Author's note : hello was in the mood to write and had some extra time so got you guys another chapter, hope you enjoy ^^
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The Stoneclaw lions are in shock due to their fearless leader being struck down, but yet they all remain seated due to the immense fear they feel towards the one who had slain their leader. The human child runs over to Axe'rin with great speed with a pained and saddened expression as you can clearly see him trying to hold in the tears, as he approaches the human girl that risked her life to save all that he has left in this world, he swiftly checks if he is okay, Axe'rin lifting her head slightly seeing that the boy is standing right in front of him, starts raising her back while letting her arms free the cub from her clutch. The cub immediately runs over to the feral boy as he jumps up into his arms making whimpering sounds and curls to a ball within his grasp, as the feral boy notices there are no injuries but the emotional ones, he lets out a sight of relief as he holds him tight within his arms, tears of joy proceed stream down his face knowing that at least his brother survived the ordeal.
This sight is not one that you can easily not be affected by, Diarge all the warriors of the Wolf stride clan along with even the stone faced warchief let tears roll down their chins as they let out a unified scream signaling victory and a sign of respect for what the feral boy had gone through during these past moments, the atmosphere is mixed with feelings of joy for his revenge, and for the well being of the cub, yet you can't not feel the pain and sadness everyone is feeling, for the poor mother wolf that sacrificed her life standing up for her family even though weak from childbirth and wounds that would have no doubt been fatal to anyone else. This sight is one that will be engraved in the head of every witness for the rest of their lives, the mix of emotions is too diverse and powerful that words would not be able to describe it as it truly felt watching the family of three giving their all to protect one another with their own life.
As the echoes of cheers and the sound of tears ring throughout the cave the stoneclaw lions quickly feel unwelcome and start running out towards the exit, no one pursuit them as victory has already been achieved and yet more blood spill would only ruin the memory of the duel between the Monster and the brave feral child, as the lions have exited the cave Diarge and the warchief both make their way towards the injured Axe'rin both knowing that she is not mortally wounded by the attack.
“Thank you.” is then heard from the mouth of the feral child as he musters something between a smile and a pained expression, as he faces the gaze of Axe'rin.
“No problem, I just couldn't sit and watch by as an innocent newly born is slaughtered by such a detestable creature” Axe'rin said as she wore a confused expression not expecting the feral child to be able to speak human tongue.
“Kind...” The feral child says as he nods with a pleased face while he continues to care for his frightened and crying little brother
The warchief and Diarge arrive at the edge of the pond as they look down seeing the blood red water being swept away, and the pond once again starting to become the beautifully clear and blue water it once was, as the warchief looks down even further into the water he sees the corpse of the mother wolf, his face becoming ever more resolute he looks over to Diarge.
“Son swim over to the other side and be ready to help me with this, she doesn't deserve to lie there being swept away with the water being disturbed in death.” The warchief says with a frustrated yet saddened tone to his voice.
“You are right father, she deserves a final resting place befitting of the actions she displayed today.” Diarge proclaimed with a respectful tone trying to honor the last moments she spent protecting all that she loved.
The warchief quickly dives into the water as Diarge proceeds to the other side readying himself to receive the proud mother wolfs remains, The warchief arrives at the bottom of the pond which is just 3 meters below, grabbing the remains trying to be as respectful as possible not brutingly grabbing it, as he comes up the the surface he hands over the remains slowly, Diarge puts his forearms underneath the mother wolf trying not to exert more force than necessary to hold her up, only to show respect to the remains and trying his hardest not to disturb her eternal rest.
As the warchief climbs up the ridge to get up to the plateau soaking wet as water is dripping down onto the blue grass, Diarge and the warchief slowly make their way to the center of the plateau where Axe'rin, the feral boy, and the cub are situated. As they arrive in front of the now orphaned boy and cub both the feral boy and the cub raise their heads high as they gander upon the now lifeless body of their mother, both struggling their best to not cry their eyes become watery yet their facial expression both become ready to receive the remains with dignity and readying themselves to say their goodbyes.
“She was astounding to the very end, what your family had to go through was not justified in any way, but the bond that you seem to share was something you can't not be influenced and impressed with. Your mother was a brave soul and sacrificed her life so that both of you could live, she gave you guys the gift of life as a final present, be proud that she was your mother, and I hope you two will carry the same values as she did until the very last moment. We of the Wolf stride clan would like to pay our respects to you and your family feral boy of shadow flame wolf lineage.” The warchief said trying to convey everything he had seen to honor the two children who were left, with a strong yet saddened expression, but extremely resolute with every word spoken.
The feral child stood tall and gave a wide smile while closing his eyes with great force as he didn't want show sadness after hearing what he had just heard from the warchief, no he wanted to look proud and strong as he respects the final moments of his mother.
“I'm deeply impressed by all that I've witnessed today feral boy of the mountains, we both being of similar age yet the power you hold is much greater than mine, both in heart and in strength. Treasure those strengths and grow them both to protect what you hold dear, and I will try to follow in you footsteps, if you would ever need help come to our doorsteps and I will do anything within my power to help you and your brother out.” Diarge said with great respect as bows his head, he hopes to build a relationship and learn from the feral boy, both in physical prowess and values that the feral boy holds.
“I will, thank you for words.” Said the feral boy as he bowed his head showing the same respect as Diarge showed him, even the shadow flame wolf cub bowed his head wanting to do the same as his brother.
“Protect the little one, and if you'd allow me I'd like to visit some times to see how you are doing up here in the mountains, as you just lost your mother, I'd like to check up every now and then to make sure you two are okay” Axe'rin exclaimed with a bright wide smile with her eyes open wide, showing nothing but strong warm emotions.
“okay...” The feral wild boy says as he somewhat avoids eye contact since he is not accustomed towards such generosity nor ever seeing a smile as the one Axe'rin bore, The shadow flame wolf cub started barking as he wagged his tail wildly looking into the eyes of Axe'rin with tremendous enjoyment hearing he'd have someone to play with.
But then soon afterwards the happy go lucky moment passes by, The air becomes thicker as the silence grows ever more, as the words of respect were shown by the warchief and his children everyone knew what was coming up next, the wolf stride clan put both their right hand and left hand on their heart as they get down on their right knee, this is the wolf stride way of salute, their show of respect and even final farewell. Diarge then slowly and carefully proceeds to hand over the remains of the mother wolf to the feral boy, slowly approaching each other with their forearms spread forward as they make the switch. The warchief and his children then go down on one knee with both hands on their hearts as well, to show their final respects.
Stolen story; please report.
The feral boy slowly backs away until he stands in the middle of the plateau, standing as the breeze enters the compounds of the cave, the blue grass flowing with the wind, the sound of the flowing water surrounding the plateau, overlooked by the purple hue of light emitted by the purple electro crystal cluster that lies directly above them. This utterly stunning place basked in natures wonder is the perfect final resting place for such a brave soul, there wouldn't be a more fitting grave for the mother wolf that gave up her life so that her children would live.
Gently letting the remains of his mother on the central point of the plateau you can hear the sound of the blue grass gently and gracefully accepting her, serving as a soft cushion giving her a comfortable rest, the purple light gently illuminating her body as the continuously flowing water circles around her, she is now without a doubt at one of the most comfortable resting place there is, eventually being able to become one with nature, adding onto the essence of the wonderful work of nature the cave truly is.
Now that his mother has been put down the feral boy finally allows himself to grieve, his lower lip quivering as his brows arch upwards closing his eyes shut tight, crumbling onto the grass laying hunched over on his knees he burst into tears, a scream befitting a child that has just lost his mother is finally let out, having avenged and paid his respects to his mother, he can finally act his age, letting his emotions run free as a child in such a situation is supposed to do. Meanwhile his brother the shadow flame wolf cub has been whimpering and letting out howls here and there as he can also do the same, slowly walking up to the remains of his mother he stops his howling and proceeds to lick his mother face, while at the same time whimpering and shaking profusely, knowing that this will no heal his mother he continues doing so, because it feels like it's the right thing to do.
The entirety of the wolf stride clan start bawling in tears, the warchief and his children included, the emotional toll that everyone has been building up during the entire day became to much, seeing two children lose their assumed only parent is just way to painful to bear even for the most seasoned warriors. But a couple of minutes into the grieving they one by one stand up and proceed to walk towards a mountain of stones, picking up one stone per person they walk over to the water, jump in and swim over while carrying several kilograms heavy stones, whilst they climb up the ridge of the plateau they slowly walk over to the remains of the mother wolf, continuously placing stone after stone encircling the mother wolf entirely. Seeing what is happening the feral boy and his brother seem to stop whimpering and looking over at the warriors in confusion.
“They are building a tomb for your mother's remains. A enclosed final resting place where she will not be bothered by anyone.” The warchief said as he looked the feral boy in the eyes. With a subtle smile to show him it's okay.
The feral boy follows the wolf stride clan warriors as they pick up the rocks, even the tiny shadow flame cub follows, as he sits himself on top of the feral boys head as he swims over the water. They all walk towards a very large almost completely circular stone disk, standing themselves all around the giant stone disk, they bend their knees as they get a grip around the edge they all lift at the same time. At that time the cub jumps down from the feral boys head and makes his way to collect the biggest rock he possible could, letting out a muffled bark he jumps up and sits down on top of the stone disc, looking astonishingly proud of himself.
The warriors make their way to the half built tomb, as they reach the water the rest of the remaining wolf stride warriors swim over to help receive the stone disc, as they slowly descend into the water they all let out roars and deep moans as they swim across with an extremely heavy stone disc, roughing their way through the water, they finally make their way to the ridge, where the remaining warriors along with the warchief and his children grasp and slowly but surely drag the disc out of the water and onto the blue grass. The cub seemingly enjoying the ride lets out another muffled bark as his tail wags intensely left and right. The feral boy and the warriors make their way out of the water and once again lift the stone disc, Diarge Axe'rin and the warchief also help out in the endeavor to haul the heavy disc onto the tomb.
As they finally let down the stone disc on top of the stone encirclement they all release a sigh as they are done with the grueling weight of the stone disc. The disc fits and sits on top with great stability as the edge of the disc extends a bit beyond the encirclement of rocks. And last but not least the cub lets down his rock in the smack middle of the stone disc, while barking proudly and running around in circle's around the rock he so proudly placed down.
Everyone proceed with their final respects as they go down on their knees once again for the final time, the feral boy does the same as the cub simply bows his head towards the warriors.
“We will now take our leave and let you two do as you wish, but just know that we are always nearby in the village down below the mountains, my daughter has already vowed to visit you and I would be honored if you would ever do the same, you are a true warrior and a brave soul you will always be welcome as one of our own in the Wolf stride clan!” The warchief exclaimed as he put his right fist into his left open palm.
“Bye, take care of your brother I'll be back to visit within a couple of days with some treats just you wait” Axe'rin says while once again smiling wide and chuckling a bit waving her hand as she walks towards the exit
“I would like to spar with you sometime to test my strength once I get stronger, I believe we will be fated friends on the battlefield one day, take care of yourself and your brother, and don't dare perish before I'm able to stand toe to toe in battle with you.” Diarge said proudly as he took another gander at his inner energy, seeing a warm and calm energy instead of the fierce one he felt before, knowing this he calmed himself knowing that the feral boy seems to be at peace and grieving calmly instead of in a fit of rage, honoring the memory of his mother trying to overcome the painful and even dark emotions that dwell within.
“Yes... Thank you... All” The feral boy says as he bows his head down, meanwhile the cub is barking and running around in circles happily beside him.
The Wolf stride clan make their way through the exit as, both the feral boy and the cub stare at their backs with a smile, knowing that he had gained allies that will be able to protect his younger brother if anything were to happen, having that relief meant more to him than the Wolf stride clan could ever imagine.
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Author's basement : hope you liked the chapter, I honestly got a little teary eyed writing this chapter, might be a little overly sensitive but hope I at least stirred some emotions within you as you read the chapter, If you are lucky you might get another chapter tomorrow but if not then it'll probably not be until Tuesday, but after that I should be able to write more frequently wohoo ^^