ACT I

A gentle sound pulled at the edges of the boy’s dulled senses, coaxing him from slumber. At first he sought to deny it, favoring the blissful warmth of sleep— But despite burying his head into his forepaws and wishing for just one more hour, a minute, hell—even for a second; But it the song rang louder. Synapses had already begun to fire at the front of his mind, and in turn caused his breath to hitch softly before falling flatly from his lungs in a gentle fade of white.

Dearily, he blinked with a craned throat. The world drifting into focus before settling on dancing lichens desperately clinging to the ceiling above. He stared for some time, his dull gaze flicking to and fro each line of roots, observing their network; their colony within the sea of black.

And he didn’t want to move, not yet. Not when there was nothing else to do And so he laid there upon his back, the gentle rise and fall of his breast the only indication that he was lucid within the dimly lit environment.

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Heavy lids would blink the sleep away, while desperation clung to those eyes of fear. Where was he? The landscape was unfamiliar, yet familiarity clung to the vines creeping along cavern walls. While the young wolf’s eyes adjusted to the gloomy setting, the sound of breathing caught his ear just a few feet to his right. The ambiance of the cave was comforting, and for whatever reason, he chose to momentarily ignore the sound of life so near to him. Brows furrowed stubbornly as he thought of his options.

He knew his name, and that seemed to be all. Memories danced about his mind but seemingly through a most thick fog. Faces were unrecognizable, blank, and voices distorted - warped. Beztebya allowed his skull to rest back against the lichen and moss as his eyes finally began picking out shapes and figures. A wolf was what lay close - but not close enough to touch - and yes it was laying just as still as he. A trickle of water made its way just aside both canine’s heads, further and further into the cave it went. Eyeing the slumped figure, bez spoke softly so as not to disturb the air betwixt them.

“Speak so i know you are okay, stranger.” Demanding, yet gentle. Kindness found its way easily into his tone, which he did not at all mind. This was a rather odd situation he thought, to find himself in.

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Another sound, another pull.

The boy’s ears shifted first, his head second.

How long had this stranger been here?

Burgundy eyes fitted under long lashes opened in surprise to rest upon the stranger, now apparent; a man. He was fit. Tall. Composed of earthy tones with a gaze bright as gems. Easy on the eyes, no doubt. But…

Aphelios pursed his lip, his small nose twitching in anxiety. His chest rose and fell one more time as a deep breath was taken and slowly he fixed his posture to seem more presentable. Not so defenseless.

And the man spoke, his voice deep but not loud. Gentle… and Aphelios appreciated that. But to demand he speak? The boy stared flatly, clearly annoyed at the command.

His only response was to rear a paw, scratching along his parallel limb. A careless mistake to show his nature

But he didn’t run.

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Mossy orbs peered patiently ahead at those of molasses. Now resting with his elbows planted along the soft bed of green - legs sprawled out aside him - Beztebya cocked his head in confusion as the male gave no response. Was it something he’d said? Breaking gazes, the earth pelted canine peered past his silent companion and squinted as he attempted to gather his location. Lichens, small plants and plenty of vine made its way about the floor and walls of the cave; which seemed rather suspicious to the young wolf. Where was the sun? 

The annoyance which crept onto the other’s face was not missed, and returned with a rather teasing smile as he rose to tired paws. “Suit yourself then,” Brow quirking in obvious mockery, Bez stepping lightly past the storm-pelted figure and bent his head to greedily lap at the running water. Cool and fresh, it eased that soreness in his throat, but did nothing to scrub his brain of those foggy memories. They’d be haunting him for years to come, no doubt.


“My name is Beztebya, not that you asked of course but - I do think its rather customary to say hello, so ill go first.” Tossing a suspicious glance over a shoulder as he paused his drinking, dark lashes lowered to hide his gaze. There was no wind that caressed their pelts, and so he knew they were not close to the entrance of the cave. Would following the stream up - or down - grant them freedom? Bez yearned for the sky above his head, enclosed spaces were not his favorite.

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Aphelios perked as the stranger brushed past him, instictually inhaling at the wafting scent. It was pleasent, almost like roses. Calming even, which surprised the boy as the man was built like a wall with a masculine appearence. Maybe he expected musk instead of floral, But something else was there, something he couldn't quite place which caused him to dart a tongue out to lick at his nose.  

As the stranger, now introduced as Beztebya, started to drink Aphelios noticed his own parched throat, and no doubt matching morning breath. A small twinge of anxiety made it's self known then, and suddenly hyper aware of his possible smell the cobalt individual sought to join the man for a drink.

Tepidly, he approached, his head bending down  to get his fill while his umber gaze never wavered. This man was cocky. Charismatic to others maybe. But Aphelios didn't buy into it. He stared unimpressed, his scarred brow raised but lids half rested. And as he pulled his head away from the water, he let it's drops fall from his chin and past his scarred throat much like he let hit his gaze slide down to analyize the earhtly-toned individual's physique. 

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Cocking an eyebrow at the other’s drifting gaze, Beztebya’s mossy eyes missed nothing. They watched as the nameless wolf assessed - judged - his figure, his appearance. Only a split second passed but it felt like an eon, when their gazes finally met again. Boredom, that's what the stoney gaze fed him.

“Had your fill? Or would you enjoy staring without my noticing?” Teasing smile tipped the edges of his lips as he turned away - downstream - to wander along the creek's edge. Though he was glad for the other’s presence, Bez couldn’t imagine waking in this unknown place alone. Wandering in search of another was far worse than waking next to a grouch.
Some minutes had passed with them padding along, the bank slick underfoot. A rather curious glance tossed over a shoulder was all Beztebya offered to the still silent male. He’d chosen to follow, so obviously he was lost as well. Two was better than one afterall.

“You ever gonna tell me your name? Or do I assume you can't speak. OH! I know, was it an accident? Tongue-less? Bear attack?-” A slight pause from the oaken wolf to glance again at the stranger at his tail. “-Forgive me, this is all rather insensitive. I’ve a bad habit of making jokes during times of…duress.” Embarrassment lit his cheeks, though pinned ears was all he showed outwardly.

The two had been trekking for what had to be no longer than ten minutes when finally the cave opened up just ahead. Beautiful streaks of vine, baby moss, and some bright flowers hung from the ceilings and walls. The air was humid here, and rather choking in bez’s opinion, but he voiced no such concerns as the two looked about the cave in silence.

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As before, the cobalt individual continued to stare unimpressed at this man, his only reply being a slight narrowing of his eyes in disapproval at what seemed like lackluster flirting and to boot, stupid questions.

Alphelios thought about opening his mouth, to quip back with some sort of answer, but he decided Bez is not worth it and instead opted for rolling his eyes before trailing along with the man.

Right; They needed to get out of here. As Beztebya picked the way, Aphelios followed dutifully, his gaze now hiding at every opportunity the brown-coated man created by looking over his shoulder. He’s an idiot, he must be. What kind of wolf takes the opportunity to flirt with a stranger they just woke up to in a dark, ominous cavern? It had to be of ignorance. Maybe the man didn’t know how he came across. But even so it still agitated the younger’s fur, though he would never admit it. 

In the dark it was easy to hide such a reaction. 

But it didn’t stop him from noticing another pathway hidden along the tunnel. Once more Aphelios perked, his ears straight and nose twitching as he slowed to a halt. There was a breeze, albeit a small one, wafting from the crack. No doubt that it didn’t lead to an exit.  

Turning back to Beztebya he noticed the man had continued onward without noticing, such a thing that caused the boy to press his lips into a firm line. No matter though, as Aphelios had his ways to getting attention. 

Speeding to catch up behind Bez, he opened his jaws to snap at the man’s tail, tugging gently with teeth.

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His sightseeing was rightfully interrupted by the male behind him with a nip and tug of the tail. To which of course Beztebya mock bites towards his assailant’s ear, viridescent orbs squinting in a playful manner. Reading the demeanor of the other’s features told the chocolate wolf he had found something; important most likely.

“What, what is it?” Eagerly, Bez nudged a cold nosetip towards the other’s shoulder. Encouragement to lead the way. Following in the smaller one’s footsteps, Bez allowed his mind to wander a bit as they backtracked their earlier steps. What was his name? Why had they awoken just feet apart…why wouldn’t he just speak up? Trotting nonchalantly forward to catch up, Beztebya eyed his companion every few minutes, searching indeed for what then befell his eyes. Scarring, and lots of it, cluttered around the throat.

Shame set his pelt aflame as his steps faltered. His jokes held some truth then: the other had been maimed or otherwise injured. Assumedly taking his voice in the process. Long limbs trudged slower and slower by the second as the realization hit him - all the while he had fallen slightly behind. When Beztebya raised a mournful head to apologize, the little beetle had gone. No doubt carried on just ahead, Bez thought.

Sure enough, a breeze tickled the young male’s nostrils. With it came the subtle twang of mint, something alluring and yet all in the same breath: dangerous. Turning on sure paws to follow this smaller tunneling cavern, Bez soon caught up with the younger fellow. And as he followed behind in the every-darkening gloom, he chose to carefully place his chin along the other’s flank. Beztebya had been gradually losing his eyes in the dark since birth, and though he couldn’t explain it, the shadows which crawled and slithered about in the blackness sent a horrible shiver along his body. Afraid of the dark, then? No, it was the things within them which caused his heart to stop.

In those small moments of fear, Bez forgot himself. The panic gripping his heart would squeeze and squeeze until nothing was left, and that usual cheeriness was swept away. Yes the breeze stole closer to the pair, but the anxiety of the trailing canine was apparent. Spruce-hued nares dug in almost uncomfortably to the granite pelt afore them. Desperation. To be led to safety. Away from the voices which sneered, belittled. Away from the shapes who dance along the peripherals. The darkness is no place for a wolf.

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Aphelios chose to ignore the man’s playful demeanor, though he couldn’t help but get frazzled at the touch of a wet nose to his shoulder. It was cold but it sure did burn hot against his skin, enough to leave a heated spot which spread upwards at an alarming rate. He squirmed at it, the hotness in his face, his ear tips burning. It was uncomfortable- disgusting even. Did this man have no concept of personal space? 

He turned away to take stride towards the crack in the wall, leaving behind Bez for only a minute before he caught up; The gentle sound of his paw steps echoing louder in the enclosed space before once more descending upon the cobalt boy with unfavored touching. 

Aphelios looked back at him, steadying himself to glare at the large man only to be met with what could be described as torment. Beztebya, for all his towering size and strength, seemed to be reduced to an anxious puddle. His eyes, once cheery only a few minutes ago, trembled behind the smaller man. Something that shocked Aphelios. 

What happened to cause such a state? Was it the dark? The narrowing space they currently were attempting to squeeze through? 

The boy was unsure what to do other than trudge forward. He didn’t know Beztebya—not enough to know what ails him let alone what would cure him. A deep part of Aphelios was a bit upset at the display. What did this man have to fear? How was it that a wolf twice his size was unable to cope with something as simple as a dim cavern? At least Bez had his voice. Had a way of communicating simply. 

Aphelios didn’t have that. 

But he knew that way of thinking was cruel as it was unfair. 

Sighing, he lifted his tail up to the man’s face; An olive branch—A rope; An offering of an anchor to his anxieties less he get lost within the dark.

Luckily it wasn’t long till the breeze picked up, it’s whistling echoing through the series of tunnels— a beacon in the dark that gave way to a light which glowed brighter with every step they took. Soon what was once whistling transformed into a gale with distant chimes of leaves rattling within their treetops. 

A way out. Just up ahead. 

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His throat closing now, quick as the walls which leaned in on each side of the two. The darkness was greedily reaching for that small unsoiled piece of him. The sliver of normalcy he’d managed to store - and present to others. Beztebya’s eyes felt heavy with the fear. His mind toiled with the possibility that he was lost, his senses were failing him in this moment. The screaming echoed louder still in his ears as he pushed harshly against his companion's figure. Panic, to escape. To feel the sun kiss his face once again.

A waft of mint and something faint, citrus maybe, brushed his nares, and that was all he needed to remind himself that he was here. Blunted claws scraped the slick slate surface below paw, and a breath he hadn’t known he was keeping escaped his muzzle. Relief. Relief as he tenderly took the tail between careful teeth, an anchor, indeed. He was sorely grateful in these dark moments for this tether. A shaky breath in - and out - as they pushed their way from the crevice in the wall.

Sun shone aggressively ahead of the pair, scalding Beztebya’s eyes and causing his jaws to lose the appendage. The cave’s awning was tall, open, and welcoming. But the jarring rays of the rising sun were frankly: not. Gathering his thoughts as quickly as he could muster, Bez gave the other male a few feet of space, choosing to trot forward and force that cheery mask back into place before throwing a friendly wink over his shoulder.

“Thank you for that. Have any idea where we are?” Ears swiveled front to back, over and over as if attempting to hone in one something of import. Tilting his head back, lashes lowered to shield from the light as he soaked in the rays warming the earth.

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Like awakening from a nightmare the blinding light of the lucid world enveloped him in it's sudden warm embrace. The cobalt boy winched at the starkness of it, his eyes shutting as a small, undignified sneeze was let out in attendum. He nearly forgot the feeling of it; the sun. How it warmed his bones and brightened his mood in a matter of seconds.

The cave beanth was beautiful in it's own right, but it truly could not compare the outer world around them. The bird song, the soft feel of grass beneath his paws, even the scent of crisp pine—it was welcoming. Refreshing. Breathable. 

After taking in his fill of the sun's kiss against his face, Aphelios opened his eyes and turned to the earthen man. Beztebya seemed to be doing better, breathing normally with that kind smile he first awoke to, and for the first time Aphelios was able to get a good look at his company; Bez's face was chistled with jutted cheekbones, his long golden lashes fluttering against them to protect that emerald green gaze of his—all illuminated by the soft rays of sunshine around them. 

The boy felt something flip within his stomach. Beztebya may be a stupid wolf, but he was plainly beatiful. 

As per usual, Aphelios turned his face away when uncomfortable, attempting to compose himself before giving a curt shake of his head. He had no memory of this place, let alone anything else. All in all, it was quite terrifying but he didn't exactly have the time to sit and think about it all.

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As unforgiving as the sun may be, it didn't stop the young male from basking in its warmth. Out here where his head was under the sky - and not some stinking cave - was where he belonged. Ancient wooded oaks jutted from the earth at random, swaying gently in the midday breeze. Shoulder’s tensed in apprehension as Bez fought off the anxieties whittling away at his mind. He was safe in the light, thankfully, but that didn't stop the wolf from feeling embarrassment at his sudden change in demeanor just moments ago.

Viridescent orbs opened again as he heard the shuffling of paws at his rear. He still didn’t know the other’s name, but that would come with time - he figured at least. His companion shook his head in response to the earlier question, so he didn't know either, then. Shaking out his curly pelt, Beztebya moved towards the treeline. A playful glance given to the silent stranger as a form of an offering. To follow, or not to follow.

“Make your choice,”Beztebya’s voice was softened with kindness, and while he waited to set off for good, he allowed the male some privacy by turning a shoulder and inspecting the woods around them. The sights and sounds were almost overwhelming, and while he knew this place was new to him - at some point in the last few minutes he’d realized he recognized something here, something familiar. If only the little beetle at his back knew what was going on, things would be so much easier.

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Another one of those damn glances. 

The boy rolled his eyes, his head shaking as he gave a sigh loud enough for Beztebya to hear. If he couldn’t voice his displeasure he might as well convey it in a grand show; But even then a small tip at his mouth curled upwards into a smug smile. 

He had yet to decide which path he would take; Would he disappear into the treeline, leaving bez to never see him again? Or would he trug along and keep the man’s company. For friendship, of course. 

 It dawned on Aphelios that he didn’t exactly have anywhere to go or others to meet. This world was foreign, dangerous maybe and there was no telling what would happen if they went alone. Plus, he was starving and could use the dark-colored man to aid in hunting and protection.

Strength in numbers, right?

 He walked past the man, seemingly leaving him behind only to stop, clear his throat with a resonating sound and a glance over his shoulder.

“Aphelios.” His voice crackled, audibly destroyed by the scars littered upon his throat.

 “It’s…Aphelios.” 

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As he had waited for the other to decide, the soft breeze carried with it scents of curious detail. Acorns, citrus, and more unfamiliar canines - though he wasn’t sure if he’d count the stoney pelt adjacent to him a total stranger.

At the crunchy dialogue which slipped from the other’s lips, Beztebya’s ears perked eagerly. Eyes of fresh spring settled on those of amber, and though this place was unfamiliar, and most likely filled with others in the same predicament as the duo.

“Aphelios-” A foreign lilt to the tongue gave the name a bit of a drawl, but Beztebya was the last to notice the way he played with the name as if memorizing it.

“- it’s so nice to meet you.” Broad paws placed delicately in the soft grass as the larger male followed behind his newly named companion. Mottled sun spots caressed the planes of the shorter wolf’s back, and while they walked - rather aimlessly - Beztebya spoke in soft undertones between the two. He had no qualms with holding the conversation, and while Aphelios held a demeanor of utter annoyance, Bez took none of it to heart. Some just needed a little…energy..in their lives.

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