Chapter 9 On the road again!

There was no record of a group more strange then the one Alister had gathered around him. A kitsune, fur white as snow, eyes like the norther star and the power to see into the future at will. Though very rarely does she see the same thing twice. The second member, the soul silver dragon, in existence. She flew overhead with the youngest of the elven princesses upon her back, joy clear on the young woman's face. Last but not least, Alister himself acting as the elder princess mount. The last Darklight Guardian, defenders of nature and balance.

9 hours ago, sunrise

Alister shrugged his shoulders, to settle the packs strapped to the satle that once more sat upon his back. His gentle gaze set on Brianna and Aura as they said their good byes. Brianna's eyes were bright with pride as she watches her little sister shift and pad up to my side, her pure white fur seeming brighter next to my shaggy night black fur. Nuzzling her side, I nod wordlessly to Brianna and take off. My stride perfectly even regardless of the extra weight from new supplies and Valiora strapped to the saddle upon my back. With a cry of exitment from Holy, Edith takes to the sky. A saddle fashioned by the kitsune's master leather workers over night, holding the girl in place. I felt Brianna's eyes on me, until we were near a mile into the mountains, a peak between the Ancient Kitsune Village and us.

Present

Aura

Running lightly beside Alister, felt like a dream come true for me. To my clan I was still considered a child, and would be until I lived a full two centuries. Though at the moment, with my heros shadow falling over me. I felt as if i could do anything, and feared that I would let him down.

'Ali, where is it that we are headed now? I have seen glimpses of the path ahead, but the destination is hidden from me.'

His eyes flicked towards me for an instant before shifting back to the mountain trail. As I waited for his reply, my eyes shift to the valley off to my left. The trail we ran upon, slowly rose higher along the side of the mountain, over a mile below the emerald canopy of a small forest could be seen. Flickering shadows of animals running and flying, either for fun or to hunt, couldn't escape my sharp eyed gaze.

A few moments after I began taking in the veiw, I came to a slow stop. My gaze settling on a massive gold and silver striped Liger, the great beasts eyes locking with mine.

Swiveling my ears back as Alister came up beside me, I watch in shock as the liger runs up the near vertical mountain side, to leap lightly over our heads and land behind us on the trail. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught the stupefied look upon Valiora's face, and how she had to chatch herself as she bent her head back to keep the liger in sight.

Silently I watched and listened as Alister turns to the sleek figure. A smile clear in his eyes.

"To the Guardian, a message from my fathers pride. 'I trust you will exceapt my daughters assistance, for we wish to return to our home too. Se'hera has grown up listening to my stories about you, and is a prodigy unlike any seen amongst my kind in 10000 years, safe travels old friend.' " Se'hera's voice deepened as if another spoke through her, her eyes even changed color from sandy gold to liquid gold for duration.

"Hal'ven hasn't changed at all in 15 years has he? I was wondering when one of kids would track me down. Welcome to the team Se'hera." Alister says with a low chuckle. His eyes slowly trailing over the ligers powerful build. As a female of her kind, her muscles were like diamond cables twinded together. Her fur smoother then the richest silk, but stronger then a dragons scales. If that wasn't enough to make somebody hesitate in hunting her, jagged ivory fangs reflected the sun as she yawned, and her claws dug furrows in the solid stone path beneath them with the lightest of flexing.

'Considering they could carve a dragons scales as easily, or easier then I could skin a fish. I dread to face the team of fallen hunting them.' A shivver runs through me, my fur standing on end at the thought.

"It is nice to meet you Guardian Alister, i hope I can be of assistance on this journey of yours." Sa'hera replies, Her eyes back to the gentle sand gold hue. Scan over the rest of the party settling on Edith a few seconds longer, recognition flashing in jer curious gaze.

Turning my gaze to our newest companion as we continued up the montain path once more. I didn't even notice as Alister began mental introductions, until he nipped at my shoulder lightly.

"huh, oh sorry. I'm Aura, youngest of the kitsune clan. It is nice to meet you Sa'hera. I can't wait to get to know you."

"Maybe we can compare how prides and clans differ?"

Tilting my head, laughter dances in my eyes as I nod and pick up my pace after noticing I'd began to fall behind. Coming up along Alister's right side, I match his pace. Sa'hera keeping pace just behind him and I. The whispering wind held the promise of a storm on the horizon, the sun beginning to set behind the mountain casting shadows over everything our party could see. As the shadows deepen, Edith began to fly higher to keep look out and scout ahead.

Slowly the path curved through the mountain range, stone bridges spanning gorges and ravines. Rivers of verying colors streaming through them, one was even a river of gold streaming down from the peak of a mountain, only to vanish into the earth a half a mile below, after spilling off the mountain in a gleaming torrent. If you looked close enough, ripples could be seen every so often upon the surface of the gold river, serpents with scales of gold and diamond.

I hung back as one serpent lifted itself half out of the molten river, irs pure gold eyes meeting mine as it swayed back and forth, its hypnotic power having no effect upon me do to my mental sheilds. Sending a psychic spear driving into the serpents mind, I watched with satisfaction as shock registered in its eyes.

"Never faced another with a stronger mind?" I muttered to myself and tilt my head as the serpent fades into a golden dust and floats up to me, my eyes widening as a surge of power rushes through me. As i watch half stunned, the golden flecks merge with the fur of one of my nine tales, forming three imprints of spiraling gold rivers. Shake myself out of my stuppor, I turn back to follow Alister again only to catch him watching. A knowing look in his eyes as they shift to the shimmering gold markings, a spark of laughter clearly dancing in his gaze.

'Guess he will not tell me what this is without me asking.' i thought with a sigh and trot to catch up, my paws soundless against the mountain path. My eyes widen as a felling of satisfaction courses through my mind, and I knew it wasn't my emotion....

"Catch up Aura, I found a cave for us to spend the night in." Alister calls back to me, pulling my thoughts. Looking up I realize I had fallen behind again, the rest of party had vanished, only Alister was visible as he stood off to the side of the path watching and waiting.

A few moments later I pass by him, a pulse of need setting my blood boiling as I feel his silken fur brush up against mine. My mind going blank for an instant, I shift half a paw closer my muzzle brushing up against his flank as one of nine tails trail along his muzzle and jaw, leaving a a heavy dose of my scent upon him.

A hint of shock and embarrassment flashing through me, I dart into the cave before he could react. Though even with my speed, I felt the teasing nip at my tail. Glancing back once before I slipped into the cave. My eyes met his and widened as my heart beat faster, I had no clue what was happening, but I felt he did. By the time I curled up, my head resting upon my forepaws. Eyes on the cave entrance, Alister had turned away.

For the first time I was able to get a good look at him. Fur dark as night, shimmering with a healthy sheen. Wing-like designs in the darkest blue could barely be seen along both sides, and the silver crescents framming his eyes added to his mysterious aura. Easily standing 5ft at the shoulder, he towerd over my wolf form by a foot and a half. His build was clearly ment for speed over strength, yet I noticed shortly after arriving on the mountain path that he had the strength to gouge solid stone with little effort.

Thoughts of him filled my mind as sleep took me.