Month 1, Day 4, 23:40:56; Arvium, Arvium Forest, Wolves Ravine

Aella jumped forward, bringing her staff down with all her strength on the face of the wolf in front of her. She landed on her feet, gasping as the wolf disintegrated into black smoke. The tips of her staff glowed with a burst of golden light, and the tips sparked with energy.

She pulled up the edge of the staff and twisted her body, sending the tip into the neck of the second wolf as it lunged at her. The wolf vanished like the first, and she moved her staff into a defensive position.

She yelled as a wolf rammed into her from behind, and jets of pain flared through her side as its claws cut through her uniform. She moved, bringing down her staff, the tip jabbing into the wolf's side. The wolf moaned in pain, backing away from her, the smoke disappearing and revealing black fur.

She raised her hand, throwing a defense spell toward the opening as she climbed over the rocks, entering the tunnel. The orb moved with her, casting light in the dark tunnel around her.

She turned around, backing toward a stalagmite that rose next to the wall about ten feet from the entrance. Three wolves paced in front of her, the wounded wolf limping out of the opening.

The wolf in the front advanced, its teeth bared.

Aella gripped the staff tighter, then crouched and jammed the tip upward as the wolf lunged at her. She twisted, pulling the staff from the wolf's stomach and catching the shoulder of the next wolf. She continued the the downward sweep, spinning on the balls of her feet as the staff swept through the skin of the third wolf.

She froze as a growl filled the air behind her. The wolves were regrouping, their wounds disappearing beneath the smoke. She jumped back as an animal roared, and a massive dark shape rushed past her, barreling into the wolves. The wolves turned into puffs of dark smoke, and Aella jammed her spear into the nearest cloud, sending sparks throughout it.

She clicked the button on her staff, retracting it to a smaller size as the animal continued twisting and stomping the clouds of smoke. She pulled out her sword, taking a deep breath as the wolves materialized and went after the animal. It cried out in pain, landing on its side, as the wolves attacked.

She gasped as she recognized the fanged face of the boar she fought earlier that day. She ran forward, using her sword and staff in conjunction, her muscles moving in fluid motions. She targeted the wolves closest her, clearing the way for the boar to scramble to its feet, its chest rumbling as it breathed heavy. It moved to her side, facing down the wolves. She gripped her weapons tighter, barely registered the stinging sensation on her lower back where the wolf had bitten her.

She panted as the wolves backed off, facing her with their eyes glowing red and fangs bared. Goosebumps ran over her skin and she shivered despite the sweat that dotted her body as the wolves slowly moved closer. She jerked, her sword grazing the side of the white wolf that slammed into her.

Her yell was cut off halfway as she hit the ground, the air in her lungs leaving in a whoosh. Her chestplate cracked as the wolf's weight pressed down on her. She jerked her sword up, and growled as the wolf moved its head faster than she did and caught the blade in it's teeth, yanking it out of her hand and sending it clattering over the tunnel floor.

The boar moved forward with a growl, but it stumbled and fell to its knees, then fell onto its side with a thump that rattled the cave. The wolf moved its head to look, and she slammed her staff up and into the wolf's side, then again and again.

The wolf growled, and clamped its jaw over her arm, piercing through her armor and stabbing her arm.

She screamed as her vision flickered, and her body trembled with pain. Her left hand slid to her back, her fingers closing around the tip of an arrow. She pulled it and stabbed the wolf just behind its head, then ripped it out and held it to the wolf's neck.

The wolf turned its head slightly, its glowing red eyes peering into hers, a low growl coming from its throat.

She glared at it, pressing the tip of the arrow against its fur.

The wolf closed its eyes, letting go of her arm. Its fur began to glow slightly, and it jerked, it's nose pressing against her forehead. Her vision exploded with golden light and warmth flooded her body. She felt her muscles contract and the cave lit up with gray light, the stalactites and walls coming into focus in the darkness.

She screamed as the light grew brighter, pain flaring through her entire body. She arched her back and rolled over onto her hands and knees, feeling her legs tense and become stronger. She jerked as the scream blended into a howl that shook the cave, small rocks falling from the roof.

She turned her head toward the death wolves, and growled. The wolves dropped their heads and whimpered, then turned and ran down to the tunnel, heading away from her. She lowered her head, gasping for breath as the pain dissipated. Her eyes widened at the sight of her bare skin, white and glowing in the darkness.

She stood, looking down at her armor, seeing it had changed into a new type of uniform. A white panel with red embroidery reached to her knees, covering tight red pants. Her boots had changed from leather to white fur, small claws extending from the toe. Her arms were free of clothing except for her arm guards and gloves, and her skin was pale white, the color of snow, with swirling red tattoos. Her hair was loose, and scarlet, hanging around her white shirt in soft curls. She felt weight on her shoulders, and reached a hand up, feeling a fur cape on her back.

What--what in the world--is going on?

Her eyes widened and she jerked, stumbling over to the side of the boar. Her vision seemed sharper, and she smelled something metallic, following it to a gash on the boar's side. Her hand reached toward it, then paused. "Healing spell," she said, holding her hand over the wound.

She turned her head as the wolf moved closer to her side, then sat down beside her. She glanced up as an alert popped up in front of her face. Her eyes widened as she saw her appearance change to her avatar, and the uniform change into her armor. Her eyes scanned the alert screen and she frowned. "Transformation?" she whispered.

The alert vanished, and the spell fizzled out. The boar moved its head toward her, then starting moving to its feet.

She stared up at it, looking into its eyes before it turned and jogged out of the cave. She watched it go, then shook her head. Weird. Just weird.

"My lady," a deep, gravelly voice called to her.

She turned, feeling the soft fabric of the skirt swish around her legs. The wolf stepped closer to her, sword in his mouth. He dropped it in front of her, then bowed his head.

"I am Beowulf," came the voice. "Do not be afraid. I pledge to serve you until your days are finished, me and my cohort."

Aella turned around as she saw the wolves approaching. Each of them had its head lowered, and they stopped in front of her, bowing their heads. She nodded. This day--this week--let's just go with it. She frowned, then pointed her staff toward the cave's entrance. "Lead me to the surface," she sad. She paused, then looked into the wolf's eyes. Can I call you Beo instead?"

Beo nodded his head, then turned to go deeper into the tunnel. "This way, my lady."

She took the sword into its hilt, then slid her staff into her utility belt, watching as the crystal tips retracted into the staff. She frowned as she saw the wolf turn and head deeper into the cave. "Wait," she called out. It turned to her, the other wolves taking up positions on either side of her. Am I imagining it or did he just give me a nasty look? "I came in that way." She pointed in the right direction.

The wolf spoke, though it's mouth did not move. "The cave has two paths--one that leads down to storage areas and living spaces, and the second winds higher and higher until it's exits on the surface. Unless you wish to climb the cliff face?"

Aella frowned. No, I don't want to do that. She glanced at the wolves who stood on either side of her, their shoulders reaching her waist. The smoke had disappeared, replacing by silky black fur. The one on her left wagged its tail, it's tongue hanging out of its mouth.

Beo started to walk forward and she followed behind him. The path twisted and turned as it climbed through the cave system. She saw many rooms furnished with lavish decorations and strong, dark wood furniture. Several of the room she passed had heavy wood doors with locks, and symbols on the lintel she did not understand.

As they passed the living quarters, they entered the more rugged terrain, stalactites reaching down from the vaulted, jagged roofs and pools of water glittering in the phosphorescent moss that appeared on the walls. The wolves kept by her side, easily jogging next to her.

She frowned as she watched Beo walk. A transformation with a wolf that commands death wolves-just what kind of wolf is he? He doesn't look like the others. And the fact that he can talk--a player turned NPC, perhaps?

The wolf stopped in front of a small natural doorway and she stopped as well, her eyes widening as she saw the room full of blue crystals. "A gift for those who travel here," he said.

Aella searched the wolf's face, searching for some sign of malice, but only saw an air of calm. She nodded, stepping into the cave. one of the wolves followed her inside, but sat down in the entryway. The room was small, it's walls and ceiling filled with the blue crystals. A small chest sat off to one side, and knelt down in front of it, looking for a lock.

She placed her hand on top of the chest, feeling the cold metal even through her gloves. The surface lit up with blue light, illuminating the crystals above her that reflecting the light and lit up the entire room in a soft blue glow. The lid popped open, revealing a geometric-shaped crystal hanging from a leather cord. This crystal was milky white, with a red stripe of energy flowing inside of it. She picked it up, watching as the charm swung back and forth. Her fingers closed around it and she gasped, stepping back in surprise as the chest disappeared.

"It is connected to my spirit," Beo said.

She turned to the entrance, seeing him step into the entrance.

"With it, you will be able to summon me no matter where you are, and you will benefit from added magic and health as long as you wear it. Now, if you will follow me, we shall return you to your home."

She paused, looking down at the crystal. "Beo, how did I--this transformation, how did I get it?"

The wolf turned and walked out of the room, and she jogged out of the entry and followed him.

"A transformation occurs when a player has the power to kill a compatible host, but does not do so. In acceptance of the player's victory, a host can choose to become bonded to the player. The player will then be able to call the host in battle for their assistance, or meld with the host to personally use their abilities. It takes great training and skill to meld with a host, and is usually only accomplished by higher-ranked players."

Aella frowned, hearing a slight sneer in his voice. Well, fine then. You still decided to meld with me even if I was a level 2 player.

The wolf next to her stepped closer, nuzzling her hand with his head.

She glanced down at it, then at Beo. "Beo," she said.

"Yes, my lady?"

"Can you check on Ender in the Legend Castle? Let him know I'm alright?"

Beo shifted his head and a wolf behind her ran ahead, turning into smoke and disappearing. "I can."

"Thank you."

The wolf kept walking.

She followed after him, then shivered as they turned a corner and cold air blasted through the narrow opening. She followed Beo out of the exit, then looked around. Two rocks stood next to other, blocking the wider entrance to a much smaller opening. The area was surrounding by pine trees, and she saw the moon and planets high above, half-obscured by drifting clouds. She took a deep breath of the air, smelling a slight salt breeze drift by her. We must be close to the sea.

She jumped as a banner appeared in her vision, with a small, jagged piece of metal rotating inside of it.

Key piece?

Beo stepped closer to her, and bowed his head. "Creating a companion or transformation with a death wolf is one of the Terran key challenges. As such, you have been rewarded with a key piece for Terra."

"Terra?" She glanced up at the sky, seeing the green planet slowly moving across the sky.

"Aye, my lady," he said.

She looked down at the alert and tapped it, then sighed as the key moved to her inventory and the banner disappeared.

The wolves growled, taking lower positions as they faced the forest.

Aella tensed, turning her head to the line of trees as her hand rested on her sword. She pulled it out and held the blade toward the trees as a dark figure stepped from the shadows.