Volk and Sobaka went to find Lykos, Skylos, and Alepou. They knocked on their door, and Skylos opened it with his usual lazy grin.
Skylos: Sup.
Volk: Where are the other two?
Skylos: Lykos is passed out—stayed up all night taking care of Alepou. And Ale? She's next to him, making sure he doesn't die in his sleep or something.
Sobaka: Huh... well, we need everyone awake. Once Ly stops being a sleeping beauty, meet us at Aster's house.
Skylos: Got it. Oh, wait—if you're heading to Okami, tell him to swing by here for a sec.
Volk: Sure, we'll send him your way.
A loud thud came from inside the house, followed by Alepou's voice shrieking, "STOP!" Skylos sighed like a tired parent.
Skylos: ...I'll check on them.
Sobaka: Good luck, comrade.
Sobaka and Volk closed the door behind them and set off toward Okami and Kitsune. Skylos trudged down the hallway and pushed open the bedroom door—just in time to see Alepou hurriedly putting her shirt back on.
Skylos: What the hell happened?
Lykos: OW!
Alepou: You were trying to do things to me in your sleep!
Skylos: I leave you two alone for one second, and it escalates. Next time I check in, am I expecting a baby announcement?
Alepou: You fucking moron.
She hurled a pillow at his face, but Skylos caught it effortlessly, smirking as he tossed it back onto the bed.
Alepou: And YOU! What the fuck were you dreaming about?!
Lykos' face turned a deep shade of red.
Lykos: Things...
Alepou didn't hesitate—SLAP!
_________
Meanwhile, in another house, Volk and Sobaka were explaining the situation to Okami and Kitsune.
Volk: So yeah, we either leave or investigate ground zero. Think it over before we all meet up at Aster's.
Kitsune: ...Alright.
Okami rested a hand on Kitsune's back in silent support.
Volk: Oh, by the way—Skylos wants to talk to you, Oka.
Okami: Tch, can't he walk over here himself?
Volk: He's babysitting Alepou and Lykos.
Okami: Hmph. Fine. I'll be back, Kit. You two keep an eye on her.
Sobaka: That was the plan, but sure, thanks for the reminder.
Okami stood up and headed to Lykos' house. He knocked once before Skylos answered.
Skylos: Oh, good, you're here. Alepou's got a question about powers. She's in the bedroom—with Lykos.
Okami: Aren't you supposed to be watching them?
Skylos: I am. But those two are basically children. Even though I'm the youngest, I swear I'm the most responsible one here. Just go talk to them—they're probably still throwing punches.
Okami: ...Alright?
Okami walked into the bedroom. Lykos was curled up in a corner like a scolded puppy, while Alepou laid on the bed, arms crossed, fuming.
Okami: What the hell happened here?
Lykos: She's mad at me...
Alepou: WHY SHOULDN'T I BE?!
Okami: What the fuck?
Alepou: Anyway! Okami, I think I, uh, have a new power.
Lykos: Wait, what?
Alepou: I DON'T WANT TO HEAR ANYTHING FROM YOU.
Lykos rolled back into a ball.
Okami: Alright, let's see it.
Alepou took a deep breath and concentrated—immediately, a golden bubble shimmered to life around her. Okami stepped forward and tapped it.
Okami: Huh. This thing is solid. Probably strong enough to withstand a Telum hit.
Summoning his scythe, he swung it at the barrier. The force rebounded, nearly making him stumble.
Okami: Yep. Definitely Telum-proof.
Lykos narrowed his eyes. Wait... is that the same bubble from the city? No... Hers is yellow. That one was green...
Alepou: Whoa, that scythe...
Okami: Oh, right. I have a Telum now. No idea how I got it, but here we are. Anyway, your power—it's definitely unique. You're one of the lucky few who get their own power, instead of taking one from an orb.
Alepou: Orb?
Lykos: Like the one from the fore—
Alepou: I thought I told you to SHUT UP!
Lykos immediately curled up again.
Okami: Ahem. Orbs drop from killing monstras or powered people. They let someone else take the ability. Lykos here used one in the forest—that's how he can heal people. ...At least to my understanding.
Alepou: Huh. That's kinda cool. So, anyone can get one?
Okami: Yep. Any age, any person.
Alepou: What about you? Is your power your own?
Okami: Nah, got it from an orb ages ago.
A knock at the door interrupted them. Skylos entered, followed by the others.
Volk: Why is he in a corner?
Lykos pointed at Alepou.
Alepou: He deserves to be there.
Volk: Okaaay? Anyway, we need to make a decision.
Volk laid out the plan—investigate or leave. He also explained Aster's power.
Okami: We should investigate. The lady who threatened us wasn't bluffing. We need to strike before they do—and I want payback for Inu.
Kitsune: Same. Whoever did this is going to regret it.
Alepou: I... agree. If they're the ones who destroyed our city, they need to pay.
She turned to Lykos.
Alepou: You may speak now, Astraea.
Skylos: Oof, last name and everything.
Lykos stood up, brushing himself off.
Lykos: She's right. They took our city. Our home. I want them gone.
A voice whispered in his head—Are you sure that's all you want? Do you know how much power we'd have if we took down everyone? We'd be GODS! No one could stop us—no one could hurt us!
Lykos ignored it.
Skylos: I'll follow the group. I just wanna know if Dad's still alive.
Volk: Then we go to that first. If everyone's ready, pack up. We leave soon....
__________
An hour later, at Aster's house, the group made their decision.
Aster: Gotta say, choosing ground zero? Not your smartest move.
Kitsune: We know.
Aster: Well... as you wish.
With a snap of his fingers, a portal opened. On the other side, a blonde man with cyan eyes was locked in battle.
Skylos: Dad?!
Volk: Well, that's convenient. Let's go help him out!
As the group stepped through, Aster gave one last farewell:
Aster: I hope you all find what you need... and live happy lives.
Then, he closed the portal behind them.
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