[Peyto1217]

Username: Peyto1217
Name: Aleu
Gender: female
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Mark!

[SilverSamurai]

╔══════════════╗

【Soren】
『 SOR-in 』
⋄ Female
⋄ Guardian
⋄ Exiled

╚══════════════╝

⋄ Angel With a Shotgun
⋄ The Race
⋄ Carnival of Rust
⋄ When I'm Gone

✔ Protective
✔ Level-headed
✔ Reasonable
✔ Honest
✔ Loyal

✘ Judgmental
✘ Stubborn
✘ Possessive
✘ Blunt
✘ Untrusting

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“Soren; from this day forward, you will accompany the Princess, Lark, and protect her with your life. You must be fearless and show no weakness, protecting her from whatever may come. This is the duty I am assigning to you, and you alone. Will you accept?”

“I will, Sire.”

Everything changes in time; the darkness passes, and the dawn fades. I, however, remain loyal to the Princess until I am no longer able. To tell this tale, I must start at the beginning. Ah, the very beginning.



My name is Soren, and I was born into a poor family on the outskirts of The Kingdom. The moment I was able to walk on my own four paws, I would take advantage of my parent’s ill watch and sneak out to explore the city. Most of the time I would stay nearby; down a nearby riverbank or on a worn path circling our home, but when I was feeling more confident and adventurous I took to the Middle. The Middle is exactly what it sounds like- the town sitting between the lower half of the Kingdom and the Castle, where The King lived. This is where I met her for the first time.

Lark and I became friends quickly. She was a beautiful Viscet about the same age as I, and just as curious about the world as I was. We knew nothing of each other’s home lives- it wasn’t as import as chasing birds or bothering unsuspecting farmers. We would meet at the old fountain almost every day, until it happened. Lark began to show up less and less, and I grew concerned for her. It wasn’t like her, so I began to ask around if anyone had seen her. “Does anyone know where Lark is?” I would ask Viscets who walk by, “She’s my age and height, brown and white markings,” but the usual responses were all the same- a shake of the head and a positive comment. Until I tried asking around in the Middle.

This time, I finally got a response, but not the one I was expecting; “Oh, you mean the princess? The King has been worried about her because she’s been sneaking out quite often recently, would the reason be you?” I was shocked. The Viscet I had made friends with, my first and only friend, was the princess. That didn’t matter though. Unfazed, I asked how I could get into the Castle, but only received laughter as a reply. “Good luck kid, you need to be invited into the Castle, and I don’t think someone by the likes of you would be getting anything like that anytime soon.” I growled at the stranger, but held my head high as I marched up to the Castle gates.

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

To little surprise, I was met at the gates with several guards, watching each Viscet’s moves carefully and dutifully. I stood up on by back legs, trying to appear taller and older than I was, but the shaking didn’t help. “I want to see Lark.” I told them, and one of them merely looked down at me from where they stood. They knelt down and offered a paw, and I was taken aback as she spoke gently, “Are you lost, honey? You shouldn’t be here-“ She was cut short as Lark tumbled out from the Castle doors, nearly running into me. “Soren!” She cried, gripping onto my fur in a tight embrace. I hugged her back, confused. I waited for her to explain herself, but she never did. Instead, The King himself strode out and stood in front of us. “Lark, you know better.” His voice was low in a warning, but filled with worry all the same. “I don’t care, dad! This is my friend I’ve been telling you about, her name is So-“ Lark was cut off before she could make her plea.

“This is dangerous, Lark. I’ve told you about what outsiders like them do.” Lark had let go of me by this point, and she stood on her hind legs with bristling fur, her tail lashing to and fro, whether to appear angry or to keep balance, I was unsure. Her response was pitched, “She’s not like that! Soren would never-“ “I’m not taking any chances, Lark. This isn’t a warning anymore. I’m assigning guards to you from now on to ensure your safety.” The King’s reply was dry, his fur remained flat but his eyes were full of worry and… a glitter of something else. Hate? Pity? Whatever it was, I felt uncomfortable under the heavy gaze. I stood once more, but my legs no longer shook as I confronted The Old King. “I want to do it.” The King looked confused, “Do what?” I felt my body engulf with pride and confidence as I responded boldly;

“I want to be the Princess’s guard.”

“Are you sure about that, kid?” The King chuckled, “This is serious business, not playtime like the two of you have been up to recently-” This time it was Lark that interrupted her father, “Give her a chance. Please” The King looked stunned, and his gaze went from Lark and I a few times, before he gave a long sigh that truly showed just how old he was. He held my gaze for a moment before turning away to walk back into the Castle; “If you’re serious, pack your things and be here at dawn. Your training starts immediately.”

I couldn’t believe that had actually worked. This was the start to my new life.

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“Soren!” I jolted awake at the sudden sharp noise, but my eyes remained clouded with sleep. “You should have been up an hour ago, get a move on!” The voice echoed off the stone walls of my small room, followed by footsteps hurrying down the hall until they could no longer be heard. I blink the sleep from my eyes and chance a glance at the clock opposite my bed. 7am. Perfect. I blink the sleep from my eyes and take my sweet time walking out of my room.

Taking my place in line in front of the Old King, I bow in appreciation and glance around nervously. Lark must not be awake yet. “Soren,” He stood and took a step towards me, and I turned my attention back to the King. “You have been in training for two years now. Are you ready to take the next step?” I couldn’t believe it, but it wasn’t as it seemed. I bit my tongue, trying to hide my excitement. “Yes Sire, it would be a pleasure.” “Then it is time for you to take a journey.” I tilted my head in confusion, “Forgive me Sire, I don’t believe that I understand.” The King laughed, but his reply was sharp. “Ah, of course you don’t my dear. Guards,” he gestured to the armored Viscets standing at the doorway, who immediately perked their ears and stood taller, “Escort Soren out of the castle please.” My eyes went wide at his request.

“Sire-“ The King’s eyes were sharp, and I held my breath. When he finally spoke, his voice was low. “To know other’s, you must first know yourself. Go out and find yourself, and don’t come back until you understand.” “What do you-“ I was speechless, but the King was done talking. “You’ll know when it’s time.”


And with that, I was escorted out of the castle, and that life was over.

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

The next three years I spent on my own. The first couple months were rough, and it was hard adjusting to the new outside world. I eventually figured out the easiest way to survive; stay near water, build shelter, and don’t stay in one place too long. I grew stronger over time and I began to feel… different. Less civilized and more, at peace I guess. I felt a calling that I had never felt before; to live and to seek out answers. But I always hesitated when I thought about what that meant. calling for what? What needs to be answered? The Old King’s words kept echoing in my head following those thoughts, You’ll know when it’s time. I’d just have to trust him I guess

I usually stayed in a spot for a month or two before setting off for another camp. I came across some Viscets, some friendly, some… not so much. In time I became more adventurous, always looking to figure things out. Myself… I guess I could say I’m always up for a challenge. But at the end of the day, my mind always drifts back to my old life, to Lark and the Old King, to the life I used to live. I don’t necessarily regret it, but I can’t say The King was wrong to send me away. I’ve certainly learned a lot about myself in the years that passed. All that’s left is to wait for ‘the time’ to come.

And that day came sooner than I had expected.

I was passing through a low mountainous pass, a lake lay in the clearing at the low end and it had caught my interest. The sun was setting in the sky, a reddish-gold indicating that the day had been good. A storm was rising somewhere, and I was about to get caught up in it. That’s when it hit me. A strong feeling of doubt, perhaps fear, ran through me and I instantly felt that something was wrong. I took that as my sign. I immediately turned tail and hurried in the direction of the town, as I had always stayed within sight of it, even if it were just a dot in the horizon.

My time had come.

Time passes, things change. This change, however, was the hardest I’ve ever gone through. It wasn’t expected in the least, at least not how I expected it, and it remains a scar that will never fade. Oh, how I wish I could forget the pain from that moment.

“Halt!” The all-too-familiar guards met me once again as I hurried into the city. The moon was just beginning to fade in the sky, the sun threatening to take its place in short time. I rolled my eyes as my claws skid on the concrete tiles that I was no longer used to. I stood tall and run my claws through the feathers on my head, attempting to regain some composure, though my sides hurt from running for so long. When I spoke, my voice was hoarse from how dry my throat had gotten. “It’s time.” The guards’ eyes widened in shock and one of them replied, voice full of disbelief. “How did you know…” I tilted my head. “Know what?”

“The princess has been very sick. She went into critical care last night.”

My eyes widened this time, and I felt my blood run cold. I thought I was going to protect her? “I… I had a feeling that the King needed me…” My voice shook, and I couldn’t tell if my legs were growing weak from exhaustion or fear. “Go”. Came the guards low reply, “Your princess needs you, now more than ever.” My footsteps were heavy, and time blurred around me. The castle didn’t seem cheerful and bright anymore, but rather replaced with looming shadows and bleakness, and the atmosphere was tense and lased with stress in all directions. I pushed on, eager to see my friend once more.

“Lark!” I burst through her wide bedroom doors, and several pairs of eyes burned into my being. Their heads hung low, and the King stood in the center, his eyes full of sorrow as he turned and met my wide eyes. His voice wasn’t more than a whisper. “So you did come.” I nodded and hurried to stand in front of him. Up close, I could see his face looked tired and clearly showed his old age, his crest feathers messy and distorted from the usual upkeep. “Though Im afraid…” His voice trailed off, and I nearly pushed the King aside, which he let me do this time. I slowly padded to my best friends side and look into her peaceful face. She was as beautiful as ever, but her expressions seemed smoothed over; strained, and exhausted. I reach out and took her paw in mine.

It was cold.

“Lark…” My words ran dry. There was nothing to say.

My sorrow turned to anger. Pent up aggression swirled through my thoughts, and I looked over my shoulder, Lark’s paw still in mine. I met eyes with the King, and snarled at him. “Why did you send me away.” “Soren, I’m sorry.” I lashed my tail and stood up, not ready to face the King just yet. The guards in the room tensed, weapons ready to slash out at the slightest move. The King raised his hand to them. “Stay out of this.” Their hands lowered, but they remained tense. All eyes glued to me, and not all of them were a friendly greeting welcoming me back from a few years away. The king went on.

“I knew she was sick.; it’s a condition she’s had since birth. I didn’t tell you, I didn’t want you to worry-“ “How long,” I muttered. The King lowered his head, but stood his ground. “Since the beginning… I kept her under close watch at all times, tried to keep her in the castle and away from the outside world. Curiosity got the better of her, as per her norm, and she would sneak out when she thought we weren’t watching. Then she met you.” The last sentence sent a shiver down my spine, but the King did not give up. “I tried convincing her otherwise, but she kept going on and on about you, her new friend. Seeing as she wouldn’t give up, I shut the gates for good. That’s when her knight in shining armor waltzed up to the castle gates and pleaded to be her guardian.” The memory of that day still fresh in my mind, I shook my head aside to not get caught up in it.

“So why did you let me stay then?” I challenged, my feathers beginning to stand on end. The King, however, remained calm as he answered my questions. “I could see it in her eyes. Ah, those gorgeous bright eyes, they would never have forgiven me if I didn’t.” I broke eye contact with the male finally, but dared another question. “Then why didn’t you tell me…” My voice cracked, but I could feel the anger welling up inside me once more. I stood a bit taller and spoke again, this time my voice was clear and bold. “Why didn’t you tell me, Sire?! Why did you lead me on like this, only to end up in such a position! What am I to do now?!” My body shook, and I had to take a step back. My voice got weaker as well. “She was all that I had…” My vision blurred, and I felt a warm dampness rolling off my cheeks that I haven’t felt in ages. I felt a large paw on my shoulder, and I jumped at the touch. I looked up into the King’s dulled eyes.

“She’s not gone, Soren.” I was confused. “But Sir-“ “Aiakos.” I brushed his paw away and wiped my eyes, clearing my voice a bit before speaking. “I’m not sure I understand.” The King chuckled and turned his back to me. He lifted his hand to his guards once more, “I would like to speak privately with Soren.” The tension did not ease, but seemed to grow with a hint of danger. “Are you sure-“ one of them tried to plead, and I’m glad I couldn’t see the King’s glare that made the guards’ eyes go wide and hurry out of the room. He walked to the edge of the room and shut the wide doors, spinning around slowly in place and leaning back into them before returning his gaze to mine. His eyes were glazed over with something new, however. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but he seemed different. Perhaps loosing his daughter was starting to take a mental toll on his sanity. He spoke again. “Aiakos.”

I tilted my head at the word again, and spoke my confusion. “I’m not sure I know what this ‘Aiakos’ is, Sir.” He chuckled lowly and rubbed his face with his large paw, “Rumor has it a mage is in town. For how long, I am unsure, but I know enough about him to request his presence. My confusion failed to let up in my features. “A Viscet of many rumors, seen by many, known by few, touched by none… at least not yet. Aiakos specializes in dark magic, and has an interest in life energy and death.” My blood ran cold for the second time today, and not for the same reason. My ears flattened against my head, my voice hardly a whisper. “You can’t be implying…”

“Find Aiakos and bring him to me. We’re getting Lark back.”

“Sire, I don’t think-“ I spoke up, fear bubbling in me at his forbidden intentions. He snarled, raising his voice this time. “This is an order, Soren. Go!” He practically chased me out of the room, and I once more raced through the halls of the Castle.


As I wander the bare city plaza, I can’t help but sigh. Oh, how my life turned upside down in the matter of hours. Lark…. I’m sorry. Who was protecting who? It feels strange to be back within the city’s gates, and I feel almost out of place here now. I wonder how my parents are, I can’t help but wonder. But there’s no time for that. My duty lies elsewhere, for the time being. I ask around, but am met with the same answer every time. Who? of course. Why would you go out of your way looking for someone like that? came the snarky response of few. They were right though. why was I doing this?

I want to see Lark came my selfish reply, but I knew this was wrong. I bumped into something while lost in my thoughts. I gasped and took a step back, apologizing and looking up, but was stopped in my tracks. Could this be…



“…Aiakos?”


And that was the beginning of my End.

[Parasitic Rat]

Bump~

[magpiemochi.]

Oh my ;u;

[PikaPerfect]

Username:
Name:
Gender:
Art Piece:

Extras;
maximum of 15000 words
maximum of 5 extra art (art piece does not count)

mark????
ver cute kiddo

[Parasitic Rat]

Boop~

[park.]

I must be blind, I cannot find the end date, I am so sorry. When is the end date?

[Lioashu]

@chanyeol.
I'm not wolf, but they said it ends October 5th. ^^

[park.]

@humerussin - thank you ^^

[Parasitic Rat]

I'm extending this to 9PM because I forgot lol