The Warning (Open)

[BRUTIS]

Aria Pyre felt most content in the Crystal Meadows. When she wasn't attending to the Bridge of Life (some ghosts needed encouragement to keep moving and Aria was one that provided it), she could usually be found here. Today, though, was different from normal. Today, she wanted to try communicating with a mortal, and warn them that danger was coming.

The only thing that could make her feel danger so strongly, after so many years of her being dead, would be nothing short of complete annihilation of thousands of wolves. She still had no idea what could cause such a thing, but maybe the mortals would have some idea, if only she could figure out how to speak to them.

[Teu~]

Deimos found himself wandering to this place yet again, and he hadn't the faintest clue as to why. He was the King of Erebus, son of darkness. Why would one of his lineage come to a place so bright? Perhaps he was looking for trouble, or maybe he was looking for some peace away from the pack lands, and this place seemed to be a serene area where one can search himself. The red he-wolf strolled in from the shadows, his black column of flames leading the way. His multi hued optics glanced about as a chill ran up his spine. What was out here? His gaze hardened as he searched the terra for any other wolves that might be lingering about. He didn't like to play games unless he was the winner. That's when he remembered that he was in a place where spirits could dwell. A place where there were spirits all about. Normally, the demi-god couldn't even feel their presence but perhaps one was putting out enough of it's feelings for him to feel their distress. It really was quite an odd thing - to feel the pain, and horror of one, and not be able to hear them.

[BRUTIS]

Aria noticed the wolf with strange markings and got the feeling she'd seen him before. Demigods liked to wander into the spirit world from time to time. Was that where she'd seen him? It had to be. He looked strikingly like someone from her past back when she was living, though...Then again, many wolves did. After all, she had traveled the world in her time. She let out a sigh. He wasn't even looking at her. He could sense her, that's for sure. He had, after all, searched the land to see where she was. He couldn't see her, but could he hear her? It was worth a shot.

"My name is Aria Pyre, and I am a ghost," she said, raising her voice so she was nearly shouting, as she stepped toward Deimos. "This is as close as I can get to the mortal world without breaking the rules. I need to warn you...and everyone in your world..." She got up really close to him, as close as she could get, and let her voice lower very slightly. "Danger is coming."

[Teu~]

At first, all that attacked his audits was a high frequency screech that made him want to chew his own ears off. He flinched, and winced for a few moments as he awaited for his godly genes to kick in. He blinked a few times, and was able to see a form of a female wolf. He couldn't see detail for her form was blurred, as if some one had drawn her up, and then smudged her form out. Her voice, he could ear easily, but it was as if there were electricity coursing through it. If you listened close enough it would have some what of a computer tone to it. "Lady. You don't have to yell, I can hear you." Came the reply, his optics narrowing as he attempted to pin point her location. Aria Prye, huh? A ghost. He had never spoken to a ghost before for none really bothered to speak to him unless they had to. They knew who son he was, and they would rather not face the wrath of Erebus. However, when the god went missing a lot of things seemed to spiral out of control.

He could see her moving towards him, and he didn't like it. No, he didn't like it one bit. His hackles raised slightly, and his ebony lips raised to reveal one pointed fang. He wasn't growling just yet. He didn't like it when females - alive or dead - believed themselves to be at his level, or superior to him. However, as she neared closer to him her voice dropped to nearly a whisper. Danger is coming. Danger? His audits perked forward, and a slight smirk graced his maw. "I am Deimos, King of Erebus. Son of Erebus. Danger you say?" He said, slightly intrigued, but more or less annoyed still. He stayed put, and waited for her to reply.

[BRUTIS]

Aria sighed with relief. So the wolf could hear her after all. A flicker of hope spread through her, causing her fur to flash to red before going to back to its usual wispy gray.

"Yes, danger," she said, backing away a little to give Deimos some space. So, he was a son of Erebus, huh? That explained why he could communicate with her. Demigods were usually able to hear and see ghosts, if they were willing to.

"I wouldn't ask for help if it were small, either. We're talking thousands of wolves dying. I still do not know the source." She took a deep breath, not that she needed to breathe anymore. "If we want to avoid disaster, all wolves in the mortal world with have to work together. Yes, I'm quite sure it won't happen if mortals and demigods unite." She stopped talking then and looked at Deimos, trying to gauge his reaction.

[Teu~]

His first thought: Did this female attempt to escape from the loony bin, and was killed in the act? What was she talking about? "Look, lady, the only weird occurrences we have going on down there is the disappearances of gods." He murmured, watched as she tried desperately to get him to care. He would have to speak to his brother about it for he would not let his father's kingdom fall to a darkness that was greater than his. A darkness that had no bottom, that was endless. Like a black hole. He rolled back into his haunches, and looked at her with amusement dancing about in his optics. What did she want him to do? Get along with the female alpha? That was laughable, that would never happen in a million years if he had it his way.

However, he and his brother were a team, and what ever his brother wanted to do he normally went with. Yet, for some reason, if his brother chose to go along with the female alpha he would feel extremely betrayed. After all, what were the many things they were taught by their father who had gone missing just a few years ago - with out a trace. There was no explanation for it. "How are the mortals to fend for themselves? We have the undead walking about the lands - zombies. Blood sucking wolves. The Demi gods have plenty to deal with as it is now. Me and my brother are concerned with the affairs of Erebus, and nothing more." He spoke, eyeing the ghost with mild disdain.

[BRUTIS]

Is that really the only weird occurrence, or is it the only one you're aware of? Aria thought. He seemed really self-centered to her. So much so, she wouldn't be surprised if he didn't pay any attention to what else was happening in the world outside of his pack. Still, it was no use angering him, so she didn't say her thought aloud.

"I understand your skepticism. Many spirits like to mislead demigods like you. If you're easy to anger, so much the better. Many spirits like to manipulate demigods and lead them to their deaths, as if that would increase their power or something. It's quite despicable, really. I, however, am not like that," she said instead. "The disappearance of the gods, my sensing danger for the first time since my death...It's connected somehow. I just don't know exactly what the connection is right now." Her eyes narrowed slightly at his next question and comments.

"Alone, or even in one pack, you mortals truly cannot do much. Many of you are still dependent on the gods, even in their absence. But the truth is, you can overcome many things if you all gather together for the same purpose. There was a war...a long, long time ago called the God's War. Mortals and gods fought each other, and even though those wolves, your mother's ancestors, lost, some survived. More than any god had ever expected to do so. And when the gods caused havoc since then, the mortals have managed to overcome it. I'm sure, if all mortals work together, they can overcome yet again. Or, better yet, prevent the situation I sense entirely." Aria crouched down into a bow.

"I cannot ask you to do more than you are capable. I know this is a scary time, and you already have so much to deal with, as do all mortals. The affairs of Erebus are the same as the affairs of the rest of the mortal world. It doesn't matter your pack affiliation, you will still die if nothing changes. All I ask is that you get the word out, at least warn others of the impending danger. Do this, and I will be forever in your debt."

[Teu~]

It was the only major weird occurrence that he bothered with. He couldn't bother himself with every weird thing that he came across. There simply was not enough time in the world. Besides, he wasn't the type of wolf to go out of his way. Yet, what she was saying was something that he and his brother needed to take to heart. Something that he should consider greatly. Yet, he was still skeptical. How would it be that she, out of all those that were left would know about it? How is it that she could sense what was going on when nearly all the Gods were missing? Was there a greater power than any one has ever known that was taking the Gods captive? Or was it simply the fact that they were being punished - all the mortals, and demi gods left to walk upon the lands. Left to face danger while the gods turned a blind eye to them? A deaf ear as all the screams of torment, and pain were lifted toward the heavens. Could it really be that the gods - his father included - simply did not care anymore?

The thought in itself was frightful, even to a wolf that had seen many battles, and been in many battles before. He shot an eyebrow up, hiding his emotions easily. "Tell me. How is it you know that this evil is coming? Most of us, with out our gods are with out power. My brother and I retain our power, but only because our father had taught us how. Also, tell me this: who do you answer to? For you not to break the rules there must still be some one - a deity shall we say - that watches over you, and makes sure you do your job. Why don't they help us?" He questioned, his words full of curiosity.

[BRUTIS]

Even though Deimos' questions weren't easy to answer, she could tell her warning had not fallen on deaf ears. She couldn't help but feel relieved. She paused to think for a moment, choosing her words carefully. This was absolutely crucial. He wasn't completely won over yet, and a wrong word might just make him completely disregard all she told him.

"Think of it like...when you're on a hunt, or patrolling your pack, and suddenly you feel something watching you. This is something like that, an instinct. You mortals might call it a feeling in your bones, something you just can't shake no matter how hard you try. I have been dead for so long that I thought I was incapable of such feelings, until this one came along. This is why, even though I'm not sure what would cause such a feeling inside me, it has to be incredibly powerful. If I sense danger to this extent, it has to mean nothing short of...annihilation, for a vast majority of mortals." She hung her head at this point. She did not want this fate to befall the mortal world, and, even though Deimos was listening to her, it was possible this act of hers was too little, too late. She shook her head to clear it and looked at Deimos once more. She was still bowing to him, she realized, but she decided not to get up just yet.

"You and your brother have more power than either of you even realize right now. I may not be an oracle, but even I can tell that you two will determine the success or failure of what will bring about the destruction. And you won't be the only ones. There are mortals who, even without their powers, could alter fate." It was then that she realized she'd have to tell him who she answered to, and let out a sigh. She didn't particularly answer to him so much as help him out. Though, she supposed he could see what she was doing regardless of what she told him.

"I cannot tell you the name of the deity, as you're only supposed to learn his name in death," she continued. "But, yes, he is the only god that has not disappeared, though he's a more minor god than the others were. I have asked him multiple times why he sits idle while the destruction is brewing, since, surely, if I can sense it, so can a god." She looked a bit miffed as she spoke. It was clear that the answer frustrated her. "He just said that someone has to keep us spirits in line. As if he can't delegate his responsibility to a group of well-trusted spirits. There are hundreds of us in the heavens who know what his job is and can do it in his absence if he just asks, but he won't." Her fur turned red as she kept talking, but as soon as she realized how unkindly she was speaking of the god, the redness faded away. She stood up, looking ashamed.

"I'm sorry, but he will not help you, as much as I wish he would. He also won't tell anyone what happened to the gods that disappeared. I don't know whether it's because he doesn't know or...or if it's so bad, he refuses to tell anyone." She thought about it for a second. "I'm pretty sure it's the former, but he's been really distressed since the other gods have left. Leaving one god to rule a realm that all gods did before...well, you could say his job is stressful. He's more bothered by the other gods' disappearance than he lets on. I think...the real reason he won't help you is because he's too scared to take action. Perhaps, if he were shown that mortals want to help, to avoid annihilation, he'll join in. There is a certain safety in numbers, after all. However, it's also possible he won't help even after that. He is quite unpredictable at times."

It was at this point that Aria realized she said too much. She could be demoted to the Underworld for bad-mouthing her god like that. She was careful not to show that she was scared, but she did visibly tense.

"I still think it's the only real chance mortals have to receive his help in this matter," she concluded, her voice a little weaker than it was before.

[Teu~]

So, this deity was supposed to stay a secret until you died? Deimos narrowed his eyes as rage slowly boiled up inside. She couldn't bad mouth her deity, but he was not his deity so he could feel all the rage at him that he wanted. Why was it that all the great gods were taken from the world within a blink, with out warning, or cause. Taken from the world without out warning. It had tossed the world into utter chaos. As she spoke, she spoke of Deimos, and Alec. They were to save the world? What a laughable thought! They weren't heroes, they were demons. They were the shadows that stalked you in the dark. He was the aggressive, and hot headed brother while his brother was the calculating brother. The cold blooded murderer. They were a team in their murders, most knew not to mess with one if they didn't want to meet the fangs of the other. Still, they had more power than they realized? What was this wench talking about? Their power had been nearly muted when Erebus had disappeared.

Something had happened to had restored their powers, but not without conflict. He swallowed softly, his multi hued optics narrowing on the female. Perhaps that's what his internal conflict was about. Maybe that was why he was suddenly having trouble controlling the darkness that was deep with in himself, and his brother. Perhaps it was just awaiting to burst free, and show the world how powerful the spawn of Erebus truly are. To beat out even the worse of dangers the world has ever known, and claim the title for themselves. The thought was a scary one, yet it was also enticing. What would it be like to know that they were the main players since they wielded much power within their pack lands. Perhaps, all pack lands would have to create an alliance. But what if, there were some that joined the force that had taken their gods away? Clearly, they are the stronger deity, but seemed to be crueler than even Deimos, and Alec could ever hope of being. Their darkness ran deep, but they also had a mortal mother, so mortal feelings got in the way.

They still had a sense of good, and evil. They still knew right from wrong. His audits had been perked forward, his audits catching every single lyric she had supplied. She spoke about the deity she could not name, and how he was probably too afraid to help them. That angered Deimos from the very core of his being. What god could become a god if they were cowardly? The thought in it's self was sickening, and he snorted at the thought. "So, He began, and stood up. His columns began to move his body about the terra. Yes, the great King was now pacing. "This God of yours is only a minor god, yes? How is it he escaped from being snatched up by what ever is threatening world annihilation? I don't like the sound of him, and I am sure we will have our own words to settle since I have not been the cleanest soul about." Wasn't this god supposed to be full of love, and care for the world? Or was he thinking of a god that didn't exist, that had only been created by those who needed something to turn to in their times of need.

He didn't know. He looked back at her, and shot both eyebrows up "And what happens if some of the packs get it in their minds that they can become far more powerful by siding with the... let's call it Great Deity, shall we? By siding with the Great Deity, and attempting to destroy us while we have our backs turned? What then, do you suggest happens? I know mortals, Aria, far better than any one else would know them. They are greedy, and only look for ways that would benefit themselves. What if this Great Deity has a spokes person, and they are already recruiting mortals to turn against those that would like the world to remain the same? What then?" He asked, his optics narrowing on her smudged form once more. He had found it peculiar, really that her glow seemed to change each time she got angry. Perhaps she had stepped out of bounds. Perhaps she had said more than she should have, he didn't know. All he knew was that his question needed an answer.

[BRUTIS]

"I am not sure," Aria answered honestly. "But he is...the most recent god, the newest. He is one mortals do not seem to know much about, nor rely on. He was...a hero, in his time. The greatest of heroes. Please do not misunderstand: when he was alive, he performed deeds so great, all other wolves were dwarfed by him. He was turned into a minor god who served to help the god of death because of these exploits, but most mortal wolves do not recognize he is a minor god. They recognize him as a hero. Maybe that has something to do with it. Maybe this thing didn't want to waste his time capturing a minor god mortals don't even acknowledge for the most part, no offense intended toward him, of course. However, he's...changed since his turning. He used to jump at an opportunity to help mortals, but now...it's almost as if..." he doesn't think mortals are worth saving. She managed to keep the last part to herself and shook her head.

"No, the thought is too horrible to finish. I'd be sent to the Underworld for sure if I said such a thing," she said with a slight growl. If I'm not already going there for divulging the secret of his creation. ...No, he knows I'm doing this for the good of all. Mortals, gods, demigods, ghosts, and even zombies. Surely, he'll forgive me...eventually. "Let's just say being in the spirit world for a long time changes you. You don't have to like the sound of him. You can say whatever you want to him in death and he will eventually judge you. But, in the meantime...In the meantime, it wouldn't be wise to anger him."

She hung her head at Deimos' next questions.
"You have a point. Yes, I have a hard time believing the Great Deity doesn't have someone trying to recruit others already. But his followers might be swayed to our side. The ones that aren't, well...they'll only cause harm, even unintentionally." She paused, trying to think of a solution. "I think they could be captured alive if they are found before the Great Deity makes its move. If not, then..." She gulped. "Then they're going to die with most of the rest of you. In fact, they'll probably be the first to go...the sacrifices." She shuddered. "I think, if they cannot be persuaded, they'll have to be subdued. Put somewhere out of the way, but safe. They'll find out the truth one way or another, but...they might be too far gone to see it right away." She finally looked at Deimos at this point. "Mortals see what they want to see, but that doesn't mean lives should be wasted. It is crucial that as many lives that can be saved are."

[Teu~]

A great hero back in his time? Really now? He found it hard to believe that a hero could ever give up their roots just like he found it hard to believe that a villain could ever give up his roots. It was not possible, it just didn't happen. So, why would a hero back in his day sit by, and watch as the world they helped protect is annihilated. She didn't have to finish her sentence for him to guess what she was going to say because he was thinking the same thing. Any one who could just sit back, and watch is a god who no longer things the mortals are worth saving. And what of those demi gods that are the seed of the most powerful gods ever? Are they to die just like the rest just because one god was too much of a chicken to step up, and do something about it. Deimos bet he had an Army of spirits at his disposal, and he wasn't even going to send them. No, he was going to sit up there on his cloud, and laugh as mortals were slew by the thousands. That was Deimos's job.

He noted that the female bowed her head as he asked her about betrayers. In his mind, all who betrayed their own race should be destroyed, and made an example of. However, a tiny fear in the back of him mind was bugging him. What if... what if he was the Great Deity? What if this thing that was coming to life in side of him was the monster that would wreck havoc through out the lands? He would ultimately destroy his brother. Half of the pack lands would be ripped apart, and pitted against each other. A sickening feeling settled in the bottom of his stomach, and he jumped to his paws fast, his optics searching for her form once more. "If this deity is strong enough, nothing will stop his followers. Once he wins them over they will be controlled solely by fear. I know because that's how Erebus is ran. How it's always been ran. There's been something happening to me lately. I don't know what it is. It's like... an attack from the inside. Everything goes black, and I tend to lose control of my spells..."

He started, narrowing his gaze on her once more. Whoa, wait what was he doing? This was a female, and he was entrusting her with vital information not even his brother really knew about? He stiffened for a moment, his audits flicking back for but a few moments before he nodded his crown. It was necessary. Perhaps she could give him insight on what was happening. "Any how, simply subduing them will do no good. They will have to be killed if we are to save every other mortal. If they choose to join the darker force then they are signing their own death warrant, don't deny it." It was true, mortals believed what they wanted to believe, and made out of life what they wanted to make out of life, however, they normally followed a trend. A trend that could prove to be very deadly in this situation. He arched an eyebrow at her, and then continued to speak. "After all, you said it would be destruction of the entire world, did you not? No place on this planet would be safe. Not from the deepest ocean to the darkest cave. No where will be safe."

[BRUTIS]

"If this deity is strong enough, nothing will stop his followers. Once he wins them over they will be controlled solely by fear. I know because that's how Erebus is ran. How it's always been ran." Aria opened her mouth to respond, but he seemed to want to say more, so she closed her maw and listened
"There's been something happening to me lately. I don't know what it is. It's like... an attack from the inside. Everything goes black, and I tend to lose control of my spells..." Aria tried really hard to hide her worry at this news. A wolf losing control while everything goes black for them is never a good sign. She waited for him to finish speaking, and then, when he was done, she finally spoke up.

"You...are right. It's sobering, but the only truly safe place is not in the mortal world. The only place that would be safe is the spirit world. Therefore, to save them from their fate, we'd have to...we'd have to kill them, the wolves that support the Great Deity." She let out a sigh. "But wolves killing other wolves to 'save' them has caused many problems in the past. I'm not sure...maybe I can convince my god to let parts of the spirit world be open to mortals who seek safety. Actually...I'm actually not sure even the spirit world would be safe. Grrr...It's frustrating, not knowing the exact nature of the danger I sense."

Her fur changed to red for an instant, but it quickly became gray again.
"As for your...difficulty, for lack of a better word, I think...I think this Great Deity is testing the waters, trying to see...if it can make you bend to its will through possession. But maybe I'm wrong," she added hurriedly. "I'm just thinking, the last time wolves reported such things was when...was when a god started possessing them, controlling their actions, ultimately making them slaughter other wolves. I'm worried that the same thing might be happening now. Are you the only one experiencing such a thing? ...Actually, you probably wouldn't know for sure. Wolves are usually too proud to admit such occurrences. I'll see what I can find out on my end about this matter. Maybe...I can find a way to help you overcome this." She looked a little doubtful, but she wasn't going to give up on the demigod. There was probably a way to resist possession. Just because nobody knew how to do it didn't mean it was impossible...right?

[Teu~]

The male wolf growled at the thought of another being trying to take over his body. It was true, though. It was very possible that one of the Great Deities henchmen was wreaking havoc with his mind, and making it hard for the wolf to control his own reactions to things. His hackles rose, and his ebony lips peeled back to reveal ivories that were deadly, and sharp. He did not like being messed with. That was when she drew him from his thoughts that stating to save the wolves that turned against them they would have to kill them. He forgot of his inner turmoil for a few moments as his brows drew together in confusion. Weren't they trying to save the wolves from getting killed? Or perhaps the goal was killing them before their souls became too corrupt to go to heaven where they would have belonged had they not been influenced by a being that could not be seen. The thought in its self was a humbling one. For all they knew, this wolf was towering over their modest little home, and planning its annihilation once and for all.

He was about to speak when she had spoke what was on his mind. She had spoken about speaking to her deity to see if he would be willing to open up part of the spirit world for wolves to take refuge in. He narrowed his optics, and spoke finally. "I think it's safe to assume that what ever is out to destroy us all is the supreme ruler of darkness. I myself am dark, and so was my father, but even my father had some one to answer to. Before he was taken away from us suddenly he had been growing restless, as if he knew some one was coming. As if he knew this was all going to befall us. It's safe to bet that no one will be safe from this being for as long as it poses a threat. There is no where to hide. Not in the heavens where your deity cowers as he watches us get destroy, not in the underworld that is my home and where I feel most comfortable. Not at the bottom of the deepest sea in the deepest ravine we can find. If we don't find a way to protect ourselves, my friend, we are all doomed. Even you."

He did not speak out of terms for it was the truth. She was just unwilling to admit it at the time. She was afraid for the world, but she should also be afraid for herself. For it was still possible for her to die once more, but this time it would be spiritually. If a spirit was killed they are eradicated from existence. It was as if they had never been alive at any point in their life. Can you imagine if all the spirits in the world were eradicated? If they were wiped clean from the spectrum for good? He shuddered at the thought. That's how he knew the gods were still alive, if not in the flesh in spirit. That was when she began to speak about him, and talk about trying to help him. He laughed bitterly now. "If the great Deity is already testing the waters with me then it is too late. There is no cure for a wolf who is being taken over. You can only fight it for so long before your mind is broken, and you are lost to the darkness forever. So, I will fight the darkness for as long as I can..." He paused, and took a step toward her.

"If I lose myself, I want you to wipe my existence from the face of the earth. I will not be the tool of a Deity that wishes to destroy the whole world - that's my job. I don't want to be a mindless tool - if I'm to destroy, I'd like to be able to enjoy it." It would seem as if he were only joking, but the tone of his voice, and the seriousness of his voice were true. "If I lose myself, you must eradicate me. Promise me. If I harm my brother..." I would never forgive myself. He's all I got now. He didn't speak those words out loud, but allowed her to fill in the blanks.

[BRUTIS]

Aria clung onto Deimos' every word as he spoke, again not saying anything until he was done. She noted that he had taken a step toward her. That poor alpha...Finally, Aria cleared her throat.

"Yes, we are all doomed if we just...scramble around and take no action. If we can't find some way to protect ourselves." She looked Deimos in the eye as she spoke. "I am less concerned of being eradicated, myself, though it is a really frightening thought, and more concerned about...if we're all erased from existence, what will replace us? What will dwell in this world after we're gone? I...suppose I will never learn the answer, either way, but still..." She averted her eyes for an instant, but then locked eyes with Deimos again.

"You are correct, there is no cure...But there is still a way to save your mind. It takes exertion to possess someone, at least, that's what I'm given to understand. If one were to launch a strike against the Great Deity before it becomes too powerful, it might stop trying to possess you. It's...a risky proposition, trying to find any wolves that would do that, especially since we don't know where it resides yet. But I'm not going to just give up and let you get handed over to the Great Deity without trying to do everything possible to save you."

"Now, we come to the matter of your...proposition. What should happen if you lose your mind to It..." She felt her voice become weak, and she averted her eyes, furrowing her brow. Her fur started to tint red as she thought about it. On the one hand, it was crazy. She'd have to possess a mortal body and find a way to get her powers back. Even then, she might not be strong enough to take out a possessed demigod. She, herself, didn't have much in the way of offense. But one glance into his eyes again, and she understood. Well, she didn't need to look up to understand that he didn't want to harm his brother, and would never forgive himself if he did, but she got all the confirmation she needed. He was asking her because she was the only one he could trust to do such a thing. She wasn't close to him. She only just met him in person. She was least likely to have any qualms about killing him, and she would know it was for the greater good. Someone's soul would have to be tainted with his murder if the possession were to happen...and it was better hers than anyone else's. At least she had gained much favor over the years. Her punishment would be severe, but nothing she couldn't handle.

She locked eyes with him once more, but this time, there was something different about her eyes and fur. Her fur became the vibrant red it once was, and markings appeared. Some looked like old injuries, some looked like tattoos. And one of them was her Master mark, right below her neck. Her eyes were back to their fiery orange. She looked resolute, but also, determined.

"I will do it, and I will try to make it as painless as possible," she promised with a voice that sounded more lively and powerful, but retained its ancient-sounding-ness. "But you must do something for me. If you start noticing anything different about your blackouts or loss of control, as in, you start noticing an increase or decrease in how often they occur, or they start lasting longer, you will come to me as soon as you can, so I may know...how much time I have to prepare. Can you do this for me?" She waited for his answer without breathing or blinking.