Having been morning for a little while, and after a good shake off, and toweled down, Shurry and company made their return to the city. Neze carried a small bundle of fish, a bundle that quickly became one after her reaction had been delayed. Shurry thought that the delay was because the fish wouldn't be enough, so he had quickly fished up a few more before Neze could manage to say anything.
He's kind, almost to a fault. But I still don't know why he gave me so much? So just before they reached the line at the gate, she stopped walking… "Why?" She asked, puzzling both Shurry and Lyca alike. "Why do this much for me?"
"We hunted together. So we're friends now."
Neze, didn't expect that answer, and wore a stupefied expression.
"And friends help each other feel better. You looked sad, and said you had friends before." Shurry tried explaining… "They didn't come with us, so they must be hungry too, right?"
"You… said that before, but…"
Neze was still hesitant to just accept something so simple. She'd been constantly dealing with people who wanted to attack her, to include other werewolves. Shurry, as educated as he was, couldn't seem to find the words to explain it properly. Lyca seeing the situation decided the time to wait was over.
"Neze, it's because it is the duty of the Alpha to look after the pack. You felt sad because your friends were also hungry. To improve your mood, one would need to feed their hunger, correct? And that's what he did."
"... Alpha?" Neze was temporarily confused.
"Yes, Shurry is the first Alpha born since before the gods descended."
Neze's eyes lit up with a realization, everything she experienced during the night was made clear. She had been stronger than she'd normally been, so much so that even the beastification could explain all of it. The time she'd wanted to howl out so bad but couldn't do it until Shurry howled.
"Alpha…" her lips curled into a small smile. A rush filled her full of energy, she didn't know what it meant, but she knew one thing for certain. There is hope for the future. I'll get stronger, stronger than anyone, and protect my friends.
With everything settled, and having entered the city once again, Neze parted ways from Shurry, stealing glances at him… Eventually, she returned to the small orphanage she called home. However, along the way, the sight of her running through the streets was noticed by more than a few people…
"Everyone, I'm back! And I brought fish!"
"Yay! Big sister!"
The orphans were so happy to see their big sister return, some cried. "Big Sister, I thought you were gone!"
"I was invited to go on a hunt! And they generously gave me some fish, let's cut em up, and eat them together!"
It wasn't long before they were all eating the fish, each child happily munching down, a light spread of crumbs on their cheeks. The old woman, having a hot meal for breakfast, and fish no less, felt an overwhelming sense of joy. Her heart couldn't take it, and she passed away, sitting up right, and with a smile. "I'll leave them to you…." Were her last words.
Just as she died, the door was kicked open. "Oh my! What do we have here?"
"Looks like a bunch of monster bait to me."
"Well, kill & capture them, why don't you?"
And as if to signal calamity the old woman, who'd reach peace, fell over from the disturbance. And the evil men ran their usual game, capturing all of the children, including Neze. She'd been a bit stronger lately, but against level 2s, she was utterly helpless.
"Hey! The boss really likes her, keep her alive."
"What about the rest of them?" One really messed up woman asked, after tying Neze up. She wore the look of a killer, one who delighted in robbing the life of others.
"I guess it doesn't matter if they are dead or alive, bait is bait after all. Kill them, but keep it quick. And you bring that brat to the boss before we're found out."
Neze struggled with violent intensity to get free from her binds. She even tried her best to transform, even if only a little, it would be enough to save someone. Then before she knew it, she was ceiling carried through the back alleys.
The others in the orphanage… Didn't last long, their cries were loud enough that Neze could still hear them dying, and their murder laughing. Him, if it's him, I can howl! Neze bellowed out a howling cry, one pleading for help. But they're already dead… Her howl fell into a whimpering cry…
Shurry's ears were good, and he heard it… Immediately running over from where he and Lyca were still eating food stalls out of their stocks. Lyca followed after him, and then she heard the echoes…
However, it wasn't Shurry that arrived first. Instead, out of the street came a flying kick, knocking the evil guy down on his ass, dropping the tied up Neze. And with a swift movement of her small blade, the ropes gave way, freeing Neze from their hold.
"Are you okay?" The one responsible for the flying kick asked, with her tiny hand extended out, and an intoxicating smile, as bright as the sun on her face.
The evil man held his face in pain. "Damn brat!" He drew his dagger, and charged at the child who'd landed a foot square in his face. "I'll kill you!"
The red haired girl held up her sword and blocked the evil man's blade, with incredible difficulty. However, it wasn't enough to fully prevent his forward movement, as she slid backwards, and he continued pushing.
Neze was still feeling weak as could be, but then she remembered what this man was at least partially responsible for. She got up, and started to attack the evil man from the side. Punching him into a wall, breaking her hand in the process.
"Alise be careful my child!" Astraea called out, worried for the new family she just gained.