Their trek through the forest was hard due to the snow on the ground and the thickness of the foliage that blocked out all light. Ifrit learned lunar phases from Lilac due to her need of checking the moon to prepare for her involuntary transformation, one that he did not need to do anymore due to Ifrit accidentally turning her into a pseudo-hellhound during their first sex. He still reminisced that time when his endurance almost knocked Lilac out.

As they walked, they soon found themselves out of the forest and into a dirt road, with a wooden sign with the word ‘Aushagen 2 km’ pointing to the left. Ifrit assumed that it was the name of a town and that he was in Dusdolf due to the Dusdolfian name of the town. This quickly became worrying for the hellhound because he did not learn Dusdolfian from Albert, only knowing a couple phrases. He doubted that the Jackal he just saved would know any surface language at all. Good thing Rhynsa was there to guide the two (originally, just the Jackal).

Aushagen was Rhynsa’s destination, too, for he decided that the three would travel there. He was hoping that the town or village had a post office with wireless service in it and hoping that Albert was still using the same wireless phone that came with the car. He started wondering what Albert’s been doing after three years, so he asked Rhynsa about it.

“(Blondie’s been busy for a while),” said Rhynsa. “(I haven’t met him for three months. He’s working on the other side of the continent).”

After Ifrit acknowledged what Rhynsa said, his attention turned to the still shivering Jackal wearing Rhynsa’s cloak. Ifrit should’ve wait to get him something to wear, but his priority was to escape and help whoever needed it. Now that Ifrit looked at the Jackal, he felt sympathetic. He looked so skinny, almost as if he had no fur. But he did have fur, only it was soft and short, in contrast with Ifrit’s rugged and untidy fur. His face was also angular and markedly different from a canine-like hellhound. It looked almost androgynous, even. If he wasn’t naked, he might not even be sure if he was a male or a female. Even his voice was soft and tender.

His observations were interrupted by the rustles from a nearby tree, to which the three were quickly drawn to it. To Ifrit’s surprise, another Fuzandre climbed down the tree. It quickly became clear that his appearance was comparatively different with Rhynsa’s, starting with him being shorter and stockier than Rhynsa’s tall and lean. His ears were much bigger than Rhynsa’s, almost encompassing most of his chiropteran face. There were a pair of prominent fangs that were more pronounced than Rhynsa’s and a wider face compared to Rhynsa’s.

The most striking thing Ifrit noticed from him was the fact that he had no fur covering his gray-colored skin. His arms were also his wings, not of separate limbs like Rhynsa’s. It made Ifrit wonder how he do things without hands, especially since his hands were his wings, leaving only two normal-sized fingers.

The Fuzandre looked at Rhynsa with an annoyed expression, to which Rhynsa sighed and said, “(I told you we don’t need the two of us to go in, right?)”

“(At least give me a signal that you’re clear!)” he said. “(It’s been an hour since you leave me freezing out here! If I didn’t hear you talking with someone, I’d be worried!)”

“(I told you not to worry, right? I work better alone).”

“(I can make things easier for you! Besides, I was looking forward to a feast!)”

“(Believe me. That’s a bad idea).”

“(Yeah, I know. Never liked winter, anyway).” The Fuzandre turned to look at Ifrit and the Jackal before saying, “(Can you trust him?)”

“(Not really),” said Rhynsa.

“(Hey, come on, Rhynsa!)” said Ifrit.

“(Nah, I’m just playing with you. He’s Ifrit Schelkz. You remembered that story I told you about my past? He’s the one).”

Arnulfe looked at Ifrit, checking at the details on his body and fur. After a while, Arnulfe said, “(You look like you know how to have fun. Unlike my brother here).”

“(Brother? You two don’t look alike).”

“(Not by blood, silly. We’re tribeless, so I considered him a brother. He did, too).”

“(No, I did not),” snapped Rhynsa.

“(He’s just shy. Now, come on. I hate snow).”

Rhynsa sighed and followed Arnulfe, who returned to the trees and glide over the three who were walking through the thick snow.

As they walked through the forest road with the Jackal grabbing Ifrit’s hand for guidance, Ifrit started a conversation with the Jackal, hoping to know more about him and to distract them from the cold.

“(So, what’s your name?)” asked Ifrit. “(I’ve heard of Death’s Jackals before, but I haven’t met one. Also, what’s your story?)”

“(Anubis),” said the Jackal. “(My name’s Anubis Caropus. They caught me and abused me for the sake of it. I am a disgraced royal, after all).”

“(A prince, huh? I know that feeling too well).”

“(We don’t claim to be princes. We’re more like guardians to the gates of hell, but that status made us royals among the Jackals),” said Anubis. “(Not that it matters, though. I was exempt from my responsibilities because I am blind. It was simply luck that helped me escape. Still, I pushed it a bit too far, and that’s how I ended up here. It was also stupid of me to declare that I was a Caropus, but I was overcome by my own ego).”

“(At least you can be proud of that name).” Ifrit became sad, with Rhynsa looking at him with a sympathetic expression. “(Can’t say the same with mine).”

“(Well in any case, I was not able to protect myself and end up getting captured. The rest is…I…I don’t want to think about it again).”

Ifrit could see that Anubis was shivering not because of the cold, but because he was remembering all the things the hellhounds did to him. Ifrit could imagine what he had been through, along with all the things he was subjected to. The hellhound had a feeling that it might be more than just becoming a punching bag.

“(I…I’m sorry),” said Ifrit with sympathy in his voice. “(It must have been hard for you).”

“(I hope you got your revenge instead of following Schelkz),” said Rhynsa. “(If he let you).”

“(I did. I got the chance to rip one of their hearts. With the way you fought those creeps, I’m fortunate enough to get what I want and restore my dignity).”

“(So, ripping someone’s heart out is your way to regain your lost dignity?)”

“(I’m sorry if it is distressing and violent).”

“(No. It’s just a bit excessive without context. You look like you want to show that you could rip someone’s heart out with your bare hands while breaking their neck would have a similar outcome).”

“(You have a point there, uh…).”

“(Ifrit Schelkz. Call me Ifrit).”

“(Yeah). Anubis thought of what he would say next before he said, “(Ifrit?)”

“(Something’s on your mind?)”

“(No, it’s just…never mind).”

Ifrit could only cock his head without trying to understand what Anubis had in mind. Anubis seemed to sense something peculiar about his savior but was unable to make sense of it while he was shivering due to the cold. He decided that he needed to eat something warm and fulfillin before he could consider doing anything. He had not had a decent meal since he could remember it.

Aushagen was a town near big lake that seemed as mysterious as the forest due to most of it being covered in fog. The townspeople were asleep with only Lycan and human guards standing guard on the gate leading into the town. Rhynsa walked towards a guard, who greeted him as if he knew who he was.

“Hey,” said the guard. “What’s the situation?”

“They finished the job,” said Rhynsa. “And don’t worry about them going here. The hounds ran in a different direction, as planned.”

“Ah, good,” he said with a sigh. “That prison has been a problem ever since they took over. I’m glad it’s done. You need food, yes? Tavern is open all night for weary winter travelers like you.”

“Thanks,” said Rhynsa. “Oh, and just in case. Stay alert.”

The guard nodded and returned to his previous stance. Rhynsa turned around and said, “(I’ve heard that grumbling stomach for a while now, Anubis. Can’t distract ourselves hunting, so it’s easier to buy some food).”

“(T-thanks),” said Anubis, trying to act civil. It couldn’t stop his mouth from letting out some drools, however.

“(Well, he’s supposed to give you something, but eh, he’s not the kind who shares),” said Rhynsa as he turned towards Ifrit. “(And don’t deny it, Schelkz. You’re one hell of a slob. The least you can do is clean your clothes).”

Ifrit looked down and became embarrassed. In his famished state, all he could think of was food, and a plump, juicy turkey was on the table for the taking. He did not even bother sharing, only eating the whole thing by himself. Now, that he realized this, he felt bad. While he did give Anubis a sausage and a jar of water, that did not compare with the full turkey he ravaged.

They soon got to the tavern, which was still open, with Rhynsa asking for any meal they had for leftovers. The keeper soon produced a simple dinner of mashed potato and steak, along with beer to go with it. Anubis tried to act civil, but they could see that the smell of the food made him drool, especially since his remaining senses became enhanced due to his blindness.

“(Eat up),” invited Rhynsa. “(It’s all on me).”

Anubis, barely holding on, nodded and quickly start eating the steak like a hungry dog. He even drank the hot soup given by the tavern’s keeper without even asking if it was not salty enough or if it was too hot. All he had in his mind was to eat.

“(Damn, Anubis),” said Arnulfe. “(You really are hungry, are you?)”

Ifrit, on the other hand, did not exactly ask about the food. Instead, he was fixated at Rhynsa.

“(It’s all on you? I never think you as someone who’d buy others food).”

“(You have been presumed dead for two years and he has been in a prison for who knows how long. Do you have any Dusdolfian money? I don’t think so. And besides, I do not let people die of starvation).”

“(Well, I...).”

Rhynsa then smiled. “(Don’t think about it too much, Schelkz. I know you are also hungry. It’s a good thing you cared enough to free Anubis and help make things easier for us. If Arnulfe joined me in there, there would be a bloodbath).”

“(Not a bloodbath if I managed to stop further bloodshed),” said Arnulfe.

“(Do you think they’ll turn at you with all the explosions at the front gate?)”

“(I can try, right?)”

Rhynsa and Arnulfe’s banter seemed quite amusing for Ifrit. It made his impression of Rhynsa changed from a sarcastic Fuzandre who hated Ifrit’s guts for being a Schelkz into someone who made a friend.

“(Speaking of friends…what of Lilac? What about Eshdar? And uh…Sammael?)”

“(They’re fine. In fact, this mission is to extract Anubis back to Summinat using the resistance. Winsel can be a bit persuasive when it comes to finally having progress after two years).”

“(Winsel? Eshdar?)”

“(Anarim Winsel. I don’t believe you’ve met him).”

Yet he heard about him. He was Eshdar’s grandfather who apparently knew what they were dealing with. If it wasn’t for Ifrit’s unfortunate demise, he would’ve met him.

Then again, as Anubis ate, Ifrit started thinking about his death. Did he survive those injuries? Even if someone did put him near fire, he was too injured to be saved. He was eaten alive and the final memory before he woke up in a stone prison was the cold shock from hitting the water. There was no way he could survive that. In fact, that nightmare where he was in hell seemed to real to be a dream.

After the Jackal finished, Rhynsa paid the tavern’s owner, who again, did not seem to react by the Fuzandre’s not-canine appearance, or even Anubis and Arnulfe, both very strikingly different from a canine like a Lycan. The human guard and the human owner did not even doubt Rhynsa, which suggested that he was a friendly face in Aushagen. As Ifrit had been told by Albert before, Dusdolf was a progressive region with a long history of interracial friendship. Maybe a couple of weirdos did not make any difference.

Nevertheless, Ifrit was the type who asked for confirmation. So, he did just that as they walked towards the lake. Rhynsa simply chuckled as he approached a fisherman’s home near the wooden dock.

“(A little gratitude goes a long way, Schelkz),” he said. “(Aushagen needed a little break, and we gave them just that. In return, they became our first surface allies. The Demon Hunters were stretched thin, and the small fisher town needed protection. And besides, having a forward base against that prison is always a plus, considering how we got a very unexpected help).”

“(What kind of help?)”

“(Break in the ranks),” said Arnulfe. “(It turns out they have trouble getting organized. I mean, what do you expect? You deal with demons; you forfeit your freedom).”

It was amusing to hear Arnulfe said that, considering how it rhymed. The hellhound tried not to react, but the Jackal caught on it and let out a stifled laughter, which Rhynsa caught.

“(Well, well),” said the Fuzandre. “(Guess somebody got Arnulfe’s sense of humor).”

Anubis, thinking he offended Rhynsa somehow, suddenly reeled in and said, “(W-wait! I didn’t mean it! I mean, it unintentionally rhymed and it…).”

“(Why not? I was hoping you’d laugh).” Arnulfe put one of his wings around Anubis’s unsuspecting shoulder, causing him to yelp. “(Laughter’s a rare thing, but it’s good to feel something positive after all the shits you’ve been through. You agree, Anubis?)”

“(Y-yeah. I suppose),” said Anubis, flustered.

“(If you two done talking),” said Rhynsa. “(Help me with the boat, Arnulfe. Also, is it okay if you wait for a while, Anubis?)”

Anubis nodded; his mood had seemingly improved. It was hard for Ifrit to understand the emotions of a blind Jackal, but at least he got eyes to show, even if they happen to have faded pupil over golden-colored irises. But, instead of glad that Anubis had recovered from his ordeal somewhat, Ifrit was more fixated by Rhynsa’s apparent treatment towards the Jackal. He was friendlier and politer towards Anubis than Ifrit, even though by this point he was aware that Anubis was a former prince.

Again, Ifrit could just assume that it was because of his name, but he asked anyway.

“(You sure you don’t want to act like that towards me?)” asked Ifrit.

“(You?)” Rhynsa snorted. “(Seriously, Schelkz, you’re one hell of a comedian).”

“(It isn’t funny. It’s just a question).”

“(That has been answered by your family name. Look. Just because you convinced me to reconsider my life, it doesn’t mean I have to be your friend or anything. And besides, you apparently returned to life without any problems, while Caropus over there is a traumatized and blind former prince. You can take care of yourself).”

“(I mean, why can’t you be nicer? I thought I told you--).”

“(That you have nothing to do with my ruined life? That is why you are still alive. You can’t just sweep away 20 years of my desire of vengeance, Ifrit. It doesn’t disappear overnight, or even after two years).”

“(Okay, I get it. You don’t like me).”

“(That depends on you, but at least I am glad to know you’re safe),” said the Fuzandre as he and Arnulfe pushed a boat out to the lake. “(Help us with the boat, will you?)”

Ifrit sighed as he helped the Fuzandres push the boat to the lake, while Anubis sat on a barrel nearby hearing the two letting out grunts as they struggled. Anubis felt he could try and help, but he knew he couldn’t help if he couldn’t even see. While his mood did improve after being treated so nicely by Rhynsa and Ifrit, Anubis felt useless. He could only fight as a blind fighter, but nothing else. If only he wasn’t so useless, his kingdom might still be around, and the Incursion might not happen.

He felt he failed in his capacity as a prince of the Caropus family, who was responsible for guarding the gate to hell and be an inspiring leader for the Jackals of Utensha Kingdom. Instead, all he ever did was sit around and listen to his mentor and his brothers and sisters talk or learn how to fight without relying on sight.

Remembering that tragedy did not make things easier for him, either. He was spared the gruesome detail of the massacre, but he knew his family had been slaughtered. His blindness made it harder for him to get away, yet he did, unsure if any of his relatives survived or not. It was all so vivid in his mind as his imagination ran wild.

Just before he could wallow in despair, he felt the soft touch of someone’s hand on his right shoulder. He turned right, not sure if his eyes met, until he heard Ifrit’s voice.

“(You’re alright, Anubis?)” asked Ifrit. “(Don’t be afraid to say something if you’re uncomfortable, okay)?”

“(Yes. Thank you),” replied Anubis. “(Oh, and please. Call me Ani).”

“(Ani?)”

“(My friends thought Anubis is a mouthful, so they shortened it to Ani. My brothers like to tease me for having such girly nickname, but I like it).”

“(As do I),” said Ifrit. “(And don’t worry, Ani. You are among friends now).”

“(I’d…appreciate if you don’t say that),” said Anubis after feeling apprehensive. “(Somebody said that to me once. It was the start of my misery).”

Hearing how Anubis said that made Ifrit sympathize even more with the blind Jackal. Betrayal of trust was never easy to overcome, especially if someone claimed to be his ‘friend’. Ifrit would understand if the Jackal had trust issues with everyone.

“(I’m sorry about that, Ani, I really am. It’s fine you don’t want to trust us going forward, but…).”

“(But I know you won’t do that),” said Anubis with a smile. His sweet, feminine voice almost made Ifrit forgot that he was a male Jackal. “(You saved me. That’s all that matters).”

Before Ifrit could say anything about it, Rhynsa approached them and said, “(Hey. The boat’s ready. I suggest we hop on and row to Avicelis fast. We’re behind schedule).”

“(Whoa, wait. I thought we’re going to Summinat?)”

“(I never said we’re going there. Avicelis is the allies’ main base. You both are safer there. And besides, I need to report that the mission is successful with an unexpected bonus).”

Ifrit understood and helped guide Anubis towards the boat, which was already floating on the water and moored at the port with Arnulfe sitting inside. He and the furless Fuzandre helped the blind Jackal on before he climbed in and pull out an oar, with Rhynsa taking the other.

Ifrit started wondering about the events that happened for the past three years. Then, his mind wandered to his old friends. Did they try to find him, or did they declare his death on the spot and move on? Rhynsa could tell him about it, but considering the Fuzandre, he seemed content in letting Ifrit find out about it himself. The hellhound wished they did not move on, especially Lilac. Ifrit owed her everything, from kindness to responsibility. Lilac was the one who taught him Tragorian and supported him when he had recurring nightmares of his past. He was also responsible for turning her into a pseudo-hellhound, which put her in a permanent werewolf form. He knew he had feelings for Lilac, and he knew she was too.

It would be a shame if things changed too much while he was asleep. For him, it was like yesterday.