Piping-Hot Revenge

They had walked for so long in silence. Calamity was also used to her own company - and silence - but the fact that Toxicity was somehow now bearing witness to her privacy was disquieting. Although they trod along in mostly quiet interspersed with Toxicity's insightful comments, she found the noise inside her head almost deafening. Thoughts crowded in her mind. What came next - was she reciting the prayer correctly - did Toxicity think she was stupid, or a failure, or worthless - would she be able to even reach the summit? - what came next, would she be able to go home and feel somehow restored? Some sense of peace? Try as she might, Calamity couldn't quiet her train of thought. It just ran on endlessly in self-ablating loops. Finally they paused and Toxicity addressed her directly. When she mentioned scaling the volcano, Calamity peered over her own shoulder at the towering peak. Her father's strange tomb. Was she capable of making it to the top?

"I will. Pray for me," she murmured gruffly, her ears folded meekly. Who had she become? No matter. Whatever happened, she would be a different wolf once she reached the summit. She was sure of it. Setting herself to the arduous task before her, Calamity began her slow and steady ascension. Cala would persevere. She would overcome.

wc: 219