Chapter Nine: The Mountains

Leaving the cabin behind was bittersweet for the duo. Though their stay was rather short, it was still a small comfort from the harshness of the travels. But, the hope of something even better would be in store for them.

The travel was filled with Lysette going over battle tactics having noticed that Penny was training. Penny paid attention to every word and tried to organize all of the thoughts and advice within her mind so that she could remember it all. Anything and everything could aid her. Not so much the advice, but the way that Lysette fights. Penny had decided from the moment she touched the ground and created crators, that their strategies were different. They handled things in battle differently and trying to be exactly the same as Lysette would never work for Penny. But, confidence was now filled in Penny's head, knowing she had a secret weapon that Lysette knew nothing about.

" If you can't keep up with me, you will not be able to stop other Lycans, trust me" Lysette rambled, though this caught Penny's attention. " Other Lycans? Am I going to be fighting other Lycans? " Penny had never heard this mentioned by Lysette before. The Lycans were suppose to be positive for the most part from Penny's understanding. So why would she have any need to fight them?

" What I mean, is that things happen. And you have to be able to face all opponents, no matter who or what they are" Lysette explains but this explanation seemed more like an excuse than the truth. " You know, I've noticed that you don't use your wolf form all that much. Is that to keep your energy reserved until you need it, or because you want don't want to reveal all your tricks before you have too? " Penny asked, hoping to change the subject, which seemed to work.

" I don't use the form unless I have too. It's not that it takes too much energy, it's that it reminds me of the things I've lost" Lysette explains as she continues walking. This answer was one that Penny had not anticipated. Lysette did not talk a bunch about her kind or even her family. It always seemed like it may have been too painful for her, but for the pain to prevent her from using her true self, that to be something unimaginable that Lysette to hold within herself. Something Lysette seemed to not want to discuss.

" Well, I think I'll develop the strategy. One that should work for the most part. But I won't be entirely certain it's going to work unless you go into your Lycan form at some point. If I am going to have to fight Lycans at some point, I'll have to see if what I have planned will work.." Penny pointed out which caught Lysette's interest. " I was never the fastest of my kind. There are others who possess even greater speed than me, some even possess greater strength than me.. It doesn't help that I'm getting older day by day" She explains. " So whatever you have planned, it had better be good and versatile because it could seriously cost you..your life" Lysette's words added even more pressure for Penny. And yet, Penny remained confident. " I am unlike anything that anyone has ever seen, right? Then that, by itself gives me an advantage over any adversary" Penny explained and whilst Lysette had some counter points, she figured that it would be better to show Penny what she was referring to rather than to just tell her. So for now, the lesson would have to wait.

They continued traversing through the woodlands, eventually being able to see a large mountain range in the distance. The mountains were covered in a deep Grey mist, as though they were being strangled by the clouds themselves. It was a sight to behold, and a creepy one at that. But this was their destination. And with any luck, this would keep most attackers at Bay. Traversing the harsh train of the mountains, it's common not to mention the fact that there would be a thick mess usually cast it down upon them kand upon them, could provide not only the best cover but also the best home for Penny and Lysette. Everything would be perfect.

" I'm sure there are going to be some cabins along the trails if we follow them for a while. We will just have to find one that we are the most comfortable with and then we need to secure it" Lysette ordered as Penny glanced up from her feet which she had noticed having a thick coat of mud glazing them. " Secure it? Are you going to harm people if they are in the cabin we choose?" Penny asked, not meaning to sound as horrified as the way it came out.

" If we know the cabin would benefit us greater, then that is what we have to do" Lysette responded. Penny knew she was right, but perhaps they could dismiss the inhabitants another way if things should come to that. Either way, For the time being, Penny would continue hoping that they would encounter noone at all.

" There" Lysette pointed her finger up the trial and as Penny looked on, she could see the cabin in the distance perched upon a steep cliff. The cabin looked to be in excellent condition, and as they approached it, they noted that there was plenty of leveled ground for them to train on when the time comes for it.

" I do not hear anyone inside" Lysette whispers to Penny as she approaches the steps leading up to the porch. The wooden steps creaked, loudly at first before settling into a small squeak. Lysette took another step and eventually was able to place her foot upon the porch where she dashed to the side of the doorframe and held up her hand, signaling for Penny to stay back.

After a few seconds, Lysette opened the front door and rushed inside, and was gone for what felt like several minutes. The silence was a little concerning to Penny but she waited as patiently as she could for Lysette's call.

" Where is she? " Penny asked, as another few minutes passed by.

" Its all clear" Lysette called down to Penny from the second floor of the cabin.

" Wait..it has a second floor..?" Penny said, shocked as she ran up the front stairs and into the cabin.

The cabin was decorated with a beautiful interior and furniture. Whoever had own this cabin, wanted to live out in the mountains in style and comfort. Exquisite leather couches, an island bar as well as an actually bar, a beautifully enormous kitchen and from what she could tell, around 5 bedrooms. This was a wonderful place and Penny knew she wanted to fight for this. It was way too good to pass up. Lysette walked down the stairs and didn't seem to share the same excitement that Penny did.

" I don't know that we can take this place" Lysette sighed which made Penny turn her immediate attention to her guardian. " I'm sorry..what? " Penny chuckled in disbelief at the words.

" There is no running water here. And the nearest stream or any water source was around 2 miles back. It doesn't really make sense to take this place despite how nice it is" Lysette seemed just as disappointed about the realization as Penny was. Though Penny would not give up.

" I say it's worth it. The water is an inconvenience sure, but this place is perfect for what we need. Plus, they have a kitchen and they have sinks and so I'm sure there is a way to get the water working again but in the meantime, we can try and find another water source nearby. Hell, I'll do it" Penny threw out as many ideas as she could but her last offer seemed to be something Lysette was willing to accept.

" We will stay here one day. Just one. And if you can find a water source close by or if I can get the water running here then we will stay..but..if we can't, then we need to leave" Lysette explained and Penny agreed to the terms.