route. His best wasn’t enough. Jaws kept closing around skin, ripping away chunks of flesh. They clamped around Jelack’s right ear, and Jelack had no choice but to jerk away. He cried out in pain as he left the ear hanging from the devil’s maw. The ear canal filled with blood. Half-blind and half-deaf, Jelack continued his desperate efforts. Jelack could feel himself fading. He’d lost too much blood and kept losing more as the fight dragged on. He wouldn’t be able to hold on much longer.

He wanted to scream at the creature, ’Why are you doing this to me?! I’ve done nothing to you! I don’t even know your name! I have a mate and pup to return to! I’ve struggled for too long to finally get this life, what right do you have to take it away from me?! I have so much I still want to do! I want to see all my girls, again. I want to prank Kit one more time. I didn’t even say ‘I love you’ when I left. Why can’t I just have a little more time?!’ He was panting and wheezing too much to manage any of it.

---

Illao smelled blood. The metallic scent was unmistakable. It horrified her to realized that it wasn’t just elk or rabbit blood. It was wolf blood. Some poor wolf nearby was bleeding a lot if the strength of the scent was any indication. Though Illao didn’t claim the Good alliance, she still had a kind heart. She tended to aid in most situations, but she enjoyed her option of proclaiming her neutrality and staying out of it.

With little thought to the possibility that the wolf blood might be a sign of danger, Illao turned herself towards the scent’s source. Besides, Illao was lonely and in dire need of companionship. She’d been separated from her adoptive family in a storm and now wandered alone. Illao didn’t do well on her own. She needed someone to talk to or else all her thoughts got jumbled up in her mind. Nothing seemed quite clear when that happened.

Illao emerged from bushes into a bloodsoaked clearing. She stood agasp, witnessing the horrible scene. A walking corpse of a wolf ruthlessly attacked a small blood-covered male. To Illao’s anguish, she recognized the victim. ”Dad?!” she choked, unconsciously pushing the word towards him with her Telepathy.

---

Illao’s broken voice was lost to Jelack, but her words appeared in his mind. He jolted in shock, ruining a dodge attempt. Fangs dug into his already bloodied shoulder. Jelack leaped back and caught sight of the red she-wolf. He couldn’t help but freeze as he met her green gaze. ”Illao…” he whispered. Jelack hadn’t seen his eldest daughter in years, not since she was a little pup. She’d run away and never found her way back. For some reason, whenever Jelack had imagined finding her, she’d still been that little pup. But here she was grown into a beautiful female.

Her panicked expression brought him back to reality. He was fighting for his life. For a couple vital seconds, he’d left himself unguarded. Jelack’s hazel eyes refocused on his attacker.

[Calypso]

Reaper;

As he clawed and snapped his jaws towards the green male every chance he got, another scent filled his nose. He could tell that it was another wolf, but right now he couldn't care less. He had a meal to catch.

He rushed forward, clamping down on the male's ear and feeling it rip. He watched the bloodied male stumble away from him, holding his missing ear in his jaws. For a moment, he stopped, watching as the male bled from many injuries. His shoulder, his torso, the entire one side of his face, and now his missing ear. If Reaper had been less hungry, he would have left the male this way. He would either bleed out and die or would live the rest of his life crippled and scarred. While those thoughts were both suitable, he wasn't happy today, and his stomach still felt as though it was clawing at him from the inside. So his onslaught didn't end.

He was on the male again, leaping towards him, only this time his claws were the only things outstretched while his mouth was just in a crazed smile. He went for the side that the male couldn't see from, bowling him over. He then placed both of his paws on the male, his long claws digging into whatever skin was beneath them. He then heard the male whisper something. He also seemed to have had his attention drawn away for a moment. When Reaper's puke-colored eyes glanced up, he saw a flash of red, at first assuming that it was the blood flowing from his prey. But it was in the bushes where Reaper hadn't been, nor had the male. He then realized that it was another wolf. He couldn't see the details of this wolf, but he knew what it was, and that was all that counted. He then looked down at the male, his smile widening. He had allowed the male to get back up, but it wouldn't last long.

He rushed towards him again, throwing all of his strength into a jump and throwing himself directly at the weakened male.

[Rykett]

Jelack’s eyes widened as they focused on the creature lunging at him once again. Unprepared for the attack, Jelack tumbled towards the ground. The other wolf’s claws dug into the already torn flesh of Jelack’s underside as the small male went down. Upon impact with the earth, Jelack’s head thumped against a rock, stunning him.

The colors of his attacker’s fur blurred with the green canopy and patches of blue sky above. Jelack’s fuzzy brain remembered that he should be doing something about the silhouette blocking his red-tinged vision. Jelack sluggishly lifted his front legs. His paws weakly pushed against the wolf.

While Jelack’s mind drifted, he settled on thoughts of Illao. ’Illao’s alive! My little girl’s alright! She’s alive and all grown up and she has Telepathy! I can’t wait to tell her about her little sister. I can’t wait to take her back home to Kit. Everything will be okay.’ As clarity returned after a couple precious seconds, the reality of his situation hit him like a boulder, ’I’m not going home.’

---

Illao couldn’t move. This had to be a nightmare. There was no way this was actually happening. How could her father be in the middle of a fight for his life? It was impossible. There was no way the jovial father from her distant but clear memories could be in a deathmatch. If this was real, it must be some sort of cruel joke. It was all too obvious that Jelack was losing. He was covered in his own blood while his devilish opponent barely had a scratch on him. The shock of sheer unreality snapped away Illao as Jelack was tackled. His head hit a rock with a sickening whack.

Illao burst into the clearing. She had to do something! But, what? Illao was no fighter. She’d lose a battle with this warrior faster than her father. So, Illao did what she did best, talk. Her words tumbled out in a panicked flurry, her volume cranked up so high that she was basically screaming at the beast. ”Get away! Stop it! What are you doing? That’s my dad! Why are you hurting him?! What did he ever do to you? Did he prank you or something? No prank I’ve ever seen him do would ever merit this kind of retribution. What is wrong with you?! Who do you think you are?!”

Illao didn’t really need answers to her questions. By the maniacal smile splitting his maw, it was plain why this wolf was hurting Jelack. This wolf was a monster. Still, Illao didn’t care to think that. She just spewed anything she could think of that would make the wolf stop hurting Dad even if she had to lie, ”Do you have any idea who you’re even fighting?! Do you have any idea what his pack will do to you once they find out what you’ve done? They are much more powerful than either him or me and they would crush you in a heartbeat. Leave him alone, you pathetic bumswaggling mutt of a half-brained zounderkite and a tailless fluffbutt!”

[Calypso]

Reaper;

The hellhound watched his prey fall to the ground with a bash of his head against a rock. He continued to dig his claws into him, but he wasn't fully going at him with his jaws anymore, for he knew this wolf was going to die soon. There was no need to get carried away. He glanced down at the male's eyes and chuckled, seeing emotions flowing through his face. The male almost seemed joyed for a moment, perhaps thinking of the hidden wolf in the bushes. He also watched as that joy faded away quickly. The wolf knew he was going to die, and seeing that set in was hilarious. He almost wished he could turn back time by a few seconds just so that he could see that reality set in over and over. But, despite his power as a wolf, he wasn't able to turn back time.

He then heard the shuffling of bushes and looked up to see the wolf that had been hidden in the bushes. It was a female with red fur, who clearly had some sort of relationship with this male. She began to throw out words and questions at him, ones that were so pathetic and useless that he laughed out loud. As she asked who he thought he was and what was wrong with him, he actually threw his head back in a sick laughter. He dug his claws into the male's head as he looked back at the female, his smile completely stuck on his face.

She then began to mention a pack that was supposedly much more powerful than he or her and that they would crush him for what he did. She then told him, demanded even, for Reaper to leave Jelack alone. She then proceeded to call him some of the most foolish, childish, and pathetic names that he had ever heard in his life. She sounded like a damn pup, which was even more amusing since she thought she was being so big and bad, standing up to madness itself.

"Ah, how about you come make me leave him alone. Let's see just how far you get, you little fool, " he growled, barring his large yellow fangs in an evil smile and his eyes wide, pupils thin in insanity. Feeling a slight bit of excitement, he put his other front paw on the male's side, pushing down with his front weight on whatever bones were there, likely ribs or his shoulder.

[Rykett]

The realization that their death was unavoidable might’ve driven some wolves to fight harder. Jelack however relaxed. There was no chance that he’d leave this clearing alive. The monster looming above him would kill him or he’d die of his wounds within the next hour or two, unable to leave. The chilling acceptance replaced the terror and Jelack closed his eyes, waiting for the inevitable.

Jelack had no idea exactly how much time he had left, but whatever it was, it was short. If he were not so injured, he’d probably choose to spend his final moments doing something. Maybe chase some squirrels or leave one final, epic prank for Kit. Since both of those were impossible, Jelack supposed maybe he should try to say or do something plausible in his final moments.

Illao’s panicked voice seemed distant and echoed to Jelack. He could still clearly hear the frantic words she spat at his murderer, though. His attention caught on the final statement, “You pathetic bumswaggling mutt of a half-brained zounderkite and a tailless fluffbutt!” Where the heck had she learned that insult? Jelack laughed. It was a hoarse, pathetic noise, but Jelack didn’t care. The pain didn’t matter as much anymore. He preferred to go out laughing. ”Bumswaggling,” he managed in a strained voice, ”Good one, sweetheart.

The large evil wolf pressed his paw against Jelack’s chest. Muffled cracks indicated Jelack’s breaking ribs. His laughter devolved into choking sounds. Blood from pierced lungs was forced into Jelack’s mouth and dribbled down his cheek. His smile wavered as a wince crossed his expression. The new pain slowly blended into his overall pain and Jelack’s melancholy smile returned. It was his last rebellion. He wouldn’t give this creature the satisfaction of Jelack’s fear anymore. He refused to leave this world with anything other than a smile on his face.

---

In response to her outburst, the wolf issued a challenge. Illao couldn’t fight this monster. She’d have no chance. Maybe instead she could- Jelack started coughing. No wait, was that laughing? She stared at her father, dumbfounded. How could he laugh? Why was he laughing? ”Bumswaggling. Good one, sweetheart.” Oh… Illao decided he must be delirious from blood loss or something. This wasn’t a good sign. She needed to get him away from this killer and fast. She’d have to race up to White Magic to enlist her aid in time. Maybe White Magic could just teleport them back to save time. One of White Magic’s powers had to be enough to save Jelack.

Powers… Illao had a power of her own, Telepathy. Maybe she could use it to get this devil of a wolf to back off. She considered her foe and focused. Her telepathic messages could only be heard by willing wolves. Could a wolf be willing or unwilling if they didn’t yet realize Illao had Telepathy? Perhaps she could at least get a single message through. Illao expression darkened and she straightened, trying to appear as threatening as possible. ”You still fail to grasp the severity of your mistake. If you do not fear my pack, you’d do well to fear me.” Illao stated in a cold, hard voice. With a flash of light from her power mark, she sent her message, ”I can find your greatest fears and your deepest secrets. You can hide nothing from me. I can use anything and everything against you.” Illao sent it with the force of mental shout. She could only pray that this wolf had little understanding of the Powers and wouldn’t see right through her bluff. Telepathy gave her no insight into another wolf’s thoughts or mind. She couldn’t even hear replies yet.

[Calypso]

Reaper;

Once he began to feel cracking underneath his paws, the insane wolf's attention was no longer locked on Jelack. His crazed eyes were glued to Illao. He heard the brief, pathetic laugh of the wolf underneath him, but he couldn't care less. The wolf beneath him was going to die quickly, and he knew it. Plus, he was now so broken that if he tried to move he would likely just quicken his own death.

Suddenly, there was a voice in his head after she had said he should fear her. 'I can find your greatest fears and your deepest secrets. You can hide nothing from me. I can use anything and everything against you.' So the little fool had a Power from the White Wolves, did she? She thought she could use her little power to be scary. That was cute. Unfortunately for her, he wasn't an idiot. He may have been completely crazy, but he wasn't stupid.

He burst out into laughter after hearing her in-mind threat. He even took his paws off of Jelack and took a step back, having to balance himself from falling over in hysteria. When he finally began to calm himself, he shook his head, looking over at the red female with narrowed eyes.

"Sorry sweetheart. But I have no fears, nor do I have any secrets. And even if I did, your Telepathy isn't going to do anything." He then walked forward, walking over Jelack's bloodied body and slowly walking towards her. "I don't mean to disappoint you, but I am no idiot. Telepathy is sending messages through your mind, not mind reading." A wide grin came over his face, his sharp yellow fangs and his muzzle glowing with Jelack's blood.

[Rykett]

Black spots danced across Jelack’s as consciousness threatened to flee him. With his smile intact, he watched the dot’s waltzing performances. His cheek was pressed against the ground. The world was sideways. The ground filled half his vision. The shadow hanging over him left to approach Illao. Jelack’s smile wavered as he brow furrowed in concentration. He pushed his focus past the dots. He had to see what was happening. Jelack was doomed, but Illao was not. If his murderer was targeting her, she had to run. A wicked grin plastered the monster’s muzzle. It was the same smile that’d first greeted Jelack when the creature first attacked him. Jelack couldn’t decipher the distant rumblings that sounded as the wolf spoke, but the tone was clear. It reminded Jelack of a bobcat playing with its prey.

Jelack refused to let him get Illao, too. He shifted and moved a paw to underneath him. The simple movement sent spikes of agony through Jelack’s body. Ignoring the pain the best he could, Jelack pushed the front half of his body upright. The pain made him want to scream as it reminded him how he was further damaging his broken body. With great effort, he restored his smile. His gaze focused on Illao, meeting hers. ”Run,” his voice was raspy and quiet, but audible, ”You can’t save me.” As soon as his simple message was conveyed, Jelack collapsed, gasping in pain. Darkness opened its arms to welcome him. Jelack resisted, waiting to see if Illao obeyed.

---

Her ploy had failed. The wolf saw right through it. He wasn’t afraid of anything she said. It wasn’t fair. Why couldn’t she get him to stop hurting her father? As the wolf spoke words that buried her desperate attempts, he stepped away from Jelack. New hope sparked in Illao as the wolf finally left Jelack alone. Jelack had a chance to flee. All Illao had to do was keep the wolf’s attention on her. She slowly backed away, trying to keep enough distance between her and the creature. Her eyes kept flicking to Jelack, checking whether he’d escaped yet.

Her father shifted. He seemed to be starting to get back on his paws. His face contorted in pain for a second. Jelack’s eyes met hers. His words were soft, but she heard them clearly. His legs immediately failed him. Illao had to face the reality that Jelack was in no state to escape on his own. Maybe she could dodge around the evil wolf, grab Dad, and run. No, she wasn’t strong enough to haul her father out of danger. She felt trapped. She couldn’t think of a single way to rescue Jelack. He was right… she couldn’t save him. Tears spilled down her cheeks.

Illao fled into the bushes. It felt wrong to run. Illao didn’t get very far before she had to stop. She had to go back… but she couldn’t do anything. What was the point? At least she could bury her father’s remains after that wolf left. Her paws turned her around back towards that terrible clearing. Jelack might already be dead by the time she got back. Illao approached the location, cautiously, remaining hidden. She couldn’t fight or talk or do anything to help her father. But she could honor him after he was gone.

[Calypso]

Reaper;

As the she-wolf ran off, tears streaming down her face, the smile that the monster had all along remained. He then turned back towards his prey, both the fawn and the wolf. He took a few steps towards the male, stopping right in front of him. He looked down at the male with narrowed eyes. He had lost an ear, had many deep scratches and cuts that would never heal, broken ribs. The heap of fur laying at Reaper's feet almost looked as mangled as himself now. Only this wolf wasn't so lucky. This wolf wouldn't come back as a walking corpse as Reaper had seemed to.

His head leaned down next to the basically dead wolf's face, knowing that he still had a slight pinch of life left in him. He then opened his mouth and licked the male a few times on the cheek. This was no act of love or apology. His tongue was like wet sandpaper, covered in Jelack's blood. When he was done, he lifted his head and walked over the male's body, not stepping on him this time, and walking over to where the fawn had been tossed at the start of the encounter. He then had an idea. He bit onto the deer and pulled, walking back over to the male one last time and dropping something. He then turned and walked back to the deer, wrapping his jaws around its neck and dragging it away into the woods.

Jelack was then left on his own before the red she-wolf returned. On the side of his face where Reaper had licked was a mark, made of Jelack's own blood, in the general shape of an arrow. And next to his head, right in the spot where his ear was missing, was the small brown ear of the fawn.

[Rykett]

Hazel eyes watched Illao leave with relief. The monster didn’t give chase, thankfully, so Illao escaped cleanly. Jelack could relax. A slight smile curved his lip. The world clouded. Everything became distant. Sounds were echoed and remote. His sense of feeling numbed. His mangled body felt separate from Jelack’s consciousness. Through a fog, Jelack felt the unloving touch of his murderer’s rough tongue. His breath was ragged and labored. The air left him for a final time. Jelack’s faint heartbeat stilled.

Jelack felt a rushing sensation as he left his body behind. His spirit entered the Ethereal Realm to drift for eternity.

---

Illao peered into the clearing, cautiously. That wolf was gone, but Illao didn’t want to risk falling into his clutches. After her eyes scanned the bushes surrounding the clearing, thoroughly, they fixed on Jelack’s deathly still form. Illao slowly walked towards him, her heart in her throat. She longed to see even a hint of life, a hint of hope. ”Dad?” she breathed. Remembering his missing ear, she tried sending the message through telepathy, ”Dad?” The mental word seemed to hit a wall. There was no mind to reach. Tears returned to Illao’s eyes as she touched the body with a gentle, white paw. She buried her muzzle in his wet, bloodstained fur. The soft fur and familiar scent sparked memories of when she was a pup. They’d once been such a happy family, settled in their cozy den. Now, thinking of those times just made Illao full of regret.

Her green eyes rested on his face. She frowned as she noticed a couple new details, an arrow-like shape devoid of blood on his cheek and a fawn’s ear dropped where his ear should be. They represented some sick, cruel joke left by that creature, a reminder that Jelack’s death had been a deliberate, evil act. Illao’s fury rose up to her ears as she scrubbed away the mark and kicked away the fake ear. How could a wolf such as that continue to breathe in this world when one so loving as her father died? How could he take such joy in destruction? An urge to hunt him down and force him to experience the feelings he’d so happily pulled from Jelack and Illao overcame the young she-wolf. She took a step away from her father’s corpse and lifted her nose to the wind to catch his scent. She paused as logic took hold. Illao had no chance against him. She’d run from him for a reason. Perhaps one day she could find a way to enact revenge, maybe by hiring another to help her. For now, she needed to honor Jelack.

-Time Skip-

Illao sat beside a fresh grave. Jelack had been laid to rest. Illao felt empty as she departed from the clearing. Grief and fury still raged in the back of her mind, but Illao was too exhausted to acknowledge or act on. She paused and looked back before promising herself she’d never return. She didn’t need to be reminded that Jelack was gone. Maybe if she could forget, things could go back to normal. Jelack had been absent most of her life by no fault of his. That didn’t make the pain of losing him any duller, but life wouldn’t change much because of it. Illao wished she could forget.

-Exit Illao-