A pack of wolves stood outside their cave. All had dark energy rolling off their fur like tides of the ocean. All had eyes glimmering with such focus that they could pierce skin. All proudly gathered before their temporary pack leader. The forest seemed quiet this night as if watching their actions with intent. 

Reika stood, surrounded by her pack. Their emotions were almost palpable for her: their fear, their anger, and their hope. Their feelings were so intense she felt suffocated by them. The quietness made her fearful. Her mind was already running thoughts of failure. This was the burden her love always endured. Yet, just enduring it once was almost enough to break her. She gazed towards the full moon that broke through the haze as if offering them it's blessing. 

A single emotion-filled howl broke the silence. A vortex appeared around Reika. In the sky, the moon disappeared as clouds of dark energy began to form. The other wolves followed suit, letting their own howls. More and more dark energy funneled towards their location, creating a sphere of darkness. Sucking in this sphere, the wolves began growing in size. The now transformed wolves waited impatiently for their orders. 

Reika inspected her pack. She addressed them with vigor, “Tonight is the night where we carve the future of the pack. This is the hunt that will be remembered for generations to come. Everyone, I believe in you all. Let us show Alarik the pack is not his to carry alone.”

All the wolves howled long and proud.

Reika nodded at Marrok, “Take half our forces beyond our northern hunting ground. We shall sweep the entirety of the forest and meet back here at sunrise.”

Marrok howled in confirmation, then led half the pack away towards the uncharted north. 

Reika took one last look at the cave, hoping that Alarik would come running out, but she knew he wouldn't. She ripped her eyes off the cave and disappeared into the dark forest.

Thomas was quickly making his way to the cave. The full moon illuminated his hideously, decayed face. Seeing the annoying moon, he cast dark abyss. This grand magus level spell covered a location in magical darkness that was near impossible to see through. With the moon gone, Thomas felt more at ease. I will have to be quick in claiming my prize. 

Thomas moved haphazardly, completely ignoring his surroundings in pure excitement of capturing his prey. He quickly arrived. Without the light from outside, the den was dark. For novice adventurer's such an environment would stoke fear. Thomas, on the other hand, was unperturbed. He didn't bother casting spells. Instead, rushing headfirst into the den. 

With quick steps, he maneuvered through the den as if it was light inside. He arrived before the sleeping Alarik. Seeing his magnificent prize, he grabbed towards it. A low growl echoed behind him right before he could touch Alarik. 

I thought all the mutts had left. Tsk, how annoying. Turning around, Thomas was greeted by some old looking wolves that had their fangs bared. Seeing the "threat," an ugly smile appeared on his face, “You dare growl at your God. You mutts have forgotten the fear your ancestors had. Here, have a taste, and remember why I am your God.” With a swing of his staff, a cloud of green air wrapped around one of the wolves, instantly killing it. 

The wolves did not even flinch after their member died. They continued to stare daggers at Thomas, utterly unfazed by his threats. It was not due to stupidity. They knew only death awaited battling him. But there was one thing they could do, even at their old age. In unison, the wolves howled long and loud, echoing throughout the forest, calling for help. This was unbeknownst to Thomas, who continued to look down upon them. 

Believing these wolves were too old and feeble to even transform, yet have the nerve to bother him. Thomas taunted, “I see, like pack-leader like pack. Congratulations, you have earned a special treat.” From his staff, an orb of darkness is released that begins sucking the wolves towards it. “AHAHA, you foolish mutts will spend eternity suffering, and you.” Thomas sneered at the sleeping Alarik and grabbed him, “you shall do my bidding whether you wish to or not.”

A milky aura appeared in Thomas's hand. As if alive, the substance rushed towards Alarik, ready to consume him. Right before it latched on to its prey, a strong dark aura appeared protecting Alarik's body. Thomas frowned, seeing the development. Still, having his prize in hand was all that mattered, he began to stroll out of the cave. Once home, he would have plenty of time to crack the aura.

Small pups seeing the kidnapping began barking at Thomas, which caused him to stop and eye them. Their mothers quickly dragged the pups away and whimpered submissively to Thomas. 

Shooting the pups an ugly smile that would give them nightmares for many nights to come. Thomas cackled, “Worry not. I would never eradicate my experiments. Who knows ones stronger than this one may be among that litter.” 

Alarik, who was between consciousness, could sense a familiar soothing energy near him. He fought hard to resist it, channeling all his strength to keep himself safe.

The moment Thomas stepped out of the cave, a flying eyeball showed the other wolves quickly returning to the cave, with one moving faster than the others. Thomas sneered and stood his ground, awaiting the miserable mutts who needed to be re-educated. The milky substance continued to attack at the dark aura wrapped around Alarik. Hoping to chip away at resistance, Thomas whispered to the sleeping Alarik, “Surrender now, and I will spare your pack.” Or so I say. Thomas smiled dastardly, prepared to rip the will out of Alarik, then enslave the entire pack. 

The wolves continuously drew closer, bringing with them an enormous source of dark energy. The mixture of Thomas’s dark abyss and dark energy plunged the forest into a pitch-black canopy oversaturated with dark energy. Even Thomas was unable to sense everything with all the inference.  

Alarik, whose entire physiology was based around dark energy, noticed something familiar hidden amongst the darkness.

The first to arrive from the pack was Reika, who had ran at breakneck speed and with no backup just to arrive on time. She was panting heavily, but upon seeing Alarik in the dark god’s hands, she found a near limitless amount of power. Not even waiting for Thomas to react, she lunged towards him.

Thomas smiled at the mutt, jumping towards him and swatted it away with his staff, flinging it into the cave. “You were the mutt who slept beside my prize?” Pulling himself closer to Alarik’s ear, Thomas tempted, “Shall you continue to struggle when your mate is about to die?” 

Looking around, Thomas could feel an increasing number of eyes staring at him through the darkness. With a grin, he smashed his staff into the ground creating a corrupted ball of white light. It hasn't been long, but it feels like it has been a lifetime since I lorded over some weaker beings as a god should. I shall enjoy myself before the boy returns.

The wolves, no longer hidden by the dark, began to approach Thomas with bared teeth. 

Alarik, hearing Thomas, and feeling the wolves' arrival, attempted to wake himself. Please wake up. I must save my pack. Please have the strength to save them.

Marrok arriving back was at first confused. But upon sensing Reika’s injuries, he instinctively lunged towards Thomas. He had failed Alarik once. He would rather die than allow another of Alarik's loved ones to die under his charge.

Alas, it was in vain. The ball of corrupted light continued to increase in brightness until Marrok became blinded. Before he could even touch the ground, Thomas shot a ball of concentrated death energy blasting through Marrok’s fur. Blood began to drip on the ground as Marrok whimpered in pain. 

Seeing the idiotic mutt, Thomas ridiculed, “Foolish mutts, I thought you showed signs of intelligence. But it appears you have no understanding of the relationship between a god and his devotees.” Chanting in an indecipherable language, Thomas channeled his power until the veil of light became a corrupt miniature sun. With the spell finished, Thomas continued, “Let's see. I believe your little mutt speech went along these lines. Tonight shall be the night the future of you mutts will be known. Tonight is the night you return to your place beneath my heels.”

Despair ran rampant amongst the wolves, seeing the weird light dissolving their dark aura with ease. The stories of the dark god failed to fully explain his powers. If the elder wolves said the dark god was powerful, they would say he was beyond powerful. The stories always warned of the weird sound that could shake their souls. But what about the ability to summon light that devours all darkness? Were their ancestors so weak they were not even worthy of this attack? Are they so weak that God only needs this "weak" attack to kill them?

Alarik continued trying to force himself awake but to no avail. Why? Why am I so weak? Why can’t I save them? Someone tell me, what should I do? How do I become stronger?

With blood dripping from her mouth, Reika staggered out of the cave, her eyes burning purple with red veins appearing throughout. Dashing towards Thomas, an explosion of dark energy propels her forward. With the explosion, more dark energy rolled forward, challenging the corrupted sun. 

Thomas only snorted at the little feat. The corrupted sun expanded, blasting through the darkness, sending a blinding light out. Once the light had subsided, Reika had disappeared. Thomas, who was about to cackle, sensed something beneath him. 

Before Thomas could move, Reika burst through the ground and planted her teeth deep into his leg.

Thomas winced in pain and smashed his staff into Reika’s head. Unfortunately, Thomas's brute strength was lacking, so Reika didn't let up. Continuously shaking her head to rip off Thomas's leg.

“Damn dog,” Bringing his staff high into the air. Thomas was bent on crushing her head. 

The other wolves seeing this dashed recklessly towards him. Many were blinded and burned by the sun. But all continued forward. Quickly Thomas was overwhelmed by the wolves. The sound of growling and the whacking of his staff echoed throughout the forest. Within the confusion, an injured Marrok forcibly dragged Alarik from Thomas's hand. 

With Alarik freed, Marrok and two other wolves began to drag him away from Thomas. Thomas was currently unseeable beneath the horde of wolves. As they attempted to rescue Alarik, the corrupted sun suddenly expanded. Beams of light began shooting the wolves. Many were vaporized instantly. The wolves in fear retreated away from Thomas until only Reika was left. Still biting and nipping at Thomas. 

Thomas, looking a bit injured, grabbed onto Reika’s neck then shot a point black ball of energy into her back. 

Reika went limp from this one attack, finally releasing her hold of Thomas’s leg. Her transformation went undone. Her fur had turned burnt with a fresh flow of blood trickling along similar to magma spewing onto a scarred earth after a volcano strike.

With the nuisance gone and a bad taste in his mouth, Thomas pointed his staff at Alarik, “I will be taking back my prize now.” A squadron of flying eyeballs rushed forward, easily retaking Alarik from Marrok. 

Feeling Reika’s life force fading, Alarik, in pure anger, finally dragged himself from his slumber. Upon opening his eyes, he saw the dark lord reaching for him. 

With a mighty howl, all the dark energy in the forest funneled into Alarik. A dangerous amount of energy was being absorbed. An amount that would be lethal even to creatures with high affinity to dark energy. Yet for Alarik, he felt like he couldn't absorb enough. Growing in size at a rapid rate surpassing his usual limits. Alarik's rage-filled eyes turned black as he stared through the very corrupted soul of Thomas. The overflowing dark energy dripped from Alarik's mouth, sizzling the ground. An explosion of aura disintegrated the flying eyeballs.

Thomas gawked with surprise and opened his mouth to sing his praise of such a unique experiment, even ready to offer another agreement. But he was not allowed the chance to speak.

Using the dark energy like a spring, Alarik lunged to Thomas. The distance between them was closed before Thomas could even open his mouth. With a swipe from Alarik's paw, Thomas was crumpled into the ground. Alarik darted back, moving faster than even the wolves could follow. Absorbing as much dark energy as he could like an addict binging on drugs. An unnatural roar was unleashed, reminiscent of the beast from his dreams. Yet Alarik did not notice this. The roar sent not only Thomas but all the wolves in the vicinity flying back. 

Thomas crashed into the ground with a thud. His haggard figure hidden behind dust.

The transformed Alarik continuously breathed in dark energy like it was oxygen. Seeing his strength instead of happiness, the gathered wolves felt fear. The pack leader's eyes were not filled with the usual rationality and sentience. Instead, it was filled with a strange glint, one that even them as wolves would call animalistic. They knew in Alarik's eyes there were no friends or foe, only enemies.

With Thomas out of the way, Alarik rushed towards the other wolves, prepared to massacre them all. A bruised and beaten Marrok stood in his path. Marrok was uncertain. To him, Alarik was near invincible. He was their pack-leader. His death would mean their death. In a world where death was ever-present, only the pack-leader served as the constant. The support that held up the pack. Now it was the support that wished to destroy them. Marrok pleaded, "Snap out of it, Alarik. This isn't how you fall. You are the strongest wolf I know. You are the one who will lead us from this nightmare. You resisted the dark lord. How could you not be able to resist this?"

Alarik stared at Marrok. But for him, reality was being warped by the dark energy. The Marrok in front of him was the mutated monster from his dreams. From Alarik's point of view, Marrok was not pleading but taunting him for his failure, for his weakness. So his reply was a snarl. Taking a step, Alarik disappeared, then reappeared in front of Marrok and slapped him onto the ground. Pressing his paw down, Marrok's head was slowly being crushed.

The sound of Marrok’s pitiful whimpers and Alarik’s heavy breathing echoed throughout the silent forest.

The other wolves watching how merciless Alarik was with his best friend whimpered and backed away. Their movement caught Alarik's eyes as he noticed many of these mutated monsters were surrounding him. His eyes flickered from wolf to wolf as if choosing his next target. Finally, his eyes fell on one being who was not a monster. 

Randulf, his brother, was here. 

Alarik opened his mouth in disbelief, "Brother? Are you not dead? Were you not killed. Were you turned by the dark god?"

Randulf chuckled, "Out of every wolf here, I am the only one who is dead, though if you don't hurry, that might change."

Alarik, in confusion, continued, "Do you not call these abominations dead? They disgrace the memory of our pack."

Randulf gazed around, "I see no abominations, brother. Only our family. What do you see?"

Alarik looked down at the monster Marrok. "I see..." Before his eyes, Marrok, for a moment, became normal again. Confused, Alarik removed his paw. 

The injured Marrok panting had already given up. Now being released, he was scared to move. When no attack came, he whimpered at Alarik, dragging himself away.

Alarik waited certain the monster would attack, but the attack never came. Alarik muttered, "What is going on? Am I still dreaming?"

For the wolves watching Alarik, they could only hear indistinct grunts that held no meanings. No one could understand what Alarik was saying, but him releasing Marrok was a good sign.

Randulf hurried, "Enough questions. You don't have time for that. You are dying. Your beloved is dying."

A strained whimper from Alarik was finally audible for the wolves. "My beloved?" Alarik had not seen Reika, not amongst the abominations, but he remembered feeling her presence vanishing. He remembered the dark god's threats. Anger again washed over him, but it was doused by anguish. Had he failed, just like in the dreams? Was misery all life had in store for him, before the cold embrace of death?

Randulf, who had begun to disappear, comforted, "She is right here..." From the spot, Randulf vanished, Reika appeared.

Seeing her, the darkness in Alarik's right eye began to dissipate. Rushing forward, he found her badly injured. The ragged movement of her chest was the only indicator that she was alive. But each movement became fainter and fainter. Cautiously Alarik approached her. He was very gentle, as if he were handling a newborn pup. Slowly he began transferring dark energy from himself to Reika. Reika's condition didn't stabilize until half of the energy he had consumed was used up.

Reika weakly opened her eyes, unsure if she was dreaming or not, but seeing Alarik, she no longer cared which one it was. “My love, you are awake. I knew you would come. Randulf told me. He said, "don't worry, Reika, my brother has a tendency to show up late. But he always showed up." I never thought about it, but he's right. You were late for your own coronation to become pack leader, late in telling me about your feelings. If not for Marrok, I never would have known. You were even late when our pups were born. This time though, I'd say you were right on time.”

Alarik had shrunk in size. Only his left eye was still black, while the right one had returned to a normal iris. He nestled his head onto Reika. She felt so weak. If he were just a bit later, his love would be gone forever, and it would have all been his fault. He cried, “No, I am late. That is why you are injured. I’m sorry it took me so long.” Alarik then looked at Marrok and the other wolves, “Quickly gather everyone and flee. I shall hold the dark god here.”

Feeling the warmth of Alarik leaving, she knew this was no dream. In despair, she sobbed, “No, no, you must escape. I will hold him back” She tried to stand but crumpled back onto the ground.

Alarick looked Marrok in the eyes. This stare was all the two needed. Both understood the meaning this was probably the last time they would meet in this life. “Come take her to safety, my old friend.”

Marrok whimpered in sorrow but quickly dragged Reika away. 

Thomas pulled himself from the dirt. His robes were tattered, but that paled in comparison with his pride. Mutts, I shall not be a god if I do not string you up and torture you for a millennium. “Where do you, experiments believe you are going?” With a twirl of his staff, the corrupted sun began to expand once again. “Surrender now or face extinction.” 

Alarik stepped towards the dark god, his heart pounding from fear, but knowing his pack needed time to escape. He stood his ground with determination.

Seeing the weakened Alarik, Thomas shot him an ugly half-grin. “Have you considered my offer? It is not too late to admit defeat. I only require a little time alone with your mate to re-educate her on respect.” Sneakily Thomas tapped his staff on the ground, causing the milky aura to flow underground.

Alarik attempted to steady his shaking heart, but a voice continued to rattle in his head, telling him he was too weak to fight. Alarik's transformation was only half complete. His body was in pain from absorbing so much dark energy, and most of the dark energy was used to heal Reika. He would lose. But he didn't care about his own life. He wanted his pack to survive. He needed hope. Alarik refused to believe that this was how it ended.

Alarik glanced into the forest at random. But soon, his focus became glued. His eyes became sharper; the longer he looked until they pierced through the veil of dark energy. What he saw brought a smile to his face. With a deep breath, he howled with all his energy, “Freeeedooooom!!!!” This message was sent throughout the entire forest, even reaching the outskirts of the town. 

Thomas kept his ugly smile as he waited for his trap to be set. “I knew it. You are so rare. I must have you.” Raising his staff, Thomas shot dark bullets towards Alarik.

Even though his transformation was incomplete, it was still stronger than his normal one. Alarik quickly dodged and again disappeared then reappeared right in front of Thomas, bringing down his paw.

Thomas continued to smile, taking the hit head-on with his staff. The staff bent in half, barely holding back Alarik. With a flick of his wrist, a net appeared in Thomas's hand, and he attempted to fling it onto Alarik. 

Alarik, seeing the mysterious tool, retreated in fear. 

“Got you.” The wicked smile grew larger on Thomas’s decrepit face, completely unaffected by his miss.

Alarik looked at him in confusion. Then he felt something shooting from the ground. His reflexes forced him off the ground, but the milky aura moved faster, quickly wrapping around him. 

Seeing Alarik being captured, the retreating wolves paused in indecision. The older wolves barked angrily, forcing the pack to continue its retreat. The older wolves then turned back towards Thomas. Numbering eight in total, they charged forth to save their pack leader. 

Marrok continued to drag Reika away, but he knew there was nowhere to take her in reality. Would he leave the forest? And go where? What about the pups still in the cave? Once Alarik fell, the dark god would have nothing left to stop him.

Thomas raised his staff high into the air. Chanting giant skulls began to appear behind him. Tsk, if that boy did not injure me, I would have long ended this. Being restricted to spells below the grand magus level is insufferable. “It is time for you dogs to sleep.”

The old wolves paid no heed to the threat and continued to charge. Some even began burning away their life force for extra strength. It had been a while since they transformed. Their transformation was at the lowest tier. The level of transformation could be told by eye color and the depth of color. Though red was menacing, it was the weakest level. Deep red was the strongest of this transformation. Their deep red eyes illuminated the darkness in front of them, shining towards the pack’s future. 

Alarik was blinded by the eyes of these wolves. These wolves were so old that even when he was a pup, they were old. Usually, their eyes were dull yet in their final moments. Their eyes burned bright. He was deeply saddened to see so many elders throwing their lives away. Even in the end, I am a burden to the people I should be carrying. 

The skulls open, spewing out black ooze. Thomas cackles in his head, waiting to see them drop, waiting for Alarik to break.

The wolves finally making it near Thomas started dropping like flies as the black ooze invaded their lungs turning them into liquids. 

Alarik had tears flowing from his eyes but could not do anything as the milky aura battled his dark energy. 

Of the eight that charged, only three remained. Their eyes were still glowing with determination. They emitted a somber howl drawing the dark energy from their fallen comrades. Thick armor of dark energy wrapped their entire bodies except for their burning red eyes. The black ooze was kept at bay, but it stuck to the armor, and sizzle noises could be heard. The three wolves bared their canines at Thomas, ramming into him. 

Thomas, who was struggling to use this much power, was unable to block and was knocked back.

The three wolves bit Thomas and clawed him relentlessly. As their attack continued, one of the wolves' fur was finally penetrated by the ooze, and he collapsed. 

Thomas cracked his staff into one of the panting wolves, breaking its back on contact. The wolf yelped in pain then became forever silent. “You are the last one.” Looking at the final dog, the haggard Thomas reveled in victory. 

The wolf growled and darted towards the milky aura to free Alarik. 

Thomas did nothing watching the scene in ridicule.

Upon biting into the aura, the wolf aged instantly and became dust leaving not even a corpse. 

“So the show ends,” Thomas staggered towards the struggling Alarik, chanting one last spell. 

Alarik continued to struggle defiantly. The glint in his eyes was pure. Free of his previous uncertainty, he fought for the wolves who laid their lives down for him.

“Struggle while you can, this will be the last time you ever do.” Having finished the spell, Thomas tapped his staff onto the milky aura. The milky aura sucking a strange white aura from the recently deceased wolves began growing in size and overpowering Alarik. Thomas, like a true villain, began to monologue, “This could have all been avoided. All you had to do was submit. How could a lowly mutt, let alone any mortal, resist God? Your lives exist merely for my amusement. I will show you true despair. Every waking moment of your existence will be dictated by me.”

Alarik continued struggling in vain. As he was about to give in to despair, he sensed an immense aura locking onto his location.

Within a split second, a powerful oppressive force crashed into the milky aura causing it to explode, sending Alarik and Thomas flying.