Chapter Text
In the beginning, the sun and moon were at peace. The dragon and the wolf used to be comrades in arms. The kind and patient Naga and the belligerent but loyal Fenris always watched each other's backs through thick and thin.
But all it took was one misunderstanding…one betrayal for their friendship to shatter and for the sun and moon to be forever torn apart. Naga banished Fenris to the shadows where she would be ridiculed for all eternity for her betrayal. Fenris…did not take this punishment well and lashed out against the light. For centuries, the two would be locked into a battle of light and darkness. The light will always prevail in the end, but everyone has darkness within their heart. As long as that darkness persists, Fenris will always return to extract her revenge.
The wolves were persecuted for Fenris' betrayal. One cannot trust a species of backstabbers. Born into the shadows, they were doomed to stay there. If they attempted to escape to the light, they would only be burned. The wolves had no choice but to become one with the shadows in order to survive.
…There were still wolves that still believed that there was hope for co-existence. They didn't need to bathe in the light, but they also didn't want to hide from it. That mindset was also doomed to fail for these wolves were considered weak. To be blessed by Fenris, one must be strong. The weak are crushed. The strong rule the packs. The wolves are one big happy family, so as long as you follow behind their Goddess.
The first rule was to always believe in Fenris.
The second rule was to fight and die in Fenris' name.
The third rule is that a wolf must never abandon the pack. They are all scrutinized under the same banner because of Naga and they are stronger as a group.
And the final important rule is that a wolf must remember to never be tempted by the dragons. Dragons represent everything that is wrong with this world. If Fenris represents all wolves, Naga represents all dragons…therefore she and her species must be eliminated in order to regain control of this unjust world.
These rules are so easy to follow…but it always takes one small miscalculation in the real world to question everything you were taught from birth.
"So we'll really be able to gain power if we agree to the pact?"
Skoll should be paying attention to the current task at hand instead of zoning out. He's not in the best position to be slacking off. It's difficult for him to focus when the past events have affected him more than he would have liked to admit.
Skoll believed that their recent target would fall to the shadows immediately. All wolves always went toward Fenris whether they liked it or not. At least, that's what Skoll has assumed all of his life. The world wants nothing to do with wolves thanks to Naga's religion. If you can't make it trying to be a "good" wolf, just turn to Fenris who will give you a home and a place of belonging. Joachim proved that despite everything, he refused to turn to Fenris for help. He made it abundantly clear he would rather die than make a pact with her. If he died, the plan fell apart. Joachim needed to stay alive, so putting him in a life and death situation did not help things at all.
And even though Hati succeeded in getting his childhood friend to make a pact, it didn't amount to anything. They both assumed that Estel's desire for revenge would allow her to rip apart the light disciples should Joachim still refuse to make a pact. Instead, she let herself be killed. A chance of having another powerful shadow disciple ruined because he didn't consider that her feelings for the kind-hearted wolf was stronger than her desire to murder everything.
To make matters worse, Joachim already decided he was going to walk to the path of light. While it would be easier for him to side with Fenris and revive his friend immediately, he would rather take the hard road. Even if that dragon treats him poorly because of his race, Joachim will still work for Naga's wish. The reality is that he actually has the resolve to do it. If revenge wouldn't turn him to their side, there isn't much that will. And the fact he's traveling with one of Naga's dragons continues to make things miserable for the wolf retainers. Had their plan worked, it would be Yuni that was killed and not the recently recruited shadow.
And of course, they failed to kill Naga's retainers again. They were on equal footing, but once Joachim was no longer in the area, it was a waste of time to distract them. Skoll and Hati only knew they failed because one of the older wolves appeared to fetch them.
Ernouf, also known as Urn, was one of the oldest wolves serving under Fenris. She wasn't old per say, but she had Fenris' trust. If she leaves the base, it's usually for something important. Skoll wished he could finish off Sai, but Urn would not allow him…especially since she was going to lecture them only after they left.
Once they escaped, Urn let it rip on them. Even though they were retainers to Fenris, Urn still treated them like children. Hati hated it and always looked ready to cry when Urn was giving them the lecture. Skoll also hates it, but he holds his tongue so he doesn't make it worse.
"Lady Fenris has already voiced her disappointment. I am saving you from the other wolves when we get back. What they will be telling you is no different from what I said now."
Urn was harsh, but she did mean to soften the blow for them because the other wolves were way more malicious with their words. They made it known how angry they were that they both screwed up. They failed to get Joachim to return to Fenris, they ended up burning off a useful soldier within the empire too quickly for a failed mission…and the new shadow disciple they did manage to get was dead before long.
"We cannot have a wolf go to Naga again."
"Can't you two do anything right?"
"Perhaps we had too much hope in you two."
It's just nonsense as far as Skoll is concerned. He would love to argue with them, but it didn't change the fact they really screwed up. The older wolves were the ones that believed they had what it took to represent Fenris and while they were successful most of the time with getting people to fall to the shadows, this was a mission they couldn't afford to screw up.
So for now, they had to think about what their next plan was and how they were going to convince Joachim to fall. He had proven to be stubborn enough to refuse the easy solution. He also proved that he would choose death over making a pact. Joachim needed to be returned alive. They still needed the young orphan to be willing. Only if they had exhausted their options would they resort to kidnapping him (but that would be the easy way out).
Skoll insisted that Hati take a break. She worked hard while he slacked off the whole time, so he should be the one that should go out and continue making pacts to make up for their blunder. Hati always looked tired when things didn't go her way. Before Joachim, she took a lance to the side from that one knight general of Ast. She was lucky it wasn't a fatal blow. Skoll was good at patching up those sorts of injuries without leaving behind a scar, but it goes to show that if they're not careful, they could die.
This is why he's back into the human world and convincing low level scum to make a pact. They're easy and strength in numbers will do wonders for now. They aren't going to find a powerful individual any time soon, so they need more eyes for Fenris to see through. Yet, even when negotiating the pact, his mind ends up returning to Joachim. How was he able to hold onto his pure heart when every wolf who tried in the past failed? Every wolf turned to Fenris at the end of the day. If they tried to escape her grip, they ended up dead. Joachim is still standing and insists on walking the path of light.
"Of course. Once the pact is sealed, you'll obtain power beyond your imagination. All it costs is your soul," Skoll smirks at this part. "When Fenris calls you, you will obey. You will fight and die for her when she needs you. You can never escape her sights again, but you are free to do whatever you want."
Fenris was a Goddess of Freedom. Once you fell to the shadow, your true nature revealed itself. You can cast away emotions and relationships in favor of personal freedom. The only time you can't is if Fenris needs you. From experience, Fenris doesn't call upon lowly servants unless they have proven her worth, therefore, it was easy for them to do whatever they wanted.
The lowly humans talked amongst themselves again. They looked at him wearingly before coming to an agreement.
"Please."
"Anything for power."
"It's time to get what I want."
Skoll laughs to himself. Even if going for a group of people was harder, it was still a case of hook, line and sinker. Criminals will do anything for power. They have nothing to lose.
"I'm glad you made the right choice, gentlemen."
Shadow pacts aren't hard to make nor do they take long to process. Being a retainer means calling out to Fenris and having her agree to the wish. Fenris isn't picky about this type of wish so long as they agree to give up their soul. The pact is binding. A mark will appear on the person's body. It's not visible to the naked eye, but once they reveal their true colors, the power of Fenris engulfs them and they become a wild beast that is free from the chains of Naga's world.
Today wasn't kind to him. The moment he finished making the pact with this group of humans, he was immediately blasted by darkness. Skoll reacted quick enough to not be seriously injured, but it threw him off balance. Another spell was thrown his way and while he dodged this one as well, his arm ended up being grabbed before he's able to reveal his claws.
"And where do you think you're going?"
Skoll sighs. "My job here is done. Go test your powers out on someone else."
Logic wasn't in the equation. The humans all gave him a wicked look…the same one that has set him off time and time again.
"Our wish was to make money and we need power for that. But you knew what we were going for when you agreed."
So this situation was his fault. If he had been listening to what they really wanted instead of tuning them out, he wouldn't be in this predicament. Six against one is hardly a fair fight. Skoll has fought through more people in the past and came out on top. He's usually with Hati though to make things easier. No way would he let anyone come close to grab him like this.
"Good thing you're alone. Makes things easier."
"Don't try to fight us. We outnumber you."
"I can't wait to see how much a wolf fetches in that market."
The last comment almost makes him lash out at them. Wolves were the lowest of the low and male wolves aren't worth anything. They would be wasting their time for a measly few coins.
But again, this situation was his fault. This was the risk that was likely going to happen. Picking people in desperate need were the safer targets because they wouldn't consider using their newly found powers on the wolf that granted it to them. When you pursue lowly criminals, the chances of them turning on you is significantly higher. A group of them would think they could turn the tides on the one who granted their wish. That's why Skoll and Hati traveled together. They avoided this scenario altogether.
Skoll must have given them the impression that he was a weakling, and that is unacceptable. Wolves were one of the few animals you didn't want to mess with even if alone. The way this guy was manhandling him was asking to have his hand torn off.
"You are a bunch of miserable cretins," Skoll growls. He bares his fangs but it doesn't seem to do much. "You have a lot of guts trying to attack me of all people."
They don't know. Even if he introduced himself as a retainer of Fenris, he was still just a wolf in their eyes. Once he transforms into a beast, they'll understand they messed with the wrong guy!
To his surprise, he never gets a chance to transform. The hand that seized his arm was sliced off but it wasn't his doing. The man screams as he pulls back. The moment he does, a sword runs through him.
"What the hell?!"
"Who the fuck are you?!"
It happened way too fast. A moment ago, Skoll was surrounded by newly turned shadow disciples. The next, those same people were cut down by a large sword in a matter of seconds. It goes to show that numbers don't mean anything if someone powerful took them down. Skoll thinks they deserve it…but he's still standing.
"Seriously, how can they be shadow disciples when they make their presence this well known?"
Skoll prepares to fight the person who just took down the turncoats. Light disciples will always attack wolves without a second thought.
"Hey, no need to be tense. I was just passing through."
Fenris' retainer doesn't believe the words of this person. Why would he? The first thing he notices when looking at his wannabe savior is that he's a dragon. He has a long dragon tail similar to the one that Yuni has. He also has a dragon horn on his head…he should have two, but his right horn seems to have been torn off. His dragon wings aren't visible, but every dragon has them. His clothes weren't like Naga's retainers who chased after Hati and him. They were baggy, more fitting for a mercenary than a holy retainer of the Divine Dragon. His sword was nothing like something a dragon would carry either. It was a large sword that needed to be wielded with two hands, yet, this man was able to swing it with one showing off how powerful he actually was.
"Yes, I shouldn't be tense. You just murdered these lovely gentlemen in front of my eyes," Skoll can't help but snark. At least this guy did the annoying job for him.
"They were Disciples of Shadow. You looked to be in distress so as a good samaritan, I assisted. It's not good for a wolf to be alone in these parts. There are many who will try to capture and sell you off to make a quick buck."
Skoll gets a good look at this dragon. There was no way he didn't think he wasn't a shadow disciple. Wolves were always the first of being accused as such…and they wouldn't be wrong.
"I didn't need your help!" Skoll ends up snarling. "And I especially didn't need it from a dragon of all people!"
The man sighs as he places his sword back into its huge sheath behind his back. He had no intention of fighting Skoll and the wolf should consider himself lucky. With how he was now, he might not be able to take on the dragon without the cover of darkness.
"Alright. You're one of those types of people who don't know how to say thanks. No problem. I will take my leave." The dragon turns his back toward Skoll without a hint of fear. "Still, it's best to remain vigilant. Who knows where the disciple of shadows is hiding."
If Skoll wasn't taken aback by how careless the man was being, he might have attacked him. Instead, he lets the man walk away leaving carnage in his wake. Skoll resists the urge to transform. Either this man couldn't tell he was a powerful shadow disciple or he didn't believe he was dangerous. Just the idea that a powerful dragon like that let someone like him live to see another day because he thought he was in distress? Disgusting. Despicable. Degrading.
"Asshole," Skoll curses. "All that effort I put into these pacts is already wasted."
He was going to return empty-handed again…so he needed to come up with some sort of excuse why he couldn't get a single person to join his Goddess.
The wolves had many secret bases in the world. As the rejects of society, they needed to have them in order to spread chaos. Most of them will eventually lead to the main base. As long as you held onto a particular stone, you could warp to any of the bases. This is why none of the light disciples were ever able to trail them. They wouldn't have the item required to.
In the wolf's den, the vibe tends to be solemn in the higher chambers and rowdy for the lower chambers. The older wolves preferred silence while watching over the pack while the younger generation were rather loud and obnoxious. The younger wolves were the ones that got sent out to make pacts and cause chaos throughout the land. Most of the older wolves made all the plans.
Today was not one of those days. The place is usually silent and foreboding save for the whispers amongst the other wolves. If one of the older wolves needed to make an announcement, everyone needed to stop what they were doing and listen.
There were barely any wolves here yet the shouting hurt his ears. He recognized the voices and considered turning around and waiting for them to finish arguing. The only reason for him to continue further is because he promised Hati he would meet up with her after he finished making his rounds (even though that ended in failure because of that arrogant dragon).
Skoll only expected two of the five older wolves to be in the den. He isn't expecting to see all of them.
There were a total of five great wolves that served as the pillar of support for the wolves. They have been around for the longest time and have been the most loyal to her. They usually weren't in the same room most of the time. The exception was a few days ago just to lecture Hati and him of their failure to bring Joachim to their side.
Urn was the leader of the group no matter how often some of the other guys tried to take it from her. She was the closest to Fenris and was allowed to speak to her directly. No one knew if Fenris was actually alive or if she delivered her message specifically through Urn. The retainers were able to hear her howl when she wanted them to go somewhere, but it wasn't the same as being given direct words. She always stayed at main base no matter what, so her leaving to retrieve them was an outlier.
As the only woman of the group, her features stood out. However, she hid them well with her clothes. She was a no-nonsense person, so she wouldn't tolerate the men looking at her like that or treating her as lesser than them. Hati did admire how Urn carried herself. Skoll just wished that she didn't take the "auntie" part of their odd relationship so far.
Amarok was the most dangerous one in the group. He was…everything wrong with being a wolf. Humans labeled them as filthy, corrupt and vile egomaniacs and Amarok fit every description. He was cruel. He was heartless and he was a powerful wolf that somehow managed to have a lot of political power in one of the kingdoms. He's able to hide a lot of these negative traits due to his connections. On the surface, he does come across as reasonable and understanding. Any one can take a good whiff and know this man indulges in human sin.
If there was one wish that Skoll knew would never be granted, it was to make Amarok have a slow, painful death. It felt like he didn't care too much about Fenris as much as he used her name to gain followers among the younger wolves. Fenris should know that…and she keeps him around because of his accomplishments. And that was the problem. He may not have been the leader but it felt like the other wolves went to him for everything while giving Urn the side eye. She's the one that made sure the pack remained together, but Amarok was more than willing to break it for his own amusement.
Geri was the other wolf Skoll wanted to stay away from for similar reasons. Amarok was cruel, manipulative and sometimes forgot that wolves are not meant to be treated like humans. That's what happens when he hangs around humanity so long to get corrupted by them. Geri was a nutjob. If he wasn't confined to his base in one of the kingdoms known for its violence and vice, he would be rampaging the lands killing anyone that had looked at him the wrong way. Amarok had joked at the idea that he should be sent to the empire and perish on the battlefield. Skoll actually agreed with him, but Geri wasn't to be underestimated. He has the battlescars and the kill count of light disciples to prove how difficult it was to get rid of him.
Besides how violent he was, the other issue Skoll had was how he kept talking about settling down with a wife to give him pups. Their Goddess chose the partners for the wolves. Gender did not matter. Some wolves have drawn the short end of the stick…and when that happened, those younger wolves disappeared. If Skoll had to guess, that was Amarok's doing, but something had to be going on where Geri takes an interest in a young female wolf who wasn't going to be able to make a good shadow disciple and then seeing her "married off" shortly afterward.
It's scary. This is how the older wolves controlled the younger ones. There was this feeling of fear of being thrown away if they weren't good enough to serve Fenris. Even decent wolves could end up on the chopping block. Skoll knows that even he and Hati aren't immune. If they mess up too many times…
He doesn't want to think about it. He especially doesn't want to acknowledge that Geri seemed to be checking him out as of late. It's the same look that humans give to prey that they find attractive and Skoll is anything but…it's still better than that psychopath looking at his sister though.
Freki is the largest wolf of the bunch. He doesn't say much. If he does, he speaks in short sentences or single words that convey a lot of meaning. He didn't use to be like this. Skoll and Hati learned that there was another wolf that he used to watch over (when there were seven wise wolves instead of five) had been slaughtered by the light disciple. He has no reason to speak as that wolf did most of the talking.
He holds a deep hatred toward Naga and that's all the wolves need to keep him on their side. He's not interested in sex or murder. He has this odd habit of returning to his room and not coming out for days. If he's called upon, he will be forced out, but no one knows what he does behind closed doors. Like Geri, he probably has some fucked up shit going on that he just doesn't bother to talk about. At least he's reliable when he does appear on the battlefield…even if he is an easy target.
Aalt is the last member of the group. Funny enough, he and Urn are childhood friends, but Urn treats him like a nuisance. He might as well be because his vibe as a wolf is completely off. Skoll wondered why he never liked Aalt and after meeting Joachim, he knows why. Aalt didn't belong with Fenris even if he worshiped the ground she was on like everyone else. Aalt believed violence was a last resort and avoided causing problems. However, he was very efficient with making pacts. As the only great wolf to actively increase the amount of shadow disciples, Aalt was known for being truthful to the person when speaking about it. The idealist believes that lying isn't needed and helping those in need will win more people over than deception. The problem with his mindset is that Aalt still approaches people in dire need of assistance. It's no different from taking advantage of a needy child. Aalt is just able to sugarcoat it.
But he was still a fighter like the rest of the wolves. He handled poisons and medicines. Amarok tends to go to him to grab some of the goods. Because that bastard manages a corrupt city, he's always in need of those tools to keep everyone under his control.
Getting on their bad side was a great way to be sent to your early grave. Unfortunately, Skoll already has the ire of two of them so every time he sees them, the hairs at the back of his neck stick up.
"Seems like I wasn't invited to this gathering," Skoll casually says as he waltzes up next to his sister. "What has them in a frenzy?"
Hati keeps her mouth shut. That's usually a sign that something really bad has occurred.
It doesn't seem like the older wolves wanted to answer him either and for good reasons. Urn rarely lost her temper, but she was flipping out on Amarok who pretended to ignore her. However, the irritation is as clear as day. Geri is egging them on and Freki attempts to stay out of it. Aalt normally would try to mediate or at least get Urn to see reason. Not this time.
"Lady Fenris is furious…" Aalt decides to answer Skoll once he gets away from the other wolves.
This wasn't the time for quips, so Skoll was forced to listen.
"The target that you two were supposed to recruit has hired a bodyguard to protect him."
"...That's it?"
"It's not brother…" Hati mumbles.
"If it was any bodyguard, we would just take them out. That…isn't an option anymore. That boy is very lucky. First he gets temporary protection from a light disciple…and she ends up leading him to the last person we want to see alive."
Skoll is suddenly interested in who Joachim could have hired in such a short amount of time. Fenris' target had just lost his village. There was no way he had any money on him. Bodyguards don't work for free, so someone had to be desperate enough to decide to protect Joachim. He was a wolf like them. That should have deterred anyone from wanting to help him…
"Show me proof he's alive or you're just throwing a hissy fit," Amarok snarls, finally losing his patience with Urn.
"Fine, I will show you the image that our Goddess has bestowed on me!"
Urn didn't have the power to show images from far away. That's something Fenris was capable of. Her eyes were everywhere, so she could project what she was seeing from a distance so long as there was a shadow disciple nearby. Urn holds up a sphere that reveals one of Fenris' eyes. It would eventually reveal the person that Joachim had hired.
Skoll wants to scream at that moment. The projection revealed a handsome dragon with pale blond hair and hazel eyes. His clothes matched that of a mercenary. The dragon was missing his right horn on his head and had a long dragon tail weighing him down. The most distinguishing thing is the huge sword he carried on his back.
Amarok's calm expression all but fell in that moment. "What is the meaning of this?"
Urn glares at the sinister wolf. "That is my question to you. We assumed he'd been dead for over ten years because you said you killed him. You even brought his horn as proof that you took down that menace, yet here he is. Alive and determined to protect our target!"
Urn rarely raised her voice. When she did, she wanted the person to know how much they fucked up. Skoll and Hati's fumble wasn't as bad as whatever Amarok did, and while Skoll should be pleased that Amarok was being called out for something, it wouldn't be long until he directed that temper to someone else.
"That man is like a cockroach."
"We all know this, but you didn't even try to confirm his death," Urn growls. "I'm convinced you were so focused on showing off that you ripped off his horn that you didn't think of retrieving his corpse."
"Well, I did push him off a cliff," Amarok admits. "Really, I'm surprised that a man who has lost most of his favor with his Goddess and half of his powers was able to survive those injuries I gave him. Looks like his leg is never going to return to its formal glory."
Deflection. That's what the arrogant wolf was doing to ignore the fact that if he just killed their greatest enemy, they wouldn't be in this situation.
"We are in the worst case scenario because of you," Urn says firmly. "If our target finds out the connection between them…"
"He won't. Dante has no memories of his past," Amarok interrupts with a hum.
"And how would you know this?"
"Simple. He didn't survive his fall without consequences. I doubt he'll be able to recall who our little wolf is. Before that happens, his death is all but certain."
All of this gloating, but it didn't change the fact that Skoll had walked away with no injuries.
While the older wolves in a frenzy, the younger wolves were still puzzled at why this was such a big deal.
"What's so dangerous about an old dragon?" Skoll ends up asking before he could stop himself.
Normally, Urn would have scolded him for asking a dumb question. The other wolves stare at him, but they all look at the female leader to explain.
"...I don't blame you or Hati for not knowing who he is. You were very young when that man terrorized our race," Urn explains. Her temper had cooled down as she decided to calmly explain to them who this man was. "Dante was one of Naga's most dangerous retainers. They say the swing of his sword could cut down an army of shadow minions."
"Why do you speak as if he hasn't done that?" Amarok asks in an annoyed tone. "We know how much of a monster he is."
"They don't. Do not interrupt me," Urn starts to scowl the more she speaks about the dangerous dragon. "Dante is the epitome of everything that is wrong with Naga and her way of thinking. He was a monster held on a very small leash. Disciples of Light often speak of justice and peace. When Naga needed something done, he did the dirty work. He was the monster she unleashed to assassinate, terrorize and scatter us wolves. We had tried to get rid of him many times. We had even tried to take advantage of his hedonistic nature, but to no avail."
"Then…how was Amarok able to get the jump on him?" Hati questions.
Amarok chuckles. "Oh, let's just say that there were instances he would let his guard down. I saw the moment and destroyed him in battle."
"...And he's still alive," Urn hisses. "I should have gone and confirmed his death myself."
The wolf retainers felt something was off with that comment. For someone who was nigh indestructible, Dante clearly had a weakness and it was exploited.
"...Could we exploit it again?" Hati asks in a curious manner.
"Unfortunately, we cannot," Urn responds. "The situation has changed. If he has no memory, then he cannot protect those he once considered important. We cannot use them to get the upperhand…and given our target…it's not a wise thing to do."
They could deduce that Joachim was too important to use as a hostage to get to Dante. Fenris needed him even if she had a deep hatred for the elder dragon.
"You two must promise me to not engage in battle with him…much less end up alone with him," Urn warns them. "He may not have his memories or the strength that made him the terror in the past, but he's still a powerful individual."
"...Then how are we even supposed to get close to our target?"
"We will update you when the opportunity arises. I need you two just to keep an eye on our target and sabotage him whenever you have a chance. He can declare that he will follow the light, but we wolves know better. A wolf can never hope to be blessed by Naga. She would never allow it."
"And the sooner the pup learns that, the sooner he'll come to our side!" Geri adds with a laugh.
"...And does Dante kill wolves on sight?" Skoll asks carefully not to give away his accidental encounter.
"He does," Urn answers. "He may not have his memory, but I would not be surprised if our target is the exception to the rule. Anyone else will end up dead. A brute like that must never be allowed near us…for his corruption will spell the end…just like with her."
"Her?"
Urn doesn't speak. It just leaves more questions. The older wolves have no intention of satisfying their curiosity. Urn's rule is absolute…for the most part.
Yet…I'm still alive. Skoll thinks. With what Urn told me, he should have killed me with the rest of those lowlifes. Something isn't adding up.
Skoll hates thinking, but this isn't something he can ignore. Why was there a dragon who showed fake compassion to a wolf in the first place? Is it pity or something else? Because as far as Skoll is concerned, Joachim's existence already demonstrates that Dante was willing to break his anti-wolf rule (if he even has one).
"Amarok, I hope you know that if he regains his memories, it will be your head he will be after," Urn warns him. "I hope you are prepared for that day."
"He'll be dead before then," Amarok says with a laugh. "There is no one that can hope to beat me in combat now."
Skoll and Hati hate his arrogance. They know the moment Urn is out of sight, he'll take his anger out on them. It was best for them to slip away while her rage was directed at him. Aalt gave them the okay for them to leave.
"Hati, I'm going to check things out," he tells her the moment they're out of hearing range.
"What? Why are you suddenly motivated?"
"I'm not. I'm just curious about that guy. I'll watch from the shadows."
"...You won't fight him, right?"
"No. I'm not that stupid."
He, unfortunately, was that stupid. Hati's concern was all over her face. But he needed to check things out for himself and he wasn't going to have his younger sister take the fall because he might get himself killed for it.
Skoll manages to track Dante a few days later. While he and Hati had been able to keep tabs on Joachim, it was harder to pinpoint his exact location because of Yuni. That dragon must have had some sort of power to destroy the "scent" that led Fenris to Joachim in the first place.
Dante's scent was stronger than any other person he has ever sniffed out. Maybe it had to do with encountering him before learning who he was that made him stand out. He also wasn't going to be hard to find given his intimidating figure.
His targets weren't even in town. They were on the outskirts of town in a rather open field. An easy place to train without anyone getting in the way.
Speaking of training…
"You're moving too slow. Are you expecting the enemy to mess up when they have the advantage?!"
That voice…it wasn't the light-hearted one that Skoll heard a few days ago. This was a voice that commanded people on the battlefield. A stern teacher that understood that harshness was required to train those desperate to grow stronger.
Another thing that had caught Skoll off guard when he saw Joachim for the first time was his lack of battle experience. Wolves were natural fighters. To meet someone so gentle and so unprepared for something as common as a bandit attack was unheard of. The retainers had no idea how he expected to beat Bartolomeus if he couldn't even get a good hit in the first time.
Dante must have expected Joachim to have some combat experience. The gap between the two is way too large for Dante to effectively train him in a way that would be most sufficient. Then again, this might be their first training session or second. Both of them still seem to be trying to feel each other out, but the dragon's lack of patience right now says a lot about the current situation.
Dante easily disarms Joachim when the young wolf tries to force an offensive stance. The same sword used to cut down shadow disciples not too long ago was being used here. He wasn't swinging it with all of his might.
"Where is your killing intent?" Dante questions. "You are an easy target on the battlefield!"
Joachim isn't all too pleased with how easy he went down. "This is a sparring match…"
"With that attitude, it's a wonder you're still alive."
"Excuse me?"
"You should be fighting like you're trying to live. A sparring match doesn't give you the excuse to relax. If you cannot come at me with everything you got, how do you expect to achieve anything when I'm not there to protect you?"
"I'm not asking you to hover over me!"
So the kind-hearted wolf was capable of losing his cool.
"No, you didn't. You asked for a bodyguard, but you make it clear that the moment I take my eyes off you, you'll be an easy target to the shadow disciples. If the Little One didn't pick you up when she did, they would still be on your trail."
The Little One must be referring to Yuni. She was the reason it was difficult to track Joachim down now.
Joachim doesn't have a counter argument with the older man. "...Even if you say that…oww!"
Dante didn't think he hit the swordsmen too hard when disarming him. Maybe he didn't know his own strength. He groans. "We'll call it a day for now. Return to Teach and have her patch your injuries up. Make sure nothing is broken. We'll continue around the same time tomorrow."
Joachim forces himself off the ground but not because Dante told him too. He glares at the dragon who casually returns his giant sword to its sheathe.
"Don't call Teach that!" Joachim shouts. "You barely know her!"
Dante raises a brow. "Oh? I didn't know nicknames were off limits."
"It's not! You said you wouldn't get any funny ideas with her!"
Now the dragon was smirking. "Aww~. The student is overprotective of his teacher. How quaint. No worries. We're all companions now. We should do all we can to get to know each other. Hehehe~."
Skoll shivers hearing that laugh. It's not a good laugh. While Fenris' retainer shifts uncomfortably when he hears it, the laugh only seems to anger Joachim more than he already was.
"I swear! If you lay a finger on Teach, I…"
Dante waits for Joachim to finish the threat. He can't. Joachim has no killing intent therefore, his words will be empty. The wolf knows this and shuts his mouth. He leaves that train of thought and storms off like an angry bull.
"The kid still has a lot of growing up to do before we can even have a decent sparring match," Dante thinks out loud. "Now what am I going to do with my day? Maybe I'll find a pretty lady to spend the night with…"
And there was the womanizing trait the older wolves mentioned. Had he not been known for killing shadow disciples in the bedroom, it would have been the easiest way to assassinate him.
Dante proceeds to walk away, most likely heading in the direction of a bar. Where else was he going to pick up some chick who would love to get in bed with a handsome man like him?
…Why would I even think that? Skoll asks himself.
If Skoll humored himself for a moment, he would probably retain the idea that had he not seen that Dante was a dragon, he would have considered him an attractive man. Anyone that was associated with Naga was ugly by default.
Despite Dante's desire to go to the bar, he ends up lingering outside of the town. His steps were brisk as he took the time to admire the scenery. However, that isn't what he's doing. Skoll's attempts at stalking him from the shadows was for naught. There weren't that many places on the outskirts of the town to hide once Dante started walking away from the field.
"You know, I enjoy having admirers, but it's not cute to be sneaking around in the shadows."
So, he already knew I was following him. Skoll thinks darkly to himself. No sense hiding from him then.
Skoll can only take satisfaction in the fact that Dante wasn't expecting to see him again after rescuing himmessing up his job not too long ago. His face was rather unforgettable.
"Oh, it's not a cute girl…" Dante ends up grumbling. "Just the pup."
Yeah, he's not allowed to be satisfied for long.
"Sorry to disappoint. This 'pup' has a reason to see you again."
While Dante appears disinterested. He hasn't decided to walk away.
"The name's Skoll. I'm one of the retainers to the Great Fenris," he introduces while smirking. "I'm not all that happy that you stopped me from doing my job."
He expects Dante to be filled with hatred. Trying to be a good samaritan resulted in him keeping a dangerous wolf alive. The dragon's expression is unreadable though.
"Fortuantely, I'm in a generous mood. For helping me deal with those foolish humans, I can offer you a wish."
"Pass."
He says it so fast that Skoll almost feels like the wind is knocked out of him. Dante looks rather disappointed now…and that hasn't happened before. Hell, he notices the lack of killing intent in his eyes (and this is coming from the same guy who lectured Joachim about not having the desire to harm others).
"I wouldn't pass if I were you. Especially when you have no clear leads that can help get your memories back."
From what he remembered from Urn and Amarok, the only reason Dante hasn't returned to the public eye is because no one believed that the person in front of them was the terror he was more than ten years ago.
"Hmm? Did the older wolves tell you that?" Dante questions. His voice is steady.
"It's obvious just looking at you. Your horn is missing so you can't transform anymore. Your leg is injured so you can barely take requests like in the past. Makes me wonder who messed you up to put you in this sorry state."
He needs to provoke the man. Get him angry to agree.
"And you were one of Naga's best? She hasn't helped you after all of these years? I didn't think it was possible to lose favor with someone like her especially when you went around killing our kind."
Dante frowns at that comment. He doesn't argue against it, but this might be part of the memories that were ripped away from him.
"The ordeals Naga gives her followers to become a Disciple of Light are unfair. No matter how many good deeds you do, you'll never be forgiven in her eyes. If that's what you've been waiting for all of these years, I think it's obvious to both of us that she doesn't give a damn about you. Hell, she has left you to be the laughing stock of humanity despite everything you have done in her name."
"..."
"Fenris isn't like that though. She'll help a guy down on his luck. Just say the word and she'll give you what you desire. It's that easy."
He struck multiple nails into his target. He usually doesn't like talking that much and gets straight to the point, but reminding this man that Naga will never help him return to his formal glory should allow him to come to his senses. No need to kill this amnesic man if he falls into shadow.
"I refuse."
Skoll is taken aback by Dante simply reaffirming his original refusal. His words were just…ignored.
"...I'm okay with never regaining my memories," the dragon confesses. "I know I have a bad reputation. It has followed me after I have forgotten my past self. Perhaps, this is what they call karma and I must atone for whatever crimes I have committed in the past. There is no other explanation on how things could have gotten this bad unless Naga willed it." He frowns. "Unfortunately, even if I am okay with my lack of memories, my feelings for Naga won't change. She's still an old hag that got what was coming to her…"
It's unheard of for a dragon to outright insult their Goddess. This man doesn't even have memories of her, but whatever he feels toward her is negative. That couldn't be taken away from him.
"...But my hatred toward Fenris is greater than my distaste toward Naga. I…cannot remember why I detest her so, but I believe my heart knows. I can trust my instincts and they tell me that if I were to make a pact with the Demon Wolf…I'll most likely be killed."
Skoll hasn't heard of that. No matter who it is, Fenris will always grant powers to whomever calls upon her. The Goddess' personal feelings would not get in the way of that…or would it?
"Tell me Blue, what are the consequences of making a pact with Fenris?"
Shouldn't you already know? Skoll wants to ask. He finds himself answering. "Isn't it obvious? Your soul belongs to our Goddess. You'll be forced to do her bidding. She will call you when she needs you and you will do as she says when the time comes."
That answer makes Dante chuckle bitterly. He shakes his head in disapproval.
"What's so funny?" Skoll asks. His anger is starting to boil to the surface.
"The Goddess of Freedom. That's a load of bullcrap." The dragon suddenly turns his back toward the wolf. "This conversation is over. Your Goddess cannot give me what I want. You're better off asking another lowlife."
What was worse than someone rejecting a one in a lifetime offer from Fenris is being dismissed so casually. How can someone walk away with the chance to regain his memories and purpose in life?!
More importantly…why is the man choosing to walk away instead of killing him? He knows that the wolves are dangerous. Now that Skoll confirmed he is a retainer to Fenris, the sword should be finding its way toward his neck.
Dante was someone you needed to avoid without a plan. Fenris wanted him dead but the older wolves needed a strategy to take him down effectively. Dante walking away from Skoll a second time was a miracle in itself. This man was known for killing wolves on sight. Any information Skoll gets on Dante while living to see another day is a good thing.
Not this time. The former retainer had already pissed him off with saving him when he didn't need saving. He effectively made those lowly pacts null by killing those bastards. Now he has more work to do on top of having to figure out a way to get Joachim to fall to darkness.
"And you think you can just walk away from me after saying no?" Skoll snarls. "If I can't convince you, then I'll simply kill you."
Dante stops once he feels the killing intent behind him. Instead of being scared, he just shakes his head in annoyance.
"It's not a good idea for a pup like you to challenge someone like me."
"What?!"
"We both know there is a huge gap in our strength. We'll be wasting our time because I would be the one to win."
"You cocky son of a bitch!"
Skoll doesn't wait for Dante to draw his sword. He charges him with lighting speed that the average person wouldn't be able to react to. Dante simply steps out of the way right before Skoll's claws reach his neck. He still doesn't draw his sword.
"Really, why are you so insistent on dying?" the dragon asks in an irritated tone. "I'm sparing your life. Most wolves would be happy that I'm letting them live."
"Wow, the epitome of a saint," Skoll snarks. He hates being underestimated, but he also knows he's pushing it. "And I suppose those idiot shadow disciples you cut down a few days ago got to feel how merciful you were."
"What can I say? When I see someone in distress, I help them. It didn't look like your negotiation went well, so I made it easy for you."
"And what kind of wolf accepts help from a filthy dragon?!" the wolf snaps. "You take this seriously if you don't want your head to be shown off to your Goddess!"
Dante folds his arms. His patience wears thin. "This is a waste of time. You're better off trying to get more people to join your Goddess than trying to take me on."
This man thinks he's a weakling. He's Fenris' retainer. He can beat his ass no problem! He just hasn't gotten serious yet! One would think being underestimated would be advantageous for Skoll, but it was the opposite. It all comes back to what happened a few days ago when Dante decided to save him. Those who need to be rescued are weaklings. From the very beginning, he didn't see Skoll as a threatening individual. That feeling is worse than being hated for being a wolf. It's unacceptable that he wants to rip the man's throat out.
"...Fine…" Dante finally relents. Skoll expects him to draw his sword, but he's still using his words to attack him. "How about this? I'll give you a one-sided match. If I win, which I will, you will do whatever I ask."
The audacity of this dragon! He really thinks he's going to win?!
"Fine! I'll take your offer! Because I'm going to be the one to kill you and bring your head back to Fenris!"
Mistakes were made. Skoll felt a sudden zap to his stomach the moment he said those words.
"...Just because I don't have that old hag's favor anymore doesn't mean I still can't use spells that she granted me."
But this isn't any normal pact. This was more of a curse. Dante was one of Naga's original protectors. He knew spells that the younger dragons didn't know existed. Skoll should have considered that Dante would have something up his sleeves. He fell for it quite easily…but it won't matter because he's going to kill him.
"When you're dead, the pact will be nullified anyway," Skoll hisses.
Dante finally draws his sword. He was finally taking this seriously. Now, Skoll can kill him without feeling like he was being looked down on.