Tiny paws clamored against the wolf made wall that kept curious puppies inside their den instead of out exploring the world like they wanted to. Indigo’s current pass time was staring at the dirt and stone obstacle trying to figure out how he was going to overcome his opponent. He sat back on his brilliant purple haunches with his blue gaze intent on the barrier between himself and the bigger room beyond. One red striped ear flicked as he tilted his head in extreme concentration. He hadn’t been specifically forbidden from scaling it, but it was there and until these last few days he had no thought of overcoming it.

He was sure his mother was asleep, and he assumed his father was out hunting. Something he hadn’t found much interest in just yet, but he hadn’t even seen the sky yet. He just knew that he wanted to go. There was other places out there to see, and he was ready to go and see them. With a tiny ‘hmm’ the lavender child stood up and approached the wall, almost certain he’d figured out the solution.

Though she was the smallest of the bunch, that didn’t make her the meekest or the sweetest. Already Aslatiel was too clever. Her little baby brain worked a mile a minute. Her brother, Indy, wanted out. She did as well. So, with their mutual wants in mind, she set about making a plan. Violet eyes cast about, landing upon each thing within their little prison. The wall wasn’t terribly high… they just needed a boost.

Sidling her tiny, cream colored frame up beside her giant purple sibling, she whispered sweetly in one dark ear. “We could stand on Mort and Az.” Standing on one of their other large siblings would get them right over the wall and freedom would be theirs. “Whatcha think?” The tiny girl tilted her head as she questioned her brother, giving him a side-eye in the process.

Indy wasn’t an idiot pup, but even he didn’t think or make decisions as fast as his tiny sister. The young royal purple boy had to mull over his thoughts before he acted, thus his long contemplation of the barrier. He hadn’t really thought to get Aslatiel’s insight. As he padded forward lightly her sliph of a frame appeared beside him. Though she made a good point Indigo let out a much too loud chuckle.

He ducked his head and looked back at their sleeping mother, she remained undisturbed as far as he could tell. ”I don’t think they’d stand still long enough. Az would probably bite Mort’s tail.” His sapphire gaze angled towards her and at the wall. He moved closer, his dark chest against the barrier as his gaze could almost look over top of it. ”If I push you to the top, do you think you can help pull me up?” He would have to do most of the work, but maybe with an extra paw at the top he could fully ascend.

Listening to Indigo’s input, Asla shrugged lightly. She was sure that one of their brothers would hold still if she asked, but if Indy wanted to do it differently, then they would. He suggested that he push her up and she help him up once she was out. “We can give it a try.” There was serious doubt within the girl that she could aid him in his escape, but if she was out, perhaps she could find something for him to stand on so that he could make his escape as well.

With one little paw, she motioned for him to crouch so that she might stand on his back. They were small, but she was really, really small in comparison to him. Her minimal weight wouldn’t harm him in the slightest, she was sure. “Okay, I’m ready.” Excitement thrummed through the little wolf. She was getting out of this place and she was taking Indigo with her.

Asla shrugged at him when he mentioned their brother’s uncooperative natures. She might have been able to convince them but he certainly wasn’t going to be able to. She seemed ready enough to accept his suggestion at the least, if they failed they could move on to plan B. He moved into position and crouched next to the wall so that she could clamber onto his broad back and make her way up to the very top. As she balanced herself Indigo would straighten his legs slowly so that she could more easily ascend.

”Hold on.” He told her softly as he raised himself slowly and tried to push her up to the top. He doubted how much she was going to actually help him but at this point he figured a running leap would be his best bet. He pushed up and reached his tippy toes as he aimed to help her all the way.

Climbing on Indy’s broad back was easy. Hell, she’d been climbing on all of them this whole time. It was the only way to not get squished most of the time. As he extended his legs, Asla used her kitten claws to latch into the earth at the top of the wall. Little legs pumping, she made her way to the top. Success! The girl was triumphant as she stood atop the wall of the prison that had been holding them back.

Plum colored eyes cast about as she looked for a way to help her brother out of the hole. Her little nose wiggled as she scented the various objects in the den. Choosing a large object that she would later learn was called a bowl, the little wolf pushed it as quietly as possible towards the edge of the hole. “Watch out, Indy,” she whispered as she worked to lower the bowl into the hole. It would essentially serve as a step so that he could also win his freedom. They’d be out in the world very, very soon.

He heard the scrape of claws and he pushed up once more to help his tiny sibling up and over. Suddenly he was no longer bearing her weight and she’d made it. He felt elated as he looked back up towards her with sapphire eyes. She didn’t remain to pull him like he expected and he frowned for a moment. Had she abandoned him? Just when he started to get worried he heard her voice as well as the object’s appearance. He moved out of the way, his gaze shifting to their mother and siblings as the bowl was dropped to the floor.

When they didn’t stir Indigo stepped forward and oriented the bowl in place so that he could step up onto it and then out into freedom. With a grin on his face Indigo stepped up with one red marked limb, he positioned his rear feet beneath him and reaching up with thick puppy arms. He struggled, but Indigo climbed his way to the top. He couldn’t help but beam down at his tiny sister. ”We did it!” He flinched and turned back to the family. Hopefully he hadn’t gone and ruined their fun before it really began

The cream colored girl cast a glance back at her sleeping siblings. If they woke before their mother, she hoped that they would put two and two together. Use the bowl step. Get out. Find them. Until they did, it was just her and Indie. Leaning momentarily against her giant brother out of sheer excitement, Asla gave a little wiggle. Without any more hesitation, she crept silently along and parted the skin flap that covered the doorway.

One tiny paw stepped tentatively outside, touching grass for the very first time. Aslatiel released a slow “wooooooow” and placed her other paw against the cool blades as well. She thoroughly enjoyed the feel of it on her little toe pads. Lowering her nose to the ground, she learned its scent. Soon all four paws were on the grass. Not only were they on the grass, but she was soon running like a mad child upon it. The tiny wolf darted this way and that, grey ears tucked back against her skull as she zoomed about. This was the best day of her life without a doubt.

Thankfully their family did not stir even as he offered his elation and the royal purple boy didn’t hesitate to follow tiny Asla outside. He spent hardly any time in the main room, it wasn’t much different from the birthing den. He didn’t have any trouble following his sister, he had little desire to lead even as a young puppy. Indy had been very much determined to escape though, and he was glad his sister helped him along.

Asla hesitated only slightly when they got to the main door, Indigo nudged her hip encouragingly and with only a few more moments the two of them were suddenly running around. He didn’t know if he had ever had so much fun before as he raced through the grass and chased his sandy sibling. He didn’t think about getting found out at all, only that he could now run full tilt and he was enjoying it with Aslatiel. ”Asla!” He squealed excitedly as he tried to nip at her tail. His stride was longer but she was faster than he ever expected.

More than once she stumbled and rolled only to regain her footing and continue on as though nothing had happened. Peals of laughter erupted from the child as her heart knew nothing but joy. She wasn't meant to be locked up in the den prison. She was meant to be out here under this big, blue sky.

Indy was on her tail and she squealed aloud, tucking her tail and lowering her haunches to zoom even faster. Again, her paws got in the way and she tripped, rolling across the ground a fair distance. Sitting up, she blinked plum eyes a few times and waited for the world to stop spinning. "This is the best, Indy." The little wolf threw herself onto her back in the grass and hooted joyously. "The beeeeeest!"

A couple of times Indigo bowled over Asla as she stumbled and flailed in the grass. He laughed heartily along with her as his vibrant lavender pelt slipped in and out of the dark grasses. There was no danger, there was nothing else in the world but complete and total happiness. Indigo was innocent and pure and literally having the time of his life. He and Aslatiel could conquer anything! Especially tiny borders set by their parents.

Asla squealed and he giggled after he as she tucked her tail and ran as fast as she could as he chased after her. She fell again and after leaping over her and losing his speed the vibrant child spun around as his sister sat back up after her tumble. He wasn’t near tired, the boy had infinite energy, but he threw himself onto the grass beside her and giggled playfully. One giant black paw was placed on his sister’s chest as she declared exactly what he was feeling. This was the best experience by far. ”The beeest!” He joined her, and feeling overwhelmed with his elation the boy hopped back up and lifted his decorated muzzle to the sky and howled with joy.

Indy fell onto the grass beside her and the pair of pups giggled and laughed. Her brother placed one massive paw on her chest and Aslatiel snuggled in close, wrapping her little arms around his neck to give him a squeeze. How did life get any better than this? Then Indy showed her. Her lavender sibling sat up, raised his muzzle to the sky, and howled. Purple eyes flashed with intense interest and, a moment later, she had her little chest pressed against his and she was howling too.

Aslatiel howled until her little voice cracked. When she was done, she collapsed backwards again, all smiles and giggles. She couldn’t help but wonder why her parents had tried to keep them from such amazing things. Suspicion filled her and the smile slowly vanished. Was there something out there that they didn’t want them to see?

Rising from her place on the ground, Asla swiped her tongue across Indy’s purple cheek. “What should we do now?” Dark ears perked and she listened for anything that might draw their adventure in a particular direction. There was a strange swishing sound a little ways off and her interest was instantly piqued. Slowly, and with great care, the tiny wolf snuck through the long grass. She eventually came to its end and her eyes widened. There was a long stretch of blue stuff just swishing on by. Reaching out one paw, she batted at it and her paw came away wet! “Indy! Look at this big wet thing!” What was it? What did it taste like? Leaning down, the creamy pup tried hard to lick the blue streak. Instead of licking it, she fell in face first.

The young boy was rather affectionate despite his independence, and he allowed and returned Asla’s embrace before the two of them hopped up from the grass. The tiny pup pulled back their heads and sang out their joy, unbridled and pure as the new dawning day. With his sister close beside him Indigo may have continued all day, but as her voice cracked so did his. He didn’t let his body fall to the grass again though, and for a moment his gaze lingered in the sky. Asla’s tongue licked his cheek and the boy nearly wiped it off with his shoulder before she spoke.

”Uh..” he wasn’t the one who had the bright ideas. The both of them wanted to escape, and it was Asla who thought to give him the bowl to step up on. He didn’t need to answer though, because Aslatiel’s attention was grasped by the sound of waves. The bigger boy followed after her, curious too and approached with similar interest. He waited for her to touch it, she was quick to tell him that she came away wet. He looked at her curiously before turning his attention to the water.

He missed his sister falling in, but he didn’t miss the splash. He was suddenly wet as well, but his attention was on his sister’s flailing body. What did he do?! ”Asla!” He called as he debated about jumping in after her.

Zee was resting peacefully, enjoying the pups now fully weaned. Her body was her own again for the most part, and without having to wake every few hours to feed them she was finally able to get in some deep uninterrupted sleep. If she had been less exhausted the new mother would have woken to the pup's squirming away, their hushed whispers, the bowl dropped upon the ground over the barrier. It wasn't until tiny gleeful howls sounded outside that she was pulled from her dreams, one eye opening lazily to glare out into the sun.

From the corner of her gaze she could see the sleeping forms of Mortis and Azure, but the two brightest colored pups and most easily noticeable were not there. Her head shot up and she awoke fully, wide eyes searching the den for the brilliant purple and tan children. Standing quickly she made her way to the barrier (growling under her breath at the makeshift stair) and leaped it.

The sounds and smells of puppies were not hard to follow and Zee had little issue tracking the tiny beings towards the water. The nearer she got the more her heart clenched with worry and the faster she ran. Indigo she saw first, and she followed his gaze towards the flailing tan and gray pup in the water. "Indy, stay there!" She commanded firmly before going after the girl. The water was not horribly deep and came up just to Zee's ankles, but for the small undersized pup it could be a death sentence. She grasped the pup's scruff and drug her out of the bay, plopping her down beside her brother.

Zee exhaled a long, relieved sigh as she looked down at her two troublemakers. "Grounded. Both of you." Her eyes narrowed in the barest glare before her resolve broke and she moved down to wrap them both in her arms, placing a kiss upon the top of her wet daughter's head. Too much could happen outside the den when you considered predators, intruders, storms and now the ocean. If it were up to her they'd stay in their den for the rest of their tiny lives. "You just wait until your father hears of this." The protective titan would likely die of fright if he'd been the one to stumble upon the waterlogged pup.

Panic surged through the small girl as the water started to swallow her up. Was it going to eat her alive? Perhaps it wasn’t that deep, but she wasn’t that tall, either. It seemed as though the more she tried to get back to the bank, the further out she slid. A howl of terror was pulled from the tiny girl involuntarily and her lavender eyes were wide with fright.

She could barely make out Indy calling her name before the form of her mother entered her vision. The woman picked her up quickly by the scruff and put her back on dry land. From that day forth, Aslatiel would always have an underlying fear of water. She didn’t even hear her mother saying that she was grounded. Fear driven adrenaline was still clouding her senses, but, with the reassuring presence of her mother, she was slowly calming.

As Zee pulled the girl close and informed them that she was going to tell their father, Asla’s grey ears tucked back against her skull. “Sorry, momma.” She cast her giant eyes downward in shame. She’d gotten Indy in trouble too. This had all been her idea. Looking back into her mother’s blue eyes, the child spoke again. “Are you mad at us?”

Despite having almost died… the fact that they were outside was overshadowing her watery experience. Gradually, Aslatiel’s little body began to wiggle with excitement and she hopped backwards out of her mother’s embrace, bumping into Indy in the process. “Momma, did you know how big outside is? It’s like the biggest thing ever!” She proceeded to run in a few circles again before diving into some of the longer grass and wrestling it like some make believe enemy.

Right as he made up his mind, the voice of his mother was on his dark ears and he felt himself freeze before going in after Aslatiel. Zee was in the water and rescuing her pup within the blink of an eye and as she moved back to the shore Indigo relaxed. His tail wagged and he smiled up at his momma as she deposited the soaked pup beside him. Without thinking he leaned against her, the fear was obvious in her. Even with his mother’s scolding, which pulled his red marked ears to his skull.

He didn’t know what grounding was, but it didn’t sound nice. He was reassured by her sudden embrace of the two of them and he hugged his mom back. ”Sorry, mom.” Indy hadn’t ever been so scared in his life, the boy knew he would have to be extra protective about his sibling from now on. They were young, and bounced back quickly, however harrowing an experience they had on their trip outside. Asla articulated well how the boy was feeling. He was excited to be out here in the huge world. Despite its dangers the wonders overwhelmed him.

Aslatiel felt the same as she wiggled excitedly and raced through the grass to burn off the energy. He didn’t get to the same level that she did, he still felt the weight of a ‘grounding’ weighing over him. He wondered when their father might return to the den. ”Does it go on forever?” Indy asked curiously, the sky seemed endless but he couldn’t see very far past the grass

There was a brief moment where Zee almost thought the pups understood, felt guilty that they'd worried her and put their lives in danger. They both apologized softly, and she couldn't help but squeeze them tighter. "I'm not mad at you, but you need to be more careful." She assured her little girl. It was short lived however, as both Asla and her brother returned to questions on the wide open world.

Asla and Indy's excitement was palpable, and Zee released them from the hug so she could look out at the world with them. "It is very big, and it might go on forever. Though to look for the end of the world you'd be walking all your life. Nobody knows." Zee had heard stories of other lands out past the ocean, of wolves who washed up on shore from places with names she'd never heard of and entire kingdoms the world away. Perhaps it did go on forever, though it was more likely it simply ended further then any wolf was able to walk.

"The world is wonderful, and one day you'll be able to see everything it has to offer. For now you're both still too little, there are dangers like this ocean everywhere. Your father, myself, and the members of this pack work very hard to make sure our territory is safe for you and your siblings to play... but we can't prepare the whole world for you. You must keep each other protected, and listen when we tell you that you cannot wander." Zee let her voice grow serious, and she did her best to catch both pup's attention so they'd listen well.

She couldn't bubble-wrap them, and she knew they needed to be prepared early for their lives ahead. One wrong move could easily kill a growing pup, and as much as she wanted them to stay small and innocent forever she knew the world was not always a friendly place. "If I hadn't heard you today, you could both be taken away from me. Forever at the bottom of the sea. One day you will be big enough to tackle the world, but for now you must stay within our borders. Your aunt Deathbelle keeps her lands safe as well, so you may play there too. Though if you cross the border to the north," She motioned in the direction with her paw. "or to the east," another motion. "then I can't protect you anymore. Please, stay where your father and I can watch you. If you must explore further, you need only ask and an adult will take you to see."

Mom wasn't mad at them. That much was good. The older wolf went on to explain about the end of the world and Asla shot Indy a bright look. "Maybe we can be the first ones to find the end of the world together, Indy!" The thought thrilled the young child. To make such a discovery with her beloved brother would be a great accomplishment. Mom then lapsed into explanation and lecture. A lot of it went in one ear and out the other simply because so many thoughts were flying through the girls head, but she did hear her mother say that they needed to protect one another. "I'll always keep you safe, momma. You, Papa, Indy, Mort and Az. I'll protect all of you." That, she promised. She would do her best to carry out her mother's wishes, but... everyone knows how pups are. "Speech"

The young Fatalis boy hadn’t been scared for himself he’d been scared for his sister. What if she really had been swallowed up by the ocean? He didn’t want to think about is, Asla, gone? It was the most wretched thought he’d experienced in his young life. Even though he was young he heard every word that Zee said to them, Indigo would honor his mother’s words. Anywhere he wanted to go and she would be there.

Asla caught his attention quickly after their mother stopped speaking, her gaze was bright and she sounded determined. They were going to find the end of the world together. He grinned brightly, it sounded like the ultimate adventure. He nodded but asla already went on, she was going to be the one to protect everyone.

Indy had much the same thought, but he saw the world a little more clearly. Aslatiel would need the most protection, and the boy silently vowed then he would always be there to do just that. His sister would aim to protect all of them but Indy would be there to keep her safe. ”I’ll be more careful, Momma.” He told Zee as he kept his vow silent.

Zee gave both her children a soft smile as they both repeated promises to be careful and keep each other safe. She nodded, pleased. Although they were grounded, she did not expect the children to stay den-bound now that they had tasted freedom. "Good pups. You may both go play, but you must stay where I can see you." Zee told them firmly, meeting both the pup's gazes to ensure she saw understanding there. "And away from the water until you learn to swim."

Though she wanted to keep them in her arms forever, she knew it was not a realistic wish. The children were enjoying their first encounter with the world and loving it, and Zee did not want to stand in their way. "I will watch you from here." After the scare she'd had she could not convince herself to go back inside the den, and settled for being where she could see the pups every moment they played until her heart stopped beating so angrily in her chest.