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*** Please read Issue #18 of Invincible the Tiger, Transformation, before this chapter to understand this chapter more. ***276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYb39MCuG5b
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4lu2QffDe
Pinwheel soared in the sky, feeling like there was a huge dent in his heart that couldn’t be replaced. I know what I did, and I don’t care. I’m not sorry. The dragons came to me and Lichen first. It’s their fault they’re dead. The blood from the dragons was spattered on his mouth, body, and talons, but he just kept flying. If I should be worrying about anything, it should be about rescuing my brother.
Everything had happened so suddenly. The dragons came, he transformed, and now he was flying, far away from Chara and the patrol, and he was a murderer. I protected Lichen. I killed the dragons for a reason. Not only did I save her, but I also saved everyone who was in the line to be collared and everyone who was already. No one will get their claws on me without my permission. Who did they think they were?
He growled, still furious. Pinwheel didn’t care if the patrol followed him. There was no way to turn back what he just did, and he was going to head in the direction of Sleek’s territory, where Rapier was held, and save him like he should have done from the very beginning.
He was still flying, toward the Sleek’s home, until a rumbling sound exploded in his head.
Pinwheel stumbled in the air, his balance snatched out of him, and he yelped, blasting fire around him as he flailed. He smashed into the top twigs of a tree, getting tangled, and Pinwheel coiled and roared, slicing branches and flapping his wings. He transformed into his old self, shaking off the sticks that got in his pelt. “Curses!” he spat.
Then, another rumble went off, and Pinwheel sunk his claws into the bark to not get sent into another flurry. Is this the Core’s doing? Come and face me, you cowards! He bared his teeth at nothing.
Pinwheel . . . help.
At that, Pinwheel froze, as if he turned into ice. That voice sounds familiar. Who . . . what . . . is that . . .
Yes. It’s me. Hello, Pinwheel. I know I haven’t been a worthy Spirit Guard. I’m sorry.
Pinwheel, for what seemed like the first time in forever, felt tears welling in his eyes out of some sort of happiness. Mist! Where are you? How can I help you? What happened? How-
Pinwheel. Calm down. This is the first time I can actually reach you . . . please . . . please come and bring help. I’m at-
Silence. Pinwheel strained to hear Mist’s voice again. You’re at where? He demanded. Still nothing. Pinwheel thought Mist had abandoned him again, until Mist screeched in his head, this time desperate. Pinwheel had never heard Mist sound so fearful.
I have to go. J- Just help, please! Find me. They’re coming, I- I ha-
It was like Mist’s voice was cut off by a dark force, pulling him away from Pinwheel. Pinwheel yowled, screaming inside and outside his thoughts. Mist! I promise I’ll help you! Hang in there! I’ll find you, and whatever . . . or whoever is holding you will suffer! He roared and sprung into the sky, a dragon again in the blink of an eye. First rescue Rapier . . . and then, Invincible . . . where are you? I’ll find you as well. And then, I swear to you, Mist, you’ll be next.
He turned into a lean, swifter form and soon reached Sleek’s territory, plunging toward the camp. What if Rapier’s not there? What if I’m too late? Pinwheel felt as if everyone he cared for was away. Invincible, Mist, Rapier, as well as the patrol. I’m sorry for leaving you, Chara. Whatever you do, don’t get into trouble while I’m away. I’ve had too much to do since I ran away from Sleek. And now I’m returning to her, for I’m sure will be the last time. I’M GOING TO TEAR HER THROAT OUT FOR WHAT SHE’S DONE!
Pinwheel sought out the river where he had met Invincible. He landed at the bank of it, sniffing, and he could detect a very faint scent of Sleek and Invincible from the past. The smell was extremely old, but Sleek’s scent led a trail up a steep hill and beyond.
Pinwheel flew into the sky again, swooping over the hill and following the scent closely. And then, finally, he found fresh pawsteps, smelling of the Sleek. This must be their close territory. The camp has to be extremely near.
He walked along the pawsteps that soon led to a very familiar entrance. The smell of cats wafted to his nose, and Pinwheel knew he had arrived at the Sleek.
This is it.
He formed back to himself, taking a deep breath, and then he stalked into the clearing. Immediately, gazes turned to him, and the commotion of the den-area turned into a bewildered silence. Pinwheel laughed softly and raised his paw in a slight wave.
“Hi."
ns 15.158.61.48da2
