"More weight." -Giles Corey-
-Arthur Miller, the crucible.
Diplomacy with creatures of the Nexus was obscenely difficult when they lacked even a basic communication skill. The Lunar wolves were more intelligent than most species and they could learn at an unprecedented pace. Even still.. there was a lot about verbal language they just couldn't comprehend.
So when Vincent had asked the Alpha wolf to spar with him but to take it a little easy on him, the Alpha definitely understood the sparring part.. it grinned a wolfish grin showing all its sharp teeth.. it apparently didn't, however, understand the take it easy part.
All throughout the night Vincent's yells of profanity and Anguish could be heard. "No you dumb mutt! My shield is not a frisbee. Wait no no no don't those aren't your kind of... BAAAAAALLS!"
All the while the rest of the pack snickered and the Lunar wolf pup yipped happily, running side to side in mockery of its cowardly human friend.
It had only been a couple of months but traveling with the pack was proving extremely useful. Not only had he gained many skill levels but he had also been able to harvest the bodies of any creatures killed by the pack that they didn't consume. He took the liberty of healing any of their wounded during battle and provided long ranged support. Oh and he got a new perk as the icing on the cake;
Perk: Pack subordinate. you have been Accepted into the pack. For now you bow to the Alpha. Through hard work your rank shall rise. Only together can the pack remain strong. Any time the user is in a party, skill levels rise slightly faster.
Honestly that seemed a bit broken to him but then again he had been having troubles leveling lately anyways. His plethora of skills demanded too much attention. His first encounter with the Alpha when he had been sure the beast was going to end his life, just proved that even with the awesome powers of his new legendary skill he wouldn't be able to defeat the Fang.
Even with all of his mobility skills it took too long to build up momentum for a solid strike. He would have to drop the Ancient slumbering tortoise and that would probably spell instant death against the Fang.
When he had fought the thing before it had honestly been mostly focused on Gildarts. The creature recognized how insignificant Vincent was in comparison and used only a fraction of its true abilities to kill him while keeping its guard up incase of a surprise attack from his ally.
Because the Fang had underestimated Vincent so much, it left itself wide open to an extremely powerful albit, unusual attack. It would not make the same mistake in their next encounter. Somehow he felt like the next fight would be the last one way or another.
He studied his pack closely. The Alpha was playing with the prince who had grown a few inches, and the rest each did their own thing. It was strange.. each of these creatures had their own personality.. yet when they hunt it was so much like what he had seen from the Fang. Hell many even shot ice bolts in the same manner the Fang did fire.
Vincent couldn't help but wonder if the Fang had a personality as well.. he was sure it did. But did it have goals and ambitions? A family perhaps? He sighed, feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders and this time it had nothing to do with his skill.
If he became powerful enough.. would all of the killing end? Could he create a world of peace the way Garkan had tried to do? He saw how well that turned out. Even here away from the heart of the Nexus.. power was all that mattered. The weak were slaughtered.
He understood that there would always be beings that sought to fight and gain strength and that was fine. But why make death the answer? The system easily could have made things grow stronger through training alone. Instead it chose to have your soul devour others' to level up.
He didn't want that for earth.. for his people, if they still existed. He didn't want that for any sentient species. The wolves had adapted to this way of life.. It was in their nature to fight and eat to survive. Their hunts were always honorable, never cruel. He understood that. It was to survive. But he knew that wasn't true for all creatures. There were some that were pitiful and defenseless... He blinked several times as if surprised. Was the old world really any different? The strong ate the weak just in a more metaphorical way back then.
He shook his head, laughing as he caught himself mid thought. This line of thinking really wasn't very productive overall. For now he needed to focus on his task at hand. For the next year at least he would take advantage of this opportunity. He would learn the pack inside and out. How they lived, how they hunted, how they thought. It would give him invaluable experience, more than any amount of grinding. He would liken their behaviors to those of the Fang's and know how to better hunt the beast.
In the two remaining months he would have left following his year of training and studying, he would plan when and how to attack the Fang. It would be on his terms this time when he was ready, unlike the last time where the Fang had home turf and he was woefully unprepared.
Vincent may not be as powerful as the creature but this time.. he would have prep time. Looking at his stats, it was getting difficult to keep track of all the new additions to his abilities…
Strength: 85
Endurance: 105
Vitality: 217
Intelligence: 65
Perception: 69
Agility: 75
Skills:
Dodge (Common) lvl 65
Smithing (Common) lvl 62
Farming (Common) lvl 63
Cooking (Common) lvl 60
Sword and shield (Common) lvl 63
Shockwave (Common) lvl 31
Parry (sword) (Common) 29
Shield bash (Common) 27
Sneak (Uncommon) lvl 65
Alchemy (Uncommon) lvl 61
Electric resistance (Uncommon) 40
Acid resistance (Uncommon) lvl 60
Fire resistance (Uncommon);lvl 60
Ice resistance (Uncommon) lvl 60
Hardened skin. (Uncommon) lvl 55
Reinforced bones. (Uncommon) lvl 55
Geographic inclination. (Uncommon) lvl 53
Tuck n roll (Uncommon) lvl 44
Advanced tracking of the lone wolf (Uncommon) lvl 35
Piercing thrust (Uncommon) 17
Planta/Plante (Rare) lvl 57
Courage (Rare) lvl 52
Enhanced toughness. (Rare) lvl 55
rejuvenation. (Rare) lvl 51
Extract (Rare) lvl 49
Refine (Rare) lvl 49
Combine (Rare) lvl 49
Berserker rage. (Rare) lvl 59
Telekinesis. (Rare) lvl 56
Aerodynamics (Rare) lvl 48
Absolute timing (Rare) lvl 49
Sixth sense (Rare) lvl 59
Lucky break (Rare) lvl Max
Maelstrom whirlwind (Rare) 35
Shadow manipulation (Rare) 29
Radiant Light (Rare) 29
Water torrent (Rare) 40
Ecology (Epic) lvl 59
Unyielding guard (Epic) lvl 49
Unwavering strike (Epic) lvl 49
Advanced communications. (Epic) Lvl Max.
Shadow step (Epic) lvl 53
Comet (Epic) lvl 30
Pilfered kinetic force (Epic) 24
Impact reduction (Epic) 24
Complete tranquility (Legendary) lvl 42
Unparalleled physical fitness (Legendary) lvl 40
Bleeding heart (Legendary) lvl 30
Ancient Slumbering Tortoise (Legendary) lvl 15
Perks:
Will to survive II +2% vitality
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Smithing +3 strength and agility
Limit breaker + 20 endurance +5 strength
Camouflage. Harder to detect +5 Agility.
Connoisseur. Cooking, crafting, alchemy knowledge. +5 Intelligence and Perception.
Ecologist. Ecology. +25 perception.
Fortitude II Grants the user a permanent + 10 in strength and agility
Marquis of science. Grants +10 intelligence
Transmutation grants knowledge of the atomic structure of all things +5 intelligence
Gourmet chef. boost from food. +10 Vitality
Honor. Whenever facing an enemy one on one, gain a 25% increase in attack and defense. Receive greatly reduced damage from sneak attacks. +10 strength +5 agility
Sanguine toxicity. Lifebringer plus toxic affinity. Toxic blood. Heals allies. Used as a catalyst in most crafts. +20 vitality +10 endurance
Second wind. Restores the user's health and stamina once per battle.
Lone wolf. Gain +10% to all stats when not in a party or fighting with allies. +5 to all stats
Bleeding heart. A wailing significance demands to be felt. User shares half of all damage received with the target. +100 vitality. +25 endurance
Unparalleled physical fitness. Grants 1 point to strength, endurance and agility per level. Grants 2 points per level to vitality.
Against all odds. Skills level up +25% faster. Gain +50% experience. All stats increased by +10
Somatic expression. You express your thoughts and emotions in unique ways within the Nexus.All skills and stats benefit from one another a moderate amount. Intelligence gains the regenerative effects of your vitality stat and vice versa.
Pack subordinate. Any time the user is in a party, skill levels rise slightly faster.
Empathy. Understanding the value of all life. +25 vitality. +25% vitality.
Animal lover. Less aggressive creatures may instantly befriend you and most others can be tamed over time.
System interference (???) Lvl.??...
He was interrupted in his musings by a small tugging on his left gauntlet. His little wolf buddy wanted him to play and he supposed he couldn't help but oblige.
The young Prince yipped and hollered as it pounced upon the man. It scratched and ripped what the little pup probably thought were huge gouges in Vincent's armor. Vincent smirked, pinching and teasing the pup, as he was clearly still far superior in terms of skills than the underdeveloped creature.
The Alpha watched them in silence. The stars shone brightly above. Tonight they played. Tomorrow was their greatest hunt yet.
The next morning the pack was sipping from a small stream of Gaia's blood. Vincent helped himself to a bottle of a much higher quality version of the liquid, but the pack leader didn't need to know that.
The alpha reared its head and barked out commands. Vincent never fully understood exactly what it was saying but he was getting familiar with which position the beast expected him to take within the pack when they hunted. The pup remained back in their secret lair (which Vincent had never actually seen) due to how dangerous this particular hunt would be.
They ran at break neck speeds. The few monsters foolish enough to try and impede their path were dealt with quickly by the side guards or if necessary the Alpha himself. They weren't the highest on the food chain but when the pack stayed together they were formidable, and they avoided the most dangerous areas anyways.
Each of their senses were amazing, as keen as Vincent's himself. He used his Plante to trip multiple enemies that may have had an open shot at the Alpha, and quickly healed any attacks that got through to any other members.
It didn't take them long to come upon their intended destination. Roughly one hundred feet away from their stopping point was a truly ugly monster. Though the thing had it's back turned to them it was clear the creature had thick, muscular legs that had rough wrinkled skin kind of like an elephant, only red. It's torso was a giant square of black mangy fur and grotesque muscles. It's arms were long and tightly bound with muscle and vein. The things hands were gnarled and wrinkled, each finger possessing a razor sharp claw on the end.
It's mouth and eyes were both stitched into its torso and Vincent couldn't help but wonder how exactly that worked in terms of physiology. The creature was eating some kind of deer-like thing, chomping loudly, blood and gore splattering with each bite. It spotted the pack of beasts stalking towards it and grinned. It slowly turned to face them.. as it did so it tossed aside the maimed and disgusting carcass it had been chewing on and clenched its fist.
The ground was littered with dead bodies and bones at varying stages of the decaying process. Many of the bones were crushed, splintered and broken. It was obvious this beast was powerful. The hulking monster snarled.
The Alpha raised its head and howled.
Vincent fired a Comet from each hand, blasting the monster in each eye. It roared and rocked on its thick meaty heels. The subordinates of the alpha flanked the monster, several lunging at once. Three sank their sharp fangs into the thing's legs while four more targeted its arms. The Alpha's roar increased all of the pack's strength and speed by 25 percent which fortunately counted Vincent now.
It was weird.. even though he was in a pack for some reason the system didn't seem to count it as a 'party' as evidenced by certain skills not working as they should. He was once again beginning to think he could only form parties with his own race. Either way it was fortunate in that he got his lone wolf bonus even if he didn't get his bonus from honor.
Vincent walked up to the front of the pack and raised his arm. The rest watched curiously as this was clearly a new attack they'd never seen him use before. His brow furrowed in concentration and his blue eyes shimmered. "Feel my pain.. Bleeding heart!" A flash of crimson covered Vincent from view before doing the same to the creature. The Alpha stood tensely for several seconds before sweat dropping believing Vincent's attacks to have been flashy, with no actual use.
Vincent began sprinting to gather momentum while the wolf pack slowly chipped away at the massive creature. Unfortunately they quickly began to lose the upper hand as the creature gained enough wit to mount a proper counter attack.
With each swing of it's arms the monster took out a member and Vincent shadow stepped over to catch and heal it. It was difficult to focus on gathering the kinetic energy within him whilst simultaneously keeping his adoptive family in top shape, but this too would help him grow.
Three wolves lunged at the beast but it spun like a top and incapacitated all three. Vincent shadow stepped to heal them but the creature was counting on this and launched itself forward in order to clothesline him in a ridiculous display of speed. He barely managed to bring up his shield and activate an unyielding guard before being struck, and subsequently blown several feet away.
He backflipped mid air before landing in a crouched position gasping in pain and bewilderment. All of his bones were shattered in an instant and then reconstructed by a second wind a moment later.
The creature roared in agony and rocked back on its heels, the effects of his legendary skill finally making itself known. Not only did the creature take damage, leaving it temporarily debilitated, but he had managed to gather a massive amount of energy from pilfered kinetic force. The Alpha's eyes widened, finally seeing the effects of Vincent's flashy move from earlier. Quickly formulating a plan it reared its head and howled before the entire pack joined it in an all out assault.
Vincent popped a potion before he continued healing the wounded and focused on gathering more energy. A visible tornado of wind and electricity slowly roared to life around him. 1 foot in diameter… a foot in a half… Two feet.
With the amount he had already, he could produce an attack worthy of a 300 strength rating. He was also sure it wouldn't be enough, unfortunately. The Alpha itself probably had a strength of a little over 300 and it was barely damaging the creature. Vincent couldn't afford to take another direct hit from the thing. Even taking only half the damage from the beast, Vincent had lost an entire life bar and he wouldn't get another second wind. He could use his legendary defensive skill but that would make it incredibly difficult to gather more kinetic energy..
He was broken from his musings when he heard a gut wrenching "yelp yelp yeeeelp" the creature had grabbed one of the pack by the legs and made quick work grinding them to dust. Vincent watched in horror as the creature raised its other arm with intent to crush the wolf's head which was biting and bucking wildly in all directions. Vincent would never forget those terrified eyes, so desperate to escape. To live.
Before he even knew what had happened he growled, shadow stepping towards the beast and launching a few comets as he did so. The creature raised the arm it was previously about to hit the wolf with and blocked the attacks with ease. It tossed the wounded wolf aside and leveled its fury at the rapidly approaching blue-eyed man. This man was it's true target anyways.
Running full speed, he brought up his shield and lept at the creature. Mid air, he activated his Ancient slumbering tortoise and shield bash, folding his body tightly behind his shield as he did so. It all amounted to little more than a distraction as Vincent was once again slapped away but he had managed to save the wolf that was surely moments from a painful death. He landed roughly on his back and performed a backwards somersault to his feet. He readjusted his grip on his shield and shook the cobwebs from his head.
With the addition of his legendary defensive skill and a little preparation he barely lost 2000 health but he quickly downed a medium sized potion anyways just to play it safe. The monster flinched, taking well over 2000 damage itself. Even though it took an equal half of the full force of the attack, it didn't have Vincent's ridiculous defensive skills. It fixed Vincent with a glare, recognizing that for whatever reason the majority of its accumulated damage came from this man. Blood dripped from the corner of the thing's upturned maw.
It roared at Vincent and charged much faster than any creature that size had a right to. His eyes widened and he quickly shadow stepped past the creature causing it to continue forward until it plowed through a large tree. The creature, now confused, snarled while adjusting its path and charging again. The wolf packed licked their wounds and watched with keen eyes for any openings to attack the monster. The Alpha sat at the front watching the fight unfold with worry.
Even though he wasn't technically one of them the Alpha considered Vincent a member of the pack and therefore, he (Vincent) was just as much his responsibility as the rest of them. Not only that but for the moment the human was the only thing valiantly standing between the monster and the rest of his pack.
Vincent once more waited for the thing to get close before shadow stepping away to the side. This time however, the creature was ready. It lashed one of its arms out wrapping around a tree and sort of slingshotting itself towards the direction it knew Vincent would appear
As the world came back into view Vincent's instincts screamed and he spun around, eyes widening in terror. The creature had managed to predict his trajectory perfectly and had corrected its path accordingly. He knew he wouldn't have time to dodge so activating his Ancient slumbering tortoise, he set his feet in the ground and flexed with all his might. He pictured himself as a wall. As a mountain. As the turtle.
The first impact was bone crushing, the creature's entire inertia transferred to Vincent and amplified several times over by some unseen skill. He was blasted into the ground, barely maintaining his grip on his shield. He cried out in pain but he couldn't give up yet. He used several Piercing thrusts while holding his shield up above him defensively. The creature roared and began stomping on him, burying him further into the ground and causing blood to fly from his mouth.
Congratulations!
Your skill(s)...
"Aaahhhg!" He screamed in agony, his bones grinding into his soft tissue as he was crushed again and again by the leg of the creature that must have weighed several tons. The mindless beast was clearly being damaged too as large shockwaves rocked the front of the creature with each stomp. Its skin was beginning to bloody and warp, with huge impressions in its body but it continued stomping. He was beginning to lose consciousness when something large, hot and red blasted the front of the creature causing it to rock on its heels.
Semi consciously Vincent shadow stepped away landing in a heap beside the Alpha who had commanded the entire pack to combine their fire into one massive fireball attack. Vincent shook uncontrollably on his knees. He was bloody and crushed, limbs bent at weird angles. Blood, tears and vomit dripped off his face.
He took a shaky shuddering breath. He had almost died.. Even with his ancient slumbering tortoise his defense was completely crumpled. He wasn't sure how close it had been but his health was below 1 percent for the first time in a long time. He knew this for a fact when he saw the system notification ping before his very eyes.
Congratulations! Feat: survive against impossible odds achieved!
Perk: will to survive achieved!
Will to survive: you have stared death in the face and defied its cold, dark grip. Your will to preserve no matter the situation is…
Will to survive II has increased to will to survive III!
Perk: Will to survive III grants a permanent +5% to vitality.
Vincent quickly downed 3 X-large health potions and two magic ones, leaving nothing to chance. There weren't many left so the man had to be careful. The next clash could be the last..
He looked at the Alpha who watched him patiently. After nodding that he was OK and giving a signal akin to 'Let's get this son of a bitch' the Alpha grinned and howled. All of the wolves charged at once launching fire balls, or ice bolts and zig zagging as they tried to confuse the panting, angry creature that was their target.
The thing was impossibly strong and durable. Far more so than even the Fang. But it had made a terrible mistake. It had severely damaged itself in its assault on Vincent and not only that but he had gathered an absurd amount of Kinetic energy over the course of the battle. The last assault more than doubled what he already had.
He was sure if he could land a solid hit with this level of kinetic energy he could win. But he had to hurry. His skills were leveling as fast as they could to keep up with this massive influx of energy and damage but he was losing his grip. Excess energy was being lost rapidly to the environment as a miniature storm raged all around him.
Vincent began to gather all of the momentum he'd amassed in a tight knit ball. The whirlwind of energy worming its way up his body and spiraling itself around his arm and then into his hand, merging with his blade. It began to shine brighter as he charged his unyielding strike to its absolute max.
The creature met the combined assault from the pack with a roar and began thrashing the entirety of their ranks. It saw Vincent charging his ultimate attack in the back and it shuddered, feeling fear for the first time in its entire existence. The thing didn't know why but somehow that tiny insignificant little man kept hurting him really bad! It growled and roared once more, holding nothing back as it charged.
Vincent stumbled, hesitating, as fear briefly overtook him. He was sure if that monster and his attack met head on he would be dead. The monster probably would be too but what was the point? Without his legendary defensive skill he was going to be pasted and he certainly couldn't use The Ancient Slumbering while attacking with this much momentum. He wouldn't be able to concentrate.
Vincent shook his head and bit his lip. He couldn't falter now… The pack was relying on him.
He yelled and launched himself forward with a shadow step, devouring half the distance between them. As he landed he continued sprinting at max speed, leaping as he came close enough to launch his attack. The creature reared back its arm twisting its torso as it did so to gather more momentum. It threw a punch that blasted through the sound barrier heading right for Vincent's wide eyes. He was sure his head was gone..
But he refused to back down. Screaming his defiance, he swung his sword with all of his might and built up energy. Their attacks were five feet apart. Four feet… three..
A blur met the arm of the creature mid-swing, halting it just enough so that Vincent's attack could smash against the creature's torso first. There was a massive explosion and the entire upper half of the creature was blown away due to the momentum. Visible ripples of force could be seen pervading the air behind the smoking beast.
Vincent stumbled a little and watched in awe as the smoking arms and legs of the beast hung lifeless for several seconds before falling over with a dull thud.
Congratulations! You have defeated the 'Lurking Terror of the jungle' (Mythical) lvl 100!
Monster's level is too high, no XP will be rewarded.
Congratulations! Feat: victory against insurmountable odds has been achieved! Perk rewarded: Against all odds.
Against all odds.Your determination and skill has allowed you to best an opponent far beyond your capabilities. The system recognizes your accomplishments and rewards those who work hard.
Congratulations! Against all odds has increased to Against all odds II!
Perk: Against all odds II. Skills level up +50% faster. Gain +100% experience. All stats increase by +20!
He frowned heavily upon reading that the system wouldn't let him gain any XP for the kill even though he had done most of the work and achieved the killing blow. He sighed. "Guess the system doesn't want people grinding up their trashy newb buddies with level 100 mobs.."
His disappointment was short lived however and he began to jump for joy as he watched arguably his best perk evolve. He turned to the pack to rope them into his festivities but his blood ran cold as he did so. The color drained from his face. Something was wrong.. The rest of the pack had their backs turned on him. They had gathered around a small white and red object, unmoving before them. His heart sank.. The blur that had impacted the creature and allowed Vincent to achieve the killing blow had been the Alpha.
He shakily walked over toward the majestic creature that now had a third of its body blown away. Vincent immediately dropped to his knees scrambling. He made to heal the creature but the Alpha cut him off with a growl. He looked at it, his eyes wide in shock and confusion. That confusion and shock was only amplified twice over when the creature then spoke in a gruff, wheezy voice.
"Hu.. Human. Do not waste your time saving this old man's life." It lowered its head and sighed, breathing deep shaky breaths. The rest of the pack sat on their hind legs and whined lightly but remained otherwise silent as the Alpha spoke its final words. Vincent shook his head refusing to submit.
The Alpha was the only wolf that could speak in tongues and it only did so when something major was about to change dramatically. "What.. what are you talking about!? This is nothing I can heal you!.. I care about you. I'm so sorry for my foolishness.. this was all my fault.." tears began to stream down his face. "If I had been more cautious.. more powerful.. you wouldn't have had to.." He choked but was cut off once more.
In a great deal of effort the Wolf sucked in deeply and raised itself onto its chest with its two front paws. Vincent dared not look at the back of the animal as that's where most of the damage was found. The wolf's cerulean eyes looked deep into Vincent's own and it growled again.
"That.. that heart. I can tell how much you care for the pack.. and that is why you are one of us. That is why I do not mind sacrificing my life for yours. Besides.. my time has come. I have been alive for decades and I am tired."
Vincent yelled in frustration. "That's not good enough! You're our leader, how can you be so selfish?! If only I had known.. if.. the pack needs you.. you can't go.. I need you.." He choked, thinking about all the hunts they had together the last few months. All the times the Alpha had made sure to include Vincent whenever the pack was engaged in a particular mood or social activity.
It had teased him when he did something silly and sternly corrected him when he was wrong and made him feel as if he was one of their own. He realized with a bitter chuckle the Alpha had certainly known what it was doing during all of their 'spars.' It occured to the man just how incredibly lonely he had been before the Alpha took him in.
Tears streaked down Vincent's cheeks and the pack leader raised one paw, slowly patting the man's head. The wolves were the first real family he'd had since being integrated into the system around 2 years ago. He couldn't bear to lose his family again.
"No.. not anymore dear boy. They have you now.." Vincent shook his head confused but the dying Alpha continued. "I.. couldn't save my child from the creature's fearsome grip. But you.. you did. You rushed in and sacrificed your own well being to force the creature off your brother. You saved their lives.. you won this battle today."
It looked down in shame and regret. "I felt so helpless and weak.. but I have been watching you for some time now.." it growled looking up at the boy, a small amount of life returning to its eyes once more as it continued.
"I saw the pride of the wolf tribe in you.. and when you saved my son that day I knew.. you would grow strong and lead us home. You will protect them.. help them grow." The wolf sighed once more, it's breathing became shallow, and labored with each breath growing shakier. It drew Vincent into a makeshift hug. "You… are the Alpha now. Take care of them.. my son.."
Congratulations! Perk: Wolf pack subordinate has evolved into Wolf pack Alpha. All skill levels will now rise moderately faster while leading your pack.
Congratulations! Your skill: Advanced tracking of the lone wolf (Uncommon) lvl 30 has evolved to become, Reconnaissance of the Alpha Wolf (Rare) Skill levels will be maintained!
Your perk: Lone wolf has evolved to become; Apex predator Gain +25% to all stats when not in a party or fighting with allies. +25 to all stats
New feat: Uncontested leader achieved!
Perk granted: Anointed prince, the Monarch fledgling.
Impossible scenario achieved!..
Anointed prince, the Monarch fledgling. The system recognizes you as the chosen heir to one or more kingdoms. Your ascension to the throne has begun..
Rewards unknown…
Vincent held his adoptive father tightly as its spirit left its body. Because.. that's what he truly had been. A father. He shuddered as deep, uncontrollable sobs racked his body. The others trudged up beside him and bowed their heads to their appointed leader. He stood shakily and raised the dead body of his fallen friend. Vincent was the father now.
He looked to the sky and wailed in Anguish. Rain began to fall heavily all around him. Snarling, the wolves raised their heads and howled.. their sorrow mirroring that of their new Alpha's.
End of chapter 20
End of Act I...