The seemingly untouched grass cuts off suddenly. Stepping onto eerily even dirt, Beowl looks around. There was nothing here but a sizable lake, its dark hue complemented by the living growth along the surface. He considers looking around some more but stops once slumbering moss colonies awaken. The onset illumination reveals figures sitting on a magnificent hill on the far side of the lake. Most prominent was Scrowl, his elegant fur and size unmistakable. The sight of him drove Beowl to prostrate himself. Only after did he realise the others were the commanders. Sitting right of their leader was Talf, known by his monicker Steel Fur. Opposite him was Rawl, the one known as the War Wolf. Standing below was another whose presence was obscured. Was this the elusive general Vanishing Fur Wost? Left without time to properly process the sight, Scrowl signals the start of the audience.
The dust thrown up by Scrowl's paw begins to settle under the young light. Across the lake, Beowl remains respectfully bowing next to the still-standing boy.
"Beowl, I applaud your punctual arrival." Scrowl glances over to the unknown, "Judging from the water residue, you took initiative to clean it before the audience." He elegantly leaps down into the water, producing only a small splash despite his size. Having heard praise from his leader, Beowl is overwhelmed by immense joy.
Raising his head, Beowl manages a small "Thank you," before his eyes meet Scrowl's, who is now extremely close. The sudden proximity causes Beowl to freeze up. Being considerate of the young wolf, Scrowl decides to begin his inspection of the unknown creature. He takes a mental note of the boy's features, both physical and mental, especially intrigued by his non-reactiveness to being approached.
"Close yet not correct. This is not the one spoken of in prophecy," mutters Scrowl as he begins returning to his hill to deliver his decision to the still frozen Beowl.
Once Beowl has gathered himself, Scrowl speaks, "Young one, how much of the prophecy are you aware?" The unexpected question catches Beowl off guard. Steeling himself, Beowl recounts what all young wolves were taught. The prophecy tells of an individual who will one day appear with features resembling their own. While she will initially be weak, she will lead wolf-kind to salvation. Therefore, it is the tribe's duty to support her rise to power. Taking over Scrowl continues, "Her body shares our features indeed. However," he raises a paw towards the unresponsive boy. "The prophecy dictates the core of her body furless, similar to this boy you've found." Beowl is shocked by this revelation, which Scrowl clearly notices. "To ignore a potential aid to the prophesied one would be sinful. Therefore, I impart upon you a sacred mission. Raise this creature into one worthy of serving her."
Beowl stammers a simple, confused "Pardon?" Did Scrowl really give him a sacred mission? He must have misheard, he isn't even a full-fledged warrior. His eyes dart around in shock as Scrowl clearly repeats what he said.
"I trust you shall accept Beowl," comments Scrowl with a stiffening expression. Beowl's body feels impossibly heavy; his every breath feels empty.
Then a new, resonant voice fills the air, "My Lord, the young live together in rather crowded conditions. Perhaps he worries about not having sufficient space?" Unexpectedly, the elusive commander has seemingly spoken up to help. Beowl feels the urge to voice his unworthiness. Someone else spoke first.
"That is a valid point, Wost. Without sufficient shelter to protect from the elements, the boy could very well die." The measured voice robs Beowl's attempt to decline respectfully. Their exalted leader considers the input of his generals before returning his gaze to Beowl.
The audience moves from one topic to another, with Beowl left waiting speechless. Strangely, Scrowl only discusses the matter with Talf and Wost.
"Housing them outside the cove would leave them vulnerable," reiterates Talf, receiving unanimous agreement, save for the unresponsive Beowl.
Commander Wost interjects, "We can't house an outsider in the cove; it would endanger the pack." The pair wait for their leader, who gestures for Wost to continue. "Housing it with the pack leaves it visible. If the bats discover it, they may launch a rash attack."
"Wost, my stealth expert. Where would you suggest?"
Scrowl's question lingers briefly before Wost responds, "With all respect, housing them in your sanctuary would be best." Instantaneously, both Talf and Rawl move to object.
"Silence," orders Scrowl, "By the river lies a cave last used generations ago, housing the pair there will ensure their safety." Shifting over to Rawl, he finishes "Rawl, lead them and ensure it remains fit for life."
"It's time to go." These first words from Rawl signal that Beowl's involvement here is finished. With nothing except a simple nod, he follows the commander away. Anxiousness takes over his thoughts, and questions of how and why flood his head. "I'd reckon we outta earshot now, lad," erupts a rough voice, "That was nerve-rackin, wasn't it! Don't cha worry, if ya need any aid my squad is always happy to help!"
"Huh?" Beowl could not contain his surprise at the sudden casualness. For the first time since entering the audience, his face portrays his real emotions.
"Surprised? I've never been good at all that formal crap, reason why I stay silent during audiences." An outburst of laughter follows his words. In his unique, overly friendly way, he calms Beowl's worries during their walk until the trio arrive at a calm cave-side river. From today onwards, so long as the boy remains in Beowl's care, this is their home.
"Stay here, lad, I'll go make sure it's still secure!" Without waiting for a reply, the musclehead commander sets off for an inspection. Turning around, Beowl looks at the nameless boy. Everything happened so fast, but the result was already decided. Still, how is he supposed to care for something that hardly reacts? Would he still have the time to train?
"Wait, if this thing is anything like…" thinks Beowl, recalling how his leader compares the creature to their clan's prophesied saviour. Starts weak, becomes strong. If this holds for the boy, they'd be his perfect training partner. "Hey, uh…" it doesn't have a name. Looking into the creature's eyes, Beowl realises what to call him. "Void… from today onwards, that is your name." From the river, he hears the booming voice of Rawl calling out for them. With a new motivation lit within, Beowl takes the first step towards his new life with Void.
His whole life Beowl slept, ate and bathed with the others of his generation.
"Welcome to ya new home, lad. Everythin' stable enough, so feel free to make alterations." Rawl congratulates him in a supportive way, reminding Beowl that he can rely on Rawl's hunting squad.
"Thank you very much, I'll be sure to treasure it." Having extended his gratitude, he begins exploring his new home. The cave was spacious, and despite the nearby river, it wasn't damp. Lowering a paw into the river, he discovers the temperature is perfect. Looking around, he realises it isn't just the river.
"You'll get used to it," comments Rawl after noticing Beowl's realisation, "The others say Scrowl's presence is why the sanctuary is flourishing." The light begins to dim. Thanking his senior once again, Beowl bids goodbye and walks Void into the cave. He tries to tell the boy to sleep, but he just stands there. Begrudgingly, he manually lays the boy down before carefully shutting his eyes.
"Wake up." For the first time, the unresponsive boy reacts. Void's eyes open, and he begins to stand up. The first thing he notices is the sleeping wolf, the one he usually follows around. Out of the corner of his eye, Void catches a pale blue glow. Turning, his eyes meet the glow's source. Reflecting in his eyes is another empty existence, but unlike himself, its emptiness is physical. The voiceless person extends a pristine pile of fabric, "These are a gift. Please, wear them." Looking down at his hands, Void seemingly begins to think. However, his mind does not flow with words but instead with a vague awareness. Reaching out, he touches the fabric, which begins to degrade in quality. The one holding them vanishes, a silent smile across their lips. Alone once again, the boy dresses himself in the gifted ragged clothing before stillness claims him anew.
Beowl's eyes twitch as his dreams begin to bid farewell. The notion that he would not only have an audience but be given a sacred mission. Ridiculous. Rising to his feet, he rids himself of drowsiness by stretching.
Something feels off, "Where is the smell?" Beowl frantically looks around. The strange boy from his dream is here. Realising it wasn't a dream, he let out a lengthy sigh. "Wait, what is it wearing?" he thinks, analysing the ragged cloth adorning Void. It looks identical to what he ruined earlier. How could it be here now? Approaching Void carefully, he takes a moment to check. "Void, where did you get this?" Beginning to turn, Beowl remembers it doesn't react. Void raises his arm and points to the side. Snapping back, Beowl nearly doesn't believe his eyes. There was nothing where the boy pointed, but the action itself is invaluable. Training Void might actually be possible.
Beowl's snout meets the cool breeze as he emerges from his newly slept-in home. His heart beats heavily with excitement. For the first time, he gets his own private training ground, and it's in the sanctuary! In addition, Void finally reacts to him. From today onwards, he can train Void into a powerful warrior and get stronger himself. Or at least, that's how it should've been. No matter how much he calls Void, they remain rooted in place. Beowl considers using force. Realising it'd be pointless, he decides to train alone, then go find someone more knowledgeable. Maybe his teacher, Harl, could work? Scary images flash through his mind. Maybe someone gentler will be better. Beowl can tell from the sound of footsteps that Void starts following again. He imagines how easy it would be if he understood the boy's actions. Pushing the thought aside, he decides to train now and figure out teaching Void later.
Leaves launch outwards alongside a splintering crack. Lowering his paw, Beowl studies the mark he has left in the tree's trunk. Questions form in his mind. Were trees always this durable? Does Scrowl's presence make plants here stronger? The warm moss light wavers, bringing a refreshing cool to Beowl's sweltering body. The moment fades as the bright second light begins, replacing the dimness of the waking light. His ears twitch at the sound of distant howls. Everyone over in the colony must be getting ready for the day now. Looking over to Void, he decides to take a short break before heading off to find educational aid. Lying down under the tree's shade, Beowl begins carefully thinking of who to ask.
Lost in thought, Beowl begins his walk towards the main part of the cove. Following at a distance was Void, wearing the same blank expression as always. Reaching the edge of the sanctuary, Beowl suddenly stops. He remembers the judging stares he received last time he walked through with Void. Except this time was different, he didn't have an imposing senior like Fangor to protect him. His hesitation breaks when Void runs into him. Something about the boy's constant careless state makes him think his own worries were silly. With shaky confidence, Beowl crosses over into the cove. For a little while, it is nerve-racking, but then he realises nobody is staring at him. All their gazes are fixed on Void. He relaxes a little and overhears a father telling their children to get ready for pup watch. Beowl remembers going to Fostail's pup watch. He pauses for a moment, realising she is the perfect person to ask for advice on educating Void.
The gazes focusing on Void shift from offput bystanders to concerned parents as the pair approaches Fostail's pup watch. Taking a deep breath, Beowl enters the vibrant field for the first time in years. If he remembers correctly, the wolf he's seeking should be in her cave at the far end. Walking through the flowering field, the gazes on Void shift again. This time it was from the young pups, their eyes full of curiosity. Beowl flashes a quick smile to the kids before picking up his pace. Arriving at the far end, the cave's entrance comes into view. Inside, he sees his old caretaker, Fostail, looking after the infants. He considers waiting until she's free, but then she calls out.
"If it isn't eager Bebe, what brings you by, dear?" His chest tightens in embarrassment upon hearing his old nickname.
"W-well, I was hoping for some advice, Fostail," stammers Beowl. She shoots him a harsh glare as if suggesting he forgot something. "Please, Mama Fostail, could you help me?" Satisfied, her glare softens, and she gestures for Beowl to come ask his questions.
"You chose me for help? Awh, Bebe, I didn't know you thought so highly of me." The joy practically oozes off Fostail. Beowl, still feeling embarrassed, moves to speak, but is too slow. "So, where is your young one? When do I get to meet them?" The question throws Beowl off. Void is right behind him, right? Nobody was behind him.
"It was following me just a moment ago," he stammers, a sudden panic taking hold. Rushing out of Fostail's pup care, he frantically searches for Void. He stops almost immediately. There he was, laying in the field, being played with by the pups.
Walking beside him, Fostail comments, "You're still so prone to worry, Bebe." She begins walking over and waves for Beowl to follow with her tail.
Watching Fostail effortlessly disperse the crowd of pups, Beowl is left lost for words. Her ability to guide the pups so skilfully made it almost like watching a commander lead their hunting squad.
"What an unusual pup you're raising," states Fostail, her tone colder and direct.
"Y-yes, it is. I don't even know how to start." His dropping volume signals his growing feeling of inferiority. Fostail lies down in the grass, grabbing Beowl's attention. Softly, she turns Void's head towards herself. Once the boy's gaze settles on Fostail, she slowly begins to rise to her feet. Beowl is shocked to see Void also begin to get up.
"Reminds me of little Hushpaw, poor pup couldn't hear." Setting her eyes on Beowl's stupefied expression, she tries not to laugh. Her eyes catch the pups becoming restless. "Bebe, I'm busy right now. Come back after third light, and I'll have time to help." Having said her piece, she leaves Beowl and returns to work.