She sat at the edge of the field, eyes closed, trying to shut out the smells of death, battle, blood and war. The Battlefield. It was no place for a wolf expecting a litter. But she needed to see him. She had viewed him as her own son in the time she had raised him and his siblings, both blood and adopted. Not knowing if he was alright. Not knowing if he was happy. It ate at her. She had seen the hurt mirrored in Cairo?s eyes when he had called the Adravendi?s to discuss the missing male in their family. She had been included, as she was considered a part of the Adravendi family by the raising of Cairo?s children.

Deep blues opened and gazed out at the field of Battle. It was empty at the moment; no battles to be fought this day. A soft summer wind combed its talons through her fur, and the life that dwelled within her stirred as if they too felt her uneasiness. She took a deep breath, then sighed. Then she lifted her head and let her voice croon out over the field, over the land, and hopefully to the ears of the one she sought.

?Neo..? Her call was for him, and for him alone.

He heard something on the wind, a sound he'd not heard in a long time, Erani, the bitch that Cairo had dumped him and his runts on after Guinevere had died. Pathetic that she of all people would call for him. Slowly he lifted off the ground and burried the rabbit he had ruthlessly captured and killed for later. There would be a later. This would be over with soon enough. He approached the field with a ripping snarl, blood from the fresh kill dripping from his muzzle. Tortuga had changed him ,made him strong but at the expense of any temperate and calm dispositions he might have had. He circled the female, tail and ears raised in warning. The playful pup was gone, consumed by vengeance and hatred. "What?!" he snapped with a ripping growl, his face contorted to show his fangs. The fur on his back stood on end, nails digging into the uneven ground. "Don't waste my time woman." He spat, eyes never leaving her body for a minute. His once violet eyes now seemed magenta, redder, burning embers filled with disdain for the woman in front of him. Words words words This is speech

He came. He was utterly changed. He had been bitter before, but now? Her heart wrenched in her chest, and her gut twisted at the utter epitome of hate that stood before her, tail and head raised high, ears pushed forward, eyes narrowed. She showed him none of her feelings, something she had never thought that she would have to do around the ones she had helped raise. Instead, her head tilted, and she studied him. ?You've grown well. And by your scent, you've a mate. Congratulations, Neo.? She wondered who she was. The scent was vaguely familiar, but held so much of Tortuga, that the original scent was lost.

?I called you hear, because I wanted to see you. To make sure you were alive. And I?m glad you came. You are safe. You are well. But your heart has died.? She shook her head and rose, gazing into the eyes that glared back at her. ?I always loved you, Neo. You were spirited, you never gave up on something you wanted. You were strong. You had a future. Now you have nothing in you but hate. And yet I still love you. I hope you do well in life, Neo. As long as you are happy, I am content.?

She turned. ?Goodbye, Neo.?

-Exit, unless stopped-

He didn't even give her the satisfaction of looking at her as she left. Instead he ran. Ran as far as he could from her, never looking back. Luce was the only one he needed. The only one he cared about. The only one that could comfort him. Exit Neo Words words words This is speech